NewsHawks 9 April 2021-min

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WHAT’S INSIDE Friday 9 April 2021 TBUIMSIBNEhSaiSls LSPoOftyRT
‘improved’ recognition for
NSaEdWc Sforce payment deal Zimbabwean
welcome, but we  for farmers duo
lead: President
Filipe Nyusi Story on Page 24 Story on Page 47

Story on Page 6

Mnangagwa 
tramples on
constitution
over Malaba 

...Full story on next page

ALSO INSIDE Withdrawal of Dyck’s mercenaries creates dangerous vacuum

Page 2 News NewsHawks

Mnangagwa  Issue 25, 9 April 2021
tramples on
constitution
over Malaba 

OWEN GAGARE/ controversial 2018 elections President Emmerson Mnangagwa with Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
BERNARD MPOFU when Chamisa petitioned the
ConCourt challenging the is to extend the length of time an extension, he needs Consti- and Innocent Gonese that the February ConCourt judgment
CHIEF Justice Luke Malaba President’s wafer-thin victory that a person may hold or oc- tution of Zimbabwe Amend- Constitution of Zimbabwe in which Justices Rita Ma-
is back on track after a tem- margin.  cupy any public office, does ment (No. 1) Bill to be signed Amendment (No. 1) Bill was karau, Anne-Marie Gowora
porary derailment of a contro- not apply to any person who into law by Mnangagwa.  unconstitutional as it had been and Bharat Patel clashed over
versial extension of his tenure Malaba and his colleagues held or occupied that office, passed without the two-thirds whether or not they should
linked to President Emmerson unanimously declared Mnan- or an equivalent office, at any This should be easy.  majority as required by section grant a further 90 days to re-
Mnangagwa’s 2023 re-election gagwa the winner, amid grum- time before the amendment”. In fact, sources say it will be 328 (5), this meant the Bill store the Bill. 
bid. bles that judges were suborned signed and gazetted within the was null and void. 
and whipped into line. During A “term-limit provision” is next week or so. In a split judgment, Ma-
This comes after high-stakes his five-year reign, Malaba defined as ‘a provision of this Constitutional Amendment In any case, it had ended karau and Patel granted the
official interventions and rail- steered important judicial re- constitution which limits the (No.2) should also be easier, with the life of the previous second 90-day extension, but
roading of the Constitution forms, yet he also browbeat length of time that a person it is likely to come within a parliament and cannot be car- Gowora dissented and wrote
of Zimbabwe Amendment the judiciary to be compliant – may hold or occupy a public week or two. “The ministry ried over into the next parlia- a devastating ruling crushing
(No. 1) Bill in parliament on what ordinary people now call office’. of Justice is under instruc- ment in terms of Section 147. the senate process to restore
Tuesday under a cloud of ille- judicial capture. He ran a tight tion to railroad the process; as the Bill in violation of section
galities that may boomerang ship and closely controlled The provisions which set they did with Constitution of When parliament is dis- 147 of the constitution and
on the movers of the deeply the court system from top to the maximum age limit of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. solved, all unfinished business with disregard to section 2 of
flawed process. bottom in aid of Mnangagwa’s judges restrict the length of 1) Bill on 6 April and will do is liquidated. If the executive the constitution that speaks
authoritarian rule. time that a person may hold or with Constitution of Zimba- wants to push through a Bill to the constitution as the su-
Malaba, by operation of occupy office as a judge, which bwe Amendment (No. 2) Bill from the previous parliament, preme law of the land.
law, ceases to be chief justice at Having overcome the sen- is a public office. within a fortnight,” another it has to start afresh in the new Initial process
midnight on 15 May. ate hurdle on 6 April, if Mal- source said. parliament. After the current constitu-
aba is to secure an extension, So section 328 remains a However, section 328 re- tion was adopted through a
“On his 70th birthday, at two important things must stumbling block. mains a barrier. However, with Constitu- referendum in 2013, three
midnight on 15 May, Malaba now happen: Constitutional Besides, there are other tion of Zimbabwe Amend- years down the line the late
will cease to be Chief Justice Amendment (No.1) Bill must However, senior govern- deep pitfalls in the path of the ment (No. 1) Bill, the execu- former president Robert Mug-
of Zimbabwe, but I can tell be signed into law by Mnan- ment officials say Mnangag- complex process. tive picked up from where it abe’s government introduced
you that his bid for exten- gagwa and Constitutional wa and Malaba have a plan First, the Constitution of had left in the life of the eighth Constitution of Zimbabwe
sion is strongly back on track Amendment (No.2) Bill must around the problem.  Zimbabwe Amendment (No. parliament, which is unlawful. Amendment (No. 1) - H.B.
and, barring any unforeseen also be passed and assented 1) Bill straddled two different 1-2017.  The Bill was gazett-
eventualities, he will stay on, to by the President before 15 “When the time comes, lives of parliament, the eighth This followed a directive to ed on 3 January 2017. That
courtesy of Mnangagwa,” a May. they will argue that the section parliament which ran from senate by the ConCourt to go nullified general notice 434 of
top official in the Office of the does not apply to the chief 2013 to midnight on Sunday back and redo the Bill voting 2016, which was published in
President and Cabinet said. At least for now, Consti- justice whose tenure is limited 29 July 2018, and the current- process. Lawyers are challeng- the extraordinary gazette on
“That’s the plan; he is staying tutional Amendment (No.1) by age, not by the number of ly running ninth parliament. ing that as unconstitutional. 23 December 2016.
beyond his 70th birthday.” Bill has sailed through senate years of service as section 328 The tenure of the current par- They say the court was only
by 70 votes to one. This after says or implies,” a top source liament ends in 2023. required to rule on the con- It was then introduced to
In terms of the constitution, it did so through an irregular- said.  In terms of section 147 of stitutionality of the passing the House of Assembly later
Malaba should retire at 70. ity on 1 August 2017 before it the constitution, this is un- of Constitution of Zimba- in 2017 and passed on 25 July
was nullified by the ConCourt “But their rivals will say they constitutional and thus illegal.  bwe Amendment (No. 1) Bill 2017. Senate then passed it on
But top-level sources on 31 March 2020. This is the are missing the underlying Section 147 of the constitu- without a two-thirds majority, 1 August 2017, but failed to
told The NewsHawks that he is process which culminated in principle behind that; it’s not tion reads: “On the dissolution which it did, but then went garner the required two-thirds
now set for a controversial ex- its restoration on Tuesday. about age or years of service, of parliament, all proceedings ahead to direct a restoration of majority in terms of section
tension, which he desperately but the principle that an in- pending at the time are termi- a Bill that legally was invalid 328 (5). On the day, 53 sen-
needs. Malaba was sworn in as Constitutional Amend- cumbent cannot initiate, cause nated, and every Bill, motion, and thus non-existent. ators out of the total member-
chief justice on 6 April 2017. ment (No.1) Bill, among oth- or influence an amendment of petition and other business ship of 80 voted. That was one
er things, seeks to allow the the law to benefit himself, es- lapses.” Whereas the ConCourt on vote short of two-thirds. 
This comes amid new de- President to appoint the Chief pecially retrospectively, hence When the ConCourt ruled 31 March 2020 directed that
tails that Mnangagwa and Justice, Deputy Chief Justice their argument is flawed. It’s on 31 March 2020 on the ap- the  Constitution of Zimba- However, senate fraudu-
Malaba are working closely on and Judge President without going to be a big legal battle; plications by Jessie Majome bwe Amendment (No. 1) Bill lently claimed it had met the
the political project which has subjecting them to the open it’s not over yet.” must be restored – giving sen- two-thirds majority threshold
serious democratic and con- selection process and public ate 180 days to do – this issue
stitutional implications. Their interviews. Although Malaba seems to has now become a moot point
plot brazenly undermines the be back on track, constitu- in court as shown by the 25
constitution, constitutional- This will allow Mnangagwa tional and legal impediments
ism, certain laws and rule of to retain Malaba at the helm lie ahead. As part of securing
law principles, as well as shred- of the judiciary. After that,
ding the tenets of good gover- Malaba will serve at the whim
nance and accountability. and caprices of Mnangagwa –
meaning the judiciary will fur-
Mnangagwa wants Malaba ther be captured for five years
to stay on for his 2023 re-elec- through renewable annual ex-
tion agenda which is being tensions. 
challenged both internally by
Vice-President Constantino Constitutional Amendment
Chiwenga’s Zanu PF faction (No.2) Bill is needed to allow
and externally by his main op- him to serve when he is over
position rival, MDC Alliance 70. 
leader Nelson Chamisa. Pitfalls ahead
Even if he leaps over these
The endgame: Malaba may hurdles, there is still section
be decisively needed at Con- 328 which provides that “an
stitutional Court (ConCourt) amendment to a term-limit
and Electoral Court levels to provision, the effect of which
rescue Mnangagwa and Zanu
PF candidates respectively as
many believe he did during the

NewsHawks News Page 3

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

since one seat was vacant and Timeline for Constitutional Amendment (No.1): tion of invalidity for 180 days law is in violation of the con-
the Upper House then had 79 to allow the senate to conduct stitution itself. The constitu-
members, which equalled two- • March 2013 – Zimbabwe adopts a new constitution after a referendum; another Third Reading vote tion protects itself. Section
thirds. But the law required at • December 2016 – Government publishes Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment on the Bill and added that if 2 tells us so in clear and  un-
least 54 votes to pass the Bill, by the expiry of the 180th day, equivocal terms. It provides: 
not 53. (No. 1) Bill, 2016 (HB 15, 2016) which sought to give the President a free hand in the Bill had not been passed
appointing the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and Judge President of the High by 54 affirmative votes, the “Supremacy of constitu-
As a result, legislators Ma- Court; declaration of invalidity would tion: This constitution is the
jome, now a Zimbabwe An- • 3 January 2017 - The Bill is republished in the government gazette because the come into force.” supreme law of Zimbabwe
ti-Corruption Commission original notice of publication was signed by the Clerk of Parliament instead of the ConCourt judgment and any law, practice, custom
commissioner, and Gonese Speaker of Parliament; A three-judge ConCourt sit- or conduct inconsistent with it
challenged the process at the • 6 April 2017 – Bill is presented in the House of Assembly; ting comprising of Makarau, is invalid to the extent of the
ConCourt, arguing the Bill • 25 July 2017 - National Assembly finally passes the Constitution of Zimbabwe Patel and Gowora heard the inconsistency. 
should have been passed after Amendment (No. 1) Bill, after the Third Reading with 182 voting in favour and 41 substantive application on
a two-thirds affirmative vote against; 10 November 2020 before “The obligations imposed
by members of each House, in • 25 July 2017 – Same day Bill is moved to senate; granting another extension by this constitution are bind-
line with section 328 (5) of the • 26 July 2017 – Both the second reading and committee stages completed in sen- in a judgement delivered on ing on every person,  natural
constitution. ate; 25 February 2021, offering a or juristic, including the state
• 1 August 2017 - Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 1) Bill passed by sen- much-needed lifeline to Mal- and all executive, legislative
The ConCourt heard the ate after 53 senators voted in favour instead of the constitutionally required 54; aba in the process.  and  judicial institutions and
consolidated case on 31 Jan- • .7 September 2017 – The Bill is published as law into the Constitution of Zimba- agencies of government at ev-
uary 2018, but only passed bwe Amendment (No. 1) Act, 2017 (No. 10 of 2017) after the late former presi- This led to the 6 April pass- ery level, and must be fulfilled
judgment on 31 March 2020. dent Robert Mugabe assented to it; ing of the unconstitutionally by them.” 
In the judgement written by • September 2017 – Main opposition MDC Alliance MP Innocent Gonese makes restored Bill. 
Malaba, the court concurred a constitutional court application, arguing the Bill sailed through senate (Upper So in essence, Gowora says
that a two-thirds majority House) unconstitutionally; In a split judgment, Ma- Constitutional Amendment
was not met in senate, while • December 2017 – Legislator Jessie Majome makes a Constitutional Court (Con- karau and Patel offered senate (No.1) is null and avoid as
dismissing the allegation that Court) challenge challenging the Act; a new 90-day lifeline. Gowora there was no Bill for senate
a two-thirds majority was not • 31 January 2018 - The ConCourt sits for a hearing; vehemently differed in a dev- to restore and pass on 6 April
secured in the National As- • 31 March 2020 – The ConCourt rules that the two-thirds affirmative votes require- astating dissenting judgment. 2021. If Mnangagwa goes
sembly. ment was not met in senate after 53 affirmative votes were registered instead ahead it to assent to it, he
of the required 54. Senate has 80 senators. Two-thirds is 54. However, the court Makarau said: “In view of would almost certainly be ap-
Former MP and minis- suspended its declaration of invalidity for 180 days to allow the senate to conduct the delay that has already en- proving of an unconstitutional
ter Jonathan Moyo, who has another Third Reading vote; sued in deciding the fate of Bill or a non-existent Bill.
closely followed the process, • 25 September 2020 - Parliament lodges two simultaneous applications at the Constitutional  Amendment
says the issue is riddled with ConCourt, a substantive application seeking an extension to the 180-day period, Bill No. 1 of 2017, it is not Patel said he agreed with
unconstitutional irregularities and an urgent ex parte chamber application for a provisional order extending the desirable that the uncertainty both judges, although he
and illegalities. 180-day period and also suspending the coming into effect of the court’s declara- in the supreme law  remains crucially sided with Makarau
tion of invalidity of the Bill. This was three days before expiry of the 31 march 2020 for much longer. A period of to give senate a new lifeline,
“Let’s summarise the pro- order; ninety days will be sufficient to hence momentum to Malaba
cesses and related cases first. • 28 September 2020 - the ex parte order is granted; enable the second applicant to and Mnangagwa’s 2023 plan.
Sometime in 2016,  Con- • 10 November 2020 – Substantive application is heard by Justices Rita Makarau, put its house in order regard-
stitution of Zimbabwe Anne-Marie Gowora and Bharat Patel; ing the proper constitutional “I cannot but agree with
Amendment (No. 1) - H.B. • 25 February 2021 – ConCourt judgment grants a 90-day extension to Senate by a procedures to adopt in the cir- Gowora AJCC that the su-
1-2017  was introduced. The 2-1 decision; cumstances of this matter. Ac- premacy of the constitution, as
Bill was gazetted on 3 January • 24 March 2021 - Senate approved a motion by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary cordingly, I make the follow- enshrined in section 2 of the
2017. That nullified general Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to restore the Bill to the Order Paper; and ing order:  The application is constitution, dictates that any
notice 434 of 2016, which was • 6 April 2021– Constitutional Amendment (No.1) Bill is adopted by senate by 70-1; granted.” law, practice, custom or con-
published in the extraordinary awaits Presidential assent. duct that is inconsistent with
gazette on 23 December 2016. However, Gowora came the supreme law is invalid to
After  that, the legislative pro- from the previous parliament this ultimately means the pro- ConCourt, one seeking a fur- in guns blazing and she was the extent of the inconsistency.
cess started until the Bill was even if the Bill was null and cess was blatantly fraudulent ther extension of the 180-day devastating – demolishing The ineluctable consequence
adopted by the Lower House avoid — meaning it was no and brazenly corrupt. period and an urgent ex parte the whole Makarau and Patel of this principle is that any-
on 25 July 2017 and then by non-existent – and in any case chamber application for a pro- arguments, and the Bill resto- thing done by parliament that
senate on 1 August 2017, but in violation of section 147. “The role of the judiciary visional order extending the ration process itself. She basi- is contrary to the provisions
without the constitutionally Furthermore, the applicants is to interpret the law, parlia- 180-day period, while    also cally buried the whole Consti- of the constitution, including
required two-thirds majority had not asked for a restoration ment makes laws and the exec- suspending the coming into tutional Amendment (No.1) section 147, would be invalid
in terms of Section 328 (5) of of the Bill. They only wanted utive initiates them, and they effect of the court’s declaration process. and unconstitutional to the
the constitution,” Moyo, also a it declared invalid, which was also implement. The judiciary of invalidity of the Bill. The ex extent of such inconsistency,”
professor of politics, said. done. So why did the Con- cannot be seen to be issuing parte, which is an application “On the dissolution of Patel said.
Court go further to issue a directives to other arms of the without notice to other inter- parliament, all proceedings
“Then the Bill was assented directive for the Bill’s resto- state, just as the executive or ested parties, was granted on pending at the time are ter- “Nonetheless, in the par-
to by Mugabe and gazetted as ration? parliament should issue di- 28 September 2020. minated,  and every Bill, mo- ticular circumstances of this
an Act on 7 September 2017. rectives to the judiciary. That tion, petition and other busi- matter, despite the clear sub-
However, it then got chal- “Remembering that it was is how checks and balances Parliament cited the Covid- ness lapses. As a result of the stantive implications of sec-
lenged by Majome and Gonese a full ConCourt bench, al- work.  19-induced lockdown as a rea- declaration of invalidity by tion 2 of the constitution, I
separately. The cases were then though the judgment was son for failure to comply with this Court, Constitutional am inclined to concur with
consolidated and heard in Jan- written by Malaba, we are left “So what we have now here the court order, although, for Amendment  Bill No. 1 never the predominantly procedural
uary 2018, but judgment only with no choice but to conclude is a Malaba Amendment; a long period, parliament con- became law. By parity of rea- stance adopted by Makarau
came on 31 March 2020.  the obvious: Malaba needed a whole constitution being tinued meeting despite the soning it would then revert AJCC in the determination of
the Bill to be restored to al- amended to assist Malaba to lockdown. Parliament later in- to a bill pending before  the this application.”
“The problem then gets low Mnangagwa to appoint stay in office in order to help troduced online sessions. senate for the conduct of a New hurdle
worse from there. The Con- the chief justice, deputy chief Mnangagwa to manage, ma- ConCourt lifeline proper vote as directed by this Given all the hurdles above,
Court nullifies the Bill because justice and judge president so nipulate and steal the 2023 Moyo insists Malaba had a court. It was inevitably affect- especially violation of section
it had not met requirements of that he could get an extension elections. Now is it not fair vested interest in issuing a di- ed by the dissolution of parlia- 328 (5) and section 147 of
section 328 (5) of the consti- that he requires. to conclude that the process, rective to senate to restore the ment in that it automatically constitution, and the import
tution which requires a two- its underlying intentions and Bill. lapsed,” Gowora said.  of section 2 which speaks to
thirds majority for it to pass. “So he was acting out of hidden motives are political the supremacy of the consti-
Three issues arise out of that, self-interest. He did not de- and corrupt? As noted by Veritas, an or- “I am not dwelling on when tution – and, above all, the
as already alluded to violation clare that, hence conflict of in- ganisation with an interest in the  order was granted. It was ConCourt’s 31 March 2020
of section 328 (5). And then terest. That renders the process What we are seeing here is legal, constitutional and par- invalid by process of law from judgment that the Bill was
there was violation of section fraudulent and corrupt. This is deceitful and corrupt politi- liamentary affairs: “The Chief not having been passed in ac- null and void, but still gave a
147 of the constitution. This, not an exaggeration. Corrupt cal manoeuvring and corrupt Justice and his colleagues, cordance  with the constitu- directive to senate to restore
read with Section 2 of the con- because the objective purpose electoral politics at play.” however, did not just make a tion. Thus, there is no bill to it – and Gowora’s dissenting
stitution which speaks to the of Malaba issuing a directive simple declaration that the Bill debate and vote on. The senate ruling that it remains a nullity
constitution as the supreme to senate to restore the Bill, Moyo said the ConCourt’s had not been validly passed would have to commence the and cannot be revived – Mal-
law of the land, becomes clear which was already invalid directive to senate to restore by parliament – which would process afresh following the aba is running into a cul de
that the Bill is null and void, anyway, was to enable him- the Bill was problematic. The have meant that the resulting setting aside of the proceed- sac, although Mnangagwa will
and can’t be restored. The only self to be given an extension court gave senate 180 days to Act and anything done under ings by which the invalid votes railroad and bulldoze through
legal thing to do to restore it to stay on his job. Without do so. it were also invalid.  Instead, it were garnered.  the process to give him an ex-
would have been to restart the restoration of the Bill, Malaba saw fit to suspend its declara- tension on 15 May, raising a
process in the new parliament. would not get an extension. So When this was about to “Section 147 must be given big constitutional question
But because the ConCourt lapse on 28 September 2020, effect to. There is no bill left and potentially explosive new
had given a directive that sen- senate on 25 September 2020 to debate. Any attempt by the court battle ahead.
ate should go back and restore lodged two applications at the senate to debate and vote a bill
the Bill, the process continues that has lapsed by operation of

Page 4 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Good Read

Why Mnangagwa wants Luke Malaba to stay

ON 6 April 2021, the Zim- ecutive, while the legislature the judiciary in a way that into line, sources said. Chief Justice Luke Malaba. meant there was no case and
babwean senate passed is under Zanu PF control. has helped Mnangagwa’s re- Government and judi- he was going to have Cha-
Constitutional Amendment gime to consolidate power, Presidential Election Was misa’s application dismissed,
Bill (N0.1), which had been The media, also known as government insiders say. cial officials say Malaba was Stolen, former minister and even before the case was
declared null and void by the fourth estate or an infor- Mnangagwa’s strategic candi- MP Jonathan Moyo – an heard on its merits.”
the Constitutional Court mal fourth pillar of the state, Crucially also, Malaba date to replace the late Chief ex-Mnangagwa ally and now
(ConCourt) on 31 March is largely under Mnangagwa’s delivered the Constitutional Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku fierce critic – says the Zimba- Moyo further said Mala-
2020, after it was unconsti- control, especially following Court judgment which con- when he was Vice-President bwe Electoral Commission ba’s attitude was not surpris-
tutionally approved by the the now so open capture of firmed Mnangagwa’s disput- and Justice minister, while helped Mnangagwa to rig the ing given the close relation-
upper House on 1 August private media houses by his ed 30 July 2018 presidential also plotting to succeed the 2018 elections. ship between the two.
2017 without the required regime. The public media has election victory, after dis- late former president Robert
two-thirds majority (54 always largely been Zanu PF’s missing an electoral petition Mugabe. Moyo, also a professor “When I worked close-
votes out of the total 80 mouthpiece. by main opposition MDC of politics, says Malaba dis- ly with him and Emmerson
membership – meaning the Alliance leader Nelson Cha- The Mnangagwa Zanu PF missed Chamisa’s application Mnangagwa between March
Bill had failed to meet the Ahead of the 2023 elec- misa. faction, which battled for soon after receiving it while 2013 and December 2014,
required majority threshold tions, six new television li- power against the rival group in Pretoria, South Africa, in the run up to his elecation
by one vote). cences were recently given In a unanimous ruling of that had coalesced around where he was attending his as Vice-President and sec-
to the Mnangagwa adminis- the nine judges of the coun- Mugabe’s wife Grace, broad- son’s wedding, which sug- ond secretary of Zanu PF at
This latest development tration’s allies, leaving a vast try’s top court, Malaba said ly wanted Judge President gests a predetermined out- the expense of Joice Mujuru,
has given Chief Justice swathe of the media land- Chamisa had failed to prove George Chiweshe to succeed come. Mnangagwa used to refer to
Luke Malaba a new lifeline scape under government or allegations of fraud and ma- Chidyausiku. But Mnangag- the late Chief Justice God-
to controversially extend Zanu PF control and influ- nipulation of the vote during wa personally thought Mala- “While there, Malaba re- frey Chidyausiku as muten-
his reign beyond his loom- ence as part of the political the presidential poll. ba was the man for the job. ceived a copy of Chamisa’s gesi (sellout) and to Malaba
ing retirement on 15 May strategy of cooption and ConCourt application from as munhu wangu uyo (my
2021. capture of dissenting voices “Emmerson Dambudzo Then as now, Mnangag- a senior legal officer at the Ju- man).”
with all sorts of incentives Mnangagwa is duly declared wa still wants Malaba. Chi- dicial Service Commission as
In the public interest, brandished to the targets in the winner of the presidential weshe, who has a military he was relaxing by the swim- In a July 2018 court rul-
The NewsHawks rehash- exchange for direct or tacit elections held on the 30th of background, is now viewed ming pool at Pretoria Sher- ing, Malaba said Mugabe
es and republishes a story support. July 2018,” Malaba said in by Mnangagwa’s faction as aton Hotel,” Moyo writes. freely and voluntarily stepped
it first ran on 19 February his judgment which had at- Vice-President Constantino down, adding Mnangagwa’s
2021 explaining why Presi- The Chief Justice has been tracted widespread attention Chiwenga’s loyalist. Mnan- “After reading the appli- assumption of power was
dent Emmerson Mnangag- a vital cog in Mnangagwa’s at home and abroad. gagwa and Chiwenga are cur- cation, Malaba turned to the done in terms of the law,
wa desperately wants the political machinery, helping rently locked in a simmering judicial officer and asked him although it was clear he had
amenable judiciary boss to him to sanitise and legiti- It is understood that Mala- power struggle. ‘Is that all’? to which the of- seized power through a coup.
remain in office for another mise the coup which toppled ba prevailed over some judg- ficer replied ‘Yes Sir’. Malaba It was also common cause
five years renewable annu- Mugabe, and thrust him into es to ensure the unanimous In his monograph on the then shook his head and re- Mugabe has resigned at gun-
ally. That way, Malaba’s new power. Malaba has also run ruling. Some judges wanted presidential election, Excel- marked: ‘Ok, akula lutho la point.
tenure would be entirely to dissent, but were whipped gate: How Zimbabwe’s 2018 (There is nothing here).
dependent on Mnangagwa’s This followed an appli-
whims and caprices, posing “By those words, Malaba cation by the Liberal Dem-
a fatal danger to judicial in- ocrats and Revolutionary
dependence and democracy Freedom Fighters, Bongani
already in the intensive care Nyathi, Linda Masarira and
unit. Vusumuzi Sibanda who
contested the legality of the
The stakes are very high Mnangagwa-led government.
in this elaborate power re-
tention plot by Mnangag- They argued that Mugabe
wa and Malaba ahead of tendered the resignation un-
the 2023 elections, with der duress – surrounded by
far-reaching political, con- the army – and that Mnan-
stitutional and rule of law, gagwa’s ascendancy was un-
as well as governance and constitutional.
accountability implica-
tions. They further said that the
impeachment process that
OWEN GAGARE was instituted prior to Mug-
abe’s resignation was unlaw-
DESPITE the fact that Chief ful and that it served to co-
Justice Luke Malaba’s judicial erce him to step down.
reign is coming to an end by
operation of law at midnight However, Malaba, sitting
on 15 May 2021 when he in chambers, ruled the consti-
turns 70, President Emmer- tutional challenge was frivo-
son Mnangagwa wants him lous and vexatious given that
to stay on ahead of the 2023 Mugabe carefully applied his
elections in a brazen high mind and decided to step
stakes political power reten- down without the embarrass-
tion plot which marks a new ment of impeachment.
low even by Zimbabwe’s poor
democratic standards, top of- “The former president’s
ficial sources say. written notice of resignation
speaks for itself,” Malaba
Malaba – who sits at the said.
helm of the third pillar of
state as head of the judicia- “It sets the context in
ry – has been Mnangagwa’s which it was written. He
long-time ally, including candidly reveals the fact that
when he was deputising the he had communicated with
late former president Robert the Speaker of Parliament at
Mugabe, and also while serv- 1353 hours. In the commu-
ing as Justice minister well nication, the former Presi-
before the November 2017 dent expressed to the Speaker
coup. his desire to resign from the
Office of President.
Mnangagwa heads the ex-
“The Speaker must have
advised him that for the resig-
nation to have the legal effect
of bringing his presidency to
an end, it had to be commu-
nicated to him by means of a
written notice.

NewsHawks News Page 5

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

“A written notice of res- smooth, peaceful and non-vi- that the military intervention should stay on for the 2023 As a result, there has in which Justice Anne-Marie
ignation addressed to the olent transfer of power that by the Zimbabwe Defence elections and other issues. been no separate or dissent- Gowora wrote a sharp dis-
Speaker and signed by the underpins national security, Forces which led to Mugabe’s ing judgment in the higher senting ruling on how senate
President, on the face of it, peace and sustainability’.” resignation was constitution- “He has demonstrated be- courts since then. must handle the issue. This
meets the first requirement of al, as the military sought to yond any reasonable doubt was before senate on 6 April
constitutional validity.” Malaba said Mnangagwa’s restore order in the country. that he is loyal to the Presi- A separate judgement is passed the Bill, which now
assumption of office was dent. He helped him during when a judge differs with awaits presidential assent into
Malaba argued that “what therefore done in accordance He said the military’s ac- Chamisa’s ConCourt appli- colleagues usually on reasons, law, amid a series of constitu-
the former President said in with the provisions of the tions in intervening to stop cation and played a big role but not necessarily on the tional and legal irregularities.
the written notice of resig- constitution after a vacancy the takeover of Mugabe’s to legitimise his rise to pow- conclusion.
nation is the best evidence had arisen due to the resigna- functions “by those around er. So that’s why the President Ironically in 2013, Mala-
available of the state of his tion. He did not address the him are constitutionally per- wants him to remain in the The reasoning forming the ba, then deputy chief justice,
mind at the time.” issue of former vice-president missible and lawful”. position with 2023 in mind,” basis of the court’s decision is wrote a prominent dissenting
Phelekezela Mphoko who the official said. separate from the judgment judgement in a case in which
“He (Mugabe) said he was was the next in line to take Malaba and Chiweshe and is called “reasons” or political activist Jealousy
free to express his will to re- over in the interregnum, as thus played a critical role All of Zimbabwe’s presi- “reasons for judgment.” Mawarire approached the
sign. Not only does the for- the last acting vice-president in sanitising and legitimis- dential elections since 2002, courts to force the govern-
mer President declare in the after Mnangagwa’s dismissal, ing the coup which brought except the bloody 2008 poll, A dissenting judgement ment to hold elections by 31
written notice that he made in terms of the constitution. Mnangagwa to power. have been contested in the is when a judge differs with July that year, while opposi-
the decision voluntarily, he courts. After his appoint- colleagues on a judgment and tion parties wanted reforms
gives reasons for doing so in The Chief Justice’s judg- Judges always play a criti- ment as chief justice in 2017, writes his or her own ruling. first to ensure credible polls.
clear and unambiguous lan- ment followed a November cal role in legitimising coups Malaba has sought to control
guage,” Malaba said. 2017 ruling by Justice Chi- the morning after. the judiciary to help Mnan- Judges were always con- The constitutional court
weshe which legitimised the gagwa’s administration con- curring until the Justice Rita granted the order, although
“He said he was motivat- coup. Chiweshe had ruled A government official said solidate power, insiders say. Makarau judgment on Con- Malaba and Justice Bharat
ed by the desire to ‘ensure a Mnangagwa knows that Mal- stitutional Amendment (No. Patel dissented and had “rea-
aba is loyal to him and he 1) Bill of 25 February 2021 sons for judgment” respec-
tively, with the judgement
directing Mugabe to hold
elections by 31 July 2013.

This was despite the court
finding that Mugabe was in
breach of his constitutional
responsibilities.

Malaba famously said the
judgment “defied logic”.

“That is a very dangerous
principle and has no basis
in law. The principle of the
rule of law just does not per-
mit such an approach,” said
Malaba.“I, however, refuse to
have wool cast over the inner
eye of my mind on this mat-
ter.”

In his book, Moyo also
says in the run up to the
coup, Mnangagwa worked
hard to amend section 180 of
the constitution to bar public
interviews for the chief jus-
tice, deputy chief justice and
judge president so that he
could handpick his preferred
judges when he came in.

“When the amendment
was introduced by Mnangag-
wa shortly before the coup, its
intended beneficiaries were
Mnangagwa himself and
Malaba. It is not surprising
that, with the amendment in
their pocket,- now Mnangag-
wa wants to raise the retire-
ment age for judges to ensure
that Malaba remains at the
helm of the judiciary to do in
2023 what he did for him in
2018,” Moyo writes.

Moyo says those who saw
Malaba as a jurisprudentially
progressive judge have been
surprised and disappointed
by his support of the coup,
and the subsequent repres-
sion.

“The point many have
missed is that Malaba was
anti-Mugabe and pro-Mnan-
gagwa, not a neutral judge
bound by constitutionalism.
For Malaba it was personal
and thus had nothing to do
with justice, constitutional-
ism or progressive jurispru-
dence.”

Government officials this
week said Moyo was correct
in his assessment of Mnan-
gagwa and Malaba’s relations
and their 2023 electoral
agenda.

