Library Technical Assistant

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Research, Innovation and Industry Linkage Officer (RIILO)

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Procurement Officer

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Research Officers x2

Business Development Officers x2

Innovation Lead (Engineering)

Innovation Lead (Arts & Creative Industries)

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Public Health Specialist: Prevention, Care & Treatment (Harare)

Business Intelligence Analyst (Harare)

Director General (Harare)

ZESA Holdings has issued a grave warning regarding mining activities near the Marvel Substation in Bulawayo.
The substation, critical for distributing electricity to the city, the country, and parts of the southern African region, faces the risk of collapse due to these mining operations.
The potential destruction of electrical equipment could have far-reaching consequences.
The Marvel Substation plays a pivotal role in supplying power to essential facilities, serving approximately two million people across Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and North provinces. Its significance extends beyond the city, impacting a vast population in the region.
Vital infrastructure, including Ncema Water Works (which provides water to Bulawayo), Turk Mine, How Mine, Fernhill Water Works, and the entire City of Bulawayo, depends on the reliable functioning of the Marvel Substation.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/zesa-warns-of-mining-threat-to-critical-substation/">CITE</a> reported sources as saying the mining is being conducted by a group with “political connections” who are disregarding ZESA’s warnings about the dangers of mining near the substation. Said a source:
<blockquote>
Marvel Substation connects all power stations in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. It is linked to other regions of the country and the whole of South Africa via the Insukamini Substation.
</blockquote>
Blasting from the mining activities poses a significant risk to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company’s (ZETDC) operations and substation infrastructure. Added the source:
<blockquote>
These mining explosions threaten the infrastructure and could disrupt the electricity supply not only in Bulawayo but also across Zimbabwe and the region.
Those mining at the location have been warned of the potential harm, yet they continue their activities.
</blockquote>
ZESA insiders also expressed concern about the risk of electrocution for substation staff if the infrastructure is damaged by voltage interference.
ZETDC’s Engineering Manager, Proud Mundenda, referred inquiries to ZESA Holdings’ Stakeholder Relations Communication and Welfare George Manyaya.
Manyaya then directed CITE’s queries to ZETDC’s acting public relations officer, Alaina Suliwa, who reportedly requested written questions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Mining Activities Threaten Critical ZESA Substation

Tawona Shadaya Knight, a prominent Zimbabwean social media personality and self-proclaimed anti-feminist, who has made waves with his controversial views on masculinity and gender roles, says his life is in danger.
Shadaya has pleaded with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to investigate what he said are threats to his life.
Posting on his X page, Shadaya said he and his family have been receiving constant threats over the past week.
Initially dismissing them as pranks, he became alarmed when friends and family reported unidentified individuals inquiring about his routine and location. The threats have escalated to the point where he is now considered “wanted”. He wrote:
<blockquote>
[Zimbabwe Republic Police] I greatly require your assistance. Normally I wouldn’t bring such issues out on public platforms as they can be misinterpreted, but I have no other option. I have been getting constant threats on my life and family as well for the past week.
I ignored it initially as pranks but when I started getting messages from family and friends about unidentified people asking about my routine, location and other information, I had to take it seriously
My family and friends are very worried about my safety, constantly getting messages and even in-person threats that “I’m wanted”.
To my knowledge I have not committed any crime, nor have I even said anything that can be regarded as a crime. Unless talking about societal issues is a crime
And if I’m wanted for anything shouldn’t I be called to report to any police station? I would gladly do so because I have nothing to hide
Just like everyone else regardless if one agrees or not with my opinions on societal issues, I shouldn’t have to live in fear, always looking at my back, sleeping with one eye open, because of unidentified men looking for me.
Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
</blockquote>
Shadaya Knight recently found himself in the spotlight due to a vehicular snub from Wicknell Chivayo, the free-spending controversial businessman linked to ZANU PF.
Chivayo said that he did not gift Shadaya a car despite the latter’s “legendary” status. He said Shadaya’s abrasive nature towards women influenced his choice. Chivayo wrote on one of his Instagram stories:
<blockquote>
Hanzi na Shadaya LEARN OR PERISH … Chiya chinonzi Shadaya chibaba. Dai asingazo nyanya kuzotuka MADZIMAI kana AQUA anga aine kodzero yekupihwa… He’s a LEGEND in his own right.
</blockquote>
In a thinly veiled rebuke, Shadaya posted an emoji of a car alongside a person throwing something into a trash can.
Shadaya had previously mocked Seh Calaz after the latter seemingly begged for a car from Chivayo. Shadaya wrote at the time:
<blockquote>
A man must have pride. And it is with that pride that a man will never beg another fellow man. It is that same pride that will tell a man not to depend on freebies or handouts.
Everything he gets, he earns it. In recent times, modern men have become weak and, they no longer have pride.
There’s this new trend of men being groupies, this culture of hanging around rich men, for some crumbs.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Shadaya Sends SOS To ZRP, Claims He's Getting Threats On His Life

On Thursday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa decided to retire Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya a month ahead of schedule. This move was aimed at providing space for his successor, John Mushayavanhu, to issue a long-awaited Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), as reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024983/why-mnangagwa-cut-short-mangudyas-reserve-bank-stay">NewsDay</a>.
Mushayavanhu is anticipated to devise new strategies to stabilize the economy, which is grappling with surging inflation and significant depreciation of the local currency.
According to NewsDay, a source revealed that Mnangagwa found himself compelled to take action after prematurely disclosing the government’s intentions to introduce a structured currency. Said the source:
<blockquote>
It would not have made sense to allow Mangudya to release a Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) when he will be leaving office in a month.
In addition, monetary authorities were under pressure to release the MPS after President Mnangagwa jumped the gun by announcing plans for a structured currency. The announcement caught everyone by surprise.
</blockquote>
Next week, Mushayavanhu is set to unveil the highly anticipated Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), wherein he will delve into the structured currency—a potential long-term remedy for the woes faced by the Zimbabwe dollar.
On Thursday, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, alluded to forthcoming measures aimed at shoring up the local currency.
Posting on the Ministry’s X page, Mnangagwa advised Zimbabweans against disposing of the Zimdollar. He wrote:
<blockquote>
We have been receiving enquiries about the surge in the exchange rate, which right now can be attributed to the anxiety and anticipation of the upcoming Monetary Policy Statement which is around the corner.
If I were to irresponsibly give unsolicited advice, I would urge Zimbabweans with their hard-earned ZWL not to hedge against it.
Government is committed to ensuring that there will be no loss of value through the introduction of currency stabilisation measures.
</blockquote>
In a notice published in the Government Gazette yesterday, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube said:
<blockquote>
It is hereby notified that His Excellency the President has, in terms of section 14 of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 22:15] appointed John Mushayavanhu as the governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for a period of five years beginning on March 28, 2024 and ending on March 27, 2029.
</blockquote>
In December 2023, Mnangagwa appointed Mushayavanhu as Mangudya’s successor. His official start date was May 1, immediately following the end of Mangudya’s term.
Mangudya’s term was scheduled to conclude on April 30, at which point he would transition to his new role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mutapa Investment Fund on May 1.
Mushayavanhu faces the formidable challenge of halting the Zimdollar’s rapid depreciation. Over the past three months, it has plummeted by more than 250%, and last year alone, the local currency depreciated by a staggering 700%.
Despite previous efforts, the government’s measures to stabilize the local currency have proven ineffective.
Back in 2022, when the government introduced gold coins to absorb excess local currency, the Zim dollar was trading at a rate of US$1 to ZWL$2,000 on the parallel market.
By yesterday, March 28, 2024, the parallel market rate had surged to ZWL$30,000 per US$1.
The depreciation of the currency has driven up prices, resulting in annual inflation skyrocketing to 55.3% in March from 47.62% in February.
Interestingly, inflation has continued to rise even though more than 80% of transactions now occur in United States dollars.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Here Is What Prompted Mnangagwa To Cut Short Mangudya’s RBZ Tenure

