NewsHawks 30 July 2021-min

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WHAT’S INSIDE Friday 30 July 2021 FBuUeSlIrNeEtaSiSlers abuse S‘WPOe’rReTnow
forex auction by looking
NUEnWdeSrlying selling in US forward to
conditions expose dollars Paris 2024’
VP as Covid-19
strikes his security Story on Page 19 Story on Page 46

Story on Page 4

Catholic nuns seize
control of US$2m
Covid-19 project

ALSO INSIDE Top army officer Satuku persecuted in life, death

Page 2 News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

OWEN GAGARE Catholic nuns seize control
of US$2m Covid-19 project
CATHOLIC Church nuns,
through Sisters of the Little February 2021. beds. It was supposed to re- wards the reopening of the Greg Sebborn, banker Wil- St. Anne’s Hospital.
Company of Mary (LCM), A number of donations open at full capacity, but it hospital. LCM says it is a son Gwatiringa, business-
owners of St Anne’s Hospi- is operating at below 50% community hospital, but man Darlington Masenda, through the courts, Mutan-
tal in Harare, have acrimo- were received through Sot- capacity. It is also charging charges exorbitant admis- medical practitioner Dr da insists he bought it, but
niously seized control of the zim. CBZ Bank, for in- exorbitant fees for admis- sion fees. Sotzim wanted it is just being dispossessed by
refurbished health facility’s stance,  donated ZW$6 sion,” a source said. to open at full capacity and Ingrid Landman, and government keen to retake
Covid-19 centre from Soli- million. The United States charge much less than it is businesswoman Karen Mu- CAPS after selling it.
darity Trust Zimbabwe (Sot- Agency for Internation- “If one has Covid-19, to doing right now. As a result, tasa.
zim) trustees, their partners al Development donated be admitted at St Anne’s you both parties were not happy A humanitarian source
in a project funded by var- 20 ventilators. There were have to pay US$1 000 up- with each other for various The agreement was for familiar with the issue shed
ious donors, including the many other donations in front for three days without reasons.” a period of three months more light on the story.
United Nations, to the tune cash and kind. medical aid. Thereafter you – from April to June – to
of over US$2 million. also pay another US$1 000 LCM and Sotzim had provide the public with a “The background to this
St Anne’s was supposed for three more days. On top signed a joint venture agree- Covid-19 facility. issue is that when Covid-19
Documents obtained by to get massive donor fund- of that, you pay US$450 for ment on St Anne’s Hospital struck last year, the UN
The NewsHawks show that ing and become a major the doctor for three days. Covid-19 Response Centre LCM and Sotzim got could have left Zimba-
the nuns pushed out Sot- Covid-19 centre for ordi- After that, you pay US$150 on 1 April 2020. support from the Health bwe like what diplomatic
zim trustees after they had nary Zimbabweans and UN a day. ministry, the inter-ministe- and humanitarian agencies
helped raise donations in employees. Sotzim was chaired by rial taskforce on Covid-19, sometimes do, but the UN
cash and kind to complete “If you have no medical prominent businessman Ni- corporates and non-govern- system doesn’t work like
refurbishing and equipping However, due to the fall- aid, you pay US$2 500 up- gel Chanakira and included mental organisations for the that,” the source said.
the hospital which was due out between LCM and Sot- front for three days. After other high-profile figures project.
to reopen after closure in zim the UN, which was also that you US$600 daily if such as deputy chair Mucha “The UN had to stay and
2016. denied special accommoda- you are in critical, high de- Mkanganwi, Pulse Group The hospital had been assist in the fight against the
tion for employees on the pendency and intensive care founder and chief executive, closed after a bitter dispute Covid-19 pandemic. As part
Vice-President Constan- project, stopped funding in units. This is unaffordable disgraced cricket legend over its ownership between of that, UN secretary-gen-
tino Chiwenga, a Catho- February.  for a community hospital. Heath Streak, Tendai Muri- LCM and local businessman eral (Antonio Guterres)
lic, officially reopened the No one, except the rich, can sa, Sivio Institute executive Frederick Mutanda, who is tasked his staff and agencies
hospital last month.  It had, “There were many issues afford that. This issue part- director Sonja De Sa, a real locked in a wrangle over the to establish a first line of de-
however, opened doors to that caused friction and ly caused tensions between estate and travel agent Di- control of pharmaceutical fence, which is national, in
patients in September after tensions. One of the issues LCM and Sotzim during anne Coots, a medical prac- company CAPS Holdings different countries. Amid
a series of clashes, culminat- that led to the collapse of discussions to establish the titioner, business executive to which the hospital issue the raging Covid-19, and to
ing in LCM region leader the partnership was capacity Covid-19 centre and to- Busisa Moyo, entrepreneur is linked. ensure UN staff could con-
Sister Ellen Maseve’s out- utilisation of the hospital. tinue to work where they
burst before humanitarian The hospital has got 100 Although the nuns have were needed, the UN made
dignitaries in August last retained control of St Anne’s arrangements for the provi-
year that the nuns no longer
wanted to work with Sot-
zim.

Informed sources said the
issue has ruffled feathers,
not just of Sotzim trustees
and donors only, but also
those of Robert  Ndlovu,
the Roman Catholic Arch-
bishop of Harare and head
of the church in Zimbabwe,
and the Vatican’s  Apostol-
ic Nuncio (ambassador) in
Zimbabwe Paolo Rudelli.

The sources said the ruc-
tions between the church’s
nuns and the private sector
executives drew the atten-
tion of Ndlovu and Rudelli
who tried to calm down the
situation.

The fallout came against
a backdrop of a cold war
and eventual breakdown of
relations between the part-
ners over a number of con-
tentious issues, including
control of the project, trans-
parency and accountabili-
ty on donations, receiving
assistance from politically
exposed persons, capacity
utilisation of the hospital
and hidden vested financial
interests.

Donations in local cur-
rency reached ZW$19 788
884 and US$2 192 895  in
hard currency. Altogether,
the donations in cash, kind
and human capital topped
US$2 million.

Part of the cash donations
came from the United Na-
tions, through the United
Nations Development Pro-
gramme – its administrative
backbone – and its other dif-
ferent agencies, amounting
to at least US$600 000. Of
that sum, US$447 204.92
was paid before December
2020 and US$200 000 by

NewsHawks News Page 3

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

sion of health services con- St. Anne’s Hospital in Avondale, Harare. St Anne’s went on to get
sequential to fighting the PPEs from a politically ex-
pandemic. While UN staff in Zim- Health ministry,  had ap- diseases hospital under ventilation, oxygen tanks, posed person, angering its
babwe could only go to proached LCM requesting WHO guidelines involved spin dryers, ventilators and Sotzim partners who feared
“The framework, named Kenya, a regional hub, on the use of St Anne’s Hospital sealing off all non-Covid-19 closed-circuit television for reputational risk by associ-
‘first line of defence’, was evacuation and for treat- as a Covid-19 centre. The sections, including the 2nd security. ating with people accused of
designed to ensure that ment if the local facilities nuns agreed. floor, theatre, administra- corruption.
personnel deemed eligi- were incapacitated, as South tion and pharmacy.  At least US$46 000 had
ble by the UN and their Africa had banned foreign After that, the agreement been budgeted for personal Relations between LCM
dependents have access to patients, the internation- followed, with LCM and St A lot of things had to protective equipment (PPE) and Sotzim deteriorated as
high-quality, reliable health al body established its own Anne’s Hospital commit- done. These included spec- and other medical consum- the latter’s trustees said they
services in situations where medical centre in Nairobi. ting to donate for the use ifications for donning and ables. An approach had been did not want to receive dirty
healthcare systems may be The UN opened the UN- of the hospital building – doffing areas, showers, made to the Health ministry money.
overwhelmed or have col- TNH Treatment Facility for at 155 King George Road air conditioning, kitchen, to provide these PPEs, but
lapsed. It was also about mi- its staff on one side and the in Avondale, Harare – and On fund-raising, there
nimising the need for med- Main Hospital across the equipment, while Sotzim were parallel fund-raising
ical evacuations, considered road on the other side. Ken- sourced donations to con- structures and processes.
to be the ‘second line of de- yan President Uhuru Ken- vert the facility to an infec- That did not help the situ-
fence’. yatta opened the hospital on tious diseases hospital, ser- ation.
13 November 2020.  vice equipment and working
“So in Zimbabwe, since capital. Sotzim was expected Between April and the
South Africa had said it was A Kenyan national, Dr to deposit ZW$250 000 opening of the hospital in
not accepting foreign na- Ester Muia, United Nations commitment fee and US$51 September, a number of
tionals and Kenya is rather Population Fund representa- 000 for spare parts for ven- meetings were held to deal
far, the UN had to assist tive in Harare, was involved tilators and ICU monitors. with the renovation of the
in building that first line in the St Anne’s project. LCM would play a comple- hospital, its equipping,
of defence capacity. The St mentary role in fundraising fund-raising, financial man-
Anne’s and Sotzim project While LCM was having for the centre.     agement and accountability.
came up in that context to its own issues with the UN,
establish a state-of-the-art it was fighting a more in- Initially a technical team The partners even held
Covid-19 centre for the tense turf war with Sotzim was appointed, which paved what they termed a “trans-
public. The UN also wanted over the control of the proj- way for a management parency meeting” – which
to be accommodated. ect. board (MB) with three Sot- confirmed mutual suspi-
zim and three LCM mem- cions – to deal with various
“The problem for the The project was supposed bers, and a seventh person issues, but in the end mu-
UN was that it could not to be handed over to the as chair. Chanakira chaired tual suspicions and clashes
make St Anne’s Hospital total control and respon- MB meetings. collapsed the deal.
its Covid-19 facility or se- sibility of LCM only after
cure reserved beds as nuns the deal had ended. Sotzim The technical team was Maseve said she could not
refused, saying this was a was to continue to support appointed to prepare the comment as they released
community hospital. After the Covid-19 centre as a do- hospital for opening as soon a statement when the part-
some discussions on that nor. In that respect, it had as possible under the super- nership ended. “I can’t com-
and other issues like ac- secured funding required vision of an administrator, ment beyond what we said
countability, the UN agreed to pay professional and ad- doctor-in-charge, finance in the statement,” she said. 
to help without conditions. ministrative staff to run St manager, pharmacist, oper-
So it engaged LCM which Anne’s Hospital for an ini- ations manager and a few Chanakira, who is no lon-
was already refurbishing the tial period extending to 30 other skeleton staff.  The ger Sotzim chairman, said:
hospital. September 2020. Beyond St MB was advised at its first “The joint venture ended
Anne’s, Sotzim would pur- meeting on 15 May 2020 because it had a limited
A delegation from the sue a broader national man- that the hospital was ap- timeframe that had come to
World Health Organisation date, focusing particularly proximately 95% complete an end. It was not renewed
(WHO) and various oth- on Bulawayo, as well as vari- and minimal work was to be by mutual agreement be-
er partners went to inspect ous partnerships with health done to ensure the structure tween the parties”.
the facility and found it institutions outside major and equipment were 100%
suitable, although it needed cities.  Prior to the agree- ready for use.  The MB was Several other people in-
further investment, renova- ment in March 2020, the also told the conversion of volved refused to comment. 
tions and equipping.” government, through the St Anne’s to an infectious

The source said after ren-
ovating and equipping the
hospital, assisted by Sitzim
and donors, LCM found it-
self unable to pay its work-
ers.

“After all the renovations
by LCM and Sotzim, the
problem then became that
St Anne’s did not have mon-
ey to pay salaries. Sotzim
had refused to pay opera-
tional costs. So that’s where
the UN came in to pay the
staff costs for six months to
allow St Anne’s breathing
space to generate enough
money and capacity to pay
its wage bill on its own,” the
source said.

“The UN tried to also
provide administrative and
technical support to St
Anne’s, but the nuns reject-
ed that. So the UN ended
up just providing money for
salaries on the basis of in-
voices raised from the hos-
pital and reports on how the
money was distributed.”

There were suspicions
that St Anne’s doctors
were double-dipping: Get-
ting paid by the UN and
charging patients and med-
ical aid societies for their
services.

Page 4 News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

BERNARD MPOFU Underlying conditions expose VP as
Covid-19 strikes Chiwenga security
AT least three security details
assigned to Vice-President Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.
Constantino Chiwenga test-
ed Covid-19 positive ahead district.  bwe’s health sector has been has also been at the centre country for medical proce- wa went on his annual leave
of his trip to Beijing, China, “Someone from the Zim- exposed by the outbreak of of Zimbabwe’s vaccination dures. from 1 January 2021 to 1
while another was later struck the pandemic, Chiwenga, programme. The southern February 2021. 
by the virus in the far-flung babwean VP’s delegation test- sources said, hired a private African country has to date Information secretary Nick
Asian country, prompting the ed positive for Covid, which jet to China for a medical approved the use of Chinese, Mangwana could not be Mnangagwa’s then co-dep-
Chinese authorities to lock- left nearly 400 guests inside procedure. Russian, Indian and, most re- reached for comment as his uties, Mohadi (who stepped
down an upmarket hotel the the hotel in quarantine,” a cently, the Johnson & John- phone went unanswered. down in March after a sex
Zimbabwean leader and his source said. “He was expected to re- son vaccines, but most of its scandal) and Chiwenga al-
entourage visited, The News- turn to Zimbabwe after 10 vaccines are from China. In January, the Zimbabwe- ternated as acting president
Hawks can reveal. “The hotel, which is on days, but now with this latest an cabinet stopped meeting in-between.
Tiananmen Square, is close incident, his itinerary may Chiwenga, who requires physically at a time Mnan-
Chiwenga – who has se- to government buildings. For be changed,” another source medical attention on his oe- gagwa was on his annual Mohadi held fort from 1
rious underlying conditions China, which wants to take said. sophagus, fell seriously ill and leave and when the country January to 14 January, while
which make him vulnerable the lead in fighting Covid was urgently airlifted to Chi- was experiencing a surge in Chiwenga came in from 15
to Covid-19 – is in Beijing for which was first reported in In February, the Vice-Pres- na for medical treatment in Covid-19 cases and deaths. January to 1 February, al-
medical and official business. the country, the authorities ident became the first public 2019. though he was hardly visible
He is also Health minister. there had to swiftly deal with official to get the Covid-19 The last time cabinet had as he was said to have been
the incident.” vaccine which was donated Since then, he has been pe- met was on 8 December 2020. “exhausted”.
Three cabinet ministers by the Chinese. Chiwenga riodically flying to the Asian This is well before Mnangag-
with various underlying con- At a time when Zimba-
ditions, Perrance Shiri (Agri-
culture), Sibusiso Moyo (For-
eign Affairs) and Transport
minister Joel Biggie Matiza,
succumbed to Covid-19-re-
lated complications early this
year. 

The disease also claimed
the life of Manicaland Pro-
vincial Affairs minister Ellen
Gwaradzimba.

Zimbabwe is battling a
third wave of Covid-19 infec-
tions and deaths related to the
respiratory ailment. Govern-
ment has already put in place
several restrictions to contain
the spread of the disease as
statistics show that more peo-
ple have succumbed to the
virus during the current wave
compared to previous ones. 

The month of July alone
has been deadlier than the
combined toll from March
2020 to June 2021.

For Chiwenga, any expo-
sure to Covid-19 would be
precarious, considering the
underlying health conditions
he has struggled with over the
years.

Chiwenga, who did not
attend this Tuesday’s cabinet
meeting, flew to China  for
his routine medical check-up
as well as some meetings with
officials in that country. 

Higher Education minister
Amon Murwira is currently
the acting Health minister.

Information gathered by
The NewsHawks shows that
between Wednesday and
Thursday, security details who
were scheduled to accom-
pany Chiwenga underwent
Covid-19 laboratory tests at
his Kaguvi Building offices in
Harare, but were barred from
travelling after testing posi-
tive.

In China, his delegation
underwent Covid-19 tests
and later went to a luxury
hotel at Tiananmen Square
while awaiting the results.

Tiananmen Square is locat-
ed in Beijing central business

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NewsHawks News Page 5

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

RETIRED Briga- Top army officer Satuku defaults to the political.
dier-General Fidelis Sat- persecuted in life, death His goal is to be in politics
uku was a man persecuted when his tenure ends as
in life and death. defence chief, and he will
The veteran of Zim- be very disappointed if he
babwe’s liberation war, a fails to achieve that goal. 
decorated military com- “He has been given to
mander and strategist, making political state-
was buried quietly, away ments. This has caused
from the public glare, at some Zanu PF politicians
his farm in Odzi about 60 to be suspicious of him,
kilometres from Mutare and he was chastised by
on Wednesday, nine days Mugabe for being too ‘po-
after his death. litical’.”
Just as he was denied a The diplomatic cable
promotion to the rank of indicates that “both offi-
major-general on retire- cers stressed Chiwenga’s
ment in 2015, a well-es- political ambitions re-
tablished norm in the peatedly”. 
Zimbabwe Defence Forc- Satuku, who worked
es, Satuku was also denied directly under Chiwenga
national hero status, in at the Defence ministry,
a case of vindictiveness. said that “he is hardwork-
The norm in the army has ing, coming to his office
been that brigadier-gener- at 7.30am and staying
als who are war veterans until 10 at night, but he
are buried at the National spends his time on politi-
Heroes’ Acre. cal issues”. 
Instead, Satuku was Chingono revealed
belatedly declared a pro- Chiwenga once called a
vincial hero this week, the meeting of senior officers
same status as celebrated that started at 10am and
Zim dancehall musician went on until 9.30pm,
Soul Jah Love, who was which discussed econom-
a well-known drug ad- ics and politics, “but not
dict even though he was once did a military issue
immensely talented. The come up”.
musician died in February Satuku, whose
this year and was buried Chimurenga name was
at the Harare Provincial George Mackenzie, died
Heroes’ Acre in Warren at the Military Hospital
Park. in Mutare on Monday af-
Military officials who ter suffering from kidney
Retired Brigadier-General Fidelis Satuku.

spoke to The NewsHawks What they said about him hero status; he is a nation- knows his attributes.” was ultimately turned complications.
this week said he was not has come to pass,” said al hero and those that de- Under Chiwenga, the down. He was born in 1957
forgiven for his 6 January a retired military officer nied him the status know ZDF was also known to After more than a week in Nyamaropa, Nyanga.
2010 meeting with then who spoke to The News- that very well.” assist Zanu PF and the without the authorities He went to Kambudzi
United States ambassa- Hawks. A military source says then president Robert telling the family his sta- Primary School and lat-
dor to Zimbabwe Charles Satuku was hounded out Mugabe in elections. In tus, the government on er enrolled at Emmanuel
Ray. Ray had also met “The 2017 military of the army in 2015 and 2008, for example, the Tuesday belatedly de- Mission Ruwange where
Brigadier-General Her- coup proved beyond was denied “a rank up” on army took over the Zanu clared him a provincial he did his secondary ed-
bert Chingono a day ear- doubt that Chiwenga was resignation. PF campaign after Mug- hero, but his family chose ucation from 1973 to
lier. indeed a military general. “Thereafter he was abe lost the first round of to bury him at his farm 1976, before abandoning
In the separate meet- The fact that he is now largely neglected al- the presidential elections rather than the Mani- studies to join the libera-
ings, Satuku and Chin- the vice-president and though he was battling a to MDC-T leader Mor- caland Provincial Heroes’ tion struggle.
gono described Vice-Pres- has ambitions to be the kidney ailment. Some of- gan Tsvangirai. Acre in Mutare. With other pupils, Sat-
ident Constantino president also vindicates ficers close to him plead- The army unleashed In discussions with uku crossed the border
Chiwenga, who was the the two generals. They ed with the bosses on his violence and terror coun- US ambassador Ray, the into Mozambique to join
commander of the Zim- were accurate in their as- behalf after learning of trywide, targeting Tsvan- commanders told the dip- Zanla forces.
babwe Defence Forces sessment. Who can stand his plight, resulting in girai’s supporters, result- lomat that: “The Com- Satuku was later inte-
at the time, as a political here today and argue that him being sent to India ing in the MDC-T leader mander of the Defence grated into the Zimbabwe
general with little knowl- Satuku and Chingono for treatment last year. pulling out of the polls. In Forces, General Constan- National Army (ZNA) in
edge of military matters. were wrong, although of On return, he thanked 2013, the army also pro- tine Chiwenga, is a po- June 1980 as a major.
They further revealed course they paid the price Chiwenga as he moved to vided logistical support litical general who works In October of the same
that he had serious polit- when the discussion was build bridges, resulting in to Zanu PF ahead of and hard, but who has very year, he was seconded to
ical ambitions and visu- leaked?     an improvement in rela- during the elections.    little practical military the United Nations to un-
alised himself occupying tions,” an officer said. Military officials say al- experience or expertise. derstudy the command-
political office once his “Satuku was sharp in- “He died in a military though Chiwenga, Pres- A political commissar ers of the First Battalion
tenure as the ZDF chief tellectually and highly re- hospital, an indication ident Emmerson Mnan- before 1980, he has only Welsh Guards and Pir-
comes to an end, in a dos- garded in the Zimbabwe that relations had im- gagwa and the ZDF sent attended one mid-level bright.
sier later made public by Defence Forces. He was proved, but the fact that condolence messages to training course, which he On his return, he held
Wikileaks. known as a professional he was denied national the Satuku family, a rec- did not complete.  various appointments in
“If the two officers were soldier and commander. hero status means he was ommendation for na- “If given a choice be- the ZNA until 2015 when
not prophetic, then they He was the absolute epit- never forgiven. tional hero status made tween a military and a po- he retired from service.
knew Chiwenga very well. ome of professionalism Everyone though through the war veterans litical issue, he routinely
and was apolitical. There — STAFF WRITER.
is no question about his

Page 6 News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

OWEN GAGARE China rescues Zim on Covid-19
as world faces vaccine apartheid 
AS the world faces a Covid-19
vaccine apartheid amid priva- Sinopharm Headquarters in Shanghai, China. US$19.3 billion. 
tisation and monopolisation While the Covid-19 pan-
of its science and technolo- over and above the US$100 vocacy group. Tech as much as US$375 mil- €31 billion more than the es-
gy as well as the doses, and million resource envelope.”  Pfizer/BioNTech is a joint lion for just 20 million doses.  timated cost for the mRNA demic is wreaking havoc
hoarding by rich countries, vaccines, equivalent to 19% around the world with a dev-
China has rescued Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, in dire straits venture between American Over-priced vaccines mat- of the total EU 2021 budget.  astating impact on people’s
by supplying over 11 million and isolated from the West, pharmaceutical and biotech- ter for strained public bud- lives and economies, it has –
shots – not for free, but at a would have struggled to get nology multinational, Pfizer, gets in rich countries too. The Government budgets that just like any other crisis – cre-
cost of over US$93 million. Western vaccines. and its German counterpart, United Kingdom and United could be paying for more ated an opportunity for some
BioNTech. Moderna is Amer- States could have paid Pfiz- health workers or used to and produced at least nine
This comes as big Western American pharmaceutical ican. er/BioNTech and Moderna tackle hunger are instead cre- billionaires in this case. 
suppliers such Pfizer/BioN- giants Pfizer/BioNTech and US$1.8 billion and US$17.4 ating extreme wealth. Since
Tech, Moderna and Astra- Moderna are charging gov- The advocacy group says billion respectively more than the start of the pandemic, Topping new billionaires
Zeneca have allocated more ernments as much as US$41 South Africa may have the estimated production cost Moderna, BioNTech and are  Moderna  chief executive
than 90% of their supplies to billion above the estimated overpaid Pfizer/BioNTech of these mRNA vaccines, CanSino, a Chinese compa- Stéphane Bancel and Ugur
rich countries. cost of production, according US$177 million, a figure while for Germany the figure ny, have created at least nine Sahin, the boss of BioNTech,
to a new research released yes- Zimbabwe could ill-afford. could be €5.8 billion.  new vaccine billionaires with which has produced a vaccine
With Zimbabwe, just like terday by the People’s Vaccine Colombia may have overpaid a combined net wealth of with  Pfizer. Both are now
other developing countries, Alliance, a global vaccine ad- Moderna and Pfizer/BioN- The EU could have paid worth around US$4 billion,
struggling financially to join the lobby group’s analysis
and jump the expensive West- shows.
ern vaccine queues, China has
provided a welcome relief. Senior executives from
China’s CanSino Biologics
Finance minister Mthuli and early investors in Mod-
Ncube said yesterday during erna have also become bil-
a mid-term fiscal policy re- lionaires on paper as shares
view statement presentation, skyrocketed. The analysis was
to date Zimbabwe has spent compiled using data from the
US$93.2 million on procure- Forbes Rich List.  
ment of 11.8 million doses
and  7.2 million syringes al- Activists say the wealth
most exclusively from China.  generation highlighted the
stark inequality that has re-
So far there have been de- sulted from the pandemic.
liveries of 5.5 million doses The nine new billionaires are
and 5.2 million syringes.   worth a combined US$19.3
billion, enough to fully vacci-
Of the 11.8 million doses nate some 780 million people
Zimbabwe has secured, 11.7 in low-income countries such
million of those shots are as Zimbabwe, the campaign-
from China: Sinovac (6.2 mil- ers say. 
lion doses); Sinopharm (five
million) and Sinopharm (500 “These billionaires are the
000, donation from China). human face of the huge prof-
There is also Covaxine (35 its many pharmaceutical cor-
000, donation from India); porations are making from
and Sputnik V (50 000, do- the monopoly they hold on
nation from Russia). these vaccines,” Anne Mar-
riott, Oxfam’s health policy
The country got 1.2 mil- manager, said recently. “These
lion of the syringes from Chi- vaccines were funded by pub-
na Pharmaceutical Foreign lic money and should be first
Trade Corporation, three mil- and foremost a global public
lion from Sinopharm and one good, not a private profit op-
million from Sinovac.  portunity.” 

“The country has embarked Covid-19 has infected
on a mass vaccination cam- nearly 200 million and killed
paign as a long-term solution over four million globally.
to save lives and livelihoods,”
Ncube said. “The objective is As of yesterday, Zimbabwe
to target herd immunity of had recorded 105 656 cases
60% of the country’s popula- and 3 425 deaths; 81 of them
tion with 100 million having in the past 24 hours.
been set aside for the purpose.
Progress towards the desired
60% (herd immunity) will
require mobilisation of addi-
tional resources  for the pro-
curement of more vaccines,

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NewsHawks News Page 7

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Goodread

Pharmaceutical corporations charge
excessive prices for Covid-19 vaccines

ANNA MARRIOTT / ... Rich nations block cheaper route
ALEX MAITLAND holders of these corporations
Pfizer World Headquarters in New York, US. are unnecessarily draining
THE lifesaving vaccines for precious domestic budgets and
Covid-19 - funded largely by alent to 19 % of the total EU Monopoly prices  manufacturers - a move that provide “value for money”.  international aid spending that
the public - have been priva- 2021 budget.  At the heart of today’s stark, would rapidly expand the sup- On the other hand, rich is urgently needed for hospitals
tised and monopolised, leaving unacceptable and unnecessary ply of lower cost vaccines and and health workers, as well as
pharmaceutical corporations Government budgets that Covid-19 vaccine inequality is prevent unnecessary mass loss and poor countries alike have to address other impacts of the
the power to charge excessive could be paying for more the world’s collective depen- of life.  suffered decades of wildly ex- pandemic. 
vaccine prices to maximise health workers or used to tack- dence on a handful of phar- cessive and exploitative pricing
profit.  le hunger are instead creating maceutical corporations who The role vaccine monop- at the hands of pharmaceutical High prices are also direct-
extreme wealth. Since the start hold the power to decide how olies play in blocking the corporations that have pushed ly contributing to extreme
The cost of vaccinating the of the pandemic, Moderna, many vaccines get made, who urgently needed increased lifesaving and life improving vaccine scarcity in the global
world against Covid-19 could BioNTech and CanSino have gets them and at what price. production of Covid-19 vac- medicines out of reach for mil- south – without the budgets
be at least five times cheaper created at least nine new vac- While companies make bil- cines across the globe has been lions of people.  needed to compete with rich
if pharmaceutical companies cine billionaires with a com- lions in revenue and profits as increasingly debated and is country buyers, low- and
were not profiteering from bined net wealth of US$19.3 Covid-19 vaccines fast become well understood. Receiving This was case with HIV middle-income countries and
their monopolies on Covid-19 billion.  some of the best-selling phar- less discussion and debate is medicines two decades ago, the Covax facility have been
vaccines.  maceutical products in human how much the vaccines cost, before generic competition pushed to the back of the vac-
Breaking monopolies and history, less than 1% of people whether the prices charged are brought prices down by cine queue.
New estimates of the cost enabling generic competition in low-income countries have fair and what role price plays up to 99%. To assume that
of production for the success- is a proven route to increased had a vaccine.  in exacerbating today’s vaccine these same corporations have The failure of rich country
ful mRNA Covid vaccines production and reduced pric- apartheid.  changed their ways just be- governments to force prices
suggest they can be produced es of vaccines and medicines. Covid-19 infection and cause of a global pandemic is down by breaking up vac-
for as little as US$1.18 a dose. Rich country governments death rates are surging in de- The lack of attention to vac- at best naïve, especially when cine monopolies and insisting
Covax, the scheme set up to must stop blocking and start veloping countries with too cine pricing is in some ways the opportunity for short-term on cost transparency has left
help countries get access to supporting the fastest and few health workers and with- not surprising. Amid a glob- profit has been gifted to these pharmaceutical corporations
Covid-19 vaccines, has been cheapest route to global vacci- out the oxygen to save lives. al pandemic, protecting lives corporations by wealthy coun- entirely free to prioritise prof-
paying, on average, nearly five nation by insisting the vaccine Yet a handful of rich country should always take priority, at tries.  it maximising contracts with
times more for its doses. Avail- technology and know-how is governments continue to re- whatever cost. Further, as the them despite the fact that this
able reported prices suggest shared with the WHO’s Covid fuse to insist that pharmaceuti- International Monetary Fund Evidence gathered and an- will lead to many more deaths.
that governments worldwide Technology Access Pool, and cal corporations share vaccine have argued, the costs of vac- alysed by the People’s Vaccine Evidence is growing that the
are paying between four and immediately agree a temporary technology and know-how, cinating the world in compar- Alliance strongly suggests pharmaceutical corporations
24 times more than they could waiver of intellectual property free of intellectual proper- ison to the economic conse- many of the Covid-19 vac- are planning even more ag-
be for Covid-19 vaccines.  rules at the World Trade Or- ty rights, with other capable quences of not doing so almost cines are priced unjustifiably gressive pricing for Covid-19
ganisation for all Covid-19 pale into insignificance. At any high. Governments are paying vaccines in the future. 
Pharmaceutical corpora- vaccines, treatments and tests.  price, vaccination seems to more than they should, mean-
tions are free to prioritise the ing that the CEOs and share- Cost of vaccinating the
most lucrative high-priced world set to cost at least five
contracts with rich countries times more than it should. 
at the direct expense of pro-
tecting more lives in more Vaccine monopolies restrict
countries. Despite rising infec- global production and, be-
tions and deaths across many cause of lack of competition,
developing countries, Pfizer/ risk keeping prices artificially
BioNTech and Moderna have high. 
allocated more than 90% of
their supplies to rich countries. Competition from multiple
The Covax scheme and devel- suppliers is a proven route to
oping country governments sustainably reduce the price
cannot possibly compete with of vaccines. Analysis of the
the high prices willingly paid prices reportedly paid by Co-
by rich countries and so are vax, the international facili-
pushed to the back of the vac- ty set up to potentially help
cine queue. Less than 1% of all and especially developing
people in low income coun- countries procure Covid-19
tries have had a vaccine.  vaccines, suggest it has been
paying on average close to five
High prices block access, times more than the estimated
reduce vaccination coverage, cost of producing the Pfizer/
drain precious public budgets BioNTech vaccine, one of the
and super-charge profits. Pfiz- most expensive vaccines on the
er/BioNTech and Moderna market.
are charging governments as
much as US$41 billion above In other deals, governments
the estimated cost of produc- worldwide appear to be pay-
tion. Colombia may have ing between four and 24 times
over-paid Moderna and Pfizer/ more than they could be for
BioNTech as much as US$375 Covid-19 vaccines, where re-
million for just 20 million dos- ported prices are available. 
es. 
Recent analysis of produc-
South Africa may have over- tion techniques by Public Citi-
paid Pfizer/BioNTech US$177 zen with engineers from Impe-
million. Over-priced vaccines rial College London, estimate
matter for strained public bud- that the mRNA vaccines pro-
gets in rich countries too. The duced by Pfizer/BioNTech and
United Kingdom and United Moderna could be mass pro-
States could have paid Pfiz- duced for as little as US$1.18
er/BioNTech and Moderna to US$2.85 a dose. 
US$1.8 billion and US$17.4
billion respectively more than Yet these vaccines are some
the estimated production of the most expensive on the
cost of these mRNA vaccines, market at an average price
while for Germany the figure of US$16.25 and between
could be €5.8 billion. The EU US$19.20 and US$24 per
could have paid €31 billion dose respectively. Based on
more than the estimated cost computational process mod-
for the mRNA vaccines, equiv- elling, the expert analysts es-

