NewsHawks 29-01-21

Price

US$1

WHAT’S INSIDE Friday 29 January 2021 BUSINESS SPORT

NEWS Back door Zim’s fastest man
indigenisation in ambitious
MP takes govt to unconstitutional Olympic bid
court over assets
declaration by VIPs Story on Page 18 Story on Page 38

Story on Page 4

President’s wide
powers on mining
fuel extractive
resources
corruption

ALSO INSIDE Joc demands lockdown extension Covid-19 exposes Zim leadership vacuum

Page 2 News NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

President’s wide powers on mining
fuel extractive resources corruption

Why Zimbabwe is
not benefitting much
from its richly abun-
dant mineral wealth

OWEN GARARE

THE excessive, wide and discretion- President Emmerson Mnangagwa speaks to Zimplats officials
ary powers of the President of Zimba-
bwe and Minister of Mines over the but they use the claims for speculat- tween the two) with more money be- artisanal small-scale miners, min- curse in Zimbabwe is depicted by
country’s vast mineral resources and ing purposes or for renting out,” the ing able to bribe his or her way out”. ing claims ownership disputes, un- widespread environmental degrada-
their allocation is perpetuating ram- report states. der-declaration of resources, inflating tion, pollution of water systems, loss
pant corruption in the mining sector, Zacc is under pressure to inves- of figures by contractors, licences to of livelihoods, forced evictions and re-
an investigation commissioned by the “Such nepotism and favouritism tigate the rampant corruption in sell minerals, illegal selling of minerals locations, drug shortages at rural hos-
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Com- have resulted in some owning lots the mining sector – which is mainly to foreigners and outside Zimbabwe, pitals and clinics, dilapidated school
mission (Zacc) says. of claims while those with capacity driven by political, bureaucratic and abuse of office by Mines officials and infrastructure, collapsed bridges and
are left out. The fact that minerals licensing system actors – from which politically exposed persons, and ma- poor road networks in areas where
Government says it wants to build are vested in the President (a politi- billions of dollars have been siphoned. nipulation of institutional framework mining is taking place.
a US$12 billion mining sector by cal office), with powers to appoint a that seeks to combat corruption.
2023. minister (responsible for mines), who The report details the nature and “Thus, instead of being a blessing
in turn appoints the Mining Affairs forms of corruption within the min- Government officials, including to the general citizens, Zimbabwe’s
An investigative report, titled The Board makes the sector political. The ing sector. ministers, have repeatedly said Zim- mineral resources are increasingly
Impact of Corruption on Zimbabwe board which is supposed to make crit- babwe is losing US$100 million turning out to be a resource curse.
Mining Sector, done by Albert Ma- ical mining-related decisions means “The level of corruption in Zim- worth of gold every month through This is very unfortunate given that
kochekanwa, a University of Zimba- that the independence of the board babwe’s mining sector is generally corruption and  smuggling. Gold  is the expected ultimate goal for any
bwe economics professor, and sub- will be compromised by the appoint- high when compared to other sectors the country’s biggest foreign currency mining company should be to leave
mitted to Zacc last year, shows the ment of these politically exposed per- in the country,” it says. “Although earner. a net positive benefit to the surround-
sector is rotten to the core. sons.” corruption is found across majority ing communities and the country
of minerals, study respondents indi- In has been widely reported that in which it operates when mining is
It says the extractives sector – buf- The report adds: “Those giving cated that corruption is very high in billions of dollars have been looted completed. Given this background,
feted by corruption, and environ- (mining claims) land use their dis- the following three minerals (listed in and salted away from the diamond the study investigated the impacts
mental and sustainable development cretionary powers to give people who order of corruption severity) (i) gold, sector, especially the Marange alluvi- of corruption in Zimbabwe’s mining
challenges – is far more corrupt than give them bribe money, and this trend (ii) diamond and (iii) chrome (ferro- al mining concessions which caused sector.”
others. perpetuates corruption in the mining chrome). Platinum and black granite global controversy, amid a previous
sector. As has already been discussed, are other minerals that were said to storm over blood gems. The study employed an integrated
The report was officially present- conflicts between landowners e.g., have high level of corruption.” triangulation approach that allowed
ed at a function held last November. farmers and miners with regards to The late former president Robert for collection and analysis of both
Zacc is now under pressure to act on land use has sometimes resulted in Corruption in mining takes differ- Mugabe once claimed US$15 billion qualitative and quantitative data and
the critical study, which says vesting continued corruption as the one (be- ent forms, including bribery involv- had been stolen from Marange, an as- information. That is, in conducting
mineral resources control in the Pres- ing officials to get claims, extortion of sertion he later admitted to journalists the research, the consultant – Ma-
ident and the Mines minister is per- minerals and foreign currency from was not substantiated with facts and kochekanwa — in collaboration with
petuating corruption. figures. Zacc — collected data and informa-
Unki Mine tion from diverse and randomly se-
It says the situation is worsened by Corruption runs deep in mining, lected institutions and participants.
the obsolete Mining Act (1964) that the report further explains. The criterion for selecting the partic-
has too many gaps and weaknesses ipants was based on their knowledge
which allow corruption to thrive to a “Rampant corruption in Zimba- of activities in the country’s mining
point where Zimbabwe is now practi- bwe’s mining sector threatens to erode sector, directly or indirectly.
cally facing a resource curse phenom- the potential the sector has to contrib-
enon instead of prosperity. ute towards economic recovery and Two broad approaches were used:
drive socio-economic development in primary data and information gather-
“Another major weakness of the the country,” it says. ing through field visits and interviews
Act is that it vests minerals endow- — with institutions and participants
ments of Zimbabwe in the President “Widespread corruption that has — where relevant information was
and not the state, giving any incum- permeated the country’s mining sec- collected through the use of a ques-
bent president unlimited powers in tor brings to fore the resource curse tionnaire. Secondary data sources,
decision relating to mining claim al- phenomenon, where in the case of including comprehensive desk re-
location and other related activities. Zimbabwe, it is very difficult to point view, were utilised. On field visits, the
This opens windows for corruption evidence of pro-poor developments research systematically collected in-
in the form of bribery and kickbacks,” that have solemnly been done using formation from key informants who
the report says. proceeds from the country’s mining
activities over the years.
“Closely related to the above, the
Act also gives the Minister of Mines “Rather, evidence of the resource
excessive discretionary powers with
limited accountability to his or her ac-
tions, thus making him or her vulner-
able to corruption. The Act also says
mining supersedes all land use, giving
rise to conflict between miners and
farmers. Given that, in most cases,
miners are rich or politically connect-
ed people, the end result is that poor
peasant farmers will be displaced from
their land even without any meaning-
ful compensation.”

The report further says the other
big problem is political abuse of office
by politically exposed persons.

“The involvement of politically
exposed persons in the mining sector
has perpetuated corruption. These
people use their power to give or facil-
itate mining claims for their siblings,
relatives and friends, and in most
cases those who get such claims will
not be having any capacity to mine,

NewsHawks News Page 3

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

are knowledgeable about the mining Minister of mines Winston Chitando. ing capital and capital expenditure
sector. for some of the SOEs. Unfortunately,
wards corruption as perpetrators con- acres of mineral resources. Some po- have asked mining houses for off-the- some of these subsidies have corruptly
The report says corruption in min- tinue without any fear or any possible litically exposed persons and rich peo- book payments in the form of ‘facili- ended up in individual pockets.
ing has done huge economic and so- deterrence.” ple have used different identities (or tation’ or ‘protection’ fees.
cietal damage in Zimbabwe. names) to get as many mining claims “Third, lack of adherence to corpo-
Then there is the obsolete Mining as possible.” “Facilitation whereby the politi- rate governance is one of the reasons
“The impact of corruption shows Act (1964) problem which has too cian will guarantee a given compa- which have sustained and increased
that the biggest loser from this evil many gaps and weaknesses. Secrecy in the sector is also prob- ny quickening of any process the corruption in SEOs as they deal with
vice is the society at large as corrup- lematic. company may want, and protection mining sector. Fourth, the reporting
tion causes unnecessary resource “This Act unfortunately has many whereby the politician assures the mechanisms that some SOEs use are
outflows and leakages, discourages gaps and it is not commensurate with “Mining deals and contracts in company that even if the latter breaks tailor made to ringfence and protect
honest entrepreneurship, encourages our modern societal and community Zimbabwe are done with uttermost any mining regulation, the company politically exposed persons political-
tenderpreneurers, and retards eco- expectations and aspirations. Further- secrecy to the extent that the citizens, will not be persecuted. Lastly, some ly appointed to run the affairs of the
nomic growth,” it says. more, the Act makes no provisions who are the rightful owners of the politicians, even within the same po- SOEs’ boards.”
for transparency and accountability country’s mineral endowments, are litical party, employ a policy of name
“In the case of Zimbabwe, all the in the sector, thus indirectly implying clueless of the various mining deals dropping when they are either jealous Transfer pricing is yet another
major types of corruption are expe- that those who can be corrupt can done with both local and foreign of their colleague or they want to fix problem.
rienced and these include (i) grand easily escape,” the report says. mining companies,” it says. him or her. They corruptly pay the of-
corruption, (ii) political corruption, ficials who man the mining registra- “Internationally, transfer pricing is
(iii) corporate corruption, (iv) bu- “Another major weakness of the “The Non-Disclosure Agreements tion books and claim that the political most rampant in the mining sector
reaucratic/administrative corruption, Act is that it vests mineral endow- signed by government makes it im- party wants person X to be dropped than any other sector. This is due to,
(v) petty corruption and (vi) systemic ments of Zimbabwe in the President possible to scrutinise the contracts from the list.” among others, the fact that mining
corruption.” and not the state, giving any incum- and compliance terms, thus making companies tend to have branches and
bent president unlimited powers in it difficult to hold both mining com- The report also says state-owned subsidiaries across different countries
The report also deals with factors decision relating to mining claim al- panies and government accountable. enterprises (SOE) in mining are to satisfy their value chain, and Zim-
perpetuating corruption. location and other related activities. The continued process where there corrupt as evidenced by the Audi- babwe is not an exception. In the case
This opens windows for corruption is limited or hiding of information tor-General’s annual reports. The high of the country’s mining sector, trans-
“A number of factors have been in the form of bribery and kickbacks.” has become a breeding ground for and sustained level of corruption in fer pricing has perpetrated corruption
enumerated as possible perpetuators corruption as the citizens will not be parastatals has been due to a number in a number of ways including the
of corruption in the mining sector,” The report also says there is a seri- privy to relevant and valuable infor- of reasons including the following. following two. First, there are car-
it says. ous problem of flawed environmental mation necessary for them to make tels running mining activities in the
and social impact assessment approv- follow-up and ask for accountability. “First, if those who run SOEs country. Transfer pricing is the setting
Some of the factors include mining als. (Executive and Board Members) are of the price for goods and services
licences application. “In the area of “The participation of politicians appointed on political grounds, they sold between controlled (or related)
mining license application, a number “Environmental and social im- in mining sector, although it’s not a will just extend political corruption legal entities within an enterprise. For
of issues have contributed to the pres- pact assessments are part and parcel problem per se as it is their legitimate in SEOs activities. Majority of study example, if a subsidiary company sells
ervation of corruption. First, delays in of requirements for any sustainable right as citizens of Zimbabwe to do participants claimed that there has goods to a parent company, the cost
processing and issuing of licences giv- mining activities in most societies. so, the challenge comes in when they been a lot of tokenism on appoint- of those goods paid by the parent to
en that the unavailability of standard However, in the case of Zimbabwe’s abuse their respective offices to cor- ment of management, weak autono- the subsidiary is the transfer price,” it
turnaround time has resulted in po- mining sector, these assessments have ruptly influence mining activities. my and political meddling in decision says.
tential miners offering bribes to ‘speed sometimes been flawed due to a num- making of the country’s parastatals,”
the wheels’ of the processing wagon,” ber of reasons,” it says. “The involvement of politicians it says. “These cartels are involved in exter-
the report says. and political corruption has been one nalisation of funds as well as shipping
The other complications include of the major channels through which “Second, over the years the gov- of locally generated money to vari-
“Second, the fact that the ultimate risk of insufficient community con- corruption in the mining sector has ernment have been providing state ous tax havens outside the country.
processing is centralised and done in sultation and concealed identity of continued to exist. The influence of (financial) subsidies to improve work- All these activities are facilitated by
the Ministry of Mines and Mining applicants. politicians has been noted in different brown envelopes given to officials
Development Headquarters (in Hara- ways. who are found in various institutions.
re) has contributed to the temptation “Secrecy in names behind some
to offer bribes for one’s application mining activities have been a catalyst “First, trends in the country’s min- “Second, there is currently no
dossier to be processed faster. “Third, for corruption in the sector,” the re- ing sector has shown that whenever training which is provided in the area
the manual processing, as opposed port says. there are discoveries of minerals, poli- of curbing corruption especially to
to computerised, of the mining ap- ticians do all they can to get the claims those who handle and deal with min-
plication has meant that the whole “Low transparency and the fact or they frustrate the owners till they ing sector procedures. This corrup-
application system is susceptible to that no information is shared with vacate, fearing for their lives. tion has been sustained even in cases
manipulation. Fourth, unavailability the public with regards to the bene- where training could have reduced
of a mining cadastre and digital min- ficiaries or owners of various mining “Second, in some instances, award- this immorality.”
ing register gives powers to officials to companies has been a way of evading ing of mining claims and contracts
adjudicate, thus prone to corruption accountability and openness. has been facilitated mainly towards Further, there is no transparency
and manipulation. politically connected people, with on ultimate beneficial ownership in
“For without transparency on other genuine bona fide and capable most cases.
“Lastly, some mining prospectors who the applicants are and whether investors left in the cold.
bribe officials to jump the various they meet the criteria, money can be “Lack of transparency with respect
queues and even have their papers used to twist allocations of rights, and “Third, tendencies by the ruling to ownership of various companies
backdated by various months or years without transparency there is no ac- political party requesting mining involved in the mining sector has
so that they are construed to have countability. entities to fund party projects, pro- meant that even corrupt people are
been on queue for the longest time.” grammes and campaigns has been mine owners. There have been reports
“In Zimbabwe, lack of beneficial enumerated as one of the factors whereby individuals and businesses
The other problems include min- ownership clauses has been a loophole which have preserved corruption in have been used as fronts, but with no
ing approvals. which has been exploited by political- the sector. Fourth, there have been power to prevent inappropriate busi-
ly exposed persons and government instances where sometimes politicians ness practices if the instigator of such
“The system has, over the years, officials to use proxies and third par- practices is the real owner behind the
been accustomed to the fact that ties to gain access to vast hectarage or scenes,” it says.
without bribing, one’s papers may
take forever to be signed or approved,” “Whilst the Companies Act has
it says. provisions around beneficial owner-
ship, there is still lack of transparency
“Mining regulations and statutes and accountability on this issue when
have also contributed their share to- dealing with some mining compa-
wards sustenance of corruption in the nies.”
sector. Double allocation of mining
claims has not only been a breeding Zimplats
group for corruption in the sector for
years, but has acted as a catalyst for
perpetuating this evil.

“Double allocation has been a re-
sult of a number of factors including
the following: Lack of a harmonised,
foolproof and computerised mining
allocation system has been a major
factor in preserving corruption in this
area of mining process chain.

“Lack of protection for corrup-
tion whistleblowers. The fact that
there is no whistleblower protection
when one reports corruption in the
mining sector has been one of the
many reasons why corruption has
remained and continued to exist in
this sector. As long as the corruption
issue involves big politicians or elites,
the whistleblower will be silenced by
threats. Thus, lack of whistleblower
protection is a contributing factor to-

Page 4 News NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

BRIDGET MANANAVIRE MP takes govt to court over assets
declaration by high profile officials
AN opposition legislator is suing gov-
ernment at the High Court over its the speaker of the parliament of Zim- the-Woodand the director of KMC “for it serves this particular purpose Allan Markham
failure to actualise a law that forces babwe and former National Securi- Gary Webster,” it said. and more particularly subsection (1) tion which deals with executive func-
public officials, including President ty minister Emmerson Dambudzo a) of the same”. tions of the President and Cabinet. In
Emmerson Mnangagwa and min- Mnangagwa. Mr Mnangagwa has “In one example, on 13 March this application neither the Cabinet of
isters, to disclose their assets, say- won strong support from senior mil- 2000, Oryx officials in Kinshasa He said he had been exposed to Zimbabwe nor even the government
ing leaders have been implicated in itary and intelligence officers for an loaded an aircraft belonging to Bre- the rot that exists within government of Zimbabwe itself has been cited as
high-level corruption that has bled aggressive policy in the DRC. denkamp with eight crates of Con- institutions through his parliamenta- respondents,” Ziyambi said.
the country to economic ruin and golese francs for Shipment to Harare. ry duties as a member of the Public
poverty. “Other prominent Zimbabwean The panel also has documentation Accounts portfolio committee and as “As our constitution was silent on
members of the network include Brig- substantiating information that an a human rights activist. the specifics of implementation it
In his 239-page application, main adier-General Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Oryx employee regularly transported took some time to realise the effect of
opposition MDC Alliance Harare who is director-general of Cosleg (a parcels of (US$500 000 at a time) “… I seek a declaratory to the ef- the possible delays in the implemen-
North Member of the National As- Congo-Zimbabwe joint stock com- that were withdrawn from the Oryx fect that the respondents have failed tation of the constitution.”
sembly Allan Markham presented, pany). Brigadier Moyo advised both account at Hambros Bank, London, to fulfill their constitutional mandate
among other documents, a United Tremalt and Oryx Natural Resources, to Kinsasha without declaring them and actualise the same,” Markham In his response, Machaya said: “I
Nations 2002 report on the plunder which represented covert Zimbabwe to the Congolese authorities; at Kin- said respectfully aver that, in the light of
of natural resources in the Demo- military financial interests in negotia- sasha, the money was changed into my functions as set out in the said
cratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in tions with state mining companies of Congolese francs and further trans- “In turn, I proceed to seek manda- section 114 of the constitution this
which Mnangagwa and the late For- the DRC.” ported to Harare and the eastern mus (a writ), against the respondents honourable court should see it fit not
eign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo, DRC. Oryx employees said they were to fulfill their constitutional obliga- to order any relief against me in this
among other officials, are implicated The report also mentions former asked to pay Mnangagwa a commis- tion in terms of section 198 of the matter. I am under no obligation to
in looting. Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi, sion on these transactions which con- Constitution of Zimbabwe, which enact the law, which is the subject of
the late General Vitalis Zvinavashe travened Zimbabwe law.” compels them to actualise and for- this application.”
Markham also listed other corrup- and the late Lands minister Perrence mulate a legislative text that provides
tion scandals, dealings and reports Shiri as well as Billy Rautenbach and A number of the players named measures of good governance, chief Ziyambi had however revealed in
linking public officials to plunder, John Bredenkamp as playing critical in the report such Zvinavashe, Moyo among them, requiring public offi- response that Machaya chairs an in-
including in the areas of fuel; foreign roles in the looting. and Bredenkamp have since died. cials to make regular disclosures of ter-ministerial committee that over-
exchange in particular the United their assets.” sees issues pertaining to the imple-
States dollar; command agriculture, “A forum has been established be- Markham said the levels of corrup- mentation of the constitution.
the country’s commodities in par- tween established between Tremalt tion are dire and one of the reasons In their responses filed at the High
ticular gold, chrome, platinum and and ZDF to plan strategy in the why the situation is out of hand is Court on 31 December 2020, Zi- Zimbabwe has unexplained wealth
diamonds; various forms of subsidies DRC and ‘look at the interests of the because there are no adequate legis- yambi and Machaya said they had no regulations under the Money Laun-
given in the economy; procurement, Zimbabweans’. Meeting monthly the lative tools for combating corruption constitutional obligation to actualise dering and Proceeds of Crime Act
the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s qua- forum’s main members are Zvina- or tools that keep those in positions section 198. of 2013. Only one person – Russell
si-fiscal activities and through govern- vashe, Moyo, air commodore Mike of authority in state institutions fully Mwenye, a former Parirenyatwa Hos-
ment entities. Karakadzai, Bredenkamp, the man- accountable, hence the need to actu- “I aver that the responsibility to pital stores manager – has been con-
aging director of KMC, Colin Bly- alise section 198 of the constitution ‘prepare’ and ‘initiate’ national legis- victed for corruption, leading to his
He said the lack of legislative lation lies squarely with ‘cabinet’ in property being seized and jailed under
frameworks to promote good gover- terms of section 110 of the constitu- that law.
nance and curtail corruption would
jeopardise public officials’ account-
ability and transparency.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary
Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi
and Attorney-General Prince Mach-
aya are the first and second respon-
dents in the matter.

Makharm, represented by prom-
inent lawyer Tendai Biti, wants an
order compelling the government to
actualise section 198 of the constitu-
tion, which requires public officials
to make regular disclosures of their
assists.

Almost eight years after the adop-
tion of the constitution in May 2013,
the government is yet to compete the
aligning of laws to the supreme char-
ter.

Section 198 states that: “An act of
Parliament must provide measures to
enforce the provisions of this chapter,
including measures - (a) requiring
public officers to make regular disclo-
sures of their assets; (b) establishing
codes of conduct to be observed by
the public officers; (c) specifying the
standards of good corporate gover-
nance to be observed by government,
controlled entities and other com-
mercial entities owned or wholly con-
trolled by the state; (d) providing for
the disciplining of persons who con-
travene the provisions of this chapter
or of any code of conduct or standard
referred to in paragraph (b)”.

In the UN report Markham at-
tached to his court papers, a panel of
international experts concluded that
Zimbabwean officials looted minerals
in the DRC.

“Although troops of the Zimba-
bwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have been
a major guarantor of the security of
the government of the DRC against
regional rivals, its senior officers have
enriched themselves from the coun-
try’s mineral assets under the pretext
of arrangements set up to repay Zim-
babwe for military services,” the UN
report said.

“The key strategist for the Zim-
babwe branch of the elite network is

NewsHawks News Page 5

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Govt has US$100m for vaccines – Ncube

STEVEN MADZIMURE …already used ZW$20bn on Covid-19 vaccines are cheaper than testing.
If we inoculate more, we are better
GOVERNMENT says it has million for this project. We have “We are in talks with the private Finance minister Mthuli Ncube off,” Ncube said.
budgeted US$100 million for that money, an equivalence of it. sector so that they could come in
Covid-19 vaccines, targeting 10 Yes, we would want some more and bolster our resources.” hospitals and health workers. The minister said he was still un-
million people out of a total pop- funds in the event that we are Zimbabwe has  32 646  con- aware as to when the country will
ulation of 15 million. forced to go up to 12 million peo- Mnangagwa this week held a get the doses as talks on availability
ple. We have pegged the average virtual meeting with private sector firmed infections as at 28 January, and shipment of the vaccines with
This comes amid growing crit- price of a single dose at US$5,” executives over Covid-19. but testing is not widely available manufacturers are still ongoing.
icism that President Emmerson Ncube said. and the number of people affected
Mnangawga’s government has no The pandemic is overrunning by the outbreak is feared to be sig- “We are definitely taking into
coherent strategy, plan of action government and overwhelming nificantly higher. account the value for money as-
and implementation matrix to pect in our talks. We are also look-
combat the intensifying pandem- “We actually discovered that ing at accessibility of the vaccine to
ic which has killed 1 160 people us here. All those are issues under
– including four ministers - so far. consideration,” Ncube said.

Critics say Mnangagwa and Since March last year when
his government’s only plan is the the country recorded the first
lockdown. Covid-19 case, Ncube said the
government has used more than
“There is no leadership. They ZW$20 billion in response to the
have no strategy, no plan and no coronavirus pandemic.
vaccine,” former Finance minister
Tendai Biti said. “Some of the funds have been
used to pay allowances for the
Acting President Constanti- frontline workers, cushioning the
no Chiwenga, who is substantive vulnerable as well as refurbishment
Vice-President and Health min- of health centres. We also used the
ister, said the lockdown has now money to get the drugs and the
been extended to 15 February as PPEs (personal protective equip-
battles with the pandemic escalate. ment),” Ncube said.
After criticism and pressure, gov-
ernment says it is now moving to Zimbabwe has been accused of
acquire vaccines. failing to provide enough PPE for
health and frontline workers, and
In an interview, Finance min- fixing dilapidated hospitals and
ister Mthuli Ncube said he has collapsed infrastructure in the sec-
set aside US$100m to procure 20 tor.
million vaccine doses to inoculate
people against the virus ravaging To mitigate the negative impact
the country. of the Covid-19 pandemic, the
government has said it has availed
“We are targeting about 10 an ZW$18 billion stimulus pack-
million people, the best herd im- age for the productive sectors,
munity which our health people vulnerable social groups and pro-
have suggested we need. We are in vision of public services, especially
the process of mobilising US$100 health, water and sanitation.

RONALD MUCHENJE Corruption is weakening level of transparency and ac-
Zim Covid-19 response countability in relation to the use
ENDEMIC corruption is weak- of public funds.
ening the government’s response Local businessman Delish Nguwaya (left) seen here with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Finance minister Mthuli Ncube
to the Covid-19 pandemic, with “In this regard, it has become
the country failing to make resources are continuously divert- declared a global health crisis by nomic and livelihood impacts on evident that Covid-19 has be-
meaningful progress in the fight ed for private gain even during a the World Health Organisation. the poor and vulnerable groups come more than just a heath and
against corruption, as shown by pandemic,” noted TIZ. However, for countries with en- through dedicated relief packages, economic crisis. It has presented
the Corruption Perceptions Index demic levels of corruption such as there are concerns regarding lack opportunities for corruption to
released this week. TIZ added that the failing Zimbabwe, it is also an economic of transparency and accountabili- thrive and has therefore become
health system is exacerbated by crisis. ty. a corruption crisis which requires
Transparency International the misappropriation and em- anti-corruption and governance
Zimbabwe, in an update, said the bezzlement of public funds. The TIZ said whilst the government Thus, TIZ noted, Zimbabwe’s approaches to safeguard resourc-
government’s poor response to Covid-19 pandemic has been has made efforts to mitigate eco- score is reflective of the country’s es and guarantee socio-economic
corruption was threatening peo- rights enshrined in the constitu-
ple’s health and livelihoods. tion of Zimbabwe,” TIZ said.

