NewsHawks 29 October 2021

Price

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WHAT’S INSIDE Friday 29 October 2021 IBnUdSuIsNtrEiSaSl FSPloOwReTr sees
base loss parallel between
CNEhWiwSenga too chokes Afghanistan
powerful, doesn’t economy and Zimbabwe
take orders from
Mnangagwa: Marry Story on Page 20 Story on Page 52

Story on Page 4

Mnangagwa must
not contest the
2023 presidential
election, says
Chiwenga ally

Page 2 News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

‘Mnangagwa must not contest
the 2023 presidential election’

BERNARD MPOFU l Give younger leaders a chance: Chiwenga ally

ZIMBABWEAN President Emmerson Mnan- Business
gagwa must regularise his illegitimate leadership executive Caleb
position, but not contest the 2023 presidential
election, as he would be a geriatric by then, prom- Dengu
inent corporate executive Caleb Dengu — who is
an ally of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga Vice-President also comes from — in 1959, just Secretaries and Administrators, becoming an as- military (now owned by the Russians and Landela
— has said. before the National Democratic Party (NDP) was sociate and fellow thereafter be-tween 1986 and Investments); and is currently involved in Zimbo-
formed in January 1960. The NDP, led by found- 1988. He went on to attain a Master of Business rders that is modernising Beitbridge Border Post.
This comes as Mnangagwa is currently under ing nationalist movement leader Joshua Nkomo, Administration degree at the University of Zim-
siege from within the ruling Zanu PF as party was preceded by the African National Council — babwe in 1993 and do an advanced financial In his book, released last year in September and
bigwigs aligned to Chiwenga say he ascended to also led by Nkomo. management programme at Strathclyde Graduate that Chiwenga reportedly read, which gives a syn-
power internally through unconstitutional means, Business School in Glasgow, Scotland. opsis of what actually went wrong to such a prom-
hence he is an illegitimate leader. The NDP was banned in 1961 and Zapu ising country like Zimbabwe and makes concrete
emerged. Zapu was also banned in 1962 and the He came back and ran businesses, including suggestions on how to arrest the persistent decline
Zanu PF member Sybeth Musengezi has filed a People’s Caretaker Council (PCC) was formed as CDF Trust and Consulting BV, worked with Ri- and change the economic trajectory, Dengu iden-
High Court application challenging Mnangagwa’s a front. Both Zapu and the PCC were led by Nko- oZim Limited, specifically its subsidiaries tifies leadership and policy failures as the main rea-
rise to power and the resultant dubious mandate mo. Zanu, a breakaway from Zapu, was formed in sons for the current parlous state of the nation and
through the infamous 19 November 2017 central 1963 led by Ndabaningi Sithole. Mugabe seized RioGold and RioEnergy. He became company people’s suffering.
committee meeting, which he says was not lawful- power from Sithole in a prison coup in 1974 when deputy board chair and chairperson of the audit
ly convened, constituted and conducted. nationalist leaders from Zapu and Zanu were in and risk committee, as well as the remuneration “The main cause of Zimbabwe’s dramatic eco-
detention. He only regularised his position after committee. nomic collapse is leadership failure, hence it is im-
The shock challenge, coming as it did around ousting Sithole three years later at the Chimoio portant to properly locate the effect of leadership
the Zanu PF annual conference in Bindura, fore- congress in 1977. He advised RioZim on Sengwa Power Station on the country’s development,” Dengu says.
shadows the culmination of the party’s unresolved and chaired Cellulant Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited, a
leadership fight, which is expected to explode Mugabe, also removed in a coup in 2017, was at mo-bile payments platform. “We need to identify leadership at all levels that
during the elective congress next year ahead of the the helm of Zanu for 40 years. Before be-coming believes in meritocracy, excellence, openness and
2023 elections. Mnangagwa is determined to seek the Zanu helmsman, he had been secretary-gen- Prior to the formation of CDF Trust in 2010, integrity. Leadership that is capable of applying
reelection, but Chiwenga and his faction are bat- eral, having been elected at the 1964 congress in Caleb was a development banking and finance resources to change paradigms in a way that will
tling to stop him in his tracks. Gweru when Sithole emerged as party leader. professional for 22 years. He worked for interna- impact lives of citizens.
tional and regional development banks. He also
In a book titled The Bridge — Pathway To New Dengu joined the liberation struggle on 7 April worked for Amsterdam-based Common Fund for “The Zimbabwe government under Robert
Zimbabwe, Dengu, a well-established develop- 1975 aged 16 with six friends. Fol-lowing Inde- Commodities and Nairobi-based PTA Bank, now Mugabe was applying 20th century solutions to
ment banker, who has specialised in structured pendence in 1980, he worked in the ministry of the Trade and Development Bank. 21st century problems, hence the demise of the
project and trade finance, as well as risk manage- Finance, Office of the President and country. Even the new dispensation that took over
ment systems, says Mnangagwa should not run in Among other undertakings, he set up a green- in 2017 has not yet figured out the consequences
2023, but instead allow a new younger leader to Cabinet, Central Mechanical Equipment De- field coal-mining company in Zimbabwe, now of smart sanctions and the impact of leadership.”
contest. partment and Urban Development Corporation. the largest coal producer in the country; advised
Haskell Group to sell a platinum project to Great Ultimately for Dengu, the bottom line is that
“Your Excellency, given your advanced age and From 1981 to 1985, he trained as a chartered Dyke Investments, a consortium com-prising Mnangagwa is illegitimate and should not run in
the workload required to turn around the nation, secretary with the British Institute of Chartered Russians, the government and the Zimbabwean 2023.
a nation as broken as ours, it is advised that you
do not seek re-election as state president in 2023,”
Dengu says.

“You will be 82 years old then. You can choose
to remain as First Secretary of Zanu PF to assist
with generational transformation of leadership in
the party and government. Given the demography
of the country, the nation requires younger leader-
ship to run the country. You have an opportunity
to identify competent young talent in the 40-60-
year range to take over positions in both govern-
ment and Zanu PF. The recommended leadership
can be security-cleared by our National Security
Council (NSC).”

Dengu says the NSC has to ensure ministers
consider national security in a strategic way, as
they formulate and implement government poli-
cies and programmes.

On Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, Dengu, who was
in the liberation struggle and later in government,
said: “Your Excellency, you became leader of Zanu
PF during the transitional period from RG Mug-
abe to the 2nd Republic, which was christened
‘The New Dispensation’ in November 2017. Your
elevation to the position of First Secretary did not
follow the established election process which starts
from provincial nomination.

“It is therefore imperative that you revisit that
chapter in order to get the full support and en-
dorsement of Zanu PF. This will stop dissent and
leadership challenges in the party ranks. Your gov-
ernment is mostly undermined by the Zanu PF
elite rather than opposition members.”

The businessman, a RioZim Limited board
vice-chair (who also chairs the audit and risk com-
mittee, as well as the remuneration committee)
and is managing partner in CDF Trust and Con-
sulting BV, an investment advisory platform and
private equity management firm, said Mnangagwa
should visit provinces not just in his capacity as
President and Zanu PF official, but as someone
seeking to regularise his unlawful position as par-
ty leader. Dengu, who staunchly supported the
Mnangagwa government when it came to pow-
er in 2017 after the overthrow of the late former
president Robert Mugabe in a military coup, is
Chiwenga’s homeboy and ally.

He was born in Hwedza — where the

NewsHawks News Page 3

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Pathway to New Zimbabwe: Caleb Dengu

Page 4 News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Central committee meeting minutes key in court

BRIDGET MANANAVIRE dent and second secretary of Zanu PF, and his ex- Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu hereby recalled from the position of Vice-Presi-
pulsion from the party be and is hereby nullified ty subsequent to the 2014 congress be and are dent and Second Secretary of Zanu PF for; be-
IN the aftermath of the High Court application forthwith and that he be restored to that position, hereby reinstated forthwith to the positions they ing divisive, a member of the G40 cabal, tribalist,
by Zanu PF member Sybeth Musengezi challeng- as well as his membership to the central commit- held.” protecting criminals, preaching hate speech and
ing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitima- tee,” the resolutions of the meeting read. behaving in a manner inconsistent with the office
cy, minutes of the central committee meeting held After that, the meeting then went on to expel and decorum of the office as Vice-President.”
on 19 November 2017 state he was “appointed “That; the resolutions from Provincial Coordi- Mugabe and forced him to resign.
interim leader pending ratification by extraordi- nating Committees (PCCs) suspending and ex- The meeting also went on to fire other mem-
nary congress”. pelling members from the party and hereby nulli- “That; Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe be and bers who were labelled as G40 and destroy-
fied. That; all members of the Central Committee hereby recalled from the position of President and ing Mugabe’s legacy, namely Grace Mugabe,
Musengezi is challenging the appointment, elected at the 2014 congress and who were sub- first secretary of Zanu PF forthwith. That; Cde Mphoko, lgnatius Chombo, Jonathan Moyo,
saying the meeting was unconstitutional in the sequently suspended or expelled from the party Robert Gabriel Mugabe resign forthwith from Saviour Kasukuwere, Patrick Zhuwawo, Letina
way it was convened, constituted and conducted. subsequent to congress, on the basis of fictitious/ the position of President and Head of State and Undenge, Kudzanai Chipanga, Walter Mzembi,
fabricated allegations by the G40 cabal, whose Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Paul Chimedza, Makhosini Hlongwane, Man-
After the late President Robert Mugabe was major objective was protection of criminals, be if a resignation has not been tendered by midday diitawepi Chimene, Shadreck Mashayamombe,
pushed out through a military coup, Zanu PF and are hereby reinstated.” 20th November 2017, the Zanu PF Chief Whip Innocent Hamandishe,
held a meeting to install a new leader, although is ordered to institute proceedings for the recall of
Mugabe had remained the leader of Zanu PF and “That; members from the lower organs of the the President in terms of Section 97 of the Con- Anastacia Ndlovu, Mpehlabayo Malinga and
head of state until 21 November 2017, when he party (provincial, district and branch councils) stitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 20),” the Xavier Kazizi.
resigned. who were suspended or expelled from the par- minutes of the meeting read.
“That; Cde Grace Mugabe be and is hereby
The meeting was called and chaired by Obert “That; Cde Phelekezela Mphoko be and is recalled from the position of Secretary for the
Mpofu, who was the ruling party’s secretary for fi- Women’s League of Zanu PF for promoting hate
nance. Mpofu is now secretary for administration. speech, divisiveness, and assuming roles and pow-
ers not delegated to her office.
However, according to the Zanu PF constitu-
tion, only the first secretary, the second secretary “That; the Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnan-
or the chairperson can preside over a central com- gagwa be and is hereby appointed as Interim
mittee meeting. President and First Secretary of Zanu PF pend-
ing ratification by the Extra-Ordinary Congress
In the meeting, which ran for six hours from scheduled for the 12th-17 December 2017.
10am to 4pm, a number of events happened,
including the recall of Mugabe and expulsion of “That; Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangag-
members considered loyal to him. wa be and is hereby appointed as Zanu PF’s nom-
inee to fill the vacancy of President and Head of
Mpofu was elected to preside over the proceed- State and Government of the Zimbabwe in terms
ings, as he was said to be the most senior member of Part 4 of the Sixth Schedule of Constitution of
of the party present. Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) 14(4)(b) as read
with subparagraph (5).”
Among the resolutions passed during the meet-
ing was the expression of gratitude to the “Zimba- They also agreed that the extraordinary con-
bwe Defence Forces for their intervention efforts gress would ratify decisions of the central com-
in the internal affairs of the party as the governing mittee, in particular the appointment of Mnan-
party, with the view of bringing normalcy, both gagwa as the president and first secretary of Zanu
within the party and government”. PF and the recall of Mugabe.

This was in reference to the takeover of key Other resolutions were to amend the party’s
government institutions and the placement of constitution to remove one centre of power; place
Mugabe under house arrest during the military war veterans in strategic positions in party and
operation that also hounded out Zanu PF and government as long as they have requisite quali-
government officials loyal to Mugabe. fications and restore the organ of district coordi-
nating committees in the constitution as well as
The party, according to the minutes, also ap- filling in the position of national chairman.
preciated Zimbabweans who marched on 19 No-
vember 2017, in what it called solidarity to and in According to the minutes, a quorum of 151
support of the liberation war veterans. members was met and 201 members of the total
300 central committee members were in atten-
The meeting went further to reinstate Mnan- dance.
gagwa who had been fired by Mugabe on 6 No-
vember. In his court application, Musengezi argues that
this meeting was unconstitutional and illegal.
“That; the unconstitutional removal of Cde
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as vice-presi-

VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga’s Chiwenga too powerful, doesn’t take
estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga has orders from Mnangagwa, says Marry
brought into focus the relationship between her
husband and President Emmerson Mnangagwa “His private doctor, E.D.M even advised him Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga (centre) claims President Emmerson Mnangagwa has failed to assist her.
during the ongoing Zanu PF annual conference 18 months ago to send me outside the coun-
in Bindura. try for my hands to be operated and he com-
pletely ignored it, my own President can’t save
In a very revealing tweet, Marry said the pow- me, elimination is at my doorstep. I am seeking
er relations between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga assistance from all those that advocate for chil-
have not significantly shifted since the Novem- dren’s rights to be given my children before I am
ber 2017 coup. She claimed that Chiwenga re- killed, dead or alive I want them in my custody,”
mains more powerful in the balance of forces Marry said.
between the two in party and government.
“I will write again if the opportunity arises.
Marry derives this conclusion from Mnan- I think I am being persecuted for ‘operation
gagwa’s unwillingness or inability, or both, to restore legacy’, the truth will be revealed come
intervene in the couple’s toxic dispute that has rain and come thunder. God help me . . . I am
left her life completely shattered. suffering.”

Marry says she brought the dispute to Mnan- Previously, Marry has said Chiwenga har-
gagwa’s attention, but he has failed to intervene bours presidential ambitions. She also repeat-
and she suggests it is because Chiwenga still edly told The NewsHawks that she has pleaded
holds the levers of power. with Mnangagwa, all in vain. She also sent him
pictures that were exclusively taken by The New-
“I have approached the current many times, sHawks showing severe lymphedema on arms
he has done nothing and has completely ignored and legs.
me, citing reasons that his subordinate does not
take instructions from him, who is the boss Marry also raises various issues including that
now???” Marry wrote in a long tweet this week. if she dies, Chiwenga should be held responsible
not God; she has not seen her kids for two years
“If E.D.M (Mnangagwa) wanted to help me, amid claims they were sexually abused.
he would have done so, a long time ago because
he knows there is no grain of truth in all these “I want the world to know that if I die to-
fabrications, he had put me out in the open to day, it is not the will of God but the will of the
be terminated, he promised vehicles, security, one with access to state human resource that can
accommodation since I am being denied access eliminate without hesitation and on the instruc-
to my homes and all my bullet proof vehicles tion,” she wrote. — STAFF WRITER.
taken from my money and all but absolutely
nothing.”

She called out to anyone who can, to assist
her get access to her children aged 10, nine and
seven, whom she has not seen or spoken to in
two years.

NewsHawks News Page 5

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

WHILE President Emmerson Mnangagwa is rel- Gukurahundi: Remembering
ishing his forthcoming visit to the United King- not to forget pursuit of justice
dom for COP26 — the 26th United Nations
Climate Change Conference — the Zimbabwean led to British and then United Nations sanctions Osisa director that was agreed at the end of 2015, laying some
leader will fly into Glasgow at a time when dip- against Rhodesia. British prime minister Harold Siphosami Malunga groundwork, especially around international ex-
lomatic relations between the two countries have Wilson was compelled by contradictory pressures ker a pact between Mnangagwa, the late military pectations regarding both economic and gover-
deteriorated again after briefly thawing in 2017 to adopt an equivocal policy towards UDI. While commander retired nance reform — the substance of which was anal-
following a military coup which propelled him to this avoided potential serious consequences for the General Vitalis Zvinavashe and the late found- ysed in a 2016 Chatham House paper.
power. British economy and diplomacy, it left unresolved ing opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai in
the question of Rhodesia’s future, which was de- 2002, he was their pivot to the plan. Behind the scenes, Britain supported the coup.
COP26 is scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland, cided by Zimbabwe’s liberation war in the 1970s After their dalliance with Tsvangirai and the This became evident after Mugabe was toppled. Its
from 31 October to 12 November, under the that London lost control of. MDC had failed, British diplomats in the UK officials were the first on the crime scene and set
co-presidency of the United Kingdom and Italy. embassy in Harare and some in the Foreign and the agenda and narrative for the world to support
Despite being sceptical of Mugabe due to his Commonwealth Office (FCO) began to see Mnangagwa despite scepticism given that he was
Mnangagwa will be attending. His visit is sig- Marxist posture during the 1979 Lancaster House Mnangagwa as the candidate they could best work Mugabe’s enforcer.
nificant because Britain supported his rise to pow- Conference, Britain, after the 1980 elections, sup- with and the alternative to spearhead Mugabe’s re-
er despite the current frosty relations. Significant- ported him to the hilt until he started seizing land moval and implement urgently needed economic UK minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin visit-
ly, no Zimbabwean leader has visited the UK in 25 in 2000. Before that, Mugabe wined and dined reforms. From 2014 to 2018, former British am- ed Harare in February 2018. That was the second
years notwithstanding the countries’ close colonial with British royalty, getting all sorts of awards bassador to Harare Catriona Laing sought to reset UK ministerial visit to Zimbabwe since Mnangag-
history. and tributes, including an honorary knighthood relations between Zimbabwe and the UK. She wa took over in November 2017.
and PhD that were later withdrawn after serious moved away from supporting the MDC to seek-
Although the Zimbabwean government spokes- clashes with the Tony Blair government and its ing change from within Zanu PF. The UK had even teamed up with Standard
man Nick Mangwana claims that Mnangagwa’s successors. Mnangagwa was their front and point man. Chartered Bank and advanced a US$100 million
first visit to the UK is as a result of a successful Although the British embassy has always de- facility to Zimbabwean companies, the first such
re-engagement drive, it is apparent that relations Since the 1980s, Mnangagwa was a critical nied supporting any particular candidate, Laing direct commercial loan to the southern African
between Zimbabwe and her former colonial mas- link in the Mugabe regime between Harare and met a number of politicians, civil society leaders nation’s private sector in more than 20 years. The
ter are still frosty, showing no signs of thawing. London. He fancied himself and was seen as the and journalists, among other Zimbabweans, in loan was seen as the biggest gesture of cordial dip-
potential successor to Mugabe, believing he was meetings which hinted the UK was supporting lomatic relations after UK-Zimbabwe relationship
“No Zimbabwean leader has officially visited shrewd, technocratic and business friendly. Mnangagwa. soured in the early 2000s.
the United Kingdom in 25 years. The effort to Laing supported the Lima process of re-en-
make Zimbabwe a normal member of the com- Over the years, Britain nurtured its relations gagement with international financial institutions Throughout the period leading to the July 2018
munity of nations is bearing fruit,” Mangwana with Mnangagwa. Even when it was trying to bro- elections, the UK supported Mnangagwa. Things,
said. however, changed after the 1 August killing of
civilians by the military in the streets of Harare.
In a desperate bid to end its pariah status, Yet the UK remained hopeful until January 2019
the government has been running the #Enemy- when Mnangagwa’s regime went on a rampage,
To-NoneFriendToAll campaign. killing 17 citizens, brutalising dozens, while many
were displaced during widespread riots over rising
“I am eagerly looking forward to my first visit fuel prices. After that the British and international
to the United Kingdom. @COP26 meeting of na- community goodwill evaporated.
tions comes at an extraordinary time in world his-
tory. Many countries are still battling the pandem- Baldwin declared that the UK would no longer
ic, whilst having to undertake immense changes to support Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin the Common-
our economies to meet climate goals,” Mnangag- wealth and the country’s attempt to attract foreign
wa wrote on Twitter. funders. Lack of political and economic reforms
made the situation worse. Baldwin had earlier
In another tweet, Mnangagwa said: “Zimba- promised to support Harare’s return to the Com-
bwe has come a long way over the past three years, monwealth.
I hope our presence @COP26 and our commit-
ment to the global fight against climate change “As of today, the UK would not be able to
will be recognised as part of our ongoing re-en- support this application because we don’t believe
gagement campaign”. that the kinds of human rights violations that we
are seeing from security forces in Zimbabwe are
Mnangagwa will be among many heads of state, the kind of behaviour that you would expect to
ministers and climate change activists in Glasgow see from a Commonwealth country,” she said in
to discuss the world’s mounting climate crisis. 2019. Since then, Britain has slapped Zimbabwe
with some sanctions, with the latest being in July
This week, the UK maintained that sanctions this year. On the list are four Zimbabwean securi-
on Zimbabwe were targeted and did not affect ty sector chiefs implicated in serious human rights
trade between the two countries. An online battle violations — including the deaths of 23 Zimba-
between the UK embassy and the Zimbabwean bwean protestors between August 2018 and Jan-
government revealed deep-seated hostilities and uary 2019.
narrative contestations, further widening fissures
between the two states. Following the departure of the UK from the
European Union, the country can impose auton-
“Good to have a chance to make this clear omous sanctions. In July, British Foreign secretary
again. The UK has imposed sanctions on 5 Zim- Dominic Raab announced new UK sanctions
babweans for well-documented serious human against five individuals, including a top Zimba-
rights abuses & corruption. We work to encour- bwean businessman Kuda Tagwirei, said to be in-
age exports from Zimbabwe to the UK: UK-Zim volved in serious corruption.
trade was 244m last financial year! #itsnotsanc-
tions,” the embassy wrote on Twitter. The UK has made repeated flawed approaches
and miscalculations on Zimbabwe over the years.
“Zimbabwe’s economy has serious challenges, At the centre of its diplomatic blunders has been
but #itsnotsanctions Investors say there are steps a failure to apply history and context to diploma-
Zimbabwe could take to improve its business cli- cy. That was evident during the 1979 Lancaster
mate & grow FDI — enacting currency re-forms, House Talks, during Gukurahundi — the UK
guaranteeing property rights & investors’ ability supported Mugabe during the massacres — and
to obtain legal redress via the courts.” farm seizures in 2000 when the old colonial pow-
er refused to engage with the land redistribution
Relations between Harare and London remain question, wallowed in denialism and openly sid-
strained. Zimbabwe is still no longer in the Com- ed with dispossessed white commercial farmers,
monwealth, although it wants to return amid Brit- giving Mugabe hostage to fortune as he framed
ish resistance. Harare quit the Commonwealth the fallout and UK intervention as neo-colonial.
in dramatic fashion in December 2003 after the And this has also been more evident in Britain’s
54-nation political grouping resolved to extend opportunistic and misguided strategy of seeking
sanctions against Robert Mugabe’s regime for vi- to re-engage Mugabe after the 2013 elections and
olating the bloc’s democratic values. Whitehall’s costly miscalculations over Mnangag-
wa.
Britain, which has troubled relations with Zim-
babwe dating back to colonial times, is struggling In its re-engagement strategy and diplomat-
to get it right on how to relate to the southern Af- ic calculations, the British government needs to
rican nation. The UK has a long history of making put on its thinking cap and ensure a deeper un-
mistakes on Zimbabwe, from the colonial times derstanding of Zimbabwean history, attendant
to the present, revealing its protracted and deep dynamics and its role to deal effectively with its
misunderstanding of Zimbabwean politics, socie- current problems with Harare. Myopic and op-
tal dynamics and history. portunistic self-interest, just like what Mnangag-
wa is doing as he drools over @COP26 to end his
It mishandled relations with Ian Smith leading pariah status, is unhelpful.
to the Unilateral Declaration of Independence
(UDI) in 1965; backed Bishop Abel Muzorewa — CITE/The NewsHawks
during Lancaster House Talks in 1979; and even
tried to secretly nudge Joshua Nkomo to support
that doomed plan — which he rejected as he pre-
ferred a Patriotic Front arrangement — in the
vain hope of a coalition of moderates, supported
by apartheid South Africa. Some in the British
establishment did not want Nkomo, as he was
Soviet-backed and due to Zipra’s downing of Rho-
desian Viscount aircraft during the war.

