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Source: The tragedy of Zimbabwe is the prevalence of political prostitution!

Tendai Ruben Mbofana

The betrayal of the Zimbabwean electorate is a script so frequently rewritten that its latest plot twists no longer evoke shock, only a weary, familiar disgust.

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When social media feeds lit up with reports that Samantha Mureyani, a Citizen Coalition for Change proportional representation MP for Manicaland, had supported Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill, CAB3, during debate in the National Assembly, the collective gasp from the nation was entirely absent.

It should be jarring that an opposition legislator would actively support an amendment designed to extend the presidential term of office for a ruling party leader.

Yet, in Zimbabwe, this is simply a Friday.

Zimbabweans have become tragically accustomed to a profound, systemic shortage of sincere political leaders.

We are a nation held hostage by an elite political class that views mandates not as a sacred trust, but as commodities to be traded in a marketplace of self-interest.

It is a psychological puzzle to wrap one’s head around how someone elected or appointed on an opposition ticket can turn around and back constitutional amendments that benefit their perceived opponent.

What makes the audacity of CAB3 even worse is its flagrant disregard for the supreme law of the land; an amendment whose primary effect extends the length of time a sitting president occupies office legally and morally demands a national referendum.

To bypass the people is to admit that the people’s voice is an obstacle to be avoided.

But we all know what the foundational problem in Zimbabwe is.

We are burdened with politicians who are fundamentally self-centered, individuals who care absolutely nothing for the welfare of the ordinary citizen and exclusively for their own political and financial survival.

This toxic lack of principle is not a disease exclusive to the opposition benches.

Not at all.

In fact, the very ruling party zealots making the loudest noise today in support of the president and CAB3 are the exact same characters who will change tune and castigate that very same president the minute the political tide shifts.

We have seen this theater play out before, spectacularly so, in November 2017.

Ordinary citizens watched in real-time as nine out of ten ZANU-PF provincial structures voted enthusiastically for the expulsion of then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Yet, barely three weeks later, while President Robert Mugabe was confined to house arrest by the military, those exact same party loyalists excitedly gathered to impeach Mugabe and usher Mnangagwa back into the capital as the new leader.

This is the definition of political prostitution.

It is a world where loyalty is a luxury no politician can afford, and convenience is the only currency that matters.

In this environment, you can never trust what you see or hear.

It has become entirely unremarkable to watch a vocal, hyper-partisan pro-government activist suddenly morph into the state’s fiercest, most vitriolic critic.

Not because of a sudden awakening of conscience, but simply because the regime failed to pay him the promised stipends for his digital or physical sycophancy.

The tragedy, of course, is watching what happens when that same activist finally receives his back pay; the critique vanishes as quickly as it arrived, replaced once more by manufactured praise.

On the flip side, we witness veteran opposition activists suddenly cheering the ruling establishment under the pathetic, intellectualized mantra of “pragmatism.”

In reality, they are merely bitter individuals who feel betrayed by their own leadership and found solace in the material “gifts” dangled by the ruling elite.

The rot runs even deeper, touching the very apex of political organizations.

It is no longer shocking to encounter an opposition party leader quietly agreeing to collaborate with the ruling party to dismantle his own organization from within, driven by a desperate love for proximity to power and a handsome payout from the state apparatus.

Equally devastating is the spectacle of a popular, once-vocal opposition figure suddenly falling dead silent in the face of concerted, state-sponsored moves to dismember the country’s constitution.

When they do speak, they rely on cryptic messages and meaningless metaphors on social media, leaving an oppressed population to decipher riddles while the supreme law is gutted.

The silence speaks volumes; it usually means they, too, have been bought.

Where, then, are we going as a nation with a political class populated by such people?

What shred of hope do we have as an oppressed people when those we trust to serve us, or those we expect to deliver us, are themselves completely untrustworthy and deeply compromised?

The pursuit of a better life, economic stability, and shared prosperity becomes a mirage when the entire political spectrum lacks a basic moral compass and is concerned only with personal enrichment.

There is absolutely no mystery as to why Zimbabwe seems to be going nowhere.

We are trapped, stuck in a loop of subjugation and economic suffering that has persisted for two and a half decades, precisely because our leaders are chameleons who change color the second the environment suits their personal advancement.

This lack of institutional and personal integrity is the real reason Zimbabweans will not taste genuine freedom anytime soon.

Progress is impossible when those at the forefront of the struggle are greedy, self-centered creatures.

The brutal facts must be faced, no matter how unpalatable or exhausting they may be: we are entirely on our own.

The politicians are not coming to save us because they are too busy saving themselves.

True emancipation will only come when we, the oppressed, finally decide to stand on our own two feet and fight for our own future.

We must bypass the political structures that have commodified our suffering and begin to mobilize ourselves directly within our own communities, entirely independent of political parties.

Zimbabweans need to organize, build networks of solidarity, and speak out on the issues affecting their daily lives from exactly where they are.