<h2>Full statement by the Commissioner-General of Police Tandabantu Godwin Matanga on the 2024 Easter Holiday:</h2>
<blockquote>
As the country braces for the 2024 Easter Holiday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police takes this opportunity to assure Zimbabweans and visitors that Police deployments have been enhanced to curb crime and road traffic accidents.
My office has implored Police Commanders across the country to take decisive action against illegal pirate taxis or mushikashika and buses which are not licenced or authorised to carry passengers from one point to another.
Therefore, no pirate taxis or buses with no permits will be allowed to pass through Police checkpoints and roadblocks.
The public service vehicles’ speed limiting technology which is at Harare Central will be effectively monitored to account for all speeding bus drivers who are openly exceeding the stipulated speed limits in line with Statutory Instrument 118/2023.
May I take this opportunity to urge other bus operators who are yet to join or implement the speed limit mechanism to do so for the effective maintenance of law and order in the country and the safety of travellers?
Police will impound all unroadworthy vehicles and arrest any driver found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
As pilgrimages and church leaders gather at various centres throughout the country to commemorate the Easter Holiday.
I discourage them from night travelling to minimize road traffic accidents. Church leaders should ensure that the form of transport used by congregates is suitable and secure without compromising road safety.
As school children undertake various social activities during this holiday, parents should guide and properly monitor them to curb cases of drug and substance abuse.
Police officers will patrol both residential, industrial and shopping centres to ensure drug peddlers are brought to book.
My office has also directed Officers Commanding Police Provinces to ensure that liquor outlets fully comply with the provisions of the Liquor Act Chapter 14:12.
In this view, all unlicensed liquor outlets and shebeens will be closed while the operators will be arrested for the law to take its course.
In order to minimise chances of robbery cases, the public is again advised not to carry or keep large sums of money at home or business premises.
In fact, business people or families should only keep small amounts for specific transactions and bank the rest with financial institutions.
Companies are reminded not to share information on financial transactions or status with each and every employee. This will assist to curtail the leakage of information to criminals.
Above all, the motoring public is urged to plan journeys and assist in the maintenance of law and order in the country by complying with all road rules and regulations.
Drivers should cooperate with Police Officers at Police checkpoints and patrols to promote road safety for the public.
My office will also take stern action on corrupt elements on the country’s roads as reiterated by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage on the 27th March 2024.
I have directed Police Commanders to effect arrests on those who offer and receive bribes on the roads and in the process put the safety of passengers at risk.
In this regard, the public should feel free to report any criminal activities at any nearest Police Station or contact the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number, 0712 800 197.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish all Zimbabweans and potential visitors a blessed, crime and accident-free 2024 Easter Holidays.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Statement By The Commissioner-General Of Police On The 2024 Easter Holiday

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed John Mushayavanhu as the new Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor.
The appointment is for five years beginning on 28 March 2024, and ending on 27 March 2029.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, announced Mushayavanhu’s appointment as the new central bank Government through General Notice 410 of 2024 dated March 29, 2024. It reads:
<blockquote>
IT is hereby notified that His Excellency the President has, in terms of section 14 of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 22:15], appointed John Mushayavanhu as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for a period of five years beginning on 28th March, 2024, and ending on the 27th March, 2029.
</blockquote>
Mushayavanhu is beginning his first term as RBZ governor a month earlier than initially expected. His predecessor John Mangudya’s term of office was due to end on April 30.
Mushayavanhu is expected to issue the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) shortly. The MPS has been delayed since February when it was legally due.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

OFFICIAL: John Mushayavanhu Appointed RBZ Governor

Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, has addressed growing concerns over the sudden surge in Zimbabwe’s exchange rate.
In a statement issued this Thursday, March 28, Mnangagwa said the delay in releasing the monetary policy statement (MPS) has fuelled anxiety and curiosity among citizens.
Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans who hold the local currency should avoid hedging against it to protect themselves from potential losses adding that the government remains committed to maintaining currency stability. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
We have been receiving enquiries about the surge in the exchange rate, which right now can be attributed to the anxiety and anticipation of the upcoming Monetary Policy Statement which is around the corner.
If I were to irresponsibly give unsolicited advice, I would urge Zimbabweans with their hard-earned ZWL not to hedge against it.
Government is committed to ensuring that there will be no loss of value through the introduction of currency stabilisation measures.
</blockquote>
Examples of currency hedging include currency forward contracts, which are straightforward agreements to exchange a specific amount of one currency for another at a predetermined exchange rate on a future date.
Critics say the Zimbabwean economy is akin to an aeroplane on autopilot — nobody knows where it is headed or where it will land.
The southern African country is grappling with hyperinflation, currency instability, company closures, job losses, and power shortages, among a myriad of other challenges.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Committed To Saving Zimbabwe Dollar, Says Kuda Mnangagwa

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), an average family of six now needs a minimum of ZWL$5.4 million to cover their monthly expenses. This represents a 65.8% increase compared to the figures recorded last month.
ZIMSTAT also revealed that the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for one person was ZW$ 916,225.50 in March 2024. Said ZIMSTAT:
<blockquote>
This means that an individual required that much to purchase both non-food and food items as of March 2024 in order not to be deemed poor.
This represents an increase of 65.8 per cent when compared to the February 2024 figure of ZWL$552,745.80.
</blockquote>
The Food Poverty Line (FPL) for one person in March 2024 was ZWL$701,236.89. This means that the minimum needs basket cost that much per person in March 2024. This represents an increase of 62.2 per cent over the February 2024 figure of ZWL$432,454.90.
The Zimbabwe dollar has plummeted over the past few weeks which economic commentators have blamed on the excessive printing of money by the central bank that is not backed by value.
On Friday, March 22, the Zimbabwean dollar crossed a notable threshold, falling below 20,000 against the US dollar. This decline occurred after it had previously dropped below the 10,000 level in late January.
The local currency was trading at 20,389 per greenback, indicating a cumulative decline of 70% since the beginning of the year.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Mthuli Ncube, recently Zimbabwe will always have a local currency even though currently, the US dollar is used for 80% of all commerce in the country.
Ncube said the monetary policy statement (MPS), which is overdue by two months, will be released soon, adding that there are ongoing consultations with experts within the government and other stakeholders.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Family Of Six Now Requires $5.4 Million Per Month

