President Mugabe, First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe, Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Mike Bimha, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Sifelani Jabangwe and Mr Charles Msipa during a meeting with Business Executives at State House yesterday. Picture by John Manzongo

Felex Share Senior Reporter
President Mugabe yesterday held a historic interface with the private sector to exchange views on economic turnaround and map the way forward. The meeting — held at State House in Harare — was initiated by captains of industry and is in line with Zim-Asset and the 10-Point Plan for Economic Growth, which stress the need for close collaboration between Government and the private sector.

A similar meeting was last held in 2007. Yesterday’s indaba was attended by representatives of business associations like the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ), Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ), Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) and Zimbabwe Council for Tourism.

Cabinet ministers and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr John Mangudya were also present as the two parties sought to exchange views for economic growth. In his remarks, the President said cooperation between Government and the private sector had brought success stories in the economy.

“Such cooperation is largely responsible for the phenomenal success of the Command Agriculture Production Programme, which in a single season, has enabled Zimbabwe to regain its food security,” he said.

“The private sector is thus enjoined to support the expanded version of the Command Agriculture programme by, inter alia, ensuring the timeous supply of critical inputs such as seed, fertilisers and chemicals at affordable prices.”

President Mugabe said to bridge the existing infrastructure gap, Government would continue prioritising the implementation of infrastructure development projects covering transport, energy, water and housing.

In the transport sector, he said, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo “was not sleeping and always updating him” on progress made on various projects.

“Work is under way to ensure the recently launched Beitbridge-Masvingo-Harare-Chirundu dualisation programme, is completed within the shortest possible time frame,” said President Mugabe.

“At the same time, plans for the expansion of the Harare-Nyamapanda and the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls roads are also under active consideration. Government is also rehabilitating urban and rural infrastructure damaged by the recent floods.

“The commissioning of the Victoria Falls, Joshua Mqabuko International airports had already triggered an upsurge in inbound tourist arrivals. Focus is now on expansion of Harare International Airport.”

In the energy sector, President Mugabe said: “Work is under way to complete the Kariba South project and commence construction of Hwange 7 and 8 projects.

“Domestic power generation will also be augmented through the incorporation of independent power producers, focusing on hydro and solar energy. Such programmes should eventually result in the reduction of local power generation deficit and cost of power.”

President Mugabe said the private sector was expected to play a part in the utilisation of the recently commissioned Tokwe Mukosi Dam. He said there were irrigation, power generation, tourism and fisheries opportunities at the country’s largest inland water body.

“To bolster value addition and beneficiation, private sector players in the mining sector are encouraged to invest in refineries and smelting plants and other appropriate machinery and equipment,” said President Mugabe.

“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has laid the foundation in this respect by coming up with a string of financing facilities for small scale miners.” Special Economic Zones, President Mugabe said, should provide impetus to domestic and foreign direct investment. He said after clearing its debts with the International Monetary Fund, Government was working on settling dues with other multilateral creditors. Representing the private sector, Mr Charles Msipa, said they enjoyed access to and dialogue with policy makers.

“We have always had an input in policy formulation and through this meeting we are supplementing an existing process,” he said Mr Msipa bemoaned the high cost of doing business in Zimbabwe, at the same time calling for policy coherence and consistency from Government.

“There is need for Government to prioritise investment, harmonise investment laws, as well as create a one-stop shop,” he said. Mr Msipa said such high-level engagements should be held at least twice a year.

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe’s poultry project has potential to be used as collateral in accessing loans from financial institutions if beneficiaries effectively and efficiently implement it, zanu-pf Women’s League national secretary for Administration, Cde Letina Undenge, has said.

She said the chicken project had the potential to transform the lives of participating women if they managed to achieve the programme’s goals. Cde Undenge was addressing members of the zanu-pf Women’s League for Harare Province, who were attending a chicken-rearing training programme to prepare them for the massive project being spearheaded by Amai Mugabe, who is also the ruling party’s Women’s League secretary.

“This project, if you take it seriously, can be used as collateral to get loans from banks; if you implement it in a focused way,” said Cde Undenge. “It is a very powerful project, which can make a difference in your life.” Cde Undenge said it was critical that beneficiaries realised that the First Lady envisaged the project to be a revolving fund, which should be passed on to ensure that everyone benefited.

“Remember, this project will be implemented on a pass-on basis,” she said. “Therefore, there is no room for failure because if you fail, you would have failed others, who will be looking forward to receive the chicken from you.”

Cde Undenge commended Amai Mugabe for her decision to mobilise resources to secure 30 000 chickens to be distributed among the 10 provinces. She said Amai Mugabe had facilitated one of the leading chicken-rearing firms in the country, Irvine’s Breeders, to train women in poultry business, an indication of the First Lady’s desire to see the success of the project.

“Dr Mugabe has facilitated for us to get the best experts in poultry business training to train us on how to raise chickens,” said Cde Undenge. “After donating these chickens, there must be unity of purpose and unity, because if you are busy with projects, you do not have time for begging or gossiping.”

Irvine’s Breeders have partnered the First Lady to roll-out the chicken project countrywide. The programme also encompasses capacity building and training programmes. The company’s representative Mrs Sisa Mpofu implored beneficiaries to adhere to strict hygiene and rearing standards to register higher survival rates of the chickens.

zanu-pf Women’s League provincial chairlady for Harare Province Cde Joyce Kasinamunda said the chicken project would go a long way in empowering women.

“I am elated with what Dr Mugabe has done to us,” said Cde Kasinamunda. Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs Cde Miriam Chikukwa commended Amai Mugabe, saying there were more blessings in giving than receiving. The training was being carried out under the theme “Empowering Women for increased participation in the economy.”

Justice Hungwe

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Court Reporter
ECONET Media Limited (Mauritius) yesterday got the green light to distribute its Kwese TV satellite content to Zimbabwean viewers pending finalisation of a licence dispute pitting Dr Dish (Pvt) Ltd and the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe.

High Court judge Justice Charles Hungwe suspended an earlier decision by BAZ to terminate Dr Dish’s content distribution licence and allowed the media firm to enjoy full rights and benefits of its licence.

The judgment will be a relief to Zimbabweans who were struggling to raise US dollars to pay monthly subscriptions to Multichoice Zimbabwe which was enjoying monopoly with its DSTV content.

Multichoice has been rejecting payments through bank card swipe, transfer, EcoCash and bond notes and coins, demanding US dollars It has since been taken to court to allow Zimbabweans to pay their subscription fees in bond notes, coins or swipe.

With the liquidity crunch in Zimbabwe, few people could afford to pay the subscriptions with others opting to subscribe from outside the country. Dr Dish partnered Econet Media Mauritius with a view to distribute Kwese TV content.

Before the launch of the product, BAZ wrote a letter purporting to cancel Dr Dish’s licence on the basis that it had not formally applied for an amendment of its licence to provide Kwese TV channels.

The matter spilled into the High Court with Dr Dish challenging the cancellation of its licence.

Justice Hungwe’s order reads:

“Pending final determination of this matter, it is ordered that:

1. The operation of the purported termination of Applicant’s Content Distribution Service Licence Number CD 0004 through a letter dated August 22, 2017 signed by Second Respondent (BAZ chieF executive officer) on first respondent’s (BAZ) letterhead, be and is hereby suspended.

2. Applicant shall be entitled to enjoy the full rights and benefits of its licence as if the letter of 22 August does not exist.

3. Applicant shall be entitled to distribute the Econet Media Limited Mauritius content based on the technical standards notified by the applicant to the first respondent and accepted by First Respondent on 21 October, 2016”.

The court found that Dr Dish had established a prima facie right to the relief sought. “The whole conduct of the Authority (BAZ) in this saga leaves no doubt in one’s mind that this matter was not properly handled.

“In my view, the applicant has demonstrated that it has a prima facie right such as is required in an application of this nature,” the judge ruled. Justice Hungwe said Econet had invested in the deal and cancellation of the licence would cause irreparable harm to its business.

“The applicant publicly announced that it was rolling out its broadcast service through the provision of Kwese TV content. Clearly, applicant invested heavily in both human and capital resources for which a huge loss will naturally follow should the board refuse to reverse second respondent’s letter of cancellation.