Page 6 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

NYASHA CHINGONO Sadc force welcome, but we 
lead: President Filipe Nyusi
WHILE the Sadc double troika
emergency summit in Maputo Sadc leaders met in Maputo yesterday.
yesterday agreed to “an immedi-
ate technical deployment” and coming up with an action plan, Lazarus Chakwera and Tanzania the Republic of Mozambique, from outside, and considering were gaining ground against in-
mandated security ministers as but still emphasised “we have a by President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and reaffirmed Sadc’s continued the war against terrorism was surgents. 
well as defence chiefs to work out shared responsibility, primarily as of Zanzibar, standing in for Pres- commitment to contribute to- global, in the end Mozambique
details of an urgent intervention a country and (then) Sadc, with- ident Samia Suluhu Hassan, the wards the efforts to bring about will have to take the lead. It can- “The success we have achieved
road map, what is happening be- out ever declining or minimising outgoing Sadc chairperson.  lasting peace and security, as well not outsource its sovereignty and has not only happened in Palma.
hind the scenes and the subtext, the support of other bilateral and as reconciliation and develop- its security responsibilities. Once again, we do not intend
the underlying issues and theme multilateral partners”. The Sadc troika of the organ ment in the Republic of Mozam- to claim victory because we are
- sovereignty - matters the most. on politics, defence and security bique. “The terrorist brutality forced aware that we are fighting against
During his opening state- cooperation was represented by hundreds of people, including terrorism. We are facing a war
As Sadc leaders moved to de- ment, he had also touched on the its chairperson, Botswana Presi- “Double troika summit di- men, women and children, to without barracks, but in this bat-
ploy troops to contain the raging same issue. dent Mokgweetsi Masisi, incom- rected an immediate Sadc organ seek immediate refuge in the tle, we reaffirm the conviction
Islamist insurgency in Cabo Del- ing chair South African President technical deployment to the bush areas of the headquarters that, if we stand together, we can
gado through an urgent technical “Our cooperation must not Cyril Ramaphosa and outgoing Republic of Mozambique, and town of Palma district and in win,” Nyusi said. 
approach, the issue of Mozam- neglect the responsibility and chair Zimbabwean President the convening of an Extraordi- Afunge. In those days filled with
bican sovereignty looms large in competence of each country in Emmerson Mnangagwa. Also in nary Meeting of the Ministerial drama and heroism, these people “Our government has already
the background. combating terrorism and other attendance was Sadc executive Committee of the Organ by 28 faced the brutal loss of their loved expressed to the international
security threats, as the defence secretary Stergomena Lawrence April 2021 that will report to ones. To escape from death, en- community its needs to fight
Mozambican President Filipe of each country is the primary Tax.  the Extraordinary Organ Troika tire families threw themselves terrorism. This bilateral and/
Nyusi made it loud and clear for responsibility of that respective Summit to be held in the Repub- into the bush with their small or multilateral support is being
the first time in public, the day country,” he said. After the meeting, the double lic of Mozambique, on 29 April children and undertook long assessed, and we know where
before the summit, that the pri- troika issued a statement, noting 2021.” journeys whose only certainty we need help. And what is our
mary responsibility to fight the In a nuanced and delicate Sadc for the first time will move was fear, thirst and hunger,” he responsibility, as Mozambicans.
jihadist insurgents is for Mozam- message on Wednesday before to do something, albeit more A day before Sadc leaders ar- said.  Those arriving from abroad will
bicans, with allies coming in to the summit, Nyusi had said Sadc technical rather than direct mil- rived in Maputo for the meeting, not come to replace us. They
help under the direction of the and other foreign forces are wel- itary intervention, through its Nyusi had made his point crystal “The aggression inflicted on shall come to support us. This is
host country. come, but Mozambique takes standby brigade.  clear on how he viewed the sum- us by the terrorists is against not a matter of empty pride. This
the lead.  mit coming the following day, Mozambique. It is against all of is about a sense of sovereignty;
During the opening and clos- The  Sadc Brigade supports Mozambicans’ role in the conflict us Mozambicans. Terrorism is it is about knowing that no war
ing remarks at the summit yes- He said Mozambicans have regional peace operations un- and foreign intervention.  always an aggression against the is won if it is not clear from the
terday, Nyusi was also clear and experienced war before and can der the African Standby Force whole mankind.” outset what is to be done by one’s
forthright about the issue. He fight on their own, although help Policy Framework. The brigade, The issue of sovereignty and own country and what is to be
brandished the sovereignty card, is always welcome since terrorism launched in August 2008, is Mozambicans’ primary respon- Nyusi’s address emphasised done by the allies. 
leaving Sadc leaders no longer is not just a national problem, made up of military, police and sibility to fight the insurgency on Mozambique’s sovereignty,
in doubt about what he thought but also a regional and global civilian members from Sadc loomed large in his address to mobilisation of the country’s de- “As a government we are aware
their role was and should be in scourge. Sadc, he said, is the ap- member states. It intervenes for the Women’s Day gathering on fence forces and the population, of how serious this situation is.
the crisis. propriate regional body to help. peace and security restoration in 7 April.  further revealing his game plan We know the field; we often visit
member states. before allowing regional inter- the combatants on the frontline.
All along since the conflict Nyusi also suggested that peo- Addressing the nation on vention.  We are not commanding in a re-
broke out in 2017 before esca- ple need to be calculating, mea- “Double troika summit re- Women’s Day, Nyusi spoke at mote and distant way. It was not
lating last year and of late, there sured and patient in how they ceived a report from the organ length about the Cabo Delgado “We have given instructions by chance that our armed forces
were murmurs of discomfort and deal with the jihadist insurgency troika on the security situation crisis in his speech. In fact, his for the population to have as quickly restored normality in Pal-
anxiety within Sadc’s corridors of issues which cannot be resolved in Mozambique, and noted with speech turned out to be more much support as possible. And ma. And we need to emphasise
power and regional diplomatic overnight given the multi-di- concern, the acts of terrorism about the Sadc meeting yesterday we have instructed the Defence the following: we are overcoming
circles that Nyusi was resisting mensions and complexities of perpetrated against innocent and the Islamist insurgency than and Security Forces to proceed, a condition arising from decades
intervention as he wanted to first compounded terrorism issues. civilians, women and children women issues.  without much fanfare or proc- without solid investments on the
put his house in order and define in some of the districts of Cabo lamation, with operations in the defence and security sector.
the parameters for intervention. The Sadc communiqué bears Delgado Province of the Repub- Nyusi said Mozambique will town of Palma, with a view to
testimony to the limited and lic of Mozambique; condemned stand up and fight the insurgency fully re-establishing Order, “We have been engaging with
Informed security sources measured space for foreign inter- the terrorist attacks in strongest on its own, even though foreign our bilateral and multilateral
told  The NewsHawks that Nyu- vention which Nyusi is prepared terms; and affirmed that such intervention is welcome.  Security and Tranquillity. You partners in order to view terror-
si was reluctant to allow a Sadc to give in Mozambique.  heinous attacks cannot be al- already know what happened ism as a global enemy that ought
intervention at first because he lowed to continue without a pro- He said while Maputo would next, because the appropriate to be fought in a concerted man-
feared a regionalised intervention As a result, the Sadc meeting portionate regional response,” it need regional and internation- bodies have released it to the ner. At our regional level, in the
and resultant regional conflict emerged clear on these issues. reads. al assistance, it was their job to public without reservation,” he coming days, we will again pool
would make things worse. fight.  said.  our experiences to form a united
Apart from Mozambique, “Double troika summit ex- front to prevent and combat ter-
“Nyusi has been deliberate the other Sadc troika members pressed Sadc’s full solidarity with Nyusi said although Mozam- Nyusi also said that the coun- rorism.”
and careful about the need for who attended the meeting were the government and people of bique needed bilateral and multi- try’s defence forces, which need
foreign intervention in the Mo- incoming chair Malawi and lateral support given that the in- more training and equipping,
zambican conflict because he outgoing chair Tanzania. Mala- surgents were trained and funded
thinks in the short term his gov- wi was represented by President
ernment must avoid allowing the
presence of foreign armies under
the guise of regional politics, pro-
tecting investment and simply
fighting terrorism as that might
have the unintended conse-
quences of inviting foreign insur-
gents, regionalising the conflict
and aggravating the situation,” a
security source said.

“The African Union (AU)
shares this view. There are many
examples in Africa of this. Look
at Mali and the chaos that for-
eign troops brought there. I was
reading a recent AU report over
the Palma attack and they raise
these issues.

“Nyusi shares these views,
hence his calculated and strong
nationalist approach emphasis-
ing sovereignty and Mozambi-
cans’ primary responsibility to
fight the insurgents on their own
before getting foreign help.”

Yesterday, Nyusi agreed to a
limited Sadc intervention, but
still insisting on sovereignty and
Mozambicans’ primary responsi-
bility to fight the militants.

This time he was open and
direct about it; first on Wednes-
day during a Women’s Day com-
memoration event and then yes-
terday at the opening and closing
ceremonies of the summit in
Maputo.

In his closing remarks at
the summit yesterday, Nyusi
thanked Sadc leaders for their
solidarity and for eventually

NewsHawks News Page 7

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Just before the Sadc emergency summit…

PRESIDENT FILIPE NYUSI Nyusi spoke out on the Mozambican
conflict, drew intervention parameters
DEAR Mozambicans;
Compatriots! “Those arriving from abroad will not come to replace us. They shall come to support us. This is not a matter of
Besides COVID-19, we cele- empty pride. This is about a sense of sovereignty; it is about knowing that no war is won if it is not clear from
brate the 7th of April today, at the outset what is to be done by one’s own country and what is to be done by the allies”.
a time when we are feeling the
effects of climate change in the for human life, dozens of in- ised and totally or partially happened next, because the Those arriving from abroad are mainly the result of collab-
form of Cyclones, heavy rains nocent people who were hero- destroyed some local gov- appropriate bodies have re- will not come to replace us. oration between the Defence
and prolonged drought. ically working for the welfare ernment facilities, the Palma leased it to the public without They shall come to support us. and Security Forces and the lo-
of their families. Dozens of District Attorney’s Office, the reservation. The terrorists were This is not a matter of empty cal population. It was this pop-
We celebrate Mozambican people were injured, both se- Revenue Authority, the hospi- expelled from Palma. pride. This is about a sense of ulation that gave us the valu-
Women’s Day at a time when riously and lightly. tal, banks and public and pri- sovereignty, it is about know- able information that allowed
the country is struggling with vate residences. The success we have ing that no war is won if it is us to considerably reduce the
armed violence in the Centre The terrorist brutality forced achieved has not only hap- not clear from the outset what enemy’s geographical scope for
Region and terrorism and vi- hundreds of people, including All this heritage belonged to pened in Palma. Once again, is to be done by one’s own action and the frequency of
olent extremism in Cabo Del- men, women and children, to the town of Palma, but it was we do not intend to claim country and what is to be done their terrorist attacks.
gado. seek immediate refuge in the built with the sacrifice of all victory because we are aware by the allies.
bush areas of the headquarters the people of Mozambique. that we are fighting against In this popular support, we
The greatest impact of these town of Palma District and in terrorism. We are facing a war What happened in Palma is highlight the fighters of the
constraints falls on women Afunge. In this operation, the FDS without barracks, but in this a clear example of what we can national liberation struggle,
who are the pillar of life and rescued over 500 people in- battle we reaffirm the convic- do when we are united. But who without showing any os-
the pillar that supports the In those days filled with dra- cluding men, women, preg- tion that, if we stand together, what has been happening in tentation and with all their pa-
family and the future of our ma and heroism, these people nant women, children and we can win. Cabo Delgado is also a good triotism are committed to this
society. faced the brutal loss of their new-born babies. Our troops exercise to uncover where we new struggle. It is these vet-
loved ones. To escape from rescued these defenceless crea- We encourage those who can and should be supported. erans who instil courage and
Women are the ones who death, entire families threw tures at the same moment they were forced to flee not to lose bravery in the young combat-
suffer most in times of war, themselves into the bush with were fighting the terrorists. hope. This situation is tem- We want to make one mes- ants of today.
they are the ones who teach us their small children and un- porary. In your strength and sage clear: we Mozambicans,
the meaning of our own hu- dertook long journeys whose We follow these events with courage we find an inspiration united, will defeat terrorism. Yesterday, today and tomor-
manity. only certainty was fear, thirst the most thorough detail and to continue the fight against We Mozambicans, with the row, the people, the govern-
and hunger. concern. the criminals. support of our friends, will de- ment and the State have con-
It is our mothers who edu- feat this threat. To this end we demned, condemn and will
cate us to reject violence, they To escape the inhuman cru- What happened in Palma, As a nation we have already are upgrading our defence and always strongly condemn any
are the ones who keep us away elty of the terrorists, these peo- as had happened before in withstood many challeng- security forces. and all acts of terrorism.
from the cruelty of wars. It is ple survived in conditions that other regions, was not just an es. As Mozambicans we have
women who teach us the value none of us can even imagine. attack on a village in Cabo been able to overcome wars, To this end, we are provid- We vigorously condemn the
of love, friendship and respect Delgado. The aggression in- we have been able to get back ing for adequate logistics. And aggression perpetrated by the
for others. There can be no greater bar- flicted on us by the terrorists is up after the fall and start again to this end we are providing terrorists against the rights of
barity, no greater crime against against Mozambique. together on a new path. our army with training, pro- this population, from the right
It is women who build us as life and human rights than fessionalism and specialised to life to the violation of the
people, with the right to have that experienced by the popu- It is against all of us Mo- To those who have lost their equipment. We don’t need to right to education, work, food
a name and a history. lation in the northern districts zambicans. Terrorism is al- way and ended up with the say much, as the successful and housing.
of Cabo Delgado. ways an aggression against the terrorists, we plead them to re- role models have not.
All that human heritage is whole mankind. turn. We are ready to welcome We cannot sit back while
now being threatened by ter- Some other people, with them and reintegrate them What is happening in the thousands of our citizens have
rorism and the most ruthless the help of the state, as well as We have given instructions back into society. theatre of operations around been prevented from enjoying
violation of human rights. state and non-state partners, for the population to have as the town of Palma is an ex- their most basic rights.
This is the threat we want to had to seek safety in places far much support as possible. Our government has al- ample of the fruits of this
talk about. from Palma, such as Pemba. And we have instructed the ready expressed to the interna- progress. There are stories of We want to clearly say to
Defence and Security Forc- tional community its needs to our soldiers that must be told. these compatriots: the whole
Compatriots. All they managed to save es to proceed, without much fight terrorism. This bilateral These young people are heroes of Mozambique is by your
In the last few weeks, the was the clothes they were fanfare or proclamation, with and or multilateral support is and deserve all our affection. side.
situation in Cabo Delgado wearing. But they brought operations in the town of Pal- being assessed, and we know
has attracted much national with them traumas that will ma, with a view to fully re-es- where we need help. And what But these achievements of We shall do everything in
and international attention, forever scar their lives. tablishing Order, Security and is our responsibility, as Mo- ours are not just a military our power to support the peo-
following the recent attacks by Tranquillity. zambicans. achievement. These victories ple affected by the violence of
terrorists in the town of Palma. In addition to the human this cruel and inhuman war.
All this attention is legitimate. targets, the terrorists vandal- You already know what
All this concern means that we
live in a solidary world that
does not stand indifferent be-
fore the suffering of others.
The town of Palma and the
adjoining Afunge peninsula
are in close proximity to the
natural gas fields. It is in this
region that the foundations are
being laid for the exploitation
of this resource that is so im-
portant for our economy.
The town serves as a base
for the construction work and
provides logistical support for
the ongoing work in Afunge.
In recent years, Palma has seen
a rapid development in terms
of infrastructure, including
hotels, banks and service pro-
viders.
In turn, the Afunge penin-
sula is also being developed,
with camps and residential ar-
eas, with access roads and an
autonomous aerodrome.
On 24 March 2021, at 4pm,
the terrorists burst into the
Palma District Headquarters
Town with gunshots, opening
fire on civilian targets, some of
which were properly selected.
The terrorists brutally
killed, with utter disregard

Page 8 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Mozambicans! our soldiers to know that they formed a single and insepara- clear: they want to intimidate And it requires us to be en us in our common struggle.
Respect for human rights is cannot defend their home- ble force. us. They want to own our fear. truthful in our assessment of Muslims in Cabo Delgado and
a cornerstone for the kind of land if they do not defend the More than occupying a geo- our own capacity. This truth in the country are equally the
country we are building, a Mozambicans, along with all In this sense, we are confi- graphical space, the terrorists has to be evident in the way victims of terrorist attacks and
country where each and every the freedom and citizenship dent that, as in the past, the want to occupy our soul, by we report what is happening are obviously outraged by their
citizen should feel free and achievements. intense collaboration between stealing hope and sowing dis- on the ground. atrocities.
protected as a citizen. the FDS and the population cord.
We clearly reiterate that is the key that will lead us to We are aware that terrorism International experience has
The Mozambique Defence human rights violations shall victory against terrorism and As a government we are is not only an African or Mo- taught us that the solution to
and Security Forces under- not be tolerated in Mozam- the violation of human rights aware of how serious this sit- zambican phenomenon. It is the problem of terrorism takes
stand their noble mission to bique. Every possible case of in Mozambique. uation is. We know the field, a global issue. Many of those time. Awareness and patience
protect our citizens. The FDS human rights violation will Compatriots, we often visit the combatants in the terrorist ranks in Cabo are fundamental. That is why
are there to defend our people be thoroughly investigated, Ladies and Gentlemen, on the frontline. We are not Delgado have been trained we always call for serenity. I
and our nation. All branches and appropriate action will Before closing this communi- commanding in a remote and and ideologically instrumen- know that these words may
of our army will always be sub- be taken against those found cation, I would like to stress distant way. talised abroad and their activ- seem empty to the thousands
ject to the highest ethical and guilty. Our Defence and Se- the following: ities are essentially financed of victims of this war. More
professional standards in the curity Forces believe that It was not by chance that by illicit means and organised than grand statements, these
performance of their duties. there should be no dichotomy We have not chosen this our armed forces quickly re- crime. compatriots of ours need
between respect for human war, it was imposed on us. We stored normality in Palma. strong actions, they need our
As a democratic state based rights and security. Our armed have no other option but to And we need to emphasise the Developed countries with solidarity, they need a peace-
on the rule of law, Mozam- forces know that no military continue working relentless- following: we are overcom- much more means than us ful return to their homes and
bique invests in the moral victory can be achieved with- ly to restore public order and ing a condition arising from are also victims of terrorist ac- their lives.
training and academic prepa- out a relationship of total trust tranquillity in the affected dis- decades without solid invest- tions. There are still those who
ration of the men and wom- and mutual aid with the civil- tricts. Only then can our peo- ments on the defence and se- associate terrorism with Islam. As a government, our duty
en who are committing their ian population. ple live in peace again. curity sector. In fact, terrorists do not re- is to ensure the safety of all
precious lives in the theatre of flect the values of Islam, which Mozambicans and to defend
operations to defend the lives Our defence and security The brutal nature of terrorist Once again we state that the are values of peace. Terrorists our sovereignty as a nation.
of the population and national forces are inspired by the his- action knows no boundaries. achievement reached in Palma do not represent the Muslim We are aware, however, that
sovereignty. tory of the national liberation The attacks against defenceless cannot be understood as a community, either nationally our response has to go well be-
struggle and the defence of our populations, including small proclamation of final victory. or internationally. yond the military domain.
This training is not limited sovereignty. This battle was children, reveal a total lack of It was an important achieve-
to strictly technical defence successful because the com- humanism and civic values. ment, but the victory over The aim of this narrative We need to build hope, we
and security matters. Ethical batants and the population terrorism requires permanent against Muslims in Mozam- need to bring concrete solu-
and human training is vital for The aim of this violence is vigilance, and from everyone. bique is to divide us, to weak- tions without propaganda
promises to the young people
who need a job today to start
believing in the future.

Mozambicans!
With all the information
collected and consolidated on
the ground, the government
set up a working group (what
we call a “Task Force”). This
group comprises ministers
who will immediately address
the issue of IDPs in its various
facets.
We have been engaging
with our bilateral and mul-
tilateral partners in order to
view terrorism as a global en-
emy that ought to be fought
in a concerted manner. At our
regional level, in the coming
days, we will again pool our
experiences to form a united
front to prevent and combat
terrorism.
It is in this context that
we are convening the SADC
Double Troika Summit for to-
morrow Thursday, 8 April to
assess the security situation in
Mozambique. At this meeting
we will jointly devise mecha-
nisms to eradicate terrorism
in the region. The National
Defence and Security Council
was also convened. Its meeting
was subject to background in-
formation and the availability
of some members who were
engaged in the field.
While these steps are being
taken, the Defence and Se-
curity Forces are still on the
ground pursuing the terrorists
moving along the neighbour-
ing areas of Palma district.

Compatriots!

Mozambican Women!
I conclude by urging every-
one, men and women, not to
lose focus and to engage in the
promotion of peace, solidarity
and the strengthening of Na-
tional Unity towards devel-
opment. And here we repeat,
with full belief, this truth en-
shrined in the following mot-
to:”A generation where every-
one has equal opportunities, is
a victorious nation”.

Thank you for your attention.

NewsHawks News Page 9
Nyasha Mugwagwa who went missing in Palma, Mozambique.
Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Zim family desperately hunts for
relative missing in Mozambique

BRIDGET MANANAVIRE region.  heads of state and govern- on the security situation
Foreign Affairs act- ment of Sadc convened in Mozambique, and
THE distraught family in Maputo yesterday and noted with concern, the
of Nyasha Mugwagwa, ing permanent secretary directed an immediate acts of terrorism perpe-
who went missing this Lovemore Mazeno said “technical deployment” trated against innocent
week in the Mozambican the embassy of Zim- to Mozambique. civilians, women and
town of Palma following babwe in Maputo is in children in some of the
terrorist attacks, is des- communication with the The summit also di- districts of Cabo Delga-
perately looking for him, government of Mozam- rected the convening of do Province of the Re-
with the Zimbabwean bique and companies in an extraordinary meeting public of Mozambique;
government saying it is Palma following the ‘dis- of the ministerial com- condemned the terror-
in contact with the au- turbances’. mittee of the organ by ist attacks in strongest
thorities in Maputo. 28 April that will report terms; and affirmed that
“The ministry of for- to the Extraordinary Or- such heinous attacks can-
Mugwagwa’s family has eign affairs and Inter- gan Troika Summit on 29 not be allowed to contin-
sent out posters on social national trade hereby April. ue without a proportion-
media, looking for any confirms that from the ate regional response,” a
leads on his whereabouts contacts so far estab- “Double Troika Sum- Sadc communiqué read.
and to assist bring him lished with authorities in mit received a report
home. Palma, one Zimbabwean from the Organ Troika
is not yet accounted for.
According to the Efforts to establish his
poster, the 38-year-old whereabouts are ongo-
Mugwagwa was last seen ing,” Mazeno said. 
on site at Wentworth
Camp, which was at- This comes as neigh-
tacked by Islamist insur- bouring South Africa last
gents.  week sent troops to re-
patriate its citizens from
The NewsHawks Mozambique following
reached out to the family, the deadly attack on Pal-
but they were not ready ma.
to comment on the issue
as they are focused on “We are attending to
finding Mugwagwa. the matter on an ongoing
basis. We have already
The Zimbabwean gov- attended to the issue of
ernment says it is work- evacuating those South
ing with management of Africans who are strand-
companies in Cabo Del- ed in Mozambique. And
gado to ensure the safety one of those who passed
of nationals in Mozam- away, the SANDF has
bique’s northern prov- brought him back. We
ince. According to the remain involved in se-
Foreign Affairs ministry, curing the safety of our
only one Zimbabwean people in Mozambique,”
cannot be accounted for. South African President
However, more families Cyril Ramaphosa said
are seeking assistance to last week.
help find their relatives
who are missing in the An Extraordinary Dou-
ble Troika Summit of the

Page 10 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

BERNARD MPOFU Withdrawal of Lionel Dyck’s
mercenaries creates vacuum
MOZAMBIQUE’S military
may fail to fill a vacuum cre- Former Zimbabwean military commander retired colonel Lionel Dyck. boots on the ground. They
ated by the exit of private mil- come in to give air support to
itary contractors (PMCs) such DAG’s three-month contract internal dynamics between the in Mozambique, they have response to the jihadist insur- the Mozambican military but
as retired Zimbabwean senior with the Mozambican police police and the military. Obvi- provided some measure of air gency has been lethargic. then when they fire from the
army officer Lionel Dyck was extended in July 2020, ously there is a regional issue cover. Frankly, there are some air a lot of civilians are being
whose company was provid- and was reported to have end- and a frowning on the use of questions on whether or not “Sadc has been quite slow. killed. They are denying it and
ing air support to Maputo’s ed on 6 April 2021. PMCs by some elements and the Mozambique military and Initially, the Mozambicans saying they will investigate but
fight against jihadists in the we have heard the elements its air force will be able to fill themselves just said this is it is clear that there is what
resource-rich northern parts Humanitarian agencies say also pouring cold water on the the vacuum that has been cre- just criminal activity and they they call collateral damage in
of the country, security experts there has been an increase of use of private military contrac- ated by their draw done.” could handle that themselves. their methods they are using.”
told The NewsHawks. 500 000 internally displaced tors I think a week or so after Initially, they brought merce-
people in Palma province over they designated IS (Islamic Last May, the Sadc organ naries — private military com- “Private military contractors
The hiring of PMCs or mer- the last 12 months as the in- State) Mozambique; which has on defence, security and pol- panies from Russia and then are not accountable to anyone.
cenaries has divided opinion surgency attacks increased rap- also added a certain amount itics held its first meeting on more recently from South They do have association and
both in Mozambique as well as idly. of pressure at least from that the Mozambican insurgency Africa/Zimbabwe — because so on and they try to say they
in the Southern African De- element of the American gov- in Harare. President Mnan- colonel Lionel Dyck who runs are playing an important role.
velopment Community region Security experts say while ernment. It’s important to gagwa, who then chaired the these South African merce- Those who were rescued in
as the number of casualties the involvement of merce- note that none of those gov- organ, hosted the meeting. naries — the Dyck Advisory Palma do say that if it hadn’t
from the three-year conflict naries has been controversial ernments are necessarily cohe- As the situation escalated, an- Group — is also Zimbabwean. been for Dyck, they might
continues rising. following reports of massive sive in their thinking and that other Sadc meeting was held There was also a lot of misin- have been killed. So there are
civilian casualties in their op- different parts have different in Botswana after President formation.” Louw-Vaudran two sides to that story but it is
A number of private secu- erations, the withdrawal of thoughts,” Piers Pigou, a se- Masisi took over the chair- told The NewsHawks. definitely controversial.”
rity companies, foreign gov- the soldiers of fortune may be nior consultant at the Interna- manship. After last month’s
ernments and militaries have catastrophic for conflict-rid- tional Crisis Group, told The attack on Palma town, there Commenting on the use of So far, Mozambican Presi-
become involved in Mozam- den Mozambique. Dyck’s NewsHawks. was a sense of urgency on the mercenaries, she said: “It’s very dent Filipe Nyusi has restrict-
bique in its fight against the company has been accused by regional bloc. Sadc had its his- controversial. I think Mozam- ed his requests for foreign as-
Islamist insurgency in Cabo Friends of the Earth of caus- “The regional body Sadc toric Extraordinary Double bicans themselves are almost sistance to logistical support
Delgado, but the Mozambican ing civilian casualties during has been trying to engage Troika Summit on Thursday sort of reluctant — South and training. Just recently,
government has so far largely the battle to retake Macomia with Maputo for almost a year this week in a desperate effort Africans coming up with heli- another military contractor,
restricted external involve- from insurgents. A report by now and has made very little to address the crisis. copters. There was a recent re- Paramount, was hired by the
ment. Nevertheless, there are Friends of the Earth stated headway so far. While people port by Amnesty International Mozambican government to
a number of companies and that the helicopters used were may not like the idea of white Liesl Louw-Vaudran, a se- which said that innocent civil- strengthen the capacity of the
countries providing security French licensed. mercenaries or mercenaries nior researcher at the Preto- ians have been killed because security services. The company
assistance to Mozambique. from South Africa operating ria-based Institute for Security of their methods, not deliber- delivered at least five Maraud-
“The contract was coming Studies, said the regional bloc’s ately but because they are not er armoured vehicles to Cabo
Dyck Advisory Group to an end but this is also about Delgado and has provided
(DAG), a company run by re- military helicopters and pilot
tired colonel Dyck, withdrew training.
from Mozambique this week
after the lapse of its contract The United States has stated
with the government. that it is engaged in patrolling
around Cabo Delgado, linking
Dyck has experience and the insurgency to transnation-
connections in Mozambique, al drug trafficking. 
having participated in previ-
ous conflict. After Zimbabwe’s From mid-March 2021, US
independence in 1980, Dyck Green Beret special operations
remained in the new unified forces began a two-month
military and became a com- training programme for Mo-
mander of forces fighting Re- zambican marines. The Joint
namo, earning him high-level Combined Exchange Training
contacts both in the ruling (JCET) programme launched
Frelimo and with President on 15 March will see Mozam-
Emmerson Mnangagwa. bican marines benefit from the
experience and knowledge of
Russian security company US special forces to up their
Wagner Group, which has skill levels in support of ef-
close ties to Moscow, was hired forts by South Africa’s east-
by the Mozambican govern- ern neighbour to prevent the
ment to address the insurgen- spread of terrorism and violent
cy in Cabo Delgado alongside extremism, the US embassy
government forces, but the said. France, home to global
mercenary outfit struggled to energy group Total whose op-
make progress. Wagner’s es- erations have been disrupted
timated 200 fighters left Mo- by the conflict, is considering
zambique in November 2019, a possible maritime coopera-
after suffering heavy casualties. tion agreement with Mozam-
Reports suggested that the bique at the request of defence
group was unable to operate in minister Jaime Neto, and the
northern Mozambique’s harsh French Armed Forces in the
environment, and the merce- Indian Ocean (FAZSOI) have
nary outfit’s relationship with conducted training with the
the Mozambican armed forc- Mozambican authorities.
es broke down after botched
operations and a friendly fire
incident.

The Wagner Group was
replaced by Dyck’s DAG, a
“private military company
providing aerial support to
Mozambique’s armed forces”.

NewsHawks News Feature Page 11

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

The controversial role of private
army, security companies in Africa

PRIVATE military compa- A Nigerien soldier taking on Boko Haram in Damasak, Nigeria. well they’re meeting the re- security companies. It also sug-
nies (PMCs) have been in- quirements of a specified con- gests that more work needs to
volved in conflicts around fixtures in conflicts across the also include weapons procure- tracted by a government are tract is often unknown. This is be done on uncovering insights
the world, including Africa, globe. For Africa, these cor- ment and installation. likely to be shorter than those a huge challenge for researchers on contract terms and condi-
for a long time and and dif- porations became increasingly with few or none. who rely primarily on quan- tions, however aspirational a
ferent reasons. visible with their role in civil As a multibillion dollar in- titative assessments to explore task.
wars in Angola and Sierra Le- dustry, the list of companies The rationale here is that a these dynamics. Conclusions
The growth of private mili- one. is continually growing, as is more competitive market in- We are not suggesting that
tary contractors raises ethical demand for their services. In centivises the companies to We also drew attention to private military and security
questions surrounding the More recently, reports in late 2018, the US Department perform better so they can win how quantitative analyses, in companies should be avoided.
commercialisation of war. 2015 indicated the Nigeri- of Defence reported nearly 50 more contracts. the absence of in-depth inves- They have proven to be useful
The United States in Afghan- an government contracted a 000 contractors working under tigation, could lead scholars to alternatives for organisations
istan and Iraq sustained the number of companies to aid in the auspices of such compa- Our recent assessment of miss important dynamics in such as the UN and the World
use of PMCs. counterinsurgency efforts tar- nies. Over 28,000 were in Iraq, private military activity, along how these companies influence Food Programme. Rather, our
geting Boko Haram. Afghanistan, and Syria. with work from academ- conflicts. analysis points to the need to
But should America’s use ics Deborah Avant and Kara Exploring the evidence fully understand the intricacies
of PMCs in the region wane, And a Russian contractor, Beyond the obvious role of Kingma Neu, questions this of their interactions – not only
following the drastic reduc- the Wagner Group, has been combat support, these compa- logic. We set out to try and un- We looked at Sierra Leone’s with the entities that contract
tion in commitment levels actively involved in Sudan and nies have also been increasing- derstand how these companies civil war, which began in 1991 them, but with one another.
within Afghanistan and Iraq, the Central African Republic. ly used in services as diverse as interact. We also wanted to when the Revolutionary Unit-
these companies will seek out Its involvement has included anti-poaching efforts and com- know the effect of these inter- ed Front invaded the country This is particularly import-
new customers and venues signing contracts that grant it bating maritime piracy. actions. from neighboring Liberia. ant in Africa. Foreign invest-
for their services, exacerbat- access to potential diamond Civil war role Competition or complemen- ment by both Russia and Chi-
ing tensions between the in- and gold deposits. Such agree- For many governments, private tary? Our analysis shows that at na is likely to see an increase in
dustry and international law. ments have been typical of military and security compa- Private military and security no time during the conflict private military and security
private military and security nies can become an attractive companies frequently do com- were rival private military and companies hired to protect
Conflicts in Africa high- companies, particularly in Af- resource. This is particularly pete over contracts. But we security companies operating their investments.
light many of the concerns rica. This was the case with true in cases where the capac- also found that once they were simultaneously in the country.
about the future of the PMC Executive Outcomes’ deal with ity of national armed forces is contracted they often collabo- For example, the Gurkha Se- This might increase security
industry, and for some the Sierra Leone’s government in low and the government faces rated. This was especially like- curity Guards was contracted in the region. But depending
continent also provides evi- the early 1990s. strong threats. ly when a task was very big or in early 1994. But it quickly on the terms of the contracts
dence of PMCs’ value. But, how well do they per- when specialised services were exited when rebels ambushed and the clients these organisa-
But understanding when form? needed. and killed their leader. After tions are accountable to, it may
In weak states, sovereignty and why these corporations are One recent investigation ar- the company had left, Execu- not be in the best interests of
is highly contested given that able to deliver effective services gued that contracting private Observing and evaluating tive Outcomes was contracted the states where they operate.
the state is an arena for local to clients has remained an elu- military and security compa- the delivery of specific services to thwart the Revolutionary
and global actors. sive task. nies during wartime can actu- is difficult. Some research has United Front threat. In the In addition, a more com-
What are they? ally increase military effective- compounded this difficulty by data, presence in the same year plete understanding of the
PMCs have expanded into Private military and security ness – and with it, the intensity assessing effectiveness with ge- is inaccurately treated as com- roles undertaken by private
this space, offering military companies are defined as legal of conflict. Other scholars have neric measures such as conflict petition. military and security compa-
and police services that were entities that provide clients explored their impact on the duration rather than whether nies during conflict is neces-
previously the preserve of the with a wide array of military duration of conflicts. This re- the terms of the contract were We also found that when sary to fully understand their
state. This has jeopardised and security services. This in- search has suggested that con- met. It’s difficult accessing the multiple groups were contract- effects on conflict dynamics,
the state’s traditional mo- cludes combat-oriented tasks, flicts in which higher numbers terms of specific contracts be- ed simultaneously, their reper- including duration.
nopoly on the means and military or security training, of these companies are con- cause all the entities involved toire of services didn’t overlap.
resources of violence, thereby logistical support and armed are private companies. This In other words, they weren’t Recent work has moved in
undermining the state’s sov- security and guarding. It can means that identifying how competing with one anoth- this direction with event data-
ereignty. er because their services were sets like the Private Security
complementary. From our Event Database.
More seriously, this trend perspective this increased their
has occurred in tandem with ability to execute their mission This provides information
mercenary activities’ taking a effectively. on where these companies op-
corporate form and exploit- erate, their clients and the ser-
ing the natural resources of For instance, Executive vices they provide. Though real
Africa. The danger posed by Outcomes owned and oper- time information on contracts
these private military and po- ated a number of subsidiaries, and events is likely to prove
lice forces is that they operate including groups like Life- difficult to get, using historical
beyond the realm of legal ac- Guard Management and Ibis datasets like this can increase
countability and public over- Air. It used these groups to our understanding of their in-
sight, thereby threatening carry out specialised services fluence.
the state within which they such as mine security and air
operate, as well as its citizens. transport. For governments, the ex-
Because these private forces panding list of services in an
sell their services to whoever These were pivotal in pro- increasingly globalised market
can afford them, they consti- viding Executive Outcomes allows for greater opportunity
tute a serious security risk in the best opportunity to regain to fill real or perceived gaps in
Africa. territory from the Revolution- security.
ary United Front while train-
But then again as we saw ing the Sierra Leone military. In certain cases, private mil-
in Mozambique, former Zim- itary and security companies
babwean military veteran But the simultaneous pres- may be used to insulate a re-
retired colonel Lionel Dyck ence of each of the companies gime from collapse.
held fort as Mozambican and is not indicative of competi-
Sadc leaders tried to find a tion. Regardless of the reasons,
solution to the problem. the interactions between the
We also found that although companies and the influence
However, Dyck’s contract, hiring the companies shifted they have on conflict and sta-
which expired on 6 April, the balance of power in the bility will continue to be im-
was not renewed, highlight- government’s favour by 1996, portant.
ing problems associated with the conflict wouldn’t end com-
that. The Russians left Mo- pletely until 2002. *Jonathan Powell, Associ-
zambique under a hail of ter- ate professor, University of
rorist fire. Our qualitative assessment Central Florida; Christopher
highlighted that, instead of the Michael Faulkner, Visiting
The big question is: Are companies helping to bring the Assistant Professor in Inter-
private military companies conflict to an end, the same national Studies; 2018-2019
desirable? data could actually indicate Minerva-USIP Peace and
that they simply managed its Security Scholar, Centre Col-
JONATHAN POWELL/ intensity. lege, and Joshua Lambert,
CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL FAULKNER/ Ph.D Candidate in Security
JOSHUA LAMBERT This analysis underscores Studies, University of Central
the need to really come to Florida
Private military and security grips with the concept of effec-
companies have been regular tiveness of private military and

Page 12 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Parliament warns of aviation disaster
LIZWE SEBATA country undetected which could vehicles and were relying on exter-
pose regional security threats,” the tional Handling Services (NHS) also due to a shortage emergency vehicle and emergency operators nally-owned ambulance vehicles,”
ZIMBABWE’S airports could report reads. owes it US$5.8 million,” the re- standby vehicles and inadequate in the vicinity of the airport. The the report reveals.
cause an aviation disaster due port reads. It also revealed that fire tenders, among other defi- rest of the airports, that is Joshua
to poor weather-detecting in- “There is a risk that smuggling the adoption of the Zimbabwean ciencies, necessary for safety. Mqabuko Nkomo Internation- “The committee observed that
struments, outdated radar, few syndicates may utilise this open- dollar also “negatively eroded the al, Victoria Falls International, there were no readily available fire
emergency vehicles, inadequate ing to fly out highly valued min- value of funds that CAAZ had in “The Committee observed Charles Prince, Masvingo, Kariba tenders at some of the airports.
fire-fighting capacity and deplor- erals such as gold and diamonds its accounts.” that only Robert Gabriel Mug- and Hwange National Park air- In this regard, smaller airports
able runways. as well as ivory out of the country. abe International Airport had a ports all had defective ambulance such as Masvingo and Hwange
The Committee felt that if the A major risk to passengers was working ambulance emergency National Park were relying on as-
Owing to outdated systems, radar system was not urgently ad- sistance from surrounding stake-
Zimbabwe is posing a security dressed, there is generally a greater holders.
risk to the region while criminal risk of aircraft collision, failure to
and smuggling syndicates can also promptly identify distressed air- “The Committee noted that
take advantage of the situation to craft, delays and increased operat- while fire tenders from Joshua
smuggle minerals and ivory out ing costs of airlines.” Mqabuko Nkomo and Masvin-
of the country without being de- go airports were being serviced
tected. The committee said radar in South Africa, a suitable local
surveillance systems should be arrangement could have been
This is contained in a report on acquired in view of the increased negotiated for by CAAZ. In this
the findings of an investigation air traffic at airports, particularly regard, the Committee noted
by the parliamentary portfolio at RGM International Airport that these airports had been left
committee on Transport and In- and JM Nkomo, so as to mitigate without adequate fire tenders to
frastructural Development on the against aviation accidents. service them and CAAZ had ex-
state of Civil Aviation Authority posed its airports to potential ma-
of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) airport in- “CAAZ needs to procure an jor airline disasters.”
frastructure. air traffic management system
and upgrade its tower control JM Nkomo International Air-
The committee accessed eight equipment systems at all CAAZ port and Masvingo Airport had
major airports, namely Robert airports by November 2021 to sub-standard structures which
Gabriel Mugabe International ensure safety of air traffic control were being used as fire stations,
(RGM), Victoria Falls Inter- within Zimbabwe and mitigate the committee noted.
national and Joshua Mqabuko against aviation disasters,” the
Nkomo International, as well committee said. With regards expansion proj-
as Masvingo, Hwange, Kariba, ects, the committee noted that
Charles Prince and Buffalo Range The findings of the committee airports were running out of land
regional airports. paint a poor picture of the state for expansion purposes in partic-
of affairs at the country’s airports ular Kariba, Charles Prince and
The committee conducted ver- with the CAAZ also exposed as Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Inter-
ification visits to all CAAZ-run technically insolvent and unable national as urban settlements had
airports with the exception of to implement any turnaround invaded airport zones.
Buffalo Range. strategies while some airports had
run out of land for expansion Observations by the parlia-
“The committee on its visit to projects. mentary committee confirm a
Robert Gabriel Mugabe Inter- report by The NewsHawks, which
national Airport noted that the “CAAZ was burdened by tech- last moth reported that Zimba-
radar system in use was outdated nical insolvency arising from leg- bwe is yet to acquire a new state-
and requiring an upgrade. The sit- acy debts amounting to US$166 of-the-art air traffic control radar
uation poses a risk of not getting million. In addition, loans from system, almost nine years after
spare parts to support system op- shareholders amounting to CAAZ raised alarm over the ur-
erations which potentially results US$102 million exposed CAAZ gent need to replace the current
in the radar system totally crash- to litigation risks due to failure to outdated – and dangerous – avi-
ing. In addition, use of an outdat- repay the debts. This situation was ation technology.
ed radar system may result in the exacerbated by inter-parastatal
airspace being compromised and debts, that is Air Zimbabwe owes The country – whose failure to
planes flying in and out of the CAAZ US$45 million, and Na- acquire radar symbolises rudder-
less leadership – has been using an
There is a future. obsolete aviation control system,
which constantly breaks down,
ZIMBABWE rendering the airspace insecure
CHILDREN’S CANCER RELIEF and risky.