Zimbabwe maintained its 2019 The corruption watchdog im-
score of 24 out of 100 with a plored government to strengthen
global ranking of 157 out of 180, anti-corruption agencies and over-
according to the 2020 Corruption sight institutions such as the Zim-
Perceptions Index (CPI) released babwe Anti-Corruption Commis-
by Transparency International. sion and the National Prosecuting
This score is below the continent’s Authority.
average of 32.
The organisation said the agen-
“Countries that do not perform cies needed financial and technical
well on the CPI are grappling to capacitation so that they can dil-
deal with Covid-19 and other dis- igently exercise their duties whist
eases. Corruption in Zimbabwe being afforded operational inde-
continues to have negative and pendence as stated in the consti-
direct impact on the performance tution of Zimbabwe.
of the healthcare systems, espe-
cially public health. Corruption It also encouraged the govern-
has undermined the government’s ment to adopt a whistleblower
ability to respect, protect and ful- protection law and uphold consti-
fill the right to health as public tutional rights, among other rec-
ommendations.

Page 6 News NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Biti tackles govt over Covid-19
funding: We need accountability

OWEN GAGARE lion people, the best head immu- and bolster our resources.” Former finance minister Tendai Biti ing from?,” Biti said.
nity which our health people have President Emmerson Mnangag- ery and stimulus package to pro- Zimbabwe did not benefit from
FORMER Finance minister Ten- suggested we need. We are in the vide liquidity support to several
dai Biti says government has not process of mobilising US$100 mil- wa this week held a virtual meeting sectors, including agriculture, the IMF’s Covid-19 Financial As-
been transparent over its fiscal and lion for this project. with private sector executives over mining, tourism, small and me- sistance and Debt Service Relief.
financial issues on Covid-19-relat- Covid-19. Since March last year dium enterprises, as well as for
ed matters, adding there has been “We have that money, an equiv- when the country recorded the the expansion of social safety nets The IMF is providing financial
a mixture of lack of accountability alence of it. Yes we would want first Covid-19 case, Ncube said the and grants, and the setting up of a assistance and debt service relief
and lies. some more funds in the event that government has used more than health sector support fund. to member countries facing the
we are forced to go up to 12 mil- ZW$20 billion in response to the economic impact of the Covid-19
Biti said in an interview with lion people. We have pegged the coronavirus pandemic. However, business, labour and pandemic.
The NewsHawks today that he has average price of a single dose at communities have been asking
seen a lot of figures being bandied US$5,” Ncube said. To mitigate the negative effects where that money is and who has Overall, the IMF is currently
about, but is wondering where the of the lockdown on the economy, actually received it so far. making about US$250 billion, a
money is going to come from since “We are in talks with the private government announced a ZW$18 quarter of its US$1 trillion lending
it was not budget for. This, he said, sector so that they could come in billion Covid-19 economic recov- “Where is the money they are capacity, available to its members.
is a serious cause for concern. talking about and where is it com-
As part of the Covid-19-relat-
“The starting point is that the so- ed rapid arrangements, borrowing
called stimulus package, Covid-19 countries have committed to un-
expenditures and vaccines monies dertake governance measures to
were not budget for. Even if you promote accountable and transpar-
check government’s budgetary al- ent use of these resources.
locations and actual expenditures,
there is no budget for that. Check With regards to borrowing from
with the parliamentary health port- outside, Biti said government needs
folio committee – led by Dr Ruth to go through parliament.
Labode – and see how much has
been spent on health-related issues “In terms of section 327 (2),
and social safety nets,” Biti said. government has to go through
parliament to borrow money from
“There was no budget for all international financial institutions
this. So most of the things they are and markets,” he said.
talking about are just lies. Where
did the money come from? The Section 327(2) of the consti-
IMF (International Monetary tution states that international
Fund), like I said, did not give them treaties do not bind Zimbabwe
money. So where did the money until they have been approved by
come from? If they borrowed, they parliament. The term “interna-
need to go through parliament in tional treaty” is defined to cover
terms of Section 327 of the con- conventions, treaties or agreements
stitution. These are lies, they want with foreign States or governments
to be seen to be doing something. or with “international organisa-
Where is the evidence of all these tions”, that is organisations whose
monies they are talking about? Be- membership includes independent
sides, there is also no transparency states.
and accountability.”
The effect of section 327(2),
Government says it has budgeted therefore, is that if the President
US$100 million for the Covid-19 concludes a treaty with, say, South
vaccines, targeting 10 million peo- Africa, Botswana or Zambia, the
ple out of the population of 15 treaty will not bind Zimbabwe un-
million population. til parliament has approved it.

In an interview, Finance minis- The same applies to treaties con-
ter Mthuli Ncube said he has set cluded with organisations such as
aside US$100 million to procure the IMF or the World Bank be-
20 million vaccine doses to inocu- cause independent states are mem-
late people against the virus ravag- bers of those organisations.
ing the country.
Parliament’s role in monitoring
“We are targeting about 10 mil- and overseeing expenditure by the
state, enshrined in section 299 of
the constitution, is fundamental to
good governance and accountabil-
ity.

NewsHawks News Page 7

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Joc imposed Covid-19 lockdown extension

BERNARD MPOFU Joint Operations Command has pressured President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend Such vehicles should be arrested or manufacturing, 8am to 5pm for su-
the current month-long Covid-19 lockdown after Zimbabwe recorded a frightening surge made to go back where they will be permarkets and other retail outlets)
THE Joint Operations Command in cases of Covid-19. coming from… to reduce overcrowding and curfew
(Joc) pressured President Emmerson hours to run from 7pm to 5am to
Mnangagwa to extend the current “Screening of deserving travellers allow movement of those in essential
month-long Covid-19 lockdown af- during curfew times should be inten- services to travel from home to work
ter Zimbabwe recorded a frightening sified, allowing passage only to those and back ahead of curfew hours,”
surge in cases of the respiratory ail- providing essential services such as Emcoz wrote to the authorities. Pres-
ment and the recent deaths of four those in the sectors of health includ- ident Mnangagwa, who briefly re-
ministers, although business leaders ing pharmacies, security services, turned from his annual leave to make
wanted the measures relaxed to pro- manufacturing, agriculture, mining, an announcement following a sharp
tect struggling entities, The News- energy [ZESA], fuel industry and rise in cases and deaths of his minis-
Hawks has learnt. other related entities.” ters — Ellen Gwaradzimba, Sibusiso
Moyo and Joel Biggie Matiza — last
Zimbabwe this week recorded its The Employers’ Confedaration week said further announcements
highest daily tally for Covid-19 re- of Zimbabwe (Emcoz), which rep- will soon be made.
lated deaths when 70 succumbed to resents formal business organisa-
the disease. More than 1 000 people tions, last week appealed to the gov- “More substantive announce-
have now died of Covid-19 since the ernment to review working hours to ments will be made in the coming
disease was reported in March last save businesses and to escalate the days. In the meantime, let us contin-
year. Acting President Constantino national Covid-19 response. ue to behave responsibly, and even
Chiwenga has extended the lock- raise our collective vigilance for our
down to 15 February 2021. In order to improve on produc- own safety and that of those dear and
tivity, we humbly request for a re- close to us, Mnangagwa said.
Joc, which comprises the military, view of business operating hours
Central Intelligence Organisation, (opening 7am and closing 4pm for
the police and prison service, meets
weekly from district to national level,
deliberating on key national security
issues.

Informed sources told The News-
Hawks that Joc members expressed
concern over the increase in fatalities
and the weak enforcement of the
lockdown.

Unlike the first lockdown that was
mainly enforced by the army, policy
and in some cases municipal police,
the current restrictions are being
largely enforced by police while the
military is visible only at strategic
points.

“A recent Joc meeting proposed
that the current lockdown be extend-
ed by another month. Other security
organs urged the police to scale up
its enforcement especially after the
curfew.

“It was also noted that some car
sales were now operating illegal li-
quor outlets, and this has to be
stopped,” a source familiar with the
deliberations said.

Following the Joc meeting in
which other security departments
raised the red flag over the current
enforcement protocols in the coun-
try’s major cities and towns, the
Zimbabwe Republic Police this week
ordered police stations to tighten the
screws.

The police, according to a circu-
lar seen by The NewsHawks, noted
that some companies which are not
in the category of essential service
such as Bata Shoe Company, Bhola
Hardware, furniture and clothing
shops, are conducting business on
the strength of letters issued by the
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and
International Trade.

“It has been noted that some in-
dividuals and businesses are now
operating in violation of Statutory
Instrument 10 of 2021 which barred
all non-essential service providers to
operate during the current Level (IV)
of National Lockdown,” wrote the
officer commanding police in Hara-
re province.

“No vehicles should be allowed
to pass a checkpoint if they are not
in the category of essential services.

Page 8 News NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Black people’s involvement in Covid-19

vaccines would allay fears - Mutambara

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara plication of the vaccines across races 50mg, D 2000IU, C 2000mg. Also
Arthur Mutambara, a robotics and and populations. just taking supplementary multi-vi-
mechatronics professor, says it is into believing that they were re- is the context in which the conspir- tamins in general.”
a tragedy that there is no African ceiving free healthcare whereas they acy theories about vaccines arise,” “There should be no vaccines tar-
country or black-owned company were subjects in an unethical exper- Mutambara said. geting certain groups, and not used Mutambara urged people to have
producing a Covid-19 vaccine at a iment in other groups. Hence the fears a healthy balanced diet and drink a
time there is growing vaccine na- “The conspiracy theories around of vaccine abuse can be somewhat lot of water.
tionalism and conspiracy theories “Blacks have also been victims of vaccines are exaggerated and can be mitigated. We have to be vigilant,
regarding the testing and safety of other medical experiments and in debunked. Africans can also check of course.” He said those with co-morbid-
some vaccines. some cases, medical genocide. This and ensure that there is uniform ap- ities (underlying conditions) such
He said because of vaccine na- as BP, diabetes, HIV and Aids and
“The African is an observer - a tionalism; rich nations are compet- obesity should effectively manage
subject and not a participant in ing instead of cooperating. The rich them. Mutambara called on Zimba-
vaccine development,” Mutambara nations are also not working with bweans to embrace natural remedies
said. the poor nations. Mutambara urged such as zumbani, moringa, and a
Zimbabweans to be proactive by en- concoction of ginger, garlic, lemon
“It is really a terrible indictment suring that they try as much as pos- and honey while also taking iver-
of all us people of African descent. sible not to contract Covid-19 while mectin, an anti-parasite drug which
That there is a black doctor working also building their immune system the government approved for the
on the vaccine at Pfizer is irrelevant to beat the virus should they acquire treatment of Covid-19 this week.
and inconsequential. An African it, given that the country does not The approval came after the death
country or black-owned company have a vaccination programme in of three ministers due to Covid-19
producing a vaccine - that’s what we place yet. last week.
need. It would allay these conspira-
cy theories.” He said while waiting for the vac- “We must take this drug as a pre-
cine, people should mask up, sani- ventive measure (one tablet a week,
Mutambara said conspiracy theo- tise, practise social distancing and then one tablet a month). If one is
ries around Covid-19 vaccines arise ensure that they steam. infected, you need a high dosage.
from the fact that part of the history Ivermectin works both as preven-
and experience of vaccines has been “But more importantly, ensure tative drug and also deals with the
negative for people of African de- that if or when you get the virus Covid viral load if one is infected.
scent. He said Africans should inde- you can quickly survive it. This we Ignore the noise from naysayers,”
pendently check Covid-19 vaccines can do by building a strong im- Mutambara said.
for safety and efficacy given previ- mune system as follows: physical
ous negative experiences such as the exercise - this boosts your immune Conspiracy theorists are run-
Tuskegee experiment. system and helps you to have strong ning amok in the United Kingdom,
lungs - the major target of the virus. United States and African countries
The Tuskegee Study of Untreat- Literally to date, no sportsperson like South Africa and Zimbabwe,
ed Syphilis was carried out by the has died of this disease. They have claiming the vaccines are meant for
United States Public Health Service contracted it but have been able to experiments on Africans and could
and Tuskegee University between shrug it off,” Mutambara said. be used to change their DNA,
1932 and 1972 targeting poor Af- among other other harmful effects..
rican-Americans who were misled “Taking vitamins that boost the
immune system in particular: Zinc – STAFF WRITER.

Children in Hopley, an impoverished settlement just outside Harare, Zimbabwe, 28 January 2021 play a game on a makeshift pool table during a nationwide lockdown that has forced the closure of
schools and other social activities in the country. School children from the more affluent parts of the city have continued with their curriculum using online platforms, but in underprivileged areas
like Hopley, learners have turned to the playground because parents and guardians cannot afford to fund distance learning. /Pic: Aaron Ufumeli.

NewsHawks News Page 9

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Mine-related deaths on the rise

THE incessant rains in most parts tising safety training for small-scale that there is a lot of chaos and Rangani Chauke spearhead training workshops on
of the country have resulted in an and artisanal miners. indiscipline among the miners. RC: Let me start by highlighting health and safety issues targeting
increase in the number of mine-re- Most of the artisanal miners are that most mining activities occur small-scale miners. The sector is
lated deaths, particularly in the SC: Although you call for gov- not formally registered. What is in the Midlands province. So, we key as it contributes 60% of formal
Midlands province. Artisanal min- ernment intervention, there have your comment? are saying government as the ma- gold deliveries and is key in the eco-
ers are the worst affected. The New- been worries among stakeholders jor stakeholder should chip in and nomic turnaround of the country
sHawks correspondent, Stephen hence should be prioritised as far as
Chadenga (SC), this week caught capacitation in terms of health and
up with Confederation of Zimba- safety are concerned. What we en-
bwe Miners (CZM) president Ran- visage as CZM is for government,
gani Chauke (RC), who said there through the ministry of Mines, to
is a need for the government to ex- work on modalities to ensure that
pedite safety training of small-scale at every level from district up to
miners, especially in the gold sector, ward there are mine inspectors who
to reduce deaths. Here are excerpts enforce safety mining operations in
of the interview: the small-scale mining sector.

SC: As CZM, what is your po- SC: Artisanal and small-scale
sition regarding the safety of ar- miners have been accused of con-
tisanal miners now that we con- tributing to high environmental
tinue to witness an increase in the costs as well as a poor health and
number of accidents and deaths, safety record. This sector has been
particularly in the Midlands prov- known to be chaotic and disor-
ince. ganised. How can this be reversed?

RC: As CZM, we are quite wor- RC: As long as we continue to
ried about the increase in the num- treat these miners as “the other”
ber of mine-related deaths, particu- nothing good would come out of
larly among artisanal miners across them. What government needs to
the country. Midlands province is a do is to speed up the formalisation
big worry to us, most probably be- of artisanal miners. Despite these
cause of the hive of mining activities setbacks, the sector continues to
in the region. Statistics show that be the dominant gold producer in
since February last year the province the country. Gold is the country’s
recorded more than 65 mine-related biggest forex earner accounting for
deaths involving artisanal and small- 40% export earnings hence the
scale miners. As a miners’ body, we need to capacitate this sector not
are saying the government as a key only with working capital but in
stakeholder has been slow in priori- terms of safety and health.

MORRIS BISHI Gold rush in Masvingo North
“We are worried about the news
THOUSANDS of illegal gold pan- into the area in search of the pre- Our officers have mounted a road- The coming in of of thousands of people moving to
ners have invaded Wondedzo Hill, cious mineral. Their movement was block at Nerupiri turn-off along people is is said Masvingo North with the aim of
27 kilometres from Masvingo, after in contravention of the (Covid-19) the Masvingo-Mutare highway to to be putting the engaging in illegal panning activi-
the discovery of the precious metal. lockdown rules and we deployed restrict movement of people into locals at risk of ties. That is illegal and we call upon
quite a number of police officers to the area.” contracting the law enforcement agents to quickly
Some of the panners have trav- maintain order in the area,” Dhewa coronavirus while act to stop that movement. The
elled from as far as Kwekwe, said. Masvingo provincial Covid-19 exposing them to movement of people into Masvin-
Shurugwi and Gwanda, raising the taskforce spokesperson Rodgers criminal activities go, most of whom are disregarding
risk of Covid-19 infection in the “We arrested quite a number of Irimayi said police should act de- the lockdown regulations, is worry-
resettlement area which is yet to people and some of them appeared cisively to thwart the gathering ing,” said Irimayi.
register any coronavirus case. Won- before the courts where they were of people in large numbers since
dedzo Hill is in Ward 32, Masvingo charged for illegal involvement gatherings of panners can act as a A traditional chief in the area,
North. in gold mining. We will continue Covid-19 super spreader which will Bornface Musara, said all outsid-
maintaining our presence in the leave many people at risk of con- ers who are coming into the area
There are reports that gold is so area until the activity is thwarted. tracting the virus. should be moved out and local
abundant in the area that some in- communities should engage the
dividuals are getting as much as a government so that an arrangement
kilogramme in a day. can be made on how they should
benefit. He also said the coming
Zimbabwe is experiencing a deep in of people is putting the locals at
economic crisis, with crippling hy- risk of contracting the coronavirus
perinflation and high unemploy- while exposing them to criminal ac-
ment, forcing many young people tivities usually associated with gold
to venture into illegal gold mining panners.
in a bid to earn a living.
“The security sector should
With the Covid-19-induced quickly secure the area and clear all
travel restrictions in place, many outsiders because they are putting
people’s incomes have been affect- our people at risk of Covid-19. We
ed, forcing them to join the gold will then engage government on
rush. ways how the local communities
should benefit from the mineral
Masvingo police spokesperson in their area. The area was quiet
Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa con- on violent crimes but this devel-
firmed the gold rush to The New- opment will likely cause the begin-
sHawks and said law enforcement ning of criminal activities like what
officers have been deployed in the we used to hear from Shurugwi or
area to maintain order and stop the Mberengwa,” said Musara.
illegal operations of panners. He
said more than 100 people were Police were deployed in the area
arrested and police will continue on Monday, a week after the gold
to maintain a heavy presence in the rush erupted.
area to ensure that the miners are
thwarted.

“As police, we are aware that af-
ter a gold rush in Masvingo North,
thousands of illegal miners moved

Page 10 News NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

LIZWE SEBATA Bulawayo’s Egodini Mall project
developer mired in controversy
A CO-DEVELOPER of Bulawayo’s
Egodini Mall project, Otis Tshaba- were either bribed or linked to Ter- wayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube has the potential to create thousands ment. Sources claim the contractor
lala, has been implicated in a multi- racota. refused to talk about the Terracota of jobs for unemployed Bulawayo is too broke to even commence con-
million-rand fraud scandal at a real deal. Terracotta was in 2015 awarded youths. struction.
estate investment company in neigh- Commentator Reginald Shoko a tender to develop Basch Street Ter-
bouring South Africa. said: “The council should have done minus, popularly known as Egodini, However, there has not been At some point, Terracotta said it
proper due diligence and also put to a state-of-the-art regional trans- any movement since 2015 until would launch a broad-based retail
The Johannesburg Stock Ex- timelines that are clear and achiev- port hub and mall at a cost of $60 in March 2018 when Egodini was equity scheme to allow Bulawayo
change (JSE) suspended the shares of able. The investment climate in million. fenced off and vendors relocated to residents to acquire a maximum of
the real estate company, Delta Prop- Zimbabwe is not favourable hence new vending sites. 30% shareholding in the Egodini
erty Fund, on 15 December 2020 that must be considered.” According to the Bulawayo City Mall project in a bid to raise capital
at a time when it was reeling from a Council, once complete the project That was the only activity and, for construction.
R46 Million fraud scandal. Contacted for comment, Bula- since then, there has been no move-

The suspension of Delta shares AFFORDABLE
from the JSE followed the compa- LANGUAGE LESSONS
ny’s decision to withdraw its finan-
cial statements for the year ending FROM WE OFFER ONLINE AND ONSITE
February 2020 “because they can no LANGUAGE LESSONS
longer be relied on by shareholders.” $25
French
Reports show that Delta listed on PER MONTH Spanish
the JSE in 2012. The real estate com- Portuguese
pany owns retail, office and industri-
al properties that are leased to South Cendel Language Centre | cendel_language
African departments and entities.
Available No. 7 Rowland Contact: 0718 25 25 25
A forensic audit by Mazars impli- Square Milton Park
cated Tshabalala and other former ONLINE Email [email protected]
Delta Property Fund (DPF) execu-
tives Sandile Nomvethe and Shaneel
Maharaj, then chief executive officer
and chief financial officer respective-
ly in the fraud scandal.

Tshabalala is a former chief oper-
ating officer at the company.

Nomvete and Maharaj resigned
from Delta in August with Tshaba-
lala following suit, electing not to
complete his notice period that was
initially announced at the beginning
of July, according to media reports.

According to the reports, a No-
vember 2020 forensic investigation
by Mazars into the goings-on at Del-
ta commissioned by the board un-
covered fraud and misappropriation
of funds amounting to R46 million.
The forensic audit implicated Tsha-
balala and the former executives.

Irregularities cited include pay-
ment of commission of R43.9m for
the three financial years to February
2020, resulting from invalid, lapsed
or no broker mandates; fraud result-
ing from unethical dealings amount-
ing to R2.1m and non-disclosure of
related/connected party transactions
to the board.

Tshabalala, a co-developer of Ter-
racotta project awarded the Egodini
Mall tender, and other former exec-
utives have denied any wrongdoing
in a statement issued days after the
suspension of the company’s shares
on the JSE, “We categorically deny
the accusations of procurement ir-
regularities and misappropriation
of funds or any other illegality or
irregularity as contained in the Sen’s
reports and pursuant reporting in
the media. We trust that the incor-
rect impression created about the
discovery of R43.9million fraud will
be corrected,” the former executives
said.

Analysts however said the fraud
scandal involving an official of Ter-
racotta Trading Private Limited
(TTPL) raised questions on how the
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) set-
tled for the company.

Reports abound about how the
company was improperly awarded
the tender.

At one time, government officials
such as then Local Government
permanent secretary George Mlilo
and Bulawayo provincial minister
Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo queried
the deal and accused the current Bu-
lawayo councillors of lacking trans-
parency over the Egodini project.

They suggested a re-tender, claim-
ing that some senior council officials

NewsHawks News Page 11

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

MORRIS BISHI 78 Masvingo prisoners Karoi prison
test Covid-19 positive officer, inmates
SEVENTY-EIGHT inmates at test Covid-19
Mutimurefu Prison have tested
positive for Covid-19, raising con- positive
cerns over the safety of thousands
of prisoners living under squalid NHAU MANGIRAZI
conditions across the country`s
overcrowded correctional centres. A Karoi-based Zimbabwe Pris-
ons and Correctional Service
The development comes as the (ZPCS) officer-in-charge and
spike in the number of Covid-19 two junior officers tested positive
cases in Masvingo province is con- for Covid-19 two weeks ago, The
tinuing, with health officials re- NewsHawks has gathered.
porting 43 new cases on Wednes- This follows a random test of
day bringing the total to 2 037 inmates who had been transferred
and 60 deaths since March last to Harare. According to sources,
year. speaking on condition of ano-
nymity, Karoi Prison transferred
Masvingo provincial Covid-19 eight inmates from the farming
taskforce spokesperson Rodgers town’s jail to Harare’s Chikurubi
Irimayi confirmed the develop- Maximum Security Prison two
ment to The NewsHawks and said weeks ago.
testing of inmates at Mutimurefu A source added:‘‘It has become
to ascertain their status is ongo- mandatory that new arrivals from
ing. He said all the positive cas- any jail undergo Covid-19 testing
es were isolated within the prison and this prompted the hosting
complex. jail to test the inmates and four
of them tested positive.’’
“The prisoners are being tested Another source collaborated,
in batches and it was when results saying it was at that stage that of-
for those who were tested last ficers sought to be tested.
Wednesday when 78 were found The plan to test all officers and
to be positive to the novel virus. inmates was hampered by a lack
As a provincial committee, we Mutimurefu Prison of Covid-19 test kits as Karoi
are worried about the results but oners. We still have 78 positive Crime Prevention and Rehabili- contracting coronavirus. They District Hospital had only seven
measures are being put in place to cases at Mutimurefu and some of tation of the Offender (ZACRO) meet with new people on a daily kits, according to sources.
make sure that the positive cases the prisoners are showing signs of chief executive Edson Chiota told basis, that is going to court, the ‘‘Among those who volun-
will not affect other inmates. As recovery. We only lost one prison The NewsHawks that prisoners in coming in of new prisoners as well teered to be tested was the offi-
I speak, they were isolated within officer to the virus in the province the country are more vulnerable as prison officers living outside cer-in- charge and three other of-
the prison complex. and some of the prison officers to Covid-19 than any other group. the camps. Protective equipment ficers as well as inmates. Of those
have recovered from the virus. As He said the prisons are struggling in prisons is not enough, there are tested, the top official and his two
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correc- you know, many people are still to provide sanitiser and face masks some prisons which are better but juniors tested positive and three
tional Service (ZPCS) Masvingo being arrested coming to pris- to prisoners. He appealed to com- in most cases there are shortages. other inmates also tested posi-
provincial head senior assistant on and, due to that, we are now munities and various organisa- We therefore appeal to well-wish- tive,’’ added the source.
commissioner Social Ndanga said screening new inmates coming in tions to help with the vital provi- ers to assist by donating these The top prison officer is now
the ZPCS has since improvised by to make sure that they do not in- sions so that the lives of inmates PPEs to our prisons so that the in self-isolation while the inmates
converting some sections within fect already serving inmates. can be protected. lives of incarcerated people can be are treated separately.
the prison complex to isolation saved,” said Chihota. ZPSC public relations officer
centres where those who test pos- Zimbabwe Association for “Prisoners are at great risk of Peter Chaparanganda requested
itive are being held. He said the questions via email and assured
recovery rate among prisoners is
encouraging as many are showing
signs of improvement.