UDI was a major challenge to the UK’s liber-
al and democratic approach to decolonisation. It

Page 6 News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

NYASHA CHINGONO Mnangagwa drools over COP26:
Harare and London worlds apart
WHILE President Emmerson Mnangagwa is rel-
ishing his forthcoming visit to the United King- Former British ambassador to Harare Catriona Laing at the UK Prime Minister’s Office at No. 10 Downing Street, London, wearing current Zimbabwean
dom for COP26 — the 26th United Nations President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s trademark scarf.
Climate Change Conference — the Zimbabwean
leader will soon fly into Glasgow at a time when that doomed plan — which he rejected as he pre- British royalty, getting all sorts of awards and From 2014 to 2018, former British ambassa-
diplomatic relations between the two countries ferred a Patriotic Front arrangement — in the tributes, including an honorary knighthood and dor to Harare Catriona Laing sort to reset rela-
have frozen again after briefly thawing in 2017 vain hope of a coalition of moderates, supported PhD that were later withdrawn after serious clash- tions between Zimbabwe and the UK. She moved
following a coup which propelled him to power, by apartheid South Africa. Some in the British es with the Tony Blair government and its suc- away from supporting the MDC to seeking
toppling the late former president Robert Mug- establishment did not want Nkomo, as he was cessors. change from within Zanu PF. Mnangagwa was
abe. Soviet-backed and due to the Viscounts shooting their front and point man.
incidents during the war. Since the 1980s, Mnangagwa was a critical
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change link in the Mugabe regime between Harare and Although British embassy always denied sup-
Conference, also known as COP26, is scheduled The UDI was a major challenge to the UK’s London. He fancied himself and was seen as the porting any particular candidate, Laing met a
to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, between 31 Oc- liberal and democratic approach to decolonisa- potential successor to Mugabe, believing he was number of politicians, civil society leaders and
tober and 12 November, under the co-presidency tion. It led to British and then United Nations shrewd, a technocrat and business friendly. journalists, among other Zimbabweans, in meet-
of the United Kingdom and Italy. sanctions against Rhodesia. ings which hinted the UK was supporting Mnan-
Over the years, Britain nurtured its relations gagwa.
Mnangagwa will be attending. His visit is British prime minister Harold Wilson was with Mnangagwa. Even when it was trying to
significant because Britain supported his rise to compelled by contradictory pressures to adopt an broker a pact between Mnangagwa, the late mil- Laing supported the Lima process of re-en-
power despite the current frosty relations. Signifi- equivocal policy towards UDI; while this avoid- itary commander retired General Vitalis Zvina- gagement with international financial institutions
cantly, no Zimbabwe leader has visited the UK ed potential serious consequences for the British vashe and the late founding opposition MDC that was agreed at the end of 2015, laying some
in 25 years notwithstanding the countries’ close economy and diplomacy, it left unresolved ques- leader Morgan Tsvangirai in 2002, he was their groundwork, especially around international ex-
colonial history. tion of Rhodesia’s future, which was decided by pivot to the plan. pectations regarding both economic and gover-
Zimbabwe’s liberation war in the 1970s that Lon- nance reform — the substance of which was anal-
Although the Zimbabwean government don lost control of. After their dalliance with Tsvangirai and the ysed in a 2016 Chatham House paper.
spokesman Nick Mangwana claims that Mnan- MDC had failed, British diplomats in the UK
gagwa’s first visit to the UK is as a result of a suc- Despite being sceptical of Robert Mugabe due Embassy in Harare and some in the Foreign Behind the scenes, Britain supported the coup.
cessful re-engagement drive, it is apparent that to his Marxist posture during the 1979 Lancaster and Commonwealth Office (FCO) began to This became evident after Mugabe was toppled.
relations between Zimbabwe and her former co- House Conference, Britain, after the 1980 elec- see Mnangagwa as the candidate they could best Its officials were the first on the crime scene and
lonial master are still frosty, showing no signs of tions, supported him to the hilt until he started work with and the alternative to spearhead Mug- set the agenda and narrative for the world to sup-
thawing. seizing land in 2000. abe’s removal and implement urgently-needed port Mnangagwa despite scepticism given that he
economic reforms. was Mugabe’s enforcer.
“No Zimbabwean leader has officially visited Before that, Mugabe dined and wined with
the United Kingdom in 25 years. The effort to
make Zimbabwe a normal member of the Com-
munity of Nations is bearing fruit,” Mangwana
said.

In a desperate bid to end its pariah status, gov-
ernment has been running the #enemytonone-
friendstoall.

“I am eagerly looking forward to my first visit
to the United Kingdom,” @COP26 meeting of
nations comes at an extraordinary time in world
history. Many countries are still battling the
pandemic, whilst having to undertake immense
changes to our economies to meet climate goals,”
Mnangagwa said on Twitter.

In another tweet, Mnangagwa said: “Zimba-
bwe has come a long way over the past three years,
I hope our presence @COP26 and our commit-
ment to the global fight against climate change
will be recognised as part of our ongoing re-en-
gagement campaign”.

Mnangagwa will be part of several heads of
state, ministers and climate change activists in
Glasgow to discuss the world’s mounting climate
challenges.

This week the UK maintained that sanctions
on Zimbabwe were targeted and did not affect
trade between the two countries.

An online battle between the UK Embassy and
government revealed deep-seated hostilities and
narrative contestations, further widening fissures
between the two states.

“Good to have a chance to make this clear
again. The UK has imposed sanctions on 5 Zim-
babweans for well-documented serious human
rights abuses & corruption. We work to encour-
age exports from Zimbabwe to the UK: UK-Zim
trade was 244m last financial year! #itsnotsanc-
tions,” the embassy said on twitter.

“Zimbabwe’s economy has serious challenges,
but #itsnotsanctions Investors say there are steps
Zimbabwe could take to improve its business cli-
mate & grow FDI — enacting currency reforms,
guaranteeing property rights & investors’ ability
to obtain legal redress via the courts.”

Relations between Harare and London remain
strained. Zimbabwe is still no longer in the Com-
monwealth, although it wants to return amid
British resistance.

Harare quit the Commonwealth in dramatic
fashion in December 2003 after the 54-nation
political grouping resolved to extend sanctions
against Mugabe’s regime for violating the bloc’s
democratic values.

Britain, which has troubled relations with
Zimbabwe dating back to colonial times, is strug-
gling to get it right on how to relate the southern
African nation.

The UK has a long history of making mistakes
on Zimbabwe, from the colonial times to the
present, revealing its protracted and deep misun-
derstanding of Zimbabwean politics, societal dy-
namics and history.

It mishandled relations with Ian Smith lead-
ing the Unilateral Declaration of Independence
(UDI) in 1965, backed Bishop Abel Muzorewa
during Lancaster House Talks in 1979 and even
tried to secretly nudge Joshua Nkomo to support

NewsHawks News Page 7

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

(Left to right): Former British ambassador to Harare Catriona Laing, UK minister of State for Africa Harriet Baldwin and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

UK Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin visited Behind the scenes, Britain supported the coup of November 2017 that catapulted President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power.
Harare in February 2018. That was the second
UK ministerial visit to Zimbabwe since Mnan- Iraq and Zimbabwe. er refused to engage with the land redistribution In its re-engagement strategy and diplomatic
gagwa took over in November 2017. The UK has made repeated flawed approaches question, sunk into denialism and openly sided calculations, London needs to put on its thinking
with dispossessed white commercial farmers, giv- cap and ensure a deeper understanding of Zim-
The UK had even teamed up with Standard and miscalculations on Zimbabwe over the years. ing Mugabe hostage to fortune as he framed the babwean history, attendant dynamics and its role
Chartered Bank and advanced a US$100 million At the centre of its diplomatic faux pas has been a fallout and UK intervention as neo-colonial. And to deal effectively with its current problems with
facility to Zimbabwean companies, the first such failure to apply history and context to diploma- this has also been more evident in Britain’s op- Harare. Myopic and opportunistic self-interest,
direct commercial loan to the southern African cy. That was evident during the 1979 Lancaster portunistic and misguided strategy of seeking to just like what Mnangagwa is doing as he drools
nation’s private sector in more than 20 years. The House Talks, during Gukurahundi — the UK re-engage Mugabe after the 2013 elections and its over @COP26 to end his pariah status, won’t help
loan was seen as the biggest gesture of cordial dip- supported Mugabe during the massacres — and costly miscalculations over Mnangagwa. anything.
lomatic relations after UK-Zimbabwe relationship farm seizures in 2000 when the old colonial pow-
soured in the early 2000s.

Throughout the period leading to the July 2018
elections, the UK supported Mnangagwa. Things,
however, changed after the 1 August killing of
civilians by the military in the streets of Harare.
Yet the UK remained hopeful until January 2019
when Mnangagwa’s regime went on a rampage,
killing 17 citizens, brutalising dozens, while many
were displaced during widespread riots over rising
fuel prices.

After that the British and international com-
munity goodwill evaporated.

Baldwin declared that the UK would no longer
support Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin the Common-
wealth and the country’s attempt to attract foreign
funders. Lack of political and economic reforms
made the situation worse.

Baldwin had earlier promised to support Hara-
re’s return to the Commonwealth.

“As of today, the UK would not be able to
support this application because we don’t believe
that the kinds of human rights violations that we
are seeing from security forces in Zimbabwe are
the kind of behaviour that you would expect to
see from a Commonwealth country,” she said in
2019.

Since then Britain has slapped Zimbabwe with
some sanctions, with the latest being in July this
year. Four Zimbabwe security sector chiefs ac-
cused of being involved in serious human rights
violations — including the deaths of 23 Zimba-
bwean protestors between August 2018 and Jan-
uary 2019.

Following the departure of the UK from the
European Union, the country can impose auton-
omous sanctions.

In July, British Foreign Secretary Dominic
Raab announced new UK sanctions against five
individuals, including a top Zimbabwean busi-
nessman Kuda Tagwirei, said to be involved in se-
rious corruption in Equatorial Guinea, Venezuela,

Page 8 News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

MDC Alliance dismisses UN envoy

NYASHA CHINGONO

ZIMBABWE’S main opposition MDC Alliance MDC Alliance vice-president Welshman Ncube.
has accused United Nations (UN) special rappor-
teur Alena Douhan of being hostile towards the UN special rapporteur (left) Alena Douhan with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
party and prematurely issuing a non-comprehen-
sive preliminary statement demanding the lifting meant to portray the correct picture of the impact pendent civil society organisations and human paign by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s gov-
of sanctions on the southern African nation. of sanctions. rights defenders, she notes with regret that a sub- ernment to lift sanctions. Her submissions have
stantial number of NGOs and some other inter- been adulated by his regime.
Douhan, who was invited by the government as UN Watch details how Douhan met mostly locutors failed to engage with the mandate due
part of a campaign to lift international sanctions government ministers. to various hateful and intimidating messages that Lawyer Alex Magaisa also believes Douhan’s
on Zimbabwe, this week called on the United appeared in social media and news outlets, and an visit was shrouded in controversy.
States and other Western powers to lift the restric- In her statement, Douhan admitted that she alleged fear of losing foreign donations,” she said.
tive measures on Harare. did not meet all relevant stakeholders, adding that “The so-called special rapporteur who comes
some non-governmental organisations did not In February 2021, she was accused of under- from Belarus, one of the world’s biggest human
The MDC Alliance has come out guns blaz- contribute, fearing losing “international funding”. taking a major propaganda visit to Venezuela, rights violators, which is also facing sanctions,
ing, accusing the UN diplomat of lacking pro- portraying the Maduro regime as a victim of US is hardly an honest broker. Her itinerary, which
fessionalism and parroting Zanu PF propaganda She said those organisations which failed to sanctions. is brazenly one-sided, is a clear indicator that
concerning sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by submit their thoughts could still do so. the script has already been written in advance,”
the West post the land reform programme more UN Watch says Douhan’s visit is part of a cam- Magaisa said.
than 20 years ago. The US and its Western allies “Although the Special Rapporteur had the op-
say the sanctions are targeted at state-owned enter- portunity to meet many representatives of inde-
prises financing the ruling party, Zanu PF officials
and security chiefs blacklisted for violating human
rights and accused of electoral fraud in past elec-
tions.

MDC Alliance vice-president Welshman Ncu-
be told The NewsHawks that Douhan’s conduct
was unbecoming of a top UN diplomat, accusing
her of endorsing Zanu PF propaganda.

Douhan this week called upon the West to lift
sanctions on Zimbabwe, but the MDC-Alliance
says she should have recommended a lasting solu-
tion to end Zimbabwe’s pariah status.

“Rhetorical shouting will not help,” Ncube
said.

“If you are thinking that by joining (the Zanu
PF anti-sanctions campaign), the noise, you are
wasting your time,” he added.

Ncube said Douhan should have come up with
a plausible roadmap to encourage the West to dia-
logue with the government of the day.

“An expert worth their salt should have thought
of ways to bring those who imposed sanctions to
dialogue with Zimbabwe,” he said.

Douhan courted the ire of the opposition and
civic society when she joined Zanu PF in its call
against the imposition of sanctions. This has
drawn widespread criticism of her work in the
country.

“If you want to help, you do not join the rhe-
torical propaganda. It is not sensible,” Ncube
said, adding that the fundamental reasons for her
fact-finding mission were misplaced.

Douhan yesterday chided political elements
who use sanctions for political advocacy.

“Using sanctions as a means for political advo-
cacy does not do any good,” she said.

Zanu PF this week commemorated the an-
ti-sanctions day, rallying its supporters and the Af-
rican Union to denounce the restrictive measures.

Douhan’s report also played into the ruling par-
ty’s rhetoric that sanctions had contributed to the
demise of the economy.

Ncube accused the special rapporteur of pro-
ducing a pre-determined report.

He said Douhan’s press release was issued while
party officials were meeting her delegation.

The MDC Alliance believes their concerns and
contributions were not included in the final re-
port.

“We are clearly the biggest opposition in Zim-
babwe and outside Zanu PF the main political ac-
tor. In that context, our opinion is second to the
government of the day. What happened suggested
a lack of sincerity and genuine attempt to listen to
all stakeholders,” Ncube said.

“The conclusions were already pre-determined
and, that said, all credibility of the report is lost.”

Ncube accused Douhan of lacking profession-
alism and brazenly showing dislike for the oppo-
sition.

“When you meet a rapporteur, you expect that
they will be diplomatic and respectful. It was clear-
ly one of the most undiplomatic engagements we
have ever done,” Ncube complained.

“It is disturbing that an international person
shows open hostility to an organisation which is
an important stakeholder. It speaks to the lack of
objectivity of the process,” Ncube added.

According to UN Watch, a non-governmen-
tal organisation which monitors the multilateral
organisation, Douhan’s one-sided itinerary was
meant to silence certain key stakeholders and

NewsHawks News Page 9

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA Police chief ’s name dragged
into US$152 000 theft case
POLICE commissioner-general Godwin Matan-
ga’s name has been dragged into an unlawful entry Insurance and Pensions Commission executive Grace Muradzikwa Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga
and theft case involving US$152 000 in cash and
valuables, pitting prominent corporate executive and . . . the accused person entered the com- es, which if convicted, will face a jail sentence and Asked about her purported links to Matanga,
Grace Muradzikwa and flamboyant socialite Lum- plaint’s bedroom where the money was and took the state has a strong case against this accused interference or possible name-dropping, Grace
initsa Kimberly Jemwa, amid fears of name-drop- photographs and sent to the complainant, saying person, since he is the only person who entered Muradzikwa, who was attending a meeting at
ping and obstruction of the course of justice. you can check your maid might have stolen some the complainant’s house and it is proved through the time, decline to comment. “As you might be
items from you. investigation that the crime was carried out by the aware, I’m in a meeting and I don’t think I can
Those involved in the case say Muradzikwa has accused person, since there is no break-in which comment because the matter is before the courts.
been using Matanga’s name to intimidate Jem- “The accused’s mother (Grace Muradzikwa) took place.” You said which paper are you from?” she asked.
wa, who is fighting with the corporate executive’s already interrupted the investigations by influenc-
son Kundai, accused of unlawful entry into his ing the release of the accused person from the cells Additional information also indicates that the Matanga’s phone went unanswered. However,
family tenant — Jemwa’s home — and stealing in the night well after the release time had passed. dockets went missing, not once, but twice, due to we sent him a WhatsApp message, seeking clarity
US$32 000 in cash and valuables amounting to Since then, the accused’s mother prevented us interference by Muradzikwa, after she threatened on the issue, but did not get a reply at the time of
US$120 000. from carrying searches at his place of residence to rope in Matanga. And the release of Kundai writing.
and influenced by being released from police cus- from police cells hours after the arrest remains a
According to court papers, early this month, tody within 2 hours of detention. mystery after calls were allegedly made by Mu- Jemwa, who is back in Johannesburg for now,
Kundai Muradzikwa, son to Insurance and Pen- radzikwa to higher offices. said she could not comment as the matter was still
sion Commission (Ipec) commissioner Grace “The accused persons are facing serious offenc- sub judice.
Muradzikwa, who was Nicoz Diamond manag-
ing director, allegedly gained unlawful entry into Businesswoman and socialite Luminitsa Kimberly Jemwa
their tenant, Jemwa’s house at N0. 4 Quinnington
Road in Borrowdale Brooke, an upmarket hous-
ing estate in Harare’s northern suburbs, after forc-
ing her maid to vacate the premises over delayed
payment of rentals of US$1 700 per month.

Jemwa — who is based in Johannesburg, South
Africa — had promised to pay the rent in cash
upon her return to back to Harare, which she did.

However, before Jemwa’s return, Kundai had
allegedly forced out her maid, seized the keys
and gained illegal entry into the house and stole
US$32 000, designer handbags and jewellery —
personal ornaments such as necklaces, rings and
bracelets — amounting to US$120 000.

After that, Kundai then called Jemwa, claiming
her maid had stolen her goods and left without
telling her. Jemwa, top local footballer Nyasha
Mushekwi’s former wife, who is now a business-
woman, rushed back to Harare and found her
money and valuables gone. In the company of
relatives, she went for a surprise visit to her maid
Musodzi Pafiwa’s home in Domboshava, only to
find that there was nothing to suggest she had sto-
len money, as her home did not even have grocer-
ies. Jemwa then got both Kundai and her maid
arrested, even though she had not found anything
at her helper’s home.

