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The mythology of the night-sentiment and sentimentality of dreams

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The mythology of the night-sentiment and sentimentality of dreams

By
Elizabeth Duve Dziva
Just like death and its
aftermath, the question of dreams remains a mystery. It actually results in
more questions than answers. All the same, the subject is unavoidable since it
affects all humans across the globe, no matter our social status or race. This explains
why there is vast literature on that subject. Africans call sleep death’s
shadow (mumvuri worufu) or the image of death (mufananidzo worufu). There is a
belief that the soul leaves the sleeping body to roam and wander hence in that
case the body attains a state which is similar to death because the soul has
left it.
Tackling such a subject
from a totally traditional African perspective in today’s modern and extremely
Christian world would draw negativity since almost everything traditional and cultural
is denounced either as demonic or primitive.
Biblically, so much
essence was attached to dreams as they were a way of communication between
Yahweh and men as well as a prediction of the future. In Genesis 37 verse 9-10,
Joseph had a dream of his family members’ sheaves and stars honouring his. This
signified that he was going to be a great man and it surely came to pass.
Joseph was also able to interpret a dream about a forthcoming drought resulting
to his release from prison by Pharaoh.
Actually, there are
uncountable cases of dreams which communicate or predicted something in the
Bible. In faith-based organisations like the African Apostolic Church, there is
a distinct group of anointed people called varoti.
Pastors and congregants in Pentecostal churches value and believe in dreams.
Hence the subject of dreams is essential to humanity despite religion.
From an African perspective,
dreams are brought by ancestors and less often also by alien spirits (mashavi).
Dreams are a way for the ancestors to encounter and have a direct conversation
with men. When the soul roams free at night, it has a special power which no
one can understand. One would regard the most high God and the ancestors as
blind watchmakers that give men bad dreams. In the same sense, one would
question why God created thorns, illness and all other things that cause pain.
From a scientific perspective,
dreams are a reproduction of one’s experiences and thoughts. They may reflect
desires or simply what’s at the back of one’s mind.
Herbert Aschwaden says
in the state of being awake, the following statement applies “I know what I am,
(ndinoziva zvandiri)” but at night one says, “I don’t know what I am (handizivi
zvandiri)”. When asleep, the body is completely powerless but the soul has its
own consciousness. From an African perspective, the ego of the night and that
of the day are totally different. The difference comes in that, during the day,
a person uses the heart or brain and is in control of what happens but at night,
and a man puts no effort in his dreams which makes the whole idea a mystery.
The late former
president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe once said “…..zviroto, zviroto” which
brings about an element that dreams have nothing to do with what happens in the
real world. Perspectives about dreams and their meanings vary according to a
variety of aspects. From an African perspective, symbols of death in dreams
include when one sees himself or with others tilling, ploughing or digging the
earth. Breaking of a ceramic or clay objet represents family breakup or divorce.
Dreaming of the rain, flowing water or a green field symbolizes health and long
life. When one is flying or climbing a mountain, it signifies a good fortune or
becoming great in life.
Conclusively, dreams
are given many layered and complex meanings but the million dollar question is
what really are they? The mystery surrounding dreams remains unresolved and a
controversy over generation.
Elizabeth
Duve Dziva is an Archaeologist and Cultural Heritage practitioner. The views in
this article are solely hers and do not represent those of any organization.
Email duveelizabeth@gmail.com

Poisonous mushrooms nearly kill whole family in Mvuma

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Poisonous mushrooms nearly kill whole family in Mvuma

Mark
Chavunduka
GWERU – Three
people from Village 3 Chakastad recently died while four others were treated
and discharged from Driefontein Hospital after eating poisonous mushrooms for
supper.
The
three deceased; Nyengeterai Mangena (27), Anopa Mangena (16), Sarah Mangena
(64)  and four survivors; Asina Mangena
(10), Nasily (7), Nataly (7) and Clive Mangena (15) were all members of the
same family.
Sarah
was mother to Nyengeterai and Anopa.
Midlands
police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident
and urged people to consume mushroom only when they are very sure it is not
poisonous.
“To
avoid taking poisonous mushroom, we encourage people to confirm first with
others especially those who are experts on mushrooms,” said Mukwende.
Sources
said on February 09, Nyengeterai brought home mushroom from the bush which she then
prepared for supper.
The
following morning, the whole family was complaining of stomach pains and they
were rushed to Driefontein Hospital for treatment.
On
February 13, Nyengeterai passed away, followed by Anna who died on February 15,
and Sarah on February 16.
The
other four were discharged from hospital February 16.

