Robert Mugabe

Nonsikelelo Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
FIVE schools in Hwange District have received a donation of 500 chairs and 500 desks which were pledged by ex-President Cde Robert Mugabe when he commissioned the Victoria Falls International Airport last year.

Mabale Primary School, Nembila Secondary School, Sikumbi Primary School, Netshisala Secondary School and Vulindlela Secondary School received 100 chairs and 100 desks each.

The furniture was sourced by China Jiangsu, the construction company that refurbished the airport as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) as part of their corporate social responsibility programmes.

The Minister of State for Matabeleland North Province Cde Thokozile Mathuthu handed the furniture to traditional leaders from Hwange District: chiefs Shana, Nekatambe, Nelukoba, Hwange and Mvuthu.

Cde Mathuthu said the donation comes at a time when efforts are being made to improve educational infrastructure in the province.“This donation has timely come to us as Hwange District as we take strides in improving education infrastructure in our province,” said the Minister.

“It is worth noting that during the construction of the Victoria Falls International Airport, China Jiangsu, upon hearing the plea of the Skabela villagers went out of their way to construct a road from the airport to Skabela village to provide access to the main road and other facilities.”

She said the donation was yet another example of the lifelong friendship between Zimbabwe and China. The Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Engineer Michael Madanha encouraged schools that would benefit from the furniture to put it to good use. — @nonsy_mends

General Constantino Chiwenga

Felex Share and Tendai Mugabe
Sadc leaders have hailed Zimbabweans and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for handling the transitional processes that occurred in the country in a peaceful manner, Zanu-PF First Secretary and President-designate Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa said yesterday.

Addressing thousands of Zanu-PF supporters who gathered at the party’s headquarters in Harare to welcome him, Cde Mnangagwa said the tranquility that prevailed had made Zimbabwe and Sadc proud. “Today we are witnessing the beginning of a new unfolding democracy,” he said.

“I wish also to thank the manner in which our defence forces under the leadership of General (Constantino) Chiwenga have been able to manage this process peacefully. I was in constant contact with the service chiefs throughout and may I also inform you that in my discussions with some Heads of State including spending today about one and half hours with President (Jacob) Zuma (South Africa), also the President of Namibia (Hage Geingob), the former President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete and others, they have hailed the discipline and peacefulness of the people of Zimbabwe. They are saying the way you have managed this process makes Sadc proud not only on this continent but worldwide.”

Cde Mnangagwa yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Zuma before jetting into the country.

The ZDF last week intervened to thwart a potentially volatile social and economic situation hatched by criminals who were surrounding President Mugabe.
After the ZDF intervention, the Zanu-PF Central Committee recalled President Mugabe as the party’s First Secretary and President.

Earlier on, Zimbabweans had demonstrated peacefully calling for the resignation of the President who finally resigned on Tuesday.

Cde Mnangagwa thanked Central Committee and Politburo members for uniting in recalling President Mugabe as the Zanu-PF First Secretary and President.

The developments saw President Mugabe resigning on Tuesday. “May I thank my colleagues led by Cde (Obert) Mpofu who systematically, constitutionally processed the process which led to a point where the former President said I now step down,” Cde Mnangagwa said. “He is now the former President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. I, with great respect and humility, express profound gratitude to my colleagues in the Central Committee and Politburo for the manner they constitutionally processed resolutions which persuaded this moment to come by.” Cde Mnangagwa added: “I also wish to mention the manner in which the Speaker of Parliament handled the process. He was under tremendous pressure from the powers that be at the time but he stood his constitutional right and I applaud him for that. The intention to derail this process was intense but as is said the will of the people will always succeed.”

Emmerson Mnangagwa

Harare Bureau
Zanu-PF has nominated Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa to fill the vacancy in the Office of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe following the resignation of President Mugabe.

He will be sworn-in  tomorrow.

Announcing Cde Mnangagwa’s nomination, Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda said he had gazetted President Mugabe’s resignation in the Government Gazette as required by law.

“I have received a letter from Zanu PF in terms of paragraph 14 (4)(b) as read with paragraph (5) of Part 4 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which provides as follows: “Notwithstanding section 101 but subject to subparagraphs (5) and (6), if the person elected President in any election referred to in subparagraph (1) dies, resigns or is removed from office-(b) the vacancy in the Office of President must be filled by a nominee of the political party, which the President represented when he or she stood for election. (5) A political party which is entitled to nominate a person in terms of subparagraph (4) (b) must notify the Speaker of the nominee’s name within 90 days after vacancy occurred in the Office of the President, and thereupon the nominee assumes office as President after taking the oath of President in terms of section 94 which oath the nominee must take within 48 hours after the Speaker was notified of his or her name,” Advocate Mudenda said.

