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War veteran Max Mkandla says all senior government officials in their respective provinces should be sent to the ZANU PF Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology for ideological re-orientation.
The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology’s objective is to impart knowledge and a sense of patriotism to acquaint the nation with ZANU PF ideology.
Mkandla argued that government departmental heads need indoctrination so that they pursue the devolution agenda. <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200010380/govt-departmental-heads-need-indoctrination-war-vet">Southern Eye</a> quoted him as saying:
<blockquote>
Chief executive officers are the ones responsible for their areas but are not implementing devolution dictates in their jurisdictions.
They are not employing locals. They must be sent to the school of ideology to indoctrinate them with the devolution agenda. It is a good school.
I was there myself. People must go through it so that they know where the country came from.
</blockquote>
However, political analyst Effie Ncube said the conflation of party and State is unlawful. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a dangerous conflation. The interference of the school of ideology in the running of the State is unconstitutional and completely unlawful.
ZANU PF is not Zimbabwe, nor is Zimbabwe ZANU PF. Understanding this distinction is crucial for the proper running of the State.
</blockquote>
Civil servants should be apolitical in the sense that they should not be actively involved in partisan political activities or show favoritism towards any political party or candidate.
This is because civil servants are public servants and are expected to serve all citizens and implement government policies impartially, regardless of their personal political affiliations.
Making it compulsory for top government officials to undergo ZANU PF ideological reorientation would mean that their impartiality in discharging their duties will be compromised.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

War Veteran Says Govt Departmental Heads Need ZANU PF Indoctrination

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has said the recent move by the government to measure inflation using a weighted average of items priced in Zimbabwean dollars and United States dollars is insincere and an attempt to conceal rising inflation.
Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube on Friday announced that the country will now measure the “blended” inflation rate.
Biti said the government always comes up with “ridiculous” policies in a bid to cover its “embarrassing failures”. Said Biti:
The Reserve Bank has this incredible but ridiculous capacity of inventing dross and reselling the same.
<blockquote>
Zimbabweans remember the fiction of the 1:1 parity exchange between the Zim $ &amp; the US$.
Operation “gedye gedye” was an embarrassing failure whose sole motive was to cover up billions ..stolen from depositors.
The new fad on the scene is the creature called “ blended inflation “ meant to refer to inflation calculated on a blend of the US$ &amp; the RTGS$.
Inflation is the measure of the price movement of a good over a period of time. Any good has one price so the blend rate is pure undiluted heresy and is a disingenuous attempt to muddle the ever-rising rate of inflation.
Yet another example of incompetence &amp; mendacity of the Central Bank. One trapped in a huge Hypocrisy Trap. Zim inflation remains the highest in the world &amp; no amount of spin can change that.
</blockquote>
Using the blended rate, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) said the year-on-year inflation for February 2023 was 92.3% from 101.5% in January.
Previously the rate of inflation was based only on items in Zimbabwean dollars.
Before Friday’s move to measure the blended inflation rate, ZIMSTAT had measured annual inflation at 229.8% in January and 243.8% in December.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Blended Inflation Rate Is "Pure, Undiluted Heresy" - Biti

South African-based Zimbabwean televangelist Jay Israel has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa will win the upcoming elections by a huge margin.
The 30-year-old Bulawayo-born preacher also said there will be “serious friction” within the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change led by Nelson Chamisa.
The <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/landslide-victory-for-president-mnangagwa-says-sa-pastor/">Sunday News</a> quoted Israel as saying that if President Mnangagwa does not win the presidential elections, he was ready to have his head cut off. He said:
<blockquote>
I have a message for the nation of Zimbabwe. I have received a prophecy about the upcoming election.
The message is clear, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is going to win the next elections resoundingly.
And let me hasten to say any prophet who is going to prophesy today that the opposition will win the elections, that person should be dismissed as a liar.
God has already blessed President Mnangagwa with another term in office.
I have also been shown that as we head towards elections there will be serious friction within the opposition led by Nelson Chamisa.
Disagreements over a number of issues will arise which will lead to a near split.
Due to the internal friction, some opposition members will join the ruling party before and after the elections.
… if President Mnangagwa does not win the presidential elections, it means I am a liar and they must come and cut off my head.
</blockquote>
Israel reportedly dropped out of school because of financial challenges when he was in Form Two at Pumula High School in Bulawayo.
At the age of 18, he reportedly moved to Harare where he later formed his own church, Palace of Glory.
In 2014, Isreal migrated to South Africa where he has been leading the Spirit Life Church.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South African-based Televangelist Predicts Landslide Victory For Mnangagwa

Economic commentator Gift Mugano has predicted that Zimbabwe’s annual inflation will be 400% with the exchange rate likely hitting ZWL$1500: US$1 by June this year.
The Zimbabwe dollar is currently trading at ZWD$1.100 to the USD on the black market, <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/annual-inflation-to-reach-400-while-exchange-rate-likely-to-hit-zw1500-by-june-says-economic-analyst/">reported NewZimbabwe.com.</a>
Year-on-year inflation was also the highest in the world at 255% in November last year.
Responding to claims by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya, that the country’s de-dollarisation was on course, Mugano said on the contrary, the central bank’s policies are driving dollarisation.
He argued that chronic inflation and the 200 percent interest rate are some of the main drivers of dollarisation. Said Mugano:
<blockquote>
I am still convinced that the following remains our economic outlook by June 2023; annual inflation of 400% and exchange rate ZW$1500/US$1.
… we have deepened dollarisation. The main drivers of dollarisation are chronic inflation, 200% interest rate, excess liquidity caused by Treasury and domestic export retention as well as high export retention.
With a 200% interest rate, businesses have switched to USD loans since it has virtually become impossible to pay back loans fourfold.
The 20% domestic export retention and 40% export retention compels RBZ to print ZWL in exchange for the 20% domestic deposits and 40 percent export receipts.
RBZ does not have a budget set aside for this. This drives up money supply. In August and September 2022, money supply rose by $708 bn excess liquidity driven by the treasury.
</blockquote>
Mugano noted that excessive liquidity driven by treasury is driving inflation and de-dollarisation cannot be achieved in such an environment. He said:
<blockquote>
Excessive liquidity driven by treasury – without going far, in December 2022, treasury irresponsibly made last-minute payments to Ministries and government departments’ requests thereby putting the rate into disarray.
</blockquote>
The Treasury could have staggered these payments during the course of the year.
<blockquote>
Inflation and de-dollarisation can only happen when the country attains single-digit inflation and exchange rates are stable.
This will cultivate a productive culture which is key to supporting the local currency. This is missing. We have chronic inflation and volatile exchange rates.
</blockquote>
To further prove his point that the economy is dollarising, Mugano pointed to the sudden decline of allotment from the RBZ’s auction system. He said:
<blockquote>
The auction system allotment is an interesting one. In 2022 imports surged to above US$ 8.2 billion (exceeding 2021 imports by US$1 billion) but the USD allotted to firms declined from US$42 million per week to US$11 million.
So imports are increasing but the forex given by the RBZ to firms to support imports is falling.
It tells you one thing, firms are now relying on their own generated forex from local sales to meet their import requirements.
This means that we have deepened dollarisation.
</blockquote>