The maid told Jemwa that Kundai had forced
her out and took control of the house keys. It is
alleged that once he got the keys, Kundai unlaw-
fully entered Jemwa’s rented property and made
off with US$32 000, four pairs of designer shoes
for men, three pairs of designer shoes for women,
bags and tracksuits, two diamond-encrusted Rolex
wrist watches, as well as one pair of diamond ear-
rings, among other things.

However, no sooner had Kundai been arrested
than his mother Grace Muradzikwa, a prominent
insurance industry executive, started allegedly in-
terfering with police and investigating officers, say-
ing she was well-connected, as she knew Matanga
and had “immunity” from the law. She allegedly
claimed her son also had “immunity”.

After the interference and intimidation direct-
ed at Jemwa and police, she allegedly got her son
released from custody unlawfully, while the maid
remained detained.

Police officers indicated they were unable to
proceed because of Muradzikwa’s interference and
name-dropping. Grace is married to veteran jour-
nalist and Zimbabwe Media Commissioner mem-
ber Henry Muradzikwa. She claimed because she
and her husband were commissioners, their son
could not be arrested.

It is alleged that Grace even tried to stop police
from taking her son to court, citing her claimed
contacts with Matanga and other powerful peo-
ple. There were even claims that the Office of the
President and Cabinet was involved on her side.

But Kundai was taken to court and remanded
to 15 November.

“The accused person, Kundai Muradzikwa,
seized the keys from the maid and ordered the
maid to vacate the premises because her boss had
delayed paying rent by six days in the absence of
the complainant and the accused person unlaw-
fully entered the complainant’s home without her
knowledge or approval and stole complainant’s
money amounting to US$32 000 cash, two Rolex
watches, gold and diamond jewellery, clothes and
bags valued at US$152 000,” Nomatter Magaba,
an investigating officer handling the case, wrote.

“Witness statement confirming that the ac-
cused person ordered the maid to vacate the place
and handover the keys to him. Accused person
was in possession of complainant’s household keys
during the time in which the money was stolen

Page 10 News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

LIZWE SEBATHA Esidakeni farm wrangle turns
nasty, tomato crops destroyed
KERSHELMAR Farm, commonly known as
Esidakeni, should be teeming with ready-to-har- Esidakeni co-owner lands. I have no interest in their tomatoes. Their stance on Gukurahundi.
vest tomatoes at this time of the year as it is every Siphosami Malunga crops are affected by heavy weeds, poor crop man- “And, I say always, some of us for our loud
farmer’s wish to take a good crop to market. he owns. Meanwhile, we await the court decision agement and neglect. They have been harvesting
on our application for leave to evict him pending tomatoes for the past seven weeks and could have mouths, we have lost our farms. We will lose
A gaze through the farm in Nyamandlovu, his frivolous appeal. Zimbabwe is going nowhere reached their lifespan,” Madzivanyati said on more, but it’s okay,” Malunga said.
northwest of Bulawayo, which is at the centre of with these kinds of people. Nowhere! We will Wednesday.
a politically-driven ownership wrangle, paints a fight to the bitter end.” The festival was hosted by the Centre for Inno-
different picture. The crops are stunted, there are In an interview on Wednesday, Malunga said On Monday, during the launch of a Gukura- vation and Technology (CITE).
barren fields of parched browns and pallid yellows the matter is subjudice, adding “perhaps you can hundi documentary titled: One Night In 1985,
— clear signs of a wilting crop. speak to Madzivanyati himself.” at the Asakhe Film Festival in Bulawayo, Malun- “I will never keep quiet on Gukurahundi. Who
Madzivanyati denied charges of destroying the ga said the government was intent on sabotag- is going to talk for those people who disappeared?
The situation on the farm, known for produc- tomato crops. ing their farm venture because of his outspoken Who is going to talk for them? For me, I continue
ing export-grade tomatoes, is now on a slippery “Their tomatoes are not at my farm but at top and I use this opportunity to say we should work
slope, thanks to manoeuvres by state and govern- towards resolving Gukurahundi.”
ment officials such as Central Intelligence Organ-
isation deputy director Gatsha Mazithulela, says The festival, which ran from October 25 end-
Esidakeni co-owner Siphosami Malunga, son of ing on Saturday, is part of CITE’s three-year proj-
the late nationalist Sydney. ect: Confronting the Past: National Healing, Rec-
onciliation and Transitional Justice in Zimbabwe,
“It’s completely destroyed,” Malunga be- supported by the Netherlands Embassy.
moaned on Monday.
An estimated 20 000 people lost their lives,
Malunga co-owns the highly contested farm with researchers arguing that the killings were de-
with businessman Charles Moyo and Zephania liberate to create a one-party state as most victims
Dlamini, a scientist working at the National Uni- were supporters of the opposition Zapu and of
versity of Science and Technology (Nust). Ndebele identity.

The farm has been the subject of a court wran- In a letter to Masuka dated June 14 contesting
gle between Moyo, Dlamini and Malunga on the farm seizure, Malunga, Dlamini and Moyo
one side and Lands minister Anxious Masuka, warned that they stand to lose more than ZW$60
Mazithulela, Matabeleland North Provincial Af- million in potential revenue from their horticul-
fairs minister Richard Moyo on the other hand. tural project if they are evicted.

It all began in December 2020 when Masuka “We have invested ZW$10million of bor-
issued a notice saying the 553-hectare farm is be- rowed funds from local banks (using our urban
ing compulsorily acquired under section 72(2) of residential properties as collateral) to implement
the country’s constitution for redistribution. an intensive winter/summer horticultural pro-
gramme which involves utilisation of 55ha of the
Nust lecturer and businessman Dumisani arable land,” the letter reads in part.
Madzivanyati and senior CIO officer Reason
Mpofu later emerged waving offer letters to occu- “This is supposed to yield gross returns of over
py 50 hectares apiece at Esidakeni Farm. ZW$60 million between now and April 2022.
We cannot be said to be under-utilising the land.”
On 11 October, High Court judge Jus-
tice Martin Makonese issued an order evicting Masuka, chief Lands officer for Matabeleland
Madzivanyati from the farm after the trio ap- North province, Registrar of Deeds, Mazithule-
proached the courts seeking a spoliation order la, Madzivanyati, Mpofu and the Matabeleland
directing the latter and others to stop interfering North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo
with their farm operations. have been listed as first to seventh respondents re-
spectively by the trio.
“The respondent and all persons claiming
ownership through him shall remove or cause the
removal of themselves and all such persons with-
in 24 hours from the date of this order from the
farm situated in the district of Nyamandlovu, be-
ing subdivision A of sub-division B of Umguza,
measuring 195 8095ha, and collectively known as
Esidakeni Farm,” Makonese ruled.

Madzivanyati was also ordered to restore all
farm equipment, including irrigation pipes, to the
applicants within 24 hours, failure of which the
Sheriff would be ordered to evict him.

However, a day later, Madzivanyati approached
the Supreme Court, challenging the outcome of
the lower court. The matter has not been set down
for a hearing.

For Malunga, it is a little too late as the planted
tomato crop wilted due to a lack of water as the
ownership wrangle and disruptions continue.

“The plan to sabotage and cause maximum
damage worked. This is our erstwhile beautiful
tomato crop at Esidakeni following sustained
water interruptions, diversions and disruptions
by Dumisani Madzivanyati (a holder of an offer
letter for our farm). This person is not a farmer,”
Malunga posted on Facebook.

“He was clearly sent by his comrades whom
we have named in court to sabotage and finan-
cially cripple us. We will sue him for everything

Zimra grants car importers duty grace period

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has tation of second-hand vehicles that are 10 years Zimra Regional Office to regularise such clearanc- is advising members of the public who in recent
extended a two-week grace period to importers and older. SI 89 of 2021 was promulgated on 2 es. months imported motor vehicles and failed to get
who under-declared duty on motor vehicles, as April 2021 and in the same month the number registration books and number plates, that regis-
the tax collector adopts moral suasion as a first of imported cars declined by 2 034 from 5 100 “If such persons, with the vehicles so described tration books and vehicle number plates for newly
option to promote compliance. in March 2021. above, contact Zimra offices not later than Mon- imported vehicles are now in stock,” the tax col-
day 8 November 2021, and make acceptable pay- lector said.
Officials say Treasury loses hundreds of mil- Zimra said people in possession of vehicles ment arrangements, not exceeding three months,
lions of dollars in potential revenue through tax which were irregularly cleared can approach Zim- penalties will be waived. What will remain due “Clients who wish to acquire motor vehicle
evasion, under-invoicing and illicit financial ra to work out payment plans not exceeding three and payable are the full duties or additional du- registration books and number plates should ap-
flows. months. ties due, and interest. Persons who wish to take proach the above Zimra offices and submit the
advantage of this rare window period should con- requisite documents and payments. The public
The grace period, which lapses next month, “The irregular cases could be of fraudulently tact the following offices for appointments to be is also advised that the Zimbabwe National Road
comes at a time the vehicle import bill dropped by registered vehicles, smuggled, undervalued vehi- made, and their cases reviewed.” Administration (Zinara), will have a temporary
73% to US$47.5 million during the first half of cles, offences relating to temporary importation service counter at the Zimra office based at Kuri-
the year from US$181.3 million generated during of vehicles, or any other Customs offence relating The authority has previously been failing to is- ma House, George Silundika Avenue, between
the same period last year, according to Zimra sta- to vehicles,” a notice by Zimra reads. sue registration books and number plates, which 3rd and 4th Street for vehicle licensing, thereby
tistics. were only made available at the beginning of this bringing additional convenience to clients.” —
“. . . companies or such other entities who may month.
The decline was attributed to Statutory Instru- be in possession of vehicles that were not properly STAFF WRITER.
ment (SI) 89 of 2021, which banned the impor- cleared through Zimra, to approach their nearest “The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra)

NewsHawks News Page 11

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Karoi town secretary suspended again

NHAU MANGIRAZI

UNDER-FIRE Karoi town secretary Wellington Karoi this week reinstated and suspended for the second time its town secretary.
Mutikani enjoyed a brief stay as the local author-
ity’s accounting officer after he was served with senger of court late on Wednesday. As of Thurs- thority on the matter. pay back ZW$50 000 monthly, the gesture was
a second suspension letter for allegedly violating day, Matsika was locked in a series of meetings Karoi council approached the Procurement viewed by residents as a sign of guilt for abusing
council rules, in a long-standing case involving on the way forward,’’ a source explained. public funds.
a lodge he owns, The NewsHawks has gathered. Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) to
THe source added: “It was resolved that Mu- secure a lawyer to represent the local authority ‘‘It is worrisome as the matter becomes purely
Mutikani is at the centre of an ongoing scan- tikani must be charged with criminal abuse of legal,’’ Chitiya added in a written statement.
dal involving the construction of a private lodge office for allocating himself a loan without a ‘‘We had to procure the services of a lawyer
above the Zimbabwe National Water Authority resolution. There are several charges including through procurement procedures that we need According to Chitiya, Karoi residents face the
(Zinwa) main pipe. buying materials for the Zinwa pipe-diversion to meet a 14-day deadline before we lay official double jeopardy of being deprived of their ser-
without going to tender, among others. Further- charges against him. This will pave way for fur- vice delivery funds whilst simultaneously being
He is also accused of approving an “unsanc- more, he faces non-discourse charges after he ther investigations into the matter,’’ a source said forced to pay the legal fees.
tioned loan” to purchase pipe-diversion materi- spent public funds on his private lodge.” on condition of anonymity.
als for his Champion Lodge. ‘‘This further deprives residents of the
Matsika was tight-lipped on Thursday this Recently, the Zimbabwe National Organ- much-needed service delivery. In this micro-
Sources said the council managed to get a new week, saying he could not make an official state- isation of Associations and Residents Trusts cosmic case, ratepayers face the predicament of
lawyer to work on Mutikani’s charges in connec- ment on the Mutikani saga. (ZNOART)’s Mashonaland West provincial being between a hard rock and the deep end in
tion with his 8 October suspension that was en- chairperson Liberty Chitiya said Karoi residents terms of recovering the alleged amounts whilst
dorsed on 11 October by a full council meeting. ‘‘I am still waiting for the lawyer to give me have watched the Champion Lodge saga since pursuing legal channels using another chunk of
the roadmap and I can’t comment on anything last year’s outcry when the town ran dry for their rates. The saga is thus a call to policymakers
He was officially sent on forced leave on 8 for now,’’ Matsika said in a brief response. three days. towards aligning ratepayers’ needs with constitu-
October, a day after he had pledged to make tional labour laws. There is a need for strength-
ZW$50 000 monthly repayments to the local The council found itself in sixes and sevens ‘‘ZNOART is not surprised over Mutikani’s ening corporate governance laws without under-
authority. after lawyer Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana re- suspension after alleged abuse of council funds mining service delivery, which is playing second
cused himself from representing the council at in his water diversion without full council ap- fiddle to council officials’ protection by labour
This triggered debate among councillors, as the eleventh hour. proval. Accountability and transparency by pub- laws,’’ concluded Chitiya.
the amount tendered was not contained in any lic officials in the use of public funds is welcome
council resolution. Karoi town went without Mutikani is under fire for buying materials and one of the objectives of our umbrella resi- Karoi Town Council has attracted publicity
water supplies for three days in October last worth several thousand US dollars for the diver- dents' organisations is nevertheless partly satis- after housing director Sibingile Mujuruki was
year when the Zinwa main pipe underneath his sion of Zinwa’s main water pipe, in whose path- fied with the suspension, but at the same time suspended in 2019 and later reinstated under
Champion Lodge burst. way he built his Champion Lodge. we must listen to residents' voices as the whole controversial circumstances, exposing question-
issue is merely a suspension with full council able governance procedures, as she led a sham-
However, this week on Wednesday, council The law firm Mangwana and Associates, benefits,’’ Chitiya said. bolic housing department, in which leases went
wrote a letter to Mutikani reinstating and sus- which has represented the council for several missing, amid double allocation of stands.
pending him again with charges, according to years, withdrew at the eleventh hour, saying it He added that since Mutikani pledged to
sources who spoke to The NewsHawks. could not profer legal counsel to the local au-

‘‘It had been a technical challenge after our
former council attorneys, Mangwana and As-
sociates, recused themselves from representing
council on the matter. We had to procure the
services of another legal team. They had a duty
to defend a request by Mutikani when he ap-
proached the High Court that his suspension
was illegal. We had to serve him with part of
charges as he was forced to be on forced leave
with full benefits,’’ a source said on condition of
anonymity.

Council chairperson Abel Matsika is yet to
present the charge sheet to the local authority
explaining how he has reinstated and suspended
Mutikani for the second time.

‘‘The challenge we have is that the council
chairperson is yet to formally brief the council
and procedurally he may not jump the gun by
confirming to the media without council’s bless-
ings,’’ a councillor who refused to be named,
said.

Mutikani has once again been sent on forced
leave to facilitate investigations into how he ad-
vanced himself a “loan” that he used to purchase
materials meant for the diversion of water pipes
from his Champion Lodge, a private business,
in which he is co-director with his wife Keresia
Kanyuririra.

‘‘It is true that Mutikani was briefly reinstated
by Matsika without setting foot in his offices.
The letters were delivered to him through a mes-

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Page 12 NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Councils urged to uphold accountability

NHAU MANGIRAZI Delta Corporation Limited general manager in charge of corporate affairs Patricia Murambinda ager Michael Chideme had not responded to
questions at the time of going to press.
LOCAL authorities have been challenged to be charged. for the purchase of protective equipment for
accountable to communities on how they use Chitungwiza Municipality spokesperson service delivery, including those in refuse collec- Karoi Town Council finance director Tongai
beer levies to support socio-economic challenges tion, sewer. Part of it was used to service vehicles Namusala told stakeholders during a budget and
due to the Covid-19 meltdown. Lovemore Meya confirmed that the local au- for service delivery,’’ Meya said in a written re- review meeting in the farming town that the lo-
thority got the levy and used it as part of sponse. cal authority received its share of the Beer Levy.
This comes amid rising concerns that major Covid-19 mitigation in some sectors.
stadiums and sporting facilities have been aban- Harare City Council communications man- ‘‘As a council, we received ZW$3 919 519.70
doned and in a state of disrepair. ‘‘The money we got as Beer Levy was used as ‘beer levy’ that will be channeled towards
Chikangwe Stadium and beerhall renovations.
Delta Corporation Limited general manager We also intend to work on the Youth Centre
in charge of corporate affairs Patricia Murambi- covering basketball and tennis courts construc-
nda this week told The NewsHawks the compa- tion,’’ Namusala said.
ny has played its role in uplifting communities
through the Beer Levy. Chinhoyi Municipality public relations of-
ficer Tichaona Mlauzi said they have spent the
‘‘Delta, through its sorghum beer brand Chi- Beer Levy on water, sanitation and hygiene
buku, pays the Traditional Beer Levy at 3% of (WASH) programmes.
sorghum beer sales every month as stipulated
in the Traditional Beer Act. The company in ‘‘The amount received as of August 2021 was
the last financial year paid to local authorities ZW$3 446 938.70 and we used it to hire exca-
ZW$266 316 634.11. This financial year to date vator, to effect underground water pipes repairs
we released ZW$217 749 529.09 paid to all lo- that carry water from Hunyani Waterworks to
cal authorities,’’ she said in a written response.
Spreckley Kopje Waterworks. We also re-
She explained that local authorities get the paired two pumps at Hunyani Waterworks and
monies depending on how much beer has been refurbishment of Hunyani Clinic,’’ Mlauzi said
consumed in a given covered. in a written response.

‘‘The money is distributed to councils based Shumba also challenged Delta to increase the
on volumes of beer purchased around the said amount being paid.
councils,, including urban, cities, municipalities
and rural authorities,’’ Murambinda said. ‘‘The amount being paid by Delta Beverag-
es is not much in US dollar value, given that
‘‘There are guidelines set in the Public Finance the company is said to be benefitting a lot from
Act on how the money should be used by local the foreign currency auction exchange system
authorities,’’ she added. where it gets US dollars at the subsidized offi-
cial exchange rate. In order to promote public
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) director Pre- accountability, Delta Beverages company should
cious Shumba said residents have not witnessed publish monthly how much each local authority
any upgrading of recreational facilities, includ- has received from its corporate social responsi-
ing the stadiums in Harare and Chitungwiza. bility disbursement. This level of transparency
and accountability benefits the public interest
‘‘The corporate social responsibility financial and minimises corruption in local authorities,’’
resources from Delta beverages would have gone Shumba added.
a long way if they were utilised in a transparent
and accountable manner,’’ Shumba said. Murambinda expressed reservations on how
the monies are being used.
He bemoaned the poor state of sporting facil-
ities. ‘‘Our stadiums are in a state of continuous ‘‘We don’t believe that the funds are being
decay. Youths have nowhere to wind down their correctly channeled to mitigate the social prob-
time as part of recreation. If the money from lems in our societies,’’ she concluded.
Delta Beverages is used properly, it can make
a difference. Where nothing is happening, we Major local authorities are under fire from
can only conclude that there is high incompe- residents over suspected abuse of public funds,
tence in the Harare City Council where officials that creating tension between senior managers
do not appreciate the time value of money,’’ he and ratepayers who are demanding accountabil-
ity, transparency, and social justice.

THE quest for better income opportunities 580 000 youths fled Zim in 2020: ILO
forced an estimated 580 000 youths to leave
Zimbabwe for greener pastures beyond the bor- Numerous emigrants left Zimbabwe in search of better work opportunities. workers respectively.
ders in 2020 alone, a recent International La- Youth who enter the labour market may also
bour Organisation (ILO) report has established. watchers to describe Zimbabwe as a training many social benefits for sending and receiving
ground for other nations. countries. Migration is here to stay. face additional barriers to find a job, partly due
The survey, titled Labour Market Diagnostic to a lack of work experience, difficulties signal-
Analysis (LMDA), states that the number does Speaking to The NewsHawks via email, the “Therefore , the goal should be to rationalise ling their skills to employers, fewer opportunities
not consider net migration, which has been neg- United States of America-based lead researcher migration flows, bring them closer to a social op- to access capital and lower levels of social capital.
ative in Zimbabwe, with numerous workers leav- on the LDMA, David Robalino, said available timal.The main ingredient for that is improving
ing the country in search of better work oppor- research indicates that a substantial share of mi- job opportunities in Zimbabwe. Our report fo- Commenting on the report’s key findings,
tunities that often do not materialise. The survey grants eventually return home. cuses on how to do that,” he said. ILO country director Hopolang Phororo said it
may prompt the country’s main political actors was time the government prioritised the link be-
to go back to the drawing board and re-strategise “As for what to do to ‘void’ the outflow, there The report observes that, other things being tween economic growth and job creation.
on how to woo the youth in the next general are two things to keep in mind: the goal should equal, women and young workers are four times
elections scheduled for 2023. not be to avoid or stop migration; there are more likely to be inactive than men and adult “The findings of the LDMA indicated that
increasing living standards and promoting eco-
“It is estimated that in 2020, net migration nomic and social development in Zimbabwe
the number of immigrants minus the number requires improving employment opportunities.
of emigrants was close to 580 000 people. Al- Economies grow when more working age house-
though there is no accurate data on the num- hold members work and when each job in the
ber of the working age population, leaving the economy becomes more productive.
country to work abroad. The most recent study
suggests that 72% of outgoing migrants fall in “At the same time, households escape poverty
the 20 to 34 years age group. In addition, 40% when labour income, the main source of income
were women and 73% completed secondary ed- for most households, increases. It is also most
ucation. likely that better employment opportunities for
Zimbabwean workers will foster social stability
“The majority of emigrants cited a lack of em- and consolidate democracy,” she said.
ployment opportunities as the major reason for
leaving the country. Most worked in the agricul- In general, the LDMA report further says, the
tural sector before their departure. South Africa risk of inactivity and unemployment is higher
was the leading destination chosen by emigrants, in Matabeleland and the Midlands than in the
followed by Botswana. Unfortunately, due to capital or other provinces, attributable to struc-
their irregular status, most Zimbabwean emi- tural factors such as the lower prevalence of farm
grants appear to occupy low-quality jobs charac- activities and the fact that the effects of de-in-
terised by the absence of employment contracts dustrialisation seem to have been more severe in
and social protection,” the LDMA report said. urban centres in these provinces.

