Mr Mphoko

Nqobile Tshili Bulawayo Bureau
Former Vice President Mr Phelekezela Mphoko, who was recently fired from Zanu-pf and Government, is in the process of engaging the Government to negotiate an exit package.

Mr Mphoko, who lost the top job after the new administration led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over following the resignation of ex-President Robert Mugabe last month, has reportedly engaged Professor Welshman Ncube as his legal representative in the matter. Prof Ncube, an advocate, who is also the president of the MDC party, confirmed the development, but could not shed more light.

“I’m his legal practitioner on that very issue,” said Prof Ncube.

The development comes after President Mnangagwa on Wednesday gazetted retirement benefits to be enjoyed by a former President of Zimbabwe. Cde Mugabe is set to be the first beneficiary. In terms of Vice Presidents, Statutory Instrument 86 of 2015 states that a VP who served at least one term in office can enjoy exit packages such as a security officer, two drivers, and domestic workers.

The clause has created speculation that Mr Mphoko does not qualify for the benefits since he did not serve a full term. Mr Mphoko assumed the VP post in 2014 and lost it last month, two years short of a full five-year term.

Constitutional lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku said Mr Mphoko was likely to be offered his exit package as stipulated in the Constitution. Section 102 of the Constitution says a person who has ceased to be a President or Vice President is entitled to a pension equivalent to a sitting President or Vice President.

Section 103 says both an ex-President and ex-VP cannot be employed in public office or by anyone else whilst receiving a pension from the State. Prof Madhuku said the definition of a full term was only relevant to limit a President or Vice President from seeking another term in office.

“What defines a term is a constitutional instrument. The Constitution does not require any Vice President to have served any term. The Constitution requires a Vice President to have been a Vice President,” he said.

“He is entitled to his full benefits in terms of the law. It doesn’t matter how long he served. Even a person who has be a Vice President for two hours qualifies for full benefits. The constitutional provision states that a President and a Vice President upon leaving office are entitled to the same salary as the serving President or Vice President for the remainder of their life,” said Prof Madhuku.

“Secondly, they will be entitled to benefits as stated in an Act of Parliament.”

A Harare resident holds aloft a bottle containing water that is being supplied by council during a Press conference in the capital yesterday. — (Picture by Innocent Makawa)

Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
The MDC-T-led Harare City Council has admitted that the water it pumps into residents’ homes may not be safe for human consumption, and advised consumers to exercise caution until such a time that total quality is assured. Borehole water in some of Harare’s high-density suburbs was recently condemned as unsafe for human consumption, leaving residents without a confirmed safe source of potable water.

Tests confirmed that some boreholes were contaminated with the Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria which causes water-borne diseases and other health challenges. Addressing stakeholders following several pictures and video clips circulating on social media showing the city’s water as brownish or greenish, Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni said the city was raising the caution out of concern for consumers.

“Our claims that the water is chemically safe to drink will not hold if residents cannot stand the sight of frothing or foaming coloured water. This has been caused by the shortage of our main chemicals — aluminium sulphate, sulphuric acid, HTH Chlorine and activated carbon,” said Clr Manyenyeni.

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“Almost all our chemicals are imported and we have been caught in the crisis of forex. We are putting more demands for priority with the central bank. We have also requested the Ministry (Local Government, Public Works and National Housing) to push for that priority allocation,” he said.

“It is, therefore, fair to share with you all that while we assert that we are doing the best to fix the quality issues, we apologise and request our consumers to exercise caution until such a time as total quality is assured. We will do our best to fix this problem as a matter of escalated priority.”

Council is rehabilitating Morton Jaffray waterworks under a $144 million loan facility from China’s Exim Bank to end the city’s erratic water supplies. The rehabilitation is reportedly almost complete, with the contractor said to be in the process of moving from the site, but nothing has changed in terms of water quality.

Clr Manyenyeni

Council claims to have only received half of the $144 million loan, and the other half is needed to refurbish sewer works so that the quality of effluent discharged into Lake Chivero is treated to improve the quality of raw water. A number of old waterpipes are also said to require urgent replacement. The loan has not been without controversy after council directors reportedly splurged some of the money on 25 top of the range vehicles, arguing they were provided for in the contract.

