The Mutare Times

Jah Prayzah to Relaunch Album in Mutare

2014-05-15T01:32:00.001+02:00

Musician Jah Prayzah is set to relaunch his album at Pick and Save in Mutare on Friday after a lukewarm response to the initial launch in Harare earlier this year. The album "Kumbumura Mhute" has been received with mixed feelings as some described it as below the standard he had set on "Tsviriyo".

Organiser of the event Esau Mupfumi said they have decided to relaunch the album in Mutare.

"I have been working with the musician well and I have decided to have another function relaunching it here in Mutare," said Mupfumi.

He said he has done it upon the people's request in the Eastern Capital.

"People have been requesting to have the album officially launched here in Mutare and we have decided to have the function on Friday," said Mupfumi.

The musician's manageress Filda Muchabaiwa said they were told by Mupfumi that he had organised a launch in Mutare.

"We thought it was done when we launched it here in Harare but Mupfumi said there was need to do another function from that one here. We have not been performing there for some time now and we have managed to come back with the new staff," said Muchabaiwa.

She added that they were happy with response they are getting on their live performances. "People are coming and each time these songs are being played people sing them along which is a positive response," she said.

Recently the Mutare based businessman sponsored the musician with a Mercedes Benz.

CZI Spearheads Zim-Asset Familiarisation Drive

2014-05-08T07:31:00.001+02:00

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries will maintain the drive for private sector familiarisation with Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation with the third workshop to discuss the economic blueprint scheduled to be held in Mutare today. CZI has been spearheading private sector discussions for familiarisation with the economic blue print, Zim-Asset, which will guide Government programmes from 2014-18.

A further workshop will take place at Amber Hotel in Mutare for the people of Manicaland with Minister of Industry and Commerce Mike Bimha set, for the third time, to officially open the event.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Manicaland Chris Mushowe and Mayor of Mutare Mr Tatenda Nhamarare were also invited.

"In addition, various business communities and other stakeholders in Manicaland Province are expected to attend the event planned to explore what Zim-Asset is all about," CZI said.

CZI said it is leading discussions on private sector familiarisation with the anchor economic policy. This is being done in a number of ways, including holding of workshops in different areas.

The workshops have been carried out in conjunction with the Office of the President and Cabinet, who are the main drivers of the Zim-Asset 2014-18 programme, and also the two ministries of Industry and Commerce and Finance and Economic Development.

To date, workshops have been held in Harare (February 5, 2014) and Bulawayo (February 20, 2014) and both were officially opened by Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha.

Former Mutare Mayor Brian James Statement on MDC leadership

2014-05-04T15:12:00.000+02:00

I have worked actively for the MDC since early 2006 at both Provincial level and in Local Government. The enthusiasm for positive change was electric, exhilarating, filled with hope and frankly a humbling experience to part of.

Events have unfortunately changed, changed to such an extent that what we were fighting for, and indeed made sacrifices to achieve, we have actually enabled to fall through our fingers instead.

I support full now the Renewal concept within the MDC, but at this stage not necessarily any particular individual to take over the reigns. That ideally will be decided at a later date and by the majority of the MDC membership in a properly constituted congress.

It is important in this regard to read the statement issued to the press by the Secretary General, Tendai Biti, at the press conference after his National Council meeting held on Saturday the 26th April, 2014.

During my time in office as Mayor of Mutare, and following my suspension by Min. Chombo, (that was subsequently deemed " illegal and unconstitutional"), it became increasingly evident that not only were we fighting the ZANU PF officials in trying to combat corruption and reinstate the systems of good governance, but also agents within our very own party. This was a devastating realisation for me.

The MDC primary and confirmation processes prior to the July 31st 2013 General Election was yet another indicator to all that our party was not well. Manipulation and imposition of candidates, violence, the continued undermining of the Provincial leadership by members of the Standing Committee and their agents in the province, did nothing to ensure a unified front to compete in the general election itself. It appeared that the focus for many was already on the MDC 2016 congress and individuals' own political careers rather than the crucial national issue of change.

Probably the most distasteful event in my mind was the support given, by the national leadership, to the rebel councilors in Mutare, and other cities, after they had crossed the floor and voted with ZANU PF councilors to place themselves in positions of influence, which basically transferred control of the city from the MDC to ZANU PF. As I was later to discover, the 4 councilors in Mutare had colluded with the highest local government department within the party to rather accommodate ZANU PF than support their own party! Working WITH ZANU PF is inevitable, but working FOR them unacceptable! This was indeed a great betrayal.

The 2 National Council meetings convened to firstly suspend and subsequently expel Elton Mangoma were certainly not democratic or constitutional. Arbitrary suspensions of National Council members were used - and still are - to manipulate the voting structures, and Mangoma was given no chance to explain or defend himself in front of councilors who were expected to vote on his fate in an informed manner. The voting procedure itself left a lot to be desired.

Serious introspection of the Party is required and in my mind the simple request of a renewal process has been deliberately turned into a massive storm. Church mediation that had been initiated and was, I believe, looking promising, was spurned immediately after Mangoma's expulsion.

My support goes with those that will uphold the original MDC Party principles and values.

Mutare Bottling commissions $17mln plant

2014-05-02T21:32:00.000+02:00

Mutare Bottling Company has commissioned a new $17 million automated bottling plant that would boost its production by as much as 400 percent, its first major investment since dollarisation in 2009.

The bottler, which holds the Coca-Cola franchise for the Manicaland region, is 63 percent owned by telecommunications group, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.

Managing director Allen Lang told The Source that the new plant has capacity to produce 30,000 bottles per hour, up from between 6,000 to 10 000 bottles per day.

The new plant has also increased capacity utilisation to ‘optimum’ levels from 35 percent before the commissioning, which was done last week.

Lang said the new plant means the company will move workers from its production department to distribution.

“The new line is more automated than the old lines that are 30 years old that have been replaced. This will result in some production staff being moved from production into distribution,” he said, adding that the company will not retrench.

MBC currently has a total of 323 workers, including 257 full-time employees.

“We will retain all our employees, including contract workers and will even add more due to the increased need in distribution. We have acquired more delivery vehicles and 160 vending units,” Lang said.

- source

Mutare City Council Broke

2014-05-02T21:28:00.000+02:00

MUTARE City Council is in the red due to serious financial challenges and will soon embark on various cost-cutting measures to avert a collapse of service delivery.

Early last week Mutare City laidoff close to 200 contract workers citing financial challenges.

Mayor Tatenda Nhamarare blamed residents for not paying their rates as well as the ailing economy which has resulted in the closure of several industries in town.

He said revenue inflows were in shambles with council now operating below capacity.

"The main reason for such a situation is that residents are defaulting paying rates. More so, the closure of industries in Mutare has crippled our revenue base," said Nhemarare.

"We are now relying on the informal sector which comprises of vendors and the flea markets to get revenue."

He said council was also failing to meet statutory obligations to cater for, among others, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and National Social Security Authority (NSSA) payments.

"We are also in arrears with such institutions and recently ZIMRA was demanding what is due to them," said Nhamarare.

Mutare city used to enjoy better revenue inflows before many industries such as Mutare Board and Paper Mill and Karina textiles closed due to viability challenges.

Some of the industries which closed shop include the timber companies which used to employ thousands of workers.

Nhamarare said the failure by the city to pay its contract and permanent workers was a reflection of poor revenue collections.

He said a settlement was being worked on to pay workers, most of whom were owed seven months salaries and 2012 and 2013 bonuses. The Standard

Mutare, PSMAS in $1m land swap deal

2014-05-02T21:25:00.000+02:00

CASH-STRAPPED Mutare City Council last week resolved to settle its more than $1 million debt to Premier Services Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) through a land swap deal as revenue collections in the eastern border town continue to shrink.

The local authority owes its workers salaries for seven months.

Last week, police were called in after some contract workers stormed Civic Centre demanding their dues.

In a full council meeting on Tuesday last week, the council resolved to offset its $1 180 698 debt to PSMAS through a swap of land measuring 18 500 square metres.

Town clerk Obert Muzawazi told the council meeting that at the rate at which they were collecting revenue, the local authority would not be able to settle the debt hence the proposal for a land swap.

He said PSMAS was agreeable to the land swap deal.

The local authority said the move was the only solution to the difficult financial situation.

“In line with the litigation that council has with PSMAS for an outstanding fee for services rendered to its employees, the parties came up with an out-of-court settlement wherein the council offered land namely sub-division A of stand 7212 of Mutare Township, subdivision B of stand 7212 Mutare Township, subdivision C of stand 7212 Mutare Township,” the council minutes read in part.

“The piece of land measures in total 18 500 square metres.

“This is in full and final settlement of the debt of $1 180 698 owed by council to PSMAS.” Manica Post

Furore over Mupfumi's takeover of Meikles Park

2014-05-02T20:59:00.000+02:00

MUTARE - At least 600 informal traders are set to be relocated from Mutare’s Meikles Park to a yet to be identified area after the city council reportedly leased the park to a private operator.

The informal traders were distraught on Wednesday after learning that the place had been allocated to Zanu PF central committee member and Mutare business mogul Isau Mupfumi under a four-year lease .

Munyaradzi Mubande, an informal trader at the busy Meikles Park situated in the Central Business District, said he was unhappy after the local authority and central government reached an agreement to lease the area to a private individual without their knowledge.

