Reward Kangai

Fungai Lupande Senior Court Reporter
former NetOne managing director Reward Kangai appeared in court yesterday on allegations of hand-picking his relatives and close associates for contracts to erect the company’s base stations before paying them rentals in advance.

It is alleged that he prejudiced the telecommunications company of millions of dollars. Kangai is also accused of choosing service providers for the company without following tender procedures.

He is facing 21 counts of criminal abuse of duty and was remanded to January 31 on $800 bail. As part of his bail conditions, Harare magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa ordered Kangai to surrender his passport, report to the police once a week and not to interfere with witnesses. His lawyer Mr Nyasha Munetsi said he had issues with the legality of his client’s arrest.

“There are no reasonable grounds to suspect that the accused committed the offence. He was summoned at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and he gave them detailed information,” said Mr Munetsi.

“NetOne concealed all the documents to the investigating officer and ZACC was obliged to follow up and investigate. None of that transpired.” Prosecuting, Ms Linda Gadzikwa alleges that sometime in October 2014, Kangai unlawfully and corruptly sanctioned payment of rentals in advance for four base stations without authorisation and approval from the board of directors.

Kangai allegedly showed favour to Bopela Family Trust by sanctioning the advance rental payment of $10 500, which covered a period of 21 months. Richwood Sports Club was paid $33 000, which covered a period of five years, while Avondale Christian Church was paid $27 000, which covered three years.

It is alleged that house No. 514 Chipembere Road, Windsor Park in Ruwa, Harare was paid $5 400. The court heard that NetOne has no provision for advance rental payments and the lease agreements entered between the company and base station landlords have no provision for such. It is alleged that Kangai’s conduct was prejudicial to NetOne and other landlords whose rentals were not paid. Kangai also approved a loan of $80 000 to Bopela Group (Pvt) Ltd without approval of the board.

It is alleged that the loan approval was outside NetOne’s mandate. The company lost $155 900 as a result. The court heard that between January 2014 to December 2015, Kangai unlawfully failed to comply with Section 8 of the Procurement Act Chapter 22:14, including Statutory Instrument 171 of 2002 and Statutory Instrument 126 of 2015, in the selecting and engaging service providers.

He allegedly hand-picked Espol Advertising (Pvt) Ltd, Sectional Poles South Africa, Convergys (Pvt) Ltd, Bopela Group (Pvt) Ltd, Gemalto (Pvt) Ltd, Afrosoft (Pvt) Ltd and Imago Communications.

The total tender value for the above companies was $17 594 700. The court heard that on eight different occasions, Kangai abused his authority by giving directives to his subordinates on the acquisition of base station sites. The procedure required three survey reports before the final selection. It is alleged that construction work at the sites commenced without survey reports.

The court heard that surveys were later done as a cover up. Sometime in 2014, it is alleged that Kangai ordered the installation of a base station at stand No. 103 Goodhope along Lomagundi Road. The property belonged to his aunt, Ms Joyce Kangai.It is alleged that Kangai failed to disclose his personal interest and relationship with Joyce.

Willard Katsande

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor—
SOUTH Africa’s Premiership might be the hub in which Zimbabwe’s best players yearn to play, but the Supa Diski has been slammed for its declining standards that are now impacting on the two countries’ national teams. There have been debates on whether the league that our top players call their haven is the best they could feature in and whether it was adding value to the Warriors‘ cause. Although it offers a window for better pastures for the majority of the domestic Premiership players, it is the quality of the competition in the South African elite league that has often been questioned.

Those fighting in Supa Diski’s corner have argued that the fact that their giants Mamelodi Sundowns won the 2016 Champions League was testimony of the healthy state of the ABSA top-flight.

But this week, South African football came under the spotlight once again, with one of the longest-serving expatriate coaches Muhsin Ertugral slamming the declining standards of the league that is home to such key Warriors players like Khama Billiat, George Chigova and Willard Katsande who captained the senior team to the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

Ertugral — who has had an on-off relationship with South African football — is back in the country and now in charge of modest outfit Ajax Cape Town that recently signed the Zimbabwe duo of midfielder Gerald Takwara and striker Ndoro.

The Turkish mentor told a Press conference in Cape Town after his team’s 2-1 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in a midweek league clash that he believes the current state of South African football is getting progressively worse. Ertugral first arrived in South Africa in 1999 when he was entrusted with mentoring Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and coached former Warriors midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha and winger Kelvin Mushangazhike at Amakhosi.

In what would become an on-and-off 20-year relationship with South African clubs, Ertugral went on to guide other Absa Premiership teams including Santos, Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates. But in what was an honest post-match Press conference after the Urban Warriors’ loss to Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this week, Ertugral said he believed football in the Absa Premiership is not getting any better.

“In that side in Europe, it’s a different world out there. When I came first in 1999 to this country (SA), it was totally different football that was played. So, it’s getting more worse,” Ertugral said. I feel like sometimes coming back here it’s like the highways, you can’t follow the cars. Precision is more important. Players are getting so much money in this country they don’t know what to do with it. And they want to play in Europe, who is going to take you there?”

Ertugral explained how he helped former Cape Town City captain Lebogang Manyama get signed by Turkish side Konyaspor and revealed how the 26-year-old has been struggling to get game time. “The best player Lebo Manyama which I have put in Turkey, to Konyaspor, a great team in Turkey which are not doing very well and he’s not considered to be on the bench,” said Ertugral.

“The coach tells me, ‘What is this’? Guys, out there is not easy, tell me one South African player that plays in the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italy or in the German Bundesliga — we need to ask ourselves why not? In the 90s I don’t know how many? These are questions that need to be asked.”

Ertugral did offer some advice as to how to curb the problem. “I’m still on the FIFA technical committee and that’s what we are discussing every time,” the 58-year-old continued. In the end, what we are going to present to the coaches that they are going to do? In South Africa, it’s like you’re going to the primary school, to the university. I just spoke to a friend of mine from Freiburg, he’s the head of the academy at Freiburg. He said to me once a week the players must do a presentation on a topic.

