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The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has warned about a potential humanitarian disaster in Harare and Chitungwiza following the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water treatment plant. This decision comes after the drying up of two critical water supply dams, Harava and Seke.
On Wednesday, 28 August, the City of Harare announced the closure of the water treatment plant, which processes water from the Harava and Seke dams for distribution to Chitungwiza and various parts of Harare, including Hatfield, Airport, Waterfalls, and Msasa.
The shutdown of the plant, located near Chitungwiza, is resulting in a daily loss of 70-80 megalitres of water, further exacerbating the already limited supply.
In a statement, CHRA warned that the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water purification plant could lead to serious health crises in both Chitungwiza and Harare. CHRA said:
<blockquote>
The CHRA is warning of a serious humanitarian disaster if urgent contingency plans are not put in place following the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water purification plant by the City of Harare due to the lack of raw water in the Seke and Harava dams.
This has increased the water supply deficit in the city and worsened the ongoing water crisis, impacting the residents of Harare and Chitungwiza.
We reiterate that the lack of raw water in the Seke and Harava dams due to the El Nino-induced drought is a reality of the impact and effects of climate change, which require inclusive climate action and disaster risk reduction planning for resilience building.
</blockquote>
CHRA urged local authorities and the central government to work together to provide alternative water supplies to Harare and Chitungwiza residents. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Given the deepened water crisis, the government and local authorities (City of Harare and Chitungwiza Municipality) must set aside an emergency fund for the provision of alternative water supplies (mobile water bowsers), installation of online chlorinators on all public boreholes and distribution of chlorine tablets.
Development of inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action plans at the community level for local resilience building.
The government needs to disburse meaningful amounts of devolution funds to the City of Harare, and these funds should be channelled towards financing of improving water infrastructure, in particular reduction of non-revenue water currently standing between 40-50%.
</blockquote>
On Friday, August 30, the Chitungwiza Municipality announced that it will start receiving water from Harare’s Morton Jaffray treatment plant every Friday through Sunday. The municipality plans to distribute this water to as many areas as possible upon its arrival.
Harare City Council’s water director, Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, recently informed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government that the water treatment capacity at Morton Jaffray is 614 megalitres (ML) per day.
In contrast, the capacity at Prince Edward is 90 ML per day. This brings the total capacity to 704 ML per day, intended to serve Harare, Chitungwiza, Norton, Ruwa, and areas extending to Inkomo Barracks.
Moyo noted that the daily water demand is approximately 800 ML, surpassing the production capacity of 704 ML.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The residents' association warns that Harare and Chitungwiza may face a crisis due to drying up of water dams. The water treatment plant had to close, causing a shortage of water in the area. This could lead to health problems for people. The association is urging the government to find alternative water sources and make plans to handle emergencies. Chitungwiza will start receiving water from another treatment plant. But, the demand for water is higher than what can be produced, leading to a serious problem.

Residents Association Warns Of Humanitarian Crisis After Dams Dry Up

The Chitungwiza Municipality is preparing to implement water rationing for residents after the decommissioning of its two supply dams, Harava and Seke, which ran dry earlier this week.
On Friday, August 30, the Chitungwiza Municipality announced that it will begin receiving water from Harare’s Morton Jaffray every Friday to Sunday, and it plans to distribute this water to as many areas as possible upon arrival. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Chitungwiza Municipality wishes to inform residents that it will be receiving water from Harare’s Morton Jaffray every Friday to Sunday following the decommissioning of the Prince Edward treatment plant.
We are going to ration the water to ensure every location receives it, and we will try to distribute it to many areas when it comes.
We urge residents to use water sparingly.
</blockquote>
Chitungwiza, a dormitory town of Harare, relies entirely on water supplied by the Harare City Council, which sources it from the two dams located nearby.
On Wednesday, 28 August, the City of Harare announced the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water treatment plant, which processes water from the Harava and Seke dams before distributing it to Chitungwiza and various parts of Harare, including Hatfield, Airport, Waterfalls, and Msasa.
The City council said that the Prince Edward plant will only be recommissioned once the dams refill, which is expected to occur during the upcoming rainy season.
It added that in the meantime, efforts are being made to enhance water supplies in affected areas through the Morton Jaffray Waterworks in Norton.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chitungwiza is going to have less water because the two dams that supply it are dry. They will now get water from another place and will ration it to make sure everyone gets some. People are told to use water carefully. The main supply plant is closed until the dams have water again. Other places like Hatfield and Airport are also affected. They are trying to get more water from another place for now.

Chitungwiza To Implement Water Rationing After Dams Run Dry

The City of Harare has temporarily decommissioned the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant near Chitungwiza.
In a public notice issued this Wednesday, the council announced that it can no longer draw water from the Harava and Seke dams, which supply the plant, as they have dried up. The City of Harare said:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare wishes to inform residents that we have temporarily de-commissioned the Prince Edward Water treatment plant near Chitungwiza as the two dams that feed into waterworks – Harava and Seke have dried up. We can no longer draw water from the two dams.
Prince Edward will only be recommissioned when the two dams fill up most likely during the coming rainy season.
Areas that are likely to be affected include among others, Chitungwiza, Hatfield, Airport, Waterfalls and Msasa.
</blockquote>
The City of Harare said it was making efforts to boost water supplies in the affected areas from the Morton Jaffray Waterworks in Norton.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare shut down the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant because the dams that supply it have run dry. They can't draw water from Harava and Seke dams anymore. The plant will only reopen when the dams are full again, probably during the rainy season. Places like Chitungwiza, Hatfield, Airport, Waterfalls, and Msasa will be affected by this. The city is trying to improve water supplies from another plant in Norton.

Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant Shut Down As Dams Run Dry

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has refuted recent claims circulating on social media regarding its property holdings.
According to a statement released on Sunday, August 25, NRZ categorically denies owning an extensive portfolio of properties stretching from South Africa to London.
The NRZ also clarified that it does not possess any rights or control over properties associated with the NRZ Contributory Pension Fund.
The statement further addressed rumours about the extent of land ownership along its railway lines.
The NRZ asserted that it does not own or have legal rights to a 2-kilometre-wide strip of land on either side of its railway tracks.
Instead, the accurate information, according to the NRZ, is that the parastatal’s jurisdiction is limited to a Railway Reserve Land strip measuring 45 meters on either side of the tracks. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
CLARIFICATION ON SOME SOCIAL MEDIA MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING NRZ PROPERTIES
The NRZ wishes to clarify certain misconceptions which have been trending on social media recently. Firstly, the NRZ does not own any shares and has no direct or indirect link, right or benefit from the London Stock Exchange.
Furthermore, NRZ does not own any property in the UK as some X users have claimed. NRZ has often been confused with the NRZ Contributory Pension Fund, especially on matters relating to property ownership both within and outside Zimbabwe.  The two are separate entities that are accountable individually.
NRZ has no rights nor control over properties owned by the Pension Fund. The relationship between the NRZ and the Pension Fund is that the NRZ is the sponsoring employer and as such, is adequately informed that the fund’s 
offshore properties are well-managed and proceeds are benefiting the membership.
The NRZ clarified this position in a recent presentation to the Joint sitting of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Secondly, there are claims that the NRZ owns and has a legal right to 2km of land on either side of the railway line. Nothing can be further from the truth.
The correct position is that 45 metres of land on either side of the tracks is regarded as Railway Reserve Land and is legally gazetted as such. Such land is reserved for future railway expansion.
Further to that, the NRZ does not own an inch of land in Johannesburg and has no properties in, Zambia and Botswana.
Thirdly, Rhodesia Railways used to own properties in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The Rhodesia Railways assets were shared between successor railway entities, Zambia Railways Limited and National Railways of Zimbabwe.
The properties were being managed by a joint committee from both Zimbabwe and Zambia called the Higher Authority.
The Botswana line and properties as well as a few houses in Mafikeng, South Africa were thus disposed by the Higher Authority to the Botswana Government and sitting tenants respectively in the 1990s.
The mining rights in South Africa that were given to Rhodesia Railways by the late Cecil John Rhodes are jointly owned by NRZ, Zambia Railways and South Africa’s state mining entity called Africa Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) at 33.33% shareholding apiece.
These are managed by an entity called Pan African Minerals Development Company (PAMDC). It should be noted that these are only mining rights excluding land ownership and that South African citizens have title deeds on the farms where the mining rights are sitting.
Lastly, it is correct that NRZ used to own houses in most Suburbs in cities like Bulawayo, Harare, Gweru among others.
However, it should be noted that these were disposed to sitting tenants, both before and after independence.
The last such massive employee empowerment programme through selling houses to sitting employee tenants having been done in the 1990s.
It is therefore not true that NRZ still retains ownership of all or most of the houses in these suburbs.
End
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has said that rumors on social media about its properties are not true. They do not own as much property as claimed, including in South Africa and London. NRZ clarified they don't control or have rights over certain properties linked to their pension fund. They also do not own a 2km wide strip of land next to their tracks, only a 45m railway reserve land. NRZ used to own houses in cities but sold them to tenants. The article explains the history of NRZ's property ownership and clarifies misunderstandings.

