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MDC-T starts campaigning under MDC Alliance name “to confuse voters”

By
Nyashadzashe Ndoro
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12

Douglas Mwonzora’s MDC-T has begun campaigning for upcoming by-elections using main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s party name, the MDC Alliance.

Zimbabwe will hold by-elections on the 26th of March to fill the vacant seats in the National Assembly after Mwonzora’s recall of legislators and councillors aligned to Chamisa.

Through a controversial March 2020 Supreme Court ruling that declared Illegitimate Chamisa’s leadership of the party left by Morgan Tsvangirai after his death in 2018, Mwonzora recalled MDC Alliance MPs, grabbed funds and assets.

Now he has grabbed the name.

MDC-T Secretary for Special Projects and Party Business Norest Marara has created his campaigning flair under the MDC Alliance name. Observers said Mwonzora is doing this “to confuse voters and reap votes from the popular brand.”

Mwonzora has since written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission indicating that the MDC Alliance name belongs exclusively to his party.

He said: “I was elected substantive president of the party, by virtue of the composite political agreement signed on August 5, 2018 and subsequent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed leadership of the MDC Alliance.

“We advise that no one else is allowed to sign for, and present candidates for, and on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance.”

Former cabinet Minister Jonathan Moyo said: “While we know and appreciate Mwonzora and his party have links with Zanu PF, State House and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, claiming the MDC Alliance name on the basis of an expired agreement is absurd.”

“It’s inherently absurd and ZEC must dismiss Mwonzora after he wrote a letter to them on that issue. He is not the leader of the MDC Alliance.

“Mwonzora was never President of the MDC Alliance electoral pact because there was never such a position anyway; the coalition had a presidential election candidate, first it was Tsvangirai before his death and later Chamisa. Mwonzora was also never leader of the MDC Alliance party.” Nehanda Radio

Zim police detain 16 teachers for protesting against poor salaries

By
Nyashadzashe Ndoro
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23

Police yesterday arrested at least 16 teachers for demonstrating against poor salaries. The protest took place in Harare during talks between the government and civil servants over salaries and their welfare for 2022.

Detained are members of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ). The union’s Secretary General Robson Nikita Chere on Thursday morning said the 16 teachers were yet to be charged, a day after their arrest.

“Our Cdes are still unlawfully detained at Harare Central , No charges have so far been preferred against them even if it’s now more than 10 hours after being detained. A lot of Cdes are badly injured.

“As soon as the charges have been preferred against them our lawyers will let us know of the time that they will appear in Court and we will relay the message,” he said.

Obert Masaraure
Obert Masaraure

ARTUZ leader Obert Masaraure is among the detained teachers.

In a statement, Artuz said teachers were waiting to receive their salaries in US$ citing Paul) Mavima, Public Service and Social Welfare Minister “promised that 2022 is a good year for civil servants.

Teachers nationwide are preparing to celebrate the restoration of the pre-October 2018 salaries. We hope the government gets it right this time so that we revive the classroom.” Nehanda Radio

Blessing Vava

Blessing Vava, the National Director of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition has meanwhile condemned “the continued police brutality against teachers demanding a living wage.

“Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition is dismayed by the fact that the government continues to respond with brute force to genuine calls for a living wage in a highly inflationary environment.

“What is more disturbing is the fact that the government continues to show insincerity towards addressing the plight of teachers and civil servants at a time corruption and looting by political elites is rampant.

“We continue to witness more talk and no action in as far as addressing the plight of teachers and civil servants is concerned,” Vava said. Nehanda Radio

‘Larry Mavhima responsible for Owen ‘Mudha’ Ncube sacking’

By
Nyashadzashe Ndoro
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6
Minister of State for National Security in the President’s Office, Owen Ncube
Sacked Minister of State for National Security in the President’s Office, Owen Ncube

Norton legislator Temba Mliswa claims the Minister of State for Midlands Province Larry Mavhima is the one who tipped President Emmerson Mnangagwa about sacked Security Minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube’s rogue activities.

Mnangagwa fired Ncube as state security minister on Monday for “conduct inappropriate for a minister of government”.