“We dedicated some of our
blocks to hold the positive pris-

Covid fears at Gweru evacuation centres us that the response would come
through the prison director of
health services last week. The
response never came. Repeated
efforts to get official confirma-
STEPHEN CHADENGA ter this week, Mayor Josiah Makombe tion saw The NewsHawks being
said his council had roped in the city’s referred to public relations man-
A FORTNIGHT ago, 40-year-old health department to make sure that ager Superintendent Meya Kha-
Molleen Zimuto of Ascot Extension Covid-19 regulations were adhered to. nyezi, who said she was attending
suburb woke up to find her five- lessons and reffered us back to
roomed house flooded. However, Makombe said occu- Chaparanganda. Chaparanganda
pants of temporary shelters should later referred us to one Inspector
Flash floods that hit Gweru follow- also ensure good practices at the evac- Solomon Mapfumo, who pro-
ing incessant rains that pounded the uation centres. fessed ignorance over the issue.
city left many families stranded. Some officers this week ex-
“Our health department is on the pressed concern that they are
Gweru City Council in partnership ground at these evacuation centres,” exposed to coronavirus but have
with the city’s Civil Protection Unit Makombe said. been sidelined from receiving
set up temporary shelters where those government allowances. One of
affected by the floods are currently “But we also encourage people at the officers said: “Our lives are
staying. these centres to adhere to Covid-19 at risk over the virus and we have
regulations like maintaining social never been considered to get a
For Zimuto, who is now at Mtapa distancing, masking up and washing single cent yet we are frontline
Hall together with other affected fam- their hands.” workers as the prisons are not
ilies, life has not been easy as she has in with food items or any other help- ues without masks and not observing safe.”
to grapple with providing food for her ers to provide us with protective masks social distancing. Gweru United Progressive Resi- Main opposition MDC Al-
two minor children since she lost food and sanitisers.” dents and Ratepayers Development liance spokesperson Fadzayi
items and property in the floods. “As you can see, the children are at Association Trust executive director Mahere recently tested positive
A snap survey made by this publi- high risk at these centres,” said Oliver David Chikore, whose organisation while she was in prison in Hara-
But the lack of food is not Zimu- cation at the evacuation centres dotted Nzuma, an occupant at a hall in Senga is sourcing donations, said people at re, sparking fears that inmates are
to’s biggest worry. After all, some around the city pointed to a lack of suburb. evacuation centres need assistance. at risk of infection. This
well-wishers have heard of the food adequate sanitiser and masks at the week, Chaparanganda said he
shortages at evacuation centres and temporary shelters. Occupants at the “Maybe besides just providing “We have realised there is need to was not in office and could not
are now assisting. various halls also do not observe social masks and sanitiser, there is need for mobilise for more masks and sanitis- provide official confirmation of
distancing, raising fears of the spread the responsible authorities to make er at the evacuation centres,” Chikore the Karoi Prison Covid-19 mat-
“Although we have been provided of Covid-19. frequent visits to these temporary said. ter.
with some good items by well-wishers, shelters and educate occupants on the
our biggest challenge at the moment is Children at Mtapa Hall in Mtapa pandemic.” Flash floods in most low-lying areas
the Covid-19 pandemic,” she told The and Shumba Hall in Ascot suburbs in Mkoba, Nashville, Athlone, River-
NewsHawks in an interview. could be seen playing outside the ven- In a meeting with the Women’s side and Ascot suburbs saw residents
Coalition of Zimbabwe Gweru chap- losing household property and food.
“We don’t have enough masks and
sanitisers at these temporary shelters. Over the years, residents have
The risk of contracting Covid-19 blamed council for a poor drainage
is very real. So, we kindly appeal to system. Flash floods are common in
well-wishers who have since chipped the city centre and residential suburbs
whenever it rains.

Page 12 News NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Covid-19 victimisation outrages nurses

BRIDGET MANANAVIRE Health workers have been calling on the government to provide enough personal protective clothing (PPE) as they nurse said.
are exposed to the Covid-19 pandemic. “I have resigned not because
SOME nurses at one of the coun-
try’s largest referral hospitals, charging them showed a motive to “I have no doubt whatsoever that issue. What worries me is that I don’t want to serve Zimbabwe,
Sally Mugabe Central Hospital fire them. that am no longer wanted. No there’s no end to the victimisation but I feel as nurses we are being
in Harare, were forced to resign matter how much am willing to that I am receiving at the hands of unfairly treated at the institution
following alleged victimisation by “I do not believe I will get jus- continue serving, I just cannot the chief executive officer who is and there is a lot of unfair labour
the hospital administration after tice in the disciplinary hearing force a relationship. I have no supposed to be presiding over my practice which is being done.”
speaking out against lack of pro- especially because it is the CEO power to force the employers to case,” he said in the letter.
tective clothing and malpractices (Christopher Pasi) who is charging change their negative attitude to- In a suspension letter to anoth-
by the administration, documents me. I am unable to go through wards me.” A nurse who came out com- er nurse seen by The NewsHawks,
show. another emotional process where plaining about the shortage of and signed by the hospital CE on
I should fight to prove my rights Gurupira said he had previous- PPE in the media said she had 12 January, the nurse was charged
Health workers in Zimbabwe to someone who does not respect ly — as a Zina executive commit- only told the truth that the man- with undermining the authority
have been calling on the govern- my profession as a nurse. It is for tee member — clashed with the agement wanted to remain hid- of the hospital management.
ment to provide enough personal this reason only that I am resign- hospital management on several den.
protective clothing (PPE) as they ing as I have to protect my mental issues at the Labour Court and “The suspension is premised on
are exposed to the Covid-19 pan- wellbeing from all the strain I am High Court and won. He said his “We were being exposed to the the fact you, on the 7th of Janu-
demic. taking,” former organising secre- victimisation has been unending. deadly virus the truth might be ary 2021 you are alleged to have
tary of the Zimbabwe Nurses’ As- that the minister is not aware of shouted disrespectful utterances
The Zimbabwe Medical Associ- sociation (Zina) at Harare hospital “I received yet another charge all those things so they want to si- to the principal nursing officer
ation (Zima) this week said over Samson Gurupira said in a resig- based on what I am alleged to have lence everyone who speaks out a and acting clinical director indi-
1 500 healthcare providers had nation letter. said on the internet. I have already lot of things are happening at the cating the acting clinical director
contracted the virus while at least handed my written response on hospital which are corrupt,” the had instructed doctors at the staff
eight had succumbed to the dis- clinic not to treat or give off du-
ease as of last week. ties to nurses who are genuinely
ill,” the letter read.
Nurses at Harare hospital pro-
tested earlier this month after a The nurse said: “When you are
matron at the maternity ward suc- alleged to have insulted the high-
cumbed to Covid-19. Apart from est office of an organisation you
a shortage of PPE, the nurses also don’t stand a chance to win.”
complained about how the hospi-
tal management were not priori- Sally Mugabe Central Hospital
tising the health of the nurses and CE Christopher Pasi said the ac-
not testing them timely. tions taken against the nurses con-
stituted an investigation process.
After the demonstration, nurses
including those who had voiced “People normally just say their
out their concerns to the media side of the story. We were inves-
were suspended and summoned tigating them for issues they had
to hearings, charged with many raised which were false. They
things including lying about the were vocalising and talking about
situation at the hospital. things that were not true,” he said.

Three nurses who spoke to The “Some made some serious al-
NewsHawks said they decided to legations about manipulation of
resign after the hospital seemed testing and it affects the whole
to be in a rush to get rid of them system. The other one came out
without following due process. in a publication naming a matron,
accusing her of all sorts of things
Despite guidelines stating that and she started receiving calls and
there should be warnings and an messages from all over, some ha-
investigation before a hearing, rassing her. This is an internal
the nurses say the actions of the human resources issue. They have
administration of suspending and demonstrated before but lying is
crossing the line.”

Diasporans debunk vaccine conspiracy theories

BRIDGET MANANAVIRE bodies make antibodies, I was comfort- “There are those worried about faint-
able with the reaction that I experienced ing, those who faint also faint for every
ALTHOUGH no Covid-19 vaccines and not alarmed at all,” Rumbidzai, a single vaccine they take. Anaphylactic
have reached Zimbabwe yet and there is nursing student working in a hospital as a shock is common. They get resuscitated
no timeline by which the country is set nursing assistant, xsaid. and soon after they stabilise and the body
to receive the drugs, a lot of conspiracy gets used to the vaccine.”
theories on the market have made many Here is her journey.
people cautious about the prospects of “We were given a month to study fact For the second dose, she said this had
getting a jab when it is availed. sheets and given the option to decline to higher concentration and was tougher
vaccinate. Nobody is forced and if you are than the first.
The conspiracy theories are even being not vaccinated you do not lose your job.
spread by high-ranking government offi- Pregnant staff and those planning (with- “The second dose generally results in
cials including Defence minister Oppah in three months) on conceiving (male or an immune response as your body makes
Muchinguri, who said she will not take female) were discouraged from taking the antibodies, which is the desired effect. I
the vaccine until it is developed in Zim- vaccine. It is suspected to cause birth de- was okay for 18 hours then I felt some
babwe. A church leader with a huge fol- fects and not enough time has been tak- chill, I took some Tylenol and went to
lowing, Emmanuel Makandiwa, said the en to study it in that regard. So, because sleep. I managed to go to school for four
vaccines are meant to “alter the DNA of there is not enough evidence the Centres hours and returned home and felt fatigue
Africans”. for Disease Control (CDC) is not taking and nausea. I drank only lemon water
chances there,” she said. and some vitamin C. I went to sleep and
Vice-President and minister of Health Rumbidzai took the vaccine in two woke up fine. I went to work as normal
Constantino Chiwenga has however doses, the first on 3 January and the other the next day,” Rumbidzai narrated.
promised Zimbabweans that the ministry one on 24 January.
is doing all tests and trials to ensure the “I got my vaccine with other staff “Most of my co-workers report simi-
vaccines will be safe. members and most people did not have lar issues where on day two (more than
a reaction to the first dose. Twelve hours 20 hours later) they had slight symptoms
The NewsHawks can recount the per- later, I’m still ok. No reaction, nothing and those are similar to a mild flu. They
sonal experience of a Zimbabwean health weird. No change at all. I’m eating fine. last one day mostly.
worker in the United States, Rumbidzai, I had a small arm ache, the same as when
to understand the information she re- I get the flu shot. One co-worker who “Would I recommend other people
ceived on the vaccination, her decision has hyper-reaction to everything devel- to take it? Certainly, yes. I would take
to go for the jab and her body’s reaction. oped some rash, but it did not stop her my chance with a vaccine that has 95%
Rumbidzai’s injection was the Pfizer-Bi- from working. She took Benadryl and it chance of saving me than dice with the
oNTech Covid-19 vaccine, recommend- cleared. 9% chance of death by Covid-19. I
ed for people aged 16 years and older. have seen a lot of patients recover from
Covid-19 but I also saw too many
“Understanding the science of how our deaths.”

NewsHawks News Page 13

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

IN recent years, debate has Real war vets are being wanted to liberate the country
raged on the stark contrast sidelined: Mashingaidze so that we run our own affairs.
between genuine veterans of
Zimbabwe’s armed liberation NH: Are you happy with in-
struggle and bogus ex-combat- dependent Zimbabwe?
ants who use political power for
corrupt self-enrichment. GM: We were politically
taught that independence is a
The NewsHawks (NH) inter- process, not an event. We were
viewed Gibson Mashingaid- clear that it started with one
ze (GM), a retired army ma- man one vote before economic
jor-general. He is now aged 69 freedom.
and specialises in sugarcane
farming on his plot in Buffa- Our other grievance which
lo Range in the south-eastern pushed us to war was the land
lowveld. issue which was addressed so,
partially, I can say I am happy
During the 1970s liberation with independent Zimbabwe.
war, he operated as Zanla’s
deputy commander in Manica As veterans of the liberation
province and his nom de guerre struggle, we are not happy at
was Gibson Gumbo. how both the first republic and
the second republic are treat-
He was deputy commander ing us. As far as that issue is
to the late Paradzai Zimondi, concerned, the government is
who was buried at the National not recognising war veterans
Heroes Acre on Wednesday this during their lifetime.
week.
Some of us are dying and
NH: Why did you join the lib- that is when they are declared
eration struggle? heroes but during their lifetime
they will be living like beggars.
GM: The truth is I was baptised we should fight them for us to Zapu and held its first congress People who did If we compare ourselves with
into politics when I was 10 be liberated. in Gweru in 1963 and its leaders not go to war are combatants in USA, South Af-
years old. I was doing my pri- led by Ndabaningi Sithole came the ones who are rica, Angola or Mozambique we
mary education at Morgenster Zanu PF broke away from now getting the are far from being recognised
Mission and the white teachers lion`s share of the by government.
were very hostile to us and that country`s economy
ignited our resolve to think that while war veterans People who did not go to
are struggling to war are the ones who are now
make ends meet. getting the lion`s share of the
country`s economy while war
veterans are struggling to make
ends meet. Let me repeat it by
saying the government that
came into power in 1980 ig-
nored the welfare of war vet-
erans and that is why most of
them are bitter.

NH: What bad things were
done after Independence?

to Great Zimbabwe ruins for GM: Why are we working for
rituals and I was one of the 12 eight hours per day when the
youths who accompanied them country is poor? We should
to the ruins and all the rituals work on shifts even during the
were done in my presence. night so that we develop the
economy of the country.
I completed my primary ed-
ucation at Morgenster Mission We also need to stop corrup-
and went to Mashoko Mission tion but the animal called cor-
for secondary education but the ruption is in every country but
situation was the same as white that should be minimal. You
teachers were now more hostile know our government com-
to black students. missioned Tugwi-Mukosi Dam
without a masterplan and that
I then went to the Posts and does not go down well with me.
Telecommunications Corpo-
ration in Harare for cadetship We are going nowhere, how
and my tutor, a white man, was can a dam of that magnitude
not allowing me to come close become a white elephant if we
to him and one day I mistaken- are serious about our economy?
ly touched him and he released
a screw driver at my face and I NH: Going forward, what
was injured. should be done?

In 1971, I joined the ANC GM: As a nation we need to be
youth with and started cam- united for a common cause. I
paigning against a nationwide think the national service pro-
referendum which wanted to gramme should be re-intro-
remove all voting powers from duced so that our children are
black people and from that oriented to love their country
time I looked for ways on how first. That should be done with-
I should join liberation fighters out any partisanship like what
who were now fighting from other countries are doing. We
outside countries. need a complete paradigm shift
if we want to get to the next
Hostile conditions from the economic level.
whites forced many of us to
join the liberation struggle. We

Page 14 News NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Military is key to any
political transition

BERNARD MPOFU “To resolve Zimbabwe’s transition solve structural weaknesses.
challenges, the paper proposes two The question of whether Zimba-
ZIMBABWE’S military should play solutions: Civil society to initiate
a role in the mediation process that and implement a process of citizens’ bwe is in crisis or not has been at the
seeks to break the country’s never-end- dialogue series on how to resolve centre of resolving the multi-faceted
ing socio-political impasse, a study by the identified three spheres and sub- Zimbabwe question.
the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition has spheres of conflict, but using the 2013
proposed. Constitution as the point of depar- The ruling party blames sanctions
ture. There is the need to initiate a po- imposed by the United States for the
The southern African nation is bat- litical process that engages the emerg- slow economic growth while the op-
tling rising inflation, political intoler- ing military business-politico elite to position says the country can only
ance and high cases of human rights come up with a political settlement progress once issues relating to the le-
violations targeting activists opposing with the objective of demilitarising gitimacy of past elections are resolved.
President Emmerson Mnangawa’s public affairs.
government. According to a paper Attempts by the ruling party to
titled Crisis, Dialogue and Transition “SADC provides the most viable push for national talks via the Political
in Zimbabwe: Quo Vadis Zim? pub- option to address this militarisation Actors’ Dialogue platform are con-
lished on Thursday this week, Zimba- of Zimbabwe’s body politic. Whilst sidered futile by the main opposition
bwe’s military, which played a crucial there are suggestions on the possibility MDC Alliance, the party that came
role in the ouster of long-time ruler of engaging the United Nations to re- second to ZANU-PF in the disputed
Robert Mugabe in 2017, has a role in solve the transition challenges in Zim- 31 July 2018 general elections.
forging an internal settlement. babwe, this is most like likely to falter
due to the politics of the UN Security “The positions from Zimbabwe’s
The paper argues that at the heart Council.” major political parties indicate the
of the Zimbabwean crisis lies an two diametrically opposed views on
emerging nationalistic military busi- Before Mugabe’s fall from grace, the causes of the crisis, creating a com-
ness and political class that has been the army played a role in ensuring his plex situation in reconciling these two
attempting to grow its tentacles in all iron-clad grip on power, despite sev- sides that have been warring for the
sectors of society. eral calls for security sector reform by past two decades,” the paper further
the opposition. reads.
“Most of the dialogue processes
that have happened in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe has had two post-inde- “Therefore, it can be argued that to
have missed ‘the military factor’ in pendence internal settlements — the resolve the Zimbabwe crisis, one has
resolving the political and economic Unity Accord of 1987 and the Gov- to contend with its multiple causal
impasse, leading to repeating bouts of ernment of National Unity of 2008 factors that have informed and shaped
botched transitions,” the paper says. — which critics say have failed to re- the various processes of the history of
transitional politics within the coun-
try.”

NewsHawks News Page 15

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Burial of the three heroes in pictures

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FOR THE LATE MAJOR GENERAL RETIRED /Pictures by Aaron Ufumeli
PARADZAI WILLINGS ZIMONDI

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Advocate J. F. N. Mudenda, the President of the Senate, Hon. M. M. Chinomona, the
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. T. Gezi, the Deputy President of the Senate, Hon. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) M. R. Nyambuya,
Members of Parliament, the Acting Clerk of Parliament, Ms. H. B. Dingani and Staff of Parliament, join His Excellency, the President,
Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, the Zimondi family and the entire nation in mourning the untimely passing on of the late Retired Major Gen-
eral Paradzai W. Zimondi on the 22nd January 2021.
A humble, decorated and a well-disciplined soldier, the late Retired Major General Zimondi, also known by his Chimurenga name
“ Tonderayi Nyika” leaves a legacy of servant leadership driven by diligence and hard work during the liberation struggle to post
independence till his untimely death. It is indeed an incontrovertible fact that the history of Zimbabwe would be totally incomplete
and inaccurate without the mention of the military exploits of the late National Hero, Retired Major General Zimondi especially
when one recalls the GRAND REEF battles in Mavhonde. The retired Major General extolled unshakeable patriotism, profound
courage, transformative leadership and undying legacy of selfless service to Zimbabwe and its people while he was at the helm of the
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.
As transformative leader and administrator Cde Zimondi empowered inmates by encouraging them to undertake academic stud-
ies and entrepreneurial training, which tools assisted in their integration back into the society. He will also be remembered for the
introduction of the Open Prisons system, especially for the women inmates. This is one of his lasting legacies for which Zimbabwe
must be proud of.
The passing on of the retired major General robs the country of the remaining crop of brave cadres who transformed the army of the
liberation struggle into a force to be reckoned with.. He was indeed a true revolutionary and a comrade who sacrificed his youth to
fight for the country’s freedom and independence.

MAY HIS DEAR DEPARTED SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.

GO WELL SON OF THE SOIL!!
ZORORAI MURUGARE GAMBA REMAGAMBA!!
LALA NGOKUTHULA QHAWE LAMAQHAWE!!

Making Our Parliamentary Democracy Work

A SAZ ISO 9001; 2015 Certified Organisation

Page 16 Editorial & Opinion NewsHawks

CARTOON Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

The sick man of
southern Africa

ZIMBABWE has once again emerged as the most cor- Zimbabwe’s twin evils:
rupt country in southern Africa, according to Trans- Covid-19 and corruption
parency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions TRANSPARENCY International, the Corruption and emergencies feed off es;
Index released this week. global corruption watchdog, this week each other, creating a vicious cycle of · Countries that perform poorly
released its 2020 Corruption Perception mismanagement and deeper crisis. The
The rankings show that Seychelles is the least cor- Index (CPI), showing Zimbabwe is now large sums of money required to deal in controlling corruption tend to breach
rupt nation on the continent, followed by Botswana, ranked 157 out of 179 countries. with emergencies like Covid-19, the human rights and democratic norms in
Cape Verde, Rwanda, Mauritius and Namibia. need for urgency in disbursing aid or their management of the Covid-19 pan-
The 2020 report says persistent cor- economic stimulus packages as well as demic.
On the opposite end of the scale, the most corrupt ruption is undermining healthcare sys- the risk of undue influence over policy
country in Africa is South Sudan, followed by So- tems and contributing to democratic responses form a perfect storm for cor- The report suggests that in an increas-
malia, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea, Libya and the backsliding in different countries amid ruption. They create a breeding ground ingly uncertain world, where emergen-
Democratic Republic of Congo. the Covid-19 pandemic. for it to mushroom, while weakening cies abound, fighting corruption is key
mechanisms in place to prevent it. to ensuring better preparedness for crises
In southern Africa, Zimbabwe takes the cup in the Countries that perform well on the responses. There are many strategies that
corruption stakes, followed by Mozambique, Angola, index and invest more in healthcare are This, in turn, undermines fair, effi- governments can rely on to prevent cor-
Malawi, Zambia and Eswatini. better able to provide universal health cient and equitable responses to crises. ruption in the face of a crisis, but keep-
coverage and are less likely to violate The handling of the Covid-19 pandemic ing corruption under control is much
On the global stage, the least corrupt country is democratic norms and institutions or around the world perfectly illustrates the more difficult where robust anti-cor-
Denmark, followed by New Zealand, Finland, Singa- the rule of law. need for integrity in the management of ruption mechanisms are not already in
pore, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway. crises. Covid-19 corruption is as rife place. In such cases, corruption is likely
“Covid-19 is not just a health and in Zimbabwe as elsewhere around the to cripple the effectiveness of emergency
There is a lot we can glean from these rankings. economic crisis. It is a corruption cri- responses.
First, it is clear that corruption is a major factor sis. And one that we are currently fail- Hawk Eye
contributing to the crisis that democracy finds itself ing to manage,” Delia Ferreira Rubio, Zimbabwe has laws, institutions and
in worldwide. Although we are alive to the realisation Transparency International chair, said. Dumisani structures to combat corruption, but
that no country under the sun is completely free of “The past year has tested governments Muleya there is lack of political will. There is
corruption, it is important to acknowledge the irre- like no other in memory, and those also selective application of the law and
futable link between the level of democracy in a coun- with higher levels of corruption have world. trampling on the rule of law.
try and the ruinous impact of corruption. been less able to meet the challenge. The CPI looks at how corruption un-
Evidence of this abounds in Africa, where the bulk But even those at the top of the CPI Where corruption is systematic like
of the world’s most corrupt nations are found. South must urgently address their role in dermines states’ capacity to respond to in Zimbabwe, public and donor funds
Sudan, Somalia, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea are perpetuating corruption at home and emergencies such as the dual health and are often diverted from essential public
chaotic dictatorships wrecked by conflict, impunity, abroad.” economic crises brought about by the services such as healthcare or education.
collapse of the rule of law and severe governance defi- Covi-19 pandemic. Covid-19 has reminded us of the con-
cits. Zimbabwe is not just currently reel- sequences of corruption on public ser-
Zimbabwe’s catastrophic economic failings--char- ing from Covid-19 — with over 1000 The analysis highlights that: vice delivery and the harmful impact on
acterised by rising levels of extreme poverty, weak fatalities, it is also battling corruption · Corruption diverts funds from people’s lives.
institutions, chronic high inflation, runaway unem- on a new front. Politically connected essential services such as healthcare,
ployment, plummeting quality of life, mass exodus people, government officials and their leaving countries such as Zimbabwe vul- A recent study from Transparency In-
of economic refugees and general decay in infrastruc- cronies are trying hard to capitalise on nerable and under-prepared to deal with ternational’s Health Initiative brought
ture--are sticking out like a sore thumb in southern the pandemic to make money. public health crises; together worldwide evidence of cor-
Africa. · A lack of transparency in the ruption at the point of service delivery
It should not surprise anyone that the region’s As they say, in every crisis there is al- allocation of resources — a practice during the pandemic, highlighting how
most autocratic country--the only state directly run ways an opportunity for some. positively associated with corruption — it led to lower accessibility and quality
and controlled by an entitled military--is also the weakens the efficiency of crisis respons- of healthcare services. This has been par-
worst-managed economy in the neighbourhood. The US$60 million Draxgate scandal ticularly harmful to poor countries and
Zimbabweans are paying a high price. The flow of involving President Emmerson Mnan- vulnerable societies like Zimbabwe.
foreign direct investment to this country is the lowest gagwa’s family and the US$5.6 million
in the region. deal in which deputy Health minister On both fronts — corruption and
The social cost is staggering. Typically, the most cor- John Mangwiro is implicated quickly Covid-19 — Mnangagwa’s government
rupt nations fare dismally in delivering crucial health come to mind. There are many other has failed, hence Zimbabwe’s twin evils
and education services. dodgy deals on Covid-19 procurements are currently holding sway amid rising
This is the logical outcome of leadership failure and and supplies. infections and deaths.
bad governance.
In recent years, the Zimbabwean government has
sought to portray itself as a serious fighter of corrup-
tion. But real action on the ground is not convincing.
An objective measure of this is how, in a country en-
dowed with vast natural resources, children continue
sleeping on empty stomachs. Where is the mineral
wealth going?
Zimbabwe’s multi-faceted crisis will only be solved
by cleaning up the country’s dysfunctional and ille-
gitimate politics. There are no shortcuts to prosperity.