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the government is implementing a comprehensive set of measures aimed at stabilizing prices, curbing speculative activities, and maintaining exchange rate stability.
Mnangagwa, who is also ZANU PF’s First Secretary, made the remarks while addressing the 375th session of the Politburo on Wednesday, 27 March. He said:
<blockquote>
My Government is determined to implement responsive interventions towards arresting speculative activities, inflation, price increases and stabilising the exchange rate.
Equally important, our home-grown innovative solutions and hard honest work remain critical to increasing production and productivity in every sector.
This must see us continually improving the quality of life of our citizenry and ultimately realise Vision 2030.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) revealed that the country’s annual inflation rose to 55.3% in March from 47.6% in February 2024, which is a seventh-month high. Prices rose 4.9% in the month, compared with 5.4% in February.
The Zimbabwean dollar has depreciated against the United States dollar every trading day this year.
It weakened 72% in that period, making it the world’s second-worst-performing currency, after the Lebanese pound.
The President also said the government is putting in place necessary measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the El-Nino-induced droughts. He said:
<blockquote>
My Government will continue to roll out measures to address the negative effects of drought and climate change.
I challenge the party to take the lead at the cell/village level to keep our grassroots updated and knowledgeable about the national climate action plan, including promoting conservation agriculture methods, as well as building resilience and adaptive capacities.
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development recently reported that this year’s maize harvest will be 70% smaller than the previous season due to severe drought damage.
As per the Ministry’s outlook report, Zimbabwe’s maize production is projected to reach approximately 696,116 tonnes, a significant decline from the estimated 2.3 million tonnes for 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Taking Action On Price Increases, Exchange Rate Fluctuations - Mnangagwa

Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Sonja Madzikanda, are reportedly divorcing after seven years of marriage.
In an Instagram post, Madzikanda said she and Chivayo have been separated for some time, adding they wanted to make their divorce public in May. She said:
<blockquote>
I also want to come here and say clearly that you guys just need to let Wicknell be and like back off him a little bit.
He’s a single guy. He has been a single guy for a while. Myself and Wicknell are no longer together and we have not been together for a while.
It is going to be made official, I think we were going to be more official and direct about it on the 1st of May.
There are a few things that we are still ironing out and are probably going to be going back and forth about but those people who know know.
All I can say is he can do whatever he likes with whoever he wants. He is allowed to do that as a single guy and I am also single.
Single in that, I am sure he has lots of other people, but he is single in that he is not married to me.
</blockquote>
Wicknell Chivayo tied the knot with Sonja Madzikanda in 2017. The marriage ceremony featured a performance by the late renowned music icon Oliver Mtukudzi.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sonja Madzikanda Announces Separation From Chivayo

Rev. Obadiah Musindo, the leader of Destiny for Africa Network, recently revealed that he paid lobola for his 23-year-old lover last Saturday.
Musindo, who is 54 years old, also shared his plans for a historic wedding with his sweetheart, Aysha Tagara, before the end of the year. He told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/rev-musindo-pays-lobola-for-his-23-year-old-lover/">H-Metro</a>:
<blockquote>
Yes, I paid lobola according to custom and I have plans for a massive, historic wedding before the end of this year.
For those who want to know my exact age, a wedding certificate will not lie.
Every detail will be taken from our birth certificates. What is important to me is that we love each other and we have settled.
</blockquote>
In December 2023, Musindo confirmed that he got engaged to his then-22-year-old girlfriend.
He was responding to viral images of him on one knee before his girlfriend.
Several individuals who commented on the photo via social media placed significant emphasis on the age disparity between Musindo and his lover. Musindo said at the time:
<blockquote>
I engaged. In other words, we engaged with my sweetheart. a 22-year-old, mature, responsible, Godfearing, intelligent, smart and beautiful young girl who is going to be Mai Musindo and many people shall see her.
She is going to be my life partner. We are marrying in 2024. We are going to have one of the best, big, unique weddings in Harare and many people will be invited and many journalists will also be invited.
It will be a special wedding because I’m going to use my wedding and my marriage as an example of what a marriage should be according to the word of God.
I was a divorcee since 2010 and I have been waiting for my children to grow up and begin to understand issues.
For your information, my kids are in love with my wife-to-be. They are friends. She has a good heart like me. She is a giver. She is generous.
</blockquote>
Musindo also denied claims that he was 70 years old, insisting that he was 53. He said:
<blockquote>
To be honest with you, no one can force me to marry a number. To say marry this 35-year-old. I’m not marrying for people, I’m marrying for myself.
I’m following my heart and those who are criticising, ‘Hee she’s young. Here she’s this. Obediah is 70’.
I’m not 70 years old. I’m turning 54 next year on the 25th of March. I was born in 1970 25th of March.
Currently, I’m 53, but I tell you the truth, this is what I get from people everywhere I go I look ten years younger, 10 years younger.
</blockquote>
Traditionally, in Zimbabwe, a significant age gap between spouses was not an issue, with the husband typically being older than the wife.
However, in recent years, the significance of age difference in marriages has become less rigid and some people now emphasise factors such as compatibility, love, and shared values rather than solely considering age.
Meanwhile, Musindo was arrested in 2006 for allegedly raping his maid on five occasions in 2004. He denied the charges.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Reverend Obadiah Musindo (54) Pays Lobola For His 23-year-old Lover

Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, stated that the outstanding debts owed to the city council by the government and its parastatals are severely impacting service delivery.
Addressing the media in Harare on Monday, Mafume expressed concern that local authorities are among the minority of service providers who receive payment after providing their services, rather than beforehand. He said (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mayor-mafume-blames-councils-biggest-debtor-government-for-crippling-service-delivery-in-harare/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
Debtors to the council are a cause for concern. Ironically, the government is one of our biggest debtors, and we appreciate that the minister is aware of this issue.
As you know, in this country, councils are among the few remaining service providers that operate on a post-service basis.
We provide the service first, and then you pay for it. We are still the service provider that gives you the service and then waits to be paid later. This has created a problem. The issue of debt needs to be addressed.
</blockquote>
Mafume said the Harare City Council will engage with the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitando, to discuss settling the debt. He said:
<blockquote>
We will compile a list of debtors and present it to the minister. Since he has acknowledged the issue, we will kindly ask him to raise it during cabinet meetings.
He is a capable minister with private-sector experience. I am confident that since they are aware of the problems, we can use persuasion to find a solution.
Our options are limited when it comes to the government. We cannot take each other to court. There are many things we rely on them for.
</blockquote>
Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango recently said that the local authority is owed a staggering $1.5 trillion by ratepayers which has compromised its ability to provide essential services like water, garbage collection and sanitation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Central Government Is Harare City Council's Biggest Debtor"

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Mthuli Ncube, has said Zimbabwe will always have a local currency even though currently, the US dollar is used for 80% of all commerce in the country.
Speaking <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-to-keep-local-dollar-despite-losses-revamp-plans-ncube-says/">in an interview</a> Saturday after touring Arenel Foods and Baker’s Inn, in Bulawayo, Ncube also said that fiscal and monetary authorities are working on new plans to revive the currency. He said:
<blockquote>
We will have a domestic currency, and there will always be a domestic currency so there is no way that we cannot have one.
It’s very important to have a domestic currency so that we don’t just rely on foreign currency only for transactions.
We can only have monetary policy as a macro-policy if you have your own domestic currency. We will have a domestic currency.
</blockquote>
On Friday, March 22, the Zimbabwean dollar crossed a notable threshold, falling below 20,000 against the US dollar. This decline occurred after it had previously dropped below the 10,000 level in late January.
The local currency was trading at 20,389 per greenback, indicating a cumulative decline of 70% since the beginning of the year.
Ncube said the monetary policy statement (MPS), which is overdue by two months, will be released soon.
He said the delay in the release of the MPS is due to ongoing consultations with experts within the government and other stakeholders. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
We are working on some measures, people should be patient, we will release a monetary policy statement in the not-so-distant future which will deal with volatility and weakness in the currency.
Just be patient, we want to make sure that we do it right, undertaking some consultation with various stakeholders in the industry, within Government and international organisations, but also some currency experts that we have consulted.
We want to make sure that we have all the arsenal of knowledge that is needed to produce a lasting solution to the volatility and weakness of the currency.
</blockquote>
Last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged authorities in Zimbabwe to fully liberalise its exchange rate, warning that the currency’s continuing depreciation could pose a risk to economic growth.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe To Keep Local Currency Despite Losses - Mthuli Ncube