EARLY This comes as the fierce con-
DETECTION testation between the Zimbabwe-
an military and CAAZ over the
IS THE BEST PROTECTION! installation and management of
the radar control system rages on,
STAY IF YOU SUSPECT EYE CANCER with the army citing national se-
ALERT! VISIT YOUR CLINIC TODAY curity to take over the show.

However, a source told The
NewHawks that the fight between
CAAZ and the army over the ra-
dar is not about national security,
but personal interest, “our time to
eat” and “cuts”, denoting greed
and corruption.

The issue first raised a stink
in 2017 when former Transport
minister Joram Gumbo allowed
the CAAZ board to award a
US$33 million contract to Indra
Sistemas and Homt Espana SA
for the finance, supply and instal-
lation of the airspace control sys-
tem without going to tender.

Since then, the critical project
has been caught up in a self-ag-
grandisement battle between the
military and CAAZ with different
companies lined up to supply the
equipment.

There are about nine airlines
flying into Robert Gabriel Mug-
abe International Airport, includ-
ing flag carrier Air Zimbabwe,
locally-registered Fastjet, South
Africa’s independent carrier Air-
link – the biggest in the region
– and some international carriers
such as Ethiopian Airlines and
Emirates.

South African Airways, which
dominated flights into Zimba-
bwe, is not flying now as it is still
under business reconstruction.

NewsHawks News Page 13

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Govt Z$18bn most companies will not
be able to see the daylight
even after having opened
(business) at the end of the
bail out still pandemic.”

Mukwasi said the indus-
try was now pinning its
hopes on the government’s
shrouded rescue loans following an
announcement on Monday
by the Zimbabwe Tourism
Authority (ZTA) that com-
in mystery panies which applied for
loans should forward their
information for consider-
ation. 
“We have been busy
NOKUTHABA DLAMINI should be some legislative President of the Employers Association for Tours and Safari Operators Clement Mukwasi. with that compilation that
framework backing it in should be presented to cab-
TOURISM operators, like the form of an Act,” Ndl- “The people who owed outbreak of the virus did pay the creditors so it has inet so there is lot of ener-
other sectors of the econ- ovu said.  us for the services that we not manage to pay us, and actually became very cha- gy amongst industry op-
omy, have not benefitted had rendered before the we also did not manage to otic in the industry and erators, and we think that
from the ZW$18 billion The minister, however, we might benefit from the
Covid-19 and Econom- said upon realising that recovery fund,” Mukwasi
ic Recovery and Stimu- the government could not said. 
lus Package announced afford to provide the sector
by President Emmerson with grants due to pressing “So far, Mbano Manor
Mnangagwa last May amid humanitarian issues, a de- Hotel has benefitted, and
revelations the government cision was then taken that we think that there could
has, in fact, not yet not yet banks should offer loans to be some more money lying
released any funds. tourism companies. How- there which people could
ever, that, too, has not ma- access and revitalise their
Environment, Tourism terialised. businesses after a year of
and Hospitality Industry total shut.” 
minister Nqobizitha Man- “We know that there is
galiso Ndlovu told The need for support for the The tourism sector con-
NewsHawks the legislative sector but because of the tributes about 6% of Zim-
framework needed to re- other needs to support babwe’s gross domestic
lease the funds has not yet people, for instance with product.
food, we then said we will
been put in place, almost a provide a loan guarantee
year after the fund was an- for these companies to
nounced. borrow from their banks,
Trade unionists and busi- and in the event that the
ness organisations such as bank will be worried about
the Confederation of Zim- defaults and risks, govern-
babwe Industries, Zimba- ment pledged that should
bwe National Chamber of they fail to pay, we will CORONA VIRUS
Commerce and Hospitality clear their loans,” Ndlovu COVID-19
Association of Zimbabwe said.
have expressed frustration “This was up to ZW$500 SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP
over the unavailability of million but unfortunately
the funds. Under the fa- we have had a major prob-
cility, the government an- lem from the banking side. STOP THE SPREAD
nounced it had set aside “They have been turn-
ZW$6.08 billion to sup- ing down our business
port agriculture, ZW$3.02 operators’ applications, so
billion as working capital we are yet to understand
fund and ZW$1 billion for the problem but we have
the mining support fund. agreed that we will sit
Tourism, which is one down and go through their
of the hardest hit sectors, applications that have been
was allocated ZW$500 turned down by the banks
million, the same amount before going to Treasury
reserved for small and me- for guarantee.”
dium-scale enterprises. For one to qualify for the
Tourism players, includ- loan scheme, they need to
ing those in the country’s apply for a loan from their
prime tourist destination – bank and the application
Victoria Falls – have how- papers are then taken to Cough and sneeze
ever not received anything the ministry who then for- into your arm Use a tissue
from the stimulus package, ward the request for a loan
which is proving to be pie to Treasury. 
in the sky. Clement Mukwasi, the
Quizzed about the pack- president of the Employers
age, Ndlovu said the mon- Association for Tours and
ey had been put on hold Safari Operators, said most
due to various technical companies closed without
glitches. collecting money for ser-
“As government, we have vices provided, salaries and
not yet specifically availed other overheads that were
that funding,” Ndlovu due and a bailout is desper-
said.  ately needed.  Wash your hands
“We did make a promise “We rentrenched about Bin the tissue

that we will put ZW$500 three quarters of our staff, TOGETHER WE CAN STOP THE
million to the tourism so basically almost all those
revolving fund, but this who were in non-mana- SPREAD AND STAY HEALTHY
funding has not been suc- gerial positions were rent-
cessful due to technical- renched or their contracts
ities which the ministry were terminated because
of Finance is working on companies could not sus-
because they said for such tain the salaries,” Mukwasi
a fund to be availed there said.  The NewsHawks TheNewsHawksLive www.thenewshawks.com [email protected]

Page 14 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

NETSAI Marova (NM), the Youths must show courage
MDC youth leader who was in the face of persecution
abducted together with legis- tablish a kitchenware shop. So,
lator Joana Mamombe and ac- heard. That’s when I started en- then came and helped me to parents after you chose the Netsai Marova. I’m selling things around that.
tivist Cecilia Chimbiri last year, gaging with people within the run away. That’s how I joined political path? I didn’t have a reason to miss I have so much interest in the
this week told The NewsHawks MDC structures; it was for a Zinasu. I lost my first election NM: I did get a career in ac- the demonstration. I wanted manufacturing business. So,
she will continue fighting for very short time before I was ap- in Zinasu and the second one, counting. But when I was ac- to lead the demonstration right I’m trying to set up a manufac-
change in Zimbabwe despite pointed secretary for elections but I was still active and had tive in politics my parents didn’t behind President Tsvangirai. turing firm.
being subjected to intimida- in the district. Then I didn’t a lot of projects, campaigns like it. They would always give My boss saw the pictures on BM: You spoke about the
tion, humiliation and arrests. even care about it because it about women’s leadership, me reference of the people social media and fired me. I abduction. Have you healed
was not about the position, about sexual and reproductive who died during Chimurenga. was working at Camfed. And from it and did you get coun-
She shared her political ac- but just making sure that the rights. And then for MDC, I They did not want me to get recently after the abduction selling? What goes through
tivism journey, leading to her issues I wanted addressed were started in the students council involved. But as an accoun- ordeal, I was working at Par- your mind when you think
current position where she is addressed. as the national deputy organis- tant, human rights activist and rogate Zimbabwe Limited. about it?
living under surveillance. Ma- ing secretary of the MDC stu- politician, I self-reflected and I came from Chikurubi and NM: Up to now it still scares
rova also talked about the cost Then I went to Chinhoyi dents’ council. And during the thought of the people who had got an email that they were me that I have gone through
of her activism, including los- University and I met honour- time when I held that position, inspired me and what they were no longer able to employ me. such experiences in life. I’m still
ing her job. Find excerpts of the able Joana Mamombe, she was I moved throughout the coun- doing. I thought of honourable I did not bother really because scared that it can be repeated
interview she had with Bridget in the SRC (student representa- try doing campaigns, recruiting Joana Mamombe, honourable it was not the first time and so because of the circumstances
Mananavire (BM) below: tive council) and I was first year. students to join MDC. Tendai Biti, I also thought of I told myself, well, it has hap- I’m living under. I’m under
BM: Growing up as a child, During the orientation, she was honourable Elton Mangoma. pened I’ve lost the job, but it’s surveillance, I have Ferret team
did you ever think you were pregnant, but chanting Zinasu So that’s when I had more I did some research and read not going to stop me from the members following me and
going to be who you are to- (Zimbabwe National Students’ time, interacting with young around it. I loved accounting, fight of representing the young I don’t know their intentions
day, standing up for the peo- Union) slogans in a very pow- people with the leadership of but I also found myself pas- people. I said no, I’ll continue up to now. When I reflect on
ple? erful way and I felt so inspired. MDC and other political play- sionate about leadership and with the fight. If there’s any these things, I cry. I cry because
NM: I was born in Gutu in I said one day I’m going to be ers. And in 2019, the MDC representation and I thought other organisation willing to the emotions are still running;
1995. I came to Harare to start the one leading the orientation congress came and I felt I ‘no, this is my life and this is employ me, well, that’s it, but because the scars are still there.
school in 2001. Then, I was session. I was doing accounting might be the right candidate what I want’. I had a conver- if there is nothing, I’ve actually But I want to fight and also
staying with my father here in and there was no one interested to contest and people were en- sation with my father until he started venturing in small en- fight for other young people
Harare and my mother was in in that in my class. couraging me to even run as understood. Now he even calls trepreneurial businesses, you so that they do not go through
the rural areas. So, I started my the SG (secretary-general) for me honourable at home. And know, the hassles of young peo- what I have gone through be-
primary school at Tashinga Pri- One day we went to the din- the MDC youth assembly, but he has come to understand that ple. So, these are the things that cause of politics.
mary in Mabvuku and went to ing hall and we found the lunch I went for another position. I this is my passion. I want to sustain me, because I also don’t
Mabvuku High School for sec- and dinner price had been in- am the youngest member of represent, I want to get those is- want to stop the fight. So now, How do I explain to my kids
ondary. It also still surprises me. creased from 50 cents to $1 and the MDC national standing sues addressed. I have been ad- I’m focusing on pursuing my what I went through, that I was
I never grew up interested in I went back to the hostel shout- committee of the youth assem- vancing my studies online and studies and trying to get into made to drink someone’s urine?
politics. But I was so interested ing about how expensive it was bly. I’m 26 actually; I was elect- now I have got a scholarship to the business environment as an It makes me cry and sometimes
in women activities. I remem- and people started supporting ed when I was 24. advance my studies in interna- entrepreneur. But much for my makes me think that I am now
ber in 2005, there was a time me. So, I led a group of people, tional business out of the coun- efforts in the fight for the liber- less human.
when women parliamentarians shouting and we found people I ran my campaign and I try. So I can still advance my ation of Zimbabwe.
would come to Mabvuku, back demonstrating at the dining was elected as the deputy or- studies and be in politics. BM: So what is your trade? But I draw a lot of strength
then I was a peer counsellor. I hall. So, people were happy ganising secretary of the MDC NM: It’s not yet established, from my colleagues, because
got to be a peer counsellor be- that I brought a group of peo- youth assembly. I lost my attachment in 2016 but I am venturing into a lot of we draw strength from each
cause I was very active. I was ple, a demonstration, and that BM: Did you ever pursue a after I had attended a demon- small things. Now I want to es- other to say the intention of
doing sports, I was always in- was my first demo. Police came career in accounting? And stration during working hours. the regime in doing all this is
volved in a lot of things, but and some people who were what was the reaction of your to make sure that they deter
not with the interest of leading. trying to recruit me to Zinasu young women from joining
politics, which is a fight that I
Maybe it was happening by feel I started when I was actual-
default; I didn’t know, because ly still very young, to make sure
maybe I was also not exposed that we as the young women
to leadership and all sorts of should also be representing in
things. I was a peer counsel- Parliament and we should also
lor…I think that’s when I be leading in the community.
started developing interest in
wanting to understand what We should also be leading
happens in Parliament. What it in our political parties, occu-
means to be a minister, a mem- pying positions and leading
ber of Parliament, and I was in these demonstrations, to make
grade five. sure that we can effect change
in Zimbabwe. So, after realis-
In form one, I was at Rusike ing that this is their agenda, we
High School in Goromonzi, said “no no no, we can’t bow
and I had plans of becoming down to their agenda”. What-
a head girl because I thought ever fear they want to instil in
I was going to finish school us, whatever victimisation they
there. The motivation behind subject us to, they will not stop
that was not necessarily to rep- the fight.
resent, let me say, but to make BM: How does it make you
sure that things go the way feel when people, including
I want, because I wasn’t that senior government officials,
much interested in politics. But say you faked the abduction?
I would come back during the NM: Let me give you an ex-
holidays in Harare. I would at- ample, there are a lot of people
tend MDC rallies by default, who say you have dated some-
because they were happening one you have not. So, when I
close by. gave myself that example, I
said, well, people can still say
So, I remember during the whatever they want, I don’t
time of the GNU (Govern- care. I know what happened.
ment of National Unity) when So, if they claim it did not hap-
honourable Tendai Biti was the pen let them bring the evidence
minister of Finance, he came of where we were, because they
to address a rally with the late have created their own narra-
(MDC) president Morgan tive that they want the public
Tsvangirai. After I attended to buy. We told the police the
that rally, that’s when I said, I truth of what happened and
think I want to keep on attend- the issue is at the courts. Why
ing more of these. From that don’t they go on and bring
time, I started researching on
how to get into MDC struc-
tures and get to a point where I
would get the microphone and
get to say my frustrations that
since 2004 to that time, there
was no water, there was serious
(electricity) load shedding.

So I really wanted an oppor-
tunity to get to the podium to
make sure my concerns were

NewsHawks News Feature Page 15

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

videos, why not wait to put times a week, that was Mon- our relatives, support from the because I feel the people who tures and leaked them to the will prevail in our lifetime.
the video before the court?… day, Wednesday and Friday. So, party sometimes, support from fought in the liberation strug- public. We didn’t have phones BM: What would you say are
Because they wanted to tar- you could say that the regime ZLHR (Zimbabwe Lawyers gle did a very good job, but when we first heard about it. your political ambitions now?
nish our image. Let me admit, actually brought us togeth- for Human Rights) for our their efforts are now being tak- We thought, but now that is it, NM: It is nteresting. In 2018 I
yes, at some point, it was really er, and we would draw more legal fees, support from ZA- en for granted by selfish people they are now in the public do- wanted to contest in Mabvuku,
getting on my nerves, up until strength from that. And that’s DHR (Zimbabwe Association who want to just take every- main and we can’t do anything but I couldn’t manage then
I said, really I can’t be deterred when we said no, we should sit of Doctors for Human Rights) thing for themselves; who don’t about it, and we can’t take them because that’s when I was also
by a mere Nick Mangwana, down and continue planning which was catering for medical care about the broader picture back. At that moment, we were writing my dissertation. So, I
just a government employee. the agenda of liberating Zim- bills and support from a few of the country; who don’t care still trying to process the whole needed to finish my studies first,
Who is he in the broader poli- babwe, because they brought organisations which have been about the broader social liveli- ordeal. but definitely I would want to
tics of Zimbabwe? He can’t take us together… And that’s what assisting us with counselling hood of the people, of everyone run for public office because
away my future because he just made us friends in the end. services, with some transport else in the country. We were still trying to recov- I feel I have to represent and
tweets nonsense. He just tweets money to go to court and to go BM: Pictures of you when er in hospital. So really at that be the voice of the people and
negative things about myself, We are comrade sisters in for reporting. Because we are you were in hospital after the time to be focusing on pictures the voice of young women to
using free data from taxpayers’ the struggle for change, because not employed, we can’t finance abduction were leaked on so- on social media was not a pri- make sure that our issues are
money. And I get to be frustrat- what binds us more is the fight all that. But this sickening gov- cial media. You were naked in ority. addressed in Parliament and our
ed by that person. I said no no for change, other than social is- ernment narrative is very dis- those pictures. How has that issues are addressed in the local
no. sues, because we no longer have turbing, because they want to affected you? The main priority was to authorities. I feel I still have to
those social spaces we hang reduce the fight for change to NM: It’s disturbing, obvious- regain strength to recover, and add my voice to make sure those
From that day, I told myself around in that much. Our lives issues of monetary value. I’ve ly. It was actually a lady who then we would deal with those issues are addressed. In 2023, I
I can’t be stopped by things are not back to normal. So, we never received any call from had come with ZRP (Zim- people who had put the pic- will make sure I run for office.
people say in the comfort of just hang around, the three of any embassy. babwe Republic Police), her tures in the public domain. I am not very sure if it will be
their homes when I’m also in us. name is Philippa, that’s how BM: What action are you tak- as a councillor or an MP in
the comfort of my own home. BM: Do you miss them, since I don’t even have any contact she introduced herself. She’s ing? Mabvuku constituency, because
I can also still continue the way they are in remand prison? with any embassy regarding the one who took those pic- NM: We are actually suing that’s where I come from.
I was doing. It’s for people to NM: I miss them so much; support for us. My focus now them for those pictures, and we
see, because at the end of the just being with them; having is to make sure that Zimbabwe have hope that for once justice
day, everyone knows and sees conversations; deliberating realises meaningful change,
the condition of the country. about what we can do as young
people; discussing what steps Celebrates
We all face the harsh eco- to take given what we are fac-
nomic environment that we ing as young people. We have WORLD HEALTH DAY
have been forced to live in been rendered unemployed, 7 APRIL
by this regime of Emmerson the economy is not doing well,
Mnangagwa. It is a ruthless re- there are no jobs, nothing is Let’s aim at affordable health care
gime. It doesn’t even care about moving. So I miss having those for everyone.
addressing the issues being conversations with them freely
raised by young people. sitting together discussing our The NewsHawks TheNewsHawksLive www.thenewshawks.com [email protected]
life and our future. So I get a
It only wants to detain chance to see them everyday
young people. It wants to si- when I make an effort to visit
lence them. If everything was them at
okay, we wouldn’t be in the
streets demonstrating, we Chikurubi. But it will be
could actually be enjoying the very painful and emotional to
good things being offered to us see them behind bars when
as young people. I’m out here. It’s not some-
thing I ever saw coming. If I
Probably we could have been had powers within me I could
leading very big companies and make sure I take them out of
doing well, but we can’t do so prison because they don’t even
because companies cannot do deserve to be there. And it
well because the economy is makes me want to fight more
not a permitting them to do so. to make sure that other young
people don’t get to face all these
So, really, people can con- things. I have so much hope
tinue tweeting negative things, that if (MDC Alliance) presi-
but we will continue with the dent Nelson Chamisa leads this
fight until Zimbabwe is free. country, we as young people we
And when Zimbabwe is free are protected, our voices will
people will realise that we are be respected and democracy at
fighting for a cause, and we large will be respected.
can’t be deterred by mere tweets BM: There has been a nar-
from Nick Mangwana. rative that you do all this
because you get sponsorship
He got employed so that he from Western embassies.
can feed himself and his family, Have you ever received spon-
and we are fighting for a cause sorship?
to make sure that all Zimba- NM: If I had received spon-
bweans benefit, not just a cer- sorship from the embassies, I
tain sector of people. wouldn’t have been using this
BM: Have you always been phone that is cracked. I can’t
friends with Cecilia Chimbiri even repair it, if I had spon-
and Joana Mamombe or you sorship I could have actually
were brought closer together started by upgrading my life,
by your ordeal? getting a lavish phone, getting
NM: We were not friends actu- myself a nice car, getting myself
ally. Joana was my mentor and to stay at a very lavish place.
Cecilia is my vice-chair, be- And I used to stay at my par-
cause we are in the same youth ents’ place down in Mabvuku,
executive. I can’t say we were in the ghetto. If I was getting
friends. Joana was someone I money, like they claim, I would
would draw a lot of inspiration have moved out of that place a
from. But after the kidnapping, long time ago and started lead-
a lot of people were scared to ing a lavish life because this
associate with us, because of is the life that I also wish for,
the risks. Some people would that’s why I’m in the fight for
get followed, and no one wants change. I never received any
to be under surveillance, be- money. If there’s anyone who
cause you don’t know the in- claims they sent me money,
tention of those people. it’s a lie. I’ve never received any
money from embassies; actual-
So, we ended up just being ly there is no embassy that has
the three of us in this life, and engaged us to say we want to
we would hang around togeth- fund you.
er, trying to heal, trying to
motivate each other, to just re- We get the support from
main strong. Because we would
spend most of the times in
court. This is our life, spending
the whole day in court, three,
four days a week.

We were reporting three

Page 16 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

‘Makomborero Haruzivishe fighting injustice’

NYASHA CHINGONO I would be back in Harare Makomborero Haruzivishe. komborero is fighting for a student activists stormed the
this week but I failed to travel. worthy cause.  Impala Car Rental premises
MAKOMBORERO Haruz- But…you want to be close… in Harare, locked workers in
ivishe will spend the next 14 and provide moral support,” “Injustice is evident. As a and left with the keys in pro-
months in jail for blowing a the family member said. human rights defender, he saw test at the 30-day detention
whistle during a protest. His injustices and his argument of student leader Takudzwa
close relatives are not happy.    The Haruzivishe family was that why should Tawanda Ngadziore. 
urged his lawyers to appeal the Muchehiwa’s abductors con-
A close family member of sentence and believes his son tinue to be free when there is Makomborero’s close rela-
Makomborero who was jailed will be freed.  evidence on the abduction? tive urged human rights de-
this week for inciting violence His argument was, why are the fenders to continue with their
and resisting arrest, is devastat- “I would like the lawyers to authorities not doing anything fight, describing the judicial
ed, he tells The NewsHawks. appeal the sentence because about the issue? Government system as harsh. 
Mako cannot continue to stay should listen to what the peo-
He felt Makomborero was in such inhumane conditions,” ple are saying. They cannot “I believe that this is not the
treated unfairly by the courts.  the family member said. continue muzzling everybody. end of the game. There is no
Give people a chance to ex- injustice which will continue
“I am devastated,” family “People think it is politick- plain,” the family member forever.
member told The NewsHawks ing when they say the courts said. 
in a telephone interview from are captured but that is sad- “We will not sleep until
Gutu. ly the situation. Every lev- In October last year, Ma- this country is free. Mako felt
el-headed person should be komborero and a group of he should do his part, but we
“I did not think that what hopeful that he comes out.”  know that the system is harsh.”
he purportedly did could at-
tract such a sentence. We feel The family member de- CONFERENCE ROOM AVAILABLE
sad as a family. We cannot cope scribed Makomborero as a
well since the news reached us. fearless former student lead- PRIVATE MEETINGS I INVESTMENT MEETINGS I WORKSHOPS I
But what can we do? We just er, who inherited his militant PRODUCT LAUNCHES I MEDIA OR FINANCIAL BRIEFINGS I
pray that justice will prevail.”  approach to politics from his TRAINING I STRATEGIC PLANNING
forefathers, the keepers of the
The last time the family Great Zimbabwe monuments.  ACCOMMODATES ABIDING BY THE
member the 28-year-old was 36 COVID-19
at Harare Central Remand “His ancestors were the
Prison. The family member keepers of the Great Zimba- DELEGATES PROTOCOLS
had a feeling Makomborero bwe. So that spirit of a fighter
could be locked away, given has always been in him,” the The package comprises of Wi-Fi, Stationery, Catering Services,
that courts are captured.  relative said.  Projector ip chart/whiteboard.
BOOK NOW!!!
“I was prepared for it, of Despite several attempts to For more information visit:
course, it is hard but what can talk him out of politics, Ma- The NewsHawks CONTACT DETAILS
I do?” the family member said.  komborero maintained it was #100 Nelson Mandela Avenue Charmaine 0735 666 122
doing his duty to fight injus- Beverly Court
According to a police charge tice.  6th Floor Ruth 0784 674 193
sheet: “The accused mobilised or E-mail
members of the public by “I feared for him, so I would
whistling a whistle code try- warn him about his involve- [email protected]
ing to canvas them to revolt ment in politics. I warned him
against the police officers and that many had died because The NewsHawks TheNewsHawksLive www.thenewshawks.com [email protected]
he went on to throw some of politics, but his argument
stones towards the police offi- was that every person will die,
cers and their vehicles.” therefore he could not let in-
justice prevail. People may say
The 28-year-old, an outspo- he is an attention seeker, but
ken critic of President Emmer- it is in him to fight injustices,”
son Mnangagwa’s government, the family member said. 
was jailed for 24 months on
the first count of incitement, “He was an intelligent boy
and 12 months for resisting and an avid reader. Mako has
arrest. Ten of the 24 months always been a leader but as a
and six of the 12 months were child he would not be given
suspended. With the two sen- a chance to lead because he
tences to run concurrently, was the child of a teacher. He
Makomborero will serve 14 became a student leader at a
months in prison. very young age, this happened
during his first year at univer-
Skirmishes erupted at the sity. Initially after the form six
Harare magistrates’ court after results, we wanted him to go
the sentencing as MDC Alli- to Great Zimbabwe Univer-
ance supporters clashed with sity, which is closer to home,
police officers. Opposition but he felt that settling for a
activists say Makomborero is a smaller university would not
political prisoner.  work well for his ambitions.”

Makomborero’s arrest and The family member fondly
subsequent sentencing sparked recalls Mako talking about his
outraged from ordinary Zim- political ambitions. 
babweans and human rights
defenders, who argue that “At a family gathering when
Mnangagwa’s government is he had just started university,
using lawfare to crush his op- he shocked every when he said
ponents.  that he wanted to be a presi-
dent. He said this country is
Zimbabwe has seen a spate being misgoverned and need-
of arrests involving opposi- ed a new leader.”
tion youth leaders and student
leaders over the past year, as The Haruzivishe family
the state escalates a siege on urged Makomborero’s compa-
the opposition.  triots not to forget him. 

About 250km south of Ha- “I feel his friends and com-
rare, in Gutu, the close family rades should not abandon him.
member longed to embrace his Most of them may continue to
son one more time. He, how- be in solidarity with you for
ever, could not be present at three or so months, but after
the sentencing.  that they quickly forget about
you,” the relative said. 
“I last saw him at remand
prison last week and thought The family believes Ma-

NewsHawks News Page 17

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

UNITED Nations investi- Zimbabwe under renewed pressure
gators tracking one of the to give up Rwanda genocide suspect
most notorious killers in
the Rwandan genocide be- possible that [Mpiran- “Protais Mpiranya, who Protais Mpiranya Rwandan troops in the
lieve he is hiding in Zim- ya] still enjoys protection is in the top of a list of bloody war that broke out
babwe and are launching a from senior military offi- remaining fugitives in- bear the burden of “heavy across the vast central Afri-
new effort to convince au- cers,” Brammertz told the dicted by an international and damning responsibili- can state.
thorities in Harare to allow Guardian. “We think he tribunal, is a former com- ties”, but cleared it of com-
the 60-year-old fugitive to … is still quite active, still mander of the presiden- plicity in the genocide. Investigators believe
face trial. doing business and until tial guard of the Rwandan Mpiranya was later sent to
recently has been moving army and has been on the According to the indict- Zimbabwe as a represen-
Protais Mpiranya, the around in east and central run for 27 years. ment filed by the interna- tative of the Democratic
former commander of the Africa, possibly between tional tribunal, Mpiran- Forces for the Liberation of
presidential guard of the Zimbabwe, the DRC and killed when his plane was mentioned in a report re- ya was among those who Rwanda (FDLR), a militia
Rwandan army, has been South Africa.” shot down over Kigali on 6 leased in March that doc- ordered the murder on 7 partly composed of for-
on the run for 27 years April 1994. umented the country’s April 1994 of the prime mer Hutus implicated in
charged with war crimes, Relations between gov- role in the events of 1994. minister Agathe Uwilingi- the genocide, and accused
genocide and crimes ernments of the Dem- On Wednesday France The report concluded that yimana, 10 Belgian soldiers of exploiting the mineral
against humanity. ocratic Republic of the marked the 27th anni- France had been blinded protecting her, and several wealth of eastern DRC.
Congo and Rwanda have versary of the start of the by its colonial attitude to- other leading politicians
The ex-soldier is top of a improved recently, and this slaughter by declassifying wards Africa in the runup and their families. Mpiranya is believed to
list of remaining fugitives could limit options for the and making accessible to to the slaughter and must have become close to se-
indicted by an internation- fugitive if Zimbabwe be- the public all documents The killing of Uwilingi- nior officers in the power-
al tribunal into the 1994 comes unsafe. DRC may yimana, a moderate Hutu ful Zimbabwean military
killings, which left 800 now offer a less secure hav- and Rwanda’s first female when Mugabe deployed his
000 people dead in Rwan- en for the fugitive, investi- prime minister, was an es- army to the DRC, setting
da, mostly from the Tutsi gators said. sential step to extremists up joint venture companies
ethnic minority but also taking power and insti- that allowed hundreds of
some Hutus. “As commander of the gating the mass killing of millions of dollars’ worth
presidential guard we con- Tutsis. of precious natural resourc-
Mpiranya had been sec- sider [Mpiranya] as being es including diamonds to
ond on the wanted list be- one of the main perpe- When the military vic- be mined in DRC and then
fore the arrest of Félicien trators of the genocide,” tory of rebel forces led sold to the benefit of senior
Kabuga, a former business- Brammertz said. by present-day Rwandan soldiers.
man alleged to have helped president, Robert Kagame,
finance the genocide, on The genocide began after ended the genocide, Mpi- The fugitive soldier is
the outskirts of Paris in Rwanda’s Hutu president, ranya fled to neighbouring also thought to have been
May. The US war crimes Juvénal Habyarimana, was DRC, where he is thought involved in lucrative arms
reward programme has of- to have fought alongside procurement and traffick-
fered a US$5 million re- Congolese forces against ing involving the rebels
ward for information lead- and Zimbabwean forces.
ing to Mpiranya’s arrest.
As early as December
Serge Brammertz, the 2010, UN investigators
prosecutor of the body reported to the UN secu-
charged with tracking rity council that Mpiranya
down the fugitive alleged had connections with Zim-
criminals, which is known babwe and lived there for
as the International Resid- long periods.
ual Mechanism for Crim-
inal Tribunals (IRMCT), In 2012, under pressure
said he was hoping to cap- from Kigali, Zimbabwean
italise on the detention of authorities admitted that
Kabuga to corner Mpiran- the fugitive could be on
ya. their territory and pledged
to find him “dead or alive”.
Kabuga now faces His alleged presence in
charges of playing a key Zimbabwe was discussed
role in the genocide, and in parliament, and local
if convicted he is likely to media listed possible aliases
spend the rest of his life in and addresses associated
prison. with him.

“We hope that the arrest However, last year Bram-
of Kabuga would generate mertz informed the UN
momentum and we are security council that de-
hoping to use this to get spite “credible evidence”
Mpiranya,” Brammertz of the whereabouts of key
said. fugitives, the lack of coop-
eration from governments
Investigators have long remained a challenge, par-
suspected Mpiranya of hid- ticularly in east and south-
ing in Zimbabwe and have ern Africa.
made repeated attempts
to convince the local au- One problem faced by
thorities to hand over the investigators is that fu-
suspect. Officials from the gitives often use genuine
IRMCT travelled to Zim- travel documents issued in
babwe months after presi- false names. A team from
dent Robert Mugabe was the tribunal has worked
forced from power in No- to establish the motives of
vember 2017 in the hope those who provided the
that the new government more than 20 different
would prove more helpful passports used by Kabu-
than the former regime. ga during his years on the
There has been no prog- run. These may have been
ress, however, and a new obtained through bribery
request for assistance is to or given on the orders of
be made this month. powerful individuals who
wanted the accused man to
Brammertz said hopes stay hidden and silent.
had been boosted by an
agreement on legal cooper-
ation on criminal matters
signed last month by Zim-
babwe and Rwanda.

