Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Red flag raised over Zacc aspirants | The Sunday Mail 24 MAR, 2019

Brian Chitemba
Investigations Editor

A team of investigators from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) last week submitted an adverse report to Parliament on 16 candidates that applied to be commissioners.

The report dated March 21 2019 was delivered to Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda’s office.

Overall, 133 candidates applied for the post, which fell vacant after the resignation of the Dr Job Wabhira-led commission on January 31 this year.

The 16 candidates include Mr Denford Chirindo, Dr Catherine Muchechetere, Mrs Christina Fundira, Mr Boyana Ndou, Dr Nanette Silikhuni, Dr Onesmus Nyaude, Mr Smile Dube, Mr Never Katiyo, Mr Albert Mandizha, Mr Geoffrey Nyarota, Tshuma Mehluli and Caroline Chigumbura.

Mr Rabson Mpofu, Ms Theresa Mutabeni, Mrs Angeline Guvamombe and Mr Edmore Veterai also make up the list.

The unnamed Zacc officers claimed in the report that “the presence of these nominees diminishes the integrity of Zacc in line with the song of the New Dispensation of fighting corruption”.

They also claimed that “without proper diagnosis of these “corrupt” nominees, Zacc can’t fight it. It will remain a dead horse waiting for vultures to devour it”.

According to a report by the “concerned officers of Zacc”, Mr Denford Chirindo cannot possibly be considered because he served on two previous commissions, which all failed to deliver.

“He (Mr Chirindo) served in the commission from 2009 to 2019. This amounts to 10 years of service, but no significant results were produced in the fight against corruption,” reads part of the letter.

“During his term of office, he was involved in a legal battle with employees, where he fought against the award of already existing benefits.”

Ms Christina Fundira — also a former commissioner — is accused of having a penchant for foreign trips during her tenure, some of which were not approved by Cabinet.

She is also implicated for looting fuel from Zacc.

“She would get as much as 700 litres of diesel per month.

“This behaviour is criminal and needs to be investigated,” she said.

Another ex-commissioner who is being rejected is Dr Catherine Muchechetere, who stands accused of attending a training course in Hong Kong without Cabinet approval together with another ex-commissioner Farayi Mashonganyika.

The latter is, however, not seeking reappointment.

The aggrieved Zacc staffers also say Mr Boyana Ndou, a former senior police officer who is seeking another term with the same commission, should be investigated over his role in the previous Zacc finance committee.

Another former commissioner Dr Nanette Silukhuni allegedly covered up cases involving ex-Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo.

“All his (Dr Chombo) cases were shelved because of Silukhuni’s influence as a commissioner. Her application to re-join the commission should be treated with the full contempt it deserves,” added the letter.

Separately, Dr Onesmus Nyaude, who was once tasked with rebranding the crime-busting body, stands accused of flouting procurement regulations.

The letter also raises reservations on the candidature of former Daily News Editor Mr Geoffrey Nyarota, who they claim was once investigated by the Zacc.

Similarly, Mr Smile Dube is facing the same allegation.

Former Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer commanding Matabeleland North province Mr Edmore Veterai’s nomination is being contested over alleged corruption cases.

Further, Mr Mehluli Tshuma was once investigated under CRB 309/13, while Caroline Chigumbura was allegedly caught up in a storm at NMB over alleged fraud.

On Ms Angeline Guvamombe, the report says: “The last promotions she (Guvamombe) did in the police should be investigated.”

The letter also condemns Mr Rabson Mpofu as unqualified to be a crime-buster because of his “questionable” history with the police minerals department.

Former Grain Marketing Board boss Mr Albert Mandizha is not spared either over alleged abuse of farming inputs.

The Zacc officers also had no kind words for Ms Theresa Mutabeni.

“She is a retired Assistant Commissioner in police who was in charge of Grace Mugabe’s security. Due to her close association with Grace Mugabe, she was undeservedly promoted to that rank.”

Mr Kennedy Chokuda could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print.

