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Zec incompetent or bedding Zanu PF ?

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Zec incompetent or bedding Zanu PF ?

…EMB integrity questioned over delimitation report
…Opposition sold a ‘dummy’, to score own goal

Theresa Takafuma

Is the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) a competent body? Many people are questioning after ZEC released its preliminary delimitation report which is allegedly marred with irregularities while others think it has simply sold its integrity by going to bed with the ruling party Zanu PF which, according to impeccable sources, wants the electoral body to maintain the current constituencies’ boundaries for the 2023 harmonized elections.
The preliminary delimitation report which was tabled before Parliament by Minister of Justice Ziyambi Ziyambi on January 06, 2023, is proposing to dissolve some constituencies in Zanu PF’s strongholds and creating new ones in urban centres which are currently controlled by the main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
Political analysts have raised red flags saying there is a possibility of an invisible hand that is controlling ZEC and forcing it to sacrifice its integrity by producing such a preliminary delimitation report with glaring anomalies.
Political analyst Dr Wellington Gadzikwa said the report exposes ZEC and is probably a deliberate ploy by Zanu PF so that the current boundaries are maintained during the 2023 general elections. He added that the suspicion raised by how the ruling party and the electoral body suddenly have sour relations cannot be ignored.
“It is strange for the ruling party to be at loggerheads with ZEC and people have all the reasons to be suspicious about these sudden sour relations. It could be a political gimmick or some other trick that people will realize later.
“It’s either they are at loggerheads or something else but it is very difficult for these two organs to go against each other. If they really are going against each other then it’s a different story but it is suspicious. This could be a ploy by the ruling party so that we go for an election using the current boundaries which favour them,” Dr Gadzikwa said.
In the report, some constituencies which are primarily Zanu PF strongholds are dissolved while some only have their electorate offloaded into other wards.
An analysis report by a 13 member Parliament Ad Hoc Committee on the preliminary report tabled in Parliament on January 13, 2023 largely criticized how the delimitation process was done, mostly without using the Final Census Report as per legal requirement, and will be debated in the August House on January 17 and 18, 2023 before being sent to the President.

ZEC deliberately exhibiting incompetence?

Among issues raised on the preliminary report draft are glaring legal issues that include the interpretation of Sections 160 and 161 of the constitution, as well as section 37A of the Electoral Act which speak on the legal basis of delimitation of electoral boundaries.
How ZEC has only used the census preliminary report for the delimitation exercise has been questioned, especially in the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee analysis report, with some analysts saying it could have been a deliberate ploy by ZEC to miss such a crucial legal requirement with dire implications.
In an interview, Labor Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) President Linda Masarira said it is concerning that legal minds at ZEC missed the requirements stipulated in the constitution on how a delimitation exercise should be done.
“ZEC has proved that it has no capacity to do a valid delimitation exercise. What is worrisome is how legal minds within ZEC failed to interpret section 161(3) and 161(6) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The sham job that ZEC did with the delimitation report raises eyebrows on whether they really have the capacity to run elections in Zimbabwe,” Masarira said.
Speaking to TellZim, political commentator Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya said the preliminary report showed that ZEC is compromised as it is only exhibiting factional fights in the ruling party, and the analysis report by the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee is pro-Zanu PF as well.
“What you see playing at ZEC is a reflection of the power struggles in Zanu PF, but most importantly it tells you that ZEC is compromised, captured and has no fidelity to run free and fair elections in Zimbabwe.
“That report is a pro-Zanu PF report. That report supports the Zanu PF agenda but what you need to look at is who within the Zanu PF factions’ benefits more. Among the factional fights in Zanu PF it is tilted against those who support (President) Mnangagwa, that is why it has been rejected. It exhibits lack of elite consensus within the ruling party.
“What is likely to happen when legislators debate on the issues raised in the report, given what the Ad Hoc committee of Parliament has said, unless these people put aside their fights and ZEC also agrees to address issues raised it is likely that the report will be thrown out,” Dr Ruhanya said.

Gerrymandering: to what extent?