Within the multi-million-dollar civil servants complex in Beitbridge, at least eight police officers, including a Superintendent, currently reside in darkness due to their employer’s failure to pay electricity connection fees for their allocated pool houses.
It is alleged that some officers at the head office want the affected officers to pay some bribes to have the US$450 connection fees for each housing unit disbursed to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024806/officers-in-darkness-as-police-fail-to-pay-zesa-connection-fees">NewsDay</a> that the situation was not confined to the police housing units alone but the entire complex. He said:
<blockquote>
It is not affecting ZRP houses alone but it’s affecting all departments.
The situation is being looked into by the government and will be normalised soon.
</blockquote>
However, according to NewsDay sources, all other departments allocated houses within the gated modern complex—constructed as part of Beitbridge’s redevelopment project, including the border post upgrade—now have electricity.
This improvement came after their respective departments settled the outstanding connection fees. Said the source:
<blockquote>
It is only the police who have not paid for the connection since we were removed from the dromedary bulk to individual unit meters. Their houses are dark and without electricity.
</blockquote>
The complex is located at the foot of Maware Hills, otherwise known as Woman’s Breast Hills.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Officers In Darkness As ZRP Fails To Pay ZESA Connection Fees

The Harare City Council (HCC) says it is owed a staggering $1.5 trillion by ratepayers which has compromised its ability to provide essential services like water, garbage collection and sanitation.
The local authority’s inability to collect revenue has been attributed to a dysfunctional revenue collection system.
As a result, the Council is struggling to maintain infrastructure, pay workers and invest in critical services.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/harare-city-council-owed-15-trillion">The Sunday Mail</a>, Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango said:
<blockquote>
While focusing on service delivery, there is concern about the box of revenues.
All ratepayers owed the city $783.2 billion and the figure has increased to $1.5 trillion as of February 29, 2024.
While the Zimbabwe dollar figure is increasing, the value of the debt continues to go down due to the movement of the exchange rate.
The December 2023 debt had a value of US$132.95 million, while in February it had reduced to US$101.28 million.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Harare residents say the Council’s billing is fictitious since it is based on estimates and non-existent services.
Tinashe Mangachena, a resident of Budiriro high-density suburb, said that the council had failed to provide basic services. He said:
<blockquote>
The way they charge the monthly bill isn’t even normal. For example, the city doesn’t even supply us with water, but their bills have massive charges for water provision.
Sometimes their bills are based on very unreasonable estimates, and as a resident, I will not pay until they deliver proper services.
</blockquote>
Most local authorities in Zimbabwe are failing to provide essential services to ratepayers and this is not only due to their failure to collect revenue primarily in the form of rates, fees, and charges from residents and businesses.
Top officials within local authorities have been implicated in the embezzlement of funds, and there is also political interference in revenue collection processes and misuse or misappropriation of funds.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ratepayers Owe Harare City Council $1.5 Trillion

The families of three learners from Penhalonga, who tragically lost their lives in a road traffic accident along Christmas-Pass-Shamu Road last week, have put forth compensation requests.
These requests include US$24,000 and 28 head of cattle. Additionally, by their cultural practices, the families have also requested four goats and two cocks.
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/crash-victims-families-demand-28-cattle-us24-000/">The Manica Post</a>, the demands were made before the burial of the minors.
Sylvian (13) and Strive Maponde (nine) as well as Blessing Chisare (nine) were knocked down by an alleged speeding Toyota Fortuner that was being driven by John Dumbura.
The siblings were buried at their rural home in Marange on Friday last week, while Chisare (nine) was interred at Tsvingwe Cemetery in Penhalonga last Saturday.
John Dumbura was expected to appear in court facing culpable homicide charges.
Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s acting spokesperson in Manicaland Province, said the matter will be taken to court once all relevant information, including the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) report, is availed. He said:
<blockquote>
Police are still working on the docket, and as we speak, the post-mortem results are already in, but we are still waiting for the VID report.
The matter will be taken to court once all the relevant information has been processed.
</blockquote>
The Maponde family’s demands for reparation were reportedly handed over to John’s uncle, Shellington Dumbura. The agreement reads:
<blockquote>
On the death of Gift Maponde’s two children, we agreed on March 13, 2024 that: (1) for each of the deceased child, the perpetrator pays 14 cattle, and that means it should add up to 28 cattle for the two children. For each child, they also pay US$5 000: that means 28 cattle and US$10 000 as well as four goats and two cocks.
</blockquote>
The Chisare family also entered into a similar agreement with the Dumburas and it reads:
<blockquote>
For Blessing’s death, we have agreed that Mr Dumbura pays US$ 14,000. Today, he paid US$1 000, leaving a balance of US$13 000.
</blockquote>
Dumbura confirmed that he had reached an agreement with the families of the deceased when contacted by The Manica Post on Tuesday. He said:
<blockquote>
I did not argue with them. We accepted what they were demanding. Every place has its traditions, so we just follow what they say.
While we were in Bocha (Marange) where the two siblings were buried, the traditional leader pointed out that they (Mapondes) had charged more than what they were traditionally supposed to.
Their culture stipulates that they should charge seven cattle per child to make them 14 for the two.
The chief also wants three beasts for each child killed, making them six, and a total of 20.
</blockquote>
Chief Mutasa said normally, reparations are not paid before the deceased manifests in an avenging spirit, stating what he or she wants.
He added that the demands for money and cattle made by the bereaved family were pure “madness and unlawful”. He said:
<blockquote>
Normally, reparations are not paid before the deceased manifests in an avenging spirit, spelling out what he or she wants.
What we do in our area is that when an accident happens or when one is killed in such a way, the perpetrator meets all the funeral expenses; that is the transport, food and coffins.
We bury the deceased and then wait for the deceased’s spirit to manifest and make its demands known.
You cannot say when someone has died today, you wake up the next day demanding reparation. That is madness; it is unlawful.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Government, through the Department of Civil Protection (DCP), availed the three coffins and hearses to facilitate the burial of the three children and also provided grain.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Families Of Schoolchildren Killed By Speeding Vehicle Demand 28 Cattle, US$24 000

Lawyers argue that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of Deputy Prosecutor-General Michael Reza as the new Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson, replacing Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, who now holds the position of Prosecutor-General, is unconstitutional.
Mnangagwa appointed Reza in terms of Subsection 1 (a) of section 254 of the constitution.
However, a lawyer who spoke to The NewsHawks said Reza does not have the required seven years of experience in legal practice to take that position.
Any commissioner who is a lawyer must have seven years of legal practice or be eligible to be appointed a judge or has been a High Court or Supreme Court judge.
However, Reza applied to join the Law Society of Zimbabwe to practice law in 2020 and registered the same year or in 2021 to become a lawyer.
This means he only has three or four years of experience, which is not enough for him to become a ZACC commissioner or, worse still its chairperson.
Reza holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of South Africa and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the Midlands State University, but does not qualify to be a commissioner. Said the lawyer:
<blockquote>
President Mnangagwa’s appointment of Reza as ZACC chair is unconstitutional; he is not qualified to be a ZACC commissioner as a lawyer in the first place because he doesn’t have enough experience to be there.
He needs to have seven years of experience – that means he has to be qualified to be a judge or has been a judge of the High Court or Supreme Court.
Even if we were to take the other requirement that one can be a commissioner if they have 10 years experience in investigating crime, which he probably has, the problem is that after the removal of Matanda-Moyo and Jessie Majome, there is no lawyer in the commission, moreso with the constitutionally required seven years experience.
</blockquote>
Majome, one of the commissioners who was qualified as a lawyer to be there, was appointed chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
According to The NewsHawks, this is not the first time that Mnangagwa has repeatedly violated the constitution on appointments.
In the past, he exceeded the constitutional limit by appointing additional unelected ministers to his cabinet. In each instance, he faced pressure to rectify the unlawful appointments.
These actions have prompted inquiries into Mnangagwa’s attention to detail and the calibre of legal and political guidance he receives.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Legal Controversy Surrounds Appointment Of Reza As ZACC Chairperson