There were also allegations that council bought some items at inflated prices. Cllr Manyenyeni said there was no instant solution as the efforts being made were long-term, as the city required new water sources like Kunzvi Dam, which has been on the cards for decades.

“We also suffer from the issue of having to pollute our raw water upstream, then harvest it downstream when its quality is at its poorest,” he said. “We are probably the only city which requires the most number of chemicals to treat its water.

“We need seven chemicals when other councils can get quality water with just two chemicals. This brings us to the very current issue of the quality of water we are supplying for your consumption. The water coming out of our taps is failing the eye test in some of the areas. There have been numerous pictures and video clips circulating. This has been reported over the past three months,” he said.

Cllr Manyenyeni said over the past three years, the city had increased water supplies from 400 megalitres a day to over 500 megalitres and that it was targeting 600 megalitres a day after the refurbishment of the Morton Jaffray waterworks at Lake Chivero.

Asked what residents should do given that borehole and tap water was deemed unsafe, Environment Management Committee chairperson Councillor Herbert Gomba said the city would deal with each case.

“We need to investigate the root cause,” he said. “In some areas it is dirty, but here in Glen Norah the water is clean. It is surprising that water which is treated at the same point is showing different results in people’s homes.”

File picture of a typical accident

Beitbridge Bureau
Two people were killed while two others were seriously injured when a Toyota Regius they were travelling in collided with a bus along the Beitbridge Masvingo highway.

The accident at One o’clock this afternoon near the Masvingo-Bulawayo turn-off. According to witnesses, the bus was travelling to Mutare while the Toyota Regius was heading towards Beitbridge town.

“The small car’s driver, whom we suspect was speeding, encroached onto to the opposite lane resulting in a collision. The driver and one passenger who was sitting in front died instantly while the two other occupants were seriously injured.”

The injured were rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital. No passenger in the bus was injured. Matabeleland South Police spokesperson, Inspector Philisani Ndebele was not immediately available for comment

Boniface Chidyausiku

Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter—
Government is set to appoint a new regulatory authority — Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe — to deal with State procurement following the expiry of the term of office of the State Procurement Board. The board was dissolved yesterday and board members got their letters as Government moves in to bring efficiency, with procurement now reverting to accounting officers in their entities in line with best practice the world over.

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The new Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (Chapter 22:23) repeals the Procurement Act and abolishes the State Procurement Board (SPB) and in its place, Government will set up the new body.

The awarding of tenders will now be done by accounting officers in various State departments and companies, with the authority only playing a supervisory and monitoring role to ensure Government entities comply with the new Act and other set standards. Permanent secretary in the Office of President and Cabinet, Ambassador Boniface Chidyausiku, who was also an SPB board member, confirmed the developments in an interview yesterday.

“Our term of office expires today (yesterday). We got letters to that effect. The President is now expected to appoint a regulatory authority to preside over the matters of State procurement. The new Procurement Act guides the regulatory authority,” he said.

“There will be a new set up, which is in line with best practices world over. The decision to procure now rests with the accounting officer whereas in the old system, they used to send documents to SPB for approval. We came up with the new system following consultations with the World Bank and the African Development Bank.”

Ambassador Chidyausiku said there will be a new authority with new faces, which is expected to bring the much-needed efficiency and technology such as e-procurement. He, however said there will be need for capacity building for the accounting officers to acquaint themselves with the new task.

Ambassador Buzawani Mothobi chaired the SPB board, whose other members included deputy chairperson Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, Retired Colonel Joseph Mhakayakora, Ambassador Chidyausiku, Mr Michael Musanzikwa, Engineer Martin Manuhwa, Mr Davison Norupiri, Mr William Kurebgaseka and Mrs N. Moyo.

The Government Gazette of August 4, 2017 published the new Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (Chapter 22:23) that provides for the control and regulation of public procurement and the disposal of public assets so as to ensure that such procurement and disposal is effected in a manner that is transparent, fair, honest, cost-effective and competitive; to establish the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe; and, to provide for its functions.

The scope of the new Act regulates the whole procurement cycle from procurement planning, approaches to the market, evaluation and award of tenders, contract management and disposal of assets. The Act provides for modernisation and professionalisation of public procurement and also covers public entities as defined in Section 2 of that Act.

It is believed that Government has been losing public funds through inefficient and ineffective procurement processes, which often resulted in the acquisition of sub-standard goods. In some instances, procurement officers have been accused of inflating the cost of goods and services.