“This is unfair to the informal traders who have not been given a chance to agree on the lease on their own despite the indigenisation drive,” fumed Mubande, who spoke on behalf of the informal traders who sell clothing among other wares.

“We should at least have been informed in time that the land has been earmarked for such a development. Where are we going to do business as it stands?”

He said the general feeling among the informal traders was that there was a bigger story behind their ejection from Meikles Park.

“We suspect sinister motives on this said development,” he said.

George Gaura, another informal trader at the Park, said allowing one individual to benefit from the place would be undermining empowerment.

“Empowerment has to be for all deserving citizens and not one person to fatten their wallets and purses. As Zimbabweans, such a move has to be challenged,” said Gaura, who runs a table that sells clothing and footwear at the park.

Mutare mayor councilor Tatenda Nhamarare said he had received the news through the rumour mill and was yet to get all the facts about the deal.

“I need time to get the papers concerning the lease of the Meikles Park and get the correct positions as of now I do not have an authoritative comment over it,” Nhamarare told the Daily News.

Mupfumi said as far as he knows, the place had been put up for sale for a long time and he had expressed interest in it.

“There was an offer for sale and I have openly declared an interest to develop it; that is the position,” Mupfumi said without elaborating.

But informal trader Mandy Kashiri said she wants the council or whoever is behind the sale to have it reversed as it is not in the best interest of the people.

“The majority of people operating at the Meikles Park are jobless and for it to be sold to one person is gross injustice. We do not know where we will end up,” she said.

Kashiri said the informal traders were each paying council $1 a day and they were unsure if the new owner would still continue to charge the nominal fee.

Officials close to the deal told the Daily News that there were also plans to relocate offices of the Manicaland Publicity Association where tourists and other travellers get information on destinations around the province and Zimbabwe in general.

An official at the offices confirmed that they had been advised that their days were numbered at the offices, situated in the park.

Mutare Shelves Plans to Destroy Illegal Structures

2014-05-02T20:10:00.002+02:00

CITY authorities in Mutare have temporarily shelved their plans to demolish hundreds of illegal structures that have been mushrooming in the border city's high density suburbs and the CBD. The demolitions were targeted at tuckshops and some buildings illegally constructed on undesignated areas.

Before the new development, the local authority had informed residents of its plans to destroy illegal structures. Mutare mayor, Tatenda Nhemarare confirmed the local authority has decided to shelve its plans for now while they sought alternative places to accommodate the affected families.

"We have halted the exercise as the local authority is trying to locate alternative areas for the residents to carry out their operations," said Nhemarare. The local authority's decision could also be associated with a petition from United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (UMRRA) asking city fathers to first consider the humanitarian element to their unpopular decision, before the demolitions.

UMRRA Executive Director, Dr Sebastian Bakare, confirmed his association had written a petition against the demolitions and thanked the council for heeding to their call. "We wrote a petition to the council and they heeded our call. The petition was purely on humanitarian grounds," said Bakare.

UMRRF had argued that proceeding with the exercise was going to severely disadvantage poor residents in Mutare. "It is our view that the owners of these illegal structures are innocent residents who are trying to eke out a decent living through honest means," said Bakare.

"Unemployment rate is around 90 percent. We kindly ask you to provide alternative designated working areas in consultation with them before demolition." Due to economic hardships and job scarcity, residents have resorted to constructing tuckshops and salons in their backyards to raise funds to survive.

Mutare Residents Seek to Raise U.S $250k for Flood Victims

2014-05-02T20:07:00.001+02:00

TOUCHED by the plight of the Tokwe-Mukosi flooding victims, a group of Mutare residents will next month embark on a sponsored walk through three of the country's surrounding provinces hoping to raise $250 000 for the troubled villagers.

The residents will do the walk under the leadership of their local civic group, Combined Mutare and Residents and Ratepayers Trust (CMRRT) on May 21.

CMRRT programmes manager, David Mukunda, told New Zimbabwe.com weekend the walk will start from their Mutare base to Masvingo, proceeding through Harare and ending in Mashonaland East province.

"We intend to raise $250 000 to buy blankets, food, medicals, just to mention a few, to assist the victims," said Mukunda, adding that it was their responsibility as civil organisations to help needy fellow citizens.

"It's our duty to see that rights of citizens are protected in this time of need. Access to shelter, water, food and medical is a basic human right for all," said Mukunda.

He said they have since met Manicaland provincial administrator, Fungai Mbetsa and Mutare District Administrator, Cosmas Chiringa to discuss how they intend to raise the donations.

He encouraged other civil organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and churches to come forward with donations to assist the victims.

Mukunda further said the sponsored walk has been sanctioned by police under the Public Order Security Act.

Over 3,000 families that had been staying in the flood prone Tokwe-Mukosi area were left homeless early February when incessant rains in Masvingo province caused the flooding of the man-made dam whose wall partially collapsed under increased pressure.

The resultant flooding saw homes, crops and property washed away and causing a huge disaster that saw government move to relocate the villagers to Chingwizi holding camp where they await being allocated plots to build new homes.

But their stay at the transit camp has not been rosy as they have experienced overcrowding and hunger and have survived through the benevolence of government agencies and humanitarian organisations.

The RUNN Family is Back

2014-05-02T20:02:00.000+02:00

Last Tuesday saw the launch of Peter Muparutsa's album entitled "Echo of a Child's Anthem". The CD was launched at Harare's Book Café. Peter was backed by the RUNN Family band. The launch ceremony kicked off with a speech from Victor Muparutsa, the present Runn Family keyboards player who said he was too young to remember the history of the band but was glad to be part of this celebrated group.

This was followed by a two-song performance featuring Peter Muparutsa on vocals and bass which was being complemented by another bass player known as Beven, Blessing Muparutsa (of Dudu Manhenga's Color Blu) on drums, Jerry Muparutsa on guitar and Victor Muparutsa on keyboards.

They started off with a familiar song, "Hatichina Wekutamba Naye" and the crowd immediately went ecstatic.

Even those young musicians present such as Ray Mupfumira, Tino Manyowa and Hector Mugani who were witnessing a live performance by the Runn Family for the first time, admitted that they were mesmerised. After the second song, the band took a short break to allow for the auctioning of the CD before delving into three more songs from the new album.

This time, they made sure that one of their engineers and producers, although not a Muparutsa, was also on stage to play the part he had played during the album production.

This was none other than Clive "Mono" Mukundu who did justice to the guitar besides being interrupted by a malfunctioning amplifier from the Book Cafe. The three songs in the performance included the album title song,"Echo of A Child's Anthem" and "Chihera Changu" which Peter said was a song dedicated to his wife who was in the audience.

Indeed, as soon as Peter strummed the first note to that tune, his wife, together with their daughter, were up on the dance floor.

After the live performance, a second album auction took place and Sulu Chimbetu in support of fellow musician, emerged as the highest bidder for the CD which showed off Peter Muparutsa's four other tracks, "Tange Nhamo", "Ndichauya Nenhoro", "Huru Inokudzwa Newayo" and "Kungoti Pote".

At 7 pm on the dot, the album launch was over. Everyone present was impressed. In the audience were veteran musicians such as Friday Mbirimi, William Kashiri, Clancy Mbirimi, Cuthbert Maziwa, Sandra Mashiringo aka Queen Mashie (Andy Brown's sister), Sulumani Chimbetu, Somandla Ndebele, Paul Brickhill, Andrew Mamvura of Ethnic Posse, Jimmy Buzuzi of Winky D's Vigilance Band, Sister Flame, Kelly Rusike, Mono Mukundu and many others.

After the album launch, Friday Mbirimi who was obviously impressed by the performance when asked to comment about the show had this to say:

"The latest offering by Peter Muparutsa and the Runn Family keeps the creative fires burning in this gifted family, and is another lively offering with something for everyone! Like I said before, Zimbabwe is loaded with talent. However, the youngsters ought to listen to Peter Muparutsa to appreciate what good singing is, and what dedication does to one's delivery.

"He transported me to heaven for a while. This is song delivery as it ought to be. If music institutions had such teachers we would have a more successful music industry."

Since their emergence in 1978, the Runn Family has taken some strange turns. Among the accolades and commercial success from the release of hits such as "Hatichina Wekutamba Naye", "Gumbo Mumba", "Moyo Muti", "Inhapitapi Chete" "Let The African Children Play On" and "Ishe Komborerayi", the band which faded out in the late 1990s has never been forgotten..

The Runn (Real Unique Natural Notion) Family Band was formed in Mutare with inspiration from one Enock Muparutsa who was a member of a Mutare pop group, The All Blacks Combo. Among the founder members of the Runn Family were Peter himself (bass and vocals), Bothwell Nyamhondera (drums) Jerry Muparutsa (lead guitar) and the late Alois Muyaruka (rhythm guitar). Afterwards the band comprised mostly members of the Muparutsa family with Jerry Muparutsa on guitar, Mike Muparutsa on keyboards, Peter Muparutsa on bass and vocals, Fortune Muparutsa on vocals, Tendai Muparutsa on vocals and Lawrence Muparutsa on drums as the band's main members.

The only two outsiders, Godfrey and John Mkwananzi, who were twin brothers, joined the band much later but left in 1990.