NRZ Refutes Social Media Claims About Its Assets

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Clare Katiyo, the Services Administrator at Gokwe South District Hospital, faces serious allegations of misconduct and mismanagement. According to sources within the hospital, Clare Katiyo supposedly mishandled three hospital vehicles, leading to severe damages that required towing them back from service. It is claimed that she utilises political influence to dictate hospital operations, allegedly causing staff conflicts and even the resignation of a District Medical Officer.
Accusations against her include document forgery, misappropriation of funds intended for patient care, hindering essential medical equipment installations, and falsifying records of non-existent vehicles for financial gain. Sources told Pindula News that despite being found guilty of misconduct in two cases this year, determinations were allegedly overturned by ZANU-PF officials. A source said on condition of anonymity:
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<blockquote>
The first case involved forging documents and diverting funds intended for purchasing mealie meal for patients to buy drinks for a ZANU-PF gathering.
In the second case, she was overwhelmingly found guilty of gross misconduct, including refusing a South African donor’s installation of an autoclaving machine, being difficult to work with in the district health establishment (DHE), failing to adequately maintain vehicles, and submitting fake claims for ghost vehicles participating in programs (non-existent vehicles purportedly partaking in events, with funds collected). All these infractions are well-documented.
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Previously embroiled in misconduct issues at Mberengwa Hospital, Katiyo faced accusations of denying ambulance services which reportedly resulted in patient fatalities. Allegations of boasting connections to high-ranking ZANU-PF officials and involvement in the removal of a Gokwe South CIO official have also surfaced. Another source told Pindula News correspondent Advent Shoko:
<blockquote>
While there, she faced serious allegations of misconduct and on multiple occasions, she refused to dispatch ambulances, resulting in patient fatalities. Despite this, she boasts of connections to high-ranking ZANU-PF officials and has claimed responsibility for the removal of the Gokwe South CIO official named Kuleya.
</blockquote>
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Pindula News contacted Clare Katiyo on 16 August 2024 for her response to these allegations. As of now, Clare Katiyo has not yet responded.
More Pindula News

Clare Katiyo, who works at Gokwe South District Hospital, is accused of doing bad things like mishandling hospital vehicles and using political power to control the hospital. She is accused of forging documents, using money meant for patients for herself, and not letting important medical equipment be installed. She has also been accused of similar things at another hospital before. Some people say she has connections to important people in the government and has caused problems for others working at the hospital. Clare Katiyo has not responded to these accusations yet.

Gokwe South District Hospital's Administrator Accused Of Misconduct, Maladministration

Controversial political activist Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the Secretary General of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has defended the mandatory two-day ideological training for mayors and local authority chairpersons at ZANU PF’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology in Harare.
The compulsory training programme has been condemned by human rights lawyers and civil society groups, who argue that this basic orientation training constitutes a serious violation of constitutional rights, including the rights to impartial and non-partisan administrative conduct, as well as freedom of assembly and association.
However, in an interview with <a href="https://cite.org.zw/tshabangu-backs-controversial-ideology-training-for-mayors-dismisses-recall-fears/">CITE</a>, Tshabangu asserted that the training is a positive initiative aimed at building the capacity of councillors and aligning local governance with national policies.
Tshabangu, known for unilaterally recalling scores of CCC MPs and Councilors, said he does not intend to recall those who boycotted the training. He said:
<blockquote>
I can assure you that there are no plans for recalls, and we are focused on supporting our mayors and council chairpersons in their roles.
This training is part of the government’s efforts to enhance capacity building and align local governance with national policies.
Ultimately, this training enables mayors and council chairpersons to deliver improved services to our communities, aligning with national policies and upholding the principles of good governance for the benefit of our citizens.
We appreciate the Minister of Local Government (and Public Works), Daniel Garwe, for initiating this important initiative.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and his deputy Edwin Ndlovu did not attend, so the city’s Town Clerk and Finance Director attended in their place.
Early this week, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), representing the Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST), wrote to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, urging it to cancel the basic orientation training for Mayors and Chairpersons running from August 21 to 23, 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sengezo Tshabangu supports ZANU PF's training for mayors and local leaders to learn about ideology. The training has been criticized by human rights lawyers. Tshabangu says the training is good for building skills and following national policies. He will not punish those who did not attend. The aim is to improve services for communities and promote good governance. Some leaders did not go, so others went in their place. Legal groups want the training cancelled, but Tshabangu and others believe it is important for better governance and service delivery.

Tshabangu Endorses ZANU PF's Mandatory Ideological Training For Mayors

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has urged local authorities to take the initiative in attracting businesses and capital to areas of their jurisdictions instead of solely relying on funding from the central government.
While appearing on a current affairs show on ZiFM Stereo, Mutsvangwa criticised councils, particularly those led by the opposition, for their perceived failure to draw investment. Said Mutsvangwa (via <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/mutsvangwa-lambasts-opposition-led-councils/">Business Times</a>):
<blockquote>
Look, when people come to invest in a country, they don’t necessarily look at the president. Investment is done in a local authority. You want to put your factory in a specific location within a particular ward.
If the people who are running the cities cannot learn from what is being done in Mvurwi or Marondera by the tobacco farmers, it is because they are not, they shouldn’t be in those jobs in the first instance.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa said that it required national government intervention to clean up Harare after the city council failed to take action.
The government invested millions in rehabilitating several major roads, including Mazoe Road and Harare Drive, in preparation for the recent SADC Summit. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
The president and his government intervened, they cleaned up Harare and look now, Harare is as good as can be and this is not going to be the end.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa dismissed claims made by some opposition mayors that they have encountered difficulties in securing resources from the central government, including funding allocations from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). He said:
<blockquote>
These mayors who we are talking about, simply don’t know their job. They don’t know, they think that money comes from the central government.
No, money comes from the hard work of their own populations who are working in businesses where the mayors and councillors have attracted businessmen to those places.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the majority of mayors, chairpersons, councillors and staff from the country’s 92 local authorities, among them Harare mayor Jacob Mafume, are currently undergoing training at ZANU PF’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology principal, Munyaradzi Machacha, who is also the ZANU PF National Political Commissar, is conducting the training.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Local councils should work hard to attract investment and businesses, instead of relying only on the central government for money. ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa criticized opposition-led councils for not bringing in investment. He said cities need to learn from successful places like Mvurwi and Marondera. The government fixed Harare's roads for a summit, showing that it can help, but councils should do more. Mutsvangwa also said that mayors who blame the central government for lack of funds don't understand their job. Many local government officials are getting training from ZANU PF to improve their skills.

Councils Responsible For Attracting Investment, Not Central Government - Mutsvangwa

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume is among mayors, chairpersons, councillors and staff from the country’s 92 local authorities who are undergoing training at ZANU PF’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
As reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chitepo-school-of-ideology-empowers-mayors-chairpersons/">The Herald</a>, Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology principal, Munyaradzi Machacha, who is also the ZANU PF National Political Commissar, is conducting the training.
In his address during the basic orientation course, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, through its mandate of monitoring, supervising, and capacitating local authorities in Zimbabwe conducts routine and custom-made training programmes for staff and policymakers in local authorities.
In this regard, the ministry will be rolling out a three-phased councillor induction program where mayors, chairpersons and councillors will be equipped for their role as stewards of their respective councils.
It is critical to note that during this process, the ministry notes the wide political dichotomy that exists among policymakers and staff as well as the narrow appreciation of basic but fundamental aspects of the nation’s history, identity and policy.
</blockquote>
Mafume said that he fully subscribes to the nation’s founding ideology, which he believes is rooted in the aspiration for freedom for all. He said:
<blockquote>
Every nation has a founding ideology that binds it. Ours is founded on the aspirations of freedom for all, a right to vote and a right to determine our economic destiny.
</blockquote>
Mafume is a member of the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) and was re-elected as the mayor of Harare following the 2023 general elections.
His re-election came after Sengezo Tshabangu controversially recalled his two predecessors, Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu.
The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is named after Herbert Chitepo, a prominent nationalist and former chairperson of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU).
The school focuses on topics such as patriotism, national security, and the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF's Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is training mayors, chairpersons, councillors, and staff from local governments. The training is conducted by ZANU PF's National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is rolling out a councillor induction program to empower local leaders. Harare mayor Jacob Mafume, a member of the opposition CCC, believes in the nation's founding ideology of freedom for all. The school focuses on patriotism, national security, and Zimbabwe's liberation history. Mafume was re-elected as mayor after his predecessors were recalled.