Page 8 News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

timate that setting up regional even less intention to challenge millions more doses could vaccine scarcity in low-and useful cost vs price comparison change for early access to vac-
hubs to transfer the successful excessive pricing, indicating have been produced in 2021. middle-income countries.  for the new mRNA vaccines cines; and the woeful lack of
technology and manufac- that it would be willing to pay Given the scale of both the and suggests unjustifiably high transparency of governments
ture  eight billion doses of the more going forward to secure public funding and the global According to reported pric- prices are being charged.  themselves, all mean it is im-
mRNA vaccines in one year greater early volumes.  crisis, further funding could ing for countries where data possible to accurately scru-
would cost US$22.8 billion and should have been mobil- is available, Pfizer/BioNTech To the best of our knowl- tinise the industry’s vaccine
for the The People’s Vaccine To our knowledge, no ised with conditions attached have been charging govern- edge no equivalent analysis of pricing practices. 
Alliance is a global movement Covax funder has publicly to ensure a planned large-scale ments between six and 24 potential cost prices exists for
of organisations, world lead- questioned or criticised the and non-exclusive transfer of times the estimated cost of pro- other non-mRNA Covid-19 But the evidence outlined
ers and activists united under potential waste of limited aid technology with increased in- ducing its vaccines. Its lowest vaccines.  here, together with the sheer
a common aim of campaign- financing due to excessively vestment in manufacturing ca- reported price was charged to scale of the catastrophe coun-
ing for a “people’s vaccine” high priced vaccines.  pacity to ensure vaccines from the African Union at US$6.75 However, the price paid for tries are collectively facing,
for Covid-19 that is based on the outset were sold at cost or per dose, still nearly six times the full range of existing non- means the burden of proof
shared knowledge and is freely Pharmaceutical corpora- near-cost prices. Even allowing more than the estimated cost Covid-19 vaccines can provide must most definitely rest with
available to everyone every- tions and rich country govern- for the uncertainty in the early of production. Its highest re- a useful if not perfectly com- the corporations to justify why
where.  ments price out poorer nations days of the pandemic, clinical ported price was charged to parable benchmark.  Accord- any Covid-19 vaccine is priced
and push them to the back of trial data by the fall of 2020 Israel at US$28 per dose. ing to analysis published in more than US$1 or US$2 a
Moderna vaccine (US$2.85 the queue.  made clear that new the Lancet using data from dose. It is the responsibility
per dose), and US$9.4 billion Moderna, whose vaccine WHO in 2018, developing of governments to insist that
for the Pfizer/BioNTech vac- The ultimate responsibility vaccines would be safe and science and development were countries paid a median price companies provide such evi-
cine (US$1.18 per dose).  for today’s scarce and over- effective. At that point, instead almost entirely funded by the of US$0.80 a dose for vaccines dence, preferably via indepen-
priced vaccines must lie with of hoarding doses for them- public purse and co-developed when buying them via Unicef.  dent, third party audits. From
Without vaccine monopo- rich country governments and selves, rich country govern- with government scientists, the outset this should have
lies restricting supply, and at the global institutions they ments should have and could has between 4 and 13 times the For Covid-19, even one of been a requirement of public
the estimated cost price for the fund like Covax and its con- have dedicated their resources estimated cost price of its vac- the lowest priced vaccines on funding for the development,
Pfizer vaccine, the US$9.3bn stituent institutions, such as – financial and political – to cine.  Its lowest reported price the market, Oxford/Astra- manufacture, and distribution
spent already by Covax would CEPI.  dramatically scale up produc- was charged to the US govern- Zeneca, is nearly four times of Covid-19 vaccines. 
have been enough to fully vac- tion worldwide to ensure suffi- ment at US$12 to US$16.50 this price at the most widely
cinate every person in low- and Collectively and unforgiv- cient doses for everyone.  a dose, while the company has reported price of US$3 a dose.  Market analysis also makes
middle-income countries. In- ably these actors failed to place said it is charging up to US$37 clear that the prices of vaccines
stead Covax has only been able necessary conditions on the Without these conditions a dose for some customers.  At a claimed non-profit and medicines only drop sus-
to buy enough doses to cover more than US$100 billion of the Covid-19 vaccines funded price of US$10 a dose, the tainably when there are multi-
23% of people for eligible de- tax-payers money allocated to largely by the public have been It appears to be reserving Johnson & Johnson vaccine is ple competitors in the market.
veloping countries.  fund the research and devel- privatised and monopolised some of its highest prices for nearly 13 times this cost. Sen- Fixing the access problem for
opment and early purchases of leaving pharmaceutical corpo- poorer countries least able to egal, a lower-income country, Covid-19 means breaking the
Covax, and its co-ordinators these vaccines.  rations the power to set prices pay but which also have suf- was reportedly charged US$20 pharmaceutical monopolies
Gavi, the Vaccines Alliance, as they like.  fered very high infection and a dose for the Sinopharm vac- on Covid-19 vaccines, tests
and CEPI (The Coalition for Such access conditions death rates with minimal ac- cine – 25 times the median and treatments and insisting
Epidemic Preparedness Inno- could have guaranteed that Some are charging wild- cess to vaccines. Colombia is price paid for vaccines by de- the technology and know-how
vations) must take significant any successful products would ly varying prices to different reported to have paid double veloping countries before the is transferred to more manu-
responsibility for their failure be global public goods – free of buyers that suggests there is what the US government was pandemic. The Pfizer/BioN- facturers in developing coun-
to call out pharmaceutical cor- intellectual property rights and no discernible relationship to charged at US$30 a dose.  Tech and Moderna vaccines tries through a coordinated,
porations to drive vaccine pric- with a commitment to share the actual cost of production. are up to 46 times more ex- transparent and non-exclusive
es down, and for their failure the vaccine technology and And some rich country gov- South Africa is reported to pensive.  mechanism like the Covid-19
to challenge vaccine monop- know-how so that other qual- ernments appear to have will- have turned reportedly charged Technology Access Pool. Only
olies. Medicins Sans Frontiers ified and capable manufactur- ingly paid higher prices than countries down Moderna’s The abysmal level of trans- then will supply increase and
(MSF) point out that when ers around the world could necessary to push their way to unaffordable offer of up to parency required of phar- prices come down sustainably
first proposing its role in secur- make them as soon as possible.  the front of the vaccine queue, US$42 per dose. The analysis maceutical corporations by to the lowest possible levels. 
ing high volumes of Covid-19 thus contributing directly to by Public Citizen with Imperi- governments; the demands of
vaccines for developing coun- Open competition itself al College engineers provides a pharmaceutical corporations The continued failure to do
tries, Gavi assured that man- would have increased supplies for absolute secrecy in ex- this means that pharmaceu-
ufacturers would be asked to and forced prices down. Many tical corporations are free to
commit to transparency re- prioritise the most lucrative
garding their costs and that high volume, high priced con-
Gavi would aim to set a price tracts with rich countries at the
based upon cost of production direct expense of protecting
with a marginal increase.  more lives in more countries.
The Covax scheme and devel-
However, in later technical oping country governments
guidance notes very few such cannot possibly compete with
requirements were included. the high prices paid by rich
MSF together with more than countries and so are pushed to
40 civil society organisations the back of the vaccine queue. 
urged Gavi not to repeat the
mistakes of previous Advanced Moderna and Pfizer/BioN-
Market Commitment schemes Tech stand out as the worst
for lifesaving childhood pneu- offenders. Pfizer/BioNTech
monia vaccines which for over have allocated just 8% of their
ten years were kept at unaf- global supplies to low-and
fordable prices for govern- middle-income countries to
ments and treatment providers date, including Covax and the
like MSF.  African Union. For Moderna
the figure is just 7%.
In addition to paying un-
necessarily high prices, Covax Overall, less than 1% of
has been characterised by poor people in low-income coun-
transparency both on pric- tries have received at least one
ing and costs of production dose to date. 
and has excluded civil society
and low- and middle-income While everyone living in the
countries from its strategy de- rich G7 countries are set to be
velopment, decision making fully vaccinated by January
and negotiations.  2022, based on current rates, it
will take low income countries
Moreover, Covax did not 57 years to achieve the same
support other mechanisms to coverage.
maximise supply, especially the
WHO Covid-19 Technology – The People’s Vaccine Al-
Access Pool – the mechanism liance. 
for sharing technology and
know-how and for licensing The People’s Vaccine Alli-
intellectual property rights. ance is a global movement of
Throughout, as public private organisations, world leaders
partnerships, Gavi, Covax and and activists united under a
its key partner CEPI have been common aim of campaign-
too close to industry, appear- ing for a “people’s vaccine”
ing to prefer cosy, closed door for Covid-19 that is based
deals rather than demanding on shared knowledge and is
that firms do the right thing freely available to everyone
and provide for Covax first everywhere. The Peoples Vac-
and at cost or near-cost prices.  cine is supported by over two
million activists worldwide
In its latest Investment Case and 175 former world lead-
report, Covax demonstrates ers and Nobel prize winning
scientists.

NewsHawks News Page 9

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Health Bill will hamper
delivery of critical services

BRIDGET MANANAVIRE director Itai Rusike said the “No one was involved in sional skill, expertise, care and
provisions in the Bill will push this, it was a few individuals service expected of him or her
THE recently published away experienced health prac- at the ministry of Health and as a member of the profession
Health Service Amendment titioners and erode the quality those individuals will not be to which he or she belongs;
Bill will have a negative effect of service. affected by this. It is oppress- during any collective job ac-
on service delivery at pub- ing the already oppressed and tion, to provide the skill, ex-
lic health institutions, which “I’m not sure it is the best we are appealing to the highest pertise, care and service to pa-
most Zimbabweans turn to for way to address the human re- office to stop this Bill to save tients in a medical emergency
health care, public health ad- source crisis Zimbabwe is fac- the health delivery system,” or needing critical or intensive
vocates say. ing. Our health workers have Dongo said.  care.”
This will be caused by the been disgruntled for time and
disgruntlement of health there has been a push factor. According to the Bill “A And if the commission al-
workers whom the Bill seeks Coming up with a draconian member of the Health Service leges that an individual mem-
to stifle from speaking out or law in the 21st century that is under an obligation, whilst ber is in breach of these claus-
protesting their conditions of restricts job action is a sad de- employed by the Commis- es, he or she shall be subject to
velopment.  sion— to provide the profes- a disciplinary authority. Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo.

service.  “Our health workers can
The Health and Child Care go and work anywhere in the
ministry which drafted the world, they will just leave be-
Bill also failed to consult other cause their services are sought
stakeholders on the provisions, after. Zimbabwe is going to
according to healthcare advo- face a catastrophe in the health PRESS STATEMENT
cates. sector and it is the poor who
While health sector workers depend on public hospitals
are seen as a playing a signifi- who are going to suffer.  The
cant role in the attainment of people who drafted the Bill do
universal health coverage, the not get services from the pub-
move by Zimbabwe has been lic hospitals. Less than 10%
seen as a retrogressive step in of citizens have medical aid,
achieving that goal by 2030. meaning over 90% depend
The Bill, gazetted last Fri- on public health institutions,”
day, seeks to amend the Health Rusike said.
Service Act [Chapter 15:16] It has come to our attention that Zimeye Online
and align the Health Service Over the years, Zimbabwe Publication and News Pindula Publication
Act to the Constitution by has experienced a significant published stories on the 13th July 2021 wherein
designating the health delivery number of strikes in the health they commented that Jah Prayzah and KVG had
service as a commission, a shift sector, some of which dragged received stands or properties from us on an
from the current board status. on for months and crippled outdated leasehold title. We hereby refute such
It also provides for the func- service delivery. malicious and untrue allegations. We categorically
tions of the commission.  state that both Jah Prayzah and KVG purchased
The Bill discusses the pa- In response, the govern- their properties on freehold title and their title
rameters of collective job ac- ment has reacted with threats deeds will be transferred to them in due course.
tion by health professionals, towards striking doctors and The article is thus misleading to our valued
prohibiting any job action nurses, refusing to pay them customers and is meant to tarnish our brand. We
that goes beyond 72 hours and and at times evicting them reassure our customers and all other stakeholders
criminalising incitement to from their official residence.  that their interests remain our priority and they
strike. should check the facts with ourselves before
“(2) Notwithstanding Rusike said health work- making any assumptions or decisions.
anything in the Labour ers’ representatives and other
Act [Chapter 28:01] — (a) stakeholders who could have Be accordingly advised.
the Health Service shall be meaningfully contributed to
deemed as an essential service the Bill were not consulted. BY THIS ORDER OF THE BOARD
referred to in section 65(3) of WEST PROPERTY COMPANY (PRIVATE) LIMITED
the Constitution; and (b) no “Some of us have been ad-
collective job action whether vocating for remuneration to
lawful or unlawful shall con- be matched with what others
tinue for an uninterrupted pe- in the region are getting. If
riod of 72 hours or for more you go to a Botswana health
than 72 hours in any given 14- facility, you will find that a
day period; and (c) notice of bulk of the workers there are
any collective job action must Zimbabwean,” he said.
be given in writing 48 hours
prior to the commencement “There is no way we are go-
of such collective job action,” ing to achieve universal cov-
the Bill reads. erage of healthcare without
“(3) Any individual who is a health workers. Look at the
member of the governing body city councils and how nurses
of any trade union or represen- have been resigning. The min-
tative body of members of the istry of Health has to take a
Health Service which incites different approach and open
or organises any job collective up the space for engagement.”
action contrary to sub-section
2(b) 25 or (c) shall be guilty Zimbabwe Nurses Associa-
of an offence and liable to a tion president Enock Dongo
fine not exceeding level 10 or said the unfortunate part was
to imprisonment for a period that the Bill was coming at
no exceeding three years or to a time when it was more ap-
both such fine and such im- propriate to appreciate them
prisonment.” for the work they have been
Community Working doing, especially during the
Group on Health executive pandemic. 

“Instead, they are crafting
more oppressive laws which
will further demoralise the
health workers. The conse-
quences will lead to poor ser-
vice delivery.

Page 10 News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Impala Car Rental faces collapse

TAWANDA KASUSO dus of senior employees. Impala Car Rental offices on Chiremba Road, Harare. always been a director, she was
This has led to the formation not aware of Thompson’s co-
STILL reeling from the Tawan- room coup and the audit that already closed shop, while the Alfred. Impala says it has a fleet vert operations and underworld
da Muchehiwa abduction scan- of a splinter company known as she ordered,” the source said. South African operation was al- of  over 200 top-of-the-range deals that made the compa-
dal by state security agents with Legacy Car Rental, which has ready struggling. vehicles and won several awards ny look highly profitable. So
its connivance as well as the sub- offices at 6 Devine Road in Ha- “Thompson’s siblings also did in its heyday. It had a workforce when he died, she was shocked
sequent desertion by spooked rare’s Milton Park suburb, the not like the fact that they were Matirasa is now Impala chief of 70 employees, including 10 by the financial status of the
clients, death of its chief ex- sources said. being accused of misappropri- executive, deputised by found- managers.  company and ordered an audit,
ecutive Thompson Dondo in ating funds. So they mobilised ing member and general man- thinking the money was being
January and now boardroom After Dondo’s death, his wife other disgruntled employees, ager Viola Chirata who has been The sources said part of the stolen. When Thompson died,
squabbles, Impala Car Rental Matirasa Francisca, who is a including a driver called Chiv- with the company since its for- problem is that the late Dondo the company faced problems;
is teetering on the brink of col- director, ordered an audit to es- izhe, to quit and then started mation in 2007. The company operated Impala like a “brief- it couldn’t even pay employees
lapse, informed sources say. tablish the financial state of the Legacy.”  began operations in 2007 when case company” – he got money in the first three months,” the
company as she was taking from the late Dondo was still based from various other operations source said.
Information gathered this where her husband had left off This has left Impala in deeper in the United Kingdom. He and underworld activities.
week shows the car hire compa- and suspected misappropriation operational and financial trou- started off with his late brother “Thompson was a dealer, he
ny, which once dominated the of funds, they added. ble. Its Zambian branch has “Although the widow has got money not just from Im-
market with lucrative contracts pala, but other operations too.
from government, business, The witch-hunt, however, There was also Panacea 24,
humanitarian agencies, civil so- ruffled the feathers of other di- Swine Company and Fasfit. His
ciety and individuals, is now fi- rectors of the family-run busi- major cash cow was the Swine
nancially struggling and has had ness. According to the compa- Company which supplied
difficulties in paying its workers ny’s CR14 documents, Matirasa the army with pork. So after
in recent months. and the late Dondo’s sister Clara his death, the widow couldn’t
are listed as directors. keep the companies together
In the aftermath of the ab- as shown by the Impala split
duction of Muchehiwa by state “When Matirasa took over, already.”
security before the 31 July pro- she ordered a forensic audit to
tests last year, Impala was hit by ascertain the financial state of Impala brand and projects
contract cancellations when its the company. She also suspect- manager Tracy Ngoma refused
role in the seizure and horrific ed that her co-director Clara to comment on the issue, re-
torture of the student journalist and some senior members of ferring all inquiries to Legacy.
was exposed.  management were siphoning “I am not in a position to com-
funds,” a company source said. ment on the issue. Why don’t
Muchehiwa has since fled to you contact the directors you
South Africa, fearing for his life. “This did not go down well claim have defected?” she said.
with some of Dondo’s relatives
The situation was worsened and the subsequent squabble re- Darlington was also evasive
by reports of the company’s en- sulted in the quitting of at least and referred questions back to
tanglement with the Central In- six employees and others. Clara Ngoma.
telligence Organisation (CIO) led the defectors to form their
through dodgy ownership deals own splinter company, Legacy “Where did you get this sto-
cut by the late Dondo. Impala Car Rental, and they have tak- ry? Please talk to Tracy (Ngo-
is the CIO’s favourite car hire en away with them their skills, ma),” he said. He promised to
company. experience and clients.” return call back, but did not.

Details obtained this week Legacy is led by  Clara and Matirasa said:  “I’m sorry
show that the situation has her brother Darlington Dondo, I cannot comment on that. I
further deteriorated follow- Thompson’s siblings. would need to consult my law-
ing bickering at the operation yer first. But does it matter what
which has triggered a mass exo- “Darlington is Clara and happened anyway?”
Thompson’s brother. They were
angered by their in-law’s board-

STEPHEN CHADENGA Govt ropes in traditional chiefs ducted at the site.
to promote Chinese project Mudzengi also assured
GOVERNMENT has roped the officials that he would
in traditional leaders to con- conduct another ritual in-
vince reluctant villagers to cluding the brewing of tra-
agree to be evicted when a ditional beer to welcome the
carbon steel project under- investors.
taken by a Chinese investor A traditional leader who is
in the Chirumanzu area of nature,” Mavima said. against the planned eviction
the Midlands province com- “In fact, the traditional said villagers were consulting
mences. with the aim of engaging hu-
leaders have assured us that man rights lawyers including
The proposed multi-mil- there is adequate land in the the Zimbabwe Lawyers for
lion-dollar iron and steel event that some villagers Human Rights (ZLHR).
plant being spearheaded by need to be moved when the ZLHR spokesperson
Tshingchan Holdings is ex- project kicks off.” Kumbirai Mafunda told The
pected to be operational by Newshawks that the organi-
the end of this year, but is Mavima said resisting sation’s lawyers had not yet
likely to result in the evic- such a venture would be been reached over the issue.
tion of 800 villagers. The retrogressive not only to the The Chirumanzu case is
government says the project province but also to the vil- among many in which vil-
will create 2 000 jobs. lagers themselves. In many lagers in resource-rich areas
resource-rich areas across the are facing eviction to pave
Although the government country, villagers have been way for investors.
has been on a whirlwind to forcibly evicted to pave way There was an uproar ear-
portray the business venture for investors. Human rights ly this year when the gov-
as an economic game chang- campaigners have bemoaned ernment tried to evict more
er in the Midlands and the the lack of proper planning than 13 000 villagers occu-
country, the planned evic- by the government when pying over 12 000 hectares
tion of villagers has been a relocating affected families, in Chilonga communal land
headache to officials, given resulting in some being re- in Chiredzi to pave way for
that affected communities settled in areas were there is lucerne grass production
are reluctant to move. lack of clean potable water. meant for stockfeed.
Human Rights Watch
Midlands provincial af- Reported efforts this week noted that due process in-
fairs minister Larry Mavi- to contact the acting Chief cluding prior consulta-
ma says the involvement of Chirumanzu, Fidelis Mudz- Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Larry Mavima. tions   with affected people,
community leaders is part of engi – who has been roped
the government’s devolution in by government – hit a posed project site in the Mavhima, Mines minis- bagwe legislator Prosper compensation and provision
thrust. snag as he was unreachable company of senior govern- ter Winston Chitando and Machando, among others. of alternative land was not
on his mobile number. ment officials including Zanu PF Chirumanzu-Zi- Traditional rituals were con- followed.
“Everyone has to be in-
volved when government But a fortnight ago,
embarks on a project of this Mudzengi was at the pro-

NewsHawks News Page 11

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

No free and fair elections under
this political environment: ERC

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA forms include the insti- in previous elections. It tions.” ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba.
tutional reform of the should be noted that Zec The objectives of the as-
THE Election Resource Zimbabwe Electoral Com- has taken a piecemeal ap- sessment include: assessing
Centre (ERC), an elector- mission (Zec), looking at proach in recommending the state of electoral laws,
al and democracy think- the institutional and per- proposals to the alignment policies and practices post
tank, says Zimbabwe sonnel levels as well as the of electoral laws, policies the 2018 general elections
cannot hold free and fair organisational practices. and practice with the con- in preparedness for the
elections in 2023 if the stitution and international 2023 polls, to inform elec-
polls are conducted under There is also need for best practice.  toral stakeholders on out-
current electoral laws. the reform of the legal “The failure to significant- standing electoral reforms
framework, that is the ly revise key laws or to as well as to establish gaps,
As a result, the civil so- Electoral Act, all electoral address the partisan con- build consensus and prof-
ciety organisation says a regulations and procedures duct of the state security, fer recommendations for
contested outcome is likely focusing on constitution- traditional leaders and the the improvement of the
if changes are not made. ality and international best media undercuts free elec- quality of elections.
practice. The ERC also
Zimbabwe has a history said there was a need to CONFERENCE
of disputed elections par- reform the conduct of the ROOM
ticularly since 2000 when state media in covering the AVAILABLE
the opposition Movement electoral processes as well
for Democratic Change as the conduct of tradi- Executive Conference Room for Package Includes
began contesting polls.  tional leaders in political -Private Meetings -Wi-Fi
processes.
Ahead of the 2023 elec- -Investment Meetings -Projector
tions, a number of elector- Reform of the role of the -Workshops -Flip Chart/Whiteboard
al processes are set to be military in civilian affairs -Stationery (Pen & Notepad
undertaken in preparation is also seen as critical. -Product Launches
including but not limited -Media or Financial Briengs
to the 2021 census and the The Electoral Barome-
2022 delimitation process. ter shows that, since the Training
1990s, election observa- Strategic Planning
In its Electoral Barome- tion has become an im-
ter, ERC chairperson Trust portant tool whereby the BOOK NOW!!!
Maanda said there was a international communi- CONTACT DETAILS
need for the alignment ty determines whether a Visit us at Charmaine 0735 666 122
of electoral laws with the country adheres to its obli- The NewsHawks
constitution. gations and commitments, #100 Nelson Mandela Avenue Ruth 0784 674 193
as established in the Beverly Court Landline: 0242 721 044/5
“The Zimbabwean gov- framework of internation-
ernment needs to fix all al political and civil rights or E-mail
legislation affecting the norms and instruments. [email protected]
electoral process and en-
vironment and bring it in The ERC report is based
line with both the Con- on recommendations
stitution and with Zimba- made by 2018 election
bwe’s regional and inter- observer missions. The re-
national commitments,” forms must be urgently
Maanda said. implemented, in view of
the looming 2023 polls.
“The problems we face
are precisely premised on “Three years since the
the outstanding electoral 2018 harmonised elections
reform issues that do not and two years to the next
comply with either the election, a promise of ex-
constitution or our inter- pedited reforms continues
national law obligations. to lag behind and now
seemingly beyond reach.
“The responsible stake- While the Covid-19 pan-
holders must ensure that demic has brought new
all legislation affecting the challenges associated with
electoral environment be outstanding electoral re-
brought in line with both forms, reforms remain
the constitution and Zim- unaddressed,” the report
babwe’s international com- reads.
mitments. The following
five points focus on tangi- “The post-2018 elec-
ble steps the policymakers tion environment has been
can take to make the elec- dominated by the non-im-
toral process and the en- plementation of key re-
vironment more credible, forms, most of which have
fair, transparent, account- been repeatedly raised by
able and inclusive.” election observer groups

Priority electoral re-

The NewsHawks TheNewsHawksLive www.thenewshawks.com [email protected]

Page 12 News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

INDEPENDENT studies Mine workers bemoan them, including some arrest-
show that Zimbabwe is en- ruinous corruption ed in South Africa even at
dowed with over 40 precious airports.
minerals, yet it remains a par- gather information from in-
adox that nearly half of the dividual workers who would Gold is being smuggled
population lives in extreme be available at a given time. to Dubai, China and other
poverty. Critics blame poor Meetings that normally are destinations. It’s a pity our
governance, policy inconsis- used by workers to bargain government has no clue as to
tency and lack of transparen- are no longer effective. Iron- how to restore order as some
cy in the extractive sector for ically, each time when work- are benefiting from the chaos.
the high levels of poverty.  ers table agendas that point We are doomed as a nation.
to wages and benefits, the NM: Is there an effective
Zimbabwe Diamonds and Covid-19 issue is raised, and way to stop gold smuggling?
Allied Minerals Workers it has been a double monster JC: I have said involve mine
Union (ZDAMWU) secre- as its regulations have noth- workers up to the MMCZ
tary-general Justice Chin- ing to do with collective bar- or Fidelity. This may halt
hema says the mining sector gaining. At national level, it the mineral smuggling syn-
has lost a lot of revenue due can be done virtually, but this dicates at all levels. We must
to poor governance and ac- has never been effective. be transparent as a nation to
countability. Chinhema says gain trust from investors.
mine workers who are earn- Employers are so rigid and NM: Generally, the local
ing slave wages deserve jus- can only act when they see mining sector is associated
tice. you expressing yourself physi- with environmental degra-
cally. Generally, our members dation. Any examples of the
The NewsHawks Masho- are fighting a cold war in si- impact so far?
naland West provincial cor- lence. They are being pushed JC: (laughs) Have you been
respondent Nhau Mangirazi to the wall, I tell you.  to the Great Dyke recently?
(NM) caught up with Chin- Visit Mazowe Dam, Ang-
hema (JC) who believes mine NM: We understand your wa River in Mashonaland
workers are being abused. organisation used to repre- West, Filabusi, Inyathi and
sent diamond workers. How Hwange, among other areas
Below are the excerpts: has this representation had where gold is being mined.
NM: During the first an impact on the workers’ It’s a sad and sorry state as
Covid-19 lockdown, the welfare? the environment has been de-
mining sector became one stroyed.
of the key economic sectors JC: Yes, ZDAMWU was Zimbabwe Diamonds and Allied Minerals Workers Union secretary-general Justice Chinhema.
to resume operations. What formed by diamond miners Rivers have been affect-
impact did this have on in 2015. After the consoli- NM: On the casualisation of is captured by the employer, major forex earners for the ed by siltation, with open
mine workers? dation of mines, workers lost labour in the mining sector, (Chamber of Mines) they country, but is being smug- gullies everywhere. Mazowe
JC: It is a fact that the mining employment there and got are there any outstanding have failed again to push for gled out of the country. Dam has been greatly af-
industry was declared an es- employed in other sub-sec- court cases at the moment?  the amendment of the act. What is going on? fected as other government
sential service provider since tors of the mining industry JC: Casualisation of labour We are fighting for its amend- JC: Our gold is being smug- departments, including the
the Covid-19 pandemic lock- and, because of the impact we is rampant in the mining in- ment to bring an end to the gled out of the country on a Environmental Management
downs began last year. It has made, the workers could not dustry. Employers are used to casualisation that we have daily basis. There is rampant Agency, can’t do anything
only benefited the employers join any other union. This hiring workers on short-time today. under-declaration of min- where the powerful are part
in a big way as restrictions saw our variation in 2017 to contracts, thereby avoiding NM: Any outstanding dis- erals, no proper monitoring of the game. Politicians are
literally bar workers from ac- represent all mine workers the responsibilities of perma- ciplinary cases around the and corruption. We have said part of the mining cartel.
cessing their unions for legal across the country. nent employment. However, country? workers are stockholders, Chinese mining chrome have
advice as they must work. ZDAMWU discovered that JC: There are several out- they should be involved in destroyed the Great Dyke
Chamber of Mines posted We had our first congress in 1993 the NEC (mining) standing cases across the the movement of the miner- and they don’t respect envi-
that production increased in 2019, and we have been when it was still effective, country. Our dispute res- als from mine to the Miner- ronmental laws. Our forests
in 2019-2020 and it confirms the voice of mine workers there was Statutory Instru- olution process is too bad. als Marketing Corporation have been destroyed by the
that indeed the mining sector across the country. We have ment 109 that prohibited There are no time frames set of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) or Chinese under our watch.
is part of our economic revival attended to historical griev- companies from employing for a matter to be settled by Fidelity Refiners if they are NM: How will the mining
strategies. This is a milestone ances that happened before underground production the NEC, which is heavily transparent. This is not hap- sector contribute to eco-
as some economic sectors are our existence, with success. workers on fixed contracts. understaffed. The system is pening. Our government nomic revival in view of the
in distress during Covid-19, We are still attending to We wonder why it was nev- corrupt. We want an overhaul must recognise workers and smuggling and corruption
which has exposed every na- other outstanding labour is- er enforced then. We are now of the NEC regulations and consult them through their in general?
tion’s economic, social and sues with Shabanie Mashava enforcing it and we are happy all its statutes. As of today unions about these leakages
political strength globally.  Mines, Hwange (colliery) some mines have started to we have over 60 outstanding so that we can stop and save JC: We must formalise the
ex-workers, Mhangura cop- correct this anomaly. Some cases before NEC officers in our economy through mining artisanal and small-scale
However, it is sad to note per mine, among others. employers are stubborn but Bulawayo and Harare. This is that has great potential. mining. Let us involve mine
that nothing positive has we have registered the dis- disheartening. NM: Who are the culprits in workers as stakeholders who
been done for the general We are representing our putes with the NEC. Besides NM: Which other mineral gold smuggling? must not be paid slave wages,
workers toiling for this so- membership. Pensioners who challenging this through SI sectors are you now repre- JC: Chinese miners in this but fully consult communi-
called achievement in the had not been paid their pen- 109, we have also approached senting? country are acting in cahoots ties where mining activities
mining sector. Mine workers sion have been paid through the minister of Labour to in- JC: We now cover the whole with our own black indige- are being done. We must
are issuing silent distress calls ZDAMWU. The National tervene through an amend- mining sector including gold, nous miners to loot minerals, have clear-cut policies before
due to oppression, abuse and Employment Council (NEC) ment so that it can be aligned platinum, chrome, copper, especially gold, chrome and mining licences or permits
slave wages. collective bargaining has seen with the Labour Act No. 5 lithium and others. platinum. These are cartels. are issued where a pledge to
NM: As a mine workers’ some changes in how the ne- of 2015, especially on time NM: Gold is one of the To us they are blood suck- build roads, dams, schools
union, have you faced chal- gotiations are done. limits that a worker can sign ers who don’t deserve our and health facilities in the
lenges in communicating fixed contracts. respect. Media has exposed districts where minerals are
with your membership? We are happy that mine extracted is made part of the
Explain the collective bar- disciplinary hearings are no Unfortunately, the union agreement. We must deal
gaining activities of mine longer the same as we have that represents us in the NEC with corruption at all levels,
workers. made our presence felt across not engage in talk shows, for
JC: Mine workers’ unions are all mines in Zimbabwe. We this country to benefit from
failing to visit mines and hold have set branches at every minerals that we have in this
meetings with their member- mine. We have managed country. Our economy can be
ship. This takes away their to have closed mines open revived if our minerals are ac-
democratic right and space. again. We will continue to counted for the benefit of the
The only effective way of com- push for all mines that were nation, not a few corrupt pol-
municating between unions closed to open again so that iticians and the Chinese who
and their members is through workers can help our econo- are on looting spree.
general meetings. During the my through this sector.
national lockdowns, we are
unable to do so, we just visit
to monitor what’s happening,

NewsHawks Feature Page 13

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Vaccination
success brings
relief to
Victoria Falls

NOKUTHABA DLAMINI several countries including President Emmerson Mnangagwa being vaccinated.
Zimbabwe.
ON 20 March 2020, Zim- dose of the Sinovac Covid-19 from Hwange urban, which largely embraced the vaccina- side Victoria Falls, will get
babwe recorded its first Zimbabwe began its vac- jab alongside some opposition started its vaccination drive a tion drive as seen by the huge vaccinated to ensure that lives
Covid-19 case, sending the cination programme on 18 leaders. fortnight ago. turnout at vaccination cen- are saved and our businesses
nation into panic. February when Vice-President tres. are able to thrive and bounce
Constantino Chiwenga — Stakeholders in Victoria Perhaps to show the effec- back in no time,” Musonza
Zimbabweans had good who doubles as health minis- Falls and Matabeleland North tiveness of the vaccination Like in other parts of the said.
reason to be afraid after watch- ter — received the first dose say the vaccination drive has programme, as of Monday, country, the vaccination drive
ing the pandemic causing un- of the Sinopharm vaccine, fol- been a huge success, despite Victoria Falls had 140 active kicked off on a low note be- “People have lost employ-
told suffering and deaths in lowing an initial donation of the city also being affected by cases compared to Hwange cause of skepticism among ment and the situation keeps
countries such as Italy, Spain, 200 000 doses by the Chinese the third wave. which had 416 cases. people largely because of dis- getting dire because at one
Britain and the United States, government.  As of 28 July, a information on social media moment there is hope and
which have very advanced total of 1 562 285 people had Like in most parts of the The district has recorded and other platforms. He said some are able to be called back
health infrastructure com- received their first dose while country, the Chinese made 24 deaths and all casualties, the government’s strategic to work and then, the next
pared to the country’s dilapi- 713 131 people had received Sinopharm and Sinovac vac- according to Padingani, have decision to prioritise Victoria moment, they are told to put
dated hospitals. the second dose. cines are being used to vacci- been unvaccinated people. Falls in March has been a suc- those duties on hold, so it is
nate the majority population. cess as evidenced by the lack really tough for us, but we are
To highlight the signifi- Zimbabwe is aiming to in- This points to the success of fatalities among vaccinated pinning all our hopes on the
cance of the development, oculate 10 million of its ap- Statistics released by the of the vaccination programme persons and the decision by vaccinations countrywide.”  
then Health minister Obadi- proximately 15 million peo- ministry of Health and Child and the importance of vacci- cabinet to open land borders
ah Moyo went live on nation- ple. Care’s Matabeleland North nating, he says. to vaccinated people to boost Sibangani Muleya, who
al television to announce the provincial medical director tourism. survived on selling curios at
bad news. Victoria Falls, being the Munekayi Padingani this “The whole of Hwange the open space next to the
country’s number one tourist week shows that the city is district deaths have not been “The uptake was positive Victoria Falls rainforest, is
“This evening, Friday, destination, was hit hard by progressing well, with its vac- from those that are either half to an extent that vaccines (for hopeful the city will reap the
March 20, 2020, the National the Covid-19 containment cination drive an essential fac- or fully vaccinated. Even our the first dose) ran out last rewards of the vaccination
Reference Laboratory at Sal- measures which saw land bor- tor in ongoing efforts to revive hospitalisations have been month and we had people drive.
ly Mugabe Central Hospital ders being shut and flights tourism. dominated by those who are who still wanted to vaccinate,
confirmed that a suspected being cancelled globally for yet to get inoculated,” Padin- so the results that allude most “We are very optimistic
case of Covid-19 has tested some time. “By Monday, Victoria Falls gani said. of the deaths that happened about the re-opening of the
positive,” Moyo said.  first doses recorded were 22 to the people that were not industry and we hope that by
Zimbabwe also banned in- 226 since we began the drive Christie Brookstein, a vaccinated means that it could December will be back to nor-
“This is the first Covid-19 ter-city travel, aggravating the to vaccinate the entire city at member of the Victoria Falls have been lesser if we had mal,” he said.
case in Zimbabwe.” plight of the tourism industry the end of March,” Padingani Covid-19 taskforce and an of- enough vaccines in our city,”
which relies on travel. said. ficial at local charity Jafutha Moyo said. “We want those in the
The case was that of a Foundation which works tourism industry to get their
38-year-old male from the If the tourism industry in “We have also vaccinated closely with medical staff in Information minister Mon- vaccinations in order for us to
country’s prime tourist resort, general was reeling, Victoria 17 391 on the second dose, Victoria Falls, says vaccina- ica Mutsvangwa on Tuesday protect our clients, ourselves
Victoria Falls, who had trav- Falls in particular was on its but people should bear in tion has worked for the city, this week announced that and our families.” 
elled to the United Kingdom knees. mind that some people came as seen by vaccinated persons’ cabinet had acceded to a re-
on 7 March and returned on to Victoria Falls for their vac- ability to fight off infection. quest by the tourism indus- Victoria Falls, known lo-
15 March via South Africa. According to the Zim- cination and got their second try to open the Victoria Falls cally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the
babwe Tourism Association does somewhere else, like the “The main problem has and Kazungula border posts smoke that thunders”) is the
Earlier that week, a British (ZTA), the country lost about President’s team that came for been with the remaining es- to tourists who are fully vac- single largest curtain of falling
tourist who had visited Victo- US$ 1.6 billion worth of rev- the launch of the herd immu- sential people failing to be cinated.   water in the world.
ria Falls tested positive for the enue in 2020 alone, owing to nity drive in March. So, we’ve vaccinated,” she noted.
coronavirus upon returning to the ripple effects of Covid-19. got people like that as well “This is in view of the re- At its peak, about 500 mil-
the UK. that have been excluded in “You are genuinely boosted alisation that over 60% of lion cubic metres of roaring
A study by the tourism our data base.” with much lesser symptoms the population in Victoria water plung down a gorge
Zimbabwe was in panic, team, titled We Are Victo- if you are vaccinated and it Falls has been vaccinated,” more than 100 metres be-
but in the Victoria Falls com- ria Falls, revealed that the Victoria Falls is in Hwange helps us to reduce the burden Mutsvangwa said. low, resulting in a spectacular
munity the fear was palpable. Covid-19 pandemic has af- district, which is aiming to in- of admissions at the hospital, sight. Before the Covid-19
fected 94% of the people em- oculate 60 000 residents from so the strain of the resources is Hospitality Association pandemic, more than 350 000
It was not a surprise that ployed in the sector. the age of 18 years and above.  much less, but those who have of Zimbabwe Matabeleland people trekked to the Zimba-
the government hastily closed not vaccinated are getting North chairperson Anald Mu- bwean side of the waterfall to
schools, banned public gath- It says 49% of workers in Of the total, 30 000 vacci- very ill and it’s very concern- sonza cautioned that success see one of the world’s natural
erings and imposed travel re- tourism were forced to work nations are planned for Victo- ing because it is putting a big in Victoria Falls’ vaccination wonders. 
strictions to contain the virus, reduced hours and to take ria Falls, 25 000 of which will strain on the limited resources drive was not enough to revive
burrowing from a method paycuts as a result of the lock- be in the city and 5 000 from that we have.”  tourism.  With the ongoing vaccina-
successfully adopted by China down that was imposed in surrounding rural areas.  tion drive, the Victoria Falls
to halt the deadly virus. March last year. Kelvin Moyo, the chairper- “Our hope is that more community hopes that such
The other 30 000, accord- son of the Victoria Falls Com- people, even those from out- large numbers will throng the
China was the first country At least 18% of the work- ing to district medical director bined Residents’ Association, tourist attraction again.
to be hit hard by the corona- force was given unpaid leave Fungai Musinami, is derived says Victoria Falls locals have
virus after it was first detected and it further revealed that
in Wuhan, in December 2019 only 6% were yet to take fur-
before spreading globally, ther measures.
forcing the World Health Or-
ganisation to declare the out- Something had to be done
break a pandemic. to save the tourism industry
and its crown jewel, Victoria
Fast forward to 28 July Falls, prompting the govern-
2021. Zimbabwe had 103 ment to prioritise vaccination
567 confirmed cases, includ- in the resort city with the aim
ing 71 383 recoveries and 3 of achieving herd immunity
340 deaths. to allow tourism to flourish.