It was reported that, Mudha, last Saturday, mobilised members of his notorious Al Shabaab militia to intimidate Zanu PF officials during a provincial meeting called to confirm winners of the internal elections held two weeks ago, and to elect their deputies.

It is further alleged that two minibuses reportedly disgorged dozens of youths armed with machetes who were menacingly milling outside the Zanu PF Winery Conference Centre in Gweru, ready to attack Ncube’s opponents.

ZimLive sources noted that, although Mudha has no party role in the province, he reportedly sat at the top table after giving himself the title of “overseer”.

During the meeting, he is reported to have suppressed discussions by rudely interrupting speakers before going on to impose his loyalists as deputies to the newly-elected party officials.

On Wednesday, Mliswa tweeted that Mnangagwa was advised by Mavhima about Mudha’s irregularities.

“The move to say the truth about Mudha to the President by Larry Mavhima was bold and courageous. Such kinds of people are important to avoid corrupt people prevailing. Peace was not going to be attainable with Mudha around. Ndokuva Minister of State ikoko,” Mliswa said.

“However there is still a need to deal with July Moyo. He is said to be the strategist and kingmaker of Midlands. However, as of now, people in Midlands are celebrating Mudha’s exit, it’s like independence day.”

Ncube was extremely close to Mnangagwa before and after his ascension.

He is, however, implicated in the often violent illegal mining activities that have seen youth gangs popularly known as MaShurugwi, engage in machete wars over gold that have seen many people killed or injured. Nehanda Radio

Mwonzora tells ZEC that Chamisa cannot use MDC Alliance name

By
Nyashadzashe Ndoro
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23
Opposition MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora
Opposition MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora

Opposition MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission indicating that the MDC Alliance name belongs exclusively to his party.

He said “no one else is allowed to sign for, and present candidates for, and on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance”.

Using a controversial Supreme Court ruling that declared Nelson Chamisa’s leadership of MDC Alliance illegitimate, Mwonzora was assisted by the state to grab the party offices, MPs and councillors.

“We are the owners of the Movement for Democratic Change name, over the years there have been so many derivatives put on it. However, the leadership of this party was defined by the Supreme Court,” read the letter by Mwonzora to Zec chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba dated January 3.

“I was elected substantive president of the party, by virtue of the composite political agreement signed on August 5, 2018 and subsequent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed leadership of the MDC Alliance.

“We advise that no one else is allowed to sign for, and present candidates for, and on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance.”

Nelson Chamisa and Douglas Mwonzora
Nelson Chamisa and Douglas Mwonzora

The impending by-elections are set to fill parliamentary representatives for some 754 000 people in 26 constituencies who were left without leaders after Mwonzora’s controversial recall of legislators aligned to Chamisa.

Despite anticipation of the name controversies, Chamisa has not indicated if his party will rebrand or not. The opposition leader has, consequently, been criticised for not giving clarity to the electorate. Nehanda Radio

Pacific rebrands its two cigarette offerings to reinforce dominance

By
Nehanda Radio
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0
Pacific Cigarette Company (PCC) has rebranded its Pegasus and Branson cigarettes to reinforce its dominance in the market.
Pacific Cigarette Company (PCC) has rebranded its Pegasus and Branson cigarettes to reinforce its dominance in the market.

By Tanyaradzwa Nhari | NewsDay |

Pacific Cigarette Company (PCC) has rebranded its Pegasus and Branson cigarettes to reinforce its dominance in the market.

PCC, formerly known as Savanna Tobacco, was launched in 2002 as the country’s first indigenous-owned cigarette entity and its success was based on the production of quality cigarettes from the finest Zimbabwean tobacco.

The two brands, Pegasus and Branson, which were introduced into the market in 2008 to complement the flagship Pacific range, will now be available in toasted and menthol variants.

Pegasus, renamed Hong Ma, will cater for the Chinese market.

According to Pacific Cigarette Company “Hong Ma, introduced in 2021 and distributed by Empire Tobacco, has proved to be the cigarette of choice for the Chinese because of its distinct Chinese flavour”.

