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Source: Mwonzora guns for Chamisa | Daily News

HARARE – The die has been cast in the MDC ahead of its elective congress as the party’s ambitious secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has expressed his desire to challenge party leader Nelson Chamisa in a contest that could make or break his political career.

Mwonzora has previously been keeping his cards close to his chest.

But in an interview with the Daily News yesterday, he declared that he has rights including that of contesting the sitting leader since he is a “full member of the MDC”.

“I will be giving you a statement regarding what I will be standing for; there are key processes that must happen first and these include the nomination process. Within the MDC set-up, people are nominated by the structures, I want to emphasise (that) I am a full member with full rights including the right to contest any position,” said Mwonzora.

The former MDC spokesperson has previously been accused by Chamisa’s legion of supporters of harbouring presidential ambitions.

But unlike other MDC officials who chose to side with Chamisa for fear or reprisals, Mwonzora has soldiered on — suffering in some instances humiliating boos, jeers and sneers from some who regard him as the opposition party’s Judas Iscariot who is turning against the hugely popular Chamisa.

The soft-spoken politician, who is a lawyer by profession, said before he could pronounce himself on the matter there are conditions precedent.

“There are processes that have to be followed. We must have branch congresses, then ward, district, provincial congresses and after that the provincial assemblies will do nominations. It is at that time that we will know if we have been nominated,” said Mwonzora.

Already, the incumbent Chamisa has received endorsements from several party structures including provincial wings, with the youth league going as far as declaring war on anyone who would dare challenge the youthful opposition leader.

Several party heavyweights have also thrown their weight behind Chamisa with those who are seen as potential challengers likely to face a hostile reception in the run-up to the congress and at the elective indaba itself.

Mwonzora told the Daily News that he is aware of a smear campaign targeting him but that will not deter him to contest any position “because the opposition now requires someone with the right temperament and who understands democracy”.

“We are also aware of the smear campaigns that are going on but that is expected considering that we are now going to the congress,” said Mwonzora.

Chamisa’s close allies are sabre-rattling, keen on fending off potential rivals to the 41-year-old politician who amassed more than two million votes during last year’s presidential elections.

Last Sunday, Chamisa told MDC supporters at a rally in Gweru that he was not having sleepless nights over prospects of him being challenged at congress.

“We are a mature party; the character is that we are a democratic party. Tsvangirai left us this party, so our things will be done quietly, all positions are going to be nominated, they are open and up for contestations from the presidency,” Chamisa said.

The MDC leader said he is ready to step aside and allow someone to take over should he lose his position at congress.

“We are all allowed to contest for this position because I came to finish the term of our leader but I said the term has come to an end and I am removing the jacket and giving it to congress. If you still feel that I should continue leading the party, I am still ready but if you think my time is up and someone should take over, let it be because that is the democratic way of working,” he said.

There are also rumblings within the MDC that there could be a third hand sponsoring some of the candidates so as to remove Chamisa who has thus far failed to accept the results of last year’s presidential elections. In 2014, Chamisa faced off with Mwonzora who was the then spokesperson but lost in the battle to become secretary-general.

Mwonzora scored an unexpected crushing victory over Chamisa in a shock result — which saw him getting 2 464 votes against his rival’s 1 756.

This left Chamisa as an ordinary card carrying member until he was appointed by the party’s founding father Morgan Tsvangirai (now late) to the MDC national executive as secretary for policy and research.

Mwonzora’s 2014 victory came amid reports that Chamisa had had a row with Tsvangirai during the nomination process where he apparently accused his mentor of meddling in the Manicaland party provincial elections.

The elections saw Tsvangirai personally taking part in the nomination process there, where Mwonzora — who until then had not got any nominations for the post – got a ringing endorsement from the region.

The results completely flew in the face of the nomination tally that had Chamisa garnering 11 out of 12 provinces.

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Source: Dog-eat-dog affair ensues in MDC ahead of congress | Daily News

HARARE – Jostling for positions has intensified in the MDC ahead of its elective congress in May.

Party bigwigs are likely to take each other head-on at the congress as they battle for supremacy in the 19-year-old opposition outfit.

It’s already a dog-eat-dog affair in the MDC with those aspiring to contest for positions openly canvassing for support within party structures.

At the top, party leader Nelson Chamisa is likely to be challenged by either one of his deputies Elias Mudzuri and secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, or both.

Another battle of titanic proportions is in the offing for the position of deputy president. The MDC has three deputy presidents.

While Welshman Ncube’s position appears to be safe as he has support from all the Matabeleland provinces, the same cannot be said of the other two deputy presidents — Morgen Komichi and Mudzuri. Komichi might have to battle it out with deputy national chairperson Tendai Biti and secretary for elections Murisi Zwizwai.

Also in the mix for the three positions are women’s assembly boss Lynnet Karenyi-Kore, Lillian Timveos, treasurer-general Theresa Makone and former Labour minister Paurina Mpariwa.

Zwizwai said he was not in a position to comment as nominations have not been done by the provincial executives.