Michael Reza, the newly appointed chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), has pledged to prioritize the recovery of wealth acquired through corruption.
He made this commitment during interviews with journalists on Wednesday, following his swearing-in into his new job by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House. He said (<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/reza-vows-to-seize-stolen-wealth-as-he-takes-oath-as-new-zacc-boss/">via ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
I was trained in asset forfeiture and money laundering. I went to South Africa, Botswana and Malawi all taking training in that aspect.
It is something dear to my heart. We are going to ensure that criminals are dislodged; proceeds of crime must be recovered and it must be known that crime does not pay…
I am going to ensure that no docket leaves ZACC unless it is complete and all elements of the crime have been attended to.
That way, we have a fighting chance to secure a conviction. Once we secure a conviction, people will have faith in ZACC and the administration of justice.
</blockquote>
Reza and Fungayi Jessie Majome were both sworn in on Wednesday. Majome now holds the position of chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
Reza stepped into the role previously held by Loice Matanda-Moyo, who became the Prosecutor General in October of last year. Meanwhile, Majome succeeded Elasto Mugwadi.
Before his recent appointment, Reza served as the deputy prosecutor general.
Majome, a former MDC MP and lawyer, played significant roles as Deputy Minister in both the Women’s Affairs and Justice ministries during the unity government from 2009 to 2013.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

New ZACC Chairperson, Reza, Pledges To Recover Stolen Wealth

The Zimbabwe U20 team concluded the tri-nation tournament in Malawi without a victory, suffering a 3-1 defeat against Kenya on Friday, March 22.
In their opening match, the Young Warriors lost to host Malawi with a 3-2 scoreline, resulting in their placement at the bottom of the triangular tournament standings.
Similar to their previous game, Zimbabwe conceded three goals, and once again, the scorer was Denzel Mapuwa from Greenfuel.
At halftime, Kenya led 2-0, eventually extending their advantage to 3-0 before Mapuwa’s consolation goal.
Elly Owande of Kenya found the net as early as the 7th minute, slotting home from the edge of the box.
The second goal followed in the 27th minute after a swift counter-attack.
Kenya further solidified their lead with Hassan Beja Kitsao scoring in the 68th minute.
Denzel Mapuwa’s late strike provided the Young Warriors with a consolation in the game.
Young Warriors coach Simon Marange acknowledged defeat against a superior team, whose players were in better condition.
Most of the Young Warriors are not regularly active in domestic competitions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Young Warriors Lose Both Matches In Malawi tri-nation Tournament

Blue Circle and City Bus operations have been suspended with immediate effect after a horror crash involving coaches from the two companies claimed 13 lives and left scores injured along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road on Saturday last week.
The collision occurred when a City Bus coach, carrying 25 passengers, struck a donkey and veered into the path of a Blue Circle bus with 43 passengers on board, leading to a head-on collision.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development found the two buses had violated regulations on road traffic and safety management.
In a statement, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona said that he had issued a directive to the Commissioner of Road Transportation to invoke provisions of Section 17(b)(i) of the Road Motor Transportation Act.
As a result, the licenses of Swaymo Enterprises Pvt Ltd (trading as Blue Circle) and Wipeco Investments (Pvt) Ltd (trading as City Bus) have been immediately suspended from operating their buses on all routes.
Minister Mhona said the City Bus vehicle, registration number AEU5845 and belonging to Wipeco Investments, did not have a valid certificate of fitness thus contravening Section 31 of the Road Traffic Act. He added:
<blockquote>
The vehicle also did not have a Speed Limiting Device as required by Section 3(1)(b) of Statutory Instrument 118 of 2023.
In addition, the driver of this bus did not have a valid defensive driving certificate issued by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe in terms of Section 4(b) of Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006.
Swaymo Enterprises Pvt Ltd did not cooperate with our investigations to establish the compliance status of the driver and vehicle registration number AEU6763.
Therefore, our inference is that the driver was not compliant with the regulatory requirements prescribed under the above-mentioned statutes.
Similarly, the operator was not compliant with the same regulations including Section 12(1) of the Road Motor Transportation Act and thus did not have a route authority authorizing the bus to operate the service.
The above violations by the two bus operators are a serious breach of the terms and conditions of their operators’ licenses issued for them to operate in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) vice chairperson Leonard Mukumba told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/horror-crash-2-bus-operators-licences-suspended/">The Herald</a> that they had also suspended the two members as an association. He said:
<blockquote>
Sadly, two of our members Blue Circle and City Bus have been suspended for failing to comply with the basic road requirements to operate.
As an association, we commend the Government for suspending the two operators after their findings.
We have also suspended the two pending investigations. The two ceased to be our members the moment they failed to comply and were suspended by the Government.
We urge other members to make sure that they are operating within the confines of the law.
As we go into the Easter Holidays, we encourage authorities to take stern measures provided by our laws against those who wantonly and blatantly violate road traffic rules and regulations.
The safety and security of all commuting public cannot be taken for granted.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Blue Circle And City Bus Licenses Suspended

In less than two months, the Zimbabwean dollar has crossed a notable threshold, falling below 20,000 against the US dollar. This decline occurred after it had previously dropped below the 10,000 level in late January, as reported by <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/battered-zimbabwe-currency-falls-past-20-000-per-dollar-in-official-trade-1.2050434">Bloomberg</a>.
On Friday, March 22, the Zimbabwean dollar was trading at 20,389 per greenback, indicating a cumulative decline of 70% since the beginning of the year. This places it among the world’s currencies with the poorest performance.
The decline in the local currency’s value has not elicited a strong reaction from fiscal or monetary authorities, except for their acknowledgement that they are actively developing a “structured currency”.
While the specific form of the structured currency remains uncertain, there is speculation that it could be backed by gold.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has delayed the release of its monetary policy statement while the currency plans are being drafted.
Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer and partner at Running Point Capital Advisors said that the postponement has caused anxiety locally, but most outside investors have already abandoned Zimbabwe’s currency. Said:
<blockquote>
The major concern for people in the country is that if Zimbabwe does switch to a gold-backed currency, they will do it at an exchange rate favourable to the new currency and unfavourable to citizens, thus leading to a further last-minute devaluation. In other words, if you have Zimbabwean dollars, you want to spend them as quickly as possible on something tangible.
</blockquote>
However, having a gold-backed currency won’t necessarily stop future devaluations from occurring, Schulman added.  He said, “The government can still print money and change its currency ratios.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Dollar In Freefall, Breaches 20,000 Per Dollar In Official Trade

Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, said that the city council needs to raise 150 million dollars to build the Glass Block Dam and rehabilitate the water pumps to address the city’s perennial water crisis.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/byo-mayor-appeals-for-us150-million-to-build-glass-block-dam/">CITE</a> reported that a team of engineers has proposed building the Glass Block Dam in Filabusi, which will be capable of providing 70 per cent of Bulawayo’s water needs.
Coltart said there was consensus between the central government and the local authority on the need to construct the Glass Block Dam. He said (via CITE):
<blockquote>
Once again we praise God, there is consensus with the central government that we need to build a glass block dam and the pipeline from Glassblock to Ncema Dam. Thank God for that consensus.
We need to raise 150 million dollars to build the glass block and build a pipeline to rehabilitate the Ncema pump station and expand the Tuli reservoir on the outskirts of our city. Let us pray specifically for that. Those are our water needs.
</blockquote>
Coltart also stated that the city requires US$14 million to tackle short-term water issues.
Additionally, he revealed that Bulawayo’s sewerage systems are operating at only 20 per cent efficiency. He said:
<blockquote>
Many of you I know are battling with raw sewage in your yards. Councillor (Lezina) Mohamed took me to Thorngrove two weeks ago and I was appalled by what I saw.
Young children were close to raw sewage flowing in the streets, close to houses, close to schools, close to clinics.
Unfortunately, that is a consequence of our sewage systems not functioning, they are working at about 20 per cent capacity.
</blockquote>
The mayor said the council is working with private companies and other stakeholders to invest in the rehabilitation of the city’s sewerage system.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Needs US$150 Million To Address Water Crisis - Mayor

Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said that civil servants’ conditions of service now align with those of their private sector counterparts.
This comes after the government recently increased public sector workers’ US dollar salaries and linked the Zimbabwe dollar component to the prevailing interbank rate.
Minister Moyo said this in the National Assembly on Wednesday while responding to questions from backbenchers during the Question and Answer session. He said (<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-salaries-match-private-sector/">via The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
This is a new agreement to ensure that the Zimbabwe dollar component is paid using the interbank rate.  This is a new social protection measure that has been agreed and it is a reasonable way of protecting workers.
I can assure you that I approve all the 48 National Employment Councils’ collective bargaining agreements, (and) when I look at what is happening in the private sector, and what they are paying compared with the public sector, it is almost equal.
</blockquote>
Civil servants’ representatives and Government officials held a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting on Thursday last week.
During the negotiations, the Government offered to raise civil servants’ salaries to US$320, up from US$300, and index the Zimbabwe dollar component to the prevailing official exchange rate.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions president Cecilia Alexander expressed satisfaction with the new salary offer.
However, teacher unions lambasted civil servants’ negotiators for accepting what they deem a “paltry offer” which they said falls short of addressing their financial hardships.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure singled out Alexander (pictured) for criticism. He said:
<blockquote>
What is more surprising is that those people who call themselves negotiators as led by one Cecilia Alexander will try to play Public Relations for the employer, but we know that she is an imposter; she does not have a mandate from anyone to be a negotiator at the table…
Alexander is now a lifetime negotiator for civil servants and always brings back rotten deals and has taken into her armpits a bunch of greedy individuals who want to benefit from lying that they represent us.
</blockquote>
Masaraure said that the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Unions had resolved to reject the paltry increment and was demanding US$1 260 as the minimum salary for a teacher.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe concurred with Masaraure, adding that cases of suicides, drug abuse, sudden deaths, stress and divorces have tremendously increased among teachers as a result.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Salaries Match Private Sector  - July Moyo

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has unequivocally refuted a statement purportedly issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which directed law enforcement agents to immediately release Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and his co-accused.
In a post on X captioning the fake statement, Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) said:
<blockquote>
They will try all sorts of propaganda, what they can never do is to match the house style of OPC!
</blockquote>
The fake statement, titled “Presidential Directive: Release of Ishmael Chokurongerwa and Co-accused”, reads:
<blockquote>
Esteemed citizens, under the authority vested in the Presidency by Section 56 (1) of our esteemed constitution, it is directed that Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and his co-accused be released forthwith.
The Presidency holds the firm belief that the allegations against these individuals, charged with purported violations of the Burial and Cremation Act and the Children’s Act, stemming from the discovery of 251 school-age children engaged in manual labour at their agricultural enterprise, alongside the presence of 16 unregistered graves, lack substantial merit.
It is worth noting that Madzibaba Ishmael has played a significant role within the Mapostori community during the recent electoral campaign.
In this regard, the President wishes to emphasize to the public the importance of refraining from attaching undue criticism to other religious affiliations and warns against the dissemination of false information.
</blockquote>
Chokurongerwa and his seven co-accused appeared before Norton magistrate Ms Christine Nyandoro. The court denied them bail, and they were remanded in custody until April 4 for routine proceedings.
The charges against them stem from alleged violations of the Burial and Cremation Act and the Children’s Act.
The co-accused are members of the Johane Masowe-aligned Gore Jena Penyera Nyika. Their names include Shingirai Ngawafune (42), Takavengwa Gwenzi (55), Zebedia Sigudu (49), Devlodge Katsande (47), Wonder Kabaya (41), and Siribinio Chikurunhe (53). All were represented by lawyer Purity Chikanganise during the court proceedings.
The State alleges that Chokurongerwa and his associates conducted funeral services for Hazel Chikunhire and Winlet Kabaya without obtaining proper burial orders for the deceased. This violation raises serious legal concerns, as proper documentation is essential for respectful and lawful burials.
Furthermore, the sect leaders, who acted as guardians for the children residing at the church’s compound in Nyabira, are accused of neglecting, abandoning, and exposing the children to conditions likely to cause unnecessary suffering. The welfare of these vulnerable children is at the heart of the charges brought against the accused.
In a related incident, police raided the farm where the sect operated and rescued 251 children. Shockingly, 246 of these children were found to have no birth certificates, highlighting potential issues related to their legal identity and rights.
Additionally, during the investigation, authorities discovered 16 graves near Madzibaba Ishmael’s shrine. These graves were determined to belong to nine adults and seven children. The circumstances surrounding these burials remain a subject of scrutiny.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Denies Purported Mnangagwa Order To Release Madzibaba Ishmael

