People pay thier last respects to the late National Heroine Victoria Chitepo at One Commando Regiment in Harare yesterday.-Picture by Munyaradzi Chamalimba

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter—
HISTORY will be made tomorrow when two heroines, who both died last Friday, will be laid to rest among men and women of their ilk at the National Heroes Acre, the first such joint burial in the history of the hallowed grounds. This comes in the wake of the conferment of national heroine status on Cde Vivian Mwashita, a venerated war veteran and former Zanu-PF House of Assembly member for Sunningdale who succumbed to diabetes last Friday, the same day another national heroine Cde Victoria Chitepo was found dead in the bathroom of her Mt Pleasant house.

Zanu-PF secretary for Administration and Home Affairs Minister, Cde Ignatius Chombo, announced Cde Mwashita’s national heroine status at her funeral wake in New Cranborne, Harare, last night.

Read more:

• Go well Cde Mwashita, you fought good fight

• Zanu-PF mourns Mwashita, Chinamano

• Vivian Mwashita no more

• Dignitaries hail Chitepo’s humility

He was accompanied by service chiefs, among them Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga, Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner-General Paradzai Zimondi.

Also present were Zimbabwe Republic Police Deputy Commissioner-General Innocent Matibiri and Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Ex-Political Detainees and Restrictees permanent secretary Brigadier-General (Retired) Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi.

Cde Chombo said the past week had been difficult for Zanu-PF following the demise of Cdes Mwashita, Chitepo and Chinyani Chinamano, the son of national liberation heroes, Cdes Josiah and Ruth Chinamano.

“On Friday, after receiving news of the death of Cde Chitepo, we then received a letter from Cde Charles Tawenga advising us of the death of Cde Mwashita. “Then on Saturday, we also received news that the last son of Cdes Josiah and Ruth Chinamano had been found dead in Highfield.

“We then asked war veterans who worked with Cde Mwashita during the liberation struggle, the likes of Cde Chiwenga, Cde Shiri, Cde Tapfumaneyi and Minister of Water, Mai Kashiri (Oppah Muchinguri) for a detailed history of her contribution.

“They put everything together, starting from Rusape where she was born, then when she came here (to Harare) where she did her primary school, before going to St Peter’s Kubatana in Highfield where she did her secondary education.

“They also wrote about how she went to the liberation struggle in 1975 where she was trained by such comrades as Augustine Chihuri before she also became a trainer during the bombing of Nyadzonia.” Cde Chombo said the Politburo was convinced that Cde Mwashita deserved to be interred at the national shrine.

“As the Politburo, we completed the consultations this afternoon as instructed by President Mugabe that we should consult all the members to ensure there was consensus.

“Politburo members concurred that she was a consistent cadre who was committed to the liberation of the country. She is someone who was consistent during the liberation struggle and remained so even after Independence. Others were expelled while some were suspended from the party because they sold out, but she remained consistent.

“We even checked her history during her tenure in the Central Intelligence Organisation for more than 10 years and when she became an MP. We found out that her history was that of a consistent cadre. So, President Mugabe said she should be declared a national heroine,” said Cde Chombo drawing ululation from mourners who broke into song and dance.

He said the family had also agreed to have Cde Mwashita buried at the national shrine alongside Cde Chitepo tomorrow. “It is the first time that it is happening that we have national heroines being interred at the national shrine at the same time,” said Cde Chombo.

Cde Mwashita, who was 58, joined the liberation struggle in 1975 and after training she was deployed in Rushinga where she operated until the end of the war. At Independence, Cde Mwashita joined the Office of the President and later mainstream politics and became the Member of Parliament for Sunningdale and later Senator.

She leaves behind, her husband, Mr Peter Muchicho, three children and six grandchildren. Cde Mwashita was born at Rusape Hospital on September 26, 1958.

She attended primary school at Rukudzo Primary School in Kambuzuma in Harare before enrolling at St Peter’s Kubatana High School, in Highfield for form one to four.

The national heroine then crossed into Mozambique in April 1975. At Independence in 1980, Cde Mwashita first worked at the Zanu Headquarters at No. 88 Manica Road (now Robert Mugabe Street), in Harare.

She was later attested into the Central Intelligence Organisation, where she served until 1992, before she retired to join politics. In 1995, Cde Mwashita won the Harare South Constituency on a Zanu-PF ticket before becoming the Zanu-PF Senator for Mvurachena Constituency in Harare.

zanu-pf secretary for Administration Cde Ignatius Chombo announces Cde Vivian Mwashita’s (inset) national heroine status at the deceased’s home in Harare yesterday while Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs Miriam Chikukwa follows the proceedings. — (Picture by Innocent Makawa)

Ray Bande in MUTASA and Freeman Razemba in HARARE—
National heroine Cde Victoria Chitepo has been described as a humble cadre who never used the liberation war credentials of her late husband, the founding Zanu Chairman Cde Herbert Chitepo, to climb up the political ladder. Cde Chitepo (88), who died in Harare last Friday, was accorded national heroine status for her immense contribution to Zimbabwe before and after Independence.

Several dignitaries interviewed before the arrival of Cde Chitepo’s body at Bonda Mission in Mutasa District yesterday afternoon, described her as a humble cadre whose unwavering stance on the party’s political ethos would be missed.

The body of the national heroine arrived at the family’s rural home near Bonda Mission at around 4pm. It was accompanied by Politburo member Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, her son, Kule Zvenyika Chitepo and zanu-pf Manicaland provincial chairman Dr Samuel Undenge.

Read more:

• Nation mourns heroine Chitepo •Burial slated for Wednesday

• Victoria Chitepo found dead

Several Government ministers, legislators, service chiefs and heads of Government departments welcomed Cde Chitepo’s body that was aboard an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter.

Retired Anglican bishop, Bishop Sebastian Bakare, led a prayer service. Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Cde Mandi Chimene hailed the departed heroine for remaining steadfast in the Chitepo family after the death of her husband.

“I think she led by example. I came into politics way after the likes of Cde Victoria Chitepo were there. But, she was quite humble and never wanted to show everyone that she was the wife of one of the founding members of the liberation struggle.

“I also think one of the things that we will learn from her is her unmatched steadfastness in the Chitepo family. If it were some of the cadres today, I think we would have changed many surnames after the death of the beloved one, but Cde Chitepo was not like that. She remained steadfast and took care of the kids that Cde Chitepo (husband) left behind.”

National Assembly member for Mutasa South Cde Irene Zindi said: “What we are seeing these days is not what the likes of Cde Victoria Chitepo taught us. I learnt a lot from Cde Victoria Chitepo. She was not the one to aspire for the high table at every function, even though it would be clear that she deserved to be there.

“She never showed or boasted about being the wife of one of the most decorated liberation war fighters.

“Some of the leaders that we have today brag about the little achievements that they have made, yet some people like Cde Victoria Chitepo remained calm and humble even though they had fiery liberation war

credentials. I will miss her and hope to continue emulating her. I wish we would all emulate her.” Cde Nyasha Chikwinya, the Mutare South Member of the National Assembly, also commended Cde Chitepo for her patriotic stance.

“One would not believe that she is not originally from Zimbabwe, given the way she loved this country. She loved Zimbabwe and its people in a manner that most of us cannot match.

“She was more concerned with uplifting the lives of the youths and women. She loved children and that is why she gave sound education to her own kids,” said Cde Chikwinya. Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe, spoke glowingly of Cde Chitepo’s humility.

“I remember when I was Governor for Manicaland she would come to my office, and each time she came, I would ask her why she had not phoned me so that instead I would be the one to drive to see her myself, but she would refuse.

“This is how humble she was. After all, all those visits were about the Chitepo Ideological College. She really wanted to see that coming to fruition and I think it would be a befitting tribute for us to make sure that the college is up and running,” said Dr Mushohwe.

Cde Chitepo’s body lay in state at her Bonda rural home last night, and was expected to be flown back to Harare this morning where it would lay in state again before burial at the National Heroes’ Acre tomorrow.

Earlier in the day, a funeral service for Cde Chitepo was held at One Commando in Harare before the body was airlifted to Bonda.

Dr Undenge, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri and Deputy Minister for Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Cde Abigail Damasane, attended the funeral service, among other Government officials.