It is time to break the cycle of greed and selfishness that has kept this nation imprisoned.

We must become our own liberators, and the sooner we accept this heavy responsibility, the sooner we will finally enjoy the actual fruits of our independence.

• Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. To directly receive his articles please join his WhatsApp Channel on: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaqprWCIyPtRnKpkHe08

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Source: Harare stands firm on demolitions of illegal structures – herald

Diana Nherera

The City of Harare has reaffirmed its decision to demolish illegally constructed structures on land reserved for public amenities, wetlands, road reserves and critical infrastructure, saying affected residents were repeatedly warned before notices were issued.

The position was outlined in a response by City of Harare spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama to concerns raised by the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) over demolition notices affecting thousands of households across the capital.

In a correspondence addressed to ZNOART national chairperson, Mr Shalvar Chikomba, that was seen by The Herald, Mr Gama said all areas identified in the notices remain earmarked for demolition.

“All areas mentioned in the document are earmarked for demolition. All structures without council approvals and built on areas earmarked for social amenities or built on top of our water or sewer infrastructure will be demolished,” he said.

“The document has full reasons why the structures will be demolished.”

The city maintained that residents had been adequately informed of the impending action and given sufficient time to respond.

Mr Gama said the council’s responsibility was to preserve orderly urban development and protect public infrastructure from illegal encroachment.

He urged prospective property buyers to verify the status of land with the local authority before purchasing or developing it.

“To avoid such challenges, people must stop buying land from land barons and land criminals,” he said.

“First seek clarity from the City of Harare before building or buying any piece of land.”

Addressing concerns raised by residents’ groups over the possibility of regularising some of the affected properties, Mr Gama said the council would only consider regularisation where it is legally and practically feasible.

“We will not regularise where it is impossible to regularise. Land meant for a school will have to be used to build a school,” he said.

“We cannot regularise and endorse lawlessness. Otherwise, people will end up building houses even at Rufaro Stadium, knowing that the City of Harare will regularise. We cannot turn Harare into a jungle.”

Mr Gama said while some affected parties had obtained court orders, others had not, adding that in certain cases, demolitions could proceed without court intervention depending on the circumstances.

He argued that the notices issued by the council were clear and that the illegal status of some structures required no further explanation.

“The notices are clear and unambiguous, and illegal structures require no other explanation than that they are illegal,” he said.

Mr Gama also called on residents’ associations to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of purchasing land from illegal land dealers.

“We hope residents’ associations carry out educational campaigns on the dangers of buying land from land barons,” he said.

“The consequences look severe when we restore order, but why build on illegally acquired land?”

He warned that illegal settlements often place excessive pressure on sewer systems, roads and other municipal services, affecting law-abiding residents who pay rates and comply with planning regulations.

“When sewer systems start blocking because of illegal settlements, residents will accuse the council of not doing its work, so it has to protect those legally settled and paying their bills,” he said.

Mr Gama reiterated that structures built without approval on wetlands, road reserves, school sites, clinic land, and areas reserved for public amenities would be demolished as part of efforts to restore order and enforce urban planning regulations.

The city’s response comes amid growing debate over the demolition notices, with residents’ groups calling for greater engagement and clarity while authorities insist that enforcement action is necessary to curb illegal settlements and protect public land.

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Source: Residents’ trust calls for transparency on demolition plans – herald

Diana Nherera

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has called for transparency and urgent engagement over demolition notices recently issued by the City of Harare, saying the development has created uncertainty among thousands of affected residents.

In a statement, ZNOART national chairperson, Mr Shalvar Chikomba, said the organisation had received numerous concerns from residents whose homes, businesses and other structures could be affected by the planned demolitions.

Residents from suburbs including Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Glen View, Mabvuku, Mabelreign, Greendale, Belvedere, Waterfalls, Hatfield, Retreat and Msasa have approached the organisation seeking clarity on the status of the notices and the future of their properties and investments.

“While we note reports that Government has directed a temporary halt to demolitions and that consultations are underway, the issuance of notices has created uncertainty, anxiety and fear among affected families, many of whom invested their life savings in acquiring land and constructing homes,” said Mr Chikomba.

“ZNOART calls for transparency, accountability and meaningful stakeholder engagement on this matter.”

The residents’ body said there was a need for authorities to provide clear information regarding the status of the demolition notices already issued, as well as the specific areas, stands and structures that have been earmarked for possible demolition.

The trust also called on the City of Harare to explain the criteria being used to determine whether structures are illegal and liable for demolition, as well as measures being put in place to protect homebuyers and residents who may have acquired properties in good faith.

The organisation further sought clarification on the role of Government directives and ongoing consultations in determining the final outcome of the process.

It also requested information on whether affected residents would be given an opportunity to regularise their properties, appeal decisions or challenge demolition orders before any enforcement action is taken.