Top Economist Predicts Sharp Rise In Inflation, Exchange Rates By June 2023

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has warned that working families in Zimbabwe will experience severe financial hardships in 2023 due to runaway inflation that will be worsened by government mismanagement of the exchange rate and “unrestrained spending”.
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing three-digit inflation, exchange rate volatility, and a liquidity crunch.
Biti, who is Harare East MP (CCC) predicted that the exchange rate will continue to slide adding de-dollarisation has utterly failed. He said:
<blockquote>
2023 will be a rough and tough year for working families in Zimbabwe. Inflation will remain in hyperinflation mode driven by the total mismanagement of the exchange rate, unrestrained government spending, the printing of money by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and corruption.
End of the year, the Zimbabwean dollar was trading at ZW$1200 to US$1. The rate will continue to slide driven by huge import demands, money printing and a lack of confidence in the ZW$.
For all intents and purposes de -dollarisation has failed and Zimbabwe is largely a US$ cash economy.
As we have argued in Parliament, output will shrink due to excessive lending rates of 200%, the crippling power supply, overregulation and the unstable exchange rate. Zimbabwe’s growth will therefore be less than 1%.
The failure to address the sovereign debt crises is an absolute shame. The debt crisis is placing a development premium on Zimbabwe as same is unable to access huge amounts of capital seating with the IFIs.
Genuine structural reforms are required which are way beyond ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
Biti, who served as the country’s Finance Minister from 2009 to 2013 proposed the creation of a “new Transformation Consensus”. He said:
<blockquote>
Most importantly a new Transformation Consensus is required that will focus on recalibrating the political polity to come up with a new social contract and secondly attend to the developmental and social deficit.
Like the Asian Tigers, Singapore, Taiwan, etc Zim must find a way of bypassing the Industrial Revolution and fast trekking itself into the 22nd Century.
Put simply, how do we build a US$200 billion economy in the next ten years with a per capita income of US$6000?
This is the Great New Zimbabwe Dream. It will happen sooner rather than later.
</blockquote>

2023 Will Be A Rough And Tough Year For Working Families, Says Tendai Biti

CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has said ZANU PF has no intention to solve the current electricity crisis in the country.
Zimbabweans are being forced to endure more than 18 hours a day without electricity after the country’s power utility, ZESA, cut power generation at Kariba Hydro Power Plant due to low dam levels.
A report by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/local-news/article/200004885/bigwigs-shielded-from-power-cutschefs-get-free-solar-systems">The Standard</a> claims that at least 100 top government officials, including service chiefs, are having home solar energy systems installed at their homes at the taxpayers’ expense.
This is being done to cushion the “chefs” and their families from the inconveniences of rolling electricity outages.
Commenting on the report, Mahere said the arrangement shows that the ZANU PF government has no capacity to do anything progressive other than looting national resources. She said:
<blockquote>
They looted funds meant to invest in alternative energy. They’re too incompetent to build power stations or maintain existing infrastructure.
They’ve plunged us into darkness now they expect us to pay for their solar systems. If you aren’t outraged, you’re not paying attention.
This response by ZANU PF tells us they have no intention to solve the ZESA crisis.
They’re buying themselves solar packs yet failing to solve the wider electricity problem.
We can’t have another 5 years of selfishness and incompetence.
ZANU PF continues to spit on the face of the people. The same bigwigs who were given a payout of US$500K a few weeks ago are now getting solar packs paid for by the taxpayer.
This is what happens when the Govt loots but cannot lead.
</blockquote>
According to the report, which cited an unnamed government source, a local company has been contracted to install a 5 kilovolt (Kva) solar system at the home of each beneficiary.
Each kit is reportedly being procured at a cost of US$14 000 yet a full package of the 5 Kva solar system, which consists of accessories and labour, costs between US$3 000 and US$5 000.
The beneficiaries include ministers, senior government officials, commissioners, and army generals.

ZANU PF Has No Intention To Solve Electricity Crisis - Mahere

Independent MP, Temba Mliswa (Norton), has challenged the opposition to be consistent and show decisive leadership if it truly habours ambitions of forming the next government.
Mliswa said the opposition has over the years changed its position on important issues that affect the nation such as land reform, sanctions, and power-sharing. He said:
<blockquote>
The opposition is failing to be a veritable alternative as it continues dithering over issues exhibiting a lack of consistency and focus.
One day they stand for one thing and the next they are lamenting or denying alignment with the same. How can they get into power?
On Land Reform, they refused to participate saying it’s a [ZANU PF] thing. They attacked us for getting land.
Today they are struggling and trying to find land for agricultural business. Have they changed their position or what? Now they say it was good!
They said Mugabe was illegitimate and yet still went into a GNU with him as the head. The same with ED. They walked out and protested accusing him of being illegitimate.
Yet today they are accepting the benefits and perks from his tenure and leadership.
Today they say we never called for sanctions and disavow any links to them. Yet at their pronouncement they celebrated them as an international political masterstroke against the Govt.
Now they deny any links to them. Where do they stand then? Leadership requires decisiveness.
[Douglas Mwonzora] carried out a purging campaign recalling their MPs&amp; Councilors and they cried foul. I raised a motion to have Section 129(1)(k) under which recalls happen &amp; they didn’t support it.
Only Hon Mushoriwa debated. Yet it affected them not me. So what do they want?
Today Gvt offers loans and they accept them yet their leader says something else different. This is despite that he himself has received equivalent perks during the Mugabe tenure.
Instead of supporting us, he goes against us, succumbing to ill-informed mob pressure.
In this medley of contradictions, fluctuations and dissonance, it’s apparent that the opposition isn’t providing a cohesive front nor is it giving the electorate confidence.
You cannot be constantly swayed by public pressure to accept impractical things. Show some spine!
I’m my own person and will support anything that is progressive and developmental. It doesn’t matter if it’s [ZANU PF] or [CCC] who have said it or done it. The path of principles remains true and straight in whatever form or nature.
Equally, populism is dangerous. You cannot have a whole party subsisting on the euphoria and energy of populism.
It’s not a veritable foundation to claim power on. In fact, populism, like a wave, will subside and people will want to see substance and focus not drama.
Nelson Chamisa] succumbed to public pressure and went against his own MPs but in doing so contradicted his own past actions.
That’s not a spine for leadership. Stick to the truth even against the masses. Truth and time will exonerate and justify you.
</blockquote>

"Indecisive And Unfocused" Zim Opposition Cannot Win Power - Mliswa

Political commentators have accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government of trying to instill fear in citizens and the opposition after Cabinet last Tuesday approved the principles for enacting the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill.
The proposed legislation contains clauses that seek to punish “unpatriotic citizens” and enforce patriotism.
Critics, however, say the proposed law will further close the democratic space as the country heads to the 2023 general elections.
University of Zimbabwe political scientist Eldred Masunungure said the Bill shows dictatorial tendencies. He said:
<blockquote>
The Bill is just there to inject fear into the targeted institutions and political parties.
It may backfire for the regime as this defeats the whole purpose of re-engagement.
The Bill will also target key leaders in the opposition, but the difficulty of enforcing the proposed Act is that it will need a lot of surveillance and it is difficult.
</blockquote>
Another political commentator, Rejoice Ngwenya, said the Bill curtails individuals’ right to freedom of expression. Said Ngwenya:
<blockquote>
It will create a basis for prosecution based on legislative falsehoods.
This can be contested in the Constitutional Court because we are free to express ourselves.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi first suggested the need for a Patriotic Act in 2018 to punish Zimbabweans who advocate for economic sanctions to be imposed on the country.
ZANU PF later moved a motion in Parliament on the proposed Bill in March 2021.
Last Tuesday, Cabinet approved the principles for enacting the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, which will make it a criminal offence for citizens to advocate for sanctions or embargoes to be imposed on Zimbabwe by foreign governments.
United States-based researcher Madison Mandell said the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill seeks to close down the remaining democratic space in Zimbabwe. Mandell said:
<blockquote>
The vague language of the Bill creates a rare opportunity for the ruling party to apply it as a means of stifling freedom of expression, which effectively would close down any remaining democratic ‘space’ in Zimbabwe.
The legislation criminalizes almost any speech that is critical of the government or that draws attention to the state’s dire issues.
These limitations on free speech not only violate the freedoms guaranteed by the 2013 constitution but also jeopardise the prospects to strengthen democracy.
The ability to hold governments accountable is one of the main reasons that free expression is central to democracy; the Bill is a complete assault on accountability.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200004198/mnangangwa-wants-to-inject-fear">The Standard</a>