“I am satisfied that indeed such irreparable harm would visit the applicant,” reads the judgment. Dr Dish was in 2007 issued with a licence to specifically provide My TV channels to Zimbabwean viewers, but it struggled to pay the required fees for years.

It also reached a point of failing to provide the service until BAZ issued a notice of intention to cancel the licence in October last year. Last month, Dr Dish partnered Econet Media Limited (Mauritius) and paid all the outstanding fees before notifying BAZ of its intention to add the Kwese TV channels to its list of content.

BAZ received the money, but went on to terminate the licence through a letter dated August 22 this year.

President Mugabe and First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe greet zanu-pf Central Committee members on arrival for the organ’s meeting in Harare yesterday. — (Picture by Justin Mutenda)

Felex Share Senior Reporter
President Mugabe today heads to Mashonaland Central Province for the eighth leg of his Presidential Youth Interface rallies slated for Chipadze Stadium in Bindura.

Another memorable event is on the cards with the province yesterday saying it expected over 150 000 people to attend the event, where the President interacts with youths on the challenges they face and their expectations from the Government and the ruling party.

zanu-pf has 406 districts in the eight administrative districts of Mashonaland Central. Party supporters from distant areas started arriving in Bindura yesterday and a musical gala was expected to be held last night. zanu-pf Youth League secretary Cde Kudzanayi Chipanga said the province was ready.

“We had a final preparatory meeting yesterday . From what we saw, it is all systems go. We gave them 10 000 litres of fuel as well as 10 000 T-shirts to supplement what they mobilised as a province.” He said the province had displayed unity in organising the rally.

“Everyone is playing a part. Several National Assembly members attended the final preparatory meeting together with Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Advocate Martin Dinha and vice chairperson of the province Cde Kazembe Kazembe.

“Central Committee members were also present. We expect nothing short of another top-notch event.” Cde Chipanga said the discipline displayed in other provinces where rallies have been held should be maintained.

“We have had incident-free events and we expect another good outing.” Mashonaland Central provincial youth chair Cde Isaiah Mandaza said they were ready to welcome the First Family.

“We are now ready to have Baba and Amai in our province, which is home to them considering that most of the First Lady’s projects are housed in Mashonaland Central,” he said. “Logistically, we are done and we do not have any challenges and with the train wagons which have been availed, we expect the numbers to increase.”

He added: “We have lined up a number of activities today (yesterday) to set the tone for the main event. We are at the moment having an orientation programme with students at Bindura University of Science Education. Other activities are being held across the town. We urge people to come in their numbers and listen to the wise counsel of our party leader, President Mugabe.”

President Mugabe has been visiting provinces around the country interacting with the youths and directly responding to their concerns. He has been to Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland South and Midlands.

He is left with Bulawayo and Harare provinces. The interface meetings are being organised by the Zanu-PF Youth League. Zanu-PF is using the platforms to launch a massive campaign for voter registration of youths ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections.

The revolutionary party is also using the rallies to show its mobilisation prowess, as each rally has been highly subscribed. During the interface meetings, the youths are articulating social, economic and political issues affecting them.

Among other issues, the Youth League is pushing for young people to have access to land, agricultural inputs and participate in mining activities. The main engagements are expected to end next month.

President Mugabe

Tendai Mugabe Senior Reporter
President Mugabe yesterday emphasised the need for unity in Zanu-PF at all levels and warned cadres against insulting the party leadership through making unsubstantiated accusations.

He said investigations should be instituted to establish the motive behind those false accusations. Addressing the 106th Session of the Zanu-PF Central Committee at Zanu-PF Headquarters in Harare, President Mugabe said unity was of paramount importance in the party ahead of next year’s general elections.

He said if party members had differences, those should be tabled before the relevant organs for appropriate remedy. President Mugabe commended Zanu-PF members for their resolve to remain united in the face of trials and tribulations in the past.

“Tinofanira kuzvirumbidza and sense of unity when insults and vilifications were thrown about — the President, First Lady have their share of these insults, several ministers and others had also these accusations, completely false, completely malicious and emanating from the same sources.

“Tinoda kuti vazvisvipe vange vachiita izvi, maprovince mazviri kubuda ndiwo atiri kukumbirisisa kuti vanatsoona kuti ndivanani? Zviri kubva papi nepapi? Zviri kuitirwei. Zviregedzwe. Pachivanhu tinoti svipirai pasi. Hatichazviita.

“Our party must unite at all levels from the grassroots to the top. A united party knows how grievances within the party are corrected and how differences are resolved. We seek solutions amongst ourselves kana pane zviri kutadzikwa. Zvitadzo zvamungachema nazvo ngazviuyeka tozvitarisa pamwechete. Tikurukure.

“Kana kuchitorwa action, inotorwa vanorangwa vachirangwa. Kwete kungoshaudha. Iyoyo yakanzi social media iyoyi maiwee yakatiparira. Kutukana kuripo, kunyombana kuripo. Mazwi anotaurwa imomo! Tave vanhu vakaita sei? Vana vakaita sei vatiri kuzvara? Hatingade Zanu-PF yerudzi irworwo inotongwa from social media. Ahiwa.

“Here muCentral Committee, this is the place where our policies are made, resolutions and programmes are debated, finally accepted if they are deemed to be effective.”

President Mugabe said party leaders should not quarrel in public to the extent of taking each other to the courts. He emphasised that people should work together, adding that bygones should be bygones.

“Let us work together,” President Mugabe said. “Now on the eve of elections, we are not found divided and receive each other well. Kana takatukana, let bygones be bygones. Unity and more unity is what we need. Avoid stances, actions, insults that divide the party.

“Always say there is a way of solving whatever grievance, whatever offence one believes has been committed, and whatever crime within the party in terms of the rules and regulations of the party.”

Turning to next year’s harmonised elections, President Mugabe said a coalition forged by the opposition would not dislodge Zanu-PF from power. He said Zanu-PF’s victory in all elections was underpinned on its people-oriented policies.

“We have witnessed concerted efforts by opposition political parties to coalesce and fight Zanu-PF as one — an externally driven assemblage of seven political parties was hurriedly put together last week, giving birth to the so-called MDC-Alliance,” he said.

“Fortunately for Zanu-PF, these opposition parties are as divided as ever, fighting for leadership positions. We know of course that they are creatures of the West whose purpose is to dislodge Zanu-PF from power, but really, if they come together as a bundle and one blow against the bundle will set the bundle in pieces.

“So, we will not need more than one blow for one bundle of divided persons who purported to represent parties, but you can’t see the party that they actually represent individually.

“We also know that these opposition political parties put together cannot dislodge the ruling party. The secret to Zanu-PF’s victory over the years, one after another, lies in its appeal to the people – a people oriented party. It has policies whose objectives serve the people and we don’t just pretend to serve the people, we actually serve the people.

“It has an appeal to the people, it is sincere, it is productive, it is revolutionary, it is counter against our erstwhile enemies and we are a mass party. We listen to what masses say. It wins elections on the popularity of its people-centred development programmes.” President Mugabe said the opposition was not going to give Zanu-PF victory on a silver platter.

He said it was important for the ruling party to start sensitising the electorate about the new biometric voter registration system and ensure that all party members were registered as voters.

“The massive crowds that turn up at the interface rallies are a clear indication that our people have been triggered into the election mode,” said President Mugabe. “We commend the Youth League for taking the lead and showing us the way we should conduct our campaign.

“But, as we go into next year’s elections, we cannot solely hope to win by riding on the sheer popularity of our party. We have to make adequate preparations to make sure that victory is certain. We must galvanise the electorate to go and vote for us en-masse. Our party has to take an active interest now in the registration of voters.

“Get our people to register anew. Hapana anoti ndakaregister kare hazvichashanda. Tose tinosungirwa kunonyoresa patsva and as you go back to your constituencies get down to the ward level in mobilising people to get registered to vote. Vanhu vose muma ward enyu muone kuti vanhu varegister here zvechokwadi.

“Everyone has to register afresh in order to participate in next year’s elections. Our people must be sensitised to the requirements of the biometric voter registration exercise, which is about to begin countrywide.”