ZEC has been accused of gerrymandering: the dictionary definition of this phenomenon is to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party or class.
This has been described by analysts as one of the age old tactics to steal an election used by the ruling party, like in previous elections in 2000, 2008 and other examples.
Media researcher and trainer Dr Last Alfandika said whilst there are suspicions that the ruling party is gerrymandering through the delimitation process, as evidenced by the seemingly dilution of the urban vote through offloading some urban wards into the rural areas where the ruling party is dominant, it may work against them.
“We are seeing most of the opposition strongholds getting mixed up with rural electorate, maybe in the hope that they dilute the urban vote, it may work against them where the opposition actually takes some of the ruling party strongholds.
“The ruling party also wants to win some of the urban areas, which will require more work to appease them, but then they are the authorities, they can use their power on resources to campaign. But we are likely to see deterioration in the event that some rural areas are taken by the opposition like we have seen in urban areas taken by opposition,” Dr Alfandika said.
Research Fellow of Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC), University of Johanessburg, Dr Alexander Rusero said what the Ad Hoc Committee of Parliament raised on the delimitation preliminary report, real technical issues are pointing to ZEC incompetence, not necessarily on partisan grounds or the electoral body being biased towards Zanu PF.
“The technical sentiments raised by the committee to say the delimitation report should not be detached from the final census report are valid. That alone tells you the extent at which incompetence could actually be the one crippling ZEC, not necessarily the partisan sentiments where the electoral body is accused of favoring Zanu PF.
“ZEC should go back to the drawing board and factor in the recommendations and produce a good report. I don’t think time constraints are an issue here because what is more important is that whatever ZEC is trying to do is aimed at strengthening our democratization and delivering a credible poll at the end of the day.
“I don’t think the narrative that ZEC favors Zanu PF is a good narrative, so ZEC should just do the right thing, rope in the technical expertise and make sure that at least the election resembles the aspirations and the will of the people,” Dr Rusero said.
He also said from the Ad Hoc analysis report, it shows that Parliament is in agreement, albeit Zanu PF’s two thirds majority in the August House, but although strange, that they are also against the report points towards democratization of the process.

Way Forward

While the general sentiment is that the delimitation process was not properly done, Election Resource Centre (ERC) has said that on top of addressing issues raised by stakeholders, it should extensively consult in order to have a comprehensive report that is acceptable despite their ability to legitimately make certain decisions.
Speaking to TellZim News, ERC Programs Manager Solomon Bobosibunu said ZEC might not necessarily go to every village or constituency but to look at who represents the interests of the citizenry in order to rectify issues raised in the draft report.
“If there are political parties that they can meet with, thrash those differences (raised in the report) they can then produce a comprehensive reviewed document.
“ZEC can naturally prompt section 161(12) of the constitution but we would not want them to go that route because we want them to engage with stakeholders, we want consensus in all electoral processes, we want people to buy in, to the different boundaries, accept that there are changes that can actually be made legitimately by the electoral commission for the reasons that are valid.
“If they are yet to consider population data, let them also take that into account and consider the geographic distribution of voters together with the implications of the boundaries they are proposing. This would go a long way in making the election credible and acceptable by all stakeholders involved in the entire electoral process,” Bobosibunu said.

CCC: A Crisis Coalition of Comedians!

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CCC: A Crisis Coalition of Comedians!