Proposed Law On Patriotism Shows Dictatorial Tendencies - Masunungure

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiCZ) chairperson Peter Mutasa says Zimbabwe has become a banana republic and a mafia State since the November 2017 coup that ended the late former president Robert Mugabe’s long reign.
According to online sources, a mafia state is a state system where organised crime has permeated the government to such an extent that government officials, the police, and/or the military become a part of the criminal enterprise.
Speaking during an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004113/zim-now-a-banana-republic-mafia-state">NewsDay’s</a> Lorraine Muromo, Mutasa said that government business has been captured by organised criminal gangs who are fleecing the country dry thereby pushing the majority of citizens into poverty. Said Mutasa:
<blockquote>
The country has been turned into a banana republic or a mafia state. There are a few gangsters or roving bandits that have taken charge of the country and its resources.
The majority are wallowing in poverty while a few elite are living in opulence. Organised criminal gangs fleecing the country dry through corruption and thuggery have captured government business.
As a result and in order for them to continue pillaging the resources of the country, the mafia state has taken away the rights of citizens.
The regime has suspended the Constitution and stripped citizens of any rights. We have seen heightened political violence, abductions, torture and persecution of opposition and civic society activists since the current regime came in through a (November 2017) coup.
We have seen draconian laws such as the PVOs Bill, Amendment of the Constitution, some provisions of both Labour Amendment Bill and Health Services Amendment Bill all seeking to curtail citizens’ freedoms.
Cabinet recently approved amendment of the Criminal Codification Act wherein the regime seeks to further curtail freedom of expression and criminalise civic society engagement with the world.
The late former President Robert Mugabe was bad but this government has made him look like a lesser dictator.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Now A Banana Republic, Mafia State - Mutasa

CCC vice president, Tendai Biti, has said Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli should have dollarised the economy, instead of announcing a Zimbabwe dollar-indexed 2023 national budget.
On Thursday, Ncube proposed a ZWL$4.5 trillion budget, which Biti, a former Finance Minister, said ought to have been indexed in US dollars. He said:
<blockquote>
A very cruel budget when you consider the increase in VAT to 15%, but I think the fundamental problem is that with inflation of 268% and the fact that most government revenues are now pegged in US dollars, this budget to be meaningful, ought to have been indexed in US dollars.
In our view, he should simply have announced a US$4 billion budget. If you look at the figures, it is a $4.2 trillion budget, which translates to US$4 billion at an exchange rate of the used USD1 to ZW$100.
The failure to pay civil servants in US dollars is a complete disaster. He has reduced the rate of IMET tax from 4% on US dollars to 2%.
He just needed to scrap the intermediate money transfer altogether, but as you can see, it is an anti-people budget.
</blockquote>
Biti said the budget is anti-people and is premised on wrong and faulty assumptions. He said:
<blockquote>
We find it a very anti-people budget premised on very faulty assumptions that the country will have a good rainfall season and solid international commodity prices; his (Ncube’s) assumption is that we will have power (electricity) next year, which is all wrong assumptions and faulty.
We already know the challenges of power (electricity), the global challenge that almost all economies are in shrinkage. It’s a pipe dream.
In simple terms, this should have been a budget in USDs, he should have dollarised the budget, and he should have floated ZW$. Ncube should have reduced the interest rate from 200% to 20%.
</blockquote>
Biti argued that Ncube should have removed export surrender requirements and the foreign currency auction system.
He also warned the VAT increase will cause price increases as the tax component is unprogressive and affects both the rich and poor. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/2023-budget-cruel-and-anti-people-says-biti-dismisses-fiscal-plan-as-power-retention-project-as-aimed-at-helping-zanu-pf-in-next-years-elections/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Biti Says 2023 National Budget Is Anti-people

Former ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, Temba Mliswa, says CCC leader Nelson Chamisa made a strategic blunder when he refused to accept President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offer to become the Leader of the Opposition.
Mnangagwa was reportedly ready to create a new position for Chamisa in 2018 had he accepted the outcome of the presidential election held that year.
Mliswa, who was expelled from ZANU PF and is now an independent MP, said Chamisa would have been given land and other perks by the government if he had accepted Mnangagwa’s offer.
This comes after MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora was labelled a sellout by CCC sympathisers after it emerged that he was given a brand-new Mercedes-Benz and a farm by the government.
But Mliswa argued that Chamisa was unwise to spurn the opportunity which Mwonzora has now taken advantage of. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>
Chamisa’s refusal of the Leader of the Opposition position was a strategic failure that was emotional &amp; short-sighted.
It would have allowed him to control his MPs, set the tone for his party from the front &amp; wield power more emphatically instead of through proxies.
He refused&amp; @DMwonzora has simply taken advantage. The opposition has made numerous blunders from which it is now struggling to extricate itself.
The other issue relates to land. It remains the emblematic one. They should have partaked&amp; received land too but they scoffed at it.
Chamisa should get land. Biti should get land. In fact, Biti is already a great farmer in his rural area but if he were to get a farm today their supporters would attack him as a sellout. It’s sad. He should get bigger land to expand and benefit the country.
The opposition supporters were fed and spoiled with a theatrical version of politics that ultimately hurts its own.
You cannot be leaders that attack everything and yet offer no plausible alternative. You refuse the land narrative &amp; offer what?
</blockquote>
Mliswa said there was nothing wrong with Mwonzora accepting the vehicle since he received it in his capacity as the leader of the opposition in Parliament.

Chamisa Made A Strategic Blunder In Rejecting ED's Offer - Mliswa

Prominent Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says the Commonwealth group should readmit Zimbabwe as a member for the benefit of the generality of its citizenry but doing so without conditions will be “catastrophic.”
Posting on his Facebook page after meeting the Commonwealth Secretariat visiting team to Zimbabwe led by Professor Luis Franceschi on Monday, Chin’ono said Zimbabweans will derive numerous benefits from Commonwealth membership.
He, however, highlighted that there must be reform benchmarks to which Zimbabwe’s admission must be tied to, such as the release of all political prisoners including CCC deputy national chairman Job Sikhala. Wrote Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
Today I was invited to meet with the Commonwealth Secretariat visiting team to Zimbabwe led by Professor Luis Franceschi.
I started by telling them that my life was turned around through a 2 year Commonwealth Visa that allowed me and many others to work in Britain.
I added that this is 1 of many Commonwealth benefits to ordinary Zimbabweans that were denied to them when ZANUPF petulantly and arbitrarily pulled the country out of the Commonwealth simply because it didn’t want to adhere to its constitutional prescriptions of the Rule of Law.
I explained to them that the withdrawal from the Commonwealth affected ordinary Zimbabweans the most than it affected ZANU-PF, whose only and main issue then and now remains a bruised ego and political propaganda if Zimbabwe was readmitted today or in the near future. 
I explained that like Targeted Sanctions, the withdrawal from the Commonwealth was used as a crude propaganda tool, and that ZANUPF has never looked at the consequences to the ordinary Zimbabweans who benefited from things like Commonwealth higher education scholarships and jobs.
I also added that based on the Rule of Law and abuse of institutions, things have gotten worse after Mugabe’s removal using many cases including that of Job Sikhala, Nyatsime 16 and the routine arrests and jailing of journalists for reporting and exposing corruption.
I however added that there is nothing to be gained from shutting the door against Zimbabwe as a country of over 15 million in order to punish an incorrigible political party, ZANUPF, and its regime in power.
I added that dialogue remains the only viable option on the table.
I suggested that there must be reform benchmarks to which Zimbabwe’s admission must be tied to, like the release of all political prisoners, and dropping of ALL trumped up charges against the political opposition and Government critics. 
This will measure ZANUPF’s sincerity. 
I also said that the Commonwealth should be a global family of nations with certain inalienable rights afforded to Commonwealth citizens like the Rule of Law, Human Rights and a right to life through working healthcare systems if its existence is going to be meaningful at all.
I went to this meeting aware that my voice is not only mine, but that it represents millions of Zimbabweans who can’t speak for themselves.
As such, I made this meeting about issues, instead of endlessly talking about my personal persecution.
I only used it as an example!
Over and above other issues discussed that will remain off the record, I said that I was not opposed to the re-admission of Zimbabwe into the Commonwealth.
Doing so as a recipient of Commonwealth arrangements would be no different to kicking the ladder to stop others climbing.
Zimbabwe is better for Zimbabweans when it is held up against a certain value system and standards than being in a jungle as we have been under the current regime.
A choice between ZANUPF using re-admission for propaganda whilst citizens benefit or staying out is a no-brainer.
There are draconian bills in parliament like the PVO, Patriotic Act bill and pending electoral reforms, these should be a good starting point for the Commonwealth to see ZANUPF’s sincerity.
An unconditional readmission would be catastrophic for the Commonwealth’s standing.
I, therefore, hope that Zimbabwe will be readmitted into the Commonwealth and that this will help Zimbabwe as a country to have access to a market of more than 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens.
Political parties come and go, but Zimbabwe will remain!
</blockquote>