President Mugabe

THE Zanu PF juggernaut rolls into Bindura’s Chipadze Stadium for an interactive meeting between President Robert Mugabe and Mashonaland Central youths. President Mugabe is going to address the eighth Youth Interface rally this afternoon and thousands of party supporters from all over the province are expected to converge.

Zimpapers Online gives you live updates of this event. Stay with us and interact with us through a discussion forum below to share your ideas on the issues being raised in the key address.

UPDATES: Costa Mano, PHOTOGRAPHER: Wilson Kakurira, EDITING: Simiso Mlevu

10:29 Thousands of Zanu-PF supporters have today thronged Chipadze Stadium in Bindura for the 8th Presidential Youth Interface Rally.  President Mugabe has used the rallies to impress on the youth that they should seek to be employers and not employees. The First secretary and President of  Zanu-PF has also called for unity as the revolutionary party prepares for the 2018 elections.

Part of the crowd gathered at Chipadze Stadium

11:16 For the love of the party, hundreds of party supporters actually held an all night vigil (Pungwe) at Chipadze Stadium.  Pungwes, also known as conscientisation meetings were popular during the war of liberation and provided inspiration to the masses.

Zanu PF supporters who came from Bindura District

11:21 Ministers already here include Cdes Walter Chidhakwa, Prof Jonathan Moyo, Prisca Mupfumira, Patrick Zhuwao and Joram Gumbo.

11:44 Some senior party officilas who have arrived here include Zanu PF Secretary for Admninistration, Dr Ignatius Chombo, President of the Senate Edna Madzongwe, National Political Commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere and Tourism Minister Dr Walter Mzembi.

Party members here at Chipadze Stadium

11:50 Musician-cum comedian, Kapfupi of the Mai Nga fame is now on stage.

Freddy Manjalima aka Kapfupi performing at Chipadze Stadium

12:42 As Kapfupi drops the microphone, Freeman picks it up and the crowd goes wild. As has been the norm at all rallies, young musicians have provided the bulk of the entertainment.

Part of the crowd

12:50 The two Vice Presidents, Hon Phelekezela Report Mphoko and Emmerson Mnangagwa have arrived at the venue.

12:51 The atmosphere has become electric as the crowd anticipates the arrival of President Mugabe.

President Mugabe greeting party supporters with Amai Mugabe and Youth League Secretary Cde Kudzi Chipanga

12:51 President Mugabe has arrived is accompanied by First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe. The iconic leader is now going around greeting the party faithful.

Meanwhile, President Mugabe officially opened the Bindura Community Information Centre earlier today.

An ice-cream vendor finds business opportunity at the Mashonaland Central Presidential Youth Interface Rally in Bindura, 9 September 2017.

13:18 Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial leadership welcomes party supporters through slogans.

13:19 Youth League National Political Commissar, Cde Innocent Hamandishe who is also the Director of Ceremony has called for the National Anthem to be sung.

13:19 A minister of religion, Pastor Chinoda is now blessing the gathering with bible reading.

13:20 Prof Moyo, who is also the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development chants party slogans and is followed by the Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Cde Zhuwao.

Smart attire . . .

13:25 Secretary for Youth League Affairs in the politburo, Cde Kudzanayi Chipanga is now introducing the Politburo members.

A Zanu-PF delegate in designer party outfit attends the Presidential Youth Interface rally at Chipadza, Bindura.

13:32 Cde Chipanga has invited Cde Tshinga Dube and Dr Sydney Sekeremayi to chant party slogans as leaders of war veterans in Gvt and the party respectively. He says as youth leaders they are struggling to work with the Christopher Mutsvangwa led war vets association and has asked Dr Sekeremayi to explain the best possible way for the problem to be solved.

13:37 Dr Sekeremayi says Mash Central has a lot of war vets adding that everyone who trained as a soldier for the fight for freedom is called a war vet. He explains how the war vets association came to be after Independence.

‘Before Jabulani Sibanda, the association had been led diligently,” he says.

13:42 Dr Sekeramayi has implored people not to follow Mutsvangwa’s association adding that as the leader of war vets in the party, he does not recognise them.                       

13:45 Cde Dube steps to the microphone and says he is happy that Dr Sekeremayi has made it clear that it’s a party decision to call for Congress to choose new war vets leaders.

It would be unwise for him to put his head on the log for anyone whatsoever, he notes.

13:47 Cde Chipanga continues  with introducing Politburo members after he cut the intros short so as to allow Cdes Sekeremayi and Dube to explain the status of war vets leadership. As he finishes introducing politburo members, he requests Dr Chombo to chant the slogans on their behalf.

First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe chats with VP Mphoko at a Presidential Youth Interface rally in Bindura

13:49 The Youth League boss has asked VPs Mphoko and Mnangagwa to greet party supporters.

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko at Chipadze stadium in Bindura

13:55 Provincial youth chair Isiah Mandaza says the province is united behind President Mugabe and cannot wait for the voting day.

“We are now heading towards the elections but the problem we have is the Registrar General’s office which makes it a hurdle to get an Identity Documents.

ZANU-PF is the way . . . A Zanu-PF supporter donning party regalia enjoys himself ahead of President Mugabe’s address today at the eight Presidential Youth Interface Rally at Chipadze Stadium, Bindura.

“We survive on farming and mining yet the artisanal miners are being arrested.” He has also made a passionate plea that when the farms are downsized can the youth and women be afforded a chance to ben beneficiaries.”

The youth are saying party regalia is in short supply

A youth donning a Zanu-PF-branded beret attends the Mashonaland Presidential Youth InterfaceRally at Chipadze Stadium, 9 September 2017.

14:01 Cde Mandaza says Joyce Mujuru and Morgan Tsvangirai will not win a seat in Mash Central.

14:01 Cde Chipanga is back on the podium and urges the youths to register as voters. He says the state of Chipadze Stadium is appalling and does not deserve to be called a Stadium because it is just an open space.                       

14:05 He calls Mr Hove, Ashanti Gold Mine General Manager, who has assured the province that the stadium will be renovated.

14:05 Cde Chipanga has asked Dr Grace Mugabe to address the gathering

First Lady, Dr Mugabe addressing the gathering at Chipadze stadium in Bindura

14:06 She denounces Mutsvangwa, Mahiya, Matematanda and praises the youth league for organising rallies.

Amai Mugabe says the work she does in Mash Central are a tribute to Mbuya Nehanda as she came from the province. “This is the province in which they exorcise demons.

14:10 According to the First Lady, since the appointment of the two VPs in 2014 there has been no harmony in the party.

“Many youths have used VP Mnangagwa’s name to scold President Mugabe and Amai Mugabe. The youths were saying President Mugabe is old and should leave office.”

Calm before the storm . . .These two Zanu-PF supporters chill before President Mugabe’s address at the eight Presidential Youth Interface Rally in Bindura, 9 September 2017.

14:12 She says VP Mnangagwa has been complicit as he would be seen with expelled youths drinking tea and alcohol. Some bring cups written ‘I’m the Boss’ and when we see it we get angry.

14:13 “When ED fell ill, the rumour mill pointed to President Mugabe and Amai Mugabe as the witches. I am being blamed as the instigator and that I wanted to kill ED by poisoning him so that when he is dead, VP Mphoko will then act as President but that is illogical.

A Zanu-PF supporter chills ahead of President Mugabe’s key-note address at Chipadze Stadium, Bindura 9 September 2017.

14:15 “I once told Mujuru and she said I am mad but where is she? I don’t know of G40 but I know Lacoste exists.

14:16 “People cannot go around claiming that our Ice Cream poisoned ED which hurts the brand (Alpha and Omega).

FASHION FARE . . .Smartly dressed delegates make their way into Chipadze Stadium for the rally.

14:17 People in Masvingo claim there are no problems but problems exist in Masvingo and Midlands.

14:18 She says Cde Paul Mangwana claimed she does not understand the Constitution but she says she understands it well.

14:18 She says she refused to take part in a demo that was being organised against ED

14:19 “When it suits you, you shout nepotism by when ED left his seat he left it for his wife.”

VP Mnangagwa and wife, Cde Auxillia Mnangagwa in Bindura

14:20 She calls Kazembe Kazembe and blasts him for calling for the ouster of Kasukuwere and declares that Kasukuwere is not going anywhere. His fault is that of refusing to support Lacoste.