Reaffirming the fundamental importance The NewsHawks is published on different EDITORIAL STAFF: Marketing Officer: Voluntary Media
of freedom of expression and media free- content platforms by the NewsHawks Digital Managing Editor: Dumisani Muleya Charmaine Phiri Council of Zimbabwe
dom as the cornerstone of democracy and Media which is owned by Centre for Public Assistant Editor: Brezh Malaba Cell: +263 735666122
as a means of upholding human rights Interest Journalism News Editor: Owen Gagare [email protected] The NewsHawks newspaper subscribes to the Code
and liberties in the constitution; our mis- No. 100 Nelson Mandela Avenue Digital Editor: Bernard Mpofu [email protected] of Conduct that promotes truthful, accurate, fair and
sion is to hold power in its various forms Beverly Court, 6th floor Reporters:
and manifestations to account by expos- Harare, Zimbabwe Bridget Mananavire, Nyasha Chingono, Enoch Muchinjo Subscriptions & Distribution: balanced news reporting. If we do not meet these
ing abuse of power and office, betrayals +263 735666122 standards, register your complaint with the Voluntary
of public trust and corruption to ensure Trustees/Directors: Email: [email protected] Media Council of Zimbabwe at No.: 34, Colenbrander
good governance and accountability in Beatrice Mtetwa, Raphael Khumalo, Rd, Milton Park, Harare. Telephone: 024-2778096 or
the public interest. Professor Wallace Chuma, Teldah Mawarire,
Doug Coltart 024-2778006,
24Hr Complaints Line: 0772 125 659
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
WhatsApp: 0772 125 658, Twitter: @vmcz
Website: www.vmcz.co.zw, Facebook: vmcz Zimbabwe

NewsHawks New Perspective Page 17

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Brett Productivity insights from and capital are combined in a better
Chulu Zim’s world-class producers way to raise maize yields by factors
as high as 24-32 times. If one looks
WE have a few maize farmers who Two of the top three elite maize producers in terms of productivity are indigenous black Zimbabweans. at the non-mechanised nature of en-
have produced non-genetically try-level Pfumvudza and concludes 
modified organism (non-GMO) as full-time professional business technology. dle-income economy by 2030 im- that it is a backward method, it is to
maize at a rate of 16-22 tonnes per enterprises, the result is heavy un- In economics, technology means plies that we expect average incomes miss the nuances of the concept of
hectare. der-utilisation  and abuse of re- to tick up in sympathy with rising technology. Productivity gains can
sources. how land , labour and capital (ma- productivity. One low-hanging con- also come by way of value-adding 
This is world-class productivity, chines, infrastructure, knowledge) tributor to raising national produc- to raw products; that, too, requires
right here in Zimbabwe.  Production where the producer is are organised or combined without tivity is ramping up productivity in technology.
shielded from normal business risks necessarily increasing capital levels agriculture through technology. The World-class standards
This stands out as an oasis of will not create an incentive to in- to raise output with the same lev- same argument applies to other sec- What is common among the elite
maize agricultural productivity in a crease productivity in order to make el of resources. Real per capita (per tors of the economy. Let us illustrate maize farmers in Zimbabwe is their
sea of mediocrity that manifests it- a profit, simply because the produc- person) Gross Domestic Product further with our top maize produc- commitment to bring world-class
self as the national Zimbabwe maize er is not dependent for his or her (GDP) reflects a nation’s productiv- ers. standards to bear upon their pro-
yield output of 0.5 tonnes per hect- survival on the productive venture- ity levels. duction and organisation. These
are in the 2018-2019 season and -to them it is a hobby. Government They use top-notch mechanised farmers are not satisfied by  being
0.6 tonnes per hectare in the 2019- needs to penalise hobby enterpris- The United States’ per capi- equipment and irrigation technolo- the best in Zimbabwe--they aim to
2020 cropping season. ing by removing the shield against ta GDP is US$58 per eight-hour gies. They are willing to pour money reach the world-class levels. This
normal business risks it (govern- working day. This daily minimum into acquiring and upgrading tech- changes their outlook and mindset;
The elite maize producers in ment) compensates for through var- wage rate is higher than the month- nologies to reach top maize yields. they constantly benchmark with the
Zimbabwe are 32-44 times more ious schemes. ly gross wages of some civil servants One of the elite farmers draws water emerging standards of excellence
productive than the average maize in Zimbabwe. from a source seven kilometres away in every sphere of their operations.
farmer in Zimbabwe. The top maize If producers know that the gov- using powerful pumps to supply This is the way every producer in
producers in Zimbabwe compare ernment will not molly-coddle This roughly reflects the 29-fold water to centre pivots that irrigate Zimbabwe in every economic sector
favourably with top maize produc- them, they will step up or exit the gap in the productivity rates be- over 1 000 hectares. ought to be thinking. Mindset dic-
ers in neighbouring South Africa. productive space to make way for tween the countries. Here is another tates behaviour.
more efficient producers.  The gov- way of looking at it: in Zimbabwe, They spend a fortune to have
Two of the top three elite maize ernment should instead repurpose each person, on average, produces their equipment programmed in This can be done in steps by first
producers in terms of productivity the funds towards research and de- goods and services valued and ex- South Africa to allow the machines aiming to beat national standards
are indigenous black Zimbabweans. velopment grants to promote cre- changed at  US$5 per day and in to act with precision to avoid dam- and norms of productivity and then
This fact tells us that there are gen- ation of new knowledge and pro- the US a person produces goods aging their crops. The idea applies producing to benchmark with the
eral and thus replicable agricultural duction techniques, creating and and services valued and exchanged to other economic sectors of Zim- best in  the region and then globally.
productivity fundamentals that are maintaining a competitive edge.  at US$172 a day. babwe--it is a productivity impera- Mediocrity should not be allowed
independent of polity and racial Technology investment tive that needs to be driven by better to set in  our national psyche. This
background. Elite maize producers in Zimbabwe In theory, it becomes impossible technology, purchased or propri- country is blessed with abundant
make use of technology to ramp then to have wages in Zimbabwe in etary.  and diversified natural resources yet
It is critical that we distil these up productivity. It is a basic con- general that are above US$5 a day. we rank 162 out of 186 countries
fundamentals as conceptualised cept of economics that a nation’s  The whole point of bringing this Technology does not have to  be in terms of per capita GDP. This is
from the top Zimbabwe maize living standards and incomes are  comparison is to drive home a fun- extremely advanced. The concept despite the fact that we often parade
farmers. These lessons will be appli- raised through productivity and the damental point: we cannot expect is that technology is a new way of ourselves as having one of the most
cable to our national productivity most effective way to boost produc- to sustainably have higher incomes combining resources to achieve educated labour forces in Africa and
aims as a country over and beyond tivity is through the application of as a country if we do not ramp up more output with the same resourc- having abundant natural resourc-
agriculture. our productivity.  es. Pfumvudza techniques qualify es. We have countries with limited
as technology because land, labour natural resources that out-produce
Three core concepts surface from The government’s Vision 2030 Zimbabwe by many multiples. Let
the elite maize farmers in Zimba- target of attaining an upper mid- us take the Netherlands as an ex-
bwe.  ample. It is a country with a seri-
Passion with knowledge ous constraint of land and has a less
None of the top maize producers in favourable climate than Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe are part-time farmers; for farming.
they are full-time farmers who put
farming as their first economic pur- The irony is that the Netherlands
suit. Some of them left promising produces agricultural goods and ser-
careers together with their spouses vices that are five times the size of
to concentrate on farming as a full- the Zimbabwean economy. What
time economic pursuit. This is the makes the difference? The Neth-
first and most critical factor that our erlands resolved to pursue an agri-
agricultural strategy should consid- cultural productivity agenda based
er very seriously. on a dedicated focus on technology
to overcome their natural resources
It is a waste of resources to sup- constraints. 
port people who have no passion
for agriculture. Money cannot com- In Zimbabwe, with abundant
pensate for the inner drive to pursue natural resources, our elite maize
farming. Criteria that leave out the farmers have shown us that the issue
trait of passion in terms of selecting is neither the abundance nor short-
participants in commercial agricul- age of natural resources. It is a mat-
ture will create land occupiers, not ter of a firm commitment to pursue
farmers. a productivity agenda based on ex-
isting top off-the-shelf technologies,
This applies beyond maize farm- without having to develop our own
ing to other economic sectors. proprietary technologies.   This is
what will really transform this econ-
Enterprises will raise productivity omy; all constraints to productivity
if they are driven by leaders with a gains, whether they be bad political
passion for the mission the enter- choices or wrong mindsets, need to
prise exists to pursue. Passion drives be addressed.
producers to pursue goals that are
beyond monetary gains, pushing Brett is a management consul-
them to pursue excellence.  tant and a classic grounded theo-
ry researcher who has published
This passion-with-knowledge research in an academic peer re-
issue is an area where populist in- viewed international journal. He
dustrial-scale programmes fail. If can be contacted through email:
the government gives assistance to brettchuluconsultant@gmail.
people who have no intention of com
running their productive ventures

Business

MATTERSNewsHawks

MARKETS CURRENCIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE COMMODITIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE
EUR/USD
USD/JPY 1.213 +0.001 +0.11 *NAT GAS 2.624 -0.04 -1.5
GBP/USD
USD/CAD 104.68 +0.47 +0.45 *SILVER 26.915 +0.993 +3.83
AUD/USD
1.371 -0.001 -0.073 *COPPER 3.563 -0.016 -0.43

1.28 -0.003 -0.234 *WHEAT 660.75 +13.75 +2.13

0.765 -0.003 -0.443 *SOYBEAN 1,366.25 +13 + 0.96

Under-the-table
indigenisation
amendments
unconstitutional

NYASHA CHINGONO guaranteed by section 71 of the off sectors of the mining industry and will explain their effect.” Mines minister Winston Chitando
Constitution,” Veritas said. from foreign investment. If that is Another clause which is likely to she could designate all minerals,
LEGAL think-tank Veritas says the to be done at all it should be done thereby reserving the entire mining
recently promulgated indigenisa- The legal think tank argues by Parliament itself through an Act cause a stir among miners is that industry to indigenous control,” the
tion provisions could spark legal that if the minister issues a notice of Parliament after careful debate, the ministry has not yet proscribed legal think-tank says, warning that
challenges as the law infringes on prescribing minerals under the rather than by a single minister af- any minerals for section 3, making foreigners will not get investment
mine owners’ constitutional right amended section 3(1), it will affect ter consulting two other ministers. the section invalid. licences to engage in mining unless
to property. all miners currently mining those controlling interests are held by an
minerals, and will limit their ability “An Act to make further provi- “The Minister has not yet pre- “appropriate” designated entity.
President Emmerson Mnangag- to dispose of their assets. sion for the revenues and public scribed any minerals for the pur-
wa’s “Zimbabwe is open for busi- funds of Zimbabwe and to provide pose of section 3, so currently the The indigenisation amendment
ness” mantra has effectively fallen “The amendment will certain- for matters connected therewith or section is inoperative.” has spooked investors in the min-
off the rails in one fell swoop. ly diminish their property rights, incidental thereto.” ing sector which has often been
therefore, but it is a moot point But at any time the minister may considered a safe haven for foreign
A law firm, Manokore Attorneys, whether it will do so to such an ex- Veritas called upon legislators decide to reserve particular sectors capital.
raised important points on the tent that it amounts to compulso- not to shirk their legislative and of the mining industry for indige-
dangers of the law promulgated in ry acquisition of property so as to watchdog responsibilities. nous miners, and can give effect to Reeling from unrelenting eco-
December with little debate by law- bring it within the ambit of section that decision simply by consulting nomic troubles, Zimbabwe desper-
makers. 71 of the Constitution,” said Veritas. “Members of Parliament cannot two colleagues – the minister of ately needs foreign investment, but
be expected to scrutinise Finance Mines and Mining Development a cocktail of ill-thought-out policies
Following his rise to power on Veritas also argues that the new Bills to check that there are no and the minister of Finance and and policy inconsistencies has been
the back of a military coup that de- amendment violates the primary clauses that stray outside the Bills’ Economic Development – and led to capital flight.
posed long-time strongman Robert role of law making to the ministers. legitimate scope. They are entitled publishing a short notice in the
Mugabe, Mnangagwa scrapped the to expect that Government lawyers Government Gazette designating Zimbabwe is among the coun-
indigenisation law on other eco- In essence, it delegates Parlia- will not insert such clauses in Fi- the particular minerals that are to tries attracting low foreign direct
nomic sectors, except the diamond ment’s primary law-making power. nance Bills or, if they do, that the be reserved, notes Veritas. investment (FDI) as policy incon-
and platinum sectors. The indigeni- minister who presents the Bills will sistencies continue to blight the
sation law forced foreign compa- “The effect of section 134(a) of inform Parliament of those clauses “In fact, by virtue of section “Zimbabwe is open for business”
nies to cede 51% shareholding to the Constitution is that while Par- 21(2)(a) of the Interpretation Act, mantra.
local players and it was a signature liament can confer power to make
law of Mugabe’s ruinous rule, often Statutory Instruments on ministers
used by his cronies to amass mas- and other authorities, it must not
sive wealth. delegate its ‘primary law-making
power’ to them.
For perspective, the amendment
of Section 36 of the Finance Act “The amendment surely gives
(No.2) of 2020, promulgated in De- the Minister of Industry and Com-
cember 2020, has given the govern- merce primary law-making power,”
ment the prerogative to indigenise said Veritas.
a controlling equity holding in any
mineral in the country. The argument comes amid rev-
elations that there was little debate
The minister of Mines now has on the amendment in the Nation-
the power to activate the indigeni- al Assembly and the Senate, while
sation law on other minerals, but some lawmakers have no clue the
Veritas says the legality of the law is law even exists.
open to challenge.
“The way the amendment was
“The legality of the amend- slipped through Parliament is de-
ment may be open to challenge plorable,” the legal think-tank said.
on two grounds. That it infringes
mine-owners’ right to property, “The effect of prescribing miner-
als under section 3(1) of the Indi-
genisation and Economic Empow-
erment Act will largely be to fence

HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED YET?

To receive a free copy send an email to [email protected]

The NewsHawks @NewsHawksLife www.newshawks.com [email protected]

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 19

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Resilience to
shocks key
to company
survival

BERNARD MPOFU three quarters of 2020 which saw of the worst-performing stocks negligent capital raises expected, Padenga and Seed Co as our top-
both the industrial and mining in 2020. Going forward, Cassava, especially rights issues. Foreign ic 10 picks for 2021 regardless of
CONSUMER-FACING industries indices outperforming a majority FMCG (fast-moving consumer participation on the ZSE shall also them being heavily undervalued.”
listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Ex- if not all other market indices on goods) stocks as well as mining be depressed, averaging 20-25% in
change and companies that will the continent. Econometer Global stocks remain a buy.” 2021,” the research note reads. Batanai Matika, head of ee-
show resilience to the Covid-19 Capital, a local research unit, ex- search at brokerage firm Morgan &
economic shocks will emerge as pressed guarded optimism regard- Despite making these bullish “With the Mnangagwa admin- Co, said stocks that are resilient to
the most preferred stocks for in- ing the ZSE outlook. sentiments, the research firm said istration confronting the land the aftershocks of Covid-19 pan-
vestors, analysts have said. foreign investors on the equities barons head-on, a subdued perfor- demic would be good buys.
“Getting into 2021, we remain market will remain subdued. mance is expected in the construc-
Zimbabwe and most countries bullish about defensive stocks with tion sector which will to an extent “Covid-19 is real and a lot is
in the region are battling to con- exporting counters expected to “We also do not expect any new bring tail winds to the local bourse, happening on the exchange. Apart
tain the second wave of the coro- outperform forecast inflation for listing for the year 2021 with the fueled by domestic investors. from stocks that will be resilient to
navirus with experts warning that the year,” Econometer said in a re- Victoria Stock Exchange remain- the shocks, developments relating
lower-than-expected economic search note. ing a subdued shadow exchange. “This leaves stocks such as Cas- to stocks that the National Social
growth may be achieved.” The market will remain unat- sava, Dairibord, Axia, Simbisa, Security Authority will also be in-
“The pessimism regarding re- tractive to foreign investors with Delta, Ok Zim, FBC, Old Mutual, teresting.”
According to the World Bank’s sumption of active trading on the
flagship report titled Global Eco- money market continues giving an
nomic Prospects, Zimbabwe’s advantage to the equities market.
economy contracted by 10% last The bourse shall remain decoupled
year, against the government’s from developments on the real
projections of -4.1%. Next year, economy in particular whilst re-
Zimbabwe’s economy will grow by taining some features of a barom-
3.1%, the World Bank projected. eter towards the financial sector
Despite experiencing turbulence and the external sector. A number
following some regulatory inter- of counters remain undervalued,
ventions, the local bourse sur- chief among them is Cassava
prised several pundits in the first Smartech which was generally one

Prospect Resources appoints board chair

DUMISANI NYONI portfolio companies. His experience Mark Wheatley it seeks to develop the Arcadia Lith- months of the FID decision. The
includes growth through the financ- ium Project. What attracted me to award of the options will be subject
LITHIUM developer Prospect Re- ing and development of projects, and Wheatley holds a Bachelor of En- Prospect is the high calibre and expe- to shareholder approval.”
sources Ltd (Prospect) has, with he has been instrumental in a num- gineering (Chemical Engineering) rience of the management team, the
immediate effect, appointed Mark ber of successful merger and acquisi- degree from the University of New quality of the Arcadia asset, the ex- Prospect is an ASX-listed lithium
Wheatley as its non-executive chair- tion transactions,” Prospect said in a South Wales and a Master of Business posure to European markets, offtake company based in Perth, Australia,
person as it seeks to develop its Ar- statement. Administration degree from West relationships, and supportive major with operations in Zimbabwe. Its
cadia Lithium Project, viewed as a Virginia University. shareholders,” Wheatley is quoted as flagship project is the Arcadia Lith-
game-changer. saying. ium Project located on the outskirts
“I am delighted to join Prospect as of Harare.
Wheatley, according to Prospect, “Prospect will provide customers
has over 15 years of director and chair diversity away from Australian sup- The Arcadia Lithium Project rep-
experience with exposure, predom- ply, the ability to deliver high purity resents a globally significant hard
inantly across gold, copper and ura- products and the upside of staged rock lithium resource and is being
nium sectors. He has previously held development with market expansion. rapidly developed b- the company’s
non-executive chairperson positions The Company has also developed experienced team, focusing on near
with Norton Gold Fields Limited, strategies to manage Zimbabwe sov- term production of high purity pet-
Xanadu Mines Ltd and Gold One ereign risks.” alite and spodumene concentrates.
International Limited. Arcadia is one of the most advanced
Prospect said Wheatley has a base lithium projects globally, with a de-
He has also held a number of salary of US$87 600 inclusive of finitive feasibility study, offtake part-
non-executive director roles includ- superannuation and will be issued ners secured and a clear pathway to
ing St Barbara Limited and was a with two million unquoted options production.
founding director of Uranium One exercisable at US$0.24 expiring on 7
Inc, with his five-year tenure includ- January 2025 vesting in tranches on Lithium is a soft silvery-white met-
ing a successful period of growth successful completion of the follow- al which is highly reactive and does
culminating in Russian state-owned ing milestones: not occur in nature in its elemental
Rosatom, earning a 51% equity po- form. In nature, it occurs as com-
sition. “Fifty percent vest at FID (Final pounds within hard rock deposits
Investment Decision) before end of (such as Arcadia) and salt brines.
Wheatley is currently a non-exec- 2021 for stage 1 of the Arcadia de-
utive director of Ora Banda Mining velopment, FID occurs after all ele- Lithium and its chemical com-
Ltd and Peninsula Energy Limited. ments of the project are procured and pounds have a wide range of industri-
sufficient capital is secured to fully al applications, resulting in numerous
“Mr Wheatley is well known to fund the stage 1 project. chemical and technical uses. Lithium
institutional investors and has served has the highest electrochemical po-
as a nominee director for a private eq- “Fifty percent vest with first on- tential of all metals, a key property in
uity group across a number of their spec product shipped within 18 its role in lithium-ion batteries.

Page 20 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Inflationary pressures to persist in 2021

RONAL MUCHENJE tion, as against a minimum bid of prevailing market rate, Fitch said the
US$50 000 under the initial auction likely inability of SMEs to access for-
ZIMBABWE’S annual inflation look. system, facilitating greater access to eign currency at this rate means that
is seen slowing down slightly to Average annual inflation slow- foreign exchange for small- and me- a de facto parallel rate will persist.
136.5% in 2021 from a forecast dium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
average of 435% in 2020, but con- down at 136.5% in 2021 is expected “Given these various factors, we
tinued quasi-financing of the fiscal to reflect a number of factors, in- “This appears to have slowed believe that monetary policy in Zim-
deficit by the Reserve Bank of Zim- cluding base effects from very high the rate of currency depreciation babwe will remain testing in 2021
babwe means that inflationary pres- inflation in 2020. However, some somewhat. In our previous update, with still limited FX reserves and
sures will persist. modest progress on constraining the in early August, Reserve Bank of weak economic growth prospects.
pace of currency depreciations is ex- Zimbabwe (RBZ) data showed the
Somewhat slower currency depre- pected. mid-rate (the average between bid “The RBZ has made a series of
ciation following the introduction of and asking prices for the currency) substantial rate hikes and cuts in
a series of foreign exchange auctions The government abandoned at ZW$80.4/USD. As of Novem- 2020 – for example, reducing the
will constrain price growth relative the previous fixed exchange rate of ber 16, the mid-rate was ZW81,67/ bank policy rate from 25.00% to
to 2019-2020 levels. ZW$250:US$1 in June, instead im- USD. However, we expect the par- 15.00% in April, and then hiking
plementing a weekly foreign curren- allel market to continue to trade at the rate to 35.00% at an unsched-
An international research firm, cy auction designed to facilitate trade a considerable discount to the offi- uled meeting two months later.
Fitch Solutions, in a Zimbabwe eco- on a more transparent platform. cial rate given continued constraints It has kept the rate on hold subse-
nomic outlook, said monetary policy such as low foreign exchange reserves quently, and we expect it to make a
will remain challenging despite slow- The government later introduced and thus low levels of liquidity in 250-basis-point hike in 2021 as part
ing inflation. a second auction, in which partici- the system, which will make the ex- of efforts to contain inflation,” add-
pants were able to bid for between change rate auction system difficult ed Fitch.
“We believe that monetary policy US$2 500 and US$20 000 per auc- to operate, and continued prioritisa-
in Zimbabwe will remain testing in tion of foreign exchange allocations, Foreign currency reserves are seen
2021 given still limited FX (foreign by the central bank,” said Fitch remaining around 0.3 months of
exchange) reserves and weak eco- import cover in 2021, implying that
nomic growth prospects, before sta- While the RBZ dictates that com- the bank has only limited capacity to
bilising thereafter. Macro-economic panies must display prices in local shore up the currency by purchasing
fragility means that monetary poli- and foreign currency terms at the Zimbabwean dollars on the forex
cymaking in Zimbabwe will remain market.
challenging over the coming quar-
ters. While the authorities have pro-
gressively lifted Covid-19 contain-
ment measures, sectors including
tourism, non-food manufacturing,
mining, financial services, transport
and agriculture have been seriously
affected by the pandemic, while the
IMF (International Monetary Fund)
estimates that about 7.7 million peo-
ple (approximately half of the popu-
lation) need food assistance, and at
least 1.7 million require additional
social protection,” noted Fitch.

Fitch said real GDP will contract
by 12.9% in 2020 (following a 6.5%
contraction in 2019), and will grow
by just 1.3% in 2021, further com-
plicating the monetary policy out-

Reserve money declines
by over ZW$1 billion

Reserve Money Developments (ZW$ Billions) CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FOR THE LATE HON. MINISTER
DR. JOEL BIGGIE MATIZA
RESERVE money for the week ending 15 January 2021 decreased by
ZW$1.02 billion to ZW$19.73 billion compared to the last week’s posi- The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Advocate J. F. N. Mudenda, the President of the Senate, Hon. M. M. Chinomona, the Deputy Speaker of the National
tion, monetary authorities say. Assembly, Hon. T. Gezi, the Deputy President of the Senate, Hon. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) M. R. Nyambuya, Members of Parliament, the Acting Clerk of Parliament, Ms. H. B.
Dingani and Staff of Parliament, join His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, the Matiza family, the Mashonaland East Provincial Leadership and the entire
The fall in reserve money largely reflected a decrease of ZW$0.88 billion nation in mourning the untimely passing on of the late Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon. Dr. Joel Biggie Matiza on the 22nd January 2021.
in banks’ liquidity at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RTGS balances),
coupled with a decline of ZW$171.46 million in currency issued. Reserve Hon. Dr. Matiza’s death further plunges the nation into deep mourning as it comes barely a week after the passing on of two other Government Ministers.
money refers to currency in circulation and deposits with commercial banks
as well as bank deposits to the same. The decline in reserve money growth An astute and disciplined Cadre, Hon. Dr. Matiza joined the liberation struggle in 1977 and proceeded to Nigeria to pursue academic studies which he completed in
means that the country is at the centre of lowering inflationary pressures. 1986. His untainted political career saw him rise from being a ZANU PF District Chairperson to be Finance Secretary for ZANU PF Mashonaland East Province until
he became the Provincial Chairperson, a position that he held until his untimely death. Besides being legislator for Murewa South Constituency since 1999, he was also
Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate for January 2021 as measured by the a member of the ZANU PF Central Committee. Having served as member of Parliament since 1999, Hon. Matiza shall be remembered for his servant leadership of the
all items blended Consumer Price Index stood at 191.52%, which is still people of Murewa South Constituency whom he served wholeheartedly. During the 8th Parliament, “JB” as he was affectionately known, was appointed Deputy Minister
unsustainably high. Blended CPI for month ending January 2021 stood at of National Housing and Social Amenities. After being re- elected to represent the same constituency in the 9th Parliament, Cde J B got a well-deserved recognition from
110.52%; 107.55% in December 2020, compared to 37.91% in January His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa who appointed him as the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
2020. Required reserves, however, rose by ZW$26.52 million.
An accomplished architect and active member of the Southern African Architectural Profession (SAAP) and the Zimbabwe Institute of Architects (MIAZ), Hon. Matiza
The decline in market liquidity was largely due to net sales of foreign will be remembered for his architectural excellence when he was the lead architect for the Joshua M Nkomo, Victoria Falls and the Robert G Mugabe airports as well
exchange by the central bank. Government deposits at Reserve Bank also as contributing to the design of the new Parliament Building at Mt Hampden. As Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Matiza championed the
increased by ZW$1.37 billion over the week under review, signifying sig- deployment of indigenous companies in infrastructural development as witnessed by the high class engineering skills in the construction of the Beitbridge-Masvingo-Ha-
nificant withdrawal of liquidity from banks. rare- Chirundu road and other roads throughout the country. Hon. Dr. Matiza helped demystify the old pervasive notion of preferring foreign contractors at the expense
of the local service providers in infrastructural projects rolled out Government.
- STAFF WITER.
There is no doubt that the robust departed Minister Matiza has left behind an ineffaceable footprint in the pursuit of the Second Republic’s Vision 2030, underpinned
by addressing the aspirations highlighted by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063. Under his ministerial leadership, Hon. J. B. Matiza,
delivered on the Ministry’s planned goals under the 100-day cycle of the Ministerial assignment by completing the first 100km of the Beitbridge- Masvingo - Harare
highway rehabilitation project on time.

As we mourn Dr Matiza’s sad departure, we commit ourselves to honoring him by taking forward the infrastructural projects which he championed passionately. Small in
physical stature but an intellectual giant in executing Government initiatives, Hon. Matiza befits the old adage that, “Dynamite come in small packages”.

GO WELL SON OF THE SOIL!!
ZORORAI MURUGARE GAMBA REMAGAMBA!!
LALA NGOKUTHULA QHAWE LAMAQHAWE!!

Making Our Parliamentary Democracy Work

A SAZ ISO 9001; 2015 Certified Organisation

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 21

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Excessive rain could threaten crop yield

DUMISANI NYONI Incessant rains pounding the country could lead to crop failure reaping and curing facilities failing
to cope hence loss of part of the
THERE are widespread fears that use limited labour to carry tobacco grazing, dams, underground water while black soils are suffering wa- crop,” he said.
the incessant rains pounding the bundles out of the lands at a cost to table and generally supplying mois- terlogging which creates anaerobic
country could lead to crop failure, the farmer, of course.” ture to crops at optimum to above conditions not conducive for most Chabikwa, however, said posi-
especially tobacco — one of the optimum. of our summer crops. tives of the incessant rains far out-
country’s top forex earners — due Former Federation of Farmers’ weigh the negatives at national scale.
to waterlogging and lack of direct Union chairman Wonder Chabikwa “Naturally, our lighter soils with “Tobacco, our biggest cash cow,
sunlight. said: “As per forecast, yes, the whole their inherent low water-holding is mostly grown on lighter soils and Individual growers might suffer
country is receiving normal to above capacity are negatively being affect- suffering waterlogging, leaching and localised losses, he said.
Zimbabwe has been receiving normal rains. Good for livestock ed in terms of leaching of nitrogen false ripening, which may see hand
normal to above normal rainfall Zimbabwe Tobacco Association
since the onset of the rainy season chairman Rodney Ambrose said
last year, resulting in some areas they were still conducting crop as-
with light soils experiencing water- sessment to determine the impact
logging. so far.