The good news, though, This saw President Emmer-
is that several countries have son Mnangagwa launching
developed Covid-19 vaccines the second phase of the coun-
to help contain the spread of try’s vaccination drive in the
the virus, although the third resort city on 24 March after
wave of infections is affecting which he received the first

Page 14 Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

THE global economy con- Mid-term fiscal policy review: budget review to include in-
tracted 4.3% in 2020 against Zim recovery from a low base creased spending on social
a background of the United protection in light of the pan-
States-China trade war, Brexit with firming commodity pric- Pfumvudza/Intwasa Conser- Finance minister Mthuli Ncube. on revenue projections of demic and pressure from civil
and the main factor: the un- es as well as increased capacity vation Scheme, Presidential strained in the first quarter of ZW$390.8 billion and expen- servants for salary reviews. 
precedented Covid-19 pan- utilisation from improvement Input Scheme, National En- 2021 due to flooding during ditures of ZW$421.6 billion
demic which saw countries in power supply and foreign hanced Crop Productivity the rainy season. However, with a targeted budget deficit The mid-term budget, how-
imposing strict lockdowns that currency availability. Down- Scheme (Command Agricul- overall performance for the of ZW$30.8 billion.  ever, maintained the status
hampered economic activity.  side risk remains from the pro- ture), Irrigation, the Livestock year remains in line with fore- quo. 
longed Covid-19 pandemic Growth Plan and Farm Mech- casts supported by favourable For the first half of 2021,
The World Bank projects that has necessitated increased anisation Programme, which international mineral prices, revenues are estimated at Significant increases in ex-
global growth will come in at spend on social protection and all contributed to the antici- stable power availability and ZW$198.2 billion, whilst penditure could potentially
5.6% for 2021 on the back has restricted growth of busi- pated higher growth.  declining inflation.  expenditures were about lead to increased borrowing
of vaccine deployment and ness activity. In addition, there ZWL$197.6 billion, resulting and ballooning broad money
increased investment via stim- remains the need to delicately In addition, during the first The government expects to in a surplus of ZW$570 mil- supply or upward review of
ulus packages. The rebound is balance the current dual cur- six months of the year, the achieve the original growth lion. In the outlook, the bud- taxes on an already burdened
uneven across the globe and is rency environment.  budget disbursed ZW$11.9 target of 11% in the mining get is anticipated to remain formal sector. 
subject to significant down- billion to the ministry of industry. Month-on-month more or less on course. One of
side risks including additional Higher growth rates are Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, inflation is expected to remain the major expenditures in the Increased spending going
Covid-19 waves and financial projected in agriculture, from Water and Rural Resettlement stable at less than 3% during first half was on compensation forward may instead be a func-
stress amid high debt levels. a November 2020 forecast of for targeted interventions the second half of 2021.  of employees at ZW$80 billion tion of growing government
11.3% to 34%. During the which were complemented by against a target of ZW$73.8 revenues as the economy ex-
The pandemic’s presence 2020/21 season, the govern- US$10.9 million from devel- Consequently, annual infla- billion.  pands. The government’s main
was less amplified in sub-Sa- ment launched several sup- opment partners.  tion is expected to decline fur- lever for supporting produc-
haran Africa (SSA), hence portive programmes such as ther to between 22% and 35% In view of the persistent tion has been the stabilisation
the Covid-induced economic Mineral output was con- by December 2021. The 2021 Covid-19 pandemic, resources of the local currency through
downturn was less severe.  national budget was premised amounting to US$93.2 mil- the control of money supply,
lion have been spent on vac- among other measures. The
SSA contracted 2.4% in cines alone. The government relatively stable environment
2020 with a projected rebound has set aside US$100 million set up by Statutory Instrument
of 2.8% in 2021, sufficient to for vaccine acquisition.  185 allowing trade in forex
regain 2019 levels of activity.  and the relatively stable Zim-
Domestic debt as at the dollar has improved business
On the domestic front, end of April 2021 amounted and consumer confidence. 
Zimbabwe’s economic perfor- to ZW$20.9 billion, while
mance in 2020 was weighed external debt as at the end of Industry capacity utilisation
down heavily by consecutive December 2020 was US$10.5 has risen from the 2020 po-
years of drought, a hyperinfla- billion, representing 71.2% of sition of 47% to the current
tionary environment as well as GDP.  position of 56% and is expect-
the Covid-19 impact.  ed to close the year at 61%.
In March 2021, the gov- Should the month-on-month
The International Monetary ernment resumed quarterly inflation continue to trend be-
Fund forecast local econom- token payments to the multi- low 5%, we expect production
ic recovery of 3.1% while the lateral development banks, the and consumption to maintain
World Bank has forecast re- World Bank Group, the Afri- their positive trend. 
covery of 3.9% for 2021. The can Development Bank Group
ministry of Finance is more and the European Investment Although we expect to see
optimistic, revising earlier pro- Bank as part of the re-engage- margin pressure impacting
jections of ment process. Payments to EBITDA ( Earnings Before In-
Paris Club creditors will also terest, Taxes, Depreciation, and
7.4% Gross Domestic Prod- begin in the second half of Amortisation is a metric used
uct growth to 7.8% in 2021.  2021. to evaluate a company’s operat-
ing performance) growth rates
This is on the back of re- Given the progress made to over the coming year, there re-
cord agricultural output levels date, the ministry of Finance main pockets of opportunities
with maize coming in at 2.7 saw no need to revise existing on the stock market where val-
million tonnes, wheat at 280 policies or provide a supple- uations remain undemanding. 
000 tonnes and tobacco at mentary budget. 
195 000 tonnes. It is estimated The country continues to
that 70% of Zimbabwe’s pop- The general market expec- lean towards counters that
ulation is employed directly or tations were for the mid-term are diversified through direct
indirectly in agriculture, exports or regional sales and
counters with significant mar-
particularly the majority ket shares in staples.
within the informal sector. 
— Inter-Horizon Securi-
GDP growth will also be ties. 
driven by an increase in earn-
ings from the mining sector

Zim spends US$93m on Covid-19 vaccines
BRIDGET MANANAVIRE “The country has embarked Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 re- “We are targeting about 10
on a mass vaccination cam- Vaccines arrive in Zimbabwe from China. sponse has also been support- million people, the best herd
ZIMBABWE has so far used paign as a long-term solution ed by development partners immunity which our health
US$93.2 million in procur- to save lives and livelihoods. The country also got 1.2 Corporation, three million who contributed resources people have suggested we
ing Covid-19 vaccines, as the The objective is to target herd million syringes from China syringes from Sinopharm and amounting to US$17 million need. We are in the process of
country embarks on a mass immunity of 60% of the coun- Pharmaceutical Foreign Trade one million from Sinovac. against an annual projection mobilising US$100 million
vaccination campaign to curb try’s population with US$100 of US$214 million. for this project. We have that
the coronavirus. million having been set aside money, an equivalence of it.
for the purpose,” he said. “The funds went towards Yes, we would want some more
Finance minister Mthuli procurement of medical funds in the event that we are
Ncube said the government “To date, US$93.2 mil- equipment, personal protec- forced to go up to 12 million
had set aside US$100 million lion has been spent towards tive equipment (PPEs), pro- people. We have pegged the
to procure 20 million doses of procurement of 11.8 million vision of test kits and hand average price of a single dose
the vaccines. In his mid-term doses vaccines and 7.2 million washing facilities,” Ncube at US$5,” Ncube said.
budget and economic review syringes. This has facilitated said.
on Thursday, Ncube revealed delivery of 5.5 million doses “We are in talks with the
that US$93 million had been and 5.2 million syringes.” “In addition, government private sector so that they
used to procure 11.8 million appreciates support through a could come in and bolster our
doses. Ncube said there has been donation of 560 000 doses of resources. We actually discov-
procurement of 6.2 million vaccines that have come in the ered that vaccines are cheaper
Ncube said for the coun- Sinovac doses, 5 million Sin- country from the governments than testing. If we inoculate
try to reach the desired 60% opharm doses and a donation of China, India and Russia.” more, we are better off.”
herd immunity, it will require of 500 000 doses from China.
mobilisation of additional re- In addition, Zimbabwe has In an interview in January, The private sector has also
sources for the procurement of received a donation of 35 000 Ncube said he had set aside been given the green light to
more vaccines, over and above Covaxin doses from India and US$100 million to procure 20 import their own vaccines, but
the US$100 million resource a donation of 50 000 Sputnik million vaccine doses as Zim- through the government’s pro-
envelope.  V doses from Russia. babwe’s main strategy against curement system.
the virus.

NewsHawks Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review Page 15

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

CHIPA GONDITII Govt engages British consultancy on
dispossessed farmers compensation
TREASURY has engaged
financial adviser Newstate Dispossessed Zimbabwean farmers now being compensated; US$3.5bn is the value. to use profits from Kuvimba coming years, having raised
Partners UK to lead and as- Mining House (in which the US$1bn for acquisitions and
sist in the mobilisation of ernment would continue Farm Owners, while mobilis- ZWL$200 million was dis- government has a 65% stake) capital expenditure.
US$3.5 billion for the com- to pay white farmers whilst ing the resources for the full bursed in 2020. In the 2021 to help settle the farmers’
pensation of farm improve- striding towards full com- compensation, National Budget, ZWL$2 compensation claim.  Kuvimba Mining House
ments made by dispossessed pensation. billion was allocated for the recently came into the spot-
white commercial farmers, “Government allocat- interim relief payments.”  In a statement released by light after an investigative
the 2021 mid-term budget “Meanwhile, Government ed ZWL$300 million in Treasury earlier this month, NGO, The Sentry, exposed
has reviewed. will continue making inter- the 2020 National Budget, In January  2021, the gov- it was revealed that  govern- its links to controversial busi-
im relief payments to Former of which approximately ernment  announced  plans ment had secured US$250 nessman and Presidential ad-
The government, under million for compensation viser Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
a Global Compensation through a donation of share-
Deed last year, agreed to holding in Kuvimba Mining The country’s domestic
pay US$3.5 billion to the House. economy is targeted to grow
ex-farmers whose land was by 5.4% in 2022, anchored
expropriated by the govern- “On December 18 2020 on growth in sectors such
ment to resettle black fami- government secured $250m as mining, manufacturing,
lies, moving a step closer to towards the compensation electricity generation, among
resolving one of the most di- process through the dona- others.
visive policies of the Robert tion of a shareholding in
Mugabe era. equal value in a mining asset Mnangagwa said the land
— Kuvimba Mining House, reform could not be reversed
According to the payment to a special purpose vehicle but paying of compensation
scheme, the white farmers specifically created to raise was key to mending ties with
will only be compensated for funds for the global compen- the West.
infrastructure on the farms sation agreement” read the
and not the land itself, as per statement. Two decades ago Mug-
the national constitution. abe’s government carried out
Under the  government’s at times violent evictions
The compensation is slated plan, Kuvimba Mining of 4,500 white farmers and
to be done through models House intends to increase redistributed the land to
that do not compromise the operations at its Darwen- around 300,000 Black fami-
fiscal, debt management and dale platinum project in the lies, arguing it was redressing
overall growth objectives of colonial land imbalances.
the economy. 

In this week’s 2021 mid-
term budget and economic
review, Finance minister
Mthuli Ncube said the gov-

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Page 16 News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Special Covid-19
PANDEMIC coverage

CHIPA GONDITII Distraught families shoulder dren alone and this is where
heavy burden of pandemic government should chip in
THE first sign of sorrow at and offer assistance.
Zororo Memorial Park on “Some monthly packs of
the outskirts of Chitung- nutritional food should be
wiza was the Nyaradzo given to those who lost their
Funeral Services hearse loved ones to Covid-19 and
passing through the gate, government should also do
followed by a Moonlight analysis to find out what
Funeral Services hearse, form of assistance griev-
which was then followed ing families need because
by a Doves Funeral Services a one-size-fits-all approach
hearse matching the first will not work here,” he said.
two’s speed. In March, President
Emmerson Mnangag-
The second sign of sor- wa launched Zimbabwe’s
row at the cemetery were US$26 million prepared-
distressed relatives of the ness and response plan for
deceased who wept as the Covid-19 aimed at building
hearses arrived. an integrated and coordi-
nated strategy on prevent-
The third sign of sor- ing the spread of the coro-
row which explains the navirus and mitigating its
increased traffic of hearses effects.
is the cemetery attendees The Zimbabwe Covid-19
who are clad in white per- national preparedness re-
sonal protective equipment sponse is led by a cabinet
which they could only wear inter-ministerial taskforce
for one reason at the cem- which is supported by eight
etery -- burying Covid-19 sub-committees.
victims. The chief coordinator
of the national response to
On average, 12 Covid-19 the Covid-19 pandemic,
victims are buried daily at Dr Agnes Mahomva, said
Zororo cemetery. efforts were underway to
accommodate people who
Zimbabwe is currently have lost their loved ones.
facing a third wave of infec- “One of the sub-commit-
tions, with nearly half of its tees is the food, water and
101 711 cumulative cases sustainability sub-commit-
having been recorded this tee that deals with liveli-
month alone, according to hoods, this sub-committee
official statistics. meets every week and gives
a report, so the issue of as-
As the hearses inch closer sistance to grieving families
to the relatives, the griev- is one of the things they
ing gets louder as reality brought up,” she said.
sinks in that their loved one “Part of the work that
has indeed succumbed to Francis Chinyanga at Zororo cemetry, in Chitungwiza. they have been doing is
Covid-19.
Although Chinyanga talised and be released fully geous and believe that God with Covid-19. We knew the growing distribution
The hearses come to a does not cry, his grief is evi- healed, but it was not so,” will take care of us. she had some underlying is- in rural areas in support of
halt at a junction where dent from the way he slowly he says. sues but we really hoped she households that have been
they have to park, as they walks around his son’s grave “My son left five chil- would fight through this ill- adversely affected more
wait to be directed by cem- muttering a few words of “He was admitted to dren, the youngest one is ness, but it was not to be,” than others by Covid-19.
etery officials. goodbye to his son. Parirenyatwa (Hospital) on doing Grade 0. Who is go- he said. They also do the same dis-
Wednesday and he left us ing to pay for her school bursements in the urban
From this point on, rel- Hovering in a large on Saturday. We used to fees? So government must “With this pandemic, settings for the same type of
atives are then directed to trenchcoat, Chinyanga talk to him in between and come in and offer some as- there is also a sense of ac- households that have been
follow the hearse contain- picks up some soil from the he was telling me that he sistance to those who lost ceptance needed, especially affected by the pandemic.” 
ing their deceased to the ground after each few steps was recovering and eating their loved ones, for exam- with our relatives who have “As we are speaking, they
burial site. and throws it onto his son’s well, but on Saturday his ple my daughter-in-law just underlying illnesses such are finalising a recent assess-
grave in a farewell ritual.  phone went unanswered, lost her husband, so who as sugar diabetes and high ment that will give them a
When The NewsHawks which is the day he left us.” is going to take care of her blood pressure.” new list of those that need
visited Zororo Memorial The sorrow around the and what is she going to to be provided with cash
Park on Tuesday this week, site is compounded when- Chinyanga advised peo- eat?” He emphasised it was im- disbursements as a form of
there were three Covid-19 ever he does this, with rel- ple to take care of their portant for the government support.”
burials taking place with atives unable control their loved ones who have As of 29 July, Covid-19 to offer food assistance to Zimbabwe is current-
more bodies waiting in the grief. Some are dragged Covid-19 and encouraged has claimed 3 340 lives. grieving families during ly rolling out a vaccina-
hearse. away wailing loudly. the government to offer as- these tough times. tion drive with the aim of
sistance to families who are About 100 metres from achieving herd immunity
One of the people griev- With a voice heavy with losing family members to Francis is Gift Dzirutwe “My sister-in-law who by year end.
ing is Francis Chinyanga emotion, Chinyanga con- the pandemic. who has been standing in just passed away was 65 and Zimbabwe has authorised
(77) who has just lost his tinues to narrate his son’s solidarity his brother who my brother was 67. They emergency use of Johnson
son. last moments. “If we all have a mental- just lost his wife to the also lost their daughter last & Johnson’s Covid-19 vac-
ity of ostracising our rela- coronavirus   year and they had been tak- cine, the first Western-made
“The person we are bury- “I never thought that tives who have Covid-19, ing care of their grandchil- shot to be approved in the
ing here is my son who was my son would succumb to then what more the doctors “It is so sad to lose a loved dren. Now that my brother country.
my last born, and it have Covid-19, but it is God’s and nurses who deal with one. I got a call from my is left on his own, it is going
brought me much sorrow. will because we thought he them every day? Everybody brother who informed me to be difficult for him to
Covid-19 is not a joke as would have a normal illness dies so we have to be coura- that on Friday (last week) take care of his grandchil-
you can see, when they say whereby he would be hospi- his wife had been diagnosed
sanitise and mask up they
are actually trying to pro-
tect us because this disease
has destroyed us here in
Zimbabwe,” he laments.

NewsHawks News Page 17

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

BERNARD MPOFU Covid-19 protocols prevent officials
from auditing pandemic funds
NEW regulations aimed at
slowing down the spread Portfolio Committee on due to Covid-19 and will and deaths, a development maker Daniel Molokele Molokele told a Parlia-
of Covid-19 have stopped Health.  be finalised when lock- which has prompted the however said the Health mentary portfolio com-
the Health ministry from down regulations will be authorities to announce ministry should periodi- mittee on Health  that
conducting a verification “Follow-ups and veri- reviewed.” strict measures aimed at cally update the public on transparency would im-
exercise on the use funds fication were scheduled slowing down the spread Covid-19-related expendi- prove Zimbabwe’s chances
allocated for the disease, to be done by head office Zimbabwe is currently of the respiratory ailment. ture to promote transpar- of accessing more funding
officials have said. finance and audit teams. experiencing a third wave ency and accountability. required to fight the dis-
They have been halted now of Covid-19 infections Hwange Central law- ease. 
Health Secretary Jasper
Chimedza told a Parlia- “I think because we are
mentary Portfolio Com- dealing with public funds
mittee on Health that the here. I am challenging the
government is using inter- ministry to come up with
nally generated resourc- a weekly system of updates
es to procure Covid-19 in terms of expenditure
equipment. Zimbabwe, because accountability
according to Chimedza, and transparency should
has budgeted ZW$4 560 not just be on the side of
million (US$6.7 million the portfolio committee
on the official rate) for requesting the ministry,”
Covid-19 vaccine deploy- Molokele said.
ment and rollout. 
“I think it should be on
The country, according the side of the ministry be-
to Health officials, has not ing accountable itself for
been able to conduct the the public to have confi-
vaccination as a campaign dence in them and for in-
due to the fact that the ternational  support that
vaccines have been com- is needed to augment the
ing in batches. The Health budget system.”
ministry says Covid-19
vaccine shipments totalled Official figures show
5 285 000 doses as at 14 that as of 26 July 2021, a
July. Out of this, 385 000 total of 1 491 493 people
were donated by China, had received the first dose
Russia and India. of the Covid-19 vaccine,
while 687 216 people had
“Over and above the ex- received their second dose.  
isting internal controls, we
ensured that detailed bud- Last year, Zimbabwe was
gets were available to assist dogged by a multi-mil-
the manager in the neces- lion-dollar scandal involv-
sary decision making. Fur- ing the procurement of
thermore, where necessary Covid-19 equipment after
the finance department the outbreak of the respi-
had to write emails to each ratory ailment.
provincial medical direc-
tor informing them of the
disbursement,” the minis-
try said in its presentation
made to the Parliamentary

NOKUTHABA DLAMINI Demand for oxygen in Vic Falls keep the virus separate from
shoots up amid Covid-19 spike the whole hospital as much as
JAFUTHA Foundation, a possible so that is our emer-
charity working in collabo- in the virus, state data shows. US$ 600 to get the oxygen they’ll be feeling okay but the us approximately US$600 to gency plan.”
ration with frontline health For instance, of the 24 fa- tanks refilled which last only oxygen will be dropping very refill the tanks and there are
staff to quell Covid-19 infec- a few days, while medication quickly such that when they transport charges. Brookstein commended
tions in Victoria Falls, says it talities recorded in Hwange for Covid-19 relief costs US$4 come in we have to do drastic the dedication of medical staff
is overwhelmed by the high district as at Tuesday this 000 per month. measures to stabilise them.  “We also give out free med- who work at the treatment
demand for medical oxygen week, all of them were drawn ication to anybody in need centres for as many as 12
and medication at the health from those who were yet to “We use nine tanks in four “We have been purchasing and that comes to about US$4 hours per day together with
facilities amid a surge in hos- get their Sinopharm doses. days here if we are very busy the oxygen in Hwange, but 000 per month.” volunteering doctor Jacob
pitalisations among the un- like in this phase,” she says.  because they too have such a Ngarivhume based in Bula-
vaccinated. The unwillingness of some high demand for it, the num- The city has eight ICU beds wayo who does consultations. 
people to get vaccinated adds “They are coming in bers of sick patients are so with piped oxygen to comple-
Christie Brookstein, a char- to the frustration with already (Covid-19 patients) quite high there. We have had to get ment the other existing treat- The sharp rise in coronavi-
ity taskforce worker, says se- strained resources, Brookstein late at the centers, not realis- it from Bulawayo and it costs ment centres. rus transmission and hospi-
verely ill patients are arriving notes. She says its costs about ing how sick they are because talisation in Victoria Falls and
at the Covid-19 intensive care It is administered free of many other cities, towns and
unit (ICU) centres, including charge. rural areas serves as a remind-
the main one at Victoria Falls er that the country is still in
Hospital, already intubated The main ICU facility has the grip of the deadly disease,
and unconscious. In many two different tanks which has even as signs of pre-pandemic
cases, they would be stricken 100% medical oxygen and an- life have returned for tourist
by the Delta variant of the other with concentrated oxy- who are fully vaccinated being
coronavirus, which is highly gen. allowed to visit the destina-
infectious. tion.
To make room for Covid-19
“What’s happening is that patients, Brookstein says to- As of Wednesday  this
we are running out of oxygen gether with health teams week, 1 856 infections were
a lot, faster than we normally they have begun discussing recorded in a 24-period of
would,” Brookstein says. dedicating some wards for 24 hours.  Statistics, however,
Covid-19 admissions. showed that the recovery rate
“People are needing so stood  at 69%. 
much oxygen and so much “We have an oxygen plant
medication as well.”  at the hospital that requires According to the .World
us dedicating the entire ward Health Organisation (WHO),
But some residents of for Covid-19 in the middle of the prevalent Delta variant
Victoria Falls are yet to the hospital. We are trying to is far more contagious than
get their first dose of the earlier versions of the coro-
Covid-19 vaccine, and their navirus, enabling it to infect
vulnerability is fueling a surge unvaccinated people.

Page 18 Editorial & Opinion NewsHawks

CARTOON Issue 41, 30 July 2021

How uncaring
can a govt get?

THERE was a noteworthy moment during Finance minister Mthuli Covid-19 funds accountability needed
Ncube’s presentation of the 2021 mid-term budget and economic
review statement to Parliament on Thursday. FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube through expeditated and fast-track Basically, we need to know what
said on Thursday during his mid-term processes. As a result, the risks of cor- happened, when, where, why and how
Norton independent legislator Temba Mliswa stood up to raise a fiscal policy review statement presen- ruption, mismanagement and waste in relation to Covid-19 public expen-
point of order: he was seeking clarity on why Ncube was proceeding tation to date Zimbabwe has spent were heightened. ditures. Public funds must always be
to present the 2022 budget strategy paper, yet in terms of the law the US$93.2 million on procurement of accounted for.
main agenda would have required him to deliver a 2021 review. Put 11.8 million Covid-19 vaccine doses Delivering large-scale Covid-19 vac-
simply, Mliswa was telling the Treasury chief: Hold on a minute, we and 7.2 million syringes, almost exclu- cination programmes poses significant This is important because procure-
cannot be rushing to discuss the 2022 budget before we even review sively from China. challenges for governments and raises ment of goods and services in the
the 2021 one. troubling questions around global in- health sector can be highly vulnerable
So far there has been deliveries of 5.5 equality and pharmaceutical corporate to mismanagement by public officials.
At that point, the Speaker Jacob Mudenda told Mliswa that Ncu- million doses and 5.2 million syringes. greed. 
be had sought prior guidance from him on the matter and that the Apart from outright corruption re-
two of them had agreed that he could take the opportunity to pres- Of the 11.8 million doses Zimbabwe Wider concerns around transparen- lating to the acquisition of defective
ent the 2022 strategy paper earlier than usual in the national bud- has secured, 11.7 million of those shots cy and accountability have also been material or theft in the distribution
geting cycle. are from China: Sinovac (6.2 million raised in Zimbabwe on how spending or procurement of goods and services,
doses); Sinopharm (five million) and actually occurred – who benefitted there are several other problems that
Mliswa’s point was valid. He calmly accepted Mudenda’s expla- Sinopharm (500 000, donation from from this spending and who got what must be combated, for instance hid-
nation, which was frankly disappointing from the perspective of the China). There is also Covaxine (35 precisely?  den contracts, overpricing and collu-
thousands of Zimbabweans who were following the proceedings on 000, donation from India); and Sput- sion.
television, online and radio. Mliswa has a penchant for getting him- nik V (50 000, donation from Russia). This is important as we have already
self entangled in unnecessary verbal jousting, but here was a glorious Hence government should publish
opportunity for him to stand his ground in defence of the law. All The country got 1.2 million of the Hawk Eye all public contracts; use open and com-
the same, he deserves a pat on the back to being alert enough to raise syringes from China Pharmaceutical petitive bidding, and employ emer-
such an important issue. Most honourable members in this country Foreign Trade Corporation, three mil- Dumisani gency non-competitive processes only
behave like lapdogs instead of the watchdogs envisaged by the con- lion from Sinopharm and one million Muleya when followed by adequate forms of
stitution. Although the incident soon passed, its implications in the from Sinovac. control, oversight, auditing and report-
governance matrix became crystal clear. seen corruption in the procurement ing scrutinising such deals; publish
“The country has embarked on a and supplies of Covid-19 requirements. beneficial ownership information of
Minister Ncube’s presentation offered no respite to Zimbabwe’s mass vaccination campaign as a long- companies that are awarded contracts;
long-suffering citizens. In a country where 7.9 million people, nearly term solution to save lives and liveli- The US$60 million Delish Nguwaya empower the anti-corruption and law
half the population, are languishing in extreme poverty, one would hoods,” Ncube said. “The objective and US$5.6 million Health deputy enforcement bodies to deal Covid-19
have expected the government to unveil clear-cut pro-poor pro- is to target herd immunity of 60% minister John Mangwiro Covid-19 issues robustly, and foster cooperation
grammes to mitigate the devastating impact of poverty and disease of the country’s population with 100 supply scandals are just the tip of the among government, business and civil
in this society. million having been set aside for the iceberg. society on matters related to transpar-
purpose. Progress towards the desired ency of public finances and the deliv-
Considering the steep rise in the cost of living this year alone, it is 60% (herd immunity) will require mo- There is certainly much corruption ery of goods and services to address the
astonishing that Ncube has not found it necessary to adjust income bilisation of additional resources  for happening on Covid-19 budgets and pandemic.
tax and electronic transaction tax thresholds. People are earning, in the procurement of more vaccines, expenditures.
effect, Zimbabwean dollars, yet all expenses in this country are in over and above the US$100 million re- This is critical given brazen Covid-19
United States dollars. Even the government itself is pegging its own source envelope.” That is why it is important for Ncu- corruption in the country and else-
fees for passports, and pretty much everything else, in US dollars. be to publish a breakdown of all the where around the world, including
The Covid-19 pandemic requires Covid-19 outlays; the names of the among big pharmaceutical giants who
In the middle of a catastrophic pandemic which has not only killed unprecedented public sector interven- suppliers, those given contracts to sup- are perpetrating grand heists on the
thousands in Zimbabwe but has also plunged millions of people into tions in our societies and economies. ply or the middlemen – companies and poor by overpricing vaccines, while
untold hardship, it is baffling that the government does not find it To safeguard both lives and livelihoods, their beneficial owners, the pricing and refusing to share the science and tech-
necessary to ramp up social safety nets. The effects of poverty go governments had to react quickly, and margins, and how the supplies were nology involved when in the first place
beyond mere hunger; the entire social fabric has been torn to shreds. still have to do so, under significant distributed, when and where. they used public funds to do research
Teenage pregnancy has reached crisis proportions, underage girls are pressure to protect citizens from the and find breakthroughs.
being married off in record numbers, drug abuse among idle youths worst impacts of the pandemic.
is now a national crisis and violent crime is spiralling out of control. Vaccines should be reasonably priced
There is a hefty social price to pay for the massive economic decay. Due to the scale and nature of the and accessible.
crisis, much of the spending occurred
In the face of such mind-boggling deprivation, the Finance min-
ister comes across as callous and insensitive when he gloats about a
so-called “fiscal surplus”.

Fittingly, MDC-T legislator Tapiwa Mashakada told Ncube that
his so-called fiscal surplus is actually “an accrued deficit”. He said the
surplus is a mere book balance which, to the average citizen, is not
worth celebrating. Mashakada openly told Ncube that his fixation
with a hollow surplus is the reason why people mock him.

It was not all doom and gloom for the Treasury chief.
He still provided flickers of hope.
In a remarkable shift from the government’s usual anti-sanctions
grandstanding, Ncube openly admitted to Parliament that Zimba-
bwe is finding it difficult to access external financing because of the
country’s huge arrears. Refreshingly, the minister was not blaming
Western sanctions this time around. This level of honesty is rare in a
government that thrives on crude sophistry and clumsy propaganda.
But the stark reality, with the 2023 general elections looming, is that
public policy in general and economic management in particular will
continue being defined by the Zanu PF government’s unmitigated
deception.

Reaffirming the fundamental impor- The NewsHawks is published on different EDITORIAL STAFF: Marketing Officer: Voluntary Media
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Business

MATTERSNewsHawks

MARKETS CURRENCIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE COMMODITIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE

USD/JPY 109.29 +0.38 +0.35 *OIL 63.47 -1.54 -2.37

GBP/USD 1.38 -0.014 -0.997 *GOLD 1,769.5 +1.2 +0.068

USD/CAD 1.229 +0.001 +0.07 *SILVER 25.94 -0.145 -0.56

USD/CHF 0.913 +0.005 +0.53 *PLATINUM 1,201.6 +4 +0.33

Zim fuel retailers abuse forexAUD/USD 0.771 -0.006 -0.76
*COPPER 4.458 -0.029 -0.65

auction by US dollar pricing

BERNARD MPOFU and shame such companies that Deputy Energy minister Magna Mudyiwa. lic that with effect from 21 May
are doing this practice as what 2019, the procurement of fuel by
ZIMBABWE’S Energy ministry the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe of diesel and 45 800 litres of pet- volving tax evasion, transfer diverting fuel destined for Zim- the Oil Marketing Companies
has begun an investigation into did, they named and shamed the rol destined for Zambia. Howev- pricing, smuggling, corruption, babwe to neighbouring countries (OMCs) shall be done through
petroleum retailers amid indica- abuse of foreign currency by some er, physical inspections revealed fraud, drug trafficking and mon- such as Zambia and Mozambique the interbank foreign exchange
tions that the players are access- companies.” that the three tankers were carry- ey laundering. Africa loses at least where the commodity was being market, John Mangudya,” RBZ
ing the commodity in Zimbabwe ing water. US$50 billion a year, according to sold in hard currency.  governor said. 
dollar and selling it in hard cur- According to the energy reg- the United Nations Conference
rency. ulator, an unsustainable pric- “The three fuel tankers were on Trade and Development. Fuel was also being sold in for- “There shall be only one for-
ing model and poor regulatory flagged for physical inspection eign currency at various undesig- eign exchange rate to be used in
The outbreak of Covid-19 in framework created opportunities and, with the assistance of po- Figures obtained from Zera nated service stations for anything the market for the importation of
the country resulted in the Re- for some local companies and lice, two drivers were arrested and show that the average monthly between US$1.25 per litre and all goods and services. This means
serve Bank of Zimbabwe easing individuals to smuggle Zimba- have already appeared in court. consumption for blend and die- US$1.50 after it was accessed lo- that the 1:1 exchange rate that
exchange control measures al- bwe-bound fuel to neighbour- The driver of the third tanker sel is 32.4 million litres and 60.8 cally in Zimbabwe dollars. was being used by OMCs for the
lowing retailers to sell products ing countries, resulting in severe is still at large as he disappeared million litres respectively. A clos- procurement of fuel will be dis-
in United States dollars. But as shortages of the commodity during the physical inspection er look at the figures shows that In 2020, fuel was procured continued with immediate effect.
it stands, only a few companies during the first few months of of the vehicle. The Authority is consumption was high during through letters of credit which are The new position is necessary to
like Total and state-owned Petro- 2020. currently capacitating the intelli- the first three months of the year under the African Export and Im- promote the efficient use of for-
trade are selling the commodity gence management unit and will before easing after the Covid-19 port Bank facility. Before the in- eign exchange and to minimise
in the domestic currency despite “Arbitrage opportunities were continue leveraging on technolo- lockdown. The relaxation of the troduction of the Dutch auction and guard against incidences of
some accessing foreign exchange due to price disparities caused gy and data matching to fish out lockdown also resulted in con- system, petroleum companies arbitrage within the economy.”
through the central bank’s auc- by subsidised Zimbabwe dol- fuel smugglers”, explained the sumption increasing in August, were accessing the commodity
tion system. lar-priced fuel. Price parity has Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s according to the statistics. through Noic. Following the outbreak of the
solved the arbitrage problem and head of corporate communica- Covid-19 pandemic, the govern-
Magna Mudyiwa, deputy En- fuel is readily available in the tions, Francis Chimanda. Information gathered from in- In May 2020, the Reserve ment further eased regulations in
ergy minister, said a probe into market,” Eddington Mazambani, siders in the petroleum industry Bank of Zimbabwe announced it the fuel sector. A new statutory
those companies seeking arbitrage Zimbabwe Energy Regulator Au- Last year, Zimbabwe’s  Finan- suggests that a fuel subsidy that had removed the subsidy on fuel instrument which allowed con-
opportunites was being retarded thority (Zera) chief executive, said cial Intelligence Unit estimated was introduced by the govern- and, in one fell swoop, the long sumers to use free funds to pur-
by the central bank’s failure to re- in a written response. that the country lost over US$3 ment to shield consumers from queues that many had become ac- chase goods and commodities in
lease key statistics on which com- billion to illicit financial flows soaring prices on the global mar- customed to disappeared. foreign currency became the Holy
panies were accessing forex from Insiders and industry experts through proceeds of crimes in- ket resulted in some companies Grail for most retailers, including
the auction system. who spoke to The NewsHawks “The Reserve Bank of Zimba- fuel companies.
said smuggling of fuel reigned su- bwe is pleased to advise the pub-
“Let me say as the ministry of preme in the petroleum sector as A change in the pricing formu-
Energy and Power Development, some players acquired fuel from la of the commodity eliminated
it is our intention to ensure that the state-controlled National Oil the arbitrage opportunities. Now
fuel is sold using Zimbabwean Company (Noic) in Zimbabwe due to the use of hard currency,
dollars…Companies who use dollars then sell the commodity which is mainly cash payments,
their own foreign currency can in hard currency. sources said fuel companies from
purchase their own fuel and they neighbouring countries such as
are allowed to sell in US dollars,” At the peak of last year’s short- Mozambique and Zambia are
Mudyiwa said.  ages, Zera officials told a Parlia- now bringing in the commodity
mentary portfolio committee on to mop up hard currency.
“However, there are companies Energy that fuel stations which
that are receiving money from had no regulatory approval to sell It has since been established
government auction using the in- the commodity in United States that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corrup-
ter-bank rate. Once they import dollars were now selling the com- tion Commission (Zacc) is also 
such fuel, they must sell it in local modity using the greenback both carrying out an investigation into
currency. What I observed is that at home and in neighbouring the smuggling.
a lot of companies that are getting countries.
money from the auction floor are “The fuel sector is under
selling in foreign currency. And Noic said it conducted an probe. So we are encouraging
that is why fuel that is sold in lo- investigation into this, but the whistle-blowers to come forward
cal currency or EcoCash is now findings are yet to be made with information or evidence that
scarce.  public. Just this week, the Zim- can strengthen our investigation,”
babwe Revenue Authority inter- Zacc spokesperson John Maku-
“We are still carrying out in- cepted three transit fuel trucks mure said in an interview.
vestigations into the matter to es- in Chirundu that are accused of
tablish who is getting the money smuggling fuel into the country Before the central bank and
at the auction rate and selling fuel which was meant to be transport- regulator announced changes to
in US dollars.  We can get that in- ed to Zambia, potentially prej- the marketing of petroleum prod-
formation from the Reserve Bank udicing the country of potential ucts, reports show that plans by
of Zimbabwe, but if we do not revenue through organised crime. other players to mark fuel in order
receive that information, we are to minimise smuggling had faced
not in a position to identify who During the period from 17 resistance from operators.
has received the money using the July 2021 to 23 July 2021, three
inter-bank rate. The matter is still tankers that had declared fuel Zimbabwe experienced one of
under investigation so that we can at Forbes Border Post en route its worst fuel crises at the start of
come up with an informed posi- to Zambia were intercepted at 2020 after some individuals and
tion. Companies such as CMED Chirundu One-Stop Border Post petroleum retailers smuggled
and PetroTrade are the places all loaded with water instead of the commodity to neighbouring
where fuel is obtainable in local fuel as per the declarations made countries to get proceeds in for-
currency.  Once the information at Forbes Border Post. The tank- eign currency while others took
is made available, we will name ers had respectively declared 44 advantage of the country’s lax
924 litres of diesel, 39 932 litres laws and sought arbitrage oppor-
tunities.