14:21 Amai Mugabe says Mutsvangwa is not elected, adding, ‘down with him’.

14:23 The First Lady explains how President Mugabe fell ill with diarrhea after eating food in Manicaland but they never went around pointing fingers.  ”We need unity as the President always says. When we say we speak the truth, let us be consistent.

14:25 Amai Mugabe says there are Ministers who are discriminating Mphoko as they only call VP Mnangagwa to their events.

14:25 She says she is happy being First Lady and nothing more adding that she is also grateful to have been given the chance to lead the Women’s League.

Other delegates arrived as early as 7am to join colleagues who had an all night vigial at Chipadze Stadium for the eighth Presidential Youth InterfaceRally.

14:26 Says Dr Mugabe, “Masvingo and Midlands are the hotbeds of factionalism and those who want factionalism must pack their bags and go there.

14:27 “Things are not well in the party and they must be resolved.” She adds, ‘there was indiscipline in the Women’s League but we have handled these problems.’

14:29 The First Lady says she was burdened and had to speak her mind.

14:30 “Ministers who don’t tow the Lacoste line are now being accused of corruption like Jonathan Moyo and are now failing to work. We don’t want factionalism, down with those who want President Mugabe to lose sleep.

14:31 Amai Mugabe has finished her address and Cde Chipanga is back on the podium. He has now invited President Mugabe to address the gathering

14:42 President Mugabe narrates how the spirit of Mbuya Nehanda led the people to take up arms and fight for their liberation. He says tribalism is something they nipped in the bud soon after gaining independence throughout the country.

President Mugabe addressing party supporters during Mashonaland Central Presidential Youth Interface Rally at Chipadze stadium in Bindura

“However, we still have issues regarding tribalism. When we appoint a Minister he wants to fill up job vacancies with his relatives and the people from where he comes from.”

15:01 “This is the province from which Mbuya Nehanda gave birth to the liberation spirit.  She refused to be converted even as she faced the gallows. She died with her beliefs and she assured her killers that she will be rise.

15:02 President Mugabe explains how he invited VP Mnangagwa to join him in the party after they had spent time in jail together.

“Michael Mawhema sold out Emmerson when the latter bombed a train in Masvingo.  He was supposed to hang but was saved by the fact that he was under 18 and the law did not allow for that. He then left for Zambia and pursued his LLB degree.

15:10 President Mugabe also narrates how Dr Sydney Sekeramayi left for Sweden to study medicine. And how he then asked Dr Sekeramayi to join the party upon completion of his studies.

Machisa (pictured) performed with Kapfupi ahead of President Mugabe’s key note address at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura for the Mashonaland Central Presidential Youth InterfaceRally, 9 September 2017.

15:15 “I met the Masvingo province leadership after Dr Mzembi was sent  by the province’s MPs who called for the axing of Cde Shuvai Mahofa and Josaya Hungwe.

15:18 President says Mzembi gave him his views but did not speak at the meeting. His Excellency has also narrated how some party supporters invaded sugarcane fields in Chiredzi.

15:21 According to President Mugabe, the late VP Muzenda was chased from Midlands by VP Mnangagwa and others. He has also described the late Edson Zvobgo as a tribalist who was never shy of that fact.

“Zvobgo would describe it as “Kudya nehama”.

15:24 “Cde Josaya Hungwe and Cde Saviour Kasukuwere once had an argument in the Politburo with Cde Hungwe accusing Kasukuwere of trying to build up his profile for eventual takeover of the party leadership.”

He says Kasukuwere named themselves ma G40 like when Obama won the American presidency. “They were even called AnaObama”

15:29 President Mugabe explains how the former VP would visit Apostolic Sects seeking to position herself to lead the party and country adding that he doesn’t know how Prof Moyo and ED became enemies yet they were together in the Tsholotsho declaration.

Professor Jonathan Moyo chanting a party slogan at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura

“Prof Moyo chose to support Mnangagwa to take over” and adds that ED told him that he was busy with other things and that’s why he never went to the ill fated meeting.

15:38 President Mugabe says Prof brought evidence that ED made Godfrey Majonga jump out of a window after meeting at a flat in Harare. He says ED refutes the allegations.

“The party leader will be chosen at Congress and as a lawyer, he says he will follow the law.

“I asked where Lacoste came from and ED said he did not know. Kana chiri chiCup, chirasei. Zvino munhu angafira chiCup,” quizzes Pres Mugabe.

Vice President Mnangagwa with wife Auxillia

15:47 He says the situations in Midlands and Masvingo are different and the one that needs to be handled urgently is Masvingo while Midlands will sort itself out.

15:49 President Mugabe says Zanu-PF now has more influence in the private media than MDC.

15:50 He says Tsvangirai is playing Biti and Ncube and adds, ‘hachina kupusa ka Tsvangirai ehe haa hachina kupusa. He invited them back so he could assume total control.”

15:54 He says Gvt never said artisinal miners should not do their work but they must take care of the environment.

16:03 President Mugabe urges the Chiefs to ensure that the country’s traditional ways should be protected.

16:04 President Mugabe says he hopes Kasukuwere will desist from calling himself and his allies G40s because Zimbabwe is not USA where Obama won.

16:06 President Mugabe has finished his address.

15:54 President Mugabe encouraged families with farms and plots should prepare to join Command Agriculture. He also says the party comes first and people should remain united. Unity must be maintained, he says.

As he concludes his remarks, Pres has asked people to leave their differences behind.

Mashonaland Central Zanu PF provincial chairman, Cdes Dickson Mafios addressing party supporters

16:12 Cde Mafios is giving the vote of thanks. He says the President has articulated the party policy very well. He says HE can’t continue speaking on one issue and people must reform. In conclusion, he says people don’t care about President’s age but his mind.

This brings us to the end of our live updates. Stay with us for more visuals.

Mr Bishow Parajuli

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has endorsed China’s Laxton Group as the best company to supply biometric voter registration (BVR) kits which will be used to register voters ahead of next year’s harmonised elections.

Laxton Group won a tender in June this year to supply a total of 3 000 BVR kits, some of which have already been delivered to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

ZEC awarded the tender to Laxton Group after it submitted a lower proposal of US$3,9 million to beat chief rival, Demalog Identification Systems of Germany, which charged US$5,5 million.

UNDP country representative Mr Bishow Parajuli said they had settled on the Chinese firm before the Government of Zimbabwe took over funding of the procurement of the BVR kits.

Mr Parajuli said this in an interview last week in Harare on the sidelines of a $1million grant by Japan to capacitate ZEC in preparation for the 2018 general elections.

He said there was nothing irregular with the Government of Zimbabwe providing funding for the acquisition of BVR kits. His statement undercuts unfounded fears of opposition political parties, civil society and the private media who cast aspersions on ZEC for choosing Laxton Group, claiming this favoured Zanu-PF because of close political ties between China and Zimbabwe.

They also criticised the decision by the Government to fund the procurement of the voter registration kits, claiming the State had usurped that responsibility from the UNDP as previously agreed between political parties and the world body.

“That was the best company that they (ZEC) settled for. We were equally happy with it. It was the cheapest and it is the same company we had recommended,” said Mr Parajuli.

He said there was nothing wrong with the Government providing funding for the acquisition of the BVR Kits. “It is the responsibility of Governments the world over to fund electoral activities. Development partners might just come in to assist. We are pleased with the company providing the BVR kits. It was selected from a fair and transparent process,” said Mr Parajuli.

ZEC has since taken delivery of 400 BVR kits, kick-starting the first major phase of the 2018 harmonised elections. Another batch of 2 600 kits is expected by October.

Voter registration starts on Thursday this week. Mr Parajuli said there was no more need to discuss the issue since ZEC was already at an advanced stage of ensuring that all BVR kits were in the country. “I do not see why that issue should be reopened. There is no need. It is now a closed chapter. We have moved very far from it,” he said.

ZEC deputy chairperson Mr Emmanuel Magade said they were already in the process of mobilising resources through central Government ahead of next year’s polls.