He added: “In the letter referred to above, Zanu-PF has notified me that the Central Committee of Zanu PF met in a special session at the party headquarters in Harare on 19th November 2017 and resolved that: “In the event that Cde R.G Mugabe resigned or was impeached, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa was appointed as Zanu PF nominee to fill the vacancy in the Office of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe in terms of Part 4 of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (Number 20) Paragraph (14) (4) (b) as read with paragraph (5).”

Advocate Mudenda said Parliament had informed the Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda of the nomination of Cde Mnangagwa in order for him to make the necessary administrative arrangements for the taking of the oath.

CDE Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Zuma

Tendai H. Manzvanzvike, Harare Bureau
Zimbabwe’s President-in-waiting Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Jacob Zuma in the South African capital, Pretoria.

President Zuma is the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). The meeting came a day after the resignation of President Mugabe from office on Tuesday, following a military intervention and massive but peaceful demonstrations by people countrywide, calling on him to step down.

Cde Mugabe’s resignation was announced by Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda as a joint sitting of Parliament was preparing to debate a motion to impeach the former President.

Reactions from the international community continue to pour in as global leaders, institutions and other friendly nations respond to Cde Mugabe’s resignation.

The South African Parliament said in a statement that it had noted Cde Mugabe’s decision to resign, adding “this should assist with the peaceful transition to a new leadership.”

They applauded the peace and discipline shown since the military operation started. “We also commend the restraint displayed by key institutions and ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe in what could have degenerated into an increasingly tense, protracted, and troubled situation,” read the statement from the SA Parliament.

The African National Congress, a sister liberation movement of Zanu-PF through its secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said they were not celebrating Cde Mugabe’s resignation and urged restraint. “We have taken a view that says we must continue respecting (Cde) Mugabe for the role he played as a freedom fighter. We must continue supporting him for advocating the Africa development programme and we must celebrate him for being a pan-Africanist…,” he said.

He said the ANC had taken “an approach that is not as emotional as others, (for) Zanu-PF is our sister party,” Mantashe said.

China, one of the major global players with deep cooperation with Zimbabwe said its policy towards Zimbabwe would not change. Instead, it expected to enhance cooperation with Zimbabwe under “the principles of equality and mutual benefit”, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said yesterday.

Lu said China has a high regard for Cde Mugabe, who made historic contributions to Zimbabwe’s independence and liberation, is an active advocate of Pan-Africanism, and has also made tremendous contributions to the China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa relations, respectively.

“China respects Mr Mugabe’s decision to resign. He remains a good friend to the Chinese people,” said Lu.

Lu also told journalists that China will adhere to its principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Zimbabwe, and hoped that other nations will do the same.

He added: “China attaches great importance to relations with Zimbabwe and is willing to make joint efforts with Zimbabwean side to facilitate cooperation in all fields,” for, “a stable and developing Zimbabwe is in line with fundamental interests of its own people.”

Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE African Union and some international bodies have expressed readiness to work with the incoming Government to re-build the country.

The organisations also commended Cde Mugabe for stepping down peacefully.

Cde Mugabe resigned as the country’s president after 37 years in power on Tuesday afternoon, sparking wild celebrations across the country.

Regional and international bodies have since pledged support for the incoming Government to be led by Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa who is expected to be sworn in tomorrow.

AU Commission chairperson, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the continental body supports Zimbabwe’s sovereignty in solving its challenges.

“The chairperson of the Commission, recalling the relevant AU instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, pledges the Union’s full support to the Zimbabwean people and leaders in the period ahead. In this respect, the AU will continue to work closely with the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), the efforts and commitment of which it hails,” said Mr Faki Mahamat.

He said Cde Mugabe left an indelible mark on the African continent by honouring the people’s wishes calling him to step down.

“President Mugabe will be remembered as a fearless pan-Africanist liberation fighter, and the father of the independent Zimbabwean nation. Tuesday’s decision will go down in history as an act of statesmanship that can only bolster President Mugabe’s political legacy,” he said.

“The African Union recognises that the Zimbabwean people have expressed their will that there should be a peaceful transfer of power in a manner that secures the democratic future of their country. President Mugabe’s decision to resign paves the way for a transition process, owned and led by the sovereign people of Zimbabwe.”

The European Union’s (EU) vice-president Ms Federica Mogherini said it was the union’s hope to see Zimbabwe conducting free and fair elections following an inclusive approach to its challenges.

“It is important now that an inclusive dialogue is established that respects the aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe for a more prosperous and democratic future, and which encourages the acceleration of key reforms,” said Ms Mogherini.

“The EU stands ready to accompany this process in cooperation with the AU and Sadc, and to assist the Zimbabwean people with all instruments at its disposal in order to meet that objective.”

British Prime Minister Ms Theresa May said Britain as Zimbabwe’s “oldest friend” was ready to assist the country in its rebuilding efforts.

“The resignation of Robert Mugabe provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule. In recent days we have seen the desire of the Zimbabwean people for free and fair elections and the opportunity to rebuild the country’s economy under a legitimate government,” said Ms May.