Page 20 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

DUMISANI NYONI Caledonia injects US$148m

CALEDONIA Mining
Corporation, owners of
Blanket Mine in Gwan-
da, contributed more into Zimbabwe economy
than US$148 million to
the Zimbabwean econ-
omy in 2020, up 39%
compared to the previ- port said.
ous year, through roy- “Blanket is situated in
alties and remittances,
the company has an- an area of limited em-
nounced. ployment opportunities
In 2019, the con- and therefore the jobs
tribution amounted and community support
US$106.7 million. we provide is an import-
According to the com- ant contributor to the
pany’s 2020 environ- quality of life of those
mental, social and gov- around the mine.”
ernance report released
this week, payments to “Where possible, we
government-owned en- procure goods and ser-
tities such as the state- vices from local sup-
owned electricity pro- pliers; however, the
vider totalled US$25 proportion of local pro-
million while payments curement has reduced in
to the government (ex- recent years due to the
cluding royalties) stood erosion of Zimbabwe’s
at US$10.6 million. commercial fabric,” it
Payments to regional said.
and local government
amounted to US$106 Caledonia was the
000  while revenue gen- first indigenised Zimba-
erated in foreign curren- bwean gold miner and
cy and remitted into the 51% of its flagship mine,
country totalled US$100 Blanket Mine, was either
million. sold or donated to indig-
Total payments to enous Zimbabweans in
government in taxes and 2012.
royalties in the period
under review stood at Caledonia facilitated
US$12.5 million. the acquisition of a 10%
The report notes that shareholding in Blan-
the government owns ket by a trust in favour
16% of Blanket via its Caledonia Mining Corporation chief executive officer Steve Curtis. of its employees, Blan-
ket Employee Trust Ser-
National Indigenisation for good governance and The company said it The report also reveals claims do not lie fallow vices (Private) Limited
and Economic Empow- all payments made to takes a targeted and stra- that the mine offers trib- as well as providing live- (BETS), a 16% share-
erment Fund (NIEEF), the government are fully tegic approach to social utes for use by artisanal lihoods for local com- holding by NIEEF and
which currently receives reported and disclosed investment by identify- and small scale miners munities.” a 15% shareholding in
20% of its attributable through an annual Ex- ing the critical needs of (ASM), enabling mining Fremiro, an indigenous
dividends and is rep- tractive Sector Transpar- the communities around on certain of Blanket’s Caledonia also con- Zimbabwean sharehold-
resented on Blanket’s ency Measures Act (ES- Blanket. Therefore in claims which are not be- tributes to the local and er company.
board of directors. TMA) declaration….,” 2020 its efforts and fo- ing worked by Caledo- national economy by
Unencumbered divi- the report reads in part. cus were mainly targeted nia. using local contractors Further 10% share-
dends paid to the fund towards assisting with wherever possible. In holding in Blanket was
in 2020 totalled US$0.5 “Caledonia’s payments the fight against the “The tribute agree- 2020, 25% of suppliers also donated to the
million. to central and local gov- Covid-19 pandemic. ments are registered with were from Zimbabwe, it Gwanda Community
Full dividend entitle- ernment comprise in- the ministry of Mines said. Share Ownership Trust
ment, the company said, come tax on the profits of In addition to social and Mining Develop- (GCSOT) for the benefit
will commence when fa- Blanket and the income investment, Blanket has ment and thereafter “We believe that we of the local community.
cilitation loans, granted tax deducted from the infrastructure, including Blanket allows the ASM have a responsibility to
by Caledonia in 2012 to wages and benefits paid roads, housing, water to work the claims en- maximise value-creation Following the repeal of
enable the fund’s acqui- to Blanket’s employees; a purification and reticu- suring compliance with for all our stakeholders the National Indigenisa-
sition of its sharehold- 5% royalty on gold rev- lation systems, and sew- the Mines and Minerals and aim to do this by tion and Economic Em-
ing, have been repaid. enues; withholding taxes erage that will be made Act and Environmental creating local employ- powerment Act in 2018,
“Through the trans- on payments from Zim- available to the commu- Management Act stat- ment opportunities, Caledonia purchased
parent payment of tax- babwe to other jurisdic- nity following the clo- utes,” it said. paying fair wages, pro- 15% of Blanket from
es, royalties and other tions; revenues arising sure of the mining oper- viding support and so- Fremiro in January 2020
duties and charges, we from gold marketing ation. “In 2021, Blanket cial investment to our in exchange for shares in
contribute to the de- arrangements; dividends also agreed to sell sever- local communities, pay- Caledonia.
velopment of the Zim- paid to NIEEF arising A total of US$1.6 al smaller claims, which ing taxes and royalties,
babwean economy. from its 16% sharehold- million was invested in are too small to be com- as well as creating share- The resultant share-
Reliable transparent dis- ing in Blanket; and other social and community mercially relevant to holder-value for both holding of Blanket is
closure is fundamental customs, duties, levies projects in 2020, repre- Blanket, to a small-scale Caledonia’s shareholders currently as follows:
and charges,” it said. senting 1.6% of group miner, thereby helping and the local sharehold- 64% owned by a whol-
revenue, it said. to ensure that unworked ers in Blanket,” the re- ly-owned subsidiary of
Caledonia; 16% owned
by NIEEF; 10% owned
by BETS; and 10%
owned by GCSOT.

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 21

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Crocodile skin company Retailers truant
expects a killing in Vic Falls in reporting

RONALD MUCHENJE Covid-19 cases

MIGRATION to the Victoria ness, with capital gains and squeezing out players who were egies. The alligator business is DUMISANI NYONI means that they don’t go
Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) is dividends realizable in hard ill prepared. IH holds that de- expected to sell 42% less skins through all the protocols,
seen spurring crocodile-breed- currency.  creased production capacity in than full-year 2020, from 28 SOME players in the they continue to operate.
ing firm Padenga Holdings’ the industry is likely to lead to 990 in full-year 2020 to 16 805 retail sector are not re- And yet directly opposite
earnings although liquidity on “Downside risk is liquidity increased crocodile skin prices in full-year 2021. The number porting  cases of em- you there is a chain that
the bourse may be a downside on the VFEX itself which may in the medium term and in the of skins sold in full-year 2020 ployees who test positive has been forced to close.
risk, potentially creating an ini- potentially create an initial dis- short term there may be a need were really a unique experi- for Covid-19 as they are So there are also a lot of
tial discount on valuation, ana- count on valuation, we howev- for Padenga to tailor skin sizes ence given the amount of car- anxious to avoid revenue disparities in terms of the
lysts have said. er believe this will resolve itself toward the seemingly defensive ried over stock from full-year loss when their businesses approach that is being
in the medium term as other Asian markets. 2019,” noted IH. are forced to close as well taken currently and the
This is however expected to companies list on the VFEX,” as incurring the costs of lack of effective compli-
resolve itself in the medium IH said  “The crocodile business is Revenue for the crocodile disinfection and testing, ance mechanisms that are
term as more companies list on expected to sell 28% more business was up 6.01% year on a move likely to derail applied whenever a chain
the VFEX.  The easing Covid-19 re- skins in full-year 2021, with a year (y/y) from US$25.53 mil- efforts to tackle the pan- has experienced a positive
strictions, IH said, speak to a budgeted production of 46 500 lion  to US$27 million.  demic.   test,” he said.
Padenga terminated its list- recovery for the crocodile skins skins and carry over skins from
ing on Zimbabwe Stock Ex- business. At current capacity, full-year 2020.  The group Fair value adjustment fell Confederation of Zim- The chief coordinator
change (ZSE) to relist on the Padenga is well placed to pro- plans to mothball operations at 90% from US$3.98 million  to babwe Retailers (CRZ) of the national Covid-19
VFEX early this month. duce about 46 000 crocodele Tallow Creek in full-year 2023 US$0.41 million as the larger chairperson Denford taskforce, Dr Agnes Ma-
skins annually.  after years of continued under- crocodile skins are expected to Mutashu told The New- homva, said there was a
VFEX, which trades exclu- performance despite manage- fetch lower prices.  Resultant- sHawks in an interview need for Zimbabweans to
sively in foreign currency, was The environment created ment’s efforts and varied strat- ly, profit before tax was down that due to the high costs work together to curb the
set up last year in an effort to by the pandemic increased 82% y/y. associated with testing and spread of the pandemic.
establish an alternative securi- pressure on skin suppliers, disinfecting the premises,
ties market that attracts global some players were not re- “Government is coor-
capital. Padenga became the porting Covid-19 cases.  dinating the whole of the
second company to list on the society approach where
VFEX with Seed Co having “We have seen that we are encouraging all of
been the sole counter on the where you have to shut us to work together to ad-
bourse since October last year. down for disinfection, it dress any challenges the
has a huge cost because moment we find them,”
Local research firm IH Secu- for some big organisa- she said.
rities, in its review of the com- tions they have reported
pany’s performance in the full- a lot of disruptions where Zimbabwe is in the
year 2020, said overall revenues if you are employing, say grip of the third wave of
for the business were expected 70 people at a branch infections, driven by the
to remain on a strong upward and then one employee spread of the Delta and
trend carried by extension of is affected by the virus, it Beta variants of the virus,
the gold-mining operations as means that due protocol which were first detected
well as higher forex retention has to take place,” he said.  in India and South Africa,
from the VFEX. respectively. As of 27 July
“You inform the min- 2021, Zimbabwe has re-
“In addition, the listing on istry of Health, you have corded 101 711 cases, 70
the VFEX enables Padenga to to disinfect the whole 496 recoveries and 3 280
raise capital in foreign curren- environment and also deaths. 
cy from a deeper investor base mandatorily get all your
to pursue viable acquisitions in employees for testing. So In a bid to combat the
related export sectors.  what has been happen- spread of Covid-19, the
ing is that when you have government recently an-
“The listing will enable gone through that painful nounced a raft of mea-
shareholders to unlock a ‘real’ cycle and reopen after two sures such as banning
US dollar valuation of the busi- or three days, there is a public gatherings except
loss. Outside general loss for funerals, imposing
Reinsurer seeks improved in business, there is also nighttime curfew, among
regulatory protection policy loss of revenue that you other regulations.
are supposed to be getting
DIVERSIFIED investment market dominance through “The country contin- regional operations was throughout the days that Under the new regu-
company ZimRe Holdings superior credit rating and ues to face insurgent at- however down 29% to you are closed.” lations, companies were
Limited says it is lobbying capacity. We are also lobby- tacks mostly in the gas-rich US$1.010 billion as to- directed to decongest
for improved regulatory ing for improved regulatory northern provinces which tal income also retreated “The whole cycle has their staff by 50% while
environments that protect environments that protect are gaining intensity with 27% to close the year at seen a lot of retailers and physical workshops have
resident reinsurers and en- resident reinsurers and en- potential  to destabilise  the US$754.6 million. wholesalers actually com- been banned. The mea-
hance competitiveness in hance competitiveness,” he country and divert  scarce plaining. We actually had sures barred restaurants,
its regional operations as said. financial resources. New Meanwhile, the local re- a meeting last week where except those at lodges or
it remains upbeat about its government with promises insurance unit, Emeritus a lot of big wholesalers hotels, from serving sit-in
operations. In the full-year 2020, of a stable , corruption-free, Re, saw improved premi- have been complaining customers.
all regional business enti- sound economic manage- um collections and claims that, unfortunately, that
This is coming as the ties generated positive cash ment  and diversification of recoveries due to prudent does not also apply to Beerhalls and night-
group says it continues fac- except for Mozambique the predominantly agricul- underwriting and aggressive unregistered players and clubs were ordered to re-
ing stiff competition from which was grappling with tural economy in Malawi,” credit control. some even registered re- main closed while bottle
West Africa. Cyclone Idai claims  which Kudenga said. tailers because some play- stores were instructed to
put strain on cashflows. While the impact of the ers are actually even not operate from 10am to
ZimRe has reinsurance He added that during the pandemic was also felt, ac- reporting whenever they 4pm, with retailers and
operations in Zambia, Mo- But Kudenga said Mo- year there were all-round celerated digitisation of have picked an employ- shops operating from
zambique, Botswana and zambique had massive po- improvements in timeous  service delivery channels ee who has fallen ill and 8am to 3.30pm.
Malawi. tential should the country premium collections due through increased  invest- tested positive,” Mutashu
stabilise. to the adoption of sound  ment in information com- said.  Other regulations in-
ZimRe CEO Stanley underwriting  and risk munication technology en- cluded the mandatory
Kudenga recently said as “Mozambique has very management  practices  as sured continuous  business “They don’t report and wearing of face masks in
the competition was getting much potential but the well as aggressively  making flows. when they don’t report, it public areas and limiting
stiff, the need to deploy suf- country has continued to claim recoveries  from retro- the number of passengers
ficient financial capacity to face problems from natu- cessions and strengthening “We continue to focus on on public transport.
its regional operations had ral to man made. You will the credit control function. improved premium qual-
become inevitable. realise that there has been ity and channels through
recovery from hidden debt The impact of Covid-19 innovation risk solutions.
“Our focus points remain crisis and improving inves- was equally felt in the re- Continuous balance sheet
that we continue to deploy tor confidence after debt gional operations albeit strength  to sustain and
sufficient financial capacity restructuring efforts and minimal financial impact dominate  the market 
onto regional operations enhanced  economic gov- on the operations. through superior credit rat-
balance sheet to enhance ernance  and transparency  ing and capacity,” Kudenga
competitive capital and re- initiatives. Gross premium for the said. —STAFF WRITER.
gain as well as defend  the

Page 22 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Bright prospects for Seed Co

SEED Co Limited is up- Seed Co Chief executive officer Morgan Nzwere. ternational nearly doubled
beat about maintaining its profit to US$11 mil-
growth achieved in the past March 2021, Seed Co Lim- justments as well as a 21% achieved in the prior year.  ciates Prime Seed Co Zim- lion from US$6 million on
financial year as the seed ited’s after-tax profit recov- monetary loss decline.  During the year under re- babwe and Quton to the strong volume performance
processor takes advantage ered to ZW$0.8 billion in group was significantly re- across markets. 
of  continued government inflation adjusted terms Other income rose 28% view, inflation had a knock duced. Quton’s profitability
support ahead of the 2023 from a loss of ZW$0.4 bil- to ZW$0.9 billion on in- on effect on the business as halved as its monetary loss In terms of volume
general elections as well as lion.  creased profit from chem- operating costs grew faster also doubled while Prime performance, the group
improved efficiencies.  icals and fertiliser sales as due to exchange rate flactu- Seed suffered a loss due achieved a 36% increase in
Group finance director well as exchange gains from ations.  to margin erosion mainly overall volumes to 29 302
Already, the group has John Matorofa attributed foreign-denominated re- attributable to foreign ex- tonnes. Maize remained the
worked on strategies to en- the growth in profitability ceivables.  Resultantly, operating ex- change losses on imported flagship seed crop, contrib-
hance business operations to a 60% revenue growth penses worsened to ZW$1.4 seeds.  uting 55% of the volume
such as the completion of which was driven by a surge Total revenue for the year billion from ZW$0.9 bil- and growing by 61% due
its artificial drying plant at in volume and price ad- was ZW$5.8 billion com- lion.  However, Seed Co In- to government support pro-
Stapleford together with the pared to ZW$3.7 billion grammes and open market
introduction of new early The contribution of asso- demand. 
maturing and cost effective
seed varieties.  “Normal to above normal
rainfall positively impacted
Chief executive officer seed sales in Zimbabwe as
Morgan Nzwere told a vir- well as the regional mar-
tual analyst briefing that the kets,” said Nzwere. 
group was also looking at
replicating the technology Wheat sales grew 66%
to other markets. This is in buoyed by a once-off 2000
addition to planned plant metric tonne export order
capacity upgrades in mar- to Nigeria while soyabean
kets like Kenya and Tanza- volume was 17% above
nia during the financial year prior year driven by strong
2021/22. oilseed local demand. Sor-
ghum and barley remained
“Subject to favourable stable. 
climate and economic con-
ditions, Seed Co Limited is Going forward, food se-
expected to ride on the good curity across the region is
performance achieved in the expected to remain a pri-
just-ended financial year on ority in the wake of the
the back of the anticipated Covid-19 pandemic which
continuation of government will work to the group’s ad-
programmes ahead of 2023 vantage.
elections,” Nzwere said.
Among other initiatives
“The completion of the the group will focus on go-
seed drier should enable us ing forward include value
to bring seed to the market preservation amidst cur-
much quicker and also con- rency depreciation as well
tinue to improve seed qual- as growing export markets.
ity.”  The group did not declare a
dividend to preserve capital.
During the year to 31
—STAFF WRITER

ZSE eyes more VFEX listings
THE Zimbabwe Stock Ex- nia has expressed interest ing forward. For the ZSE, to ZW$123.4 million. through the launch of new said Sandura.
change Limited (ZSE) will to list on the exchange. the strategy is to focus on The business achieved business such as VFEX Interest bearing borrow-
in the short to medium growing the initiatives that Limited and incorporation
term focus on increasing Group chairperson Car- were launched in 2020,” an operating profit of of a new entity - Zimba- ings increased significantly
listings on the Victoria Falls oline Sandura indicated she said. ZW$0.86 million, which bwe Receivables Market to ZW$28.5 million from
Stock Exchange (VFEX) as the exchange will therefore was a 98% reduction from (ZRM), an invoice dis- ZW$11.178 to support
it pushes its diversification focus more on attracting Other initiatives imple- ZW$54.8 million in 2019 counting entity which is a working capital and capex.
strategies implemented last new listings on the USD mented in 2020 include weighed down by impair- joint venture with Harare
year, a senior official has denominated exchange the ZSE Direct in Septem- ment of unquoted invest- Receivables Exchange. Overall performance of
said. among other key projects. ber, which has managed to ment.  the bourse during the year
This also comes as the gen- make investments much During the year under remained solid remained
In 2020, the ZSE eral economic performance easier for the retail market; Operating expenses re- review, cashflows gener- solid as value of trades
launched several projects to is expected to improve the ZSE Training Institute duced by 5% to ZW$88.2 ated from operations im- increased by 754% to
enhance the attractiveness spurred by agriculture and in February, which pro- million on cost contain- proved to ZW$25 million ZW$17.3 billion in 2020.
of the exchange, increase mining. vides customised capital ment measures. During from an outflow position
product offerings as well markets training as well as the year under review, op- of ZW$36.2 million on Market capitalisation
as enhance retail investors “Significant effort will the Zimbabwe Receivables erating costs were mainly account of improved work- grew by 968% to close the
knowledge in capital mar- be channelled towards Marketplace in August, driven by the incorpora- ing capital management. year at ZW$317 billion.
kets. For instance, in Oc- growing listings on the which is expected to pro- tion and launch costs of
tober 2020, the exchange VFEX, growing partner- vide working capital solu- VFEX while an increase in “In line with the group’s But inflationary pres-
launched the VFEX, which ships on ZSE Direct and tions through receivables staff costs was due to the growth strategy and in- sures had an adverse im-
is expected to complement strengthening the ZRM discounting. increase in the head count come streams diversifica- pact on the exchange which
the ZSE by providing a operations,” she said in an for the ICT developers set tion, ZSE Direct mobile resulted in its temporary
hard currency trading and annual performance review In December 2020, the up to implement the ZSE application was internally closure on June 26, 2020
capital raising platform. for financial year 2020. bourse also launched the mobile application and developed to promote re- and reopened on August
Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 other ICT-related matters. tail investors participation 3, 2020. This also resulted
Currently, the VFEX “With the improved ag- ETF to diversify product on the Equities market. in the suspension of dually
has two listings, Seed Co ricultural season and ex- offerings on the exchange. At ZW$211.8 million, The Group also established listed firms -- Old Mutual
International Limited and pected positive economic group’s total assets doubled a depository arm which PLC, PPC Limited as well
Padenga Holdings Limited, growth in 2021, we an- The new product offer- from ZW$105.8 million will facilitate and support as Seed Co International
while mining firm Caledo- ticipate a more positive ings helped push ZSE’s as at 31 December 2019. launch of new products,” Limited which later listed
business environment go- revenue for the year  by 6% The growth was achieved on the VFEX.

—STAFF WRITER

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 23

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

BERNARD MPOFU Zimbabwe makes token debt
repayments to Paris Club
ZIMBABWE’S Treasury
has undertaken to make during the presentation to non-Paris Club bilat- contingent liabilities viser, Newstate Partners full compensation. The
token loan payments to of the mid-term budget eral creditors. on Governments’ bal- UK.  government allocated
the Paris Club by year and economic review. ance sheet. To manage ZW$300 million in the
end as the debt-ridden “Access to external fi- the risks related to these “The Financial Advisor 2020 national budget,
government makes des- “Government has been nancing remains con- contingent liabilities, an will lead and assist in the of which approximate-
perate moves to nor- making debt service pay- strained due to the con- Integrated Risk Man- mobilisation of US$3.5 ly ZW$200 million was
malise relations with ments on active portfo- tinued accumulation of agement Framework was billion for compensation disbursed in 2020. In
multilateral creditors, lios so as to unlock new external debt arrears and, formulated and adopt- through models that do the 2021 national bud-
Finance minister Mthuli financing and trigger therefore, domestic finan- ed.” not compromise the fis- get, ZW$2 billion was
Ncube has said. disbursements to ongo- cial markets remain the cal, debt management allocated for the interim
ing projects. During the major source of budget Turning to the Glob- and overall growth objec- relief payments, Ncube
The country is battling first quarter of 2021, financing for Treasury. al Compensation Deed tives of the economy,” he said.
to extricate itself from a debt service payments Domestic debt as at end which provides for the said. 
huge debt overhang after amounting to US$17.04 April 2021 amounted compensation for farm Last week, Ncube told
it went into arrears with million were made to- to ZWL$20.9 billion,” improvements made by Meanwhile, the gov- cabinet that Treasury is
international lenders at wards token payments Ncube said. evicted by white former ernment will continue now pushing for fresh ne-
the turn of the millen- (US$1.6 million), oth- commercial farmers, making interim relief gotiations with its credi-
nium. The huge debt, er multilateral creditors “Sovereign guarantees Treasury, Ncube said, has payments to former farm tors to reduce interest on
which has become an al- (US$ 4.11 million) and and on-lent loans have engaged a financial ad- owners while mobilis- debt.
batross, has disqualified bilateral Non-Paris Club the potential to create ing the resources for the
Zimbabwe from access- (US$11.33 million).
ing concessional funding PRESS STATEMENT
from international finan- “Accumulation of ex-
cial institutions such as ternal debt arrears re- We have noted, with concern, the false and malicious attacks on
the World Bank, Inter- mains a major challenge social media including Twitter and YouTube, and other public
national Monetary Fund to the country, making platforms by Mr. Tendai Biti against our company Chief Executive
and the African Devel- up over US$6.5 billion Officer Mr. Kenneth Sharpe's persona and reputation. Whilst we
opment Bank. Now the (77%) of total external reserve our right to pursue further legal recourse and remedies
government largely relies debt.” available to us, we hereby inform members of the public that Mr.
on domestic resources for Tendai Biti's statements are not true. Contrary to what Mr. Tendai
budgetary support. Do- Official figures show Biti and his political allies, in particular, Honourable Allan Markham
mestic debt, as at April that as at the end of De- (MP Harare North Constituency) baselessly allege, Mr. Kenneth
2021, stood at ZW$20.9 cember 2020, total public Sharpe's business dealings are 100% above board and that the land
billion. and publicly guaranteed we are currently developing was legally obtained. Without any
external debt including breach to the sub-judice rule in respect of matters already in court
The Paris Club of cred- RBZ external guaran- wherein we are suing Mr. Tendai Biti for US$1 million in defamation
itors, a an informal group teed debt amounted to damages, we wish to advise the public that he has his own agenda
of official creditors whose US$10.5 billion, repre- for his uncouth behaviour that goes against the sub-judice rules.
role is to find coordinat- senting 71.2% of GDP. We hereby inform members of the public to disregard the malicious
ed and sustainable solu- Public and publicly guar- and vile attacks upon our brand and that of our Chief Executive
tions to the payment dif- anteed external debt owed Officer Mr. Kenneth Sharpe. As a company, we are firmly behind
ficulties experienced by to the multilateral credi- our Chief Executive Officer's vision to build exceptional homes and
debtor countries, has also tors, as at the end of De- properties and improve the lives of Zimbabweans.
stopped lending Zimba- cember 2020, amounted
bwe. to US$2.67 billion, of Be accordingly advised.
which US$1.53 billion is
Ncube on Thursday owed to the World Bank BY THIS ORDER OF THE BOARD
told lawmakers that Trea- Group, US$729 million WEST PROPERTY COMPANY (PRIVATE) LIMITED
sury, in March 2021, re- to the African Devel-
sumed quarterly token opment Bank, US$356
payments to the multilat- million to the European
eral development banks Investment Bank, and
(MDBs), the World Bank US$68 million to oth-
Group (US$1 million), er multilateral creditors
the African Development such as International
Bank Group (US$500 Fund for Agricultural
000) and the Europe- Development (IFAD),
an Investment Bank Arab Bank for Econom-
(US$100 000).  ic Development in Afri-
ca (BADEA) and Opec
“Token payments are Fund for International
part of the re-engage- Development (OFID).
ment process with the In-
ternational Community On the other hand,
in line with the Arrears bilateral public and pub-
Clearance and Debt Re- licly guaranteed exter-
lief Strategy which is crit- nal debt amounted to
ical in regaining access to US$5.75 billion, with
concessional financing US$3.79 billion owed to
from both multilateral Paris Club bilateral credi-
and bilateral develop- tors and US$1.67 billion
ment partners. Payments
to Paris Club Creditors
will also begin in the sec-
ond half of 2021,” the
Finance minister said

Page 24 Executive Chat NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

THE marketing function has Marketing plays strategic courses. We have teams of facil-
evolved over the years, gaining role in Zimbabwe economy itators in the country and in the
momentum as the world hasbe- region that are second to none.
came a global village through Marketers Association of Zimbabwe president Zororo Muranda. As a professional body we make
technological advancement. in it a policy to go for the best so
Zimbabwe, experts in this field coming of Covid-19, we realised disappeared with the advent of easy and practical to reach out to organisations responded to that our trainees realise a return to
came together to form the Mar- it was no longer a question of Covid-19 and lockdowns. Mar- customers in any setting. your trainings? their participation.
keters Association of Zimbabwe choice as such, so all our mem- keters have therefore adopted
(MAZ) which has been in exis- bers and marketers who may a whole menu of smart work- RM: What are some of the chal- ZM:  We offer a whole range RM:  What are some of the
tence since 2009. not be active members will need ing methods at a very fast rate. lenges that you face in empow- of training in marketing. Actu- exceptional innovations that
urgent upgrade through training With or without the pandemic ering marketers? ally, we currently offer eight pro- you have implemented so far?
This week, our reporter Ron- in digital marketing. We there- and lockdowns, the job of the ZM: The major challenge has not grammes ranging from certificates
ald Muchenje  (RM)  spoke to fore embarked on expanding the marketer is to continue to make necessarily been in convincing the to extended professional training ZM:  Most innovations we
MAZ president Zororo Muran- offer to as wide a clientele as pos- money for their organisation. By marketer as such. The challenge and these are: have implemented have been in
da  (ZM), who said companies sible. As we speak, the diploma the way, business, that is, making has been convincing the employer the training programmes. This is
and stakeholders needed to real- programme in digital marketing money for the organisation, is the in most cases. For example, digital ·      Professional Certificate where we have realisations we can
ise that as globalisation deepens, offered by MAZ has become so purview of marketers. Marketers marketing requires investment. in Digital Marketing Course make a difference not only to the
marketing will assume greater popular we have several intakes cannot really be home and not Not just any investment but well- (PCDM) wider profession but to the coun-
importance. Below is the inter- that run parallel. We receive both working if the salary for the com- thought-out investment such as try, in our small way. Our training
view: individual applications and cor- ing month is going to be paid. All appropriate training, software ·   Executive Certificate in Dig- programmes have also attracted
RM:  What is your mandate as porate-funded applicants in this that the pandemic has done is to and hardware. These are tools of ital Marketing Course (ECDM) interest from counterparts in the
MAZ? area. As an association we are also show every organisation the cen- trade needed by marketers. Yet region. We infuse in our training
ZM:  The Marketers Association continuously updating the curric- trality of the marketing function. most employers continued to re- ·  Certified Digital Marketing a very high level of practice and
of Zimbabwe (MAZ)’s strategic ulum of the programme in order Any organisation with a poor gard these as part of marketers’ Expert (CDMEXP) a contemporaneous skills founda-
thrust is to promote marketing to provide cutting age training to marketing function will com- profligacy. For some employers, tion.
excellence, professionalism and our practitioners. pletely collapse by the end of this it has become a belated realisation ·      Professional Diploma in
the highest standards in the con- RM:  How has the Covid-19 pandemic. after suffering loss of market to Public Relations and Corpo- RM:  Does the association
duct of marketing in both the pandemic and its resultant lock- competitors. Most employers just rate Reputation Management have a professional designation
public and private sector spaces. downs affected marketers? Without continued viability did not quickly realise that they (PRCM) based on defined criteria and
As an association we consider our- ZM:  The Covid-19 pandemic of the marketing function, there needed to empower their market- industry-endorsed standards
selves the platform to facilitate the and resultant lockdowns have is no profit-making organisation ers if they have to remain relevant ·      Certified Business Leader- which enhance professionals to
growth of the marketing skill and really affected marketers in a that will survive the dynamics in the marketplace. It took some ship Programme (CBLP) be recognised and valued in the
diffusion of marketing practice in considerable way. It has meant brought by this pandemic. Mar- time for employers to realise the marketing profession?
the country. Such growth is not totally reviewing their marketing keters, therefore, have the duty urgency of digital training of their ·   Marketing Leadership devel-
only confined to practitioners in strategies, in particular the way of being even more active in the marketing teams. Empowering opment Programme (MLDP) ZM:  Yes, the association has
industry but to also those in aca- they would normally connect marketplace than it was before the marketers also means reconfig- a professional designation. The
demia and the student cadre. It is and communicate their message pandemic. uring the distribution strategy so ·   Annual Continuous Profes- ZimChartered Marketer is a
also our role to consistently work to customers. Messaging has now that there is no disjuncture in the sional Development widely recognised professional
on the harmonious convergence changed, taking into account You therefore notice that they new marketing strategy, a strategy designation. The training is rig-
of the two, cognizant of the fact that the opportunity of reinforc- have now shifted mostly toward that realises we are in the middle ·   ZimChartered Marketer orous; it’s like going through ar-
that both practice and theory are ing that same message by visiting marketing channels that are dig- of a pandemic. The response to our pro- ticles. These days employers look-
evolving fast but practice has even the customer and convincing ital. It has come as a realisation grammes has been overwhelming. ing for top notch marketers also
morphed faster due to digitalisa- them on a one-to-one basis has that customers across the spec- RM:  What types of training Organisations are sending their make it a requirement that you
tion of messaging and informa- trum are now digital savvy. With are you offering and how have staff for training and refresher have gone through ZimChartered
tion dissemination. the development and accessibility courses all the time. These days we or some other professional train-
RM:  What are the key mile- of information communication are continuously in virtual classes ing. The ZimChartered Marketer
stones you have made so far? technology it is now relatively as we upgrade marketers to adapt is well recognised. Let me reit-
ZM:  The Marketers Association them to the new circumstances. erate that membership of MAZ
of Zimbabwe was formed in We have some programmes that has corporate entities who are in-
2009. We have been in existence are booked into 2022. We also dustry leaders in their own right
for the past 12 years, but our im- offer in-house training and short and actively participate through
pact as an association is now far appropriate forums in developing
and wide. Our recognition goes the programs we offer.
way beyond the borders. We have RM: Why should one become a
now grown the membership to member of MAZ?
around 2 500. For our profes- ZM:  Participation in MAZ is
sion, this is highly commendable. tremendously beneficial. We are
It says a lot about the embodi- the nerve centre of developing
ment of who we have grown to marketers in the industry. We also
be and where the future is taking provide a platform for profession-
us. Mind you, this membership al networking.
comprises some of the country’s RM:  What advice would you
largest corporate entities, highly give to your stakeholders and
recognised individuals in this pro- potential stakeholders in order
fession and students pursuing the for their companies to stay com-
area of marketing science. petitive over the next five years?
ZM: My advice is for companies
We are the only all-encompass- and stakeholders to realise as glo-
ing marketing association in the balisation deepens roots, so too
country. We recognise the cos- will the significance of market-
mopolitan nature and acknowl- ing. Going forward, marketing
edge the various sub-professions will become quite complex and
of marketing which has made us therefore continuously updating
the go-to association in the area. the marketing staff’s skills will not
Our acceptability by both govern- only determine competitiveness
ment and industry is quite high. of the enterprise but survival its
We insist on professionalism in survival.
our membership. Just to demon- RM:  What is your outlook for
strate to you what we stand for, the future?
our patron is minister of Informa- ZM:  As the association grows,
tion, Publicity, and Broadcasting our strategic intent is not only to
Services, Honourable Monica widen training options available
Mutsvangwa, one of the best and to the membership, but also grow
well recognised marketers in the as an advisory body in the area of
country. marketing management. We also
RM:  How have you been em- are moving into the region to es-
powering marketers to be rele- tablish the brand.
vant in this highly digital envi-
ronment? We are already collaborating
ZM:  MAZ has been pro-active with the government in looking
when it comes to the develop- at how marketing can be regulat-
ments in the digital environment. ed as a profession going forward.
Before the advent of the Covid-19 By regulating we mean to have the
pandemic we had already started conduct of marketing codified. It
offering training programmes is not new, just that we have been
in digital marketing. With the moving at snail’s pace as a market.