Readmission Of Zimbabwe To Commonwealth Unconditionally Will Be "Catastrophic," Says Chin'ono

Renowned economist, Godfrey Kanyenze, said disunity among the country’s opposition political parties enabled President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ascendancy and left some western embassies with no option but to support him.
This was revealed in the economist’s latest book titled, “Leaving So Many Behind: The Link between Politics and the Economy.”
Kanyenze said Zimbabwe’s opposition movement has made some decisions that have separated it from its founding social base. Says the book in part:
<blockquote>
A major development that signified the separation of the MDC-T from its social base was the decision by the National Constitutional Assembly, which had been part of the vibrant social movement of the late 1990s and played a role in the formation of the MDC, to transform itself into a political party on 28 September 2013.
Meanwhile, the post-election self-introspection within the main opposition party MDC-T created disunity within the party.
</blockquote>
The manuscript also mentions former Energy Minister Elton Mangoma’s advice to then MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai to step down and facilitate leadership renewal and his assault by party activists and eventual expulsion also weakened the opposition.
Then MDC-T Secretary General Tendai Biti condemned these developments and expressed his support for the issues raised by Mangoma.
Mangoma and Biti’s departure from MDC-T further weakened the party, and Kanyenze noted that the splinter groups which left MDC-T continued to be fragmented along the way. The book says:
<blockquote>
By the time the 2018 elections were convened, Zimbabwe Elections Commission (ZEC) confirmed the existence of 75 political parties contesting elections up from 35, a scenario that reflects a fragmented opposition.
Given the developments in the opposition parties, some western embassies were quite happy to work with the opposing factions in the ruling party.
The thinking that then-vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, working with the opposition and civil society, offered the best prospects for a stable transition out of the economic crisis was propagated by the influential British think-tank, Chatham House in its report entitled; ’The Domestic and External Implications of Zimbabwe’s Economic Reform and Re-engagement Agenda’, released in September 2016.
… While the report observed that Mnangagwa was not widely popular and had a difficult legacy associated with Gukurahundi, he however was considered as having strong liberation war credentials and had forged close links with the military and the War Veterans, who were now at loggerheads with their patron Mugabe.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/expert-blames-opposition-disunity-for-promoting-mnangagwas-rule/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Prominent Economist Blames Opposition Disunity For Enabling Mnangagwa's Rise

Independent MP Temba Mliswa (Norton) said opposition politicians should “grow up” and not focus on petty issues that have nothing to do with the country’s development.
He made the remarks after MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora was labelled a sellout by Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) sympathisers after it emerged that he was given a brand-new Mercedes-Benz and a farm by the government.
Mliswa said there was nothing wrong with Mwonzora accepting the vehicle since he received it in his capacity as the leader of the opposition in Parliament.
The outspoken former ZANU PF Mash West provincial chairman said CCC leader Nelson Chamisa would have received the same perks if he had accepted the position when it was reportedly offered to him in 2018. Mliswa posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>
The opposition needs to grow up and not operate in a binary manner that reduces everything to bare essentials. 
Some things cannot be understood and captured comprehensively in that basic manner. There is disturbing myopia in some things which I have a problem with.
Mwonzora is the recognised leader of Gvt business&amp; that’s a fact. You cannot contrive to create conspiracies everywhere. 
At times such colorful imagination can lead you astray. You end up wasting time on petty issues. It’s good for Mwonzora that he got that. That’s his benefit.
For the record, Chamisa was offered this position way before Mwonzora and he would have received all these. 
He refused due to his own principles and perception. Would he have become a sellout if he accepted? No! 
Sometimes you have to be practical and mature in your approach. You cannot go around labeling everyone a sellout. 
The CCC MPs are receiving salaries and perks from a Gvt led by [President Emmerson Mnangagwa]. Does that make them sellouts? 
Mwonzora has received the same perks different only in level due to his position but it’s the same thing.
Being in the opposition doesn’t mean fighting everything and everyone not on your side. You can still remain a valid and legitimate opposition even while supporting some Gvt positions and decisions. The bigger ideal is the success of the nation, not the parties!
Attritional politics steeped in pushing back and fighting everything is only useful and progressive up to a certain point. 
After that, you begin to sound insane and unhinged, centered on nothing but the passion for friction.
</blockquote>
Responding to Mliswa, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said that, unlike Mwonzora, Chamisa was voted for by millions of voters. He said:
<blockquote>
Dear @TembaMliswa, @nelsonchamisa was voted for by millions of Zimbabweans. If he had taken this position it wouldn’t have been selling out, Zimbabweans voted for him. 
Nobody voted for @DMwonzora to represent them, so he sold out by being used to crush the people’s aspirations.
</blockquote>

Mliswa Says CCC Officials Should Grow Up And Abandon Hate Politics

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) vice president Tendai Biti has blamed the ZANU PF-led government for the country’s prolonged electricity challenges saying little has been done to increase electricity generation since the 1980s.
Posting on Twitter, Biti also said that the expansion of the Hwange thermal power station was an unnecessary and costly project and the country should have used the funds to harness clean sources of energy. He wrote:
<blockquote>
1)The energy situation in Zimbabwe is completely out of hand. Blackouts are killing industry, and farming &amp; negatively affecting working families. The power crises is a leadership issue. #ZANU knew Hwange Units had to be decommissioned in the 80s but did nothing on generation.
2)Of Zim s installed capacity of 2000MW from Hwange &amp; Kariba less than 700 MW are being generated at any given time. It is therefore important to attend to fresh power projects that will generate at least 4000 MW. Batoka remains the most important long-term project.
3)Hwange 7&amp;8 currently under construction with Chinese funds is simply too small &amp; overpriced. Those resources should have been invested in alternative green fuel including solar plants&amp; hydro stations in Manicaland. Zambia has done well without the pursuit of damaging fossil energy.
4)Power transmission remains the second challenge Zim’s grid is archaic &amp; needs modernization. Besides, it has limited reach. That only 30% of citizens have access to electricity 43 years after independence is a shame. Energy is a human right &amp; a development enabler.
5) A program of rural electrification is therefore as imperative as it is long overdue. But any offer or loan from anyone to assist in this direction while welcome must surely be approved by Parliament in terms of s327 of the Constitution. Lastly, Zim must deal with Demand Side issues.
6) There is a culture of energy waste, of not paying bills, or use of energy consuming gadgets.#ZANU elites do not pay energy bills on their farms &amp; #ZESA is owed billions. Prepaid meters are a must. Solar panels &amp; solar geysers should be a must for households.
7) Demand side management should also look at how #ZESA is run A few years ago it was unbundled but there is no evidence that unbundling was effective. A study must therefore be carried out to determine whether there is a case for rebundling. What is the best practice, and what works better?
8) Demand-side management must also look at the pricing model of energy. It is not sustainable that power imported at 13cents a KW is sold at 3cents a KW. But any pricing model must involve the consumer in a transparent process that avoids arbitrage or undercutting the institution.
9) Lastly Zim must deal with corruption The Dema Power project being an example The 2018 #ZESA forensic audit exposed billions that were lost through corruption. Scammers &amp; reptiles have made millions through various schemes. The energy sector including fuel is the most corrupt in Zim.
10) When everything else is said &amp; done it is clear that the energy sector like Zim itself needs a new consensus. The fact is problems are never solved by those that created them. In short, we need new leaders.
</blockquote>