Farmers who spoke to The News- “I can’t comment on that because
Hawks said the situation was becom- we are still doing crop assessment.
ing bad for tobacco farmers, whose But I am sure there are pockets
crop is mostly grown on lighter soils. where there has been some exces-
sive rain which results in leaching
“We are so lucky to receive rains of the crop nutrients and some bit
this season after three consecutive of ripening of the crops. But right
dry seasons. So far, we have received now, I can’t comment on the impact
well above normal rainfall across of that, it’s a bit early because we
the whole country. We were in a are still conducting our crop assess-
very critical condition due to the ment,” he said.
dry spells,” Zimbabwe Commercial
Farmers’ Union vice-president Mai- Tobacco is one of the biggest for-
wepi Jiti said. eign currency earners in the country,
raking in hundreds of millions of
“Though the rains are a blessing dollars annually.
to our animals and our cereal crops
which are in very excellent condition At least 168 million kg of tobac-
especially crops that are in heavy co worth US$688 million had been
and well-drained soils, it is now too exported across the globe by 20
much for crops in wetlands, espe- November 2020, according to the
cially for the tobacco crop. Tobacco Industry Marketing Board
(TIMB).
“Tobacco is a crop which doesn’t
do well under excessive rains. The The crop earned Zimbabwe
crop ripens faster, forcing farmers US$733 million during the same
to employ extra expensive labour or period in 2019.
risk losing the crop due to over-rip-
ening and the crop loses a lot of According to the latest TIMB
weight,” she said. report, 1 703 new farmers have
signed up to grow the golden leaf
Jiti also said farmers can lose the during the 2020/21 farming season.
crop due to limited curing facilities. Contract growers constitute 96% of
those who planted tobacco this sea-
“In waterlogged areas, crops are son.
wilting, especially tobacco plants.
Leaching of the expensive fertilizers The area under tobacco increased
is also a challenge on all crops. Crops to 28 292 hectares from 27 181 in
like maize and other cereals farmers 2019, according to the TIMB.
have been forced to re-apply fertiliz-
ers due to leaching,” she said. Most of the tobacco crop has
been planted in Zimbabwe’s tradi-
Jiti said the situation was bad to tional golden leaf belts, with Mash-
farmers who are growing crops on onaland West province leading in
wetlands as the lands are now water- area planted at 49%, followed by
logged such that tractors fail to work Mashonaland East at 28%, Mash-
in those areas, “forcing farmers to onaland Central with 12.6% and
Manicaland province, where 10%
of the crop is being planted.

DUMISANI NYONI Economic recession provinces that made significant
hits hard goat rearing contributions were Midlands,
THE total number of goats Masvingo and Bulawayo that
slaughtered at abattoirs moni- to formalisation of goat slaugh- marginally higher than the same 2019 and a general growth from made up 18%, 14% and 14% of
tored by the Department of Crop ters and processing. Monthly months in 2019 but significant- 4% to 10% between January total slaughters, respectively.
and Livestock Production fell by goat slaughter patterns reflect ly lower than 2018. The highest 2016 and September 2020.
34% to 5 994 in the first nine a high rate of volatility, indica- slaughters of 1 435 were record- Globally, goat meat exports by
months to September last year tive of the absence of organised ed in September. This trend can be contrasted country totalled US$251.7 bil-
due to economic volatility in the large-scale goat breeding in the with the initial decrease in goat lion in 2019.
country among other challenges, country,” the report reads in For the nine months to Sep- inferior grade as a percentage of
official statistics show. part. tember 2020, goat super grade total goat meat in 2018 before Year on year, the value of ex-
accounted for 10% of total an increase to 24% for the third ported goat meat decreased by
Figures from the Livestock “Most goat production is car- slaughters, an increase of 2% quarter of 2020, it said. 26.9% from 2018 to 2019.
and Meat Advisory Council ried out at a subsistence level over the corresponding period in
(LMAC) show that the number and the low number of slaugh- In the period under review, Goat meat has become pop-
of goats slaughtered during the ters captured by the formal ab- Mashonaland West dominat- ular in Zimbabwe with many
first nine months of 2020 de- attoirs as a percentage of total ed slaughters, making up 34%, small-scale farmers, who tradi-
creased by 34% compared to the slaughters reflects a reluctance 12% and 24% of slaughter in tionally reared cattle, now keep-
same period in 2019. for smallholder producers to use July, August and September, re- ing goats as a result of the dev-
formal slaughter facilities,” it spectively. astating droughts, World’s Top
Third-quarter slaughters aver- said. Export notes.
aged 672 per month, an increase Cumulatively, for the peri-
of 2% but were 59% down when The report shows that slaugh- od January to September 2020, Experts say goats withstand
compared to the corresponding ters in July and August were Mashonaland West made up drought conditions much better
period in 2019 and 2018, re- 31% of total slaughters. Other than cattle and they can survive
spectively. on shrubs and need less man-
power for tending, making them
“Direct and indirect costs of a better choice than high-main-
slaughter at formal abattoirs is tenance larger livestock like cat-
believed to be a major deterrent tle, which tends to be less toler-
ant to drought conditions.

Page 22 STOCK TAKING NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Price Sheet

Friday, 29 January 2021 A MEMBER OF FINSEC & THE ZIMBABWE STOCK EXCHANGE

Company Sector Bloomberg Previous Last VWAP (cents) Total Total Price Price YTD Market
Ticker Price Traded Traded Change Change (%) Cap
(cents) Traded Volume Value ($) (cents) ($m)
(%)
2000.00 Price 200
152.30 14,000
AFDIS Consumer Goods AFDIS: ZH 480.00 2200.00 2200.00 4,400.00 200.00 10.00 -8.33 2,580.73
African Sun Consumer Services ASUN: ZH 135.84 140.00 140.00 200 19,600.00 -12.30 -8.08 -17.65 1,206.48
ART ARTD: ZH 1638.18 2,100 10.00 2.08 2.66 2,141.19
Ariston Industrials ARISTON: ZH 465.00 490.00 490.00 980.00 17.30 12.74 14.28 2,492.19
Axia Consumer Services 87333.33 162.00 153.14 500 3,216.00 -68.18 -4.16 71.40 8,554.84
BNC AXIA: ZH 8002.49 1600.00 1570.00 25,800 7,850.00 -41.84 -9.00 11.36 5,288.89
BAT Consumer Goods BIND: ZH 990.80 430.00 423.16 109,175.00 58.79 18,019.94
CAFCA Basic Materials BAT: ZH 10700.00 87333.33 - - - -28.18
Cassava CAFCA: ZH 1950.00 - 6456.98 8,600 - -1545.51 -19.31 52.31 564.02
CBZ Consumer Goods CSZL: ZH 55.00 6405.00 989.99 2,169,200 555,300.00 -0.08 25.11 25,646.46
Dairibord Industrials CBZ: ZH 3353.45 990.00 10691.96 53,700 21,474,960.00 -0.81 -0.08 48.47 73,478.54
Dawn DZL: ZH 1426.61 10450.00 1945.00 5,741,580.00 -8.04 -0.26 -17.05 6,963.12
Delta Technology DAWN: ZH 108.86 1945.00 300 -5.00 -10.91 56.40 1,204.01
Econet Banking DLTA: ZH 1800.67 33,100 5,835.00 -6.00 6.11 49.61 45,704.60
Edgars ECO: ZH 228.00 49.00 49.00 358,700 16,219.00 204.82 -0.90 -9.28 36,625.58
FBC Consumer Goods EDGR: ZH 169.89 3500.00 3558.27 22,751,900 12,763,500.00 -12.81 43.41
Fidelity Real Estate FBC: ZH 1424.23 1410.00 1413.80 321,667,300.00 - 15.36 355.96
First Capital FIDL: ZH 660.00 108.86 - - 19.57 75.49 14,467.96
FML Consumer Goods FCA: ZH 25.00 - 2153.13 1,600 - 352.46 -3.51 41.42
FMP Telecommunications FMHL: ZH 21.60 2160.00 220.00 34,450.00 -8.00 13.63 103.70 239.63
GBH Consumer Services FMP: ZH 9330.69 220.00 193.04 500 1,100.00 23.15 4.26 4.17 4,163.33
Getbucks GBH: ZH 4126.34 195.00 1484.95 28,500 55,015.00 60.72 72.80 10,248.28
Hippo Banking GBFS: ZH 1570.00 1500.00 660.00 748,100 11,108,890.00 - 8,171.84
Innscor Financial Services HIPO: ZH 75.48 660.00 10,000 66,000.00 - - -
Lafarge 1650.00 55,000 13,750.00 - - 8.41 134.15
Mash Banking INN: ZH 25.00 25.00 - -3.54 63.54 251.23
Masimba Financial Services LACZ: ZH 7.41 - 21.60 - - -330.69 -2.71 -16.67 17,371.85
Medtech MASH: ZH 3325.78 9000.00 10,000 900,000.00 -111.94 - 47.32 22,672.39
Meikles Real Estate MSHL: ZH 305.00 9000.00 4014.40 1,268,300 50,914,600.00 - 2.68 -5.06 1,256.00
Nampak Industrials MMDZ: ZH 7210.00 4200.00 1570.00 2.02 - 71.23 1,440.78
NatFoods MEIK: ZH 77.50 - - - 1.21 33.63 3,987.29
NTS Financial Services NPKZ: ZH 27.45 - 1650.00 1,800 1,395.00 0.09 13.30 19.97 227.98
NMBZ Consumer Goods NTFD: ZH 510.00 90.50 7.50 38,300 631,950.00 442.19 - 9,519.63
OK Zim 1484.67 1650.00 3767.97 56,500 4,237.50 - - - 2,304.73
Padenga Industrials NTS: ZH 2503.25 7.50 305.00 1,250,200 47,107,200.00 - - 52.36 4,931.65
Proplastics Industrials NMB: ZH 1499.72 3800.00 7210.00 - 19.51 73.60 69.69
RTG Real Estate OKZ: ZH 150.00 27.45 - - 99.51 5.24 23.72 2,463.47
RioZim Industrials PHL: ZH 1300.00 - 609.51 - - 77.77 3.86 74.22 19,480.70
SeedCo Healthcare PROL: ZH 3050.91 - - - 96.75 0.02 -21.44 14,081.43
Simbisa Industrials RTG: ZH 1864.34 - 16,400 99,960.00 0.28 0.42 -13.05 3,779.03
Star Africa Industrials RIOZ: ZH 28.23 612.00 191,300 2,988,940.00 0.63 - 12.52 3,758.96
Truworths Consumer Goods SEED: ZH 65.00 37,800 982,800.00 - -15.18 53.07 1,586.38
TSL Industrials SIM: ZH 4599.20 1600.00 1562.44 50,000 750,000.00 -462.99 -1.33 -3.04 6,354.07
Turnall SACL: ZH 100.99 2600.00 2600.00 8,800 13,255.00 -24.71 -7.26 120.34 10,342.12
Unifreight Banking TRUW: ZH 46.20 1500.00 1500.00 - - -2.05 - 166.62 1,234.41
Willdale Consumer Services TSL: ZH 46.29 155.00 150.63 40,800 1,055,870.00 - - 6.76 249.64
ZB TURN: ZH 3997.96 1300.00 236,300 4,347,040.00 - -1.68 197.85 16,423.86
Zeco Consumer Goods UNIF: ZH - 2587.92 289,300 75,733.20 -1.70 19.91 22.88 489.54
Zimpapers Industrials WILD: ZH 0.02 2570.00 1839.63 4,500 2,925.00 9.20 -15.06 66.58 58.99
Zimplow ZBFH: ZH 98.00 1800.00 - - -6.97 - 699.11
ZHL Consumer Services ZECO: ZH 690.00 26.18 4,800 4,766.00 - - - 7,004.05
Basic Materials ZIMP: ZH 300.00 25.00 65.00 200 110.80 - - -
TOTAL ZIMPLOW: ZH 65.00 119,700 47,066.00 - - 38.00 0.09
Consumer Goods ZHL: ZH - - - -3.76 -7.90 564.48
Consumer Goods - 4599.20 - - -11.27 1,644.83
Consumer Goods 99.00 99.29 1,300 1,274.00 4,427.21
Consumer Services 55.40 55.40 100 690.00 426,927.33
Consumer Goods 40.00 39.32 7,100 20,500.00
29,895,500 483,599,432.50
Industrials - 3997.96
Industrials - 0.02 237,284
Industrials 98.00 98.00
690.00
Banking 280.00 690.00
Industrials 288.73
Consumer Services
Industrials
Financial Services

ETFs OMTT.zw 139.00 139.00 139.04 329,929.80 0.04 0.03 38.73 111.23

Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 ETF

VFEX Open (US cents) Close (US cents) Change (%) YTD (%) Mkt Cap (US$m) Top 5 Risers Price Change % YTD %
SCIL 18.00 0.00 43.40 Unifreight 55.40c +9.20c +19.91 +197.85
18.00 - FBC 2153.13c +19.57 +43.41
FINSEC Open (cents) YTD (%) Mkt Cap ($m) NMBZ 609.51c +352.46c +19.51 +52.36
OMZIL 2657.99 Close (cents) Change (%) 0.30 2,206.44 First Capital 193.04c +99.51c +13.63 +75.49
2657.99 - Meikles 3767.97c +23.15c +13.30 +71.23
Index
ZSE All Share Top 5 Fallers +442.19c YTD %
Top 10 CAFCA -28.18
Top 15 Close Change (%) Open YTD % SeedCo Price Change % +12.52
Small Cap 3,600.82 +1.20 3,558.13 +36.95 Willdale 6456.98c -1545.51c -19.31 +22.88
Medium Cap 2,238.20 +1.84 2,197.66 +35.28 Dawn 2587.92c -15.18 -17.05
2,587.61 +1.41 2,551.70 +32.83 BNC -462.99c -15.06 +11.36
-0.16 13,056.51 +9.77 39.32c -6.97c -10.91
13,036.27 -0.02 7,855.60 +41.15 49.00c -6.00c -9.00
7,853.90 423.16c
-41.84c

SALES & TRADING: Davide Muchengi: [email protected] | Lungani Nyamazana: [email protected] | Tatenda Jasi: [email protected]

RESEARCH: Batanai Matsika: [email protected] | Precious Chagwedera: [email protected] | Tafara Mtutu: [email protected]

Tel: (+263) 08677008101-2 | Email: [email protected] | Address: 1st Floor, Block D, Smatsatsa Office Park, Borrowdale, Harare

MORGAN & COMPANY has issued this document for distribution to its clients. It may not be reproduced or further distributed in whole or in part for any purpose. This document is not and should not be
construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe to any investment. MORGAN & COMPANY has based this document on information obtained from sources it believes

to be reliable but which it has not independently verified; MORGAN & COMPANY makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to the accuracy or
completeness of its content.

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 23

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021 2020 Corruption Perception
Index (CPI)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Widespread Corruption
Weakening Covid-19 Response

Harare, 28 January 2021- The 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) was released today by Transparency International, amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. An
overview of the 2020 CPI Report reveals that endemic corruption is weakening governments’ response to the pandemic, further threatening people’s health and
livelihoods. Zimbabwe maintained its 2019 score of 24 out of 100 with a global ranking of 157 out of 180 countries. This score is below the continent’s average of 32.
The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, according to experts and business people. It uses a scale of zero to
100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

Based on the report, “countries that perform well on the index invest more in health care and are better able to provide universal health coverage and are less likely to
violate democratic norms and institutions or the rule of law.” In contrast, countries that do not perform well on the CPI are grappling to deal with the response to COVID-
19 and other diseases. Corruption in Zimbabwe continues to have negative direct and indirect impact on the performance of the health care systems, especially public
health. Corruption has undermined the government’s ability to respect, protect and fulfil the right to health, as public resources are continuously diverted for private
gain, even during pandemics. A case in point is that of the former Minister of Health and Child Care Obadiah Moyo who was dismissed from public office on allegations
of illegally awarding a multimillion-dollar contract for the supply of COVID-19 medical supplies and personal protective equipment to a shelf company. It is therefore
evident that the failed health system in Zimbabwe is exacerbated by the misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been declared a health crisis globally, however, for countries with endemic levels of corruption such as Zimbabwe it is also an economic
crisis.
Whilst the government made efforts in mitigating the economic and livelihood impacts of COVID-19 on the poor and vulnerable groups through dedicated relief
packages, there are concerns regarding the lack of transparency and accountability thereof. Thus, Zimbabwe’s score on the CPI is reflective of the country’s level of
transparency and accountability in relation to the use of public funds.

In this regard, it is evident that COVID-19 has become more than just a health and economic crisis. It has presented opportunities for corruption to thrive and has therefore
become a corruption crisis; which requires anti-corruption and governance approaches to safeguard public resources and guarantee socio-economic rights as enshrined
in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Recommendations
Transparency International Zimbabwe therefore implores the government of Zimbabwe to:

1. Strengthen anti- corruption agencies and oversight institutions. Anti-Corruption agencies such as the Zimbabwe Anticorruption Commission and the
National Prosecuting Authority must be capacitated financially and technically so that they diligently exercise their duties. These institutions should also be
afforded operational independence as stated in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

2. Adopt a whistle blower protection law. In order to facilitate reporting of corruption and abuse of public office, TI Z encourages the government to come
up with a whistle blower policy that protects whistle blowers. This will enable the public to timely report corruption without fear of victimization.

3. Protect and respect constitutional rights such as the freedom to demonstrate and petition, freedom of expression and access to information. This will
ensure that civil society, citizens, and the media contribute to the fight against corruption and are able to hold government and public officials accountable.

4. Adopt open and transparent contracting to ensure that public procurement is effected in a manner that is transparent, fair, honest, cost effective and
competitive, consistent with section 315 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

5. Adequately fund the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

_________________________________________________

Resist, Reject and Report Corruption!
__________________________________________________

Page 24 News Analysis NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

NYASHA CHINGONO Covid-19 exposes Zim cannot, of course, travel. So, minis-
leadership vacuum ters who are infected cannot fly off
GOVERNMENT’S criminal ne- to some expensive far-off hospital in
glect of the healthcare system, its in- fy the right and important informa- Manicaland resident minister Ellen address did not “address” the real another country. For once, everyone
capacitation and failure to plan for tion and to make sure that people Gwaradzimba; and Transport min- issues, no pun intended, namely the is in the same boat. Lack of medical
the Covid-19 resurgence – almost are always up-to-date, without over- ister Joel Biggie Matiza. myriad of challenges local health facilities for ordinary people means
a year after the first index case was loading them with too much detail. institutions are facing with regards lack of medical facilities for minis-
reported – is a serious indictment of While death is inevitable in a to lack of personal protective equip- ters too,” Chan said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Analysts say good, direct and clear pandemic and it is not in our na- ment (PPE), ventilators, risk allow-
leadership, analysts say. communication, both top-down ture to celebrate a person’s demise, ances and better working condi- As part of scrutiny on govern-
and bottom-up, is a core element the second wave has exposed the tions. The frontline health workers ment failure to set up a contingency
Usually great leaders emerge in of good leadership. Leaders have to government’s lack of leadership in a have often bemoaned neglect by plan for Covid-19, The NewsHawks
times of challenges and crises. In- deliver meaningful and transparent time of crisis. the government and, with over 1 established last week that the coun-
deed, great leaders do not reach the information regarding the situation 000 having contracted Covid-19, try did not have a vaccination pro-
height of success without facing and steps taken to handle it, making Zimbabwe recorded its first some health staff are reluctant to re- gramme with clear timelines or a
their share of minor challenges and planning indispensable. Covid-19 case in March last year port for duty. Political analyst Ibbo budget.
major crises. In fact, most outstand- and, instead of coming up with a Mandaza said the country is on au-
ing leaders would say that working Healthcare workers at the front- coherent plan and setting up struc- topilot. A senior health official told the
through difficulties made them even line need their leaders to be with tures to fight the relentless virus, publication that the government
better. A truly great leader will rise them, to give direction and updates. Zimbabwe’s leadership took a back- “This is a serious indictment on had not yet formally written to
to the top in times of adversity, seat, finding comfort in the low government, there is no one think- the World Health Organisation re-
when difficult decisions are made However, analysts say Mnangag- numbers of infections and deaths. ing seriously about this pandemic. questing to receive vaccines under
and decisive action must be taken, wa is not providing leadership. In- We are on autopilot and it is terri- the international Covax facility.
analysts say. stead there is currently a leadership Despite calling for an early lock- ble. There is serious lack of leader- The government had also shown a
vacuum. While in the past top gov- down, no plan was put in place to ship,” Mandaza said. lethargic approach in applying for
They say it takes someone with a ernment officials could fly out to improve the conditions of service the Chinese vaccine. This follows
clear vision and unstoppable forti- seek medical treatment in countries for frontline workers and boost He said the government lacks a reports that a country like South Af-
tude to lead a country through its such as China, India, Singapore or medical equipment or at least make coherent plan on how to deal with rica is already expecting the delivery
worst times, whether they involve South Africa, the Covid-19 global plans for a vaccine. Testing, contact the virus. of 1.5 million doses from the Serum
economic troubles, public relations pandemic has forced Zimbabwe’s testing and quarantine measures Institute of India to kick-start phase
nightmares or policy failures. ruling elites to seek medical help in have also been weak. “There appears to be no coherent one of its vaccination programme.
the country’s failed health sector. plan and lockdown is the only plan
“The ultimate measure of a man It seems the government’s only they have,” Mandaza said. While other countries are secretly
is not where he stands in moments After nearly 41 years in power, plan is a hard lockdown where the clinching bilateral deals with other
of comfort, but where he stands at Zanu PF elites continue to loathe security forces find every excuse to Mandaza pointed out the lack of nations or manufacturers producing
times of challenge and controver- the country’s ill-equipped medi- clampdown on fundamental polit- a vaccination programme to deal the life-saving jabs, Zimbabwe re-
sy.”– Martin Luther King Jr. cal institutions, choosing to spend ical and civil liberties. with further waves of the virus, mains on the margins with no clue
millions of dollars in foreign hos- adding that the lockdown had been as to where the country will get the
The rapid and unprecedented pitals, while condemning ordinary Mnangagwa addressed the na- highly militarised with the security vaccines.
spread of Covid-19 has quickly Zimbabweans to die from treatable tion on Saturday, but his speech left forces on the forefront of enforce-
eclipsed other epidemics, both in diseases. Zimbabweans with more questions ment. “So, in almost every single re-
size and scope. In addition to the than answers, as it was evident the spect, the government has no strat-
deadly human toll and disruption With Zimbabwe having breached government did not have a strategy Another political analyst Stephen egy because it cannot afford any
to millions of lives, the economic the 1 000 Covid-19 fatalities mark to contain the coronavirus. Chan said Zimbabwean ministers, strategy,” Chan said.
damage is significant and far reach- this week, a grim milestone consid- who in the past could get treatment
ing. ering the state of the health sector, “Help is coming,” Mnangagwa abroad, were stuck in a non-func- “Both the Russians and the Chi-
analysts have raised fears of a health said without giving panic-stricken tional health system. nese have recently offered to provide
First and foremost, leaders have catastrophe. Zimbabweans specific timelines on vaccines to Zimbabwe, but without
to protect their people and country. when this miraculous “help” would Chan said it was an indictment a timeline, and at a cost. All the vac-
In a situation like the Covid-19 en- Among the 1 000 Covid-19 come. on government and its failure to cines now becoming available were
vironment, leaders have to come up deaths are four ministers: Lands, invest in the health delivery system, incredibly expensive to develop and
with a strategy, plan and tactics of Agriculture and Rural Resettlement His address was devoid of a clear which has proven to be a critical to manufacture. It is impossible to
how to deal with the problem. minister Perrance Shiri; Foreign plausible plan to deal with the sector in desperate times. give them away for nothing.
Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo; scourge of the virus that swept away
Regular communication is criti- three ministers within a week. The “Those who contract Covid-19 “Zimbabwe has no money and no
cal. Pandemics are often character- hard plans to acquire the vaccines. It
ised by an initial lack of knowledge is not yet certain when the African
about the pathogen itself. This was Union vaccine plan will be activated
an enormous challenge for leaders in a huge number of countries, in-
and the people to find and to identi- cluding Zimbabwe,” Chan said.