On Saturday President Mugabe described Cde Chitepo as steadfastly loyal. He said after her husband’s assassination in 1975, Cde Chitepo remained committed to the liberation struggle and worked tirelessly for the party.

Born on March 27, 1928 in South Africa, Cde Chitepo was a teacher by profession and married Advocate Chitepo in 1955. During the liberation struggle, inspired by her husband, she organised women to march in protest and co-ordinated care for detainees who were in prisons in places such as Marondera and Sikhombela.

At Independence Cde Chitepo held several Ministerial positions and was a former Member of Parliament in Manicaland. She was United Nations’ eminent person and special advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Mr Boutros Boutros Ghali on preparations for the Fourth World Conference on Women (1994-1995).

She was appointed a member of the Commonwealth Mission to South Africa in 1993, replacing Justice Simbi Mubako. Cde Chitepo was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality Management degree for her contribution to national development by the Midlands State University in 2010.

Cde Chitepo is survived by four children and grandchildren.

Dr David Parirenyatwa

Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Health Reporter
The health sector is an essential service and its employees will not be allowed to strike as Government moves to implement provisions of the new Constitution, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said yesterday.

Responding to questions on newly-introduced contracts for junior resident medical officers, Dr Parirenyatwa said Government was simply interpreting the law, but health workers still have room to air their grievances through appropriate channels.

“Any grievances are allowed to be aired, but what is happening now, the new Constitution says that the health sector is an essential service and that is what they should read and that what we are interpreting into this,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

Government through the Health Services Board (HSB) introduced contracts for JMROs, which they finally signed last week following intense negotiations.

Part of the contract states that the JRMOs were not allowed to go on industrial action because they were deemed an essential service.

According to Statutory Instrument 137 of 2003 of the Labour Relations Act, essential service means, “any service the interruption of which endangers immediately the life, personal safety or health of the whole or any part of the public and that is declared by notice in the Gazette made by the Minister after consultation with the appropriate advisory council, if any, appointed in terms of section 19, to be an essential service.”

Health employees deemed to provide essential services in line with SI 137 of 2003 include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ambulance drivers, radiographers, physiotherapists, pharmacy technicians, x-ray operators, rehabilitation technicians, dental therapists and medical laboratory scientists.

“Anybody in the health sector is an essential service and they must now refer to that constitutional provision, but we always want an articulation of their views through the appropriate bodies and associations,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

He commended the recent crop of junior doctors for finally signing the contracts of employment saying it protected both the employer and the employee contrary to claims that the contracts were introduced to gag the junior doctors from airing their views.

“I don’t think that they have been muzzled and I think that it is important that we had a good way forward, we now have a contract, which they can refer to,” he said.

Health Services Board spokesperson, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika, said all sticking points that were delaying signing of the contracts since March 1 were ironed out.

Mr Maravanyika said these include issues on maternity leave, salaries and practicing certificates.

“Most of the issues were administrative and they have since been solved through their respective human resource managers.

“The issue on issuance of practicing certificates after completion of the two year housemanship is outside the realm of HSB, but is dealt with by a different board all together,” he said.

“We are happy that the junior doctors have finally signed the contract and have understood that it is a framework that was put in place to protect their profession,” said Mr Maravanyika.

Asked on the suspension of the four Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) executive, who were suspended in February this year, Mr Maravanyika said all the four have since been reinstated.

“They have all been reinstated, but one of them was charged and will soon appear before a disciplinary hearing,” he said.

Zvamaida Murwira in Kwekwe
Members of the public have rapped the National Peace and Reconciliation Bill saying it conferred a lot of powers to the parent Ministry (of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs) thereby undermining the independence of the Commission.

This came out during a public hearing held by a joint sitting of the portfolio committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Senate Thematic committee on Human Rights and Peace and Security that were seeking people’s views on the Bill.

Of particular concern was Clause Eight of the Bill that seeks to empower the Minister of Peace and Reconciliation to issue a “Ministerial Certificate” during an investigation, barring evidence to be given in public, but in camera.

They said the discretion for the issuance of such a certificate should rest with the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission that would be seized with such an investigation.

“The issuance of such a certificate by a minister is a big joke. Why should the Bill give the minister such powers. It has the effect of vetoing the commission, thereby compromising its independence,” said Mr Nelson Sigula.

The views of the public resonated with observations made by the Parliamentary Legal Committee, chaired by Mudzi South MP Jonathan Samkange (Zanu-PF) that issued an adverse report on the Bill last week, citing similar concerns.

In its report, the PLC said the issuance of the Ministerial Certificate and conducting closed hearing means that there was no way to tell if justice was served based on that evidence.

“This may appear to be a necessary provision with the intention of protecting the State, but on the other hand, it infringes on the rights to administrative justice and (the) right to fair hearing, section 68 and 69 respectively.”

Participants in yesterday’s hearing said the NPRC should submit its report directly to Parliament and not to the minister as provided for by the Bill.

The hearings were supported by the United Nations Development Programme and Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust.

Yesterday’s hearing was chaired by Harare West Member of Parliament Jessie Majome (MDC-T).

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri

Samantha Chigogo Herald Correspondent
Government is against the European Union’s call to ban the importation of trophies hunted from Zimbabwe saying the move has major repercussions on the country’s economy, a Cabinet Minister has said.

This comes as Zimbabwe is severely affected by the ban on trophy hunting in the region.

The ban was imposed after the killing of Cecil the Lion by an American dentist Walter Palmer.

Addressing delegates at a stakeholders’ conference on code of ethics in safari hunting in Zimbabwe yesterday, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the proposed ban was a setback to the country’s hunting industry.

“The USA imposed a ban on trophies hunted from our region and as we speak, the EU Parliament intends to move a motion to ban the importation of trophies hunted from Zimbabwe,” she said.

“These machinations have far-reaching consequences, perpetuating negative perception of Zimbabwe’s hunting industry. From this meeting, the emphasis is on community benefits and participation, as we try to lobby the EU. It is important that we clearly point out the losses that the communities will incur if sport hunting is banned.”

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri blamed Western countries for their continuous scrutiny of Zimbabwe’s environmental policies.

“It is no secret that the world’s eyes are upon Zimbabwe, scrutinising each and every step we make in an effort to point out our wrong-doings in the wildlife industry,” she said.

“We need to deliberate how best we can work together and speak with one voice to engage the EU and USA, in the process correcting the negative perception of our wildlife,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.

The Minister further said trophy hunting and wildlife movement were important in curbing the negative impacts of drought in the country.

“In light of the drought that has been induced by the El-Nino phenomenon, there is need to move wildlife from one area to another in order to reduce pressure on the ecosystem,” she said.

“However, before such measures, there is need to work together to ensure transparency.

“All translocations have to be done with the approval of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and I urge all those intending to do so to inform the Parks Authority of the numbers involved.”

She said the nation should strive hard to conduct the hunting business in a lawful manner saying illegal movements could result in losses to both the wildlife ranchers and the country’s economy.

“Not only does hunting and wildlife ranching benefit the individual players, but has far reaching benefits to the lives of the most vulnerable citizens who are in communities around wildlife areas,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.

“This therefore implores us to ensure that our actions and activities do not compromise the most vital stakeholder in the industry because any negative impact results in loss of benefits to these communities and mean loss of value of wildlife to them, a situation that will lead to increased conflict and poaching.”

Cde Kanengoni

Herald Reporter
Renowned author, war veteran and deputy editor of the The Patriot newspaper, Cde Alexander Kanengoni has died.

He was 65.

Cde Kanengoni collapsed and died at his Warren Park home in Harare today.

He is survived by wife Gladys and five children-two boys and three girls.

Details to follow….

Zimbabwe National Army pallbearers carry the casket with the body of Cde Victoria Chitepo at the Anglican Cathedral during a funeral service in Harare yesterday. — (Picture by John Manzongo)

Herald Reporters
All is set for an historic burial of national heroines, Comrades Victoria Fikile Chitepo (88) and Vivian Mwashita (58), who both died in Harare last Friday, with Government providing 48 buses to ferry mourners from their respective provinces to the National Heroes Acre to accord the two a befitting send off. According to a provisional burial programme, the bodies of the heroines are expected to leave Mt Pleasant and New Cranborne respectively at 7:30am for viewing at Stodart Hall in Mbare, while burial is expected to take place around midday.