Couples who received marriage certificates after the repeal of the Marriage Act 5:11 should visit the Civil Registry Department to correct any “defective” legal citations and ensure alignment with the new laws for validity.
This concern arises from marriage officers and legal practitioners who believe that marriage certificates issued after the repeal of the Marriage Act 5:11 may be invalid because they reference the old law rather than the new Act (Chapter 5:17).
On May 27, 2022, President Emmerson Mnangagwa passed into law a new marriage law, the Marriages Act (Chapter 5:17) which brought radical changes to the marriage laws in Zimbabwe, with the Marriage Act (Chapter 5:11) and Customary Marriages Act (Chapter 5:07) being repealed.
The coming into effect of the new Marriage Act was announced in a statutory instrument of a Government Gazette published in September 2022.
In a statement, the Law Society of Zimbabwe executive secretary Edward Mapara urged couples to check their marriage certificates after a worrying discrepancy was identified whereby certificates have been issued referenced to an invalid Act.
While the law itself has been updated, the physical marriage certificates have not, meaning that couples are unknowingly holding onto documents that incorrectly cite “Chapter 5:11” of the Act. Said Mapara:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that marriage certificates currently being issued by the Registrar-General’s Office contain an error. The certificates incorrectly cite Chapter 5:11 of the Marriage Act [Chapter 5:17].
We advise that lawyers and individuals rectify this error by taking the incorrect certificates to (one) Mr Mpala at the Registrar-General’s Office for amendment.
Furthermore, members instructed in divorce proceedings should ensure the marriage certificates are corrected, as a divorce cannot be founded on a defective certificate.
</blockquote>
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024643/hundreds-of-marriage-certificates-invalid">NewsDay</a>, legal expert Aaron Hamauswa said without correcting the information on the marriage certificate, the marriage is null and void according to the country’s laws. Said Hamauswa:
<blockquote>
The High Court has the power to declare a marriage void where the grounds for doing so exist.
Where there is a declaration of nullity, it is as if the parties never entered into a marriage at all.
The grounds on which a marriage can be declared void are classified into two; non-compliance with the formal requirements and non-compliance with the material requirements like in this case.
</blockquote>
Responding to written questions from <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/registry-recalls-defective-marriage-certificates/">Chronicle</a>, Civil Registry spokesperson Tsungai Muguti said while the department was awaiting a statutory instrument from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, couples concerned should approach their offices for assistance. She said:
<blockquote>
Those who got married after the Act was repealed can still come to the office and have that changed.
As a department, we cannot change the certificates or forms as yet until the gazetting of the S.I. by the Ministry of Justice so that we can print the certificates with the new Act.
Our marriage officers from around the country are aware of this and we urge those affected to proceed to our offices and see Mr Mpala who is the deputy registrar general.
Unfortunately, our provincial officers do not have marriage offices so it makes sense that those affected see Mr Mpala who is based in Harare.
</blockquote>
Commenting on the issue, family lawyer Shepherd Chingarande said those who got married after the new Act was passed in 2022 should check if their certificates have the correct Act and stamp. He said:
<blockquote>
Marriage certificates are written 5:11, a law that was repealed by the new Marriage Act in 2022. Marriage certificates should read Chapter 5:17 but sadly we continue seeing certificates that quote the old act.
Their certificates arise from an act that no longer exists and at law, there is a possibility that all marriages entered into after the repelling of 5:11 might be non-existent.
So, as legal practitioners, we are saying these people are not married as there should be an Act passed to validate those weddings.
For example, if a client with such a certificate wants to divorce, I need to go to court and get the certificate corrected first as that marriage is null and void. There has to be a bridging Act to regularise those marriages.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Marriage Certificates Issued After September 2022 Are Invalid"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s great-grandfather was one of the Ndebele warriors who defeated colonial forces led by Major Allan Wilson at the Battle of Pupu in 1893.
This was said by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga when he was introducing President Mnangagwa to a huge crowd that had gathered for the official commissioning of the memorial site. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m so pleased to introduce our guest of honour the President of Zimbabwe Cde, Dr Mnangagwa. Let me say a few things that relate to our guests of honour.
President Mnangagwa’s great grandfather Muvengo was part of the Ndebele warriors and was part of the amabutho who fought in the Pupu Battle.
</blockquote>
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Mnangagwa explained his family connection with the Battle of Pupu. He said:
<blockquote>
When King Lobengula settled here, he made an arrangement with Chief Chivi, my great-grandfather, that there should not be any war between Chivi’s people and King Mzilikazi.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Then Mzilikazi asked for a young child from Chief Chivi, who was brought here to the house of King Mzilikazi as a little boy. That child was my great-grandfather, Muvengo.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
King Mzilikazi then changed the name of my great-grandfather from Mapanzure to Muvengo. So he grew up here.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After King Mzilikazi died, King Lobengula also adopted my great-grandfather as Muvengo, not as Mnangagwa. He continued to grow up here and lost his Shona language.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After all this happened, he returned home to Chivi, but he was now speaking Ndebele. Although he could understand Shona, he could no longer speak the language.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
So when we spoke to him in the 1940s, we addressed him in Shona, but he would respond in Ndebele because he was taken as a little boy and grew up in the court of the King here.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He also participated in the war as Muvengo, but when he returned home, he changed his name to Kushanduka.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Chiwenga emphasized the importance of preserving culture, citing evidence that traditional systems were effective.
He also highlighted the President’s role as a symbol of strength and resistance, while acknowledging that the Pupu Battlefield Memorial Site commissioning provides an opportunity to convey accurate Zimbabwean history.
The Battle of Pupu, which took place on December 4, 1893, stands as a pivotal event in Zimbabwean history. It marked the clash between colonial forces and the Ndebele Kingdom, led by King Lobengula.
On December 4, 1893, King Lobengula’s Imbizo Regiment, under the command of General Mtshana Khumalo, engaged the colonialist Allan Wilson Patrol at Pupu.
The Ndebele forces rallied, resulting in the wiping out of the 34-strong colonial party. It is believed that there were no survivors.
General Mtshana Khumalo was posthumously conferred the status of a National Hero by President Mnangagwa on November 30, 2020.
This honour was bestowed upon him ahead of the unveiling of the Pupu National Monument in Lupane, Matabeleland North.
The monument commemorates the site where General Khumalo achieved his most famous victory—the Battle of Pupu.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Mnangagwa's Great-grandfather Fought In King Lobengula's Army In The Battle Of Pupu"

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was unable to attend a United Nations conference on women’s rights this week due to “visa complications.”
The 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women commenced on March 11 in New York and will conclude on March 22.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/auxillia-mnangagwa-misses-un-womens-conference-over-visa-complications/">ZimLive</a> reported that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife was scheduled to speak at a side event on March 18.
However, Leya Travis-Mnangagwa, President Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law and married to Emmerson Junior, delivered the speech in her place.
Leya holds a directorship at the Angel of Hope Foundation, led by the first lady.
ZimLive cited diplomatic sources as saying that Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade submitted visa applications late for Zimbabwean delegates, including the first lady and female provincial ministers.
However, Women’s Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, her permanent secretary Mavis Sibanda and Senate President Mabel Chinomona travelled.
Earlier this month, the United States imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on President Mnangagwa and his wife under the Global Magnitsky Programme, citing corruption and human rights abuses.
However, foreign leaders and their spouses subject to US sanctions are typically permitted to travel to the United Nations headquarters in New York, recognized as international territory, albeit with potential restrictions and monitoring.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Auxillia Mnangagwa Misses UN Women’s Conference Due To "Visa Complications"

Cecilia Chitambo, a 35-year-old woman, faced trial at the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court on charges of attempted murder. Chitambo is the second wife of the complainant, Fungai Nyazana. 
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), On January 1, 2024, Cecilia and Fungai had a heated disagreement because she suspected him of having an extramarital affair.
Amid the heated dispute, Cecilia left their marital home and sought refuge at her parent’s house.
Upon her return the next day, another argument erupted, this time over money. Cecilia disappeared briefly and then reappeared with a container filled with petrol.
In a horrifying turn of events, Cecilia doused Fungai with petrol and set him on fire. Desperate to save himself, Fungai rushed to the kitchen and poured a bucket of water over his burning body.
Fungai was rushed to the hospital for treatment, while Cecilia was subsequently arrested.
The court convicted Cecilia and sentenced her to 18 months in prison, with 6 months suspended for five years. She will serve an effective 12-month sentence.
Domestic violence has seen an alarming increase in Zimbabwe. The government has responded by enacting the Zimbabwe Domestic Violence Act (DVA) in 2007 to address this menace.
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Second Wife Jailed 12 Months For Setting Husband On Fire