President Mnangagwa addresses a National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair’s Hall 4 in Bulawayo yesterday. — (Picture by Eliah Saushoma)

Nduduzo Tshuma Political Editor—
Zimbabweans, including churches, must turn over a new leaf from 2018 and beyond by shunning all forms of corruption in all sectors of society, President Mnangagwa has said. Addressing a National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair’s Hall 4 in Bulawayo, President Mnangagwa said his administration was committed to rooting out corruption across all socio-economic spectrums.

“The church must be free from all forms of corruption. Let us resolve as a people to be honest and fair in all interactions. In this new dispensation, the culture of corruption and impunity will not be allowed to fester or go unchecked,” he said.

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“No more cutting corners, no more breaking of rules, no more using people’s money for personal enrichment. My Government is committed to zero tolerance towards corruption. Both public and private sector officials, at all levels, who engage in corrupt practices will be caught and punished without fear or favour.” The President noted with concern that corruption had spread across all sectors of society, including the church.

“I recognise that corruption is also in our streets, in our schools, hospitals and places of work and sadly also in the church. Our commitment to wipe it out will be applied across all socio-economic spectrums. I equally exhort the justice delivery system to be fair, honest and just in executing their mandate. We must all resolve to turn over a new leaf in 2018 and beyond. There can be no exceptions,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the Government was concerned with the escalation of child sex offenders, paedophiles and cases of child abuse in general. He called on the church and the general community to exercise their collective responsibility in caring and protecting children in line with the biblical teachings and cultural ethos of Ubuntu/Hunhu.

The President called on the churches to equip youth ministries within their congregations with requisite skills of counseling, rehabilitation and reintegration of children affected by abuse adding that children of all ages should be encouraged to report all forms of sexual and other abuses.

He said upon doing so, punitive measures should be enforced against perpetrators without fear or favour of one’s status or social standing in both church and community. President Mnangagwa reiterated that the church should mould the society’s moral fibre and have to be trailblazers in the transformative agenda of humanity. He also called on the church to be active participants in Government programmes and contribute to the achievement of national goals and targets towards and empowered society and a growing economy.

He cited Command Agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises development as some of the many government initiatives that the church could take part in. President Mnagwagwa said in both pre- and post-Independent Zimbabwe, the church has been instrumental in preaching the gospel of love, peace and forgiveness.

He said the historical marriage between the church and politics dates back to the liberation struggle and has been strong with many Christian denominations and missionaries being at the forefront in the fight to end colonial injustice and advancing the cause for majority rule. President Mnangagwa said the advancement of the present day’s political, socio-economic development agenda still remains part of the church’s functions and responsibilities. He hailed the Faith for the Nation Campaign, an inter-denominational body, for organising yesterday’s event for, “their patriotism, which has led us to gather to commit our great nation to the hands of our creator on the eve of the New Year.

“The values you represent and those we are here to celebrate are eternal. Prayer, humility, unity and national pride are values that we must always keep at the heart of our communities and our national life,” he said.

“Today, as we reflect and appreciate where we came from, we can resoundingly say God delivers those who trust him. We indeed went through turbulent political, social and economic times as a nation, as families and as individuals, but God has taken us through. All we can collectively say is Ebenezer, thus far the Lord has taken us.” President Mnangagwa called for unity as the country approaches harmonised general elections this year.

“There may be disagreements between us, and this is natural and healthy in any democracy. But, we should never allow our political discourse to turn poisonous. Let us as political parties campaign in peace and seek to convince the electorate that the ideology and the vision they have for Zimbabwe is the best,” he said.

“As voters, we must reward those who seek dialogue and treat opponents with respect, and reject those who preach division, intolerance and politics that seeks to perpetuate the suffering of our people. Above all, let us resolve to remember that we are family, and that what unites us as Zimbabweans is greater than anything that could divide us. We are one people united by our flag, our national anthem and indeed by the blood and love of Jesus Christ.”

President Mnangagwa

Nduduzo Tshuma Bulawayo Bureau—
President Mnangagwa yesterday declared 2018 as the year for all Zimbabweans, saying his administration will work tirelessly to create a peaceful and stable political and socio economic environment that will ensure the nation’s prosperity.