I often accused the band of nepotism and insider dealing as it only allowed members of the Muparutsa family to participate. Most of the Runn Family's live performances were done in Mutare until 1981 when they were persuaded by Steve Roskilly of Shed Studios, their recording company, to perform in Harare in order to promote record sales. They later broke away from Shed to join Gramma Records in 1986. The switch saw the group immediately releasing the hit single "Hatichina Wekutamba Naye", a song dedicated to the late Mozambican president, Samora Machel.

This song put them on the map. Stephen "Dhongi" Makoni, a musician cum comedian would always take the mickey out of Peter Muparutsa by remarking: "Haaa! Tibvirei apa! Mune zera na Samora here kana muchiti hatichina wekutamba naye?' (Get away! Are you of the same age with Samora to want to play with him?), whenever Peter sang this song.

The single, which commemorated the death of Samora Machel received massive response from the public. In 1987 the band released "Moyo Muti", another massive hit and this was followed by a song for President Mugabe's inauguration simply entitled "Ishe Komborera President Mugabe". In 1988 the Runn Family were part of a national symposium on Child Survival and Development and one of their songs was adopted as the theme song for the Child Survival concerts which followed.

In 1988 they won the Local Pop Band contest, and their drummer, Lawrence Muparutsa was voted the best drummer while Peter Muparutsa was voted the best vocalist. Going by what I witnessed during the CD launch, he is still Zimbabwe's best vocalist.

Releases such as "Nhapitapi Chete" (which was later used in advertising a local bread spread, Sun Jam), and "You are My Everything", became classical hits for the band although they received very little promotion. Many people identified the group with the song "Nhapitapi Chete".

The Runn Family shared the stage with well known artistes such as Misty in Roots, Jimmy Cliff, Harry Belafonte, Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, Maxi Priest and Princess when these artistes came to perform in Zimbabwe.

As members had predicted of splits before leaving Mutare in 1990 Fortune Muparutsa left the band for a solo career while Peter Muparutsa, the lead singer and bass player left after taking on a full-time job as a producer at Gramma Records' Mosi-oa-Tunya Studios, and later Records and Tape Promotions (RTP.).

This move explains Peter's 15 years of absence from live performances. Among the artistes that he produced are Oliver Mutukudzi, John Chibadura, Thomas Mapfumo, Leonard Dembo, Talking Drum, James Chimombe, llanga, Zig Zag Band, Charles Charamba, Mechanic Manyeruke and his very own daughter-in-law Dudu Manhenga. Undaunted the rest of the Muparutsa family went back to Mutare where they continued to play together without the powerful voice of Peter.

The group now comprised Jerry Muparutsa, Michael Muparutsa (keyboards), the late Lawrence "Chamu" Muparutsa (drums), Alex Muparutsa (vocals, trumpet) Tendai "Edison" Muparutsa (vocals), Golden Muparutsa (bass) and the Mukhwananzi twins (background vocals).

Tendai eventually left and joined another group known as Assegai Crew which also trekked to Harare where they were contracted to play at the George Hotel in Avondale. Tendai Muparutsa and Lawrence Muparutsa later passed on.

Fortune Muparutsa, who was now based in England, also died in mysterious circumstances in 2008.

Born on March 13 1959, Peter Muparutsa can safely be referred to as one of the pioneers of Zimbabwe's contemporary music in the 1970's.

Alongside many local festivals and special performances, Peter Muparutsa also performed at many regional and international events, including a European Tour in 1995, Germany and Holland in 1996; Women in Arts Festival, Johannesburg in 2007, and the Arts Alive Festival in Johannesburg.

Sex-Starved Guard Up for Raping Mentally Ill Victim

2014-05-02T19:55:00.000+02:00

A SEX starved security, who was guarding the Provincial Medical Director's Offices in Mutare weekend, was arrested after being caught red-handed while having unprotected sex with a 40-year-old mentally challenged woman.

It is reported that Kudakwashe Matapure, 26, of Chikanga Phase 2 in the border city, was on duty Saturday night when he saw the complainant loitering near the premises. He lured the woman into the premises where he allegedly raped her once.

Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Luxon Chananda, confirmed the incident. Chananda said on the day in question, a passer-by and now witness in the criminal case, reports having heard some strange noises coming from the premises.

His suspicions were confirmed when he quickly informed one Simbarashe Nyatondo, a motor mechanic at the premises, who was not very far from the place. The two immediately visited the premises where they found Matapauke allegedly forcing himself on the woman.

A report was made at Sakubva police station leading to Matapauke's arrest. The complainant was taken to Mutare Provincial hospital for medical examination. "At the moment, the complainant cannot narrate what really transpired on the day in question because of her mental status," said Chananda.

He said it was a serious offence to take advantage of the mentally challenged in the society.

32 Held for Smuggling Clothes From Mozambique

2014-05-02T19:52:00.001+02:00

POLICE in Mutare have arrested 32 Zimbabweans who were caught trying to smuggle 100 bales of second hand clothing worth over $100,000 from neighbouring Mozambique.

The contraband, police say, was destined for resale in various flea markets and second hand clothes shops across the country.

The smugglers were arrested Thursday midnight at a tollgate outside the city after police detectives received a tip off from whistle blowers.

Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Luxon Chananda, confirmed that 32 people, who were travelling on different transport, were arrested at the tollgates outside the city. Of the 32 suspects, two were men.

"The bales were destined to different markets such as Harare and Gweru and Bulawayo," said Chananda.

He said a Trip Trans bus travelling to Harare was stopped and searched by police details along Harare-Mutare road and 15 bales of second hand goods were recovered.

A Zupco bus travelling to Gweru was also searched and police officers discovered 18 bales that were stashed in boots and under seats.

A Toyota vehicle travelling to Harare was also caught with four huge bags stashed with second hand clothes and all the passengers aboard were arrested.

Police also had to give chase to a Toyota Noah which made an abrupt U-turn near the tollgate but had a tyre burst, leading to the arrest of its occupants.

The vehicle had 22 bales inside.

All the accused are facing charges of smuggling.

Smuggling is a rampant vice in the porous Zimbabwe-Mozambique border with state security agents patrolling the border also having been fingered in the smuggling deals.

Bhadella Wholesalers closes shop

2014-05-02T19:46:00.003+02:00

One of Mutare’s leading and oldest wholesalers — Bhadella Wholesalers —which has been operating in the eastern border city for more than eight decades has closed shop, amid a lot of controversy and speculation.

Bhadella Wholesalers closed shop last week after eight decades of operation. The closure affected 130 workers and a number of small-scale operators who were getting their supplies from the wholesaler
Bhadella Wholesalers closed shop last week after eight decades of operation. The closure affected 130 workers and a number of small-scale operators who were getting their supplies from the wholesaler

Close to 130 workers — 69 of them permanent employees and the rest on contract — have been thrown on to the streets. When The Manica Post visited the wholesaler on Wednesday morning, traders who had come to buy goods were surprised to see gates into the premises closed.

A security guard manning the entrance turned them away, saying the shop had been closed for business. One of the company’s directors, Mr Tuffy Bhadella, could not say much when he was asked why the 82-year-old business had closed.

“It is best that you talk to our lawyers because they are the ones handling the case. I will not say anything at the moment. The shop is closed and you get the facts and reasons from the lawyers,” he said.

Bhadella’s Harare-based lawyer, Mr Everson Samukange, of Venturas and Samukange Legal Practitioners, said the closure of the company was related to the harsh economic environment obtaining in the country.

“They can’t operate profitably when they are competing with informal traders who are smuggling goods into the country and selling them at give away prices. This has resulted in much of Bhadella’s stock remaining untraded in the shop because people are opting for cheaper items sold outside. So it is no longer viable to operate.”

Mr Samukange said the Bhadella family did not want to close the shop and they tried to source for funds to recapitalise, but the obtaining situation did not guarantee profitability.

“Even if they get the funds, the informal traders will still be there and it will be back to square one,” he said.

Coming to the plight of retrenched workers, Mr Samukange said the issue was being handled professionally and everyone stands to benefit.

“We are addressing that issue very well. Our aim is that every employee will get a package that is in line with the number of years served. We are not going to take into account the issue of dollarisation which happened in 2009. What we are simply going to do is to calculate the number of years served by an employee and calculate that with the current salary they are receiving. It will be a fair deal. Those who are peddling information that is contrary to what I am saying are not telling the truth,” he said.

However, sources conversant with the goings-on at the wholesaler claimed that the closure of the business had to do with family problems rocking the owners as well as viability concerns. They alleged that stark disagreements had emerged between the directors of the company in respect of control and management of finances.

To this end, they said, the wholesaler owed suppliers more than $3 million, while the stock at hand was valued at less than $1 million.

“We had reached a point where suppliers were no longer supplying us with products because we owed them money. At the end of the day we failed to have some products in stock,” said the source.

Workers are also pressing to be paid severance packages which are in tandem with the period they worked for the company. Some of them revealed that they were still negotiating with management to ensure that they were given fair packages.

“I have been working here since my youthful days and I have now grown grey hair. I deserve a better handshake for the services I rendered to this company,” said one of the employees who requested anonymity.

Suppliers were busy loading remaining items that were still in the wholesale for resale elsewhere. Interviewed traders said the closure of the business had a telling effect on retailers who were customers at the wholesaler.