The developments come at a time when the The LMDA points out that one interpretation
embattled country has endured skilled work- is that social norms and the structural factors
er shortages in the health sector and other key that affect employment opportunities, and that
scientific fields. This is despite having subsidised are likely to vary by region are more binding for
the education sector heavily over the years in women and young workers. — STAFF WRITER
a twist of events which has prompted market

NewsHawks News Page 13

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Page 14 News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

AYESHA CHIDEMBO Treatise on student hooker:
Juggling college, profession
SOME call her misguided. Others describe her
as a social misfit. Others say she wants to acquire Sex workers often face violence from the police, clients and partners.
finer things on a silver platter.
must come up with an unconventional way of She agrees that it has not all been rosy. and addressed by men in society, Natalie said:
She is used to being called names and takes all raising money to buy everything she desires. “The toughest part of my job is to stop myself ‘’Some actually call me by name in a nice way but
sorts of criticism on the chin. We met 20-year-old from getting emotionally attached to someone. I others sometimes would want to take advantage
Natalie as she carefully adjusted the straps of her Her parents wonder how she manages to raise also have to make sure that my client does not of me being a sex worker while others call me
little black dress and her pink lips broke into a money. She has kept her sex work a secret. develop any feelings for me. Many of them are names, labelling me whatever they like.’’
shy smile, as she watched her image in the mirror. married and it can get really complicated,” Natalie
“Well, the extra income is enough for me to adds. Zimbabwe is one of 103 countries in which
Simba would perhaps not even notice the dress pay my expenses, buy myself clothes, shoes and On the other hand, Natalie feels her clients sex work is criminalised, leaving sex workers un-
and how it stood against her fair complexion. But doing my nails, I am able to save a good amount demand too much from her sometimes, which protected by the law and exposed to a range of
it hardly mattered; her body paid the price for the and secure my future,” she says. can be very taxing. “Men are crazy about having human rights violations.
expensive dress that he had brought from his trip unprotected sex these days, even though many do
to South Africa. “When it comes to family and friends, it is a not even know what it exactly means. I have to Studies show that sex workers often face vio-
tricky situation for me to explain what I exactly make sure that we always use protection, which lence from the police, clients and partners, height-
He was her client for the day. She had invest- do. I cannot imagine disclosing this to my par- many refuse initially,” she said. ening their risk of contracting HIV and other
ed much thought in deciding who to choose be- ents. It’s impossible for them to understand. Only Asked by The NewsHawks how she is treated sexually transmitted infections. They also face
tween three men who had sought her services that my friends who are in the same business know stigma and discrimination from some healthcare
afternoon. about it. It can be very lonely sometimes as you workers.
cannot share everything with your loved ones.”
Daubing her favourite French perfume, she
went out to meet him.

Natalie is a university student in Zimbabwe.
She has doe-brown eyes and white teeth, with
a dazzling smile revealing the glow of her cheeks.
Her hair swoops in coils over her neck and she is
short in stature, with a queenly figure.
Even before completing her education, she has
found her “perfect” job that offers convenient
working hours and great money. She is an escort.
Potential consequences of her actions such as
contracting sexually transmitted diseases includ-
ing HIV, meeting a violent or abusive client or
being drugged and raped are far from her mind.
Many in her profession have many sad stories, but
that is the last thing on her mind.
“I belong to a middle-class family 90km south
of Harare in Mvurwi and cannot afford a lavish
lifestyle without working somewhere, my moth-
er always sends money but it’s not enough and I
don’t see myself asking for more from her. I utilise
my free time to earn some money,” tells Natalie, as
she flaunts a new cellphone bought recently.
Sex work for Natalie and other Zimbabwean
women is a difficult and dangerous occupation.
Primrose Fundai, the director of Life Health
Education Development Trust, told The News-
Hawks about the complexities around srx work.
“When it comes to sex work, it is not easy to
convince men as sex work is regarded illegal in
Zimbabwe.’’
But Natalie does not care.
“We live in a society that judges people by
their profession. A doctor or engineer might be
considered a highly respected occupation, while
a painter or a dancer might not be appreciated
much for their choice of profession. A girl stay-
ing at home all day might be considered an ideal
woman, while the one returning home late might
lead to some gossip and speculation in the neigh-
borhood. Let’s not even get into the discussion
about what society would think about a girl who
becomes a sex worker just to lead a lavish lifestyle
and I don’t care about how the society thinks
about such,” she says.
Natalie is a premium-fee sex worker who en-
tered the world’s oldest profession by choice. She
has no qualms about juggling her university lec-
tures with sex work.
“Many ladies sell their brain, l sell my body.
What is the fuss about? I haven’t stopped going
to school because my parents want me to, but
sometimes I feel tired going for lectures after some
nights out or I end up missing school after some
bad days and good days too with clients. I feel our
society is still very judgemental. If a boy and girl
go on a blind date and end up having sex, that is
fine. But if the guy pays the girl for sex, it becomes
unethical,” Natalie said.
With clientele that includes businessmen, engi-
neers and other well-heeled men she meets at Ha-
rare’s expensive joints, Natalie feels her sex work
has given her exposure and comfort.
She feels her job entails much more than just
the physical end of a transaction.
“I should be able to hold a good conversation
on almost any topic as my hunting grounds are
upmarket nightclubs and bars. I must say I have
met some really good men in all these years. A
well-read woman is actually a turn-on for many
men. I need to be fluent in English and master
something as basic as table etiquette,” Natalie says,
adding, “And of course, I spend a good amount of
money every month to stay in shape and take care
of my skin. Clothes and make-up are generally
gifted by my clients.’’
Natalie has been minting extra cash since she
came from Mvurwi for school. With her parents
not giving her enough money, she always felt she

NewsHawks News Page 15

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

MSU joins war against drug abuse in schools

STEPHEN CHADENGA Drug peddlers target youths who face high unemployment, peer pressure, poverty, trauma, depression and idleness.

“Unbecoming trends such as the alarming entry proaches such as drama, poems, art and quiz. drug abuse is to restore the status of teachers so approach to tackling drug abuse in schools.
of destructive drugs into our jurisdiction threat- Speaking at the launch, senior Gweru educa- that they are role models to pupils,” Zhou told According to health experts, drug peddlers
en the fate of our youth,” President Emmerson The NewsHawks.
Mnangagwa lamented in June at the National tionist Angeline Zahile said the provincial edu- target youths who face high unemployment,
Heroes’ Acre during the burial of Roman Cath- cation ministry would give the “necessary sup- “As long as teachers continue to lose their peer pressure, poverty, trauma, depression and
olic priest Emmanuel Ribeiro. port for the programme”. dignity and lustre and we embrace, uncritically, idleness, which explains why young people con-
the so-called children’s rights and render teachers stitute the biggest consumers of drugs.
Two months after that speech, Mnangagwa But outspoken trade unionist and Progressive virtually useless, we will not be able to address
went on to appoint an inter-ministerial commit- Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe president Takava- issues of drug abuse in schools. In May, police in Harare bust a drug syndicate
tee targeted on tackling substance abuse among fira Zhou said while the programme was noble, and recovered drugs worth ZW$8 million.
the youths. it was “a drop in the ocean” in urgently address- “I am sure you are aware of drug wars in
ing the drug menace facing more than five mil- schools where students are now destroying du- In recent months, there has been heightened
As the drug abuse nightmare continues wors- lion students in the country. rawalls, windows of certain schools of their rivals concern amid calls for a lasting solution from
ening, with health experts describing it as a and nude sex orgies by students under alcohol stakeholders who say the rampant drug abuse by
“new epidemic”, the Midlands State University Zhou said restoring the dignity of teachers was and drug influence.” youths is not only destroying the moral fabric of
(MSU) has launched a Drug and Substance Use critical in dealing with drug abuse in schools. the country but also damaging the lives of future
Prevention Among Primary Students (DASS) He said there was a need for a broad-based generations.
programme in a bid to catch learners at a tender “The most important thing in addressing
age and educate them on the dangers of drug
abuse.

The DASS programme is funded by the
American Academy of Pediatrics through its
Community Access to Child Health (CATCH)
programme aimed at improving the livelihoods
of young people in developing countries.

The MSU will run the programme for three
years at two primary schools, Chikumbiro and
Takunda, located in Mkoba high-density suburb
and targeted at Grade Six pupils. The universi-
ty’s pyschiatry department received a grant in
partnership with non-profit organisation Young
People Mental Health Trust (YO Petalth), which
is also based in the Midlands capital.

“DASS targets to educate 1 500 students
(Grade Six students) on drug and substance
abuse over a three-year period. In addition,
1 500 parents with participating children will be
educated on healthy parenting and how to help
their children avoid drug and substance abuse,”
DASS programme director Julia Mutambara
said last month during the launch of the pro-
gramme at the MSU.

Each year, Grade Six teachers as well as guid-
ance and counselling teachers at the two schools
will be trained to implement DASS modules in
their classes during the pilot project, according
to Mutambara.

She said students would also be afforded the
opportunity to showcase their understanding
of learned concepts through edutainment ap-

STEPHEN CHADENGA Gweru vendors fume over shocking fees hike

A PRIVATE company contracted by the City Kudzanai Bus Terminus in Gweru recently underwent refurbishment. everywhere in town.”
of Gweru to refurbish Kudzanai Bus Terminus Mazorodze said city residents could not rule
has courted the ire of vendors after it hiked bay The Gwery chapter chairperson of the Zim- “Are these people here to promote SME sec-
fees by over 100% at a time the informal trad- babwe Chamber of Small to Medium Enterpris- tor growth?” Mazorodze asked. out suspicions that the company intended to
ers are reeling under the economic effects of es, Tafadzwa Mazorodze, told The NewsHawks give vending bays to people coming from out-
the Covid-19 lockdown, The NewsHawks can that the new fees are exorbitant and a huge bur- “Where would people selling vegetables get side Gweru whom he alleged were well connect-
report. den on already struggling vendors who are still such an amount of money to pay as fees? What ed to the company.
feeling the full impact of prolonged Covid-19 business is there at Kudzanai to warrant such
Bentach Resources last year won the tender to lockdowns. an increase? These informal traders have to face Gweru Hawkers and Vendors Association
renovate the long-distance bus terminus, as well competition from illegal vendors who are selling chairperson Lovemore Tingaka said the hike in
as vending stalls housed at the rank as part of fees was “retrogressive to the survival of strug-
a “smart city” concept enforced by the govern- gling informal traders”.
ment during the first Covid-19 lockdown which
began in March last year. “When people expect informally employed
people to fork out more than the salary of those
As part of the contractual agreement, the who have formal jobs, you wonder where the
company was supposed to collect fees from poverty alleviation concept is. This is just a move
informal traders and bus operators to cover its to punish poor citizens,” he said.
costs but, in a surprise move, Bentach last week
announced that it would increase fees beginning Several vendors who spoke to The NewsHawks
Monday owing to the tough economic environ- said the increase was a shocker as families are
ment in the country. already struggling to survive.

The Midlands provincial capital, like most “We are already struggling with paying coun-
cities and towns across the country, is largely a cil bills, school fees, transport, putting food on
vendor economy and informal trading is consid- the table and now we are heavily taxed for op-
ered a major source of livelihood. erating in council space,” Precious Moyo said.

“Please note that the bay fees will increase as Bentach project manager David Kudakwashe
of November 1 2021,” the company notified could not be reached for comment.
vendors.
Some vendors operating at the bus terminus
“The new rentals shall be as follows, perish- said they would be forced to abandon the market
ables ZW$400 a day, merchandise ZW$480 and join those operating illegally on the streets.
a day and hardware ZW$800 a day. This has
been necessitated by an increase in our Bentach Municipal police routinely descend heavily
Pricing Index that takes into account micro-eco- on unlicenced street vendors, confiscating wares
nomic factors.” and levying fines.

The increase will see vegetable vendors fork- “It’s better to engage in cat-and-mouse runs
ing out ZW$12 000 per month, those trad- with council police than pay exorbitant fees,”
ing in merchandise products ZW$14 400, said one vendor who sells second-hand clothes.
while those dealing in hardware products pay
ZW$24 000 at the end of each month. Gweru has a waiting list of more than 5 000
vendors anxious for licences following the col-
lapse of industries in the Midlands capital.

Page 16 News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Special Covid-19
PANDEMIC coverage

NEARLY all mining companies in Zimbabwe Pandemic disruptions hit
had at least 10 of their staff complement affected mining sector hard: Study
by the outbreak of Covid-19 this year, a study
carried out by the industry has shown. Masvingo records
increase in cases
Zimbabwe enforced two national lockdowns
this year to contain the spread of the respirato- Covid-19 reduced working shifts in most of Zimbabwe’s mining companies. MORRIS BISHI
ry disease which has had a huge socio-economic
impact. AUTHORITIES in Masvingo are urging peo-
ple to be cautious, as the province is beginning
To save the economy, critical sectors like min- to record a sharp increase in new Covid-19
ing were designated essential services during the cases.
lockdown.
Health officials announced that on Monday
Apart from the illness of key staff, the pandem- the province recorded 11 new cases, before re-
ic also presented other challenges, which include cording 18 on Tuesday and 24 on Wednesday,
disruption of supply chain, reduced working bringing the total number of active cases to
shifts, market closures due to lockdowns, limit- 157. Masvingo has the second-highest num-
ed access to mines for contractors and suppliers ber of active cases of all provinces in the coun-
and increased operational cost from unbudgeted try, after Manicaland which has 210 cases.
Covid-19 mitigation measures.
Masvingo provincial Covid-19 taskforce
According to a study by the Chamber of Mines spokesperson Rodgers Irimayi told The New-
of Zimbabwe titled State of the Mining Industry sHawks that the province is still in the midst
Report: Prospects for 2022, nearly 80% of respon- of the
dents who participated in the survey indicated
that their employment numbers had reduced by Covid-19 pandemic since cases are still
between 0-10% due to the pandemic. high, compared to other provinces. He urged
people to continue using the guidelines set by
The average vaccination rate in the sector, the the government and the World Health Or-
report showed, stood at 90%, amid optimism ganisation (WHO) aimed at controlling the
that most mining firms will reach pre-covid op- spread of the coronavirus.
erating levels in the short term.
“People need to be reminded that Covid-19
“About 90% of the respondents are antici- is still with us in our province. The fact that
pating the covid pandemic to be fully contained on Wednesday 24 tested positive and we still
in 2022, citing the ongoing vaccination pro- have 157 active cases in Masvingo is an indi-
grammes across the globe,” the report says cation that things are not yet normal. We still
need to be very cautious and remain vigilant
“About 60% of respondents indicated that it because if we relax we might see an increase
would take them less than three months to re- in the number of those who test positive and
cover to 2019 operating levels, while 20% would possibly more deaths. Masks should be worn
take up to six months and another 20% would all the time and social or physical distancing
require more than six months to recover.” maintained. We expect more people to be vac-
cinated since it is the best known preventive
In recent years, Zimbabwe has suffered re- measure to reduce the effects of Covid-19,”
petitive droughts, high inflation, and foreign Irimayi said.
exchange shortages leading to a weakened econ-
omy and natural disasters such as Cyclone Idai The vaccination programme which was
in 2019. rolled out by the government earlier this year
is ongoing at various health centres in the
The outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 and en- province, with a lot of people now willing to
forcement of several restrictive measures to re- be vaccinated. On Wednesday, 313 362 peo-
duce the spread of the disease also slowed down ple had received the first vaccine jab, while
economic activity, resulting in the country re- 237 086 had received the second.
porting two successive years of economic con-
traction.

Experts say the pandemic has led to negative
social impacts such as increased food insecurity,
job losses in sectors such as tourism, reduced
trade of goods and services, decreased remittanc-
es and potential risks to vulnerable groups, such
women and girls.

Zimbabwe’s economy is highly informal, re-
ducing the coverage and effectiveness of social
security systems which could provide emergen-
cy support to the most vulnerable during the
Covid-19 pandemic.

Communities with artisanal miners were par-
ticularly exposed to these impacts as many live
on hand-to-mouth and with limited savings. —

STAFF WRITER.

New Covid-19 infections in schools decline

CABINET this week announced that the num- ers from school for exeat weekend or for half- “This is an indication that the national re- all relevant stakeholders.
ber of new Covid-19 infections among learners term school breaks during the pandemic, and sponse efforts continue to bear positive results “The government urges all citizens and urges
in schools continues to decrease. that enforcement of the Public Health Act on in containing the pandemic,” the briefing reads.
such unsanctioned movement of learners during all citizens who are yet to be inoculated to present
The travel of boarders during the term exeat, the pandemic will be evoked and strengthened,” Regarding the national vaccination pro- themselves for vaccination,” the briefing reads.
as well as general non-compliance with standard the post-cabinet briefing reads. gramme, as at 22 October 2021, a total of
operating procedures for the prevention and 3 275 033 first doses had been administered, Previously, schools in the Midlands battled
management of Covid-19 and other influen- As at 25 October 2021, the country’s cumu- while 2 545 717 people had received their sec- Covid-19 infections after an outbreak in Mber-
za-like illnesses, has contributed to outbreaks in lative Covid-19 cases stood at 132 688 with 127 ond dose. engwa district, which sent students and parents
schools. 433 recoveries and 4673 deaths. into panic mode.
“Cabinet also noted the need to ramp up vac-
“It has been observed that some private The recovery rate was 96% with 582 active cination to attain the national herd immunity by The government intervened and carried out
schools are not fully observing the provisions of cases reported. A total of 303 cases were reported year-end as targeted. Covid-19 tests at the affected schools, including
the Education Act as evidenced by the continued as compared to the 572 the previous week, show- Masase, Mnene, Chegato and Musume, before
practice of allowing parents to withdraw board- ing a 47% decrease in cases. “To this end, a programme of activities and isolating pupils who tested positive. — STAFF
schedule is being compiled in consultation with
WRITER.

NewsHawks News Page 17

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Early detection of cancer crucial

KUMBIRAI MACHINGURA  Around 8% of the cancer cases are diagnosed very late, very early because it can spread to other organs of the
OCTOBER is breast cancer awareness month and most of the symptoms at the time are not very painful body and will be very difficult to manage.
during this period the country heightens awareness, early so people may ignore them until the disease reaches an
detection, and treatment of the disease.   advanced stage. It is important for cancer to be detected If cancer reaches stage four, it would have overcome
the immune system.
This year’s cancer awareness month is running under
the banner Cancer Is Not Beyond Us, with stakehold-
ers encouraged to involve the community in the fight
against the disease. 

Lovemore Makurirofa, the information, research, and
evaluation officer of The Cancer Association of Zimba-
bwe (CAZ), said: “As a way of promoting early detec-
tion and awareness, people are screened freely for breast
cancer and encouraged to wear pink to showcase their
awareness of breast cancer. In commemoration of breast
cancer month, CAZ advocates for donations for people
with breast cancer since treatment is highly unaffordable
beyond the reach of many.”

Cancer is an abnormality of cells dividing without
control or order, resulting in massive extra tissue called
a tumor. In breast cancer, a cancerous tumor occurs in
breast tissue. It is more common in females than males
as it usually starts from the lobule which is responsible
for producing milk but when it occurs it is likely to be
severe because the patient is unlikely to come for early
detection. 

“The majority of breast cancer patients exhibit breast
cancer symptoms but fail to afford CT scans for them
to be diagnosed so they are likely to stay with the symp-
toms and ultimately die because they are not recorded
as cancer deaths because they were never diagnosed with
cancer. Most people with breast cancer cannot afford the
treatment because they use out-of-pocket expenditure.
After all, only 10% of them are on medical aid,’’ he said. 

“Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in
Zimbabwe. Cancer number one is cervical cancer fol-
lowed by breast cancer. Black women are more likely
to develop cervical cancer whilst non-black women are
more likely to develop skin and breast cancer because the
vulnerability is very high as compared to white women,”
he added. 

Makuforirofa said breast cancer traditionally used to
be very common among women aged 40 and above as it
is the peak age group. Currently there has been a reduc-
tion in the age groups who are developing breast cancer
with women as young as 15-20 developing breast cancer. 

Genetic factors play a significant role in the develop-
ment of breast cancer and some developing countries
conduct genetic screening, which is an advanced proce-
dure currently not available in Zimbabwe.

This is the reason why every woman must be screened
regardless of their age and also women above 70 develop-
ing cancer although the peak group is between the ages
of 40 and 45.  Breast cancer cases have been increasing
every year since 2005 when the national cancer registry
started collecting the statistics. 