Harare Provincial Administrator Mr Alfred Tome said the two heroines deserved a befitting send off as they remained resolute to the ideology of the party during and after the liberation struggle. “Thousands of people, be it women, children and war veterans are expected to come tomorrow (today) to bid farewell to the two heroines who dedicated their lives to the struggle.

Also read:

• Historic burial beckons
• Nation mourns heroine Chitepo •Burial slated for Wednesday 
• Zanu-PF mourns Mwashita, Chinamano
• Victoria Chitepo found dead

“People should come in their numbers to their usual pick up points as 30 buses have been provided in Harare to transport people, 10 in Manicaland and one bus from each of the remaining provinces.

“All the proceedings are expected to commence at 9am at Stodart Hall where a simultaneous body viewing will be conducted before the bodies are carried to the National Heroes Acre and we expect all people to be seated by 10:30am.”

Mr Tome said the day was significant as the two heroines’ sacrifices and contributions in liberating Zimbabwe would be celebrated.

ZNA pallbearers carry the casket bearing the body of national heroine Cde Vivian Mwashita as it arrived for a funeral service at Citadel Salvation Army church in Braeside, Harare, yesterday. — (Picture by Munyaradzi Chamalimba)

“It is a clear significance that Cde Mwashita and Cde Chitepo contributed immensely to the independence and sovereignty of this country as their words translated into action. “They remained patriotic and contributed immensely to land reform and education for all principal.”

Yesterday, memorial services for Cdes Chitepo and Mwashita were held at Anglican Diocese of Harare of the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA) and Salvation Army Braeside Citadel respectively. Cde Chitepo was described as a humble, dedicated and irreplaceable mother figure.

Speaking at a special mass led by bishop Chad Gandiya, Retired bishop Peter Hatendi said Cde Chitepo was a national heroine of a special class and an outstanding politician. “She was a woman admired by her rare achievements and service to both the church and the country,” said Bishop Hatendi.

He said Cde Chitepo soldiered alone as a widow in a strange land among strange people, but remained committed to the work for God and Zimbabwe. Bishop Hatendi said Zimbabweans were challenged by her exemplary life, which was characterised by dedication, resilience, sacrifice and success.

“Zimbabweans are challenged by her example. They must repent and love one another. We need total independence, resilience and sacrifice for the success of this land we call Zimbabwe,” he said.

Bishop Gandiya described Cde Chitepo as a remarkable woman of faith and humility, adding she would attend the commemorations at Bernard Mizeki shrine in Marondera despite her social standing.

He said the decision by Government to accord her national heroine status came not as a surprise to the church as she was also a heroine of faith. “She was also our hero, a hero of faith, a woman of great humility. She would not miss the Bernard Mizeki celebrations in Marondera,” he said.

Bishop Gandiya said before her death, they had discussed about projects she wanted to pursue at St Augustines Mission in Penhalonga. Friends and family members also took time after the mass to describe how kind Cde Chitepo was.

Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Mandi Chimene, said no one could replace Cde Chitepo who was also a Zanu-PF Central Committee member. Cde Chimeme said as some people scrambled for positions in the party, Cde Chitepo maintained her composure and humility.

“I am too young to talk about Cde Chitepo but she was really a mother figure and she cannot be replaced,” said Minister Chimene. “Because of all the sacrifices and all the sufferings she went through because of her husband’s role in the struggle, someone would expect her to walk very tall and demanding for positions, but she never did that,” said Minister Chimene.

Her daughter Dr Thokozile Chitepo, said the challenge now was for the family to sustain the legacy left behind by her mother and father, Cde Herbert Chitepo. She said Cde Chitepo had a passion for young people, women empowerment and education.

She said at the time of her death she was working on a number of projects for the youths through the Herbert Chitepo Trust and Herbert Chitepo Sports Tournament among others.

“She loved projects and creating opportunities for women and young people. We will miss her, particularly the efforts she made in creating peace and unity in the family. As a family we are left with a big challenge to sustain her legacy as well as that of Baba Herbert Chitepo,” she said.

Cde Chitepo was found dead at her Mt Pleasant home last Friday. Meanwhile, Cde Mwashita whose Chimurenga name was Kundai Mabhunu, was described as a God fearing, dedicated, courageous and strong woman who contributed immensely towards the liberation of Zimbabwe.

Hundreds of people thronged the Salvation Army Braeside Citadel to celebrate her life and contributions to the nation, her family and the church.

Senior Government officials including Minister of State for Harare, Cde Miriam Chikukwa, Defence Minister Cde Sydney Sekeramayi, War veterans Minister Cde Tshinga Dube, Members of Parliament, senior Zanu-PF officials, war veterans, collaborators and church members attended the service.

The body of Cde Mwashita arrived at the church at 2 pm escorted by the Salvation Army members and led by the church’s military band. The church members clad in their uniforms marched alongside the hearse singing different church hymns until they got into the church. Speaker after speaker glowingly spoke about the role Cde Mwashita played during and after the liberation struggle.

To her sisters she played the role of mother and father and guardian while her in laws described her as a blessing. Her daughters described her as a teacher while her revolutionary friends described her as a brave woman who fought to help people in need until her last breath.

Cde Chikukwa said Cde Mwashita fought for the liberation of Zimbabwe and later became a soldier in ministering God. “Only people who are consistent are buried at the National Heroes Acre. One has to be strong and unwavering to get such a status. Vivian endured the pain she faced and kept on going until the day of her departure. She fought a good fight and awaits her crown from the Creator,” she said.

Mutasa South National Assembly member, Cde Irene Zindi, said Cde Mwashita was determined in helping other people until her death. “Mwashita was very strong until her death. Instead of concentrating on her health she continued to consider the affairs of the less privileged. She is the one who identified Harare South area for a housing project to assist relieve the problem of accommodation.

“Sometimes I would encourage her to concentrate on her health but she continued looking for solutions to challenges being faced by people. She wanted to set up a school and clinic for the people in Harare South and a welfare organisation to cater for the child headed families,” she said.

She was one of the founding members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. Cde Mwashita’s sister said the family was happy with the respect accorded to their sister. “We feel encouraged that Government has also appreciated her role in the liberation struggle. Members of our family went to war and some did not come back.

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“Vivian was very strong and had her country at heart. She fought for the liberation struggle and the party after independence,” she said. Former legislator, Mrs Margaret Dongo — with whom Cde Mwashita battled for Harare South constituency — said she lost a very close friend and a a sister. “We were very close. I knew Cde Mwashita from long back. We came from the same area and we went to war together.

“We were very close during the liberation struggle and after independence. We had a strong bond. I was Vivian and she was Margaret. We were inseparable and I have lost a very close friend. She would take responsibility of my children and I would also assign her to take my children to school when busy. We went to war together and were together during the struggle.”

Cde Mwashita is survived by husband Mr Peter Muchicho, three children, Chamunorwa, Nyasha and Memory and six grandchildren.

Cde Kanengoni

Lovemore Ranga Mataire Senior Writer
Internationally-acclaimed author, ex-combatant and deputy editor of weekly newspaper The Patriot, Cde Alexander Gora Kanengoni (65), has died.

Cde Kanengoni collapsed and died at his Warren Park home in Harare early yesterday morning after complaining of chest pains.

He is survived by his wife Gladys and five children — Tawanda (36), Elizabeth (33), Josephine (32), Tinashe (30) and Letisha (27)

Mrs Gladys Kanengoni said her husband started complaining of chest pains on Monday and these got worse on Tuesday morning when he was rushed to hospital around 3am.

“He was actually talking and walking on his own and was given a prescription. We bought the prescribed medication and returned home. He actually said he was feeling better after taking the medication,” said Mrs Kanengoni.

She said she was startled when she heard a sharp gasping noise coming from her bedroom when she had gone to take a bath. She rushed back to the bedroom and discovered her husband lying prostrate with his legs on the floor while his upper body was on the bed.

An ambulance medical team, which arrived at the house a few minutes later, pronounced him dead after all efforts to resuscitate him failed. Mrs Kanengoni said her husband suffered from hypertension and was also diabetic.

Family spokesperson and a cousin, Mr Cyprian Nyamushamba, said burial arrangements would be announced in due course after consultation with other relatives and the Government.

Mr Nyamushamba described Cde Kanengoni as a forthright person even when he was a teenager.