“Since we were young, we knew that there is Bhadella Wholesalers because during the days when we had tuck-shops in high-density suburbs we used to come and buy products here. Now that we have evolved and running big businesses we are still buying from here. This closure pains us and something must be done,” said a trader who chose not to be named. Manica Post

Promoter opens the door to Mutare artists

2014-03-08T21:29:00.001+02:00

Thembie Samupindi has vowed to break the mould in chauvinistic showbiz circles by becoming the first female arts promoter to revive neglected talent in the eastern region

Samupindi bemoaned the fact that male promoters in the city were ignoring local artists and prioritising sungura and dendera genres at the expense of others.

“We need to break the mould to be honest. It would be nice to have more women involved in the industry. We need to be tough, and I need to be tough as well. So I am prepared to take the challenge,” she said.

This comes at a time when prominent promoters, such as Esau Mupfumi, Obey ‘Big Fish’ Hove and Brian Samaita, mainly promote artists from outside the city. The shows are generally lined up for the weekend.

Samupindi said her promising entertainment powerhouse, Warehouse Project Events, was set up to bridge the gap.

“I came up with the idea to promote Mutare artists because revellers here have no variety of places to go. Secondly, the shows mainly feature established musicians from outside the city. Mutare artists have become backbenchers in their own backyard. They don’t get the exposure they so much desire on such platforms,” she said.

The passionate promoter said her research highlighted that some artists had to relocate to Harare to get recognition and bookings. Others had been frustrated by the challenges and given up on their dreams.

“Our venue targets a particular niche that has been neglected entertainment-wise. There are limited venues for other genres such as afro-jazz, classical music, poetry, hip hop and others. So, here we are opening doors to all genres. Most importantly, patrons want to go to a venue when you can take your kids or parents,” she said.

Samupindi studied events management in the United Kingdom, where she lived for the past few years. She worked for a UK corporate events company and gained experience in management and promotion.

She has since launched an Open Mic Session at the Green Coucal, having borrowed the concept from the Book Café. The venue has featured a wide range of promising Mutare artists, from poets and saxophonists to afro-jazz crooners and hip-hoppers.

“I am here to make a name for myself. I named my company Warehouse Project Events for a reason. We are manufacturing showbiz in our warehouse and people who come benefit from what we manufacture,” she said.

Many artists told The Zimbabwean that they were overwhelmed by the success of the platform they had been given by Warehouse Projects.

“This means we don’t have to go to Harare to find work or to get recognition. I am one of the artists that have already performed at some of the shows and it was amazing,” said Memo Madekurwa, an up-and-coming, afro-jazz artist.

Hip hop artist Kudakwashe Machingura, better known as Kritic Igwee, said Warehouse Projects had come at the right time for aspiring artists in the city.

Gwekwerere Joins Buffaloes

2014-03-08T21:28:00.001+02:00

Mutare — BUFFALOES coach Luke Masomere yesterday made public his 29-member squad that includes former Dynamos and CAPS United striker Evans Gwekwerere.Masomere's final squad was announced ahead of the PSL deadline for clubs to submit provisional lists of their players by tomorrow.

The deadline for transfers, however, remains March 26. PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele said he expects clubs to submit their squads by today, but they can still make adjustments.

Masomere believes he has assembled a competitive outfit that also includes forgotten striker, Gwekwerere, who will be on a mission to revive his fading career.

"We will definitely compete well with other teams in the league. I think we have managed to assemble a squad that can compete with even the best in this league.

"Remember we are building a new squad and we naturally need everyone's support, especially here in Mutare. I was impressed by the support in the friendly match against Dynamos and the fans were with us all the way. That was really impressive and I hope the spirit will continue even when we face the perceived smaller opposition.

"I also want to urge the team executive to support the team even when the chips are down. We need to learn from big teams like Manchester United who are going through a rough patch.

There were no surprises on the former Shabanie Mine coach's list of goalkeepers as injured Chengetai Tandadzai is yet to recover and he has brought in former Gunners player Prosper Chigumba.

Judging by the team's performance in recent friendly matches, Themba Ndlovu's absence will certainly be felt in defence as the replacements seem not to be fitting well into the system.

Wonder Sithole's exit was duly solved by the arrival of Warriors' fringe player Frankson Bushiri, Mike Nyamukasa and Tafadzwa Mombeshora while the presence of talented Roy Mwenga, Philip Thembani and lanky Prosper Matizanadzo provides quality for that department.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Hopeful Bere, Blessing Mandimutsira and Prosper Chigumba.

Defenders

Liberty Chakoroma; Simon Choenda; Phillip Chandisaita; Shepherd Nkata; Moses Gutu; Kelvin Thembani; Bruce Puso:

Midfielders

Tafadzwa Mombeshora; Frankson Bushiri; Mike Nyamukasa; Philip Thembani; Eria Phiri; Roy Mwenga; Prosper Matizanadzo; Marshal Machazana

Strikers

Jacob Muzokomba; Malvin Senyeka; Lloyd Katongomara; Takunda Jeffrey; Evans Gwekwerere:

Under-20s

Leeroy Chawira; Derby Duri; Kudzai Myambo; Tafadzwa Mkahlera; Nigel Gezani:

And the scandal goes on and on

2012-03-08T04:17:00.000+02:00

So I was sitting in my office waiting for my boss to come and guess what I was seeing, some people talking on FB about the case of the Prime Minister’s marriage. Truth be, told I was very upset by the turn of events when this story started unfolding. I could not believe the level of ignorance nor should I say the total lack of eloquence in political culture that the PM showed in this whole saga. What man makes a woman pregnant, decides to do things traditionally, in the wrong traditional month, and then lets a media circus rage, before he finally decides to give a media statement stating that - I quote, “The “marriage” has been hijacked and there is an apparent active political hand that is now driving the processes. State security agents have also weighed in to force and direct proceedings which has resulted in everything regarding this relationship now taking place in camera, with the public media journalists in tow”. Surely how indecisive can a man become? Needless to say this is the same nonsense a whole lot of women in this country and the world over go through. One minute a man is telling you that they are with you, the next minute, because his mother told him or his friends said this, you are no longer relevant.

I would like in this case , to take a look at the Prime Minister’s supposed marriage saga and try and get into the lives of the ordinary Zimbabwean women, or even the women from the world over, who have suffered the same kind of abuse. Ladies and gentleman, emotional abuse is real! There is nothing worse than suffering the psychological trauma of losing a loved one just before you look to spending the rest of your life with them, just like the trauma many have suffered in miscarriages, losing a child or through an abortion! It’s just really sad that Ms Locadia here has to go through this nonsense at the hands of our very own PM, I mean what example are we setting here for the young people? Are we saying it’s okay to make a woman pregnant and not do right by her just because you have been unable to make a decision whether you want to pursue the relationship or not? Is the PM saying that it is very okay for men all over the place, especially if they are in a position of power, to change women like their underwear, and while at it, marry for a few days and refuse responsibility and blame it on someone else, in this case the state media?

I am appalled at this level of thinking and especially reminded of my own circumstances when a man I truly loved blamed me for breaking our relationship up, needless to say he is the one who had moved on and started dating another woman. Do our words as humans matter anymore? Do we not care about the feelings of others and the images of the people we love? Whatever happened to our moral fabric that even the PM does something as stupid as marrying a woman, then changes his mind eventually blaming it all on the state security? I bet the state security was there holding the candle when he was busy fufting the woman, hell they probably even suggested that he start dating this particular woman!

We should start taking responsibility for our own actions, and stop crying the victim every time. This seems very typical of the men in this generation, they sleep around and they are not willing to be responsible for the consequences, in fact they end up dubbing women prostitutes, or blaming it on circumstances, alcohol or some other vice! As far as I am concerned, if you are a political figure, you need to understand that your life ceases to be your own. After all is said and done, we will look at the small things, the good the bad, and the ugly( Like this marriage scandal) and decide whether one is fit for political office and frankly speaking my doubts about the capability of this man have been confirmed. I am sorry to say that all those who support the Prime Minister’s actions must really have no respect for women, because I believe his actions show he never cared for Locadia to begin with. If he remotely cared what would happen to her, he would have let her down quietly. I am not in support of the fact that he could not even decide what he really wanted to do.According to his own statement; no one coerced him to go and pay damages or whatever he paid for, for a woman who is pregnant with his babies. This sentiment then just disappears because of interference from the state, media and her family? Surely if the man had any “balls” (excuse my French), then he would have been able to deal with this and make a decision based on what he thought was right and not because he felt under pressure to do what others thought was right. Despite his promise to run with the vision for change, I, like many people, doubt his capability as a leader for a country like ours that has diverse cultures. How about annoying the women of this country Mr Prime Minister with your actions? Yet we actually constitute more than 52% of the country’s population.

Anyway, I have said my bit, and it goes without saying that what goes around comes around, do not be deceived, Karma is when God deals with those people who have wronged you and you are very lucky He lets you watch! A good politician in the eyes of a layman like me is decisive, does not let the influence of those around him deter him from his planned course of action and above all he thinks of the needs of others, the Prime Minister and my ex boyfriend might have come from the same mother. Shame on you guys!