In addition, the trust called for clear timelines regarding consultations, investigations and possible enforcement measures, as well as support mechanisms for vulnerable households that may be affected.

“ZNOART believes that while the protection of public land, wetlands, road reserves and land designated for public amenities is important, the rights, dignity and welfare of residents must also be safeguarded,” said Mr Chikomba.

“Any actions taken must be lawful, transparent, humane and consistent with the principles of natural justice.”

It urged the City of Harare, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and other relevant authorities to engage openly with residents, residents’ associations and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable and lasting solutions.

It also called for an urgent stakeholder engagement meeting involving city authorities, Government representatives, residents’ associations and civil society organisations to discuss the issue and chart a way forward.

“ZNOART remains committed to constructive dialogue, accountability, community development and the protection of residents’ interests while supporting lawful urban planning and environmental preservation,” said Mr Chikomba.

The concerns come amid ongoing discussions on illegal settlements, wetland protection and compliance with urban planning regulations in Harare and other urban centres.

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Source: Copacabana, Gulf Complex flagged as drug hotspots – herald

Diana Nherera

COPACABANA and Gulf Complex in Harare’s central business district have been identified as some of the areas where illicit drugs are being sold, amid growing calls for stronger interventions to combat substance abuse in the capital.

Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Province, Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, said authorities need a deeper understanding of the drug abuse problem, including the substances being sold, those involved in distribution, the age groups affected and the factors driving drug use.

Dr Mushamba said this at a stakeholders meeting on drug and substance abuse that was convened by the Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Senator Charles Tawengwa on Wednesday.

Dr Mushamba said some drugs were being openly sold in the city, including pills disguised in fruit boxes and marketed to both young people and adults.

He said efforts to address the challenge must go beyond focusing on commonly known substances and seek to uncover the full extent of the problem.

“When we talk about drugs, I have a very strong feeling that there are people who think what they are doing is not drug abuse and that the problem only happens next door,” he said.

“I want us to be in the midst of the challenge ourselves and ask which drugs are being sold, where, by whom and at what time. Let us identify them.

“Of course, we often focus on the usual cough syrups, but there are other hidden issues. The more we ignore them, the more we do an injustice to ourselves.”

Dr Mushamba said understanding the drivers of drug uptake among different age groups and identifying substances commonly abused by adults would help stakeholders craft more effective and targeted interventions.

“What are the drivers of drug uptake? Which age groups are most affected? Among adults, which drugs are being abused and why? Once we understand the phenomenon fully, we can begin to propose solutions that truly work,” he said.

Meanwhile, Harare City Council’s Mental Health Coordinator Mr Ray Moyo, who represented the city’s Provincial Mental Health Officer Ms Zephania Chikudu, called for greater attention to the role of legal alcohol in substance abuse.

He described alcohol as a gateway substance and urged authorities to regulate the proliferation of liquor outlets across the city.

“Look at how bottle stores are sprouting everywhere in town. Every corner has a bar. They may have liquor licences, but that is where it starts,” said Mr Moyo.

“There is a need to limit the number of liquor licences. Some bars open as early as 7 am and only close around 2 am.”

Other stakeholders at the meeting expressed concern that several areas where drugs are allegedly sold and consumed, including informal drinking spots and shebeens, remain largely unmonitored by authorities.

The calls come as the Government and various stakeholders intensify efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, which has emerged as a major public health and social challenge affecting communities across the country.

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Source: Mabelreign residents warned as rock blasting works begin – herald

Diana Nherera

THE City of Harare has warned residents in Mabelreign suburb to observe strict safety measures as chemical rock blasting works commence today as part of an ongoing water infrastructure upgrade programme.

The blasting operations, which will run until Monday next week, will be carried out at the intersection of Westminster Avenue and Ridgeview Drive under a water pipe replacement project being implemented by the City of Harare in partnership with Helcraw Water.

In a notice, Acting Town Clerk Advocate Warren Chiwawa said the works are aimed at improving water infrastructure and enhancing service delivery in the area.

He urged residents to cooperate with project teams and adhere to all safety guidelines throughout the exercise.

“Residents are strongly advised not to go beyond barricaded areas, to keep a minimum distance of 15 to 30 metres from the drilling and blasting site, and to follow all barricades, signage and instructions from site personnel,” read the notice.

The city also warned residents against touching, tampering with or entering areas containing drilled or filled holes and equipment.

“Residents should not touch, tamper with or enter areas with drilled or filled holes and equipment, as the chemical used is caustic and may cause burns,” said Advocate Chiwawa.

Parents and guardians have been urged to ensure that children remain away from the work site at all times.

The City of Harare said the exercise forms part of broader efforts to modernise and strengthen water infrastructure to improve the reliability and efficiency of water supplies to residents.

Authorities appealed for public cooperation and understanding during the project’s implementation, saying the temporary inconvenience would result in long-term improvements in water service delivery.

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