“We can hardly talk to our (South African) players, they just listen. They don’t give feedback because they’ve been suppressed, and that’s what the problem is. It’s important to me that they need to talk, they need to be open because when the whistle blows, they need to play. They don’t want to talk to you guys (media), these elements, they need to be a little more educated and that’s our problem, the coaches’ problem.”

Ertugral received the backing of ZIFA technical director Wilson Mutekede on his evaluation of the South African game. Mutekede, who is spearheading ZIFA’s development programmes expressed concern that most of the players who had shown potential in Zimbabwe had become content with just securing a contract in the Super Diski.

The former Twalumba and Shabanie Mine coach said the fact that local players saw the Absa Premiership as their ceiling meant that the Warriors would always be exposed when they faced continental heavyweights like Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Egypt or Algeria at such stages like African Cup of Nations tournament.

Mutekede also reflected on how the Warriors were badly exposed during the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon when drawn against the likes of Algeria, Tunisia and Senegal, the bulk of whose players ply their trade in the European leagues. “Having heard what Muhsin said I must say although it might have appeared a mouthful, I subscribe to most of what he said.

“When you are a coach you need problem solvers on the field of play and we don’t seem to see a lot of that in our players because they do not communicate as much as is needed. During my time at Twalumba we would place the players in groups every Monday to review our previous games and get them to give their own input,” Mutekede said.

Mutekede said it was saddening that the tough operating environment in the country had also contributed to the wrong mindset by local players who are just content with earning better salaries in South Africa. “There is an element of contentment than the hunger to do more on the field of play. When somebody goes to South Africa the dream to do more fades away and the hunger to go and play in Europe is lost in the bright lights of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria.

“We also have a challenge where South Africa is quickly plucking some budding players from here before they have even advanced their careers. While we always live for money the duty of coaches should also be to educate players. We should also look at aiming for the bigger picture and Muhsin’s comments should be taken as an eye opener although some pundits might not agree with him,’’ Mutekede said.

Mutekede had a chance to briefly work with the Warriors for two international friendly matches last November and the former CAPS United team manager warned that as long as Zimbabwe and South Africa do not have enough numbers in the world’s top five leagues the two countries would continue to struggle in Nations Cup and World Cup assignments.

“Our best players are playing against Baroka and Free State Stars yet the likes of Riyadh Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are playing against top quality opposition at high intensity every week and that gulf then shows when it comes to the World Cup qualifiers or AFCON.

“For me players like Thomas Chideu (Golden Arrows) and Prince Dube (SuperSport United) were flowers that were plucked by South Africa before they even turned into fruits and we are almost guaranteed that their next destination is a flight back home because as long as someone like Prince is getting paid well he might not have the hunger to play or even further his career in a bigger league,” Mutekede said.

Depositors in banks that closed prior to June 1, 2016 are compensated using the old cover limit of $500

Business Reporter
SIX failed banks that owe creditors have slim chances of recovering depositors’ money as it has emerged the financial institutions have an aggregate net liability of over $190 million.

Allied, Interfin, Royal, Trust, Genesis Investment and the now defunct Afrasia (formerly Kingdom) banks, have failed to pay the bulk of their creditors given that their liabilities of $284 million outweigh their $93,4 million assets. Deposit Protection Corporation CEO Mr John Chikura, told The Herald Business that the net liability is $190,6 million and if they had assets, they could be sold and pay off the debt.

“The biggest problem is the liabilities are greater than the assets.” So far, the DPC has recovered $93 million from the banks’ debtors and assets and the next step will be pursuing directors of failed financial institutions to recover funds.

“That is why the DPC has sued the directors of these banks because they have depositors’ funds and we must recover all of it,” he said. The DPC commenced operations on July 1, 2003 as an independent statutory body established by Government to administer the Deposit Protection Scheme.

A deposit protection scheme enhances consumer protection in the event of bank insolvency. Since 2003, the DPC has compensated depositors of nine failed banking institutions: Century Discount House, Rapid Discount House, Sagit Finance House, Genesis, Royal, Interfin, Trust Bank Corporation, Allied and Afrasia.

Some financial institutions made resolution arrangements outside the DPC, and these are National Discount House, High Veld, Intermarket, and Trust, Royal and Barbican banks whose assets were sold to Zimbabwe Allied Banking Group in 2005.

DPC has paid out $3,2 million out of $6,4 million to clients of failed banks. Government created the DPC to provide a safety net for clients who lost money when banks collapsed. The cover was increased from $500 to $1 000 in June 2016 pursuant to provisions of Section 41(1) of the Deposit Protection Corporation Act (Chapter 24:29).

Payments for depositors of these institutions except Genesis are still ongoing. On the liquidation front, about $8, 57 million has been paid out as dividends to creditors of the six (6) failed CIs under liquidation.

The average estimated dividend to concurrent creditors is about 15 percent. Depositors with $1 000 or less in their accounts get all their funds while high net-worth clients and corporates are paid through the liquidation process on a pro-rata basis. Depositors in banks that closed prior to June 1, 2016 are compensated using the old cover limit of $500. Mr Chikura said reimbursements were progressing well.

“The funds are available and depositors only need to submit a claim form and we will reimburse them within five days via respective banks or mobile phone transfers. All depositors from AfrAsia, Allied, Interfin, Royal, Genesis and Trust banks are welcome,” said Mr Chikura. There are indications that many depositors are unaware of the cushion provided by the DPC.

Besides compensating depositors in the event of bank failure, the DPC also participates in the resolution of failing or failed member institutions and liquidation of closed banks. The deposit guarantee scheme ensures depositors are reimbursed part or all of their money in the event of a bank failure. It is compulsory for every banking institution in Zimbabwe to be a member of the DPC.

Economist Mr Luckson Zembe said; “The supervisor, the Reserve Bank, must not allow banks to operate when they have run out of capital. If they use their capital and exhaust it, they must not be allowed to use depositors’ money to pay salaries, pay rent or pay bonuses out of depositors’ funds.

“If the RBZ closes these banks when their assets are still intact, then the position will be better, the recoveries will be better.” The number of depositors in the closed banks is 54 990, of whom 11 600 have been compensated.

