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Zanu PF at its weakest: War Vets

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Zanu PF at its weakest: War Vets
Black Jesus did not want bond notes – Mahiya


TellZim Reporter

Outspoken war veteran leaders Victor Matemadanda and Douglas Mahiya have said Zanu PF is at its weakest point since its formation and have predicted a defeat of the party in the 2018 elections.
The war veterans leadership said Zimbabweans are fed up with the ruling party’s bad governance, corruption and poor service delivery.
Speaking to this publication at the side lines of the burial of Francis Zimuto, popularly known as Black Jesus, in Gutu last weekend, Mahiya said it will be very difficult for Zanu PF to win any election without the support of war veterans.
Mahiya, who claimed to have served Zanu PF for the past 46 years, said the party had allowed itself to be infiltrated by selfish individuals who are only there to loot state resources.
He castigated the current dishing out of stands to the Zanu PF youths saying that was a sign of a failed government.
“I have never seen such shallowness of mind and desperation…the party has hijacked the duty of the local authority. It is Kasukuwere who is enriching himself – there is nothing like youth empowerment,” said Mahiya.
“We have lost the Norton by-election because the party has been hijacked by thugs and arrogant people who are after looting state resources….I can confidently tell you that Zanu PF will lose the next election if the commissariat continue to side-line war veterans.
“They continue to kick people out of the party so that they loot resources without reckless abandon but one day, the party will follow the people and Zanu PF will lose,” said Mahiya.
Turning to President Robert Mugabe, Mahiya said the veteran leader has allowed himself to be corrupted by the commissariat.
“You have seen that the party is failing … the people expect a lot from the government but it is unfortunate that there is bad governance and corruption in the government. Under normal circumstances, the CEO of a poorly performing company must just resign,” added Mahiya.
Mahiya who described the late Black Jesus as ‘a fearless man who did not tell the king what he wants to hear’, said Zimbabweans must be firm in rejecting the bond notes.
“We must be united in rejecting the bond notes. Even Black Jesus called me and told me that he was against bond notes. We still stand with the view that the proposed bond notes are coming to enrich the few individuals in Zanu PF,” added Mahiya.
Matemadanda, who also predicted Zanu PF’s demise in the next elections, said it was unfortunate that some few individuals had hijacked the revolutionary party.
“I can tell you that Black Jesus’ death has come as a very heavy blow to us…he stood for the truth and he could not hide whatever he wanted to say. We need such people for Zimbabwe to move forward, however, it is unfortunate that war veterans are being ill-treated on daily basis,” said Matemadanda.
Matemadanda reminded Zanu PF that no one had the right to claim ownership of the revolution.
“No one owns the revolution, we have been telling them that we do not want corruption in Zimbabwe…how can we celebrate our freedom when others are suppressing the people. We shall continue to fight.
“Zanu PF has a tendency of blaming the West for everything instead of self-introspecting. It is us who are failing, we can’t continue blaming the Western countries for everything,” said Matemadanda.news

Where to after con-court ruling on anti-child marriages?

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Where to after con-court ruling on anti-child marriages?
Itai Muzondo