You will not force me to lead from the front: Chamisa

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You will not force me to lead from the front: Chamisa
Nelson Chamisa

Star Matsongoni

MASVINGO – MDC President Nelson Chamisa addressed the Morgan
Tsvangirai Memorial Lecture held at Mucheke Hall on Febrary 14 where he
declared that he will not be dictated on how to lead the party.
The gathering, which was also
attended by Chamisa’s deputy Tendai Biti, national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo
and national vice chairperson Job Sikhala, had to be held outside of the hall
to cope with the big crowd.
The address also took place
moments after the acquittal of Sikhala of treason charges at the Masvingo High Court.
 “I heard that they are saying Chamisa should
lead from the front. You cannot teach me the struggle and you cannot force us
to do things that we are not ready to do. You might delay us but you will never
stop us.
“Mnangagwa you are no longer
relevant, you should leave this country for the young people and be a
consultant not a leader. You don’t have any idea where this country is going
together with your crew. How can you amend the Constitution 27 times in less
than two years? I can see that you are now possessed with the Mugabe and Smith
demons,” said Chamisa.
He was referring to accusations
from State-leaned critics who allege that Chamisa wants to use other people to
demonstrate on his behalf when he himself does not want to face the
consequences.
He was also referring to the
controversial 27 constitutional amendments that government has tabled in what
critics allege is Zanu PF’s disregard for consistent constitutional order.
Chamisa told his audience that
they will fight for each other the same way they did for Sikhala they will also
stand by their Secretary General Charlton Hwende who is due to appear in court
on February, 28 for subversion charges of his own.
“We will support each other. They
have to know that if they touch one of us, they have dared the entire clan and
we have to transform all areas of prosecution into areas of struggle,” said
Chamisa.
Chamisa assured his supporters
that this year they will solve the key issues.
“This year we are dealing with
critical issues in this country, we are going to make sure that we have a
people’s government and we fight corruption. People are stealing,” said
Chamisa.
During his speech Chamisa said
that he tried to have a dialogue with Mnanganwa but he refused.
“I listened to you and I called
Mnangangwa for dialogue but he refused. I tried but there will be no 2023
elections if the dispute of the 2018 elections is not resolved,” said Chamisa.

Chaos at Mukore High as parents attack school head over corruption

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Chaos at Mukore High as parents attack school head over corruption

Nyashadzashe Mambure
BIKITA – Many parents have
transferred their children from Mukore High due to poor administration and alleged
abuse of school funds that are being blamed on school head Admore Makarudze.
The school is
reportedly failing to buy critical books and other goods needed for the
day-to-day running of the school despite evidence that most of the pupils have
paid their fees for this term.
A meeting with
parents had to be organised on January 18 where the School Development
Committee (SDC) expressed serious dissatisfaction with how the school was being
run.
“Makarudze is running
down the school. We suspect serious fraud is happening as the school cannot
meet most of its basic requirements despite that our children have paid fees.
At the meeting, he apologised for failing to account how school the money was
used. He hasn’t even paid allowances for teachers who did extra work during the
holidays and weekends,” said one parent.
Another parent
said people were already organising themselves to petition the Ministry of
Primary and Secondary Education to probe Makarudze’s conduct and remove him
from the school.
“The books are
not in order and it has been proven. Nobody is happy with the manner the money
is being used. Teachers and parents are united in their call for the headmaster
to be subjected to stern scrutiny. This has been going on for a long time but
things have now come to a dangerous point,” said the parent.
TellZim News was
informed that due to many problems at the school and the low morale among
teachers, many parents had transferred their children to such schools as
Masekai High, Chikwira Secondary and Matezano Satellite Secondary.
When contacted
for comment, Makarudze said he was committed to improve administrative issues
at the school now that a meeting to iron out misunderstandings had been held.
“I am not in a
position to say much concerning that issue. All is now in order and we held a
meeting on 18 February and I promised to do things better so that all the
issues can be solved amicably,” said Makarudze.