“Pegasus Toasted will contain a blend of choice Zimbabwean and international tobaccos to produce a strong and satisfying experience for smokers with a mature palate. Branson Menthol will provide a mellowed-down cooling taste, while Branson Flame will give smokers the jolt they crave for,” the company said.

Company general manager Itai Watinaye said they will always strive to be the brand leader in bringing pleasure to smokers in the region through its comprehensive range of cigarettes.

“With the expansion of our Pegasus and Branson offerings, we continue to offer the customer more choice and value, while our distribution network ensures that our quality products are available in every corner of the country,” he said.

PCC focuses on developing Zimbabwe by supporting local communities and simultaneously expanding its territory into the southern African region.

PCC also has a presence in South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Lesotho, eSwatini, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mapeza shifts focus to Malawi after Warriors’ last minute heartbreak

By
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
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22
Norman Mapeza has been retained as the Warriors' caretaker head coach and will lead Zimbabwe at the African Cup of Nations football finals
Back Again: Warriors coach Norman Mapeza (Picture via Libertino)

Despite losing their first match of the rescheduled AFCON 2021 tournament to Senegal in Cameroon, Warriors coach Norman Mapeza said his focus swiftly shifted to their next encounter against Malawi.

Mapeza said this in a media post match interview after the Senegal game that was played on Monday afternoon in Bafoussam, Cameroon.

The match ended in a painful 1-0 defeat to Zimbabwe.

The Warriors lost to Senegal by a goal to nil courtesy of Liverpool’s star player Sadio Mane’s stoppage time penalty.

Referee Mario Escobar awarded the Lions of Teranga a last minute spot kick which marked the difference between the two teams, with only seconds left to full time.

This came after Warriors midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe was penalised for handling the ball in the box in an attempt to block Senegalese player Pape Gueye’s shot.

In protest at the penalty, Warriors players pleaded with the referee to verify his final decision with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

However, the match official resisted and remained confident of his call and with the backing from VAR the penalty stood.

Nevertheless, the heartbreaking defeat left Mapeza ‘unmoved’ but instead revealing to the media that his focus is now on the upcoming game against their sub-Saharan neighbours Malawi.

He also praised his charges for a stellar performance against a star studded Senegal which is currently rated the best African team in the past three years.

“The boys played very well, nobody gave us a chance versus Senegal. I give credit to my boys who worked their socks off and now we focus on our next game against Malawi,” Mapeza said.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play their second Group B match against Malawi on Friday in Bafoussam, kickoff time is 6pm.

Both teams square-off after having lost their opening matches with the same margin.

Seemingly, a well organised Malawi also suffered a 1-0 loss to another of Zimbabwe’s Group B opponents, Guinea. Nehanda Radio

Mabika tips Warriors to break group stage jinx at AFCON 2021

By
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
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34
Charles “CNN” Mabika
Charles “CNN” Mabika

Veteran sportscaster Charles Mabika has tipped Warriors coach Norman Mapeza and his troops to go past the group stages at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Cameroon.

The Warriors have a long lasting unpleasant record of failing to go beyond the group stages at the coveted nations cup on the occasions they have participated.

Since making their AFCON debut in 2004 then consecutively featuring in 2006, 2017 and 2019 respectively, Zimbabwe has always faced an early exit at the big stage.

Though despite all this, the country’s experienced commentator has entrusted Mapeza and his troops to break the ‘irritating’ lengthy jinx.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nehanda Radio, the broadcasting guru firmly said Zimbabwe will go through to the next round of the AFCON 33rd edition.

“I am sure we can break the jinx, even though we have failed to go past through group stages in the previous competitions,” Mabika said.

Mabika’s positivity and belief in the current Warriors squad comes after the team pulled an outstanding performance against a highly rated Senegal side on Monday afternoon in Bafoussam, Cameroon.

Unfortunately, the Warriors lost the match 1-0 to the Lions of Teranga after Liverpool star Sadio Mane scored from a late penalty awarded in stoppage time.

But the fact that Senegal depended on a spot kick in referee’s additional time to beat Mapeza’s side, brought a glimpse of hope to CNN as Mabika is also famously known.