“We grew up together. He trained as a teacher between 1971 and 1972 and taught at Mufakose around 1974 before crossing to Mozambique,” said Mr Nyamushamba.

His youngest son, Tinashe, said his father was the cornerstone upon which the Kanengoni family was sustained.

“I have lost someone who was more than a father but a mentor, a freedom fighter, a nationalist, a writer and a unifier.

“His loss is more painful because his death was so sudden and we least expected that we would lose him like this,” said Tinashe.

He said most of his sisters got the writing bug from their father, who was an exceptional story teller endowed with an excellent command of both English and Shona.

Cde Kanengoni’s war time friend, Cde Canaan Mugadzawetu, whose Chimurenga name was Brooks Chinembiri, said he briefly stayed with Cde Kanengoni at Nyadzonia in 1975 before the camp was attacked.

“We later separated as he went to Morogoro and I went to Mgagao. He had a commanding presence and a strong character. He has never waived in his support of the revolutionary Zanu-PF and is what you would call a true patriot,” said Cde Mugadzawetu.

Another comrade who was also with him during the liberation struggle, Cde Bruce Makoto, said he first met him at Doroie in Mozambique in 1976 when he was coming from the front.

“He was the deputy commander to former Zanu-PF Chief Whip Cde Moses Mvenge whose Chimurenga name was Cde Hambakwe. He was the base political commissar and was responsible for the teaching of all political education,” said Cde Makoto.

Cde Makoto said Cde Kanengoni was among the leaders who were heavily involved in the Vashandi, a group of young Marxist cadres advocating a more radical approach in the execution of the liberation struggle.

“He was detained during the struggle together with Dzinashe Machingura, Henry Hamadziripi, Parker Chipoyera, Doctor Taderera, Augustine “Chocha” Chihuri, Rugare Gumbo, Happison Muchechetere and others,” said Cde Makoto.

In a condolence message, Zimbabwe Writers Association secretary-general Memory Chirere said the association had learnt with shock the passing on of Cde Kanengoni.

“We wish to express our deepest condolences to his family and relatives and to his colleagues and admirers at home and across the world on this sad loss.

“Alexander Kanengoni (was) one of Zimbabwe’s internationally renowned writers and essayists, most known for his war novels, amongst them ‘Vicious Circle’, ‘When The Rain Bird Cries’ and the inimitable ‘Echoing Silences’ and a collection of short stories called ‘Effortless Tears’,” said Chirere.

Chirere said Cde Kanengoni wrote about the struggle for self-determination and the difficult conditions of the formerly colonised.

Born on September 17, 1951 Cde Kanengoni trained as a teacher and briefly taught at several schools before joining the liberation struggle in 1974.

After the country attained independence in 1980, he went to the University of Zimbabwe and majored in English Literature. In 1983 he joined the Ministry of Education and Culture as a project officer responsible for the education of ex-combatants and refugees.

In 1988 he joined the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation and worked there until 2002 when he became a farmer and deputy editor of The Patriot weekly newspaper.

As writer, he published ‘Vicious Circle’ (1983), ‘When the Rainbird Cries’ (1988), ‘Echoing Silences’ (1997), a collection of short stories ‘Effortless Tears’ (1993) and ‘Writing Still’ (2003).

A former ZANLA combatant leader, Cde Kanengoni remained steadfast in defence of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and nationalistic ideals through his inceptive writings that illuminated on the broader dynamics of the liberation struggle.

His editorial leadership at The Patriot was also reflected through in-depth analysis of political developments which were always couched within the actual historical referral context.

Mourners are gathered at number 158-12th Crescent Warren Park D.

President Mugabe

Happiness Zengeni and Golden Sibanda
PRESIDENT Mugabe has moved in to clarify the confusion over the interpretation of the indigenisation law, which he said undermined market confidence and increased the cost of doing business while weakening the country’s competitiveness in the wake of a public spat between Cabinet ministers. The President’s intervention puts to rest squabbles pitting Finance and Economic Development Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa on one hand and his Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment counterpart Cde Patrick Zhuwao on the other pertaining to the financial services sector.

Said President Mugabe: “The banking sector shall continue to be under the auspices of the Banking Act, which is regulated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and the insurance sector under the auspices of the Provident and Insurance Act.

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“This policy position is essential for the promotion of financial sector stability, confidence and financial inclusion. These institutions will, nonetheless, be expected to make their contributions by way of financing facilities for key economic sectors and projects, employee share ownership schemes, linkage programmes and such other financial empowerment facilities as may be introduced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe from time to time.”

Banks would use empowerment credits or quotas to contribute towards the indigenisation threshold with a greater emphasis on lending to key sectors of the economy. The President said conflicting positions on the interpretation of the law had caused confusion among Zimbabweans, the business community, and current and potential investors, thereby undermining market confidence.

He made the clarification on the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Policy in a statement issued yesterday through Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe.

The President said businesses under the reserved sectors category were exclusively for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs except for existing ones and where a special dispensation was granted by the line minister.

Reserved sectors include transportation (passenger buses, taxis, car hire services) retail and wholesale, barber shops, hair dressing and beauty salons, employment agencies, estate agencies, valet services, grain milling, bakeries, tobacco processing, advertising agencies and provision of local arts and crafts and marketing and distribution.

However, he said the laws were not cast in stone and would be changed from time to time. “Government shall from time to time decide and publish in the gazette, any changes to the list of businesses falling under the sector,” said President Mugabe

The clarification limits the role of the Youth and Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Ministry by allowing line ministries to come up with models of compliance. The President said the ministry’s role was to coordinate activities of line ministries in the implementation of the indigenisation policy through a Cabinet committee, chaired by the minister.

“Sector based empowerment credits or quotas will be granted to reflect the contribution of investors in such businesses to the national development efforts. “This will be agreed upon through negotiations involving relevant line ministries and investors.”

Cde Zhuwao has recently been making pronouncements that conflicted with statements by Cde Chinamasa and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya. While all of them agreed on Government’s irreversible position regarding indigenisation and empowerment, Minister Zhuwao’s seemingly combative approach seemed to unnerve investors while he seemed not to recognise superiority of the Banking Act in that regard.

“It is therefore fit and proper that I provide clarification on this very vital national policy, for the guidance of Government Ministers, the business community and would-be foreign investors,” said President Mugabe.

“To the extent that the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act does not sufficiently conform to this policy position, I have directed that the law be amended or changed forthwith accordingly,” the President said.

The Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act compels foreign owned firms in Zimbabwe, valued from $500 000, to sell at least 51 percent of their shareholding to indigenous black Zimbabweans.

The President reiterated Government’s unequivocal position on empowerment, saying the indigenisation and economic empowerment policy was meant to grant Zimbabweans ownership and control of the means and factors of production, said the policy position was to bring indigenous people into the mainstream of the economy.

He said Government had sub-divided the economy into three main sectors namely resources, non-resources and reserved sectors. He said Government attached great importance to the indigenisation of the resources sector due to the finite nature of minerals.

“Government has therefore, a sacrosanct duty to ensure that such resources are exploited in a manner that safeguards the best interests of the country’s current and future generations,” the President said.

“As such, in terms of the policy, Government and or its designated entities will hold a 51 percent stake in businesses in the natural resources sector, with the remaining 49 percent belonging to the partnering investor(s).

“The need for investors in this sector to comply with prescribed indigenisation obligations is therefore non-negotiable,” the President added. However for existing businesses in the Natural Resources Sector where Government does not have 51 percent ownership, compliance with the Indigenisation and Economic Policy should be through ensuring that local content retained in Zimbabwe by such businesses is not less than 75 percent of gross value of the exploited resources.

Local content refers to the value retained in Zimbabwe in the form of wages, salaries, taxation, community ownership schemes, and other activities such as procurement and linkage programmes.

In terms of the non-resources sector the President said in this sector should exhibit economically desirable strategic objectives that contribute towards turnaround and sustainable socio-economic transformation, among them beneficiation and value addition of minerals.

He also said the desirable objectives include transfer of appropriate technology to Zimbabwe to enhance productivity, that created employment and impart skills, the granting of ownership and or employee share schemes for value to Zimbabweans and the developing and creating of linkage programmes, enterprise development, value chains and other desirable objectives, as may be defined by responsible minister, for the purpose of attracting foreign direct investment.