But ED anozozvinyanyawo vakomana. Mapombi is very sure that Uncle Bob must be turning in his grave. Honestly, appointing Auxillia into the Politburo was very unnecessary – ko zvasiyanei naMugabe who had appointed his wife Dr Gire the women’s league boss? What is the difference between ED and Bob nhaimi vanhu veZanu PF? Mapombi is too junior zvake to warn ED but kumagumo kune nyaya mukaita maitiro aiitwa naMugabe aya, at least I have said it.
Anyway, compliments of the new season Cdes. Mapombi would like to thank the Almighty God for protecting her throughout 2022; though under very difficult circumstances. Of course the difficulty circumstances are called austerity for prosperity, at least according to our finance minister Mthuli Ncube. But is that guy really a professor? Ndikutobvunzawo hangu vanotizivei nezvekufunda izvi because inini zvangu Mapombi handizvione mushe. He must be a professor of incompetence. Yes, Mthuli is very much incompetent. Him and Dr Gideon Gono same same potse potse Dr Gidza vakatova nani. As of Dr Mangudya I shall not speak. All I can say Panonetsa chokwadi. Kkkkkkkk what’s in a name – munhu onzi Panonetsa Mangudya wotoonawo zveshuwa kuti hapana kumira mushe panonetsa. At least his second term is coming to an end in the next few months maybe someone who takes over may save us from this unending drama.
By the way, I have heard a lot of talk about this ZEC delimitation report, with some people coming up with crazy analysis. Recently, I was looking for some rotten bananas kwedu kuChitima Market uko as you are aware that this January disease is hitting everywhere except those who support Zanu PF. Yes, Mapombi suspects the Zanu supporters are not facing any challenges this January because the way they support mediocrity so ka zvimwe zvinotoita senge munhu ane shavi.
Mapombi thinks the delimitation report that was submitted to Mnangagwa and the shenanigans that followed after is all the work of Zanu PF. I will never agree that ZEC is so competent to that extent but it was a well calculated move that is meant to dismiss the new delimitation boundaries so that we go for an election using the 2018 constituency boundaries. Its not a secret that the new proposed constituency boundaries in the delimitation report submitted is favouring opposition CCC. Mapombi will never agree that Chigumba, an experienced judge can fail to interpret a simple constitutional clause and let alone failed to consult even her colleagues who sit on the constitutional court bench. Really?
As if that is not enough, Chigumba with all her experience again failed to consult or actively involve the other seven commissioners in the ZEC board kwava kungoita hake iye naVice Chair vari two? This is very clear Cdes – ndoinonzi tamba tamba chidembo muswe ndakabata. This is all Zanu PF tactics so that the delimitation report is discredited and the President and the Parliament will recommend ZEC to redo the delimitation exercise. Once such a recommendation is made it then become automatic that the new delimitations will not be used during 2023 general elections because the law is very clear that the exercise should be concluded at least six months before the elections for it to be effected on the forthcoming elections. In this situation the earliest ZEC can resubmit the report, if its recommended to redo, will be March or April..
There are very clear indicators that show the Zanu PF invisible hand in this drama. Firstly, no one would dare go against a process by government or its parastal especially after being appointed into the board by the President. And in this ZEC case we have seven commissioners claiming that they were not fully involved in the report. Obviously they first consulted the powers that be if the move was the best or they were instructed to do so. The main reason is Zanu PF wants the delimitation report to be dismissed on technicality hence this narrative by the ZEC commissioners. Mapombi will never buy the idea that the division shown by the commissioners is a reflection of the factional fights in Zanu PF. Of course we all know that muri kugwiwa mumusangano but kunoshandiswa the whipping system and no one dares to go against the President. Trust me on this one. Haungarambe uchiridya rinopisa zvokwadi if you dare going against the leadership so either those commissioners worked under instruction or they consulted after they told the ruling party that they will lose more constituencies if they go to the election with the new delimitation boundaries.
And guess what did the opposition did after presented with such an opportunity? That CCC party is a crisis coalition of comedians zvokwadi. Those guys are lawyers cum comedians. Even a Grade 7 dropout will tell you that CCC was going to have more MPs under the new proposed delimitation boundaries than the 2018 one, but ivo dzungu too much. Zanu PF trapped them and they knew these guys vanoda kuzofamba vachizvirova matundundu kuti tisu takazvivharisa, and now they are busy saying the report favours Zanu PF what what. Haaaa tikwanirei apa. Dzungu munoriwanza too much. Some are even highlighting some Sections of the law that were violated by ZEC when they compiled the delimitation report and stuff. Ko mukadzikama zvinei nhaimi maComedian? Mapombi now understands why Chamisa was or is nicknamed Mhepo because speed yakawandisa apa. Bhora pasi mudenga hamuna ground musabvuma kushandiswa neZanu to dismiss the report that they don’t want themselves. They have created technicalities and vacuums so that the opposition can fall for it. What kind of an opposition is too predictable like that? And you expect to win 2023 elections when everyone can easily read your minds like this? I doubt.
Anyway, opposition should run with the narrative yekuita endorse the Zec delimitation report and if they can’t they must learn to shut their mouths. They have gained constituencies in their strongholds but they are on the forefront saying the report favours Zanu PF kkkkkkkkk kumwe kupusa kunoda kurutsisiwa chokwadi. Kukundwa negonzo rinoti rikateewa nechirimbani rinonyumwa chokwadi. I think I have said enough zvekuti vane nzeve dzekunzwa vanzwa. And to my dear brother Nelson Chamisa can you listen to me ndimbokubayawo zani sehanzvadzi yako. This is politics so izvi zvekuti you respond to every situation nemunamato haaaa you have to change the approach. Some situations need to be solved by politicians and not pastrors so you should know where to use the two exchangeably. Vanhu vanorohwa kwaMurehwa iwe busy nema Bible verse paTwitter uchirega kundoona maSupporter arohwa? Manje kana zvakadaro tinofirei zvedu nekurohwa when we all know kuti not even a solidarity message will come from the leader except verses. We will only vote you because we are desperate for change, and not because you are the best Nero. Your strategies and tactics are far much below expectations.
Let me go and have my rotten bananas and maputi because it’s almost lunch time. I am sure those who care to listen vanzwa and those close to ED and Nero will tell them chenjedzo yabva kuna Mapombi kuti Mukadzi anoda kuitiwa slow down because ava kumhanya zvekutodarika Dr Grace chaiko. And to Nero, tell your supporters to shut up if they cannot support the delimitation report because rakanakira opposition and Zanu PF wants it dismissed. Musabvuma kushandiswa. And lastly, every leader must condemn violence and do everything to make sure that there is no political violence. We want peaceful elections.

