Cyril Ramaphosa

JOHANNESBURG. — Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was yesterday elected the new ANC president at the party’s 54th National Elective Conference at the Nasrec centre in the south of Johannesburg.

Ramaphosa won following a heavily contested race with Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. He takes over from outgoing ANC President Jacob Zuma. Following much delay, which saw proceedings run hours late, the deputy president was declared the winner, snagging 2 440 votes.

Nkosazana-Dlamini Zuma

Ramaphosa needed 2 389 votes to win. Dlamini-Zuma meanwhile, received 2 261 votes.

The rest of the ANC top six are:

● David Mabuza — deputy president (2 538 votes)

● Senzo Mchunu — secretary-general (2 336 votes)

● Jessie Duarte — deputy secretary-general (2 474 votes)

● Gwede Mantashe — chairperson (2 418 votes)

● Paul Mashatile — treasurer-general (2 517 votes)

Jacob Zuma

Ramaphosa headed to the conference with a lead of 530 branch nominations after receiving a total of 1 860 nominations from Limpopo, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape. Dlamini-Zuma, for her part, received 1 330 from the party’s biggest and second-biggest provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, and from Free State and North West.

Baleka Mbete

The ANC’s presidential position was set to be contested by seven candidates, including NEC members Jeff Radebe, Zweli Mkhize, Lindiwe Sisulu, Matthews Phosa, and Baleka Mbete, who has since thrown her weight behind Ramaphosa. The conference got off to a bumpy start as the proceedings were mired by numerous issues, including a delay in adopting credentials. In the end, a total of 4 776 delegates were eligible to vote after an initial 5 240 had applied. — IOL.

Mr Manyere

Brainworks Capital founders George Manyere and Walter Kambwanji have sold their shareholding in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed company and have now acquired the company’s investment in Getbucks.

According to an announcement from Brainworks, the company together with GetSure Life Assurance entered into transactions with the two non-executive directors — through their respective investment vehicles — for the disposal of 163 769 298 shares constituting 14,98 percent of GetBucks. This comes after the two agreed to dispose of their Brainworks shares to the benefit of institutional investors who were yet to receive their shares following a placement in October. Brainworks placed 9 088 677 of its treasury shares with various institutional investors in Zimbabwe in October subject to receipt of approval by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

“The necessary Reserve Bank and other approvals have not yet been obtained and accordingly Brainworks has, to date, not been able to deliver the shares subscribed for to the institutional investors. However, in order to be in a position to deliver to the said institutional investors’ shares in Brainworks, certain directors of the company have agreed to dispose of their Brainworks shares to the institutional investors,” said the group in a statement.

Brainworks CEO Bretts Child told FinX he hoped the transaction would increase the percentage shareholding held by the public and “accordingly we hope it will improve liquidity.” He said since listing, volumes traded have been low (just over 31 000 shares), but that’s mainly because the Zimbabwean-based shareholders were unable to trade as they do not have broker accounts in South Africa.

“The shares they hold are not in dematerialised form, being the JSE preferred way to hold shares in order to facilitate trading. As such, it is difficult to trade.” The company’s strategy is to focus on its core asset base, being hospitality, real estate and related investments.

“Accordingly, it is re-organising its investments in financial services and part of its strategy is to exit its investment in GetBucks.” The group said the funds raised pursuant to the transaction will be applied towards the restructuring of the balance sheet in order to position it for growth going forward. — Wires.

Archbishop Johannes Ndanga

Herald Reporter
The Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe has recalled its president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga on allegations of flagrant violation of the organisation’s constitution and making unilateral appointments, among other charges.

ACCZ provincial chairpersons and coordinators met on Sunday and resolved to recall Archbishop Ndanga and scrapped the life presidency position he had bestowed upon himself. In a letter to Archbishop Ndanga, ACCZ said:“It is with grave sadness that we are recalling you from the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe presidency with immediate effect because of the blatant violations of our governing constitution which you are supposed to uphold,” reads the letter.

Dr Johannes Ndanga pictured here during the Super Sunday rally addressed by ousted former Zanu-PF Women’s League Secretary  Dr Grace Mugabe in November 2017.

“Archbishop, you have violated the constitution of ACCZ Section 2 by manipulating the appointment of ACCZ patrons without agreeing with the Apostolic Bishops Conference. You failed to run the council, that caused the council to lose its office in contravention of Section 13.3 which says the books of accounts shall be kept at registered office of ACCZ or at such place as the ABC may think fit and shall always be open to the inspection of ACCZ.” Archbishop Ndanga could not be reached for comment.

Minister Chinamasa

Business Reporter
TREASURY is expected to pay farmers $840,45 million by year end for a record 2,15 million tonnes of grain delivered to the Grain Marketing Board, Finance and Economic Planning Minister Patrick Chinamasa has said.

This is Zimbabwe’s biggest harvest since 2000. Of the $840 million, Government has so far paid $600 million to farmers after delivering 1,6 million tonnes of maize to GMB. This comes after Treasury increased weekly disbursements to GMB to about $40 million to boost their planning in the current summer cropping season. Previously, farmers would go for months without getting payment. Minister Chinamasa recently told The Herald Business in a post budget interview that the country expects to deliver over 2,1 million grain to GMB and a sum of $840 million will be paid to make sure farmers’ plans remain on track.

“By year end we expect the GMB to receive around 2,15 million tonnes and a total of $840,45 million will be paid to that effect. As treasury, we have already paid an amount close to $600 million to cater for the deliveries that were made by farmers. We are paying farmers on time (five days after delivery) to ensure they have time to buy inputs and cater for their needs during the festive season,” said Minister Chinamasa.

He expects maize production to be around 2,2 million in 2017-2018 season and 2,5 million and 2,55 million in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union (ZCFU) president, Wonder Chabikwa said; “We commend the Government for timely paying the farmers but there is still a lot of work to be done as far as distribution of inputs is concerned especially the Command Inputs as some farmers under the programme are still to get basal fertiliser late alone top dressing fertiliser.

“We hope the authorities will move to catch the December 25 deadline.” GMB has also extended its payment to soya beans and other small grain crops like sorghum, rapoko, cowpeas, sunflower and groundnuts. The small grain farmers and soya bean farmers have been paid around $18 million and $15 million.

Government in 2015 pegged the maize price at $390 per tonne against the private buyers’ price of $360. Experts suggest that the country has saved over $200 million on its grain import bill due to success of the Command Agriculture programme. Some farmers are realising a good return per hectare due to favourable rains and availability of resources. There are some small-scale farmers getting seven tonnes per hectare which is a good sign to the Government and financiers of the programme. Given the $1,1 billion pledged by the banks this summer, the 2017-18 season may prove to be a good year again.

Joseph Mamutse

Sports Reporter
ZIFA have added their former finance manager Benjamin Dhewa and ex-accountant Fabian Vanganayi to a cartel of football leaders, led by their former chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze, whom the association accuse of having captured Zimbabwean football for years in which they ran a fraudulent multi-million-dollar scheme that ripped the game of its financial muscle.