However, procedurally, Parliament will investigate the allegations against the Zacc nominees before the public interviews.

Once the public interviews are done, then the 133 candidates’ list will be whittled down to 12 names which will be forwarded to President Mnangagwa.

Only 10 commissioners will be appointed.

The post Red flag raised over Zacc aspirants appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Second round of cholera vaccine rolled out | The Sunday Mail 24 MAR, 2019

Veronica Gwaze

Government will roll out the second phase of the cholera vaccination programme, which is expected to cover over 1,1 million residents in the capital.

The programme, through which the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OVC2) will be administered, is supported by the

World Health Organisation (WHO) and international partners such as GAVI.

It has already been rolled out in both Chitungwiza and Epworth.

Director of epidemiology disease control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Portia Manangazira said the exercise will begin tomorrow.

“The second round of vaccination targets over 1,1 million residents in cholera hotspots of Harare.

“Mbare, Budiriro, Glen Norah, Glen View, Hopley, Mufakose and Waterfalls will receive their vaccines from March 25 to April 1.

“Caledonia, Dzivaresekwa, Hatcliffe, Kuwadzana, Mabvuku and Tafara will receive theirs starting from March 26 to April 2,” she said.

About one million people were vaccinated through the first phase of the programme.

“The first round of vaccination conducted in October last year was part of the various public health measures put in place to control the cholera outbreak and curb the spread of cholera to other parts.

“While the first phase was conducted successfully, with high turnout in all suburbs, we call upon all communities to be cooperative,” said Dr Manangazira.

She emphasised the need to continue practising good hygiene standards.

Local authorities, she added, need to expeditiously provide potable water to ratepayers.

WHO vaccine consultant Dr Marc Poncin said the vaccine will protect people against water borne diseases for up to five years if they receive all the two scheduled doses.

“People who will receive the second and final dose will be provided with effective protection against specific water borne diseases in the next three to five years.

“This will go a long way in curbing further transmission from one suburb to another in the capital city and to other provinces as it was the case with the last cholera outbreak,” said Dr Poncin.

Those who received a single dose of the vaccine will be protected up to one year.

Experts say the increased incidence of both cholera and typhoid is associated with increased use of contaminated boreholes and shallow wells.

No new cholera cases have been recorded in Harare since November 2018.

The post Second round of cholera vaccine rolled out appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Angels and saints that walk among us | The Sunday Mail 24 MAR, 2019

Debra Matabvu

Mbare is a 112-year-old suburb that seems to have been forgotten by history and scared by painful past experiences of the black population that used to cram this high-density community to provide labour for the growing colonial settler town of Salisbury (now Harare).

Its time-worn buildings are now decrepit, while Mbare Flats in particular are now dirty, poor and reek of poverty.

In the words of the Biblical Nathaniel, one can be forced to ask, “Can anything good come out of Mbare?”

But events in the past week – where Cyclone Idai laid waste to communities in Chimanimani and Chipinge in Manicaland province, and instantly plunged families into grief and poverty – seem to prove that the rich to poor dichotomy is both subjective and relative.

While some looked to foreign lands for help, 70-year-old Gogo Magombo from Block C, Mbare Flats, looked deep inside her golden heart.

“What affects you also affects me, and I was touched by this (Cyclone Idai) disaster; more so, happening to my fellow countrymen,” she said.

“I have never been to Chipinge or Chimanimani all my life. I do not have relatives in that part of the country. I come from Uzumba. However, when I heard of the cyclone, I knew I had to do something. Being able to feel each other’s pain and to carry each other’s burden is what makes humanity great and better than other species.”

Born Plaxedes Dilon in Chegutu in 1948, Gogo Magombo, as she is known by her peers, is not rich. On Monday, the great grandmother of nine walked all the way from her humble lodgings – a single room subdivided by a curtain that separates the kitchen space from the bedroom area – in Mbare to Star FM studios to deliver a bagful of clothes.

What many people don’t know is that she had taken the donations from her merchandise.