ZANU Political Commissar Trains CCC Councillors At Ideology School

Registered village heads from Nkayi in Matabeleland North Provinces have claimed that they have not received their allowances for over a year.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/nkayi-village-heads-go-over-a-year-without-allowances/">CITE </a>reported sources as saying they were provided with NetOne sim cards in February, with the expectation that allowances would soon start being disbursed. Said one of the village heads:
<blockquote>
We used to receive the allowance every month, but it has since stopped. During President Mugabe’s era, we earned around US$60.
When Emmerson Mnangagwa took over, the payments were converted to RTGS. Initially, when converted to USD, we received about US$7, but this amount gradually decreased to US$6, then US$5, and eventually to US$3, until the payments stopped altogether.
We were called to a meeting in Nkayi on February 15, where we were informed that the allowances would now be sent via One Money.
However, to date, we have not received any payments. When we inquire, we are told to wait, and that everything will be sorted out.
When we ask, we become targets, but how are we supposed to survive? We have families to support, and hunger is affecting us.
Nkayi has about 612 village heads, but you will find that those who are earning are just over 100.
</blockquote>
The disgruntled village heads further alleged that the District Development Coordinator (DDC) informed them that the funds are now managed from Harare. Said a village head:
<blockquote>
She said when we were receiving our payments regularly, the funds were managed from the Nkayi office. Now, the offices are in Harare.
When we try to raise these issues in the WhatsApp group, some village heads who are still receiving their allowances silence us.
</blockquote>
Contacted for a comment by CITE, the DDC Matilda Mlotshwa did not respond but later told the traditional leaders in their WhatsApp group that their position remains unchanged. She said:
<blockquote>
Dear elders, we hear your complaints. The truth is, we are also trying as an office to ensure that everyone receives their dues. The problem is that it is now being done in Harare at the SSB.
When it was done here with us, you will agree that there were no such problems. We do not know what is happening there; many payslips came back with incorrect numbers, which is the current situation.
Slowly, people are getting their issues resolved. We hope that over time, everything will be sorted out.
Coming to the office does not help much because everything is done at the headquarters, which is beyond our control. We write and send the papers.
For now, let us be patient; it will be resolved. We apologize greatly, but the truth is that it will be resolved soon. Have a good day.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Village heads in Nkayi have not been paid their allowances for over a year. They used to get around US$60 a month, but now some are not getting anything. The payments are now managed from Harare, causing delays and confusion. The village heads are struggling to support their families and are hungry. Some village heads who are still getting paid are not speaking up for the others. The District Development Coordinator said they are trying to fix the problem, but it is taking time. The village heads are told to be patient and wait for their payments.

Nkayi Village Heads Go Over A Year Without Allowances

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has written to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, urging it to cancel the basic orientation training for Mayors and Chairpersons scheduled for August 21 to 23, 2024.
ZLHR lawyer Harrison Nkomo, representing the Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST), wrote to the Ministry on Tuesday to verify the authenticity of a letter dated August 16 and signed by K. Ncube on behalf of the permanent secretary.
In the letter, CHITREST argued that this basic orientation training constitutes a serious violation of constitutional rights, including the rights to impartial and non-partisan administrative conduct, as well as freedom of assembly and association. A Statement issued by ZLHR on Tuesday reads:
<blockquote>
On behalf of Chitungwiza Residents Trust, we have asked the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to cease and desist from holding a so-called basic orientation training for Mayors and Chairpersons of local authorities scheduled to run for 2 days in Harare, which critics label as an indoctrination exercise.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works had on 16 August wrote an invitation letter to all Mayors and Chairpersons of all local authorities across the country inviting them to attend a two-day basic orientation training to be facilitated by the Chitepo School of Ideology, which is a ruling ZANU PF political party affiliated institution, in Harare from Wednesday 21 August 2024 to 23 August 2024.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works had justified the so-called basic orientation training as necessary to expose Mayors and Chairpersons of local authorities to the ideals of national security and patriotism as espoused by the Chitepo School of Ideology.
This incensed CHITREST, which on Tuesday wrote a letter to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works seeking to confirm the authenticity of the letter and whether it had originated from the ministry.
In the letter written by Harrison Nkomo of the ZLHR to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Chitepo School of Ideology, CHITREST demanded that the two institutions should cease and desist from conducting the so-called basic orientation training.
CHITREST protested that the planned so-called basic orientation training offends several provisions of the Constitution and amounts to a grave violation of constitutional rights to impartial and non-partisan administrative conduct and the freedom of assembly and association.
The residents association said the contents of the invitation letter from Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to all Mayors and Chairpersons of local authorities were contrary to the spirit of the Constitution in several respects.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chitungwiza residents are upset about training for Mayors by Chitepo School of Ideology linked to ZANU PF. They say it violates their rights. Lawyers for Human Rights asked the Ministry to cancel the training. The training aims to teach about national security and patriotism. Residents don't want the training to happen. They believe it goes against the Constitution. The residents' association wants the Ministry to stop the training immediately. They think it is unfair to force the Mayors to attend this training. Residents are demanding their rights to be respected.