The domestic football governing body wants the trio arrested for the financial crimes they allegedly committed as they worked in cahoots to milk the association during their time as leaders of both the financial and administrative arms of ZIFA.  They have dubbed it “ZIFA Capture” and claim the fraudulent activities of the trio ripped the heart off domestic football and left it resembling a shell weighed down by a debt that ballooned from $600 000 to over $7 million in less than six years.

The Warriors were also expelled from the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers, for the first time in their history, after ZIFA failed to pay the team’s former coach Valinhos about $68 000 despite the PSL having forwarded a similar amount from their coffers for the dissolution of the debt.

Jonathan Mashingaidze

The money paid by the PSL, just like about $55 000 that was given to ZIFA by their benefactor Walter Magaya for the Young Warriors COSAFA Under-20 Tournament in South Africa in 2015 did not find its way to the intended destination. This led to the prophet publicly rebuking Mashingaidze for the way his financial support ended in the wrong hands.

“I wasn’t very happy on the issue of the rands (560 000) that l gave (to the Young Warriors). Some of the players didn’t even get them, including the coach,” Magaya thundered back then.

Prophet Magaya

“Mr Mashingaidze, my support is not for you, is not on the ZIFA side, l’m not a political person. My support is on these guys (players).” ZIFA made a report to the police on Friday in which they accused Mashingaidze of running a cartel that was fleecing the association of millions of dollars in a fraudulent scheme that had left the organisation with a debt in excess of $7 million.

Yesterday, ZIFA added former accountant Venganayi and ex-finance manager Dhewa to the cartel in a report they made to the police. The developments came on the day that the Confederation of African Football also exposed Mashingaidze as the man who was working as a local spy for the continental body’s former president Issa Hayatou during the boardroom battles that eventually toppled the Cameroonian strongman from power.

Mashingaidze had gambled on Hayatou retaining his position in the battle against Ahmad and then using a dossier, which the former ZIFA chief executive sent to CAF, to boot ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa from his position as part of a cocktail of disciplinary measures against the Harare property tycoon for leading the campaign to topple the Cameroonian.

Philip Chiyangwa

Although Mashingaidze was still employed by ZIFA back then, he secretly sent a dossier to CAF outlining what he claimed to be transgressions by his boss and calling for the continental football governing body to kick him out of domestic football administration.

That CAF didn’t even entertain Mashingaidze’s package of allegations, including vote-buying and mismanagement, but have now sent that dossier back to Chiyangwa, exposing Mashingaidze’s shenanigans, also suggest that the former ZIFA chief executive’s battle to rope in either the continental organisation or FIFA to kick out the ZIFA boss are clearly a fruitless exercise. ZIFA have now gone a step further to try and nail Mashingaidze and his crew.

“We made a report with the above RRB Number (report on theft/fraud at ZIFA RRB 3370999) on Saturday 16 December 2017 wherein the accused person was one Jonathan Mashingaidze,” read a report filed with the police yesterday by ZIFA chief executive Joseph Mamutse.

“Further perusal of the information at hand has revealed that the accused worked with the following persons in committing the crimes in the report and others. Mr Benjamin Dhewa ID number 18-06224 D 18 of 1619 Damofalls and Mr Fabian Madzima Venganayi of Second Avenue, Mbare.

“The criminal activities took place over several years with the parties taking advantage of their positions and influential offices to siphon money out of the institution fraudulently.

“The three cases in the 2011 Audit Report (reveal):

1) theft of an amount of $41 215

2) theft of amount of $99 648

3) fraud amounting to $744 635

“It has now come out that the trio, working together and at times individually, stole or misappropriated or defrauded the association of various amounts on several occasions some of which are listed below:

a) Mr Fabian Venangayi stole $1 500 by way of withholding part of the gate takings and converted the amount to his own use and never returned the money to ZIFA.

b) The trio took advantage of a garnish placed ZIFA BancABC account and fraudulently withdrew money from the account and converted it to own use. “We are requesting the Zimbabwe Republic Police to effect arrest of these criminals and bring them to book.

“ZIFA is suffocating from the problems brought about by these people. It would be in the best interest of justice that the culprits return whatever moneys they stole and/or defrauded from ZIFA. We need to regain lost confidence and trust from the donor community in order for ZIFA to function smoothly.”

General Constantino Guvheya Nyikadzino Chiwenga

Felex Share Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander General Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri have retired. Announcing promotions and appointments made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said Gen Chiwenga had retired pending redeployment.

Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri

Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda has been promoted to a full General and takes over command of the ZDF from Gen Chiwenga. Dr Sibanda said Comm-Gen Chihuri will be replaced by Deputy Commissioner General Godwin Matanga in an acting capacity. “General Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga is set to retire pending redeployment,” Dr Sibanda said.

General Philip Valerio Sibanda

“Commissioner-General of Police, Dr Augustine Chihuri started his leave on 15th December, 2017, pending his retirement from the service. Deputy Commissioner-General Cde Godwin Matanga has been appointed Acting Commissioner-General of Zimbabwe Republic Police.” Gen Chiwenga has been ZDF Commander since 2003 after taking over from the late General Vitalis Musungwa Gava Zvinavashe.

Air Marshal Elson Moyo – Commander Airforce of Zimbabwe

Dr Chihuri has been Comm-Gen since 2008. On Lt-Gen Sibanda, Dr Sibanda said: “Lieutenant General Phillip Valerio Sibanda has been promoted to the rank of a full General, and assumes the post of Commander Defence Forces (CDF). Before this latest promotion and appointment, Lt. General Sibanda was Commander, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).” Dr Sibanda said Major General Edzai Chimonyo was now the new ZNA boss.

Air Chief Marshal Perrence Shiri

“Ambassador Major General Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, and assumes the post of Commander, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA). Before this latest promotion and appointment, Major General Chimonyo was on secondment to the then Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, with multiple accreditation to the Republics of Burundi and Rwanda.”

Lt Gen Dr Moyo

Dr Sibanda said there were also changes in the Air Force of Zimbabwe. Air-Vice Marshal Elson Moyo, he said, had been promoted to become Air Marshal and effectively AFZ Commander. Said Dr Sibanda: “Air-Vice Marshal Elson Moyo has been promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, and assumes the post of Commander, Air force of Zimbabwe (AFZ). Before this latest promotion and appointment, Air-Vice Marshal Moyo was Chief of Staff, Joint Operations and Plans at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters.”

Dr Sibanda said former AFZ Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri had been promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal on retirement. Air Chief Marshal Shiri is now the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement. Major General Sibusiso Busi Moyo has also been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on retirement. He is now Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister.

Major General Engelbert Rugeje, who was appointed Zanu-PF national political commissar at the revolutionary party’s Congress last Friday, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on retirement. Dr Sibanda said President Mnangagwa had also promoted Brigadiers General David Sigauke, John Chris Mupande, Paul Chima, and Hlanganani Dube to the rank of Major General.

President Mnangagwa

Bulawayo Bureau—
THE United Nations (UN) has commended Zimbabwe’s new Government for its commitment to rebuild the economy and mend international relations. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has, since coming to power a few weeks ago, pledged to rebuild the economy and normalise relations with the international community.

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In a statement posted on their website yesterday, the UN system in Zimbabwe said it welcomed the new political dispensation after President Mnangagwa’s commitment to uphold human rights, while improving the country’s economy.