Mucheke tuck shop murder suspect nabbed

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Mucheke tuck shop murder suspect nabbed

TellZim Reporter

Masvingo police have nabbed a 39 year-old man in connection with last Saturday’s shooting and killing of a tuck shop owner during a suspected robbery incident.

The suspect Tafadzwa Kanengoni was arrested in Zvishavane four days after the killing in cold blood of Mike Munhungowarwa in Sisk area of Mucheke suburb.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said Kanengoni is set to appear in court on January 13 facing murder as well as theft charges.

“I can confirm that after the shooting incident that occurred in Mucheke on Saturday (January 7), our Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers made investigations into the case which pointed to the accused Tafadzwa Kanengoni. Our officers tracked and caught up with Kanengoni in Zvishavane at the residence believed to be that of his girlfriend.

“After the arrest in Zvishavane, Kanengoni was brought back to Masvingo for indications after which he tried to escape from police custody leading to the shoot out incident,” said Dhewa.

Kanengoni tried to run away from the CID officers who then shot him on one of his feet leading to his re-arrest.

Dhewa also confirmed that Kanengoni is an ex-convict who was released from prison in November last year (2022) before he stole the firearm which he was now using at a shop in Masvingo Central Business District (CBD).

Kanengoni is alleged to have robbed a female Target Kopje resident sometime last year using the firearm though no shooting took place as he just used to the weapon to subdue his victim.

During the Sisk incident, Kanengoni is reported to have demanded cash from the now late Munhungowarwa who gave in to the demand before shooting the latter in cold blood after which he vanished from the scene.

Dhewa however warned would-be criminals to make up their choices before engaging in crime as he says Masvingo is no safe haven for criminals.

“We appeal to members of the public to continue closely working with the police through providing vital information with regards to criminal activities in the areas. However, at the same time let us warn all and would-be criminals to desist from trying to earn a living from proceeds of crime and bear in mind that Masvingo is no safe haven for criminals,” Dhewa said.

Be ambassadors of peace- youths told

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Be ambassadors of peace- youths told

Emmanuel Chitsika

Youths in Bikita West constituency have been challenged to be ambassadors of peace and play a leading role in taming political violence that has become a common occurrence during Zimbabwean elections.

4-H Zimbabwe director Muchenje urged youths to make use of sport in preserving peace during the upcoming 2023 harmonized polls.

“As youths, we expect you to be ambassadors and role models of peace in 2023. I challenge you to make use of sports in preaching and maintaining peace.

“Let us draw from the recently-concluded World Cup which brought together people from all over the globe and thus the morning uniting power of sport. Participating in games helps in ensuring peace and harmony prevails,” said Muchenje.