All registered banks are required to pay 0,2 percent of their deposits per year towards the Depositors’ Protection Scheme. DPC has entered into a partnership with ZIMPOST in which depositors in the remote areas of Zimbabwe are now able to walk into any of the ZIMPOST offices to collect or submit claim forms.

The Corporation has engaged in public awareness programmes, which include roadshows, press, radio and television adverts as well as the social media (WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook). DPC also intends to conduct more brand awareness workshops with industry players including banking institutions and mobile money operators. The corporation recently opened an office in Bulawayo for the convenience of people in Matabeleland.

Vice Presidents General Constantino Chiwenga (rtd) (left) and Kembo Mohadi bid farewell to President Emmerson Mnangagwa while Minister of Environment, Climate and Water Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri looks on before his departure to Angola at Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare today. Picture by Justin Mutenda

Felex Share in LUANDA, Angola

President Mnangangwa has arrived in Luanda, Angola ahead of his meeting with his counterpart President Joao Lourenco today. The Head of State and Government is accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo, permanent secretaries George Charamba (Information, Media and Broadcasting Services), Partson Mbiriri (Energy and Power Development), Ringson Chitsiko (Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement) and senior Government officials.

He was welcomed at the at the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport by Angolan External Affairs Minister Manuel Domingos Augusto and Zimbabwe embassy officials.

More details to follow…

President Mnangagwa

Felex Share in Luanda, Angola
President Mnangagwa yesterday narrated how he escaped the clutches of people who wanted to eliminate him, including his tortuous journey through landmine territory in neighbouring Mozambique before landing in South Africa.

The Head of State and Government opened up on the previously unknown details of his “great escape” while addressing Zimbabweans resident in Angola yesterday. He also took the opportunity to announce that he no longer has traces of poison in his body after his doctors gave him a clean bill of health last week.

Chronicling how he escaped into Mozambique after he was warned of a plot to eliminate him, the President said he had to walk for long hours, in some cases taking precautions to avoid possible landmines.

He said there was an attempt by security details at the border in Mutare to shoot him, but that this was foiled by his sons.

“I was fired at 4pm and left the office and by 6.30 pm, one of the security guys came to inform me that he must be part of a group that had a mission to eliminate me,” he said.

“I didn’t think it was pleasurable to wait to be eliminated. I left within four hours of being fired for the Mozambican border. I arrived at the border and our side of the border stamped my passport, but before they could lift the boom for me to cross into Mozambique, it was closed. The message came that I was not allowed to leave Zimbabwe. I said in that case there was no need, I (will) go back. They said again I was not allowed to go back into Zimbabwe but I said ‘you can’t stop me’. What case have I committed? As I was walking away, they tried to fire (at me) but I have one young man, one of my twin sons, was there. He is an officer and was able to grab the weapon and I was not shot.”

The President went on: “Then you know for many years I operated in Mozambique in the department of security. I know the area and it’s infested with land mines. Those things are still there, you walk in-between strings to avoid landmines. I did (that) from about 9 pm until about 7.30 the next day. I arrived in Mozambique and we had a lift back to the border to have my passport stamped again on the Mozambican side. Then I phoned a colleague from South Africa that I was on my way to Beira. By the time we arrived in Beira, a small plane had arrived from South Africa to pick me up and I went to South Africa.”

He said he informed South African authorities that he was in their country through Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete.

“Mbete is a good friend of mine,” President Mnangagwa said.

“So she came to where I was hiding and she told President Jacob Zuma that I was there.”

On his health, he said: “You have heard about me being taken ill at a rally in Gwanda. I am not so clear as to at what stage I took the poison, but I took it. I was airlifted to South Africa and I recovered; that’s why I am here. I am aware that the poison content at the time was around 361 percent, but after six days it came down to about 11 percent. I am happy that last week I was declared (poison) free. It is now undetectable. So we are the same now in terms of poison content.”

The President outlined the processes and developments that happened in the country for him to become the Head of State and Government.

He also detailed how the G40 cabal used dirty tactics through the so-called Presidential Interface Rallies in an effort to eliminate him.

Acting MDC-T President Engineer Elias Mudzuri (centre) talks to a maize vendor during his tour of the Southerton industrial area in Harare yesterday. – Picture by Innocent Makawa

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Acting MDC-T president Engineer Elias Mudzuri has joined the race to take over the reins of the opposition party from ailing leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, who is battling colon cancer.

Mr Tsvangirai on Monday hinted on early retirement from active politics for the first time since disclosing his condition in 2016, fuelling frenzied speculation that one of his deputies, Mr Nelson Chamisa, was set to take over by suggesting the need to hand over “the levers of leadership” to a younger generation”.

Eng Mudzuri threw his hat in the ring yesterday while addressing journalists after touring banks in the Southerton industrial area of Harare.

Also read:

• Tsvangirai didn’t plan succession, he fluffed it!
• Why not Madam Khupe for MDC-T president?
• Tsvangirai silences Tamborinyoka
• Tsvangirai statement stokes tensions in MDC-T
• Chaos rocks MDC-T as bigwigs boycott meeting
• Tsvangirai hints at retirement

“In the unlikely event that he (Mr Tsvangirai) fails (to recover), I think you can see that we have able-bodied people in the MDC; it’s an organisation, one of us should be able to take over,” he said.

Pressed to state whether he was prepared to succeed Mr Tsvangirai as MDC-T leader, Eng Mudzuri stated: “I am saying I could take over. One of us should be able to take over; I am one of them, so am I not saying one of us?”

Mr Tsvangirai was diagnosed with cancer of the colon in 2016 and has been receiving treatment in South Africa since then.

Eng Mudzuri was last week appointed by Mr Tsvangirai to temporarily run the affairs of the party while the opposition leader continues to receive treatment. Mr Tsvangirai has led the MDC since its founding in 1999 but has lost all subsequent Presidential elections, with the 2013 poll loss being the most devastating, leading to immediate calls by his subornates for him to step down.