“Because of his mili-
tary background it is very

Page 18 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

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NewsHawks News Page 19

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Health time bomb in land barons’ paradise

MORRIS BISHI Victoria Range. money paid by law-abiding res- without any input from council Victoria Range in Masvingo. provide water due to shortage
Investigations are ongoing idents in other suburbs and use so it is not the authority’s obliga- cal authorities. of proper lines but in our area
RESIDENTS have urged Mas- it to provide services to an illegal tion to provide services. we have taps and we are now
vingo City Council and Masv- and we are yet to make arrests. settlement. Ghodhati Dunira, the di- about to finish construction
ingo Rural District Council to We will notify you about new “The barons collected stand rector of Vashandi Housing of sewer trunks. This is a crisis
solve their differences and en- developments in due course,” “We have nothing to do with fees inclusive of services such as Cooperative, one of the land which needs all authorities and
sure that inhabitants of Victoria said Makamure. that suburb. We don’t know sewer, water and roads, meaning developers in the area, told developers to work together so
Range are provided with essen- where the barons got that land they are the ones who should The NewsHawks that Victoria that residents are provided with
tial services before disease out- In 2005, the land barons al- which they sold to homeseekers. provide such services. As a lo- Range is owned by both Mas- needed services to avoid out-
breaks ravage the suburb, which lowed home-seekers to build They have an obligation to pro- cal authority we received noth- vingo City Council and the breaks of disease. I met a team
was built illegally by Zanu PF houses on unserviced land, in vide all required services and as ing in terms of money, so how Rural District Council since the from Zacc and we provided all
land barons. violation of established proce- a city council we have nothing can we provide those services?” two benefitted from the project the information they requested
dure. to do about that,” said Maboke. asked Mangena.  in one way or the other. He said and l think since we were given
Located close to Masvingo all the developers were given the land by the ministry our
urban, the suburb was estab- Masvingo mayor Colleen Masvingo Rural District A senior government official land through the ministry of hands are clean,” said Dunira.
lished by 16 land barons on Maboke told The NewsHawks Council chairperson Albert in Masvingo told The News- Local Government. He blamed
land owned by Masvingo Rural that the city council has nothing Mangena was equally forth- Hawks that since the issue is Masvingo City Council for fail- Another land developer, Wel-
District Council. The area lacks to do with Victoria Range. right. He said although the now under Zacc investigation, ing to provide water to Victoria lington Mahwende, a Zanu PF
critical amenities and services land belongs to the rural district the government can only await Range. councillor, who is also the city’s
like roads, water, sewer and re- He said the land barons who council, they have nothing to do the outcome of the probe to deputy mayor, told The New-
fuse collection. sold the stands to homeseekers with the illegal establishment of figure out how the issue can be “We were given land through sHawks that his area, Lot A of
are the ones with the obliga- the suburb. solved. He said it is a mystery the ministry of Local Govern- Victoria Range, is different from
Masvingo United Residents tion to provide services to their how the land ended up being ment and we are in the process other areas since they managed
and Ratepayers Association clients. He said the city coun- He said the land barons were in the hands of the land barons of providing services like water to provide beneficiaries with
(MURRA) spokesperson God- cil benefitted nothing from the given the land by the govern- without the input of the two lo- and sewerage as well as proper water and they are waiting for
frey Mtimba told The News- parcelling out of stands and ment and developed the area roads. City council is failing to city council to construct proper
Hawks that Victoria Range re- cannot be expected to divert trunk lines for sewerage. 
mains a health time bomb since
its establishment and urged the Victoria Ranch is situated on
two local authorities to resolve the western side of Masvingo
their differences and provide city on what used to be peri-ur-
required services to residents ban land in terms of the munic-
of the suburb. He said if the ipal masterplan. The land used
administrative dispute is not to be owned by Carswell Meats.
quickly resolved, the increasing However, it was expropriat-
population will result in disease ed in 2002 and declared state
outbreaks. land. The land was considered
an idle asset by the Masvingo
“As MURRA we urge Masv- Rural District Council. Since
ingo City and its sister rural au- its conversion to residential use
thority to sit down and solve the in 2006 under the National
issue of Victoria Range urgently. Housing Delivery Programme,
We know they have been deny- it is managed neither by the
ing authority for many years but Masvingo City Council nor the
that is not helpful to residents rural district council despite the
so they should agree on the way availability of a memorandum
forward so that critical services of understanding between the
are provided to the suburb. The two local authorities. Politically,
population in the area is increas- Victoria Ranch falls under Mas-
ing on a daily basis and that will vingo West constituency.
cause disease outbreaks since
there is no water, toilets and re- Victoria Ranch is located
fuse collection,” said Mtimba. 8km southwest of Masvingo city
centre. It shares boundaries with
Recently, the Zimbabwe Mucheke and Runyararo West
Anti-Corruption Commission high-density suburbs. Land
(Zacc) despatched a team to the barons who sold the stands to
country’s oldest city to investi- homeseekers in 2012 without
gate land barons who the estab- providing critical amenities and
lished the suburb, which has an services. It consists of nearly 15
estimated 15 000 houses. 000 stands, equivalent to 30%
of the city‘s housing stock. 
Zacc spokesperson John
Makamure told The News- In 2019, some of the land
Hawks that investigations into barons were subjected to serious
the Victoria Range saga are pro- questioning during the Justice
gressing well and no arrests have Tendai Uchena-led Commis-
been made so far. sion of Inquiry into the Sale of
Land in and Around Urban Ar-
“Our team was in Masvin- eas since 2005.
go recently investigating issues
around the establishment of

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Page 20 News NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Special Covid-19

PANDEMIC coverage

Data-driven decisions maintain availability
and access to local essential health services

LILOSA Muti’s six-week- with a decline in people Lilosa Muti’s 6-week-old baby, Joshua, getting vaccinated at Bikita Rural Hospital, Zimbabwe. workforce shortages, low
old baby, Joshua, was due to accessing essential services staff morale and infrastruc-
have his rotavirus and pen- in health facilities in all MoHCC. tems. All countries deeply ra, the WHO representative ture in need of upgrading.
ta vaccine, which protects 10 provinces. Yet these are Zimbabwe is among the affected by the pandemic in Zimbabwe. The impact of Covid-19
against diphtheria, tetanus, crucial for their health and have struggled. For Zimba- was further compounded
whooping cough, polio and wellbeing. 115 countries and areas to bwe, as elsewhere in Africa, Frontline health work- by protracted industrial ac-
other serious diseases. But which the UHC Partner- the need to continue non- ers and patients also need tion, leading to the disrup-
Lilosa had no intention of The World Health Or- ship helps deliver WHO Covid-19 services such as to be protected in times of tions of primary health cen-
taking him to his appoint- ganisation (WHO), with support and technical ex- immunisation, access to crisis, but this is not an easy tre provision in Harare and
ment at the health clinic support from the Universal pertise in advancing UHC medicines, sexual and re- task. Providing safe health some other provinces.
at Bikita Rural Hospital in Health Coverage Partner- with a primary health care productive health includ- services during a pandem- Preparation and response
Masvingo province, Zimba- ship, has worked closely approach. The partnership ing treatment of HIV, and ic requires PPE for health to Covid-19
bwe. with the MoHCC and pro- is funded by the European diagnosis and treatment of workers, proper entrance Zimbabwe reported its first
vided technical assistance to Union (EU), the Grand non-communicable diseas- screening for Covid-19 and case of Covid-19 on 20
“l was scared my son strengthen the delivery of Duchy of Luxembourg, es (NCDs) is vital. triage systems for patients. March 2020. Within one
might be infected with essential health services at Irish Aid, the government However, according to a year, the country has re-
Covid-19 if he visited the rural, district and provincial of Japan, the French Minis- “Equity is a key concern. survey tge WHO conduct- corded 36 717 cases and 1
hospital. We have had three health facilities prior to and try for Europe and Foreign Covid-19 has the greatest ed in Zimbabwe, 22% of all 516 deaths as of 23 March,
reported Covid-19 cases in during the Covid-19 pan- Affairs, the United King- impact on communities health facilities did not have 2021.
Bikita and rumour has it demic. The MoHCC, with dom – Foreign, Common- that are already vulnerable this screening point in place
one of the cases had visit- technical guidance from the wealth & Development Of- and marginalised, espe- and 25% of facilities lacked For a country like Zimba-
ed the hospital before,” ex- WHO, developed a tool to fice and Belgium. cially those with high lev- an isolation room. Where bwe, which had a weakened
plained Lilosa. monitor disruptions of the Protecting people and els of diseases and which facilities did have screening health system, the public
delivery of essential health health workers have less access to essential points, some were devoid of health response was a chal-
Thankfully, a village services caused by indus- Providing essential health health services. The princi- health workers or had inad- lenge. The Covid-19 pan-
health worker spoke with trial action. The MoHCC services during a crisis like ples of UHC still hold in a equate supplies of PPE. demic exposed gaps in even
Lilosa and allayed her fears. conducted a field test and the Covid-19 pandem- pandemic. We must always the most advanced econo-
Two days later, she visit- trained health workers to ic is a challenge, even in meet the health needs of Even before Covid-19, mies, demonstrating even
ed the hospital where she use the tool before it was well-developed health sys- the most vulnerable at all the Zimbabwean health more how the resilience of
was surprised to learn that adopted and implemented. times,” said Dr Alex Gasasi- system already faced seri- all countries to cope with
all services were available. ous challenges with health emergencies depends heav-
On arriving, Lilosa and As a result of the rou- ily on the strength of their
baby Joshua underwent tine monitoring tool, the health systems. The WHO
the Covid-19 pre-screening MoHCC was able to receive supports countries to
process before the appoint- data that enabled them to strengthen health emergen-
ment and then Joshua re- identify and address the cy preparedness capacities
ceived all his vaccines. challenges affecting delivery before a crisis even occurs.
of essential health services.
Claretta Majova, a spe- For example, they embarked Zimbabwe, under the
cialist in integrated manage- on integrated outreach and International Health Regu-
ment of childhood illness, ensured healthcare workers lations (IHR) of 2005, had
was the nurse on duty. She had access to much-needed reported on its capacities to
followed the standard op- personal protective equip- develop and maintain core
erating procedures during ment (PPE) according to public health capacities by
Covid-19, including Infec- the findings of the IPC as- completing the State Par-
tion Prevention and Con- sessment. The routine mon- ty Self-Assessment Annual
trol (IPC), as prescribed by itoring of health services re- Report in both 2018 and
the ministry of Health and port was used to inform the 2019. In 2018, the gov-
Child Care (MoHCC). She prioritisation of fieldwork ernment also conducted a
also took the opportunity on the rapid assessment of simulation exercise to help
to disseminate messages to continuity of essential ser- develop, assess and test its
encourage behaviours that vices and to triangulate the capabilities to respond to
reduce the transmission of results of the assessment. outbreaks or public health
Covid-19. She expressed emergencies and conducted
concern about the general Village health workers a multi-sectoral Joint Exter-
lack of attendance. and primary health care nal Evaluation to identify
(PHC) outreach efforts are critical gaps in the health
“We have experienced communicating with com- system.
a huge decrease of clients munities to reassure them
coming to the hospital for about the safety and need When Covid-19 arrived
essential services such as to access essential services. in Zimbabwe, the govern-
vaccines. This has been due ment developed an emer-
to the national lockdown, “We envisioned having gency response and pre-
which restricted move- a system that gives us re- paredness plan comprising
ments in March, 2020. In al-time data; a robust week- eight pillars, one of which
addition, the communi- ly routine monitoring sys- was case management and
cation gap in Bikita was tem that rides on an existing continuity of essential
filled with misinformation, system, in this instance the health services. It aimed to
which led residents like Li- District Health Informa- ensure that essential service
losa to not visit the hospital tion System, forming part delivery did not grind to a
to vaccinate her baby,” said of the weekly disease sur- halt as a result of the pan-
Claretta. veillance report,” said Dr demic. — WHO
Kangwende, director of
This situation is replicat- monitoring and evaluation,
ed right across Zimbabwe,

NewsHawks News Page 21

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

TENDAI MARIMA Could vaccinating the entire occupancy constrained trading,”
resort town revive tourism? said Bongai Zamchiya, head of
WITH every passing minute, the Restaurant Operators Asso-
500 million cubic metres of roar- President Emmerson Mnangagwa took his first shot of the Sinovac vaccine in Victoria falls where he launched the second phase of the vaccination ciation of Zimbabwe, stressing
ing water rush over the edge, fall- programme. Looking on is Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. that many operators are in critical
ing into a gorge more than 100 need of financial backing.
metres below. The sound is thun- Falls to get his shot on Wednes- this town, people need to go back visitors again – even as the land nation drive to get back on track.
dering, the sight spectacular. day. to work; others need to reopen borders to Botswana and Zambia Earlier this month, the gov- “As an industry, the support
their businesses and even for me, remain closed to public transport. we seek is the same that has been
Once again, the Victoria Since then, residents of the as time goes on, it will become ernment announced a $5.8m seen around the world: from
Falls — locally known as Mo- tourism-dependent town have impossible to serve my clients if Elated, Lazarus Jamu, 48, a scheme that will see the govern- stimulus that increases aggregate
si-oa-Tunya, which means “the been forming snaking queues I don’t get vaccinated,” she said. caretaker at a local hotel, said he ment provide a 50 percent loan demand, furlough that protects
smoke that thunders” — is at its outside public hospitals and clin- felt freer after receiving his first guarantee for businesses in the jobs and concessionary funding
peak, but only a few can witness ics, waiting for their turn to get “Once I get back to work I’ll injection. tourism sector. The move met or tax breaks that will ensure
this magnificent cascading wa- their first dose of the vaccine. start to meet people from all over criticism by opposition figures, business sustainability.”
terfall straddling Zimbabwe and the world so I need to take the “I’m happy; I got vaccinated who described it as risky and cau-
Zambia. Moreblessing Khumalo, a vaccine to protect myself and my so that I can be free in everything tioned that struggling taxpayers During government consulta-
travel consultant for a company family.” I do,” he told Al Jazeera. “I will could be forced to foot the bill if tions last year, tourism operators
Prior to the coronavirus that offers cruises and rafting ad- be free to move around and to the companies defaulted. called for a financial relief package
pandemic, more than 350,000 ventures on the Zambezi River, Vaccination is voluntary, but do my work because I’ll be fit, to help them offset the impact of
people each year trekked to the said although she was afraid of for some people, it is a require- I won’t have that fear of getting Others, however, said the loan the pandemic, but little aid was
Zimbabwean side of the waterfall any unknown side effects, inoc- ment to return to work. corona[virus] any more.” facility should be extended to given to private enterprises.
to see one of the world’s natural ulation was necessary for life to More than just a shot is needed cover all businesses in hospitality.
wonders. But since then, there go on. With the programme seem- However, some have said Zim- According to the Zimbabwe
have been hardly any visitors. ingly moving forward at full babwe’s tourism and hospitality “More players need to be able Tourism Authority (ZTA), tour-
“I’m scared, but there’s no speed and international flights industry needs more than a vacci- to access such facilities after one ism contributed 7.2 percent and
Now, hopes are high that other way we can do this,” the slowly resuming, Victoria Falls year of varied operations ranging 6.5 percent of the country’s gross
a vaccine rollout could bring 31-year-old told Al Jazeera. “In is preparing to welcome foreign from full closure to curfew and domestic product in 2018 and
back much-needed tourism in 2019, respectively. But with busi-
the resort town — but for some ness slowing down last year, Zim-
holiday businesses, it might take babwe’s tourism sector is estimat-
more than just a COVID-19 shot ed to have lost at least $1bn in
to recoup the losses in a country potential revenue, the ZTA said.
that has been in the throes of a
severe economic crisis. Meanwhile, the pandemic
has added another dimension
Zimbabwe recorded its first to Zimbabwe’s economic crisis
coronavirus case a year ago, a which has seen its local curren-
resident of Victoria Falls. Al- cy rapidly devaluing and the US
though patient zero recovered, dollar and South African rand
the country has registered more operating as de facto currencies.
than 1,500 COVID-19-related
deaths and nearly 37,000 infec- Intermittent shortages of cash
tions since last March. and other basic commodities
such as fuel have been constant
With a strict national lock- indicators of a crippled economy
down enforced, tourist activities whose dire state has been exacer-
in the resort town, as in many bated by COVID-19, inflation
other places across the country, and drought.
were shut down for months on
end. However, the advent of the After the economy contracted
country’s vaccination drive using by more than 7 percent in 2020,
Chinese jabs means that restric- it is expected to rebound by 2.9
tions have since eased. percent due to improved rainfall
Inoculation campaigns and falling inflation, according to
Launched on February 18, the the World Bank.
first phase of the campaign tar-
geted some 60,000 healthcare The government hopes to in-
and other front-line workers. Of oculate 60 percent of the coun-
them, however, only 44,000 have try’s 14.8 million people in order
been inoculated so far. to achieve herd immunity by the
end of the year.
Last week, President Emmer-
son Mnangagwa took his first Back in Victoria Falls, Clive
shot of the Sinovac vaccine to Chinwada, president of the Hos-
launch the second phase of the pitality Association of Zimbabwe,
vaccination programme that is said the resort town had been
intended for the elderly, teach- deeply scarred by the pandemic
ers, religious leaders, people with and the slump in global travel.
critical illnesses – and all adult He warned it would take time to
residents of Victoria Falls, a city see a significant change in foreign
of some 110,000 people. tourist arrivals and an increase in
hotel occupancy rates.
In a symbolic move aimed
at promoting tourism recovery, “The situation is quite bad and
Mnangagwa travelled to Victoria will likely be so for quite some
time as recovery is now likely to
only start in 2022 for interna-
tional travel,” he said

Bulawayo requests for more Covid-19 vaccines

LIZWE SEBATHA drive on 18 February after re- tial 13 200 (in February) and, Sibanda added: “The uptake nating 60% of the population vaccination programme that
ceiving the first batch of 200 because of that, we were a little has been high in the low-den- towards achieving herd com- will cover every district and all
BULAWAYO City Council’s 000 Sinopharm vaccine doses apprehensive of opening up to sity suburbs, but you will ap- munity could prove elusive if age groups that scientifically
(BCC) Covid-19 vaccination donated by the Chinese gov- anyone and everyone before preciate that this is because our the government does not ramp qualify to take the vaccines.”
drive is beset by inadequate ernment. we receive enough doses. Oth- vaccination centres catering for up the vaccination drive.
distribution of doses, forcing erwise, once they give us more many groups such as the secu- The government aims to
the local authority to adopt a BCC health services direc- vaccines, we think we can open rity sector, judiciary and news- “The best way forward is to vaccinate at least 60% of the
deliberate strategy not to ac- tor Edwin Sibanda told The up to everybody.” men have been concentrated in invest more in the acquisition population to attain herd im-
tively promote the inoculation NewsHawks on Wednesday those areas and that may create of the vaccines and not to wait munity. Zimbabwe has so far
of residents at this stage. that the city’s Covid-19 vacci- As of 6 April, 139 133 a false impression that only for donations from China, In- received more than a million
President Emmerson nation drive has been moving people had received their first people from the low-density dia and other countries. With doses of the Covid-19 vaccine
Mnangagwa got his first dose at a slow pace owing to limited Covid-19 jab, with 15 133 suburbs have been coming for- limited acquisition and distri- made by Chinese firm Sinovac
in Victoria Falls in March as supplies of vaccine doses. and 1 444 citizens receiving ward for vaccination.” bution of the vaccines, it will and another 35 000 of the Co-
he launched the second phase their first and second doses take forever to achieve herd vaxin shot donated by the In-
of the national vaccination ex- “Generally, the uptake has respectively on the day, statis- Finance minister Mthuli community,” said Ncube, who dian government.
ercise targeting security service not been as good as we would tics from the Child and Health Ncube recently said the gov- also coordinates a Bulawayo
personnel, teachers and the have wished because we have Care ministry show. ernment will be taking delivery residents’ initiative to mobilise The government has autho-
chronically ill, among others. not received as many doses of one million Covid-19 doses Covid-19 material resources rised the use of four Covid-19
The country launched the as we would have wanted,” Zimbabwe had recorded every month. for city health facilities. vaccines, namely China’s Sin-
first phase of the vaccination Sibanda said in an interview. 36 966 Covid-19 cases and 1 opharm and Sinovac, Russia’s
531 fatalities as of Tuesday this Bulawayo commentator Ef- “The strategy is to acquire Sputnik V and Covaxin from
“We last received 12 000 week, the ministry said. fie Ncube warned that vacci- more and have an extensive India.
doses (in March) after our ini-

Page 22 Editorial & Opinion NewsHawks

CARTOON Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Zanu PF has Undenge’s Prison Cell
defiled the
uhuru memory Why only me?

THE official countdown to Zimbabwe’s 41st Indepen- Constitutional democracy under attack:
dence anniversary has been remarkably subdued and From liberators to villains and looters
somewhat funereal in tone.
NOTHING seems to be going on well for Check the timeline of the biggest political • September 2017 – Main opposition
State media has valiantly tried to hype up what ought to Zimbabwe from a leadership and gover- plot currently underway in Zimbabwe: • MDC Alliance MP Innocent Gonese
be the most auspicious occasion on the national calendar, nance perspective. The kleptocrats are trying • March 2013 – Zimbabwe adopts a • makes a constitutional court applica-
but the “Zim@41” campaign has been a hard sell, by all all they can to consolidate their dead man’s • tion, arguing the Bill sailed through
objective measures. grip on power and intensify plunder of pub- new constitution after a referendum; senate (Upper House) unconstitu-
lic resources. They have captured the state • December 2016 – Government pub- • tionally;
There have been feeble attempts at sloganeering. This and are busy pillaging under it’s our time to December 2017 – Legislator Jes-
week, a grotesque message from President Emmerson eat mantra. lishes Constitution of Zimbabwe • sie Majome makes a Constitutional
Mnangagwa was circulated on social media, in which he Amendment (No. 1) Bill, 2016 (HB • Court (ConCourt) challenge chal-
asserts, rather glibly: Indeed, the regime’s movers and shakers, 15, 2016) which sought to give the • lenging the Act;
and enablers too, have truly and irretrievably President a free hand in appointing • 31 January 2018 - The ConCourt sits
“Zimbabwe has lagged behind in many areas as a result graduated from being liberators to villains the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Jus- • for a hearing;
of isolation for the past 16 to 18 years. Now we are saying and looters – the core of the regime. tice and Judge President of the High 31 March 2020 – The ConCourt
to the world, Zimbabwe is open for business.” Court; rules that the two-thirds affirmative
That is the story of the late former presi- • 3 January 2017 - The Bill is repub- votes requirement was not met in
Whoever wrote those two lines for Mnangagwa has a dent Robert Mugabe. It is the story of many lished in the government gazette be- senate after 53 affirmative votes were
brilliant sense of mischief. Let us critically examine his African nationalists and post-colonial lead- cause the original notice of publication registered instead of the required 54.
message. ers, long postulated by Frantz Fanon and was signed by the Clerk of Parliament Senate has 80 senators. Two-thirds is
others. It is certainly the story of Emmerson instead of the Speaker of Parliament; 54. However, the court suspended its
Although Zimbabwe is indeed lagging behind other Mnangagwa, the current Zimbabwean pres- • 6 April 2017 – Bill is presented in the declaration of invalidity for 180 days
countries, the reason cited by Mnangagwa for this tragic ident. House of Assembly; to allow the senate to conduct another
state of affairs is false and misleading. He is advancing a • 25 July 2017 - National Assembly fi- Third Reading vote;
self-serving narrative. Many of them have already sealed their nally passes the Constitution of Zim- 25 September 2020 - Parliament lodg-
places in history as liberators-turned-villains. babwe Amendment (No. 1) Bill, after es two simultaneous applications at
First things first. Zimbabwe has lagged behind not just Men and women who sacrificed their youth the Third Reading with 182 voting in the ConCourt, a substantive applica-
for “16 to 18 years”, but has completely regressed to qual- and put their lives in the line of danger to favour and 41 against; tion seeking an extension to the 180-
ity-of-life standards last witnessed in the 1950s. In other free their countries and compatriots, only to • 25 July 2017 – Same day Bill is moved day period, and an urgent ex parte
words, most of the so-called gains of Independence have end up as monsters. They desperately failed chamber application for a provisional
been reversed by the corrupt and incompetent Zanu PF to escape the Nietzschean gaze: If you fight Hawk Eye order extending the 180-day period
elites. a monster for too long, you end up becom- and also suspending the coming into
ing like one. Fact of life. Dumisani effect of the court’s declaration of in-
It is the height of deception for Mnangagwa to attribute Muleya validity of the Bill. This was three days
Zimbabwe’s catastrophic socio-economic decline to West- After coming to power promising re- before expiry of the 31 march 2020
ern “isolation”. He is playing a cheap game of smoke and form and change, Mnangagwa has turned to senate; order;
mirrors while poverty is terrorising the population. out to be exactly what his rivals and critics • 26 July 2017 – Both the second read- 28 September 2020 - the ex parte or-
feared he would be: a dictator and klepto- der is granted;
Just this week, the United Nations warned that 38 000 crat. In his latest depredation of democracy, ing and committee stages completed 10 November 2020 – Substantive
children are suffering from acute malnutrition and at risk Mnangagwa has laid a siege on the whole in senate; application is heard by Justices Rita
of starvation. The UN says 7.9 million citizens -- more architecture of constitutional democracy • 1 August 2017 - Constitution of Makarau, Anne-Marie Gowora and
than half the entire population -- urgently needs human- democracy. He wants to continue further Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 1) Bill Bharat Patel;
itarian rescue. This includes 4.1 million children. Who dismantling the pillars of a constitutional passed by senate after 53 senators 25 February 2021 – ConCourt judg-
is benefitting from Zimbabwe’s massive gold, platinum, democracy - a system of government based voted in favour instead of the consti- ment grants a 90-day extension to
diamonds, chrome and nickel earnings? on popular sovereignty in which the struc- tutionally required 54; Senate by a 2-1 decision;
tures, powers, and limits of government are • .7 September 2017 – The Bill is pub- 24 March 2021 - Senate approved a
When more than half the population of a country is so set forth in a constitution– that Zimbabwe lished as law into the Constitution of motion by Justice, Legal and Parlia-
impoverished that their only lifeline is a packet of food still has. Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 1) Act, mentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Zi-
donated by “imperialists”, then the government is guilty 2017 (No. 10 of 2017) after the late yambi to restore the Bill to the Order
of criminal neglect. Bizarrely, officials continue villifying The latest assault on the constitution, former president Robert Mugabe as- Paper; and
the same countries that are donating food, medicines and constitutionalism, separation of powers and sented to it; 6 April 2021– Constitutional Amend-
pocket money to poverty-stricken Zimbabweans. rule of law, as well as democracy and ac- ment (No.1) Bill is adopted by senate
countability is symbolised by Mnangagwa’s by 70-1; awaits Presidential assent.
Zanu PF elites must take responsibility for extreme bid to extend Chief Justice Like Malaba’s
poverty and the collapse of infrastructure such as roads tenure beyond his 70 years retirement age.
that have become a collective source of national embar- It’s a messy, fierce and determined assault on
rassment. democracy that will further make Zimba-
bwe a failed state.
Nobody was surprised this week when angry and frus-
trated civil servants declared that, with effect from 12
April, they will report for duty on only two days per week.
They say this incapacitation has been caused by worth-
less salaries. What has worsened the workers’ plight is the
government’s lack of seriousness in addressing their griev-
ances.

In 2013, civil servants were earning, on average, US$500
while shop-floor workers in the private sector were get-
ting US$300. Today, these long-suffering employees are
expected to survive on pathetic salaries as low as U$50.

Zanu PF’s corruption-induced poverty has turned In-
dependence Day into an occasion for national mourning.

Reaffirming the fundamental impor- The NewsHawks is published on different EDITORIAL STAFF: Marketing Officer: Voluntary Media
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Email: [email protected] 24Hr Complaints Line: 0772 125 659

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NewsHawks New Perspective Page 23

Issue 25, 9 April 2021 Introduce compulsory be drawn up for Zimbabwe,
insurance for strategic crops where areas would be catego-
INVESTMENT without in- rised according to the prob-
surance is an added risk factor. provides economic protection To rapidly develop agricul- shows that these nations en- uct and invited stakeholders to ability of risk occurrence, i.e.
The government over the years to insureds – farmers – from tural insurance in Zimbabwe, acted an agricultural insurance support the product, the gov- according to risk zoning. This
has been pouring significant harmful effects and distur- there is a need to make it com- law that governs agricultural ernment should come up with would enable determination of
funds in the agricultural sector bances that arise from occur- pulsory rather than voluntary insurance. Unlike Zimbabwe an insurance product and in- risk coefficients as well as com-
without considering insurance.  rences of insured events, that as has been the case. Japan, which classifies agricultural vite stakeholders to participate. pulsory agricultural insurance
is, from occurrences of covered for example, makes it com- insurance under non-life in- For instance, the government for risks that are most com-
Agriculture is a critical risks.  pulsory for wheat, barley and surance, these countries recog- in partnership with insurance  mon in particular areas. This
sector in the Zimbabwean rice farmers to have insurance. nise agricultural insurance as companies may come up with can be done by Ipec. 
economy, but it has not suf- Agricultural insurance in Zambia included insurance to a special type of insurance. As a Special Agriculture Insur-
ficiently supported the re- general, and crop insurance its Farmer Input Subsidy Pro- such, the government through ance Programme (SAIP)and In line with the suggested
quired economic growth and in particular, exists in many gramme. Zimbabwe has been the Insurance and Pensions invite all stakeholders in the model, increased revenue of
poverty reduction. Given the countries as an institution- agriculture value chain (seed insurance companies should
under-performance of the ag- al response to current risks Econometrics producers, fertiliser producers, be used for financing the agri-
ricultural sector, Zimbabwe is characteristic of agricultural HawksView pesticide manufacturers) to cultural sector. For instance, in-
among countries with the low- production. Crop production participate.  surance companies would have
est scores on agricultural trans- insurance is one of the riskiest Tinashe Kaduwo to invest 20% of the collected
formation in Africa and is one insurance protections, which Partly compulsory agricul- agricultural premiums into
of four Sadc states that are not means the economic protec- promoting grain production Commission (Ipec) should tural insurance would there- agriculture, without increasing
on track in implementing the tion in the market is available through programmes such as broaden the classification of fore imply compulsory agricul- the price of agricultural insur-
seven commitments of the Af- just for a limited number of Command Agriculture (which insurance to include agricul- tural insurance for all farmers ance. The earmarked funds
rican Union (AU)’s June 2014 risks. started as a special maize pro- tural insurance as a standalone who are beneficiaries of some would be most rationally used
Malabo Declaration. duction programme), the Pres- type of insurance. type of government funds, in this respect if the special-
Weather is the main factor idential Input Support Scheme against the most common ised state financial institution,
The country scored 3.3 out of uncertainty in agricultur- and Pfumvudza, among oth- The introduction of part- risks in a particular area. Thus, Agribank, plays its specialised
of 10 when the 3.94 bench- al production and, in times ers. The government should ly compulsory agricultural according to the suggested role of agricultural financing. 
mark was set as the minimum of global climate change, the therefore make it compulsory insurance is necessary. To model, agricultural insurance
score for a country to be on management of this risk is nec- for all grain producers to have achieve this, the insurance should be compulsory for:  Agribank, for instance,
track to achieving the Malabo essary so as to compensate to insurance and for beneficiaries line needs to be legally de- would therefore primarily in-
targets by 2025. The Malabo some extent the consequences of these programmes to have fined as partly compulsory. (a) beneficiaries of agricul- vest these funds in preventive
commitments were translated of the elements.  insurance. The compulsory The suggested model of partly tural development incentives economic protection of farm-
into seven thematic areas of insurance should be on all spe- compulsory agricultural insur- paid out from the national, ers, such as the construction
performance such as enhanc- The objective need for in- cial crops (maize, wheat and ance should be based on pub- regional or local government of irrigation systems to miti-
ing investment finance in agri- surance in Zimbabwe is very soyabeans) and cover farmers lic-private partnership, and budget;  gate drought. Loans would be
culture; ending hunger in Afri- pronounced since both crop (commercial, dryland small- its implementation would not granted only to subjects who
ca by 2025; halving poverty by and livestock production are holder farmers) being financed just enable the development (b) users of loans with inter- fall within the system of com-
2025 and upholding the Com- exposed to numerous risks by the government, banks, mi- of agricultural insurance, but est rates subsidised by the gov- pulsory agricultural insurance,
prehensive Africa Agricultur- which have a growing ten- cro-finance institutions and would provide for the funds ernment;  under the most favourable
al Development Programme dency, especially in the con- non-governmental organisa- necessary for current and in- conditions in the banking
(CAADP). text of climate emergencies. tions.  vestment financing of this sig- (c) users of loans granted by market.  Given the seasonality
However, the subjective need nificant economic activity.  the state financial institutions of farmers’ incomes, for com-
Enhancing investment fi- for agricultural insurance in A closer analysis of countries and placed with low (subsi- pulsory agricultural insurance
nance in agriculture is one domestic conditions is insuf- that have  a higher agricultur- As with the Command Ag- dised) interest;  to be successful, only 25% of
of the thematic areas of per- ficiently developed due to low al insurance penetration rate riculture model, whereby the the premium would be paid
formance Zimbabwe failed. ability to pay, that is, due to government developed a prod- (d) leaseholders of state ag- when signing an insurance
The country scored zero on economic under-development ricultural land.  contract and the remaining
enhancing access to finance of farmers, as well as due to low amount would be effected after
when 3.33 is the benchmark. awareness of the importance of Partly compulsory agricul- the harvest.
The poor uptake of agricultural insurance. The under-develop- tural insurance would relate
insurance was cited as a major ment of agricultural insurance to the insurance against the In this way, the seasonal
contributor. at microlevel deserves serious most common risks in partic- character of agricultural pro-
attention. ular areas. For that purpose, an duction would be followed
Indeed, the sector’s con- agricultural risk map should and current solvency of farm-
sumption of insurance services ers would not be jeopardised
is very minimal, contributing in the months when they
1.45% to the gross written pre- have most investments. That
mium in 2020, which is an in- would result in less resistance
crease of 370% in real growth by farmers towards this new
compared to 2019. However, law. For this purpose, insur-
290% of the growth is attribut- ance companies would have to
ed to hail insurance for the to- change insurance conditions
bacco crop on the back of the since under the current con-
contract system used in financ- ditions a fully paid insurance
ing. Generally, main consum- premium is a condition for the
ers of agricultural insurance payment of indemnity in case
are commercial and contract of an occurrence.
farmers.
It is clear that the prospects
Agricultural insurance can of successful agricultural in-
provide value to low-income surance development will re-
farmers through protecting quire a more active role by the
farmers when shocks occur government. The government
and encouraging greater in- role could also be reflected in
vestment. However, lack of in- the introduction of partly com-
surance products that address pulsory agricultural insurance,
the needs of smallholder and as well as in providing funds
subsistence farmers, who are from the budget for higher in-
the majority in Zimbabwe fol- surance premium subsidies.
lowing the land redistribution
exercise, general mistrust in in- At the same time, insurance
surance services, and reliance companies should have a key
on traditional self-insurance role in the domestic market
in risk and loss management of agricultural insurance by
are the major factors limiting developing both offer and de-
the growth of the product. mand, as well as in informing
Furthermore, the government and educating farmers on the
remains the single largest fi- importance of the economic
nancier of the sector, availing protection of their production.
inputs and other key require-
ments for the sector. However, The suggested model of
almost all of the programmes partly compulsory agricultur-
do not have an insurance pack- al insurance would not only
age.  enable the development of ag-
ricultural insurance, but would
We must remember that also ensure funds necessary for
agriculture is characterised current and future investment
by biological idiosyncracies financing of the agricultural
or, more precisely, high pro- sector.
duction risks, which make it,
from the aspect of insurance, *About the writer: Kaduwo
a more complex and demand- is a researcher and economist:
ing industry than many others. Contact [email protected]
The importance of agricultural or call 0773376128
insurance lies in the fact that it

Business

MATTERSNewsHawks

MARKETS CURRENCIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE COMMODITIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE
USD/JPY
GBP/USD 105.53 -0.13 -0.123 *OIL 59.62 -0.9 -1.49
EUR/USD
USD/CAD 1.402 +0.005 +0.34 *GOLD 1,785.3 +10.3 +0.58
AUD/USD
1.214 +0.005 +0.41 *SILVER 27.535 +0.457 +1.69

1.26 -0.008 -0.631 *WHEAT 660.25 -5 -0.75

0.788 +0.011 +1.39 *COPPER 4.057 +0.156 +4

TIMB hails
‘improved’
payment deal
for tobacco
farmers

RONALD MUCHENJE government allowed the use The 2021 tobacco marketing season began on Wednesday.
of US dollar after banning the
THE Tobacco Industry and use of multi-currency system change rate on the day of sale in 2019/20 season to 125 000 proved decentralised contract “As usual, the board inspect-
Marketing Board (TIMB) says as the local currency contin- and paid in local currency. The ha. The number of registered sales which are to be conduct- ed the level of preparedness at
the 60% foreign currency en- ued to lose value. 60% foreign currency entitle- growers declined to 145 625 ed at five designated centres the licensed auction floors and
titlement to tobacco growers ment to tobacco growers shall compared to 147 931 in the and these are Karoi, Mvurwi, the three floors were found to
shall be treated as free funds On Wednesday, TIMB be treated as free funds. It is no prior year with more than 1 Bindura, Marondera and Ru- be ready for business includ-
following an agreement with chairperson Patrick Devenish secret that tobacco production 916 growers having registered sape. ing compliance to Covid-19
the central bank to improve said the other 40% portion and marketing come with var- for the first time. guidelines,” he said.
payment measures for farmers. shall be converted at the pre- ious challenges,” he said. The licensed floors are
vailing auction exchange rate While the board had li- Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF), The board licensed 28 and
The 2021 tobacco market- on the day of sale and paid in Devenish added that to- censed three auction floors for Boka Tobacco Floors (BTF), 39 “A” Class and contract buy-
ing season began on Wednes- local currency.  bacco hectarage went up by the 2021 marketing season, and Premier Tobacco Auction ers, respectively, figures almost
day this week with the first 6.84% from 117 000 hectares it had also came up with ap- Floor (PTAF).  similar to last year.
bale being sold for US$4.30 “The industry together with
per kilogramme, compared to the Reserve Bank of Zimba-
US$4 last year and US$4.50 bwe have jointly put in place
in 2019. improved payment measures
to ensure that tobacco growers
The season started at a time get full value for their crop and
the government is yet to make are simultaneously paid with-
an official announcement on in the shortest possible time.
redollarisation of the econ- Growers shall be paid 60% of
omy with the use of the US their sales proceeds in foreign
dollar being referred to as free currency after deductions of
funds, a move adopted last approved foreign currency-de-
year during the first Covid-19 nominated loans, and the 40%
lockdown. portion shall be converted
at the prevailing auction ex-
This was the first time the

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 25

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Pension funds record jump in income

DUMISANI NYONI 10.3%, expressed as a percent- from ZW$4.93 billion to “It should be noted that val- which most insurers and pen- the valuations of these sus-
age of gross domestic product. ZW$37.82 billion. ues of investments in quoted sion funds are invested. Whilst pended counters and, should
ZIMBABWE’S pensions in- This indicates that the pension equities have been growing at a the Seed Co counter has re- the counters remain suspend-
dustry last year recorded a industry still plays a pivotal “Funds’ value of invest- decreasing rate since June 2020 sumed trading, the other two ed, guidance will be provided.
256% increase in income to role in the development of the ments in equities and invest- on account of the suspension counters remain suspended.” 
ZW$79.21 billion, mainly economy. ment property in absolute of trades on Old Mutual, In the period under re-
driven by fair value gains, in- terms has been on an upward Seed Co and PPC, counters in The commission noted that view, contribution arrears in-
terest on investments, profit In addition, Ipec said the trend,” Ipec said. there were inconsistencies in creased to ZW$1.68 billion
on disposal investments and pensions industry’s share of from ZW$0.56 billion. While
contributions, a new report Zimbabwe Stock Exchange there was a nominal increase
reveals. (ZSE)’s market capitalisation in contribution arrears, the
as at 31 December 2020 was proportion of contribution
According to the Insurance 34.75%, implying that in- arrears to total assets declined
and Pensions Commission dustry remains critical to the from 1.89% to 1.52%. Of the
(Ipec)’s pensions industry re- development of the country’s ZW$1.68 billion, 78.57%
port for the year ended De- stock market. (which translates to ZW$1.32
cember 2020, the total income billion) is owed to stand-alone
for the sector last year was The local bourse’s mar- funds.
ZW$79.21 billion compared ket capitalisation as at 31
to ZW$22.27 billion reported December last year stood at “Furthermore, two funds
in the previous year. ZW$317.23 billion. (Mining Industry Pension
Fund and Local Authorities
“The income was mainly “The increase in asset base Pension Fund) constituted
driven by fair value gains, in- was mainly driven by an in- more than half of the industry’s
terest on investments, profit crease in the values of invest- contribution arrears,” it said.
on disposal investments and ment properties and quoted
contributions which constitut- equities which accounted for “Notwithstanding the de-
ed a combined proportion of 81.15% of the industry’s as- cline in the proportion of
93.88%,” the report reads. sets,” it said. contribution arrears to total
assets, sponsoring employers
The industry’s asset base In the period under review, are urged to make good their
increased in nominal terms investment property increased arrears to reduce further loss of
by 273.06% from ZW$29.55 to ZW$51.63 billion from value by fund members.
billion to ZW$110.24 billion. ZW$12.65 billion.
“The continued accumu-
This was against an annual “Furthermore, its contri- lation of contribution arrears
inflation rate of 348.6% for bution to the industry’s total impacts negatively on the
December 2020, implying a assets increased from 42.8% adequacy, sustainability, and
decline in the industry’s assets to 46.83% between the two security of pension schemes.
in real terms. periods. The increase in in- Hence, the need for trustees to
vestment property was mainly explore all the available options
Furthermore, Ipec noted driven by revaluation of prop- to recover the arrears,” the re-
that the decline in asset base is erties,” Ipec said. port said.
also reflected by a decrease of
23.49% to US$1.35 billion. Notwithstanding the sus- Ipec also said there was a
pension of trades of some ma- nominal increase in the total
The industry’s asset base of jor counters on the ZSE, the amount invested in prescribed
ZW$110.24 billion translates value of investments in quoted assets to ZW$7.06 billion.
to a pension penetration rate of equities increased by 667.14%

Stanbic Bank wins
investment award

LEADING financial services provider Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has
been named the 2021 Best Investment Bank in Zimbabwe by Lon-
don-based Global Banking & Finance Review magazine.