NewsHawks Opinion Page 25

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Covid-19 conspiracy theories amongst
black groups: The case of Zimbabwe

Keith Douglas (2019) in their paper on answer is they cannot, and no one reason that they cannot do that T-cells. The B-cells make antibodies
Silika conspiracy theories, these theories can fly unless they have the requisite is simply that their “miracles” are against the antigen. The T-cells are
are born out of crisis situations. If plane, pod, or helicopter to do so. merely shtick, gimmicks. going to be on the lookout for the
“A DISEASE that has never been communities and individuals are virus. So, if an individual who has
seen before cannot be cured with ev- fearful, cannot explain a phenom- Back to Covid-19 vaccine A few people have also been scep- been vaccinated is infected with
eryday herbs,” Chinua Achebe,1964. enon, there is uncertainty or a new conspiracy theories. What are tical in regard to the fast-track pace Covid-19, the T-cells are going to
threat, conspiracies emerge to make people saying on social media and at which the vaccine was developed. recognise the virus. The antibodies
A United Kingdom-based friend sense of the situation. WhatsApp groups? There are people The explanation for that is that that the body has produced are go-
of mine who works in the National who believe that the vaccine will technological development has made ing to bind with the antigen present
Health Service (NHS) sent me this In addition, when conspiracy alter people’s DNA, vaccines are that possible in terms of analysis in the Covid-19 and direct the virus
message: “My Mom said she will theories are crystalised within the being used to implant microchips and data collection etc. I should to be destroyed (by B-cells) before
not be taking the vaccine despite her psyche of communities, they can in people, ir that it is a Bill Gates also remind everyone that if we infecting cells. More information on
being in the vulnerable age group. influence historical narratives and ploy to control population expan- can detect Covid-19 in 30 minutes how the vaccine was developed is
She said you guys will die if you take feed into cultural appendages. That sion, and that people will die from through a PCR test, then surely we found here.
the vaccine”. is why personally I squirm whenever the vaccine. These are also the can develop a vaccine in record time.
someone says “I am doing this and same theories repeated by “Proph- So, there is no microchip insert-
This statement is quite common that because it’s my culture!”. et” Makandiwa in a recent video. So how were the various vaccines ed, no numbers, no genetic material
nationally and more so within black Makandiwa also made ludicrous developed? Here is the science inserted, no pig foetus liquid, and
minority ethnic (BME) groups and Some of these cultural beliefs claims that the vaccine will contain part! There are currently two main no DNA changed. In addition, there
on social media. This short article have often had dubious and ques- the mark of the beast, cause poverty, vaccines currently under distribution is a host of other diseases which
is going to explore religious and tionable beginnings. There are many and alter people’s DNA. and administration: the Pfizer-Bi- people have been vaccinated against
cultural influences, as well as con- examples within the Zimbabwean oNTech Moderna’s Covid-19 vac- which include measles, chicken pox,
spiracy theories, and their impact on context. When cars were introduced Makandiwa was recently photo- cine. My university, incidentally, is hepatitis, flu, and HPV, among
Covid-19 vaccine uptake. in Zimbabwe, legend was if you sat graphed with President Emmerson making the Pfizer one. There are also others.
on the tarmac you would develop Mnangagwa without a mask on. others coming through, such as As-
Individuals from an African get boils….unoita mota! The initial What does this mean in terms of traZeneca’s, Janssen’s and Novavax’s. However, as human bodies, our
background who emigrate to other idea being to advise people not to sit the ordinary population perception These can be whole virus, nucleic diet and health history vary; differ-
countries are often saddled with cul- on the road otherwise you might get of the vaccine? Does the President acid-based, viral factor, or subunitto ent people might have different re-
tural and religious appendages when run over. subscribe to Makandiwa’s views? and most fall into this category. sponse to any vaccine. It is therefore
it comes to decision making. This is How much does what the latter These vaccines are mRNA-based. undeniable that there might be risks.
particularly true in crisis situations. There are also plenty other stories says or does is fed into the national However, the benefits outweigh
This can be a death, illness, or mis- about witches. Legend has it that if a discourse? The government has The coronavirus has 29 main the risks. Some of the scepticism
fortune, among other things. witchdoctor picks up your footprint previously declared Makandiwa as a proteins; the one found on the outer in taking the vaccine might be
mark, they will own you, and can true man of God! side is called the spike protein which understandable due to the history
Culture is simply the ideas, do whatever they chant and instruct infects the healthy cell in the human of some drugs which were purport-
customs, and social behaviour of a the spirits to do to you. Another These claims are without founda- body. edly developed through unethical
particular people or society. These poignant example is the tragic tion and are as ludicrous as Makand- experimentation on ethnic minori-
can change with space and time. murder of seven-year-old Tapiwa iwa’s other “miracles” which include The companies who developed ties. However, I was joking with my
Culture covers such themes as to- Makore for body parts apparently removing foreign objects from the the vaccine looked at the genetic friends recently that in Zimbabwe
tems, respect, marriage ceremonies, to turn around business fortunes. body, instant weight loss, healing make-up of the spike protein and men go and buy dubious and un-
inheritance, and so forth. These kind of murders are frequent paraplegics, curing HIV, reversing found the code that make it. They proven stuff for erectile dysfunction
in Zimbabwe and have never been cancer, and amputations, etc. isolated the protein that codes at Mbare musika, but would not
For example, the Zimbabwean documented properly or proven to for one of all the 29 proteins that take a vaccine to save their own lives!
roora/lobola custom was original- work. The truth is they do not work. None of his miracles and those of becomes the vaccine.
ly symbolic and meant to foster However, a lot of people in Zimba- other “prophets” have been subject- In conclusion, vaccines for
relations and redistribute wealth be- bwe believe this. Not everything that ed to scientific rigour and most of When this vaccine is injected into Covid-19, in my view, are safe and
tween families when it was originally one believes is necessarily factual. them have been debunked. a human being, the body initiates an science has managed to solve one
started. However, there is a different I did have to ask myself one day why immune response which recognises conundrum that has affected society
context within contemporary society What would have been useful and destroys the virus. The body is like various other diseases. Some
and the custom may be on its way Zimbabwean witches never fly to for Makandiwa and other “proph- also going to remember the code of cultural and religious beliefs will
out. There are plenty of other ex- London to rob a bank or even skip ets” would be to patent their cures the new vaccine and will send the affect the uptake of the vaccine by
amples one can find, of customs or the border to South Africa! Simple so they can be used in worldwide information to our lymphatic system BME groups.
beliefs that have changed over time. treatments of various ailments. The which is composed of B-cells and
There have been arguments in
In ckntemporary Zimbabwean some quarters that politicians should
culture, I have not detected anything take the vaccine first. I do not think
that says one should not be taking it is fair as they have not developed
the vaccine. the vaccine; scientists did. Politi-
cians should not be the first to get
Religion however is a belief in the vaccine either as they are not
a deity and is influenced by where frontline workers. Most countries
you were born, who raised you, and are starting with healthcare staff and
what have you been exposed to. In other frontline workers. Lastly, it
the Zimbabwean context, Chris- was disappointing to note that the
tian evangelism is the dominant Pfizer CE Albert Bourla, has not
religion at the moment although taken the vaccine, citing that he is
Catholic, Methodist and Anglican not at risk.
used to be main churches. There are
other significant local religious sects I think he should take it to instil
called mapositori who traditionally confidence, after all when they came
shunned modern medicine already. out with viagra, I might speculate,
The Covid-19 vaccine is therefore a he might have been in the first in
big no for this group together with the queue to sample it!
Jehovah’s Witnesses.
About the writer: Silika is a
According to Prooijen and Zimbabwean researcher currently
based in the United Kingdom. He is
a former policeman and has a PhD
in Forensic Archaeology.

Silika is a Zimbabwean re-
searcher who is currently based
in the United Kingdom. He is a
former policeman and has a PhD
in Forensic Archaeology.

Page 26 Opinion NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Minister’s Criminal Law fines notice invalid

VERITAS above, gives two ministers power section (5) of section 280 of the Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi minister was making the notice
to amend the standard scale of Code, and he can do so “whenever ment, the increases in the level of may not be enough in itself to
ON Monday this week the gov- fines: [he] considers such an amendment fines are far greater than are per- invalidate it, so long as one of the
ernment published the Criminal or replacement to be necessary as a mitted by section 280(4a), which two possible ministers is prepared
Law (Codification and Reform) 1. The Minister of Finance result of a change in the purchas- envisages adjusting the Zimbabwe to stand up and identify himself as
(Standard Scale of Fines) notice in and Economic Development can ing-power of money or for any dollar amounts to reflect differenc- the guilty party.
a gazette extraordinary. It was not amend the scale in terms of sub- other reason”– so his power is a es in the exchange rate between
just the gazette that was extraordi- section (4a) of the section, subject very wide one, much wider than the Zimbabwe and US dollars. Generally, statutory instru-
nary – the notice was too. to the following conditions: that of the Minister of Finance. ments are not invalid if they cite
The Zimbabwe dollar has not the wrong section of the statute
Statutes which create criminal He must consult the Minister of It is however subject to an depreciated fivefold, sevenfold and under which they were made, and
offences usually specify the penal- Justice before doing so, important qualification under sub- tenfold against the US dollar since the same must apply to the wrong
ties that courts may impose, and section (6) of the section: he can- November, when the scale of fines citation of the minister who made
the penalties often consist of fines · He cannot amend the scale not publish a statutory instrument was last amended. them – for example, if the opening
whether or not coupled with terms more than once a fortnight, amending or replacing the scale paragraph of a statutory instru-
of imprisonment. “unless a draft has been laid before · If it was the Minister of ment says it was made by the
· The purpose of any amend- and approved by parliament”. Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Minister of Home Affairs when it
Before 2004 fines were ex- ment must be “to take into Affairs, a draft of the notice was was really the Minister of Home
pressed as monetary amounts but account the decline in the pur- Why section 280 should give never presented to, much less Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
inflation kept reducing their real chasing power of the Zimbabwean two ministers power to amend the approved by, the National Assem-
value so that statutes had to be dollar in relation to the United same scale of fines, and why their bly or the Senate as required by On the other hand, legislation
amended constantly in order to States dollar”, and separate powers are subject to such section 280(6). of all kinds should contain enough
keep the fines realistic. different conditions, is beyond information to show readers, at
· Any increase in the fines the wit of man to understand. Either way, therefore, the notice least prima facie, that they were
Hence section 280 of the Crim- must be calculated by multiplying Perhaps it made sense when is invalid. properly made. That is why Acts
inal Law Code, enacted in 2004, the US dollar amounts in the third Zimbabwe had a multi-currency of parliament begin with the
provided that fines were to be column of the scale by the current régime and US dollars were legal The previous amendment of words:
expressed as levels on a Standard exchange rate between the US and tender alongside the Zimbabwe the standard scale, published in
Scale of Fines set out in the First Zimbabwean dollar [There used to dollar. Be that as it may, which- November last year, was proba- “Enacted by the Parliament and
Schedule to the Code. be a third column specifying US ever minister published the latest bly illegal for the same reasons, the President of Zimbabwe” and
dollar amounts, but there hasn’t amendment, it is illegal because: and likewise the amendment it regulations and other statutory
According to this standard been one for many years]. replaced, which was published in instruments begin with a para-
scale, a level 1 fine was ZWL$200 · If it was the Minister of February 2020 – but perhaps we graph stating who made them and
[this was after the schedule was 2. The Minister of Justice, Le- Finance and Economic Develop- shouldn’t delve too far into those the Act of Parliament under which
amended in November 2020], a gal and Parliamentary Affairs: He amendments. they were made.
level 2 fine was ZWL$300, a level is given an independent power to
3 fine was ZWL$500, and so on amend or replace the Scale by sub- The failure to specify which The notice with which we are
all the way to level 14 which was concerned does not state who
ZWL$800 000. made it, and since there are two
ministers who might have done
According to section 280 the so the notice does not give readers
monetary amounts in the standard enough information to satisfy
scale can be amended through themselves that it was properly
a statutory instrument, which made. Arguably therefore the
is a much quicker process than notice is invalid on this ground as
amending individual fines in each well. Notices amending or replac-
Act of Parliament. ing the standard scale of fines are
important because, as we pointed
So if, for example, the minister out at the beginning of this bul-
publishes a statutory instrument letin, they affect the levels of fines
stating that level 1 fines are to that can be imposed for almost all
be increased to ZWL$1 000, the statutory offences.
amendment will automatically in-
crease the amounts in every statute They affect the sentences that
that provides for a fine of level 1 courts can impose on convicted
to be imposed. criminals and the deposit or “spot”
fines that police officers can levy
The notice purports to be for traffic and other petty offences.
made by “the minister” in terms The notices therefore affect more
of section 280 of the Criminal people than almost any other
Law Code. It does not specify statutory instruments.
which minister made it, and that
is important because, as we shall Hence the utmost care should
explain presently, section 280 gives be taken when they are issued
two ministers separate power to to ensure they are correctly and
make notices amending the stan- validly made. Insufficient care was
dard scale of fines. taken when publishing the latest
amendment notice, and the conse-
The notice sets out a new scale quences are potentially great.
of fines, and increases them mas-
sively: A level 1 fine, which was Courts which impose sentences
fixed at ZWL$200 in November based on the new fines may exceed
last year, is now ZWL$1 000, a their jurisdiction and the sen-
fivefold increase tences will have to be set aside on
appeal or review.
A level 2 fine, which was fixed
at ZWL$300 last November, is If the police issue traffic tickets
now ZWL$2 000, almost a seven- for the payment of the new fines,
fold increase A level 3 fine, which motorists who pay them will have
was ZWL$500, is now ZWL$5 to be refunded. Many people will
000, a tenfold increase, and the re- be put to inconvenience, some will
maining fines have been doubled. even suffer hardship.

The notice is invalid for at least And all because the minister -
two reasons, both of which are to whichever one it was - carelessly
be found in the curious provisions failed to comply with section 280
of section 280 of the Criminal of the Criminal Law Code.
Law Code, the section under
which the notice purported to be – Veritas is a team of lawyers
made. who monitor and scrutinise legis-
lation in Zimbabwe.
Section 280, as we pointed out

NewsHawks Obituary Page 27

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Rtd Lt. Gen Sibusiso Moyo
(Cde Delumuzi — 1961-2021)

A DARK cloud of sorrow and grief Lt Gen (Retd) Dr S Moyo pictured during his days as a Colonel 2010 to 2014, he served as Direc-
has, once again, enveloped the na- tor-General, Economic Develop-
tion as we mourn the loss of Min- for further military training. He promoted to the rank of Colonel and he served there up to 2000. ment Department, which was re-
ister of Foreign Affairs and Inter- attended and completed Compa- and later appointed Commander 6 He was later appointed Senior sponsible for spearheading defence
national Trade, Politburo member ny Commander’s Course at Sym- Infantry Brigade, where he served Personnel Staff to the then Com- economic development in line with
and Senator for Mberengwa, Lieu- propole in USSR. After training, he until 1995. Later that same year, mander Defence Forces, the late the vision of creating a strong in-
tenant General (Retd) Dr Sibusiso returned to Zambia and became an the late National Hero was to be General Vitalis Musungwa Gava dustrial base for the Zimbabwe De-
Moyo. He succumbed to Covid-19 instructor at various ZIPRA train- appointed Commandant at the Zvinavashe, a position he held un- fence Forces.
complications at Arundel Medical ing camps. Zimbabwe Military Academy. til 2004. Later that same year, he
Centre in Harare on 20 January Post independence life was appointed Director General During his long and illustrious
2021. During the ceasefire period, Lt Gen In October 1996, he was pro- Military Strategic Planning at the career in the ZDF, the late Lieu-
Moyo returned to Zimbabwe and moted to Brigadier General and re- Zimbabwe Defence Forces Head- tenant General held several other
He was 59. went to Romeo Assembly Point, mained at the Academy until 1997. quarters (ZDF HQ). He held this important appointments in pursuit
Early life in Makonde, where he was attested position up to 2005 before being of regional and international peace
The late Lt Gen (Retd) Dr Moyo into the Zimbabwe National Army In 1997, the late Lieutenant posted to the Inspectorate Depart- and security. These include second-
whose nom de guerre was Cde (ZNA) as a Green Board Officer General was posted to Army Head- ment as Deputy Inspector General ment to the United Nations Mis-
Delumuzi, was born on 20 Novem- with an equivalent rank of Captain. quarters Administration Staff where he served until 2010. From sion in Somalia (UNOSOM II) as
ber 1961, at Mnene Mission Hos- In 1981, he was appointed General Branch as Brigadier General re- Deputy Chief of Staff from 1994
pital in Mberengwa under Chief Staff Officer Grade Two, at Army sponsible for staff administration to 1995. He was the planner and
Negove, to Cephas John Moyo and Headquarters. commander of Exercise ‘Blue Hun-
Cathrine Moyo (née Siziba). He Sibusiso Moyo announcing ‘Operation Restore Order’ on National Television gwe’ held in Nyanga, Zimbabwe,
was the third born in a family of In January 1983, Cde Moyo was in 1997, marking the first Regional
eight children, namely: Sikhanyiso, appointed Course Officer at the Peace keeping mission of its kind.
Sithembile, Bothwell, Sibongin- The Exercise was a resounding suc-
kosi, Sithembinkosi, Sibhekinkosi Zimbabwe Military Academy cess and it raised the Country’s flag
and Sithandinkosi. (ZMA) in Gweru. The following high. He also co-planned Exercise
‘Blue Crane’ which was the second
The late National Hero did his year, he was appointed Officer Regional Peace keeping Exercise
primary education at Masvingo Commanding Foundation Train- held in South Africa in 1999 and
Primary School, in Mberengwa, ing at the same institution. He was he was the Chief Umpire of that
from 1968 to 1974. He later pro- later to be appointed Deputy Chief Exercise. The late National Hero
ceeded to Manama School for part Instructor in 1985. In December chaired the African Union Panel of
of his secondary education in 1975. 1985, Lt Gen Moyo was posted to Defence Experts in Addis Ababa,
Pre-independence political the Zimbabwe Staff College as a Di- Ethiopia.
history recting Staff, where he served up to
Outraged by the racially inspired March 1989. In January 1990, he Lt Gen S. B. Moyo was also
inequalities that were synonymous was posted to Army Headquarters instrumental in Government pro-
with the then draconian Rhodesian as General Staff Officer Planning at grammes where he participated as
minority regime, Cde Moyo aban- Grade One level. In 1992, he was a member of the Agriculture Task
doned high school studies whilst Force and International Economic
doing Form 3 to join the libera- Development Priority Programme
tion struggle. On 27 January 1977, (NEDPP). He served as the Dep-
the then youthful Sibusiso Moyo uty Chief Strategic Planning for
together with four hundred and Operation Maguta, Chairperson
ten (410) boys and girls accom- of the External Grain Importation
panied by their teachers left the Task Force from 2016 to 2017 and
then Rhodesia in the company of later as Vice Chairman Command
Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Agriculture Committee.
Army (ZIPRA) Forces and crossed
the border into Botswana. Whilst Other outstanding achievements
in Botswana, the Rhodesian Gov- of the late General include having
ernment pleaded with the students chaired and led the write up of the
and teachers to return home. In First Defence Review of 1990 and
pursuit of this effort, the Rhode- the Strategic Zimbabwe Defence
sian Government sent an Evan- Forces Analysis of 1997. He was
gelical pastor from the Lutheran also the Chairperson of the ZDF
Church who was based at Manama Military Strategic Estimate, Chair-
Mission to persuade the students man of the ZDF Military Strategic
to return home. Driven by the zeal Estimate and Concept of the De-
to liberate their country, the pu- fence Vision 2020 and President
pils turned down the request. The of the Board to transform the Na-
group eventually left Botswana and tional Defence College into a fully
crossed into Zambia and they were fledged university.
received at CGT Base, which was
under the command of Cde Phillip During his career in the ZNA,
Valerio Sibanda, who is the current the late Lieutenant General suc-
Commander of the Zimbabwe De- cessfully attended and completed
fence Forces. Cde Moyo received various career courses which in-
his initial military training at CGT clude:
base. He trained with the likes of
current Commander Airforce Zim- • Foundation Course In-
babwe Air Marshal Elton Moyo, take/6/2, Zimbabwe Mil-
Major General Hlanganani Dube, itary Academy (ZMA),
Major General (Rtd) Chancellor 1981.
Diye, Air Commodore Masera,
and Albert Ngulube, among oth- • Junior Staff Course, Zim-
ers. In 1978, Cde Moyo left Zam- babwe Staff College (ZSC),
bia and went to the then USSR 1982.

• Company Commanders’
Course (1), Zimbabwe
Military Academy (ZMA),
1983.

• Intermediate Staff Course
(8), ZSC, 1984.

Page 28 Obituary NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

• Joint Command and Staff The late Sibusiso Moyo when he was appointed foreign affairs minister the SADC Organ on Politics, De- Moyo family saying “….our nation
Course (3), ZSC, 1989. fence and Security Cooperation. relied on him for a determined ex-
• Executive Diploma in Gen- contributed to the enhancement of ecution of our engagement and re-
• Peace Keeping Course (2), eral Management; Zimba- peace and security in the region in Furthermore, the late Minister engagement policy through which
ZSC, 1986. bwe Institute of manage- various capacities as member of the Moyo superintended Zimbabwe’s we sought to embrace the rest of
ment. SADC Council of Ministers, head- increased visibility in the African the world, while repairing relations
• All Arms Radio Course ing a number of SADC Observer Union leading to our ratification of with those countries which had
Sigs/3 (70), School of Sig- The late National Hero was a hold- Missions and as Chairperson of the the African Continental Free Trade taken positions against us over our
nals (SSIGS), 1992. er of two Masters Degrees. The first SADC Ministerial Committee of Area (AfCFTA) and the Tri-Partite legitimate and principled decision
one was a Masters of Business Ad- Free Trade Area (TFTA). to recover our heritage, principally
• Advanced Peace Support ministration in Strategic Manage- land.
Planning Course, UK, ment, Zimbabwe Open University, Lt Gen (Retd) Dr Moyo shall
1996. 2009 and then Masters of Science be remembered as a diplomat par He persistently deployed pa-
in International Relations, Univer- excellence and a committed patriot tient and dignified diplomacy, even
• Army Staff Course, Cam- sity of Zimbabwe, 2011. The late who served his country with gal- against difficult and often hostile
berley, UK, 1996. Lieutenant General attained a Doc- lantry and dedicated loyalty; com- interlocutors.
tor of Philosophy in International mitted to advancing Zimbabwe’s
• Senior Intermediate De- Relations from the University of national interests both regionally Through that patience and perse-
fence Course, USA, 1999. Zimbabwe in 2016. and internationally. verance, Zimbabwe had expanded
friendships, and registered signifi-
During his service with the ZDF, In 2014, the late General was The untimely death of Lt Gen cant diplomatic gains and victories
the late freedom fighter was award- promoted to the rank of Major (Retd) S. B. Moyo has robbed the across the globe.”
ed the following medals for his con- General and was subsequently post- nation of a gallant son of the soil
tinued dedication, selflessness and ed to Army Headquarters as Chief at a time when he was leading the Lt Gen (Retd) S. B. Moyo is sur-
exemplary service to the nation. of Staff, a position he held until crusade for both diplomatic and vived by wife, Justice Loice Matan-
the launch and conduct Operation economic engagement and re-en- da-Moyo and children.
• Liberation Medal - for his Restore Legacy in November 2017. gagement promoting the mantra Go well our Diplomat par Excel-
gallantry and selfless dedi- During Operation Restore Legacy, “Zimbabwe is Open for Business”. lence!
cation to the Liberation of he rose to fame as the spokesperson Hero status Hamba kahle qhawe lamaqhawe!
Zimbabwe. of the operation. On retirement Following the demise of Lt Gen Fambai Zvakanaka Murozvi!
in 2017, the distinguished Major (Retd) Dr Sibusiso Moyo, Presi-
• Independence Medal - for General was promoted to Lieu- dent E.D Mnangagwa sent his con- – Ministry of Information,
his contribution towards tenant General and he was sub- dolence message to the nation and Publicity and Broadcasting
the Independence of Zim- sequently appointed Minister of Services
babwe. Foreign Affairs and International
Trade.
• Ten Years Service Medal
- for his immense contri- During his time as the Foreign
bution to the integration, Minister, Lt Gen (Retd) Dr Moyo
formation and development sought to actively re-engage with
of the Zimbabwe National Western countries who, in response
Army during the first ten to our Land Reform Programme,
years of its existence. had distanced themselves from us
and even imposed punitive sanc-
• Long and Exemplary Ser- tions against us. Even in the face
vice Medal - for his exem- of considerable opposition and
plary service for continuous oftentimes open hostility, the late
fifteen years. Minister never rested in his pursuit
to improving Zimbabwe’s interna-
• Mozambique Campaign tional relations.
Medal - for his contribution
towards the restoration and As the Minister of Foreign Af-
peace in Mozambique. fairs and International Trade, he
dedicated all his energies to the to-
• UNOSOM II United Na- tal emancipation of Zimbabwe and
tions Medal - for his par- its acceptance by the international
ticipation in the United Na- community. From a position of to-
tions Operations in Somalia tal isolation, the late diplomat suc-
II. cessfully steered Zimbabwe towards
a future where our country, not
• Democratic Republic of only has friends and allies globally,
Congo Campaign Medal - but is also a valued member of the
for his contribution towards international community champi-
peace and the regard of hu- oning the mantra that Zimbabwe
manity in the Democratic should be “A friend to every-
republic of Congo during one and an enemy to none”. He
Operation Sovereign Legit- worked tirelessly to take existing
imacy. cordial relations between Zimba-
bwe and the eastern block to great-
• Grand Officer of the Zim- er heights. Lt Gen (Retd) Dr Moyo
babwe Order of Merit
Award - for his eminent
achievement and distin-
guished service to Zimba-
bwe and humanity at large.

The late General did not only ex-
cel in military service, but he was
equally gifted in the academic field.
He obtained the following profes-
sional qualifications:

• Advanced Staff Course,
Camberley (UK), 1996.

• Senior International De-
fence Management; Naval
Post Graduate School, Unit-
ed States of America (1999)

• Total Quality Management·
Institute of Total Quality
Management.

• Certificate in Personnel
Management; Institute of
Personnel Management,
Zimbabwe.

• Diploma in Training Man-
agement; Institute of Per-
sonnel Management, Zim-
babwe.

• Group Diploma in Market-
ing; Institute of Marketing
Management.