Tendai Biti Says Electricity Blackouts Reflect Leadership Crisis | Full Thread

Outspoken Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) the Zimbabwean government is behaving worse than the Rhodesian regime which allowed relatives and colleagues of political prisoners to visit them in jail.
Mliswa made the remarks after CCC leader Nelson Chamisa was on Thursday barred from seeing jailed Zengesa West MP Job Sikhala and his Chitungwiza North counterpart Godfrey Sithole as well as 14 other CCC activists who are in pre-trial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>
The blocking of Nelson Chamisa from meeting with Sikhala and others is most unfortunate. We don’t expect such in a liberated country.
Our own liberation fighters when imprisoned by the Rhodesians were allowed visitors.
Why do we have to go so low? We can’t be worse than Rhodesia.
</blockquote>
Chamisa told reporters on Thursday that he was made to wait at the jail for more than two hours before the officer in charge, one Hukurume, informed him t<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ziyambi-brands-chamisa-a-pathological-liar-after-prison-circus/">hat he had been instructed by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi that he (Chamisa) will not be allowed to see Sikhala</a> and the other CCC activists.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/eds-spokesperson-tells-chamisa-to-visit-sikhala-in-court-not-at-chikurubi/">George Charamba, said Chamisa should visit his colleagues at their next court appearance</a>.
Charamba said the government will not compromise national security just to please Chamisa.

"New Dispensation" Worse Than Rhodesia - Mliswa

Health worker and political commentator Setfree Mafukidze has outlined what he considers are the reasons why the majority of people living in rural areas vote for ZANU PF during elections.
Arguably, the majority of Zimbabweans live in rural areas, which coincidentally, are considered ZANU PF strongholds.
Mafukidze believes there are three types of ZANU PF supporters, namely those who fear that ZANU PF’s loss may trigger another war similar to the 1970s war of independence, those who genuinely support ZANU PF and would lose privileges and protection if it loses, and finally, those who want to continue enjoying the freebies given by ZANU PF such as free farming inputs. Pindula News publishes Mafukidze’s Twitter thread in full below:
<blockquote>
1. Let’s talk about the Rural Vote again, as we already know ZANU PF has dominance in the Rural parts of Zimbabwe due to genuine and coercive strategies. ZANU PF knows it holds the string in these areas but what can the opposition do to attract the same Rural electorate?
2. The Rural electorate is one which some urbanites believe is daft but that is not true. When they vote for ZANU-PF it does not mean they do not know what is going on with their economy or how bad governance has affected the country. They know but they have reasons.
3. The reasons people in the rural areas support and would vote for ZANU-PF is because they have the history of the country’s war against Rhodesia told based on their areas because that war was more rural than urban, that war has too many horror stories known in deep rural Zim…
4. …as a result the people in rural Zimbabwe do not want anything that potentially triggers war and that ZANU-PF knows and uses that against them, ask yourself why there is an element of military presence prior to elections in rural Zimbabwe? It’s a reinforcement of fear.
5. Then there are those who genuinely support ZANU-PF, they are die-hards who do not want change because they have a history with ZANU-PF, any change is a threat to their safety under a new government, they have done too much dirt in the name of ZANU-PF hence they don’t want change
6. …they know very well they are not safe hence their duty is to whip everyone else into line and follow the ZANU-PF way, most of these people form the structures of ZANU-PF they are feared, their children are also in the structures and anyone else who wants to live in peace.
7. Then there are those who do not feel affected by urban economics like Rent, Water, Electricity bills etc, these people’s economy is centred on what ZANU-PF provides through the various agriculture initiatives such as Pfumvudza, Presidential input schemes these people are ok with…
8. …with ZANU-PF, they love it for annually providing them with inputs, they don’t have to buy seed and fertiliser, and most recently they were given 10 chickens per household a life-changing event by rural standards they will vote for T-shirts and caps too.
9. ZANU PF knows the people who actually vote for them, look at the number of projects they are pushing in rural communities. For example in Chikomba West where Dr John Mangwiro is MP and also happens to be Deputy Minister of Health, you will be amazed to know how many clinics are…
10. …under construction with some already completed and awaiting the usual ribbon cutting. This is where you see devolution funds being used to improve and have new Health care centres, people will vote for those projects.
11. What can the opposition do? Many times we hear stories of opposition supporters in Rural Zimbabwe not benefitting from Agricultural inputs and it’s true in some cases in fact most cases. The opposition needs to have agro inputs to give away too, which will counter the current
12. …scenario where their supporters are deprived. The opposition needs solid structures that reassure their supporters on the ground in case of violence they need to be able to stand together in times of need. They also need people to educate others on why they should support….
13. ..them, it is not always the case that everyone will agree with the opposition that we simply need change that will not cut it, unfortunately. If the opposition is going to overcome the Rural electorate there is a need to do more than just say people no longer want ZANU PF.
</blockquote>

Why Rural People Vote For ZANU PF - Setfree Mafukidze | Full Thread

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has criticised the government’s new policy which compels miners to pay half of their royalties in minerals.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently said the new policy will start this month and it will enable the country to build reserves of valuable minerals.
Writing in his weekly column published in <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-mulls-national-minerals-reserve">The Sunday Mail</a> newspaper, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe seeks to build a national reserve of valuable minerals that include gold, diamond, platinum and lithium. 
Responding to the announcement, Biti said changes in the royalties regime can only be done through an Act of Parliament.
He also argued that it doesn’t make sense to build reserves of lithium and platinum. Biti said the government should instead establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). He said:
<blockquote>
The regime’s directives that half of the mining royalties must be paid as processed ore with effect from October is one of those ill-thought zany ideas that reflect vacuousness &amp; cluelessness.
For starters, no changes in the royalties regime can be made without changes in the law &amp; parliament’s involvement &amp; approval.
Secondly whilst a case can be made for building gold reserves, it is absolute insanity to keep reserves of chrome, lithium or platinum. Why and what for?
Minerals are not liquid &amp; have fluid values determined by international commodity markets. Determining value for royalty purposes will always be a challenge.
Particularly for platinum which has at least 6 derivative metals including rhodium, nickel, gold &amp; silver.
Only a Sovereign Wealth Fund insulated against demands for recurrent obligations can act as a reserve of mineral wealth to be used &amp; enjoyed by future generations.
Successful models of SWF, the biggest &amp; most successful being Norway’s exists. The regime has failed to build its own SWF.
</blockquote>

Biti Criticises New Rule That Compels Miners To Pay Royalties In Minerals

A CCC senior official, Welshman Ncube, has called for the urgent implementation of electoral reforms on voter registration, transparency of the voter’s roll, and the right of political parties to freely campaign.
Zimbabwe is only a few months away from holding general elections which are scheduled for 2023 but opposition political parties claim the political field is tilted in ZANU PF’s favour.
Ncube made the comments following the launch of CCC’s Pre-Election Pact on Electoral Reforms (PREPARE), which calls for electoral reforms before the next elections. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
As provided in the constitution, voter registration must be continuously accessible to people.
This thing of saying that outside the outreach programme, you can only register at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices like in Bulawayo is wholly unacceptable.
It means people have no effective access to voter registration.
</blockquote>
Ncube also claimed that the delimitation of constituencies has not been done openly whilst time is running out.
He warned that going into an election without implementing electoral reforms will result in disputed results. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
The moment you have disputed elections you will have legitimacy issues. If ever you are a government where the majority of people don’t believe it is there by virtue of their sovereign right or that they put that government there, that government will never have the moral and political authority to lead effectively.
Hence you continue to have the characteristics of a failed state, a failed economy, politics and a failed everything.
No one will be convinced about the outcome and resultantly the government is never going to be able to change the fortune of the country.
So it is important for all parties to recognise that it might be late but there is an urgent need for genuine sincere dialogue over some of these issues.
It is important to talk about these things, time is of the essence.
</blockquote>
Ncube called for political tolerance and bemoaned ZANU PF’s alleged penchant for violence and the use of other coercive measures to win votes. | <a href="https://cite.org.zw/prof-ncube-sounds-alarm-on-electoral-reforms/">CITE</a>