Consumers in Zimbabwe are feeling the strain of the tightening cost of living. A family of six now requires ZWL$8.1 million, up from ZWL$6.2 million in January this year.
This increase comes at a time when the cost of basic goods has skyrocketed, rendering them unaffordable for many Zimbabweans.
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), spokesperson Phillimon Chereni told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/cost-of-living-squeezes-consumers/">Business Times</a> that the low-income urban earner monthly basket for a family of six has moved up by 30 per cent and is now at ZWL$8.1 million in the local currency. Said Chereni:
<blockquote>
The CCZ’s low-income urban earner monthly basket for a family of six moved up by 30% and is at ZWL$8.1m  in the local currency, up from ZWL$6.2m recorded for January 2024. While in United States dollars there was a 1% decrease to US$544 from US$551. This decrease is attributed to the discounts that some shops are giving consumers discounts if they buy using the United States dollars.
</blockquote>
Trade unionists and economists, speaking to the Business Times, asserted that the surge in prices denominated in Zimbabwe dollars stems from the market’s refusal to accept the local currency.
President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union Florence Taruvinga said salaries are being paid in Zimbabwean dollars whilst goods and services are priced in US dollars. She said:
<blockquote>
Workers continue to be paid in Zimbabwe dollars which they then use to buy the elusive American dollars. In real terms, this has seen real wages depreciating in any economy that has dollarised.
The goods and services which shops are reducing prices are only a decoy as loss and pretence, basic goods and services remain expensive and out of reach for my constituency.
Employers and businesses have realised that the only best foot forward if they want to remain afloat is to charge for services and commodities in United States of America dollars.
However, for my labour constituency, the dollarisation of the economy comes as a double-edged sword.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Unions secretary-general David Dzatsunga said:
<blockquote>
This is a catastrophic escalation of the ever-widening income and cost of living gap and if wages remain where they are, there is going to be total incapacitation with dire consequences for the nation in terms of service delivery.
</blockquote>
Vince Musewe, an economist, said employees earning local currency have become poorer as they are failing to meet life requirements.
Musewe said workers must earn extra income somewhere else, adding that “things will not get better until we dollarise the economy”.
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Rising Cost Of Living Weighs Heavily On Zimbabweans

Harare City Council (HCC) officials are allegedly withholding ZWL$2.6 billion disbursed in 2023 by the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA) for road maintenance. 
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024614/harare-stashing-zwl26b-zinara-funds">NewsDay</a>, HCC’s delayed utilisation of ZINARA funds came to light when Furbank Trading, a local company contracted to supply traffic lights, requested a contract variation due to non-payment for goods supplied on January 12. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
We were awarded the above-quoted purchase order number, the value was ZWL$1 346 926 000 … from January 12 to date we have sought two justifiable variations necessitated by the loss of value of the local currency, the latest variation was totally avoidable as we supplied the traffic signal heads, but you have not processed payment.
</blockquote>
NewsDay reported sources as saying the chief roads engineer, Gerald Mutume, a permanent South African resident of sleeping on the job. Said a source:
<blockquote>
He has been taking his time to sign papers and while he does that money dispatched by ZINARA loses value because of inflationary pressures.
He did the same last year, withholding money meant to buy aggregates and only gave a go-ahead after the value had been eroded and we bought half of what we should have bought had he acted swiftly.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said he had been briefed on the matter when contacted for comment. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We received a couple of billions from ZINARA and because it’s in local currency the expectation is that our officials act quickly by making payment.
I have asked the treasury and they tell me that they can’t pay our suppliers until they get the green light from the user who is the roads engineer and director of works.
</blockquote>
However, Mutume passed the buck to Mafume saying, “How do I get involved in the processing of payments? Go and ask the treasurer and the mayor, they are the ones who are involved at that level, not me.”
ZINARA chief executive, Nkosi Ncube said they have always had problems with local authorities over the utilisation of disbursed funds. Ncube said:
<blockquote>
We did disburse a substantial amount of money to Harare City Council last year and we encourage councils to use the money they are given wisely and responsibly.
We can’t dispatch money so that it sits in the accounts of local authorities.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) has been in free fall since its re-introduction in 2019. Initially, Zimbabweans used a mix of foreign currencies, including the US dollar, euro, and South African rand. 
However, on June 24, 2019, the Zimbabwean government banned the use of foreign currencies in local transactions, leading to increased reliance on the re-introduced ZWL, initially known as the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic IN 2020, the Government of Zimbabwe implemented a policy allowing the use of foreign currency for transactions. This decision aimed to mitigate economic challenges during the crisis.
Since then, the usage of the United States dollar has increased significantly. Currently, over 80 per cent of local transactions are conducted in USD.
Those who receive Zimbabwe dollars are eager to dispose of them promptly to avoid losing value.
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"Harare Council Sitting On ZWL$2.6 Billion ZINARA Funds"

On Wednesday, March 20, President Emmerson Mnangagwa accepted a generous donation of 25,000 tonnes of grain and 23,000 tonnes of fertilizer from Russia to assist Zimbabwe during the El Nino-induced drought.
Mnangagwa emphasized that this donation would play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the El Nino-induced drought that Zimbabwe is currently facing.
Additionally, he acknowledged the long-standing economic challenges exacerbated by targeted sanctions, which the government has consistently attributed to the country’s difficulties. Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation continue to be subjected to the heinous and illegal sanctions imposed by the hegemonic powers of the West.
Throughout the 23 years of sanctions against Zimbabwe, the Russian Federation has been a true, trusted and dependable ally of the people of this country.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa added that it should be no surprise that two countries who are the subject of sanctions talk to each other and try to work together.
Western countries imposed travel and financial sanctions restrictions on Zimbabwe’s leadership and affiliated companies in the early 2000s for alleged election rigging and human rights abuses.
In 2022, Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia and its president Vladimir Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Russia’s ambassador to Harare, Nikolai Krasilnikov, said the donated fertilizers would aid Zimbabwe’s agricultural production. Said Krasilnikov:
<blockquote>
It is a commitment made by Russia to continue to support states and regions in need to do their utmost to prevent a global food crisis through participation in establishing a more equitable system for the distribution of resources.
And let us not forget that food security cannot [be achieved] without fertilizers, as they ensure growth, resilience and productivity of crops.
</blockquote>
However, the fertilisers may have come too late for Zimbabwe’s current growing season, as most crops have been dried out by a lack of rain.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-donates-fertilizer-grain-to-zimbabwe/7535947.html">VOA</a>, Alexander Rusero, an international relations professor at Africa University, said he was not surprised by Russia’s donations to Zimbabwe. Said Rusero:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe does not have an ambivalent foreign policy with regards to Russia. Its position in terms of its interaction with Russia [is] very clear. Zimbabwe is on the side of Russia at whatever cost so it is not surprising.
I wouldn’t know why it looks like a surprise that Zimbabwe has received some gift from Russia. And remember, these are fulfillments of pledges already made some time ago.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe-Russia relations date back to the mid-1960s, during Zimbabwe’s war of independence when the then Soviet Union supported Joshua Nkomo’s Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) by supplying them with arms.
However, Robert Mugabe’s attempts to gain Soviet support for his Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) were rebuffed. Instead, he turned to Soviet rival China for diplomatic ties.
Throughout the 1980s, Zimbabwean relations with the USSR were notably cold as Mugabe resisted establishing formal relations with the Soviets, even as he engaged with other countries like the United Kingdom and the United States.
However, since the 2000s, Mugabe strengthened relations with both Beijing and Russia (the Soviet Union’s successor) due to intense Western pressure.
Zimbabwe was one of the few countries that voted with Russia on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262 regarding the annexation of Crimea.
Both Russia and China vetoed a UN resolution imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2008, which was proposed by the US and the UK.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) sent a mission to Moscow to observe the Russian elections this week in which Putin won another six-year term.
At a press conference in Moscow, commission chair Justice Priscilla Makanyara Chigumba declared the elections to be credible.
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