The cases of men with breast cancer start to develop
from the age of 35. So there is a need to intensify the
effort. It is one of the cancers that is diagnosed very late.

Page 18 Editorial & Opinion NewsHawks

CARTOON Issue 54, 29 October 2021

UN envoy remarks
are underwhelming

FROM the word go, the visit to Zimbabwe by United Nations (UN) Nothing new from tired Zanu PF
special rapporteur Elena Douhan was always going to be shrouded
in controversy. ZANU PF’s annual conference is under- ingly quiet this time around. There was no and deliver a long overdue democratic div-
way in Bindura and, predictably, the for- word either from Defence and War Veter- idend. He has, in all respects, squandered
The first sign of trouble was what appeared to be the narrow scope mer liberation party is not proffering any ans minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, the outpouring of goodwill triggered by
of her terms of reference. There is more to human rights violations fresh ideas to extricate Zimbabwe from the who is also national chairperson of Zanu the dramatic ouster of long-time ruler
in this country than Western sanctions. To pretend otherwise is the quicksand of corruption-induced poverty PF. The shocking spectacle of police intim- Robert Mugabe four years ago.
height of intellectual dishonesty. There is no denying that the restric- and autocracy. idating and arresting war veterans in cen-
tive measures have an impact on the Zimbabwean economy. But if tral Harare was not an isolated incident. On Mnangagwa’s watch, inequality has
we are serious about getting to the bottom of human rights viola- This week, we were subjected to yet an- There is a pattern. Fractures within Zanu worsened, with the gap between the haves
tions, we must admit that the biggest factors are bad governance and other poignant reminder of Zanu PF’s cat- PF now run deep. and the have-nots widening to dangerous
failed leadership. astrophic decline as a political formation. levels.
Right in the heart of Harare, in broad day- Just a week ago, party member Sybeth
Any discourse that seeks to muddy the waters is an obvious at- light, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Musengezi filed a lawsuit at the High The cartelisation of the economy is now
tempt at cheap propaganda. We must, of necessity, ask ourselves government deployed truncheon-wield- posing an existential threat to the very sur-
what the true experience of the average citizen in this country is. ing police to intimidate and arrest vet- Hawk Eye vival of the troubled republic.
erans of the armed liberation struggle. It
Zimbabwe has been reduced to a failing state by corruption-in- was an unsettling spectacle. What crime Brezh The World Bank says 7.9 million citizens
duced poverty and autocracy. A parasitic and predatory elite has did these liberators commit? Did they vio- Malaba are living in extreme poverty, surviving on
brought the republic to ruin. This has been the case pretty much late the law by simply demanding a better less than US$1.90 per day. Citizens — in-
throughout the past four decades of Independence. pension? Peaceful protest, lest we forget, is Court challenging Mnangagwa’s ascen- cluding the disillusioned war veterans who
a constitutionally guaranteed right. dancy to the helm on the back of the 2017 are finally speaking out — feel outraged
Honesty requires that we openly discuss these self-imposed in- military coup. He argues that the cen- by the state of the economy. As the former
ternal sanctions. Zanu PF apologists endlessly complain about the Through his outdated brand of tral committee meeting of 19 November freedom fighters correctly observe, only a
travel embargo slapped on their leaders by a few Western govern- heavy-handed politics, Mnangagwa may 2017 which propelled him to the helm few politically connected individuals and
ments, yet they conveniently turn a blind eye to the domestic travel have finally managed to achieve what was a “kangaroo” gathering whose out- their privileged cronies are enjoying the fat
restrictions the opposition is subjected to. pro-democracy campaigners have failed to come must be declared null and void. The of the land, while the overwhelming ma-
do for a long time: galvanise internal Zanu blockbuster lawsuit — even in a country jority is wallowing in utter deprivation.
In the past fortnight, main opposition MDC Alliance leader Nel- PF opposition to his increasingly prob- in which judicial capture is no longer an
son Chamisa has been violently ambushed by political thugs while lematic misrule. idle supposition but a stark reality — has But as Zanu PF bigwigs flock to the
touring Masvingo and Manicaland provinces. They have also tried set the cat among the pigeons. Mashonaland Central capital in their lux-
to blockade his convoy in Mashonaland West. So vicious have the The powerful symbolism arising from ury vehicles and shiny suits for the annual
attacks been that his party has described them as assassination at- the arrest of 40-odd comrades who were All this is happening at a time factional shindig, they must ask themselves a serious
tempts. bundled into police trucks by armed of- strife within Zanu PF is reaching a cre- question that demands an urgent answer:
ficers cannot be ignored. Such barbaric scendo, with party structures in Masvingo What is the big idea at the heart of today’s
The demarcation of no-go areas in so-called Zanu PF strongholds treatment is often reserved for the oppo- and the Midlands torn asunder as heavy- version of Zanu PF? What is the defining
is an ominous sign in the countdown to the 2023 general election. sition MDC Alliance, not a wing of the weights vie for power and influence. philosophy? The party of Herbert Chitepo,
ruling party. The ex-guerillas refused to be Josiah Tongogara and Eddison Zvobgo has
Douhan was never going to address this gross violation of civil cowed — shouting to anyone who cared Ruling party insiders say there is grow- been relegated to a vehicle for primitive ac-
liberties, was she? How does a UN envoy on a purportedly objective to listen that Mnangagwa’s pampered ing exasperation with Mnangagwa’s failure cumulation. It has been reduced to a shelf
fact-finding mission fail to see the glaring evidence of such constitu- elites and their cronies were living large to decisively tackle economic hardships party with neither the vision nor mission
tional violations? She had a front-row seat as the mayhem unfolded. while everyone else starved. required to take the long-suffering masses
to a free and prosperous Zimbabwe.
The opposition is not the only victim of rights violations. Journal- Interestingly, Chris Mutsvangwa, who
ists are another constituency that has been subjected to harassment, in the past has never lost an opportunity to It leaves a sour taste in the mouth that,
intimidation, arrest and unjust detention. Civil servants are beaten posture as the glorious leader of a genera- 41 years after Independence, the country
up and arrested by police when they protest poor salaries and pen- tion of venerated war veterans, was deafen- is now a fully fledged authoritarian klep-
sions. tocracy.

While Douhan, in her preliminary report, mentioned the impor-
tance of national dialogue, she fell terribly short in nudging the na-
tion in the right direction in that regard.

Her preliminary findings come across as predetermined, prepack-
aged and lacking in objectivity.

MDC Alliance vice-president Tendai Biti revealed how Douhan
proceeded to release her interim report in the middle of the opposi-
tion party’s meeting with her.

How could the UN allow this to happen? Such conduct tarnishes
the credibility of the multilateral organisation.

Reading the preliminary report, one is left with the distinct im-
pression that Douhan was just not paying attention. There are parts
of the text which feel like a shoddy copy-and-paste job. An import-
ant report of this nature must not only be objective, but also original.
That way, anyone reading it would appreciate that the fact-finding
mission was serious and worth our time.

Close analysis of her report shows that she lifted chunks of para-
graphs from her document on Venezuela and inserted them into the
Zimbabwe report. This cannot be ignored. Some have tried to argue
in her defence that it is too early to judge her findings. They are
wrong. Douhan’s report will rise or fall on the basis of objective as-
sessment. The unfortunate consequence of her fact-finding mission
is that it has left Zimbabweans more polarised than ever. No one has
been left wiser by her controversial visit.

Douhan is preparing a report for the UN Human Rights Council
which is expected to be tabled in September 2022. Zimbabweans are
hoping that the final report will reflect better objectivity and intel-
lectual honesty.

Reaffirming the fundamental impor- The NewsHawks is published on different EDITORIAL STAFF: Marketing Officer: Voluntary Media
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NewsHawks New Perspectives Page 19

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

THE world’s most powerful na- Global corporate tax agreement:
tions agreed to a sweeping over- UN must lead implementation
haul of international tax rules,
with officials backing a 15% glob- United Nations building in Geneva, Switzerland.
al minimum tax and other chang-
es aimed at cracking down on tax stopping a “race to the bottom” in minimum tax to more meaningful companies pay on foreign profits infrastructure, and our educated
havens that have drained countries terms of countries attracting cap- levels, in terms of tax avoidance to 15%, or higher, from 10.5%.” and healthy workforce. But unlike
of much-needed revenue. ital by keeping lower rates of tax and stopping money laundering. An article titled “Amazon had smaller businesses and hard-work-
previously, it would be important Moreover, according to the same sales income of €44bn in Europe ing taxpayers, the tech giants fail
The Organisation for Econom- to raise the minimum corporate Financial Times article, “China in 2020 but paid no corporation to pay fairly into the common pot
ic Cooperation and Development tax rate to at least 25%, to have also succeeded in having a clause tax” published in for the common good.” The cur-
(OECD), which has been leading some sort of meaningful impact inserted that will limit the effect of The Guardian in May this year rently agreed upon corporate tax
the negotiations, said the new in avoiding money laundering and the global minimum tax on com- indicated, for instance, that “Fresh agreement is indeed a right step
minimum tax rate would apply to tax avoidance. Having said that, panies who are starting to expand questions have been raised over in stopping this type of tax avoid-
companies with annual revenue of while countries have agreed to a international- ance.
more than €750 million (US$866 floor of 15%, concessions have ly– because of
million) and would generate also started to appear from certain concerns that While the agreement is signifi-
around US$150 billion in addi- individual countries. its growing Econometrics cant in dealing with tax avoidance
tional global tax revenue per year. domestic com- and deterring money laundering,
The OECD said four countries — So, for instance, although it is panies would HawksView a number of developing countries
Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri good that Ireland has signed on to reportedly have reservations.
Lanka — had not yet joined the the agreement, according to an ar- be clipped by
agreement, but that the countries ticle from Financial Times “Ireland the measures.” Developing countries have com-
behind the accord together ac- succeeded in its demand for the G e n e r a l l y, Tinashe Kaduwo plained about the lack of revenue
counted for over 90% of the glob- tax to have a maximum of 15%, passing the they stand to make from the deal
al economy. instead of the original wording of agreement into on fairer distribution of profits
the deal that said ‘at least 15%’ and law will be important for big- Amazon’s tax planning after its and taxing rights. They point out
With budgets strained after the in contrast to the original 21% ger economies such as the US, latest corporate filings in Luxem- that this is worsened by the remov-
Covid-19 crisis, many govern- first mooted by the US’s Biden ad- as pointed out in the New York bourg revealed that the company al of digital service taxes, which
ments want more than ever to dis- ministration.” In any case, at least, Times article that “As the Biden collected record sales income of was a deal-breaker for Nigeria and
courage multinationals from shift- Ireland through the agreement Administration prepares to try to €44bn (£38bn) in Europe last year Kenya despite OECD estimates
ing profits — and tax revenues ended its policy of keeping corpo- raise corporate rates in the United but did not have to pay any cor- showing they would gain. 
— to low-tax countries regardless rate tax rate at 12.5% since 1 Jan- States, getting a global minimum poration tax to the Grand Duchy.”
of where their sales are made. In- uary 2003. Now, the next effort tax in place has become critical to Margaret Hodge, a Labour MP Of the 140 countries engaged
creasingly, income from intangible should be by the OECD and oth- prevent companies from simply who has long campaigned against in the negotiations, 136 signed
sources has migrated to these ju- ers, and especially the United Na- moving their headquarters over- tax avoidance, said: “It seems that on to the new outline. Holdouts
risdictions, allowing companies to tions, which should play a great- seas. … To comply with the new Amazon’s relentless campaign of were Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan,
avoid paying higher taxes in their er role, being a greater forum in global minimum tax requirements, appalling tax avoidance continues. and Sri Lanka. Companies in the
traditional home countries. terms of membership and overall Congress will have to pass legisla- … These big digital companies all extractives sector (like oil, gas, and
functions, to increase the floor of tion raising the tax that American rely on our public services, our other mining companies) and fi-
Moreover, the recent “Pando- nancial services companies would
ra Papers” revelations have once be excluded from the policy.
again, after the previously leaked
information on a number of off-
shore accounts in the “Panama
Papers”, underlined the need for
steps to be taken to stop money
laundering and tax avoidance.

On both counts, the agreement
on a minimum global tax rate is a
very important step in this direc-
tion. Commenting on the agree-
ment, Janet Yellen, who is the
US Treasury secretary, reportedly
called it as “a once-in-a-generation
accomplishment for economic di-
plomacy”.

“More than 130 countries have
signed up to a ground-breaking
global deal on corporate tax re-
form aimed at eliminating tax ha-
vens while bringing in US$150bn
more a year from multinationals.
…The agreement — the biggest
corporate tax reform for more
than a century orchestrated by the
OECD — includes a 15% global
minimum effective corporate tax
rate, plus new rules to force the
world’s multinationals to declare
profits and pay more in the coun-
tries where they do business.”

“The deal further finalised the
details on sharing the profits of the
largest multinationals so they pay
more tax where they do business.
Companies with turnover exceed-
ing €20bn will be required to allo-
cate 25% of their profits in excess
of a 10% margin to the countries
where they operate, based on their
sales. The 10% profitability mar-
gin will be calculated using an
averaging mechanism, based on
profit before tax.

Although an important step in

Business

MATTERSNewsHawks

MARKETS CURRENCIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE COMMODITIES LAST CHANGE %CHANGE
EUR/USD 1.168 +0.001 +0.05 -1.402
USD/JPY 109.75 +0.03 +0.03 *OIL 62.61 -0.89 +0.123
GBP/USD 1.362 -0.002 -0.154 -0.39
USD/CAD 1.29 +0.007 +0.55 *GOLD 1,785.3 +2.2 +0.44
AUD/USD 0.713 -0.001 -0.098 +1.14
*SILVER 23.14 -0.09

*PLATINUM 975.5 +4.3

*COPPER 4.087 +0.046

Industrial base loss chokes economy

NYARADZO MUSHANYUKI

ZIMBABWE’S economy recorded accelerated Closure of major manufacturing companies relegated the country to an industrial wasteland.
de-industrialisation in the past 30 years, blight-
ing any prospects of making the country com- ing. 83% of our exports are going to three coun- “We can improve our businesses if our coun- country in Africa at Independence in 1980,
petitive in the region, as massive closure of major tries and that is pathetic . . . So now when we go try manufactures goods. Our environment is Zimbabwe’s economy has declined rapidly, with
manufacturing companies relegated the country to the open market for AfCTA, no country in not user friendly, it has to be improved, as com- the country now ranking among the poorest
to an industrial wasteland. Africa wants these minerals (which Zimbabwe is panies are supposed to pay taxes. Even the ma- economic performers. Agriculture, mining, and
exporting). Why? Because they themselves don’t chines which are being used by companies such manufacturing have suffered from poor govern-
While capacity utilisation of the few remain- want unprocessed gold but want gold necklaces. as Hwange (Colliery) are old and if they want a ment policy choices, resulting in the collapse of
ing manufacturing companies appears to be on As for tobacco, they do not want the leaves but part they pay for it and receive the part after 24 each sector and massive unemployment.
a growth trajectory, studies show that several the sticks.” months because they are not manufacturing. For
companies have closed shop in the country since companies to invest, they need money which As a result, most Zimbabweans are forced to
1992. Makochekwana revewied that in 2010 Zim- they borrow; retained profits are not enough,’’ eke out a living in the informal sector.
babwe had 18% manufactured products, in Makochekanwa said.
According to trade statistics, 90% of the 2011 had 11%, which shows that we are not Bulawayo, a former industrial hub, has not
country’s exports are currently concentrated in manufacturing. From being the second most industrialised seen serious manufacturing in the last decade,
mainly unprocessed minerals and tobacco. with countless companies collapsing.

Albert Makochekanwa, a University of Zim-
babwe economics professor and trade expert,
told delegates attending a policy dialogue meet-
ing organised by The NewsHawks and the Zim-
babwe Institute for Strategic Thinking that the
authorities should craft pro-business policies
which promote re-industrialisation.

According to World Bank ease of doing busi-
ness rankings, Zimbabwe is at number 140 out
of 180 countries, making it difficult to do busi-
ness with the country.

Makochekanwa said companies in Zimbabwe
are facing challenges such as unavailability of ad-
equate funding, unfavourable high taxation, and
massive power outages which affect businesses.

“We export toothpicks instead of machinery
for industries which produce productivity in our
country. As a country, we are not manufactur-
ing goods, even our shoes and watches we don’t
manufacture. Those countries that are manufac-
turing are only benefitting from the AfCTA (Af-
rican Continental Free Trade Area). Most prod-
ucts that are demanded by African countries are
manufactured products,” Makochekanwa said.

“Twenty-eight years ago, our economy was
diversified. Now there is no serious manufactur-

DUMISANI NYONI Online portal for Vic Falls Stock Exchange

THE Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) is set to to trade in hard currency and also when they re- There are very good incentives for listing on The transaction costs on VFEX are much
roll out an online platform for its wholly owned deem their investments to get their returns and VFEX,” he said. lower at 2.124% compared with the transaction
subsidiary, the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange capital in hard currency. It also helps us in terms costs on the ZSE which, at 4.136%, means it is
(VFEX), to enable retail investors to trade on the of diversifying as a stock exchange. We have set Among the incentives being offered to inves- almost 50% lower to transact on VFEX.
pan-African bourse. up an office for it in Victoria Falls city, which is tors that participate in VFEX is a 5% dividend
also good for the city. It’s operating well and the withholding tax, exemption from capital gains “So the incentives are what we have been look-
In a bid to help reduce foreign currency and focus is to just grow the listings. We have not withholding tax, minimal currency risk and abili- ing for and we have seen that triggering interest.
settlement risks facing the economy, the govern- rolled out an online platform for it to allow the ty to move capital and dividends in and out freely. So it will be up to the companies to then decide
ment in October last year launched VFEX, but retail market that flexibility, but it’s something to list, but we have been knocking on doors that
only two counters — Seed Co International and that we are working on to ensure that it becomes “We recently introduced an incentive for en- are not listed and we have been presenting these
crocodile breeder Padenga Holdings — have list- easier for retail investors to trade on VFEX.” hanced export retention. Any issuer that lists on incentives to them,” Taruvinga said.
ed, raising fears about the bourse’s sustainability VFEX and is an exporter is now allowed to retain
going forward. Asked about the number of counters they were up to 100% of their exports if they are able to He said a company’s decision to list is not tak-
targeting to list before year-end, Taruvinga said: grow their exports after their listing,” he said. en overnight and requires significant consulta-
But in an interview with The NewsHawks, ZSE “It’s really difficult to say how many (that we are tion, like convincing the board and shareholders.
head of business development Anymore Taruvin- targeting) because listing is more of a decision “Let’s assume a company has been exporting
ga said VFEX has generated a lot of interest. which the companies make.” US$100 million worth of goods and then they “This requires a certain process to be followed.
list on VFEX, then they grow their exports to So we are hoping that the seeds that we are plant-
“We are targeting to grow the listings on “For us it’s more of just getting incentives on US$115 million, that extra US$15 million ing now in terms of interacting with potential
VFEX. VFEX differs from ZSE in that it trades board to say ‘if you list, these are the kinds of which they have generated after listing, they are issuers will start to bear fruit along the way, but
in hard currency, so it’s a US dollar platform. We incentives that you get’. So we have been work- permitted to then retain 100%, which I think is definitely our thrust is to make sure that we have
are in a dual currency environment, local curren- ing closely with our ministry of Finance on that. what exporters prefer. There are also incentives as many listed companies as we can on VFEX,”
cy and US dollar as legal tender in this country,” for shareholders.” he said.
he said.

“So we wanted to create a platform which al-
lows those that have got hard currency to be able

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 21

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

DUMISANI NYONI Sin tax proposal hike likely
to worsen consumers’ woes
AUTHOR and actor Paula Poundstone once re-
marked that: “The wages of sin are death, but by Economists say an alcohol and tobacco levy proposed by the government to fund healthcare services will push up inflation.
the time taxes are taken out, it's just sort of a tired
feeling.” Dhlamini said it was a very common move for prices and push up inflation. Too many costs are excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products to
the government to raise funds by targeting the two added to consumer prices by levies, permit and discourage their consumption and promote good
As Zimbabwe’s economy opens up after a de- goods which are generally considered as demerit licence fees. These make South African goods in public health.
crease in cases of Covid-19, the authorities are goods to finance a merit good (health). our shops nearly twice as expensive as they are in
now turning to excise duty levied on alcohol and South African shops. We should be reducing these Smokers of cigars were made to pay US$0.53
cigarettes — and is informally known as “sin tax” “The move is a welcome initiative and it stands additional fees, not adding to them.” more for 23 grammes of rolled cigars and a packet
— to finance the country’s dilapidated public to benefit society more. We hope that the benefits of cigarettes now cost an extra US$0.095. Con-
health sector. But imbibers and smokers will have of the tax will be transparent unlike the Aids Levy However, this is not the first time the govern- sumers of spirits saw increases of about US$0.34
to pay an arm and a leg for this. whose utilisation is not transparent or apparent,” ment has made similar proposals. For instance, cents.
he said. according to a May 2015 government policy brief
While responding to issues raised by the Port- on domestic health funding, taxing cigarettes, Chiwenga said alcohol and cigarette manufac-
folio Committee on Health chaired by Dr Ruth Independent economist John Robertson said a beer, wines and spirits has the potential to generate turers would be directly taxed depending on the
Labode at the pre-budget seminar held in Victoria tobacco levy is already being collected from grow- at least US$20 million annually by 2022. quantities of the manufactured products.
Falls last week, Vice-President Constantino Chi- ers and it would be good to know how much is
wenga, who doubles as Health and Child Care being collected and what is being done with it. For many years, South Africa was regarded as He also implored the ministry of Finance and
minister, proposed a beer and cigarettes tax or sin a pioneer in tobacco control among low-income Economic Development to abide by the Abuja
tax to fund healthcare services in the country. “However, about 99% of Zimbabwe’s tobacco and middle-income countries, particularly for its Declaration which recommended the setting aside
is smoked outside the country. The tobacco ex- use of excise taxes of 15% of the national budget for health services
“It is proposed that a certain number of ciga- porters and smokers should pay the levy if it is to as this will go a long way in the implementation
rettes be reserved for financing health. If we take a fund healthcare, not the growers,” he said. For example, early this year the South Afri- of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1)
packet of 20 cigarettes and remove four cigarettes, ca government announced an increase of 8% in economic blueprint.
it means for every five packets sold one goes to the “A levy on alcohol sales will add to consumer
national health services. With regard to alcohol, a
certain number of bottles should contribute to fi-
nancing healthcare services. I am saying we cannot
collect a 2% tax from non-users of these things.
So if we can take, be it a cent from every bottle of
alcohol and it goes to national health services, it
will help,” Chiwenga told lawmakers.