NewsHawks Obituary Page 29

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

THE nation has been engulfed with Rtd. Major-General Paradzai
grief following the passing on of for- Willings Zimondi (1947-2021)
mer Commissioner-General of the
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional tended and completed various career
Services, Major General (Retired) courses which include:
Paradzayi Willings Zimondi, who
succumbed to COVID- 1 9 r e l a t • Command and Staff Course,
e d complications at Arundel Medical Zimbabwe Staff College, 1986 to
Centre in Harare on Friday 22 Janu- 1987.
ary 2021. • Incident Management, Presi-
dent’s Office, 1990.
He was 73. • Defence and Security Studies,
Early life Royal College of Defence Studies,
Former Commissioner General UK, 1993.
Paradzayi Zimondi whose nom de • Diplomatic Training Course,
guerre was Cde Tonderai Nyika, was 1995.
born on 4 March, 1947, in Uzumba
District, Mashonaland East Province Paradzayi Willings Zimondi (third from right) Given his distinguished and exem-
to Charles and Abigail Zimondi (née plary service before and after Inde-
Karimazondo). He was the first born life line to the sea, the Beira Corridor of his new work environment, Major Correctional Services management pendence, the former Commissioner
in a family of seven children, name- (road, rail and the oil pipeline). He Gen Zimondi undertook a study tour systems in line with international best General Zimondi was honoured and
ly: Lovemore (late), Stanley, Netsai, was instrumental in the Gorongoza of British, Danish and Swedish pris- practices in the sector. He provided awarded the following medals:
Arthur, Kudzayi and Salome Spiwe. 2 military operation in which 1 In- on systems during the month of July expert leadership in up scaling offend- • Liberation Medal - for his gal-
He did primary education at Ma- fantry Brigade together with Zim- 1997. When he returned from the er rehabilitation as opposed to incar- lantry and selfless dedication to the
kosa, Mvuma and Manyika schools babwean Special Forces captured the study tours, he began advocating for a ceration without personal growth and liberation of Zimbabwe.
and proceeded to Nyamuzuwe High RENAMO rebels’ headquarters and number of reformative approaches to reform, reintegrating and restructur- • Independence Medal - for his
School, Mutoko, for secondary edu- stronghold that was entrenched in the the country’s prison and management ing of the Prisons and Correctional contribution towards the indepen-
cation. strategic Gorongoza mountain. systems. The Prison Department’s Services to match the new thrust. dence of Zimbabwe.
Pre-independence life major reforms and transition began • Ten Years’ Service - for his im-
The unjust and oppressive colonial re- RENAMO had been using the to be felt upon his appointment as The former Commissioner Gen- mense contribution to the integra-
gime inspired young Paradzayi, who Gorongoza base as its main launch the Acting Commissioner of Prisons eral also contributed immensely to tion, formation and development of
had relocated to the then Salisbury, pad for attacks on the Beira Corridor in 1998 following the retirement of the successful transformation and the Zimbabwe National Army during
and some youths from Highfield to in the process crippling the Zimba- Commissioner Langton Chigwida, reformation of a prison system whose the first ten years of its existence.
sacrifice their education and skip the bwean economy. who was the first Commissioner of founding principle had been premised • Long and Exemplary Medal -
country into Mozambique. On ar- Prisons in independent Zimbabwe. on creating a system that discriminat- for his exemplary service for continu-
rival, he joined the ranks of the Zim- Subsequent to this daring opera- ed against the majority blacks making ous fifteen years.
babwe African National Liberation tion, RENAMO rebels were forced Maj Gen (Retd) Zimondi was sub- them secondary citizens in their coun- • Mozambique Campaign Med-
Army (ZANLA) Forces. In 1974, to disintegrate and flee further from sequently appointed Commissioner try of birth. During his reign as the al - for his contribution towards the
he underwent military training at the corridor. In January 1990, the of the Zimbabwe Prison Service in head of the Prisons and Correctional restoration of peace and stability in
Mgagao Training Camp in Tanzania. then Brigadier General was appointed April 1998. He served as the Commis- Services, the former Commissioner Mozambique.
Director Military Intelligence for the sioner of the then Zimbabwe Prison General revamped and improved the • Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe
After training, he was posted to Zimbabwe National Army, a post he Service up until July 2013. Following health delivery system across all pris- Order of Merit - for his eminent
Chimoio, Mozambique where he as- held until August 1994. On the for- the adoption of a new Constitution in ons in the country. achievement and distinguished ser-
sumed the position of Instructor. He mation of a single command structure 2013 that provided for the rebrand- vice to Zimbabwe and humanity at
was later deployed to Gaza Province for the Zimbabwe National Army and ing of the Zimbabwe Prison Service He transformed the prison sys- large.
before being reassigned to Manica the Airforce of Zimbabwe in 1994, he (ZPS) to the Zimbabwe Prisons and tem from a closed institution into a Hero status
Province where he was appointed was appointed Chief of Defence In- Correctional Service (ZPCS), he was mainly open system that greatly en- Following the untimely demise of
Field Operations Commander from telligence (ZDF HQs), a post he held appointed the first Commissioner couraged offender rehabilitation and the former Commissioner General,
1977 taking over command from with dexterity until he retired from General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and reintegration through community the President Cde E.D. Mnangag-
Cde Happison Muchechetere. the Army as a Major General in 1996. Correctional Service, a position he and stake holder participation. It was wa said: “...The passing on of Major
held until his retirement on the 31st through his visionary leadership that General (Retired) Paradzayi Zimon-
During his reign as the Provincial In 1997, Maj Gen (Retd) Zimondi of October, 2020. Connemara Open Prison was set up. di robs the country of the remaining
Commander for Manica Province, was appointed Deputy Commission- crop of brave cadres who transformed
Maj Gen (Retd) Zimondi successful- er of the then Zimbabwe Prison Ser- As Commissioner General, he im- Former Commissioner Gener- the armed liberation struggle from
ly commanded ZANLA combatants vice. In preparation of his new duties plemented programmes that mod- al Zimondi left behind a legacy of the front. His record in combat op-
in many battles including: the Ruda, and also, as a way for him to appre- ernised the Zimbabwe Prisons and pro-active approaches to prison man- erations was nothing short of legend-
Gandayi, attack on Umtali (Mutare), ciate the demands and expectations agement concepts not only in the ary...”
Mavhonde and Grand Reef battles. country but beyond our borders. In
Young Paradzayi Willings Zimondi this regard, Zimbabwe is now the first He is survived by three children,
The Mavhonde and Grand Reef country to have a female open prison namely: Hilda (late), Rufaro and Ab-
battles are regarded as the major and within the SADC Region. He also igail Upenyu.
decisive battles that broke the spine of founded the Zimbabwe Female Open Zororai Murugare Samaita!
the Rhodesian Forces. Prison Foundation Trust in 2019. The Lala Ngoxolo Qhawe Lethu!
objective of the Trust was to drive and Rest in Peace our Commission-
The Grand Reef Battle was oversee the development and estab- er-General!
launched in retaliation to the Rhode- lishment of female open prisons in
sians’ attack of the Chimoio Refugee Zimbabwe with the initial project be- – Ministry of Information,
Camp. In recognition of his humble ing Marondera Female Open Prison. Publicity and Broadcasting
and exemplary leadership, command He championed gender balance issues Services
abilities, bravery and dedication to within the rank and file of the ZPCS.
the liberation of Zimbabwe, Maj Gen The late Rtd Major-General
(Retd) Zimondi was appointed mem- The former Commissioner Gener- Paradzayi Willings Zimondi
ber of the ZANLA High Command, al initiated and strengthened regional
a grouping of senior comrades whose and international relations which saw
mandate was to plan and direct the the ZPCS signing memoranda for
execution of the liberation struggle. cooperation with other SADC coun-
Post-independence life tries as well as the deployment of Cor-
At Independence, Maj Gen (Retd) rectional officers in United Nations
Zimondi was attested into the Zim- Peacekeeping Missions.
babwe National Army (ZNA) as Col-
onel. In April 1981 he was appoint- The former Commissioner Gener-
ed Deputy Commander 2 Infantry al and freedom fighter successfully at-
Brigade. In 1983, he was promoted
to Commander Presidential Guard
in 1983 and served in that post up
to 1984. At the end of 1984, he was
transferred to Army headquarters and
appointed Colonel General Staff. At
the height of the Mozambican Cam-
paign in 1987, he was promoted to
the rank of Brigadier General and ap-
pointed Commander 1 Infantry Bri-
gade, a post he held until 1990.

During his tenure as Commander 1
Infantry Brigade, he carried out major
operations to safe guard Zimbabwe’s

Page 30 Obituary NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

The nation grieves the loss of Dr Joel Dr Joel Biggie Matiza naland East Province. He served in
Biggie Matiza, a dedicated son these portfolios until 2013.
of the soil, distinguished architect, (Cde Destroyer Ndlovu — 1960-2021)
cadre of the liberation struggle, Owing to his exemplary and vi-
Zanu PF Mashonaland East Provin- The late transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza sionary leadership, in 2014 Cde Ma-
cial Chairman and Minister of tiza was appointed Minister of State
Transport and Infrastructural De- Due to the severity of his injuries, a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) at ing year, he was appointed ZANU for Provincial Affairs for Mashona-
velopment who worked tirelessly he was taken to Lusaka for medical Amadu Bello University. PF Provincial Secretary for Finance. land East. The following year, he was
to transform infrastructure in the treatment and was admitted in hos- In 2001, he attained a Masters of elected Chairman of Mashonaland
country in line with vision 2030. pital for a long period. The following year, he enrolled Science in Strategic Management East Province. In 2018, Cde Matiza
Dr Matiza passed away on Friday for a Masters Degree in Architecture Degree with the University of Derby was appointed Minister of Transport
22 January 2021, at St Anne’s Hos- After his discharge from hospital, at the same university and graduated that is in the United Kingdom. and Infrastructural Development.
pital in Harare, after succumbing to Cde Matiza was identified as one in 1986. Later that year, Cde Matiza
Covid 19 related complications. of the young intellects in the ranks returned home armed with requisite In 2005, Cde Matiza was re-elect- The zenith of Dr Matiza’s contri-
He was 60. qualifying for educational courses knowledge that contributed to the ed Member of Parliament for bution to the development of Zim-
Early life offered by friendly nations that were development of his country. Murewa South Constituency and babwe came with his appointment
Dr Joel Biggie Matiza whose nom de supporting the liberation struggle. subsequently appointed Deputy as the Minister of Transport and In-
guerre was Cde Destroyer Ndlovu, His search for a starting point saw Minister for Rural Housing and So- frastructural Development as initi-
was born on 17 August 1960, in Later that same year, he was sent him joining a private architectural cial Amenities. He served under His ated various infrastructural projects.
Murewa, Mashonaland East Prov- to Nigeria to pursue further educa- firm but did not work there for long. Excellency the President Cde E.D.
ince, to Joel and Joyce Matiza. He tion with the instruction to learn His belief in black empowerment Mnangagwa who was then Minister His enterprising and resourceful
was the first born in a family of six and acquire skills that would be use- could not let him carry-on serving of Rural Housing and Social Ame- personality saw him implementing
children (four boys and two girls), ful in independent Zimbabwe. As it under white management. He thus nities. robust infrastructural projects that
his siblings being: Tendai and Zviko were, Independence would beckon left the firm with the intent to estab- changed Zimbabwe’s landscape for
(twins) Sheila, Zivai and Tambirai. and soon became a reality before he lish his own enterprise. Cde Matiza was dedicated and the better. Some of the projects have
He enrolled for primary education completed his studies. committed to the development of since been completed and some are
at several primary schools, name- Post independence political life This required time and planning his Constituency. He was known for still work in progress. These among
ly: Nyamutumbu and Kambara- At Independence Cde Matiza re- but he did not give up. A few years chipping-in with personal resources others include:
mi (both in Murewa District) and mained in Nigeria pursuing his later, and before his vision could ma- to help others to start income gener- • Awarding of infrastructural
Monte Casino Mission (Macheke) studies. In 1984, he graduated with terialise, Cde Matiza got employed ating projects. The leadership he dis-
between 1966 and 1972. He then by the Urban Development Corpo- played in the Constituency saw him projects to local companies
went to Murewa High School for Young Joel Biggie Matiza ration, a Government parastatal, be- become one of the longest serving and the use of local resources,
secondary education in 1973 finish- fore forming and registering his own MPs in Murewa. thereby building local capacity,
ing Ordinary Level in 1975. architectural firm, called Mutupa creating jobs for the youth and
Matiza Architects. Some of the projects he spear- opening up business opportu-
Owing to the heightening of the headed in his Constituency in- nities for local entrepreneurs.
liberation struggle, particularly in In 1990, he successfully registered clude the construction of Nyamita • Contributing to the architec-
liberated zones, the time that young with the Architects Council of Zim- and Takunda Primary Schools in tural designs of the new Parlia-
Joel did secondary education saw a babwe (ACZ) and subsequently be- Macheke, Dombwe Clinic and Je- ment of Zimbabwe building.
marked rise in black consciousness came a member of the Institute of kwa Hall. He also drilled boreholes • Widening and upgrading sec-
amongst black youths. Architects of Zimbabwe (MIAZ). in Wards 17, 18 and Macheke Ur- tions of the BeitbridgeMasvin-
ban. go-Harare highway to meet re-
Murehwa Mission was no excep- Whilst practicing in his field of gional standards in preparation
tion and in no time Joel was gripped specialisation, Cde Matiza con- In 2008, he was re-elected Mem- of its dualisation.
with a fervour to fight the oppressive tinued to be active in politics. In ber of Parliament for Murewa South • Expansion and rehabilitation of
Smith regime. To break into politics, 1997, he was elected Chairman of Constituency and subsequently ap- Robert Mugabe International
Joel needed a mentor. Fortunately the ZANU PF Musami District. He pointed Deputy Minister for Local Airport.
he had a politically active uncle by served in this portfolio with dedica- Government, Public Works and Na- • Vic Falls International Airport
the name Mangwende who was a tion and loyalty and in 1999, he was tional Housing. Owing to his hard architectural designs and over-
member of the Zimbabwe African rewarded by being elected Member work and loyalty to the Party, Cde seeing its successful comple-
People’s Union (ZAPU) and had of Parliament for Murewa South Matiza appointed member of the tion.
links to its leader, the late National Constituency in a by-election. Zanu PF Central Committee rep- • Ngundu-Tanganda Road reha-
Hero Cde Joshua Nkomo. resenting Murewa District, Masho- bilitation.
He became one of the youngest • Rehabilitation of Birchen-
After several interactions with his MPs during that time. The follow- ough-Chipinge-Mt Selinda
uncle, Cde Matiza abandoned the Road.
option of proceeding to Advanced • Reconstruction of the Cyclone
Level and took a bold decision to go Idai damaged roads and bridges
and join the struggle for liberation. in Chimanimani.
Pre-independence political life • Expansion and tarring of Ma-
It was in 1975 that Cde Matiza huwe-Kanyemba road.
skipped the border into Zambia via • Upgrading and modernising
Botswana in the company of other Beitbridge Border Post.
new recruits. On arrival, they were • Expansion and tarring of the
deployed to various ZIPRA training Karoi-Binga road.
camps for military training. In December 2020, Cde Matiza at-
tained a Doctorate in Business Ad-
The following year, Rhodesian ministration Degree with Chinhoyi
forces started to conduct random University of Technology.
military incursions into neighbour-
ing Mozambique and Zambia tar- Hero’s status
geting Zimbabwe African National In a condolence message to the Ma-
Liberation Army (ZANLA) and tiza family and the nation, President,
Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Emmerson Mnangagwa, said “...
Army (ZIPRA) refugee camps and As we mourn his sad departure, we
military bases in a bid to degrade commit ourselves to honouring him
and cripple the momentum of the by taking forward the infrastructural
armed struggle. projects which he championed with
such extra-ordinary passion...”
In 1978, the Rhodesian forces Dr Matiza is survived by wife Lilian
raided Freedom Camp in Zambia and three children; Joel, Joseph and
where Cde Matiza was based. The Joshua.
Rhodesian forces machine-gunned
hundreds of ZIPRA Comrades Rest in Peace Dr J. B. Matiza!
at the camp and dropped napalm Famba Zvakanaka Soko Nyadava!
bombs killing over 200 freedom Hamba Kuhle Qhawe Lethu!
fighters. Although Cde Matiza sur-
vived the attack, he suffered body – Ministry of Information,
injuries. Publicity and Broadcasting
Services

NewsHawks Obituary Page 31

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Tell no lies, claim no easy victories: A
tribute to Zephaniah Maiwana Nkomo

MANDLA NKOMO (1951-2021) vance party of NSO officers who
were deployed back into Rhodesia.
“WE must practice revolutionary The late Zipra intelligence operative Zephaniah Nkomo Eventually he was put in charge
democracy in every aspect of our of the Luveve Refugee Reception
party life. Every responsible mem- the nationalist resistance and ag- Zwelibanzi Moyo. had other plans. Centre as the transition began.
ber must have the courage of his itation became too strong to ig- Several months training at CGT As the war heated up, Zapu con-
responsibilities, exacting from oth- nore. He was one of many young At independence, Zephaniah
ers a proper respect for his work people who joined the radical 1 was followed by more special- tinued to prepare for a New Zim- was supposed to be among the
and properly respecting the work Zapu Youth League’s Magwegwe ised security training under Sam babwe, while dealing with more first police officers who were to
of others. Hide nothing from the Township Branch. Madondo at Chinyunyu Camp frequent and daring raids by an form the current ZRP by integrat-
masses of our people.Tell no lies. also known as Seven Gorges. His increasingly desperate Rhodesian ing former BSAP, Zipra and Zanla
Expose lies whenever they are told. The political education he re- skills in military drills, intelligence Security Forces which included cadres given his intelligence, police
Mask no difficulties, mistakes, ceived within Zapu at the time, and counter-intelligence were the 1978 attack on Nkomo’s house and military training.
failures. Claim no easy victories.” and his readings of the writings honed at this facility. At the end in Lusaka, an attack at the “Vati-
- Amilcar Cabral. of Helen Suzman convinced him of the training, based on his per- can”, Zapu security headquarters - Among this group was Rtd
that being a by-stander was not an formance, Zwe (as his colleagues whose aftermath required a review Commissioner Griffiths Mpo-
Deep in Bulilimamangwe dis- option. He had to make the tough then called him) was assigned to of the intelligence structure. fu and current Commissioner
trict in Matabeleland South prov- decision to leave a wife, and two the Presidential Guard, providing General Godwin Matanga. The
ince, where the mopane forests toddlers and join what was then protection to Zapu Vice-President Zwe was then drafted into the integration was to be led by Jeco-
only yield occasionally to acacia a steady flow of impatient young Josiah Chinamano and national newly-established National Secu- niah Mayo and current Rtd Brig-
woodlands and hardly ever to the people offering their lives - with no chairman Samuel Munodawafa in rity and Organisation (NSO). The adier-General Benjamin Mabenge
grasslands, lies the village of Ntoli. guarantee of ever coming back – to Kabulonga, Lusaka. NSO, led by the “black Russian” from Zanla.
the liberation struggle. Dumiso Dabengwa, Zipra intelli-
It owes its existence to a unique After almost a year of leading a gence supremo, was in charge of But as events moved fast and
circumstance that nature has So in October 1976, he crossed security unit within the presiden- all officers trained in specialised tensions escalated between Zipra
bestowed upon it. The mighty into Botswana, stepping into the tial guard, he was selected for spe- departments. These departments and Zanla – as a reflection of the
Manzamnyama/Nata river brings uncertain and unknown, but con- cialised six months police training included intelligence, police, im- Zapu-Zanu hostilities – Zwe, now
its dark and mighty waters from vinced that it was the right thing at the elite Lilayi Police Academy migration, customs and border back to his name Zeph, was moved
Mananda and coalesces with and to do – a national call to duty. in 1978, as part of a group of 27 control. to Local Government in Bulawayo.
tames the occasionally angry Nto- Zapu trainees. The highlight of
li river, and the equally aggressive After a month-and-a-half in this training was to be a visit by Zwe fell under the Department My earliest memory of him was
Moza river at their confluence, Francistown, he was part of group party leader Joshua Nkomo who of Public Security and Rehabilita- in 1980 when my mother excit-
creating a flood plain that provides flown to Lusaka, Zambia, and announced to them that they tion with Moses Mvenge as Direc- edly told me that usekaMaNko
guaranteed sweet pasture for the transported to the reception facil- would be “the first police officers tor and Jeconiah Zulu as Deputy ubuyile empini. That was a cause
livestock, and various options for ity in Nampundwe. The reality of of a new Zimbabwe Republic Po- Director. On the basis of this or- for celebration because many who
water throughout the year. being in the struggle was quickly lice” - little did he know that fate ganisation, when ceasefire came made that perilous journey did not
impressed upon the now renamed in 1979, Zwe was part of an ad- make it back. He made it back, but
It is in this unique natural mas- like many he was soon to be dis-
terpiece where my uncle, Zephani- appointed with the way the elec-
ah Maiwana (you have found it in tions panned out. He and others in
Tjikalanga) Nkomo was born on Zapu and Zipra had to deal with
1 May 1951 to one of the young- the hard reality of having achieved
er Matjunku girls, a prominent your goals (in independent Zim-
local family of the Ndlovu clan. babwe) and yet being on the los-
He would attend the local Ntoli ing side amid recriminations and
Primary School, a school led by conflict.
the dedicated Motswana migrant
Headmaster uMpofu, a Muhurut- Worse still, Joshua Nkomo’s
si. promise would be derailed as in-
stead of joining the new police or
“Newboy”, as his adoring even intelligence, he would soon
grandfather apparently called him, find himself as an unwilling guest
would not leave that village until of the state, incarcerated in 1982
he had completed his Standard 6. for four years on charges that the
Although similar to most rural vil- state were not able to sustain in a
lages in post-war Rhodesia at the court of law and yet they detained
time, this village had always pro- him and other top Zapu and Zipra
vided inspiration to its inhabitants leaders and commanders anyways.
of a better world out there.
I can distinctly remember the
What, with a fully function- day when he and his comrades
al local “hospital” (Lady Stanley were released because again my
Clinic) complete with an oft used mum was excited that her broth-
airstrip (by the Flying Doctor Ser- er, uMalume uZeph was being re-
vice ) - there was enough to pique leased. There was even a headline
Zeph’s interest in what lay beyond in the local Bulawayo daily The
the horizon. He would follow in Chronicle announcing their re-
the footsteps of another promi- lease. It wasn’t long before I was
nent local son, Tarcisius George sent to visit him at his house in
Silundika. Lobengula West.

A move to Bulawayo for further This larger-than-life character
education at Msitheli Secondary was actually a small guy, but you
School would expose Nkomo - couldn’t help but notice the sheer
Zeph as most called him then - to presence, the sharp intellect, the
what an unequal and segregated thrift and the industry of the man.
society, post-UDI Rhodesia had He quickly set about establishing
become. a metal working shop at his house
and there was always an item being
Although he managed to com- manufactured for some customer
plete his Ordinary Level and find or relative. He had upgraded his
employment at the local radio home and it was quite imposing in
manufacturing company, Super- that new suburb.
sonic, the growing drumbeat of
Not being content with short-

Page 32 Obituary NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

term achievement, he quickly he will never fade away, we will see
found a property in Lobenvale, him in that Fort Hare graduate,
where he started yet another in that story told of a Zipra cad-
building project. This would be his re, well told and preserved, in that
home and building project for his collection of thousands of Zipra
remaining years. I honestly can’t photographs that now have names
remember a family event where he and dates, in that list of war dead
didn’t attend and where he wasn’t that says - these lives mattered and
asked to speak. In recent years I their sacrifice was not in vain.
would always joke with him that
I had started to eclipse his perma- This quiet revolutionary was
nent status as family spokesman . living proof that “tell no lies, and
claim no easy victories”. He would
In all our celebrations (wed- never claim easy victories and do
dings, birthdays, graduation party public work and duty for personal
etc) uncle Zeph would be the first gain, as he went to war to fight for
item resolved on the programme. the common good, not recogni-
Even in sad times like funerals tion and reward.
and memorials, you could always
count on his calm and reassuring Nkomo breathed his last on the
voice to point to the way forward. 24January 2021 and is survived by
his wife, a daughter, five sons, and
But his enduring work of his four grandchildren.
life was those things he did for no
personal gain – just like he fought Hamba kahle qhawe, hamba
in the struggle for no gain. His kahle Maiwana, lala ngoxolo Zwe,
involvement as a founding mem- Uncle Zeph; sizoyibamba lindlela!
ber of ZimRights’ Matabeleland
Chapter, his coordination of a Mandla Nkomo is Zephaniah
campaign to get Matobo Hills to Nkomo’s nephew.
be granted World Heritage Status,
and participating in the Somali Zephaniah Nkomo
peace-keeping mission, were the
themes of this dedicated son of the young academically gifted children 3 Ply
soil’s life. of ex-combatants to be awarded
the Presidential Scholarship to Disposable Masks
He was always a fountain of study at Fort Hare University, the
knowledge, a man of many mean- youngsters would abandon their Isolation Gowns
ingful causes. I for one learnt for studies once they got to South Af-
the first time that something called rica. Cleansing Wipes Oximeter
the Wankie Campaign even exist-
ed when he gave me a book Chris I have always wondered how Thermometers Faceshields
Hani had written about the sub- many Fort Hare alumni owe their
ject. degrees to the selfless dedication of Bulk Discounts availble
this man, uncle Zeph. Not many
If it wasn’t ensuring that Look- people know about this work be- Ts&Cs apply
out Masuku was permanently re- cause uncle Zeph wasn’t interested
membered together with his Zip- in fame, but in results. His work in
ra comrades and other war dead transforming and building skilled
through a Trust named after him, young people is there for all to see.
this was a work he threw every-
thing he had into. I remember meeting him in
Hillbrow in Johannesburg to re-
Nkomo became the Director of ceive instructions to go and talk to
Mafela Trust – named after Zipra the late Paola Nomazulu Nkomo
commander Lookout Khalisaban- not to abandon school. He had
tu Vumindaba Mafela Masuku. come all the way to Johannesburg
His wartime colleagues like prom- to deliver the message.
inent heroes of the struggle such
as Dabengwa – who was his NSO He would meet with anyone,
boss - and Swazini Ndlovu were negotiate every opportunity and
happy to have him lead the Zapu/ always raise the flag for this glori-
Zipra history documentation proj- ous movement that had captured
ect. He was a trusted hand and a his heart as a young man. Zipra
colleague with a clear record in the was his life, and preserving its leg-
struggle. acy was a lifelong dedication. That
meant that he would pass over any
Uncle Zeph also worked with opportunity that moved him away
Zenzele Ndebele, a journalist and from his goal of placing the legacy
Founder/Director of the Centre of the sacrifice of many young men
for Innovation and technology, and women to liberate Zimbabwe
and a member of the Matabele- front and centre.
land Collective, a network of civil
society organisations and churches For that reason, Zephaniah
based in Bulawayo which aims to Maiwana Nkomo has not died a
tackle issues related to freedom of financially secure man, but he was
expression. rich beyond measure in his endur-
ing life’s work - ensuring that for
Nkomo helped in research and future generations, Zimbabweans
production of Zapu/Zipra stories will know, will have evidence, that
and documentaries. Zipra and the whole broad libera-
tion movement that included Zan-
When he was not working at la sacrifice brought us Zimbabwe.
Mafela, Nkomo would get onto
a “chicken bus” to travel through And that beyond the military
the night to ensure that the Zip- war, there is a war to create the
ra photographic record is digi- next generation of heroes fully
tised and preserved for posterity prepared to function in a modern
through the South Africa History society to contribute to building
Archives - and ensuring that there a country that has a realistic rela-
is a pool of young researchers tag- tionship with its past, and is will-
ging and naming the Zenzo Nkobi ing to work for its future.
collection.
As the saying goes, old soldiers
He would express exasperation never die, they simply fade away.
that after fighting hard to get Well uncle Zeph has made sure that