Sikhala slaps Mnangagwa with US$50 million lawsuit

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Sikhala slaps Mnangagwa with US$50 million lawsuit

Upenyu Chaota
The
MDC national vice chairperson and Zengeza West Member of Parliament (MP) Job
Sikhala, who on Valentine’s Day was acquitted of subversion charges by Masvingo
High Court judge Justice Garainesu Mawadze, has vowed to sue President Emmerson
Mnangagwa over the alleged torture he went through since he was arrested in
July last year.
Sikhala
had been charged with treason over alleged utterances he made in Bikita West
last year in which he said he wanted to remove President Mnangagwa from power
before the end of his term, a charge which Justice Mawadze ruled to be
constitutional.
Addressing
hundreds of MDC supporters at the Morgan Tsvangirai memorial soon after his
acquittal, Sikhala narrated the harrowing incidences which he underwent during
his incarceration saying he was abused, tortured and lost his liberties.
“I
will never forgive them for the torrential abuse, persecution and torture on
myself. When I get back into my office, I am going to sue Mnangagwa and his
people for over US$50 million. I lost my liberty for almost a year. They took
my passport which restricted me from going abroad to represent my other clients
so that I could fend for my family.
“They
charged me a RTGS$5 000 bail before devaluation so I paid an equivalent of US$5
000. Today the money has no value at all. When I go to collect my bail, RTGS$1
000 is going to Bikita East, RTGS$1 000 to Bikita West, RTGS$2 000 Masvingo
central, RTGS$1 000 Chivi North and Masvingo West. This money was being held by
Mnangagwa and must go to the people,” said Sikhala.
He
said he does not regret to call for the ouster of President Mnangagwa saying he
does not like the man and no one can force him to.
“Some
people came out saying no, Sikhala you were reckless to say that statement but
those people are the ones who are reckless because they want to protect
Mnangagwa. 
“Mnangagwa
has killed the future of the people of this country and he has to go. That is a
clear and simple message. I knew myself as a lawyer that there was no case. To
say Mnangagwa must go is not a crime because I don’t like him. I don’t think
there is anyone who wants Mnangagwa to still be President until 2023,” said
Sikhala.
He
said he was abducted from holding cells at Harare Central police station by
alleged state security agents and the army who threatened his lawyers with
death if they followed.
“When
I was arrested and put at Harare Central, the police told my legal team to go
to Rotten Row High Court and that they were going to transport me there. I was
left with Biti (Tendai) and Gonese (Innocent).
“While
at the police station, a team of formally dressed man came and ordered me to
come with them. I then told Biti and Gonese to follow me but they were
threatened with death and they backed off.
“I
was taken to the car park and I saw two Toyota trucks with members of the army
and state security agents. There was also a Toyota Quantum minibus which had
armed soldiers. I was then bundled into one of the Toyota trucks and my face
was covered from there. I was driven for three hours without knowing where I
was or was going.
My
lawyers did not know where I was and so did the whole country so I had to act fast
or that was my end,” said Sikhala.
Being
a gigantic man in stature, Sikhala said he summoned the biggest fart ever which
spoiled the air in the car forcing it into a halt with his alleged abductors
allowing him to use the toilet.
“I
told the people in the car that I could not breathe because the plastic which
was covering my face was suffocating me. They did not listen and I had to hatch
another plan.
“I
then told them that I had to relieve myself and again they did not listen. I
then had to summon the biggest fart ever and I sprayed the whole car and they
then stopped because of the terrible smell. I knew that once they let me out of
the car people would see me and alert others.
“They
let me out of the car and I realized I was already in Gutu yet my lawyers were
waiting for me at the Rotten Row court. People saw me and took pictures which then
went viral on social media,” said Sikhala.