He also proposed that a certain percentage of
the Zimbabwe National Roads Authority funds be
ring-fenced to finance health services such as the
purchase of ambulances required for attending to
road traffic accidents and treatment of the injured.

Chiwenga said the funds will go a long way in
addressing the scourge of cancer and other health
needs.

Economists however say an alcohol and to-
bacco levy proposed by the government to fund
healthcare services in the country, though noble,
will push up inflation, reduce volumes for bever-
age makers and cigarette makers, as well as further
burden citizens with additional taxes.

“There are two ways to look at it, firstly Zim-
babweans are overtaxed and these additional taxes
will overburden the citizens,” economic analyst
and academic Stevenson Dhlamini told The New-
sHawks.

“On the other hand, from a marital perspective,
alcohol abuse is on the rise in Zimbabwe, especial-
ly the cheap illicit imports. The tax will help con-
trol consumption and also the two products have
less sensitive demand, which means that the price
increase will have a marginal effect on profitabili-
ty. At the same time, raising critical funds without
placing a burden on the fiscus.”

Dhlamini said the health sector is in dire need
of funding. Therefore, such a move has more ben-
efits to the nation than the negative effects of tax-
ing alcohol and tobacco, he said.

Zimbabwe’s public health care system is tee-
tering on the brink, with shortages of basic drugs
and equipment and an overworked and underpaid
staff. Health professionals are emigrating in huge
numbers seeking better employment opportuni-
ties, prompting the authorities into pressing the
panic button.

The country’s 2009-2013 National Health
Strategy revealed that lack of staff for medical ed-
ucation training, and high dropout rates in public
sector healthcare posts have resulted in vacancy
rates of over 50% for doctors, midwives, laborato-
ry and environmental health staff.

‘Revive manufacturing sector to reap from AfCTA’

MARY MUNDEYA sures such as sanitary standards and technical “Southern African regional economies ampli- ucts in large volumes through the diversification
barriers to trade. fy the vulnerability of commodity dependence of the manufacturing sector base and availability
INTERNATIONAL industrial and trade policy and Zimbabwe can demonstrate the apparent of a predictable financial sector regime.
expert Rongai Chizema has urged Zimbabwe to Speaking this week at a policy dialogue work- vulnerability because minerals account for 30%
industrialise in order to benefit from the African shop hosted by Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic of all foreign currency earnings and as much as “We need as a country to develop the capa-
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Thinking (ZIST) and The NewsHawks on assess- semi-processed tobacco is a key foreign exchange bility to produce finished products at scale, di-
ing the economic costs and benefits of Zimba- earner, the agriculture sector remains sub-opt- versify our manufacturing sector base, create a
AfCFTA, an ambitious trade pact to form bwe from mally utilised to drive structural transformation predictable financial sector regime and create a
the world’s largest free trade area by connect- that if the country is to benefit from AfCFTA’s very predictable foreign currency management
ing almost 1.3 billion people across 54 African AfCTA, Chizema bemoaned how Zimbabwe bigger market, there is need for the country to regime to anchor production deficiency.”
countries, came into effect in 2018, creating a amplifies the vulnerability of commodity depen- industrialise and tap into regional value chain
massive single market for goods and services, dence through relying on exporting semi-pro- development and cross-border investment pros- If it properly positions itself, Zimbabwe
in order to deepen the economic integration of cessed minerals and agricultural produce that if pects.” through the AfCFTA, is set to tap into a US$3
Africa. It us also meant to reduce tariffs among the country is to benefit from AfCTA’s bigger trillion market of 1.27 billion people. This
members and cover policy areas such as trade fa- market, there was need to industrialise so that Chizema recommended that Zimbabwe de- should be characterised by policy coherence and
cilitation and services, as well as regulatory mea- raw materials are processed at home and are sold velop the capability to produce finished prod- credibility that will enable it to revive its un-
elsewhere as finished products. derutilised industries.

Page 22 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

KUMBIRAI MACHINGURA Inter-state trade fatigue
dampens Zim prospects
ZIMBABWE may not benefit much from the
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) rettes. There is no serious manufacturing in the tax reforms, and solid infrastructure which was ranked 67, revealing the investors will find
as the southern African nation continues to be country.” serves as an economic enabler to improve com- it difficult to do business in the country,” he
hamstrung by a plethora of structural problems petitiveness. said.
inhibiting inter-state trade, a trade expert has While the government officials say the
said. country’s exports are expected to be driven by “The environment of the country is not con- Makochekwana also said the new continental
strong agricultural growth and mineral exports, ducive for investing, Zimbabwe is ranked as the trade pact will increase competition among lo-
In January 2021, the African countries agreed Makochekanwa argues that Zimbabwe’s com- most taxed country, out of 180 countries last cal firms which are struggling to re-tool due to
to come up with an agreement to boost in- petitiveness can be improved through invest- year, and Zimbabwe was ranked 140 compared limited access to cheap financing and an influx
ter-continental trade. At its inception, experts ment-friendly policies, strong industrial base, to neighboring countries such as Zambia which of cheap imports.
said the African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA) agreement would create the largest
free trade area in the world measured by the
number of countries participating.

The pact connects 1.3 billion people across
55 countries with a combined gross domestic
product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion. It
has the potential to lift 30 million people out of
extreme poverty, but achieving its full potential
will depend on putting in place significant poli-
cy reforms and trade facilitation measures.

University of Zimbabwe Economics pro-
fessor and trade expert Albert Makochekanwa
said despite the potential market that is being
presented by the AfCFTA, Zimbabwe can only
benefit if it strengthens the industrial sector and
embarks on far-reaching reforms which improve
the ease of doing business.

“Zimbabwe will not benefit significantly
because the country specialises in the expor-
tation of raw materials which does not add to
the future capacity of productivity. There is no
potential for Zimbabwe to benefit even if the
market is there. Currently, the country does
not have many much manufactured products;
consequently, the country will remain far ma-
rooned from benefiting from the African Free
Trade Area,” he added.

“Most countries that are middle income are
into industrial production; 28 years ago Zimba-
bwe was a bit diversified, but the current statis-
tics show that mineral and tobacco consist 90%
of exports and no country in Africa wants these
minerals because they want processed products.
For example, in Africa they don’t need the to-
bacco leaves but they want the processed ciga-

Cassava Smartech reels under ZW$100m regulatory fines

ALEX MHANDU forts to tame inflationary pressures fuelled by the year to 28 February 2021. operating unit, constituting about 80% of total
runaway exchange rate on the parallel market, as During the prolonged Covid-19-induced lock- revenue.
CASSAVA Smartech Zimbabwe Limited, trad- well as increase its accessibility to businesses on
ing as EcoCash Holdings Zimbabwe, has had a the formal channels. downs, the group’s entities were recognised as es- Within the fintech business unit, 80% of the
tough year which has seen the company fork out sential service providers, which allowed parts of revenue comes from the mobile money business
ZW$100 million in penalties to regulatory au- However, indications from Cassava show oth- the business to continue operating despite the unit, EcoCash, and an analysis has been made
thorities while full-year profitability also remained erwise, as the group has bemoaned the stringent restrictions. on both the ability of the group and the biggest
depressed. measures for accessing the scarce greenback. This, cash-generating unit, EcoCash, to continue as go-
coupled with the adverse effects of the Covid-19 Cassava says it will continue adopting mitiga- ing concerns.
The group’s earnings report for the year to pandemic, have made business operations diffi- tory measures, within the bounds of the country’s
28 February 28 2021 shows that on 29 January cult, with the group recording depressed earnings laws, to minimise the adverse impacts of the chal- This also comes as mobile money subscribers
this year, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), performance for the full year to February 2021. lenging operating environment which saw the decreased by 22% to 8.4 million for the full year.
through its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), group report a ZW$1 billion loss for the full year
levied administrative penalties on EcoCash of “The board is concerned about the challeng- to February 2021. According to the group, business performance
ZW$100 million, based on an onsite inspection ing operating environment as indicated by hy- for the period 1 March 2021 to the date of au-
that was done from 24 October 2018 to 22 No- perinflationary pressures in the economy, global Said Cassava: “We continually evaluate the thorisation of the financial statements has been in
vember 2018. According to the group, the onsite and local uncertainties created by the impact of impact of the pandemic on our business over the line with forecasts at the beginning of the year, af-
inspection report noted certain administrative de- Covid-19 and the strict criteria to be met in order short to medium term.” ter taking into consideration the negative impact
ficiencies and the FIU took note of the progress to access foreign currency,” Cassava said in a state- of the Covid-19-induced restrictions on business
that the business had made to address the admin- ment accompanying the group’s financials for the During the full year, Cassava’s total revenue performance.
istrative deficiencies that had been noted. went down 26% to ZW$14.3 billion.
“Management is confident that the 12-month
Last year, the central bank announced a ban The fintech business unit is the group’s largest forecasts used in arriving at the going concern as-
on mobile money agents in the country on alle- sessment are attainable,” Cassava said.
gations they were unlawfully trading in foreign
currency on the illegal parallel market. Cassava The group has ZW$2.7 billion of related-party
executives were also charged for failing to rein in payables which relate to debentures which were
agents within the mobile money platform. assumed pursuant to the demerger of the group
from Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Limited on 1
According to the RBZ mid-term monetary November 2018. A total of 1 166 906 618 un-
policy statement last year, mobile money opera- secured redeemable debentures with an annual
tors “allowed illegal foreign currency dealers to use compounding coupon rate of 5% were issued at
multiple individual wallets as a means to bypass a subscription price of US4.665 cents per deben-
the transaction limits and continue with their il- ture and these are accounted for as a long-term
licit transactions. Mobile money operators shall, related party payable.
with immediate effect, close all multiple wallets,
and allow just one wallet per individual.” By close of its financial year, the banking sub-
sidiary — Steward — capitalisation level was at
EcoCash is the country’s biggest mobile money ZW$600 million and based on the bank forecast
operator, accounting for more than 90% of total at that point, did not appear to be able to achieve
market share. Cassava, whose shares were tempo- the revised minimum capital by 31 December
rarily suspended from trading on the Zimbabwe 2021 through organic growth.
Stock Exchange for two weeks this month, has be-
moaned inflationary pressures worsened by effects The RBZ announced a new capital require-
of Covid-19 and the limited access to foreign cur- ment for banking institutions, pegged at US$30
rency as major factors weighing on the business. million in equivalent, which must be met by 31
December 2021.
In June last year, the central bank re-introduced
the foreign currency auction system as part of ef- The group and the bank communicated to the
RBZ in relation to the capitalisation plan to allow
for compliance with the capital threshold by the
set deadline.

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 23

Issue 54, 29 October 2021 BANK OF ZI

RESERVE MBABWE

PRESS STATEMENT

RESOLUTIONS OF THE MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD
ON 28 OCTOBER 2021

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the Bank)
met on 28 October 2021 and had robust deliberations on macroeconomic
developments and monetary policy interventions needed to promote and sustain the
obtaining macroeconomic stability in the economy.

The MPC was pleased with the favourable external sector performance as evidenced
by a 49% increase in foreign currency receipts, from US$4.8 billion received during
the same period in 2020 to US$7.2 billion as at 15 October 2021. Total foreign
payments during the same period in 2021 amounted to US$5.4 billion, leaving a net
surplus position of US$1.7 billion represented by foreign currency account (FCA)
balances in the banking system.

The MPC also noted that the commitments made by Government, the Bank and
leaders of the Zimbabwe business community on 11th October 2021 have helped to
stabilise the volatility of the parallel market exchange rate. The stability is expected to
anchor inflation expectations and restore the downward inflation trajectory the
economy has experienced since July 2020.

The MPC, however, expressed concern regarding the recent increase in month-on-
month inflation, from 4.7% in September 2021 to 6.4% in October 2021, and annual
inflation from 51.5% to 54.5% over the same period, driven mainly by the resurgence
in the volatility of the parallel market exchange rate.

The MPC unanimously agreed to put the following measures in place to fortify the
gains made in stabilising the economy thus far:

Page 24 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

i. Increasing the Bank policy rate from 40% to 60% and the Medium Term Bank
Accommodation (MBA) Facility interest rate from 30% to 40% with immediate
effect. The measure is expected to result in positive real interest rates which is
critical to foster savings in the economy;

ii. Increasing statutory reserve requirements for demand/call deposits from 5% to
10%, while maintaining the rate at 2.5% for savings and time deposits;

iii. Increasing minimum deposit rates for ZW$ savings and time deposits from 5% and
10% per annum to 7.5% and 20%, respectively, with a view to promoting the
appeal of the ZW$ as an investment currency;

iv. Further tightening reserve money by reducing the quarterly growth in reserve
money targets from 20% to 10% for the fourth quarter of 2021 and the first two
quarters of 2022. The decision to review the reserve money growth targets was
informed by the reserve money growth outturn of 9.3% for the quarter ending 30
September 2021;

v. Continuing to refine the Bank’s open market operations (OMO) instruments to
support optimal liquidity management;

vi. Ensuring consistency and synchronisation of Government payments and liquidity
management programme of the Bank to ensure effective management of liquidity
in the economy;

vii. Refining the foreign exchange auction system to strengthen its effectiveness as a
foreign currency price discovery platform by limiting the allotments to the foreign
currency available at the time of the weekly auction and paying same within two
weeks from the date of the auction. The MPC also welcomed the decision by the
Bank to take steps to be current with foreign exchange allotments from Auction
63, whilst at the same time working towards clearing the ring-fenced auction
backlog;

viii. Introducing mobile bureaux de change branches for ease and flexible access to
foreign currency by communities where there are no physical access points,
including the rural areas;

ix. Promoting the use of e-wallets for receiving foreign currency purchased from
bureaux de change to enhance financial inclusion. In this context, bureaux de
change are encouraged to create the necessary synergies with banks and mobile
network service providers to facilitate the electronic transactions;

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 25

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

x. In line with requests from the general public, allowing individuals purchasing
foreign currency under the US$50 per week facility for small domestic transactions
to be able to also do one-time purchases of up to US$100 per month per person;

xi. Allowing individuals and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to purchase
up to US$500 per month for international payments, including funds for business
and personal travel allowance;

xii. Allowing retail pharmacies to access, through the normal banking system, up to
US$5000 per month per firm for purchasing of pharmaceutical products from
registered pharmaceutical wholesalers in Zimbabwe; and

xiii. Urging the importing firms to always comply with Exchange Control Regulations
which require the importation of goods and services to be done through normal
banking channels, and that receipts of goods and services with regard to
transactions executed in advance are acquitted within 90 days from the date of
payment or any other period as may be prescribed by Exchange Control authorities.
This requirement does not apply to foreign payments effected using free funds
held by individuals, Non-Governmental Organisations, Embassies and International
Organisations.

The MPC applauded the decision taken by Government to put the SDR holdings
received from the IMF to good use in the areas of health, education, social protection
and ramping up of production as well as earmarking part of the holdings for building
international reserves.

Finally, the MPC calls upon and urges business players to always uphold principles of
good corporate governance and self-discipline to ensure high standards of business
ethics and transparency which are critical to stabilising the economy in the short to
medium term.

John P. Mangudya
Governor
28 October 2021

Page 26 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Inflation — Locking stable ‘We’re not ready
door after horse has bolted? for the US dollar
pension payouts’
DUMISANI NDLELA
NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY AUTHORITY (Nssa,
AS the potentially volatile 2023 elections the greenback. RBZ governor John Magudya pictured below) has dismissed calls by worker representatives to
beckon, there is reason for bureaucrats and “The exchange rate distortions are, there- Dube said the inflationary scourge has re- consider the payment of US dollar pensions, arguing that the
the ruling elites to worry about an unstable sulted in significant erosion of incomes. authority’s offshore investments are still immature to cater for
currency and runway inflation. The govern- fore, responsible for the inflationary pres- “Only workers who received more than such huge commitments.
ment and the central bank are seeking to sure that the country is currently facing,” a 50% salary increment over the past 12
control these two with fortified resolve, but said Cornelius Dube, the Confederation months are adequately compensated from The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is lobby-
they may be trying to lock the stable door of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief econ- the inflation effects,” he said, warning that ing for the payment of monthly pension payouts in hard cur-
after the horse has bolted. omist. The costs that businesses incur in ob- there was heightened risk of a resurgence rency as the domestic unit continues to lose value.
taining foreign exchange from other sources in inflation driven by falling confidence as
Inflation, which scaled to 362.3% in Jan- are largely driven by the parallel exchange people perceive the battle against inflation ZCTU president Peter Mutasa described the current payouts
uary, gained 1.3 percentage points on the rate,” he noted. as lost. as an insult to the people who contributed for many years, but
August rate to 51.5% in September, accord- The effect of this erosion of incomes has are now in a difficult situation where they cannot even travel to
ing to latest government statistics. Annual In his briefing to CZI members, Dube been to worsen poverty in the country. This, get the pensions because the amounts are insufficient for trans-
inflation had, since the January figures, been said the parallel market rate had “been in- inevitably, undermines the electoral chances port alone.
on a downward trajectory, but the curve flat- creasingly unstable, driven by demand from of the ruling party, already squirming from
tened out in July and August, slamming the economic agents for value preservation”. internal fissures, while boosting the profile “There are many factors causing Nssa to fail. On top of the
brakes on the decline. of the opposition. list is abuse of Nssa resources through corruption. Nssa has
The central bank had anchored its pro- At a meeting with captains of industry been milked for many years by politicians and their cronies.
Just over two months ago, Reserve Bank jections of a sustained decline in inflation and commerce early this month to “find
of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Ma- on its “strong monetary policy measures”, solutions to the volatility of the parallel If governance issues are addressed and Nssa is put under the
gudya pronounced, rather triumphantly, anchored on its handle over reserve money market exchange rates” adversely affecting control of workers and employers away from the dominance
that inflationary pressures in the economy growth and a foreign currency allocation economic growth and increasing domestic of politicians, it will be able to invest well and pay better pen-
had receded, creating what he called “a based on the auction system it claimed had prices, Mangudya said he had committed sions,” Mutasa said this week.
conducive monetary and financial envi- been perfected. the central bank to dealing with a backlog of
ronment” essential for “robust economic foreign currency allocation on the auction But responding to the requests, Nssa’s marketing and com-
growth in the medium term”. It insists that annual inflation will fall to system and ensuring that such a backlog munications executive Tendai Mutseyekwa said the authority is
desired levels of around 30% by year-end. does not recur. not in a position to meet such demands.
But there is now obvious panic: A sud- But there was no commitment to end the
den rush in commodity prices, sparked by Evidently, foreign currency receipts have parallel market. Instead, Mangudya advised “Offshore investments are made in the interest of safeguard-
the plummeting black market value of the been increasing, and a US$1 billion wind- retailers to extend discounts to US dollar ing the sustainability of the fund. Nssa is still a young scheme,
domestic currency, forced the central bank fall from the International Monetary Fund customers in the normal course of business as it is less than 40 years old, the maturity stage for any social
governor’s long hand on the market. A would have bolstered this to weaken the “as long as they are reasonable and in line security scheme. This is because members to such schemes are
number of alleged black market currency parallel market. Foreign currency receipts with best practice”. Discounts are a euphe- expected to contribute for at least 40 years, the average working
dealers were arrested, their bank accounts between January and September this year mism for parallel market rates. life, before they start to earn a pension,” he said.
ordered closed, as well as their mobile cellu- amounted to US$6.09 billion, compared Retailers using the official exchange, such
lar numbers, used as mobile money wallets to US$4.43 billion over the same period as the big retail chains, could apply “a toler- He said the social security authority has the responsibility of
for black market deals. Up until recently, re- the previous year, according to latest RBZ ance premium of up to 10%” in their pric- implementing requisite measures to guarantee the sustainability
peated calls to liberalise the managed forex figures. This represents a growth of 37.8%. ing system. Yet in arresting business execu- of the fund, for the benefit of current and future pensioners.
auction system had appeared to have fallen tives and currency black-market dealers, the
on deaf ears. Over this nine-month period, foreign RBZ had sought to impress upon the public “At this juncture it would not be prudent or sustainable to
exchange payments via the auction system that it was dealing with a vice for which it utilise dividends from foreign investments for pension payouts.
A clampdown on business executives amounted to US$1 501 541 525. Many was uninformed. The US dollar component received is still too small to be shared
followed. Simba Makoni, a former finance companies funded their imports through It was. among all the pensioners in a sustainable manner,” he said.
minister, is one of the directors who have foreign currency accounts, some of which
been hauled before the courts because a had mopped up the cash from the market Mutseyekwa said the minimum monthly retirement pension
company on which he is board chairperson through cash sales to the public. These were, payout has since been increased to ZW$3 900 for those un-
was allegedly using parallel market rates to in most cases, priced using the parallel mar- der the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme and ZW$5 200 for
price its products. ket rates. those under the Accident Prevention and Workers’ Compensa-
tion Scheme.
Although the clampdown on market
dealers has often characterised attempts to He said at the time of the last review in October 2021, these
subdue the black market, it has increasing- Zimdollar payments were equivalent to US$45 and US$60 re-
ly become vindictive. Mangudya has often spectively.
promoted monetary policy as an effective
tool to bring stability on the markets. “It is important to appreciate that Nssa is a social security
scheme that was designed to co-exist with occupational pension
The foreign currency auction system, he funds where contributions are at a higher level, with no ceiling
said, had “assisted in the discovery of an ap- on the pensionable salary.
propriate and stable market-based exchange
rate for the country”. The foreign exchange “The Nssa pension scheme was designed as a safety net. The
auction system had been introduced in June role of the Nssa pension is to augment what pensioners earn
2020, minimising, Mangudya said, “dis- from their respective occupational pension funds,” he said.
tortions in pricing by curtailing speculative
pricing and parallel market exchange rate However, he said Nssa is aware of the fact that some pension
indexation of prices by businesses”. funds collapsed, while others pay paltry amounts or do not pay
at all, which has prompted the authority to be innovative by
“Consequently, the parallel exchange rate coming up with non-monetary benefits to augment pensioners’
premium has reduced to a tolerable band of incomes. — STAFF WRITER.
up to 20%, consistent with experiences in
other countries,” he said in February.