“The United Nations (UN) System in Zimbabwe welcomes the expressed commitment of the Government towards: social cohesion and peace; economic recovery and job creation; improved quality delivery of social services; anti-corruption; accelerated reform efforts, including in the public sector; human security; credible, transparent and peaceful elections in 2018; and re-engagement with the international community,” the UN said.

It said it will assist the country in rebuilding the economy, as the authorities re-engage the international community and international financial institutions. “The UN System in Zimbabwe reconfirms its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe to advance sustainable, rights-based and inclusive development for all and strongly supports the Government’s commitment and efforts towards re-engagement with the International Financial Institutions (IFIs),” said the UN.

It said the country’s National Budget Statement for 2018 was sound, showing the Government’s commitment towards reviving the economy. “We also take note of the policy shifts and measures towards economic recovery, stabilisation and inclusive growth through employment creation,” the UN said. “Timely disbursements and efficient use of the allocated budgets would be critical.”

The UN pledged to support Government through its initiatives to promote accountability in the public sector and deliver social services. “Building on the long-standing engagement in the country anchored on a relationship of trust and mutual respect with all stakeholders, the UN System in Zimbabwe renews its collective commitment to support the Government and the people of Zimbabwe to realise their aspirations,” said the UN.

“In this regard, the UN System in Zimbabwe commits to scale-up its joint support to national efforts. In so doing, the UN System remains committed to the principle of national ownership and leadership, under the overarching collective commitment to leaving no one behind, with a special focus on the most vulnerable populations, particularly children, youth and women.

“The UN will enhance its co-operation under the existing strategic programme framework of the 2016-2020 Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF), signed with the Government in 2015.”

Wicknell Chivayo

Felex Share and Tendai Mugabe—
The National Economic Conduct Inspectorate (NECI) has ordered businessman Wicknell Chivayo to avail several documents he signed with the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), resulting in him being paid US$5 million pre-commencement fee for the Gwanda Solar project without a bank guarantee. The $200 million project is yet to take off three years after Chivayo’s Intratrek Zimbabwe was awarded the tender.

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This comes as ZPC managing director Engineer Noah Gwariro was this week suspended for 90 days by the power utility’s board to pave way for investigations into Chivayo’s case. Eng Gwariro has been barred from visiting his offices or ZPC premises during his mandatory leave.

NECI wrote to Mr Chivayo on December 7 requesting to be furnished with several documents that would assist in their investigation. NECI is a Government arm whose mandate is to carry out compliance checks of companies to ensure that the country is not prejudiced through prejudicial transfer pricing, as well as unfair business practices such as externalisation.

Eng Chifamba

“As part of the exercise that NECI is carrying out, may you avail the following documents for inspection – all contracts/agreements entered into with the Zimbabwe Power Company, Intratrek’s bank statements from January 2015 to date, cash books and all other documents pertaining to the Gwanda Solar Project and Munyati Power Station,” NECI wrote to Chivayo.

“An expeditious submission of the above information will be appreciated.” ZPC paid Chivayo without the businessman submitting a bank guarantee to safeguard public funds. Clause 4.2 of the contract specifies the need for a performance bond to protect ZPC against any losses in the event Intratrek Zimbabwe defaulted on the project. The contract further specifies that ZPC will release money only after receiving an advance payment guarantee.

On Tuesday last week, ZPC board chairman Engineer Stanley Kazhanje wrote a letter suspending Eng Gwariro over the Gwanda solar deal.

In his letter, Eng Kazhanje said Eng Gwariro failed to respond to issues put to him before the board that sat on December 8. He said the board meeting had “presented serious concerns regarding the management and in particular the payments made to the contractor, Intratrek Zimbabwe, with respect to the 100MW Gwanda Solar Power Station project”.

Eng Kazhanje said during the board meeting, two issues stood out, namely payments made to Chivayo without the bank guarantee and payments made on the back of payment certificates from the contractor with no work to support the certificates.

Dr Samuel Undenge

“It was your explanation that the payments were made allegedly under undue pressure from the then Minister of Energy and Power Development (Dr) Samuel Undenge, which pressure was never communicated to the board or the group chief executive (Engineer Josh Chifamba),” Eng Kazhanje said.

“In view of the above and given its seriousness and gravity, as well as concerns around it, the board of directors intends to undertake investigations into the matter. Consequently, the board, in the exercise of its prerogative on leave management, has decided to place you on mandatory leave of up to ninety days on full pay and benefits to facilitate the said investigations. The above takes effect from the date of receipt of this letter.”

Eng Kazhanje said Eng Gwariro should remain available to be recalled to resume duties if deemed necessary or to assist with investigations at any time. “While on leave, you are prohibited from taking up employment elsewhere,” he said. “We request that you cooperate with appointed authority to carry out these investigations.

“The process is simply to enable the board to fully understand what transpired in respect of the management and execution of the contract which to this stage remains unclear to us as a board. Depending on the outcome of the investigations, a decision will be made on the way forward and you shall be informed accordingly. “Should you intend to travel outside Zimbabwe, kindly ensure that you seek leave from the chairman of the board or in his absence, the group chief executive officer.”

ZPC management argues that for five months, they refused to pay Chivayo in the absence of a bank guarantee, but later succumbed to pressure from Dr Undenge. The former minister denies interference and accuses management of failing to follow laid down procedures.

Professor Jonathan Moyo

Takunda Maodza News Editor—
THE Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) could have lost millions of dollars after a bank (name withheld) in which it invested $5 million offered to settle the debt with a piece of land comprising 85 undeveloped stands in Crowhill, Harare.  This was after Zimdef failed to retrieve the $5 million investment from the bank.

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Documents in The Herald’s possession show that the Zimdef management, which was sent on forced leave by new Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira pending a forensic audit, agreed to the barter deal. They cited approval by then Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister and the Fund’s trustee Professor Jonathan Moyo.

The bank owed Zimdef $5,086,307.00.  Zimdef has been holding the bank’s property deeds ceded by the bank as security. The bank has agreed to transfer the property, Lot J of Borrowdale in full settlement of the debt owed to Zimdef. The bank claims Lot J of Borrowdale is valued at $4,187,704.00. The bank proposed to settle the difference using similar properties within Lot J of Borrowdale.

In valuation of the stands, the bank engaged Green Plan Private Limited, while Zimdef engaged Entredev Valuation Surveyors.  Valuations by Green Plan and Entredev differ significantly. Entredev argues the market value of Lot J of Borrowdale is $1 135 400. Green Plan pegged the market value at $7 365 000.00

“The first and notable difference between the two valuations by Green Plan (Pvt) Ltd and Entredev Valuation Surveyors are the derived market values as instructed by their respective clients. Green Plan (Pvt) Ltd stated a market value of $7 365 000.00 while Entredev had a market value of $1 135 400.00 giving a big variance of $6 229 600.00 between the two valuations . . . I wonder why a huge disparity in value arises,” reads an arbitration report by Mr Tomson Makuyana of Amazon Real Estate Agents.

Amazon was appointed arbitrator after the bank and Zimdef failed to agree on the value of the stands. Green Plan evaluated the stand on December 31, 2014 while Entredev did the same on February 24, 2015. Entredev argued the stands fall under Goromonzi Rural District Council zoned residential.