Time Running Out For Electoral Reforms - Welshman Ncube

Former Minister of Education, David Coltart, who is CCC interim treasurer-general, says President Emmerson Mnangagwa should not intervene in the court case involving CCC interim vice-chairperson Job Sikhala.
Sikhala, Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole (CCC) and 14 other opposition party members have been languishing in pre-trial detention since June following their arrest over violence in the Nyatsime area. They have been denied bail several times.
The CCC members, referred to as the Nyatsime 16, were arrested on allegations of inciting violence in Nyatsime and obstruction of the course of justice in the aftermath of the brutal murder of Moreblessing Ali, a CCC member.
Coltart’s comments came after National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku suggested that CCC must engage ZANU PF in dialogue to facilitate the release of Sikhala and his co-accused.
Coltart, a lawyer in his own right, said Mnangagwa should stay out of court processes and doing otherwise would be a breach of the rule of law. He posted on his Twitter page:
<blockquote>
As hard as this may appear, I do not want Mr Mnangagwa to intervene in Job Sikhala and the Nyatsime case because that would itself breach the rule of law.
Our Courts must apply the law justly in terms of the Constitution, which they have not done to date.
When I said that Mnangagwa should not get involved in directing the courts to release my friend Job Sikhala the converse also applies.
It is clear that the Executive is involved in the Judiciary in determining who should get bail and who should not.
Judges must be independent. The reality of Zimbabwe is that there are no longer 3 arms of government, only two, Parliament and the Executive.
The Judiciary is no longer recognisable as an independent arm of government in Zimbabwe. It has been swallowed by the Executive and is now part and parcel of it.
</blockquote>

Mnangagwa Should Not Intervene In "Nyatsime 16" Court Case, Says Coltart

A former member of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Eddie Cross, on Wednesday warned that the current exchange rate stability on the parallel will be short-lived.
Cross said the stability of the Zimbabwe dollar is largely a result of its shortage in the market and once the government starts paying contractors and suppliers, the local currency will respond.
He said the only solution to the local unit’s volatility is to liberalise the market for the local currency. Said Cross:
<blockquote>
The current shortfall of domestic supplies of the local currency has been due to the measures adopted by the government where the government has halted payment to suppliers of services and goods. The government has also tightened up money supply through the reserve bank.
This has resulted in a shortage of local currency and electronic currency. This has had an immediate effect on slowing down speculation in the Zimbabwe dollar against the US dollar (US$) and as a result, the local currency has strengthened on the parallel market.
However this is not going to be long-lived, the government has to return to meeting its obligation of paying contractors and suppliers, and it is in the process of doing that.
Once these payments resume we are going to see a resumption of activity on the parallel market for the local currency.
The only serious solution to this problem is to liberalise the market for the local currency.
This will, in fact, provide a long-term solution to the problems we are confronting.
Anything else, we are just dealing with the symptoms and not the fundamentals.
</blockquote>
Africa Economic Development Strategies executive director Gift Mugano also said the stability of the Zim dollar is false and unsustainable. He said:
<blockquote>
The shortage has managed to hold the rate at a stable position but this shortage of the Zimdollar is false stability.
It is false stability because it is fragile and dangerous since it cannot sustain, and soon the rate will run away.
We are also fast dollarising as a number of companies in the private sector have begun pricing in US$ and the Zimdollar has already been relegated.
Even local councils and some government departments such as the passport offices are pricing strictly in USD.
Demand has taken a nosedive as customer traffic has declined.
</blockquote>
The latest foreign exchange weighted average rate announced by the RBZ on Tuesday is Z$604 per dollar, with businesses allowed to add a 10% markup in pricing goods and services.
This brings it close to the parallel market rate of between Z$650 and Z$800 per greenback. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000494/exchange-rate-stability-false-economists-warn">NewsDay</a>

Economists Say Zimdollar Exchange Rate Stability Is False

Political analysts have described CCC leader Nelson Chamisa’s recent plea to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to ensure that Zimbabwe holds free and fair elections as purely symbolic.
In the past, SADC has been accused of doing nothing to end Zimbabwe’s cycle of disputed elections, especially since the emergence of the MDC in 1999.
University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer Eldred Masunungure told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000218/opposition-loses-hope-on-reforms">NewsDay</a> that SADC has no “appetite” to intervene in Zimbabwe. Said Masunungure:
<blockquote>
I do not think those regional bodies have much appetite to involve themselves in the Zimbabwean situation.
Such calls for solidarity can be made symbolic so that at least they can say they did something in their call for reforms.
</blockquote>
SAPES Trust director Ibbo Mandaza said although SADC could play a role in resolving the problems Zimbabwe is facing, Parliament should play its role. He said:
<blockquote>
Appeals to SADC and the regional bodies are also important, but historically, SADC did little or nothing about the Zimbabwean situation given the declining influence and status of the regional organisation, more than a graphic illustration of the sordid conditions in which Zimbabwe finds itself, economically, politically and socially.
Parliament is one key institution which can be used to resolve the problem. We have opposition MPs in Parliament. What are they doing to push for electoral reforms in that House?
</blockquote>
On Thursday, Chamisa pleaded with SADC for the regional organisation to push for electoral reforms in Zimbabwe ahead of the 2023 elections.
In an open letter to SADC, Chamisa said regional countries will continue to carry the burden of Zimbabwe’s crisis until the governance issues are resolved. Wrote Chamisa:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been a burden to her neighbours for far too long. It is time we changed this.
This all starts with solving the governance crisis, once and for all. We need reforms. We must prepare and have a pre-election pact on electoral and political reforms.
Our call to our neighbours is this; we appreciate your benevolence and patience, but you should not have to carry this burden any longer than you already have.
Help us to hold credible elections. We are encouraged that President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the immigration crisis will be discussed at regional level.
Now, more strongly than ever, SADC must demand reforms. We do not ask for anything new; only that Zimbabwe holds elections that meet already existing SADC guidelines.
This, more than shaming the innocent victims of misrule, is what will solve the crisis.
</blockquote>

Chamisa's Appeal To SADC Purely Symbolic - Masunungure

Self-exiled former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has warned opposition leaders against being lured into high-speed challenges by ZANU PF activists and suspected State agents saying they may become victims of “accident traps.”
Posting on Twitter, Mzembi advised opposition activists to emulate war of liberation era nationalists who did not publicise their movements but rather operated secretively. Wrote Mzembi:
<blockquote>
A security precaution and alert in this campaign season!
Don’t answer High-Speed Chase Challenges or be frightened or prompted into them, those are accidents and death traps, even some of the best movie actors succumbed to these Rural Roads death traps.
Cut out the drama. If you are being sought don’t be anticipated or do the obvious, this is the guerrilla response of “banned” movements.
This is how the Nationalists themselves responded. The system wants to see your “structures” but instead, do underground cells.
I was forever threatened in Masvingo politics, sometimes with the assistance of CDF Chiwenga himself for which I thank him.
I changed routes, jumped into buses arrived in Harare through Mutare or Gweru, if you do peacock arrivals you are game!
Early Nationalists like Joshua Nkomo had the fame “yekunyangarika“, do you really think it was that mysterious? No!
It was a product of secretive and elaborate planning of movement and sudden appearances and disappearances. You have to change your approach.
</blockquote>
Mzembi’s remarks come after CCC leader Nelson Chamisa’s convoy was reportedly attacked by suspected ZANU PF supporters in Mashonaland East province early this week.
Chamisa’s convoy was reportedly attacked when he made a surprise visit to Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP), traditionally known as a ZANU PF stronghold.
The CCC leader’s convoy was also reportedly involved in a high-speed chase with ZANU PF activists during a recent visit to Gokwe-Kabuyuni.