He criticised Zimbabwe for giving Senegal too much respect particularly in the first 15 minutes of the match.

Nevertheless, he praised Mapeza and his assistants for later adopting to a well organised game plan up until the referee of the day Mario Escobar awarded what CNN described as a debatable penalty.

“Warriors gave too much respect to their opponents (Senegal) and they were all over us in the first 10 to 15 minutes. But afterwards Mapeza and his assistants organised their team very well.

“It was unfortunate that young Kelvin Madzongwe conceded that last minute penalty but he gave a good account of himself. I think the jinx can be broken, what we need to do now is to go on an all out war with Malawi and Guinea.

“We lost to Senegal but I still think the penalty was debatable because we did not see much replays from the VAR for the reasons best known by the VAR officials.

“My question is if it was the Lions of Teranga who had conceded that last minute penalty would the referee have awarded that penalty? The answer is clearly no,” Mabika added.

Zimbabwe are on zero points after defeat to Senegal and are left with two games against Malawi and Guinea, scheduled for 14 and 18 January respectively.

Moreover, Mabika made a prediction for the Warriors’ upcoming matches against Malawi and Guinea.

He predicted Zimbabwe’s victory against the former and a possible double chance (win or draw) when they face the latter in their last Group B match next week. Nehanda Radio

Sekhukhune United officially sign Evans Rusike as a free agent

By
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
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0
Sekhukhune United officially sign Evans Rusike as a free agent
Sekhukhune United officially sign Evans Rusike as a free agent

DStv Premiership outfit, Sekhukhune United has signed ex-Warriors, Supersport and Maritzburg United central forward Evans Rusike (31) as a free agent.

The club took to their social media pages to confirm the arrival of the 31-year-old Zimbabwean international striker.

Rusike was roped-in along with two other new signings as Babina Noko utilised the January transfer window period to beef up their squad which already consists of experienced players.

United secured the signature of the Zambian international and former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Justin Shonga and LuckyBoy Mokoena who was playing for the National First Division side TS Galaxy.

“Sekhukhune United FC is pleased to announce the signings of the following players: 1. Justin Shonga (25)- Ismaily SC 2. LuckyBoy Mokoena (28) -TS Galaxy 3. Evans Rusike (31)- Supersport United FC,” the club confirmed on twitter.

Sekhukhune are also home to a number of Zimbabweans including Willard Katsande, Talent Chawapiwa, Blessing Sarupinda and Tapuwa Kapini who helped the team secure their topflight promotion.

Zimbabwean and former Baroka United striker Charlton Mashumba is also with Babina Noko.

He is now set to fight for a place in the team with the newly signed Chitungwiza born forward.

Meanwhile, Rusike joins the Gauteng based club just seven months after he parted ways with his fellow countryman, Kaitano Tembo who coaches Supersport United.

The striker was reportedly offloaded for failure to make an impact with Matsatsantsa, he struggled to find the back of the net in 21 games in the previous campaign.

“SuperSport United Football Club would like to confirm the departure of Evans Rusike and Lucky Mohomi,” reads the club’s statement issued on June 2021.

“The Matsatsantsa family would like to thank Rusike and Mohomi for their contributions and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

Prior to joining Sekhukhune, he had been previously linked with a return to his former club Maritzburg United where he netted 20 goals in 74 appearances.

He was also rumoured to be under the radar of Benni McCarthy’s Amazulu FC who were keen to reinforce their strike force in the CAF Champions League. Nehanda Radio

Passion Java reportedly spends R1.3 million on nightclub bill in SA

By
Keith Mlauzi
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31
Passion Java the man behind the R1.3 mill nightclub bill. Picture: Instagram
Passion Java the man behind the R1.3 mill nightclub bill. Picture: Instagram

While Zimbabweans were busy mocking flamboyant prophet Passion Java for not being invited to Dani Simba Allens’ wedding to Nigerian socialite Ego which was headlined by Nigerian superstar Davido, Java was on the other side of the border spending big.