The Standard Bank Group subsidiary was recognised for its out-
standing investment portfolio during the annual Global Banking
and Finance Awards held at the beginning of the year.

In a statement, the prestigious Global Banking & Finance Review
magazine said the criteria used to award the winner include com-
prehensive investment banking as well as cross-border transactions. 

“Some of the key areas we looked at for Stanbic Bank include
offering comprehensive investment banking services and advice,
mergers and acquisitions, cross-border transactions, structuring ca-
pabilities, equity derivatives and securitisation, distribution network
as well as expertise of their specialists,” said Amanda Walker on be-
half of Global Banking & Finance Review.

Stanbic Bank chief executive (CE) Solomon Nyanhongo said the
bank will continue to devise ways of broadening investment support
for both local and international entities. 

“Our Corporate and Investment business unit is quite vast and
year after year, we continuously look for new ways to ensure that our
investment and support to both local and international entities add
to the development of our country,” said Nyanhongo.

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has also been supporting investments in
mining, tobacco, power, and infrastructure industries in the coun-
try through affording foreign currency allocations, capital injections,
and provision of offshore lines of credit.

Over the years, the financial institution has played a pivotal role in
promoting investments in the country.

These include the construction of Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, the reha-
bilitation of the power infrastructure at Kariba South Hydro Pow-
er Station and Hwange Thermal Power Station by arranging the
US$120 million debt package for the Zimbabwe Power Company. 

In 2020, the bank contributed significantly towards the Covid-19
relief by donating equipment worth US$200 000 as well as provid-
ing over US$2.8 million in credit and foreign currency allocations to
their clients in the medical and manufacturing industries.

“We are indeed humbled by yet another recognition of this nature
and look forward to continuing our contribution to the sustainable
development of Africa as a whole,” said Nyanhongo.

Stanbic was also awarded the 2020 Bank of the Year award by top
banking magazine The Banker and the 2020 Best Bank in Zimba-
bwe award by leading financial services journal Europe, Middle East,
and Africa (EMEA) Finance. — STAFF WRITER

Page 26 Companies & Markets NewsHawks
MILLING and timber manu-
facturing company Border Tim- Border Timbers struggles to Issue 25, 9 April 2021
bers Limited’s (BTL) bid to exit exit judicial management
judicial management remains this was because of lower de-
in jeopardy as parties involved with net profit before tax reach- lower compared to the prior down restrictions in the first ket and the export market. mand during Q2 (second quar-
have not yet reached agreement, ing ZW$58.1 million. year due to disruptions in pro- quarter of the financial year. “Treated poles reflect a de- ter) of FY21 (full-year 2021)
almost a year beyond the antici- duction and logistical bottle- and the adverse effect of the
pated time frame. During the period under necks caused by Covid-19 lock- Demand for lumber remains cline in production and sales Covid-19. However, measures
review, lumber production was very high both in the local mar- volume compared to prior year, are in place to further develop
BTL was placed under pro- the export market with a view
visional judicial management of increasing sales volumes,”
in January 2015 and went into Bailey said.
final judicial management in
2016 after failing to service its BTL hailed the business en-
debts. vironment which remained on
an improvement path mainly
The company’s exit from due to the local currency which
judicial management was an- has been relatively stable as
ticipated last year but it would well as inflation which regis-
have depended on the settle- tered a decline for the half-year
ment of an ongoing dispute under review. The relaxation
with creditors over US$125 of the Covid-19 lockdown re-
million awarded by the Interna- strictions, extension of trading
tional Centre for Settlement of hours and free movement of
Investment Disputes (ICSID). people improved the operating
conditions and production of
In a trading update for the the business during the second
six months to 31 December quarter to December 2020.
2020, the company’s judicial
manager, Peter Bailey, said the “The gazetting of Statutory
matter remains pending. Instrument 185 of 2020 during
the half year under review, on
“No finalisation has been dual pricing policy was ex-
reached from ongoing discus- tremely encouraging on the
sions with the other party to business front as it ensured flex-
the claim. Discussions with the ible business pricing strategies
government will follow. Accord- which significantly improved
ingly, the company will remain value preservation,” said Hailey.
under judicial management for
the foreseeable future,” he said. Going forward, the company
expects Covid-19 to continue
Production volumes for both taking a toll as the pandemic is
lumber and transmission poles not seen disappearing anytime
for the six months to 31 De- soon, amid apprehension over
cember 2020 stood at 28 519 the likelihood of a deadly third
wave. — STAFF WRITER

Axia dividend to IMF downgrades Zim
remain depressed economic outlook
BERNARD MPOFU al economy compared to “Modest economic re-
RONALD MUCHENJE Malawi remains a cause for ment)185 of 2020 allowing our previous forecast, with covery is projected in
concern as they negatively the use of free funds in the THE International Mon- growth projected to be 6 2021, if effective measures
RETAIL and specialty dis- impact the net assets of the trading of local goods and etary Fund (IMF) has cut percent in 2021 and 4.4 are taken to  stabilise  for-
tribution group Axia Cor- consolidated business. Giv- services allows the company Zimbabwe’s economic percent in 2022. Nonethe- eign  exchange    and avoid
poration Limited’s dividend en the continued drive to to earn foreign currency in growth prospect for 2021 less, the outlook presents excessive money creation. 
pay-out is seen remaining reinvest in earning capaci- the local market, easing the to 3.1% from an initial daunting challenges related But the  outlook  is cloud-
below 20% for the next two ty of the business, dividend strain from foreign creditors. projection of 4.1% due to to divergences in the speed ed by a number of factors,”
financial years to 2022 as the pay-out ratio is forecasted DGA Zimbabwe concluded the impact of Covid-19, of recovery both across AfDB says, urging the gov-
depreciation of local curren- to remain below 20% for a major local distribution the multilateral lender said and within countries and ernment to ease border clo-
cies in Zambia and Malawi FY21 and FY22.Q4 recov- agency, we expect the pos- in its latest outlook report. the potential for persistent sures. 
remains a cause for concern. ery in  consumer spend to itive impact on operating economic damage from the
dull effects of Covid-induced profit to be more apparent The country is expected crisis,” the IMF says. “The pandemic and
These have been negative- slump in Q3,” IH said. going into FY22. Manage- to recover from two suc- government policies to 
ly impacting the net assets ment’s strategy to take con- cessive years of contraction While Zimbabwe was contain  the (Covid-19) 
of the consolidated busi- AXIA is re-investing most trol of their value chain and and register growth on the already in recession before disease  will  affect   pro-
ness, according to IH secu- of its free funds into its bed- focus on local products will backdrop of sustained price the Covid-19 pandemic, duction levels across all
rities.  During the first half ding and lounge suite man- aid in containing operating stability. with the economy con- sectors although a partial
of 2021, DGA Zimbabwe ufacturing businesses and costs, we expect a marginal tracting by 6% in 2019, easing of border closures
increased sales of locally pro- therefore declared a dividend decrease in EBITDA margins According to the IMF’s the global pandemic wors- may help.”
duced products as substitutes of ZWc24.50 per share. The from 20.26% report titled World Eco- ened the situation as the
for some imported products, trading environment in the nomic Outlook: Manag- economy slumped by 10% The continental bank
which helped defend vol- third quarter was signifi- FY20 to 18.00% for FY21. ing Divergent Recoveries, in 2020.  In its economic warned that the industrial
umes (up +4%) while Tran- cantly impacted by the level Going into FY22 we expect which was released this outlook, the African De- and mining sectors were
serv had a decent increase in 4 Covid-19 lockdown, how- margins to return to histor- week, while the global velopment Bank (AfDB) faced with reduced com-
sales.  ever, with the grain selling ical averages,” IH noted. economy is expected to last month said Zimbabwe petitiveness, low commod-
season and tobacco auction During the period, the op- register growth following will also see 3.2% gross do- ity prices and power short-
DGA Region was adverse- floors opening, as well as the erating environment eased the rollout of Covid-19 mestic product growth in ages. 
ly affected by the devaluing relaxed lockdown restric- as Covid-19-induced restric- vaccines, potential threats 2022. 
kwacha, loss of distributor- tions, IH expected a drastic tions were relaxed and infla- posed by new strains of the “The problems are ex-
ship agency in Zambia as recovery in consumer spend tion declined, giving rise to virus and other exogenous Zimbabwe will pin its acerbated by debt distress
well as shrinking modern going into the company’s 4th a relatively stable local cur- factors would retard this hopes on sustained stabil- and arrears and low inter-
trade space in Malawi  while quarter.  rency.  growth. ity in the country’s bank- national reserves that can
consolidated turnover for ing system, which has in- cover less than one month
DGA Zambia and Malawi, “We anticipate that infla- With the stabilising cur- The divergent recovery creased capacity of credit of imports,” AfDB says. 
in US dollar terms, declined tionary pressures will ease as rency, TV Sales & Home paths, the IMF says, are and an improved agricul-
by 16% over the comparative the interbank market stabi- reintroduced credit sales, likely to create significantly tural season characterised Zimbabwe has been
period . This saw contribu- lises foreign exchange rates, allowing the company to de- wider gaps in living stan- by normal to above normal buckling under a debilitat-
tion to the Zimdollar top further boosting consumer fend market share and grow dards between developing rains.  However, AfDB said ing debt overhang, weak-
line decreasing from 20.89% confidence. Revenue is fore- volumes (the debtors’ book countries and others, com- recovery will continue to ening the government’s
in the first half of 2020 to cast to increase by 378.39% grew 130% year-on-year¹).  pared to pre-pandemic ex- be blighted by the pan- capacity to attract fresh
14.03% in the first half of for FY21 from ZWL$3 pectations. demic whose end seems capital. 
2021. 656.93 million in FY20 to TV Sales & Home vol- out of sight amid growing
ZW$17 494.54 million in umes were up 40%, driven “We are now projecting concerns of a third wave.  Zimbabwe’s economy
“The depreciation of local FY21. SI (Statutory Instru- by growth in the store net- a stronger recovery in 2021 continues to be blighted
currencies in Zambia and work.  and 2022 for the glob- by poverty which stood at
70.5% in 2019.

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 27

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

How ready is Zimbabwe for AfCFTA?

DUMISANI NYONI

IN a bid to spur intra-Afri- This, they say, impacts on to offload them to the market. our cost of production is very we are and we also need to ods of economic and currency
ca trade, the African Union their competitiveness. That’s the biggest challenge high compared to the region. look at our banking system, stability, and policy consis-
(AU) brokered the African that we have,” he said. That has an impact on our how prepared it is because it’s tency.
Continental Free Trade Area “We are not ready, we are competitiveness,” Chawira not companies alone which
Agreement (AfCFTA) in not prepared. Same challeng- “But we understand the said.    can be prepared, but also our The report said the major
March 2018. es which have dogged us for government has asked for Zimbabwe Nation- banks,” he said. factors preventing Zimbabwe
many years are the ones which some years, but not sure how al Chamber of Commerce from benefitting from the
The main objectives of the are causing quite a bit of a many, so that at least we can vice-president Golden Muoni “Are they able to fund trade pact include low indus-
AfCFTA are to create a single challenge for us to be compet- put our house in order. It said there are a lot of oppor- companies to make sure that trial capacity utilisation, high
market for goods and services, itive. The biggest challenge is would definitely be a disaster. tunities, but the issue of pre- our companies are going to cost of doing business and
facilitate the movement of retooling,” Confederation of We need to really work on our paredness is the question of increase their liquidity? Also, complex taxation procedures,
persons, promote industrial Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) capacity utilisation.” the “entire economy in terms you have to look at the in- policy inconsistency—espe-
development and sustainable Matabeleland chapter presi- of competitiveness because surance, the efficiency and cially on monetary reforms—
and inclusive socio-economic dent Shepherd Chawira said. According to the CZI, the we have got to compete with effectiveness of our insurance inefficient foreign exchange
growth, and resolve the issue capacity utilisation increased economies that are operating companies. So for every part policies and porous borders
of multiple membership, in “We have antiquated ma- to 47% last year, from 36.4% normal. of the economy, they have to that make it hard to prevent
accordance with AU Agenda chinery and the financing the previous year. “…we need to go and com- be part and parcel of this. We smuggling.
2063. model in the economy at the pete, so the cost per every have to be competent every-
moment is not promoting any “If you are operating at production per unit must be where so that when our prod- There is also a need to im-
It lays a foundation for the retooling. We are not compet- 40% capacity utilisation as cheap as we can. Zimbabwe uct goes to Africa, it’s very plement a market-determined
establishment, in future, of a itive. Also, the other problem compared to an organisa- I think has some good qual- good quality and competent.” managed float exchange rate
continental common market. which we have as a nation is tion which is operating in, ity products but, in terms of to remove arbitrage opportu-
we are a high-cost producing for example, South Africa, price now when you go out In its latest article, The Af- nities that threaten primary
The AfCFTA will bring to- nation.” most of the organisations there, our products are high,” rica Report said Zimbabwe’s production locally in favour
gether all 55 member states there are probably above 80% Muoni said. competitiveness and produc- of importing finished prod-
of the AU comprising a mar- “Our utilities are expen- and some of them probably “..when you are making tivity gap is huge and this ucts, it said.
ket of more than 1.2 billion sive. We are just talking about at 100%, it means in terms a product per unit using a renders the country incapable
people, including a growing fuel which has gone up, we of cost per unit you are way United States dollar-backed of competing with the rest of As a way forward, Mor-
middle class, and a com- are the most expensive in the high,” he said. pricing structure, you won’t the African nations. gan & Co, a securities firm,
bined gross domestic product region in terms of fuel. All be able to compete. We still opined that industrial policies
(GDP) of more than US$3.4 these costs do not make up “So those are things which have a long way to work and It said the country needs to in Zimbabwe should be craft-
trillion. competitive at all,” Chawira, we need to work on to in- to make sure that we fix our strengthen the industrial sec- ed to work for and not against
who is also Shepco Group crease our capacity utilisa- power issues. When we have tor and address challenges in the AfCFTA. This means they
In terms of numbers of chief executive officer, said. tion and hopefully the target got a good power supply the agricultural sector. may have to be coordinated at
participating countries, the that we have set for this year, which is consistent and all continental or regional level.
AfCFTA will be the world’s He said there was a dire which is 61%, we are going to other features which affect the The Africa Report added
largest free trade area since need for the government to achieve it and will continue cost of production,” he said. that Zimbabwe’s exports are Coordinating industrial
the formation of the World address challenges affecting building on that. Muoni said the financial mostly raw materials and that policies will also help coun-
Trade Organisation, accord- the industry before the agree- sector should also step up and local industries are not com- tries plan specialised produc-
ing to experts. ment kicks off, to avoid being “But at least we can be be able to avail cheap fund- petitive regionally. tion in specific and comple-
overtaken by other econo- above 80% then we can say ing. mentary directions, it said.
Estimates from the Eco- mies. we can compete with others. “It’s a very good thing, but Zimbabwe’s low manu-
nomic Commission for Africa So there are a number of ar- it’s an issue of how prepared facturing capacity utilisation It said Zimbabwe also can
(Uneca) suggest that the Af- “We are likely going to be eas that we need to work on. means that local industries leverage its location and re-
CFTA has the potential both overtaken by other econo- Government needs to take cannot compete with regional source endowments to get a
to boost intra-African trade mies and some of our prod- care of our utilities because peers such as Zambia, South head start. Food production
by 52.3% by eliminating im- ucts disappearing because we they are very expensive. Our Africa, Angola and Namibia is a strategic area.
port duties, and to double won’t then be able to sell or fuel is very expensive; hence that have enjoyed longer peri-
this trade if non-tariff barriers
are also reduced.

The World Bank estimates
that the trade pact could
boost regional income by 7%
or US$450 billion, speed up
wage growth and lift over 30
million people out of extreme
poverty by 2035.

As of December 2020, a to-
tal of 54 countries had signed
the agreement while 34 oth-
ers had deposited their instru-
ments of ratification.

Intra-Africa trade has
historically been low, with
only 12% of the continent’s
US$560 billion worth of im-
ports in 2019 coming from
within. However, the ques-
tion is: How prepared is Zim-
babwe’s economy, particularly
the fallen industrial hub, Bul-
awayo, for the AfCFTA?

Are we not likely to see
other local products start dis-
appearing from the market
due to stiff competition?

Industry officials who
spoke to The NewsHawks
painted a gloomy picture, say-
ing they were not prepared for
the AfCFTA.

They cited foreign curren-
cy shortages, obsolete equip-
ment, power constraints, lack
of affordable funding, expen-
sive utilities, shortage of raw
materials, among other fac-
tors, as major impediments.

Page 28 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Delays in mining Bill irk stakeholders

CHIPA GONDITII Minister of Mines Winston Chitando. concentrated all the power on Artisanal and Small-Scale
the board. Miners Association chairper-
STAKEHOLDERS in mining that was scheduled for 25 When questioned about the ingwe highlighted fears that son Blessing Togarepi said by
are concerned by delays in cru- to 28 March 2021 has been postponement of the meeting, the numerous cancellations  “Government is concerned cancelling the all-stakehold-
cial deliberations on the con- cancelled. New dates for this Marume referred questions to of the all-stakeholders’ meet- that they (stakeholders) will ers’ meetings, the government
troversial Mines and Mineral workshop will be communi- Chokuda, who however did ing could be used as a way to contribute their valid concerns risked missing out on key
Amendment Bill amid worries cated in due course, new dates not respond to enquiries. sidestep the important consul- which will obviously be in con- points from various stakehold-
that the government wants to will be communicated,” wrote tative meetings as the current tradiction to the half-baked ers.  He said there were suspi-
exercise greater control of the Chokuda. Zimbabwe Prospectors Bill lacked transparency and Bill as they were not consulted cions among stakeholders in
extractive sector. Union president Samson Dz- in the first place, thus stake- the mining community that
holders are suspicious if this the government wanted to fast
Deliberations over the Bill could be a way to dodge or track the deliberation process.
were initially tabled for an skip consultation and force the
all-stakeholders’ conference passing of the Bill without the “We in the mining sector
which was set to run from 24 consultation of stakeholders,” have become suspicious of the
to 27 September 2020. The Dzingwe said. government’s intentions as the
event was however cancelled current Bill shifts all the pow-
at a time the government was “No stakeholders were con- er to government through the
expecting a backlash over a sulted regards the Mines and cadastre board. So, if there
clause which states that com- Minerals Bill so far, thus the is no reason given as to why
panies and individuals alike further cancellation of the the meeting was called, log-
have to appear before a cadas- all-stakeholders’ meeting al- ic would tell one that they
tre board in order for them to most five times is a clear sign want us to forget about Bill
be licensed. that the crafters of the Bill and bring it into law without
might be scared of the stake- proper consultations,” Togare-
A second all-stakeholders’ holders. pi said. 
conference set to run from
25 to 28 March this year was “The clause which requires “Government is supposed
also cancelled a few days be- miners and individuals to ap- to consult with all stakehold-
fore commencement without pear before a board in order for ers because they form part
any explanation, with Clerk of them to be licensed is bureau- of the mining ecosystem in
Parliament Kennedy Chokuda cratic and promotes red tape, Zimbabwe and for us to move
announcing that a new date chicanery and corruption. The forward as a country we need
would be set in the near future. clause also lacks transparency to come together as one and
and accountability. There is a come up with ideas that can lift
A letter seen by The New- lot of unchecked or discretion- the nation. Government could
sHawks dated 24 March in- al powers given to the cadastre miss out on this if they carry
formed stakeholders of the board. on cancelling these meetings.” 
cancellation while listing the
Mines Parliamentary Portfolio “The clause will cause fur- The mining sector accounts
Committee clerk, only iden- ther delays which will lead to for about 12 percent of the
tified as Mr W Marume, as a closure of business and the country’s gross domestic prod-
referral contact for any queries. scaring away of potential in- uct with the government
vestment. The clause proves claiming the sector has the
“Kindly note that the Mines that the Bill was crafted with- potential to generate US$12
and Mineral Amendment Bill out stakeholders’ consulta- billion annually by 2023.
all stakeholders workshop tion.”

INDEPENDENCE DAY ZIMBABWE
18 APRIL
The NewsHawks invites all Companies and Parasta. tals on the 16th of
Stakeholders, Private

April to showcase your products and services in our E-paper as well as celebrate this special
day. .

Minimum editorial is appreciated and will be forwarded to the editor for consideration. NOT all
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of April.

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NewsHawks Executive Chat Page 29

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Insurance Institute future confident

THE Insurance sector has ex- tion to the vision you have
perienced countless challenges for the institute going into
and triumphs. While much the future?
has been said about the per- GC: We want to be the qual-
formance of companies in the ification for the region. IASA
sector, this week we take a look was ahead, but we are certain
at the training arm of the in- we can drive our qualification
surance professionals, how it to be the insurance qualifica-
has fared and its vision for the tion of the region. We have the
future. Our reporter Merlin advantage as Zimbabwe that 
Garwe (MG) spoke to the In- our image  in terms of edu-
surance Institute of Zimbabwe cation is regarded highly. So
(IIZ) general manager George we want to capitalise on that
Chikava (GC) and below are and deliver very good prod-
excerpts of the interview:  ucts. We still have to have our
MG: What milestones has exams taken to Zambia and
the IIZ achieved over the Malawi, which are our next
years? targets within the region. We
GC: We started a fellowship opened Angola last year, so we
programme for the Insurance also want to move to   Con-
Institute of Zimbabwe, with go. We believe we are making
the first class finishing in May. some very good strides.
Then we are going to enrol MG: How has brain drain
for the 2021 class. This is the affected the insurance indus-
highest level of professional try?
membership. We also have GC: To some extent it has
associateship. Up to now we greatly assisted IIZ because
have those who were mem- those who have gone out of
bers but did not contribute Zimbabwe associate or relate
anything to the institute, so to IIZ in a big way and when-
we are also introducing sub- ever we  want certain initia-
scription payments for our as- tives introduced within the
sociates and our fellows. Once region,  we get in touch with
they do that, they become full those  people and they are in
members of the institute, be- support  of those initiatives.
coming responsible for devel- MG: Going forward, do you
opment of the institute much have new plans to grow the
more than I think has been in vision of the IIZ in 2021?
the past. That is how we have
been growing our institute.

MG: Take us through  the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe general manager George Chikava. GC: What we have been em-
fellowship and tell us the sig- phasising is that even during
nificance of this fellowship in terms of having the people would have agents moving ily regarding Covid-19, the suffer as numbers begin to lockdown it is the best time
to IIZ and to  the whole in- who serve in the Lesotho in- around writing business. But economy, in general, resulted drop. for students to spend their
surance industry. surance industry being unable during the Covid-19 lock- in less insurance business tak- MG: You spoke about expan- time studying than remaining
GC: We started with a class to practise without  the basic down   that was not possible, ing place. Insurance is one of sion earlier, what can you say idle and those who have tak-
of 12 people, which we feel qualification. And they have it reduced business a lot.  On those exchanges which when about your footprint in rela- en heed have actually come up
was reasonable especially picked IIZ as the basic quali- the other hand, not necessar- the economy suffers, they also with some of the best passes
with regards to the coming in fication recognised for compli- we have seen. We would want
of  Covid-19. If it was not for ance purposes. to encourage employers to en-
this much-dreaded pandem- sure that their employees are
ic, the class could have been As I said, Covid-19 did qualified. We are asking that
bigger but we are glad that we slightly delay the process be- they promote them by paying
have started. cause the first batch of students for them or making schemes
who set  the exams did not do for their education.
The impact is that we are too well because they had not
going to have more commit- prepared for the exam due to
ted people who are going to the  lockdown. However, we
develop the institute, grow it have encouraged them to take
and to make it vibrant. Our some revision classes with us  
intention is to compete  with  and when we did that they re-
world leaders like CII and wrote in November and the
IASA and we are on the cor- pass rate has improved.
rect path  because we have
revamped our  qualification We are also expanding into
to meet those standards. But, Eswatini where they are al-
like I said, what has delayed ready writing all our exams
us is  Covid 19, as has been from COP up to associateship.
the case  with other sectors of
the economy and many other MG:  Talking about
things. There are things which Covid-19, what can say have
we should have completed by been the major for draw-
last year which we are hoping backs for the IIZ?
we will now be able to finish
mid this year for the qualifica- GC:  The biggest problem has The 2021 tobacco marketing season was opened at the Tobacco Sales Floors on Wednesday. The selling season has begun under strict Covid -19
tion to start running.  been that income generation protocols with only a few farmers allowed on the floors. Tobacco is the country’s biggest foreign currency earner. /Pic: Aaron Ufumeli
from insurance companies has
However, we are also pleased been lower than normal and
that despite the Covid-19 pan- what that means is the num-
demic, we have managed to ber of people who would write
have all the exam sessions tak- exams is significantly reduced.
ing place. We had two last year I think a good example is that
and we are going to have two of life business where you
this year. We have also man-
aged to keep our international
market.

Lesotho has been one of the
most promising because we
have managed to   agree with
the market that our qualifica-
tions be regarded statutorily

Page 30 Stock Taking NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Price Sheet A MEMBER OF FINSEC & THE ZIMBABWE STOCK EXCHANGE

Friday, 09 April 2021

Company Sector Bloomberg Previous Last VWAP (cents) Total Total Price Price YTD Market
Ticker Price Traded Traded Traded Change Change (%) Cap
AFDIS Consumer Goods (cents) 4162.50 Volume Value ($) (cents) ($m)
African Sun Consumer Services AFDIS: ZH Price 239.12 (%)
ART ASUN: ZH 4162.50 553.13 -
Ariston Industrials ARTD: ZH 238.51 - 175.00 5,000 - - - 73.44 4,882.86
Axia Consumer Services ARISTON: ZH 553.13 239.00 1708.05 11,956.00 0.61 0.26 40.66 2,060.67
BNC 184.57 500.74 - 15.88 2,417.05
BAT Consumer Goods AXIA: ZH 1709.27 - 79900.00 136,000 - - - 30.60 2,847.94
CAFCA Basic Materials BIND: ZH 492.96 175.00 12000.00 238,000.00 -9.57 -5.19 86.47 9,307.07
Cassava BAT: ZH 79900.00 1790.00 1305.62 14,900 254,500.00 -1.22 -0.07 31.77 6,258.53
CBZ Consumer Goods CAFCA: ZH 12000.00 501.00 7461.04 411,200 2,059,042.00 7.78 1.58 45.27 16,486.18
Dairibord Industrials CSZL: ZH 1305.32 1264.81 33.48 1,048.21
Delta CBZ: ZH 7000.00 - 4302.94 - - - - 100.86 33,823.09
Econet Technology DZL: ZH 1346.28 - 1982.35 - - - - -12.70 51,274.63
Edgars Banking DLTA: ZH 4347.80 1310.00 297.26 22,600 295,070.00 0.30 0.02 -3.45 4,528.03
FBC ECO: ZH 1981.72 7500.00 2550.00 77,000 5,745,000.00 461.04 6.59 89.13 55,269.59
Fidelity Consumer Goods EDGR: ZH 300.00 1200.00 510.00 2,700 34,150.00 -81.47 -6.05 109.77 51,354.30
First Capital Consumer Goods FBC: ZH 2550.18 4300.00 210.00 62,400 2,685,035.00 -44.86 -1.03 147.72
FML Telecommunications FIDL: ZH 510.00 1985.00 1610.00 2,693,200 53,388,645.00 0.63 0.03 69.85 972.01
FMP Consumer Services FCA: ZH 210.00 280.00 517.14 19,400 57,668.50 -2.74 -0.91 167.44 17,134.72
GBH FMHL: ZH 1536.00 2550.00 75.75 177,200 4,518,600.00 -0.18 -0.01 90.91
Getbucks Banking FMP: ZH 520.00 510.00 40.00 1,400 7,140.00 - - 53.33 555.51
Hippo Financial Services GBH: ZH 68.09 210.00 14700.00 95,300 200,130.00 - - 59.61 4,529.11
Innscor GBFS: ZH 40.00 1610.00 6549.29 100 1,610.00 74.00 4.82 215.63 11,111.30
Lafarge Banking HIPO: ZH 14700.00 500.00 5000.00 700 3,620.00 -2.86 -0.55 220.00 6,403.01
Mash Financial Services 6697.56 70.00 183.49 8,700 6,590.00 7.66 11.25 63.33
Masimba INN: ZH 5000.00 - 1600.00 - - - - 76.87 406.47
Medtech Real Estate LACZ: ZH 184.50 - 11.60 - - - - 420.83 465.25
Meikles Industrials MASH: ZH 1613.33 6500.00 4380.00 21,200 1,388,450.00 -148.27 -2.21 97.30 28,374.02
Nampak MSHL: ZH 11.51 - 851.04 - - - - 42.86 36,988.85
NatFoods Financial Services MMDZ: ZH 4300.00 183.00 31600.00 7,100 13,027.50 -1.01 -0.55 46.84 4,000.00
NTS Consumer Goods MEIK: ZH 850.00 1600.00 1000.00 1,200 19,200.00 -13.33 -0.83 99.05 3,411.21
NMBZ NPKZ: ZH 31600.00 11.60 1030.00 77,100 8,943.60 0.09 0.78 272.85 3,866.46
OK Zim Industrials NTFD: ZH 1000.00 4300.00 1450.05 500 21,900.00 80.00 1.86 425.79 352.61
Padenga Industrials 950.10 850.00 2446.09 10,100 85,955.00 1.04 0.12 3542.99 11,065.90
Proplastics Real Estate NTS: ZH 1468.06 - 2195.00 - - - - 157.47 6,430.87
RTG Industrials NMB: ZH 2498.59 1000.00 205.00 100 1,000.00 - - 61.12 21,614.43
RioZim Healthcare OKZ: ZH 2195.00 1100.00 2100.00 200 2,060.00 79.90 8.41 16.40 2,538.72
Simbisa Industrials PHL: ZH 195.12 1450.00 2891.59 83,600 1,212,245.00 -18.01 -1.23 154.94 4,162.97
Star Africa Industrials PROL: ZH 2052.00 2400.00 52.33 88,200 2,157,450.00 -52.50 -2.10 6.91 18,079.41
Truworths Consumer Goods RTG: ZH 3412.62 - 98.15 - - - - 40.45 13,247.86
TSL Industrials RIOZ: ZH 49.96 205.00 4300.00 1,100 2,255.00 9.88 5.06 140.61 5,529.99
Turnall SIM: ZH 104.36 2100.00 303.05 1,500 31,500.00 48.00 2.34 93.81 5,115.77
Unifreight Banking SACL: ZH 4300.00 2800.00 1400.00 32,100 928,200.00 -521.03 -15.27 232.71 2,562.62
Willdale Consumer Services TRUW: ZH 300.08 52.50 98.75 636,100 332,885.00 2.37 4.74 149.28 16,256.08
ZB TSL: ZH 1400.00 98.00 3800.00 1,300 1,276.00 -6.21 -5.95 225.86 2,467.40
Zeco Consumer Goods TURN: ZH 98.58 4300.00 102,600 4,411,800.00 - - 7426.88 376.96
Zimpapers Industrials UNIF: ZH 3800.00 300.00 0.03 5,900 17,880.00 2.97 0.99 208.59 15,355.41
Zimplow WILD: ZH - 180.00 - - - - 58.33 1,494.16
ZHL Consumer Services ZBFH: ZH 0.03 98.75 678.18 6,800 6,715.00 0.17 0.17 50.00 1,490.64
TOTAL Basic Materials ZECO: ZH 175.38 3800.00 215.77 200 7,600.00 - - 83.67 1,755.78
ZIMP: ZH 682.86 - - - - - 35.64 6,657.24
Consumer Goods ZIMPLOW: ZH 206.50 180.00 700 1,260.00 4.62 2.63 -31.17
Consumer Goods ZHL: ZH 660.00 2,200 14,920.00 -4.68 -0.69 0.14
Consumer Services 235.00 3,300 7,120.50 9.27 4.49 1,036.80
Consumer Goods 4,810,900 1,616.65
80,180,399.10 3,308.49
Industrials
Industrials 502,292.99
Industrials