Human trafficking: Chipinge’s unsolved challenge

2012-03-08T04:15:00.000+02:00

By Thomas Madhuku
Nomatter Machona (17) a student at Vheneka Secondary School in
Chipinge met a group of men recruiting workers for “an Indian-owned
supermarket in South Africa”. “The Indian tycoon also runs a chain of
fast foods outlets and each worker is paid R5000 (US$450) per month
plus accommodation and overtime allowances,” she was told.

She was also promised she could take up courses that her prospective
employer would pay for if she so wished. Machona could not wait for
her poor and struggling parents’ approval, this was ‘manna from
heaven’ and she grabbed it with both hands.

Together with 16 other girls of her age they left for Johannesburg,
South Africa. On arrival, the recruiters handed them over to a brothel
owner falsely introduced as the wife of the Indian tycoon before they
disappeared. For six months the girls were abused, raped and assaulted
by countless male patrons of the brothel. She was saved by one of the
men who smuggled her out of the brothel to his house and gave her
money to come back home.

Nomatter’s story is typical of numerous such cases in Chipinge.
Because of its proximity to South Africa and Mozambique, the district
has fallen prey to human trafficking as notorious syndicates rake in
thousands of dollars from uninformed and poverty stricken villagers
keen to follow up on promises of employment, education and marriage.

“It is all because of our limited knowledge and lack information on
such dangerous activities,” lamented headman Chisumbanje.

He said the problem has resulted in the loss of manpower as boys and
girls are blindly flocking to South Africa leaving parents without
anyone to help in the fields.

The conmen are unperturbed as they continue to employ new and creative
tactics to convince poor and desperate Zimbabweans that they can make
a fortune in South Africa and other neighboring countries.

Rosemary Sidhuna (22), also a victim of human trafficking, said she
was promised a R4 000 (US$350) per month job in Cape Town only to find
herself stuck on a farm in Musina. For six months she worked without
being paid. “I only escaped with the help of a farm security guard,”
Sidhuna said. She has since returned home and has ventured into cotton
farming in Chipinge.

Many people interviewed claimed to know people who left for South
Africa, Botswana and Mozambique in the company of strangers.

Sarudzai Mhlanga, a Chisumbanje villager said some of the victims had
since established themselves as full time commercial sex workers in
South Africa after undergoing what she termed a ‘mentoring’ process.

Another village head, Karakadzai Machona of Madhuku village said, he
was aware of the activities of human traffickers whom he said always
employed new tricks making it difficult to address the problem.

“I always stress on the need to deal with trusted people when going to
South Africa but frequently we come across different experiences,”
Machona said.

Many men and women currently working in South Africa said they
underwent nerve wracking experiences on their way to South Africa.
Tafadzwa Sarimana who came home for the Christmas holidays said he
managed to escape after the human trafficking syndicate that recruited
him was ambushed by South African police at Musina in South Africa.

“They took all my money leaving me stranded without food and bus fare
to complete my journey, I gave myself up to the South African Police
so I could get back home,” he said. Sarimana later applied for a
passport before returning to South Africa, where he is now working as
a security guard.

Other girls said traffickers assisting people to cross the Limpopo
River into South Africa often rape and rob their victims before
handing them over to South African employers who often abuse them.

A Vheneka Secondary School teacher, Idea Sithole said schools were
losing a considerable number of students who are heading to South
Africa as a result of dubious job promises.

Sithole added that their fathers and forefathers went to South Africa
where they worked mainly in mines and the trend continues. Sithole
appealed for combined efforts in fighting human trafficking.

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Media and Public
Information Assistant, Folen Murapa noted that Zimbabwe’s geographical
position lends itself to be used as a transit point for both human
trafficking and human smuggling for persons trafficked from Asia,
Europe and from other African countries.

“In Zimbabwe, young women, men and children are being lured to South
Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Egypt, Europe and Asia
with false promises of employment, education or marriage,” said
Murapa.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the absence of specific
provisions on human trafficking in Zimbabwean law made it difficult
for them to address the issue. “We only deal with breaches of the
Children’s Act, the Sexual Offences Act and the Criminal Law
Codification (Reform) Act when confronted with trafficking cases in
Zimbabwe,” says a statement released from ZRP.

Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) a human rights non-governmental
organization views the absence of such provisions on human trafficking
as a legal deficit that makes it difficult to prosecute those
involved.

“Despite the fact that the Zimbabwean Criminal Code criminalizes
sexual exploitation, the absence of specific provision on human
trafficking creates a huge deficit in the legal framework,” a RAU
report says.

The United States Trafficking in Person report for 2011 notes that
Zimbabwe is a source, transit and destination country for women and
children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual
exploitation in South Africa, Botswana, Asia, Europe and many other
countries.

No specific data has been availed on the number of people trafficked
because of the clandestine nature of the business.
Since the inception of Counter Trafficking programme in September
2006, IOM has assisted 43 victims (25 female and 18 male) who had been
duped into leaving Zimbabwe on promises which proved to be false.

IOM’s Murapa said the organization is conducting mass public awareness
campaigns, disseminating Information Education and Communication (IEC)
material, training and holding workshops to raise awareness about
human trafficking.

Zimbabwe’s economy burdens the elderly.

2012-03-08T04:14:00.000+02:00

Rising poverty levels owing to the poor performance of the economy has seen the breakdown of the extended family system in Zimbabwe with families resorting to old people’s homes to care for the elderly, a development which is not only alien, but unfortunately wreaking havoc and turning the society into something unfamiliar and emotionally unhealthy to its most senior members.

Traditionally, the well-being and welfare of the elderly was the responsibility of their children. But this is slowly dyingdue to changing lifestyles, pride, illness and downright nonchalance. There are now homes, something which was an anathema and a preserve of the white community.

The economic factors, coupled with the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is wiping out the younger generation, has meant that children are no longer able to take care of the elderly.

Since the introduction of multi-currency system in 2009, things have gone worse compared to the 80s when children could afford to take up the responsibility of their elders’ welfare, or at least the elderly depending on their pensions.

The struggling economy has brought about a valueless pension scheme that is seriously failing to sustain its intended beneficiaries.

Pensioners, have, according to a survey, been seen earning a paltry USD70 monthly, against a highly inflationary environment with the Poverty Datum Line, ranging from USD300- USD600.

One well known sign of a bad economy is “donor dependency syndrome” which is shown by the increase in donor-funded organisations that have emerged to help the elderly in this country.

This Reporter visited Melfort Old People’s home in Marondera and discovered that most of the people were at the homes not out of their own volition but because of a cocktail of issues and the most dominant being economic factors.

Martin Tambudzai (82) from Chivu is one of the many residents at the home who was brought in by his son who said he could not afford to take care of him.

“I feel neglected and this is against the African culture. Our children are supposed to take care of us but my son cannot,” Tambudzai said.

“This is because of the current economic hardships, my pension could not sustain me and my son could not afford me also. It is sad to see this tradition falling away and witness the suffering and neglect of the elderly and to see some of them being reduced to destitute.

“When we were growing up the elders were there to lead with all their wisdom they would have gained but this has all been washed away since the elderly are now kept in homes away from the society they should lead, this is because our little incomes cannot afford us to stay in the society,” said Tambudzai, adding that there was nothing he could do as his son was also struggling to make a living.

The 82-year old was devastated by his situation of failing to lead a normal life with his children taking care of him.

Most of these elderly revealed that the biggest problem they are facing is the shortage of food, the lack of clothing and general up keep which landed them in homes.

Anna Muchena who settled in Zimbabwe in the 80s, from Mozambique said she came to the old people’s home following the death of her son and husband in 2007.

“My husband, who used to take care of me passed away in 2000 and two years later my son who had taken over the responsibility of looking after me died in a car accident. After that I had no one to look after me until some well wishers brought me here so I must say I am grateful for the support we receive here,” she said.

Garikai Francis, the administrator at Melfort Home said there was a critical food shortage at the home forcing residents to forego some meals.

‘We lack consistent support from the government through the Social Welfare Act of which under this Act, the government is supposed to provide administration grants and grants for individual older persons for their up keep. However due to economic challenges, the government is not able to meet this as often as it is supposed to,” said Francis.

“Apart from food, older persons need proper housing facilities, comfortable beds, support in income generating projects, clothing, blankets and adequate health cover but in most cases we can not afford to give them that, “he added.

Melfort Old People’s home has 22 residents. Nineteen of them are immigrants from the neighbouring countries like Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland and Mozambique..

“These people came into the country looking for employment but they never managed to have stable jobs and families, thus they did not have children who can take care of them, “said Priscilla Gavi, the executive director of Help Age, one of the organisations that supports Melfort Old People’s home.

Gavi also revealed that huge amounts of money are required for them to be able to cater for these elderly.

Zimbabwe has over 50 old people’s homes and each home caters for about 30 people. However, with the prevailing economic situation, it has been increasingly difficult to adequately meet their needs.

Gavi added that without public support it would be an uphill battle to take care of the elderly.

“We are therefore appealing for donations on behalf of these elderly people’s homes. We are appealing to the well wishers for donations so that we can be able to continue supporting these people, “she said.

The Organisation works hand in hand with both local and international donors by initiating income-generation projects meant to sustain old people’s homes.