 Green Plan says the stands were formerly under the jurisdiction of Goromonzi Rural District Council designated Commercial or Agricultural land but now fall under City of Harare. The stands are shares held by Letstry Investments (Pvt) Ltd. The difference in jurisdiction implies a different view in valuation as status and demand in City of Harare and Goromonzi are different.

“Entredev did well in giving a clear property market review which was or is necessary under which it was working on. This may come from its own assessment or derived from monetary policy statements from relevant authorities mainly the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor or data or information from Government central statistical offices,” said Mr Makuyana.

The arbitrator said Entredev also picked the under-performance of the property market value due to liquidity challenges with mortgage finance marginally available. Generally, price recalculation of anything in the market in line with market capacity and therefore properties have seen downward trend in values,” said Mr Makuyana.

Entredev used comparable market evidence in its valuation and provided empirical evidence and sources of the comparable evidence with a selling price upper limit of $25 000.00 and an average rate of $20 per square metre, assuming a stand size of 1 250 square metres.

Green Plan argued that Lot J of Borrowdale has a potential to be granted a development permit with similar permitted land uses (being a residential housing scheme) in a gated community complimented by commercial developments like retail recreational and institutional developments, compared to Beverly Hills Golf Estate and Borrowdale Brooke.

“It appears Green Plan is not privy to the full appreciation of fact that the subject properties are situated in various locations or sections on a large scale layout with nine blocks of minimum two stands up to 20 stands. How can this be a secluded gated community? This cannot form a secluded gated community compared to Dandaro Village and Borrowdale Brooke unless if the whole Crowhill Views is developed into a gated community, which is impossible given the layout design, extent of land and the number of units which are over 3000,” said Mr Makuyana.

He said Green Plan was over ambitious and its proposal falls away. “The elaboration and benefits of such gated lifestyle and prestige communities proposal could have misled the analysis of market value by merely building castles in the air,” added Mr Makuyana.

He also dismissed attempts by Green Plan to match Crowhill with Borrowdale Brooke saying, “Borrowdale Brooke is an established successful gated sizeable community more appealing in the market as compared to the subject properties.”

Mr Makuyana also noted that Green Plan took developments envisioned by the bank in arriving at market price “even without a development permit” adding that the valuer “could have taken the idea as a proposal”. He said it was also not proper to value the undeveloped area as if it had been developed. “In tradition and practice, we are not encouraged to sell chicks before they hatch,” said Mr Makuyana. He rejected the two valuation reports by Green Plan and Entredev.

“I have the honour to include in my analysis the sale I was personally involved with in January 2015 of a portion of Lot H of Borrowdale Estate with a few improvements of dotted homes on over 20 hectare piecse of land within 3km radius to East of Crowhill Views. The land has been bought in anticipation for development. The price achieved on raw land was around $10 per square metre,” added Mr Makuyana.

He also noted that the going price for serviced land in different suburbs from Sunway City (Ruwa) to Mt Pleasant in 2015 ranged between $22 per square metre and $40 per square metre. It is only in Borrowdale Brooke where the price was pegged at $150 per square metre. Mr Makuyana ruled that “the total fair market value for Lot J of Borrowdale of $4 184 704.00 be awarded”.

Zimdef has since agreed to the deal citing approval by Prof Moyo. “Please find attached the authority granted to the Zimdef CEO by the Minister and Trustee of Zimdef, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development regarding the transfer of the 85 Crowhill stands,” reads a letter from Zimdef Project Manager Mr D. Maringa to lawyers Dube-Banda Nzarayapenga and Partners.

Efforts to get a comment from Zimdef chief executive officer Mr Fredrick Mandizvidza were fruitless yesterday. In an interview yesterday, Prof Murwira said his ministry was taking action as evidenced by the sending on forced leave of the Zimdef management and the institution of a forensic audit at the organisation.

“Why we are doing forensic audit is exactly to find out what is the state of transactions in the organisation. We really want to go to the bottom of the matter. We are carrying out a forensic audit so that we do not accuse someone without getting the facts.

“I am hoping we will get as much as possible. We want Government to function properly and be able to account for national funds. One of the President’s top priority is to fight corruption not by word of mouth but through action,” said Prof Murwira.

Dr Gumbo

Business Reporter
Troubled national airline, Air Zimbabwe, is hunting for a new CEO to replace former boss, Captain Ripton Muzenda. The firm has been battling to rediscover itself after years of poor performance allegedly due to bad corporate management.

Cpt Muzenda was fired by the Professor Chipo Dyanda-led Air Zimbabwe board last month on allegations of declining to implement a staff rationalisation exercise that was designed to save the firm up to $2,4 million. In a statement, Air Zimbabwe said it is “looking for an experienced and strategic thinking executive to oversee the organisation’s core operations and systems”.

“This is an aviation specialised command job requiring an overall operational responsibility for all airline’s core operations.” The ideal candidate is expected to providing strategic direction to the organisation; implement the airline’s vision, mission and objectives; coordinate its business activities and provide strong leadership that ensures the business is run professionally and profitably.

The new CEO is also expected to grow “the business through forging strategic links and partnerships, (and) establishing strong corporate governance culture within the organisation”. Air Zimbabwe is looking forward to recruiting a holder of a relevant first degree, aviation industry professional qualifications, at least 10 years managerial experience of which five years must have been at senior management level in the airline industry.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Joram Gumbo, recently confirmed that Cpt Muzenda had been sacked by the Air Zimbabwe board after a fallout over issues to do with turning around the organisation.

“There is nothing wrong about people losing their jobs if there is a problem. I know very well about what happened with Ripton Muzenda, but I don’t want to talk about someone’s life in public because he still has some dignity to maintain. What I know is that he had his own problems about the turnaround and the timelines, which he had been given by which to do certain things . . .

“So there were talks between him and the board until such a time that they censured him and then they agreed to part ways with him amicably because there were issues on the targets the board wanted him to meet,” said Dr Gumbo. Cpt Muzenda took over the reins at Air Zimbabwe in August last year, and ran the firm for just over 15 months.

He had taken over from Edmund Makona, who was acting CEO since 2013. Mr Makona had also taken over from Mr Innocent Mavhunga who had replaced Dr Peter Chikumba, whose contract was not renewed in 2011. This makes the Air Zimbabwe CEO’s job a volatile one, which requires someone with physical and mental stamina to withstand the pressures associated with it.

Air Zimbabwe is also in the hunt for a chief operating officer to replace Mr Simba Chikore. Mr Chikore resigned in November after giving a three notice. Dr Gumbo told The Herald Business recently that Mr Chikore — who is son-in-law of former President Mugabe — left the parastatal reportedly to negotiate the coming in of another airline, Zimbabwe Airways. Zimbabwe Airways is owned largely by Zimbabweans in the Diaspora through an investment vehicle called Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company.

FRANK BUYANGA

Business Reporter
A High Court case in which flamboyant Zimbabwean businessman Frank Buyanga, stands accused of failing to transfer 4 047 square meters of land to his client upon full payment 10 years ago stands unopposed.

The botched land deal (HC 4305/17) is on this week’s unopposed court roll. According to court documents in our possession, Mr Buyanga in November 2007, sold a piece of land being Lot 8 of 205 Greendale Township held under Deed of Transfer No. 7586/2006 measuring 4047 square meters, which property he was obliged to transfer to his buyer Collin Rose in terms of an agreement of sale .