In his New Year Message that was also aired on ZBCTV, President Mnangagwa said his administration will thrive on governing, guided by honesty, transparency, accountability and discipline.

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“Fellow Zimbabweans whether at home or abroad, I would like to wish you and your families a very prosperous 2018. I also wish you good health, joy, peace and happiness,” he said in his maiden in-studio recording at Montrose Studios in Bulawayo.

“The New Year will undoubtedly have immense opportunities and its full share of challenges. But if we remain united as one people, nothing is insurmountable. Let us resolve to collectively work hard for the betterment of our country. The President implored Zimbabweans to thrive more than ever before, to be united in all endeavours, citing Psalms 133 Verse 1 which reads; “For it is indeed good and pleasant when God’s people live together in unity and harmony.”

“Government will continue to work tirelessly to create a peaceful and stable political and socio economic environment which will enable us to be a prosperous nation and to realise our full potential. 2018 should be the year of all Zimbabweans, 2018 should be the year of progress. 2018 should also be the year of credible, free and fair elections.” President Mnangagwa committed that he will continue to be a listening and responsive leader.

“I urge you fellow Zimbabweans to engage with Government, its institutions and agencies for more transparent, just, accountable and responsible governance. Indeed, no one person or institution has a monopoly of ideas,” he said. “Let us equally commit to honesty, transparency, accountability and discipline to ensure accelerated national development and progress. Collectively, we can build a new, democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe.”

Since his inauguration on November 24, President Mnangagwa has hit the ground running introducing a cocktail of interventions towards the stimulation of the economy with the aim of returning the country to its lost glory. He has also said in a number of platforms that the country should not focus on politicking but shift focus towards the economy and productivity.

Medical fees for infants, senior citizens and pregnant women\nursing mothers at State-run hospitals have been scrapped as part of measures to increase healthcare access. This takes effect immediately.

READ MORE

Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau
A Gweru woman died after she was struck on the head with a hoe handle by her husband who caught her with another man in their bedroom. Innocent Mujakachi (37), according to sources, found his wife, Solani Hlanganiso, in bed with another man when he attacked her and left her unconscious.

“She was rushed to the hospital where she later succumbed to the injuries she sustained from the attack,” said a source.

Acting police spokesperson for Midlands province Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed Hlanganiso’s death while in admission at Gweru Provincial Hospital last Sunday.
She said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect husband who is still at large.

“I can confirm that police in Gweru are investigating a murder case in which a 37-year-old woman, Solani Hlanganiso, died after she was attacked with a hoe handle by her husband after he found her with an identified guest in their house,” she said.

Asst Inp Mukwende said Hlanganiso left home on 23 December 2017 during the night, saying he was going to Shurugwi, but later came back that same night only to find his wife with an unidentified man in their bedroom.

Walter Mzembi

George Maponga Masvingo Bureau
The Zanu-PF provincial leadership in Masvingo is set to recall from Parliament four legislators believed to have been some of the foot soldiers of the G40 faction within the ruling party.
The recalls are expected to claim the scalp of former Foreign Affairs Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi.

Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Cde Ezra Chadzamira said Engineer Mzembi – who was also Masvingo South legislator – together with ex-Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Dr Paul Chimedza (Gutu South), former provincial political commissar Cde Jappy Jaboon (Bikita South) and ex-deputy secretary for transport in the Politburo Dr Daniel Shumba (Masvingo Urban) would soon be recalled from Parliament. – Details to follow

Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
A tourist was attacked and killed by crocodiles in Matopos National Park, Matabeleland South, on Sunday while another was seriously injured. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesman Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident to The Herald today.

“John Bowman and Rosemary Mitchell were attacked while peddling in the crocodile infested Mpopoma Dam in Matopos National Park. The couple was on holiday together with their colleagues. The two were rushed to the hospital where Bowman died before arrival. Mitchell is in intensive care unit in Bulawayo,” he said.

Mr Farawo said the incident was regretted.

“The matter was reported to police. We encourage our tourists to stay away from wild animals. No matter how domesticated they are, they can be dangerous. It is unfortunate that they were using air pumped boats which are not permissible,” he said.

Clr Manyenyeni

Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni has claimed that employment costs are the “big elephant” crippling council operations as even low level employees are paid two to five times more than their counterparts in similar jobs elsewhere, inflicting on the municipality a monthly salary bill of $10 million.