Banking
Industrials
Consumer Services
Industrials
Financial Services

ETFs OMTT.zw 179.58 179.00 178.29 3,778 6,735.62 -1.29 -0.72 77.90 142.63
Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 ETF

FINSEC Financial Services OMZIL 2730.00 - 3000.00 - - 270.00 9.89 13.21 2,490.35
Old Mutual Zimbabwe

VFEX (US cents) Consumer Goods SCIL:VX 20.00 - 18.00 251 45.18 -2.00 -10.00 - US$m
SeedCo International 43.40

Index Close Change (%) Open YTD % Top 5 Risers Price Change % YTD %
ZSE All Share GBH
Top 10 4,270.34 -0.25 4,280.98 +62.41 NMBZ 75.75c +7.66c +11.25 +215.63
Top 15 2,479.11 +0.17 2,474.82 +49.84 CBZ 1030.00c +79.90c +8.41 +157.47
Small Cap 2,790.88 -0.47 2,803.95 +43.26 RTG 7461.04c +461.04c +6.59 -12.70
Medium Cap 47,343.47 +0.64 47,043.19 +298.64 FML +5.06
10,117.07 -0.98 10,217.35 +81.82 205.00c +9.88c +4.82 +6.91
1610.00c +74.00c +53.33

Top 5 Fallers Price Change % YTD %
Simbisa
Dairibord 2891.59c -521.03c -15.27 +140.61
Truworths 1264.81c -81.47c -6.05 -3.45
Ariston -6.21c -5.95
Innscor 98.15c -9.57c -5.19 +232.71
175.00c -2.21 +30.60
6549.29c -148.27c +76.87

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 News Analysis Page 31

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Mnangagwa entrenches authoritarian rule

NYASHA CHINGONO President Emmerson Mnangagwa. community, the Zimbabwean
government remains head-
THE incarceration of oppo- abuses between March and lan Moyo, have spent months Although there were a few abuses.  strong and continues clamping
sition MDC Alliance activist September 2020. in remand prison, only to be voices of reason whose warn- This has affected the re-en- down on civil liberties. 
Makomborero Haruzivishe released following internation- ings went unheard under the
this week has all but con- Security forces assaulted de- al pressure.  euphoria of Mugabe’s removal, gagement drive, which has Haruzivishe, one of the
firmed President Emmerson fenceless citizens with clubs for the international community gone off the rails as goodwill youths who expressed disgust
Mnangagwa’s unwillingness to violating Covid-19 curfews, as Other opposition activists was also complicit in sanitising dissipates under international at the abduction of fellow
reform as his regime continues confirmed by the report.  like Joana Mamombe, Cecelia the coup.  scrutiny.  student Tawanda Muchehiwa
to use lawfare to entrench re- Chimbiri and Netsai Maro- last year by confronting Im-
pression in Zimbabwe.  “From March to September, va have been arrested several Knowing the likely conse- From 1 August 2018, when pala Car Rental workers, is the
during a government-mandat- times on trumped-up charges. quences of the military coup, six civilians were shot dead in second student leader to be
Since taking over the reins ed lockdown due to Covid-19, They also allege to have been the international community central Harare, to the killing locked up for demanding clo-
in a military coup that toppled uniformed and plainclothes tortured and sexually assault- also celebrated the removal of of 17 in January 2019, cou- sure on the case. 
long-time leader Robert Mug- soldiers and police officers sys- ed during their abduction last Mugabe and expressed good- pled with a series of abduc-
abe in 2017, Mnangagwa has tematically used clubs to beat year.  will towards the new regime, tions in 2019 and the arrest Muchehiwa was abducted
continued to tread the ruinous civilians in the Harare central whose rhetoric was accepted of opposition activists, Mnan- in broad daylight in Bulawayo
path of repression and human business district and suburbs It is apparent that the “new” around the globe.  gagwa’s government has gone by suspected state agents and
rights abuses, including the for violating curfews, failure to dispensation’s rhetoric of re- for broke in clamping down driven to an unknown loca-
jailing of vocal opposition ac- wear masks, or failure to exer- forms and the “Zimbabwe is But three years into the new on civil liberties.  tion where he was tortured for
tivists.  cise social distance,” reads the Open for Business” mantra government, the international days. 
report.  has fallen off the rails as the re- community continues to deal Zimbabwe has made in-
Haruzivishe (28) was on gime has gone back to default with a headstrong regime, ternational headlines for the Political analyst Ibbo Man-
Tuesday sentenced to an effec- Mnangagwa has also em- settings.  which insists on playing in- wrong reasons, while other daza said under Mnangagwa,
tive 14 months in prison after ployed the carrot- and-stick ternational politics on its own progressive autocracies like Zimbabwe had degenerated
being convicted last week for approach, with those who re- Zimbabweans, including terms.  Rwanda continue to attract into an authoritarian regime
inciting violence and resisting fuse the carrot facing the full the opposition and civil so- billions of investments.  in the mould of the Smith era. 
arrest. wrath of the state.  ciety, were naïve to celebrate With reforms clearly out of
Mugabe’s removal through the the window, the Mnangagwa Therefore, Haruzivishe’s Mandaza said it was dis-
His incarceration is testi- Many political and human military coup.  regime continues to be brutal conviction is a culmination of graceful for Mnangagwa to
mony that Mnangagwa’s re- rights activists have been jailed on perceived opponents, while the state’s ploy to whip the op- reactivate authoritarian legis-
gime has not departed from for months without trial. Legitimising a coup will the security forces are accused position in line. lation to cow the opposition,
the iron-fisted approach of the remain a permanent dent in of perpetrating human rights adding that his counterparts in
Mugabe era. If anything, re- Student leaders, like Zimbabwe’s history.  Despite overtures of good- government should advise him
pression has gone a notch up Takudzwa Ngadziore and Al- will from the international against clamping down on civ-
since the coup, given the spate il liberties. 
of kidnappings and torture
targeting comedians, political “That is how this regime
and human rights activists and reacts. That is how they have
ordinary Zimbabweans. compromised the judiciary.
The idea is shut them down,”
According to state papers, Mandaza said, adding that
Haruzivishe mobilised mem- Haruzivishe’s detention had
bers of the public to revolt energised the opposition. 
against the police officers. His
incarceration sparked skir- “When we were detained
mishes outside Harare magis- during Rhodesian days, we got
trates’ court.  energised. People like Emmer-
son should know that. But for
Like Mugabe, who main- some of us to see a repeat of
tained a tight grip on state the Rhodesian days is disgrace-
power through the abuse of ful,” Mandaza said. 
security forces and the judicia-
ry, Mnangagwa has upped the In a tweet, MDC Alliance
ante on human rights abuses vice-president Tendai Biti said
to silence dissenting voices.  Zimbabwe had descended into
pre-independence fascism. 
Mnangagwa’s government
has, since 2017, used the “The more things change
country’s courts to settle po- the more they remain the
litical scores, especially those same. The 60s was a sad pe-
who refuse to be co-opted.  riod in which colonial regime
captured the law used against
The youths in the MDC thousands of nationalists who
Alliance and other pressure were jailed without cause.41
groups have suffered under the years into independence Zim-
heavy handedness.   babwe has descended back
into pre-independence fas-
Last week, The NewsHawks cism,” Biti said. 
published a US State Depart-
ment report on human rights, Stephen Chan, professor of
which exposes state repression world politics at University of
in 2020, that included impris- London’s School of Oriental
onment, abduction, and as- and African Studies, said cur-
sault of political activists.   rent repression is lamentable. 

According to the Zimbabwe “It is in many ways more
Human Rights Report, 2020, lamentable. Now we have elite
compiled by the US State members of a black majority
Department, Zimbabwean that is slowly but surely re-
security forces were involved fusing to recognise the equal
in widespread human rights rights of other members of the
black majority,” Chan said.

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Page 32 Opinion NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

ConCourt judges heated debate
over Bill opens Pandora’s Box

FOLLOWING the unconstitutional passing of Constitutional Amendment Bill (N0.1) on 1 August 2017 without the legally required two-thirds majority, oppo-
sition MPs Innocent Gonese and Jessie Majome, now with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, separately challenged the purported new Act gazetted on
7 September 2017. The two cases were consolidated and heard in the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) in January 2018. Judgment was delivered on 31 March
2020, saying the Bill was unconstitutional as there was no two-majority required to pass it. But then, in a judgment written by Chief Justice Luke Malaba the
ConCourt issued a directive to senate to restore the Bill and redo the voting process. It gave senate 180 days to do so. However, when this grace period was about to
elapse on 28 September 2020, senate on 25 September 2020 lodged two applications at the ConCourt, one seeking a further extension of the 180-day period and
an urgent ex parte chamber application for a provisional order extending the 180-day period, while also suspending the coming into effect of the court’s declaration
of invalidity of the Bill. The ex parte, which is an application without notice to other interested parties, was granted on 28 September 2020. Parliament cited the
Covid-19-induced lockdown as a reason for failure to comply with the court order, although, for a long period, parliament continued meeting despite the lockdown.

Parliament later introduced online sessions. Three ConCourt judge, Rita Makarau, Bharat Patel and Annie-Marie Gowora, heard the substantive application
on 10 November 2020 before granting another 90-day extension in a judgement delivered on 25 February 2021, offering the Bill a new lifeline. This led to the
6 April passing of the unconstitutionally restored Bill. However, the three judges were locked an in interesting debate, which opned a Pandora’s Box, hence Patel’s

separate judgment and Gowora’s dissenting ruling. Find below the judgments which were delivered as one package:

Judgment No. CCZ 01/21
Court Application No. CCZ 11/20

REPORTABLE (01)
(1) THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

(2) PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
(3) THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

v
(1) INNOCENT GONESE (2) JESSIE MAJOME
(3) THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(4) THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF ZIMBABWE
MAKARAU AJCC, GOWORA AJCC & PATEL AJCC HARARE: NOVEMBER 10, 2020 & FEBRUARY 25, 2021

A. Demo with K. Tundu for applicants
T. Biti for first respondent

No appearance for second respondent, No appearances for third and fourth respondents

MAKARAU AJCC:

Introduction Justice Rita Makarau was not reached in that House. 2. The applicant’s allegations (No 1) of 2017 was passed be The application was set down
On 31 March 2020, this Court different legislative stages through (b) The Senate is directed to that there was no vote in the Na- and is hereby dismissed for lack before us for determination.
handed down judgment number which the amendment Bill passed tional Assembly on 25 July 2017 of merit.
CCZ 4/2020, disposing of two as the singular order that was is- conduct a vote in accordance when Constitutional Amend- The jurisdiction of this Court
applications made by the first sued by the Court under judg- with the procedure for amend- ment Bill (No1) of 2017 was 4. There is no order as to costs.” Whilst the issue of the jurisdic-
and second respondents against ment number CCZ 4/2020 in ing the Constitution prescribed passed be and is hereby dismissed The one hundred and eighty tion of this Court did not arise,
the applicants and the third and respect of both applications reads: by s 328 (5) of the Constitution for lack of merit. days stipulated in para (b) of the I wish to explain in passing that
fourth respondents under cas- within one hundred and eighty order commenced to notwithstanding that this appli-
es number CCZ 57/2017 and “(a) The proceedings in the days of this order, failing which 3. The applicant’s allegation run on 1 April 2020 and ex- cation relates to an order that was
58/2017 respectively. The two Senate on 01 August 2017 when the declaration of invalidity of that a two thirds majority was pired on or about 28 September issued by the full bench of this
applications, filed separately and Constitutional Amendment Bill Constitutional Amendment Bill not reached in the National As- 2020. The directive in that order Court, this Court, as presently
on different dates, were brought (No 1) of 2017 was passed be and (No 1) of 2017 in para 1 (a) shall sembly on 25 July 2017 when was not complied with for rea- constituted, has jurisdiction in
in terms of s 167 (2)(d) of the are hereby set aside, for the reason become final. Constitutional Amendment Bill sons that are set out in the appli- the matter.
Constitution as read with r 27 of that a two -thirds majority vote cants’ founding affidavit. Prior to 22 May 2020, the
the Constitutional Court Rules On 25 September 2020, upon Constitution required the full
2016, alleging that the second realising that the one hundred bench of this Court to sit in all
applicant had failed to fulfil the and eighty days would expire constitutional cases. Paragraph
obligation to pass Constitutional shortly thereafter, the applicants 18 (2) of the 6th schedule to the
Bill (No 1) of 2017 in accordance filed an urgent ex parte chamber Constitution, which was the gov-
with the Constitution. application in this Court secur- erning provision then and which
Judgment No. CCZ 01/21 ing, on 28 September 2020, a provided for the transition be-
Court Application No. CCZ provisional order extending the tween the repealed constitution
11/20 period and concomitantly further and the current Constitution,
The first application was filed in suspending the coming into effect provided that:
September 2017, before Consti- of the order of invalidity of the “Notwithstanding section
tutional Amendment Bill (No amendment to a date following 166, for seven years after the
1) of 2017 was presented to the the determination of this appli- publication date, the Constitu-
President for assent whilst the sec- cation. On 6 October 2020, the tional Court consists of the Chief
ond application was filed in De- provisional order was confirmed Justice and the Deputy Chief
cember 2017, after the Bill had with the consent of the parties. Justice; and seven other judges of
been assented to and had been Simultaneously with the ur- the Supreme Court; who must sit
gazetted as an Act of Parliament. gent ex parte application referred together as a bench to hear any
In view of the fact that the alle- to above, the applicants filed this constitutional case.”(The empha-
gations made in the two applica- application, seeking an order for sis is mine)
tions were the same and raised the the extension of the 180 days The above provision gave way
same issues for determination, within which the second ap- to s 166 of the Constitution,
the applications were consolidat- plicant had to comply with the temporarily held in abeyance by
ed and heard as one. directive of the court. The draft the transitional provisions of the
order did not seek an extension Constitution cited above, which
No import was attached to the of the suspension of the order in subs (3) grants this Court the
of invalidity of Constitutional requisite jurisdiction by provid-
Amendment Bill (No 1) of 2017.

NewsHawks Opinion Page 33

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

ing as follows: tional, as it will offend against the in charge of the constitutional than in the first appropriate pro- I venture to add for emphasis that tation of s 147 of the Constitu-
“Cases before the Constitu- provisions of s 147 of the Con- amendment agenda. In the words ceeding filed in the suit. For the only this Court, in a future and tion is the cause of action.
stitution. of counsel, the applicants could first respondent, such appropriate appropriate constitutional matter,
tional Court- not be dominus litis in this appli- proceeding was the opposing af- may overrule or depart from its The order of 31 March 2020,
(a) concerning alleged in- Section 147 of the Consti- cation but the third respondent fidavit. previous order. This application is whilst final, is not binding on this
tution provides that upon the could and ought to have been. not such a case where the court Court.
fringements of a fundamental hu- dissolution of Parliament, all It is therefore my conclusion can overrule or depart from its
man right or freedom enshrined proceedings pending at the time It presents itself clearly to me and finding on the first point in previous order. It is therefore my conclusion in
in the Constitution in Chapter of dissolution are terminated and that had this application been limine that the applicants have relation to the second preliminary
4, or concerning the election of a every Bill, motion, petition or an application to this Court at the locus standi to bring this ap- Accepting as we must, that the issue that the constitutionality of
President or Vice President, must other business lapses. It was thus first instance, without any back- plication. constitutionality or otherwise of the order sought in this applica-
be heard by all the judges of the pressed upon us that Constitu- ground to it, wherein the appli- the order made by this Court on tion does not arise for determina-
court; tional Amendment Bill (No 1) of cants were seeking an order grant- I turn to the next issue. 31 March 2020 does not arise for tion in this matter as any such de-
2017 lapsed when the 8th Parlia- ing them leave or power to pass Whether the order sought in debate and cannot be debated by termination will entail revisiting
(b) other than the cases re- ment was dissolved to make way Constitutional Amendment No this application is unconstitu- this Court in this application, the and reviewing the earlier decision
ferred to in paragraph (a), must for the general elections of 2018. 1 Bill, or any other legislation for tional issue that then exercises the mind of this Court made in the same
be heard by at least three judges The argument concluded by urg- that matter through the Senate, is how to debate the constitution- matter.
of the court;….” ing us to find that the Bill the first respondent’s argument It was contended, and spirit- ality of the order sought in this
might have detained us. edly so, that this Court is ham- application without by implica- I now proceed to determine
It is further common cause cannot be legitimately voted strung from issuing the order tion reviewing and debating the the last issue.
that s 176 of the Constitution, into an Act of Parliament by the It is common cause that this sought as such an order would be constitutionality of the order of Whether the applicants have
grants inherent jurisdiction to 9th Parliament which is currently application is not an application unconstitutional in that it would 31 March 2020. made out a case for the exten-
this Court to protect and regulate in session. at first instance. It is not laying offend against the provisions of s sion of time within which
its own processes in addition to out a new cause for our determi- 147 of the Constitution. I have not been able to find a the Senate is to vote Constitu-
developing the law in the interests Regarding the merits of the nation. It is based on the two ap- legal principle by which this can tional Amendment Bill (No 1)
of justice and in accordance with application, the first respondent plications that I referred to above. Quite clearly, the argument be achieved. This is so because the in accordance with the
the Constitution. argued that the Senate had more It is seeking to extend the lifespan attacked the alleged constitution- application before us is not for Constitution
than twenty sittings between the of part of the order that was given ality of the extension sought. It the issuance of a new or fresh or-
This application, being an ap- date of the judgment and the in those earlier proceedings. In a correctly did not seek to attack der. It is an application to extend The applicants’ case is simple.
plication to extend the lifespan expiry of the stipulated one hun- very broad sense, it can and ought the constitutionality of the order the lifespan of part of the order It is based on facts that are largely
of an order given earlier by the dred and eighty days and could to be regarded as a continuum of made on 31 March 2020. This given on 31 March 2020. common cause.
Court, is an incident of the exer- have, had it so desired, com- the earlier proceedings. is because the order of the Court
cise of the inherent jurisdiction of plied with the order of the Court given on 31 March 2020 is final, Having failed to find any prin- The order of this Court was
this Court to control and regulate during any one of these sittings. As indicated above, the back- being a decision of an apex court ciple in the circumstances of this handed down on 31 March
its own processes. The dates of such sittings and the ground and context to this ap- on constitutional matters. It is application that I can invoke to 2020. A national lockdown in
number of Senators in attendance plication are common cause. The not subject to any further review separate the order sought in this response to the corona virus
I return to the application. at each sitting were given. It was applicants, together with the third or appeal. application from the order that pandemic took effect on 1 April
The application thus argued that the restrictions and fourth respondents, were re- was made on 31 March 2020, I 2020. The Senate commenced
In the founding affidavit, the imposed by the lock-down reg- spondents before this Court un- The law protecting the integ- am constrained to rule against the sitting on 5 May 2020 after the
applicants made one material ulations on the business of the der cases number CCZ57/2018 rity of decisions of apex courts is second point in limine, because second applicant was declared to
averment. They averred that the Senate were but an excuse for the and CCZ58/2018 respectively. settled. It is an integral principle it is incompetently raised. Any be an essential service. The regu-
judgment of the court number indifference of the Senate to the Their participation in those pro- of the rule of law and is manifest finding by this Court that the lations in force then did not allow
CCZ 4/2020 was handed down court order. ceedings was not and could not in the doctrine of judicial prece- order sought in this application gatherings of more than 50 per-
one day before a national lock- The issues have been doubted or challenged dent or stare decisis. The rationale violates the Constitution is by sons. On the basis of these facts,
down was imposed in response to The issues that arise for determi- as they had been called upon to of the doctrine is basically the implication a finding that the or- the applicants seek for more time
the threat of and to contain the nation in this application are clear defend the allegation that the sec- need to ensure certainty in the der of the Court as handed down within which to comply with the
spread of the corona virus. They cut. Two arise in limine. These are ond applicant had failed to fulfil a law and finality in litigation. on 31 March 2020 was unconsti- directive.
further averred that the regula- firstly, whether the applicants constitutional obligation. tutional. I refrain from making
tions that were enacted to enforce have locus standi to bring this In s 167 (1), the Constitution such a finding in deference to the An application for time within
the lock-down initially banned application, and secondly, wheth- They had the right to be heard provides that this Court is the principle protecting the finality of which to comply with an order of
the sittings of the Senate total- er the order of extension sought in defence of the second appli- apex court in all constitutional the decisions of the Constitution- court is akin to an application for
ly as the second respondent was in this application is unconsti- cant in fulfilment of the demands matters, while in s 169 (1) it pro- al Court. extension of time within which
not classified as an essential ser- tutional. On the merits, there is of the audi alteram partem rule, vides that the Supreme Court is to comply with a rule of court.
vice provider. It was barred from only one issue. This is whether an integral principle of natural the final court of appeal save in The integrity of the decisions The factors that a court takes into
convening at all for any business. the applicants have made out a justice. matters over which the Consti- of this Court on constitutional consideration are well known.
Later, the regulations were re- case for the extension of para- tutional Court has jurisdiction. matters must be preserved at all They include the length of the
laxed to allow the second appli- graph (b) of the order. They partially lost the case but I digress briefly and for compar- times and against all other con- delay and the reasonableness of
cant to convene for business but by no means did they lose their ative purposes to note that the siderations. the explanation for the delay.
restricted the number who could I now turn to discuss the issues standing as parties in the suit. provisions of 169 (1) in turn form
lawfully attend any one sitting to in seriatim. Their status as parties in those the basis of s 26 of the Supreme I come to the above conclusion The argument by the first re-
less than 50 Senators, a number proceedings and in proceedings Court Act which provides that: notwithstanding the fact that this spondent that the Senate did
below the requisite quorum for Whether the applicants have ancillary and connected thereto Court, like the other organs of meet with the requisite quorum
the passing of a constitutional locus standi did not terminate at any stage “26 Finality of decisions of Su- state, has an obligation to ensure on a number of days loses sight
amendment Bill. As a result, the during or after the proceedings. preme Court that the provisions of the Con- of the fact that the relevant regu-
applicants averred that the Senate The first respondent invoked stitution are always venerated. lations did not permit such meet-
could not sit to comply with the the application of the principle Once clothed with standing as (1) There shall be no appeal This Court is the guardian of the ings and any business transacted
directive of the court within the of separation of powers as the sole respondents in the earlier suit, the from any judgment or order of Constitution. Its role in uphold- at such meetings risked being
period stipulated in the order. basis upon which to challenge applicants retained such standing the Supreme Court. ing the rule of law must never challenged as being in violation
the standing of the applicants to for the present application, which be doubted. In this regard I have of the law. This court cannot rec-
Only the first respondent op- bring this application. He cor- as I have stated above, is a contin- (2) The supreme court shall again been guided by the remarks ognise that Parliament could have
posed the application. On 20 Oc- rectly observed that the Consti- uation of the cause between the not be bound by any of its judg- by the Chief Justice in Lytton met in violation of the law.
tober 2020, counsel for the third tution recognises and provides for parties ments, rulings or opinions nor by Investments (Private) Limited v
and fourth respondents wrote to the separation of powers among those of any of its predecessors.” Standard Chartered Bank Zimba- In my view, the delay by the
the Registrar of this Court advis- the organs of state. He further The doctrine of separation of bwe Limited and Another (supra) applicants was not inordinate and
ing that he did not file opposing drew the Court’s attention to the powers, solely raised in the first Discussing the principles that where he had this to say about the the explanation for the delay is
papers for the third and fourth re- provision of the Constitution respondent’s opposing affidavit as emerge from the above provi- Constitutional Court: reasonable.
spondents as they did not intend which reposes in the executive the the basis of the first point in li- sion, the Chief Justice in Lyttton
to oppose the order sought by the function to prepare, initiate and mine, cannot operate to rob the Investments (Private) Limited v “The court is a specialised in- The extension must be grant-
applicants. The letter was a cour- implement national legislation. applicants of standing in the cir- Standard Chartered Bank Zim- stitution, specifically constituted ed.
tesy to the Court. He argued that the applicants, cumstances of this matter. babwe Limited and Another SC as a constitutional court
representing the legislature, had CCZ 11/18 had this to say at p Regarding costs, there appears
In addition to opposing the no such function and therefore In his written submissions and 22 of the judgement: with the narrow jurisdiction to be no justification for depart-
application on its merits, the first did not have the necessary man- in oral argument before us, coun- of hearing and determining con- ing from the general
respondent raised two prelimi- date to enable them to comply sel for the first respondent further “A decision of the Supreme stitutional matters only. It is the
nary issues. with the court order. challenged the locus standi of the Court on any non-constitutional supreme guardian of the Con- rule against making an order
applicants on the basis that there matter in an appeal is final. stitution and uses the text of the of costs in constitutional matters.
It was contended firstly that It was the essence of the first is no resolution of the second ap- Constitution as its yardstick to None has been pressed upon us
the applicants had no locus standi respondent’s argument that Par- plicant to bring this application No court has power to alter the assure its true narrative force. It by the applicants.
to procure the relief sought. It was liament, particularly the Senate on its behalf. decision of the Supreme Court uses constitutional review pre- Disposition
argued, both in the opposing affi- as a chamber of Parliament, could on a non-constitutional matter. dominantly, albeit not exclusively, In view of the delay that has al-
davit and in the oral submissions not be foisted with the power of Whilst the absence of a resolu- Only the Supreme Court can de- in the exercise of its jurisdiction.” ready ensued in deciding the fate
by counsel, that the passage of piloting a Bill through the house tion to bring the application on part from or overrule its previous of Constitutional
constitutional bills in the Senate as that would blur the lines de- behalf of the second applicant decisions, ruling or opinion on a Whilst being keenly aware of
is, in accordance with the princi- marcating the mandate of the leg- would go towards the authori- non- constitutional matter.” the challenges facing the order Amendment Bill No. 1 of
ples of the separation of powers islature from that of the executive ty of the persons purporting to of this Court as granted on 31 2017, it is not desirable that the
among the three arms of state, the in violation of the doctrine of the represent it rather than the locus Whilst the Constitutional March 2020, the principle pre- uncertainty in the supreme law
prerogative of the executive separation of powers. standi of the second aplicant, I Court Act is yet to be promulgat- serving the integrity of the deci- remains for much longer. A peri-
dismiss this contention on the ed, the absence of the sions of this Court od of ninety days will be sufficient
which is given the function To complete the argument, it basis that the absence of a resolu- to enable the second applicant to
to prepare, initiate and to imple- was pressed upon us that the third tion authorising the bringing of equivalent of s 26 of the Su- and protecting the finality of put its house in order regarding
ment national legislation by respondent, who was a party to the application on behalf of the preme Court Act for the Consti- decisions of this Court as the apex the proper constitutional pro-
the proceedings under cases num- second applicant was not raised tutional Court is of no import. court on constitutional matters, cedures to adopt in the circum-
s 110 of the Constitution. The ber CCZ 57/17 and 58/17 re- in the first respondent’s opposing itself a constitutional precept, stances of this matter.
argument proceeded to urge us spectively, ought to have filed the affidavit. The words of the Chief Justice must hold sway against all other
to hold that the applicants, rep- application seeking to extend the in the Lytton Investments case considerations in this matter. In Accordingly, I make the fol-
resenting the legislative organ of period within which to cure the It was only raised, and belated- (supra) on the finality of deci- adopting the stance that I have, I lowing order:
state, could not procure the relief defect attendant upon the pass- ly so, in the heads of argument. sions of the Supreme Court on take solace from the fact that the
sought as they lacked the man- ing of Constitutional Amend- It is the time-honoured rule of non-constitutional matters apply constitutionality of the order of 1. The application is granted.
date to initiate national legisla- ment Bill (No 1) of 2017 as the procedure in our courts that to with equal force to the finality of 31 March 2020, whist not debat- 2. The period referred to in
tion. executive, not Parliament, was guarantee a fair trial, the court the decisions of this Court on all able in this application, may be paragraph (b) of the order hand-
shall not allow any party to take constitutional matters. A decision debated in an appropriate matter ed down on 31 March 2020 is
Secondly, it was argued again the other by surprise by raising of the Constitutional Court on a in the future, where the interpre- extended by a further ninety days
in limine that the order sought issues for determination other constitutional matter is final. from the date of this order.
in this application is unconstitu- 3. Each party shall bear its own
No court has power to alter the costs.
decision of the Court. Only this
Court can depart from its previ-
ous decisions rulings or opinions.

Page 34 Opinion NewsHawks

GOWORA AJCC: Issue 25, 9 April 2021

I have perused the judg- been passed in accordance President Emmerson Mnangwagwa. the Senate to conduct “a vote
ment of my learned sister with the requirements of the on Bill No 1 of 2017” would
MAKARAU AJCC. I do not Constitution. cies of government at every provides that: requirements of the Consti- be to order as a
intend to set out the facts lev-el, and must be fulfilled ‘(1) Zimbabwe is founded tution.”
pertaining to the application The required number of by them.” court the doing of conduct
before the court as she has votes to pass the bill were on respect for the following When one has regard to which the Constitution itself
set those facts out succinctly. short resulting in the bill fail- On a proper construction values and the comments of PATEL JA has proscribed as being in-
I am constrained to disagree ing to pass the test. As a result of the above section, if Senate above, it becomes obvious consistent
with my learned sister judge the bill did not become law. is availed the opportunity to principles— that the Constitution de-
on certain aspects of the ap- sit, debate and vote on a bill (a) supremacy of the Con- mands strict compliance with with its own provisions. In
plication and the conclusions The first respondent has that is no longer in existence stitution; all its provisions and one such effect it would be a negation
she has reached in respect of raised as a point in limine the would be to violate the Con- (b) the rule of law; provision is s 147. It impacts of the principle of constitu-
the same. application of s 147 to this ap- stitution itself. A vote on a on procedures in Parliament. tional supremacy. There is
plication. He contended that bill that has been declared (c) fundamental human Where processes demanded no Bill to debate or conduct
I agree with her conclu- as the bill never became law, by s 147 as having lapsed by rights and freedoms; of Parliament are found not a vote on. S 2 (2) requires that
sions as to the jurisdiction in essence it must be consid- virtue of the dissolution of to be in strict adherence with all persons including judi-
of the court as constituted to ered as a pending bill under Parliament would in my view (d) …; the requirements of the Con- cial institutions observe and
hear the matter. In my view, s 147. On a proper construc- be inconsistent with s 147. I (e) …; stitution then those processes abide by the obligations set
her conclusions as to the ju- tion of the section, once it is wish to quote with respect the (f) …; must be adjudged as having out in the Constitution.
risdiction of the court as con- accepted that it was pending, view expressed by PATEL JA, (g) …; been inconsistent with the
stituted is in accordance with did not pass into law, it there- in Judicial Services Commis- (h) good governance; and Constitution. Therefore to the extent that
the provisions of s 166 of the fore stands to reason, so the sion v Zibani & Ors (i) …. the court would be inclined
Constitution. argument goes, that the must (2) The principles of good Currie & De Waal,1 in dis- to grant an order extending
have lapsed when Parliament SC 68/17 to the following governance, which bind the cussing s 2 of the South Af- the time frame in which the
I turn to the substance of was dissolved in July 2018. effect: State and all institutions and rican Constitution, an exact Senate is given leave to de-
the matter. agencies of government at ev- replica of section 2 of our bate a bill that is no longer
It is common cause that “Supremacy of the Consti- ery level, include— own Constitution, make the inexistence by virtue of s 147
The first respondent raised Parliament was dissolved in tution (a) …; observation that: would be to give effect to an
two points in limine, the first July 2018 to make way for (b) …; order that is inconsistent with
being that the applicants general elections which took It is axiomatic that Zimba- (c) …; “The first principle, consti- s 147. This in my view, is im-
herein lack the requisite the place on 31 July 2018. Section bwe is a constitutional in con- (d) …; tutional supremacy, dictates permissible.
locus standi to bring the ap- 147 which the first respon- tradistinction to a parliamen- (e) observance of the prin- that the rules and principles
plication. The second point in dent relies on the argument tary democracy. See Biti & ciple of separation of powers; of the Constitution are bind- Turning to the issue of the
limineraised was to the effect that the order sought is un- Anor v Minister of Justice Le- (f) respect for the people of ing on all branches of the finality of orders of the court,
that the application is itself constitutional reads as fol- gal and Parliamentary Affairs Zimbabwe, from whom the state and have priority over I would not disagree with my
unconstitutional. lows: & Anor 2002 (1) ZLR 177 (S) authority to govern any other rules made by gov- learned sister on her con-
at 190A-B. This fundamental is derived; ernment, the legislature or clusions. The orders of the
MAKARAU AJCC found “147 Lapsing of Bills, mo- principle and its concomitant (g) transparency, justice, the courts. Any law or con- court are final. However, in
that the applicants do in fact tions, petitions and other legal ramifications and obli- accountability and respon- duct that is not in accordance this instance the order of 31
have the necessary locus business on dissolution of gations are codified in s 2 of siveness; with the Constitution, either March 2020 by this court is
standi to bring the applica- Parliament the Constitution as follows (h) …; for procedural or substantive not an issue for debate. Nei-
tion and I have no further ‘(1) This Constitution is the (i) …; reasons, will therefore not ther party sought to depart
comments to make on that On the dissolution of supreme law of Zimbabwe (j) …; have the force of law. Section from the order. The appli-
issue. Parliament, all proceedings and any law, practice, custom (k) …; and 2 of the Constitution gives cants approached the court
pending at the time are ter- or conduct inconsistent with (l) ….’ expression to the principle of seeking an indulgence for the
As to the second point, my minated, and every Bill, mo- it is invalid to the extent of By virtue of the foregoing Constitutional supremacy. It due performance by them of
learned sister dismissed the tion, petition and other busi- the inconsistency. principles, the Constitution states that the ‘Constitution certain directions emanating
challenge to the constitution- ness lapses.” demands strict compliance is the supreme law of the Re- from the order in question.
ality of the application and (2) The obligations im- with its substantive provi- public; law or conduct incon- The contention on the part of
went on to find that the appli- As a result of the dec- posed by this Constitution sions and all laws enacted un- sistent with it is invalid, and the first respondent, as I un-
cants had made out a case laration of invalidity by are binding on every person, der its aegis. It also demands the obligations imposed by it derstand it, is that the direc-
this Court, Constitutional natural or juristic, including meticulous adherence to the must be fulfilled’.” tion can no
for the grant of the appli- Amendment Bill No 1 never the State and all executive, procedures and processes
cation. It is the finding of the became law. By parity of rea- legislative and judicial insti- prescribed under the Con- The process by which the longer be given effect to by
constitutionality of the appli- soning it would then revert to tutions and agencies of gov- stitution. These principles Senate passed Amendment virtue of the lapse of the bill
cation and the consequential a bill pending before the Sen- ernment at every level, and bind everyone, including the Bill No 1 of 2017 was found by operation of law. The order
grant of the order sought that ate for the conduct of a proper must be fulfilled by them.’ appellant which, as an exec- by the Court as having been is not being interfered with in
I respectfully disagree with. vote as directed by this court. utive institution, is expressly in violation of the strict re- any manner. It is extant. The
In my respectful view, the It was inevitably affected by Section 3 of the Constitu- bound to comply with the quirements of the Constitu- time frame within which the
application is unconstitution- the dissolution of Parlia- tion enshrines the founding substantive and procedural tion. In this instance, to order applicants could have availed
al as argued and the grant of ment in that it automatically values and principles of Zim- themselves of the lifeline giv-
the application consequent lapsed. I am not dwelling on babwe. In its relevant parts it en to them under the order
thereto cannot be sustained. when the order was grant- having elapsed, and the bill
ed. It was invalid by process itself having lapsed the direc-
My reasons for dissenting of law from not having been tion cannot be given effect to.
with my learned sister are the passed in accordance with This application cannot re-
following. the Constitution. Thus, there suscitate something that has
is no bill to debate and vote expired.
It is not in dispute that on on. The Senate would have to
31 March 2020 the Constitu- commence the process afresh The first respondent has
tional Court sitting as a full following the setting aside of not touched on the order it-
bench declared that the pass- the proceedings by which the self. All that has been argued
ing of Constitutional Amend- invalid votes were garnered. is that the indulgence sought
ment Bill No 1 of 2017 by the can no longer be granted due
Senate Section 147 must be given to the provisions of s 147.
effect to. There is no bill left Therefore the contention
on 1 August 2017 was in- to debate. Any attempt by the made is that the grant of the
consistent with the provi- Senate to debate and vote a indulgence is itself inconsis-
sions of the Constitution. The bill that has lapsed by oper- tent with the Constitution.
proceedings by the Senate of ation of law is in violation of
the day in question were set the I must agree with the first
aside. The Senate was direct- respondent. The order of in-
ed to conduct a vote in ac- Constitution itself. The validity as regards the bill
cordance with the procedure Constitution protects itself. cannot be ignored. This is the
for amending the Constitu- Section 2 tells us so in clear first premise in the consid-
tion within one hundred and and unequivocal terms. It eration of the application. It
eighty days from the date of provides: was
the order. This was not done
which is the reason for the “2 Supremacy of Constitu- adjudged as being invalid.
application to court for an tion That said the bill cannot be
extension of time to conduct resuscitated through this ap-
the vote. (the emphasis is (1) This Constitution is the plication. It lapsed by opera-
mine) supreme law of Zimbabwe tion of law. The grant of the
and any law, practice, application in these circum-
In my view the order of 31 stances would be inconsistent
March 2020 is not an issue custom or conduct in- with the Constitution. A re-
for determination before the con-sistent with it is invalid fusal to grant the application
court. What is critical is the to the extent of the inconsis- has no impact on the order of
effect that section 147 of the tency. 31 March 2020.
Constitution has on the ap-
plication before us. (3) The obligations im- For the above reasons, it is
posed by this Constitution my view that the application
In its judgment of 21 are binding on every person, should be dismissed with no
March 2020 the full bench order as to costs.
found as a fact that Amend- natural or juristic, in-
ment Bill Number 1 had not clud-ing the State and all
executive, legislative and ju-
dicial institutions and agen-