Mr Tsvangirai’s condition has intensified internal squabbles between supporters of Eng Mudzuri and those of his co-deputies Mr Chamisa and Ms Thokozani Khupe on who should succeed him.

Following Mr Tsvangirai’s announcement that he could soon retire from active politics, his spokesman Mr Luke Tamborinyoka clashed with party spokesman Mr Obert Gutu accusing him of encroaching on his turf after the latter sought to dismiss the statement that Mr Tsvangirai could soon step down.

Mr Chamisa and Ms Khupe also snubbed an election directorate meeting chaired by Mr Mudzuri in Bulawayo on Tuesday, with the two believed to be actively pushing for Mr Tsvangirai to retire.

The bickering over the succession and health of Mr Tsvangirai forced his family this week to issue a statement, saying matters concerning the opposition leader’s health would from now on be communicated to the public through Eng Mudzuri.

Eng Mudzuri however downplayed the power struggles in the party.

“There are no internal squabbles; where are the internal squabbles? You are creating it. I don’t know who is squabbling with whom. I have got all my colleagues; we are talking, we are forging forward. I don’t know which internal squabbles you are talking about,” he said.

He added that the MDC-T had the capacity to turn around the economy.

“The MDC is the best party in the country. It has got all its structures intact. It has an acting president and a president who has a vision, who knows exactly how to sort out this economy,” he said.

Eng Mudzuri was accompanied during the tour by MDC-T deputy national chairman Mr Morgan Komichi and youth assembly secretary-general Mr Lovemore Chinoputsa.

MDC-T presidential spokesman and director of communications Mr Luke Tamborinyoka told journalists that Eng Mudzuri had been directed by party leader Mr Tsvangirai to make the tour to see how the people were coping in the current economic environment.

The team toured four banks in the Southerton area, where people in bank queues said there seemed to be no respite to cash shortages for now.

They complained that banks had reduced withdrawal limits to only $50 per week, with the amount being dispensed in coins that were inconvenient to carry.

“The acting MDC leader also toured some industries such as Bak Logistics complex that have now been reduced to empty shells because there is no longer any production taking place in the country,” said Mr Tamborinyoka.

“He also spoke to vendors selling their wares in the Southerton area, who complained that the liquidity crunch and the state of the economy had affected their businesses,” he said.

As per norm in the MDC-T, there was no mention of the impact of Western sanctions on the economy, which they invited at the turn of the millennium to fight Zanu-PF’s land reform programme.

Felex Share in LUANDA, Angola
Government is identifying bottlenecks that have hindered economic growth in the past years and taking corrective measures, President Mnangagwa has said.

Addressing Zimbabweans based here yesterday, the Head of State and Government said time for infighting was over and officials were now expending energy on development issues.

“That is now behind us,” he said.

“We want unity, peace, bygones to be bygones and we want as a people to move forward and rebuild our country and economy. Zimbabwe is now open for business.

“We are doing everything possible to identify any bottlenecks in the area of economic growth and in the area of business attraction in the country to make sure Zimbabwe becomes competitive again in terms of attracting capital in our country.

“You are here, but home is home. We receive you with open arms. We want your skills back home.”

President Mnangagwa said some pieces of legislation were being modified to attract investors.

“In that regard, I looked at the indigenous laws which we had passed and we have modified those laws,” he said.

“Everything has been opened. We only now remain with two minerals which are affected by our indigenisation Act. The two minerals are diamonds and platinum.

“Anybody can come in and make (his or her) own arrangements as you enter the sector.”

He outlined opportunities and Government plans in sectors such as infrastructure development, agriculture, energy, tourism and mining.

He reiterated that elections would go ahead as scheduled this year.

“We are going to general elections in four, five months time,” he said.

“Fortunately, with all the members of the opposition we are agreed. We have taken a stance that we shall have zero tolerance to violence. We want peaceful, credible and fair elections in Zimbabwe and I have no doubt we are going to achieve it.

“All of us in politics are determined to make a difference because there is no need of harming ourselves.

“This is our country together and we must develop it together. It’s a matter of who has a better programme to achieve a situation of growth, creation of jobs for our young people and so on.”

He said most concerns Zimbabweans and Angolans have would be addressed through the Joint Commission expected to meet soon.

Samantha Chipoyera and Freeman Razemba
Police have named six accident victims who died in two separate road accidents in Mbembesi and Glen Norah B earlier this week. In a statement, chief police spokeswoman Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the six had been identified by their next of kin.

The two who were killed in Glen Norah when a trailer unhooked from a Jarax-owned cross-border bus are Alice Mitchel Chabuka (16), a female juvenile of house number 9734 Glen View, Harare and Sabulawa Siziba (50), a male adult of Glen View 4, Harare.

Those who were killed in the Mbembesi accident have been identified as Nesbert Marara (33), a male adult of house number 6249 Gwabalanda, Bulawayo; Gift Tinashe Musewe (26), a male adult and Edward Manzombe (40), a male adult.

The quartet perished when a Toyota Spacio vehicle they were travelling in side-swiped a haulage truck before colliding head-on with another truck at the 396km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo highway near Mbembesi.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is deeply concerned with the loss of lives in road accidents.

Our sincere condolences to the bereaved family members. We are urging motorists to avoid speeding and exercise caution when travelling.”

Authorities are concerned about rising accidents, particularly in Harare.

In a separate statement on Thursday, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe said Harare province accounted for over half of the 42 430 accidents recorded countrywide in 2017 at 23 140.

Midlands and Mashonaland West provinces followed after Harare with 2 621 and 2 511 accidents respectively.

Matabeleland North recorded the least number of accidents (870), although the number of deaths increased from 89 in 2016 to 102 in 2017.

Overall, the total road accidents, at 42 430 last year, represent a 10 percent increase on 38 620 accidents recorded in 2016.

Also road fatalities increased by seven percent to 1 838 in 2017 from 1 721 in 2016.

But injuries associated with road accidents dropped by 8 percent to 10 489 in 2017 from 11 379 the previous year.

Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
Three Harare City Council directors boycotted disciplinary hearings this week and took council to court, arguing their suspensions were unlawful because they were without pay or benefits, contrary to provisions of Section 140 of the Urban Councils Act.

The trio — Dr Prosper Chonzi (health services director), Mr Tendai Kwenda (finance director) and Cainos Chingombe (human capital director) — made an urgent chamber application at the High Court, saying their suspensions infringes on fundamental human rights which require their cases be dealt with expeditiously.

“The applicants, being senior executives of council, are public figures and their reputation is now at stake in the eyes of the general public owing to the unlawful suspensions, coupled with grave allegations of misconduct against them such that it will be impossible to regain, and the possibility of securing another employment close to nil,” argued the trio through their lawyers Dube, Manikai and Hwacha.

The three were suspended together with acting town clerk Mrs Josephine Ncube, who has also challenged her suspension, arguing that Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni does not have the legal standing to suspend a chamber secretary.

Meanwhile, the MDC-T-led council is now being questioned for taking two years to rescind a decision by the Kurasha Commission of 2005 and 2008 that empowered the town clerk to review allowances for executive managers.

Technically, this meant that since council and not Government employed the directors in question, the town clerk had the discretion to set salaries even above Government’s salary cap of $10 450.

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
Government will continue paying Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers who are already employed, but has frozen the recruitment of more teachers for such classes, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima has said.

Prof Mavima dismissed claims of policy inconsistency in Government, saying Finance and Economic Planning Minister Patrick Chinamasa indicated that Treasury did not have the resources to recruit an additional 6 000 teachers.

He said schools could recruit more teachers through School Development Committees.

The latest announcement puts paid to speculation that Minister Chinamasa wanted to stop paying salaries for ECD teachers.

“Let me say that there is no policy inconsistency with ourselves and the Finance Ministry,” he said.

“The teachers who are in stream continue to be supported by Treasury. We needed to recruit additional teachers for ECD, almost 6 000 of them, but Treasury indicated that at this particular point in time, we do not have fiscal space to do that.

“The Ministry of Finance has committed to pay as soon as the fiscal space permits; we are going to allow for the recruitment of the additional teachers.”

Prof Mavima was responding to questions without notice posed by Glen View North legislator Fani Munengami (MDC-T), as well as Chegutu West National Assembly member Cde Dexter Nduna (Zanu-PF).

Prof Mavima emphasised that schools should not turn away pupils for non-payment, but should arrange for payment plans.

Schools, he said, should not withhold results, as well as turn away vulnerable children under the Basic Education Assistance Module for non-pavement.

“We are bound by our Constitution to respect the right of the learner to education; so on that basis, no school is supposed to turn back any learner for non-payment,” said Prof Mavima.

Separately, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde July Moyo said Government was in the process of regularising some of the unplanned settlements in urban areas.

Houses constructed in wetlands, including those located where there is no reticulation or water services, he said, will be reviewed first.

He said land barons will be brought to book.

Bulawayo Bureau
Government has tightened border controls and mobilised resources following heightened fears of a possible cholera outbreak in the country after the disease killed 67 people in neighbouring Zambia.

The disease, which broke out in Zambia in October last year, is infectious and causes severe watery diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated.

It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

There are fears it could spread to Zimbabwe because of high cross-border activity between the two countries.

The Lusaka Times of Zambia says as of January 10, at least 2 905 cholera cases had been recorded in the country.

During a Civil Protection Unit (CPU) meeting at the Hwange District Administrator’s office on Wednesday, Hwange District Environmental health officer Mr Talikobila Mwembe called for a multi-sectorial approach in cholera prevention.

“In preparing ourselves for a breakout that may affect the country anytime, we would like to encourage a multi-sectoral responsibility, whereby Government, local Government and the education sector work together in terms of preventing the epidemic,” said Mr Mwembe.

He said the ministry had mobilised equipment at all 45 health institutions in the district and reserved 45 cholera beds at Victoria Falls District Hospital.

Ambulances and motorcycles have been mobilised for hard-to-reach areas, including laboratory consumables and medicines.

He said the provisions fell short of requirements.

Mr Mwembe said there was a shortage of health personnel to man some border posts.

“Human resources are available in all categories though there is a critical shortage in environmental health departments manning the Pandamatenga and Kazungula border posts. This is risky as there are chances of cholera getting into the country through some food stuffs,” he said.

Victoria Falls Municipality has since stopped Zambian vendors – who get into the town on a daily basis to sell maize cobs, fruits and vegetables – from crossing into the town to sell their wares to limit chances of the epidemic spreading across the border.

Hwange DA, Mr Simon Muleya said there was heightened alert in the district considering the proximity with Zambia.

“In the district, we have Victoria Falls which is a stone’s throw away from Zambia and possible gateway for cholera. We have to be on the alert and prevent it from entering the country,” he said.

“There’s no budget allocation for the CPU from the central bank. However, we work on donations. We call for stakeholders and well-wishers to be on the alert and assist in case of an outbreak.”

Mr Muleya said the ministry had availed $380 000 for awareness campaigns on cholera.

Zimbabwe last had a cholera outbreak in 2008.

President Mnangagwa

Tendai Mugabe in WINDHOEK, Namibia
Zimbabwe will never be the same again as Government is addressing all challenges facing the nation with renewed effort and vigour, President Mnangagwa has said.

Addressing Zimbabweans resident here after meeting his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob on the third leg of his regional tour to apprise fellow Sadc leaders on developments in Zimbabwe that culminated in his ascension to the Presidency, Cde Mnangagwa revealed that his call for the return of externalised funds was being heeded and substantial millions had since been returned.

The President revealed that he had given all Cabinet ministers targets to meet within their first 100 days in office, and some opposition parties were already claiming that he had stolen their manifestos, saying as long as the ideas fell within the purview of the national interest, he was duty-bound to attend to them.

Also read:

• Don’t quiz people returning externalised funds: RBZ
• Over $3 billion externalised
• EDITORIAL COMMENT: Heed President’s call, return loot
• Experts hail ED’s stance on externalisation
• 3-month amnesty to return looted $

He explained amendments made to the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act as well as the vast opportunities presented by the new dispensation across all sectors.