Help Age Zimbababwe supports a number of Old People’s homes in the country, which include Mazowe, Bridge Old People’s Home in Rushinga and Mutikizizi in Bikita.

The Minister of Labour and Social Services Hon Paurina Mpariwa revealed that the Bill, to make the government responsible for the well being of the elderly, is now with Parliament.

“It is my wish for the parliament to take into consideration the sailing through of the bill into legislation because older people are assets in the community hence they deserve honour,” said Mpariwa.

Popular traditionalist Prof Gordon Chavhunduka also said: “Although the economy is not allowing it is taboo to send your elders to a “home” where they can’t impart knowledge to the young ones.

These elderly should not lead a difficult life like this because they are the leaders of this nation, but this economy is depriving them.

Tradition does not allow people to take their parents to these homes but due to the economic hardships and changes in the living conditions in the country, older people are now left to leave alone in homes or left with the grandchildren because of many challenges including poverty and HIV and Aids pandemic that has affected the young generation

Diana Ngondonga

LAND REFORM REVISITED

2012-03-08T04:10:00.000+02:00

The land reform process was borne out of legitimate historical injustices, but the chaotic manner of its enactment has no place in the quest to re-establish Zimbabwe’s vaunted place as a breadbasket of Africa. Agricultural paedophiles and land speculative perverts need to be separated away from the real women and men committed to the full time engagement in farming. Land is indeed an extension of our very souls, a measure of our social and cultural rubric, and a denominator of our political and economic values. It’s far too valuable and precious to be used as a political Valentine gift to the inept and clueless denizens scarring our great landscape and feeding on the contemptible falsehood of calling themselves “ farmers”!

True land reform involves the legal transfer of land from the powerful to the less powerful. If it ends up creating more pockets of inequity and land hoarding by new elite then for all purposes it becomes land replacement...the virtual transfer of ownership from old powerful minorities to new corrupt powerful minorities. My administration will seek to support true single farm holders, and swiftly move to infuse and unlock new capital, certainty, experience, and talent from the old farmers who are still interested in farming. This would be done by reducing farm sizes in many instances, taking away farms from unproductive farmers, introducing a tax regime that encourages production and penalizes multi-farm ownership and land hoarding. Production will spike when many choose between dodgy civil service work commitment and full-time farming. Those who can’t choose will have the choice made for them through swift repossession. There is enough land to accommodate serious, committed, well capitalized and experienced new and old farmers in Zimbabwe.

My administration will quickly move to harness committed old farmers of talent and experience and expeditiously move to offer just compensation for all their improvements through new commitments from the international community that equally wishes to turn a new leaf in its engagement with a Zimbabwe that protects private property rights. A new approach to farming and land ownership is needed in Zimbabwe and what’s currently lacking is leadership to think through this differently. There is need to create a new category of farm ownership beyond subsistence and commercial. This would be new specialized designated and specialized intensive industrial farming land. This would be a cadre of crack farmers drawn from the available pool of our experienced white and black farmers that would operate extensive magnet or model farms in all the major farming regions of the country. They will execute on the mandate that ARDA failed to live up to, through operation of national strategic and niche farming areas supported by generous tax incentives. This qualified tax exemption certification would also be a way to make good on some of the outstanding compensation claims from old farmers. Yes, I am saying compensate them for improvements through giving them new farms with special tax exemptions provided they meet set production quotas. These magnet farms would act as a training reservoir for the many new farmers and farms surrounding them. As full-fledged corporations the new extensive, intensive farming operations will accommodate groups of old farmers each. Zimbabwe as a nation wins through enhanced food security, and unlocking of new international investment capital. We can’t let old farming talent go to waste.

There should be an urgent stop to the agricultural nanny-state where mere land ownership is readily abused as a looting platform through access to cheap loans and agro-inputs. We need to move away from land-banditry to a new land-husbandry system that creates clear and tradable security of tenure. Farming is a capital intensive undertaking and capital loves the comfort of security. Without security of tenure we can forget national food security and the eradication of rural poverty. Land is a great denominator of wealth, and thus we need to bring dead rural assets into the economic mainstream by crafting new tradable security instruments for communal land. This will help break the cycle of poverty by valuing real assets in the hands of our common people. There is no economic value to the perpetuation of the cultural sentimental value of rural land as poor subsistence farming lots and favoured traditional burial grounds, after all the existing system perpetuates false totem-specific division between our common people!.

The successful inclusion of new black small farmers into the lucrative tobacco sector has been characterised by massive environmental degradation of catastrophic proportions. There should be a lot more support that should go towards their training in environmentally sustainable farming. It will take much massive bio-remediation investment to forestall degradation. There is no better training than can be responsibly harnessed from the readily available pools of farming talent and experience abundantly available in our valuable mostly white old farmers. Why kick them out and bring the Chinese and others who are plain less able will take many more years to understand our farming. Zeal will never be a substitute for competence and experience. It’s better to shorten the learning curve by bringing in those who have acquitted themselves well in this type of endeavour. My administration will be open to bringing into the fold white farmers because it will be built on the acute realization that the new Zimbabwe we deserve is not an idyllic island of happy black natives, but a natural home for all born in it and all those who choose to call it home. Black supremacy is not a freeway to prosperity; our farming like our national fabric needs to be fully cognisant of the multi-racial nature of our make-up. We are better for it and not weaker, and farming is no exception from this realism.

My administration will usher in a new era of great harvests as many cell-phone farmers will certainly opt out of the new lean, mean and keen non-partisan civil service of all talents. Many are part-time farmers because they wish to utilize their various government positions to assure themselves slices and crumbs from different agro-support schemes. Many of the failed farmers are also failed politicians; they keep to their politics to guarantee them continued tenuous access to land. These failed farmers would also be offered a way out through open selling of their land on the land market, thereby unlocking value to themselves and the nation. It will also be in kind and just consideration to their many years of lost savings working in the civil service. With these pockets of inefficiency and failure plugged away local farming will be back in a big way.

Our farming has been a handy indicator of our type of politics. We have hobbled from one disaster season after another to the extent that we have become a nation of disaster creators and experts. However historically and economically justified, our series of policing mis-steps have created some disaster out of something so justified. The series of farming disasters we have experienced point to a third hand of disaster creation and management. We now have a system of government that understands that it will not last when people thrive. It’s no accident that agro-inputs are always availed late.

In Zimbabwe immoral, amoral and mediocre people had the sense enough to organize themselves into powerful cartels, and clubs of plunder. The problem is that true people of excellence, people of faith, are quick to just organize themselves into prayer circles and pray for things to change day in and day out pining for divine happenstance. In 2012 I foresee an action orientation to usher in a period of the manifestation restorative justice for a people long abused.

We are the change we seek, and one of the first ports of call for change in my administration would certainly be land and agricultural reform policing and implementation.

Dr Raymond Chamba

Presidential Candidate

Society a two Edged Sword

2011-09-16T13:20:00.000+02:00

Customs and values in our society are stronger than the law, stronger than religion and pave way for male domination over females. Some things apply to men and if the same happens to be done by a woman there are all sorts of connotations attached to the very same activity. We can argue the finer points about this issue and we may even get to a place where some people can believe that men and women are equal. To the contrary, this is not true. The only statement that rings true in our African society is the fact that “men are more equal than women”. There is nothing more and nothing less to it. We live in a patrilineal society, where a man can force his partner or spouse to have intercourse, and can never be charged for it. This is unlike the newspaper headlines screaming “women rape man at gunpoint”. A man can have multiple partners and it is called “barika” but a woman in the same position “ari kuhura”. Double standards? Yes and it does not end there.

Zuma's Three Wives

I read a story once about a woman in a rural part of Zimbabwe who had multiple husbands and there was a great outcry from the village in which she lived. Many people expressed “disgust” at her behaviour and her son is even said to have disowned his mother. I found it very interesting that a whole village would make it their business to speak about this -her delicate situation. At the same time the fact that this was an even newsworthy story speaks volumes of what our society thinks about women in polygamous relationships. Apparently there is a term for this and it is called polyandry. It goes without saying though that for many men, there is no excuse for having many women at his beck and call. I have heard the statement a million times that no woman should ever think they are alone in a relationship. Our society allows men to have multiple partners and its okay, women cannot do the same as it ultimately makes them a prostitute, and a horde of other names I can think of but will not dare to write in this forum. We are ignorant to the fact that in some Tibetan societies, polyandry is common. The widely marketed reason for this practice is the general belief that any child should be financially secure, and one father might not be able to provide for that particular child sufficiently. This therefore results in a woman carrying out multiple relationships openly so as to support her children. Unfortunately for us, African women, particularly Zimbabwean women, we cannot have the best of many worlds. We stick to one partner, sometimes not because that is what we want, or because there are sexually transmitted infections out there, but because society says so.