"Don't Answer High-Speed Chase Challenges", Mzembi Warns CCC

Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, who is a former MDC Alliance principal, has implored Zimbabweans to speak out against what he calls the complete disregard of the constitution by the ruling elites.
In a post on his Facebook page, Ngarivhume decried the alleged persecution of 16 CCC members including two legislators, Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, by the State. Wrote Nharivhume:
<blockquote>
<h2>Why it is now or never for Zimbabwe</h2>
By Jacob Ngarivhume
We called for a week of protests against the unjust political detention of Job Sikhala, Godfrey Sithole and 15 others who are languishing in Chikurubi Max prison for over two months now. 
Most of them were in fact victims of brutal Zanu Pf violence against know leaders and activists of CCC in Chitungwiza and Nyatsime following the murder of Moreblessing Ali by known Zanu Pf leaders. 
I have visited most of them in prison and have listened to their harrowing stories. Their homes were destroyed by fire, property burnt and their families were left homeless. The police instead came and arrested them and now they are locked up. 
There is clear coordination here. Zanu Pf provokes and beats up mourners, they escalate by burning down homes, as opposition activists and leaders flee, the police step in.
They arrest the victims and their leaders, in this case, Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole. They don’t investigate, they arrest and then begin their investigations whilst they are locked up. 
The police hand them over to a compromised judiciary system, which takes orders from the state. They are denied bail and spend months in prison. 
Once you’re in the hands of the corrupt magistrates and other judiciary officials, the wheels of justice turn slowly. 
The constitution is clear, bail is a constitutional right. But alas, in Zimbabwe it is not if you’re a member of the opposition.
I have gone through that as an opposition leader, I am still in the courts and have learnt to live without my passport, reporting to the police once every week and appearing in court every fortnight for the last two years!
Meanwhile, as Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole and 15 others are languishing in detention, a Zanu Pf official loots millions of US dollars in some Cottco scam in Gokwe.
He is arrested, spends one night in prison and the following day is granted bail! End of story! Mayor Wadyajena is freed. You ask why they tell you bail is a constitutional right! 
Fellow citizens this is where we need to step in and bring order! We need to ask ourselves what will happen to this country if we don’t rise up and say enough is enough! 
I am not calling for violence, no not at all. What I am calling for is a citizen’s response to the complete disregard of the constitution by the ruling elites.
We have a duty to speak out, act and say this is wrong! This will be done in the confines of the law and the provisions of the supreme law of the land.
Above all this clarion call for action is peaceful and the aim is to make sure that we build a better nation that respects citizens’ rights. 
If we choose to ignore this moment, we are killing the future. Make no mistake, if a revolution does not stand with its persecuted it won’t win.
If an army does not fight to protect the injured and maimed during battles, it won’t win a single war! 
It is our duty to stand up and call the judiciary to order, the police to order and indeed the corrupt elites to order. 
Let me repeat, this is not a call to violent behaviour no, but a call to action, peaceful action. 
Let us set our differences aside, don’t see yourself too big as CCC, don’t see yourself too powerful Zanu Pf, let’s just come together as citizens to say something is not right here. Let’s correct it together! 
Whoever you’re, whoever you support, you need an impartial and fair judiciary system, a respectful police services system, and an executive that respects the separation of powers. 
These are the ideals our fathers went to war for and were prepared to die for. Our generation must be at least ready to defend what they died or were prepared to die for. 
I thank you, God bless you all and God bless Zimbabwe
</blockquote>

Why It Is Now Or Never For Zimbabwe - Ngarivhume [Full Text]

Self-exiled former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has said Statutory Instrument (SI) 144 of 2022 (1) has disenfranchised the poor.
On Friday, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) gazetted SI 144 of 2022 (1) on candidate nomination fees which will see an aspiring presidential candidate paying US$20 000.
An aspiring member of parliament will pay a candidate fee of US$1 000 while local authority and Senate aspiring candidates will now pay a sum of US$200.
The fees are payable in cash or at the prevailing official rate equivalent. Part of the regulations read:
<blockquote>
It is hereby notified that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, in terms of section 192 of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) has, with the approval of the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs made the following regulations: These regulations may be cited as the electoral (nomination of candidates) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022 (1).
</blockquote>
Posting on Twitter, Mzembi <a href="https://twitter.com/waltermzembi/status/1561251231317778433?s=20&amp;t=2dtlI5pGx9HlsIYhSKCVQQ">said</a> ZEC is using money as a prequalification for citizens to vote or for aspiring candidates to be nominated as was the case during the Rhodesia era. Said Mzembi:
<blockquote>
SI 144 of 2022 express boomerang to Rhodesia. The poor have been disenfranchised!
Ama 2000s going by monikers ED Believed this and that should read 1961 and 1970 electoral laws outlined here to understand WHY Money and Means should not be a prequalification for voting or being voted.
This is where we came from, don’t take us back @ZECzim.
</blockquote>
Under the 1970 Rhodesian Constitution, European, Asian and mixed citizens had to be earning an annual income of 1,800 dollars or more for the past two years or immovable property worth 3,600 dollars or more, among other things to be eligible to vote.
Black Rhodesians were supposed to earn an annual income of 600 dollars or more for the two past years or immovable property worth 1,200 dollars or more, to be eligible to register as voters.
Meanwhile, ZEC also pegged at US$10 for an electronic copy of the voters’ roll with data on one polling station voters, US$15 for the ward level voters’ roll, US$50 for the constituency voters’ roll, US$150 for the provincial voters’ roll and US$200 for the national voters’ roll.

"ZEC Taking Zimbabwe Back To Rhodesia"

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti said that Zimbabwe’s economy is now off the rails following the announcement of the ZW$929.3 billion supplementary budget recently.
Biti, who is the Harare East legislator (CCC), made the remarks in Parliament last week while MPs debated a Committee report on the supplementary budget presented to the House by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube at the end of last month. Said Biti:
<blockquote>
We have been there before, in 2006, 2007 and 2008, once you begin to budget in trillions, you must know you have lost it. You must know that you have now become an innocent bystander to the economy.
You must know that you are no longer in charge of the economy. Unfortunately, that is the predicament that my good friend, the Minister of Finance finds himself in.
A supplementary budget is an increase, of 10%; 15% – you can call it a supplementary budget.
… but when you have a 100% increase on the original budget, it cannot be a supplementary budget.
This is a brand new budget; a budget that is now raising expenditure by 100% to $1.9 trillion.
</blockquote>
Ncube presented a supplementary budget of ZW$929.3 billion on top of the initial 2022 approved budget of ZW$968.3 billion. This increased the proposed 2022 budget to ZW$1.9 trillion.
Biti, who is CCC parliamentary spokesman on the economy, said Ncube’s budget presentations have become meaningless. He said:
<blockquote>
The concern is that the underlying assumptions made by the Minister were so far off the mark that hardly more than six months later, he has had to come to this august House to ask for a 100% increase in his budget.
So we question the legitimacy and credibility of all the processes that we are doing. It is a waste of time that we are asked to sit here when the Minister is going to go and be off target by 100%.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/once-you-begin-to-budget-in-trillions-you-must-know-you-have-lost-it-says-biti-as-he-shreds-mthulis-supplementary-budget/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Biti Trashes Mthuli Ncube's $929.3 Billion Supplementary Budget

Comedian and inspirational speaker, Nigel Maritinyu popularly known as ThaSlick Pastor, has expressed worry over the spike in suicide cases in recent months.
Posting on his Facebook page, Nijo, as he is also known, said his biggest fear is that his generation may perceive suicide as something normal.
This comes after Ximex Mall dealer, Tafadzwa Murengwa (29), alias Boss Pangolin and Killer T’s Bouncer, Takudzwa Mutaguta (22), committed suicide a few days apart.
ThaSlick Pastor said people must show support to one another during dark times and walk them through the crises to help them overcome suicidal thoughts. He said:
<blockquote>
My fear is that our generation will soon normalize suicide. That is my biggest concern. 
You see, life can get hard, like really hard sometimes. And in those moments your brain will weigh the various options of response to the circumstances. These options are based on what you learnt, experienced and observed. 
For instance, if you were raised by parents that everything is solved by praying and you saw them praying you are likely going to resort to prayer when trouble comes. 
If they turned to alcohol you most probably will do the same. The options you think you have are based on what you have been taught and exposed to, directly or indirectly. 
So there are a lot of young people now growing up and hearing stories of others taking their own lives. 
While they may not consciously support the idea, the seed is being planted in their minds. It is an option being developed in their thought process. 
So on that day of trouble, the brain will present ALL the available options and sadly one might resort to the most fatal one. This is a fight we need to take seriously at every level. 
Spiritually, we must pray and speak the word of God over our lives and families to shield ourselves against evil.
Socially, we must create a culture of openness for both genders, all ages and kinds of people. We must make it okay to acknowledge pain, heartbreak, anxiety, depression etc. 
We must show support to one another during dark times, and trust me we all go through them at one point or another. 
For long, I have been saying I want to start this initiative of gathering and talking about a lot of issues affecting people today including mental health awareness and I’ve always been postponing and procrastinating but the saddening news with each passing day really gives me an urge to get this program going.
We all have a role to play. 
Let’s love one another
</blockquote>