“Let me assure you that Zimbabwe is not the same again and will not be the same again,” he said.

“My administration focuses on the following issues, one — unity, unity, unity. Love, love, love. Work, work and work. All Zimbabweans we get united under our national flag and national anthem. We accept that we may have different views about how to run the country and that again, we accept it. So, we don’t need violence at all whether with the family or the community or the country.

If people differ, differ peacefully. It must be an intellectual difference in terms of approach. That should not be developed into violence. We must accept each other as sisters and brothers determined to develop our country. I think we have more than 27 opposition parties in the country but with my focused administration, I hardly see whether they will find ground left behind which I am not taking care of.

I said so back home and the response is that, Cde Mnangagwa has taken over our various manifestos. No! My administration addresses the national interests of our country and where the ideas of any opposition party coincides with national interests, that I take on board and it becomes mine and not theirs. Secondly, as a party, which is Zanu-PF, we are determined to walk the talk.”

President Mnangagwa explained the opportunities available for investment in areas such as mining, agriculture, education, tourism and infrastructure development among others.

With regards to mining, the President said Government had removed the 51 percent local shareholding requirement and restricted that to diamonds and platinum only. He said in the agriculture sector, Zimbabwe had managed to restore its breadbasket status after successfully implementing the Command Agriculture programme last year.

Said President Mnangagwa: “We have to look at our educational institutions. During our time, when we went to school a long time ago, we were educated in order to look for jobs to be a clerk or nurse or a driver but we are saying, our tertiary institutions should have curriculums that talk to the industry so that what industry requires, the institutions must produce products who can work in the industry meeting the requirements of the industry.

There should be this inter-marriage between the needs of industry and the institutions producing graduates from our institutions. That time is now over where universities pride themselves for producing many graduates. They must produce graduates who can fit our economic times – the technology of today and not all of them should be products who look of employment. They must also be creators of employment.”

President Mnangagwa said Government had set aside a fund to assist young people keen to start businesses that create employment. On his visit to Namibia, President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lt General (Retired) Sibusiso Moyo and Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba.

Meanwhile President Mnangagwa returned back home last night and he was received at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by his two deputies General Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga (Retired) and Cde Kembo Mohadi among other Government officials.

President Mnangagwa

Felex Share Senior Reporter
The number of people making bank deposits has increased significantly in the past three weeks, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

The Head of State and Government said a banking culture is important in normalising the cash situation in the country.

President Mnangagwa made the remarks while addressing Zimbabweans resident in Angola last Friday.

Zimbabwe has been battling to end cash shortages that began in April 2016 on the back of illicit financial outflows, a huge trade deficit and the lack of a savings culture.

“We have shortage of transactional cash because we don’t print the US dollar,” President Mnangagwa said.

“We only have the US dollar coming through Diaspora remittances, exports we make, bilateral or multilateral transactions and foreign direct investment coming into the country. Those are the sources of foreign currency we have, but the challenge is we have more imports than exports.”

He said the daily updates he was receiving from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe showed an upsurge in the number of people making bank deposits.

“Currently, in the last two to three weeks, things have been improving,” he said.

“The queues are reducing and people are getting money on the ATMs and some withdrawing from the banks directly. Things are improving because the atmosphere has become good. On a daily basis, I get to know from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor (Dr John Mangudya) the increases of people now banking. People were not banking (in banks) but were banking under the pillows. A bit of civilisation is coming around and they are banking through the normal banking system.”

Some banks are now dispensing United States dollars, which has been welcomed by depositors.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa said Ziscosteel, which ceased operations in 2008 due to financial challenges, will soon resume operations.

Government has secured $1 billion investment for the revival of the steel giant from R and F company of China.

Last week, President Mnangagwa met the Chinese investors that are willing to revive operations at the steel manufacturer, which is viewed as strategic to the turnaround of the economy.

“With regards to Ziscosteel, we have a Chinese company that has come forward and the agreements will be signed soon,” he said.

“Last week, we had an interaction with the companies that have come in to resuscitate Ziscosteel. We believe it’s on course.”

An initial effort to resuscitate the steel giant through an Indian conglomerate Essar Global collapsed in 2015.

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Five armed robbers allegedly pounced on a couple in Glen Norah C, Harare during the night and went away with $37 000 cash and mobile phones after torturing the couple with a hot iron.

Mikia Pirikisi (31), Tariro Mutsamanye (27), Daniel Munyanyi (40), Gilbert Tavagadza (47) and Leonard Huni (34), allegedly threatened to shoot the couple when they refused to disclose where they kept their money.

The gang used a hot iron to ‘iron’ the couple’s bodies and they gave in to the torture and disclosed where they kept some of the money.

The suspected robbers appeared in court yesterday before Ms Vicky Mashamba facing charges of armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.

They were remanded in custody to January 29 with instructions to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecuting, Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on January 3, the gang went to the couple’s house and scaled over the precast wall.

They allegedly used a crowbar to break the kitchen door and entered the house.

They proceeded to the couple’s bedroom and found the couple sleeping.

It is the State’s case that one of the gang members drew a pistol and threatened to shoot the couple if they failed to comply with their demands.

The gang assaulted the couple with an iron bar all over their bodies while demanding cash, the court heard.

They went on to plug in an iron before using it as a weapon to unleash terror on the couple. As a result, the complainants succumbed to the torture and disclosed to the gang where they had hid $5 300.

However, the accused persons were not satisfied with the loot and they ransacked the house and further stole another $32 000, the State alleged.

Daniel Nemukuyu and Nokutenda Chiyangwa
CHIEF Justice Luke Malaba said the Judiciary was amending rules governing the courts of law with a view to remove technical and physical barriers that make justice inaccessible and costly for the litigants.

In his address marking the opening of the 2018 legal year, the head of the Judiciary said access to justice for all was the hallmark of any civilised and democratic society.

He said the rules were being amended from the magistrates’ courts right up to the apex court.

Significant progress, he said, had so far been made in the review of the rules with the Labour Court rules having been gazetted into law end of last year.