“We are in the process of mobilising the necessary resources to hold elections. That said, Government at the end of the day will avail to us the necessary resources to hold a free, fair and credible election. It is their constitutional obligation. I have every reason to believe that they will not be found wanting,” said Mr Magade.

Laxton Group has been active in Africa after it supplied 8 000 BVR kits and instant plastic card issuance kits to Tanzania in 2015.

It has also worked in Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique where it reportedly supplied BVR kits, generators, batteries and other accessories for voter registration and elections.

Cde Kasukuwere

Pamela Shumba Bulawayo Bureau
Zanu-pf’s 10 provinces have submitted voter mobilisation targets towards five million supporters which the party intends to register for next year’s harmonised elections.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) seeks to register about seven million people when the biometric voter registration (BVR) exercise begins on Thursday.

zanu-pf political commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere told party delegates during a commissariat workshop here yesterday that they should all work towards sealing a resounding victory in the 2018 harmonised elections.

Cde Kasukuwere said his department developed a winning strategy roadmap towards the 2018 elections. He said it was important for the party to be united and plan together ahead of the elections.

“The Bulawayo chairman has promised to mobilise 140,000 voters for the party,” he said. “In 2013, President Mugabe got 31, 773, while the opposition got 100, 648. I want us to be scientific. We have to look at what each constituency will give us and we have to make sure those voters exist. Mashonaland East has promised us 503 000 voters.

“Harare province has said it will give us 320,000 voters. Last time the province gave us 172,000, while 270,000 votes went to the opposition. Manicaland province gave us 258,000 votes against 178,000 to the MDC-T. This time we have been promised 510,000 voters as our target.

“Mashonaland Central Province has set a target of 503,000 votes as their expected number. They have 403 party districts. Last time the province gave the President 327,455 votes against 52,000 for the opposition party.

“In 2013, Mashonaland East Province gave us 320,719 against 99,394 for the opposition. The province has promised us 487,500 next year. Mashonaland West will give us 436,250 votes. In the 2013 elections the province gave us 277,312, while the opposition got 109,000. In Masvingo Province, we are expecting 532,500 votes according to the target set by the leadership. Last (it was) time 285,806 against 120,160 votes for the opposition.”

Cde Kasukuwere said in Matabeleland South, the party had been promised 203,000 votes. The party garnered 81,180 while the opposition got 71,301 in 2013.

“In Matabeleland North, the President got 81,207 votes, while the opposition got 115,985,” he said. “The province has set a target of 237,500 votes for the party. Midlands Province has promised us 703,000. In 2013 they gave us 274,000 and 256,000 went to the opposition and they have 563 districts.

“These are the votes that we expect the President to get. Party chairpersons and ministers have to work together. Let us put our differences aside and work towards these targets.”

Cde Kasukuwere said extensive consultation was made in developing the election plan, which had since been approved by the party leadership at Politburo level.

Dr Ignatius Chombo, Zanu-PF’s secretary for administration, said the party was now in serious campaign mode for the 2018 elections. “We can never over-emphasise the importance of the forth-coming elections that will give Zanu-PF the mandate to continue running the country,” he said.

“I am pleased that the Youth League has already set the pace with the Presidential Youth Interface Rallies which we have all seen to be overwhelmingly successful.” The rallies have attracted bumper crowds of intimidating proportions for the opposition and have been held in eight provinces.

Dr Chombo, who is also the Minister of Home Affairs, said he had instructed the Registrar General to ensure that all people acquire identity documents to enable them to register to vote.

The registrar general’s department last week released a programme for the mobile registration in all provinces as part of the national registration exercise that kicked off on Monday last week.

The commissariat workshop on voter mobilisation and registration was attended by senior party members who included party spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, deputy secretary for legal affairs Cde Paul Mangwana, Minister for the Welfare of war veterans, Detainees and Restrictees Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, Politburo and Central Committee members, ministers of State and provincial executive members and war veterans.

The workshop was part of the party’s activated expansive mobilisation exercise, with a nationwide head count of members from cell to national levels under way.

President Mugabe

Herald Reporter
President Mugabe has said he will not appoint a successor as that is not Constitutional, but a responsibility of the party’s congress which convenes every five years.

The next Zanu-PF congress is due in 2019. Addressing scores of Zanu-PF supporters on the eighth leg of the Presidential Youth Interface rallies at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura on Saturday, President Mugabe said the law did not allow him to appoint his own successor.

“Ko, we never have had our Presidential system, procedures, unguided by the rules of the party. Hatina kumbofa tazviita isu kuti mumwe anoti, seni I am President now, ndoti ndoda kusiya ngana, ndoda kusiya Mai Mugabe, ndoda kusiya Emmerson (Mnangagwa), ndoda kusiya (Phelekezela) Mphoko as my successor,” he said.

“It is contrary to the Constitution. I cannot do it. It is not allowed. “Constitution inoti munhu anosarudzwa kuCongress. Ini ndingava ndine candidate ehe, but anosungirwa kunge achikwikwidzana nemamwe macandidates kuCongress and I follow. I am a lawyer also, I follow the law. I follow the regulations very strictly, handidi kuzonzi ndinzi ndakasiya mukadzi wangu aaaah ayewa.

“Zvinoitwa nevamwe vari kuma French countries. Hatidaro muZanu-PF. Tine history yakaisvonaka yeparty yedu. Tinoda kuti tiitevedzere iyoyo zvakanaka.”

President Mugabe also took a dig at rogue war veterans expelled from Zanu-PF who insist on commenting on party issues claiming to be speaking on behalf of VP Mnangagwa.

He said Zanu-PF would not entertain them and that those who wanted to come back knew party procedures. “Ava vakomana ava (Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterns Association leaders) vari kupengereka hameno kuti chavari kupengerekera chii,” said President Mugabe.

“Kana achinzi masupporters aVaMnangagwa vasingazivi kuti Constitution yedu yakamira sei, vanofanira kudzidziswa. It is a pity kuti they have decided to go that way, but we should not support them and it is right and only right that we should never entertain them.

“They are wrong and they have been punished by the party and we should not entertain them. Kana vave kuda kudzoka vanoziva gwara, vanoziva kokuenda to place their pleas, kuti haaa takaona zvakati hatingarambe tiri kunze tava kuda kudzoka kuparty but hatingavadaidzi isu kuti come and be associated with us,” he said.

“No. It is completely wrong saka I hope vaMnangagwa you take that advice into account. Give them the languish if they want to languish in the dark where they chose to be. We do not pay them to come back.”

Turning to the forthcoming elections, President Mugabe stressed the need for unity among Zanu-PF members.

He urged the party’s senior leadership to learn from the Youth League’s organisational capacity as shown by the huge turnouts at the ongoing Presidential Interface rallies. “Saka tiri kunanga kuma elections. Ngatirambei takadai,” said President Mugabe.

“Saka ndoda kutenda vakomana ava. Zvese zvandiri kutaura vangadai vachizvizivawo. Asi vanokwanisa kuronga marallies akakura saiyoyi,” he said. “Takabva kune rimwe rekuMidlands iye zvinezvi nemamwe ese atakamboita six of them. Iyi yava number eight.

“Ose anongoda kufanana, ose ane hurongwa hunoratidza kuti vanhu vanenge vapihwa discipline yakanaka. Hapana kurwa, hapana kutukana. Tinogara zvakanaka,” the President said.

Vari mberi vogara pasi vari shure vomirawo, toteerera. Totererasa shoko rinenge rabva kuvatungamiri. Ndati hurongwa uhu tirambe tinahwo. Tisvike pakuzoenda kumaelections tabva tichingobva muhurongwa hwakaita seihwou.

“Macampaigns edu vakuru onai wo. Onai mufunde kubva kuvadiki vedu. Havasi vadiki ka vana. Vadiki vedu asi vava nemhuri vari kutipa chidzidzo chemberi.”

FROM HERO TO ZERO…..Dynamos goal scorer Christian Epoupa Ntouba (left) walks off the pitch as referee Arnold Ncube brandishes a red card to him for head butting Highlanders player Peter Muduhwa in a goal mouth melee during the closing stages of yesterday’s Premiership soccer match at Rufaro.-Picture by Memory Mangobe

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1

DYNAMOS coach Lloyd Mutasa says his team, which blew their chance to go on top of the Castle Lager Premiership soccer table when they were held by Highlanders at Rufaro yesterday and will also miss their star forward Christian Epoupa Ntouba in the next two Castle Lager Premiership soccer matches will not lose sleep over what transpired during the Battle of Zimbabwe but will rather regroup and make do with the available players.