At a meeting with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Mayor Manyenyeni appealed to the Government to take over the salary bill as it was unsutatinable for the city. Permanent secretary Mr George Magosvongwe reportedly told him “there was no commitment to that”.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at Town House recently, Mayor Manyenyeni said it was easy to appreciate executive costs with which people were familiar but said these constituted only 3 percent of council’s wage bill.

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“Just illustrations, which I believe are sustainable across the entire council payroll, I will indicate that a council municipal guard or patrolman costs the city $1 057 per month while a ZRP (officer) costs (Government) just $400 per month, which is 2,5 times higher,” he said.

“A council nursing sister costs the city $1 527 while a Government nursing sister (earns) just over $500, that is more than three times. A private clinic sister earns between $650 and $1 000. Other indications are that a council farm guard costs $907.”

He said a messenger costs council $520, a driver $899, heavy-duty driver $1 058 and a municipal sergeant $1 266. All this, he said, translates to nearly $10 million coming from between $12 million and $13 million collected.

He said the city had other obligations for overdue amounts which must be serviced at $6 million a month, including electricity costs of $1,2 million per month.

Mayor Manyenyeni said the salaries were granted by Government in 2013 and the costs of the overpayments ranged from $3 million to $7 million or $150 million to $350 million for the past 50 months.

“Political will to fix this has been missing because the two main political parties represented in council have very strong labour backing. In 2014 I challenged management to secure a more trusted payroll system as ours suffers sustained mistrust,” he said.

“They got angry and reported me to (former) Minister (Ignatius) Chombo to have my knuckles rapped. Three years later, we still have an in-house payroll which no one outside council will ever trust,” he said.

Mayor Manyenyeni said he had suspended Acting Town Clerk Mrs Josephine Ncube and three other directors following a tribunal finding and that he was set to appoint a disciplinary committee to handle the matter.

“I had a meeting with the Ministry (Local Government, Public Works and National Housing), at which the ministry expressed its desire to see the matter concluded with speed.”

He said he had suggested that Government takes over the salary payments for two to three years while the city recovers from its financial mess.

“The ministry found the suggestion to be different and they will examine it for merit,” he said.

President Mnangagwa

Fellow Zimbabweans,

Whether at home or abroad, I would like to wish you and your families a very prosperous 2018. I also wish you good health, joy, peace and happiness.

The New Year will undoubtedly have immense opportunities and its full share of challenges. But if we remain united as one people, nothing is insurmountable. Let us resolve to collectively work hard for the betterment of our country. Let us strive more than ever before to be united in all our endeavours. “For it is indeed good and pleasant when God’s people live together in unity and harmony.” (Psalms 133v1)

Government will continue to work tirelessly to create a peaceful and stable political and social-economic environment which will enable us to be a prosperous nation and to realise our full potential.

2018 shall be the year of all Zimbabweans.

2018 shall be the year of progress.

2018 shall be the year of credible, free and fair elections.

As we enter into the New Year, I commit to continue to being a listening and responsive President. I urge you fellow Zimbabweans to engage with Government, its institutions and agencies for more transparent, just, accountable and responsive governance. Indeed no one person or institution has a monopoly of ideas. Let us equally commit to honesty, transparency, accountability and discipline to ensure accelerated national development and progress.

Collectively we can build a new democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe.

Happy New Year. God Bless Zimbabwe.

Cde Chirinda

Freeman Razemba and Walter Nyamukondiwa
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday conferred provincial hero status on the late Central Intelligence Office Deputy Director (Special Projects – Non-Traditional Threats) Cde Nickson Chirinda who died in a car accident over the weekend.

In a statement, Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services principal director Mr Regis Chikowore said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

“The Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Ray Ndhlukula, has announced the conferment of provincial hero status by His Excellency the President, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, on the late Cde Nickson Chirinda, a Deputy Director in the President’s Department.

“Cde Chirinda died on Saturday night following a road traffic accident near Chinhoyi. He has been granted a State-assisted funeral and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course,” he said.

Earlier, ZANU-PF Mashonaland West province had requested national hero status for Cde Chirinda saying he had contributed significantly to the country before and after Independence.

In an interview, provincial chairman Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi said the formal request had been forwarded to the party head office.