NewsHawks Opinion Page 35

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

PATEL AJCC:

I have read and carefully “the bill cannot be resuscitat- invalid to the extent of the Chief Justice Luke Malaba. distinct matter that might even if carried out purport-
considered the lead judgment ed through this application. inconsistency. The ineluctable the predominantly procedural arise for determination in the edly in compliance with the
and dissenting opinion of It lapsed by operation of law. consequence of this principle stance adopted by Makarau future, where such departure order of this Court.
my learned sisters, Makarau The grant of the application is that anything done by Par- AJCC in the determination is appropriate and justified.
AJCC and Gowora AJCC, in these circumstances would liament that is contrary to the of this application. I do so for It cannot be departed from Consequently, in the event
respectively. be inconsistent with the Con- provisions of the Constitu- the following reasons and in in the same matter, as is the that they decide to pro-
stitution”. tion, including s 147, would accordance with the principles case with the application ceed with the Constitution
I find myself in the invid- be invalid and unconstitu- that she has fully and ably before us, wherein the original Amendment Bill (No. 1), they
ious position of having to cannot but agree with tional to the extent of such expounded. cause of action has remained would be obligated to do so,
agree with both, substantially Gowora AJCC that the inconsistency. Nonetheless, in unaltered. not only in accordance with
in respect of the former and supremacy of the Constitu- the particular circumstances It must be emphasised the voting requirements pre-
partially as regards the latter. tion, as enshrined in s 2 of of this matter, despite the that the order granted by this In my view, the same con- scribed in s 328 of the Consti-
the Constitution, dictates clear substantive implications Court on 31 March 2020 siderations must also apply to tution but also in conformity
The critical issue in con- that any law, practice, custom of s 2 of the Constitution, I is nothing less than a final any extension of the original with any other relevant and
tention concerns the second or conduct that is inconsis- am inclined to concur with order. As such, it may only order, founded on the same applicable constitutional
point in limine taken by the tent with the supreme law is be reviewed or overruled by cause of action and granting injunction, including the legal
first respondent, to the effect this Court in a separate and essentially the same relief. It ramifications of s 147 of the
that the order sought in this follows that the constitution- Constitution.
application is unconstitutional ality of the order sought by
as it will offend the provisions the applicants in casu cannot Finally, although this aspect
of s 147 of the Constitution. be challenged or debated in is not directly pertinent in
Section 147 stipulates that: this particular application. casu, I should point out for
It also follows that there is the sake of completeness
“On the dissolution of nothing to preclude the grant that certain provisions in the
Parliament, all proceedings of the indulgence and relief Constitution Amendment Bill
pending at the time are termi- sought by the applicants, (No. 2) of 2019, relating to
nated, and every Bill, motion, which relief is apparently judicial appointments under
petition and other business unassailable on the merits. s 180 of the Constitution, are
lapses.” predicated on the provisions
Having taken the position of the earlier Constitution
In dismissing the second that I have, I am nevertheless Amendment Bill (No. 1)
point in limine, Makarau constrained to caution that having been duly enacted in
AJCC concludes that “the their present form. This is
constitutionality of the order their success in this appli- an aspect that the applicants
sought in this application cation does not constitute any would need to consider and
does not arise for determi- licence for the applicants to take into account in proceed-
nation in this matter as any violate the requirements of ing with either or both of the
such determination will entail the Constitution or to disre- Bills concerned.
revisiting and reviewing the gard any of its provisions. This
earlier decision of this Court point was aptly underscored To conclude, I would for
made in the same matter”. in the case of Nkomo & Ors the aforestated reasons grant
On the other hand, Gowora v T M Supermarkets (Private) the present application in ac-
AJCC takes the position that Limited CCZ 4/19, where cordance with the order made
the Constitution Amendment this Court held that anything by Makarau AJCC as set out
Bill (No. 1) of 2017 “was in- done in contravention of the above.
evitably affected by the disso- Constitution is a nullity.
lution of Parliament in that it Chihambakwe Mutizwa
automatically lapsed” and that Therefore, any act or & Partners, applicants’ legal
“there is no bill to debate and conduct by the applicants in practitioners.
vote on”. The learned judge direct violation of the Con-
accordingly concludes that stitution will remain a nullity, Tendai Biti Law, 1st re-
spondent’s legal practitioners

Page 36 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Cabo Delgado: Unfolding pan-African crisis

DR WILLIAM JETHRO MPOFU the real terrorists. against tyranny and corrup- Department as a key affiliate African country. They were promise of freedom, equality
What we get to see are tion to the defence of truth of the Islamic State of Iraq neither formed by ISIS nor and some, justice and power
THAT terrorism is morph- and God. Much like in Cabo and Syria (ISIS). This group did they join ISIS, no. ISIS for the poor, immiserated,
ing from a political pandem- runners and foot soldiers. Delgado that provides rich began attracting attention identified them and joined dispossessed and displaced of
ic to a historical endemic It is in that way that terror- pickings in gas and other in 2017 when it started at- them, gave them military the country.
in Africa can no longer be ism is actually systemic and mineral resources, terror- tacking rural police stations training, weapons, vehicles, A pan-African crisis
doubted. structural. Shooting at and ist groups always sprout and commit murders. Before religio-political ideology and I am not about to commit
eliminating individuals and and thrive where immense that, it was a collective of a name. Otherwise they were the easy analytical crime of
What can be doubted groups of the foot soldiers resources such as oil and angry youths, small-scale originally birthed by local isolating Africa for blame for
is if Africa will not soon and runners of terrorism other minerals are being fishermen, petty traders and Mozambican, and African, the spread of terrorism in
replace the Middle East as does not even go near elim- harvested by multinational illegal miners that were mo- socio-economic and political the continent. In fact, it is a
the hotbed of terrorism in inating the growing system. corporations and local polit- bilised by their open feeling problems. relevant observation to make
the world. As I write, more Recent diabolic terrorist ical and economic elites in of neglect and marginali- that like other problems
than 16 African countries attacks in the province of territories populated by poor sation by the Mozambican It is not only to simpli- terrorism is not exactly an
are battling serious terrorist Cabo Delgado (Cape of and miserable local people government. fy truth but also to ignore African problem but one of
insurgencies of different Delgado) in Mozambique that get infuriated by the important reality to adopt the many problems that the
names. are only symptomatic of a “theft” of their wealth and Some of their key ini- the belief that international world has caused and loaded
rapidly growing terrorist pollution of the environment tial militants were former terrorists invaded and are onto the continent.
The countries include and extremist inferno in the and destruction of plant police officers and expelled settling in Mozambique.
Mozambique, Mali, Ken- continent of Africa. and animal life by titanic soldiers that were angry Some local political and eco- A small but meaningful
ya, Uganda, Chad, Burki- profiteers. Most terrorist with government. In origin, nomic grievances of ignored illustration of this is that
na Faso, Niger, Somalia, The troubling African groups do not understand or they were mainly local and marginalised individuals weapons that the North
Nigeria, Cameroon and the historical and political con- carry themselves as aggres- Mozambican natives from and communities created a Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Democratic Republic of the dition of failing states, tinpot sors and victimisers but they the districts of Mocimba da social climate that incubated (Nato) allies freely distrib-
Congo (DRC). The long list tyrannies, corrupt faction- see themselves as victims and Praia, Palma and Macomia. and produced terror. uted to disparate groups of
does not include countries alist and partisan regimes, messianic liberators. For arms, they first appeared militants and rebels that were
such as South Africa and ethnic fiefdoms, political and with knives, axes, machetes, In Mozambique, as it is fighting Muammar Gaddaffi
Tanzania that are understood economic cartels, consti- The terrorist insurgency catapults and other forms of in the rest of Africa, ISIS in Libya in 2011 have been
by world intelligence organi- tute fertile ground for the in Cabo Delgado is rich not slingshots. is identifying rich gaps and found in the hands of terror-
sations and other researchers cultivation and irrigation of only in tragedy and sadness opportunities for its ambi- ists in Mali, Chad, Nigeria
as countries where terrorist terrorist groups. for Africans but also tell- The government initially tion to envelop the globe. and Niger, and no doubt
masterminds sleep, keep low ing historical and political worried about them, but In that way, African govern- some of the militants and
profiles, run businesses to These groups are known to lessons to be urgently learnt, largely ignored them as a ments with their negligence, their guns will be found in
raise funds and plan attacks rise in their self-understand- and the learning mobilised ragtag group of local mal- corruption and tyranny will Mozambique. What I seek to
in other countries. Behind ing as freedom fighters, fight- and utilised to prevent the contents that would soon die create catchment areas and lend emphasis to are African
the angry men in black ers against tyranny and evil, spread of terrorism to the off. Now they have power- “recruitment reservoirs” historical and political con-
hoods that carry weapons rebels against some native rest of the continent. ful and sophisticated guns, for terrorist groups. Most texts and conditions that are
and behead people, de- and settler colonialism, and What is Ahlu Sunnah Wal automatic rifles and mortar journalists and researchers permitting the spread and
stroy property and perform defenders of some betrayed Jamma? bombs. that are presently writing strength of terrorism in the
spectacular acts of cruelty traditions, cultures and even The group that is presently on the terrorist insurgency continent.
and evil, and are called religions. Some arise from terrorising Mozambique now Their recent ability to take in Mozambique have not
terrorists, there are master- land and territorial disputes calls itself Ahlu Sunnah Wal over towns and overpower sufficiently observed that What was the pan-Af-
minds, scholars, religious and project themselves as de- Jammah and has gone to be the national army is owed besides converting villagers rican dream of a United
gurus, military strategists, fenders of some motherlands recognised by the United to sophisticated military by use of force and fraud, States of Africa (USA) seven
ideologues, business moguls and fatherlands of different States of America’s State skills that they have come to Jamma is rapidly winning decades ago has collapsed
and funders, mercenaries and kinds. possess. Clearly their origins some Mozambican hearts to a nightmare of African
some rogue states that are and growth is something that and minds through the
They claim grand causes can very easily happen in any
that range from the struggle

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 37

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

divisions and disunity. What Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by conflict in northern provinces of Mozambique. historical and political, point
was a pan-African utopia has to the dark prospect that
been replaced by a dystopia not legally, politically and were good citizens of their Mnangagwa establishment, and friends to gain monop- Africa is soon to replace the
characterised by tyrannical militarily been brought up countries that suffered tor- Zimbabwean lives have been oly. Over the decades, civil Middle East as the hotbed
and corrupt governments to intervene in the crises of ture, abuse, humiliation and made not to matter. In fact, servants including teachers, of terrorism and the festivals
and disillusioned popula- neighbouring countries. Af- did not enjoy the protection the Zanu PF government doctors and nurses, the army, of cruelty and evil that come
tions, parts of which are rican bodies have not made of their governments and the from the end of settler colo- police and the intelligence with it. The simplicity of
angry enough to be recruited it a culture to intervene in world until they felt stateless nialism to date has worked have been impoverished and glibly mourning the coloni-
by or recruit themselves into terrorist crises in African and nationless, and became as a native colonialist regime immiserated. Unsurprisingly, sation of Africa by terrorists
terrorist groups. countries. Individually, Afri- ready to take their own lives that has expelled the major- recent United Nations sur- from elsewhere should not
can countries that frequently and those of others. ity of Zimbabweans from veys have observed Zimba- blind us to political, eco-
The failure of the coun- unleash state terror on their mainstream political and bweans in general to be some nomic and social conditions
tries of the continent to populations or systematically State terrorism does economic life using, among of the unhappiest people in that Africans have created to
economically and politically and habitually ignore the directly produce extra-state other evils, the weapon of the world. This happens as fertilise the continent for ter-
stand together and speak and state terror of other countries terrorism and one of the state terrorism. the government is advancing ror. We are headed for dark
act as one have opened the are not structured to fight pan-African ways of curbing legislation to compel Zimba- times, and indeed bloody
continent up for external and terror. In actuality, terror, es- the spread of terrorism in In the book Excelgate: bweans to be patriotic or face times.
much unfriendly winds. Afri- pecially state terror, has been the continent would be to How Zimbabwe’s 2018 Pres- prosecution.
can disunity and interstate naturalised and normalised stop tyrannical regimes that idential Election was Stolen, Western countries will
divisions have made Africa a in Africa to an extent that terrorise citizens in their Professor Jonathan Moyo, a Such countries in Africa bring boots on the ground
fragile continent and reduced the shooting of a group of countries. former government minister, where governments operate in the name of the respon-
the people of Africa into civilians for political reasons Zimbabwe: How to recruit reveals how a combination as native colonialists and sibility to protect besieged
vulnerable populations and has become part of the Afri- for terrorism of fraud and force has been practice state terrorism with Africans. Mercenaries and
individuals that do not enjoy can political weather. The terrorist mindset of in- used in Zimbabwe to system- impunity are without doubt private security companies
the protection of their states dividuals and extremist sensi- atically rig elections, ignore going to be recruitment with their enduring profit
or that of the continent in Outside the cover of the bility of groups is neither the political will of Zimba- havens for terrorist organi- motives will populate the
times of trouble such as state AU and Sadc, it is not easy natural nor normal. Terror- bweans and render positive sations and extremist groups continent in numbers and
terrorism and extra-state for any individual African ists are not born or destined political change impossi- that promise liberation, some of them will grow more
political extremism. country to intervene militari- as such, but are produced ble. Free, fair and credible equality, justice and power. powerful than governments.
ly in Mozambique because and conditioned by some elections in Zimbabwe are When citizens do not expe- Some terrorist organisations
The only strong unity that of the genuine fear of the experiences and realities of a presently impossible and rience any ownership and/ will infiltrate governments
is noticeable is when African revenge of terrorist groups social, political and religious opposition party politics are or belonging to the polity and political parties until Af-
governments agree together that would export terror specificity. a waste of time as Zanu PF and economy of any country, rica gets some governments
to look aside and do nothing to that particular country. will cling to power by fraud they become willing converts that covertly or overtly side
when some African govern- What would be desirable One of my principal and the bullet. for any force that promises with terrorist networks.
ments practice terrorism on is a pan-African military observations and arguments them the ability to fight back
their populations. solution that does not expose is that African governments The ruling party has tyran- even by illegitimate and evil Terrorists are known to
one or two African countries are largely going to fuel the nically monopolised political means. Terrorist movements create proxies and clients
The late Tanzanian pres- to being identified as new spread and stay of terror- life and power in the country are exactly that, the refuge of out of political parties and
ident Julius Nyerere spoke targets of attack by terrorist ism on the continent. Such in the true manner of how disempowered, dispossessed governments. New Pan-Afri-
a durable truth when he networks. native colonialism and state native colonialist regimes and angry people. canism that will involve the
noted that the Organisation terrorism as that which has operate. How the economy solidarity of African multi-
of African Unity (OAU) had However, Africa does not been normalised by the gov- has been monopolised by Besides their identity and lateral organisations with the
collapsed into a club of ty- presently enjoy enough unity ernment of Zimbabwe are the President, his family and reality as merchants of death, common people of Africa,
rants that united in keeping and determination to pro- going to be African political friends is reported in a recent almost all terrorists are sales- not just member govern-
power and protecting each duce a pan-African solution and social weaknesses that publication of the Maverick persons of some hope and ments and political regimes
other from the anger of their for problems in any individ- will work to supply, out of Citizen on Cartel Power destiny. The same way that in power, will be called for.
people. ual African country. As that persecuted citizens, ready Dynamics in Zimbabwe. communists of the previ-
happens, it is the ordinary vessels for terrorism. When Literally all major industries ous decades gave colonised, The struggle against state-
The African Union (AU) and poor people of Africa citizens of a country are con- in the country from mining oppressed and angry Africans and extra-state terrorism is
seems not to have recovered that find themselves exposed tinuously made to experience to the sale of fuel and food guns, money and military in actuality one struggle that
from that degeneration. to state and extra-state terror. that they have no share in are under the octopus grip skills to fight settler colonial will not be won in instal-
African multilateral organi- the economy and polity of a and monopoly of the Presi- regimes, the terrorists will ments but in full. What
sations that include regional The true pan-African country, they lose an essen- dent, his family and an elite reach out, and successfully chairman Mao Zedong
bodies such as the Southern struggle against terrorism tial sense of nationalism and clique of friends locally and so, for Africans living under meant by the words: “There
African Development Com- should offer not tolerance its essential accompaniment internationally. native colonialism. is great disorder under
munity (Sadc) are no differ- for any forms of terror in of the passion of patriotism Great disorder under the heaven? The situation is
ent in their tragic political Africa, including state terror. that must position them Some smaller businesses, heavens excellent”, is that even dark
habit of looking aside when Students of the phenomenon to love and defend their like local taxi companies and Things are bad. Not only bad and bloody times are an
their member governments of terrorism such as Barry country and its state. From cross-border transporters, are for Mozambique, but the opportunity for thought and
subject their people to state Davies have repeatedly made the Robert Mugabe regime being banned to allow com- whole African continent and positive action.
terrorism and extremism. the observation that most to the present Emmerson panies owned and controlled its troubled people. All signs,
terrorist foot soldiers and by people connected to the This upsurge of terror-
In 2018, after stealing an runners are otherwise what President and his family ism in Africa might be an
election by a combination of opportunity for imagining
fraud and force, Emmerson and actioning another Africa
Mnangagwa gunned down a that would be free of native
number of unarmed civil- colonialism, state terrorism
ians, injured and jailed many and extra-state terrorisms of
others in Zimbabwe. Yoweri all kinds. It is political wis-
Museveni, as late as January dom and right that should
2021, had some unarmed not be ignored any longer
Ugandans shot dead in the that problems of terror, state
streets. African countries or extra-state in any Afri-
looked aside and delved into can country are an African
what South Africa has nor- problem.
malised as “quiet diplomacy”
which is in political effect To continue to standby in
actually to do nothing to the name of respecting the
condemn state terrorism of sovereignty of other African
some African governments. countries when terror con-
The state terrorism of some sumes them is to unwittingly
African governments and continue to defend colonial
their leaders has given some borders that settler colonial-
acceptability to terror on the ists left behind, and it allows
continent. native colonialism to thrive
in Africa as some individual
To allow a government in states turn rogue.
Africa to slaughter unarmed
civilians for political reasons *About the writer: Dr
is to permit and normalise William Jethro Mpofu is
terror. As extra-state ter- a researcher at the Univer-
rorism escalates in Mo- sity of the Witwatersrand
zambique, other African in Johannesburg, South
countries seem reluctant or Africa. He is a senior
unable to intervene, among research associate of Good
many other reasons being Governance Africa (GGA),
that African countries such and a founder member of
as Mozambique are on Africa Decolonial Research
their own as the AU and Network (ADERN).
some regional bodies have

Page 38 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

JOSEPH HANLON Issue 25, 9 April 2021

THE leadership of Mozam- Mozambique’s Frelimo gambled
bique’s ruling party, Frelimo, everything on gas – and lost badly
was dazzled by gas. The
discovery of the second-largest Pemba airport, where injured displaced people from Palma, who took refuge in Afungi, have been airlifted to. These include women in labour, adults and children suffering
gas reserve in Africa in 2010 gunshot wounds, among other injuries sustained in attacks by rebel groups, in Pemba, Mozambique.
led the political and business
elite to believe Mozambique and delayed and has now said as early as 2012 for those moved against all fossil fuels, security inside a 25km cordon la province, plus Portuguese
would be like Abu Dhabi, production is unlikely. So, by linked to the US$2 billion including gas, and put huge around the gas project on the soldiers, to create a function-
Qatar or Kuwait. Gas would early this year, the dream of secret debt. From 2015, pressure on energy companies peninsula, including Palma ing army. 
make them fabulously wealthy 100mt/y had already fallen to contracts for hotel rooms, to move out of these fuels. where contract staff were
and the riches would trickle just 16mt/y. The gas bubble transport and myriad services based.  Total has other interests
down to ordinary people.  was deflating fast; work had for the gas companies, as Global politics also became in Africa; it has only spent a
begun on only a small part of well as mandatory shares in an issue. China, with its huge Nyusi staked his personal small part of the $20-billion
Poverty and inequality were the envisioned bonanza.  gas-linked foreign investment number of coal-fired power prestige and that of the nation project cost and can still walk
increasing, but there was no Patronage system projects, went to the local stations and commitment to on a promise of security. On away. Even if it returns, it will
reason to spend money on In Mozambique, the govern- Frelimo fixers. For others, the move to gas, had been seen the morning of Wednesday 24 demand a much more favour-
rural development because ment, Frelimo and business gas bonanza was always just as a major gas buyer. But US March, Total announced that able deal with Mozambique.
the gas bonanza would end are the same people, led by a around the corner.  sanctions against China and it trusted Nyusi’s promise and Alternatively, it could demand
poverty. Of course, the elites handful of oligarchs who are the US taking sides in the agreed to go back to work. that a foreign army control the
could take their share early, surrounded by a penumbra of Like all good con artists, Middle East led to China That afternoon the insurgents 25km security zone, similar
such as with the US$2 billion the Frelimo elite. They control those at the top had to keep seeking gas producers not walked and drove into Palma, to the Baghdad “green zone”
secret debt in 2012. The gas contracts, land and licenc- everyone believing the big aligned to the US and in inside the security cordon, in Iraq a decade ago, and that
windfall would benefit every- es, and thus the economy. pay-off was coming. Freli- March signing major long- unchallenged. There was no Mozambique pays the bills.
one by 2020, delayed to 2025 Frelimo is now run entirely mo’s gamble was that, like a term contracts with Iran and security protecting the town,
and then to 2030. The people according to a patron-client juggler, it could keep the balls Qatar. Both these issues have although 800 soldiers were ExxonMobil has already
would believe the dreams.  system. At each level, people in the air, hoping that no one hit the market, with projec- inside the walls at Afungi written off $20-billion in gas
service those above them, noticed that the project was tions for gas consumption protecting Total workers.  assets elsewhere in the world
But in Cabo Delgado they demand obeisance from those shrinking and delayed. With in 20 years dropping. Most and will not go ahead in Cabo
did not, and an insurgency below and collect money from no money for development energy companies made mul- It was Nyusi’s last roll of the Delgado. Total may walk away
began in 2017 over growing whatever they are involved in.  and growing wealth at the tibillion-dollar write-downs dice. The whole gas gamble as well. It looks increasingly
poverty and inequality as well top, poverty and inequality of gas assets and abandoned was bet on a promise of secu- like Eni’s floating platform will
as political and economic The system is known locally increased. new projects. Russia and Saudi rity, and Nyusi – and Mozam- be the only gas production in
exclusion. There is broad as “goatism”, from the saying Arabia have upped production bique – lost the bet.  Mozambique – just 3% of the
agreement that al-Shabaab, “the goat eats where it is But in the past two years, to try to capture what is left of Uncertain future promised 100mt/y.
as the insurgents are known tethered”. The police set up four things have changed: en- the market. ExxonMobil made Total has said work “is obvi-
in Mozambique, initially checkpoints to collect money, vironmental concerns, global clear it is unlikely to go ahead ously now suspended” and Mozambique is waking up
comprised local people with clerks demand a fee to process politics, the market and war. in Mozambique. will only resume when the to the realisation that billions
a local leadership. Whether a document, and so on. The gas project projections government really can provide of dollars flowing into the
the Islamic State now controls School teachers must satisfy were done assuming wells Meanwhile, the civil war security. In January, the state budget and local pockets
al-Shabaab is a matter of huge their school head by working would pump for 30 years – to in Cabo Delgado escalated. company had left a skeleton was only a dream. Frelimo bet
debate, but even advocates of actively on elections but, in 2060 – and thus long-term Insurgents reached the gates of maintenance team behind. the country on that dream.
this view accept that it took exchange, they can demand profits were assured.  Total on Afungi on New Year’s When it left on Friday 2 April, And last week it lost.--Daily
over an existing local insur- bribes from pupils and parents Mounting pressure eve. Total pulled out most of it took everyone, handed the Maverick.
gency. Local people saw the and do not have to show up There was no serious pressure its staff. The company said it keys to the army and turned
development of a ruby mine to teach. on fossil fuels in 2010, and by would not employ a private off the lights. *About the writer: Hanlon
in the province and the initial the middle of the decade gas army for protection. Total has been writing about
gas development and realised In these circumstances, gas was being promoted as a tran- chief executive Patrick Will Total return? Not in Mozambique since 1978 and
there were no jobs for them. became the great promise and sition fuel with half the carbon the short term. It will take is the editor of the news-
The gas and ruby money was gamble. The patron-client of coal, thus replacing it until Pouyanné flew to Maputo perhaps a year for more than letter Mozambique News
not trickling down to them. system was kept working by renewables were available. But on 18 January and personally 100 British and US military Reports and Clippings. He
promises of gas money – cash last year, environmentalists told president Filipe Nyusi trainers already in Nacala, on is a visiting senior fellow in
The predictions were that Total would only return the northern coast in Nampu- international development
fabulous. In 2015, it was if Mozambique guaranteed at the London School of
confidently predicted that Economics.
gas production would start in
2019 with liquefied natural
gas (LNG) production reach-
ing 100 million tonnes a year
(mt/y). Government revenue
would be US$95 billion over
25 years, almost doubling the
current government expendi-
ture of US$3.5 billion a year.

The first profits were made
by small energy companies
selling out to bigger ones, and
three multinational giants now
control the gas. ExxonMobil
(United States) is the lead
company for the far-offshore
half of the gas field along with
Eni (Italy). Total (France)
leads the half closest to the
coast. 

Eni was the first to start,
ordering a small US$5 billion
floating gas liquefaction
platform that is now being
put in place. It will produce
3mt/y, probably starting next
year. All the other LNG from
both zones was to be produced
onshore on the Afungi penin-
sula, just south of the town of
Palma in the very far north of
Cabo Delgado. 

The original designs were
for 10 LNG “trains” produc-
ing more than 50mt/y. This
plan was halved, then cut
again. Only in 2020 did Total
go ahead with two trains to
produce 13mt/y – and with
no plans for further expan-
sion. ExxonMobil delayed

NewsHawks World News Page 41

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Prince Harry could face quarantine
to attend Philip funeral
...Royal observers say Meghan unlikely to travel from couple’s US home owing to pregnancy

THE Duke and Duchess A woman lays flowers outside Windsor Castle. speculation that Harry
of Sussex face the pros- might be considered ex-
pect of at least five days What are the plans for Prince Philip’s funeral? empt from travel restric-
in quarantine if they re- tions.
turn to the UK for Har- The Duke of Edinburgh has died at Windsor Castle at the age of 99. Plans for his funeral will be affected by Covid regulations
ry’s grandfather’s funeral, in England, with organisers said to be “desperately anxious” not to stage anything that attracts mass gatherings. Here is what we Some exemptions ap-
unless they get an ex- know so far. ply to members of dip-
emption — though the lomatic missions and
couple have yet to public- What day will Prince Philip’s funeral take place? consular posts in the UK,
ly indicate whether they A date is yet to be announced but it is expected in the coming days. Under pre-pandemic plans, it had been due to take place and officers, servants or
will attend. within about 10 days of his death. It will not be a state funeral, in line with the duke’s wishes. In a statement announcing the representatives of inter-
death on Friday morning, the palace said further announcements would be made “in due course”. national organisations,
As Meghan is pregnant among others. They and
with the couple’s second Where will it take place and what will happen beforehand? members of their family
child and is due to give The duke’s funeral is expected to be held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, as planned. However, there will be no lying in do not need to quaran-
birth during the summer, state – something that would have involved thousands of members of the public queuing to view his coffin. It is not yet known tine in a managed quar-
some commentators said whether his coffin will be transported to the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, London, as originally planned. Arrangements will antine hotel and are not
it was more likely that most likely be put in place for members of the public and others to sign a digital book of condolences. subject to mandatory
Harry would make the testing. However, for
journey from California, What arrangements were previously in place? public health reasons
where they live, alone Under what is codenamed Operation Forth Bridge, thousands of people would have been expected to flock to London and they are “strongly en-
for the service for Prince Windsor to pay tribute. Some people would probably have camped out overnight to get the best vantage points for a military couraged” to complete
Philip. procession of Philip’s coffin on the day of his funeral. tests on days two and
Hundreds of members of the armed forces would have been called on to line the streets in honour of the duke, along with thou- eight after arrival.
A return to the UK sands of police officers to keep control of crowds and protect the members of the royal family taking part. The funeral will still
would be his first since have a significant military component but armed forces numbers are likely to be much fewer. Preparations are expected to centre Meanwhile, eyebrows
the couple spoke candid- on Windsor Castle, without a military procession in London or any processions through Windsor. were raised on Friday af-
ly in a US TV interview ter a broadcaster on the
about their experience What are the Covid-19 regulations around funerals? US network Fox News
of royal life and said rac- Under national lockdown restrictions in England, which are gradually easing, funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 attempted to link the
ism was a large part of people. Those present must also socially distance if they do not live together or share a support bubble. However, these rules are Sussexes’ interview to the
the reason why they had under review and the government has said they “may be updated in line with the changing [coronavirus] situation”. death of Prince Philip. A
chosen to leave Britain. host on Fox and Friends,
What about public attendance? Brian Kilmeade, claimed
They said a member of The biggest change to the plans will be the lack of crowds. Officials will want to avoid anything that carries a risk of spreading their recent public com-
the royal family had talk- coronavirus, including mourners using public transport. But police will want to avoid the appearance of heavyhandedness in ments had “evidently”
ed about how “dark” their dispersing those who do turn up at Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace to pay tribute, especially on the back of controversies added to the 99-year-
son Archie’s skin would over policing at the vigil for Sarah Everard and recent protests in Bristol and London. The public will be able to tune into ex- old’s “stress”, prompting
be. The interviewer tensive programming by broadcasters including the BBC. A memorial service could be held at a later date after Britain has dealt ire on social media where
Oprah Winfrey revealed with the worst public health crisis for a generation. many pointed out the
after the broadcast that duke’s advanced age.
Prince Harry had said the ‘test to release’ test at least five days after ler can stop self-isolating as a member of the royal
the family member who scheme, when a traveller arrival. If the private test as soon as they get the family travelling to sup- Meghan referred to
made racist comments pays for a private Covid is negative then a travel- result. Given his status port the Queen, there is the couple’s concerns for
about his then unborn Philip’s health in the in-
child was not the Queen terview with Winfrey.
or Philip. “This morning I woke up
earlier than [Harry] and
Angela Levin, a royal saw a note from someone
biographer whose books on our team in the UK
include one about Harry, saying that the Duke of
and who has been criti- Edinburgh had gone to
cal of the couple’s inter- the hospital,” she said.
view with Winfrey, said “But I just picked up the
she believed the prince phone and I called the
would want to come Queen just to check in.
to the funeral, but she That’s what we do, being
thought it was unlikely able to default to not hav-
Meghan would join him ing to every moment go:
in the UK on account of ‘Is that appropriate?’”
her pregnancy.
Harry and Meghan,
Under the current who live in Montecito,
government regulations, south California, with
anyone travelling to En- their one-year-old son,
gland must quarantine in are not expected to make
the place they are staying any comment on Friday.
or in a managed quar- Harry had been due back
antine hotel for 10 days. in the UK on 1 July for
Visitors must also get two the unveiling of a stat-
coronavirus tests after ue of his mother, Diana,
they arrive in England. Princess of Wales.
The self-isolation period
can be reduced through — The Guardian

Porsche just got angrier Being a Fashion Model

&Life Style

STYLE TRAVEL BOOKS ARTS MOTORING

Page 40 Issue 25, 9 April 2021

FIRSTLY, it was Pastor Charles Cha- Pastor Charamba and wife Olivia and their children.  JM: Which musicians inspire you?
ramba and the Fishers of Men band PC: The generation of the early 1980s
and then came Mai Olivia Charamba We give all glory to God made the list of artists who inspired
and now the music dynasty is growing says Pastor Charamba me. Having grown during a time when
with daughters --- Shalom and Eter- gospel music was scarce, I learned a lot
nity ---- joining their parents in song ...on fame and longevity in music from those who shaped Zimbabwean
and dance. pop music. Though they can number
direct attention towards one thing as testing participants. Gospel music  JM: Nowadays music is more about in tens, the Bundu Boys had a special
Now popularly known as the First a family and that may deprive oth- missed out, we trust God for tomor- visuals or videos. What are you do- place in me. Most yesteryear artists
Family of Zimbabwean Gospel, the er sides which could be yearning for row.  ing in this regard? including international ones like Pat
Charambas often say: “We are called equal attention.  JM: The music sector has been af- PC: We are conforming to the stan- Kelly, Lionel Peterson, Itani Madima
to ministry through singing and JM: What are your views on the ex- fected by Covid-19 in a big way. dards that are being presented by the and others inspired me.
preaching”. There is certainly a lot to clusion of gospel artists from the How did you ensure you reach out times. We have been adjusting by re-  JM: When last did you release an al-
expect from this gospel family. Pastor National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) to your fans? loading our music video and ramping bum as Baba naMai Charamba or as
Charamba (PC) speaks to The News- legends @40 list? PC: Covid-19 has caused some incon- some of them. All the newer songs are solo artists?
Hawks’ Jonathan Mbiriyamveka (JM)   PC: The exclusion from the Nama veniences in the industry.  We only accompanied by videos. We had to in- PC: We last released in 2017, Abba
on how the Charambas have evolved awards didn’t dampen my wife and got access to our fans by making use vest in the equipment that help in vid- Father and Voice of Miriam respec-
musically and the challenges of keep- my spirit at all. We accept the dis- of virtual technology. We sang online, eo production as well though it is not tively, launched as a dual release.
ing music in the family. cretion and diligence of the adjudi- preached online and interacted online. enough. We are grateful to the Lord JM: The music business has changed
JM: Tell us how you have evolved as cators as well as the other profession- Of course, it hasn’t been perfect be- that it’s going on well. Our music is in the last few years. Would you con-
a musician. als involved. I do adjudicate at some cause some fans do not have the nec- becoming more and more accessible to sider having a manager to manage
PC: We give all the glory to God. high-profile events as well and I am essary gadgets to link up with us on the global market through the various your business?
There’s not much to say, it’s mainly to aware how difficult it is to split con- technological platforms. online platforms. PC: Yes, the explorations are ongoing
do with our ability to compose songs though trust is the main challenge
that are dearly loved by many; songs in arts business management. In the
that stick in people’s minds and hearts. meantime, we are outsourcing knowl-
We are thankful that our band, Fishers edge and applying according to own
of Men, has maintained consistency in understanding.
play and musical expression. Our chal-
lenge prior to any performance is relat-
ed to the songs that should make up
the playlist. It’s a rare challenge and we
glorify God for the equal respect given
to the majority of our songs.
JM: We noticed that you not only
sing with your wife but also daugh-
ters Shalom and Eternity. Can you
introduce them to us formally, their
ages and professions?
PC: Shalom is the eldest and is 22.
She’s studying for a degree at universi-
ty. Eternity is 19, about to enroll as an
undergraduate. They are not full-time
backing vocalists of Fishers of Men per
se. We already have Bridget Mlambo
and Mrs Lindiwe Kadiki. Those and
Mai Charamba are the permanent
singers. Our daughters have their own
establishment in the making and it in-
volves their other three siblings. They
join us as and when they desire to, for
interest’s sake.