ThaSlick Pastor Fears Suicide Will Be Normalised

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa says the mid-term budget review presented last week by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mthuli Ncube, shows that the country has a serious leadership crisis.
Posting on Twitter, Chamisa outlined some of the measures that the government should implement to alleviate the citizens’ suffering.
The measures include dollarisation, restoration of civil servants’ pre-October 2018 US$540 salaries and the elimination of the RBZ forex auction, among other things. <a href="https://twitter.com/nelsonchamisa/status/1554708289446871040">Wrote Chamisa</a>:
<blockquote>
1/12 The recent MID TERM BUDGET review confirms that Zimbabwe is in a serious leadership crisis and citizens are exposed to extreme poverty and suffering. I say this for the following reasons:
2/12 At a time when inflation has reached 257% in July and people in extreme poverty are 7.9 million (49%), the budget disbursements to social are extremely low, e.g., the ministry of health has been given 27% of the budget by June instead of a min of 50%.
3/12 When the consumer basket for a family of 5 has topped ZWL$140K, the government raises the salary of the lowest paid civil servants to $35K (excluding the US$175) and raises the tax-free threshold to $50K, both of which are far below the consumer basket &amp; poverty datum line;
4/12 There is just unrestrained indiscipline in govt upon rampant galloping corruption. The condonation of ZWL$107 billion for the 2020 &amp; 2019 fiscal years is testimony to this. The govt has created distortions in the foreign currency markets &amp; now gold coins, the havens for corruption.
5/12 We face a major economic collapse and prospects of the bleakest Christmas season this year. USD: RTGS is now at 1:approx 800. The leadership failure is dramatic, gigantic and encyclopedic.
6/12 The following must be done immediately: a)Dollarisation which will immediately eliminate distortions, forward pricing and multiple pricing; b)Restoration of the US$540 as a starting salary;
7/12 c)Holistic tax reform. Reduce the tax burden on citizens and the business in general. As part of the tax reforms, we will remove the 2% tax and streamline taxes; d)Remove distortions esp in the agricultural sector and construction sectors which have created a casino economy.
8/12 e)The elimination of the Currency Auction and reforming the RBZ through limiting the power of the central bank. Separating the roles of central banking and financial services supervision.
9/12 f)Reforming the budgetary process so that the budget comes from parliament and not from the Ministry of Finance. The budget must come from the Citizens -a Citizens-centered budget.
10/12 g)Radically dealing with the corruption pandemic and instituting special mechanisms to eliminate and punish the corrupt.
11/12 h)Holding credible, free and fair elections preceded by a comprehensive pact on electoral reforms.
12/12 i) Only a leadership change will rescue our beautiful country and in no time turn and transform this Zimbabwe from ruins to greatness. We are new leaders.
</blockquote>

Chamisa Comments On Mid-term Budget Review [Full Thread]

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti says Treasury boss Mthuli Ncube’s 2022 mid-term review and budget statement failed to address fundamental challenges bedevilling the economy.
Posting on Twitter, Biti, who is CCC deputy president and Member of Parliament for Harare East, said that the fact that broad money grew by 245% by May 2022 shows that the government is failing to live within its means and is resorting to money printing. Biti wrote:
<blockquote>
The Minister of Finance has presented his 2022 mid-term review &amp; budget statement. It was painful to indulge in an hour of a pointless, tired monologue. An absolute damp squib.
A huge opportunity was missed to address fundamental disequilibrium in the economy centred around 7 key issues that are 1) hyperinflation 2) exchange rate collapse 3) collapse in public sector wages 4) collapse of the social sector 5) low output 6) deficit financing &amp; the national debt 7) tax reform.
Sadly the government missed a glorious opportunity of addressing key issues. Failing to address the key challenges of the day was a cowardly criminal omission that in any event has been the hallmark of Mthuli’s tenure.
To compound matters, Mthuli then proceeded to make shocking announcements on a supplementary budget &amp; some tax increases.
The 2022 Budget was a ZWL$850 billion budget, but a ZWL$1.9 trillion budget is now being proposed.
Effectively Mthuli is proposing a brand new 2022 budget of 120% more than the original budget. This is sheer insanity driven by money creation &amp; an overzealous fiscal policy.
They are failing to live within their means &amp; are now resorting to money printing. A fact confirmed by Mthuli’s admission that broad money grew by 245% by May 2022.
That domestic debt is now ZWL$1.3 trillion is further proof of the existence of a profligate irresponsible regime.
Collapsed public sector wages needed to be dealt with decisively &amp; anything short of a US$ wage won’t work.
The proposed increase of the tax-free threshold to ZWL$600 000 when the exchange rate is now above 1:1000 is an insult.
Perhaps most shocking are Mthuli’s tax measures which he was too embarrassed to read out. The cruellest is the increase to 30% of withholding tax on cross-border traders without a tax clearance certificate.
This will hurt 60% of the population in the informal economy. The reduction of the Value Added Tax threshold from US$60000 to US$40000 will also hit hard the informal sector.
Big business is not spared. Corporates are now required to prepare two sets of accounts, one for US$ and another for ZWL$ transactions. This is a costly exercise confirming that we have become a Banana Republic.
In short, this Review was a complete disaster. It betrayed the absence of a theoretical philosophical framework of its authors. It entrenched looting and arbitrage whilst unleashing cruel revenue measures. What a dog’s breakfast!
</blockquote>

2022 Mid-term Budget Review A 'Dog's Breakfast' - Biti

Self-exiled former information minister, Jonathan Moyo, says CCC activists who claim journalist Edmund Kudzayi is a homosexual should question their party president’s sexuality too.
Moyo claimed Kudzayi and CCC leader Nelson Chamisa were very close and often conduct prayer night vigils together in the hills of Domboshava.
Kudzayi has been labelled gay by CCC supporters after he questioned the party’s lack of formal structures.
Moyo claimed “Chamisa and Kudzayi are tight brothers in Christ” and spend nights together in Domboshava. Moyo tweeted:
<blockquote>
While Chamisa’s supporters have singled me out for their vile slurs, with Edmund Kudzayi and my relatives as collateral damage, others like Stephen Chan, Chofamba Sithole and in the NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard have also made the structures critique!
What is telling and reveals hatred is that, while many others have made the argument for the indispensability of structures in the CCC, Chamisa’s base has targeted only me, Kudzayi and my relatives for its most vile slurs. The reason for this targeting is Nelson!
Interestingly, Chamisa and Kudzayi are tight brothers in Christ. They used to hold prayers–just the two of them–at Nelson’s Advocates Chambers office.
Vakomana vema all-night prayers kuzvikomo muDomboshava (these are boys who would go for all-night prayers in the mountains of Domboshava). Given this, are Nelson and Edmund gay partners?
Given the very close relationship he has with Kudzayi, it must be said strongly that Chamisa’s silence over the vile gay slurs from his supporters is proof of his profound moral and leadership bankruptcy.
If Edmund is gay as per the CCC slurs, so is Nelson!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/prof-moro-if-edmund-kudzayi-is-gay-so-is-chamisa-they-go-for-prayer-nights-together-in-domboshawa/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

If Edmund Kudzayi Is Gay, So Is Nelson Chamisa - Jonathan Moyo

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