Porsche just got angrier Being a Fashion Model

&Life Style

Page 33 STYLE TRAVEL BOOKS ARTS MOTORING

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

JANUARY 23 will forever re- Tuku’s razor-sharp humour which
main etched in the minds of almost killed show promoters
music lovers not just in Zim-
babwe but also across the globe which we wanted to board, The late Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi to provide water for the band So I had to sweet -talk him to
as the day we lost the maestro was said to be full and that it while on stage and indeed we walk to the stage and while on
Oliver Mtukudzi. was not going to be easy for Most popular quotes by Mtukudzi performed without drinking stage he said he was too full to
the group to have seats. Just water on the stage. And his stand. So I grabbed a stool in
While most people re- that was enough to send Josh 1. As long as mankind exists, there will always be something to talk colleague Chipaz claimed he the bar and gave it to him and
member the national hero into panic mode. He would about, and if there is something to talk about, there will always be had no BP until the moment he started jamming while he
Mtukudzi — affectionately call after every 20 minutes and something to sing about. — Rootz Magazine. we joked that we had missed was seated.
known as Tuku during his then every 5 minutes and from 2. I don’t feel like a foreigner if I am performing in South Africa, or our flight.”
music career spanning over his voice you could tell he was any other African country, because I am an African. As long as I am “And after the gig he said he
four decades — there are those losing hope,” Mataure said. anywhere in Africa, I am home [laughs]. — Music in Africa. Hozheri confirmed the in- was still too full to drive and I
who were close to him who 3. Music is not about competition, we are different in our own ways cident but said he was happy had to drive him all the way to
will remember the legend for “So, the flight came and we but as artistes we only complement each other. There is no better you Tuku made him one of the Norton, firstly we dropped off
his humorous side. boarded and Mudhara (Tuku) than you. — Gem Nation News best promoters in the country. Chidzomba and then I drove
said I shouldn’t tell Josh that 4. I have good songs, but I don’t make hits. I make songs and my fans him home. I had to ensure
So humorous was Tuku that we were on our way. When make hits out of the songs. — TUKU Backstage (2015) by Shepherd The same year, on Tuku’s that he was inside the house.
at some point he claimed that we got to Harare International Mutamba. Such humility from a suoerstar music composer and ar- birthday, Hozheri bought Phew, that was mudhara! You
his first attempt at singing was Airport, again Mudhara said I ranger. buns and a litre of Fanta and know, I had to tell him during
his birth cry. As the nation last shouldn’t tell Josh that we were 5. I cannot retire from myself. — Sunday Mail. Tuku said after he gave it to Tuku as his birthday the tribute dinner that ‘mud-
week marked the second an- home and from the airport we was asked when he would quit music! present. hara munopenga zvenyu but
niversary of Tuku’s departure, went straight to the HICC 6. My music has helped to unite people and be positive. — Boston muri bho’.”
his former manager and Black and, just as we arrived at the Globe. When asked why he had
Spirits Band member — Sam entrance, Josh called again, 7. My music is trying to help people do things in harmony and live done that, Hozheri said he was Asked why Tuku had a suc-
Mataure — opened up in an now his voice was faint and he properly without hurting each other, not to use hatred, which never still hurt by the joke. cessful music career, Mataure
interview with The News- was pleading. He said if we fail solved anything. — Boston Globe. said it was because he was
Hawks, sharing some of the to make it people would riot 8. This is a gross abuse of human rights, so many of which have been The other time, Mataure naturally gifted and that he be-
lighter moments which nearly because the venue was packed. violated in order to secure the government’s grasp on power. I believe said, Tuku almost abandoned lieved in himself.
became fatal. that this is a deliberate strategy to undermine my popularity as a singer, a show after having too much
“So when he called again, and to prevent my songs from being used as a rallying point for those food. “He believed in hard work
According to Mataure, we told him we were by the who believe in a true and tolerant democracy. --- Tuku after his song and I don’t remember any one
Tuku loved to poke fun at entrance and he came and ush- Totutuma was used in a Zanu PF television advert without his permis- “We had a gig at Misty’s in time that Tuku went to studio
just about anything both on ered us backstage. We could sion. — Boston Globe. Newlands (Harare) but then to record a hit. He loved all his
and off stage. Besides cracking see Josh was teary-eyed and, 9. It is quite different to say which one is my favourite, each artiste is Mudhara asked me to take songs and he always wanted
jokes and having a good laugh, when he saw us, he almost unique and they are all my favourites. All artistes have something that I him for dinner so I said yes his fans to be the judge,” he
Mataure said, Tuku also loved fainted. ‘Sam’, he said, ‘do you don’t have and I always admire them when I see them doing what they and we went to Ocean Basket said.
to eat sea food. know I could have collapsed if do on stage which I can’t do. — The Herald. in Avondale because I knew he
you had not showed up?’ He 10. I don’t understand what a legend is. I am 120% Zimbabwean. You loved his sea food. After order- On whether or not Tuku
Mataure recalled an inci- was so angry and exhausted see what happens in music is (that) music is unique, there is no better ing sea food platters together was the greatest of all time in
dent when Tuku, after having that he said he was not going Zimbabwean than a Zimbabwean. Our music will never be compared with Watson Chidzomba of Zimbabwean music, Mataure
a sumptuous dinner, was “too to any other genre and we are not inferior at all. — The Herald. Pakare Paye Arts Centre, we said every artiste was unique in
full” to perform and another started partaking. their own way.
one where show promoters —
Josh Hozheri and Partson Chi- “While we were digging in, “For me, he was among
paz Chimbodza — almost col- the manager of the restaurant the greatest, because we had
lapsed after the superstar joked came to us and said he was the likes of Leonard Dembo,
that he had missed his flight happy to see Mudhara. He Dr Thomas Mapfumo, Ilan-
from South Africa on the day then asked if we wanted to try ga as a band, Alick Macheso,
of the gig. out something new and we Jordan Chataika, Mechanic
agreed. He brought another Manyeruke, Runn Family, Zex
“We were in Johannesburg platter full of sushi and we dug Manatsa, Ambuya Stella Chi-
at OR Tambo International in again. weshe, Lovemore Majaivana
Airport coming from another and others. We also have gui-
function and on that very day “Mudhara then said nda- tarists among the greatest, for
we had been booked for a gig guta (I’m full)I can’t walk. We instance Louis Mhalnga and
at the HICC (Harare Inter- then asked the manager to drummer Jethro Shasha. Tan-
national Conference Centre make some tea for Mudhara ga WekwaSando as well as sev-
organised by Chipaz and Josh. and he did. eral backing vocalists and pro-
moters, the likes of Mama Red
“I remember Josh calling “And when we were about Rose who are great,” he said.
me to check if we were go- to leave, Mudhara then says
ing to make it on time for ‘ndaguta ndakuenda kud- He said his wish was to be
the gig. So, we checked in on en’ (I’m too full I want to go able to celebrate the greatest
time and we decided to have home). I said No! We have a musicians while they are still
some snacks as we waited for gig at Misty’s and Mudha- alive. Zimbabwe’s music leg-
our flight back in time for the ra insisted that he wanted to end Mtukudzi was a fountain
shutdown gig. We ordered our go home and that if he was of wisdom and at any given
food and, as we were about to to drive he would go home time he had something to say
eat, Josh called again and he straight. to everyone.
asked: ‘Sam are you guys com-
ing or what?’ “So I had to come up with a He would stop and listen
plan, I parked my car at Avon- then say a word or two to his
“Before I could saying, dale and jumped into his Dis- fans and colleagues.
anything Mudhara Tuku said covery and drove him to New-
I should tell Josh that we had lands for the gig and when we Fellow musicians would vis-
missed our flight and that we got there, he said I’m too full it him for advice or help and
were making frantic efforts to I can’t walk. So I had to walk he was there to assist.
get on the last flight, which him to the stage and then asked
was SAA (South African Air- the manager to offer him tea Besides being a man of the
ways). So I told him to calm or wine. He looked at me and people, Mtukudzi loved his
down as we were doing every- asked ‘ukuda kuti ndidhakwe. people and was proud to be
thing to be on the next flight. Ndikadhakwa ndoimba hip- Zimbabwean. Call him a su-
hop ndozorohwa naStunner’. per patriot.
“Mudhara (Tuku) also
told me to tell Josh that SAA,

Page 34 Life & Style NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

ADDY KUDITA Award-winning Bulawayo-based Hip hop king Asaph has been selected to represent Zimbabwe for the Listener’s Choice of where they come from and realise
Award at the upcoming MTV Africa Music Awards seventh edition. that despite the challenges we face
“THE size of the global rap market as a nation Zimbabwe has so much
was US$15.7 billion as of 2016. An- Zim Hip hop to offer the world and, once we re-
nual revenue and estimated growth king goes global fuse to let our circumstances define
numbers through 2021 is US$4 who we are, we will realise our true
076.6 million or $4.08 billion,” ac- bration, MTV Africa Music Awards So naturally, The NewsHawks AK: Do you feel that you are power and identity which could
cording to AskWonder which draws (MAMA), which showcases the ulti- was interested in the story and gar- poised for an international break- lead us to dream bigger and want
its information from the likes of mate in African culture, music, and nered an interview with the Bula- through with this nomination? better for our country.
Statista and Nielsen. creativity, will be held in a re-imag- wayo-born and raised award-win- Asaph: Yeah this could be the break- AK: Do you feel that your ducks
ined virtual format in partnership ning hip-hop artist Asaph as he through I’ve been waiting for espe- are in a row in terms of the things
Hip-hop, also known as rap mu- with Uganda, The Pearl of Africa on talks about his career, rivalries and cially if I win. However, it’s already a you need to cross over beyond the
sic, has come a long way from its 20 February 2021. ambition. huge achievement being recognised borders and export your work?
humble beginnings on the decks of AK: So how did this MTV nomi- on a continental platform as a hip- Asaph: As far as the music is con-
Jamaican sound system disc jockeys The MTV Africa Music Awards nation come about? hop artist from Bulawayo. That’s cerned, yes. My music is quality, but
all the way to the inner-city projects Kampala 2021 will be broadcast Asaph: The nomination came about history being made right there. the right doors need to be opened
of New York. on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) after I was shortlisted amongst oth- AK: What do you hope to achieve and the right partnerships need to
and MTV (DStv Channel 130). er Zimbabwean artists to represent with your music? be made.
But if you are like me and see the The repeat show will also be aired the nation at the MTV Africa Music Asaph: I hope to inspire a genera- AK: Do you have management?
roots of the genre going much deep- on BET Africa, BET International Awards. It was a vote-based thing tion of Zimbabweans that are proud Asaph: Yes
er than that, you will go along with and MTV channels across multi- and I got the most votes. AK: What’s your process in terms
the idea that sports icon Muham- ple continents as a one-hour MA- of making music?
mad Ali and soul music innovator MA-themed MTV World Stage Asaph: I receive the instrumental
and legend James Brown were two feature. from the producer then I create
of its most famous ancestors. The around that.
poetry of The Greatest boxer of all AK: Last year, Cal_Vin died and
time as he taunted his opponents he was a rival and a colleague.
before matches and his braggado- How do you feel about the rela-
cio all capture the spirit of hip-hop tionship you had and about his
MCs: demise?
Asaph: Cal_Vin and I were like
‘Float like a butterfly sting like brothers, we made music togeth-
bee. er, partied, performed together
and even fought. But deep down
Your hands can’t hit what your we respected and loved each oth-
eyes can’t see. er because we came a long way in
music and we both wanted to see
Now you see me, now you don’t.’ Bulawayo shine and had a passion
Ali was in that sense its lyrical for hip-hop. His passing really hurt
father. James Brown as far as the and, to this day, I still find myself in
groove is concerned is undoubtedly shock that he’s really gone.
its sonic father. His bass lines have AK: What motivates you right
been sampled by hip-hop artists now as an artist?
and provided the sonic counterfoil Asaph: I’m motivated by the fact
of their musical output. that the world needs to hear our
All over the world, hip-hop or stories and the world is turning to
rap, the music and culture of black Africa to find new and unique sto-
origin, has just about trumped ries and sounds. Zimbabwe really
all other music genres as the most has a lot to offer and being one of
dominant music genre. the artists at the forefront of Zim
You can’t touch this! Young peo- urban music I have a responsibili-
ple of different nationalities have ty to make sure the world gets the
taken to it like no other genre before message. That’s my motivation.
it. As a result, hip-hop has multifar- AK: Hip-hop is global now and
ious mutations. billions exchange hands in this
In Africa, from Cape to Cairo, game. Have you monetised your
artists such as Nasty C, AKA and craft yet?
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) Asaph: Yes, I get paid to perform
have stood out in ways which tran- and I make some money off online
scend their national borders. In Ni- streams of my music.
geria, their artists have blurred the AK: Finally, what is your expecta-
lines and gone global, creating a rev- tion this year for yourself?
enue stream for young urban youth Asaph: To keep killing the game.
who want a piece of the action.
For Zimbabwe, Peace of Ebony Asaph is a hip-hop head through
was the pioneer of hip-hop music. and through and commands the
The late Chioniso Maraire, respect of peers and rivals. His
alongside Herbert Schwanborn, mellifluous flow echoes the flow of
Tony Chihota and producer Keith one of his biggest influences, the
Farqurson constituted the act which late Kingpin (Takura Makoni) and
was formed in 1992 and jolted the Tupac Shakur. The self-styled Mam-
then lethargic local market with bo of rap music may be the tonic
their heady and adventurous mix of Zimbabwean urban music has been
mbira-inflected hip-hop beats. waiting for in terms of producing
In that vein, the group was futur- an artist with enough pedigree to
istic in anticipation of the current break out internationally and, with
Afro-centric fixation of popular his recent MTV Africa Music Award
music (refer to Beyoncé’s collabos nomination, the kid may just be the
with African artists etc). chosen one.
Peace of Ebony was the Fugees
before the Fugees were even popu-
larly known.
So when a kid such as Bula-
wayo-born and raised award-win-
ning hip-hop artist Asaph (real
name Tafadzwa Tarukwana) comes
along, though not quite a kid, and
snags a nomination in the Best Lis-
tener’s Choice category with MTV
Africa music awards, he is standing
on the shoulders of yesteryear gi-
ants.
The following is an excerpt off
the MTV Africa website:
MTV Africa and MTV Base an-
nounced the return of the con-
tinental flagship award show in
2021. The Iconic MTV Base cele-

NewsHawks People & Places Page 35

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

Zhovhe Leisure Park Lodge in
Beitbridge new tourist appeal

KHATHU MUDAU from the dam and the huge in South Africa who are pro- resort is set to improve tour- Government has said it has
swimming pool is always a prietors of Top Pick Invest- ism opportunities around Be- secured a loan from Kuwait to
IN the middle of the Beit- good place to chill while down- ments whose main investor is itbridge and spur community speed up the construction of
bridge dry savanna woodland ing ice-cold refreshments. Erasmus Marema Nare, a local development. Infrastructure the 63km Zhovhe water canal
75 kilometres south-west of tycoon operating down south. and utilities development is that is set to promote irriga-
the busy border town with The project was funded by part of Nare’s plans. tion farming in the area and
South Africa lies a tourist de- Beitbridge businessmen based Besides creating jobs, the the district, which further en-
velopment, Zhovhe Leisure hances the value of the prop-
Park Lodge. erty. The lodge is also close to
Bubye Valley Conservancy –
The recently built whose headquarters is Towla
30-roomed lodge, which can – which is the largest private
accommodate up to 100 peo- wildlife property in the world.
ple, is situated at Zhovhe The conservancy is owned by
Dam, one of the 10 biggest Charles Davy, father to Prince
water bodies in the country. Harry’s former girlfriend Chel-
The lodge is located along the sy.
Beitbridge-Bulawayo highway.
Bubye Conservancy runs
The resort offers fully fur- Mazunga Safaris which is not
nished standard and family far from Zhovhe Lesiure Park.
rooms which are air-condi- The development has huge po-
tioned and installed with Dstv. tential and is undergoing grad-
ual further expansion.
There are also meeting
rooms, conference centre, Around Beitbridge there are
wedding venue, swimming several unheralded places to
pool, gymnasium, jumping visit on the Zimbabwean and
castle, boat cruises and fishing South African side of the bor-
boats at the nearby dam. der for tourists who want to
explore the wilderness.
Given the usually swelter-
ing heat in the area, the breeze

Property
NewsHawks

Page 36 PROPERTY INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE GARDENING Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

The home of prime property: [email protected]

Construction project

glut spurs Willdale

THE opening up of the property ty on undesignated arrears such as stock was very significant. If we are which normally ends in mid-Feb- to continue running, like sales and
market, both commercial and res- wetlands. to compare with the previous year’s ruary. distribution, so we have put that
idential, spurred volumes for the figures, you will realise the market aside for now as we have realised
listed brick maker, Willdale Limit- In an interview reviewing the is opening up in terms of construc- “I can say we have faced some we might not be able to control the
ed, in 2020 despite the drawbacks company’s earnings, Willdale CE tion,” he said. serious challenges in the sense that numbers of people who comes in
brought about by Covid-19, a com- Nyasha Matonda said the new di- we had to go on lockdown. Fortu- and out,” he said.
pany official says. rection the property market had During the period, the compa- nately for us, we had always gone
taken as well as the company’s im- ny’s sales volumes increased by 12% on annual shutdown that comes “So that is how we have been af-
Zimbabwe has seen a surge in the proved capacity had played a crucial compared to the prior year despite from mid-December, January to fected for last year despite the lock-
construction of residential proper- role in driving performance. the effects of the Covid-19-induced mid-February every year. It’s a downs. You will notice that we also
ty while the commercial sector has lockdown on property. Revenue planned maintenance shutdown had high activity in terms of our
joined in over the years as the indus- “What drove the volumes is the increased by 19% to ZW$596 but the most difficult is not the market and we were able to build
try enjoys an upturn. fact that there are a lot of projects million. Matonda said although lockdown but the pandemic itself stocks which we then managed to-
out there. There are lot of people the Covid-19 lockdowns have had which is very threatening because wards the end of the year.”
The industry has also witnessed who are building houses as we speak an impact on the company’s oper- of the numbers we continue to face.
massive demolitions of “illegal as well as the commercial sector. ations, this year’s lockdown coin- Our business is seasonal. However, Willdale manufactures in excess
property” by local authorities with The fact that we were able to ensure cided with their annual shut down there are other operations that need of 120 million bricks per annum.-
many individuals building proper- that we have the highest production
-STAFF WRITER.

Page 37 Sport NewsHawks

Issue 15, 29 Jan 2021

World Rugby Hall of Famer Tsimba
takes major step in coaching career
FORMER Free State Cheetahs
flyhalf Kennedy Tsimba – the rently, the focus is on condition- coaching career after being ap- ics of rugby. It has helped me to Kennedy Tsimba
first black person to captain his ing the players. Then we got to pointed as director of rugby at St broaden my vision as a coach.”
native Zimbabwe – has been ap- start to reignite their skills. See Alban’s College. This came after In 2012, the two history-mak-
pointed as head coach of the Tuks what is missing and then rectify a role as assistant coach with the 46-year-old Tsimba played six ing brothers were inducted into
Young Guns at the University of it. Only then will we start work- Cheetahs in the 2011 Super Rug- Test matches for Zimbabwe, be- the Hall of Fame of World Rugby,
Pretoria. ing on possible gameplan strate- by season and coaching the Rust- coming the country’s first black the global governing body of the
gies.” enburg Impala. captain in 1998. game, becoming the first black
Tsimba worked as a defence, people on the planet to join the
kicking and skills specialist with Having been inspired by “I purposely chose to go from His late older brother, Richard illustrious list.
the Tuks Varsity Cup team last watching two of his mentors professional coaching to club Tsimba, was the first black person
year, before the competition was – Rassie Erasmus and Jacques rugby and then schools rugby,” to play international rugby for They remain two of only three
halted by the Covid-19 pandem- Nienaber – guide the Springboks Tsimba added. “I wanted to work Zimbabwe in addition to being black Africans on the Hall of
ic. to the 2019 World Cup in Japan, with different types of players to the only ethnic black player in Fame, alongside none other than
Tsimba took a step up in his own better understand the dynam- the inaugural Rugby World Cup the late South African president
However, he has taken on the in 1987. and global icon Nelson Mandela.
role of TuksRugby’s Young Guns
head coach. It is a role that could – AGENCIES/ STAFF WRITER
be challenging, considering that
quite a few of the Under-20 play-
ers had no opportunity to play
rugby last year due to the pan-
demic. Tsimba, however, firmly
believes no challenge is insur-
mountable.

“I think the players must get
to adapt to what it takes to play
rugby at a university level,” Tsim-
ba told the TuksSport website.
“When they were at school, they
got to know their teammates’
strengths and weaknesses. Now
it is totally different. The players
basically know very little about
each other.

“My role is to win every play-
er’s confidence so I can learn what
their respective strengths are.
Something that stood me in good
stead was playing for the Chee-
tahs when Rassie Erasmus was
the captain was that he allowed
us to express ourselves, to make
decisions, to be innovative. I am
going to encourage this.

“I think it might still take a
week or so before we might start
to play full-contact rugby. Cur-

Three defeats, but the tragedy
goes much deeper than you think

I DO not imagine there are objective? time ago now when Ian particularly look back at towards a bright future for kamba and Partson Jaure, for
too many of us making a big In this respect, as a nation, Gorowa’s Warriors of 2014 that tournament with fond football in Zimbabwe. In- example, had even at some
fuss over Zimbabwe’s early made us dare to dream by memories, how their perfor- stead, we have now witnessed point tried their luck outside
exit from the African Nations we have failed on all fronts reaching the semi-finals of mances at Chan catapulted a huge regression in so many the country before heading
Championship (Chan) tour- following this latest edition that year’s Chan tourna- back home after failing to se-
nament in Cameroon follow- of Chan – a tournament re- ment in South Africa. aspects over the past cure a foothold there.
ing defeats in all three pool served only for players plying The Class of 2014 editions of Chan post-
games. their trade in their domestic represented the cream South Africa 2014. I refuse to admit that we
championships. among an exciting HawkZone lack sufficient and younger
Quite frankly, anything crop of talented play- While the side of talent that sorely needs to
more than that would have It is very hard for me to see ers across Zimbabwe’s 2014 represented a be developed in such tour-
been downright insulting to what Zimbabwe was trying top-flight league in that Enock fresh-faced generation, naments like Chan, hungrier
the very basics of profession- to achieve in Cameroon with brief era, and Gorowa’s a huge chunk of the players who could have used
alism. Anyone who arrives at a squad composed of players charges dazzled with an Muchinjo squad taken to Camer- those precious squad places as
an international tournament who had not kicked a ball oon this January were a launch pad, like others be-
ought to figure out their pri- in competitive football for offensive style of foot- the same old recycled fore them.
ority as a nation well in ad- nearly 14 months, led by an ball that left a lasting players who have been
vance: what are the tangible expatriate coach who had not impression on onlookers. their careers to new heights. around the domestic We surely do not lack foot-
takeaways being targeted and watched any of his players Such players as playmak- In the midst of that excite- scene over the past decade or ballers of that description in
what are the right resources beforehand in a competitive er Kuda Mahachi and goal- ment, it certainly looked like so, most of them past their this country. What we lack is
required to accomplish that situation. keeper George Chigova will giant steps were being made peak. priority, vision, and the right
Players like Denver Mu- kind of leadership.
It seems like a very long

Sports Tsimba takes Three defeats,
major step but the tragedy
Thursday 1 October 2020 in coaching goes much
career – Page 34 deeper – Page 34

Friday 29 January 2021 @NewsHawksLive TheNewsHawks www.thenewshawks.com new

Zim’s fastest man inNEWS SPO
$60 Covid
tariff for Zim
visitors & laun
WHAT’S INSIDE CULTURE Prem

Community
radio
regulations

tourists under review Leag

Story on Page 3 Story on Page 8 Story o
ambitiouCshOalmymispaicrbeiadchENOCKMUCHINJO
THE first and only Zimbabwean
individual Olympic medallist to
date, Kirsty Coventry, was nurtured out to Khupe
on a home swimming pool at an af-
fluent suburban home in Harare.

In sharp contrast, the dusty run-
ning tracks of Chitungwiza – a
high-density dormitory town 30km
south-east of the capital city – was
the early playground for a sprint
prodigy who believes he can be Unofficial president calls for emergency
next to the medal podium for Zim-
babwe after the legendary swimmer
and Africa’s greatest Olympian.
At 26, Ngoni Makusha is Zim-
babwe’s fastest man, with a dash of
10.17 seconds in the 100 metres
event.
Makusha has high hopes to be
part of Zimbabwe’s Tokyo 2021
Olympics team, and he particularly
fancies his qualifying chances in the
200 metres race.
“I’m not that far off my personal
best in 200 metres, which is 20.49
seconds, and I need 20.23 to quali-
fy,” Makusha told The NewsHawks
this week.
“With the training I have been
undergoing, I’m certain that I will
be able to achieve that. So what I
need now is some competition time
and more training, then I will be
good to go. It’s a whole new jour-
ney I’m embarking on, so I’m de-
termined to make it.”
While qualifying is uppermost
in his mind at the moment, Maku-
sha is not afraid to dream bigger, so
winning a medal is something he
views as an achievable goal.
“If I qualify, my goal is to make Ngoni Makusha

it to the final,” Makusha said. “You Ex-Olympians Brian Dzingai and final. I also look up to him.” “That was really special, it is right from grade one,” said Maku-
know, once you reach the finals, Ngonidzashe Makusha (no re- The younger Makusha, however, the highlight of my career so far,” sha. “I noticed that I was quick
anything is possible. It will be a lation), holds these records with has some bragging rights over his Makusha remarked. from a young age. I would win ev-
great honour if I can get an Olym- times of 9.89 and 20.12 respective- two local heroes. In 2019 alongside Makusha attended St Aidan’s Pri- ery race, and I became a national
pic medal for my country, definite- ly. Tatenda Tsumba, Dickson Kamun- mary School in Chitungwiza, which champion when I was in grade six,
ly it will be a dream come true to “We have a good history of pro- geremu and Itayi Vambe, they shat- is also the alma mater of Zimba- representing Harare province. So
be mentioned alongside greats like ducing great sprinters as a AcoLuSntOry,”INSteIrDedE ZimFbianbwane’sce4xM10in0mistyrewlayipebswoeuctric$k3et.2teBamilliroisningdsetaproWsietsolerys fuitn’s dsosmethingZtimhat'shlaastaelwstaylsabnedencontrov
Kirsty Coventry.” said Makusha. “Brian Dzingai came record held by Dzingai, the older Madhevere. From there, Makusha in me.”
While Makusha is the quickest really close at the Beijing Olympics Makusha, Lewis Banda and Gabriel proceeded to Harare High School Makusha this week launched
active sprinter in Zimbabwe, the (in 2008) and he is someone I look Mvumvure. in Mbare, where he continued to a GoFundMe campaign to raise
national records in both the 100 up to him. Ngonidzashe Makusha’s The feat qualified the quartet for hone his skills as an athlete. funds for further training and qual-
metres and 200 metres events are time of 9.89 would also have gotten the World Athletics Relays in Yoko- “I’d say it was just a natural thing ification competitions in South Af-
targets he is still aiming to reach. him into any major competition’s hama that same year. for me, I didn’t have to try too hard rica.

ALSO INSIDE Three defeats, but the tragedy goes deeper Tsimba takes major step in coaching