My mother often talks to me about the major differences between courting and dating. She has given me enough the lectures about staying “pure’ until I get married, and that I can achieve this by staying away from situations that can potentially lead me to temptation. It is a fact that rings true lately that more and more, young girls are sexually active before they get married, in fact statistics show that at least 45% of girls between 12 and 18 are sexually active. I am sure that many parents are actually unaware of this fact, unless something goes horribly wrong and their young wards get pregnant. Why are parents unaware of their children’s extracurricular activities? It is because they do not talk to them, and they want to believe that all girls get married virgins. Our society has many expectations of the female child and we often expect that to be the path that they follow. Funny how after the wedding night, in some parts of our country people still expect that the bride’s sheets be paraded around the household so that they can establish that she was indeed pure. If we however take a good look at this practice, it might be no surprise that it is flawed and one sided- the bridegroom was probably responsible in his hey days, for deflowering many girls. Who then gets to marry those ones? If society applauds the young man for exploring his sexual capabilities, while restricting the young woman, how do we expect things to really turn out? Is this not then the very reason why many marriages are founded on deception and lies? As women try to maintain a saintly appearance to her in-laws and the society at large?

I wonder if women have duty placards written on their foreheads. She cooks, she cleans up after him, she does the laundry, she nurtures the children and sometimes she is responsible for all this after she has been through an eight hour working day. It is nevertheless of note that women are still below her male counterpart in the workplace. The entry level is very different from the working conditions, despite the many calls for equality in business circles. How can I, the single woman compete with my male colleague who can attend meetings after work with the company seniors, over drinks to discuss business, while I have to rush home and help my mother prepare the evening meal? Most women in the work places can be admired, humoured and tolerated at most but usually never taken any more seriously, unless they fight for what they believe is rightfully theirs. It also goes without saying that in most work places, women are victims of their own sexuality. We can suffer sexual violence from our bosses and justice can be very hard to come by. There is no chance that the business sector is equally competitive for both men and women. Men have an upper hand without doubt. It is seen as their domain, while women are expected to perform miracles, mergers and decrease interest rates in the kitchen.

Bachelors are common place in our societies and yet bachelorettes are not very welcome. Any young woman looking to living by herself, becoming independent, while waiting for Mr Right to come along is not taken seriously. The common view is that she wants to exercise her freedom and start being naughty, hence the vehement discourage. What then is the difference between a young man and a young woman who is growing up in the same society and probably got the same education? Why does he seem to get ahead and while she struggles and lag behind? The main reason why anyone would want to leave home is so they can grow up and be more responsible. Many a time we are very comfortable staying at home, that we come very dependent. Harsh reality usually hits us when the parent dies, leaving us to fend for ourselves, the very reason why prostitution seems to be on the increase. Economic freedom is something that everyone wants, but at times our people make it very difficult for a girl to attain it, while handing the keys on a silver platter to any young man.

I can spend the whole day, talking about how independent women are seen as controlling freaks who probably got some concoction from a witchdoctor to make their husbands submissive, how trousers are generally seen as disrespectful when worn by a woman. If one then chooses to wear a skirt that shows her figure, it is seen as an invitation to be raped or harassed by men. We can even talk about the idea that women seen in night spots and pubs are all prostitutes that should not be taken seriously, unlike the fact that most of them are just a bunch of people out having a bit of harmless fun. So there we have it. Society is just but a two edged sword, encouraging men to do as they please while condemning women to silence and misery!

Gertrude Bvindi

I am an administrator by profession. I have a first Degree in Political Science, and I started the first year of my Masters in International Relations but i am yet to finish it. I am a sports woman, and have participated in Rugby and Basketball at National level. I did my primary school in Mutare, Chancellor Junior and high School in Domboshava, at a Catholic mission. I am passionate about women issues.

I would like to know your views and please do not hesitate to comment below your thoughts, suggestions and views.

Mutare Mayor's Corner - 15 September 2011

2011-09-15T13:43:00.003+02:00

Geetings. I thank the reader for his comments on my last column regarding the Sakubva Stadium! It is true that the stadium and all other Council amenities are run down and have lacked maintenance certainly over the last decade if not since independence. We are in the process of refurbishing our master plan and Spacial Land use plan (the previous one expired in 2002) and as an elected council we are working towards attracting urban architectural work for various areas within the city.

Sakubva Stadium

These areas can vary from the entrances into the City, a possible cultural belt along the stream running from the Mutare Museum to the Civic Centre and Queens Hall. A link to Meikles Park and over the ridge into our newly transformed main (Aloe) Park. The idea is that once these plans have been submitted to council and approved by the wider public the development opportunities can then be offered to the business community ensuring that our City develops in an orderly and publicly agreed direction. So therefore the Sakubva Stadium and its refurbishment will be included in this architectural work.

Having mentioned our Meikles Park in the above paragraph it is worth commenting on the disturbing developments regarding this important asset of ours! I am sure a lot of you are not aware that the Meikles Park is broken into two portions (commonly known as reserves) The front one of which abuts main street now Herbert Chitepo Street and was bequeathed to the City by the Meikles family for the enjoyment of the general public. The other portion is open for development and has over the years been sold a couple of times and been reposed due to the lack of development. It is with this in mind that Council received a request from a Chinese Diamond mining consortium in partnership with our national Military for the development of a fourteen storey hotel and supermarket complex. Council in our wisdom agreed to the sale (although not going out for open tender it is within our jurisdiction to accept individual proposals). A price was subsequently asked for and documentation securing guarantees of funding for this project were asked for. Since then our parent ministry has entered the fray and we have been advised that the property is required for development in the national interest and that we should hand it over forthwith and government would consider a land swop elsewhere within the City. We as an elected Council are not particularly happy with this development as we are now informed that no one, least of all our parent ministry, knows what type of development is now going to take place. You can be assured that the writer of this column and his fellow councillors will not be arm twisted into relinquishing a lucrative piece of property without adequate compensation and consultation with the public. It is unfortunate that this request and mystery development comes at a time well before our spacial land use plans and architectural endeavours have been completed.

Until next time,

Best regards

Councillor Brian James
Mayor.

Please provide any feedback, comments and questions you have below

Mugabe's party says WikiLeaks claim that president has cancer is false

2011-09-06T06:51:00.001+02:00

(CNN) -- President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party dismissed Monday a "confidential" cable released by WikiLeaks that claims the Zimbabwean leader has cancer.
WikiLeaks claimed Friday that Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Gideon Gono had told the former U.S. ambassador Christopher Dell during a private meeting in 2006 that Mugabe had prostate cancer that had spread to other organs.

"If he was that ill (in 2006), how come he is still going strong? I have seen him for a long time and even last week, he has no health problems. There is a lot of things that are not true in that," said Rugare Gumbo, Zanu PF spokesperson, referring to the WikiLeaks cable.
The cables claimed that Grace, Mugabe's wife, had told Gono that the 87-year-old was "out of it about 75% of the time."

"The governor (Gono) confided that Mugabe appeared to be deteriorating mentally and losing his capacity to balance factional interests," Dell wrote in his report after meeting Gono who has repeatedly denied claims of having an affair with Grace. "She (Grace) wanted him (Mugabe) to step down."
Gono did not answer several calls made to him by CNN.

Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Goes Electronic

2011-09-04T20:40:00.000+02:00

A company has been engaged to supervise the transition of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange to electronic trading. A document on the change has been presented to Cabinet and issues around setting up a Central Securities Depository including the shareholding structure. According to a report in the Government’s Herald newspaper, Finance Minister Tendai Biti told a breakfast meeting organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe and the ZSE that the CSD could be in place by year-end.
The aim is to improve stakeholder relations and explore possibility for other capital or financial markets to be set up. Minister Biti said the CSD was a critical part of a modern capital market system as it reduced the payment cycle, enhanced transparency and helped monitor the shareholding thresholds of foreign investors participating on ZSE.
He said that the CSD would help prevent irregularities. Apparently the minister said that currently only about 20 investors accounted for most of the trading in the 79 listed counters. He claimed that the CSD will improve liquidity, promote market integrity and transparency while minimising market manipulation, fraud and financial crime.
According to a report in a South African newspaper called “Sunday Times Zimbabwe”, the Minister would also like to modernize the ZSE Act and the Securities Act and possibly introduce a “super regulator”, similar to the UK’s Financial Services Authority (in June 2010 the UK Government announced plans to abolish the FSA and split its functions). This report claims that 20 of the “shadowy players” were virtually controlled by the same individuals, and Renaissance Financial Holdings Limited was accused of wrongdoing because of insufficient measures to detect insider dealings.
According to the Herald, the Minister said: “The main issue being dealt with is the shareholding structure of this systematically important institution (CSD), which should reflect national ownership by both the public and private sector players.” He said that the National Social Security Authority, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe or the ZSE would own at least 51% of the CSD company. Another significant shareholder will be Chengetedzai, a local private firm which is overseeing the establishment of the electronic trading system (the website http://chengetedzai.com/) appears to be just a title page.
The government seeks to demutualise the bourse, which it believes will enhance accountability and speed modernisation. Currently the bourse is still an association of stakeholders while demutualization would mean turning the exchange into a company driven by the profit motive or other goal. Minister Biti said demutualisation was critical to prevent cartels of members from dictating the affairs of the bourse, which created credibility crises and could put off investors. There has long been tension between the ZSE and the SEC over jurisdiction and self-regulation.
ZSE trading is done in daily “call-over” sessions when brokers gather around a table and bid against each other. However, trading is more active than on many more automated neighbouring exchanges.
According to the report, the Minister said: “When you go to the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and see the way they trade it gives the impression that we are still stuck in 1950. It is as if someone pressed a pause button on the TV and everything stopped. We have to modernise and part of it is coming up with a CSD,” he said.
SECZ chairperson Mrs Willia Bonyongwe said the country wanted to set up more securities and capital markets and challenged innovative Zimbabweans to come forward with proposals. She suggested markets could assist in trading equities, bonds, quasi or hybrid financial instruments, asset securitisation and unitisation, hedging or risk commodity markets and private equity instruments, or even trade in agriculture and mining products. The ZSE is the only active capital market.
In early August the ZSE website (www.zse.co.zw) was hacked twice in early August and used phishing and has currently disappeared.