“As Zimbabwe’s oldest friend we will do all we can to support this, working with our international and regional partners to help the country achieve the brighter future it so deserves.”

United States Embassy in Harare said Cde Mugabe’s departure was historic and called for democratic processes to be followed. — @nqotshili.

Tendai Rupapa, Harare Bureau
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has so far registered about three million people countrywide, nearly half of its target of seven million, in the ongoing Biometric Voter Registration exercise.

According to the latest update published on ZEC’s website, as at Wednesday, November 22, at least 2 903 154 had been registered.

Harare has so far processed 468 149 registrants, which is 34,8 percent of its target of 1 345 818, while Bulawayo registered 114 389, representing 27,9 percent of the targeted 409 389 people.

In Manicaland province, 373 356 people have been registered, against a target of 912 762.

Mashonaland Central, which has a target of 620 279 people, has so far registered 306 768.

ZEC statistics show that Mashonaland East has registered 341 601 people, which is 56,4 percent of its 735 790 target.

In Mashonaland West, 274 125 people have been registered out of the targeted 834 414 people.

Masvingo has registered 48,8 percent of its 754 314 target, while in Matabeleland North, 389 592 people – 40,8 percent of the target – have been processed.

The numbers are relatively less for Matabeleland South, which as so far registered 123 366 people.

In Midlands province, 43 percent of the target at 374 346 have been duly registered as potential voters.

A total number of 56 496 people were turned away for various reasons, with Mashonaland West being the biggest casualty.

The majority of people who were turned away, according to the report, had brought wrong particulars, which included drivers licences, photocopied national identity cards and defaced IDs.

Some were aliens, while others were deemed under age and had no IDs.

The third phase of the biometric voter registration blitz, which began on November 16, will end on December 1.

The last leg will run from December 4 to December 19.

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO man who broke into his neighbour’s bedroom while he was asleep and axed him to death before attacking his brother on the forehead following a quarrel during a beer drink, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Obhani Magiya (30) of Mfazimiti Mine in Nkenyani on the outskirts of Bulawayo stormed Admire Ndlovu’s house armed with the axe and found him sleeping with his brother Privilege Ndlovu.

Magiya struck Admire three times on the head and he died on his way to hospital. He also turned on Privilege whom he struck twice on the forehead before escaping.

Magiya, who was initially facing murder and attempted murder charges, was convicted of a lesser charge of culpable homicide by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Francis Bere in connection with the death of Admire. He was sentenced to 10 years in jail of which three years were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar offence. Magiya was slapped with an additional two years for attempted murder and the sentences will run concurrently.

In passing the sentence, Justice Bere said the courts have a duty to uphold the sanctity of human life.

“It was that systematic bullying against the accused person which authored the unfortunate demise of the deceased. In aggravation, the court must always be concerned where life is needlessly lost as in this case. The protection of human life is uppermost in the execution of our duties and life must be protected because it is sacred. No individual has the right to cut short a fellow human being’s life,” said the judge.

Prosecuting, Mr Trust Muduma said on April 17 this year, Magiya had a misunderstanding over an undisclosed matter with Privilege and Admire and it degenerated into a fight.

The court heard that Magiya was defeated and he ran away. The following day at around 3AM, Magiya armed himself with an axe and proceeded to a hut where the two brothers were sleeping.

“While they were sleeping, Magiya struck Admire three times with an axe on the head and attacked Privilege two times on the forehead before escaping,” said Mr Muduma.

Admire died on his way to Mpilo Central Hospital, while Privilege sustained a deep cut on the forehead. A report was made to the police leading to Magiya’s arrest in Insiza on April 22.—@mashnets.

Sylvester Chiramba, Court Reporter
A 33-YEAR-old Bulawayo landlord has appeared in court for allegedly stealing property worth $1 300 from his blind tenant.

Thabo Ncube from Gwabalanda suburb allegedly stole the property which included a bed, four pairs of shoes, curtains and groceries from his tenant Mr Edson Nkala.

The theft occurred when Mr Nkala was in South Africa.

Ncube appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube facing a theft charge.

He admitted to stealing the complainant’s bed and trunk only.

“I sold his bed and a trunk only,” said Ncube.

Nkala told the court that he discovered his carpet in the complainant’s kitchen yet he had left it rolled up in his room.

“Your carpet was beneath my carpet because it was dirty and very dusty,” said Ncube in his defence.

Ncube was remanded in custody to today for trial.

Prosecuting, Mrs Sindisiwe Ncube said between January 27 and November 14 this year, Ncube took advantage of his tenant’s absence and stole some of his property for personal gain.

“Nkala left his property at the accused person’s house and went to South Africa,” said Mrs Ncube

“On his return from South Africa, the complainant discovered that some of his property was missing and a report was made to the police. Investigations were made which led to the arrest of Ncube.”

The court also heard that two blankets, a bag with clothes, two plastic dishes and a curtain were found in Ncube’s possession.