Cde Chirinda died on the spot when his Toyota Landcruiser rammed into the trailer of a haulage truck at the 117km peg along the Harare-Chirundu highway on Saturday night.

“It is a great loss for us as Mashonaland West province following the death of Cde Chirinda. As a province, we have looked at his history and contribution. We see that Cde Chirinda was a major farmer in the province and he is a former combatant who fought in the war,” said Cde Ziyambi.

“He worked in Government for a long time and as Mashonaland West province we have requested the party to accord him a status that befits his contribution which is national hero status.”

Mashonaland West Minister of State Cde Webster Shamu expressed his condolences to the Chirinda family saying they should get solace in the knowledge that their grief was shared by everyone.

“His death has robbed the people of Mashonaland West and Zimbabwe of a revolutionary stalwart at a time when we needed him the most as having entered a new era ushered in by Operation Restore Legacy where hard work and a shared vision are propelling us towards economic recovery,” he said.

“Family members should find solace in that their grief is shared by all of us and that we have them in all our prayers.”

Cde Shamu implored Chinhoyi Municipality to work closely with the police to establish the cause and circumstances of the accident. Cde Chirinda is survived by four children – two boys and two girls. Mourners are gathered at Number 30 Angel King Road in Mzari suburb, Chinhoyi.

A proficient farmer at his Rainfield Farm just after Lions Den, Cde Chirinda specialised in wheat and maize farming.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba

Crime Reporter
A total of 136 people died in about 1 400 separate road traffic accidents recorded countrywide during the festive season. The statistics were recorded between December 15, 2017 and January 1. Police said the number of deaths had increased by 47 people from 89 deaths that were recorded during the same period in 2016.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said most accidents were attributed to drivers’ disregard of road regulations, speeding and driving unroadworthy vehicles.

“A total of 1 398 accidents were recorded this year compared to 1 396 last year. 136 people died this year compared to 89 last year and 755 people were injured compared to 565 last year. There were 99 fatal road accidents compared to 82 last year,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba urged members of the public to partner with the police to help curb carnage on the country’s roads.

Meanwhile, police have also expressed concern over an increase in the number of pedestrians who were killed during the period between December 21 and 27.

Details to follow…

Fungai Lupande Senior Court Reporter
Harare City Council’s manager for waste water Engineer Simon Takawira Muserere today appeared in court on allegations of awarding a tender of over $1,5 million for the rehabilitation of Highlands and Chadcombe sewer systems to a company owned by his in-laws. The company, Showbyte Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, is owned by his mother-in-law, brother- and sister-in-law.

It was reportedly established in March 2010 and awarded the tender the following month. It is also alleged that at the time it did not have offices and machinery. Muserere (43) pleaded not guilty to two counts of corruptly concealing from a principal a personal interest in a transaction.

Details to follow…

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Manicaland Bureau
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to demystify the idea of adoption and foster care to ensure that orphaned children can grow up in traditional family set-ups that groom them for the future.

She was speaking at a belated Christmas party for orphaned children held at Fairfield Children’s Home at the United Methodist-run Old Mutare Mission yesterday.

The First Lady toured the home’s facilities after which she donated groceries to 14 children’s homes operating in Manicaland. Pregnant women also received gifts as she said they should be celebrated because they were the ones who bring life into this world.

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“The problem of orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children, women, and girls is close to my heart. It is a problem that is not unique to Zimbabwe, but goes beyond our borders, regionally and internationally. However, the fact that it is a common problem is not a justification for us to let the situation worsen,” she said.

“As Zimbabweans, closely knitted family structures are a vital part of our culture. Surely, we are all relatives of these children. Most of us have the capacity to accommodate them. We can take them in within our homes. Adoption is also an option that we have and we should demystify and embrace it. There is no need to fear and remain in ignorance. We should educate each other and remove the myths and unfounded social cultural beliefs that hinder us from talking care of our own.”

The First Lady said children’s homes came about as a result of instances where parents did not have the capacity to take care of their children and opted for better care in the homes.

She said the growing number of children’s homes in the country was a cause for concern, which needed a collective solution.