After being widowed in 2008, Gogo Magombo took up vending as a source of income.

Her day normally begins at 4am as she has to make it to the market in time to sell her wares to vegetable suppliers who travel to Harare from plots and farms around the city.

She also sells her products in neighbouring suburbs.

Her day typically ends at 8pm.

It is after a typical hard day’s work on Sunday that she heard the distressed calls from Manicaland.

“On Sunday, I had just got back from vending when Star FM made a plea to volunteers to donate towards Cyclone Idai victims,” she explained.

“I heard there were people already there in Chimanimani and Chipinge helping, but I had to do something.

“I immediately packed the clothes and jackets that I earlier purchased for resell and carried my bag to Star FM the following morning.

“Giving has to come from one’s will and heart; that is why I went alone.”

Gogo Magombo, however, reckons that giving is part of her lifestyle.

“We are having a problem these days. A lot of people, especially Christians, think pastors are the only ones that should be helped,” she added.

“They believe that giving should only be done to those who are in their religious circles. However, in the Bible, it is written in Matthew 25 verse 45 that ‘whatever you did to the least of my brothers, you did it unto me.’

“For me, that is what defines praying.”

She also believes that giving is a spiritual act that naturally engenders glad tidings.

Giving, she added, often results in more blessings.

“What you give out in the world is what you receive back,” she smiles, showing her gaped teeth.

“Just this morning one of my friends gave $3 bond (to the victims), this was part of her grandchild’s marriage dowry. I was not expecting it; it felt so good.

“In addition, it helps you to sleep better and I can testify to that.”

Zimbabweans are still coming to terms with the  devastating cyclone, which has been described by the United Nations as probably the worst ever weather-related disaster to hit the southern hemisphere in a long time.

By yesterday, the death toll had soared to 154, while 187 people remain unaccounted for. More than 4884 have been displaced. Worryingly, 136 people are still marooned.

Some villages were either completely submerged or washed away in Chipinge and Chimanimani.

The dire aftermath of the monstrous cyclone has been felt across Africa, Europe and around the world.

But Zimbabweans did not wait for international aid to help their fellow kinsmen. They readily contributed donations in the form of blankets, food, clothes and psychological support.

If ever a list of people who donated to the Cyclone Idai is complied, Gogo Magombo’s name would be there together other individuals, corporates and international community who weighed in for the national cause. Although she is not famous, she will be listed amongst the famous. She will also go down as a great Zimbabwean with a heart of gold.

American civil rights activist Dr Martin Luther King Jnr once said: “Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

The post Angels and saints that walk among us appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Gvt assesses infrastructure damage from Idai | The Sunday Mail 24 MAR, 2019

Norman Muchemwa and Kudakwashe Bwititi

Government is assessing the extent of damage caused by Cyclone Idai before rolling out an elaborate restorative work plan.

The cyclone, which has since been described by the United Nations as the worst weather-related disaster to hit the southern hemisphere, washed away major arterial roads and bridges.

Treasury has already released $50 million for the envisaged emergency works.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Deputy Minister Fortune Chasi told The Sunday Mail last week that the damage in the affected areas, especially Chimanimani, was extensive.

“There is basically no infrastructure in terms of roads and bridges in the affected areas.

“These are critical areas in order to ensure that meaningful development takes place. Every other activity will ride on transport infrastructure.

“Consequently, Government, via the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, is preoccupied with auditing the extent of the damage to road infrastructure,” said Deputy Minister Chasi.

“In other words, we need to know the number of bridges swept away as well as the roads. From there, we can then understand the extent of the damage and develop a suitable implementation plan supported by a necessary financial plan.

“Construction companies, engineering companies and individual engineers and their associations have been awesome in their support,” he said.

Economic cost

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said resources mobilised for emergency works were hived off from funds pooled through the 2 percent Intermediate Money Transfer Tax.

Government, he added, will also calculate the cost of the tragedy to the entire economy.