Updates by Costa Mano, Elita Chikwati and Lloyd Gumbo

Social Media: Timothy Maponga

1438: We end our updates here.

1436: The National Anthem is now being played to mark the conclusion of proceedings here at the National Heroes Acre.

1413: President Mugabe leads the laying of wreaths on the two graves.

1342: The bodies of the two heroines are now being taken to their final resting place.

1329:  ”Pamberi nekubatana..pasi nevasingade kubatana..Ndatenda,” President Mugabe says as he ends his address.

1325: “Determination now on the part of the younger ones to defend the country at all costs, to remain vigilant, to remain prepared to defend the country and to follow the path, the path of acceptance that if you want to be leaders you must be prepared to be followers in the first place. Leaders who lead honestly, leaders who not selfish…leaders who think of the people,”

1318: “With heavy hearts,we stand here and say Cde Mwashita go well, you fought a good fight and your role was and remains a good example to young girls. The fight now may not be a military it is an economic one,”

1316: “Vivian witnessed brutal scenes during the war…every time she recalled those scenes she would breakdown and it has tormented her all her life…at independence came back home and while the war was over there was an economic war to fight and that war is still ongoing. She was employed in the CIO were her military training bore fruits in the transformation of a colonial entity into a people oriented organisation,”

1312: Cde Kundai Mabhunu was the new name she took to protect her family from the Rhodesian government…she went for military training in Ethiopia and became a military trainer…as a military instructor, Vivian trained many great fighters,”

1311: “May I on behalf of Zanu-PF, Government and my family extend my condolences to the Mwashita family..like many of her peers some of whom are ministers of Government today, Vivian responded to the clarion call to cross the border into neighbouring countries and join the ranks of our young mana nd women who were prepared to take up arms in the fight for independence..she crossed into Mozambique in 1975 in the company of Cde Muchinguri and other women,”

1308: President Mugabe now starts narrating the life of Cde Mwashita.

1301: He narrates the path travelled to the independence of Zimbabwe.

1256: “Two people influenced her political career, her father was a member of the ANC in South Africa and her husband who was the first black lawyer in Zimbabwe…Mai Chitepo chose a bed of thorns..one of a lifelong commitment to the liberation struggle.

“They opened themselves to harm when they opened up their Highfield home to nationalists till they gave that house to Cde Joshua Nkomo,”

1250: President Mugabe says before the start of the Central Committee last week they received news of the death of Cde Chitepo.

1249: “Mai Chitepo havana kudzokera shure, vakaramba vakagwinya kudzamara nyika yasununguka saka takavasusukidza muhupenyu…zvimwezvo na Mwashita haana kudzokera shure. Hupenyu wemusango hauna kufanana nekugara kumba..unenge wakazvigwinyisa asi muviri unenge uchirwadziwa.

“Mwashita dies at 60 only, chitarirai iyezvino nemagariro akanaka vanhu vanokanganwa kuti hupenyu, rusununguko rwatinarwo rwakarwirwa,”

1245: “The brutal actions of the enemy, hapana panyika dzose vakafirwa sezvataitirwa tichi bhombwa mumakamba…ku Zambia, ku Tete  zvimwe chete. They would bomb indiscriminately and they would not discern which are refugee camps and which are not. Hakuna nyika irimu Southern Africa yakafirwa sezvatakaitirwa isu.

“He had the bloodiest hands of all, Ian Smith,”

1238: “Nhasi tiri kutaura nezve vanasikana vakazvipira….Mai Chitepo nemamwe madzimai kuno kumusha vakazvi organiser wo. Mudzimai wangu wokutanga achibva kuGhana wakagara kumba kwa Mai Chitepo tisati tachata saka Mai Chitepo vaiva Amai vangu. Dzakara washaya vaive vakabatana.”

1228: President Mugabe narrates how Cdes Herbert and Victoria Chitepo met and eventually got married.

1227: “Taungana pano tichiunganidzwa namadzimai maviri..Mai Chitepo na Mai Mwashita. Nhorowondo dzavo dzapiwha nemhuri dzavo..nhorowondo yatinoziva ndeyekuzvipira. Mwashita achiri pwere, kusiya chikoro, hezvo achifamba nzira yekuenda kuhondo nevamwe achiri mudiki.

“Vamwe vanoti imhepo yeudiki yakamutora asi vechidiki vaiva neruzivo rwekuti nyika yakapambwa inofanirwa kutorwa,”

1222: President Mugabe is now on the podium.

1221: He describes the heroines as deserving of the accolades that have been pouring in from people of walks of life. He invites the President to address the mourners.

1219: Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo is now addressing the gathering.

1213: ”I would like to express our gratitude to the President and the First family for giving our mom for this honour,” she says before ending her speech.

1212: ”Our mother was humble and down to earth. She taught us to be strong, courageous and that all things are possible…..I can confirm that no man is an island as evidenced by the peopled gathered here today,” she says.

1210: Nyasha Mwashita is now on the podium and is representing the family.

1203: “To you Your Excellency, President Mugabe, on behalf of the Chitepo family I say thank you,” Kule says as he ends his address.

1201: He thanks Zanu-PF for the support as well as ZDF Commander Constantine Chiwenga for ensuring that her last wish to bid farewell to the people of her village in Bonda came true.

1159: He lauds the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party of Tanzania and the Julius Nyerere Government as well as the people of Tanzania that played a major role in the lives of the Chitepo family.

1158: Kule says her humility, commitment, love and her sacrifice for what is good and what is right represent resilience personified through Amai Chitepo. 

1154: He says the Chitepo family is humbled by the number of condolences they have received.

1152: Kule Zvenyika Chitepo is now on the podium to speak on behalf of the Chitepo family. Kule is the last born son of Cdes Herbert and Victoria Chitepo. He starts off by offering condolences to the Mwashita family.

1144: A preacher is giving a sermon.

1132: The caskets are being taken to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

1126: The hearses carrying the bodies of national heroines Cdes Chitepo and Mwashita have arrived at the National Heroes Acre accompanied by President Mugabe

1106: Vice President Mnangagwa accompanied by his wife have also arrived at the National Heroes Acre.

Scores of people have made their way to the National Heroes Acre. Picture by Lloyd Gumbo

1101: Vice President Mphoko and his wife have arrived at the National Heroes Acre.

1059: The body viewing ceremony has ended.

1055: Service Chiefs led by Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander , General Constantine Chiwenga, have arrived at the National Heroes Acre.

1022: The President leads the body viewing ceremony.

President Mugabe leads the body viewing ceremony

1017: President Mugabe has arrived.

President Mugabe is welcomed by Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo

1009: Other senior Government officials at the national shrine are Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, his deputy Christian Katsande as well as Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana. Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, War Vets chairperson Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa and his wife Monica are also here.

The caskets inside Stodart Hall

1006: Meanwhile, several Government officials are already gathered at the national shrine among them Ministers Professor Jonathan Moyo, Obert Mpofu, Supa Mandiwanzira, Priscah Mupfumira, Lazarus Dokora, Josiah Hungwe and Cain Mathema.

1000: VP Mnangagwa has arrived.

Vice President Mnangagwa arrives at Stodart Hall in Mbare

0957: Scores of people are gathered at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of the two heroines Cdes Chitepo and Mwashita.

0950: VP Mphoko has arrived.

Vice Phelekezela Mphoko is welcomed by Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo at Stodart Hall in Mbare

0944: Service Chiefs arrive.

0903: The body of Cde Chitepo is the first to be taken into Stodart Hall as Mbare Chimurenga Choir ululate and dance.

The gun carriage carrying the body of Cde Mwashita. Picture by Elita Chikwati

0858: The body of Cde Mwashita has arrived.

The two caskets are led into Stodart Hall. Picture by Elita Chikwati

0850: Cde Chitepo’s body arrives.

The body of Cde Chitepo arrives. Picture by Elita Chikwati

0840: Cdes Mandi Chimene and Mabel Chinomona have arrived.

Mbare Chimurenga Choir sings and dances

0832: Hundreds of people are gathered at Stodart Hall in Mbare to bid farewell to the two heroines.