The Glamour Boys will be without Ntouba beginning this Sunday when the outstanding Harare derby against CAPS United is played at the same match venue.

The on-fire Cameroonian striker was shown a straight red card by referee Arnold Ncube in the dying embers of this match for head-butting Highlanders player Peter Muduhwa in an off the ball incident as DeMbare were preparing to take a corner.

Chibuku Super Cup play offs for the bottom four teams will be staged this Saturday to determine two winners that will join other 14 teams in the first round of the tournament. And the league will also use the free Sunday to have outstanding matches played and Dynamos who beat CAPS United a week ago will meet their rivals again in the first round match which was postponed during the opening half of the season.

Yesterday, the Glamour Boys had the perfect chance to shoot to the summit following pacesetters Chicken Inn defeat by Yadah on Saturday but they shared the spoils with a determined Highlanders in an incident-filled match at Rufaro where the hosts finished the match with 10 men while the visitors also had penalty claims turned down by referee Ncube.

The Battle of Zimbabwe, the biggest game on the domestic scene, was, however, affected by the Masvingo referee Ncube who failed to stamp his authority on the game which fortunately ran its full course amid chaotic scenes at Rufaro.

DeMbare chief forward Ntouba was given his marching orders three minutes before full-time when he was given a straight red card for head-butting defender Muduhwa as the players were preparing to take their lines before a Dynamos set-piece was taken. The Cameroonian, who was already frustrated after he was hit on the face just after resumption by Highlanders defender Benson Phiri, and had found the opener in the first minute of the match, finally cracked on an afternoon he appeared to be a target from Bosso players. Ntouba found the opener in the opening minute when he headed into the nets from Ocean Mushure free-kick from the right.

However, the Glamour Boys felt hard done by the referee’s decision to send Ntouba for an early shower while Phiri escaped with a verbal warning for hitting the same Cameroonian striker.

Mutasa said Ntouba was bound to lose his temper but they will solider on without their chief striker who currently leads the Golden Boot race with 12 goals.

“Unfortunately he lost his temper at the end of the day. Such scenarios take some seconds to happen and I did not see much. But the same scenario happened right in the face of the referee but the young man (Phiri) went scot free and then you wonder whether some decisions differ depending with the team. “We did not create as many chances as we normally do. In a game of football at times you can even win matches when things are against you and if you want to be champions at times you need to overcome such hurdles and come out with a positive result, but it wasn’t to be today.

“As an institution, I am sure every game that we play we would want to come out victorious but these are the kind of results that you find in a football game but we cannot lose sleep over such a result, the bottom line is we have to go back to the drawing board and work on our weaknesses.

“These scenarios of losing Ntouba) do happen in football but we have registered 30 players and we have to move on as an institution, we have other 29 players to do duty for us as we wait for the young man to come back and do duty for us,” said Mutasa.

Highlanders, who showed strong resolve once they conceded, levelled the terms in the 60th minute through defender Honest Moyo who did justice to a well taken free-kick to turn and shoot for goal, beating Dynamos goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga. Earlier on, in the 52nd minute, Highlanders felt robbed of a penalty when their forward Godfrey Makaruse was brought down by defender Phakamani Dube inside the box and the referee despite cautioning Dube for the foul, did not give Bosso the spot-kick.

Five minutes before full time, tensions were simmering in the game in which DeMbare were chasing for a straight seventh victory while Highlanders were seeking to put a stop to a poor run in which they lost four matches on the trot.

And it was not surprising when a red card was later flashed. This resulted in frustrated Dynamos fans from the Vietnam stand resorting to throwing missiles onto the pitch on the 90th minute mark, briefly stopping the game.

It was a battle to have the three minutes optional time played and the DeMbare ball boys made the situation worse as another ball would be thrown into the pitch once Highlanders were in attack. This was just a poor advert for Zimbabwean football as the match was being beamed live on SuperSport 10. Highlanders coach Erol Akbay was disappointed that they were denied full points in a game which the Bulawayo giants led by Gabriel Nyoni threw everything at DeMbare after they had equalised and sought for the winning goal.

Minister Mupfumira

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
Government last Friday dispatched teams to Epworth, Caledonia, Hopley and Hatcliffe in Harare to identify and profile children engaging in prostitution for survival.

In an interview with the media on Friday after visiting Katswe Sisterhood offices in Harare following revelations by the organisation that a nine-year-old girl was engaging in prostitution, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira said appropriate action was going to be taken to stop such ills.

“It is Government’s responsibility to protect and look after all children who are vulnerable and in need,” she said. “We have to be informed and if we know about it, whether through communities or parliamentarians, we will act upon it. “Unfortunately, we were not aware, but as from now, we are going to take appropriate action that the children be looked after by Government.”

Minister Mupfumira chided Katswe Sisterhood for operating without being registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation. She criticised the media for airing a programme on radio which exposed the nine-year-old, saying it was against the rights of children.

“We need the privacy of the children to be protected,” said Minister Mupfumira. “It was wrong for the media to interview one of the vulnerable children who used a pseudo name as Lady B and expose her to social media platforms, as it is an abuse of her human rights.

“We have a fully-fledged department of social welfare to look after every child. Culturally, the community also has a responsibility to look after children and report if they identify any social ills taking place.”

Katswe Sisterhood director Talent Jumo welcomed Government’s intervention.

Mr Mutasa

Lovemore Kadzura Rusape Correspondent
The once powerful former State Security Minister and Zanu-PF secretary for Administration Mr Didymus Mutasa’s legal woos continue to mount after he was dragged to court by Croco Toyota for failing to settle an outstanding bill.

Mr Mutasa, who recently had his property attached over legal fees owed to a Harare law firm, is alleged to have serviced his Toyota Hilux vehicle registered in the name of his Lonekop Farm in Headlands, but failed to pay for the services.

Croco Toyota, which is represented by Harare law firm, Magwaliba and Kwirira, has since approached Rusape Civil Court seeking to recover $8 545 from the beleaguered Mr Mutasa.

“The Defendant (Lonekop Farm) sometime in November 2016 sought the plaintiff’s mechanical services,” reads the plaintiff’s declaration. “Plaintiff rendered its services and serviced the defendant’s motor vehicle, a Toyota Hilux whose Registration Number is ACR 1466.

“Despite services rendered at its instance, the defendant has not made any effort to pay the plaintiff

for those services. The amount owing for the services is in the sum of $8 545.

“Despite the demand, the defendant has failed or neglected to pay the outstanding amount. The

plaintiff, therefore, prays that costs be granted on a higher scale because it has been unnecessarily

put out of pocket in instituting these proceedings.

“Wherefore, it is prayed that the defendant be ordered to pay to the plaintiff the sum of $8 545

together with interest from the date of the issuance of the summons until the whole debt is paid up,

with costs on attorney and client scale.”

Mutasa is yet to respond to the claim.

Dr Mombeshora

Walter Mswazie Herald Correspondent
Some beneficiaries of the land programme resettled under models A1 and A2 in Masvingo are set for a collision course with Government, as they have vowed not to pay land rentals pegged by the State citing lack of capacity.

The most vocal are mainly cattle ranchers, particularly in Mwenezi and Chiredzi, who want Government to review the rentals, arguing that it was not supposed to use a blanket approach to fix the rents.

This comes as Lands and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has this week warned that farmers who renege on paying their land rental obligations would be kicked out.

Minister Mombeshora said this while responding to questions during the Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union 77th annual Congress in Marondera on Wednesday last week.

Government introduced land rentals that will see model A1 farmers paying $3 per 10 hectares annually and $5 per hectare for A2 farmers per annum.

Justice Rita Makarau

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter—
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has allayed fears that voter registration will end on January 15, saying President Mugabe’s proclamation which mentioned the date sought to give legal validity to the creation of a new voters’ roll. ZEC chairperson Justice Rita Makarau said this in an interview yesterday while giving the commission’s state of preparedness ahead of the voter registration exercise.