Many companies have complained that
they have had to wait for months before
getting their allocation of foreign currency
from the currency auction. As a result, a
good number of them have resorted to the
parallel market, forcing the black-market
value of the local unit to come under pres-
sure.

Reserve Bank figures show that about
28% of the country’s imports are funded by
the auction market. The balance of imports
is funded from other sources, primarily the
parallel market. This has meant that the
parallel market exchange rate premium has
widened, from the comfortable band to well
over 84% last month.

Even as the parallel market rate has
moved significantly over the past few
months, the official exchange rate, deter-
mined by the weekly auction system, has
remained range-bound, ending September
at a weighted average rate of 87.66 to the
US dollar. By comparison, the parallel mar-
ket rate was already trending towards 200 to

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 27

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Complexities blamed
for low informal sector
funding facility uptake

THE complex nature of Zimbabwe’s informal “Even when the government wants to imple- for equipment and working capital from micro-fi- the taxes. As a way of circumventing such taxes or
sector has been blamed for the low uptake of a ment policies, they wouldn’t want to implement nance institutions and banks are probably the best rather tax evasion, many people choose to work
funding facility created through the Growth En- policies in a haphazard environment,” he said. way to raise funding,” he said. informally,” he said.
terprises Market (GEM) listing portal which is
part of the Financial Securities Exchange (Finsec), More importantly, what is required is infor- However, economist Tawanda Purazeni urged He said government support for these SMEs
a private company licensed by the Securities Ex- mation on the benefits of formalisation because Finsec to use interactive methods suitable for the should be intensified through low-interest loans
change Commission of Zimbabwe. many are comfortable in their informalisation, so informal sector. payable over a long time, pointing out that tax
there is a need to convince them, he said. rebates on these small firms should also be con-
Speaking to The NewsHawks Business, Finsec “Rather than being something which can be sidered since they are at infancy.
general manager Garikai Munema said the GEM Munemba noted that the government is trying done online, the process requires the use of some
listing portal, a seamless platform that enables to uplift the sector. agents at a cost. This results in most of them re- “The investment environment ought to be
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to raise maining informal. The tax regime is also high in fine-tuned so as to bring in foreign investment
funding, has not attracted huge uptake from the “In all fairness, the government is trying, but Zimbabwe. Cost of doing business is exorbitant. which might cascade down to the SMEs,” he add-
informal sector players. what is necessary now is to establish the link of ed. — STAFF WRITER.
the beneficiaries of the formalisation efforts and “After formalising, one is bound to be paying
“Since its formation in 2019, only 146 appli- maybe the government.”
cations have been submitted through the GEM
and not one has managed to gain access to financ- He emphasised the need to assess how the
ing as these are still at various stages of approval. schemes are being communicated to the benefi-
There are three phases, but a few companies are ciaries to establish the low uptake.
still on phase one while a sizable number is on
stage two of the application. An analyst at Imara Capital, Yona Menon, said
the GEM could be a useful tool for raising capi-
“The amounts applied for vary and companies tal, underscoring that entrepreneurship will play
seeking financial assistance have an agricultural a key role in the country’s future; therefore, there
industrial background, manufacturing, mining is definitely a need for efficient ways for SMEs to
and corporate and school wear manufacturing,” sustainably raise long-term capital.
he said.
“The initiative looks like it’s structured sensibly
Munemba chiefly blamed the major handicap enough, so its success really depends on the in-
of the low uptake on the slow formalisation which vestor appetite. But private equity can be a risky
the country has endured over the years. proposition in an unstable environment.”

“When investors want to put in their money, He said the small players could be facing dif-
they want to put their money into a system which ficulties in aligning the goals of their own busi-
has structures that work, that have got an audit nesses with the expectations of prospective formal
trail. investors. “The reality is that a lot of SMEs might
be able to provide a livelihood, but don’t have a lot
of commercial value. For those cases, small loans

Page 28 Community Service NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Gloomy 2022 looms: Mining execs

BERNARD MPOFU

SEVENTY percent of top executives running the Many mining executives expect Zimbabwe’s mining policy environment to remain unpredictable and inconsistent.
country’s major mining companies have painted
a gloomy picture of the operating and invest- Turning to the foreign currency situation in turnaround of not more than five days is recom- of concern and exporters’ inability to meet Zesa’s
ment climate for the sector in the coming year the country, the miners proposed payment in mended),” the report says. additional requirements to import power from
despite projecting a bullish economic outturn, a local currency of royalty, electricity costs, taxes, the region. Significant number of respondents, at
survey by the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and statutory obligations in order to restore their “Coal producers recommended improved 33%, reported that they face daily outages of at
has shown. value. payment turnaround by Zesa, implementation least six hours. Respondents experiencing signif-
of the agreed Zesa payment framework and ex- icant power outages indicated that they are not
Official figures show that mineral shipments “The auction rate must be used for charging tension of the export window until Zesa demand connected to dedicated power lines,” the survey
and tobacco account for over 70% of the coun- all fees, taxes and rates. The respondents further is restored to normalcy.” reads.
try’s exports. Sentiments shared by mining exec- recommended authorities to ensure an efficient
utives in a study titled State of the Mining Sector: auction market (convergence of the official and On energy and infrastructure prospects, the “Mining executives are concerned about Zesa’s
Prospects for 2022, revealed that although oper- parallel exchange rate). Respondents from the survey findings show that mining executives are proposal for mining companies to secure bank
ating costs are anticipated to increase at a pace gold industry indicated that payment delays by anticipating the infrastructure and energy situ- guarantees as security for power supply, which
higher than the increase in revenue, more than Fidelity Printers and Refiners continue to under- ation for the mining sector to worsen in 2022. will further strain their cashflows. Hence, they
half of the sample size contends that profitability mine production (an improvement in payment expect Zesa to abandon the proposal.”
will improve next year. “Reasons provided include fragile electricity
supply, Zesa’s push for increased tariffs as areas
Mining executives, the survey further showed,
are pessimistic about their prospects to raise ade-
quate external capital in 2022.

At position 140 out of 180, Zimbabwe is one
of the least ranked countries on the World Bank
Ease of Doing Business index.

“The respondents are less confident about the
prospects of a competitive investment environ-
ment. The findings show that about 70% of the
mining executives expect the investment envi-
ronment to remain depressed as in 2021. Only
30% expect it to improve in 2022,” the survey
showed.

“About 82% of the respondents are antic-
ipating the situation to remain the same citing
uncompetitive investment environment and
high-country risk. Respondents indicated that
financial institutions are requesting the setting
up of collection accounts with lending banks to
guarantee uninterrupted payments of loans and
to mitigate counterparty risk.”

Zimbabwe is this year expected to recover
from two years of economic contraction buoyed
by strong agricultural output and mining.

Most respondent executives, at 74%, are ex-
pecting the mining policy environment to re-
main unpredictable and inconsistent, citing the
government’s failure to finalise outstanding pol-
icy matters, including mineral development pol-
icy and the mining cadastre, the report showed.

Bindura Nickel Corp
mulls VFEX listing

DUMISANI NDLELA er trading fees and transaction costs compared to government suddenly became a 65% sharehold- The VFEX is primarily targeted at attracting
the ZSE; and tax enticements for shareholders. er. The shares were explained as a donation from mining houses on its board, as well as export-ori-
Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE)-listed miner Sotic, which had forked out hard currency in off- ented firms which require hard currency for their
and Africa’s only fully integrated nickel produc- Commercial lawyers MawereSibanda said an shore and domestic transactions to buy the assets. businesses.
er, Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC) is plan- issuer already listed on the ZSE could list at most
ning to list on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange 20% of its authorised but unissued shares on the In a statement accompanying BNC’s financial Already, Caledonia Mining Corporation, a
(VFEX) to enable its stock to trade in hard cur- VFEX. These shares would be treated as a differ- results for the year ended 31 March, board chair- Zimbabwe-focused miner, announced in July
rency, The NewsHawks has learnt. ent class of shares from those listed on the ZSE. man Muchadeyi Masunda said after Asa Resource that it had begun the process of pursuing a list-
Group Plc had sold its entire shareholding in ing of its depositary receipts, which represent its
The VFEX was launched last year ahead of an Market analysts say there is a possibility BNC BNC, amounting to 74.73% of the issued shares shares, on the VFEX. The company said its listing
Offshore Financial Services Centre earmarked for could seek to de-list from the ZSE and make a of the company to Sotic International registered would be subject to market conditions and imple-
Victoria Falls, which was declared a special eco- debut on the VFEX involving its entire stock cur- in Mauritius, the equity was transferred to Ku- mentation of positive proposals by the Zimbabwe
nomic zone. This will allow companies establish- rently trading on the domestic bourse. vimba Mining House. government in respect of improved payments in
ing in the zone to enjoy several benefits, including US dollars for gold produced at the company’s
tax concessions. Alternatively, the company could list the 20% As at 31 March, Kuvimba held 73.24% shares majority-owned Blanket Mine.
portion as presently prescribed for issuers already in the BNC, he said.
BNC last week issued a cautionary statement, listed on the ZSE. This, however, is thought to
saying it was “engaged in discussions that involve limit the company’s ability to fully capitalise on
a potential corporate action”. It did not disclose any future plans for a capital raise that may re-
the nature of such action, but indicated in the quire hard currency.
statement that the full impact of this was current-
ly being determined. The contemplated action It is not clear how BNC would navigate its
could have a material effect on the share price, the ambitions for a VFEX listing as its new majority
company said. shareholder, Kuvimba Mining House, was said by
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube to be also poised
The VFEX, which currently has two compa- for a listing on the VFEX.
nies on its board, seed manufacturer SeedCo and
Padenga, allows listed entities to enjoy several Kuvimba controversially became a sharehold-
benefits. The bourse is a subsidiary of the ZSE, er in BNC after taking over a 74% stake in the
but has its own set of listing requirements differ- company held by a privately-owned entity Sotic
ent from the parent stock exchange. International. Sotic is linked to Zimbabwean ty-
coon Kudakwashe Taigwirei now under US and
These include the ability to trade and raise cap- British sanctions.
ital in US dollars; easier remittance of dividends
offshore without exchange control authority; low- Sotic’s other valuable gold, platinum and
chrome assets were hived into the new entity,
creating a multi-billion-dollar project in which

NewsHawks Stock Taking Page 29

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Price Sheet A MEMBER OF FINSEC & THE ZIMBABWE STOCK EXCHANGE

Thursday, 28 October 2021

Company Sector Bloomberg Previous Last VWAP (cents) Total Total Price Price YTD Market
Traded Traded Change Change (%) Cap
AFDIS Consumer Goods Ticker Price (cents) Traded Volume Value ($) (cents) ($m)
African Sun Consumer Services (%)
ART Price 6,300
Ariston Industrials 2,000
Axia Consumer Services AFDIS: ZH 10000.00 10000.00 10004.13 4,600 630,260 4.13 0.04 316.84 11,954.39
BNC ASUN: ZH 1078.91 950.00 1033.75 60,400 20,675 -45.16 -4.19 508.09 14,719.89
BAT Consumer Goods ARTD: ZH 1000.07 1000.00 1006.52 148,000 46,300 6.45 0.64 110.87
CAFCA Basic Materials 367.39 370.00 365.35 120,300 -2.04 -0.56 172.65 4,398.26
Cassava ARISTON: ZH 3908.50 3995.00 3995.75 220,674 87.25 2.23 336.22 5,945.69
CBZ Consumer Goods AXIA: ZH 521.19 500.00 504.33 - 5,913,705 -16.86 -3.23 32.72 22,062.55
CFI Industrials BIND: ZH 274000.00 - 274000.00 33,300 398.18 6,418.77
Dairibord 17000.00 17000.00 34,500 606,712 - - 89.10 56,535.84
Delta Technology BAT: ZH 4329.11 17000.00 4193.33 44,800 - - - 545.13 1,484.97
Econet Banking CAFCA: ZH 11996.89 4200.00 11476.56 -135.78 -3.14 34.29 108,631.45
Edgars 4112.02 11000.00 4930.00 100 5,661,000 -520.33 -4.34 6868.20 59,983.56
FBC Industrials CSZL: ZH 5200.00 4930.00 4844.44 4,500 1,446,700.00 817.98 19.89 269.80 5,227.82
Fidelity Consumer Goods CBZ: ZH 15594.11 4800.00 15824.91 140,400 -355.56 -6.84 595.57 17,343.14
First Capital Consumer Goods CFI:ZH 7891.83 16000.00 7961.84 353,000 5,141,500 230.80 1.48 742.52 206,384.62
FML Telecommunications 7950.00 3,500 4,930 70.01 0.89 233.48 206,257.58
FMP Consumer Services DZL: ZH -9.83 -2.40 107.48 2,418.02
GBH DLTA: ZH - 218,000 - - 326.85 20,931.24
Getbucks Banking ECO: ZH 1,700 22,218,180 0.11 0.01 227.76
Hippo Financial Services 8,300 28,105,290 -2.94 -0.81 120.14 886.64
Innscor EDGR: ZH 410.00 400.00 400.17 1,471,500 -388.51 -14.39 270.37 7,787.00
Lafarge Banking FBC: ZH 3115.00 - 3115.00 1,700 14,006 -16.67 -1.37 895.96 15,952.59
Mash Financial Services FIDL: ZH 813.89 814.00 27,800 - -0.88 -0.37 6380.00 14,857.89
Masimba FCA: ZH 363.48 814.00 360.54 -5.00 -0.61 233.41 1,282.61
Medtech Real Estate 2700.00 360.00 2311.49 700 13,838 7.22 0.02 361.93 9,421.26
Meikles Industrials FMHL: ZH 1216.67 2350.00 1200.00 43,600 29,925 -790.88 -4.42 900.00 57,920.11
Nampak FMP: ZH 239.91 1200.00 239.03 160,900 34,013,620 - - 218.77 97,477.71
NatFoods Financial Services GBH: ZH 815.00 239.00 810.00 20,400 -55.04 -15.66 391.07 7,680.00
NTS Consumer Goods 30000.00 810.00 30007.22 100 66,451 - - 115.95 5,511.41
NMBZ GBFS: ZH 17895.94 30100.00 17105.06 46,500 5,670 -2.94 -14.70 832.94 13,290.95
OK Zim Industrials HIPO: ZH 9600.00 17105.00 9600.00 13,083,150 485.70 2.42 425.74
Proplastics Industrials 351.50 9600.00 296.46 400 27,522,050 -99.46 -7.65 2395.84 518.58
RTG Real Estate INN: ZH 5500.00 285.00 5500.00 350,400 9,600 -0.71 -0.00 2450.09 51,866.12
RioZim Industrials LACZ: ZH 5500.00 137,855 - - 224.96
SeedCo Healthcare MASH: ZH 20.00 18.10 17.06 7,700 22,000 -90.00 -6.47 210.56 9,067.78
Simbisa Industrials MSHL: ZH 20043.46 20310.00 20529.16 6,900 59,786 19.94 0.72 245.92 102,600.30
Star Africa Industrials MMDZ: ZH 1299.46 1200.00 1200.00 22,800 1,580,745 -21.69 -0.72 204.71
Truworths Consumer Goods MEIK: ZH 150000.91 150000.00 150000.20 82,800 14.29 2.51 134.08 1,777.11
TSL Industrials NPKZ: ZH - 34,200,050 - - 439.19 5,254.23
Turnall 700.00 - 700.00 16,200 -48.56 -0.39 649.02 35,940.47
Unifreight Banking NTFD: ZH 1390.00 1300.00 1300.00 164,500 - -616.89 -6.41 463.85 7,503.42
Willdale Consumer Services NTS: ZH 418,400 210,600 1.74 1.16 750.85 14,580.93
ZB NMB: ZH 4,597,780 -48.53 -16.20 300.00 4,271.03
Zeco Industrials 700 12,461,260 - - 581.72 30,656.44
Zimpapers Consumer Services OKZ: ZH 2775.06 2800.00 2795.00 100 - - 18717.20 50,605.79
Zimplow PROL: ZH 3000.00 2945.00 2978.31 14,500 4,090 - - 1055.88 7,178.24
ZHL Basic Materials 570.00 570.00 584.29 140,800 3,500 -3.65 -0.98 228.56
TOTAL Consumer Goods RTG: ZH 3500.00 3500.00 3500.00 174,800 1,798,195 -114.67 -1.43 1100.00 964.01
Consumer Goods RIOZ: ZH 12449.90 12400.00 12401.34 500 12,674,290 - - 206.12 24,640.07
Consumer Goods SEED: ZH 9618.52 9000.00 9001.63 100 266,121 - - 303.26
Consumer Services 1,255 54.62 2.78 14.96 3,125.88
Consumer Goods SIM: ZH - 6,900 -18.28 -4.83 3,726.60
300 6,576.47
Industrials SACL: ZH 150.50 151.00 152.24 5,800 - 13,814.36
Industrials TRUW: ZH 299.53 251.00 251.00 15,000 10,500
Industrials 6900.00 6900.00 6900.00 21,453 1.11
TSL: ZH 634.00 634.00 - 1,182,800 1,728.00
Banking TURN: ZH 3500.00 - 3500.00 800 6,947.78
Industrials UNIF: ZH 373.53 3500.00 369.88 9,600 - 6,552.86
Consumer Services WILD: ZH 8000.00 369.00 7885.33 920,400 2,400 1,372,663.51
Industrials ZBFH: ZH 8000.00 4,989,200 193,565
Financial Services ZECO: ZH 0.24 0.24 3,317,082
300.00 - 300.00 217,847,663
ZIMP: ZH 1961.68 300.00 2016.30
ZIMPLOW: ZH 378.68 2300.00 360.40
360.00
ZHL: ZH

ETFs OMTT.zw 452.14 450.00 450.00 16,769 75,460.50 -2.14 -0.47 349.01 360.00
Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 ETF

FINSEC Financial Services OMZIL 7100.00 7100.00 7100.00 8,210 582,910 - - 167.92 5,893.83
Old Mutual Zimbabwe

VFEX (US cents) Consumer Goods PHL:VX 22.00 19.50 19.50 4,335 845.33 -2.50 -11.36 -45.83 US$m
Consumer Goods SCIL:VX 28.09 - 28.09 - - - - 56.06 105.61
Padenga 107.15
SeedCo International

Index Close Change (%) Open YTD % Top 5 Risers Price Change % YTD %
ZSE All Share 11,329.48 -1.13 11,459.10 +330.88 CFI 4930.00c +817.98c +19.89 +6868.20
Top 10 7,104.99 -0.95 +329.43 Zimplow 2016.30c +54.62c +2.78 +303.26
Top 15 7,900.36 -1.11 7,173.35 +305.55 RTG +14.29c +2.51 +204.71
Small Cap +3.00 7,988.65 +2678.83 Meikles 584.29c +485.70c +2.42 +832.94
Medium Cap 330,018.90 -1.84 320,416.44 +294.34 Axia 20529.16c +87.25c +2.23 +336.22
21,942.11 22,353.32
3995.75c