Cdes Victoria Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita

Fidelis Munyoro and Elita Chikwati—
HISTORY was made yesterday when two heroines, hailing from the same district of Mutasa in Manicaland, who both dedicated their lives to the cause of Zimbabwe and who died last Friday, were buried side-by-side in an emotional ceremony before a capacity crowd at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. A crowd reminiscent of the burial of Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Nkomo, packed the grandstand and grounds of the sacred shrine to give the heroines, Cdes Victoria Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita, a befitting send-off.

Earlier, those who thronged Stodart Hall in Mbare for body viewing were treated to a rare occasion of celebrating the lives of the two gallant daughters of the soil. The shrine became a hive of activity as early as 7am when people from all walks of life started trickling in, despite the sweltering heat.

President Mugabe and his deputies Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko stand at attention during the singing of the National Anthem at the National Heroes Acre yesterday

The grandstand was filled to capacity, forcing some mourners to perch on trees like the biblical Zacchaeus. Water and ice-cream vendors enjoyed brisk business. Members of the diplomatic corps, legislators and captains of industry attended the historic burial. Banners with various legends extolling the virtues of the heroines were all over the national shrine.

Click here for President Mugabe’s full speech or Listen to the audio clip below:

Some banners were inscribed “Philanthropist and educationist” in tribute to Cde Chitepo. Another banner screamed “Graceful peacemaker; full of love and humility”. A banner bearing Cde Mwashita’s picture read: “Makatakura makasha tikakunda mabhunu”.

The inscription resonated well with Cde Mwashita’s nom de guerre Cde Kundai Mabhunu. Mbare Chimurenga choir entertained mourners with revolutionary songs and dances. Members of the Salvation Army Braeside Citadel, where Cde Mwashita was a congregant, put up a scintillating performance as they bade farewell to one of their own.

Service chiefs arrive for the burial of Cdes Victoria Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita at the National Heroes Acre yesterday

The Zimbabwe Republic Police choir also put up a polished performance with the song “Mafupa yazalila gwebede”. The bodies arrived at 11:20am on gun carriages draped in the national flag accompanied by President Mugabe. The arrival turned the shrine into a sombre atmosphere with some pockets in the grandstand singing, “Tipeiwo nguva yekuchema magamba edu”.

Pallbearers carried the caskets to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in slow march before a religious minister gave a prayer and representatives from the families of the two heroines took to the podium.

Mr Kule Zvenyika Chitepo, son of Cde Chitepo was first to speak on behalf of the Chitepo family. He offered condolences to the Mwashita family. He described his mother as a dedicated nationalist who never looked back in her career as a politician and a person who did a lot for the country as a minister and various portfolios in Government and Zanu-PF.

“Her humility, commitment, love and her sacrifice for what is good and what is right represent resilience personified through Amai Chitepo,” he said. Mr Chitepo commended Chama Cha Mapinduzi party of Tanzania and the Julius Nyerere government as well as the people of Tanzania that played a critical role in the lives of the Chitepo family.

Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko and their wives cast soil into the grave of national heroine Cde Victoria Chitepo at the National Heroes Acre yesterday. — (Pictures by John Manzongo)

He thanked Zanu-PF for the support as well as Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander Constantine Chiwenga for ensuring that his mother’s last wish to bid farewell to the people of her village in Bonda came true.

Ms Nyasha Mwashita said her mother was humble and down to earth. “She taught us to be strong, courageous and that all things are possible. She was a pillar of strength and comfort in the family,” she said. “I can confirm that no man is an island as evidenced by the peopled gathered here today.”

Ms Mwashita also thanked the President and the First Family for conferring national heroine status on their mother.

Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni lays a wreath during the burial of Cdes Victoria Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita at the National Heroes Acre

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo said: “These two women, coming from different backgrounds, one is a mother of the revolution (Amai Chitepo) and the other is a daughter of the revolution (Mwashita), they give us the full spectrum of the real input women contributed in the liberation struggle and the nationalist movement.”

He said the coincidence yesterday that the two women were laid to rest together at the same time and place was significant because this had never happened in the history of the national shrine. “It is an honour to them and through them, to women. It is obviously a significant milestone with lots of implications,” said Prof Moyo.

“I feel certainly it is going to inspire Uhuru generation, young women particularly who have come of age and beginning to come to terms with our sovereignty with the understanding that even though 36 years may be a long time in the life of individuals, it is not for the country. It is still a fresh story. Because it is a fresh story, 36 years in the life of the nation is a short period.” said Prof Moyo.

“Now that the Uhuru children have become full adults and because the story of Zimbabwe is still fresh, it means that there is a lot of unfinished business which is still fresh, which has got to do with the liberation struggle. Whereas we attained political independence, a lot of questions having to do with our economic liberation remain unresolved. As we lay to rest the founder mothers of our armed struggle personified by Cde Chitepo, there must be a passing of the baton. It is these Uhuru children who will complete the struggle. They should not take the liberation struggle for granted.”

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairman Cde Chris Mutsvangwa said Cde Chitepo was an embodiment of the regional commitment which bonded revolutionary movements in the region.

“We feel proud. Cde Chitepo is a history of unflinching commitment to the cause of freedom. The cause of freedom has no boundaries and no tribes. She was the ultimate internationalist in this regard taking into account her political background,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.

Cde Mutsvangwa said Cde Mwashita was part of the original core of 45 women who were deployed to the front following a series of bombings at freedom fighters camps in Mozambique. They felt it was better to be deployed to the front to deal with the enemies instead of waiting to be ambushed in Mozambique.

“A woman combatant in the field of confronting the enemy,” said Cde Mutsvangwa. “She did reconnaissance for the biggest battle of Grange Reef.”

Pall-bearers carry caskets bearing the bodies of national heroines Cdes Victoria Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita to their final resting place before a capacity crowd at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday. —(Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter—
women and girls should emulate selfless sacrifices made by national heroines Cdes Victoria Fikile Chitepo and Vivian Mwashita, who dedicated their lives fighting for the total emancipation of Zimbabweans, the President has said. He urged the new generation not to be too ambitious in its quest for leadership positions, but to first learn the ropes of leadership from their superiors such as Cdes Chitepo and Mwashita.

The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces made the remarks in his address during the historic burial of the two national heroines at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare yesterday.

Read more:

• Zanu-PF mourns Mwashita, Chinamano
• Nation mourns heroine Chitepo •Burial slated for Wednesday 
• Victoria Chitepo found dead

President Mugabe said it was important for Zimbabweans to emulate the pair by contributing meaningfully to socio-economic development. “We thank these two women for the exemplary lives that they lived. And we say to other women and especially to the young girls, there are the two examples, choose if you want to be a Mwashita, follow her.

“But your fight now must be a fight in order to assist Government in transforming our economy, in improving the lives of the people. That is a fight we must fight, and we need you young girls. So be Mwashitas in our socio-economic struggle, be Mwashitas in our Zim-Asset. We need you.

“And to the rest of women who are mothers and mothers-to-be, there is an example of Mai Chitepo — very humble. She was not known here. “We brought her from Zululand. She came from outside the country and worked with our women to form the Women’s League to show them that a committed woman can do what men do,” said President Mugabe.

He said the conferment of national heroine status on the two comrades was testimony of the role women could play in the development of the country.

“Determination now on the part of the younger ones is to defend the nation at all costs, to remain vigilant, to remain prepared to defend the country and to follow the path of acceptance that if you want to be leaders, you must first want also to be followers. You must be prepared to be followers in the first place.

“And to the leaders who lead honestly, leaders who are not selfish, who do not think of themselves first, who do not think of their positions first, who think of the people and the people and forever the people because it’s the people we fought for and the people include, naturally, our women.” He said it was important for men to accept that women could also surpass their male counterparts by contributing significantly to the country’s development.

He said the two heroines were examples of love and courage, which both men and women were supposed to emulate. President Mugabe also implored Zimbabweans to draw lessons from the contributions made by Cdes Chitepo and Mwashita, which proved that women were capable of contributing significantly to the country.

The President, who is the patron of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, paid tribute to the heroines saying their individual contributions to the liberation struggle deserved respect. He described Cde Chitepo as an angel character, warm, loving, humble and motherly.

President Mugabe said Cde Chitepo was also strong, courageous and nationalistic, which saw her play a major role in the liberation of Zimbabwe despite being born in South Africa. “Two people immensely influenced her political career. Her father, who was a South African African National Congress cadre, and her husband (national hero Herbert Chitepo), who would land her in the heart of nationalist politics spearheaded by the NDP, Zapu and Zanu.