Java made headlines in South Africa after reportedly spending R1.3million an equivalent of US$83 440 at a club in Pretoria celebrating Boss Lashaan’s birthday.

Passion Java hosted the R1.3m birthday party for the manager of his record label Denford Saunyama a.k.a Boss Lashaan
Passion Java hosted the R1.3m birthday party for the manager of his record label Denford Saunyama a.k.a Boss Lashaan

According to social media reports, Java offered to buy drinks for everyone who was present in the club at the time.

Videos and the bill were shared on social media as evidence. In the video Java together with his associates are seen pouring Champagne on the birthday boy, Boss Lashaan.

According to the bill, indeed R1.3 million was spent on alcohol but Java’s name was not on it.

Java being a man of show off would have had his name printed on the bill. The receipt was only written #Koppo by pen while the name and signature spaces where left blank, which is not evidence enough that it belonged to Passion.

Passion Java hosted the R1.3m birthday party for the manager of his record label Denford Saunyama a.k.a Boss Lashaan
Passion Java hosted the R1.3m birthday party for the manager of his record label Denford Saunyama a.k.a Boss Lashaan

The bill is currently trending in South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

What was ordered and exactly how much it costs.

  • 100 bottles of Ace of Spade champagne at R10 000 each
  • 50 bottles of Veuve Rich champagne at R2 000 each
  • 20 bottles of Dom Perignon champagne at R6 000 each
  • 10 300ml cans of Coke at R25 each
  • 3 bottles of Glenfiddich scotch whiskey at R9 500 each
  • Two platters for a combined R1 100

Meanwhile Java has taken his time responding to trolls who claimed he was not rich enough to be at Dani and Ego’s traditional wedding.

He claimed he was bigger than Davido in terms of financial muscle.

He wrote, “Inini I am a bigger boy than muyimbi uyo, ndomutambirisa ndomuimbisa nekuti cash and swag I have!!! Zimbabwean Flag will always be up.!! #kopo” Nehanda Radio

‘We have been working beyond call of duty’ – says ‘inept’ NPA

By
Nyashadzashe Ndoro
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0
Prosecutor General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi
Prosecutor General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) which is accused of making few corruption convictions despite being allocated millions of dollars during the last season claims it worked beyond the call of duty, defying Covid-19 threats.

Speaking on the sidelines of the opening of the 2022 Judicial Year on Monday, Prosecutor General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi vowed to address challenges he faced last year.

He thanked the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the police for working together nicely during the course of the yesteryear.

“Thanks to a large extent to cooperation and coordination consultation with our sister agencies, especially Judicial Service Commission and the police, a crack team of prosecutors was put into place,” Hodzi said.

“They have been working above and beyond the ordinary call of duty in terms of ensuring that public order, the maintenance of the rule of law is enhanced and maintained. We have learnt and we are building on the lessons that we learnt during the previous year.

The PG added: “Of course, there were disruptions, challenges in the form of Covid-19 which resulted in the closure of the judicial space courtrooms, the courts, for a period of time at one stage the courts were closed for a period of six months.

“Even then when they closed, the PG’s office never stopped working, constantly refining our strategies and we know very well where our weaknesses and strengths lie.”

ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo
ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson Loyce Matanda-Moyo recently heaped blame on the NPA for failing to properly prosecute corruption cases.

She blamed the Authority for failing to properly prosecute culprits adding this resulted in a very low conviction rate.

ZACC said it submitted 180 dockets to Hodzi’s office this year alone.

“The commission has surpassed the annual target of 180 dockets submitted to the NPA for prosecution. The commission remains concerned with the speed at which the cases are processed through the criminal justice system,” Matanda-Moyo said in a statement.

“We have been engaging the NPA and Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to implement necessary reforms in order to enhance public confidence in the fight against corruption.”

She added: “The four convictions so far this year arising from our dockets fall far below our expectations given the number of high profile arrests we made during the year.

“We continue to engage the relevant authorities to be granted prosecution powers in order to complement the work of the NPA, without infringing on its constitutional mandate.”

ZACC and other anti-corruption agencies were allocated more than US$33 million last year to fight corruption but they managed to secure a few convictions. Nehanda Radio

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