The total value of the stolen property was $1 300 and property recovered is worth $140—@SlyCee10

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
TWO Bulawayo women have each been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment which was suspended on condition that they perform 280 hours of community service for shoplifting in Gwanda Town.

Nobuhle Nkala (49) of Cowdray Park suburb and Beatrice Sibanda (34) of Nkulumane suburb were convicted on their own plea of guilty to theft when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Nomagugu Ncube.

Miss Ncube sentenced them to 12 months imprisonment and four months were suspended on condition they do not commit a similar offence in the next five years. The remaining eight months were further suspended on condition that they perform 280 hours of community service at Cowdray Park Clinic and Nkulumane Police Station respectively.

Simangele Moyo (45) of Pumula suburb and Fredrick Munenge of Gwabalanda suburb were acquitted after the State withdrew charges against them due to lack of evidence.

Prosecuting, Ms Teererai Mahohoma said Nkala and Sibanda stole clothing valued at $464 from Jet Store in Gwanda and groceries valued at $67 from Quiks Supermarket and Butchery.

“On 10 November around 1PM the two women went into Jet Stores and they took various clothing items and hid them underneath their clothes. A security guard got suspicious and tried to stop them at the door in order to search them but the two women rushed into their vehicle and drove away.

“Nkala and Sibanda further went to Quiks Supermarket and Butchery around 2PM where they stole groceries valued at $67 and they went away unnoticed,” she said.

Ms Mahohoma said the matter was reported to the police resulting in their arrest.

She said all the stolen goods were recovered from Nkala and Sibanda.

In mitigation their lawyer, Ms Bridget Mushaninga from Legal Aid begged the court to be lenient to her clients saying they had not benefited from committing the offence as all the stolen goods were recovered.

“Your Worship I pray that the court may be lenient with my clients as they are both widows and have children to look after. They pleaded guilty to both offences thereby not wasting the court’s time and they have shown remorse over their actions.

“My clients also didn’t benefit from committing this offence as the stolen property was all recovered. I pray that the court may consider a fine as a suitable sentence for the crime they committed,” she said.—@DubeMatutu

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
PROFESSIONAL hunter Mr Theodor Albert Christian Bronkhorst has taken the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) to court seeking an order to be issued with permits to translocate 58 sables from his safari game park in Matetsi area in Matabeleland North.

Mr Bronkhorst wants to sell and translocate the sables from Msuna Ranch in Matetsi area to Masuwe Game Conservancy in Victoria Falls, Longueville Estates in Gwanda and Nottingham Estates in Beitbridge.

Mr Bronkhorst through his lawyer, Mr Kholwani Ngwenya of TJ Mabhikwa and Partners, filed a court application at the Bulawayo High Court citing ZimParks as the respondent.

He wants an order directing Zimparks to approve his application for permits to facilitate the translocation of his sables within seven days.

In his founding affidavit, Mr Bronkhorst said he has been breeding sables since 2011. The sables were imported from Zambia. He said ZimParks has since 2015 been refusing to renew his permit.

“I instructed legal practitioners who directed a letter to the ZimParks seeking reasons for not acting on my application to renew my breeder’s permit and there was no response,” he said.

Mr Bronkhorst, who made headlines in 2015 on charges of carrying out an illegal hunt which resulted in the killing of the famous Cecil the lion in Hwange National Park by an American dentist Walter Palmer, said he intended to sell the sables as he was struggling financially to buy their supplementary feeding.

“The feeding and general upkeep of the sables entailed hauling the feed and veterinary supplies from Bulawayo to Matetsi twice a week. The cost, always high at the best of financial times, became positively crippling. Further, the sables began to be affected by diseases and some were lost through poaching,” he said.

Mr Bronkhorst said due to the ZimParks’ refusal to issue him with a breeder’s permit, he is being forced to disband the breeding operations at Msuna Ranch.

He said his safari operations were crippled due to bad publicity that followed in the wake of the killing of Cecil the lion.

“I humbly aver that the respondent is acting mala fide in this matter. There are delays, silences and refusals to determine the matter one way or the other which are inexplicable. I am a person resident in Zimbabwe and entitled to administrative justice that is both fair and prompt,” said Mr Bronkhorst.

He said the refusal by ZimParks to grant him permits was a violation of his right to administrative justice.

“The requirements set by ZimParks have all been met and all documentation demanded has been forwarded. There is latent bias in this matter and in my humble belief, this bias against myself is real and palpable and stems from the Cecil matter,” said Mr Bronkhorst.

In 2015, Mr Bronkhorst was accused of conniving with three South African nationals Edwin Hewitt, Hedrick Blignaut and John Herbert Pretorius to smuggle 29 sables worth $435 000 into South Africa.

He appeared in court charged with allegedly conspiring to smuggle wildlife and unlawful movement of the animals to South Africa through an illegal exit point along the Limpopo River.