NewsHawks Stock Taking Page 25

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Price Sheet

Friday, 30 July 2021 A MEMBER OF FINSEC & THE ZIMBABWE STOCK EXCHANGE

Company Sector Bloomberg Previous Last VWAP Total Total Price Price YTD Market
Ticker Price Traded (cents) Traded Traded Change Change (%) Cap
(cents) Volume Value ($) (cents) ($m)
AFDIS: ZH Price 8000.25 (%)
ASUN: ZH 8040.00 782.82 1,181,300
AFDIS Consumer Goods ARTD: ZH 782.58 8000.00 829.50 1,700 94,507,000.00 -39.75 -0.49 233.34 9,384.78
African Sun Consumer Services ARISTON: ZH 790.00 783.00 347.11 2,000 13,308.00 0.24 0.03 360.48 6,746.12
ART AXIA: ZH 348.02 830.00 2562.30 16,590.00 39.50 5.00 73.79 3,624.73
Ariston Industrials BIND: ZH 2599.16 348.00 562.88 31,500 -0.91 -0.26 159.04 5,648.85
Axia Consumer Services 495.20 2560.00 115200.00 8,700 109,339.00 -36.86 -1.42 179.73 13,961.83
BNC BAT: ZH 115200.00 510.00 17500.00 222,920.00 67.68 13.67 48.13 7,035.19
BAT Consumer Goods CAFCA: ZH 17500.00 1603.53 226,100 1,272,682.00 109.45 23,769.81
CAFCA Basic Materials 1647.37 - 9500.00 - - - 94.66 1,528.64
Cassava CSZL: ZH 8900.00 - 3440.00 - - - - 146.70 41,540.68
CBZ Consumer Goods CBZ: ZH 3437.50 1600.00 8516.57 - -43.84 -2.66 11.16 65,287.01
Dairibord Industrials DZL: ZH 8499.01 9500.00 3014.15 15,300 245,340.00 600.00 6.74 162.60 12,315.23
Delta DLTA: ZH 3010.45 3440.00 329.98 300 28,500.00 2.50 0.07 274.34 109,392.04
Econet Technology ECO: ZH 398.61 9500.00 3108.33 900 30,960.00 17.56 0.21 218.96 78,083.87
Edgars Banking EDGR: ZH 3125.00 3000.00 1000.00 9,146,800.00 3.70 0.12 174.98 1,079.01
FBC FBC: ZH 1000.00 328.00 301.53 107,400 1,516,115.00 -68.63 -17.22 107.04 20,886.42
Fidelity Consumer Goods FIDL: ZH 305.25 3100.00 2700.00 50,300 598,588.00 -16.67 -0.53 424.38 1,089.23
First Capital Consumer Goods FCA: ZH 2800.00 1000.00 1351.61 181,400 9,325.00 - - 174.12 6,503.16
FML Telecommunications FMHL: ZH 1350.00 303.00 237.92 7,000.00 -3.72 -1.22 157.14 18,633.86
FMP Consumer Services FMP: ZH 238.07 2700.00 577.48 300 1,928,614.00 -100.00 -3.57 317.16 16,735.06
GBH GBH: ZH 560.91 1400.00 18975.00 700 18,900.00 1.61 0.12 891.33 1,276.65
Getbucks Banking GBFS: ZH 19000.00 244.50 10939.01 639,600 209,500.00 -0.15 -0.06 4519.84 6,716.78
Hippo Financial Services HIPO: ZH 10889.12 615.00 9500.00 700 48,773.00 16.57 2.95 110.83 36,625.65
Innscor INN: ZH 9500.00 18975.00 348.86 15,500 14,437.00 -25.00 -0.13 195.41 61,780.95
Lafarge Banking LACZ: ZH 347.37 11000.00 4390.00 20,500 2,865,225.00 49.89 0.46 889.58 7,600.00
Mash Financial Services MASH: ZH 4390.00 9500.00 31.39 2,500 5,174,150.00 - - 275.12 6,485.57
Masimba MSHL: ZH 30.56 350.00 9421.19 15,100 636,500.00 1.49 0.43 291.96 10,608.60
Medtech Real Estate MMDZ: ZH 9417.21 - 1300.00 47,300 7,675.00 - - 297.34
Meikles Industrials MEIK: ZH 1336.67 30.00 52100.00 6,700 - 0.83 2.72 328.14 954.18
Nampak NPKZ: ZH 53027.27 9450.00 1044.60 2,200 1,424,503.00 3.98 0.04 469.55 23,802.27
NatFoods Financial Services NTFD: ZH 1044.60 1300.00 1650.00 555,850.00 -36.67 -2.74 766.89
NTS Consumer Goods NTS: ZH 1702.50 52100.00 1691.40 - 36,400.00 -927.27 -1.75 3705.46 9,823.43
NMBZ NMB: ZH 1700.81 - 2750.88 4,537,900 885,700.00 - - 312.45 35,636.46
OK Zim Industrials OKZ: ZH 2798.57 1650.00 500.00 - -52.50 -3.08 87.93
Proplastics Industrials PROL: ZH 510.00 1700.00 2800.19 5,900 3,300.00 -9.41 -0.55 219.51 2,651.95
RTG Real Estate RTG: ZH 2800.19 2750.00 6900.00 2,800 11,357,720.00 -47.69 -1.70 160.76 6,668.83
RioZim Industrials RIOZ: ZH 6700.01 500.00 4500.48 1,700 156,800.00 -10.00 -1.96 87.28 21,088.59
SeedCo Healthcare SEED: ZH 4500.00 - 262.93 5,500.00 - - 200.00 6,930.45
Simbisa Industrials SIM: ZH 264.99 6900.00 239.29 - - 199.99 2.98 274.48 12,477.48
Star Africa Industrials SACL: ZH 257.64 4600.00 4300.00 200 69,000.00 0.48 0.01 873.81 3,417.06
Truworths Consumer Goods TRUW: ZH 4300.00 265.00 400.00 671,500 1,863,200.00 -2.06 -0.78 711.15 16,941.44
TSL Industrials TSL: ZH 407.79 235.00 2980.00 5,700 344,437.00 -18.35 -7.12 149.28 25,301.01
Turnall TURN: ZH 2991.67 4300.00 334.54 1,100 3,350.00 - - 330.11 12,397.37
Unifreight Banking UNIF: ZH 340.00 400.00 7700.00 47,300.00 -7.79 -1.91 15921.51
Willdale Consumer Services WILD: ZH 7700.00 2980.00 0.03 - 14,800.00 -11.67 -0.39 945.44 919.04
ZB ZBFH: ZH 0.03 330.00 350.00 1,000 2,980.00 -5.46 -1.61 220.83 15,355.41
Zeco Industrials ZECO: ZH 350.00 - 1454.42 41,400 79,285.00 - - 50.00
Zimpapers Consumer Services ZIMP: ZH 1457.14 - 423.11 131,000 - - - 257.14 1,972.16
Zimplow ZIMPLOW: ZH 421.97 - 1,400 - - - 190.88 3,172.93
ZHL Basic Materials ZHL: ZH 1450.00 1,100 - -2.72 -0.19 34.97 5,948.13
TOTAL Consumer Goods 423.50 3,700 37,815.00 1.14 0.27 13,489.68
Consumer Goods 13,962.50
Consumer Goods 100 135,530,143.50 0.14
Consumer Services 23,700 2,016.00
Consumer Goods 3,467.06
- 7,694.91
Industrials - 806,465.68
Industrials -
Industrials 2,600
3,300
Banking 7,994,100
Industrials
Consumer Services
Industrials
Financial Services

ETFs OMTT.zw 200.00 200.00 199.94 27,124 54,233.00 -0.06 -0.03 99.50 159.95

Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 ETF

FINSEC Financial Services OMZIL 5500.00 6000.00 6000.00 599 3,594,000.00 500.00 9.09 126.42 4,980.70

Old Mutual Zimbabwe

VFEX (US cents) Consumer Goods PHL:VX 18.10 -- - -49.72 US$m
Consumer Goods SCIL:VX 18.10 18.10 25.20 - 98.03
Padenga 25.20 - - -- - 40.00 60.76
SeedCo International

Index Close Change (%) Open YTD % Top 5 Risers Price Change % YTD %
ZSE All Share 6,818.29 +0.11 6,810.80 +159.31 BNC 562.88c +67.68c +13.67 +48.13
Top 10 3,639.99 +0.37 3,626.63 +120.01 CBZ +6.74 +11.16
Top 15 4,188.45 +0.18 4,180.97 +115.01 ART 9500.00c +600.00c +5.00 +73.79
Small Cap -0.62 238,724.42 +1897.58 SeedCo 829.50c +39.50c +2.98 +200.00
Medium Cap 237,235.99 -0.22 17,778.17 +218.81 Getbucks 6900.00c +199.99c +2.95 +4519.84
17,739.47 577.48c +16.57c

Top 5 Fallers Price Change % YTD %
Edgars 329.98c -68.63c -17.22 +174.98
Truworths 239.29c -18.35c -7.12 +711.15
FML -3.57 +157.14
NMBZ 2700.00c -100.00c -3.08 +312.45
Nampak 1650.00c -52.50c -2.74 +469.55
1300.00c -36.67c

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.

Page 26 News Analysis NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

DUMISANI NYONI Stock market would do well ing and service sector, but they re-
to introduce SME platform fused to repeal the Indigenisation
THE Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and Economic Empowerment
(ZSE), one of the oldest bourses the value of their holdings in the lars. change than the local stock mar- son why we have these shuffles or Act and even said it would remain
in the world, should look at intro- market, allowing greater liquidity. When the bourse was formed, ket because of the nature of their movements in terms of listing it in force for some mining compa-
ducing the small to medium en- It will also enable the group to industry that deals a lot with for- has to do with macro-economic nies,” he said.
terprise (SME) platform to help take advantage of the increased Morgan & Co researchers warned eign currency. The other reason environment and also anticipa-
companies stay afloat and stem retention ratio for exporters of that the ZSE could be cannibal- could be the fact that firms have tion of foreign investment,” Mat- “Yet more damage to the value
the tide of delistings over the past 100%, which will strengthen ised by VFEX. generally been performing low sika said.  of savings then happened when
decade. Padenga’s ability to repay any for- below their full capacity, hence the government’s US dollar bor-
eign currency liabilities.  “Is there any strategic logic the increase in delisting.” Independent economist John rowings to fund maize, electricity
Formed in 1894, the local for an issuer to register with ZSE Robertson said the investment and fuel subsidies proved to be
stock exchange has suffered mas- Resultantly, opportunities now only to raise capital in Zim dol- “Another explanation is that, environment has become less so big that they could be paid
sive delistings due to the pressures exist for Padenga to raise capital lars?” Morgan & Co said in its of late, there has been an acute attractive in the past 24 years, back only in Zimbabwe dollars
of Covid-19, the contraction of in foreign currency from a wider October 2020 report on econom- shortage of funding for com- mainly because of the govern- of much lower value. The value of
the economy, government inter- potential market to expand exist- ics and market intelligence. panies and most companies are ment’s decision to break the op- every Zimbabwe dollar in every
ference with capital markets, high ing business, acquire or establish attracting private investors who erating link between the country’s electronic bank account fell from
listing costs and a poor operating new business and fund acquisi- “We are seeing a wave of vol- are not into public equity style biggest business sector, which one US dollar to one US cent.”
environment. tions. untary unsubscribes from the of funding. So as part of their re- was commercial farming, and the
ZSE for various reasons. Falgold quirements, these private players banks.  “That meant that 99% of the
For instance, in June last year, Firms that have delisted from has scheduled an extraordinary would actually demand that these value of the nation’s savings had
the government suspended trad- the ZSE over the past two de- general meeting at which it will firms delist from being public He said a high proportion of been wiped out. The existence of
ing on the ZSE for five weeks, cades include Gulliver, Interfin, seek shareholder approval to ter- limited to being private limited so the companies listed on the ZSE the currency auctions says that
blaming fungible stocks PPC, Steelnet, Trust Holdings, Lifestyle minate its listing on ZSE. Bound- that they also protect their invest- before the government declared some of the Zimbabwe dollars
Old Mutual and Seed Co Inter- Holdings, Phoenix Consolidated, ary Investments, a 100% subsidi- ments, so that’s why most compa- all farmland to be the property of are now worth 1.2 US cents, but
national for capital flight and for African Banking Corporation, ary of New Dawn Mining Corp, nies are delisting so that they can the state was linked to farming, for the majority, who have to buy
steering the collapse of the Zim- Astra Holdings, Tractive Power, will make a cash offer of 13c per attract partners who would invest directly or indirectly.  their US dollars on the black mar-
babwe dollar. Interfresh Holdings, PG Hold- share to minority shareholders,” it with them but are not interested ket, the value of the Zimbabwe
ings, Apex, Cairns, Celsys and said then. in the demands of a public limit- By closing down most com- dollar is only seven tenths of one
The move, however, estab- Chemco Holdings. ed company that is a listed com- mercial farms, Robertson said the US cent. Investors do not want
lished a trend of government’s “Dawn Properties is also set to pany,” Dhlamini said. government caused the shrinkage capital of such uncertain value,
interference with capital markets Again, the local bourse, whose withdraw from the stock market of the whole economy and caused so they will not be trying to raise
and dampening investor senti- vision is to become the preferred after African Sun Limited made Morgan & Co head of re- the value of the Zimbabwe dollar such money on the ZSE,” he said.  
ment. securities exchange in Africa, has an offer to acquire 100% of the search and stockbroker Batanai to become highly unstable before
seen no brand-new listings of company’s shares in a deal that Matsika said abandonment of it collapsed.  “Now, many listed companies
The government once did the companies since 2018. will allow it to own the main as- athe ZSE were mainly triggered are building up such big reserves
same in 2008 after it suspend- sets of the company, ”Morgan & by macro-economic environment The main additions to the cor- of low-value Zimbabwe dollars
ed trading on the ZSE for three The bourse only listed Old Co said. characterised by low liquidity and porate world through those years and are having such difficulty
months until February 2009. Mutual ZSE TOP 10 this year inflation. were banks, but a quick check investing them because of the un-
under its newly formed exchange True to their prediction, on those formed after 1997 will certainties caused by investment
Due to government’s inter- traded funds (ETF). Padenga has since delisted from “What I can say from a general reveal that most of them failed conditions that they are using
ference in June, regional seed the ZSE in favour of VFEX and point of view really to say that the in the dozen or so years that fol- these reserves to buy back their
producer Seed Co International, Currently, only 55 companies more companies could follow. ZSE, just like any other market lowed, he said. own shares from shareholders.
delisted from the ZSE in October are listed on the bourse, of which or exchange rate, it lost luster as That starts the process of delisting
last year and listed on the foreign six of them are suspended, leaving Why delist from the ZSE? a result of the broader macro-eco- “While the Zimbabwe dollar from the ZSE.”
currency-denominated Victoria only 49 active. Analysts contend that some of nomic pressures that we continue was going through its decline, its
Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) the reasons why companies were to see, because remember the rea- loss of value amounted to a loss What can be done?
where there are only two count- During the week ended 23 delisting from the ZSE included son for listing is the ability to raise of savings. Everyone who had According to Equity Axis, one
ers—itself and Pandenga. July 2021, the cumulative volume the pressures of Covid-19, the capital,” he said.  saved money lost most of it unless of Zimbabwe’s leading financial
and value of shares traded on the contraction of the economy, gov- they had bought assets, including research firms, the onus is on the
Johannesburg Stock Ex- bourse declined by 28.66% and ernment interference with capital “So if foreign investors are not shares on the ZSE, but by 2008 government to remove its hand
change-listed firms PPC and 23.29% to close at 39,6 million markets, high listing costs and a active in that market and also the nation’s savings had been from the markets, create an inves-
Old Mutual were delisted from shares and ZW$591.5 million, poor operating environment. there is no option to raise money wiped out and nobody would tor friendly environment which
the ZSE upon the resumption of respectively.  “Yes, of late we have witnessed in hard currency, it becomes very have been in a position to support bolsters capital inflows, ensure
trade. a minor increase in the delisting uncompetitive. So it will have to any new entrant onto the stock policy consistency and lend an
In the period under review, of companies from the ZSE. do with proper macro-economic exchange,” he said. ear to the clamours of the private
Both have, however, not yet ZSE market capitalisation stood There are many drivers that could environment. But that being the sector.
shown any interest in pursuing a at ZW$779.3 billion, up 1.11% explain the rise in the delisting case, what we are seeing from an “The purpose served by the Dhlamini urged the local
listing on the VFEX. compared to the previous week. but the primary reason is that economic point of view is that ZSE is to help a new entrant raise bourse to introduce an SME
some firms especially those into there is stabilisation from the ex- capital by placing shares on the bourse to cater for low-income
Gold miner Falgold in No- Formation of VFEX, will it international trade, are delisting change rate front and stabilisation market and inviting people to counters.
vember 2020 exited the ZSE after worsen or help the situation from the local stock exchange on the inflation front as well.” invest their savings by subscrib- “I don’t think the ZSE has
successfully applying for volun- preparing for the VFEX, which is ing for them, but everyone’s sav- grown to the level where they are
tary delisting.  Established in 2020, the VFEX a forex-denominated foreign ex- “So those conditions, if they ings were losing value so fast that supposed to be in panic mode be-
is a subsidiary of the ZSE created change,” Stevenson Dhlamini, an are maintained, therefore, it any money raised in those years cause so far the ZSE is still a safe
The troubled miner said it was with the objective of kick-start- applied economics lecturer at the makes sense now to raise capital would have soon become value- haven for savings for most citizens
no longer benefiting from trad- ing the offshore financial services National University of Science on the local market because you less,” Robertson said. or most economic players in Zim-
ing on the local bourse and had centre, earmarked for the special and Technology, said. have access to a stable currency. babwe, especially for long- or me-
turned insolvent with no capacity economic zone at Victoria Falls. “So it’s more profitable for So the key trigger or the key rea- He said that after the hyperin- dium-term investments,” he said. 
to pay off its short-term debts, them to list in that forex stock ex- flation experience, investment in- “Yes, the foreign exchange pro-
compounded by perennial oper- The VFEX will be for foreign terest began to rise as the country vides a safe haven to hedge against
ating losses. as well as domestic investors in dollarised and stability appeared inflation but ZSE I think has been
Zimbabwe, and all transactions to be living up to the expectations of
Powerspeed Electrical share- will be denominated in US dol- inflation. Their returns are up to
holders also approved a prop- returning, but then the gov- date with the trends in inflation.
osition to delist from the local ernment introduced its Indigeni- So, I don’t think they should pan-
bourse on the basis that it was no sation policy and declared that ic much for now although they
longer beneficial for the company. 51% of all new shares issued had may try to look into introducing
to become the property of indige- an SME bourse because the cur-
During the time of delisting, nous Zimbabweans.  rent capitalisation requirements
Powerspeed board of directors for listing on the ZSE, in terms
believed that in the current envi- “These shares, investors of profitability, it’s not sustainable
ronment in Zimbabwe, a listing learned, would be paid for even- for most firms in Zimbabwe.”
on the ZSE had very few benefits tually, perhaps out of future divi- “So that’s why they could be
and considerable costs. dends, but for mining companies delisting but instead of revising
the 51% shareholding would go their main regulations they could
“Powerspeed is a very illiquid to the government at no charge. introduce the SME bourse so
stock and trading often doesn’t Government claimed that its con- that it will have less stringent de-
represent a realistic valuation. tribution to the mining compa- mands. But the future of the ZSE
The lack of capital from institu- nies was the mineral deposit that is still bright.”
tional investors means that the the companies were mining, so no “We are looking at an im-
listing has limited value in terms further payment was necessary. provement in the general perfor-
of a mechanism for raising capital This prevented any prospect of mance of the economy through
and that ongoing legal, compli- raising the capital needed to start increases in production. We have
ance and audit fees are a barrier a new mine,” Robertson said. seen that the agriculture sector
to shareholder performance,” the is performing well, which could
directors said then. He said these conditions pro- feed a boost. I don’t think they
hibited the formation of new need to alter much except that
“Faced with a difficult com- companies that needed foreign may accommodate the low in-
mercial environment, the ad- investment.  come earners through the SME
ditional costs linked to listing, bourse. But so far it’s performing
without compensatory benefits, “As local savings had been fairly well,” Dhlamini said.    
can no longer be borne by the wiped out by hyperinflation, local Robertson said if Zimbabwe
company.”  capital was very scarce, so foreign completely “revises its investment
capital would have been essen- environment and restores trust in
The ZSE is demanding divi- tial for any hope of success, but the value of a stable Zimbabwe
dend withholding taxes of 10% foreign investors were seriously dollar, if government permits the
from both domestic and foreign discouraged. Government even- banks to resume their important
investors as well as withholding tually recognised that indigeni- services to business and if govern-
tax on interest income of 15%, sation demands had caused this ment were to repeal the Indigeni-
and capital gains taxes of 1% on discouragement and lifted these sation Act, a secure future for the
the sell side. demands from the manufactur- ZSE would start to emerge”.

Padenga Holdings sharehold-
ers recently approved the delisting
of the company from the ZSE in
favour of a listing on the VFEX,
hence becoming the latest to join
the band of ZSE delisters.

The move to the foreign cur-
rency exchange will enable Paden-
ga’s existing shareholders to realise

NewsHawks The Big Debate Page 27

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Judicial review of the AG’s reports

Alex T. interests, and legitimate ex- lenge such a report. Litigation can approach the High Court Auditor-General Mildred Chiri. ceedings is not so much the
Magaisa pectations have been injured. comes with risks of unpredict- seeking judicial review and the ministrative decision but just identity of the person but the
ability and costs. You have no High Court has the power to a report of findings. It also nature of the function that the
WHEN Auditor-General This article critically anal- control over how courts might review proceedings of lower argued that as a private party person is performing. Even
(AG) Mildred Chiri appeared yses the reviewability of con- rule, even if you are right. Fur- courts or administrative au- that was contracted to car- if that person is not a public
before Parliament’s Public duct of the AG and its private thermore, there is always a risk thorities. ry out a forensic audit BDO officer, if they are performing
Accounts Committee (PAC), contractors. The hope is that of the law of unintended con- Zimbabwe was not an admin- a function of a public nature,
she was asked why names of it will contribute to the con- sequences: when legal action Vela was suing the AG as istrative authority whose deci- their work is subject to judicial
companies and individuals struction of guidance for not that you are pursuing ends up an administrative authority sions could be reviewed by the review. 
had been omitted from her only the AG but also other exposing your privacy. There- responsible for producing and court. Why judicial review matters
audit report for 2019. There public authorities that per- fore, an applicant who has publishing the audit report. It is important to begin with
was concern that the report form public functions directly the proverbial skeletons in the In this case, the forensic audit It further argued that in an account of why judicial re-
had been censored to remove or through private entities. It cupboard would be better ad- report had been produced by any event, no adverse action view of executive powers is a
and protect names of power- may also be useful to private vised to avoid litigation as that the AG via a private contrac- had been taken against Vela critical part of a constitutional
ful elites or entities associated entities that are contracted to might lead to the revelation of tor, BDO Zimbabwe. following the forensic audit democracy that is based on the
with them. perform functions of a public those things that are best kept report and therefore there was rule of law. It ensures that the
nature by public authorities. in the closet. This, at any rate, Under the HCA a review no cause for the review. judiciary checks and balances
Chiri explained the reason Finally, it should be useful to did not apply to Vela who was proceeding may be brought on the exercise of power by the
for the omissions.  “This [the individuals and entities that so aggrieved by the audit re- various grounds. One might This was at odds with Ve- executive.
omissions] was done to mi- are impacted by port that he was determined argue that the lower court la’s view that the publication
nimise the risk of potential to set the record right. He or administrative authori- of the report was an admin- Judicial scrutiny of the ex-
litigation. There have been the exercise of public func- must have weighed the risks ty lacked jurisdiction (legal istrative action that affected ercise of public power is de-
comebacks from some of our tions, either by public author- of litigation and concluded power to handle the matter); his rights, interests, and legit- signed to ensure that the ex-
suppliers in the past. Normal- ities or by private entities. To that his professional standing that there were gross irregu- imate expectations and, there- ercise of public power is legal
ly when you name and shame provide context, I will start and integrity were worth the larities in the handling of the fore, warranted a review.   (the principle of legality) both
organisations in public docu- with a summary of the litiga- sacrifice.  matter or that the court or in terms of being within pow-
ments like our annual reports, tion in which the AG is in- Application for a review administrative authority was The High Court upheld the ers and concerning procedure.
you must have evidence that is volved. Vela filed an application at the biased, conflicted, malicious, application for review and or-
watertight and sustainable at High Court for a review of the or corrupt[3]. Vela relied on dered the forensic audit report If a public officer exceeds
law,” she told the PAC. The case of Robin Vela and AG’s audit report as it related these grounds to challenge the to be set aside  “in all those his powers, the action or de-
the AG to him. He cited the AG in her conduct of the forensic audit respects that pertain, whether cision can be set aside on re-
It was the fear of litiga- official capacity as the admin- report. directly and/or indirectly”  to view. The review procedure
tion that prevented her from The case against the AG and istrative authority responsible Vela. However, BDO Zimba- is designed to ensure that the
naming and shaming per- its private contractor, BDO for the forensic audit report He argued that the AG had bwe appealed to the Supreme conduct of public authorities
sons who might have been Zimbabwe Chartered Accoun- which he found offensive and exceeded her powers; the fo- Court, arguing that the High complies with the law and that
involved in dubious dealings tants, was brought in 2019 by injurious. BDO Zimbabwe rensic report was incompetent Court was wrong to hold that procedure conforms to princi-
with the state and its entities. Robin Vela, a former chair- was also cited as the contrac- and lacked a factual basis; the the forensic audit report was ples of natural justice.
If the committee had probed person of the National Social tor that produced the report forensic auditor was biased; reviewable.
her further on this point, it Security Authority (Nssa) be- on the basis that it was car- his right to be heard was not Take, for example, the letter
might have drawn more spe- tween 12 July 2015 and 27 rying out the public function fulfilled and generally that the It is this appeal that was that was recently circulated in
cific detail from her. This is March 2018. The lawsuit fol- on behalf of the AG. The ap- process was tainted with gross recently before the Supreme which the so-called provincial
because her office is currently lowed the publication of the plication was filed in terms of irregularities.   Court. This article does not development coordinator for
battling litigation arising from AG’s 2018 audit report which provisions of the Administra- intend to get into the finer Harare metropolitan prov-
the 2018 audit report which included findings of a forensic tive Justice Act (AJA) and the BDO opposed the review details of the matter. It suffices ince, Tafadzwa Muguti, asked
was published in 2019. The audit report into Nssa’s finan- High Court Act (HCA). application by raising several that the matter raises critical non-governmental organisa-
AG lost the battle at the High cial affairs. preliminary and substantive questions regarding the re- tions to attend a meeting with
Court, but an appeal was re- Under both the AJA and objections. The essence of the viewability of the work of the him and to submit certain
cently heard by the Supreme The AG had appointed the HCA an aggrieved person preliminary objections was AG and work produced on information and documents.
Court. BDO Zimbabwe to carry out a that the forensic audit report her behalf by private contrac- The most important question
forensic audit of Nssa’s invest- was not reviewable. tors. The significant point to is whether his demand has any
A teachable moment: pub- ments. Objections had been be made is that under the new legal basis: what is the source
lic power and individual rights raised over the involvement It argued that the forensic constitutional architecture of his authority to make such
of Ngoni Kudenga, the man- audit report was not an ad- what matters in review pro- a demand?
The statement by the AG aging partner of BDO Zimba-
and this case presents a good bwe, based on a previous rela- This is because the exer-
opportunity to analyse the tionship that had soured and cise of public power must be
rules about the functions of which meant that he could founded on law, and it must
the AG and their impact on not be impartial and fair in the be within the terms of that law.
the rights, interests, and legiti- conduct of the forensic audit. As eminent scholar Professor
mate expectations of individu- The forensic audit resumed Geoff Feltoe has  written,  “All
als and entities that are impli- after Kudenga was supposed- administrative authorities, no
cated in her reports. ly cleared. Although the firm matter how high-ranking, are
said Kudenga had stepped obliged to obey the law.
The public audit function is down from the forensic audit,
a critical part of the architec- it carried on with the exer- If an authority acts un-
ture of the modern state. It is cise. With hindsight, the AG lawfully, any person affected
the eyes and ears that identify should have taken a different must surely have the right to
improprieties in the use and route once she became aware approach a court of law for a
management of public funds. of the perceptions of bias con- ruling that the action is ille-
The AG is a sentinel against cerning the firm. The foren- gal and of no force and effect.
the abuse of public funds and sic audit report produced by This is the essence of the rule
property. As an institution, it BDO Zimbabwe was adopted of law and the protection of
can advance and amplify the by the AG who proceeded to the law.”
constitutional values of trans- publish the outcomes in her
parency and accountability. 2018 audit report which was Another example is where
submitted to Parliament.   a state-controlled entity is
Nevertheless, the public awarding a tender for a major
audit function is also the ex- Vela took great exception project.
ercise of public power, and it to and was aggrieved by the
goes without saying that the contents of the forensic audit The normal procedure is
exercise of public power must report which he believed were that the parastatal floats a
always be carefully watched false, malicious, and injured tender and contractors sub-
because of the potential for his reputation. In his view, the mit bids. The state-controlled
abuse. The law has in-built forensic audit showed a lack of entity then conducts a tender
mechanisms to minimise the competence, contained false adjudication process, before
abuse of public power. One of information, and besmirched deciding and awarding the
these important mechanisms his reputation grievously. He tender to the winner.
is called judicial review. It is argued that BDO was not fit
a principle by which courts of to conduct the forensic audit If some of the bidders dis-
law can intervene and set aside not only because it lacked the cover that the process was un-
decisions, actions, or omis- professional qualifications to fair for whatever reasons, they
sions in the exercise of public perform that specialized func- can apply for judicial review to
power where other persons tion but also because it was have the decision set aside.
demonstrate that their rights, biased and lacked the impar-
tiality and fairness required for The reason for unfairness
that task. might be that the adjudicator
was biased toward the winning
Normally, an aggrieved per- bidder. The merits of the de-
son might let the matter go. cision are not the issue. The
They might weigh the costs issue would be that the adju-
and benefits and conclude dicator did not comply with
that it is irrational to chal- the principles of fairness. The
decision can therefore be set