“In terms of the cost of damage, we are actually working on this. There is a difference in terms of the damage to infrastructure and the economic impact.

“The cost of replacing is different from the economic cost.

“The economic impact is broader because it has a multiplier effect and we will definitely assess this. It is a very, very important issue,” he said.

He said Government had meticulously planned the distribution of the $50 million resource envelope to ensure that it reaches intended beneficiaries.

“We have very detailed information on the distribution of the resources and we are willing to share this information.

“For example, in terms of the schools that were affected, such as St Charles Lwanga Secondary School, where the dining room and the dormitory collapsed, we have budgeted $255 000. . .

“If you look at Chikukwa Primary School, the roofs were blown off and buildings collapsed — we have allocated $220 000. Chimanimani High School, we have allocated $127 000.

“These examples I am giving show that there is very detailed planning on the logistics front and we have a strategy for dealing with the issues as well for the application of the resources in terms of the $50 million that we have allocated.”

The Department of Roads, which falls under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, has been allocated $25 million to repair trunk roads and bridges, while the District Development Fund (DDF) has received $7,2 million for rural feeder roads.

DDF was allocated an additional $2 million to drill and rehabilitate boreholes.

Overall, $4 million has been set aside for the reconstruction of destroyed school infrastructure.

The Health and Child Care Ministry got $3 million for medical supplies and establishment of medical clinics.

Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) got a combined $5,8 million for rehabilitation of water supply infrastructure and restoration of electricity transmission and distribution.

Devastation

Government says the damage caused by the Cyclone Idai, which made landfall in Mozambique with wind speeds of more than 178km per hour, is extensive, particularly in Chimanimani and Chipinge.

More than 18 water points, 10 bridges and 48 schools bore the brunt of the cyclone.

Further, at least 95 percent of the road networks in affected areas were damaged.

Among the damaged bridges in serious need of attention are Rusitu, Mhandarume, Mvumvumvu, Biriri, Muusha.

Skyline Bridge, Charter, Causeway and Kurwaisimba bridges.

The post Gvt assesses infrastructure damage from Idai appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Good news for tobacco farmers | The Sunday Mail 24 MAR, 2019

Sharon Munjenjema

Activity is expected to pick up at the tobacco auction floors from tomorrow after Government scrapped, with immediate effect, a two percent Intermediated Money Transfer Tax on tobacco sales whi;e it clarified that farmers will get half of their earnings in United States dollars.

Government last week granted tobacco buyers and sellers immunity from the two percent tax to avoid eroding tobacco farmers’ incomes.

Business has been low since the opening of the floors last Wednesday.

Tobacco growers have also expressed concern about the prices which were pegged at $4,50 per kg on the first day, compared to $4,99 last year.

Prices went lower the second day of trading to an average $3,65 per kg.

At least $7 116 was realised from 51 bales sold on the first day this season compared to $366 003 from 2 217 bales last year.

Sales improved on the second day with 779 bales being sold for $79 603 compared to $450 394 realised from 2 826 bales last year.

Most farmers have been reportedly holding on to their crop due to dissatisfaction with the prices offered.

Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) spokesperson Mr Usheunesu Moyo told the Sunday Mail that  business at the floors was expected to improve from tomorrow.

“There were some sticking issues with regards the two percent tax and that has since been resolved and we expect all buyers to be buying from Monday onwards,” he said.

“The buyers were not comfortable with the tax and it has now been removed,” he said.

Mr Moyo urged farmers to avoid transacting with middle-men who purchase tobacco at low prices and resell it at a higher margin in connivance with some officials at the auction floors.

Tobacco Association of Zimbabwe president Mr George Seremwe said although business had been low for farmers during the first days, expectations were high for busy trading starting this week.

“Basically prices had been our biggest problem, they were disappointingly low. Also payment modalities were not clear to farmers and buyers were not participating for reasons known to themselves,” he said.

“But I’m told the merchants issues was resolved. Also the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has since said farmers will get half their income in United States Dollars and the other part in RTGS$.

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