Mr Bronkhorst denied the charges, arguing that the State had no evidence that he conspired with the three foreigners. —@mashnets

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
A COP stationed in Hwange has been charged with aggravated indecent assault after he allegedly sucked a teenager’s manhood and sodomised him for three years.

Nelson Tuta (33) of number A86 in Madumabisa, Hwange, allegedly had anal sex with the teenager (name withheld to protect him as a victim) at his place of residence and in the bush starting in 2014.

The sexual escapades ended Thursday last week when the teenager reported the abuse to the police.

It is not clear how the complainant ended up reporting the case. Tuta was on Tuesday released on $50 bail by Hwange magistrate-in-charge Mrs Rose Dube.

He was ordered to reside at his given address, not to interfere with witnesses and to report fortnightly at Hwange Police Station until the matter is finalised, as his bail conditions. Tuta will be back in court on 1 December.

Tuta and the complainant are friends and reside in the same area.

Allegations by the State are that the two have been having anal sex since 2014.

“The accused visited the complainant at his place of residence on an unknown date in 2014. While there, he asked the complainant to accompany him to a nearby bush where he forcibly removed the complainant’s pair of shorts and started sucking his manhood,” the court was told.

Tuta allegedly went on to have anal sex with the complainant severally in the same bush and at his place of residence from 2014 until his arrest last week.

The court was told that Tuta once bought the complainant a cellphone.

Mr Onias Nyathi prosecuted while Mr Thulani Nkala of Dube and Company is representing Tuta.—@ncubeleon.

Prince Sunduzani, Chronicle Reporter
THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has said the blood bank has three days’ stock available for Harare, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces  and called on all eligible donors to donate.
A shortage of blood may mean some people may die if they fail to access it.  Demand often peaks during the festive season as road accidents usually increase.

In an interview yesterday, NBSZ regional public relations officer for Matabeleland region Mr Sifundo Ngwenya said there was a need for a drive to encourage donations as the festive season is approaching.

“Our blood banks are on red at the moment meaning that the levels are critically low. You will recall that there was a mass drug administration and public examinations which was aimed at students, the population that we were targeting. This means that we could not get donations from learners who consist over 70 percent of our donations,” he said.

“What we need to do now is to be on overdrive in soliciting for blood from the community and like minded organisations that can give us this product so that we can improve the situation. We are calling on all individuals to donate so that we can reach the festive season being fluid enough.”

Every year, approximately 100 000 packs of blood are transfused in the country, with accident victims and anaemic patients consuming 60 percent of supplies while 40 percent is consumed by haemorrhaging women.

Mr Ngwenya said they have put in place measures to increase the harvesting of blood to mitigate the situation.

He urged people to donate to ensure that blood is available when needed.

“We are not panicking because we have put in place measures like we have engaged the SDA church which did donations at Mpilo hospital just last week and we managed to collect about 60 units.

“At the same time on Saturday we also managed to collect a sizeable number of units. This Saturday we will be engaging First Mutual at the Bulawayo City Hall car park where will be collecting from over 400 out of school students who could not donate at school,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said those who wish to donate blood can go to the Bulawayo City Hall tomorrow or visit various points at the United Bulawayo Hospitals, and Corner Fourth Avenue and Josiah Tongogara Street. — @PrinceNkosy102

Cde Simon Khaya Moyo

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Government yesterday dismissed social media messages that today is a public holiday because of the swearing-in of President-designate Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Social media was awash with suggestions that due to the inauguration today has been declared a public holiday.

The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo who is the official Government spokesperson said:

“I’m not aware of that communication. If that was announced the message was not relayed to me.”

Meanwhile, the Government has availed buses from all the country’s provinces to ferry people to witness the inauguration.

Bulawayo Provincial Administrator Mrs Khonzani Ncube said the province has received an overwhelming response from residents who are eager to attend today’s ceremony.

“We have availed several buses to ferry those who want to witness His Excellency’s inauguration tomorrow in Harare. As this is a national event it’s our duty to provide transport for those who want to attend the event. We have already received an overwhelming response and people will start leaving tonight at 7PM,” said Mrs Ncube.

She said those attending the event were picked from the designated pick-up points.

Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator, Ms Latiso Dlamini said 10 buses were also availed from her province in line with Government’s policy. — @nqotshili

The late Vice President Cde Joshua Nkomo

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE teachings of Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo on tolerance and not spreading the gospel of hatred are still relevant in today’s politics, hence politicians should heed his message.

Director of the Joshua Nkomo Foundation, Mr Jabulani Hadebe, said this in light of recent political developments in the country that culminated in Cde Mugabe’s resignation as President of the country.

Borrowing from Father Zimbabwe’s book The Story of my Life that was published in 1985, Mr Hadebe said political leaders should tolerate divergent views.

“We are enveloped in the politics of hate. The amount of hate that is being preached today in this country is frightful. What Zimbabwe fought for was peace, progress, love, respect, justice equality, not the opposite,” he said quoting from Dr Nkomo’s book.