As she walks down the street, she struggles to take the next step and fears to face the world as she will now be called irresponsible young girl in the community after she fell pregnant while in school.
At 16, she is not spared from any woman’s burden; the often uncomfortable signs of pregnancy, possible complications on delivery and above all, how to cope with life as a young uneducated and unemployed mother.
Prisca Mapeture (not real name) has since been abandoned by the father of the baby she is carrying because the law does not allow marriage of children under the age of 18.
Prisca’s ordeal comes in the aftermath of the landmark Concourt anti-child marriage ruling in January 2016.
“I could not push my boyfriend to marry me as he explained that he would get arrested,” Prisca says.
“I thought it was reasonable to protect him for the benefit of our baby. Even my parents advised me the same after they met him. Surprisingly, he has since disappeared without a word,” she says.
The 17 year old boyfriend, Mpumelelo Ndlovu (not real name) has not been communicating for a while now.
Zimbabwe is, however, a signatory to various international statutes such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Analysts say Zimbabwe has failed to domesticate these statutes and also failed to harmonise the marriage laws in order to make it easy to prosecute offenders, thus the emergence of such situations.
The law actually lacks provision to prosecute people who have sexual relations with teens between 16 and 18 years old.
Section 70 of the Criminal and Codification Act of Zimbabwe says, “…where a male person engages in extra marital sexual intercourse or anal intercourse, or physical contact that a reasonable person would consider indecent with a female young person, with knowledge that the young person in under the age of 16, will be found guilty of an offence, regardless of whether the young person consented to the act.”
The Act evidently does not protect children from marriage.
The Act further contradicts with the definition given to child marriage.
UNICEF defines child marriages as, “…couples who are formally married, or who live together as a sexually active couple in an informal union, with at least one member usually the girl being less than 18 years old.”
The Marriage Act [Chapter 5:11] also provides that a girl between the ages of 16 and 18 may, with the joint consent of her mother and father, enter into a civil marriage under the Marriage Act. The Marriage Act prohibits the marriage of girl children below the age of 16 years. The Marriage Act does not however permit a boy below the age of 18 years to contract a marriage under the Marriage Act.
This leaves room for perverts to sexually exploit 16 and 17 year old girls and get away with it as the law punishes not engaging in sexual relations with such girls but marrying them.
“Currently, I have nowhere and I feel rejected. I am subjected to harsh criticism and abuse by relatives,” says a tearful Prisca.
Dewa Mavhinga, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch had this to say about child marriages.
“The Zimbabwean government should show that it is serious about tackling the scourge of child marriage and raise the minimum age to 18. The future of millions of African girls depends on African leaders taking action to end a devastating practice that robs girls of education and exposes them to abuse,” says Mavhinga.
Legal expert and human rights defender, Martin Mureri of Matutu and Mureri Legal Practitioners said the loophole can only be sealed by aligning laws to the new constitution.
“Look into this issue critically; the constitution is clear that marrying someone under the age of 18 is illegal. Any other law, practice, custom or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid to the extent of its inconsistency. Without aligning marriage customs, as spelled out in Section 70 of the Criminal Codification Act, to the constitution, we will remain static in this fight,” he said.
In October 2014, two former child brides, Loveness Mudzuru and Ruvimbo Tsopodzi asked the Constitutional Court to have child marriage made a criminal offense and declared unconstitutional. They asked the court to declare 18 the minimum age for marriage and to have all marriage laws amended.
The government opposed the claim on the grounds that the applicants had not been forced into marriages, but had “simply opted to live in unregistered unions when they were minors”.
Since the Marriages Act permits girls to marry at 16 and boys at 18, “the differentiation arises from biological and psychological maturity levels for boys and girls.”
A Chiredzi legislator, who is also part of parliament team researching on the effects of child marriages across the country, Mucharairwa Mugidho, said there is urgent need to enact a law that deals solely with child marriages.
“There is an urgent need to enact a law that protects our young ones from child marriages. We have since decided as a committee to move a motion in parliament proposing an act that stipulates 18 as the rightful age for marriage. We also wish to have a law that works hand in glove with the constitution so that loopholes leading to early marriages today will be dealt with,” Mugidho said.
In a report, Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) suggests that if a law condoning child marriages is to be enacted, it should make marriage registration compulsory.
“National response mechanisms have overlooked the fact that the registrations of births and marriages will assist in combating child marriages. Although registration of births is compulsory, the law does not make the registration of marriages compulsory. Therefore if a law that tackles child marriages is to be enacted, it should make registration of marriages compulsory,” the report reads.news

Bishop Ndanga warns Christians against political demonstrations

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Bishop Ndanga warns Christians against political demonstrations

Tanyaradzwa Chiwara/
Petunia Gotoza

Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president, Bishop Johannes Ndanga last week urged the United Apostolic Faith Church of God (UAFCG) members to desist from politically-motivated demonstrations as that does not form part of the church’s mandate.
He was speaking during the church’s 55th anniversary celebrations held in Chihota.
The UAFCG’s anniversary celebrations, which were the first to be held in the church’s over five decades of existence, ran under the theme, One Church, One Vision.
In his speech during the event Bishop Ndanga said Christians should not be involved in revolts against the government.
“As Christians you should remain resolute and you should not be involved in those revolts against the government,” Bishop Ndanga said.
He urged church members to remain united to avoid the emergence of off-shoot denominations that result from disharmony.
“We now have many churches but I urge you to have one spirit of unity and remain united as the name of the church alludes,” the bishop added.
Addressing the same gathering, Bishop Hove of the UAFCG also emphasised the importance of unity as one of the cornerstone of the church’s vision.
“Let us embrace our theme which says One Church, One Vision. As Christians, we should, therefore, remain focused and united,” said Bishop Hove.news

17 Chegato teachers seek transfer

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17 Chegato teachers seek transfer