“We have completed reviewing the Supreme Court rules, the Labour Court rules and the Magistrates’ Court rules. We have submitted these rules to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for the process of promulgation into law.

“We now await the promulgation of the Supreme Court rules and the Magistrates’ Court rules.

“The High Court rules review process is almost complete. It is hoped that these rules will be submitted for promulgation during the first quarter of 2018,” said the Chief Justice.

Access for justice for all, he said, was a fundamental right enshrined in the supreme law of the country.

It was also a vital value of the JSC’s strategic plan.

“One of the core values of the Judicial Service Commission strategic plan is to ensure that there is easy access to justice for the people of Zimbabwe. As the Chief Justice and chairman of the JSC, my passion is on access to justice.

“The constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees to every person, the right of access to the courts, or to some other independent and impartial tribunal or forum established by law for the resolution of disputes.

“Justice cannot be complete unless there is proper access to it,” he said.

Chief Justice Malaba urged judicial officers to remain cognisant of the need to do justice to all, irrespective of status and to dispense justice efficiently and promptly.

He said JSC had brought justice to the masses’ doorsteps through construction of new courthouses countrywide decentralisation of the High Court.

“One of the activities that the JSC has been carrying out relates to construction to ensure the availability of courthouses close to the people and improving on the facilities found at existing courthouses.

“Whilst we have made commendable progress in the construction of court houses in all provinces, the focus for the time being has been shifted to ensuring that the environment at each courthouse is in keeping with the vision of providing world class facilities and services,” he said.

JSC has also embarked on an electronic case management system that tracks matters from the date of filing to completion.

Delays in the completion of matters, according to the Chief Justice, will soon be a thing of the past.

“In using the system, we will be able to identify bottlenecks that are causing delays in our processes. We will then make the necessary interventions in order to rectify the anomalies. In short, the system will bring in efficiency in our courts, assist in reducing backlogs and, critically, it will help to eliminate corruption,” he said.

JSC acting secretary Justice Rita Makarau has since embarked on a countrywide tour of court stations to assess the challenges facing the courts and when necessary provide immediate solutions to improve the quality of justice.

“I have directed the acting secretary of the commission to visit every station in all the provinces to assess the state of repair or disrepair of physical infrastructure and assess the functionality, adequacy or otherwise of office/court furniture and other equipment.

“In deserving instances, and where possible, the acting secretary and her team are directed to take immediate measures and address the challenges affecting operations,” he said.

ANTANANARIVO. – The death toll from a cyclone that hit Madagascar about 10 days ago has risen to 51, with another 22 people reported missing, authorities said on Sunday.

Tropical Cyclone Ava passed through Madagascar on January 5-6, hitting mostly the eastern coast of the island with wind speeds of between 140-190 kph.

The death toll had been put at about 29 people a week ago.

The National Office of Risk and Disaster Management said in a statement on Sunday more 54,000 people were displaced by the cyclone.

In March 2017, Cyclone Enawo killed at least 78 people on Madagascar’s vanilla-producing northeastern coast. – Reuters

Tendai Mugabe in WINDHOEK, Namibia
President Mnangagwa will visit China in April as his new administration intensifies re-engagement efforts with all countries of the world to rebuild the economy. Addressing Zimbabweans resident in Namibia yesterday, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was ready to re-engage with all countries of the world.

“In relation to international relations, on that subject, 35 minutes after I was sworn in, I was sent an envoy Mr Rory Steward by Mrs Theresa May (British Prime Minister) and the message was that they would want to have good relations with Zimbabwe. Open up again, re-engage. As an old focus, I said I am very happy that Britain has opened its door because Zimbabwe’s doors have been open all along, so we will be equal. Secondly, because this a surprise move by the UK which we welcome whole heartedly — at the time I didn’t have a Cabinet. I was just alone. I told him I needed my Cabinet first, so that we look at priorities and see which areas you can come in and assist.

“Then the second envoy came from the Peoples’ Republic of China and the message was the same. I will be going to China in April and working out areas of cooperation in that regard. But besides, we have envoys as well as messages of encouragement and congratulations from like (Angela) Merkel and want Germany to work with us, from (Vladimir) Putin in Russia the same, Brazil the same, India the same and from the Pope. Very few people receive congratulatory messages from the Pope and I received one myself.

“You can see the goodwill across the board, from Australia, from Canada to mention just a few and there are so many delegations coming to Zimbabwe on various areas of economic activity and cooperation and we are very happy with that. I can also see that our people, with a focused administration, are ready to work. They are ready to move.”

In his address, President Mnangagwa explained events that led to his elevation as the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. He said he was lampooned in public at nine Presidential youth interface rallies.

President Mnangagwa left the gathering in stitches when he said the 10th interface rally was a church gathering held in Harare where instead of preaching the word of God, the gospel was about beating him like a snake.

He said the following day he was fired from his position as Vice President.

President Mnangagwa said a few individuals who had surrounded former President Cde (Robert) Mugabe were taking advantage of his old age to abuse him.

He said that was evident when Cde Mugabe called him asking about his whereabouts when he was fired from the party and Government.

President Mnangagwa said Cde Mugabe told him over the phone that he was not aware that he was fired from the party and that he was in South Africa and asked to him to return home and have the issues resolved.

Pamela Shumba Bulawayo Bureau
Government has released civil servants pay dates for this month, with all the sectors expected to receive their salaries by January 30.

Civil servants yesterday hailed the Government for proposing to pay all the civil servants their salaries within the same month of work, but called on their employer to release the 2017 bonus dates to enable workers to plan. Those in the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force and the health sector are receiving their salaries today while the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services and the Zimbabwe Republic Police will receive their salaries on Friday January 19, 2018.

Those in the education sector will receive their salaries on January 23, 2018 while the rest of the civil servants will be paid on January 26, 2018.

Pensioners and grant-aided institutions will be the last group to receive their salaries on January 30, 2018.

Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander applauded Government for paying civil servants on time, saying this is what they have been advocating for.