Mr Hadebe said people’s freedoms have been violated, while criticising political figures has been criminalised.

He said the violation of people’s rights is unwarranted in a free and democratic Zimbabwe.

“We have created fear in the minds of some in our country. We have made them feel unwanted, unsafe. No country can live by holding a series of rallies to denigrate others, ‘pasi (down with) this and pasi that.’ When you are ruling you should never say that to anyone. We cannot condemn other people and then do things even worse than they did. Some of you are tempted to give away principles in order to conform.

“Even the frightened preachers are frightened to speak freely and they have to hide behind the name of Jesus Christ. We cannot go on this way. People must be freed to speak. We invite the clergy to be outspoken to tell our leaders when they are wrong,” he said reading excerpts from the book.

He said corruption is still rife as Dr Nkomo bemoaned in his book.

Mr Hadebe said corruption has brought untold suffering to the people of Zimbabwe as Father Zimbabwe noted.

“And one of the worst evils we see today is corruption. The country bleeds today because of corruption. There is something radically wrong with our country we were moving fast towards self-destruction. There is confusion and corruption and let us be clear about it,” said Mr Hadebe.

He commended the Zimbabwe Defence and Security Service for launching Operation Restore Legacy saying it has ensured that the liberation legacy is protected.

“Thank you again for carrying out your constitutional mandate of defending the people of Zimbabwe against internal aggression and instability engineered by counter revolutionaries who wanted to throw the legacy of our liberation struggle into the dustbin. Any failure to dedicate ourselves to the ideals of the liberation struggle will be a betrayal to all freedom fighters and those whose graves are not known,” said Mr Hadebe.

Meanwhile, Father Zimbabwe’s son Mr Sibangilizwe Nkomo said Cde Mugabe did an honourable thing by resigning.

He said the family was not surprised that the people of Bulawayo celebrated Cde Mugabe’s resignation at Joshua Nkomo Statue in the city saying people still have a connection with the liberation icon. – @nqotshili

Cde Robert Mugabe

Felex Share, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday spoke to outgoing President, Cde Robert Mugabe, and assured him and his family of maximum security and welfare as he apprised him of preparations for today’s inaguration ceremony.

The two leaders, however, agreed that given the hectic events of the past week and a half, the outgoing President needed time to rest and, therefore, may not attend the inauguration.

He, however, expressed his good wishes and support for the incoming President.

Information, Media and Broadcasting Services secretary Mr George Charamba confirmed the development.

“The President-elect and outgoing President spoke this afternoon firstly for the President-elect to formally indicate that he is now back in the country and secondly to brief President Mugabe on preparations for tomorrow’s event,” he said.

Mr Charamba said Cde Mnangagwa had guaranteed President Mugabe’s safety.

“He (Cde Mnangagwa) also assured the First Family not just of their own security and welfare but the preservation of law and order throughout the country,” he said.

“Both of them agreed that the former President needed time to rest after the hectic events of the week and half that has gone by and that therefore he may not be attending tomorrow’s inauguration. He (President Mugabe) gave the incoming President his good wishes and support.”

Cde Mnangagwa is set to be sworn-in as Head of State and Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at the National Sports Stadium today.

This follows his nomination by the ruling party, Zanu-PF, for him to lead both the party and Government.

Cde Mnangagwa is taking over from President Mugabe who resigned on Tuesday.

President Mugabe stepped down after the Central Committee, Zanu-PF’s highest decision-making body in between Congresses, recalled him.

The Central Committee said President Mugabe (93) needed time to rest as criminals who had surrounded him were causing chaos in the country.

The volatile situation which was being created by the criminals going by the moniker G40 saw the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) intervening.

The ZDF said the intervention, executed in a peaceful manner, was meant to address a political, social and economic situation that could have ended in violent conflict.

The timely intervention by the ZDF has since been hailed by Sadc and the international community as no blood was shed.

Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council has indefinitely suspended changing names of roads, suburbs and billboards that have wrong IsiNdebele spellings from the colonial era, due to financial challenges.

The local authority passed a resolution to change the names in March last year after a resident, Mr Khumbulani Maphosa, wrote a letter of complaint in November 2015.

Bulawayo City Council Senior Public Relations Officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the local authority would honour the resolution when it gets funds.

“The changes in street names is an ongoing process which Council will engage in once adequate funds are available,” she said.

Mrs Mpofu explained that council had issued a tender for directional signs in July 2016 and this was contracted out by 13 October 2015.

Bulawayo Residents Association chairman Mr Winos Dube said Council should respect the standing resolution and expeditiously correct the anomaly.

“This resolution must be given priority. As residents that’s our position. How they are going to do it is another issue. They should have taken into consideration the implications of the resolution before passing it,” said Mr Dube.

He said the process of correcting the misspelt names was long overdue.

Mr Maphosa wrote: “I write to you requesting that the Bulawayo City Council expeditiously consider correcting the misspelt Ndebele names of some suburbs/locations and or streets of the city that were mostly misspelt by the pre-independence local authority.”