Details of Joyce Mujuru Secret Meeting with US Ambassador Charles Ray

2011-09-04T16:59:00.000+02:00

In an informal and introductory meeting, which circumvented Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) protocol, the Ambassador and Vice President Joice Mujuru discussed sanctions, the Global Political Agreement (GPA), and ZANU-PF.

Mujuru hewed to the party line on sanctions, claiming that sanctions on institutions were hurting ordinary Zimbabweans. The Ambassador responded that the U.S. was looking for progress on the GPA as a predicate to lifting these sanctions. On the GPA, Mujuru maintained that ZANU-PF had made significant concessions; the most critical outstanding issue was sanctions. Without separating herself from President Robert Mugabe, Mujuru said that new and younger leadership was entering ZANU-PF and the party would gradually evolve. The meeting was friendly and, at a minimum, opened up a channel of communication. END SUMMARY.

2. ZANU-PF government officials normally will not meet with us unless a request is sent out to the MFA. The MFA then schedules the meeting and sends a note taker. Through a Mujuru advisor, David Butau, we requested an informal meeting to better establish a relationship and facilitate an exchange of views. Three days after the conclusion of the ZANU-PF Congress, Mujuru agreed to a meeting, but it was only at the last minute that logistics were arranged. Mujuru, who is acting president while Mugabe is in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, wanted to ensure that the meeting with the U.S. ambassador was private and undisclosed.

3. The meeting took place in an unoccupied house owned by Mujuru on the outskirts of Harare. The affluent and powerful are not immune from frequent Harare power cuts, and the neighborhood was dark. While the house had electricity, irregular power had shorted most of the lights. A Mujuru employee who led us through darkened grounds to an unfurnished living room (except for chairs and a plasma television) where Mujuru and Butau were waiting already. The Vice President had managed to shed all of her (presumably CIO-infiltrated) security. She herself poured tea. The meeting was friendly and respectful; at the end, Mujuru said she would like to meet again and continue the conversation.

4. Not surprisingly, Mujuru began the discussion with sanctions. She argued that while she and others were targets, they were not hurt. Rather, ordinary Zimbabweans were suffering because of sanctions on institutions such as ZB Bank and Agribank, which had historically provided loans to small businesspersons and farmers. Now, because of sanctions, they were illiquid and could not lend. The Ambassador acknowledged that sanctions were an emotional and pervasive issue. There might be willingness in Washington to look at non-personal sanctions, but this was not a one-sided process. With progress on GPA issues, the U.S. would consider responding. How did she see progress, the Ambassador asked?

5. Mujuru stated that the most critical GPA issue was Q5. Mujuru stated that the most critical GPA issue was sanctions. ZANU-PF thought that by signing the GPA and agreeing to a government with the MDC it had given more than the MDC. The MDC had made a number of unhelpful “pronouncements.” At various times, according to Mujuru, it had urged Zimbabwe’s neighbors to withhold electricity and fuel. It had asked western countries to maintain personal sanctions. ZANU-PF officials, according to Mujuru, were becoming “unsettled” and wanted to see MDC movement on sanctions. (COMMENT: The Ambassador noted that the MDC could not remove sanctions — this was up to western governments — and Mujuru did not dispute this. But she wanted the MDC to cease its “pronouncements.” We expect an announcement on December 21 by the GPA principals on GPA issues that have been resolved, probably commissions and the appointment of governors, and it would not be surprising for Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai at that time to suggest that at least some non-personal sanctions be removed.

6. Mujuru continued that there was a distinction between politics and government. While efforts were on going to resolve political differences, the government was making progress. A bill to limit the powers of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s governor was close to passage, and Zimbabwe had just signed a bilateral investment treaty with South Africa. She pleaded for U.S. help to restore Zimbabwe’s economy.

7. After commenting that the U.S. was providing substantial assistance (food and medical) to the people of Zimbabwe, the Ambassador replied that, sanctions or no sanctions, Zimbabwe could begin to regrow its economy. This would require restoring external and internal confidence — investors needed to know there was security of contracts and no excessive government interference in the economy. In other words, businesses would accept economic risk, but it was necessary to remove political risk.

8. Turning to politics, Mujuru said the ZANU-PF old guard was giving way to “young blood.” She noted that she (55 years old) and new Party Chair Simon Khaya Moyo (64 years old) are on the younger side and form one-half of the ZANU-PF presidium (along with Mugabe and new vice president John Nkomo). The presidium would be together for five years. Mujuru concluded, “Let’s work together.”

9. While Mujuru is inculcated with ZANU-PF ideology, evidenced by her views on sanctions, she and her husband, General Solomon Mujuru, are business people who understand that a friendlier and more stable business environment requires political change. She also would like better relations with the U.S., which she views as essential for Zimbabwe’s economic growth. This no doubt motivated her desire for a non-official meeting with the Ambassador immediately after the ZANU-PF Congress. The fact that she was impelled to have a clandestine meeting is reflective of the power of Mugabe and hard-liners and the fear they engender. It also shows the weakness of the party, in that it will not tolerate its second highest-ranking official having a private meeting with the U.S. ambassador. (Tsvangirai had no qualms about informally and openly meeting the Ambassador. Ref A.)

10. Because of her gender, Mujuru is an unlikely successor to Mugabe (Ref B). But she occupies a prominent position in ZANU-PF and will likely be part of the power structure after Mugabe. We know from other sources that she and her husband would like to see Mugabe move on. She was cautious in her first meeting with the Ambassador, but we will pursue the relationship both to gain insights into ZANU-PF and to encourage reform efforts. ENDS

Gideon Gono Confirms that Robert Mugabe has Prostate Cancer and has 2 years to live (wikileaks)

2011-09-04T16:01:00.002+02:00

Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer and has been told by doctors that he could be dead by 2013, WikiLeaks documents have revealed.

Zimbabwe's 87-year-old president was apparently diagnosed with the condition several years ago and warned in 2008 that it could kill him within five years.

Details of his sickness were confirmed in secret U.S. diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks.

It provides the first confirmation that the end of Mugabe's rule could be in sight.

He was told to stand down amid concerns about his failing health, according to the cables. When his death comes, it is expected to cause a serious internal power struggle.

The documents show that America's former ambassador to Zimbabwe James McGee was informed of Mugabe's condition on June 4, 2008 during a private meeting with Gideon Gono, a close friend and governor of Zimbabwe's reserve bank.

In a cabled summary of the meeting, Mr McGee reported: 'Gideon Gono, governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, told the Ambassador on June 4 that President Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer that has metastasised and, according to doctors, will cause his death in three to five years.

'According to Gono, Mugabe's doctor had recommended he cut back on his activities.

'(NOTE: Gono told us last year that Mugabe was ill and that his doctor had urged him to step down immediately. Mugabe had told his doctor, according to Gono, that he would leave office after the election).'

Confidant: Gideon Gono, Mugabe's close friend, apparently told the U.S. diplomat about Mugabe's diagnosis

Mr McGee's cable was entitled 'Ambassador's meeting with Gideon Gono' and sent to Washington from Harare on June 6, a few weeks before 2008's contested Zimbabwe elections.

In his note, the ambassador speculated that given Mugabe's rapidly faltering health, it was likely that even if the aging Zanu-PF leader won the upcoming poll that he would stand down by the end of the following year.

He wrote: 'Given Mugabe's health, and the desire of many within Zanu-PF that he step down because of the state of the economy, it is likely the latest date Mugabe will stay in office, assuming he wins on June 27, is December 2009.

'This is when Zanu-PF will hold its scheduled Congress to re-elect officers.

'It is also quite possible that after a June win, Zanu-PF will begin the succession game resulting in a departure for Mugabe earlier than December 2009.'

The diplomatic cable was marked 'confidential' but published online last week as part of Wikileaks's huge dump of unredacted notes.

The dictator has appeared increasingly frail during recent years and was widely believed to have been suffering from cancer.

This year alone he has made at least five trips to Singapore, where he is believed to be receiving treatment at a top private clinic.

However those around the leader have maintained a wall of silence over his health, and his spokesman has repeatedly claimed Mugabe's hospital visits were to receive treatment for a problem with his eyes.

Today local media in Zimbabwe reported that Gono had denied telling Mr McGee about Mugabe's sickness.

In a brief statement given to the New Zimbabwe website, he said: 'It's a lie. I wouldn't even dare talk about that.'

Despite his illness, Mugabe makes significant effort to ensure he continues to be seen as a powerful figure.

His Zanu-PF party has ruled Zimbabwe since the country gained independence from Britain in 1980.

Since then the Mugabe has been condemned for a litany of human rights abuses and for allowing the economy to collapse.

The two leaders later formed a unity government, with Tsvangirai serving as prime minister since February 2009.

However Mugabe has repeatedly signaled his intention to call fresh elections, and said last week that the country would return to the polls early next year.