Chitungwiza Residents Demand Stop To Mayors' Chitepo School Of Ideology Training

Harare residents have petitioned the Harare City Council (HCC) for clarification on the local authority’s purpose in conducting a Consultative Meeting on the Cluster Housing Policy Formulation.
The petition, initiated on August 18 and submitted on August 20, 2024, was put forth by the Ratepayers and Residents of Mount Pleasant, Groombridge, Arundel, Northwood, Vainona, Pomona—areas encompassing Wards 17 and 19—and nearby suburbs. Below is the petition in full:
<blockquote>
The Harare City Council (HCC) has invited residents to a Consultative Meeting on Cluster Housing Policy Formulation on 20 August 2024.
We, the Ratepayers and Residents of Mount Pleasant, Groombridge, Arundel, Northwood, Vainona, Pomona (all forming parts of Wards 17 and 19), and the surrounding suburbs, submit as follows:
1.   Preliminary
The Harare City Council must explain why they are carrying out this Consultative Meeting as we are concerned that it is just a ‘tick-box’ exercise. 
In December 2023 <a class="corgi-1ns4ej6" href="https://www.suburban.co.zw/council-cluster-houses-policy-rejected/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.suburban.co.zw/council-cluster-houses-policy-rejected/</a> HCC had a consultation meeting with residents of Wards 17 and 19 on their new cluster housing policy which the residents rejected on the grounds that HCC must first upgrade existing infrastructure including sewer, water and road infrastructures as well as social amenities, EG schools and clinics, to cater for an increasing population. 
However, we have observed that HCC has continued to approve many new cluster developments in Wards 17 and 19 without taking into account our previously expressed concerns. As residents, we are therefore suspicious that this is just another ‘tick-box’ exercise for HCC to be able to record that they have consulted with residents but they will just continue with the adoption and implementation of a policy which does not take into account our concerns. 
2.   Objections to Current HCC Cluster Development Policy:
There are rules and regulations as stipulated in the relevant statutes and legislations that need to be adhered to when public/government or private developers build new housing clusters, some of which are included in the Regional Town and Country Planning Act (RTCP Act), Chapter 29:12 of 1976; the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15); the Housing and Building Act (Chapter 22:07). They interact with the other sector-specific statutes and legislation for roads, water, building bylaws etc.
As ratepayers and residents, we are concerned at the manner in which HCC has continued to recklessly approve densification and cluster developments with no guidelines and no concern for, or interests, on behalf of residents on the following grounds:
(a) Character of our suburbs – Our suburbs are low density suburbs. As ratepayers and residents we want them to remain low density. We don’t WANT to live in a high or medium density suburb and our views must be respected. HCC and the Government are aware that Harare is already overloaded, in all respects, but the solution is not to pile in more people onto existing antiquated and dilapidated infrastructure without upgrading it first.  At the rate COH is operating, it can take weeks, months, years to get a broken water pipe repaired never mind an upgrade on an entire sewer system.  Despite all this, it is unfair to force residents, who have invested a lot of money for the privileged of living in a quiet, low density suburb to live in a higher density suburb which will cause property devaluation.
HCC is aware that there are not enough amenities in the existing areas to hold a greater population. Perhaps the answer is to create a medium/high density, cluster home type residential area out of the current city towards the area of “The New City”.  
(b) Sewer lines – The existing sewer systems are not designed to cope with numbers beyond what they were designed to carry when built many years ago. HCC has not upgraded any current sewer lines in our neighborhoods and yet they have approved cluster home developments such as the one under construction at the corner of The Chase and Pendennis Roads where HCC has connected the development to the existing sewer line which was already not coping with the existing population. The result will be burst sewer lines, which has already happened in parts of the neighborhood, and this can cause catastrophic health issues, such as a cholera outbreak as this raw sewerage can leach into our underground water supplies which most residents rely on.
(c) No water   – HCC has not upgraded the water supply system, which is unable to cope with the existing population since its inception. HCC water supply to our neighborhood (and all over Harare), is erratic and some areas have not received water for over 20 years. The residents that are fortunate enough to receive HCC water receive erratic supply, perhaps only once or twice a month and, due to lack of efficient chemical treatments, the water may not be correctly treated at source which can result in disease outbreaks such as cholera and typhoid. Many of us have resorted to relying on our drying up boreholes (which are drying up due to the excessive amount of boreholes drilled in the suburbs), while others have resorted to begging for water from a neighbor or buying from bulk water delivery companies whilst still being billed by HCC for nonexistent water supply. 
(d) Boreholes – Boreholes are having to be re-bored to greater depths in order to reach the water below. More and more boreholes are drilled daily to replace the lack of water delivery from HCC.  In addition, HCC is giving out land to developers to build on wetlands, further destroying the water table and polluting our river systems.  Bulk water transporters are delivering vast quantities of water to residents all over Harare, thus destroying our water tables even further.
“If water is not extracted through a well in a sustainable manner, the water table may drop permanently. This is starting to be the case around the world. Some of the largest sources of groundwater are being depleted in India, China, and the United States to the point where they cannot be replenished. Groundwater depletion occurs when the rate of groundwater extraction through wells is higher than the rate of replenishment from precipitation.” 
Information sourced from: <a class="corgi-1ns4ej6" href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/water-table/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/water-table/</a>
(e) Roads – our roads are congested enough as they are. Adding on further population will congest them even more, particularly when 10 cluster homes are built on a small acreage with 5 people living in each cluster home. This will add on an estimated 30 vehicles on that particular road, daily. 
(f)  Amenities – the existing amenities which were built many years ago in the low density areas, are already overloaded.  With an ever expanding population, the necessary amenities must also be developed such as schools and sports fields, hospitals, clinics, gyms, shopping centers open spaces, sports clubs (all with adequate parking), etc. etc.  This cannot be done when there is already no space.
(g) Noise pollution – the added number of people in the suburbs will increase the noise pollution from many aspects.
(h) Crime –  an increase in crime rate can result due to the increased population.
3.   Recommendations for HCC Cluster Development Policy 
    We recommend that HCC must include the following in the cluster development policy:
(a) Views of current ratepayers and residents – Preferably, respect the wishes of current residents who have paid a lot of money to live in a low density area and don’t build more clusters in the existing low density suburbs.  HCC must preferably, create an area out of the current city to house cluster developments and provide amenities and facilities to go with them. “Cluster housing” is just a term used to get away from what the obvious is which is Densification.
(b) Upgrade existing infrastructure – It is a basic human right for residents to be provided with water, sewerage, adequate schooling, electricity etc.
(c) Moratorium on approvals for cluster developments – HCC must put an immediate moratorium on approvals of new cluster developments until they have ungraded existing water, sewer and road infrastructure, as well as making provision for more social amenities such as schools and clinics. As we know, there are no more open spaces available for this.  
(d) Guidelines – In our view, HCC has been reckless in approvals for designs of cluster developments, including in Closes, on wetlands, and also developments above two stories which results in the privacy of neighbours being invaded. HCC must develop guidelines on the types of existing roads where clusters can be built. (E.g. a cluster should not be approved for development in a Close), on a wetland, or above 2 stories under any circumstances.  HCC should also stipulate the size of stand that can be densified e.g. we do not believe that a stand size of less than 5000m2 should be approved for cluster developments.  The number of houses in the cluster development must also be considered.
(e) Moratorium on change of use application – HCC must put an immediate moratorium on all change of use applications from residential to another use until order is brought to the current chaos and they have put in place Guidelines that also take the concerns and needs of current residents into account. 
(f)  Increased scrutiny of change of use application – As ratepayers and residents we are also concerned about how Council approves change of use applications. There does not appear to be any scrutiny or due diligence. The Council sub-committees just sit and recommend change of use applications, and the motions are then very quickly passed in the full Council with no in-depth discussions and scrutiny. This must change. 
(g) Change in advertisement of change of use applications – as ratepayers and residents we also request that every change of use application should not just be published in the Herald or another newspaper. We request that these are uploaded to an online accessible Council site as well as the WhatsApp forums of ratepayers and resident’s associations. 
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare residents want to know why the Council is having a meeting about cluster housing. They are worried that the Council is not listening to their concerns. They are concerned about things like too many houses, not enough water, and crowded roads. They want the Council to upgrade existing infrastructure before building more houses. They also want the Council to involve residents in decision-making and share information better. Residents are asking the Council to stop approving new cluster developments until these issues are resolved. They also want guidelines for building new clusters and more scrutiny of change of use applications.

Harare Residents Demand Clarity On Cluster Housing Policy Consultation

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has refuted claims of interfering with the operations of the Mudzi Rural District Council following the suspension of Council Chairperson Arnold Katsande.
In a statement issued on August 15, 2024, the Ministry explained that Katsande was suspended for willfully refusing to cooperate with an investigation committee assigned to probe serious governance and maladministration issues within the local authority. Below is the full statement:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has noted with concern reports in some sections of the media purporting interference by the Ministry in the operations of Mudzi Rural District Council.
This misguided assertion follows the suspension of the Council Chairperson, Councillor Arnold Katsande.
The Ministry wishes to advise the nation that the suspension of the Council Chairperson was not done arbitrarily but followed due process in line with section 157 of the Rural District Councils Act, (hereinafter referred to as the Act) as amended by the Local Goverment Laws Amendment Act, 2016.
Further, his suspension followed the submission of a report by an investigation committee, appointed by the Honourable Minister of Local Government and Public Works, that unearthed serious governance and maladministration practices at the local authority.
In respect of the suspended Chairperson, he displayed utter contempt for the investigators and willfully refused to cooperate whatsoever in the course of the investigative process.
In such instances, the Ministry cannot just stand by and watch such truancy but take corrective action in order to preserve the integrity of the local governance system.
It is important to note that at the core of the Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery Blueprint is the need for local authorities to strengthen internal governance systems which are critical in supporting expected service delivery levels that are in line with an upper middle-income status.
Hence, investigative inquiries of this nature are meant to assist in addressing deficiencies that would have been uncovered.
Nonetheless, the public is informed that the suspended Chairperson will be accorded due process in that an Independent Tribunal is already in the process of being set up in terms of Section 157A of the Act to determine his case.
The Ministry therefore calls for patience from the public while this process is ongoing.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works denies interfering with Mudzi RDC. Council Chair Arnold Katsande suspended for not cooperating with investigation on governance issues. Ministry says suspension followed legal process and investigation findings. Katsande showed contempt and refused to cooperate with investigators. Ministry must take action to preserve local governance integrity. Investigation meant to improve service delivery. Suspended Chair will have a fair tribunal hearing. Ministry asks for public patience during process. Ministry wants local authorities to have good governance for better service delivery.