Zicosu demands transparency in Zimdef funds allocation

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Zicosu demands transparency in Zimdef funds allocation

Clayton
Shereni
The Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union
(Zicosu) has demanded fairness and transparency in the use and disbursement of Zimdef
funds which are aimed at human capital development and assisting
underprivileged students at tertiary institutions.
Speaking during a Zicosu provincial students’
convention held at Masvingo Polytechnic, Zicosu national president Pijiwest
Nhamburo said the funds must be properly channeled to benefit the students in
all tertiary institutions.
“Zimdef funds were previously used by the
likes of Jonathan Moyo to buy bicycles in Tsholotsho but this money is for
students. If those funds are there let them be used for the benefit of students
because we want to promote innovations and inventiveness among students.
“Students must create inventions that benefit
our industry and if we fail to support these inventions through the funds, who
are we promoting? The money should be used by the students,” said Nhamburo.
He accused higher and tertiary institutions
authorities of abusing the money and proposed the inclusion of universities and
vocational training centres into the programme.
“We have been in constant dialogue with the minister
and he has been referring and telling us that Zimdef funds are there. We beg
you to consider students at vocational training centres, universities and agricultural
colleges because they are also students,” said Nhamburo.
Responding to the concerns, guest of honour
at the event and Deputy Minister of Defense, Victor Matemadanda said the funds
were going to be disbursed accordingly and promised to engage the ministry to
map the way forward.
“Concerning Zimdef funds, it’s now a good
thing that these days there are no thieves. Existing security nets around
Zimdef funds do not allow the minister to misuse the funds in the manner that
Jonathan Moyo did. If it is stolen, then there will be a group of people who
would have agreed to steal the money.
“I will go and talk to the relevant minister.
Your superiors must keep in touch with me but we are going to push so that you
get the money,” said Matemadanda.
Unfair allocation of the funds has seen
school authorities clash with students who feel shortchanged.
Former Minister of Higher and Tertiary
Education Jonathan Moyo stands accused of channeling some of the money towards
his campaign trail in Tsholotsho.

Shanganis fear Shona dominance of local community radio

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Shanganis fear Shona dominance of local community radio

Beatific
Gumbwanda
CHIKOMBEDZI
– Community activists in Chikombedzi have said they fear that the infiltration
of Shona dominance in the local economy will extend to the envisaged community
radio station, much to the disadvantage of the minority group, TellZim News can
report.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services; Ndavaningi Mangwana was in
the area for a sensitization workshop ahead of the launch of the radio station.
Government has revealed that it will
soon licence 10 language-based community radio stations with a bias to
previously marginalised communities especially those of minority groups.
One community leader, Levy Chauke said
Shangani language-proficient Shona people were wont to hijack programming and
turn the radio station into their own.
“Is this radio for Shangani people
in particular or anyone who is proficient in Shangani? We once had a situation
whereby non-Shanganis tried to take advantage of us by lobbying for a Shangani
community radio station. As you can see, we are at the heart of Shangani-speaking
community, but when you look around this room, there no any single Shangani
word.
“Shona-speaking people are
dominating Shangani developmental projects with the assistance of the
government itself,” charged Chauke.
Centre for Cultural Development
Initiatives – Gaza Trust director Hebert Phikela also expressed concern over
language imbalances at Radio Zimbabwe and National FM where Shona and Ndebele
languages are considered the generic mother tongues for all Zimbabweans.
“As government, what are you doing
to correct the language imbalance on national radio stations like Radio
Zimbabwe and National FM where Shona and Ndebele dominate? I will have to wake
up at 06:00hrs to listen to a Shangani news bulletin, and if I miss that, it’s
over,” said Phikela.
Mangwana said the initiative to licence
community radio stations was to correct the wrongs of the country’s former
colonial masters who bundled minority languages into generic languages like
Shona, Ndebele and Manyika.
He said Shangani people will have their
own radio station to promote their cultural values and it will be owned by the
community itself.
“We have 16 official languages but
during the colonial era, the Smith regime bundled minority languages under
three common languages depending on their geographical positions.
“The radio station belongs to the
Shangani community so you will determine the leadership structure of that
community radio station, not government. We are only involved in policy
issues,” said Mangwana.
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe
(BAZ) legal adviser, Joice Kupukai and chairperson Charles Sibanda also graced
the occasion.