… as goblins sexually molest them

Jubilee Mahlamvana

MBERENGWA – In a suspected case of fetishism, female teachers at Chegato primary school have complained that they are being sexually abused by unseen creatures which they suspect to be goblins.
The school has 17 female teachers and the majority complained about the same problem saying they woke up each morning with visible signs of sexual molestation.
In an interview with this publication, the school head, Edson Zhou confirmed the developments but refused to delve into details.
“I cannot comment now because the matter has already been handed over to the provincial offices so I will advise you to go to the Provincial Education Director (PED) for comments,” said Zhou.
When reached for comment the Midlands PED, Agnes Gudo (pictured) confirmed the developments, but could not comment further, saying investigations are still underway.
“We got the information, but we are still investigating the matter,” said Gudo.
The “goblins” have persistently pestered the teachers, forcing five of female teachers to request to be transferred from the school and they have already filed the forms with the district education office.
However, a teacher at the school said the councillor was only trying duck the issues as he had been briefed on the matter.news

Jilted cop commits suicide

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Jilted cop commits suicide

Black Jesus laid to rest

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Black Jesus laid to rest

Upenyu Chaota

GUTU – Francis Zimuto, popularly known as Black Jesus, who passed on last week, was given a hero send-off over the weekend at his mother’s rural home in Makore village under chief Makore in Gutu.
The 62 year-old war veteran, whose efforts helped to start the Land Reform Programme, was given a state-assisted burial which saw government dignitaries attending and the military giving him a three man gun salute.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Shuvai Mahofa, war veterans secretary general Victor Matemadanda, war veterans spokesperson Douglas Mahiya and other legislators from Masvingo province witnessed the send-off.
Alleged members of Team Lacoste also went to bid farewell to their colleague while suspected Generation 40 (G40) loyalists snubbed the burial.
Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Amasa Nhenjana was one of ruling party officials who became conspicuous by his absence.
Mahofa described Zimuto as an astute war veteran whose contributions to the country’s liberation will forever be appreciated.
“Zimuto was a great leader and his role from the liberation struggle to the time of his death will be cherished forever.
“He always said the truth and we liked him like that. His journey ends here but the journey for the rest of Zimbabweans is still on going.
“We are like the Israelites on their journey to Canaan. Not all of us will reach the land of milk and honey. Some of us will die but others will come and take over and lead,” said Mahofa.
She fired warning shots at people who go against the revolutionary principles saying they should be careful so as to avoid bringing trouble to themselves.
“The constitution says people have their freedoms to do what they want but they will not watch when people lose direction while going against Zanu PF,” said Mahofa.
Mahofa took the opportunity to urge political leadership to give food aid to everyone without discrimination. She said she was worried to hear that some Zanu PF leaders were blocking opposition supporters from getting food aid.
“Food aid must not be distributed along political lines. The aid is for everyone despite their political affiliation and I urge you today that when it comes to food, everyone must receive their share weather they are green, yellow, black or red,” said Mahofa amid ululations from the mourners.
She also called for unity in the party and pleaded with the masses to support President Mugabe because it is his time to lead.
“We still have a long way to go and a lot of leadership roles many of us have to assume. Right now we have President Mugabe as our leader and we should support him. Moses led the Israelites to Canaan but he did not reach there with them.
“He died along the way and another leader was appointed. So, as long as Mugabe is still able, he will lead us but some other people will reach Canaan with us. Zimuto today has died and you never know who could be next,” said Mahofa.news

MP Daniel Shumba condemns corruption

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MP Daniel Shumba condemns corruption

Upenyu Chaota

Masvingo Urban legislator and Zanu PF politburo member, Daniel Shumba has challenged the masses to stand up and constitutionally challenge the ruling party if they do not like its rule rather than complain aimlessly as that will not help them.
Addressing a packed Charles Austin theatre at Civic Centre in Masvingo during the National Transitional Justice Working Group (NTJWG) dialogue meeting last week, Shumba said the law provided for citizens’ power to hold their government to account.
He argued that the people are to blame for the rot in the country due to their failure to act.
“Our problems stem from our failure to follow through on the ideals of the constitution we voted for. I am deeply concerned that we have allowed corruption and externalisation of natural resources. If you go to Beitbridge border post, everybody; black, white and brown is externalising resources.
“We have allowed self-enrichment and corruption at all levels. We have allowed externalisation of resources; money which has affected our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). We have got a spirit of entitlement in Zimbabwe and that has killed a culture of hard work while promoting laziness and corruption,” said Shumba.
“If you don’t like somebody, there is something you can do about it….even if it’s Zanu PF or me. We need to rid our systems of partisanship. We are to blame for the mess,” he said.
He however accused the West of injecting over 380 million euros into the country, not through the fiscus but through civic society groups opposed to the government.
He claimed that this year alone, a lot of money had found its way into the country through the wrong channels.
“We need to introspect as to why we have many challenges in African politics because most of the political discourse is as a consequent of sorcerers. Wherever two people of a family have a disagreement, it is easier to resolve as a family but when an external person comes and supports one or the other, agitation begins,” Shumba said.news