Local Government Ministry Refutes Claims Of Meddling In Mudzi RDC Affairs

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), through its Local Government Bureau, says its mayors will not participate in a mandatory ZANU PF ideological training program organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
This decision follows an invitation from the Ministry for all mayors and council chairpersons to attend an indoctrination session on ZANU PF ideology scheduled for August 21 to 23, 2024.
In a statement, CCC Local Government Bureau leader Ropafadzo Makumire said that the party will not engage in any activities that conflict with its principles. Said Makumire:
<blockquote>
Following the letter dated 16 August 2024 from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, authored by K. Ncube, I want to reiterate that mayors, chairpersons, and councillors of local authorities affiliated with Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) will not be participating in the Chitepo School of Ideology training programme, nor will they be represented there.
As the Chitepo School of Ideology is an institution associated with ZANU PF, dedicated to promoting its specific ideology, it is crucial to recognise that the mayors and chairpersons, who represent the citizens, are not members of ZANU PF and should not be linked to activities conflicting with the CCC stance.
</blockquote>
The letter, which was signed by K. Ncube, on behalf of the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, reads:
<blockquote>
In terms of Section 5 of the Constitution, Local Authorities are a third tier of Government with devolved service delivery mandates. In this regard, they are engines towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa launched the Call to Action No-Compromise to Service Delivery blueprint on 01 November 2023 with a view of enhancing service delivery.
In this regard, it is pertinent for Local Authorities to be exposed to the ideals of national security and patriotism as espoused by the Chitepo School of Ideology.
You are invited to attend a training by the Chitepo School of Ideology at Rainbow Towers from the 21st to the 22nd of August 2024. Delegates are expected to be seated by 7:30 AM.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The opposition CCC mayors won't go to a ZANU PF training program. The Ministry of Local Government invited them, but CCC says it goes against their beliefs. They won't participate in activities connected to ZANU PF. The ministry wanted them to attend the Chitepo School of Ideology training to improve service delivery. But CCC says they aren't ZANU PF members, so they won't be going. They want to stick to their own principles and not be involved in things that go against them.

CCC Mayors Refuse To Attend ZANU PF Ideological Training

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) disconnected their raw water supply to Beitbridge town on Tuesday due to unpaid arrears of about US$196 000 (ZWG2 711 362.80).
In a letter, to the local authority, ZINWA said it could no longer meet its obligations to supply water until the municipality services its arrears. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
ZINWA supplies bulk raw water to Beitbridge Municipality, which the council in turn treats and supplies to residents.
ZINWA pumps raw water from the Limpopo River into off-river storage dams, which then supply the municipality’s water treatment plants.
ZINWA incurs electricity, operations, and maintenance costs to keep supplies to Beitbridge, which should be covered by payments from the municipality.
</blockquote>
ZINWA said it bills the Beitbridge municipality an average of ZWG550,000 for their monthly bulk raw water requirements, but the local authority has only been making monthly payments averaging ZWG140 000. It said:
<blockquote>
This has resulted in outstanding bills accumulating to ZWG 2,711,362.80. Due to this unsustainable payment pattern by Beitbridge Municipality, ZINWA is no longer in a position to meet the obligations associated with the consistent supply of raw water to Beitbridge, including electricity and repairs and maintenance.
Hence, the authority has decided to disconnect water supplies to Beitbridge until the municipality services its arrears.
</blockquote>
Beitbridge Municipality Acting Town Clerk, Engineer Douglas Siphuma, confirmed the development to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/beitbridge-left-dry-as-zinwa-shuts-off-supply/">CITE</a>.
The local authority sent a circular to the residents, encouraging them to pay their dues so that the water may be reconnected. Said Siphuma:
<blockquote>
The Municipality of Beitbridge would like to advise residents and stakeholders that ZINWA has cut bulk water supply to the entire town. Please note that the water supply interruption affects the whole town.
The municipality, through previous correspondences, has continually encouraged residents and stakeholders to honour and pay their debts.
It is unfortunate that despite concerted efforts to offer support systems like payment plans and enforcement of water disconnections, the payments have not reached the minimum threshold required to meet the debt.
While the municipality is engaging ZINWA to seek a lasting solution, residents and stakeholders are urged to make serious efforts to pay for water debts.
The community is further advised to make use of the available boreholes and use water sparingly.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s urban dwellers face several challenges that make it difficult for them to pay municipal bills.
Many urban residents rely on informal employment, which is often unstable and poorly paid. This makes it difficult for them to afford regular expenses, including municipal bills.
Furthermore, there are frequent disruptions in essential services like water and electricity. Residents are often reluctant to pay for services that are unreliable or of poor quality.
The hight cost of municipal services relative to the average income of urban dwellers makes it hard for them to keep up with their bills.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZINWA, the water authority, stopped giving water to Beitbridge because the town owes a lot of money. The town only paid a little of what they owed. Now, the town has no water until they pay their debt. The town is asking people to pay what they owe so they can get water again. This is a problem for many people in Zimbabwe who struggle to pay their bills because they don't make much money. There are also issues with the quality of services provided by the municipality.

ZINWA Cuts Off Beitbridge's Water Supply Over Unpaid Arrears

Vendors for Economic Development (Vendors4ED), a shadowy grouping with close ties to the ruling ZANU PF party, which campaigned for President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the August 2023 elections, has urged its members in Harare to maintain order ahead of the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for August 17 in the capital.
Samora Chisvo, the national chairperson of Vendors 4ED, said that vending cannot be completely eradicated and appealed to the group’s members to continue behaving in an orderly manner.
Chisvo said they were working well with the government, but accused the Harare City Council (HCC) of harassing their members. Said Chisvo (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030513/behave-vendors-told-ahead-of-sadc-summit">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
We are working well with government through the Small and Medium Enterprises ministry but HCC has remained our major challenge as we are being chased away from the streets.
As the current hosts of the SADC summit and our President being the incoming chairperson, we will be expecting the vending community to behave in a good manner because as vendors we come from different backgrounds but there is no way the vending community can be eliminated because we are part of the value chain.
</blockquote>
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said they were not against the vending community and urged them to abide by by-laws. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We are not against the vending community but our concern is that they should respect the by-laws.
This is our major concern and we have been engaging vendors several times on what we expect from them.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in conjunction with the local authority recently launched a joint effort dubbed “Operation Guta Ngarigare Rakachena” targetting illegal vendors, car wash operators and mushikashika.
Police said only licensed vendors will be allowed to operate in Harare CBD during the SADC Summit.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Vendors4ED, a group linked to the ruling party in Zimbabwe, wants street vendors in Harare to be orderly before the SADC Summit in August. They work with the government but have problems with the Harare City Council. The mayor says vendors should follow rules. The police are cracking down on illegal vendors before the summit. Only licensed vendors will be allowed to sell in the city during the event. All vendors are told to behave well to support the country's image.

Vendors4ED Calls For Order Ahead Of SADC Summit

Bulawayo mayor, David Coltart, said that there is low morale among the city’s councillors, stating that they are poorly paid, forcing them to rely on allowances to make ends meet.
During the “In Conversation with Trevor” series held in Bulawayo on Tuesday, Coltart revealed that the councillors are compelled to take on at least two jobs to survive, given the inadequate compensation they receive for their municipal duties. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030332/ncube-challenges-govt-to-increase-coltarts-pay">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
I get paid an allowance of US$47 a month as mayor and councillors are paid even less, so there is very low morale among councillors. Councillors are constantly finding ways of supplementing.
We spend far too much time on workshops and we do the practical day-to-day business that needs to be done, because, without workshops, councillors can’t survive.
The major problem is the change from executive to ceremonial mayors. It means that mayors and councillors need to have at least two jobs and definitely, they need a job outside of being mayors and they balance the income.
</blockquote>
Coltart urged the government to consider adopting a model similar to South Africa, where mayors hold executive powers rather than serving in a purely ceremonial role. He said:
<blockquote>
If they are like the citizens of South Africa, whose full-time job is running the city and it reflects globally, that’s something that the government needs to look at.
If I could admit that if I committed 24 hours to this job, there is no doubt that we could achieve a lot more, you can’t just work in an executive power with limited powers.
</blockquote>
Earlier this year, in January, Coltart revealed that his monthly income amounted to only US$25.
This disclosure came after some opposition activists had demanded that he resign after the Citizens’ Coalition for Change party had been hijacked by Sengezo Tshabangu.
Coltart said that his decision not to step down was not motivated by personal greed, but rather by his commitment to serve the residents of Bulawayo.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo mayor, David Coltart, says councillors are paid very little and have to take on extra jobs to survive. He wants government to increase their pay so they can focus on their duties. He thinks mayors should have more power like in South Africa to do a better job. Coltart only gets $47 a month as mayor and $25 more. Some people wanted him to quit, but he stays to help people in Bulawayo.