‘Madembare condom re-branding on the cards

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‘Madembare condom re-branding on the cards

Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO –
The Minstry of Health and Child Care has heeded calls to rebrand the publicly-available
Panther condom which is distributed by the Zimbabwe National Family Planning
Council (ZNFPC).
The
condom, which is popularly known as ‘MaDembare’ because of its blue and white
package synonymous to Dynamos Football Club, has been criticized by many people
who used it saying it was too plain and unappealing.
Others
claim that the condoms do not have the comfort accorded by other condom brands
which are sold in retail stores.
ZNFPC
Masvingo provincial manager Abyssinia Vhoko said the issue of rebranding was
highlighted by the youths and other stakeholders including Sex Worker Advocacy
Group (SWAG) who said men despised the freely distributed condom.
Vhoko
said the Panther condom was going to be replaced by a blue and gold strip,
adding that the replacement will be a gradual process to ensure a smooth
transition and giving the consumers a choice.
“Programming
is all about interfacing with consumer needs so moving forward we anticipate
our consumers to continue practicing safer sex and condom use.
“Our
main objective is to increase the provincial per capita condom rate from the
current 7.5 percent to 12 and the mosaic nature of our province makes it
important to ensure that quality and free condoms are available and accessible
because of the high volumes of students and young people,” said Vhoko.
Per
capita condom rate is the number of condoms at the disposal to an individual
who is sexually active to use per year.
Condoms
offer dual protection against the risk of unintended pregnancy and the
transmission of HIV and other STIs between partners.
SWAG
had earlier urged authorities to rebrand the condom brand and add more
lubrication to improve its appeal and strength.
Statistics
show that Zimbabwe is one of the countries with high condom use in Africa and
the world but many people look down upon freely-distributed condoms which they
regard as of poor quality.

Legal Perspectives: Child Maintenance Law

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Legal Perspectives: Child Maintenance Law





With Fidelicy Nyamukondiwa


Child
Maintenance Law in Zimbabwe
Maintenance
is the financial support given to a dependent for the provision of food,
clothing and other basic needs. Under
common law, both parents have the responsibility to financially support their
minor children. The
Maintenance Act (Chapter 5:09) is the principle legislation in so far as child
maintenance is concerned. It was mainly enacted to ensure that those entitled
to maintenance benefit from it.
This editorial is an abstract of child maintenance law in Zimbabwe.
Who can apply for maintenance?
If a parent or any
responsible person neglects or fails to maintain a child, the child is entitled
to apply for maintenance. Any person with child
custody or a probation officer can apply for maintenance on behalf of the child.
If for example, a grandmother is living with her grandchildren, she can apply
for maintenance if the responsible person neglects to financially support the
children.
 If a mother neglects to financially support
her child, the father can approach the court for an order compelling the mother
to financially support the child. Marriage is neither a requirement nor a bar
to apply for maintenance. Put differently, an unmarried person can claim for
maintenance on behalf of his or her minor children. Similarly, a married spouse
can apply for a maintenance order against his or her partner even where they
will be living under the same roof.
Ordinarily, maintenance
should be paid until a child attains the age of eighteen years.  A magistrate   can
extend the payment of maintenance for a ‘child’ who has attained 18 years where
it is necessary.
How to
apply  
No money is
needed to apply for maintenance. It’s just a matter of approaching a Magistrates
court and make a complaint under oath. The responsible person is thereafter
summoned to appear in court. If he/she willfully absents self, a maintenance
order can be made in absentia. A birth certificate is important but its absence
does not bar a person from applying. It would be sufficient for a person to say
under oath that John Doe is the father. If John disputes paternity, it would be
his duty and financial responsibility to prove that he is not the father. A
provisional order for the payment of maintenance must be made by the court pending
DNA  paternity test results.
Failure to
comply with a maintenance order.
A person
who fails to make payments in compliance with a court order must be arrested
for committing an offence. Unwillingness to work or the incurring of
unreasonable debts or obligations cannot act as defences.  If convicted, a
person can be imprisoned for up to 12 months. Serving jail time does not
extinguish maintenance arrears. Neither does it suspend a maintenance order. An
imprisoned convict can
make a written application for his/her release stating that
arrears have now been paid. The High Court has however emphasized in the cases
of S v Chikwata HH 455/15, S v Chagomoka HH 484/15 and also S v Chiraya HB 220/17 that a prison term
should be reserved for serious defaulters.
Conclusion
The best
interests of the child are overriding in all matters concerning the child. The
principle object and primary purpose of the Maintenance Act is to ensure that
those entitled to maintenance are well taken care of by the responsible
persons. Courts are always open to ensure children are afforded the financial
and parental support they deserve.
Fiat
Justitia Ruat Caelum!
Fidelicy
Nyamukondiwa writes in his personal capacity. Contactable on 0785827154 nhanyams@yahoo.com  | @FidelNyams

