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Source: Mugabe stirs debate from the grave –Newsday Zimbabwe

Mugabe passed away on September 6, 2019 in Singapore, aged 95.

YESTERDAY marked four years since former President Robert Mugabe passed on, leaving behind an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape.

Mugabe passed away on September 6, 2019 in Singapore, aged 95.

Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe for 37 years, from independence in 1980 until his forced resignation in November 2017, remains a polarising figure even in death.

Critics argue that Mugabe’s rule was characterised by authoritarianism, corruption, economic decline, disregard for the rule of law, erosion of democratic institutions, and the suppression of dissent.

Political analyst Romeo Chasara believes President Emmerson Mnangagwa inherited a flawed governance system from Mugabe.

“Mugabe’s autocratic rule and economic mismanagement led to the decline of Zimbabwe. His disregard for the rule of law and suppression of political dissent stifled the country’s development.

Mnangagwa is just perfecting systems left by Mugabe and that is why we are having disputed elections,” Chasara said.

Mugabe’s supporters credit him for leading the country’s liberation struggle against colonial rule and advocating for the empowerment of black Zimbabweans through such policies as the land reform programme, among others.

Another political analyst Gibson Nyikadzino said Mugabe’s name would forever be etched in the annals of history.

“The name Mugabe itself is an idea that has refused to die and will not die,” Nyikadzino said.

“In Zimbabwe, he remains the glorious compass that gave direction to the nationalist cause through clear ideological expressions against colonialism, neo-colonialism and the advocacy of self-determination and self-rule.

“In Africa and beyond, his name will remain an essential part of our decolonial expositions.”

The country’s agro-based economy, once considered the “breadbasket of Africa”, suffered under Mugabe’s policies, with hyperinflation, unemployment and widespread poverty becoming prevalent.

The fast-track land reform programme, which was aimed at addressing historical imbalances in land ownership, has also been a point of contention.

Pro-Zanu PF analyst Terrence Nguni, however, said Mugabe’s leadership was crucial in asserting Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and challenging Western imperialism.

“His policies aimed to empower the marginalised and create a more equitable society. His land reform programme was a necessary step towards rectifying historical injustices,” Nguni said.

While Mugabe’s sympathisers argue that it was necessary to rectify colonial-era injustices, critics counter argue that the land reform programme was implemented haphazardly, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity.

Political analyst Pardon Taodzera said: “Mugabe’s legacy is marred by authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic institutions.”

The debate surrounding Mugabe’s legacy is not limited to Zimbabwe alone. Internationally, opinions remain divided.

Some African leaders still regard him as a hero who fought colonialism and imperialism, while others are critical of his autocratic rule and economic mismanagement. As Zimbabwe reflects on the fourth anniversary of Mugabe’s death, it is clear that his legacy continues to shape the nation’s trajectory.

“Regardless of one’s opinion on Mugabe, it is undeniable that his impact on Zimbabwe and the African continent as a whole is profound,” Taodzera added.

Source: ‘Don’t bring back deadwood to Cabinet’ –Newsday Zimbabwe

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa should not appoint political loyalists, but people with skills to deliver on his election promises, analysts have advised.

Mnangagwa was sworn in for a second five-year term on Monday.

After his inauguration, all eyes are now on a new Cabinet which Mnangagwa is set to appoint to lead the government for the next five years.

Political analyst, Rejoice Ngwenya, said Mnangagwa should appoint a Cabinet that is capable of balancing Zanu PF and national interests.

“A Cabinet capable of moderating and balancing factional fights is the one that is needed,” Ngwenya said.

Another commentator, Tendai Reuben Mbofana said Mnangagwa should appoint more technocrats to solve the country’s multi-faceted challenges.

“Mnangagwa should be bold in his new appointments to leave a legacy,” Mbofana said.

“He should appoint more technocrats who can deliver … His first term in office was not all that rosy.”

Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka is set to bounce back after being praised by Mnangagwa as one of the best performing ministers.

Following the heavy defeat of Foreign Affairs deputy minister, David Musabayana, in the Zanu PF primary elections, Mnangagwa is likely to appoint former diplomat, Noah Mangondo, who contested and won the Murehwa South constituency seat.

Information Communication Technology minister, Jenfan Muswere is reportedly set to be appointed Media, Information and Broadcasting Services minister, replacing Monica Mutsvangwa, according to government sources.

Source: SA shootout: 5 Zimbos among 19 dead robbers -Newsday Zimbabwe

FIVE Zimbabweans have been named among the 19 people shot dead in South Africa on Friday during a raid on suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) heist suspects, according to a list released yesterday.

The Zimbabweans identified at Tshilidzini Government Hospital are Khulekani Sibanda (42), Frank Moyo (43), Alexander Myambi (24), Simbarashe Malvin Machingauta (37 ), and Juliet Mugabe (27).

Machingauta is from Beitbridge’s Dulivhadzimu high-density suburb, and is believed to be the owner of the property raided by police.

Police also identified other victims of the shootout in which a policeman lost a leg in a 90-minute standoff with the robbers.

The rest of the robbers are said to be South African, although two are still to be identified.

Specialised South African Police Unit Hawks spokesperson, Matimba Maluleke, on Friday said the raid was an intelligence-driven project initiated in January in response to the spate of cash-in-transit robberies in Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces.

He said those killed were believed to be planning a heist in the Makhado area. “The suspects were about to leave the house to execute their mission when they realised that they were being monitored, and they started shooting at the team,” he said.

A Hawks officer, who was injured during the shootout, was rushed to hospital.

It is understood 11 firearms, ammunition, primed explosives, detonators, boosters, lead cords and raw explosives were recovered at the house.

Police have, however, been mum on the information that two domestic workers, believed to be Zimbabweans, were also killed in the raid.

Source: Munatsi’s estate up for distribution -Newsday Zimbabwe

THE late Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) chief executive Douglas Tawanda Munatsi’s multi-million-dollar estate has been put under distribution.

His estate is open for a 21-day inspection beginning yesterday.

Munatsi, who was appointed Zida boss in 2019 after serving as BancABC CEO, died on November 29 last year after his Northfields flat in Harare caught fire.

His estate was listed among the 88 which were put on notice in a Government Gazette published on September 1 under the notices of liquidation and distribution accounts in terms of section 52 of the Administration of Estates Act [Chapter 6:01].

“Notice is hereby given that copies of liquidation and distribution accounts in the under-mentioned estates will be open for the inspection of all persons interested therein for a period of 21 days (or longer if stated) from the dates specified or from the date of publication hereof, whichever may be the later,” the notice read.

“Accounts will lie for inspection at the offices specified below. Objections to an account should be lodged with the Master, Harare, or the Assistant Master, Bulawayo, as the case may be.

“Should no objections be lodged to the account during the period of inspection, the executor concerned will proceed to make payments in accordance therewith.”

Munatsi owned a number of properties in and outside the country.

These include two massive residential properties in Borrowdale, which he was renting out, while he alternated staying between his rented penthouse and his Kunatsa Farm, in Matepatepa, Mashonaland Central province.

He also owned a mansion in Sandton, South Africa and another penthouse in Florida, the United States.

Eight individuals narrowly escaped a fatal accident after the vehicle they were travelling in collided head-on with a commuter omnibus on the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, just outside Kwekwe. The incident, which occurred on September 5 around 4 PM, involved a Nissan Atlas truck and a Gweru-bound Nissan Caravan carrying a total of 19 passengers. According to […]