The suburbs which have misspelt names include Mpopoma, Nketa, Pumula, Masiyepambili, Kumalo, Makokoba, Pelandaba and Matsheumhlope.

Mr Maphosa said they should be changed to Mpophoma, Makhokhoba, Phelandaba, Phumula, Lobhengula, Khumalo, Masiyephambili and Matsh’amhlophe.

He said the misspelt names symbolised colonial disrespect of the Ndebele language and culture, and the BCC had to make a policy decision to have the names corrected.

Mr Maphosa said colonial errors should be revisited and corrected to restore honour to Ndebele people.

“These wrong spellings are linguistically, culturally, morally, legally, socially and ethically wrong,” he wrote. “These misspelt names are a violation of the Ndebele human, linguistic and cultural rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013, in international law as well as in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.”

Councillors concurred with Mr Maphosa and okayed the name changes which could cost thousands of dollars as city maps, road signs and other signage outside schools and clinics should also be changed. — @AuxiliaK

Father Fidelis Mukonori

Zvamaida Murwira, Harare Bureau
Roman Catholic Church cleric Father Fidelis Mukonori has said his mediation role between former President Robert Mugabe and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces led by General Constantino Chiwenga, although onerous, was not an insurmountable task as he had handled high level negotiations before.

Father Mukonori said the mediations were tough, but the guiding principles for the negotiations were telling each other the truth.

He said this yesterday in an interview on the sidelines of the swearing in ceremony of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who assumed office as Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces following the resignation of President Mugabe on Tuesday.

“It was something where we had to stand with the truth,” said Father Mukonori. “What was important was to be frank with each other, telling each other the truth without emotions, but seeking the truth because that is what God wants.

“It is the work of God. There is a time when one has to rest while another person continues.”

Father Mukonori said his mediation role dated back to the liberation struggle and later between Zanu-PF and MDC where he chaired some meetings.

“It is not my first time, throughout the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe I was part and parcel of the discussions,” he said. “I did not have to fire a gun, but I fired my own brains. Before independence, I played my part in a humble way.

“Since independence, other things have happened, during the Zanu-PF/MDC, I led the first nine or 11 months of the discussion between Zanu-PF and MDC. I chaired some meetings.”

Turning to the new dispensation, Father Mukonori said he was optimistic that President Mnangagwa would deliver.

“We need to leave behind good legacy to benefit future generations,” he said. “Everything we do should be for future generation and prosperity for hundred years to come.”

Chiefs’ Council president Fortune Charumbira hailed the peaceful environment that existed last week when the ZDF stepped in to pacify a deteriorating situation. “As traditional leaders, we want to thank Zimbabweans,” he said. “Your wish was that our leader should rest and you expressed yourself well. It was not done through violence, but in a peaceful way. No one was injured.

“You used your brains. The ZDF played its part to say do your things in a peaceful way. There should be no hostilities. The ZDF maintained peace.

President Mugabe then responded to say you have shown that you no longer want me to continue leading you, let me step aside.”

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer, Mr Karikoga Kaseke, expressed optimism for the tourism industry.

He said tourism development was being retarded by bad perception of the country, some of which was created by the heavy presence of traffic police on the road.

“We just hope the police are going to do their work,” said Mr Kaseke. “We hope they will not be on the road in their large numbers, which was scaring tourism.”

Former Zanu-PF Politburo member Mr Rugare Gumbo said it was critical to give President Mnangagwa a chance to steer the economy.

“This is a historic day,” he said. “Let us give President Mnangagwa a chance. We are happy with the pledges he has made, job creation and investment.

That is what we want.”

Minister Obert Mpofu

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter     
CABINET Ministers yesterday hailed the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and called for unity and tolerance among Zimbabweans.

The ministers said the historical event of swearing in the country’s second executive President  heralded the dawn of a new era.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Obert Mpofu, who is also the Zanu-PF Secretary for Finance said the coming in of President Mnangagwa, gives the country a fresh opportunity to prioritise the growth of the economy.

“We’re looking forward to a collective approach to socio economic development premised on the values of unity, equality, peace, mutual tolerance and zero tolerance to corruption.

“We’re particularly enthused by President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on the need to prioritise the development of our economy in order to improve the livelihoods of our people,” said Dr Mpofu.

He commended President Mnangagwa for expressing his determination to work hand in hand with other countries to improve relations and revive Zimbabwe’s economy.

“President Mnangagwa has called for all stakeholders to work towards the resolution of the challenges that confront our economy and it is therefore incumbent upon each and every Zimbabwean to play his or her part. The President’s determination to enhance cooperation and engagement with all countries in the world indeed heralds the dawn of a new era.

“We would like to assure His Excellency of our steadfast loyalty as we chart a new era for present and future generations,” said Dr Mpofu.

He commended heads of State and government and guests who attended the inauguration ceremony.