“Instead of choosing a bed of roses and a life of relative comfort owing to her good educational background and teaching career, Mai Chitepo chose a bed of thorns, characterised by nationalist politics of resistance against the oppressive white settler regime.

“And because of her political conviction, Mai Chitepo’s life became one of lifelong commitment to the liberation struggle, fighting alongside her husband, when he was still alive and alongside other comrades in Tanzania and Zambia after the death of her husband.”

He said the Chitepos risked their lives by opening their Highfield house for nationalist meetings during the liberation struggle. President Mugabe said Cde Chitepo also played a major role in the formation of the Zanu Women’s League, besides smuggling books and other related literature to imprisoned nationalists at prisons such as Sikhombela and Gonakudzingwa.

He said even after the assassination of her husband by the settler regime in 1975, Cde Chitepo remained committed to the cause of the liberation struggle, which also saw her being appointed to various Government positions after Independence. On Cde Mwashita, President Mugabe hailed her for going to the liberation struggle at a young age and contributing significantly to the country’s independence.

“Like many of her peers, some of whom are ministers of Government today, Vivian responded positively to the clarion call by our respective political parties, Zapu and Zanu then, to cross the border into neighbouring countries and joined the ranks of our young men and women, who were prepared to take up arms and wage a protracted war of liberation to end white settler colonialism.

“She crossed into Mozambique and joined the liberation struggle under the auspices of the Zimbabwe National Liberation Army (Zanla) in 1975. We are reliably told that she went there in the company of comrades Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Winnie Newanji, Erina Mukudu-Nyamweda, Susan Muchinguri and the late Tokodo Murinda,” said President Mugabe.

He said Cde Mwashita, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Kundai Mabhunu also survived the bombings at Nyadzonia (1976) and Chimoio (1977) by the Rhodesian forces. President Mugabe said Zimbabwe had the highest number of comrades who were killed by the settler regime in the whole of Southern Africa.

He said former Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith committed the worst atrocities as his forces indiscriminately bombed military and refugee camps in the process, killing hundreds of people including civilians.

Reward Kangai

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter—
Former NetOne management led by suspended CEO Mr Reward Kangai who owned Firstel Cellular do not want to pay the $11 million that they owe the Government-owned mobile operator after they applied for liquidation of the firm at the High Court. The former management owned Firstel in their individual capacities. NetOne and Firstel Cellular entered into a service provider agreement in which Firstel was mandated to find clients for NetOne contract lines and then remit the money collected from the subscribers to the service provider, less its commission.

However, the company did not remit the proceeds resulting in NetOne approaching the courts with the High Court and Supreme Court ruling that Firstel was supposed to pay the mobile operator the debt of about $8,3 million in January last year.

Read more:

• NetOne bosses owe firm $11m
• Govt to punish NetOne looters
• More heads roll at NetOne
• NetOne CEO Kangai suspended
• Board orders NetOne forensic audit

But the debt has since ballooned to about $11 million. Sources said the management was reluctant to pay, arguing that they had failed to collect the money after the introduction of the multi-currency system in 2009 as subscribers failed to settle their bills.

“So, management first approached the board requesting that the debt be written off, but after (the) board declined the request, they approached the High Court applying for liquidation,” said a source. “What it effectively means is that the former management wants liquidation so that they do not settle the $11 million debt that they owe NetOne, which is unacceptable.”

In an application filed with the High Court, Firstel company secretary, Mr Tamuka Madzore said his company was saddled with a $12 million debt with the bulk of it belonging to NetOne. “The application is being made for the reasons that the applicant is unable to pay its debts,” said Mr Madzore.

“The applicant currently has liabilities in the sum of $11 821 056, 93 of which the sum of $11 245 805, 23 is owed to one creditor.” “The applicant has failed to pay off these amounts and is no longer in operation as it has closed most of its branches throughout the country, leaving only the head office in Harare.

“Resultantly, the applicant is not able to service its debts. It is for these reasons that the board of directors has resolved that the company be placed under provisional liquidation.” Firstel recommended that Regatta Financial Advisory Services be appointed as their provisional liquidator.

Contacted for comment, NetOne board chairperson, Mr Alex Marufu said: “I do not have enough information to be able to comment at this moment.” However, at a press conference late last month, Mr Marufu confirmed that Firstel Cellular, owned by the Kangai-led management was the mobile operator’s biggest debtor.

The NetOne board last month, suspended several top level managers at the firm following the unravelling of irregularities. They have since ordered a forensic audit to establish the financial damage the company suffered under the leadership of Mr Kangai.

Updates by Costa Mano and Freeman Razemba

Social Media: Timothy Maponga

1206: Mr Tsvangirai addressed the gathering for less than 10 minutes and has since finished. The supporters are now dispersing marking the end of the demonstration.

1143: The MDC-T supporters have since started arriving at Africa Unity Square chanting party songs.

1103: MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has arrived.

1100: Anti-Riot police have since been deployed a few metres away from the scene. Opposite Rainbow Towers open space. They have been deployed in the CBD as well especially along Nelson Mandela Avenue up to Parliament Building.

1045: Some of the youths are being given money and are going into town to buy alcohol with hordes of youths returning from the CBD carrying Chibuku Super.

Some of the demonstrators. Pictures by Tafadzwa Ndlovu

1000: Scores of MDC-T supporters are gathered at the open space next to Rainbow Towers Hotel in preparation a scheduled demonstration. People started gathering around 9 a.m and are coming from different parts of the country being ferried by buses, trucks and kombis. The majority are donning the red colours of the MDC-T.

Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent 

The Zanu-PF Politburo has appointed Cde Joram Gumbo acting provincial chairman for Midlands and given the province a three-month ultimatum to resolve internal squabbles.

This was revealed by the party’s national commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere during an address of the Midlands Provincial Co-ordinating Committee in Gweru today.

Cde Kasukuwere also lifted the suspension of party meetings and activities in the province and instructed all provincial members to revert to their positions before the passing of votes of no confidence.

The province had passed votes of no confidence in Secretary for Administration Engineer Tapiwanashe Matangaidze, Cdes Makhosini Hlongwane, who was the commissar, and Anastasia Ndlovu.

The three also passed counter votes of no confidence in Cdes Owen Mudha Ncube, Goodwill Shiri, July Moyo, Clarisse Mutambisi, Victor Matemadanda, Cornelius Mpereri, Justice Mayor Wadyajena and a Cde Chigaba.

Cde Kasukuwere said the province should revert to the old structures and resume commissariat meetings.

Details to follow…..

Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors have been drawn in Group F of the Rio 2016 Olympics and will face Germany, Australia and Canada in the round robin stage.

The Mighty Warriors will have to finish among the top eight teams overall if they are to make it for the quarter-finals.

Neighbors South Africa, who are the only other African team, have been drawn in Group E where they will take on Brazil, China and Sweden.

Group E: Brazil, China, Sweden, South Africa
Group G: USA, New Zealand, France, Colombia
Group F: Canada, Australia, Zimbabwe, Germany

Details to follow…..

President of Zim Diamonds Workers Union Francis Matinyarare

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter

Workers at diamond mining companies that were operating at Chiadzwa say there were high chances of pilferage of the precious mineral which could have resulted in the country losing about $15 billion.

President Mugabe revealed last month during his 92nd birthday interview with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation that the country received less than $2 billion out of a possible $15 billion from the Chiadzwa diamonds where more than five companies were licensed to operate.

The Zimbabwe Diamond Miners Workers Union (ZDMWU) told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment chaired by Zanu-PF MP for Gokwe-Nembudziya, Cde Justice Mayor Wadyajena that proceeds from diamonds extraction were not commensurate with money derived from their sale.

ZDMWU president, Mr Francis Matinyarare said Government should have consulted the workers when the companies were still operating in Chiadzwa which could have limited the scale of diamond leaks.

“It is clear from the fact that these miners while still mining they could not pay workers. Which means something terribly wrong was happening,” said Mr Matinyarare.

Details to follow….

Paidamoyo Chipunza Herald Reporter
Internationally acclaimed author and ex-combatant Cde Alexander Gora Kanengoni (pictured right) who died on Tuesday has been declared a liberation war hero.