Page 28 The Big Debate NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

aside based on this procedural tive conduct. This amplifies the review. Likewise, as the foren- should adopt the constitution- stitutional standards but they adopted in the latest audit re-
irregularity. modern view of administrative sic audit was performed on the al definition of administrative are outside the scope of this port and the fear of litigation
justice, namely that what mat- AG’s behalf by her duly autho- conduct. After all, the purpose analysis. that she expressed might give
Things get more complex ters most is not the identity rized agent BDO Zimbabwe, of the AJA is to give full effect the impression that the AG’s
and interesting where the of the person or their source both the audit process and the to the rights in section 68(3) As already argued, the rea- work is under threat. How-
state-controlled entity out- of authority but the nature of publication of the report are of the constitution. son why BDO Zimbabwe’s ever, the biggest threat to the
sources its public function to the function being performed. the AG’s administrative con- conduct is reviewable is when AG’s work does not lie in ju-
a private contractor: can the In the UK case of  Holmcroft duct based on the ordinary The third difference is that it is attributed to the AG be- dicial review. It is that the
function performed by the Properties Ltd, R (On the Ap- principles of agency. BDO was the constitutional definition cause the AG is an administra- government has never taken
private contractor be subject plication Of ) v KPMG LLP the agent, and the AG was the of administrative conduct in- tive authority. This attribution her reports seriously and its
to judicial review? This is one although the Court of Appeal principal. It is trite that what- cludes the conduct of  “a per- is possible under the principle recommendations have not
of the issues that has been held that the conduct of a firm ever the agent does is attribut- son performing a function of of agency whereby the agent’s been implemented. If the AG’s
placed at the centre of the Vela of accountants, KPMG was ed to the principal unless it a public nature”. This, as we conduct is attributed to the reports had been given the se-
vs AG and BDO dispute. not reviewable in that specif- was unauthorised. have observed, makes it far principal. The AG adopted riousness they deserve over
ic case, this was because in its easier to include private parties and published the forensic au- the years, perhaps more could
I say “placed at the centre” view the scheme under which In any event, in the spirit that are contracted to perform dit report, making this its ad- have been achieved in curbing
because it is not really at the the firm had been appointed and objectives of sections 68 functions of a public nature. ministrative action for purpos- corruption and promoting
centre:  what was being re- was a private arrangement to and 332 of the Constitution, The AJA on the other hand es of the AJA and the HCA. It transparent and accountable
viewed was the AG’s function, settle private rights and there- what matters is not that BDO has an elaborate definition of would be absurd if work that governance.
not BDO Zimbabwe’s. Nev- fore, did not have a sufficient is a private contractor, but that what constitutes an “adminis- has been outsourced and is Protection and benefit of the
ertheless, as will be shown, public flavour. More signif- it was “performing a function trative authority” This is vague adopted and published by the law
under the new constitutional icant for purposes is that the of a public nature”  when it and may be interpreted as not AG is not regarded as her ad- The purpose of judicial review
scheme, the conduct of pri- Court of Appeal confirmed carried out the forensic audit specifically including a person ministrative action. is to prevent the abuse of pub-
vate contractors is reviewable that “the fact that the decision into Nssa’s affairs.  The AG who is performing a function lic power and is, therefore,
if it is performing a function emanates from contractual delegated her public function of a public nature. This mis- It is its work, and it ought designed to secure the rights,
of a public nature.     arrangements does not mean through the Audit Office Act. alignment between the con- to be accountable for it. A lot interests, and legitimate ex-
Constitutional right to judi- that public law principles are Since it was a public function, stitution and the AJA needs of the work is not done by the pectations of aggrieved per-
cial review inapplicable. The question is there can be no doubt that the correction. AG’s office directly. It is done sons. This is consistent with
The constitutional founda- whether the body is carrying conduct of BDO is reviewable through audit firms to whom the fundamental right to the
tion for administrative justice out a public law function”. either directly as its conduct There is a strong argument functions are delegated under protection and benefit of the
is found in section 68 which or indirectly as the conduct to be made that where existing the Audit Office work. law. Every public officer, in-
states that “Every person has The core issue is that the of the AG. The lesson here is legislation fails to give effect cluding the AG, knows that
a right to administrative con- court is guided by the  nature that whenever the AG com- to the full rights in the Con- Those public functions are they must uphold adminis-
duct that is lawful, prompt, of the function, not the source missions a private contractor stitution, an aggrieved person reviewable considering the trative justice, and if they fail,
efficient, reasonable, propor- of authority or identity of the to perform a public function should be entitled to bring a objects and spirit of the con- they will be held accountable.
tionate, impartial and both actor. This means it is perfectly on its behalf, it constitutes ad- claim of constitutional in- stitution.
substantively and procedurally possible for the conduct of a ministrative conduct that can fringement[9]. This is the case Concluding summary The notion that the threat
fair.”  Whereas judicial review private contractor that is per- be subjected to judicial review. with the AJA, which was en- This is an important area of of litigation against the AG
has traditionally focused on forming a function of a pub- It would be absurd if a pub- acted in 2004, 9 years before law that encapsulates various will derail her work is un-
procedural fairness, section lic nature to be classified as lic function performed by the the new constitution was ad- issues: transparency, account- founded. Judicial review ap-
68 explicitly expands judicial administrative conduct that AG is regarded as reviewable, opted in 2013, which 8 years ability, use of public power, plies to the AG just as it does
review to include substantive is amenable to judicial review. but the same public function later has not been amended to and the rights, interests, and to all other public offices that
fairness. It puts to bed any notion that becomes unreviewable just be- give effect to the new consti- legitimate expectations of in- exercise public functions. If
judicial review can only be ap- cause it has been outsourced tutional rights. An applicant dividuals and organisations anything, it will encourage the
This is an important fea- plied to the conduct of a pub- to a private contractor. can justify the constitutional that are impacted by the ex- AG and its staff to ensure that
ture that was purposefully and lic officer. application by demonstrating ercise of public power. It is they comply with the consti-
deliberately included by the It would defeat the purpose these deficiencies in the exist- complex, I know, but it is tution, the principles of nat-
framers of the constitution. It As the Constitution is the and protections of judicial ing legislation. much food for thought for an ural justice, and fundamental
means administrative justice is supreme law of the country, review and violate section 56 audience that is interested in rights and freedoms.  
not merely about procedural sections 68 and 332 provide right to protection and benefit The misalignment between administrative justice. Every- Private contractors and pub-
fairness, but it is also about the guiding campus when of the law. the constitution and AJA is, one is affected by the exercise lic functions
substantive fairness of the de- interpreting any other law re- however, of no consequence of public power, therefore, un- Private companies will also
cision, a matter that requires garding the reviewability of But the above is based on in the case of Vela v AG and derstanding the role of judicial benefit from clarity regarding
judicial interpretation. administrative conduct. Al- the Constitution. It is useful BDO Zimbabwe because the review is important. Here is a administrative justice. When
though it is correct that where to consider the question of application for review was summary of the takeaways: private contractors are en-
To give meaning to the sec- there is legislation that seeks to reviewability under the leg- under the legislation and was gaged by the AG or indeed,
tion 68 right, the term  “ad- implement section 68 rights islation. It will be noted that in respect of the AG’s admin- Whether the forensic audit by any public officer, they
ministrative conduct”  is de- any review application must although the route is differ- istrative action, not against process and report is amenable must know that by perform-
fined in section 332 of the be founded upon that legisla- ent, it still leads to amenabil- BDO as a private contractor. to judicial review? ing a function of a public na-
Constitution to  “include any tion, the guiding effect of the ity of the audit function to ture they are exercising public
decision, act or omission of Constitution must be accord- judicial review. Significantly, Vela’s lawyers did not make This question depends on power and their conduct will
a public officer or of a per- ed its place in the scheme of from a policy perspective, it it a constitutional application either the identity of the per- be amenable to judicial re-
son performing a function of interpretation. The statement demonstrates why the current and must have observed the son or the nature of the func- view. They must, therefore,
a public nature, and a failure by Deputy Chief Justice Mal- legislation falls short of consti- difficulty of classifying BDO tion being exercised. familiarise themselves with
or refusal of such a person to aba (as he then was) that sec- tutional standards and needs as an administrative authority the constitution and with the
reach such a decision or to tion 68 “takes a back seat” in alignment with the Constitu- under the AJA (because it is Under the current AJA, it is Declaration of Rights. They
perform such an act”.  This the presence of legislation like tion.   not aligned to the Constitu- reviewable if it is an “adminis- must know that their perfor-
definition has three significant the AJA is only accurate to the Review under legislation tion). They, therefore, correct- trative act” and it is performed mance of public function will
features: extent that it refers to making As already intimated above, ly directed the application at by an “administrative author- be regarded as administrative
a claim. the two pieces of legislation the AG in her capacity as an ity”. conduct which is subject to
i. First, the definition is that deal with judicial review administrative authority. judicial review.
so broad that it includes However, with respect, it are the AJA and the HCA. The AG’s acts are reviewable
both  acts  and  omissions  as cannot be true that section 68 Section 2(1) of the AJA de- The High Court order set- because she is an administra- Public law scholars and
“administrative conduct”. In “takes a back seat” in interpre- fines “administrative action” to ting aside parts of the forensic tive authority, and her acts are practitioners will be watch-
other words, doing something tation. It remains the campus mean “any action taken or de- audit report relating to Vela is administrative acts. ing intently how the Supreme
and not doing anything both by which judges interpret the cision made by an administra- also directed at and is binding Court judges the appeal
qualify as administrative con- relevant legislation that seeks tive authority and the words upon the AG. It is, therefore, Where the AG’s work is brought by BDO Zimbabwe
duct for purposes of judicial to promote administrative “act”, “acting” and “actions” the AG who had the primary outsourced to a private party, against the decision of Justice
review. A person can go to justice. If there was any doubt shall be construed and applied responsibility and right to ap- that work belongs to the AG Chinamora at the High Court.
court and successfully argue about the omnipresence of accordingly”. What is imme- peal the High Court order.   under the principles of agency. The appellate court has a great
that a public officer  did not section 68 in matters of ad- diately apparent is that the What is done by her agents is opportunity to develop the
do  a particular act, which ministrative justice, section words of the AJA do not mir- Nevertheless, as it is, there is as if it has been done by the law regarding administrative
omission, therefore, invali- 46(2) provides clarity. It re- ror the words sections 68 and an absurdity where according AG, especially when she has justice considering the new
dates the outcome. It would quires that any court, forum, 332 of the Constitution. First, to the Constitution, the con- adopted and published or pre- constitutional dispensation
be different if section 68 mere- or body that is interpreting section 68 of the Constitu- duct of BDO would be direct- sented it in her name. which guarantees the right to
ly referred to “administrative any enactment or developing tion refers to  “administrative ly reviewable because BDO is administrative conduct. Sec-
acts”. the common law  “must pro- conduct”  while section 2(1) a person who was performing Under the Constitution, tion 46 of the constitution
mote and be guided by the of the AJA refers to “adminis- a public function, whereas, the answer turns on whether requires courts to interpret
ii. Second, the definition spirit and objectives”  of the trative action”. The term “con- under the AJA, BDO’s con- the person is a public officer or legislation in a manner that
means  a decision  and  ac- Declaration of Rights. duct” is broader than “action”. duct might not be directly if not a public officer, wheth- advances the objects and spirit
tion  or  omission  are not the This means the AJA must be reviewable because BDO does er the person is performing a of the Declaration of Rights.
same thing. This means a This means the interpreta- amended to reflect the broader not qualify as an administra- function of a public nature. As Meanwhile, the government
review can apply to an  “ac- tion of the AJA and the HCA constitutional wording. tive authority. As it stands, the the forensic audit process and must move more swiftly to
tion”  even if it does not in- regarding judicial review must definition under the AJA is report are public functions, ensure that the relevant legis-
volve a clear decision. On this conform to and promote the The second difference is that unconstitutional to the extent they are the administrative lation is properly aligned with
view, an investigation and the “spirit and objectives” of sec- the constitutional definition that it is inconsistent with the conduct of both the AG and thenstitution.
writing of a report are both tions 68 and 332 of the Con- specifically includes omissions definition under section 332 BDO and are amenable to ju-
“actions” that might not in- stitution. as administrative conduct, of the Constitution. dicial review. It is important to *About the writer: Dr Alex
clude clear decisions, but they Interpretation guided by the whereas the AJA’s definition align the AJA with the Consti- Magaisa is a law lecturer at
would still be reviewable. This Constitution only refers to “action taken or There is sufficient ground to tution.  Kent Law School in Britain
matters where a litigant says Applying these constitutional decision made” both of which challenge the constitutionality Does the review of the AG’s and was adviser to Zimba-
the issue is not reviewable be- provisions, the AG is a public refer to positive conduct. One of the AJA, which is why sec- functions affect the fight bwe’s late Prime Minister
cause there is no decision. officer and, therefore, her acts way around this is to argue tions 68 and 332 of the Con- against corruption? Morgan Tsvangirai.
are administrative conduct that omissions are implied but stitution are still very much Some might think the judi-
iii. Third, the definition in- which is eligible for judicial to prevent any doubt, the AJA in the front seat. For its part, cial review of the AG and her
cludes the conduct of  “a per- the government must move contractors’ conduct might
son performing a function of quickly to align the AJA to the impact the performance of her
a public nature” as administra- Constitution. Other parts of constitutional mandate.
AJA fall short of the new con-
The cautious approach she

NewsHawks The Big Debate Page 29

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Sabelo J. Dynamics of the Zimbabwe
Ndlovu-Gatsheni Crisis in the 21st Century 

Abstract
ZIMBABWE is experiencing
one of its worst crises since the
attainment of Independence in
1980.

The official explanation of
this crisis is biased towards ex-
ternal forces at the expense of
internal dynamics. The crisis is
blamed on the minority group
of white settlers, the British,
and the opposition Move-
ment for Democratic Change
(MDC), which is officially de-
picted as a front for Western
interests.

This article seeks to provide
an alternative explanation for
the crisis affecting Zimbabwe
at the present moment. This
explanation is predicated on
the critique of the dominant
nationalist position represent-
ed by the Zimbabwe African
National Union Patriotic Front
(Zanu PF).

The article proceeds to pres-
ent the Zimbabwe crisis as a
consequence of blocked demo-
cratic transition at the turn of
the century. The significance
of this contribution lies in the
fact that the Zimbabwe crisis
has crucial lessons for South-
ern Africa.

It has shaken peace and se-
curity in the region. As such it
deserves to be fully understood
by all those who are pre-occu-
pied with the stability of the
region.

Introduction President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe is beset by a serious
crisis of governance. This cri- pensation by the civil society; rupt and has reduced itself to the Zimbabwe crisis. understanding the Zimbabwe looks at political competition
sis has given birth to political, and post-nationalist alternative, unproductive patronage, cro- This study does not by any crisis. with suspicion and open hos-
economic, social, ideological, which is a clarion call of the nyism, violence, and lawless- Some negative determinants tility. The other important and
and humanitarian problems opposition MDC party and its ness as a survival strategy. means deny the contribution of the present Zimbabwe- cardinal operative principles
in the country. While it is true supporters. of the external forces to the an political culture of pre-colonial Zimbabwean
that the colonial legacy be- It also accepts that Zimba- crisis in Zimbabwe. What it Zimbabwe’s political culture is political authority was the idea
queathed serious problems to Regime security is con- bwean nationalism has now attempts to do is to provide an largely a product of four main of life kingship or chieftaincy,
all post-colonial African states, cerned about the welfare, safe- lost its noble emancipatory ide- audit of the contribution of the influences: the pre-colonial, the an idea and practice that easily
the contribution of African ty and protection of the ruling als and has become impervious internal forces to the current colonial, the armed liberation translates itself into the notion
leaders themselves to some of elite and its few cronies. Its to the human rights and dem- crisis unfolding in Zimbabwe. struggle, and Zanu PF rule. As of ‘life presidency’ (Mair &
the problems must not be ig- main reference points are ter- ocratic demands of the peo- noted by Stefan Mair and Ma- Sithole 2002:21).
nored. For instance, it is clear ritorial integrity, sovereignty, ple. Worse still, the nationalist It focuses particularly on sipula Sithole (2002:21), the
that in Zimbabwe the domi- and state security (Kondowe consensus crafted in the 1960s ideological problems simply contemporary political culture Colonialism that succeed-
nant nationalist ideology that 2000:85). In most cases, Af- and 1970s to spearhead the lib- because they are rarely dis- of Zimbabwe represents an ar- ed pre-colonial rule was, by
guided the liberation struggle rican dictators, in order to eration war has broken down cussed in Zimbabwe. Zim- ticulation of these four streams. definition and design, an au-
has become bankrupt. It has deny their citizens democratic and needs to be replaced by a babweans at the moment are This was also confirmed long tocratic system of governance.
only succeeded in entrenching rights and to justify autocra- new consensus predicated on inundated with songs, poems, ago by Karl Marx who con- It was undemocratic to the
a nostalgic thinking about the cy, use these  high sounding pluralism, democracy, human media articles and government tended that: ‘the tradition of core. There was no pretence at
government and some Zim- terms. Human security means security, tolerance, rule of law, speeches that solely blame the all the dead generations weighs all by the settler colonial gov-
babweans, particularly the war safety for the people from consent of the governed, and West for the Zimbabwe crisis. like a nightmare on the brain ernment to create democratic
veterans, who are devoid of fu- both violent and non-violent respect for human rights. of the living’ (Mair & Sithole institutions that embraced the
ture plans and of a way forward threats (Hubert 1999:3; Dorn While this position is war- 2002:21). Africans. Political participation
for the country. The econom- 2001:113-5). In this article, it is posited ranted, it tends to overshadow was severely limited. No polit-
ic salvation of Zimbabwe and that Zimbabwean nationalism the contribution of govern- The four influences that ical competition was allowed
other crucial facets of develop- It is an alternative way of as espoused by Zanu PF has ment policies and ideas to the gave birth to the Zimbabwean or tolerated between the Af-
ment have been reduced to the seeing the world, taking people an inherent authoritarianism, crisis. In fact, it may be regard- political culture were all un- ricans and the white races. As
politicised, violent, and parti- as its point of reference, rath- which combined, right from ed as fallacious and escapist to democratic. articulated by Mair and Sithole
san land reform programme. er than focusing exclusively the onset in 1980, with other simply blame the West for all (2002:22):
on the security of territory or factors, such as the colonial the African problems. Worse For instance, pre-colonial
The analysis in this article the government in power. A legacy to thwart the emergence still, to always explain African societies were characterised Colonial authoritarianism,
is predicated on three crucial post-nationalist alternative is of a new democratic, human problems using external factors by non-competitive politics. far from deepening a com-
concepts. grounded in civil society and rights conscious, and human or to always blame people of Competition for power was not mitment to democratic norms
social movements and is pred- security sensitive political dis- white stock for Zimbabwean only illegitimate, but fatal, and and practices on the African
These are  regime security, icated on empowerment and pensation. problems is tantamount to el- often those who sought power nationalist elite, merely con-
which is the main pre-occu- participation of people in gov- evating the ‘white agency’ in had to found their own polity solidated an incipient authori-
pation of the ruling Zanu PF ernance. This article therefore tries to African affairs. elsewhere (Ndlovu-Gatsheni tarian psyche in the nationalist
party;  human security, which reveal the concealed and inher- 2003b). Hence, to this day, leadership. The authoritarian-
is a currently sought after dis- It accepts the crucial fact ent negative aspects of Zimba- This is why this article fo- the Zimbabwean political elite ism of the colonial era repro-
that the Zimbabwean national- bwean nationalism that have cuses on critiquing the inter- duced itself within the nation-
ist paradigm has become bank- contributed tremendously to nal dynamics of Zimbabwe as
another very important way of

Page 30 The Big Debate NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

alist political movements. The The late Zimbabwean nationalists Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo singing the Lancaster House Agreement in London in 1979. gle added the element of
war of liberation, too, rein- quasi-military tendencies to
forced rather than undermined were not only positive schools them from the yoke of Rhode- means to ‘put people first’. The SRANC had already identi- the nationalist movement.
this authoritarian culture. of democracy and human sian white minority settler rule. issue of ‘putting people first’ fied the historic grievances of Quasi-military tendencies
rights that “put the people The wartime songs were revived was central to the survival of the African masses as the Land had to co-exist with populist
The more recent influence first”. They were also negative and fine-tuned. The legacy of the nationalist movement as Apportionment Act, the Land tendencies for the survival of
in the shaping of the Zim- schools of despotism, authori- departed nationalist heroes like indicated by such nationalist Husbandry Act, the oppressive the nationalist movement. In
babwe political culture is the tarianism, violence and the cult Dr Joshua Nkomo took centre literature as Maurice Nyagum- Native Affairs Department, pursuit of populism, the lib-
nationalist liberation struggle. of personality (Bhebe & Rang- stage on national television and bo’s With the People: An Auto- the limited education oppor- eration struggle in Zimbabwe
Every African was expected to er 2003:2). These negative radio. In schools, teachers were biography from the Zimbabwe tunities for Africans, the racist was popularised as  Chimuren-
embrace the liberation war and aspects of African nationalist ordered to teach nationalist Struggle. Nyagumbo was him- franchise system and the dis- ga  and the supporters of the
every one had to toe the line. movements in Zimbabwe and history, and history as a subject self a leading African nation- criminatory industrial relations nationalist struggle were chris-
This, more than anything else, elsewhere in Africa emerged was made compulsory for ev- alist, who perceived his long (Bhebe 1989:54). Subsequent tened as  vana vevhu  in Sho-
generated and institutionalised poignantly at independence ery student at ‘O’ level. detention in Rhodesian insti- political organisations such as na,  abantwana  benhlabathi  in
a culture of fear, conformity and continued to influence the tutions of incarceration as part the National Democratic Party Ndebele, or  children of the
and unquestioning support. character of the post-colonial All this effort is being done and parcel of remaining with (NDP), the Zimbabwe African soil in English (Tshuma 1997;
The guerrilla armies and the African state. against the bedrock of heated the people (Nyagumbo 1981). People’s Union (Zapu), the Martin & Johnson 1981). All
nationalist parties were never contestation for power and Zimbabwe African National this was meant to maintain the
democratically structured and In Zimbabwe the African support between Zanu PF In order to mobilise the Union (Zanu) and others such full steam of mass mobilisation
did not operate in a democrat- nationalist struggle is still be- and the MDC. The MDC has masses, African nationalism as the United African National and to retain the element of the
ic fashion. They were highly ing glorified, and the former mounted a serious challenge became populist in outlook. Council (UANC), all mod- nationalist struggle as a  ‘peo-
commandist and authoritari- nationalists are still leading the to ZANU-PF’s political dom- elled themselves as ‘people’s ple’s struggle’ for land.
an. Robert Mugabe captured country. The dominant party inance, particularly in the ur- Leading Zimbabwean na- movements’. The nationalist
the modus operandi of the political rhetoric emphasises ban areas, where it has argued tionalists like Joshua Nkomo, struggle itself was presented as However, the armed phase
liberation forces well when he that the African nationalist that the ruling party is no lon- Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, a ‘people’s revolution’ meant of the struggle for Zimbabwe
said: struggle bestowed democracy ger with the people, especially Robert Mugabe, Herbert to establish a “people’s state” added some negative tenden-
and human rights on the Zim- the workers (Bond & Manyan- Chitepo and Bishop Abel Mu- where the interests of all so- cies to the whole nationalist
The Zanu axe must contin- babwean people. While this is ya 2002). A new debate has zorewa among many others, cial groups including peasants, movement. African national-
ue to fall upon the necks of true to some extent, analysts emerged in Zimbabwe as to were unanimous in denounc- workers, the youth and wom- ism itself as a social movement
rebels when we find it no lon- must not be blind to the neg- which party really represents ing colonial violation of the en would be promoted and was basically hegemonic and
ger possible to persuade them ative legacy of African nation- the true interests of the people, dignity of Africans, political respected (Nzongola-Ntalaja intolerant of diversity, inter-
into the harmony that binds us alism that has continued to Zanu PF or MDC. The fact disenfranchisement of the col- 1987:75). A more democratic nal and external criticism and
all (Mair & Sithole 2002:22). shape the Zimbabwean state that the ruling Zanu PF party onised, racial discrimination, and human rights conscious dissent. As a movement it was
ideology. For instance, the cur- has taken refuge in war-time lack of equal opportunity, political, economic and social basically sweeping in what it
The government of Zanu PF rent pre-occupation and obses- nationalist rhetoric and propa- oppression and exploitation dispensation was promised in claimed and annihilatory in
is permeated by the culture of sion with ‘regime security’ as ganda in its bid to render the of the colonised as well as the the wake of an African nation- what it rejected. Ngwabi Bhebe
intolerance, intimidation and opposed to ‘human security’ MDC politically redundant denial of basic human rights alist victory. and Terence Ranger (2003:2)
violence derived from the lib- was embedded in the national- and irrelevant, calls for a reflec- in general. The African na- in their book, Nationalism, De-
eration struggle. The liberation ist struggle for Zimbabwe. tion on the legacy of African tionalists tried by all means to The nationalist populist mocracy and Human Rights in
struggle instilled in many po- nationalism itself as a powerful identify themselves with the ideology managed to raise Zimbabwe, observed:
litical leaders and At the present moment, the force that continues to shape ‘people’s historic grievances’. the nationalist movement
ruling ZANU-PF has been the character of the post-colo- Ngwabi Bhebe (1989:53-54) into a broad-based coalition But perhaps there was some-
their supporters a militaris- pushed by the opposition, la- nial state as well as the nature noted that the first African of labour, student, religious, thing inherent in nationalism
tic conception and perception bour-backed MDC to franti- of political contestation over nationalist organisation to women, youth, and peasant itself even before the wars and
of politics and political process. cally project itself as a people’s power and dominance. be formed in Zimbabwe, the movements as well as into an the adoption of socialism,
At the present moment Zanu organisation that ‘puts the peo- Southern Rhodesia African unstable organisation  encom- which gave rise to authoritar-
PF certainly prides itself in its ple first’ in its agenda. This was In Zimbabwe the nationalist National Congress (SRANC), passing conservative, moderate ianism. Maybe nationalism’s
violent past and its capacity to clearly demonstrated during struggle combined militarism did ‘some homework on the and radical tendencies (Sachi- emphasis on unity at all costs
deploy this infrastructure of vi- the Zanu PF congress held with mass mobilisation. The people’s grievances concerning konye 1995:129-140). All this – its subordination of trade
olent politics to those who dare at Victoria Falls in Decem- latter dictated the need for racial discrimination, land, was a product of the national- unions and churches and all
challenge it. ber  2001, which carried the populist slogans, propaganda health, education and so on, so ist populist agenda of trying to other African organisations to
The nationalist struggle and theme “People First”. The rul- and rhetoric in the nationalist that their political propaganda ‘put people first’. its imperatives – gave rise to
the birth of authoritari- ing party even went back to its movement. It was in this bid and education would be based an intolerance of pluralism.
an politics in Zimbabwe nationalist archives to remind to mobilise the  masses that on concrete situations’. On the other hand, the ex- Maybe nationalism’s glorifica-
It should be clear then that the people how it liberated African nationalists tried by all igencies of the armed strug- tion of the leader gave rise to a
none of the above-outlined po- As a result, by 1958, the post-colonial cult of personal-
litical precedents that shaped ity. Maybe nationalism’s com-
the Zimbabwean political mitment to modernisation,
culture promoted democratic whether socialist or not, inev-
values and practices. None of itably implied a ‘commandist’
them were driven and under- state.
pinned by the noble values of
civic tolerance and human se- Indeed the post-colonial
curity. For instance, the nation- state authoritarianism cannot
alist struggle was characterised be explained only on the basis
by complex ambiguities and of its being a successor to an
contradictions to the extent equally authoritarian settler
that the liberation war became colonial state. Rather, the lega-
fraught with intense intrigues, cy of African nationalism itself
frictions, factionalism, violent tainted the post-colonial state
purges, and assassinations. with authoritarian tendencies.
There was a lot of witch-hunt-
ing and intimidation, and ‘en- Masipula Sithole’s (1999)
emies’ within were summarily Struggles-within-the-Strug-
liquidated. gle  captured the  main contra-
dictions and ambiguities with-
Nevertheless, the struggle in the Zimbabwean nationalist
for Zimbabwe was conceived movement, which nurtured
as a movement for democ- intolerance and authoritarian-
racy and human rights. The ism. The Zimbabwean nation-
nationalist movements tried alist movement was a ‘revolu-
by all means to project a peo- tion that ate its own children’,
ple-centred outlook. Populist where ‘revolutionary justice’
propaganda was used to mobil- was used to eliminate others
ise people across class and eth- (Sithole 1999). Beginning with
nic divides. Indeed, peasants, the swallowing of autonomous
workers, women, the youth as youth, women, student, labour
well as the petit bourgeoisie and church organisations, Af-
heeded the appeals of African rican nationalism and the lib-
nationalism and fought for the eration struggle proved to be
liberation of Zimbabwe. intolerant of pluralism, dissent
and different opinions, and
What has escaped the minds tried to foster a mono-dimen-
of many analysts is that the Af- sional definition of the struggle
rican nationalist movements

NewsHawks The Big Debate Page 31

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

based on the interpretation of to be at the rally and we shall 1961). major historical realities. These repression. The ruling party when the ruling party elite des-
dominant petit-bourgeois na- be watching to see that they The Youth League was very also shaped the Zimbabwean itself, having been a militarised perately needed the support of
tionalist leadership. Differing are. People will be afraid to peace and security perspective. liberation movement, failed to the people. The support of the
interpretations of the strug- stay away. We will have a huge active in harassing, intimidat- The third element that deter- de-militarise itself, not only in people on its own was a strong
gle and methods of achieving rally and our leader will be ac- ing and beating up those who mined the peace and security practice, but also in attitude source of security for the rul-
independence led to the rise knowledged by all as the leader were considered to be against perspectives of Zimbabwe was and style of management of ing elite. Popular support for
of splinter nationalist groups and spokesman of Africans in the nationalist cause. Bhebe the geo-political realities of the civil institutions and the state the ruling elite depended on
that were hostile to each oth- this country. Those who are and Ranger (2003:6) noted Southern African region. at large. The new Zanu PF the ability of the post-colonial
er. Intolerance was indicated not with us are sell-outs. Those that ‘in exile the hunt for spies government readily assumed state to satisfy the people’s ex-
by the use of rigid and anni- who form a rival political party and those who threatened What must be emphasised the resilient colonial and mil- pectations of independence.
hilatory terms such as ‘patri- must be prevented at all unity inevitably became more here is that the conclusion of itary oriented structures left
ots’ versus ‘puppets’,  ‘freedom frenzied and brutal’. Indeed, Zimbabwe’s guerrilla war in by the retreating Rhodesian The government tried, by all
fighters’ versus ‘sell-outs’, as costs. So houses and cars moderate African national- 1980 heralded the country’s settler state, with serious impli- means in line with the nation-
well as by officially sanctioned were stoned. Petrol bombs ists like Reverend Ndabaningi first opportunity and ideal cations for democracy, human alist populist ideology, to pur-
violence against those defined thrown into people’s bedrooms Sithole and Bishop Abel Mu- chance to build democratic in- rights and human security. sue welfarist policies.
as ‘puppets’ and ‘sell-outs’ (Sunday Mail 1984). zorewa, who entered into an stitutions that would really put From the outset in 1980, the
(Ndlovu-Gatsheni forth-com- ‘internal settlement’ arrange- the people first and promote people’s keen concern for de- First and foremost, the gov-
ing:10-18). To have a different politi- ment for majority rule with the much-awaited human se- mocracy and human security ernment declared itself to be
cal allegiance was tantamount Ian Smith, were lambasted and curity. The people expected a clashed and contended with socialist in ideological orien-
What is even more import- to committing suicide and threatened with death. For in- break with the tradition of na- the different authoritarian leg- tation, implying that it was
ant to note is that the Zimba- treason. For instance, trade stance, in 1979, Dr Eddison tionalist and guerrilla violence, acies from the nationalist and committed to principles of
bwean state ideology and dom- union leaders who supported Zvobgo, the Deputy Secretary and were looking forward to liberation war. From the be- equitable distribution of re-
inant party political rhetoric the nationalist struggle but for Information and Publicity the emergence of expanded ginning also, the Zanu PF gov- sources for the benefit of the
emerged from the hegemonic did not wish to sacrifice the in Zanu, went to the extent of democratic spaces, to the pro- ernment thwarted the chances disadvantaged social groups
and authoritarian circumstanc- autonomy of the trade union drawing up a ‘death list’ with tection of human rights, and of the formation of new civic such as women, peasants and
es of the nationalist liberation movement by joining the na- all the names of politicians to basic, tangible material ben- structures outside party and workers. Secondly, in line with
struggle. The circumstances of tionalist movement, like Rue- who participated in the short- efits, once majority rule had government patronage, repre- the nationalist quest for unity,
prosecuting a protracted libera- ben Jamela of the Southern lived Zimbabwe-Rhodesia been achieved (Alexander & senting different voices in civil a government of national unity
tion war necessitated the emer- Rhodesia Trade Union Con- government of Bishop Abel McGregor 1996). society, which resurfaced with was established in 1980 that
gence of a strong leader who gress (SRTUC), were branded Muzorewa (Hudson 1981:Ap- the end of the liberation war to included the Patriotic Front
could combine both military as sell-outs, imperialist stooges pendix 2). However, as noted by assert an autonomous position of the Zimbabwe African Peo-
and political attributes. What and threatened with direct na- Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja in (Saunders 2000:15-20). ple’s Union (PF Zapu) and
was also necessary, was unques- tionalist violence such as ‘Kill The net effect of all this was his  Revolution and  Count- the white politicians. Thirdly,
tioning loyalty to one leader Jamela, Drive him away – sell- profound for the future poli- er-Revolution, the post-colo- The Zanu PF government an attempt was made to heal
and one party. The exigencies out’ (Raftopoulos 1999:141- tics in the post-colonial state. nial state as a ‘regulator’ or ‘so- in 1980 inherited the colonial the deep scars of war through
of war called for authoritarian 142). The prosecution of the Firstly, the glorification of the cietal gendarme’ endeavoured and violently repressive legal adoption of national reconcil-
discipline among the support- armed struggle also introduced nationalist leaders engineered to moderate and contain the machinery of the Rhodesian iation among all the former
ers of the nationalist move- the tendency of accumulating a feeling of indispensability as very contradictions of which state. Taken together with the warring combatants. Robert
ment. Violence was officially arms of war as the only surety well as irreplaceability. The el- it is a product, so as to main- tradition of African nationalist Mugabe as the new Prime
accepted as a legitimate tool of of safety, and these arms of war evation of the nationalist party tain order and social cohesion. authoritarianism, a new intol- Minister made an impassioned
the struggle (Bhebe & Ranger were used to eliminate political above everything else generated In doing so, the post-colonial erant state soon emerged. No plea for peace in these words:
1995a). Indeed ex-detainees opponents even within the na- rigid party loyalties and a pre- state upheld the interests of wonder that militarism and
like Joshua Nkomo and Rob- tionalist movement itself. paredness to kill and be killed the classes that dominated the violence became part and par- If yesterday you hated me,
ert Mugabe worked very hard in defence of the party. Sec- social order and acquired its cel of the nascent Zimbabwean today you cannot avoid the
in exile to elevate themselves The glorified and wor- ondly, the quasi-military legacy character in the process (Nzon- state. Both settler colonialism love that binds you to me
to the heights of command- shipped nationalist leadership of the nationalist movement gola-Ntalaja 1987:74-77). His and African nationalism were and me to you. Is it not folly,
ers-in-chief of the Zimbabwe developed ‘tough talk’ and has bequeathed intolerance of argument seems to imply that schools of violence and intol- therefore, that in these circum-
People’s Revolutionary Army sophisticated propaganda and dissent and has entrenched the by its very nature the post-colo- erance, as settler brute force stances anybody should seek to
(Zipra) and the Zimbabwe political rhetoric. It also devel- culture of violence in the game nial state is not people-centred. had to be met with an equally revive the wounds and griev-
African National Liberation oped arrogance and self-confi- of Zimbabwean politics. Mass It does not put people first, but brutal and intolerant African ances of the past? (Saunders
Army (Zanla), respectively, in dence. The African patriarchal mobilisation generated a blind the interests of the triumphant nationalist strength (Ncu- 2000:17).
the 1970s (Gava n.d.:2-10). ideologies were combined with worship of majoritarian poli- petit-bourgeois nationalists be 2001; Bhebe & Ranger
nationalist authoritarianism tics. Eddison Zvobgo empha- who led the nationalist struggle 2003:6-10). This was indeed a bold step
It was during the struggle to produce a ‘father-figure’ in sised this point in the 1980s for independence. in the direction of inclusion of
for Zimbabwe that the par- the nationalist leader. For ex- when he said ‘we worship the However, African nation- everybody into the new Zim-
ty leader and the party itself ample, Joshua Nkomo became majority as much as Christians On the other hand, Ibbo alism was also underpinned babwean nation as well as an
were glorified in such slogans referred to as Umdala and ‘Fa- worship God’ (The Chroni- Mandaza in his Peace and Se- by populist ideology that ap- impressive step in the direction
as  Pamberi ne Zanu, Pam- ther Zimbabwe’. Songs and cle  1983). Thirdly, the hege- curity in Southern Africa not- pealed to the people’s aspira- of political tolerance.
beri na Robert Gabriel Mug- poems were composed and monic tendencies of African ed that the post-colonial state tions, interests and wishes. As
abe!  (Forward with Zanu, written about the person of nationalism eventually led to is a nation-state-in-the-mak- such, the Zimbabwean peace Concrete steps were also
Forward with Robert Gabriel the nationalist leader. Various the attempt by the petit-bour- ing, which is weak, lacks es- and security perspective was a taken to fulfil some of the war-
Mugabe!) (Nyangoni & Nyan- names and praises were show- geois nationalists to try and sence and is suffering from compromise of authoritarian time promises. For instance,
doro 1979:43-49). The adop- ered on the nationalist lead- ‘privatise politics’ as a preserve being a hostage and dependent violence and populist ideology, impressive steps were taken
tion of Marxist-Leninist ide- ers such as  Shumba yeZim- of only those who participated state. As such, it is increasing- the security of the ruling elite towards addressing the severely
ologies, particularly by Zanu, babwe  (Lion of Zimbabwe) in the liberation struggle and ly vulnerable and is unable to and the security of the people, unequal and intolerable differ-
solidified the prominence of and  Chibwechitedza  (Slippery their clients. This became poi- mediate competing forces in regime security and human se- ences between the economical-
the leader and the party in a Stone) (Parade 1999; Moto gnantly clear after 1980 when society, which makes it inca- curity. This falls neatly within ly privileged minority and the
nationalist movement. During 1999). the triumphant petit-bourgeois pable of satisfying growing Gramsci’s notion of hegemony, impoverished black majority.
the struggle for Zimbabwe, nationalists tried hard to de- social demands. The post-co- which emphasises the impor- The government invested heav-
disagreement could lead to The other legacy of a pro- mobilise and depoliticise wom- lonial state has poor political tance of changing balance be- ily in education, health and
death. For instance, in 1963 tracted war of liberation was en, youth, trade unions and and economic foundations. It tween coercion and consent in other social services. Free com-
and 1964, Zapu and Zanu bit- the generation of  suspicion student organisations, includ- is fragile and is given to con- state strategies of  domination. pulsory primary education was
terly fought each other in the and fear, and of a siege mental- ing some ex-freedom fighters flict (Mandaza 1996:xviii-xxi). The new leadership of Zim- introduced, massive expan-
townships. Zapu could not ity. The nationalist movement (Ndlovu-Gatsheni forthcom- Indeed, the legacy bequeathed babwe had to strike a balance sion in secondary schools and
accept and stomach the reality became over anxious about ing:98-104). All these issues on the post-colonial state by between its interests and those teacher training was undertak-
of the existence of Zanu as an being infiltrated and about the had far-reaching implications both colonialism and African of the people. People expected en, community primary health
autonomous nationalist move- existence of  ‘enemies within for the Zimbabwean percep- nationalism needed a strong a radical societal reform pro- care was  developed, and large
ment (Nehwati 1970). The us’. It became very difficult tion of peace and security. apparatus with the ability and gramme with the aim of raising investments were made in ru-
operations of the nationalist to criticise nationalist leaders, The post-colonial state of capacity to embark on radical the standards of living of the ral hospitals and clinics. In the
movement on quasi-military as people with critical minds Zimbabwe transformation of the existing African population as well as public service, a deliberate ac-
lines were not amenable to were easily branded as enemies The Zimbabwean post-colonial order if ever the wishes and as- an equally radical transforma- celeration and advancement of
democracy and human rights of the revolution and traitors. state was a product of particu- pirations of the people were to tion of the colonially inherited the Africans was launched. An
within the movement itself. This was clearly demonstrated larly two recent major legacies. be fulfilled. structures of the economy (Al- attempt was also made to build
This was evident in Stanlake by the Chairman of the Bula- Firstly, it was a direct successor Authoritarian and hegemon- exander, McGregor & Ranger a unified national army out of
Samkange’s post-colonial re- wayo  Youth League in 1961, to the brutal and authoritarian ic Zanu PF politics in the 2000:308-312). Zanla, Zipra and the Rhode-
flections on nationalist think- Dumiso Dabengwa, when he settler colonial state. 1980s sian forces (Ndlovu-Gatsheni
ing and operations in the stated that: The post-colonial Zimbabwe- As such, the survival of the 2003c:18-21).
1960s. He remembered that: Secondly, it was a product of an state under Zanu PF failed Zimbabwean post-colonial
Any African who remains a protracted nationalist armed dismally to make a break with state depended on striking a ...To be continued
Before a rally, our youth independent and does not take struggle. Thus, the character of the tradition of nationalist au- balance between the interests
must wake up at 3 a.m., knock part in the common cause is as the post-colonial Zimbabwean thoritarianism and guerrilla vi- of the ruling elite and those of *About the writer: Profes-
at the door of every house and bad a sell-out as the so-called state was shaped by these two olence as well as colonial settler the ordinary people. This was sor Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatshe-
tell the inmates we expect them moderates. particularly important in 1980 ni, Chair in Epistemologies of
the Global South, University
…Those who are not with of Bayreuth, Germany.
us are against us (Bantu Mirror