Mr Rose paid the full purchase price of Z$51 000 000 following which Mr Buyanga was supposed to effect transfer of the property The registrar of deeds is cited as the second defendant in the case in his official capacity as the authority responsible for transfer of title deeds. According to the plaintiff’s affidavit of evidence, he entered into an agreement of sale for a certain piece of land, being Lot 8 of 205 Greendale Township held under Deed of Transfers Number 7586/2006 measuring 4047 square meters with Mr Buyanga.

The material terms of the agreement was that Mr Buyanga would sell the piece of land to Mr Rose for a purchase price Z$51 000 000. Mr Buyanga would give the plaintiff occupation and vacant possession of the property moreover that all risk and profit would pass from him to Mr Rose. As part of the agreement the seller would tender transfer of the property as soon as reasonably possible after occupation date and in any event within 14 days of the payment of the purchase price.

“In breach of the material terms of the agreement, the first defendant has, however, failed to tender transfer of the property to me as he is obliged to do in terms of the agreement between the parties,” Mr Rose said in the affidavit.

In May 2017, Mr Rose caused summons to be issued out of the High Court wherein he claimed specific performance in terms of the agreement of sale failing which the Sheriff of the High court would sign all the necessary papers to pass transfer. The summons and declaration were served upon the two defendants. The defendants have also, despite service of court process, refused, failed or neglected to enter appearance in Court.

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter—
CAPS United president Farai Jere was yesterday left a livid man after the Green Machine settled for an unwanted record of being the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s most ill-disciplined side for the second year running. Jere was not amused that Makepekepe continue to fare badly on the PSL disciplinary log table and accumulated huge fines along away.

In the season under review, CAPS United gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe cost the club $3 000 in fines for snubbing the mandatory post-match interviews.

The 2016 Castle Lager Coach of the Year was a subject of numerous complaints from the media for persistently snubbing them and often delegating such key duties to his assistants — Fungai Kwashi and Mark Mathe.

Jere noted that CAPS United could have made better use of the money they paid in avoidable penalties by channelling it either to their players or junior structures and urged their supporters to desist from acts of violence which were costing the club.

“It is very disturbing when you have to lose funds from your league prize money because it has been deducted through fines that could have easily been avoided.

“These funds could have gone to pay some of the players whom we owe money. It is not pleasing to have a record of indiscipline and when as a club you have to lose around $20 000 in fines, then you have to really look at yourselves in the mirror.

“Surprisingly, some the fans who are most vocal in blaming the club management when we are late in paying the players are the same who are accruing these fines by throwing missiles,’’ Jere said.

In their message to the Green Machine fans, the CAPS United chiefs wrote on the club website urging fans to desist from acts of hooliganism.

“It is a sad and an unappealing development to note that CAPS United has been rated the worst disciplinary team for the 2017 soccer season by the Premier Soccer League.

“The negative gesture is hinged and revolves around pitch invasions, missile throwing and other unsporting behaviour exhibited by the fans during the just-ended season.

“Besides being labelled the worst team, the institution has also lost a lot of money due to fines as a result of such unwanted acts.

“The club however, appeals to the fans to desist from engaging in any behaviour that denigrates the CAPS United brand or any action that brings the name of the game into disrepute. As we enter into the 2018 season, we urge you to STOP:

• Throwing missiles into the pitch and towards match officials

• Invading the pitch either as an individual or as a group

• Any act that may cause the abandonment of a match, and

• Insulting or attacking players, coaches as well as match officials

• “Let us all financially save the club and save the brand CAPS United.

“One Vision. One Team. One Family,’’ CAPS United said.

As his club prepares to launch a string Premiership campaign with a bid to return to the Champions League, Jere said they need to have a culture of discipline on and off the field and also ensure they are not penalised by the Confederation of African Football.

CAF, just like PSL, deduct all fines from a club’s prize money for the specific competition under their charge.

More worryingly for Jere too is the fact that CAPS United have emerged as the undisputed kings of ill-discipline after they finished the 2017 season with the worst record in the Castle Lager Premier League Fair Play table.

Makepekepe finished at the bottom of the 18-team log standings with 685 cumulative points from the various penalties they incurred during the year.

The league penalises five points for every yellow card and 10 points apiece for a red card, delaying kick-off and for using wrong entry at a match venue among other offences.

There are even higher penalty points if a club is convicted by the Disciplinary Committee or gets fined for breaching the league’s standing orders.

A fine of $499 and less attracts 10 points while anything above $500 gets 30 points. And just like the previous season, when they ironically won the title despite being the dirtiest, Makepekepe this year were miles away from the rest of the pack with a massive 685 points.

Highlanders were next on 460 points as the log table released by the PSL yesterday revealed that the so called big teams are always found wanting in terms of discipline.

Chicken Inn (420), surprisingly Black Rhinos (330) and Dynamos (320) are the top five most ill-disciplined teams for 2017.

Triangle were the best team on the Fair Play table and were rewarded with a $10 000 prize at the recently held Soccer Stars awards banquet for their efforts in keeping the game clean.

Taurayi Mangwiro’s men accumulated 185 points and were followed by FC Platinum on 190 points as the most disciplined teams.

But Makepekepe continued on the negative and their record was even worse than what they did last season.

The bulk of their penalties this year came from disciplinary fines which amounted to 450 points.

The outgoing league champions were fined $2 000 and found guilty of causing the abandonment of their Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final match against Shabanie Mine at Maglas on October 8 when assistant referee, Thomas Kusosa, was struck by a missile from the bay housing the CAPS United supporters, with the official being injured in the process.

CAPS United were also not any better on the field of play where they raked the highest number of yellow cards after their players were cautioned joint 54 times in 34 games.

Makepekepe also appear to have paid dearly for the sins of their coach Chitembwe who on countless times refused to grant post match interviews to the media against the league regulations.

According to the PSL Standing Orders 12: Offences and Fines; “For failure or refusal to conduct a pre-match or post-match interviews by the head coach, captain or player, a fine of $125 will be imposed on the offending head coach, captain and player. The club will be fined $500.”

CAPS United’s bitter rivals Dynamos and Highlanders had their coaches regularly attending the post-match interviews but they were undone by the violent behaviour of their supporters apart from the cautions and the disciplinary fines.

Bosso got the most disciplinary fines.

Chicken Inn suffered heavily for the $2 500 fine that was imposed on their coach Rahman Gumbo for causing the abandonment of the Chibuku Super Cup match against newboys Yadah.

Kapfupi on stage

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Comedian Freddy Manjalima’s life script is a sad one. From rags to riches and back to the rags again!Popularly known by the stage name Kapfupi, the musician’s life changed when he released smash hit “Mai Nga” and he was on a lane of adorable lifestyle. Promoters jostled to sign him. Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza was one promoter who brought change in Kapfupi’s life when he gave him a BMW to add on his list of other cars.

To prove that he was no longer an ordinary street theatre comedian, Kapfupi’s also ventured into business and opened a popular joint that was called “KwaMai Nga” in Epworth. For someone who used to survive on tokens of street acting, Kapfupi’s life had indeed taken a dramatic twist towards dreamland. Some loved his comedy, others enjoyed his music while Epworth imbibers relished time at his joint.