Read more:

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• All set for 2018 BVR election kits
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“It was (President’s proclamation) to give legal validity to the commencement of a new voter registration exercise and you will notice he has proclaimed a period of four months which are commencing on the 14th of September to the 15th of January,” she said.

“This is the maximum period. What is commencing now (on Thursday) is the continuous voter registration exercise which the law obliges us to carry out.

“We have actually been taken to court by some concerned citizens who have said ZEC is not carrying out continuous voter registration and our answer has always been as soon as we are ready, we will commence.

“Now we feel we are ready to and we will do so and we shall commence the continuous voter registration exercise, which should happen routinely.

“But the blitz for the 2018 elections will start middle of October and it will run up to the date that the President has proclaimed for the purposes of us coming up with a new voters’ roll parallel to that and after the blitz, continuous voter registration will continue to run.

“So, it’s starting now and it will run together with the blitz. It will continue after the blitz and it will continue as the law demands. The voters’ roll for the 2018 elections will close 12 days after nomination, but it will now be the continuous voter registration exercise not the blitz.”

Justice Makarau said ZEC was prepared for the voter registration exercise and expected to register seven million voters.

“Yes, we are prepared,” she said.

“We have received 400 kits, part of which we have been using for training the master training and technicians.

“We will still need some of those kits to train the 8 500 operators that we will require for the blitz, but there are a few that we will use at our district offices. As you know, we have 63 districts in the country and we will be conducting voter registration at these offices again in line with our constitution and in line with the electoral laws to be always registering.

“Voter registration, as you know in Zimbabwe, is continuous. We are going to commence our continuous voter registration on the 14th which is on Thursday, but we will have our blitz or the outreach programme or the intensive voter registration exercise when we have the 2 600 kits next month.

“We then start the blitz, the outreach programme up to the end of December where in addition to the static (stations) we will go mobile and go to where the people are.”

Justice Makarau said they had already submitted a $15 million budget to Treasury for the voter registration exercise.

She urged political parties that had concerns on the voter registration centres to approach their offices with suggestions to ensure no one was prejudiced of the right to register to vote.

“There is still a standing invitation to them (political parties) to come and tell us how many more voter registration centres they want us to open and where in particular they want us to open them,” she said.

Justice Makarau urged people not to confuse the ongoing mobile registration exercise by the Registrar General’s Office with voter registration.

“There should not be any confusion because the RG is only facilitating for people to get their identity documents which will enable them to register as voters,” she said. “We encourage people to come and register.

“We as ZEC, will do our best to ensure that we reach each and every eligible voter wherever they may be by the 28th of December 2017. But those who would have missed our blitz are free to approach our static or district registration offices to continue registering until the elections are called.”

Dr Utete-Masango

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent—
GOVERNMENT has ordered the recruitment of 2 300 teachers as schools reopen for the third term today, in a move expected to address manpower shortages. The order will facilitate the smooth implementation of the new curriculum that was recently introduced by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. It will also bring smiles to thousands of teachers who graduated, but could not get jobs after the Public Service Commission (PSC) froze recruitment.

The PSC cited the need for staff rationalisation to cut the Government wage bill which is chewing a huge chunk of the National Budget. A special dispensation was, however, given to critical sectors, among them the teaching fraternity.

In a letter to Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango dated August 30, PSC secretary Mrs Pretty Sunguro said the new teachers will be recruited across all provinces.

They will replace teachers whose terms were terminated in the 2016 and 2017 financial year. “Please be advised that, acting in terms of Section 8 (1) (a) of the Public Service Act (Chapter16:04), the Public Service Commission hereby appoints 2 300 teachers with effect from date of assumption of duty,” read the statement.

“Further be advised that, in terms of Section 7 (1) of Statutory Instrument 1 of 2000, the members will serve a probationary period of not less than one year and thereafter become confirmed members at the end of the probationary period. The appointments shall be on pensionable conditions of service subject to security vetting and satisfactory medical examinations.”

Dr Utete-Masango was not immediately available for comment yesterday. Apex Council information and publicity secretary Mr George Mushipe, who is also the president of the Zimbabwe Democratic Teachers Union, welcomed the development.

“The recruitment of the 2 300 by the Government is welcome. While we are alive to the fiscal space that the Government is currently enduring, we feel that the over 15 000 qualified teachers should be absorbed so as to address the current high teacher: pupil ratio in most schools,” he said.

“At the moment, we have thousands of teachers who are roaming the streets. We feel that all of the teachers should be absorbed to act as a catalyst on the implementation of the new curriculum as well as to comply with the Education Act.

Zimbabwe Rural Teachers Association vice president and national spokesperson Mr Gibson Mushangu said Government should consider deploying more teachers in the rural areas.

“The move was long overdue. For meaningful teaching to take place in the rural areas, we expect Government to fill in all the vacancies. We do not expect children in the remote areas to be shortchanged,” he said.

“We have been calling on Government to recruit considering that they have not been hiring relief teachers to cushion those who are employed. The new curriculum calls for more teachers who have the capacity to teach indigenous languages, sciences as well as of Mass displays and visual and Performing Arts.”

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira is on record stating that the PSC was ready to recruit more teachers to address shortages in the sector.

Minister Mupfumira said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education urgently required 7 000 additional teachers. She said recruitment would be done in phases.

This was after Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora said the 7 000 more teachers would enable full implementation of the new curriculum.

The new curriculum has the new syllabus which comprises of Mass Displays and Visual and Performing Arts which need to be taught by skilled personnel.

Mr Bishow Parajuli

Herald Reporter—
The United Nations has said it will continue to work with the Government to spearhead several development programmes in the country. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country representative, Mr Bishow Parajuli, told The Herald after meeting Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa Offices yesterday, that they were involved in several areas such as education and agriculture.

“We work as the United Nations system across many areas, not particularly in the agricultural sector,” he said.

“There are ongoing programmes and also there is work World Food Programme is doing in terms of how to promote sustainable agriculture.

“There is lot of work in promoting education, making sure all the children continue going to school with UNICEF and also area of water sanitation and HIV and Aids, with UNDP in partnership with the Global Fund and a lot of work in terms of promoting human rights and democratic governance with the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights Commission, as well as the Zimbabwe Election Commission. We are supporting a number of areas.”

Mr Parajuli said VP Mnangagwa applauded the work that the UN was doing in promoting development in Zimbabwe.

“We kept the Vice President abreast of the excellent cooperation between the UN system and the Government of Zimbabwe across areas, the work we did during the period of the drought and floods and also the ongoing development work, the cooperation we have in areas such as HIV, agriculture, gender and promotion of human rights,” he said.

“I also applauded his leadership in terms of implementation of UPR recommendation and we talked about how we can promote and work together to address some of those accepted recommendations and taking them forward.

“The VP highly appreciated the UN work and continued to ask for good cooperation between the UN and the Government of Zimbabwe.”

Turning to the coming farming season, Mr Parajuli said: “There is the latest forecast by the Meteorological Services Department on the weather side and the signs are good, but we have to work on a technical level in terms of preparation of and provision of various things — agricultural inputs, but we did not discuss those details.”

President Mugabe this afternoon opens  the Fifth Session of the Eighth Parliament in a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate at Parliament Building. The Fifth Session will be the last before the country goes for harmonised elections in 2018 on a date yet to be set. President Mugabe is expected to set out the legislative agenda for the session, which is expected to mainly anchor on improving the business conditions in the country and re-aligning laws with the new constitution.

Zimpapers Online gives you updates of this important event. 

 11:00 - President Mugabe and the First lady Dr Grace Mugabe has just left State house for Parliament in a Rolls Royce.

11:05 – The procession to Parliament is being led by Presidential mounted escort being led by Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Dr Augustine Chihuri.

11:10 - Proceedings of the official opening of the Fifth Session of the Eigth Parliament commenced early in the morning with the President and First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe going into a private photo-shoot.

11:19 – National anthem underway coinciding with a fly past by the Airforce of Zimbabwe.

11:24 - The President is now inspecting the Guard of Gonour

11:32 - Procession of the judiciary has just entered Parliament being led by Chief Justice Luke Malaba

11:40 - The Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, his Deputy Mabel Chinomona, Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda, Vice Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko followed by Ministers, their deputies and members of Parliament have entered Parliament building.