Lowveld wheat potential saviour to Zim’s bread crisis

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Lowveld wheat potential saviour to Zim’s bread crisis

…Tongaat Hulett delivers 1 550 metric tons of wheat at Rutenga GMB

Beatific Gumbwanda

MWENEZI-As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine turns 11 months old, Africa, which is the largest importer of wheat from Russia, Ukraine and Romania is currently on the brink as wheat supply was heavily affected due to the closure of ports in the Black Sea.
Zimbabwe’s Agribusiness conglomerate, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) the country’s sole sugar producer, has heeded government’s call to produce wheat in order to counteract the bread crisis which was steered by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe recently devoted its 600 hectares of land, earmarked for sugarcane plantations to winter wheat in order to counteract supplies which have been disrupted by the war in Europe earlier this year by delivering 1 550 tons of wheat at Rutenga’s Grain Marketing Board.
THZ’s social corporate responsibility is also premised in its response to support the country’s food security as they have been producing thousands metric tons of maize which they do in conjunction with the government of Zimbabwe as well as Masvingo Development Trust.
In an interview THZ’s head of agriculture Norman Maisiri said the quality of wheat produced in the Lowveld is different to that in the Highveld and its grade suits well with the wheat that the country imports from Russia and Ukraine.
“I cannot comment much on the issue as I am a specialist on the production side, but from my understanding, wheat that is grown here (Lowveld) and the Middle Sabi suit the grade that we import to blend with the one that is produced from the Highveld in Zimbabwe.
“If need there be, only few wheat will be imported which is a positive to the country,” said Maisiri.
He also said the company through its Social Corporate Responsibility arm, will continue aiding government whenever the need arises to ensure it is food secure.
“Last year, we delivered close to 1 560 tons of wheat to the GMB and this year, government also notified us that we need to produce wheat again as we had a maize bumper harvest two years ago. We have been partnering government in the production of winter maize and we will continue doing so in contributing to the food security,” added Maisiri.
The company, which is the biggest employer outside government is doing much towards the attainment of the country’s vision 2030 of an upper middle class economy through its support system to the indigenous companies in its supply chains and has also been bailing out communities with infrastructural developments.

Villagers vandalise Neshuro Hospital fence

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Villagers vandalise Neshuro Hospital fence

Brighton Chiseva

MWENEZI – In an act of vandalism and antidevelopment, villagers from ward 2 in Mwenezi district are alleged to have vandalised security fence that was erected around Neshuro District Hospital only to create a shorter route to the hospital.
Mwenezi East legislator Master Makope confirmed the incident that happened on December 11 saying they were worried by the act as it exposes patients and hospital staff to some dangers like intrusion.
Makope said he will engage the Chief, ward councillor and other relevant stakeholders to educate the community on the importance of having a secure fence saying the matter was now in the hands of the police and perpetrators would be brought to book.
“The fence was recently erected after a long time of none security at the hospital and we were happy with the development but now some locals are not to be happy about the whole issue and they vandalised the fence in protest since nothing was stolen.
“We suspect they are villagers from Matande, Mashindi and Mangezi who have been using a shorter path to the hospital that was blocked with the new fence and they do not want to use the main gate.
“When the fence was erected, it was reported that they complained saying their road had been blocked. Since nothing was stolen we just assumed that it’s that small section of the community who want a shorter way to the hospital,” said Makope.
He said the shorter way passed through the waiting mother’s shelters as well as the maternity wards and this posed a danger to the expecting mothers who risked being robbed and menaced by marauding domestic animals.
“The path passes through the waiting mother’s shelters and at times they were robbed at night while domestic animals have free access to the quarters and are menacing the area. The path also passes through the maternity wards and people would peep through the windows and see activities done inside so the area needs privacy,” added Makope.
He said Neshuro Growth point community has an initiative of getting a neighbourhood watch committee to monitor the growth point since there have been a number of theft cases in the locality though he said the hospital issue was just vandalism no theft.
“There have been cases of theft in the growth point and I heard the community is in the process of establishing a neighbourhood watch committee. I am sure that will also help the hospital,” he added.

ZRP commits to improve response to GBV

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ZRP commits to improve response to GBV