He was an achiever. However, as the test of time began to take its toll on Kapfupi, his accumulations started peeling off. Fast forward to this day, Kapfupi’s life is off the rails. It seems the downfall has affected him so much and he is reported to be consistently consulting traditional healers.

Kapfupi can no longer fund his productions. He also stands accused of neglecting his first wife Margaret Gejo. Some of his cars are now fowl runs, the bar has since been closed and shows are no longer giving him reasonable returns. Founding members of the drama club and music group Kapfupi had assembled have deserted him. The crew included Rumbidzai Vingirai popularly known as Regina in Kapfupi comedy and Charles Merisi, known as Marabha. One of his close allies Blessing “Bonjisi” Vingirai died a bitter man after they had some issues with Kapfupi.

Regina left for South Africa while Marabha has started his own productions. Marabha said he left Orchestra Ndoozvo to start his own things because things were no longer rosy.

“We would get good returns but he took it all home. All the band members were getting peanuts,” he said. The two had public fight recently accusing each other of witchcraft, but sources say their failure to agree on the little gains they would get at shows ignited enmity. Things were no longer rosy as we were getting peanuts but his problem is that he would take everything home,” Marabha emphasised. He used to fund his projects though money he got from live performances. But now he is struggling to fend for his family.” His brother Steven confirmed that things are no longer the same but the musician is pulling through.

“Things are tight for every musician, I guess, and for us we have no hit song since ‘Mai Nga’, but we are trying to put everything in order,” he said. Kapfupi admitted that all was not rosy but said he was having shows and his family is okay. Shows have just become low for every musician but mhuri yangu iri kudya nyama everyday,” he said before hanging his phone.

Born 38 years ago in Ruwa, Kapfupi attended Raymondale Primary School, where his passion for acting started in Grade 4. This was to continue in high school at Domboramwari Secondary School in Epworth, where he unfortunately dropped out in Form 2. He had to take up menial jobs that included acting and sewing to make ends meet.

In 1998, he teamed up with Jeffrey “Aphiri” Chikwesere to form True Vision Drama Club. The two later went separate ways when Kapfupi added live music to his act, leading to the formation of the band Orchestra Ndoozvo.

Seven traffic officers “gang up” against a motorist along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway in Warren Park, Harare, recently. — Picture by Innocent Makawa

APOSTLE Peter writes in the Bible that “with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day.” The dramatic events of the past 37 days can best be described thus when the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) timeously intervened to put an end to the unscrupulous dealings of the G40 cabal that surrounded former President Robert Mugabe.

By virtue of its proximity to the former President, this cabal of criminals were causing anxiety and despondency and the inevitable happened when on November 13, the ZDF launched Operation Restore Legacy, with an initial address by the then Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Constantino Nyikadzino Guveya Chiwenga.

Since November 15, the military has been deployed at strategic positions across the country.

However, on Monday, the Defence and Security Services announced the end of the Operation, an action that will see the military going back to their barracks, while the Zimbabwe Republic Police was “expected to fully take over their responsibilities and perform according to their Constitutional mandate and Client Service Charter.”

The action taken by the Defence and Security Services was an indicator that they had achieved the objectives that brought them on the streets, since it was followed by a number of dramatic events that led former President Mugabe to resign, subsequently leading to Cde Mnangagwa being chosen not only to lead the ruling Zanu-PF party, but to also constitutionally serve as Head of State and Government, and Commander-in-Chief until the harmonised elections of 2018.

During the past 37 days, the Defence and Security Services won the admiration of the generality of Zimbabweans and the international community. The manner they conducted business resulted in a smooth transition in power and foreign delegates to the Zanu-PF Extraordinary Congress last Friday sang praises to the military’s smart conduct, while pointing out that there were major lessons to learn from Zimbabwe.

This was a job well executed although they pointed out that some of the criminals had escaped and were now trying to sow seeds of dissent from their foreign bases. Our defence forces also showed that the discipline and unity of purpose they demonstrate while on foreign duty could also be applied at home and achieve tremendous results.

They go back to their various barracks, mission accomplished, but also with high hopes that this new era that was ushered in 37 days ago will propel Zimbabwe to be a leading nation economically, politically, socially, culturally and religiously, a Zimbabwe that all the citizens will be proud of. Thus they called on everyone to take seriously President Mnangagwa’s call that it will no longer be business as usual, and that Zanu-PF was now taking a paradigm shift as it will now focus on politics and economics. As the Defence Forces, they realise that not heeding this call will continue to slide Zimbabwe into economic oblivion.

The Defence and Security Services also know that they are a people’s army, thus they thanked all Zimbabweans “for their support, patience and understanding during the five weeks of Operation Restore Legacy.” It’s a mark of magnanimity that the military extended their apologies for the “inconvenience and anxiety” that the Operation “might have caused in certain circles of our nation.”

Now as the ZDF hand over policing to the ZRP, it is important to heed a number of issues they raised on unity, corruption, being law-abiding citizens, vigilance and focusing on the development of the country. Thus it is important to say to the ZRP that the ball is now in their court to ensure that their law enforcement and public relations with the people is beyond reproach.

The ZDF raised the bar in how they related to people and the police have to rise to the occasion. Policing, especially the numerous roadblocks and harassment of motorists and ordinary people that we saw in the past, will not be in sync with the new dispensation where everyone looks forward to a bright future.

The ZDF has handed over policing at the height of the festive season when many people will be travelling and we hope the ZRP will perform their duties with decorum and distinction in line with their motto ‘Pro Lege, Pro Patria, Pro Populo (for the Law, for the Country, and for The People).

UPDATES: Nyemudzai Kakore; PICTURES: Wilson Kakurira; PICTURE EDITOR: Joseph Murisi; ONLINE EDITOR: Costa Mano

1510: That concludes our live updates. Thank you for joining us.

1507: President Mnangagwa has just left the HICC. The Speaker Advocate Mudenda has adjourned the joint sitting.

President Mnangagwa

1504: The Speaker of the National Assembly has thanked His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his State of the Nation Address.

1501: The President has wished everyone a Merry Christmas and ends his State of the Nation Address.

1500: President Mnangagwa says corruption remains a major problem the country is facing. President Mnangagwa said in this new era there should be honest, transparent and accountable. On corruption, he said there should be no sacred cows. Every case must be investigated and punished he says. He says the rule of law, democracy and peace must prevail. To this he says the 2018 harmonised elections must be credible, free and fair.

1458: He says local authorities are expected to transform themselves into engines of economic growth as well as proper town planning. He says the corrupt parcelling out of land on undesignated places must stop.

1455: His Excellency says Government is rolling out the business incubation programme to boost the SMEs sector. He says the Tokwe Mukosi dam has created many developmental programmes ranging from agriculture and tourism. President Mnangagwa said programmes to put the dam into full utilisation are now in place.The President said on the social service sector the long delays in hospitals is unsustainable. He says under the 100-day target Government is committed to resolving this.

1452: President Mnangagwa says the manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery after the implementation of SI64. He says in the past few weeks the country has witnessed an increase in prices and appeals for the wanton increases in prices to stop. The President said millions of dollars for support facilities have been put in place in various sectors.