I am not an American project—Sikhala

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I am not an American project—Sikhala

MDC national deputy chairperson Job Sikhala with vice president Tendai Biti

…says he will never
take power from Chamisa

Upenyu Chaota

MDC
national deputy chairperson Job Sikhala has cleared the air on rumours
purporting that he wants to take over power from his party’s president Nelson
Chamisa under the backing of the Americans saying he will stand firmly behind
him and will not let divisionary elements get their way.
Chamisa’s
MDC has recently suffered a media onslaught with some sections claiming that
the house was on fire with leaders engaged in vicious power struggles.
Sikhala
accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba of leading the
media campaign to peddle lies against the MDC but said they will be left with
the egg in the face.
“The
enemy is now shaking and quaking. They are coming on us full throttle. I have
noticed with anger and anguish the desperate attempts by the department of
counter intelligence of the CIO, the military intelligence and the office of
Emmerson Mnangagwa calling itself the Office of the President and Cabinet
(OPC), pushing hard a narrative to destroy and sow seeds of division in the
people’s party by running with a nauseating narrative to shuffle the MDC
leadership as constituted by the Gweru congress.
“Let
it be clear to George Charamba and their released dogs that, the MDC leadership
as constituted at the Gweru congress with the people’s president Advocate
Nelson Chamisa as our head, Hon Tendai Biti, Professor Welshman Ncube and Hon
Lynette Karenyi-Kore as the Vice Presidents and Hon Thabitha Khumalo as the
chair and deputised by myself will never be changed as constituted under
whatever circumstances.
“The
narrative by George Charamba as confirmed by his post on his Twitter handle
@Jamwanda that I am a project of the Americans to seize power in the MDC and
lead a violent takeover of government is a mere regime attempt to cause maximum
divisions in the people’s party, assertions that have got no takers,” said
Sikhala.
He
said he had no presidential ambitions whatsoever and warned those within his
party against being used to cause chaos.
“Leadership
in our democratic movement is installed at a congress. Besides that I have got
no ambitions to be the president of the movement at all. Not today, tomorrow or
in the future. I have got full faith in the leadership of my president Advocate
Nelson Chamisa, who unbeknown to many is my young brother.
“I
will support, complement his drive for a free democratic society to the hilt. I
will stand with Advocate Nelson Chamisa until donkeys grow horns. So continue
wasting your time on puerile suppositions.
“Let
this also be a warning to those planted among ourselves who are advancing the
propaganda of the evil regime that, “Sikhala anoda kutiza nechinhu”,
that soon you will find yourself in the gallows of history.
“Becoming
a conveyancer of the toxic regime propaganda and shenanigans driven by few
coins of silver is intolerable. Gossipers whose survival in politics depends on
advancing divisions in the party should be warned that your time is nearing.
You will never rise again in this people’s party through rumor mongering. Our
general membership is aware of your disposition and behavior,” said Sikhala.

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