“What is saddening is that some of these children are mentally challenged or disabled, requiring special care. These homes are regarded as a last resort, hence their increasing numbers is now a major concern. We should collectively interrogate the push factors and explore preventive mechanisms. The mere existence of the 14 children’s homes here in Manicaland to me is the initial indication of a desire to provide for children’s needs although it is in an alternate setting from the traditional family set-up,” she said.

She commended the efforts of the children’s homes in the province and encouraged them to continue raising independent, disciplined, respectable ambitious and capable individuals.

The First Lady’s visit is part of nationwide visits she has been conducting to acquaint herself with issues pertaining to the social sector.

“This is driven not only by my portfolio as the First Lady, but my passion for socio-transformation and improvement of livelihoods as a mother. I believe that going personally to meet the people and seeing first hand their predicament is the effective mechanism that will make one understand the people’s needs and the existing gaps that require intervention,” she said.

She called on those who run orphanages to ensure that the children they raise experience the same childhood as those in traditional family set-ups.

Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, said: “The visit to this place shows that you (First Lady Mnangagwa) value these children.

“If they are valued, they will also have a sense of self-worth, which is important for them to grow up into confident adults.”

Sen Mutsvangwa said Manicaland should utilise the abundant vast natural resources available in the province to take care of the orphaned children.

“If we do this, we can take care of our children and there will be no children who do not go to school. For us to succeed, we should use what we have and be able to take care of these children and change their lives for better,” she said.

Ropafadzo Ndangariro Herald Reporter
The Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has dismissed an advert circulating on social media purporting that it will be conducting a massive recruitment drive from January 13 to January 16 this year.

In a statement released yesterday, (AFZ) public relations officer Mr Special Matarirano said the social media advert was not only misleading, but malicious as well.

“The AFZ notes with great concern a wave of misinformation circulating on social media purporting that there will be a massive recruitment from 13-16 January 2018,” said Mr Matarirano.

“The AFZ would want to categorically put it clear that the information is false and never was originated from the organisation.

“Furthermore, the AFZ does not convey official messages through social media and undesignated platforms,” he said.

“Any advert on AFZ recruitment will be disseminated and broadcast through mainstream media, such as newspapers like The Herald, The Sunday Mail and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).”

He urged the public to disregard information that is published, disseminated and propagated through unofficial social media sites or to immediately verify the authenticity of such information from the AFZ public relations department or recruitment office.

Minister Chief Air Marshal (Retired) Perrance Shiri

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Government is working on three agricultural policy initiatives to boost productivity and increase the sector’s foreign currency generation. This was disclosed by Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Chief Air Marshal (Retired) Perrance Shiri, while officiating at a horticulture stakeholders’ conference in Harare yesterday.

“You may be aware that my ministry is already working on an agriculture marketing and trade policy, the horticulture development policy and the mechanisation and irrigation development policy and has its foot on the ease of doing business peddle,” Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.

He added that agriculture was not only necessary to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery but for economic growth and foreign currency generation.

“I share with you the common view that agriculture is not only necessary for Zimbabwe’s economic recovery but is sufficient to contribute between 16 percent to 20 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) and 40 percent of exports while providing a solid source of livelihood to about 67 percent of the population,” Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.

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Failure to penetrate foreign markets, lack of irrigation and mechanisation and a decline in the horticultural sector had affected the agricultural sector’s contribution to the Minister Shiri said revival of the horticultural sector as a top foreign currency earner was a top priority for Government.

“Today we witness tobacco being the leading contributor to agricultural growth. I am convinced that horticulture is a sleeping giant. It is strategic in that it would be a direct attack on poverty, hunger and malnutrition in addition to generating foreign currency and creating high employment opportunities down the value chain.

“Historically, the horticulture industry grew rapidly during the 80s and 90s. The industry used to contribute between 3,5 to 4,5 percent to GDP and was second to tobacco in foreign currency earnings. Horticultural exports grew from $3,5 million in 1986 to $32 million in 1991 and reached its peak of $143 million in 1999,” he said.

Farmers attend a horticulture industry workshop, which was addressed by Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Chief Air Marshall Perrance Shiri (Retired) at Rainbow Towers in Harare yesterday. — (Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

The major reason for growth then, he said, was better coordination through the Horticulture Promotion Council (HPC), minimum regulation, a market-driven production strategy, high profile image on the international markets and good infrastructure and abundant land.