Coltart Challenges Government To Increase Councillors' Pay

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in conjunction with the Harare Municipal Police, have urged vendors, car wash operators, and pirate taxis (mushikashika) to comply with city regulations ahead of the SADC Summit, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/police-crackdown-on-vendors-touts-car-wash-operators-ahead-of-sadc-summit/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
The law enforcement authorities announced the launch of a joint effort dubbed “Operation Guta Ngarigare Rakachena” during a roadshow and awareness campaign held on Rezende Street in Harare. The ZRP said:
<blockquote>
Only licensed vendors will be allowed to operate, and we will issue yellow cards to those who fail to comply.
Repeat offenders who fail to comply will be given red cards, and the police officers conducting the operation will take them into custody.
</blockquote>
Police also warned illegal pirate taxis against unlawful pickups and drop-offs and that anyone found using touts to coerce passengers to board their vehicles would face legal consequences. Said the spokesperson:
<blockquote>
We are also targeting those who do dangerous parking, illegal picking and dropping, and obstruction.
We want to keep the city clean and orderly ahead of the SADC Summit
We encourage the public to visit the Harare Metropolitan Police Headquarters or ZRP Public Relations for more information.
</blockquote>
The police are also targeting vendors selling fruits and vegetables without licenses, as well as kombis operating in undesignated areas.
<blockquote>
We want to encourage people to sell their products at designated areas and load kombis at designated ranks, not in the streets.
</blockquote>
SADC will hold the 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 August 2024.
During the 44th SADC Summit, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will take over the chairpersonship of SADC from Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police in Zimbabwe are telling street vendors, car wash operators, and illegal taxi drivers to follow the rules before a big meeting called the SADC Summit. They have a plan called "Operation Guta Ngarigare Rakachena" to make sure everyone follows the rules. If people don't listen, they will get yellow or red cards and maybe even get arrested. They want the city to be clean and safe for the summit. The police will also check on vendors and taxis to make sure they are in the right places. The summit will happen on 17 August 2024, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be the new leader of SADC.

Police Launch Crackdown On Vendors, Touts, Mushikashika Ahead Of SADC Summit

The government has barred the Harare City Council (HCC) from holding workshops outside the capital, stating that out-of-town workshops were a waste of ratepayers’ money.
Addressing a full council meeting at Town House on Thursday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said they had received a circular from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, regarding this directive. Said Mafume (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030075/govt-cracks-whip-on-hcc-workshops">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The government is saying such workshops should be done with the approval of the government. I have asked my staff to comply.
We are here to protect residents’ affairs in good faith. So we have to comply with the government directive, which is our parent ministry.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced the arrest of town clerk Hosiah Chisango by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on fraud charges. He said:
<blockquote>
The name of the company which had won the tender sounds more like a music outfit than a company that supplies electricity.
Our town clerk has been arrested over the matter, but I do not want to comment further because this is before the courts.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced that Phakamile Mabhena Moyo will be the acting town clerk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government stopped Harare City Council from having workshops outside the city because it's a waste of money. The mayor got a message from the Minister of Local Government about this. The government wants to approve all workshops now. The town clerk was arrested for fraud, and a new person will take his place for now. The council has to follow the government's rules to protect the residents. The company that won the tender had a strange name. The mayor didn't want to say too much about the arrest because it's being dealt with by the courts.

Govt Bans Harare City Council From Holding Out-of-Town Workshops

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has castigated Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume for his remarks made before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding illegal structures at the Raylton Sports Club.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 24th, the NRZ criticised Mafume, saying he should have verified the facts with the Harare Town Clerk before appearing before the parliamentary committee. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The NRZ would like to clarify some misrepresentations in averments by Harare Mayor, His Worship Jacob Mafume, regarding circumstances around illegal structures at the Raylton Sports Club.
While appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, the mayor appeared to give the impression that tuck-shops built on the land the NRZ is leasing from council were constructed by the Railways.
That assumption is incorrect, a misdirection and misleading. The NRZ lays out the facts of the matter as follows:
1. The tuck-shops are illegal structures which are a result of a fraudulent collusion between a former Harare Raylton bartender and the illegal occupiers through event hire permits misconstrued as leases.
2. The City of Harare (COH), acting on the event hire permits proceeded to approve the construction of the illegal structures without the blessing of the parent leaseholder who is NRZ.
3. On discovering the anomaly, the NRZ then wrote to the City of Harare objecting to the approvals of those building plans for tuckshops on the basis that there was no official lease with NRZ and that it conflicted heavily with the authorised land use per NRZ’s subsisting lease with the COH, which only permits use of land for sporting, recreation and incidental social events.
4. The NRZ reported the case to police resulting in the arrest of the culprits and also instituted internal disciplinary processes which resulted in the dismissal of the bartender.
5. Acting on the basis of our objection, the COH proceeded to withdraw its approvals for the building of the tuckshops and issued demolition orders on paper which they never carried through.
5. NRZ has a pending eviction court case in the High Court against the constructors of the illegal structures with COH as co-respondents.
Given the foregoing, we are surprised that His Worship the Mayor was unaware of the actual facts on the ground, which he could have easily confirmed with the Town Clerk’s office before going to Parliament.
If he had checked things properly, he would have applauded our efforts to evict the illegal occupants instead of besmirching the NRZ.
NRZ persisted in seeking COH intervention when the illegal constructions were on foundation but to no avail.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The NRZ is angry at Mayor Mafume for saying wrong things about illegal structures at Raylton Sports Club. They say the tuck-shops were built illegally by a dishonest bartender and others. The NRZ tried to stop the buildings, but they weren't successful. They reported the case to the police and fired the bartender. They also have a court case to evict the people who built the illegal structures. The NRZ says Mayor Mafume should have checked the facts before talking bad about them.

NRZ Hits Back At Mafume Over Raylton Sports Club Illegal Structures

The City of Harare has revealed that it is owed more than $70 million by various stakeholders, with residents being the biggest debtors.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Costa Mande, the Council chairman of the finance committee, provided more details on the outstanding debt. He stated:
<blockquote>
The debt is around US$70 million, and of this, the major chunk is owed by the residents. There are also debts from industry, the government, and the dormitory towns, but we have managed to deal with them heavily, and their bills are now lower. The residents remain the major debtors so far.
</blockquote>
To address the issue, the council has engaged more staff to help recover the outstanding amounts and is encouraging residents to take responsibility and pay their bills.
This development comes as the City of Harare’s 2024 budget proposal was recently rejected by the government for failing to meet certain guidelines.
A revised budget has since been resubmitted and is awaiting approval.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare is owed over $70 million, with residents owing the most. The council is working to recover the debts. The government rejected their budget proposal, so they had to resubmit a new one. Residents are being asked to pay their bills to help solve the problem.

City Of Harare Owed Over US$70 Million

Harare City Council (HCC) officials have been awarded new Toyota Fortuner GD-6 sport utility vehicles, each costing around US$70,000 for the lowest-priced model, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029338/vehicle-scandal-rocks-harare-town-house">NewsDay</a>.
The vehicles, which were reportedly purchased from a local car dealer, were allocated to 10 officials in Grade Four positions at the council.
However, the officials have been reluctant to drive the luxury vehicles to the Town House due to concerns that it may raise eyebrows among the public.
The optics of senior municipal officials using such expensive vehicles, especially at a time when the city is facing numerous infrastructure and service delivery challenges, may be viewed unfavourably by residents. Said a NewsDay source:
<blockquote>
Council secretly brought 10 vehicles for Grade Four officials. 85% of the total cost is paid by the City of Harare. The beneficiaries will pay only 15% which will be deducted from their monthly salaries.
They are not driving the vehicles to Town House because they fear that the other employees will know about the matter. We have a situation where some officials are parking their vehicles outside Town House.
</blockquote>
On Sunday, HCC’s acting finance director, Godfrey Kusangaya, confirmed to NewsDay the acquisition of the vehicles. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a human resource issue, but they got the vehicles through loans. They have loans. People say what they want, but you can get our human resources department if you want more details.
</blockquote>
Yesterday, when contacted by NewsDay, Human Resources and General Purposes Committee Chairperson Councillor George Mujajati declined to comment on the matter.
The report says Stanley Gama, the Council’s Head of Corporate Communications, did not respond to calls made to his mobile phone yesterday.
Precious Shumba, the director of the Harare Residents Trust, has called for government intervention to address this issue, arguing that the council should prioritize service delivery over the purchase of expensive vehicles. Said Shumba:
<blockquote>
Service delivery at Harare City Council has collapsed, refuse collection is almost non-existent, water supply is in shambles, sewer bursts are not being attended to, but we are seeing extravagant displays by council officials.
So we are urging the beneficiaries of these council vehicles to come forward. If they believe that they deserve them, they must drive them to Town House. When they report for duty, they must be seen by fellow council workers.
Council district officers do not have vehicles yet they are the chief representatives of council at local level and they do not have vehicles to move around in communities and residential areas to monitor infrastructural development that is going on and taking place.
I have been to district offices and they do not have stationery to talk about. They do not have computers, they are using their own personal money at council to buy stationery so that they can print.
They have all the money to buy luxury vehicles for senior executives but they abandoned their mandate. We believe the government should intervene in a way that will put a stop to buying luxury things at the expense of service delivery.
</blockquote>
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director Reuben Akili criticised the council for misplaced priorities. He said:
<blockquote>
We have always said that HCC does not know its major priorities. What is the reason for buying such luxurious vehicles?
This is wrong. We are not happy about that at all. We are demanding answers on why these vehicles were bought.
</blockquote>
This is not the first time that the Harare City Council (HCC) has been embroiled in a controversy over the acquisition of luxury vehicles.
Ten years ago, council officials were alleged to have diverted a portion of a US$144.4 million loan from China, which was intended for water and sewer infrastructure projects, to instead purchase 25 high-end vehicles, including Land Rovers and Range Rovers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Officials Awarded Luxury Vehicles