Zanu-PF secretary for Administration Cde Ignatius Chombo said Cde Kanengoni, who was also the deputy editor of The Patriot newspaper, was accorded the status because of his contribution in the liberation struggle and after Independence.

“We have received a request from Mashonaland Central Province and we have accorded him a liberation war hero status taking into consideration his contribution in the struggle and after Independence,” said Cde Chombo.

Cde Kanengoni will be buried today at his farm in Centenary.

Family spokesperson, Ms Leticia Kanengoni said the family welcomed the development and were now awaiting for more information from the party on how to proceed.

Born on September 17, 1951 Cde Kanengoni trained as a teacher and briefly taught at several schools before joining the liberation struggle in 1974. After the country attained independence in 1980, he went to the University of Zimbabwe and majored in English Literature.

In 1983 he joined the Ministry of Education and Culture as a project officer responsible for the education of ex-combatants and refugees. In 1988 he joined the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and worked there until 2002 when he became a farmer and deputy editor of The Patriot weekly newspaper.

As a writer, Cde Kanengoni published, Vicious Circle (1983), When the Rainbird Cries (1988), Echoing Silences (1997), a collection of short stories – Effortless Tears (1993) and Writing Still (2003).

A former Zanla combatant leader, Cde Kanengoni remained steadfast in defence of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and nationalistic ideals through his incisive writings that illuminated on the broader dynamics of the liberation struggle.

Herald Reporters
A CHOPPIES Supermarket security guard was hospitalised yesterday after sustaining serious injuries at the hands of rowdy MDC-T supporters who ran amok downtown in the wake of an address by party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai calling for the unconstitutional removal of President Mugabe from power.

The marauding opposition supporters also disrupted traffic and harassed Harare City Council workers confiscating their tools and splashing cement on several buildings prompting police to warn the MDC-T leaders that they would not be allowed to infringe on the rights of innocent citizens.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, said the MDC-T supporters caused chaos in the city and attacked and seriously injured a security guard at Choppies Supermarket near the intersection of Cameroon Street and Robert Mugabe Road.

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“They blocked traffic for about an hour and also disturbed some Harare City Council officials who were conducting their work along the road before they attacked the security guard. The security guard has since been taken to a local hospital for treatment.”

She said the police respected the rule of law as evidenced by their compliance with the High Court ruling on Wednesday that the demonstration must go ahead.

She said police were, however, mandated by Section 219 of the Constitution to protect life and property, maintain law and order, protect internal security of the country, prevent crime, as well as to detect and investigate crime.

She said the rowdy behaviour exhibited by some supporters was the reason why sometimes they were reluctant to clear such gatherings.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba denied reports that police raided the MDC-T headquarters-Harvest House adding that no arrests were made during the demonstrations

Several vendors are reported to have lost their wares to the marauding youths.

Political analysts blasted the MDC-T and its leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, for advocating mutiny in the country by calling for President Mugabe’s removal despite winning a five-year mandate from the electorate in the 2013 harmonised elections which President Mugabe won overwhelmingly.

In his address, Mr Tsvangirai churned out his usual mantra that President Mugabe must go with immediate effect.

“We are here to tell (President) Mugabe that he has failed the country and that he must resign,” said Mr Tsvangirai.

“We are demanding a dignified exit for (President) Mugabe. As MDC we are demanding that please (President) Mugabe go and have an early retirement.”

He said similar demonstrations would be carried out in all the country’s provinces.

Zanu-PF spokesperson, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, said Zanu-PF would not lose sleep over the MDC-T demonstration and other demands.

Said Cde Khaya Moyo: “President Mugabe was elected by the people of Zimbabwe and if they are now saying he must go then I wonder where? President Mugabe was elected to that position by the people and if they still need him they will vote for him again.

“If they (MDC-T) want him to go then they should campaign and go for elections and win and that’s the democratic way of changing the Government. In 2013 observers from all over the world were here and witnessed the elections, which were free and fair.

“Zanu-PF is not responsible for the weather, it’s an El Nino factor. Money which should be for development is now importing food because we don’t want our people to die of hunger. When we say our people we mean the entire nation including the MDC-T,” he said.

“The MDC-T invited sanctions and now they are pretending to be saviours of the same people. Our people are so intelligent and will not be fooled.”

Political analyst, Professor Sheunesu Mpepereki, said the MDC-T exposed how shallow and immature the party was by marching against an elected President.

“Tsvangirai is just looking for relevance. How can he march against a President who won overwhelmingly in 2013? It shows how childish and unsuitable he is to be a national leader.

“The MDC-T has run out of ideas and just want to be seen to be doing something. They do not have the mandate to remove the President,” he said.

Prof Mpepereki said while Zimbabwe was democratic to allow the opposition freedom to demonstrate, the MDC was taking the opportunity to expose its immaturity and dismissed the march as kindergarten play.

Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute said it was important for the MDC-T to be guided by the Constitution instead of disregarding the rule of law.

“Zimbabwe is supposed to be a Constitutional democracy so any changes in Government must be Constitutional and our democracy is via elections,” he said.

“Elections are the vehicle for our democratic practices so any changes in the political leadership as to go through electoral democratic test in respect of the supremacy of the rule of law.

“The problems that the country could be facing are not individual problems. It’s not a Mugabe problem, but national problems. The nation is beyond an individual.

“Any problems in the State must be looked at using those analytic lenses of the political economy of the State that is the relationship between agents, institutions and structures.

“We want to minimalise the problem of the State to one individual. If you say the President must go does it means if he goes the problems would also go?”

Christian College of Southern Africa principal director, Mr Tichaona Zinhumwe, said the MDC-T was expressing their democratic right especially by marching for the creation of jobs.

He said the party was, however, wrong on saying the President should go as he was elected to be in office.

Mr Zinhumwe said the MDC-T was refusing to participate in by elections so they could have a voice and also speak on behalf of the people.

“The MDC-T is wrong for demanding that the President resigns. They do not want to participate in elections an indication of immaturity and lack of appreciation of the democratic process.

“Any politician should be prepared to be subjected to the elections and have the voice of the people. Whom is the MDC-T speaking on behalf of? They are contradicting themselves by not participating in elections,” he said.

Mr Mushore

Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
Recent interviews for the selection of the town clerk for Harare were merely a political act designed to impose an individual who had already been chosen by MDC-T, the Harare Residents Trust has said.

The organisation, which had a representative on the interviewing panel, said it has evidence to that effect.

“If any investigations on how these interviews were conducted take place, evidence can be presented on how individual councillors were called by a mobile number with specific instructions on how to rate the candidates, with a specific instruction not to choose any of the former and serving council employees.”

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• Town clerk pick raises eyebrows
• 140 eye town clerk’s post

“The best way forward under the current circumstances is where the whole process is conducted by an independent team that invites the same people who participated in the first final interview,” said the organisation.

HRT said only the chairperson of the Audit Committee and Human Resources, as well as Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni and his deputy should be involved in the interviewing of prospective candidates, given the actions of the majority of the committee chairpersons during the interviewing process.

Clr Manyenyeni could not rule out foul play saying, “With cellphones, anything is possible, but we did not observe anything of the sort on the interview day.”

“My comfort lies not in satisfying every aspirant but the confidence of having secured a competent team leader for council. Surely the presence of HRT should have assisted in sharing tips on any of the alleged conduct. Why is it getting to be talked about now?” he quizzed.

The interviews have been marred by controversy with allegations that Clr Manyenyeni received applications through his personal e-mail and allegedly hand-picked candidates to be interviewed.

It is also reported that some of the city’s directors who applied for the job were not invited for interviews, among them human capital director Dr Cainos Chingombe.

Government has since rescinded the appointment of Mr James Mushore after the city flouted procedures of appointment as laid out in the Urban Councils Act although he reportedly reported for duty on Monday.

The city recently came under fire over the appointment of its new finance director Mr Justin Mandizha who is accused of presiding over the decline of service delivery as well as ballooning salary arrears.

His continued stay at council has divided council with Human Resources and General Purposes Committee chairperson Cllr Wellington Chikombo telling a full council meeting that Mr Mandizha had failed while Mayor Manyenyeni and Finance Committee chairperson Tranos Moyo are defending him.

The city is now likely to face a lawsuit if they decide to terminate Mr Mandizha’s employment since he has already worked for more than six months.

Mr Mandizha is still to be confirmed.