Fans to dump chokers FC Platinum for Shabanie

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Fans to dump chokers FC Platinum for Shabanie

Davison Marenga

ZVISHAVANE – Not only in the political realm are defections common but in sport too as was evidenced by events at Mandava Stadium at the weekend when a number of FC Platinum fans abandoned Norman Mapeza after seeing their side’s dream of clinching the premiership become a nightmare following a one all draw with Ngezi Platinum.
A number of disgruntled supporters who spoke to this publication made it clear they will not be supporting FC Platinum next season if the team fails to bring the silverware to Mandava.
They said they would rather go back to their roots – Shabani Mine FC – who are promising to come back into the premiership next season.
The draw in Mandava seemed to have extinguished title hopes for the Zvishavane-based side, which now lies third, and is trailing log leaders Caps United by two points with only three games left.
“Mapeza has failed to take us to Canaan, we need new blood we can’t endure the pain anymore. It’s better to support Division One football…it’s not stressful,” said a disgruntled fan.
“ZvePlatinum zvandikona ini, ukaona yavapa number 3 ziva kuti season yakupera, Bvaru Bvaru ikange nani (if you see FC Platinum at third position be assured that the season is towards its end, supporting Bvaru Bvaru is better).
“For the third year running, FC Platinum proved to be a potential title contender only to choke on the last hurdle. We have been leading for the greater part of the season only to be disappointed at last,” said Tapiwa Phiri, a football fanatic.
However, a ray of light shone towards Pure Platinum play’s way as Caps United drew three-all with Dynamos, leaving them with the hopes of turning the tables again if both Highlanders and Caps United drop points.
Mapeza’s phone was unavailable by the time of this publication.news

Over 700 families benefit from CBAP food aid

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Over 700 families benefit from CBAP food aid

Siyabonga Sayi

As the need for food aid continues to rise in the drought-stricken Masvingo province with almost everyone in need of relief aid, the Community Based Aid Programme (CBAP) has rescued 724 families in wards 1, 13, 17 and 19 of Masvingo district.
The programme, which started in August this year, has targeted the four wards in Masvingo district.
CBAP director Samuel Mhungu said these wards were the most affected by drought hence the first priority.
“We carried out a survey in the district and it showed that these wards were the most affected and we gave them the first priority from what we had.
“When the programme started in August, each family received 50kg regardless of the family size and 181 families benefitted from each of the wards till September.
“In October 301 families received maize in ward 1 while 290 families in ward 17 and 133 households benefitted from the food aid in ward 19,” said Mhungu.
Ward 13 councillor Trust Mugabe said the food aid came at an opportune time when the people were starving due to the poor yields last season.
“The food shortages we are facing today are not limited to my ward alone but they are a national crisis. Almost every household is surviving on one meal per day and any aid that comes is deeply appreciated.
“CBAP has been very helpful by feeding the starving families from the time they started food aid distribution in August this year.
“We welcome anyone who comes in handy to help our starving people,” said Mugabe.news

Jilted teacher sues boyfriend

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Jilted teacher sues boyfriend

Memory Rasa

MPANDAWANA – A 34-year-old Gutu teacher at Chiwara High School last week took her boyfriend – also a teacher at the same school – to the civil court for dumping and refusing to marry her after almost two years
She was demanding US$8740 for damages.
Vivian Zinhanga from Zaka and her ex-boyfriend Gabriel Chirangwi from Murewa appeared before Gutu Resident Magistrate, Edwin Marecha.
She wanted Chirangwi to pay the money, part of which would be used to reimburse the cost she allegedly incurred when she helped him import his car as well as pay his bills.
“Your Worship, this man lied to me that I was going to be his wife soon after he buys a car. We started dating in March 2015 and I helped him. I accompanied him to Tanzania to collect his car.
“When we came back, he texted his friend and told him that he was missing his wife and kids and was planning to go and apologise to his wife and take her back. I confronted him about the issue but he applied for a protection order against me and I was evicted from his house at the school quarters. He used to earn only US$30 a month and I covered everything else for him,” Zinhanga said.
Chirangwi, however, denied that the complainant paid his bills and claimed that Zinhanga was no wife material as she was violent and would bring other boyfriends to their workplace.
He also alleged that she had told him his life was in her hands; implying she could use witchcraft to kill him.
“I never on any occasion promised her a marriage. I would never say that and all witnesses she brought here are fake. She bought bar ladies to come here to stand as her sisters,” said Chirangwi.
A miffed Zinhanga threatened this reporter for attending the court session and threatened to deal with her if the story got published.
Marecha warned the complainant against being too emotional saying she should let the court and journalists do their job.
The case was postponed to November 2, 2016.news

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