“It’s important for workers to be paid within the same month of work. This is what we’ve been clamouring for and we’re grateful to the Government for making an effort to pay its workers on time.

“We’re hoping that payment dates for 2017 bonuses will also be announced soon so that civil servants can be able to plan for their 13th cheques,” said Mrs Alexander.

She commended civil servants for being patient and committing themselves to their work during difficult times.

Elita Chikwati Senior Agriculture Reporter
Some areas are expected to receive localised heavier rainfall in excess of 30 millimetres as farmers in most areas are now in panic due to erratic rains. According to the Meteorological Services Department, Matabeleland North, north of Midlands, Harare, Mashonaland provinces, Manicaland and Masvingo, it is forecast that it should be cloudy and warm with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

“Localised heavier falls (in excess of 30mm) may occur along the central watershed as well as the eastern highlands of Manicaland Province. These thunderstorms may be violent with lightning, damaging winds and hail. Accordingly, avoid open spaces and sheltering under isolated trees,” said the MSD.

Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and south of Midlands are expected to be mostly sunny and warm with some scattered clouds.

“Isolated afternoon showers, thundery in places cannot be ruled out,” said the MSD.

Meanwhile, farmers in some parts of country are worried as their crops are now showing signs of moisture stress while others have failed to plant because of the dry weather conditions.

In some areas, farmers are already battling with pests that are promoted by the continuous dry weather conditions.

According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fewsnet) December outlook, below normal cumulative rainfall has been received across the country since the start of the 2017/18 rainfall season in October and November.

“The worst affected province is Mashonaland West, one of the highest surplus-producing areas in the country. Planted area is lower than typical in most areas and agricultural activity is below-normal as well,” read the report.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Mr Wonder Chabikwa yesterday said the situation was dire in some areas, particularly the northern parts of Manicaland.

“We have received erratic rains and they are not favourable for crop production. In some areas, we still have crops that were planted, but have not yet germinated, especially in Zvimba, Chegutu, Mazowe and Makonde. We hope we will receive meaningful rainfall that can take us through to the end of March in quantity and distribution,” he said.

MSD head of forecasting services, Mr Tich Zinyemba confirmed that the rains have been erratic.

He said the MSD was carrying out cloud seeding, but this was only possible if the clouds were conducive for rainfall.

President Mnangagwa

Moses Magadza in WINDHOEK, Namibia
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa left hundreds of Zimbabweans living here in stitches yesterday when he offered “practical tips” on how to become President of a country.

“First, you need to be poisoned and you need to survive the poisoning. Next, you need to become a border jumper. Thirdly, you need people like (Lt-General Sibusiso) Moyo somewhere,” the President said to roars of laughter from Zimbabweans who gathered for a business forum with him in Windhoek.

The Zimbabwean Head of State and Government was taken violently ill while at a rally last year. He had to be airlifted to South Africa for treatment, which he now says was successful.

He survived another attempt on his life shortly after he was fired from Government and fled partly on foot to Mozambique before catching a flight to South Africa from the port city of Beira. He returned to Zimbabwe to take control of the country as he had promised within weeks.

Lt-Gen Moyo(Rtd), now Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, announced the advent of Operation Restore Legacy that culminated in the resignation of Cde Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power.

Lt-Gen Moyo (Rtd) was a Major-General in the Zimbabwe National Army when the army stepped in to deal with what it described as a criminal cabal that had surrounded Cde Mugabe and was causing untold suffering to ordinary Zimbabweans. The lot fell on Maj Gen Moyo, who holds a PhD in International Relations, to appear on state broadcaster the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and after saying “Good morning Zimbabweans”, to contextualise the military intervention.

On Monday Lt-Gen Moyo’s now familiar booming voice rang over the public address system in Windhoek as he introduced the President.

“Good afternoon Zimbabweans,” he began, but had to wait for nearly a minute while those in the audience, familiar with his authoritative voice and events leading to Mugabe’s resignation, ululated and clapped.

On his part Mnangagwa, who was relaxed, friendly and joked most of the time, said when he spoke to his predecessor on the telephone shortly after his tactical retreat into South Africa, the then president had asked him to report to State House to help “resolve things”.

The new Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who was in Namibia to meet his counterpart Hage Geingob, said after 37 years of “sweet independence”, it was time to work and to rebuild Zimbabwe’s economy.

He said he had set targets for his first 100 days in office and called for all hands on deck, saying he would not hesitate to crack the whip on uncooperative or incompetent Cabinet Ministers.

On food security, President Mnangagwa said the Command Agriculture Scheme, which he spearheaded while he was Vice President, had been a roaring success. He revealed that there were plans to build more dams in the country so that Zimbabwe could be food self-sufficient come rain or shine.

He said work had begun on dualisation of Zimbabwe’s major highways as well as on upgrading the country’s railway network.

A former white commercial farmer, who now lives in Namibia asked the President if it would ever be possible for him and others to return to Zimbabwe “and grow and export like we used to.”

President Mnangagwa said white commercial farmers, like all other Zimbabweans, could apply for land from the Government “and join the queue” or go into joint ventures.

Asked by veteran former newscaster Joseph Madimba how calls for people who stashed money outside Zimbabwe had been received, The President said substantial amounts of money had already been returned. He revealed that he had a list of people, who had spirited money out of the country and warned that appropriate measures would be taken after the grace period.

It was a hilarious moment when President Mnangagwa said: “I thank you!” at the end of his remarks and his captive audience roared back: “Asante sana!” which Mugabe once said to the disappointment of many, who expected him to resign when he addressed the nation at the height of the transition. He only later stepped down when a joint sitting of the Zimbabwean legislature was in the process of impeaching him.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, who accompanied President Mnangagwa to Namibia, called for Zimbabwe’s own currency, saying relying on foreign currency “kutenga mazhanje ne mbeva” (to buy African chewing gums or snot apples and mice) was not sustainable.

Mr George Charamba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services in Zimbabwe was also part of the delegation to Namibia. SADC PF Secretary-General Dr Esau Chiviya and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Namibia, Mrs Rofina Chikava moderated discussions during the forum.