They are welcome to become musi-
cians if they decide to as long as they
factor in the changes and dynamics
that are associated with the arts indus-
try. They also need to allow God to
lead and direct them through prayer
and faith. They are all musical. They
are welcome to express themselves as
full-time or part-time musicians.
JM: You are singing as a family, what
are the challenges you face?
PC: Singing as a family for me is a
blessing. It always gives more spir-
itual energy praying together and
worshipping together as a family.
The downside of it is that it can tear
members apart if not handled proper-
ly. We manage through God’s grace. It
needs proper schooling and wisdom
to distinguish professional setting and
family settings. There are times when
I have to direct my wife or daughter
as the producer of their song and the
language may not be as sweet as that of
a father or husband. It becomes easier
when the people involved are mature
enough to tell the difference between
home and industry. You also tend to

NewsHawks Life & Style Page 45

Issue 25, 9 April 2021 Nama Legends selection
process must be thorough
NACZ director Nicholas Moyo
JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA those not in the know, Bagorro is wanted to develop themselves and
the founder and artistic director of contribute to their community.
THERE has been so much hullaba- Zimbabwe’s biggest festival in terms
loo within the arts scene following of size, diversity and appeal, the So successful has been the group
the release of National Arts Merit Harare International Festival of the that it has been able to tour most
Awards (Nama) List of 40 Legends Arts. The six-day arts and culture parts of the world, establishing it-
in various art disciplines by the extravaganza illuminated Harare self as a true African musical am-
and beyond and to date is rated as bassador.  Based at the Enkundleni
National Arts Council of Zimba- one of the seven beat-organised and Cultural Centre in Bulawayo, Black
bwe (NACZ) in partnership with must-attend festivals in Africa by Umfolosi take their name from the
Jacaranda Culture and Media En- CNN. Umfolosi River that flows through
tertainment, an arts management KwaZulu-Natal province in South
company. McLaren is a thespian who is Africa. And last but not least, the
Of course, that would not be also co-founder of Children’s Per- 51-year-old Langeveldt is regarded
without a reason because expec- forming Arts Workshop (Chipawo). as the godfather of Zimbabwean
tations were high that the NACZ MacLaren was instrumental in the stand-up comedy.
would do justice to the process and establishment of the Theatre Arts
give the awards to artists worthy of Department at the University of Langeveldt single handedly pop-
legendary status. However, that did Zimbabwe, the only university in ularised stand-up comedy while at
not happen, much to the bemuse- the country back then. the same time grooming youngsters
ment of many. who came after him.
What startled many critics was Sibenke, who is known by many
the fact that a number of names did for his supporting role in Studio In 2005, Edgar was awarded 25
not really deserve to be on the list 263 as Shereni, was instrumental in 000 euros by the Prince Claus Fund
yet those that truly deserved were the formation of community the- for his outstanding performanc-
left out. atre, the grassroots group in Mab- es. Langeveldt worked as the direc-
Critics were quick to point out vuka and Tafara as well as in other tor of the Zimbabwe Comedy Fes-
the glaring omission of names that townships around Zimbabwe. tival which was organised by Nexus
include Manuel Bagorro, Robert Talent Agency  and Showtime Pro-
McLaren, Ben Sibenke, Black Um- More notably, Sibenke is a play- motions from 2010 to 2013.
wright whose most popular play,
folosi and Edgar Langeveldt, My Uncle Grey Bonzo, was acted He is also the current director of
to mention but a in schools and community clubs Nexus Talent Agency, which was
few. around the country. founded in 1995. His main areas of
For specialty include multi-media pro-
He has also identified raw talent ductions and artistic management.
from grassroots levels including He is also the director of Showtime
John Chinosiyani and Peter Kampi- Promotions, a company founded in
ra, among others. 1992. 

Black Umfolosi is one of the The NACZ could have avoided
most prominent imbube groups a disputed list had they consulted
that have been good ambassadors widely with stakeholders who unfor-
tunately did not include the media.
for Zimbabwe. Their uniqueness
saw the group touring far and There are many senior journalists
wide around the globe. The in the country who have been there
group’s achievements are when show business started. And
well documented. just like we have the Sports Writers’
Black Umfolosi  is a Association of Zimbabwe (Swaz),
self-taught acappella there is also the Arts Journalists As-
(imbube) singing and sociation of Zimbabwe (Ajaz).
traditional dance
group that was If Swaz could be untrusted with
formed in 1982 selecting Soccer Stars of the Year,
by the then why would the NACZ not trust
school age Ajaz to do the same?
members
who Secondly, while it was commend-
able that the NACZ revealed the se-
lection process, they unfortunately
did not reveal who was on the jury
or adjudication panel.

NACZ director Nicholas Moyo is
on record as saying that the arts reg-
ulatory body welcomes suggestions
and criticism aimed at perfecting
the awards.

He also said it was not possible to
have everyone on the Nama Legends
@40 List because firstly there are

about six arts disciplines and each
discipline had to submit at least
six names.
Secondly, he said Nama
was not a music awards
show.
While it is true that
Nama is much more
than a music show, there
is a need for adjudicators
to be thorough in every
way possible.
It is also true that the
Nama Legends @40 is
not the end but the be-
ginning of many more
such shows. The pro-
cess should be meticu-
lous and timeous. There
are many more legends out
there whose time will come but,

for now, let us honour legends whilst
they are alive. The time is now!

Page 42 Life & Style NewsHawks

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Township jazz fans mourn Friday Mbirimi

The late Oliver Mtukudzi staged live shows with the late Friday Mbirimi.

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA  learnt with sadness news he turned to me and said The late Friday Mbirimi. is a very bad period for Shelton Brothers, which
of the veteran musician’s ‘Sunday will see you later’.” sure. delivered hearty home-
THE township jazz frater- death. one. RIP” styled Zimbabwean jazz
nity was this week plunged “He was great friends Music producer Mono “Friday Mbirimi was one music.
into mourning follow- “NACZ would like to with Oliver Mtukudzi of the popular township
ing the death of Friday pass its deepest condolenc- and one night at Jazz 105 Mukundu said: “R.I.P Jazz group, the Mbare Trio. His illustrious career
Mbirimi who died aged es to the Mbirimi family (he had just gotten off the FRIDAY MBIRIMI: Despite our age gap we spanned decades and he
78 in Harare after battling and the entire music frater- stage with his band Mbare ended up being very close was a member of various
cancer of the colon. nity following the sad loss Trio) I heard them joking Just 2days ago   Hope friends & we would ex- groups including the fa-
of the seasoned education- with one another behind Masike called me & change comical friendly in- mous Harare Mambos
Always jovial and throw- ist, songwriter, singer and me about what day of the said ‘Your friend Friday sults on Facebook together band which boasted other
ing jokes here and there, bandleader.  week it was. It was a Sun- Mbirimi is not feeling well, with  Master Pablo Nakap- artistes like Elisha Josam,
Mbirimi had been in and day. go & see him’, I was plan- pa , Tomson Chauke, Ten- Clancy Mbirimi, Newman
out of hospital for cancer “The death of Friday ning to visit him on Friday dai Manatsa & others, Chipeni, Newton Kanen-
treatment. has robbed the nation of We have lost another after my exams, & before I some even thought the in- goni, William Kashiri,
a well-loved musician who did I have just got the news sults were real. Tanga wekwa Sando (Er-
Even as a lead vocalist entertained the country that he has passed on.This nest Sando Kambadzo),
of the famed Mbare Trio for decades and performed “Of course all musicians Paul and Virginia Silla.
group, he would poke fun alongside hundreds of lo- are natural comics but
at just about everything on cal and international mu- mdara Friday was the fun- With his brother Love-
and off the stage. sicians. His wisdom and niest musician ever, & aid- joy Mbirimi  (late) and
wise counsel will be missed enha rough,we will miss all William Kashiri, they
According to his young- by the scores of musicians those moments. I will look formed Mbare Trio which
er brother Clancy Mbirimi, who had an opportunity for one final insult kana had hits like “Uru Rufaro”
the musician was unwell to work with him and jazz shungu dzatidererei” and “KwaMutare”. Friday
for the past year. lovers who enjoyed his per- was also a session musician
formances,” Moyo said. Keyboardist Filbert Ma- who backed many musi-
“It was only last week rowa said: “But why muko- cians as part of Summer
that he went for an oper- Veteran radio person- ma Friday Mbirimi?...... Breeze, a local outfit that
ation at the Avenues Clinic ality and jazz aficionado featured Friday as vocalist
but for some strange rea- Comfort Mbofana reacted: “The Zimbabwe jazz fra- and drummer, Faoni Su-
sons his condition deteri- “I would sometimes drive ternity has lost a real giant. maili lead guitarist, Vin-
orated further up until he Friday Mbirimi home from You were one of a kind. cent Kapepa on bass and
breathed his last. He has jazz clubs or festivals. As he Thank you for the music, Moses Kabubi on key-
been suffering from colon jumped out on arrival at friendship, guidance and boards. As an educationist,
cancer the last 12 months,” his Prospect home, I would support. May your soul Friday played a huge role
he said. shout ‘see you later, Sun- rest in peace my brother. in developing new musi-
day!’. He would perfuncto- My deepest condolences cal talent as a lecturer at
Mbirimi, who lost his rily laugh at this not-so-in- to   Clancy Mbirimi and the Zimbabwe College of
wife in 2000, is survived genious joke. the Mbirimis.” Music between 2004 and
by five children. 2007. He had a long teach-
“He once came early one Friday began his sing- ing career and was the first
Mourners are gathered at (Sunday) morning to col- ing career performing in substantive headmaster
house number 131 Mont- lect some of my late dad’s schools in Harare with the of Epworth High School,
gomery Drive in Prospect, old vinyl albums. He re- likes of the late Simangal- which was commissioned
Waterfalls, Harare. fused the breakfast I made, iso Tutani and other jazz in 1981.
saying he hadn’t come to musicians in the 1960s.
In a statement, National be poisoned. As he left He and his colleagues then
Arts Council of Zimbabwe formed their first band, the
(NACZ) director Nicholas
Moyo said the fraternity

NewsHawks Life & Style Page 45

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Title: Emotional Tears TITLE: Sparrow Poet: Andy Kahari

Poet: Kwanele Mntungwa AUTHOR: Aries Rage Poem: Prison Rights!

They have created trenches, The Sparrow in my bathroom In prison:
In my face. Steep depression in, stares at me as i wallow in my stresses Time is my worst enemy, it moves ever so
The deepest parts, Of my heart. Where trying to drown my sorrows slowly. Do I fancy being free?
tears may rush, Another plate of, in a water-filled basin. The only rush is in my mind,
Troubles and tribulations. He chirps and I sniffle yet there is nowhere to run too.
Raising mountains, That I cannot climb, tears race down my cheeks, Which home for I do not see any?
Causing serious earthquakes, In my heart. I’m sure he knows I’m not okay. What home for I see figments of illusions?
He flaps around, does some tricks. Whose home for I am no longer welcome?
I’m a loner, an isolated man. Because my vol- I look at him and smile, A misfit; Prison disintegrating pillars of
canic gestures. And reactions, _maybe it’s not that bad_. trust. Banished to never be integrated.
Had made people, To abandon me. My crime, vanish my home.
The Sparrow in my bathroom
Mandlenkosi, We’ve met felicitously, stares at me as i wipe my tears So in prison I detect home.
Not to clap hands, For this unserviceable, he chirps and i giggle, Yet the rules are dictators detracting from
Nupty and smark headed, War hawk. he sounds like a Shrink pleased rights. I must be Tough!
with the session. Walls surrounding me are rough,
He can’t turn our plans to vain, A minger to us He flaps his wings, I feel relieved_ Like men hardened by jail to never
won’t matter. For the days of suffocation, so little said, so much weight again jell in reason. One reason I wish I
Have came, Days of smothering will pass. lifted. were home. My true home not this home
You are my oba, I’m the oloye. away from what once was my home!
The Sparrow in my bathroom Not this place pried on with predators,
Title: Parliament of doom is like the sun, whose rays are ever crime indulged in synagogues
warm kisses canvassing the meant to cleanse the sins of crime.
Poet: Sydney Nyagato walls that embody the fragile heart What do you do, when your vaccine is
and the bruised soul, clotting your blood to freedom?
Like a parliament of owls, we sit; As if we had creating a shadow_ a complete one. Walls of exorcism riddled in demon spells!
gone owling, Like cockerels, we roost;
On the moonlit night, we ogle. TITLE: Renkini Forget me! I will never be free.
Prison imprisons and imprisons
Gone hiking, had we? On the dewy grass, we AUTHOR: Sithembinkosi Ncube the mind to never be free.
sit; Cherishing the hooting, we listen, Walls build to flee rehabilitation.
Quizzically, we smile; Showing inverted cones Where do you belong, mungani wami? Shutting out everything to sanity men
of teeth, we grin. What binds you to these city lights Shutting in everything satanic to men.
Lopsidedly, we regard one another, Which you pay for with your sweat and Cages condemning to eternal loss.
At the hooting of one more parliamentarian; blood? But my time I must serve. Yet time will
Superintending over the legislation, This is not yours. serve me. Still Prison I must be in.
One more pair of robin-shaped orbs ogle. The reason why you are crowded at Ren- Yet prison will invade me. Even still crime I
kini with the rest today must pay for, yet crime will pay me. I have
An African house of assembly? Dashing for home well after three years been rewarded with eternal curse.
Some regional fauna, In admiration of the Oc- Lost in pursuit for an illusive future I have been endowed with halo effect-
cidental perspective of the avenues of life. Retire, mungani wami. All prisoners are Rapists, Murderers
A league of witches communing with Lucifer? The field is now bushy and Sodomists! Should you continue
Some incarnations living in the dark communi- The pens fell and cattle strayed sleeping through dawn to never see the
ties. Paving ways of initiation? There’s nothing to call home anymore sad mist you cast upon on me?
The underworld no African ever envies; Where do you belong, mungani wami?
The hooting communities in concert. The whole homestead is blind In a cage, I must survive. I summon
Despite rains falling in abundance animal instinct to possess every inch of by
For no African ever appreciates, Rats feasted on the seed pockets bone. It’s a jungle so I must be re-born!
The trumpeting and the hooting that spews, When will you decide, mungani wami? To conquer Prison demons craving for
Like the horn sound that destroyed the walls of blood and mortal souls. Once in, I may die
Jericho; The ugly symphony that destroys your in. Home I left, now a mirage
inner walls, The inner-city of yourself. never to materialize. The law of the jungle
For you must never ever entertain the destruc- prevailing. But the law of rehabilitation
tion of self, At the hooting of one more owl, must prevail. When I leave I must still be a
A parliamentarian that lost war to infamy. dad and not dead!

NewsHawks People & Places Page 44

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft. A Zambezi Queen houseboat offers luxury accommodation in the form of 14 luxurious suites, 10 stan-
dard suites and four spacious master suites.
WITH effect from 1 May, Bo-
tswana’s local airline, Mack Air, New flight from kilometres away, there are never-
will introduce flights in a new Vic Falls to Kasane theless attractions in and around
regional route linking Victoria the town.
Falls, Zimbabwe, to Kasane, Bo- A Cessna Grand Caravan EX Ferry crosses the Zambezi River, with wonderful views of the riv-
tswana. will be used on the route. connecting to Zambia. er and its wildlife. Often visitors Other flights to Victoria Falls
opt to have a morning game drive include British Airways, Airlink,
The route is expected to boost Kasane is a north-eastern The gateway to Chobe Nation- and an afternoon boat cruise, Fastjet, Ethiopian Airlines, Ken-
tourism between the two major town in Botswana near the bor- al Park, Kasane, is an import- with an afternoon game drive the yan Airways and Air Zimbabwe.
tourist attractions. ders with Namibia, Zambia and ant point of debarkation for the following day, as this is the time South African Airways also used
Zimbabwe – a unique border nearby Victoria Falls in Zimba- of day when elephants are usually to fly to Victoria Falls before it
Mack Air managing director area with great natural beauty bwe and Livingstone in Zambia, spotted. stopped operations amid its busi-
Michael Weyl said: “Victoria and amazing biodiversity. It’s the and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. Im- ness reconstruction.
Falls is well-known as a hub for gateway to Chobe National Park, pressive! Another option is a day trip to
tourist activity. Our new sched- known for the herds of elephants Victoria Falls, which is about 80 In Zimbabwe, there are three
uled flight route brings neigh- which converge on the Chobe Spread out along the banks of kilometres from Kasane. Kasane main airports where regional and
bours closer together. Now, they River in the dry season. the Chobe River, Kasane presents now boasts small shopping malls international flights operate from
can take in Victoria Falls, visit a an array of hotels, guest houses where all basic commodities can - Robert Gabriel Mugabe Inter-
number of Zimbabwe’s destina- Caracal Biodiversity Centre and campsites that accommodate be purchased, and arts and crafts national Airport (Harare), Joshua
tions, and see Botswana all in one shelters rescued wildlife. The all the visitors to the national shops. While its main attraction Mqabuko Nkomo International
action-packed vacation.” Chobe Crocodile Farm is near- park. is the park that lies a mere 10 Airport (Bulawayo) and the Vic-
by. East of town, the Kazungula toria Falls International Airport.
The flight will depart from Some are splendidly situated,
Kasane International Airport From the international air-
at 11am, arriving at Victoria ports, connecting to other Zim-
Falls International Airport at babwe destinations can be done
11:20am. The return flight will via domestic scheduled flights,
depart at 12 midday and arrive at charter flights, rail, boat cruise
12:20 pm. and road networks.

– STAFF WRITER

Property
NewsHawks

Page 48 PROPERTY INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE GARDENING Issue 25, 9 April 2021

The home of prime property: [email protected]

DUMISANI NYONI Bulawayo grapples with was resolved that authority be grant-
industrial land crunch ed by council for an interdepartmen-
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) is tal committee to be formed to negoti-
facing a serious shortage of industri- exchange so as to boost the industrial area of 24.32 hectares with a total of equivalent value to the industrial ate with Old Mutual on the proposal
al stands as the “demand” continues sector within the city.”  of 56 industrial stands ranging from stands, it said. Daviston Township is to exchange Daviston Township for
increasing. 2 400 square metres to 5 000m2 in located along Siyephambili Drive to RE/Umganin Phase 2.
The minutes revealed that the BCC extent. the west. The site lay next to Kelvin
According to the latest council does not have new industrial sites North to the west. To the northern Once the country’s industrial hub,
minutes, the local authority has run that were serviced and ready for allo- All the stands within Daviston side of the site, there is Phelandaba Bulawayo is reeling under the effects
out of industrial space and is con- cation. The only development avail- Township were fully serviced but West. Pumula South was located on of chronic de-industrialisation with
sidering engaging financial services able was Umvumila Industrial Area there would be need to inspect the in- the west of the site. To the south-west over 100 firms — notably in the
group Old Mutual for land exchange covering an area of 433 hectares with frastructure since it was put up more of the site there was SUB C/Hyde manufacturing, textile and clothing
for industrial stands. a total number of 394 stands ranging than 25 years ago and was never put Park Township. sectors — closing down in the last 10
in sizw from 2 000 square metres to to use which might have led to its col- years, leaving thousands of workers
“The Acting Director of Town 5 000 square metres, but the stands lapse, the council notes. “The exchange would have a great jobless.
Planning reported (8 March 2021) have not yet been serviced. impact on the economy of Bulawayo
that the City of Bulawayo was facing The available residential stands as this would boost the industrial Several efforts have been made to
a challenge in the supply of Industri- “Old Mutual owned Daviston that could be availed for exchange sector by increasing the number of revive industries in Bulawayo, but
al stands as the demand continues to Township which was an industrial with the industrial stands were medi- industrial activities within the city, with little success.
increase day by day and the city was site and the company had approached um density residential stands in R/E hence enabling the city to attract in-
not able to satisfy this demand,” the council to express their willingness to of Umganin Phase 2, it said. vestment in the sector which would Bulawayo companies that have
minutes reads in part. exchange its industrial stands for res- bring employment opportunities and gone under include True Value, La-
idential stands at RE/Umganin Phase The area comprised of 891 medi- promote economic growth,” the min- bel Fashion, Suntosha Leisure Wear,
“As the local authority, it was our 2 as they were more interested in res- um density residential stands with utes read. Lancaster, Harren Manufacturing,
duty to make sure that industrial idential development as opposed to an average stand size of 800 square Ascot, Belmor Fashions, Cinderella,
growth within the City of Bulawayo industrial.” metres, covering an area of 125.6 On the recommendation of the Textile Mills and Rusglen
thrived because it played an import- hectares. The city valuer would de- acting director of town planning, it
ant role in the city’s growth. Since Daviston Township covered an termine how many stands would be Fashions, to name a few.
Bulawayo was once known as the The list of struggling companies
industrial hub of Zimbabwe, it was includes the National Railways of
within the best interest of the city Zimbabwe, Cold Storage Company,
to see Bulawayo attain its industrial Merspin, Marvo Stationery, Wetblue
status again. Hence, the need for the and Rubber Products Manufacturers,
among others.

NewsHawks Sport Page 46

Issue 25, 9 April 2021

‘It’s a very personal decision to make’

ENOCK MUCHINJO Tapiwa Mafura in action for Pumas in the Currie Cup last season play for the Springboks, so I had explains Mafura. “My father
to think about it really hard.” decided to move for work pur-
AMBITIOUS bids by two of easy task for the federations of their Zimbabweans roots. spent most of his life in South poses and the whole family fol-
Zimbabwe’s foremost sporting the two sports as quite a number One such player who has Africa and admits not to re- Zimbabwe are also not giv- lowed. We’ve stayed in Ermelo
disciplines to qualify for the next of the players, as is their right, member much from his early ing up yet on the talents of for as long as I can remember.”
World Cup of their respective continue to weigh up their op- committed to the cause of the years in Zimbabwe.  eighthman Nyasha Tarusenga
codes have sparked a concerted tions with respect to their inter- homeland but has not hidden a and wing Tatendaishe Mujawo After spending an injury-hit
push by the authorities to draft national careers. previous ambition to represent “It was very tough,” Mafu- who, like Mafura, grew up in two-year spell with Free State
quality players with roots in the his adopted country is rugby ra tells The NewsHawks of his South Africa and initially rose to Cheetahs, Mafura is now en-
country into squads set to begin Some, however, have already star Tapiwa Mafura. decision to accept Zimbabwe’s prominence in the Varsity Cup. joying life in his home prov-
the qualification phase this year. made the decision to retrace call-up. “I’ve always wanted to ince, turning out for the love of
The Pumas utility back has While Mafura has answered Mpumalanga – Pumas.
Football World Cup quali- the call, the 24-year-old tear-
fiers kick-off for Zimbabwe in away does not see himself as Although Pumas finished
June, with the national rugby having a role to play in shaping second from bottom in the
team launching its own cam- others’ decisions. 2020-21 Currie Cup season,
paign the following month. Mafura was given a fair crack of
“It’s a very personal decision the whip by head coach Jimmy
The finals of both World to make,” Mafura says. “Every- Stonehouse, making a huge im-
Cups will take place in 2022 one has different circumstances pression on the Mbombela Sta-
and 2023 in Qatar and France and situations. All I can say is dium faithful after returning to
respectively. representing your country is a Mpumalanga for the first time
massive privilege and Zimba- as a professional.
Zimbabwe have never qual- bwe is on a mission to reach the
ified for football’s World Cup, World Cup. That requires the “My first season with the
but the southern African nation best that is there. I have played Cheetahs, I only played one
provided the only team from against the Zim team before game, although we won the
this continent to the first two and I think with continuous Currie Cup,” says Mafura.
Rugby World Cups in 1987 improvements, they can be a “Now, at Pumas, I am playing
and 1991. great team. At full strength, they week-in-week-out, which is
can be very competitive against nice. But winning hasn’t been
Breaking the jinx to qualify highly-rated countries.” easy for us. I’m excited for what
for the World Cup has proved is coming in the future.”
a step too far for the Warriors, Mafura first played rugby at
time and again. Ermelo High School in Mpum- A big fan of South Africa’s
alanga, then represented North- World Cup-winning wing
As for the Sables, the men West University in the Varsity Cheslin Kolbe, Mafura is equal-
in green-and-white hoops have Cup in 2017 and 2018. ly at home as fullback or on the
missed a return to their sport’s wing.
greatest stage by a whisker on a Ermelo, a commercial and
few occasions – the 2003 and industrial town in Mpumalanga “I play fullback and both
2015 editions being the closest province, is where Harare-born wings, 11 and 14,” he says. “I
they came to qualify for since Mafura was raised after his fami- would say my best strengths are
1991.  Fielding top-class play- ly settled there in the late 1990s.  adapting to whatever the coach-
ers with solid foundations in es play me, and my hunger to
more professional systems could “I don’t remember much attack in broken play.”
prove a game-changer for both about my early life in Zim,
teams. But that has not been an my family moved to South Af- Good news for Brendan
rica when I was very young,” Dawson and Co.

Three decades on, a great African rivalry beckons again

IN a fit of rage, with frustra- the context of the professional rica before Peter took the game police senselessly fired teargas try had been formed around tion is much tougher in Africa
tion slowly settling in for the era of sport prevailing now- way from Bafana Bafana, send- into the crowd at Harare’s that time, and the police was because there are significantly
international football new- adays, particularly the enor- ing the partisan home crowd National Sports Stadium, re- criticised over its heavy-hand- fewer places for teams from
comers, David Nyathi struck mous global passion associated into a frenzy.  sulting in the death of 13 fans ed response when sections of this continent at the finals –
the ball hard into Adam Ndl- with football. from the ensuing stampede. the big crowd erupted into just five come from here.
ovu’s body — from close range Thereon, we can safely say Bafana Bafana forward Del- chants praising the new polit-
— right in front of Malawian The little incident with one of the fiercest neighbourly ron Buckley’s ill-advised de- ical formation.  Between the two neigh-
referee Henry Mwafulirwa.  Adam Ndlovu took place back rivalries on the African conti- cision to celebrate his second Two decades on, neither bours, Zimbabwe and South
in 1992 in a historic Africa nent came into existence.  goal provocatively in that 2-0 closure nor peace have been Africa, the latter know how it
Nyathi, South Africa’s rov- Cup of Nations qualification delivered to the is like to be at the World Cup.
ing left-back, had however match in Harare between the I have thoroughly enjoyed families of the vic- Bafana Bafana have featured
chosen the wrong man to vent hosts and South Africa, our the contests – just like the tims, a very sad there three times – qualifying
his spleen on, for he was never neighbours’ first international players that have had the priv- HawkZone reality of this coun- twice and hosting it once –
going to draw the same aggres- football match since transition ilege of taking part in these try’s justice system. while the Warriors have not
sion from the Zimbabwean to democracy and eventual neck-and-neck battles – from I mean not to re- been to the tournament at all
striker, an exemplary player end of international sporting the high-stakes qualifiers, the open old wounds, in their history. 
always and one of the finest sanctions.  friendlies and the Cosafa re- Enock but regrettably
gentlemen you will ever see in gional championship games. this is part of the History is on Bafana’s side
this game.  It is hard to believe that next Muchinjo history of rival- when the two rivals clash in
year marks 30 years after the “Neck-and-neck” here also their two ties, but then the
It takes a great deal of re- birth of this great trans-bor- carries a literal sense, because, ry between these Warriors should feel that the
straint to ignore provocation der rivalry, which commenced boy oh boy, the intensity in two great nations time to turn the tide is now,
in an international match of with a thumping 4-1 win for some of the clashes has been – something that more than ever before. 
such profile, especially for the Zimbabweans in front of a something to savour.  defeat of Zimbabwe, in front must never ever be allowed to
somebody like Adam (now sell-out crowd in that match of of the home crowd, resulted happen again. Zimbabwe, with an exciting
late) who possessed the ap- 1992. One match that I partic- in a few fans hurling harmless In a couple of months’ time, new generation of potential
propriate physique to throw ularly remember fondly is a missiles onto the field. in June, Zimbabwe and South stars, are heading to Camer-
his weight around a bit if he A Peter Ndlovu penalty, friendly international eight Instead of apprehending Africa will resume the terrific oon early next year for their
wanted.  then another wonder goal by years ago, won 2-1 by Zimba- the few bad apples, the rogue rivalry at an interesting time third consecutive Africa Cup
him – that second effort only bwe at Soweto’s Orlando Sta- officers sprayed the mace into for the game in both countries. of Nations appearance. 
There is also the fact that the the beginning of many strokes dium. Tackles flew in, oppos- a packed stand of the ground, Of course, outside Bafana
challenge that had infuriated of artistry by the brilliant War- ing players pushed and shoved causing the mayhem that Bafana, there are other teams In contrast, it will be the
Nyathi was from minimal con- riors forward – completed the each other off the ball in heat- claimed innocent lives.  to contend with in Group G second time in three tourna-
test, which is really permissible legendary former Zimbabwe ed confrontation – rubbish- Others, quite justifiably, of the qualifiers: Ghana and ments that South Africa will
in a contact sport like football.  captain’s brace.   ing the concept of a friendly point out to the rising political Ethiopia. be missing out from the Na-
match as you might know it.  temperatures in Zimbabwe at But in our part of the world, tions Cup finals, having failed
The dissent showed by the Vitalis Takawira had given that time as an indirect cause they do not come much bigger to qualify for 2017 and 2022. 
Bafana Bafana fullback would, Zimbabwe the lead in the first I have always considered all of the tragedy. than Zimbabwe versus South
at worst, attract a sending off half before Rahman Gumbo this as good for competition, if Amid economic crisis and Africa for a place at the great- The World Cup qualifica-
today, and that it was not the fired home, from outside the you think about the history of widespread discontent across est sporting showpiece on the tion campaign is a different
case back then, only getting box, a beauty that would bend these two nations. It is a spec- the country, a fiercely popular planet. Compared with the Af- ball game altogether, trust me.
away with a yellow card, proves and dip on target past South tacle, and a healthy rivalry.  movement then changing the rica Cup of Nations, competi- What an opportunity, none-
how much football officiating Africa’s goalkeeper Mark An- political discourse of our coun- tion for World Cup qualifica- theless, for Zimbabwe not only
has changed over the years.  derson.  What was not healthy, to grab the bragging rights of
though, was the tragic episode the trans-Limpopo derby, but
Nyathi’s reaction, though, The late Sam Kambule of 21 years also, the darkest also qualify for a World Cup
would be totally understood in pulled one back for South Af- chapter of the trans-Limpo- that is probably long overdue.
po rivalry, when Zimbabwean

Sports ‘It’s a very
Three decades on, personal
decision
a great African to make’

rivalry beckons
againThursday 1 October 2020

Friday 9 April 2021 @NewsHawksLive TheNewsHawks www.thenewshawks.com

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Community
radio
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Lofty recognition$60 Covid
tariff for
visitors &
tourists under review

Story on Page 8
foCr Zhimamduiosa reacStoryonPage 3
out to Khupe

Unofficial president calls for emerge

Footballer Tino Kadewere (left) and cricketer Sean Williams.

WHILE Zimbabwe’s sports United Arab Emirates.  Boulaye Dia (Senegal & Re- three T20Is against the Asian with six wickets in the 3-0 ICC Voting Academy and
teams have not hit top form 25-year-old Harare-born ims) and Seko Fofana (Cote side, scoring 45 runs with a T201 victory. Bhuvneshwar fans around the world. The
as a group lately, it is always d’Ivoire & Lens). strike rate of 128.57. Kumar, on the other hand, ICC Voting Academy com-
near-impossible to keep indi- striker Kadewere made the Williams also led Zimba- played three ODIs against prises prominent members
vidual stars from this country shortlist for the Marc-Vivien Winners of this year’s edi- bwe in the T20I series in the England and took six wick- of the cricket family includ-
out of the global sporting Foé Award, an annual award tion, to be announced on 17 absence of white-ball skipper ets with an economy rate of ing senior journalists, former
limelight.  given to the best African play- May, will be decided by votes Chamu Chibhabha, in which 4.65. He also went on to play players, and broadcasters and
er in France’s elite division. of the jury made up of Afri- the Africans were white- five T20Is against the English some members of the ICC
This week, two of Zim- can sports journalists. washed 3-0 by Afghanistan. team, taking four wickets with Hall of Fame. 
babwe’s leading sportsmen The accolade is awarded The 34-year-old from Bu- an economy rate of 6.38. He The Voting Academy will
today – both key members in honour of the late Cam- Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s lawayo is in contention for was the standout bowler on submit their votes by email
of the country’s two premier eroonian player, Marc-Vivi- Test captain Williams has the award with Afghanistan either side in the white-ball and will retain a 90% share
national teams – were short- en Foé, who collapsed and been shortlisted for the In- leg-spinner Rashid Khan and series between the two rivals. of the vote. Additionally,
listed for prestigious awards died during an international ternational Cricket Council India fast bowler Bhuvnesh- The three nominees for fans registered with the ICC
in recognition of their stellar match in 2003. (ICC) Player of the Month wFianKr ahKanunmc,eatrhM. e iontihsetrynwomipineese,outesha$co3hrt.l2iostBfediltlhiboeansecddateeognpooroisensi-tfioealrrdes fuwInCidlClsbweebasbiltZee itomonc'vseolttaehteevissahtotlrhate-nd c
feats in their respective disci- has also been shortlisted on performances and overall listed players are announced
plines.  Also making the cut for the ianwgarsderifeosllaoAgwaLiinnSgsOtaAnIfNgohuSatsnItDiasntEadn- the basis of the UAE series achievements during the peri- and will have a 10% share
shortlist are Reinildo Man- between Zimbabwe and Af- od of that month (the first to of the vote. Winners will
Footballer Tino Kadewere dava (Mozambique & Lille), in the UAE las month.  ghanistan. The world’s pre- the last day of each calendar be announced every second
has hit a rich vein of scoring Nayef Aguerd (Morocco & Left-handed batsman Wil- mier leggie took 11 wickets as month).  Monday of the month on the
form for French top-flight Rennes), Farid Boulaya (Al- the Afghans won the second This shortlist is then vot- ICC’s digital channels.
club Olympique Lyon this geria & Metz), Andy Delort liams scored a total of 264 Test and then followed up ed on by the independent – STAFF WRITER/ICC/AGENCIES 
season while cricketer Sean (Algeria & Montpellier), Id- runs and took two wickets
Williams amassed a glut of rissa Gueye (Senegal & Paris in the two-match Test series,
runs on a recent tour of the Saint-Germain), Gael Kaku- which the two sides drew one-
ta (DR Congo & RC Lens), all. He also went on to play

ALSO INSIDE Three decades on, a great African rivalry beckons again