Page 32 Orbituary NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Brig-Gen (Rtd) Ndlovu-Gatsheni:
Sabelo J. A silent hero gone to rest quietly
Ndlovu-Gatsheni

ON 30 July 2021, we The late Retired Brigadier-General Mbonisi Ndlovu-Gatsheni. and take me to the areas
laid to rest at the Lady he operated in. Unfortu-
Stanley Provincial He- mand level.  anti-colonial liberation the Zimbabwe National ovu-Gatsheni family are nately, he has passed on
roes’ Acre in Bulawayo In 1975, he aban- struggle. His liberation Army where he became proud farmers and they before this was done. 
one of the Ndlovu-Gat- war name was Chris- a major. In recognition love cattle ranching.
sheni family’s most illus- doned his teaching posi- topher Fuyane. He is of his abilities and com- Even our grandfather, With my late brother,
trious sons, brother and tion in an urban school remembered in the op- mitment to the military Sayimana Ndlovu-Gat- we shared a love for in-
family-man, and indeed in Bulawayo and crossed erational zones in the and the security of the sheni, was a renowned tellectual and academic
a Zipra freedom fighter the border into Zambia Midlands region and country, Ndlovu-Gatsh- farmer and cattle keeper. ideas. He was an enthu-
who contributed im- to join the liberation Matabeleland North. eni was, after Indepen- So, it is in the family.  siastic reader of all the
mensely to the delivery struggle. At the time of ceasefire, dence, posted to serve articles I wrote and he
of the political indepen- Ndlovu-Gatsheni and as a military attaché in While he was not al- always commented on
dence of Zimbabwe, Re- He did his military his comrades entered St Moscow.  He also be- ways open about his the issues in those pub-
tired Brigadier-General training in Zambia Paul’s Assembly Point came the spokesperson role in the liberation lications.
Mbonisi Ndlovu-Gatsh- (CGT Camp) and in where he performed of the army during the struggle, a trait I found
eni.  Moscow in the then So- the role of chief of staff. times of the war in the very common among He consistently said
viet Union. This is just a snippet of Democratic Republic genuine freedom fight- ‘‘Sabelo, you must bring
Ndlovu-Gatsheni suc- a rich history of a guer- Congo, where the Zim- ers from Zipra, I always me copies of all your
cumbed to Covid-19 at Those who trained rilla fighter. A fuller babwean military was pestered him about Zip- published books, for
a Bulawayo hospital.  with him constantly history is yet to be writ- deployed in support of ra history partly because my library and also so
share that he exuded ten, not only about him the Laurent Kabila re- I am a historian and that our children can
To the extended Nd- brilliance, fluency in but also about his other gime, which faced mil- partly because he also see what we have done
lovu-Gatsheni family, English and rare abil- four brothers: Corne- itary invasion from the liked history. and be encouraged in
a big tree at the centre ities, which made him lius Ndlovu-Gatsheni east.  the process.’’ Again, he
of the clan has been cut to be identified early as (late), Charles Nathan When I moved to has passed on before this
and we were left without a military leader, begin- Ndlovu-Gatsheni (late), Ndlovu-Gatsheni re- South Africa in 2005, delivery was done.  I feel
a shade (umthunzi) be- ning with being compa- Leonard Petros Ndl- tired from the army in he constantly urged me bad about it. 
cause he was our senior ny commissar and by the ovu-Gatsheni, and Lot 2013 as Brigadier-Gen- to research the history of
brother and indeed an time of his cohort’s pass Ndlovu-Gatsheni —all eral and dedicated his the Ndlovu-Gatshenis Finally, when I told
elder of the family.   out he had become base of whom fought as Zip- life to farming at his from that end.  Because him about my move
commander in Zambia. ra guerrillas in the liber- farm in Esigodini near of my pressure on him from South Africa (Uni-
Ndlovu-Gatsheni was Indeed, a very dedicated ation of Zimbabwe.    Bulawayo.  about his own liberation versity of South Africa)
many things at once. and able guerrilla soldier history, he promised that to Germany (Universi-
He was a professional from the very beginning. He was integrated into This was not surpris- one day he will take me ty of Bayreuth), his re-
teacher; veteran guerril- ing because the Ndl- through his own history sponse was that if you
la; military command- Ndlovu-Gatsheni is want my opinion on
er; a lawyer, a farmer, a veteran on the armed this give me a call and
and a born-again Chris- we talk. Partly, because I
tian. This is on top of had already made up my
being a beloved broth- mind to go to Germany
er, family-man, and a and partly due to respect
wise-counsellor to many for him and fear that my
people within the family elder brother was going
and beyond. Socially, he to discourage me, I did
always cared about the not make that call.  
extended Ndlovu-Gat-
sheni family and was a Ndlovu-Gatsheni
loyal friend to many be- loved Zimbabwe. It was
yond the family.  born in him just like
it was born within the
What distinguished hearts and minds of
him in life was being a other Zimbabwean na-
gentleman, principled, tionalists. He worked
disciplined, courageous, hard to liberate it from
great listener, smart, colonialism and made
diligent, professional, sure its sovereignty was
hard-working, focused, protected and guaran-
and indeed an embod- teed. I remember in one
iment of integrity. Like of our discussions when
most of the Ndlovu-Gat- he asked: ‘‘Do you un-
sheni members, he was a derstand what it feels
man of few words and and means to fight for
he spoke when it was in- a country?” This stayed
deed necessary to do so.  with me.   
Hamba kahle mfowethu
He was never loud.  Hamba kahle qhawe
Born in Gwanda dis- lama qhawe
trict, Matabeleland Lala ngokuthula Ndl-
South province, Nd- ovu-Gatsheni
lovu-Gatsheni went Boyabenyathi     
to Shake Primary Mthiyane
School, Mapoto Sec- Sohlala sikukhumbula.
ondary School, Mt-
shabezi Teacher Training *About the writer:
School, and did his legal Professor Sabelo J. Nd-
education at the Uni- lovu-Gatsheni, Chair
versity of South Africa in Epistemologies of the
where he qualified with Global South, Univer-
an LLB, while serving in sity of Bayreuth, Ger-
the Zimbabwe National many.
Army at the top com-

NewsHawks Africa News Page 33

Issue 41, 30 July 2021 All the companies start to trade slightly above
Patrice Motsepe owns planned volumes for most of the
THE cement-manufacturing year. The 75% depreciation of
sector in Zimbabwe has rem the Zimbabwean dollar against
PATRICE Motsepe is one of the South African rand reduced
South Africa’s most successful PPC Zimbabwe’s contribution
businessmen with sharehold- to group profitability,” said PPC.
ings in many of the country’s PPC’s competitor, Lafarge,
top companies, including San- reported earnings growth for the
lam, Rain, Alexander Forbes, year to 30 December 2020 driv-
and TymeBank. en by volumes growth.
Chairperson Kumbirai
Motsepe is also a shareholder Katsande said revenue for the
in Mamelodi Sundowns and the year jumped 68.5% to ZW$6.9
Blue Bulls, and is currently the billion from ZW$4.1 billion
Confederation of African Foot- driven by volume growth in the
ball (CAF) president. dry mortars business.  He also
attributed the growth to a mar-
To understand Motsepe’s rise ket shift towards high-strength
to the top, one has to go back cement, which influenced a sig-
to his childhood, where he was nificant change in the cement
exposed to his father’s business product mix. The business lost
at a young age. a full month of April 2020 as
the country implemented strict
Motsepe was born on 28 lockdown restrictions. However,
January 1962 in Ga-Rankuwa, cement volumes recovered in
Pretoria. His dad is Augustine subsequent months, with partic-
Butana Chaane Motsepe, chief ularly strong performance in the
of the Mmakau branch of the third quarter closing the full year
Tswana people. cement volume performance at
6% below prior year.  Katsande
Motsepe senior, a teacher by indicated there was strong de-
profession, owned businesses in mand although volumes growth
the North West province popu- was limited by capacity con-
lar among mine workers. He is straints owing to the loss of pro-
also the co-founder of the Naf- duction during the April 2020
coc Business Chamber. lockdown.
However, its dry mortar busi-
Patrice Motsepe attended ness more than doubled sales
a Roman Catholic boarding with a 115% increase in sales
school in the Eastern Cape. volumes compared to the prior
Throughout his youth, Motsepe year. This followed the relaunch
worked at his father’s businesses. of its SupaGrow and SupaFix
range supported by active mar-
This business experience and ket sensitisation of the products,
exposure to the mining industry which has led to wider product
would serve him well in his fu- adoption.
ture endeavours. While the business envi-
ronment remains uncertain
After completing school, for many businesses due to
he completed a Bachelor of Covid-19, cement makers are
Arts degree at the University of upbeat about maintaining a
Swaziland and a law degree at growth trajectory driven by var-
the University of the Witwa- ious government construction
tersrand. projects ranging from transport,
energy and accommodation in-
He joined the Bowman Gil- grounds‚ languages, and cultures The images below show companies and sports franchises in Overall cement sales in- frastructure. This is in addition
fillan law firm in 1988 and together and unite the nation. which Motsepe has a stake. creased by between 10% and to individual residential proj-
became a partner in 1994, spe- 15% for the full financial year ects being carried out across the
cialising in mining and business “In the context of the Bulls‚ to 31 March 2021 as com- country.
law. rugby brings black and white pared to full-year 2020. Despite For Lafarge, the firm is al-
South Africans together,” he Covid-19, imports remained ready forecasting to double pro-
In 1997, when gold prices said. flat at 9% of total industry sales duction following the comple-
were low, Motsepe ventured while the informal sector con- tion of its three-pronged US$25
Motsepe’s investment in the tributed more to foreign curren- million capital expansion proj-
into mining by buying shafts Blue Bulls means he joined cy sales although the segment ect with the final phase being
from Anglo Gold and establish- another billionaire, Johann was heavily impacted by the the installation of a vertical ce-
ing African Rainbow Miner- Rupert, as a shareholder in the pandemic.  ment mill. 
als. He continued to grow his popular rugby franchise. “The third investment proj-
mining business with a string of PPC, the country’s largest ce- ect is the installation of the
deals. He also has a strong focus ment manufacturer with annual Vertical Cement Mill (VCM),
on philanthropic endeavours. capacity of 1.4 million metric earmarked to double cement
Five years after starting the In 2003, as part of The Giving tonnes, cement sales in foreign milling capacity,” said Katsande
company, Motsepe’s African Pledge, he formed the Motsepe currency allowed the company in a statement accompanying
Rainbow Minerals, which ini- Foundation, aiming to donate to remain self-sufficient.  financials for the year to 31 De-
tially focussed on gold mining, half his wealth during his life- cember 2020.
was listed on the Johannesburg time. In an operational review, the “Civil works for the VCM
Stock Exchange. group, with operations in South have since started and expected
The Motsepe Foundation Africa, Botswana and Rwanda completion date for the project
More deals followed, includ- aims to use the principle of among other countries, indicat- is February 2022,” he said.
ing a merger with Harmony ubuntu to uplift others. ed sales volumes in Zimbabwe This comes as the company
Gold Mining to form the world’s went up by approximately 10% also installed alternative power
fifth-largest gold producer. To appreciate the scale of the from the prior year.  infrastructure in 2019 and com-
business empire Motsepe has pletion of the automated dry
The share price showed built over the last 24 years, a Revenue rose 251% in Zim- mortar plant in 2021. 
strong growth, which made breakdown of his investments is babwean currency terms. How- Already, production capacity
Motsepe one of South Africa’s valuable. ever, in rand terms, revenue for the dry mortar business ef-
richest people. fell 13% while earnings before fectively increased by 1 300%
Companies in which Mo- interest, taxes, depreciation and to 100 000 tonnes from 7 000
Following his success in the tsepe owns a shareholding, amortisation (EBITDA) went tonnes per annum, making La-
mining sector, Motsepe started through his African Rainbow down 32%. farge the biggest producer of dry
African Rainbow holding companies, include mortar products in Zimbabwe. 
many of South Africa’s biggest “The economic environ- “Significant volume growth
Capital (ARC) in 2015 as an brands. ment in Zimbabwe was greatly is therefore foreseen in the dry
investment vehicle in businesses affected by the Covid-19 pan- mortar business following the
that deliver a strong return on ained resilient despite the demic. The resulting lockdowns plant commissioning in April
equity. Covid-19-induced economic increased unemployment and 2021,” said Katsande.
slowdown. impacted operations, negatively
Through ARC Investments, influencing volumes in full-year —STAFF WRITER.
Motsepe has a shareholding Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe 2021. 
in many of South Africa’s top and PPC Zimbabwe both re-
financial, insurance, banking, ported stable performance, with “Nevertheless, PPC Zimba-
telecoms, agricultural, and IT demand for cement remaining bwe recovered from the slow
companies. firm as the construction sector
is operational as an essential ser-
Motsepe’s love for sport re- vice provider.
sulted in his investment in Ma-
melodi Sundowns in 2003 and
the Blue Bulls in 2019.

Commenting on these invest-
ments, Motsepe said he played
football and rugby when he was
in boarding school in the East-
ern Cape. “So, I have a passion
for football and rugby,” he said.

He added that sport brings
people from different back-

Page 34 World News NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

The new US plan to rival China and end
cornering of market in rare earth metals

THE United States has made A wheel loader operator fills a truck with ore at the MP Materials rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California. email to CNBC as an “essential looking at how potato wastewa-
previous attempts to reemerge as foundation” for renewing down- ter can be used as a cheap food
a dominant player in a rare earths more abundant than their name production, extraction and mag- company. The connection raised stream metal making and imple- source for a bacterium that can
supply chain that is responsible suggests but extracting, process- net-making are focused on Chi- some concerns among DOE sci- menting magnet manufacturing assist in recycling rare earths.
for some of the most important ing and refining are tricky for na. Trade wars and retaliatory entists, according to Reuters, but into the U.S. She wrote that
materials involved in electric ve- a myriad of technical and en- tariffs can leave many companies government funding has contin- diversifying outside the Chinese “We already have the magnets
hicle production, battery mak- vironmental reasons. These 17 sourcing these crucial materials ued for a rare earths separation magnetic materials supply chain here,” says Tom Lograsso, direc-
ing, renewable energy systems elements — which are subdivid- in limbo, even if they make up facility. is important to create competi- tor of DOE’s Critical Materials
and technology manufacturing. ed into the light rare earths and just a small portion of a product. tive markets and meet the grow- Institute at Ames. “Why can’t
Under the Biden administration, heavy rare earths subsets based Shenghe Resources distrib- ing demand for 21st-century we just retain that and close the
the effort is receiving renewed on their atomic weights — exist Market dynamics can escalate utes the concentrate produced technologies. circle domestically rather than
focus, with massive investments in natural deposits globally. so quickly that companies with- at Mountain Pass to refiners in Resource extraction and the throwing them in a landfill.”
planned in climate change tech- out a diversified supply chain Asia, “capabilities that simply do environment Limits to countering China
nology and a hard line being tak- Heavy rare earths are often bid aggressively, materials get not exist at scale in the West,” While companies like Lynas and In a recent interview with
en on geopolitical rivalries and harder to source. They include scarce and prices go up, Kose according to an MP Materials MP Materials are eager to ramp CNBC following the UAE’s Re-
the national security threat posed metals like dysprosium and ter- said. In 2011, for example, rare spokesman. up the domestic supply chains, gional Climate Dialogue, Kerry
by China. bium, which play a critical role earth prices shot up when Chi- extracting rare earths is a difficult addressed the president’s $2 tril-
in defense, technology and elec- na restricted exports to maintain The company plans to rein- process due to a combination lion infrastructure proposal in re-
In 2019, China was respon- tric vehicles. Neodymium and supplies for domestic industries, vest the free cash flow generated of environmental, technical and lation to rivalry with China. The
sible for 80% of rare earths praseodymium are some of the which was the case again during from operations into expanding political factors. Many regions, legislation includes $35 billion
imports, according to the U.S. most sought-after light rare earth the 2019 trade war. MP’s U.S. capabilities, including including the European Union, for climate research and inno-
Geological Survey, although ex- elements crucial in products such Rebuilding a domestic supply a restoration of domestic refining have an abundance of these re- vation, $46 billion in renewable
ports fell last year in part due to as motors, turbines and medical chain capability at Mountain Pass by sources but lack the expertise energy manufacturing and $174
Covid-19. devices. Demand for them ex- Domestic efforts to extract rare next year. Ultimately, the com- that other countries like China billion to boost the electric ve-
ploded in recent years with the earths are taking place in states pany, which went public last year have in the processing and mag- hicle market. China, which ac-
President Biden’s sweeping $2 growth of technology and will including Wyoming, Texas and through a SPAC merger, plans to net production, Nakano said. counts for roughly 30% of car-
trillion infrastructure legislation continue to climb amid the on- California, but the recent past “restore the full rare earth supply bon dioxide emissions globally,
seeks to remake the power and going race to create a large elec- provides cautionary tales, such chain” to the U.S., the spokes- The rare earths industry has claims it plans to reach net-zero
transportation markets in the tric vehicle market. as Molycorp, which reopened man said, including refining and come under fire for environmen- carbon emissions by 2060 and
U.S. and rebuild the country’s the longstanding Mountain Pass separation, and magnet-making tal concerns. Many rare earth outspent the U.S. roughly 2-to-
semiconductor industry. It fol- While China is dominant mine in California in the early by 2025, as the domestic electric elements reside among mineral 1 on energy transition-related
lows Biden signing an executive now, in the decades before the 2000s, only to go bankrupt in vehicle market ramps up produc- deposits with radioactive ma- investments in the last decade,
order in February designed to 1980s it was the U.S. that held a 2015. tion. terials that can leach into the according to Bloomberg New
review gaps in the domestic sup- majority stake in this metals mar- water table. Mining, processing Energy Finance data.
ply chains for rare earths, medi- ket. That changed as production MP Materials bought the “This is happening and I think and disposal can also contribute
cal devices, chips and other key growth abroad and mounting mine and restarted production it’s happening much much faster to ecosystem disruption and re- “I think that this is a huge
resources, and in March the De- environmental pressures at home in 2017. The Las Vegas-head- than I think anybody had antic- lease hazardous byproducts into economic opportunity, not just
partment of Energy announcing shifted production overseas and quartered company is vying to ipated,” said Ryan Corbett, the the atmosphere. Although the for the United States, with peo-
a $30 million initiative that will also offered cheaper labor costs. restore the domestic rare earths company’s chief financial officer. U.S. is making strides to advance ple all around the world,” Kerry
tap into researching and securing According to one 2018 report supply chain from mine to mag- “We can compete and we’re go- the rare earths supply chain and said. “This is not about China,
the U.S. domestic supply chain from the Department of De- net, and is hedging its bets on ing to continue to do it.” develop alternatives to mining this is not a counter to China.
for rare earths and other import- fense, China “strategically flood- neodymium-praseodymium, rare earths, environmental regu- This is about China, the United
ant minerals in battery-making ed the global market” with rare with the hope of becoming the Another key player in the lations are often more stringent States, India, Russia, Indonesia,
such as cobalt and lithium. earths at cheaper prices to drive lowest-cost producer. space is Lynas Corporation, one than inside China. In recent Japan, Korea, Australia, a bunch
‘Cornering of the market’ out and deter current and future of the largest processors of rare years, Lynas came under scrutiny of countries that are emitting a
“It’s absolutely correct there is competitors. In recent years, the Las Ve- earths outside China. The Aus- from activists and the Malay- pretty sizable amount, the Unit-
a cornering of the market with gas-headquartered company tralian mining company, which sian government for radioactive ed States and China the most.”
lithium and other rare earths,” “If the material specification received a myriad of grants and operates a separation facility in waste that it produces as part of
Biden climate envoy John Kerry fits, and the price is a dollar bet- contracts from the Department Malaysia, recently received $30.4 its enrichment process. Lynas has On April 17, Kerry and his
recently said at a CNBC Evolve ter, then you go for the dollar of Defense and Department of million in funding from the Pen- said that the low-levels of radio- Chinese government counter-
summit on the future of energy better,” said Koray Kose, senior Energy to research and improve tagon to build a Texas light rare active waste were not dangerous part issued a joint statement on
innovation. director of supply chain research domestic capabilities. One of earths processing facility and and the Malaysian government climate change cooperation.
at Gartner. the company’s largest customers earned another contract, in part- ultimately renewed the license
But efforts in the recent past is Shenghe Resources, a Chinese nership with Blue Line Corp., and green-lighted a construction While the U.S. aims for raw
to rival China in the rare earths The three most important company responsible for process- also based in Texas, to build a plan for a permanent disposal materials self-sufficiency, any
market and rebuild a domestic materials used in magnets in- ing, distributing and refining, heavy rare earths separation fa- and waste treatment facility in drastic move away from Chi-
industry have been stymied. clude neodymium, dysprosium which also owns a stake in the cility. August 2020. na and other Asia-based supply
and terbium. Terbium is one of chains would dramatically affect
“It’s technically possible to the toughest to come by because A Lynas spokeswoman re- Some companies have pro- American consumers as domestic
try and rebuild the entire supply ferred to the new facilities in an posed extracting rare earths demand for batteries and elec-
chain because we once had it,” from coal, while others suggest tric vehicles ramps up. The pace
says Jane Nakano, a senior fellow setting up a system for recycling of demand growth is expected
at the Center for Strategic Inter- old batteries or disk drives. Sug- to rise rapidly over the next few
national Studies’ Energy Security gestions include calls to utilize years as sales of electric vehicles
and Climate Change Program. shipping services like Amazon or are slated to reach 12.2 million
“It’s not that we’re not experi- USPS to set up a recycling sys- in 2025, according to data from
enced, it’s not that we have no tem, but these endeavors can be IHS Markit.
idea of what the domestic supply costly, Nakano says. Recycling
chain may look like,” Nakano of key raw materials used in the Building a strong U.S. supply
said, but she added that business, EV space is receiving greater in- chain can increase competition
environmental and political fac- vestment focus. Some emerging in the market, and the market is
tors may make the effort diffi- battery recycling leaders include becoming more focused on the
cult to achieve, especially over a Redwood Materials, a start- price impacts of rising demand
short-time frame. up from former Tesla CTO JB for EVs across raw materials,
Straubel, and Li-Cycle, which which could drive up battery
Success is dependent on recently announced plans to go prices by 18% and more than
whether the U.S. can quickly public through a SPAC-merger. double the cost of commodities
scale up processing and refining like cobalt and lithium, Gold-
after the mining of the resourc- The Ames Laboratory in Iowa man Sachs analysts noted last
es, and compete on cost with a is one of the many Department month.
magnet-making and processing of Energy’s national laborato-
market that’s heavily dominated ries working on projects aimed To meet rare earths demand
by China. Once extracted from at substituting rare earths or without global supply chains,
mines, rare earths are shipped to finding new, more eco-friendly though, would require the U.S.
separation facilities, where they methods to recover them. to reach “massive levels of pro-
are separated from other miner- duction,” and build out an ex-
als. Then rare earths are individu- One initiative by researcher traction and production chain
ally separated into oxides, metals Ikenna Nlebedim is a rare-earth that could take up to a decade,
and finally magnets that are used magnet recycling process de- Nakano said. The best course,
in everything from missiles to signed to recover rare earth ox- for now, is to work with allies,
wind turbines, medical devic- ides, without the hazardous acids such as the European Union,
es, power tools, cellphones and or fumes associated. Scientists to reduce reliance on dominant
motors for hybrid and electric are also using the process to re- players like China.
vehicles. cover byproducts like copper and
China’s rare earths dominance nickel. “Once you achieve that, let’s
Rare earth metals are actually say ten, twenty years from now,
Another laboratory in Idaho is then everyone can start looking
at making a truly domestic sup-
ply chain,” she said. — CNBC.

Porsche just got angrier Being a Fashion Model

&Life Style

STYLE TRAVEL BOOKS ARTS MOTORING

Page 35 Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Meet KuChina
feisty and
sultry actress

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA film Spy, written and directed by Paul Feig
starring Jason Statham, Rose Byme and Mi-
WHEN television viewers fall in love with randa Hart, among others.
your character, identify with you and make
you part of their lives, you know you have “Well, growing up I used to watch a lot of
created chemistry with the audience. Hanna Montana films and Miley Cyrus was
the inspiration but that has since changed,”
This is the impact that sultry actress she explained.
Shamiso Nduru has made on ZBC-TV
viewers. While her acting career is still in its in-
fancy, she wants to grow her brand and land
Nduru has eased her way into the hearts leading roles in international productions.
of fans for her role in the popular drama se-
ries, KuChina, in which she ably plays the “There is room for growth in acting and I
role of Shiana – a good and well-groomed do not want to limit myself to only Zimba-
wife to a crude husband, Donald.  bwean productions but outside the borders
as well where I can flourish,” she said.
Throughout her troubled marriage to
Donald, Shiana – tall, feisty and beauti- Bindura-raised Nduru was an instant hit
ful – fights to save the holy matrimony when she first entered the spotlight as a mu-
with gracefulness and love. She is a very sician. 
strong character. The drama, which shows
at 7.30pm every Thursdays, is a story about “I have curtain-raised for Winky D and
Donald, who was a pampered child when Alick Macheso during their live shows held
growing up and has a gangster background.  in Bindura. Sharing the stage with such big
names is always an experience because you
The family, though, feeds off Donald’s learn a lot,” she said.  
filthy rich mother, whose vast business em-
pire incudes the luxurious Moonshine Ho- She started out as a backing vocalist for
tel. Shiana gets everything she needs, but Prince Musarurwa of the Runonzi Rudo
her marriage is not at all a bed of roses. fame in 2008. They recorded two albums
together, Gara Muberevere and Gogodera.
The way Nduru has naturally slotted into
the Shiana role defies her novice status in In 2011, she then decided to start her
the film industry. She is primarily a musi- solo music career, dropping her debut al-
cian, but Covid-19 has hit her singing career bum, Kuchaya Mapoto, which introduced
hard. her as an electronic dance music singer. 

“I am a musician with an album out but “Music-wise, I am still finding myself and
because there is nothing happening in terms I cannot be identified with just one genre
of live performances, my music director of because, as you grow, music tastes change as
KuChina, Blessing Gatsi of B Identified ap- well,” she said.
proached me and told me that he had a role
which I could fit in,” the 27-year-old said. And when she is not on set or stage, Ndu-
ru enjoys making African jewellery.
“And he was right. I think acting has be-
come my first love although music launched “I do jewellery African style and maybe
my career on the small screen. I believe later include metal ones because that is diffi-
acting brings out the best in me and there cult to make,” she said.
is a great deal of work you put into it: the
rehearsals, the shooting and of course the But she has another past time, beside act-
exposure.” ing and music.

Her acting career is largely inspired by “I want to become a commercial model.
watching both Nollywood and Hollywood I think it augurs well with who I am as a
movies and her biggest inspiration is Melissa creative,” she said.
McCarthy, from the 2015 American action
That said, she believes in living by her
own rules in her own space.

“Life is not too hard, but believe in what
you do. Never rely on anyone and you will
get there.”

Page 36 Life & Style NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA

WHAT comes to mind Michael Lannas releases I will take you places
when you think of the ‘intoxicating’ album where you’ve never been .
word “intoxicating”? . .” the track goes.
babwe, pummeled by the English, Shona or Nde- with modern sensibilities. The album opens with a
Well, in colloquial lan- Covid-19 pandemic. bele while in other songs His love for Africa is on feel-good track Shamwari Track three is Tango Ha-
guage it could mean “get- he mixes all the languages. full display but he never (friend) in which Lannas vanna and it is a moving
ting high”, or simply and Added to this, the ar- forgets his homeland Zim- expertly lays his vocals song, with Lannas waxing
bluntly boring! tiste is unapologetic about This is because of Lan- babwe through playing the over a lingering beat. In lyrical as he always does
the album’s content. nas’ background. He was guitar as though it were the song, he calls for one- on every love song.
If this album intoxicates strongly influenced by the mbira, arguably the ness and wishes his friend
you, then of course you For those not in the Maskandi music.  It is most country’s most wide- a good life filled with hap- What It Means has that
might get bored. But if it know, African Soul will the music of the migrant ly used traditional instru- piness and success. He rock and roll feel to it but
gets you high, then you be available for free to workers of southern Afri- ment after the drum. Lan- talks about being there for then it is a sing-along track
will fall in love with it. music fans in line with ca. As a child, this music nas expresses his uniquely one another in sickness or that takes you to another
world trends where musi- would mesmerise him and bold spirit in every word sorrow. level. I foresee this track
Oddly, after sampling cians now use their CDs he never stopped thinking while being earnest and becoming a soundtrack at
Michael Lannas’ latest al- or albums to promote live it was the most beautiful comforting.  The second track is a some point.
bum recently, I found it shows. That said, African sound he ever heard.  gem. It is titled I Want
quite intoxicating. Soul from start to finish If it is a love song, Lan- You Forever, a beautiful The song Time Lapse
has that international ap- “I first heard it when I nas tones down while be- love song on passada beat will take you back to Zim-
It is a collection for the peal with a jazzy and con- was still a baby,” he recalls. ing lyrical like he did on and, boy oh boy, does it babwe because it has that
mature at heart, in my temporary feel characteris- Moyo Wangu Urikuche- make you swing! Lannas mbira/guitar sound, but
view. If you are on the ing the album. African Soul explores ma or on Hapana Mazwi on this number showcas- then it peaks the tempo
young side, it might not different themes and it which showcased his sig- es his tender side when he still on that rock ‘n’ roll
particularly suit your taste.  The musicality is palpa- digs deeper into Lannas’ nature low voice.  sings about his loved one sound. Other songs worth
ble. The songs will tease roots and the influence on and promises to take them listening to are Paulina,
Lannas – a legendary listeners. Lannas has artis- his music is beyond argu- The rhythm keeps it re- to paradise. Ndichiri and It Goes On
Zimbabwean singer, gui- tic range and vocal prow- ment.   laxed and controlled, leav- And On, still influenced
tarist and songwriter – is ess.  ing listeners in a trance. “I want you everywhere by mbira sound.
back with a bang with an His style takes jazz and
album simply titled Afri- Sometimes he sings in contemporary, infusing The title track is one of
can Soul. the best songs on the al-
bum, with beautiful vocals
He is ably backed on and sound while Tequilla
the album by the group Sunrise will definitely get
Talking Drum. you in high spirits. On a
scale of one to 10 where
African Soul is set to 10 represents sublime art-
make serious waves on istry, African Soul deserves
the scene and, trust me, an eight-and-a-half!
this smooth album works
best when you close your
eyes and let the music take
control!

The album features
some feel-good music, just
the way fans have come to
know and love the Talking
Drum sound.

What strikes you be-
tween the ears is the inclu-
sion of old and new voices
as well as the fusion of the
legendary African drum
and modern instruments.

You could say that Lan-
nas represents the much
older folk on this album.
The youthful band mem-
bers – Rudaviro Chi-
mombe, Trey Sean and
Omel – are the fresh voic-
es. It is the best of both
worlds!

Recently, Lannas made
the decision to relocate
back home to Zimbabwe
from the United King-
dom, where he lived over
the past decade. 

His musical experience
overseas brings rich versa-
tility to his new album.

At the same time, he is
also determined to nur-
ture young artistes realise
their fullest potential in
the industry.

On African Soul, Lan-
nas was largely inspired by
Zimbabwean music and
its people. And by titling
the album African Soul,
the music will take you
east, west, south and north
of Africa.

While there is perhaps
nothing unique about the
music, it is the guitar riffs,
the African drums and the
lyrics of the songs that will
make you stop and listen.