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru –Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reiterated its commitment to fight in the corner of women and children against various forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The call was made by Acting Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector, Fungai Ngawagare on the side lines of commemorations of 16 Days against GBV where he said police is mandated with the thrust to suppress all forms of criminal activities resulting in violence against women and girls.
“We cannot turn a blind eye on such an initiative (16 days) which is part of efforts in curbing crime. In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police is obliged to uphold interests of children, women and men in the fight against all forms of Sexual Gender Based Violence.
“Gender Based Violence is violence involving men and women in which the female is usually victim and is derived from unequal power relationships between men and women.
“Violence is directed specifically against a woman because she is a woman, or affects women disproportionately. It includes but not limited to physical, sexual, psychological harm. It includes that violence which is perpetuated or condoned by the state,” he said.
He further highlighted that physical abuse mean inflicting injury, harm or causing physical discomfort to another person.
“Sexual abuse refers to any acts that include rape, indecent assault, aggravated indecent assault and having sexual intercourse with a young person.
“Emotional abuse includes constant criticism, name calling, public humiliation, intimidation, ridicule of victim`s beliefs just to mention a few.
“Gender Based Violence also extends to harmful practices that include child marriages or child pledging, forced wife inheritance, forced virginity testing, female genital mutilation, online sexual and child abuse, human trafficking and domestic violence.
“All these practices have negative effects on individuals, the community and nation at large. The effects include injury, loss of life, trauma, family disintegration, poverty, cultural denudation, loss of property just to mention a few. As a safeguard against GBV, certain statutes have been formulated with some conducts having been criminalized and are all punishable in terms of the law,” he added.
Ngawagare however said there was need for the police to achieve their mandate by conscientizing the public, protect rights of the vulnerable and arresting perpetrators of such offences.
“In addition, the ZRP also works hand in glove with organizations that protect rights of the vulnerable people in society which include Msasa, One Stop Centre, Child line, Family Support Trust, Social Welfare just to mention a few.
“We as the police do hereby plead with members of the public to desist from all forms of Gender Based Violence for they have negative effects to the perpetrator, victim and nation at large. In the event of disputes, the public is encouraged to find amicable ways of solving their disputes that is to seek counselling, engage neutral third parties or temporal separation.
“Those that are victimized are encouraged to report to the police or to any person of authority. To the perpetrators, we say, you won’t escape the hook of the law forever as one of the old saying says ‘one day the baboon will miss the branch’.
“As police we are saying be safe, avoid being at risk or being exposed to GBV. Do not withhold any information that may save a victim of GBV and obtain justice. Remember you are the mouthpiece of the silenced victim or survivor of GBV,” Ngawagare added.
Every year from 25 November to 10 December, ZRP women network joins Southern Africa Region Police Chiefs Co-operation Organization (SARPCCO) in commemorating 16 days of activism against GBV.
The member countries include South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, Tanzania and DRC.

Economists commend Masvingo City on budget consultations

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Economists commend Masvingo City on budget consultations

Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Economic analysts have lauded Masvingo City Council for engaging residents on budget consultations saying the move produces a budget that reflects on what residents want.
Masvingo City Council presented a US$ 23.6 million which translates to ZW$ 40.9 billion on November 25 after a series of consultations with residents.
Economist Dr Regret Sunge said the budget is an outcome of consultations that were done in accordance with the constitution of Zimbabwe, the Public Finance Act as well as the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29 section 15.
“The reason for consultations is for residents and ratepayers to give their input into the budget in terms of projects and what needs to be done in the community to improve social welfare, issues to do with water and sanitation, street lighting, health centres where a lot needs to be done due to the ballooning population.
“So the consultations were very important because without them, the budget won’t be successful because residents are the ones who pay and are affected by the services offered. So the most important thing is for council and residents to come together and agree then move forward because development is a result of the two working together. The consultations were really important because the ratepayers need to have ownership of the budget as if that is not the case, they may protest and not pay services and the budget can only be approved if all stockholders have put their input,” said Dr Sunge.
He also commended council on its move to have a budget in US dollars adding that it safe guards the budget since local currency is easily affected by inflation.
“The budget is primarily in US$, meaning the rates will be paid in US$. The move is aimed at trying to safeguard the value of the budget as Zimbabwe is in an inflationary environment so that was a good strategy and we expect better services,” he added.
Dr Sunge said though residents may not have easy access to foreign currency, the situation was a 50-50 between residents and council as long as the two meet their obligations, that is residents paying rates and council improving service delivery.
“It’s a 50 50 situation between residents and council as long as they meet their obligations. What residents want is good service delivery and now council cannot blame inflation, once residents get what they deserve, they will pay once the payment translates into good services,” said Dr Sunge.
Another economist Collen Jonas said public consultations on budgets are key in improving transparency and accountability in resource use saying it enhances efficiency so the move by council to consult the public on budget is commendable.
“Feedback received through consultations ensures buy-in to council plans by residents so consultations are important as they allow residents to take ownership of council plans just as it is key for any other public policy,” said Jonas.
He went on to say residents should track the budget from revenue collection and the uses since they are the owners of it.
They fund council operations so they need to understand how things are done.
“The public have interests in the budget process, both revenue collection and spending, as they are basically the ones who contribute to council revenues and also as they are the recipients of council services like refuse collection.
“They need to understand how much council needs to provide them the much-needed services, assert how much they can contribute, in terms of the rates, and also place their demands/expectations from council,” added Jonas.
The 2023 budget will be presented for approval by the ministry of local government.