“We all await the process to begin so that we can be able to tell where the people want to deploy us. It is not up to me to decide where I want to be,” Zwizwai said.

Karenyi-Kore said: “I am what I am not because I canvassed but because I was deployed by the people”.

“The real fight is on the VPs where several candidates have shown interest but Biti having stood by Chamisa during the campaign period has better chances although Zwizwai is also in there with a shout,” a source said, adding that the likes of Mpariwa, Makone and Karenyi-Kore are pinning their hopes on the possible introduction of the women’s quota in the presidium.

For the position of national chairperson, the insiders say, incumbent Thabitha Khumalo could retain her position without a challenge as no one has so far shown interest. She is likely be deputised by Manicaland provincial chairperson David Chimhini who has reportedly shown interest in the position.

Another battle of monumental proportions is looming for the position of secretary-general where deputy treasurer -general Charlton Hwende, Bekithemba Mpofu and Sesel Zvidzai will likely battle it out. On the other hand Masvingo provincial chairperson, former Economic planning minister Tapiwa Mashakada, and Gift Banda will contest the position of treasurer-general. Epworth Member of Parliament Etherege Kureva is reportedly eyeing the position of deputy treasurer-general.

MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya faces stiff challenge from youth leader Happymore Chidziva while the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s former spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka, current party spokesperson Jacob Mafume and Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala are eyeing the information portfolio.

Contacted for a comment over his ambitions going into the congress, Chibaya said “it is for the people to decide but I am happy with my current position”.

On his part, Sikhala said the appetite for positions has destroyed a number of politicians’ careers.

“I will be comfortable to work in any position the people will give me even in the branch,” Sikhala said.

He added that the position one holds in the party is not the one that determines capacity but results.

“It’s like people running to a big law firm hoping that the name of the law firm will establish oneself but I am doing well at my small law firm so I can do good with whatever position,” he said.

Another intriguing fight will be in the youth assembly where Lovemore Chinoputsa, the current secretary-general, will square off with Obey Sithole.

The jostling is not only pronounced in the party’s top echelons but in the provinces and structures below as well.

In Harare for example, sitting provincial chairperson, Eric Murai, is facing a serious challenge from Glen Norah MP Wellington Chikombo.

The post Dog-eat-dog affair ensues in MDC ahead of congress appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Fifth meeting decisions matrix | The Herald February 27, 2019

Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa

FIFTH MEETING DECISIONS MATRIX:26th February, 2019

ITEM (1) PUBLIC ENTERPRISE REFORM PROGRAMME: Update on the Establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA): Restructuring of the Nationals Competitiveness Commission

CABINET DECISION

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development briefed Cabinet on the progress on the public enterprise reform programme, with particular reference to the establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and restructuring of the National Competitiveness Commission as follows:

Establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA)

Cabinet noted as follows:

The legislation to underpin the operations of ZIDA is now before Parliament;

An interim Inter-Ministerial Committee to provide one-stop shop investment service is now fully operational;

A fully-fledged ZIDA, which will complete the processing of investment approvals within a day is set to be fully operational by the end of the second quarter of 2019.This is bound to significantly improve the investment climate in the country, and thereby stimulate economic development in line with the goals in Vision 2013.

Restructuring of the National Competitiveness Commission

Cabinet reconsidered its decision on April 2018 to convert the National Competitiveness Commission into a Department under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Following a submission by the Minister of Industry and Commerce and in light of prevailing international best practice, Cabinet approved the recommendation by the minister that the National Competitiveness Commission should continue to operate as an autonomous entity that is premised on private sector involvement.

(2). Report on Progress in the Implementation of 100-Day Projects:

Cabinet received progress reports on the implementation of 100- Day Projects by the Ministers of Primary and Secondary Education, and of Transport and Infrastructural Development as follows:

Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development briefed Cabinet on (5) priority projects that are under implementation:

Dulisation of the road from tollgate to Melfort along Harare–Mutare Road: Work on the five kilometre stretch stands at 80 percent completion.

Dualisaton of road from Norton to tollgate along the Harare-Bulawayo Road:-

The surfacing of the nine kilometre stretch was completed and work on the rail over is underway.

Construction of Pembi Bridge Approaches:-

The construction of a new two-lane bridge was completed and what remains is the construction of the road approaches to the bridge.

Computerisation of transport management systems:-

The computerisation of the learner’s driver’s licence at VID Eastlea under a Public Private Partnership arrangement is 95 percent complete. The procurement and installation of the hardware and software has been completed.

What remains is linking the platform to the SAP payment system.

(3) Ministry of Primary and secondary Education

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education presented to Cabinet progress on the prioritised projects for the first 100-Day Cycle as follows;-

Provision of Science Teaching and Learning Materials:-

Two hundred units of the proposed 300 Primary Mobile Science Laboratory units are now in place. Tendering for Science kits for 3 000 primary schools is underway.