“As we gather here today, these conditions are no longer prevailing in the industry. The horticulture sector is now dominated by small-scale production outfits that are dotted across the country and are saddled with technological and skills challenges, inadequate credit lines to finance production hence from a peak of $143 million in 1999, horticulture exports fell to about $72 million in 2005 and $40 million in 2009,” Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.

He added that Government was willing to partner the private sector in reviving the sector and provide the requisite incentives for its growth. HPC chief executive officer Mr Basilio Sandamu said the sector was critical in generating export earnings, especially if challenges facing new entrants into the sector were addressed.

He said challenges faced by farmers included lack of funds, specialised transport and other equipment. At its peak, Zimbabwe produced 18 400 metric tonnes of cut flowers, 14 200 tonnes of vegetables and 45 000 metric tonnes of fruits.

Last year, Germany expressed interest to import 15 horticultural crops from Zimbabwe, a development likely to earn the country millions of dollars in foreign currency, as the demand for organic crops and Biotech-free cotton increases on the international market. Zimbabwe is known for producing uncontaminated crops that are in high demand on the international market.

This is expected to boost Command Irrigation and infrastructural development, with farmers having an opportunity to be trained in production and processing of the high-value crops. The crops include high quality okra, peas, beans, cucumbers, chillies, celery, broccoli and lettuce.

China has also expressed interest to import citrus from Zimbabwe, and a quarantine delegation was recently in the country to inspect citrus farms to see if they meet the phytosanitary requirements.

Phytosanitary relates to the health of plants, especially with respect to the requirements of international trade. The country used to be one of the largest exporters of a wide range of horticultural products in Africa, supplying markets in Europe and the Middle East.

Citrus exports peaked in 2001 at 45 000 tonnes, being 60 percent of fresh produce. Zimbabwe also became a valuable exporter of cut flowers, and by 2001, it ranked as the second largest in Africa behind Kenya, second among African, Caribbean and Pacific exporters, and was the fifth biggest exporter to the European Union.

President Mnangagwa welcomes to his Munhumutapa offices outgoing Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Suzanne McCourt who bade him farewell in Harare yesterday. — (Picture by Justin Mutenda)

Felex Share Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa’s administration presents Australia and Zimbabwe with an opportunity to thaw their frosty relations, an envoy has said. Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Suzanne McCourt yesterday said she was confident the new administration would achieve the desired economic development.

She made the remarks after bidding farewell to President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices. Ms McCourt is leaving the country this month after being the top Australian diplomat since 2015.

She said: “Certainly the messaging from His Excellency, the President, has been very positive, wanting to be open for business, wanting to re-engage with countries. The past conversations have not been frank and the fact that I have just had a meeting with His Excellency, the President, is an indication of that. So I am very confident that we can move on and be in a positive development.”

In his inauguration speech, President Mnangagwa pledged “sturdy re-engagement” with the international community to ensure economic development. Ms McCourt said Zimbabwe had witnessed eventful weeks since President Mnangagwa took over from former President Mugabe in November last year.

“It has been a hectic and busy time for all of Zimbabwe and the world has been watching Zimbabwe and hoping that Zimbabwe becomes the country that it deserves to be; economically strong, and a place where people live freely and happily and can meet their full potential. Zimbabweans are an amazing group of people and we hope for the best,” she said.

Ms McCourt said her discussions with President Mnangagwa centred on issues of mutual interest.

“I congratulated the President on his appointment and we talked about issues of mutual interest. Essentially, that is how we can build the bilateral relationship between Australia and Zimbabwe,” she said.

“We are grateful that we have many things and interests in common. One of those is the mining sector, an interest in developing the mining sector in Zimbabwe. There are many Australian companies who have expertise in mining in Africa. I hope this is one area we can develop, going forward,” she said.

A number of Australian companies are working in mining sectors in countries such as Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi. Zimbabwe and Australian have development cooperation programmes, which deliver water and sanitation, among other projects. The two countries have a similar climate and their economies are agro-based, with mining also playing a pivotal role.

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has extended the Biometric Voter Registration blitz for another month beginning next week to cater for those that missed the exercise that ended in December last year. Acting ZEC chairperson Mr Emmanuel Magade confirmed the development in an interview today following the release of funds by Government.

“Government has availed a substantial amount of money for the extension which will last for a month beginning on the 10th of January and end on February 8,” Mr Magade said.

Details to follow…