Chitungwiza Municipality has exhausted its available land for residential, recreational, and industrial development, and is now considering acquiring six farms located in the Nyatsime area to facilitate future expansion
This was said by master plan lead planner, Wycliff Mutambanengwe, during master plan engagement meetings with Chitungwiza residents. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200028801/chitungwiza-runs-out-of-land">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The population boom in the town brought by development led to a shortage of land in Chitungwiza. For development, we need to consider six farms across Nyatsime as part of our master plan.
</blockquote>
Chitungwiza is widely regarded as one of the Zimbabwean towns that has been most severely impacted by the predatory activities of land barons, leading to the loss of substantial tracts of land.
Former Ward 3 ZANU PF councillor John Matiyenga said there was a need for the local authority to develop outside the Chitungwiza boundary. He said:
<blockquote>
We no longer have land for development here in Chitungwiza and we support the idea of expanding into Manyame Rural District Council.
</blockquote>
Mutambanengwe said the master plan would be valid until 2034.
In November 2023, President Emmerson Mnangagwa directed all 92 of the country’s councils to develop master plans by June 30, 2024, to curb the growth of haphazard settlements.
A city master plan, also known as a comprehensive plan or general plan, is a long-term strategic document that outlines the vision, goals, and policies for the future development and growth of a city or municipality over a 10-20-year time horizon.
The main components of a city master plan typically include a land use plan, transportation plan, housing plan, economic development plan, environmental and sustainability plan, and community facilities and services plan, among others.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chitungwiza Municipality Runs Out Of Land

Some vendors operating in Harare’s central business district (CBD) have reportedly been storing their products, which include perishable items like vegetables, bottled water, and soft drinks, inside public toilet facilities overnight. They then proceed to sell these same products to unsuspecting consumers the following day.
According to a recent report by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200028638/harare-health-time-bombas-vendors-store-stocks-in-public-toilets">NewsDay</a>, the vendors allegedly pay fees of up to US$5 to Harare City Council caretakers, who in turn permit them to keep these foodstuffs stored in the toilet facilities overnight, ostensibly for safekeeping.
A council caretaker who spoke to NewsDay on condition of anonymity said their arrangement with vendors is a win-win one. Said the caretaker:
<blockquote>
We usually collect up to US$5 per night depending on the stock and sometimes they give us tomatoes or vegetables equivalent to US$2.
We use that money for transport to and from work because our salary is too little to take us for a month. Besides transport, we can also buy bread going home.
Sometimes a vendor can opt to give you vegetables, tomatoes or fruits as a token of appreciation.
Usually, we put their stuff inside empty boxes but it’s not every day.
It’s not easy to work as a caretaker at the council toilets. One has to be clever to the extent of making their own receipt books and collecting those few cents to take home.
However, now that there are mobile toilets situated near council toilets, it’s difficult to make money because people prefer those mobile toilets.
</blockquote>
City of Harare’s director of health services, Prosper Chonzi, said:
<blockquote>
It’s totally unacceptable, and unhealthy and this should be stopped. Those people who are conniving with the vendors should really be brought to book and brought to account because they are a danger to the health of the public at large.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, the informal sector, including street vendors, makes up a significant portion of economic activity in urban areas like Harare.
Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Zimbabweans, are employed in the informal sector across the country in both urban and rural areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Vendors Stock Foodstuffs In Public Toilets

The City of Bulawayo’s supply dams are just over 33 percent of their capacity with two more dams set to be decommissioned in the coming weeks.
The local authority decommissioned the Umzingwane Dam in November last year due to low water levels, and now council officials have announced that the Upper and Lower Ncema dams will also be decommissioned soon.
According to statistics provided by the Bulawayo City Council, the city’s supply dams are 33,16 per cent full, reported <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/two-more-supply-dams-to-be-decommissioned/">The Sunday News</a>.
The latest council report shows that as of Friday last week, Insiza was at 46,21 per cent, Inyankuni at 23,65 per cent, Lower Ncema at 24,63 per cent, Umzingwane at 2,69 per cent, Upper Ncema at 8,99 per cent and Mtshabezi at 54,71 per cent. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
The current 2023-2024 rainy season had approached an end with the city’s cumulative inflows to date being 17,7 million cubic metres, which translated to 4,28 per cent of the city’s dam’s full holding capacity. 
Furthermore, in comparison to a similar time in 2023, the dams held 19,92 per cent more water than presently.
Abstraction from supply dams totalled 2,9 million cubic metres while Mtshabezi pumped 324 565 cubic metres, thus an average delivery of 8,000 cubic metres a day versus the anticipated 17,000 cubic metres a day.
The variation was attributed to breakdowns and power outages affecting water delivery from Mtshabezi to Umzingwane for the years 2023 and 2024.
</blockquote>
The council said the Upper Ncema and Lower Ncema dams were projected to be decommissioned towards the end of July 2024.
This will result in the city relying on the Inyankuni, Insiza and Mtshabezi dams as well as the Nyamandlovu Aquifer only.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Council To Decommission Two More Supply Dams

The outcry outcry over the quality of new high court judges to be sworn in Monday 17 June continues. Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, in <a href="https://x.com/daddyhope/status/1802308041498362072">a post on X described the appointment</a> of these judges as the burying of Zimbabwe’s judiciary. 
In a notice released by the government days go, Mnangagwa said he had appointed former magistrates Faith Mushure and Ngoni Nduna and lawyers Regis Demure, Philipa Phillips, Gibson Mandaza, Joel Mambara, Naison Chivhayo, Vivian Ndlovu, Sijabuliso Siziba and Mpokiseng Dube as judges of the High Court.
Chin’ono says the president selected judges who would likely rule in his favour, and not based on their qualification for the job.
Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
Dear Fellow Africans,
When we say that the Zimbabwean judiciary has collapsed through capture, incompetence, and corruption, this is what we mean.
These men and women you see in this video clip publicly failed their interviews. Some are even crooks who don’t repay debts, yet President Mnangagwa is appointing them as judges tomorrow.
These are the men and women who will be part of Zimbabwe’s high court.
They know they are not qualified, the president knows they are not qualified, but they got the job because they have done things for the regime!
One of them, Ngoni Nduna, who until these interviews was a magistrate, outraged the international legal community when he removed my lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa from representing me in 2020 after I had been arrested on trumped-up charges.
Even the Chinese bar condemned his actions. He doesn’t pay his debts, yet our president ignored all that. From tomorrow, he will be a judge!
This is the quality of judiciary that we will have and have had in Zimbabwe.
Some of them like Nduna were used at the magistrates court to illegally deny opposition figures, journalists and activists bail.
When a person is appointed a judge when they are unqualified, they will seek to return that favour by making illegal rulings which go against the constitution. 
Under the so called Second Republic the judiciary has been buried!
Welcome to my Zimbabwe!!!
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Judiciary Has Been Buried", Chin'ono Decries ED's Appointment Of 'Unqualified' Judges

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Anti-Corruption_Commission/">Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission</a> (ZACC) has released a statement following the controversy around <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Wicknell_Chivayo/">Wicknell Chivayo’s leaked audios</a> and Chimombe’s letter that have circulated on social media.
ZACC says it will interview Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu regarding “issues related to money laundering and abuse of office” that it says the audio raise. 
Said the statement:
<blockquote>
Press Release for Immediate Release
Harare — (16 June 2024): The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC/the Commission) has taken note of a letter purportedly written by Messrs Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, to a South African based company, REN-form, demanding payment and resolution of a contractual dispute. The Commission has also noted audios allegedly attributed to Mr. Wicknell Chivhayo.
The letter and recordings raise issues related to money laundering and abuse of office that fall within the purview of the Commission. Consequently, ZACC will be interviewing Messrs. Mpofu, Chimombe, and Chivhayo to gather more information and gain clarity on the matters highlighted. The Commission is also keen to interview Messrs Mpofu and Chimombe on the Presidential Goats Scheme mentioned in one of the audios.
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to curb corruption and promote honesty, financial discipline and transparency in the public and private sectors, in line with the mandate outlined in Section 255 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The public is encouraged to report any instance of corruption and to support the Commission’s efforts in promoting a corruption-free Zimbabwe.
Released on behalf of the Commission by Spokesperson, Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane. 
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Speaks on Wicknell Chivayo, Raising "money laundering and abuse of office" issue

Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of the National Assembly, has warned legislators going out of Parliament sessions affecting the required quorum that they will be punished.
Mudenda made the remarks after the bells had to be rung twice on Tuesday (14 May 2024) as there was no quorum in the house.
The National Assembly, which has a total of 280 MPs, requires about 70 legislators (quorum) to be in the house for it to conduct its businesses.
Mudenda warned the parliamentarians that this behaviour will not be tolerated as it is unfair to the electorate and the taxpayers who foot Parliament bills.
Below is the full text of Mudenda’s comments (via <a href="https://openparly.com/i-am-warning-you-mudenda-threatens-to-deal-harshly-with-mps-absconding-parliament-sessions/">OpenParly</a>):
<blockquote>
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, yesterday in the afternoon, after I had left the Chamber and the Hon. Deputy Speaker was presiding, assisted by members of the Speaker’s Panel; the bells had to be rung twice because there was no quorum in the House.
Hon. Members, when you made your Oath or Affirmation, you said, ‘I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and that I will uphold the Constitution and other laws of Zimbabwe; and that I will perform my duties as a Member of the National Assembly faithfully and to the best of my ability.’ That was the solemn affirmation oath that you made; to perform your duties is to be in the House until the House adjourns.
I have asked the Chief Whips to appeal to you to observe your oaths of office simply because you are here at the grace of those members of our society, the people of Zimbabwe who gave us the opportunity to come, serve and represent them because all of them could not be in the Chamber or in Parliament for that matter, and we are here at the taxpayer’s money.
Therefore, we need to respect that authority we derive from the people. I have appealed to the Chief Whips that they appeal to you to attend religiously to Parliamentary business. I have the means in terms of Standing Order Number 215, to apply some measures which I hope can result in some remedial correction of such untoward behaviour.
Some of you may say I am harsh. Indeed I will be harsh on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe. That is my responsibility.
When I leave the Chair, I go to my office, I do not go home, and I follow proceedings from my office until the House is adjourned. I could easily leave the Chamber and go home to relax, but that is not how it should be.
If I apply Standing Order Number 215, some of you have tested that and you will regret it. I do not want to put in place measures that will dictate who is who, who does the absconding.
Today I am merely appealing to you and through the Chief Whips who I believe have spoken to you. I hope you will respond positively to the appeal. If there is no change, I will be forced to act accordingly.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mudenda Threatens To Punish MPs Absconding Parliament Sessions

Informal traders in Harare say the City Council should come up with by-laws that are humane and take into account the economic realities of the country that push ordinary people into vending to make a living.
This comes after the Harare City Council introduced a set of by-laws to ban vending in the central business district (CBD) without a valid permit or lease agreement.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026327/harare-heads-for-a-clash-with-vendors">NewsDay</a>, the council also banned pushcarts commonly referred to as “zvingoro” used at informal trading places in Mbare such as Magaba, Mupedzanhamo and Mbare Musika bus terminus.
Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) executive director, Samuel Wadzai, said the new by-laws are harsh on informal traders. Said Wadzai:
<blockquote>
These laws will definitely have a huge negative impact on people who survive through vending and informal work given the status of the economy.
This is not the best time to try to outlaw vending; it’s where the majority are surviving [from].
Our view is we need by-laws that are humane, by-laws that are in sync with the economic realities of the country.
What is being proposed by Harare City Council is totally unacceptable given the status of our economy.
We will put counter proposals… we should be working together but the laws should not be there to prevent people from surviving.
</blockquote>
A representative of informal traders, Wisborn Malaya, said the local authority did not consult them before enacting the new by-laws. He said:
<blockquote>
As always the challenge we face is that the city fathers just set up laws without consultation. In the end, the laws become more abusive and destructive instead of promoting order.
The city should designate strategic places for pushcart traders to operate from in an orderly manner using a four-arrow zoning system.
This will promote order and sanity in the city. It will also allow the council to monitor the licensing of the same without struggle.
These (vendors) are the youths who are fighting to earn a living legally. It’s a source of employment and food distribution which just requires smart regulation and not harsh laws.
</blockquote>
The Harare City Council also banned “street” butcheries and noise in the central business district.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Heads For A Clash With Vendors

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF have conferred national hero status on the late Brigadier-General Shadreck Vezha, who died in a road traffic accident on Tuesday last week.
ZANU PF Secretary for Security in the Politburo Lovemore Matuke announced the conferment of the national hero status on Saturday at the Vezha homestead in Chivi, Masvingo Province. Matuke said (<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/brig-gen-vezha-declared-national-hero">via The Sunday Mail)</a>:
<blockquote>
The Head of State, President Mnangagwa, who is also the First Secretary of our party, ZANU PF, through its Politburo, has bestowed on the late Brigadier-General Vezha, who passed away a few days ago, national hero status.
</blockquote>
Family spokesperson Chimera Gwatinyanya thanked President Mnangagwa for honouring Brig-Gen Vezha.
Brig-Gen Vezha, along with three other Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) officers, were killed in a head-on collision at the 180km peg on the Harare-Bulawayo road.
In an earlier statement, ZDF director of policy, public relations and international affairs, Brigadier-General Augustine Chipwere, said the vehicle the ZDF officers were travelling was involved in a head-on collision after they attempted to overtake and encroached into the oncoming vehicle’s lane.
They were headed towards Kadoma while the other vehicle involved in the collision, a Mazda CX-5, was travelling towards Kwekwe. Said Brig-Gen Chipwere:
<blockquote>
Brigadier-General Shadreck Vezha, Major Thabani Ncube, Major Mqondisi Gumbo and Sergeant Chakabaiwa were involved in a road traffic accident at the 180-km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, about 2km from Battlefields.
According to preliminary investigations, it was established that Brigadier-General Vezha attempted to overtake an unidentified vehicle and encroached into the oncoming vehicle lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a Mazda CX-5.
Some passengers who were aboard both vehicles sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently admitted at Gweru and Kwekwe General hospitals.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the President has also declared Director Investments in the President’s Department Nash Nasha Dzimiri a National Hero.
ZANU PF National Political Commissar Mike Bimha delivered the message to the family on Sunday night.
“Tambaoga Mwanangu” as Dzimiri was popularly known died on the 16th of April in Harare. He was from the Midlands Province.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Brigadier-General Shadreck Vezha Declared National Hero

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere has said the public should ignore negative comments about the new currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), especially on social media.
Muswere described those who criticise ZiG as prophets of doom and social media terrorists.
Addressing a media workshop organised by the National Aids Council (NAC) in Kadoma last week, Muswere said President Mnangagwa made the unprecedented decision of inviting the media to see the opening of vaults at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). He said (via <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/ignore-alarmists-support-new-currency-dr-muswere">The Sunday Mail</a>):
<blockquote>
The ZiG is our currency which gives us the freedom and right to self-determination.
The President is a transparent and accountable visionary leader. He allowed media houses to be part of the inspection of the vaults at the RBZ to see the gold reserves being used to back our currency. All that was part of confidence-building ahead of the launch of the ZiG.
We should all ignore the alarmists and prophets of doom.
Yes, the freedom of expression is enshrined in the Constitution and as the Government, we respect that. But we want ethical journalism that is factual and accurate.
There are plenty of alarmists and social media terrorists who are blind to see the thousands of infrastructure projects that have been completed by the Second Republic.
We have completed roads, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the new Parliament building, dams, power stations, houses and courts.
</blockquote>
However, Zimbabweans’ scepticism toward authorities’ assertions about ZiG is well-founded. The Government’s track record with bond notes and coins undermines their credibility and the fact that ZiG cannot be used for purchasing fuel or paying passport fees further fuels this mistrust.
On 10 October 2018, Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana tweeted that the bond note was backed by an African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) facility. He said:
<blockquote>
After Afreximbank has offered Zimbabwe a facility to back the Bond note so its value remains at equity with the USD, one hopes that the right institutions will deal with those who are “burning” cash and their alleged godparents. Greedy few should not [make] many suffer.
</blockquote>
However, five and a half years later, Mangwana shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 14, 2024, quoting the new RBZ Governor, John Mushayavanhu: “We had a situation, as I said earlier, RTGS and bond notes were not backed by anything, so we cannot link ZiG to the old currency; it’s a different currency altogether.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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