1449: He says the task remains a collective responsibility to politicians across the political divide. He says the national electricity grid will be provided with 300 megawatts before year end. President Mnangagwa commended the small-scale artisanal miners for increasing the productivity in mining. He says Government is going to handle the country’s porous of the borders.

1445: He says Ministers should be honest and accountable to the public. President Mnangagwa says Government is determined to remove any policy inconsistency so as to attract investors. He says Government is committed to open Zimbabwe to investors.

1430: He says his Government will reduce the country’s risk perception and ensure steady economic growth for the country. President Mnangagwa says his Government has made the growing of the economy a top priority. He says in line with his pledge to prioritise policy implementation, ministries have been given a 100-day target. He says they should abide by good standards of good corporate governance.

1436: President Mnangagwa says the sons and daughters of this nation demonstrated love, endurance and their love for peace urging everyone to remain vigilant to safeguard the peace and tranquillity that is existing.

1432: He commends the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for defending and protecting Zimbabwe and its people as well as upholding the Constitution through Operation Restore Legacy.

1431: President Mnangagwa says he feels honoured to make his maiden State of the Nation Address.

Commander Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda

1430: President Mnangagwa has now started his address.

1428: President Mnangagwa has just arrived at HICC.

1425: The Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda has announced that His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa will deliver the State of the Nation Address today at 1430hrs

1420: We will be giving you live updates from the Harare International Conference  Centre (HICC) where President Mnangagwa is scheduled to deliver his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate.

President Mnangagwa delivers his maiden State of the Nation Address

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter—
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday said economic growth will be his top priority in the coming year, adding that Government had set performance targets for each ministry in that regard. The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) said this while delivering his inaugural State of the Nation Address at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

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He laid out various initiatives towards economic recovery that include combating corruption and promoting good governance, revamping and or disposing of non-performing parastatals, robust re-engagement with the international community, infrastructure renewal, revamping health delivery and the holding of a credible election next year. The President warned land barons in urban areas, saying local authorities should return to proper town planning procedures and desist from setting up unplanned settlements.

“My Government has made the growing of the national economy a top priority. Key levers of this policy thrust have been covered in my Inauguration Speech delivered on 24th November, 2017 and in the 2018 National Budget Statement presented to this august House on 7th December, 2017,” President Mnangagwa said.

“In line with my pledge to prioritise policy implementation, my Government has taken it upon itself to operate on the basis of a clear set of performance targets to be implemented by each ministry within a 100-day cycle as we seek to realise the aspirations of our people within the shortest time possible,” he said.

The President implored public officers to use resources economically and efficiently to achieve the intended goals. He said Government had taken a keen interest in the operations of State enterprises to improve accountability and honesty in service delivery. “Government is putting in place concrete and comprehensive instruments in line with our new market economy thrust.

“We are determined to remove any policy inconsistencies to make Zimbabwe an attractive destination for capital. The operationalisation of the One-Stop-shop Investment Centre is now proceeding with renewed impetus,” he said. He also said Government was carrying out a comprehensive review in the harmonisation of investment laws and policies to boost the drive for foreign direct investment.

“Government will soon unveil a robust engagement and re-engagement programme with the international community in our continued bid to rejoin the community of nations. My Government is committed to open Zimbabwe up to investment by building a free and transparent economy which benefits Zimbabweans and is welcoming to outsiders,” President Mnangagwa said.

He added: “In line with the quest for increased job creation, there is need to expedite the establishment of the National Productivity Institute. The Institute will serve to promote the competitiveness of local industry. Closely related to the foregoing is the need to exploit existing social dialogue platform, the Tripartite Negotiating Forum, where Government, business and labour should collaborate and jointly implement the agreed social contract.”

He added that success of the new economic thrust would rely on rehabilitation and development of public infrastructure and other enablers such as energy, transport, housing, water and information communication technologies. The President also said successes in the 2017 agricultural season would spur economic growth in 2018 targeting financing for maize, small grains, wheat, tobacco, cotton, livestock, fisheries and wildlife production while the mining sector was expected to contribute significantly to economic growth.

“I wish to commend the small scale-artisanal miners, particularly in the gold sub-sector, who have positively responded to facilities and incentives extended by Government and have now contributed to levels higher than that of corporate gold producers,” he added. President Mnangagwa bemoaned the high rate of corruption that he said had contributed significantly to the challenges bedevilling the country. “Corruption remains the major source of some of the problems we face as a country and its retarding impact on national development cannot be overemphasised,” he said.

“The goal of my Government is to build a new Zimbabwe based on the crown values of honesty, transparency, accountability and hard work. In this new era measures are being taken to vigorously spearhead the e-Government programme, not only as a means to keep in step with the ICT revolution, but also to fight corruption,” he said.

President Mnangagwa added that there would be no sacred cows in fighting corruption, with offenders set tp face to the full wrath of the law. He once again bemoaned the recent wanton increases in prices of basic commodities saying this was promoting imortation of cheaper imports which would hurt efforts to develop local industry. President Mnangagwa said his Government was committed to democratic values and promised a free and fair election in 2018.

“Allow me to reiterate that my Government is committed to entrenching a democratic society driven by respect for the Constitution, rule of law, mutual tolerance, peace and unity. To this end, Government will do all in its power to ensure that the 2018 harmonised general elections are credible, free and fair,” he said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivers his maiden State of the Nation Address in Harare yesterday

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent—
Members of Parliament across the political divide and development partners yesterday commended the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, saying it captured the socio-economic situation prevailing in the country and reflected on measures Government was taking to address the challenges. Addressing a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate, President Mnangagwa put forward measures to resuscitate the economy, shun corruption, re-engagement with the international community as well as the holding of credible, free and fair elections.

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This was President Mnangagwa’s maiden State of the Nation Address. zanu-pf Chief Whip Cde Lovemore Matuke welcomed the President’s speech saying the onus was now on everyone to implement what the Head of State had said. “The President has laid out a path that should lead to economic growth. He touched on various issues that include fighting corruption that has caused untold suffering to Zimbabweans and the need to attract investment to create jobs,” he said.

“Now that he has laid out his plans, the ball is in everyone’s court to ensure that we implement what he has said. Everyone should play their part.” MDC-T House of Assembly chief whip Mr Innocent Gonese welcomed the President’s address and called for the implementation of measures enunciated in the statement. On corruption Mr Gonese said culprits should be nabbed and arrested without selective application of the law.

“In the past sometimes we had a lot of flowery language, the good sound bite, but in terms of actual implementation, it was found to be lacking. For me, the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” he said.

“Going forward, for us to be able to turn around the economy and re-engage with the international community, we must deal with constitutionalism and to have a trajectory on how free and fair elections are to be achieved starting with tolerance which the President made reference to.” President of the Chiefs Council Chief Fortune Charumbira said traditional leaders celebrated President Managagwa’s consistency as this demonstrated his seriousness in changing the face of the nation.

Watch video here:

He said his stance on disposing non-performing parastatals that have been bleeding the fiscus, and measures to empower the small scale miners must be commended. The Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust executive director Mr John Makamure said President Mnangagwa’s commitment to fix the fiscal deficit which is the biggest threat to economic recovery, will pave the path for economic boom.