11:51- Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda suspends business of the House awaiting President Mugabe’s speech at 12 midday.

PRESIDENT MUGABE’S ADDRESS,

11:58 – Emphasis should be on the remaining pieces of legislation to be aligned to the constitution.

11:59- 30 pieces of legislation are still outstanding.

12:00 – Child Justice Bill which provides for a dedicated child justice system will be brought before parly.

 12:01 – The country succeeded in regaining its food sufficient status owing to the command agriculture programme. Work is also under way to invest more resources towards water harvesting and irrigation development.

12:02 – Disaster Risk management bill will be brought before the house in view of natural disasters caused by climate change.

 12:04 – The Labour Law Amendment bill to facilitate job security will be tabled before the house.

 12:06 – Land Developers Bill to bring sanity to the work of land developers will also be tabled during the upcoming session.

12:07 – President Mugabe urges the finalization and Parly’s scrutiny of the Mines and Mining bill in order to ensure successful implementation of value addition and beneficiation

12:08 – President Mugabe bemoans the continued loss of lives through road traffic accidents and that a Motor Vehicle Accident fund to accord a measure of relief to survivors and families of victims would be ideal. He also appeals to motorists and other road users to play their part in curbing accidents.

12:13 – Families, schools, churches, traditional leaders should play a key role in curbing rape. A bill for

12:15 – President Mugabe commends the defence and security forces act for maintaining peace and stability and that their operations will have to be aligned with the constitution.

12:16 – President Mugabe makes it clear that those ministers and legislators who do not attend Parliamentary sessions are in breach of the code (amid interjections from the house). He calls on ministers to lead by example.

President Mugabe officially opens the fifth session of the eighth parliament

12:20 -  President Mugabe leaves  the House

HIGHLIGHTS

Below are some of the bills expected to be brought before the house in this eighth session.

Child Justice Bill, Constitutional Bill, Prisoners and Correctional Services Bill, Disaster and Risk  Management Bill,

Buy a copy of The Herald tomorrow (13 September issue) for a detailed analysis of today’s proceedings. 

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
President Mugabe yesterday said ministers should lead by example and attend to parliamentary business, adding that those absconding lacked the conduct expected of them. President Mugabe said this while officially opening the Fifth Session of the Eighth Parliament. “We, therefore, expect robust and well-informed debate from all members who should always be present, punctual, disciplined, professional and of impeccable Parliamentary conduct,” he said.

A number of MPs then shouted that several ministers were not attending Parliament. President Mugabe then said: “Those who don’t attend, lack impeccable parliamentary conduct. Much more is even expected from ministers who should lead by example.”

The ministers’ absence from Parliament was raised by backbenchers several times during the previous session, with Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda at one time writing to President Mugabe to raise Parliament’s concerns on the issue.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF Chief Whip Cde Lovemore Matuke welcomed President Mugabe’s speech, saying it had set out the work for them.

“We welcome what the President has said, especially on the ministers’ attendance because there is no way they can deal with issues affecting the people when they do not come to Parliament,” he said.

“The proposals to deal heavily with rapists and child marriages are also welcome because this scourge is threatening the fabric of our society.

“President Mugabe also talked of improving the Command Agriculture initiative which has brought us enough food this season which I also believe will trigger growth of the economy.”

Mudzi West representative Cde Magna Mudzingwa said President Mugabe’s speech was straightforward, adding that the onus was now on parliamentarians to deliver.

“The President was straightforward and to the point,” he said.

“He pointed out the Bills that need to be debated and they cover a cross section of society and the economy.

“I am particularly happy that Bills on improving the welfare of children that were long overdue will now be debated, while the importance of research and innovation has been recognised through the crafting of a Bill to deal with that because research and innovation are the basis for any economic growth.”

MDC-T Chief Whip Mr Innocent Gonese said the speech did not touch issues affecting the people. This was despite that the President’s speech clearly outlined the legislative agenda which will deal with several Bills and other business that directly have to do with the well-being of the people and how they can smoothly go about their business.

Cde Nduna

From Walter Nyamukondiwa in KARIBA—
There is rampant corruption in the public sector, especially in the tendering of national infrastructural projects, the Corruption Index report has revealed. The report followed studies in Zimbabwe and Zambia. It noted that the rot was to blame for poor workmanship and inflated costs in some projects. According to the report, the huge sums of money involved in infrastructure projects was the major catalyst for corruption.

Presenting the report at the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers Biennial Congress in Kariba last week, Engineer Martin Manuhwa said Zimbabwe was putting in place measures to arrest corruption.

“Corruption was generally regarded in both Zimbabwe and Zambia as the main source of leakage in business entities and that embedded cultural practices and poor economic climate were key drivers of corruption,” said Eng Manuhwa.

“In Zimbabwe, the level of corruption in the public sector was found to be very rampant or very high. Although ways and means of reducing corruption were identified, there was general lack of political will to implement them.”

Eng Manuhwa said Government should put in place professional codes to fight the scourge.

He said there was need to activate anti-corruption policies.

The study, which produced the report, involved over 500 engineers, contractors, politicians and consultants from Zimbabwe and Zambia.

They noted adverse influence in selection, design, award and execution of public sector construction projects.

This comes as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission last week launched a publicity and awareness campaign to find ways to deal with corruption.

Eng Manuhwa said engineers could play a major role in exposing the rot.

They can easily raise alarm were quantities would have been inflated in construction projects.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on transport and infrastructure development Cde Dexter Nduna questioned why road construction costs remained high when 80 percent of materials were locally sourced.

“We only import about 20 percent of materials needed to tar our roads, but the cost remains high,” queried Cde Nduna. “We are still to get the reason from engineers.”

The study recommended that only ISO 37001 compliant organisations should be engaged to undertake public sector infrastructure projects.

“Recommendation was that governments, corporate and financial institutions should insist in dealing with organisations that are compliant to ISO 37001, the anti-bribery management system standard, as it is the only standard that requires the genuine commitment of top management to reduce corruption risk by curbing bribery using policies and systems that are robust,” said Cde Nduna.

Nyore Madzianike Eastern Edition
ZANU-PF intends to wrest power at Mutare City Council from incumbent mayor councillor Tatenda Nhemarare whom it accuses of gross incompetence. The revolutionary party’s Manicaland secretary for Administration Cde Kenneth Saruchera said they wanted to take over the running of affairs at Mutare City and replace the current mayor. He made the remarks while addressing a zanu-pf meeting in Dangamvura on Sunday where Mutare City deputy mayor, councillor Collin Mukwada was in attendance. Cde Saruchera said the MDC-led council was failing to meet residents’ expectations and the executive should be replaced by people who are work and result oriented.

“We were failing to make a breakthrough in Mutare and we only managed to make a breakthrough when Cde Mupfumi took over the Dangamvura-Chikanga seat. Nyika yose

yakafara nanhasi iri kufara! (the whole country was elated; today everyone is happy),” he said.

“There is going to be a by-election very soon in Fern Valley. We are all going to campaign in Fern Valley. Let’s take over that seat. I was with the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene we should make sure ZANU-PF wins that seat. We are yet to sit and map a strategy of winning that seat. We want a strategy that sends a clear message to whole of Mutare that ZANU-PF will win in Mutare. We want to take over the council. Deputy mayor, we are promising to give you another ZANU-PF councillor. But as of now start to think of a ZANU-PF mayor. We cannot work without a vision. Our vision is to take over the council,” he said.

Cde Saruchera said people should start scouting for a suitable candidate whom they would work with as a mayor. He promised to give the selected person political support.

“Let’s take over the council. I am told that there is a new town clerk. I heard people saying isimbi yebasa, chikoti (he is a hard worker). But that person needs political support; political support in controlling the council by winning majority seats. Go and scout for a good person who will not give us problems when at work,” he said.

Dangamvura-Chikanga constituency legislator Cde Isau Mupfumi sometime early last year led a demonstration in which ZANU-PF members were complaining of mismanagement and corruption at City of Mutare.

The demonstration resulted in the resignation of the then town clerk, Obert Muzavazi from his position.