Construction of Mariga Primary School and five other new schools to 100 percent completion:-

Construction of Mariga Primary School is 15 percent complete and the rest at 50 percent

Construction of additional learning facilities in schools (Community IRA-supported Infrastructure Development):- Two classroom blocks at St Josephs Primary School are at 99 percent completion, while the two classroom blocks under construction at Beitbridge Government Primary School are 90 percent complete.

Learner and Curriculum Support through Partnerships:-

The project was commissioned by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, whereby 400 iPads were delivered by 20 primary schools.

Forty one of the 60 assistive devices for 60 learners who are hard of hearing were fitted.

Upgrades and register 10 satellite schools in Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces:-

Construction work at the 10 satellite schools in Kariba and Siakobvu District in Mashonaland West and Zvishavane; Mberengwa and Shurugwi Districts in Midlands Province are at various levels of completion.

(4) Principles for the Manpower Development Amendment

The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development presented principles to amend the Manpower Planning and Development Act (Chapter 28:02) in order to align it with the Zimbabwe Constitution. Cabinet approved the amendments, which principally seek to streamline and elevate the role of tertiary institutions as well as professional bodies in the industrialisation and modernisation of Zimbabwe. It also seeks to entrench good corporate governance.

(5) Principles of the Citizenship Amendment Bill

Following presentation by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Cabinet approved the principles for the amendment of the Zimbabwe Citizenship Bill as part of the ongoing process of aligning the country’s laws to the provisions of the Constitution.

Key provisions of the amendment include the following:

Renaming of the Citizenship of Zimbabwe Act as the Zimbabwe Citizenship Act;

Permitting of dual citizenship for citizens by birth;

Establishment of a Zimbabwe Citizenship and Immigration Board to, inter alia , oversee the granting and revocation of citizenship by descent and registration;

Prohibition of dual citizenship for citizens by descent and registration; and

The requirement for applicants for citizenship by registration to have resided in Zimbabwe for 10 years, contrary to the current requirement of five years in terms of the current Citizenship of Zimbabwe Act.

(6) The Bread Supply Situation

The Minister of Industry and Commerce briefed Cabinet on the persistent shortage of bread on market, together with the accompanying pressure for price increases.

He then highlighted that in the context of the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign, it had been proved by one entrepreneur that local wheat can produce bread at a cheaper price without the need for importation of ingredients. In the light of this information, Cabinet will consider various options to ensure that consumers throughout the country obtain bread at affordable and viable prices.

(6) Update on the Battlefields Minefield Disaster

The Ministers of Local Government Public Works and National Housing and Mines and Mining Development briefed Cabinet on the ongoing recovery work at the Cricket Mine where four miners are still trapped.

Cabinet noted with concern that the dewatering of the shaft which should clear access to level five where the miners are believed to have been working at has not progressed fast enough owing to some technical problems relating to the state of the mine shaft.

Cabinet shares the extreme anxiety being borne by the affected families and will do everything possible to conclude the search process.

The post Fifth meeting decisions matrix appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: UN humanitarian chief arrives today | The Herald February 27, 2019

Mark Lowcock

Ellen Chasokela Herald Reporter
United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr Mark Lowcock is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe today to assess the humanitarian situation in the country and propose a way forward.

The visit will be Mr Lowcock’s first to Southern Africa since he assumed his roles in 2017.

UN communications specialist Mr Sirak Gebrehiwot said Mr Lowcock will be in the country from today till Friday

“Lowcock will meet with senior Government officials, the diplomatic community, humanitarian organisations and members of the civil society,” he said. “He is also expected to meet with people in Epworth and Mudzi district, who have been affected the most by increasing food insecurity.”

Mr Gebrehiwot said during the three-day visit, Mr Lowcock will also launch the Zimbabwe Flash Appeal.

“Mr Lowcock, with the UN Resident Coordinator Mr Bishow Parajuli, on behalf of the Humanitarian Country Team, will also launch the 2019 Zimbabwe Flash Appeal on Thursday in Harare,” he said.

“At the launch, Lowcock will host a press conference, with final remarks about the mission and donors will also announce contributions to the humanitarian operation in Zimbabwe.”

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Source: . . . 24 suspected illegal forex dealers in court | The Herald February 27, 2019

Tendai Rupapa Senior Reporter
Police have intensified a crackdown on illegal foreign currency dealers under an operation code-named “Dzosai Mari” and 24 suspected dealers appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts between Friday and Saturday last week.

They were arrested separately in Harare. Some of the suspects appeared before magistrate Mr Edwin Marecha.

The other group appeared before Mr Learnmore Mapiye on charges of contravening Exchange Control (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 (No.5), which criminalises illegal trading in foreign currency.

Ten of the suspects were released on $150 bail each. The remainder remains in custody pending ruling on their bail applications.

Operation “Dzosai Mari” started last year. It is being conducted by the police and other stakeholders.

In November last year, several illegal foreign currency dealers were raided and arrested in Harare under the same operation.

They were convicted and their money was forfeited to the State.

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