“We appreciate all those who took time to honour us with their presence and share with us the joy of this grand occasion. It’s immensely appreciated. To all fellow Zimbabweans, we appreciate their patriotism and their exhibition of unity. This indeed is a moment for us to cherish as Zimbabweans.

“We’re aware of the mammoth task before us in our endeavour to transform our fortunes as a nation. We shall indeed spread the message of unity, peace and development as stated by President Mnangagwa,” said Dr Mpofu.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said it was time for Zimbabwe to regain its status as the major exporter of agricultural produce.

“The Inauguration of President Mnangagwa gives us hope. Let’s work together and revive our economy. We need to add value and export processed products. We want to work with the opposition parties and everybody else to improve the economy.

“We all have an answer to our challenges in Zimbabwe. We need to bury our political differences and move the nation forward. The nation will become stronger if we work together,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri. — @pamelashumba1

Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
AN Upper Six pupil from Sizane High School in Bulawayo allegedly tried to commit suicide twice after she was caught cheating in a Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Biology paper 3 examination.

The girl, whose name has been withheld for ethical reasons but is from Pumula South suburb, was allegedly caught with answers to examination questions on November 6.

Fellow pupils said she was so distressed after the incident that she got desperate and attempted to kill herself twice.

“First she attempted to hang herself with her school tie at her home but it broke. We heard her relatives found her and tried to counsel her in vain,” said a pupil.

“We heard she then drank poison but relatives found her in time. They rushed her to hospital and her stomach was cleared. She has since been discharged.”

The source said while the dates of the alleged suicide attempts could not be ascertained, the incidents occurred between November 7 and 11.

The school deputy headmistress, a Ms J Mguni, referred questions to Zimsec.

Sources at the school said the pupil was unfortunate to be found with more answer sheets than those which the invigilators had given to students.

“She was also half way through the exam within 30 minutes. This made the invigilators suspicious. It was surprising she had more answer sheets than anyone else but had not yet asked for extra paper from invigilators,” said a pupil who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“One of the invigilators, Mr O Mguni approached her and questioned her but she mumbled. A few minutes later they took her to the deputy headmistress Ms J Mguni. When they returned, she was asked to continue writing.”

The source said the extra papers found on her were allegedly photocopied and sent to Zimsec with her answer sheet.

Zimsec public relations officer Ms Nicky Dlamini said investigations were underway.

“We have a number of such cases which are under investigation so we cannot give an official comment on any issue as of now,” she said.

Bulawayo Acting Provincial Education Director Mrs Olicah Khaira said the ministry had not received a report from Zimsec and could only comment after getting a report. — @NyarieBakie

Cde Robert Mugabe

Felex Share, Harare Bureau
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took oath of office yesterday, paid tribute to his predecessor Cde Robert Mugabe, saying mistakes will never overshadow his immense contribution to the development of Zimbabwe.

Addressing thousands of Zimbabweans and foreign dignitaries who filled the National Sports Stadium to witness his swearing-in ceremony, President Mnangagwa said Cde Mugabe remained his father and mentor. “Let me at this stage pay special tribute to one of, and only surviving father of our nation, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe,” he said.

“He led us in our struggle for national independence and assumed responsibilities of leadership at the formative and very challenging time in the birth of our nation. That is to be lauded and celebrated for all times.”

President Mnangagwa added: “Whatever errors of commission or omission that might have occurred during that critical phase in the life of our nation, let us all accept and acknowledge his immense contribution towards the building of our nation. To me personally, he remains a father, mentor, comrade-in-arms and my leader. We thus say thank you to him and trust that our history will grant him his proper place and accord him his deserved stature as one of the founders and leaders of our nation.”

President Mnangagwa said Cde Mugabe laid a compact foundation for Zimbabweans.

“Whilst I am aware that emotions and expectations might be high and mixed, I have no doubt that over time, we will appreciate the solid foundation laid by my predecessor, against all manner of vicissitudes, towards building an educated, enlightened, skilled and forgiving society,” President Mnangagwa said.
“This is a formidable head-start we draw from our past, a plinth upon which to build developments in the present and to erect hopes for the future.”

President Mnangagwa met Cde Mugabe on Thursday and pledged maximum security and welfare for his family.

In return, Cde Mugabe wished President Mnangagwa all the best and promised to support him.

President Mnangagwa also paid tribute to senior Statesmen from the Sadc region led by former Zambian President Dr Kenneth Kaunda. “He (Dr Kaunda) remains the only living member of the foundational Frontline States grouping which is synonymous with the decolonisation processes in our Southern African region,” President Mnangagwa said.

“We honour him, as indeed we remember all his colleagues now departed. The Statesmen who are with us today show a story of succession which speaks well of our continent. It is a narrative that must get bolder and bolder as generations hand over to succeeding ones, all in amity.”

Other former Heads of State who attended yesterday’s event included Rupiah Banda (Zambia), Hifikepunye Pohamba and Sam Nujoma (Namibia).