“The President should be given ample time so that his pronouncements materialise. It is till early to make any conclusions that the pronouncements are not being implemented.” Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance and Economic Development chairperson Cde David Chapfika said the address was spot on in seeking to correct the misfortunes that have been bedeviling Government in the way it conducts its business transactions.

“As far as job creation is concerned, l think he made it clear that he is committed to the promotion of the productive sector of the economy and that will stimulate the mining, manufacturing agricultural and other sectors. It is those sectors which grow the economy and ensure that jobs are created,” he said.

Mr Gwasira

Felex Share Senior Reporter—
The first unit of Kariba South power expansion project comes on stream tomorrow and will add 150 megawatts to the national grid, The Herald can reveal. The remaining unit, with capacity to churn out another 150MW, is expected to be running by March next year. The project is part of Zanu-PF’s economic recovery programme under the Zim-Asset Infrastructure and Utilities Cluster.

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The Kariba project began in 2014 and is being undertaken by Sinohydro, a Chinese State-owned hydro-power engineering and construction company. Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira yesterday said the first unit will be running tomorrow. “Projections are that Unit 7 will come on line on December 22 (tomorrow),” he said.

“When it comes on line, it will be on load for a seven-day test period whilst it is being monitored. The unit will be generating during this test period.” He said the unit would be commissioned soon.

“Commissioning will be done after relevant consultations have been concluded,” Mr Gwasira said. Unit 7 is Zesa’s Christmas present to the people of Zimbabwe.” Indications are that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will preside over the commissioning. Kariba South expansion project is expected to reduce power imports which have seen the country parting with millions of dollars monthly.

Zesa is importing about 350MW from neighbouring countries. The power utility is getting 300MW from Eskom of South Africa, which it owes $50 million. Zesa is clearing the debt in instalments, but the process is taking long since the power utility is also servicing current supplies. Constant power supply is one of the key enablers in the economic recovery drive.

The country needs about 1 400MW for industrial and domestic use, but is currently generating 900MW, with the balance being covered by imports. Power imports have also helped seen Zesa significantly reduce load shedding, which was last experienced in December 2015. Apart from the Kariba South expansion project, Zesa is refurbishing its power stations while also working on another expansion project in Hwange.

Acting Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga

Freeman Razemba Crime Reporter—
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday admitted to inadequate supervision and unbecoming behaviour by some members as having eroded public trust, faith and confidence in the force. Addressing senior officers in Harare yesterday, Acting Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga said they would not hesitate to resuscitate the National Development Committee and to empower the Inspectorate Unit to enhance supervision of police activities at all levels.

“There is a well-known Shona saying that, ‘kugona chivi kuzvituka’, may I, therefore, urge all of us to self-introspect, accept that our challenges emanate from lack of or inadequate supervision and unbecoming actions by some of our members, which have no doubt eroded public trust, faith and confidence in the police service,” he said.

“The young police officers need our constant and regular guidance so that they do not stray and malign the good name and image of the police service.” Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said refresher, developmental and induction courses would be conducted with renewed vigour so that all officers had in-depth knowledge of police work.

Customer satisfaction, professionalism, respect, courteousness and restraint, Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said, would be the epitome of all police activities. “As we thank the President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for bestowing his trust on us to continue serving as members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, I urge you not to abuse this trust,” said Acting Comm-Gen Matanga. “Never should we act contrary to the oaths we took to serve the people of Zimbabwe with unbending fortitude, professionalism and loyalty.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police shall never again work in manners that will make it lose confidence and trust of the people it serves. When the people speak, we ought to listen attentively. Need I remind you of the well publicised message from His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa that the voice of the people is the voice of God?” Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said they were going to roll out a battery of measures to improve their way of doing business in order to connect with the people.

He assured the nation that the ZRP would be heavily deployed, patrolling all communities both urban and rural. Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said they would also be conducting traffic awareness campaigns in an effort to curb road carnage and encouraging members of the public to drive safely on the roads.

He said President Mnangagwa assured the nation that the forthcoming elections would be conducted in a peaceful and democratic environment, so it was the role of the police to facilitate the provisioning of such envisaged environment. “Let us wholeheartedly rally behind the new Government’s efforts of rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe,” said Acting Comm-Gen Matanga.

“May I implore all of you to follow proper communication channels and keep yourselves abreast of pronouncements by Government, its policies and trajectory. I am hopeful that you derive benefit from the President’s inaugural speech and the maiden speech by our minister (Cde Obert Mpofu) we sent all of you (senior officers) recently.”

Acting Comm-Gen Matanga applauded the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for closely partnering the ZRP throughout Operation Restore Legacy. He said the concerns of members of the public were now common knowledge and most of concerns arose from traffic law enforcement. “Complaints are double-pronged,” he said. “Firstly, they serve as a feedback from the users of our service and secondly they are an indicator of matters that need to be addressed in our planning and implementation strategies.

“That, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, like most modern police organisations, derive their legitimacy from the people is beyond doubt. As an organisation, we long accepted this viewpoint and committed ourselves to continuous learning under public scrutiny.”

He added: “Indeed, our Code of Conduct, the Police Client Service Charter and all our policies emphasise the need for professionalism in the discharge of our policing mandate at all times.” Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said the force had been tarnished through continued acts of corruption by unscrupulous elements in their midst.

“In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police shall enhance swift justice to perpetrators of corruption and other criminal acts through undertaking thorough investigations.” The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner-Generals Innocent Matibiri (human resources), Levie Sibanda (operations) and Josephine Shambare (crime), commissioners, senior assistant commissioners and assistant commissioners.

President Mnangagwa bids farewell to the Acting President Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. Pictures by Justin Mutenda

From Tendai Mugabe in PRETORIA, South Africa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived here for his one day working visit to meet his South African counterpart President Jacob Zuma as well as attend a high level business meeting that he will address this afternoon. The trip is part of President Mnangagwa’s measures to revitalise the economy by attracting foreign investment.

He was received at the Waterkloof Airbase by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana Mashabane and Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa Isaac Moyo. Currently, President Mnangagwa is having a meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma at his Mahlamba Ndlopfu official residence. President Mnangagwa is accompanied by his special advisor Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Lt General Sibusiso B Moyo, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Industry and Commerce Dr Mike Bimha as well as Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Jorum Gumbo.

President Zuma welcomes President Mnangagwa. Picture by Tendai Mugabe

Meanwhile, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has been appointed the Acting President. In a statement, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said, “During his absence and in terms of section 100 (1) (c) (i) of the Constitution, His Excellency the President has designated the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, the Honourable Oppah Chamu Zvipange Muchinguri-Kashiri, as the Acting President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.”

In South Africa, President Mnangagwa is expected to address a high-profile business conference involving Zimbabwean and local business people keen on investing in Zimbabwe.
The meeting comes at a time the Government has announced plans to amend the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act that is viewed by some as a barrier to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

The law requires foreign investment of more than US$500 000 to have at least 51 percent local share ownership with the investor retaining 49 percent. The proposed amendments to the law would see the 51 /49 percent requirement applying only to diamonds and platinum. During his State of the Nation Address yesterday as well as his inauguration speech on November 24, President Mnangagwa put economic growth on top of his priority list.