Safety should be everyone’s responsibility

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Safety should be everyone’s responsibility

Now that the festive season is already underway, with people busy to make final touches leading to a merry Christmas and a Happy 2023, the onus of playing it safe lies on everyone.
With slightly above a week before the Christian and non-Christian community come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let every responsible citizen bear in mind the responsibility that lies upon them in as far as ensuring safety is concerned.
Bearing in mind the frequency of road carnage cases that have become a major characteristic on the country’s roads, the general citizenry should play an equally important role in saving lives. Accidents do occur as a result of a number of things among them mechanical faults on vehicles while human error seems to account for a bigger chunk on the statistics.
Motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and passengers should make sure each play their roles to fend off the likely challenges that may result from accidents and hence loss of human life and resources involved.
With people moving from one place to the other, exercising responsibility is the best solution to the mishaps that occur on the roads. As such motorists should adhere to road traffic rules and regulations while at the same time exercising caution on the roads some of which are in bad state. Being part of the safety measures, drunken driving should find no place this holiday, not over speeding for speed thrills while at the same time killing. Drivers thus have a prerogative and national duty obligation to fulfil in saving human lives.
Passengers should also desist from pressuring drivers into speeding so that they reach destinations quickly as that may result in them not being able to accomplish such missions. People should collectively act and arrest such problems in event they arise. Gone should be the days when holidays are marred by accidents and that begins with today’s citizen.
Authorities tasked with law enforcement that is Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) should execute their duties diligently without fear or favour as they ensure total adherence to road rules and regulations. Those errant motorists or even passengers going against the law should pay dearly for their actions and that entails the three organizations working sincerely. Sincerity include saying no to bribes in law enforcement.
Whatever amount of joy and zeal may engulf the minds of people, let there be a sense of responsibility for the sake of preserving their lives and that of others during the holiday so that everyone would get into 2023 safely.
Let not let plunge the nation into mourning unnecessarily through accidents. Thus safety for everyone begins with everyone.

Anti-corruption: can the dream be achieved?

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Anti-corruption: can the dream be achieved?

… country losing US 1.8 billion annually to graft

Beverly Bizeki

Efforts by Zimbabwean government to curb corruption seem to be fruitless as the country continues to bear the ugly fruits of the scourge which has seen it losing an estimated US $1.8 billion annually.
As the country commemorated the 20th anniversary of the International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2022, a look at the economic situation in Zimbabwe tells a sad story as it is plunged into deep poverty coupled with current power black outs and inflation continually rising.
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Chairperson Kuziva Murapa officially lamented the loss of capital to corruption and said this causes a drawback in the progress of the nation.
“Zimbabwe alone is estimated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to be losing about US$ 1.8 billion annually due to illicit financial flows. This leaves governments with little or no resources to fulfil their obligations to their citizens,” said Murapa.
The day was celebrated under the theme, ‘Uniting the World against Corruption’ with Zimbabwe coming up with its own ‘Uniting Zimbabweans against corruption’.
Murapa also noted efforts by government to fight corruption citing the adoption of legal frameworks particularly the whistle-blowing.
“Allow me to highlight that our legal regime has a great lacuna in terms of the existence of a whistle-blower and witness protection framework. This has a negative effect of retarding potential whistle-blowers from whistleblowing due to fear of victimization. Therefore, corrupt people are left scot free due to lack of evidence incriminating them to acts of corruption. However, allow me to express my deep gratitude to cabinet for approving the principles of the whistle-blower framework,” added Murapa.
Guest of honour at Masvingo City commemorations Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira became the first to sign the integrity pledge in the fight against corruption together with other department heads at the ceremony.
The anti-corruption day commemoration is born out of the global realization of the need for countries to continuously reflect on approaches adopted in the fight against corruption.
Other stakeholders who attended the commemorations include the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Transparency International Zimbabwe (TZI) and Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe among others.

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