The slow sensual sound
and luscious beats provide
the perfect backdrop for a
troubled nation like Zim-

NewsHawks State of the Culture Page 37

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Let’s be wary of simplistic narratives

Addy
Kudita

THE word fixate is one we do have a burden of people were the enemies of Sadly, the protagonists affected in some way or Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
which implies the act of Gukurahundi which, in Germans. His message res- are dying one by one. For the other by the ghast-
focussing one’s attention my reading of history, was onated with many in his me it is a tragedy because ly episode? How will we demigods and that is why
on a particular thing or really the culmination or society to a point where there are two sides to every move forward when there they went to war in the
subject. I had several rea- the frothing of age-old people actively conspired story and it is necessary for are those in our nation first instance. Going for-
sons to fixate this past prejudices, fears and ha- to exterminate millions the sake of our children who feel that they are ig- ward, those who claim to
week on a number of sub- treds. I will argue that that of people. In Africa, the that we have a candid con- nored by the be nation builders must
jects. One of the subjects episode was ultimately Rwandan genocide takes versation about our past rest? Indeed, how are na- move beyond the superfi-
is a sort of carryover from due to a revolution being the prize for the disaster led by those who were in tions melded together? cial of designing national
last week’s subject mat- hijacked by men with pa- that tribalism can visit the seat of power in their What unifies a people in dresses. They must pay at-
ter concerning the City rochial interests who fail upon a nation. respective political forma- spite of their ethnic back- tention to the zeitgeist of
of Kings, Bulawayo. My to balance ethnic loyalties tions before we can move grounds?  a people and understand
column got me into a dis- with the national project. Zimbabwe is not much forward. We have national Nation builders that people’s intelligence
cussion with some artists How indeed are nations different in this regard for trauma and far much more In our case, we have the perceives the charade. The
and residents who felt I forged and just how have what started as a political for some communities 2013 constitution which charade in Zimbabwe is
touched on something other nations evolved and feud in 1963 flowered into than others. That baggage represents our collective that those with different
close to their hearts and dealt with the challenge or a full blown onslaught in is weighing heavily on ambition and vision of so- views are the enemies of
who feel hard-done-by by spectre of ethnically trig- which whole a communi- our shoulders and infuses ciety. There is no need by the state.
the media in general. Last gered wars? Is the problem ty was otherised, targeted the thinking of those who a political party to waste
week’s instalment was a of ethnic mobilisation a and thousands killed. To bore the brunt of Gukura- our time and resources in That is preposterous.
love letter from someone uniquely Zimbabwean or this day, the protagonists hundi. But there are ques- the attempt to reinvent a We will have a market-
who has lived and worked African one? have not allowed us as a tions which the politicians wheel that is already there. place of ideas in this coun-
in the city for over 10 An evil fixation  nation to heal. must answer to the people try and we in the Fourth
years now. The city does I would argue that Hitler and those answers are, to Thus a parochial and Estate are eagerly watch-
have its flaws but it has, was a tribalist, for exam- They have not allowed quote the legendary musi- even borrowed vision will ing to see that is the case.
in my opinion, more that ple, and that evil plunged us into their confidence to cian Bob Dylan, blowing just be rejected unless one Yes indeed , we have what
is good than that which is the world into six years explain exactly why things in the wind. Now who is uses force. Zimbabweans the academic Last Moyo
deplorable. My intention of horror. He was fixated happened the way they that person who is quali- love freedom more than refers to as the African
was not to curry favour on the notion that Jewish happened. We would need fied to broach the subject? they love monarchs or locus of enunciation as
and, just in case someone something of a truth and Who indeed? Who is not a profession and the idea
wondered, I was neither reconciliation commission that advocating for rights
paid nor compelled. But I to hear from both sides. and freedom of the Press,
digress. for example, is a West-
The victimhood discourse
Well, some folks here like
to complain about how
they are done hard to,
duped and marginalised.
They say on the basis on
tribe, some things are out
of their reach and they
have experienced system-
ic tribalism. They say the
problem is structural and
that either the structure
must be ruptured or they
go their separate ways to
live and work in a sepa-
rate new nation. I have no
real locus to disagree with
anyone who feels that on
the basis of their ethnicity
they may have been over-
looked for a job, for exam-
ple, and in the case of the
artist, for brand ambassa-
dorship. The problem with
history is that, to be blunt,

Page 38 Life & Style NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

ern imposed ethic is con- and is heard even if he from resources naturally to use a cliché. We have ca is doing a lot to evolve sounded feeble and hyp-
descension of the worst holds different views from occurring in their habitat.  16 official languages as per from its segregated past ocritical for a leader who
kind. One day on Twit- the curling class. More Representation our constitution and it is and allow minorities to campaigned on a ticket of
ter, presidential spokes- importantly for me, it has part of the nation-build- dream and rise. Some reform and anti-nepotism. 
person George Charamba to be a man like the late I am one of those who ing project to allow for all will argue that that is a So the question I fixated
via his Jamwanda account Kenneth Kaunda or Nel- will argue that without these voices to be heard simplistic rendering of upon this week is just how
stroked his own ego and son Mandela even. We are representation in deci- in public spaces and be- the socio-economic ru- sincere African politicians
wrote words to the effect yet to hear about ethnic sion-making places of in- ing utilised liberally by bric of that country. I am are about shifting the nar-
that he or they are nation tensions in Zambia and, fluence, a community can all. That is how it must be a dreamer. I believe that rative of banana repub-
builders. He was referring surely, the late Zambian easily be excluded from and more. The one time I Africa’s major scourge has lics. I fixated much on the
I am sure to himself and president must be giv- benefitting from national heard South African pres- been ethnic mobilisation subject of whether there is
his principals. His tweet en the credit for welding programmes. People need ident Cyril Ramaphosa, a and wasteful fixation with any sense amongst them
will make useful fodder together a nation out of advocates who stand up Venda by tribe, speak elo- power for its own sake. of actually not feeding
for this column because it the many disparate eth- for them and speak truth quently in IsiZulu, I mar- Political leaders in Africa the stereotypical African
raises a critical point for nic groups which dwell to power. Representation velled at that very fact and generally appear enam- leader who is quick to fly
critical thinkers. I do feel under the Zambian sky. I is critical and that is how for me the value of that oured with power and its to Europe or Asia for even
that the ruling party is understand that President we build a nation. very communication act trappings and the benefits medical care and leaving
ill-advised in its apparent Kaunda was deliberate in is great. Yes, he did falter accruing to their families millions wallowing in de-
attempt to snuff out the his appointments to make In Zimbabwe there has recently when he attribut- and lackeys. crepit public health facil-
opposition. Every thesis sure that the various tribes been some progress in that ed the recent looting to Evidence ities. Mugabe perfected
is strengthened by an an- were represented in the vein because now we have ethnic mobilisation by the In the week, Malawian the practice, Muhammad
ti-thesis because the de- running of the country. seen people from formerly Zulus. It was not his fin- president Lazarus Chakw- Buhari of Nigeria does it
velopment thereof implies Now I understand that marginalised communities est moment and he right- era found himself trend- willy-nilly and so on.
careful thought and hard even this is not enough coming to the fore. That ly received criticism for ing on social media. The Parting shot
work. I suppose that this to bring a people togeth- is to be applauded, but it that and he did walk back reason was that he took a All said, I am fixating on
discussion comes down to er. Still, the importance of must go beyond token- on the comment. Even if delegation to the United the idea that someday we
the development trajec- such a policy transcends ism to a point where our it were true and I do not Kingdom to attend a vir- will produce a new cadre
tory a people would have symbolism or tokenism. It leaders are able to embrace say it was, that the Zulus tual meeting. Appearing of leaders with a spirit of
chosen for themselves.  sends a powerful and evoc- symbols and practices had ethnically mobilised, on BBC in an interview, excellence and who love
Visionary concept ative message that says to which entrench the idea of he was not the right per- he was at pains to explain Africa to the point of ac-
A nation builder, in my a community: you are seen weaving a multi-cultural son to say it. Leaders must that having his daughter, tually working for its tan-
view, must be someone and valued. Of course, and multi-ethnic  tapestry be above the base instincts wife and son in law in gible progress and not fix-
who has a vision of a so- there are many other is- of people. and not view issues with the 10-member delega- ating on merely crushing
ciety in which, without sues that must be looked the narrow lens of tribal tion was not proper. He the opposition rather than
regard to political persua- at such as the distribution At this point I must narratives. It is dangerous. insisted that they were leaving solid institutions
sion and ethnicity, plays of the national resources submit that regarding lan- Still, Ramaphosa’s ascen- Malawians with specific which outlive their puny
a part in its construction and the extent to which guages other than Shona dancy to national office duties to attend to.  He lives.
those communities benefit and English, radio stations suggests that South Afri-
have slowly but surely
been coming to the party,

NewsHawks Life & Style Page 39

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

Poet: Sithembinkosi Ncube Poet: Aries Rage Poet: Curt Masango
Poem: The African Dream Poem: The Rabbit Hole Poem: Imposter

The African dream is a river It is_ Incongruent be the word
Like the Nile it cuts across deserts Soul consuming fire, Blindfolded by darkness
Through rises and lows cold like a glacier lake Confusion simmering
In search of the sea gnawing at your feeble self. Averse ahead behind
Ever trickling waters to eternity Nauseating slime_ gooey and icky In bold capital printed
It has no choice smells like a hagfish waiting IMPOSTER, IMPOSTER
But to fight on the traps of regret to bore into your dying flesh Who cherish life
The African dream is a beating drum poked by your demons, Who dishonour life
Thundering in the country side mocking and taunting your thoughts. Who earns in strife
Alongside the crowing cocks It is_ Who miff with a fife
Spreading the will of a people A never-ending bullying session, Who bleeds the knife
It is a promise of a destination not so far wedges to your tush, IMPOSTER, IMPOSTER
An observation against chains of bondage and barf in your food. Fanaticism for terrorism
The African dream is a breeze Schizophrenic moments. Evangelism for exorcism
Pushing Africa ashore Alzheimer’s_ you wish you had. The blood in the exocarp
Ruffling and soothing Total blackout_ is just a dream The gene that became the epicarp
It is both a struggle and a dance that never comes; The DNA of epical farce on the wall
Like a dog that has just got the scent Constant replays of nightmares IMPOSTER, IMPOSTER
It is both a sound and its echoes and repeated rides on the terror train. Trail guns, statutory bans
Rocking deep into the intricacies Closing your eyes is a free ticket to the boogie ill police, statuette policies
Blossom my people man’s concert. Hunched honcho on macho
Children of the hunters, herders and fishermen It is_ So be the poet and his poem
Blossom my people An obsessive lover’s grip IMPOSTER, IMPOSTER
Mothers of the human race, math and science holding you tight so you
Blossom my people don’t slip away. Light at the end of the tunnel? Poet: Homunculus
Our destination is no longer abroad but here. it’s just a spark of your fairytales Poem: Carry Me
going up in flames; Let’s face it!
Poet: Sydney Nyagato it feeds on your tortured soul Carry me my burdens,
Title: The Green-bereted Bandit just like vultures I’ve carried you enough times
feed on a wounded prey. Piggyback to and fro,
I’ve paid the dues for my crimes
Hell broke loose one gloomy day. Poet: Andy Kahari Bulls eye on my forehead,
It was a fateful fall in the 80s, Poets: Modern Gadgets I’ve failed to grow with the times
When the afro bandit descended, So carry me my burdens,
Green-bereted and all; Modern day gadgets all part of a budget. I’ll wither just fine.
Taking chances in an Afro Windsor castle, Ceremoniously revered by all
Rebuking the sleeping sentries, In worship of the widget. Title: Blue collar
Heckling some imaginary knights, Demanding devoted submission to all Poet: Homunculus
Marking gory puckers with indelible, violet ink, Willing to endlessly fidget.
Using some unique franking machine, Hypnotizing restless wrists blindly draining the Empty drawers
To make some 8th-day - creation of flame pocket. Full of silver spoons
tattoos. The pocket and love they restlessly strangle I count my days
The green-bereted bandit of Afro Windsor, Bringing chaos at midnight; Watching cows jump over the moon
The envy of every nobleman in the Royal En- With an undesirable love triangle. “Soon, “ they say twill be better...
glish family; Applauding a threesome; I still clean the jizz off the carpet
The prowess of which every Jivaro warrior Forbidden in this bed. Of some young boastful tycoon...
of Latin America might choke in the witching Where finger and mind perversion is all but Damn can’t you see?
slime, very bad. Subjecting finger perverts to cyber My path is riddled with cryptic runes
Not far from Gandavaroyi and the treacherous cults. Where they finger pokes buttons How can I sing when I don’t know your
thickets of Mwenezi.. And never nipple buttons. tune?
The green-bereted bandit who pulls up every All to dally and climax Instinct says to run away
stop, In cyber frenzy ecstasy. But society sees a toony loon
Wielding those blunt weapons, To let off drained pockets and strained rela- Weaving my future on its loom
Ready to decapitate every living soul deserv- tionships! How can I escape my dusky doom?
ing death in cold blood..

Page 40 NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

LADIES’ CHOICE
Women on the Move

The NewsHawks introduced a section on its digital publication covering issues about women’s endeavours – under Ladies’ Choices: Women on the Move - to provide women
with opportunities to succeed in their professional and personal lives. Empowering women is empowering families, communities and societies. The coverage’s key objectives are
to highlight women’s careers, endeavours, businesses, financial issues and advance their career growth, as well as contribute to fulfilling their hopes and aspirations. Through this
initiative, our goal is ultimately to contribute, while also helping to secure an equal future for our fellow female citizens, entrepreneurs, employees, clients, consumers and the
communities we serve. In recent years conversations around patriarchy and social tenets of equality have been at the forefront of feminism, but now campaigns and demands for
equality are nearing a fever pitch. However, economic equality – which matters the most – is still a pipe dream.

Ever Vimbai Chinoda:
Speaking out for animals!

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA understand that valuing animals is not a threats to already-endangered wildlife Previously, wildlife law had been
luxury reserved for tourists and the well- in the region. Chinoda is only too aware a little-explored territory within
“NORMAL is not something to off, but everyone’s business.  of the scale of the challenge. What she Zimbabwe’s legal system: she read-
aspire to, it’s something to get away finds most rewarding is the enthusiasm ily admits that it is “a niche that
from.” - Jodie Foster. “Conserving nature matters to every- of those she is training.  digresses from the conventional
one’s children and grandchildren,” she practice of law”.
This appears to be the story of says.  Her reach is impressive: in the last
local Advocate Everlasting Vimbai eight years, she has trained 40 investiga- As Emma Stone said: “What sets
Chinoda, Zimbabwe’s first animal There are many problems, but the tors, 60 prosecutors and 20 magistrates. you apart can sometimes feel like a
advocate – a law advocate and an Covid-19 pandemic has deepened the burden and it’s not. And a lot of the
activist who advocates for wildlife time, it’s what makes you great”. 
rights and protection.
Because of that, Chinoda has also
Yet Chinoda recognises that had to write her own teaching materials
pushing for the rights of animals for use at the University of Zimbabwe
can feel “weird” in a country where and Great Zimbabwe University in
animals are just seen as merely ani- Masvingo as well as the Herbert Chite-
mals and many are struggling to put po Law School where she lectures. 
bread on the table. 
Chinoda also works to be the change
“It’s difficult to talk about animal she wants to see in female leadership in
rights as a whole considering the is- the conservation sector and beyond.
sue of Human-Wildlife Conflict in a She says it is a matter of personal pride
country which is sensitive on its own that she is been able to keep on em-
as there is no sound solution to this ploying her female team throughout
ongoing conflict,” says Chinoda, the Zimbabwe’s repeated lockdowns. “I’ve
founder of the pioneering non-gov- encouraged remote working from
ernmental organisation Speak Out home to reduce the chances of people
For Animals.  contracting Covid-19,” she says. Be-
yond pandemic-linked constraints, she
The organisation, now in its believes that gender discrimination,
fourth year, is working to train rang- lack of skills and lack of financial sup-
ers, law enforcement agents and port are some of the challenges that
judicial officers in wildlife law so women leaders in the wildlife sector
that they can help Zimbabwe better encounter.
tackle poaching-induced biodiversi-
ty disruptions. She has trained some of Zimbabwe’s
ground-breaking female rangers  who
“I got interested in wildlife law work to protect elephants and other
when I worked temporarily for six game in several areas in Zimbabwe at
months at Zimbabwe Parks and Akashinga. She is also a board member
Wildlife Management Authority in of the International Anti- Poaching
2012. I realised that rangers did not Foundation.
have a full appreciation of wildlife
law and saw the need to step in and Chinoda says: “The passion and fo-
share what I had learnt with the aim cus of female rangers and investigators
of combating wildlife crime,” she plus their work and links to surround-
says. ing communities is amazing. It’s this
that’s going to make a real difference in
“So I read and taught myself lo- tackling the illegal wildlife trade”.
cal wildlife laws and came up with
a training module in 2012. Then I The career achievement of which
went to train and disseminate the Chinoda says she is most proud is driv-
information to rangers in every na- ing forward the development of wild-
tional park in Zimbabwe.” life law so that it is now a recognised
field of study in Zimbabwe. Her plan is
Understanding animals to build on this to offer short courses to
Chinoda wants more people to conservation practitioners and wildlife

NewsHawks Page 41

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

enthusiasts.  Advocate. She is the Founder and Co-di- graduated from the University of Zimba- United States, which makes her one of the
She is also proud of being recognised as rector of an international non-profit or- bwe in 2010. She Joined Zimbabwe Parks few African animal lawyers and the first in
ganisation, Speak Out For Animals that and Wildlife Management Authority in southern Africa. 
one of the Top 100 conservation leaders seeks to protect animals through the legal 2012 as a wildlife attorney where time she
in Africa by the African Wildlife Fund. system in Africa. Speak Out for Animals trained rangers throughout the country Chinoda is now a renowned interna-
is organised to educate on animal law and on wildlife law. She also worked as a pros- tional speaker and has made presentations
“Animals cannot speak,” Chinoda says. lobby for policies and legislation that are ecutor for three years under the Nation- on several international forums. 
“That’s the simple truth and that is why in the best interest of animals in Africa.  al Prosecuting Authority in Zimbabwe
the Speak Out For Animals team and I where she prosecuted several animal-relat- “My desire is to see more lawyers ded-
decided to dedicate our lives to wildlife Through Speak out for Animals she ed crimes with resounding success. icate that their time and practise to the
conservation, using the legal system.” has facilitated the training of 20 lawyers field of animal law because to make the
on animal laws, inspiring the best and In 2016, she re-joined the Parks and world a better place for both humans and
Biodiversity and landscape the brightest minds to apply creative le- Wildlife Management Authority, and animals,” she says.
Her adventurous work has attracted gal strategies to help establish greater le- compiled a wildlife reference guide and A great vision.
support and admirers. gal protections for animals through case case monitored the case of Cecil, the lion.  Although Chinoda says animals cannot
Through the Illegal Wildlife Trade monitoring of wildlife cases. speak, they can now speak through her! 
Challenge Fund, the UK has funded She holds a Master’s degree in Animal
some of Chinoda’s workshops in 2021 She is a seasoned lawyer herself who Law from Lewis and Clark Law School,
via conservation charity Space for Giants.
The workshops included those held to
train investigators, prosecutors and mag-
istrates. With that support, she was also
able to develop a wildlife case building
manual called “Points to Prove: A Guide”.
Through the Biodiverse Landscape
fund, the United Kingdom will be fund-
ing conservation and poverty reduction
projects in the Kavango Zambezi Trans-
frontier Conservation Area (Kaza), com-
prising swathes of Angola, Botswana, Na-
mibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 
It will also support research and un-
derstanding of conservation complexities
across the landscape. 
The UK has already funded an el-
ephant collaring project and a review
of veterinary fences. The  fund will be
launched in the Kaza Landscape in Sep-
tember, with the aim of achieving con-
servation, poverty reduction and climate
outcomes.
A role model 
UK ambassador to
Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson said: “I am
in awe of Ever’s ground-breaking work to
increase local appreciation for and adher-
ence to wildlife law in Zimbabwe. She is
a role model in her competence, innova-
tion and creativity in the fight we all share
against the illegal wildlife trade. We all
have a part to play  in conserving species
for the next generation and making sure
there is space for animals in this beautiful
region.”
Background
Chinoda is an International Animal Law

Page 42 NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

NewsHawks People & Places Page 43

Issue 41, 30 July 2021

PHIL PARSONS Sad day as SAA pilots’
wings are finally clipped
SOUTH African Airways
(SAA), you have finally End of an era... the old South Airways gone.
done it. Sixteen months
after last paying us and 26 involving a quick whinge action involving explor- funds from within our 87-year-old airline of it safely.
years since hiring me, you about management, some ing our exotic destination ranks to help them – that world repute. You should Lastly, to all my col-
have pulled the plug and humorous stories about flat, interrupted only by band of brothers and sis- be riddled with guilt but,
retrenched us all. A sad our colleagues or a belly some serious eating and ters to the end. as most of the country has leagues and friends, I
day indeed. laugh about the shenani- drinking at our favour- discovered, you have no thank you for the fun and
gans on a recent trip. ite haunts. From the wild Sadly, many will give up shame. Enriching your- the laughter. Every last one
My sadness transcends parties to the quiet meals flying and for the the rest selves, you have sown a of you has left an indelible
the beautiful machines I Friendships cemented or even the solo-exploring, it will take a few years to trail of destruction in your mark and I will cherish
have had the privilege of over hours and hours in each trip was an adventure return to the flight deck, wake. Thousands of up- our memories forever.
flying or the wide world near darkness, crossing – every single time. under completely different standing, hard-working
SAA allowed me to play continents and oceans. circumstances, I am sure. and loyal workers’ lives May you all find hap-
in. Generally avoiding politics To say the last year- have been upended. piness beyond SAA. I will
and religion, we explored and-a-half has been test- Hang in there, my miss every one of you
Most of all my heart is each other’s passions, ing for us all would be a friends, this crazy world To those of you who dearly.
filled with sadness at the loves, losses, adventures, gross understatement. We will eventually right itself. are entrusted to carry
loss of the friendships and dreams, family dramas or have seen many of our on the legacy in version Godspeed, my friends.
our camaraderie as SAA madcap business ideas, colleagues pushed to the To Jacob Zuma, Dudu- two, I wish you well. May *About the writer: Phil
pilots – a select and very more often than not while edge, only for the pilot zane Zuma and your cro- you prove the naysayers Parsons is a retired senior
special band of brothers devising a mean plan of body to step in and raise nies, the toxic mix of your wrong. Fly the flag and fly captain at South African
and sisters. Not all house greed and incompetence Airways.
friends, but the kind I destroyed a once-proud
would welcome into my
home any time.

Aviators from every
walk of life, from the head
of the AWB Airwing to
ANC exiles, South African
Air Force war heroes to ca-
dets from far-flung rural
villages, from the naughty
to the God-fearing, from
playboys to moms with
kids at home. Every last
one with a flying or life
story to learn from.

It sounds so clichéd but
our diversity truly was
our strength, with varying
skills and experience levels
but every single one with
a common love of flying
and our company, in equal
measure.

Who can forget the ex-
citement of opening our
rosters on the 16th of ev-
ery month for a sneak peek
into the following month’s
fun. It was like opening a
lucky packet. Some you
preferred more than oth-
ers, but all sweet none the
less. Remember having to
quite literally suck a lem-
on to get the smile off our
faces while preparing for
work or whistling while
walking to our cars.

Whether on the jump-
seat to Jozi, in the corri-
dors at work, at the dis-
patch counter, the door on
a crew change in Accra, in
the hotel lobbies or even
bumping into each oth-
er on the streets of Hong
Kong, New York or Frank-
furt and London, the
perpetual banter was in-
evitable. Every encounter

Property
NewsHawks

Issue 41, 30 July 2021 PROPERTY INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE GARDENING Page 44

The home of prime property: [email protected]

OFFICES these days are tem- As offices remain empty, does also held up so far.
ples of indulgence as much as a financial reckoning loom? A number of obfuscating
places of work.
reduces the total demand for floored infinity pool. Others square feet of office space has lection rates for properties factors cloud the picture, how-
One Vanderbilt, a new office space. Start with the risk will be converted into lab already been vacated since the run by real-estate investment ever. Generous stimulus might
skyscraper in Manhattan, that older buildings become and research space, or hous- pandemic began, according trusts (reits) in North Amer- have postponed increases in
has unveiled a restaurant run stranded assets. Around half of es. When AIG, an insurer, to Cushman and Wakefield, a ica remained above 90% for delinquencies and distressed
by Daniel Boulud, a Miche- Hong Kong’s premium stock moves to a recently renovated broker. That is 18% more lost most of last year, according sales. And many firms have not
lin-starred chef. Amazon’s and nearly two-thirds of com- skyscraper in midtown Man- floor space than during the fi- to S&P, a rating agency. They made up their minds yet. No
second headquarters in Ar- mercial property in London hattan, part of its old head- nancial crisis of  2007-09.  Va- may have risen since then. The one knows how many work-
lington, Virginia, will include were built more than 20 years quarters, a tower block built cancy rates rose steeply over Economist has examined col- ers will stay home, and for
an amphitheatre for outdoor ago. SL Green, Manhattan’s in the 1980s, will be converted the past year, reaching 18% lection rates for half a dozen how many days of the week.
concerts. In London, 22 Bish- largest office landlord, says into flats. The City of London in the spring in America. The of the world’s big listed office For the most part, investors
opsgate is so dog-friendly that rents at its older properties Corporation, which oversees forecasts are gloomy. Roughly landlords: the average stands are avoiding rash transactions:
its receptionists issue passes to are down by as much as 10%. the Square Mile, plans to turn one in five offices in America at 98% for the most recent buyers are wary of overpaying,
pets. The recently opened glass Without substantially lower vacant space into at least 1 500 will be empty in 2022, accord- quarter. Delinquency rates on while sellers are unwilling to
tower, which dominates the rents or improved ventilation, new homes by 2030. ing to Moody’s Analytics, a commercial-mortgage-backed take a loss in case the crisis
City of London’s skyline, also access to outdoor space or nat- consultancy. Rents across the securities linked to shops turns out to be a blip. The vol-
houses a climbing wall and a ural light, many will struggle Yet none of this can mask country are projected to fall spiked last summer, and are ume of sales has shrunk, mak-
spa. to sell or attract tenants. the fact that as remote working by 7.5% this year; those in San still high, according to Trepp, ing prices a less reliable gauge
sticks, demand for office space Francisco, by 15%. a data provider. But those for of health.
As companies try to tempt Some dated offices are get- should fall. Companies are be- offices have been unperturbed
workers back to the office, ting facelifts. Fabrix, a devel- ginning to rethink their prop- Puzzlingly, the gloom has by the pandemic, at around One way to penetrate the
developers and investors are oper, is upgrading a 1960s erty needs, with many down- not yet made its way into 2%. The price paid for office uncertainty is to look at more
betting on new buildings with building in London to include sizing or delaying new leases. conventional measures of space in several big cities has forward-looking measures of
alluring amenities. But a huge a rooftop forest and a glass- Globally, more than 103m prices and credit. Rent-col- valuations. These suggest that
uncertainty hangs over them: office property has been dealt
will enough people come? a blow by covid-19. A price
Even as vaccinations progress, index based on appraisals,
workers have been slow to re- calculated by Green Street, a
turn. In early May only one in research firm, is 9% below its
20 buildings in America had pre-pandemic peak in Amer-
occupancy levels above 10%, ica. The share prices of reits
compared with a third in Eu- that invest in offices remain
rope and Africa, and roughly 13% below their level in early
half of buildings in Asia, ac- 2020.
cording to Freespace, a proper-
ty-tech firm. With the return Central banks are on the
to work only just beginning, alert. The reliance of commer-
stimulus still in place and long cial property on debt financ-
leases yet to expire, the extent ing means a downturn could
of any losses is worryingly have nasty reverberations
hazy. across the financial system.
Banks’ exposures are sizeable:
Covid-19 has sharpened the the stock of loans made to the
demand for newer buildings sector by American banks ex-
with better facilities. JPMor- ceeds US$2 trillion, or about
gan Chase, a bank, will reduce a fifth of their total lending.
its overall office space even as In its latest Financial Stability
it builds the second-tallest sky- Review the European Central
scraper in Manhattan for its Bank warned that subdued
new headquarters. More than activity could be masking
half of tours across New York deeper trouble, and deemed
City by prospective tenants risks from property to be “el-
are of high-quality “Grade a” evated”. Many pension funds
offices, compared with 38% around the world have loaded
before covid-19. This shift is up on commercial property in
happening alongside anoth- recent years as lower interest
er disruption: a tilt towards rates have forced them to seek
greener workspaces. Energy returns from less liquid assets.
efficiency and air-filtration
systems are now seen as essen- The fate of office proper-
tial. Asset managers including ty could well rest on vacancy
BlackRock and Brookfield rates. If they stay high, then
have pledged to get their assets things could start to get hairy.
to net-zero emissions by 2050 In April the imf reckoned that
or sooner. a lasting increase in the va-
cancy rate of five percentage
Many property firms are points would dent commer-
pledging that all new build- cial-property valuations by
ings will be net-zero carbon. 15% over five years. Fitch,
The shift towards wellness and another rating agency, esti-
sustainability is no fad, insists mates that the value of offices
James Goldsmith of axa In- in America could fall by more
vestment Managers. “This isn’t than half if workers continue
a social experiment. We’re as- to work from home for three
set managers—pension money days a week. The long-term
is at stake.” nature of property leases and
the continued availability of
Few in the industry, how- debt mean that losses from
ever, will be drawn on the the pandemic may not mate-
reckoning they may face. The rialise for several years. But if
flight to quality is leaving old- the reckoning comes, it will be
er buildings looking undesir- painful. 
able just as remote working

NewsHawks Sport Page 45
nowned former Springbok
Issue 41, 30 July 2021 Definitely, it will be better coach.
than watching paint dry
LIKE most South Africans, But you must reserve
Allister Coetzee was proba- world out there.  his homework following over his selection and tac- After a face-saving win some credit for the ever-in-
bly enveloped in the eupho- I imagine how the cultur- the shaky start, something tics – myself included – De away to Uganda in the last creasing strength of rugby
ria of hosting the Rugby that is fellow countryman Villiers simply refused to rubber, a humbled De Vil- on this continent. Kenya
World Cup in 1995, and al adjustment has been for and good friend Peter de listen. liers told reporters how he went all the way to the final
then witnessing the Spring- Pitso Mosimane going over Villiers did not do in Zim- Two defeats to Kenya felt “proud to be African” and gave favourites Namib-
boks famously lift the Webb to live and coach in Egypt, babwe three years because of the exciting ia a run for their money in
Ellis Trophy for the first even with all the comforts ago, much to his brand of rugby exhibited by the East Africans’ search for
time. offered by Al Ahly, Africa’s own detriment. the two teams in Kampala.  their first World Cup ap-
richest football club.  Like Coetzee, De HawkZone pearance. They fell short,
He would not have likely Villiers had arrived It was too late though, a and it was the Namibians
paid attention to some of I have no doubt that Na- in Zimbabwe as a wonderful opportunity had going to their fifth World
the little sideshows of the mibian rugby authorities former Springbok Enock been squandered due to Cup in a row. 
tournament. Well, certainly will do everything in their coach, a stranger to Muchinjo the condescending attitude
not the presence of the only power to help their new the trenches of Af- of what turned out to be a Whilst Coetzee’s Namib-
other African team in that coach adapt to his new en- rican rugby outside wrong appointment. ia were being beaten by the
World Cup – Cote d’Ivo- vironment following the the lofty standards Ivorians four weeks ago,
ire – who exited in the pool minor setback of four weeks of their own country.   With that, Zimbabwe’s Kenya – with Zimbabwe
stages as expected following ago. Expect the Namibian The Capetonian began and Tunisia would follow, best chance of returning to the biggest threat to the Na-
heavy defeats to France, team to return a wounded his tenure as Zimbabwe’s effectively throwing Zimba- the World Cup for the first mibians’ domination – were
Scotland and Tonga. lion next year in hunt of Af- coach with a disappointing bwe out of contention, and time since 1991 went beg- being defeated by Senegal
rica’s only World Cup qual- home draw with Morocco leaving the Sables in danger ging, a massive disappoint- in opening their own 2023
Coetzee was 32 at the ification spot, a slot they in bid for 2019 World Cup of humiliating relegation ment to all the good indi- World Cup quest. 
time, a provincial scrum- have dominated ruthlessly qualification and after a from the continent’s top-ti- viduals and corporates that
half at the end of his play- between 1999 and 2019. band of critics raised alarm er league. had admirably and selflessly Like Namibia, also expect
ing days and taking baby invested in the project, in- the Kenyans to come back
steps as a coach with East- But, of course, Coetzee cluding hiring a world-re- stronger next year. But do
ern Province.  will be best advised to do not expect the Ivorians and
the Senegalese, or the other
These days Coetzee is teams that have progressed
more mature, at 58, and to the knockout phase of
if 26 years ago he did not the qualifiers, to be resting
notice Cote d’Ivoire as the on their laurels.
West Africans were being
devoured by far superior Meanwhile, the false start
rugby nations in their only of Namibia and Kenya was
World Cup appearance to not the case in our part of
date, they stood in his way the continent, as Zimbabwe
four weeks ago and intro- delivered a harsh rugby les-
duced themselves to him in son to poor Burkina Faso
some style.  last week.

The former Springbok After running in a cen-
coach got a baptism of fire tury in the first of a dou-
at the beginning of July ble-header, cruising to a
when in his first game in 101-3 win, the Sables had
charge of African power the luxury of showing the
Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire de- kind gesture of coaching
feated his side 24-13 as the their opponents ahead of
campaign for 2023 World the second Test, which they
Cup qualification began won 95-5 four days later.
with a few surprises across
the continent. Next year, Cote d’Ivoire –
who await Zimbabwe in the
Coetzee was graceful in quarter-finals – will not be
defeat, remarking after- as charitable.
wards how a bit surprised
at the standards of African And unlike Allister Co-
rugby. etzee, Zimbabwe’s coach
– Brendan Dawson – will
He can be forgiven for know something about the
that. Coming from a coun- Ivorians beforehand. 
try like South Africa, a
global giant of rugby with After Zimbabwe were
no peers on the home conti- the only African team in
nent, it is quite understand- the first two World Cups in
able not to be bothered 1987 and 1991, it was Cote
about what goes on in this d’Ivoire who ended the
game elsewhere in Africa.  reign in the final continen-
tal qualifiers in Morocco in
Frankly speaking, the 1994 and the current Sables
regular rugby-crazy South gaffer, a player in the side
African would rather sit and back then, would not have
watch grass grow.  forgotten that. 

But there comes a time I can promise any rugby
in life when one must step fan anywhere in the world:
outside the comfort zone, next year Africa will pro-
when everything suddenly vide something worth your
changes, and you have no time. 
choice but to quickly accept
that there is a much bigger

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‘We’re now looking$60Covid
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Story on Page 3 Story on Page 8

forward tCohPaamrisis2a0r2e4a’ c
ENOCK MUCHINJO out to Khupeings was no small accom-
plishment in itself so early
IT IS not easy to go to your in Katai’s Olympics career.
first Olympic Games touted “We knew she was not
as the heir apparent to the likely to proceed past the
greatest, especially if you are heat stage. We wanted a
only 17, and a rare breed in PB (personal best) and for
a sport not traditionally the her to be competitive,” said
forte of people of colour.  Unofficial president calls for emergeLobb.
“She did all that and
Last week, Zimbabwean more with an excellent PB
teenage swimmer Danai by two seconds and winning
Katai made her first move her heat comfortably. The
to follow in the footsteps important takeaway from
of her illustrious role model her performance was that
and fellow countrywoman it was a big personal best
Kirsty Coventry, the most which puts her splits off the
decorated Olympian from national record and splits
the African continent. off an Olympic ‘B’ quali-
fying time. She improved
The 17-year-old from her own overall ranking by
Harare – who has won Afri- 10 places and (she) is now
can youth titles and broken ranked second in Africa
youth records once held by in the 100 backstroke. We
two-time Olympic cham- are also going to try and
pion Coventry – has since get her to some more top-
landed back home from Ja- class competitions like the
pan after she did not make World Championships in
it to the knockout stage the next couple of years for
of the women’s 100 metre extra experience. She writes
backstroke at the ongoing her ‘A’ Levels next year and
Tokyo Olympics. she is looking at forward-
ing both her education and
She has, however, not swimming in the (United)
returned feeling totally de- States.”
feated. On Sunday, Katai Lobb, meanwhile, also
won her heat with a per- praised Zimbabwe’s second
sonal best time of 1 minute swimmer in Tokyo, Peter
02.73 seconds, although the Wetzlar. US-based Wetzlar
finish was not enough to did not reach the semis of
propel her to the next stage his only event, the men’s
of competition. 100m freestyle.
“Peter also had a good
Katai grabbed global swim, doing a PB, improv-
media attention arriving ing his ranking and break-
in Tokyo. Her big story as ing the Zimbabwe record
a trailblazing athlete – the ALSO INSIDE Finance Ministy wipes out $3.2 Billion depositors fumanldsoonsathftse,”r aLZovibemrby'ssdailidaff.ti ceusltt l1a8nd c
first black swimmer from Donata Katai at the Tokyo Olympics last week. “I’m not sure of Peter’s
her African country to go future plans. He has just got
to the Olympics – was fea- “She reacted so well to ward to Paris 2024 where Katai in the hunt for her went to the podium in her married and started work in
tured by a leading global participating in the biggest I expect us to be talking first medal at the Games, second Olympics. Lexington in the States after
news agency and read, as event of her life,” Lobb told about semi-finals and fi- and she will be around the finishing his degree.”
well as viewed on television, The NewsHawks on Thurs- nals.” same age as her hero Cov- But, for now, with Tokyo
by a wide range of audienc- day. entry when the now Zim- done and dusted, Lobb feels Wetzlar is also coached
es worldwide. Semi-finals and finals in babwean Sports minister attaining a personal-best by Lobb when back home
“We are not looking for- the French capital will put time and going up the rank- in Zimbabwe.
Kathy Lobb, Katai’s vet-
eran Zimbabwean coach,
believes the teenage prodigy
handled the limelight admi-
rably.

ALSO INSIDE Definitely, it will be better than watching paint dry