Top 5 Fallers Price Change % YTD %
Truworths 251.00c -48.53c -16.20 +750.85
Mash 296.46c -55.04c -15.66 +218.77
Medtech -2.94c -14.70 +115.95
FML 17.06c -14.39 +120.14
Nampak 2311.49c -388.51c -7.65 +425.74
1200.00c -99.46c

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

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Page 30 News Analysis NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Mnangagwa’s
anti-sanctions
charade finds
few takers

NYASHA CHINGONO Absolving themselves of any

wrongdoing, including grand
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnan- corruption which the govern-
gagwa’s anti-sanctions charade, ment has acknowledged through
including rallies and marches several Auditor-General reports, 
devoid of concrete political re- Mnangagwa’s regime stubbornly
forms, is senseless escapism from attributes blame to the sanctions. 
what the government ought to Political analyst Stephen Chan
do to convince the West to re- argues the government should
move restrictive measures which not use sanctions as a scapegoat
have hung over the country since for poor governance. 
2000. “As it is, the UK has sanctions
Analysts say the anti-sanctions on about half-a-dozen people,
day and solidarity from its praise although the US has them on
singers like China is only a feel- just over 80 people. Even so, the
good moment, with no signifi- amount of trade and foreign aid
cance on the international arena.   involving both countries runs
Now three years running, the into the hundreds of millions.
anti-sanctions day has become But with under 100 people in
a hollow ceremony at which total sanctioned, this can have Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa attending a 2019 rally against sanctions in Harare, Zimbabwe. Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo

Mnangagwa reads long speeches no overall effect on the economy This sympathy sometimes creates participate in the anti-sanctions sembly. 
denouncing the West in front of -- which has simply been very important alliances critical for campaign. In the full glare of internation-
placard-wielding supporters and badly run,” Chan said.  regime survival.
gyrating Zanu PF members. The US says: “The US govern- True to the ethos of African al media, the government has
A music gala was also hosted ment can lift sanctions once it And it helps the Zanu PF gov- brotherhood, the AU and Sadc arrested pro-democracy activists,
this week, where action-starved determines sanctioned individ- ernment create an effective nar- joined in the crusade against journalists and political activists,
artistes belted out songs in a con- uals have stopped undermining rative around the reasons why sanctions, with the then chair some of whom are still locked up
cert beamed live by the national democracy, violating human economic growth is not moving of the southern African regional without trial.  
broadcaster, while top govern- rights, or facilitating corrup- as fast as was expected, especially bloc, Tanzanian president John
ment officials took to the dance tion.” when they meet with potential Magufuli, saying sanctions had Mnangagwa has succeeded in
floor to presumably jive the sanc- “The Zimbabwe sanctions pro- voters as the nation is moving crippled Zimbabwe. emulating his predecessor, Rob-
tions away.  gramme aims to encourage those towards elections in 2023. Zanu ert Mugabe, who plunged Zim-
Online, a Twitter war played sanctioned individuals to stop PF cannot reform itself out of Analyst Chan maintains the babwe into pariah status until his
out between government apol- facilitating corruption and start power,” he added.  anti-sanctions rhetoric will not death.
ogists and Western embassies, respecting fundamental rights yield the intended results. 
including the US, UK and EU and democratic aspirations.”  After failing to fulfill elec- Zimbabwe has since 2018 lost
embassies.  Running the #FriendsDont- toral promises and commit- “The rhetoric will have no ef- the goodwill of former colonis-
The embassies’ online teams LetFriends hashtag, a direct ments made during his inaugu- fect at all upon the outside world er Britain, which maintains that
also worked extra shifts defend- opposite of the government’s ral speech in November 2017, -- which would probably be sat- sanctions affect only a few indi-
ing their tough stance on Zim- “Zimbabwe is a friend to all and which include the normalising isfied even with a series of ‘sum- viduals. 
babwe, while Zanu PF and its enemy to none” mantra, key- relations through broad-based mit’ dialogues between Mnan-
anti-sanctions foot soldiers spent board warriors had a field day reforms, Mnangagwa has resort- gagwa and Chamisa,” Chan said.  “I love buying Zimbabwean
their Monday denouncing the online.  ed to an anti-sanctions crusade.  blueberries in the UK. UK sanc-
so-called “enemy” for maintain- But it is apparent that the US, On Monday, Mnangagwa had tions don’t stop trade.
ing sanctions on Zimbabwe.  UK and EU are relentless in their Despite calling on Zimbabwe- his usual praise singers, includ-
The anti-sanctions day has bid to pressure Mnangagwa’s re- ans to stop whining over sanc- ing China, singing the anti-sanc- They are about stopping hu-
become a dramatic affair, with gime to reform.  tions and instead of harnessing tions song. man rights violations and cor-
some elements also staging a International relations lecturer the available local resources for ruption,” British ambassador
demonstration at the US embas- at Bindura University, Ronald development, Mnangagwa is do- “Sanctions spook investors, Melanie Robinson said. 
sy in Harare, demanding the lift- Chipaike, said the anti-sanctions ing the exact opposite. disrupt financial transactions
ing of the embargo.  rhetoric provided Zanu PF with btw (between) Zim & foreign The British sentiment on the
While some of the foot sol- an excuse for economic failure.  “Takaita masanctions edu countries, disable Zim from ac- kind of governance Mnangagwa
diers may not understand what “Sanctions, as long as they are atidzorera shure, asi ikozvino ha- cessing lines of credit from intl has presided over the past three
the sanctions really are, Mnan- there, will provide Zanu PF with tichafaniri kuramba tichichema (international) financial agen- years is also testimony to the fact
gagwa’s government says the em- a figleaf or scapegoat for every- namasanctions (The sanctions cies.They are hurting all the that Zimbabwe has lost the good-
bargo has destroyed the econo- thing going wrong in the coun- have affected our growth, but we people of the country. Our po- will of the former colonial mas-
my.  try. Corruption and its effects, should not continue mourning sition against sanctions imposed ter, which was Harare’s leading
Western embassies, mainly the for example, will continue to be over sanctions,” Mnangagwa said on Zim is consistent, resolute & cheerleader during the military
US, maintain that it is actually covered by this sanctions narra- in 2018. clear,” Chinese ambassador to coup that swept Mnangagwa to
corruption and a disregard for tive,” Chipaike said.  Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun wrote power. Britain was Zimbabwe’s
the rule of law that have ruined He added that the anti-sanc- Upon realisation that his on Twitter. biggest cheerleader after the
the economy. They maintain that tions gaffe worked for Zanu PF re-engagement drive has failed to 2017 coup and remained so un-
the sanctions on several Zanu PF in getting the sympathy vote.  charm segments of the interna- However, amid the sham an- til January 2019 when the then
cadres and their cohorts do not “The anti-sanctions rhetoric tional community, Mnangagwa ti-sanctions day, Mnangagwa UK minister for Africa, Harriet
affect the generality of Zimba- is effective for the Zimbabwean has spent millions hiring public knows what should be done.  Baldwin, declared that Whitehall
bweans.  government in two ways: relations firms to spruce up the would no longer support Zimba-
But Zanu PF argues that Zim- Gaining sympathy from other country’s battered image and The West has unequivocal- bwe’s bid to rejoin the Common-
babwe’s problems stem from the developing countries as a victim believes a few marches and con- ly demanded concrete reforms, wealth and the country’s attempt
punitive sanctions regime. of bullying by powerful states. certs will make Washington DC which Mnangagwa’s headstrong to woo back foreign funders.
rescind its position on sanctions.  regime continues to negate. 
While the West maintains a
Two years ago, he rallied Since 2018, Zimbabwe’s hu- tough stance on Zimbabwe, the
Southern African Development man rights record has worsened government should not only
Community (Sadc) heads of state due to killings, abductions, secu- clamour for the removal of sanc-
and the African Union (AU) to rity service brutality and clamp- tions but also prove that it can
down on civil rights, including walk the talk on reforms.
freedoms of expression and as-

NewsHawks The Big Debate Page 31

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Political elites’ vacuous populism not
serving Zimbabwean people’s interest 

MIKE CHIPERE Most importantly, what and where is
the agency that will make people con-
IN a recent eloquent but rather dense Chamisa and all the people who continue to propagate and in some cases parrot the notion of “citizens’ convergence” have failed verge? Do they converge merely be-
article titled “Dynamics of the Zimba- to define such an interesting idea. cause a charismatic personality said so?
bwe crisis in the 21st century” adopt- What does the current violence against
ed from a 2003 academic paper of a interest in influencing politics and cul- religious leaders) have used nation- babwe has not escaped this. Online the MDC as it attempts to campaign
similar title, Professor Sabelo J. Ndl- ture. I will limit my analysis to three alistic rhetoric, populism and passive newspaper comment sections and so- for the 2023 elections say about citi-
ovu-Gatsheni made strong emphasis important components: political elites verbs to oppress the people and in the cial media platforms are full of threats zens’ convergence as a concept? Lastly
that Zimbabwe must make an urgent (ruling and opposition party leaders), process retain power and influence in of physical violence, tribalistic and ho- and importantly, was it an example of
and concerted effort to overcome the secondly academics, and lastly reli- Zimbabwe.  mophobic exchanges between people “citizens’ convergence” when Zanu PF
authoritarianism, violence, intolerance gious leaders. Musicians could also be who simply disagree with each other.  and MDC leaders mobilised Zimba-
and hegemonic tendencies inherited included as an important constituent, Secondly, I will examine how ac- bweans to kiss soldiers in the streets
from not only the liberation war but but I believe the above three are the ademics acquire knowledge by ab- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Cha- as they carried out a coup against the
also pre-colonial traditions.  most problematic in the Zimbabwe stracting local realities in ways that are misa’s supporters are strong adherents former president Robert Mugabe in
socio-political space. largely inconsequential to the lives of of the “Chamisa chete chete” (Chami- 2017? 
As a way forward, he made three ordinary Zimbabweans. In the conclu- sa all the way) ideology which assents
important suggestions, the first one Although Ndlovu-Gatsheni cri- sion and in next article, I will make a to the view that nobody beside him is The ambiguity examined above has
being that the division between the tiqued populism in detail, some of concrete proposal that differs signifi- capable of delivering this country to profound implications and yet very
people and their leaders needs to be the mechanisms that have been used cantly from the ones articulated or the promised land.  common in Africa and elsewhere.
urgently closed and second a call for a in conjunction with populism and vi- proposed by Ndlovu-Gatsheni.  Nelson Mandela popularised the
new people’s constitution and a prag- olence were left out. I will touch on Instead of appreciating that inter- phrase “Rainbow Nation”, but several
matic ideology consistent with global the linguistic tools that are used to ma- Firstly, I will argue that as a nation, nal opposition can elevate their ideas decades later, we rudely realised that
developments, while at the same time nipulate the people, in particular the we will never be able to solve our prob- and strategies, they label opponents racial harmony cannot be spoken into
not sacrificing local needs and de- usage of “passive verbs” by both the lems unless we accurately identify and/ enemies and sell-outs, just as Zanu existence. 
mands of Zimbabweans.  ruling and opposition parties during or define them. Following that, I will PF does. In a recent video broadcast,
political campaigns. It goes like this; articulate our problem, and propose a Chamisa talked about citizens’ con- David Cameroon propounded the
In a direct or coincidental response you want employment?  “third way” in which I intimate how vergence. Thereafter, the phrase grew “Big Society”, but up today we do not
to his call for the eradication of the the people can liberate themselves us- its own legs – gaining support from know what he was on about. More
boundaries between the people and Vote for me and I will provide it ing the tools that are not too dissimilar esteemed political scientists such as recently, Donald Trump went by the
their leaders, we got President Emmer- to you even though this promise has to the ones that oppress them today. Professor Jonathan Moyo, senior adage “make America great again”,
son Mnangagwa’s “new dispensation”, never been fulfilled in the last 41 years. This will come in the form of a Zim- MDC officials and social media activ- while unashamedly promoting a racist
which is ironically steeped in bankrupt During the 2018 election campaign, babwe People’s Charter “for and by the ists. Unfortunately, Chamisa and all America in which people of colour are
and tired ideologies from the past, and Mnangagwa plastered Bulawayo with people” as opposed to populism which the people who continue to propagate relegated to sub-human status. 
reinforced authoritarianism, violence posters proclaiming that he will open is “about the people but not the peo- and in some cases parrot the notion of
and intolerance.  previously abandoned factories, but he ple”.  “citizens’ convergence” have failed to Similarly, the MDC is throwing
never did, their security gates are far define such an interesting idea. On so- around vacuous phrases and “ngaapin-
His executioners ranging from the more rusty from disuse than they were The charter will depend either on cial media, the phrase is routinely cou- de mukomana” (loosely translates to
lowly Zanu PF mobs to the feared in 2018. You want “citizens’ conver- violence nor deceit via passive verbs, pled with a passionate plea for Zimba- “the boy must get in”) slogans, but I
Central Intelligence Organisation, gence?”? Vote for me, I will provide it but active verbs which are concrete, bweans to register to vote -- and that think it is only fair that the boy ex-
military intelligence, the Ferrets Team, to you when I become president even measurable and actionable (possibly is confusing. One is left wondering plains why he should be allowed to
and other shadowy figures continue to though I picked up the phrase from by the current government) or by the whether voting in itself is some type of be the next president. This has been
routinely suppress and annihilate dis- foreign-sponsored non-governmental party which is going to win the 2023.   convergence.  pointed out by several analysts, but the
senting voices by violent means such organisations and have no understand- MDC’s intolerance and intellectual response that if he does, his enemies
as torture, abduction and outright ing of what it is or how to effect it.  laziness     Secondly, since the opposition is will steal his ideas is unacceptable. 
murder.  One of the repercussions of authori- the only one that seems to be calling
In the rest of the article, I will exam- tarian populism is intolerance; Zim- for convergence, does it mean that no Firstly, judging from past political
As we speak, Mnangagwa’s regime is ine how the political elites (including other party is capable of converging. manifestos and other public commen-
in the process of desecrating the peo- taries, there is no evidence that he has
ple’s constitution that we got during a credible plan and I dare his most ar-
the Government of National Unity. dent supporters to articulate it beyond
Through this and various other means, his desire to be the next president of
the Zimbabwe electorate remains Zimbabwe. Secondly, if his enemies
sliced and diced (for consumption by steal these mysterious ideas or strate-
a few) and in the process completely gies, what does it matter if they would
backtracked on Ndlovu-Gatsheni’s de- be beneficial to the long-suffering peo-
cade-plus call for Zimbabwean society ple of Zimbabwe?
to be saved from its current division The new but old dispensation
into the “people” and “their leaders”.  Historical and contemporary evidence
from Zimbabwe clearly shows that
Lastly, a pragmatic ideology never Zanu PF leaders have perfected the
emerged from both the ruling par- art of appealing to people’s grievances
ty and all opposition parties; in fact, just enough to serve their own pur-
Mnangagwa recently said an ideology poses. During the liberation struggle,
was a luxury.  they mobilised people against racial
segregation, but at the same time po-
The basis of the division stated litical and military leaders led lavish
above is partly because of nationalist lifestyles in urban Lusaka while young
populist ideology. In brief, populism poor soldiers risked their lives in the
is a type of political philosophy in jungle at the frontline. They preached
which a country’s elite articulate peo- unity while fuelling ethnic tensions,
ple’s grievances in ways that appeal to denigrating nationalist leader Joshua
the ordinary man and woman in the Nkomo as just a Ndebele leader, and
street, but in a manner that only serves following that up in post-indepen-
the elite’s goals. Typically, the primary dence Zimbabwe by ethnic cleansing,
goal would be to gain political power, massacring unarmed Ndebele civilians
and all that comes with it. In a sense, in Matabeleland and the Midlands re-
populism is about the people but not gions. 
by the people. 
Furthermore, they campaigned for
To appreciate how the ordinary votes by promising people the redis-
men and women in the street have tribution of resources, while pursuing
been manipulated via populism, we neoliberal policies such as the Eco-
need to understand who the elites nomic Structural Adjustment Pro-
and/or intelligentsia are in Zimbabwe.  gramme, etc. They implemented land

In this article, I broadly understand
them to be intellectuals or other per-
sons who strongly influence or have an

Page 32 The Big Debate NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

redistribution policies on the basis that
a white minority group cannot own
over three quarters of arable land while
the majority are landless, and yet to-
day over three quarters of A2 farms are
in the hands of a minority group, the
political elites in government and the
military. They promised peace and hu-
man rights while actively engaging in
violent purges such as the extrajudicial
executions to quell the Nhari rebel-
lion, the murder of Hebert Chitepo,
Josiah Tongogara, shooting of Patrick
Kombayi and, more recently, abduc-
tions and sexual assault of opposition
activists. 

Miseducated intellectuals At the initial stages of their scholarly Possible reasons for a decision like how and where they feature in Ncu- dividual or business declares business
Zimbabweans have a fetish for educa- endeavour, their fieldwork is typically that are environmental concerns, for be’s self-celebrated budget surplus. dealings with Zimbabwe, they will
tion and the titles that go with it. It is based on a segment of Zimbabwean example carbon monoxide emissions Aside from this micro perspective, he have their bank account closed. None-
not uncommon to hear a Zimbabwe- society, from that they gain scholarly and to protect the local car industry. does not seem to have any qualms theless, their invitation for sanctions
an proudly boast about how educated recognition and appointments at pres- But oddly enough, Zimbabwe does that although the IMF imposes a de- was based on genuine political griev-
we are as a nation and this comes from tigious universities and thinktanks.  not have a car industry and barely has mand for a balanced budget on Zim- ances. One of which was lack of re-
the fact that the post-independence a functioning industrial sector that babwe, there is historical evidence spect for property rights of a minority
Zimbabwean government did indeed Despite all that, there is not much could produce carbon emissions that which shows that the United States group of white Zimbabwean farmers
generously invest in education. Un- evidence to support the idea that the warrant this policy.   consistently achieves the highest rate who lost land when it was redistribut-
fortunately such self-praise conflates benefit of their education accrues to of employment only when they run ed to landless black Zimbabweans. 
literacy with education, and secondly the average person in Zimbabwe.  The “monkey see monkey do” Rho- a budget deficit. Similarly, his prede-
it also shows lack of awareness of the desian education system was never cessor, Tendai Biti, popularised the In their passionate fight for the
fact that the colonial education system If it does, I am not aware of a tech- adapted for a new Zimbabwe. I will adage “we eat what we kill” in refer- rights of a few white farmers, the pre-
may have produced clever people, but nology, innovation or original theory provide a few examples which include ence to cash budgeting impositions dominantly black MDC lawyers made
not many great thinkers. I have met that is attributed to a Zimbabwean the ministry of Education and min- on Zimbabwe while the US accrues a choice to overlook fellow blacks who
black Zimbabweans in South Africa and benefitting our nation today. Un- istry of Finance. The former made one of the highest budget deficits in lost almost all their land to the Pioneer
who proudly bragged that their child deniably, there are some academics it compulsory that Ordinary Level the world. But besides that, not even Column mercenaries just a few de-
attends a school where they do not who have made contributions which students must pass English and yet, households can survive only on what cades ago. This does not demonstrate
learn any “bantu” languages. It was could have positively affected policy according to colonial education poli- they kill. The two do not have much any independent thinking but an abil-
evident he was not aware how well and practice.  cy documents, this was based on the respect for each other, yet both delib- ity to memorise Roman Dutch laws as
he validates colonialism and its drive belief that indigenous languages are erately or naively worship on the altar received during and after the colonial
to deny Africans not only their lan- Regrettably such academics are ei- not fully developed and have not yet of neoliberal ideology which destroyed era. 
guages and culture, but epistemologies ther ignored or incorporated only to taken a literal form. Other colonial- several African economies.  Further-
(knowledge systems and what counts serve the narrow interests of those who ists went as far as proclaiming that more, none of Zimbabwe’s post-inde- This lack of foresight and failure to
as knowledge).  hold political power. An interesting Bantu languages have no adverbs and pendence Finance ministers have ever take cognisant of the fact that proper-
example is Jonathan Moyo, a politi- prepositions. Despite such stupid pre- challenged the IMF for forcing Zim- ty rights issues require a new perspec-
At Independence there were ru- cal science professor whom according sumptions, every post-independence babwe to repay debts illegally accrued tive grounded in the southern African
mours that Mugabe had seven univer- to my own assessment is not given Zimbabwean minister of Education by the Rhodesian government to fund context is going to be problematic in
sity degrees. I am not certain whether enough credit for the amazing contri- pursued this policy. Why would any- a war against black majority rule and the future. The same arguments that
that is an urban legend or true. Be- butions that he made to the music in- one need to pass English in order to in pursuance of racial segregation.  property acquired by white people via
sides that, there are reports that in the dustry and creative arts in Zimbabwe.  teach Shona or Ndebele for example? cheap black labour, violence and dis-
1960s he was nominated to lead Zanu I have relatively similar academic possession deserves protection under
PF because of his eloquence and pho- Beyond that, he was at one time Despite that the Zimbabwe fiscal qualifications as Ncube whom my sis- the law can also be used by the black
ny British accent.  reduced to or willingly acted as a po- policy space is currently occupied by ter remembers as a “straight A” Uni- political elites who are looting Zim-
litical tactician for Zanu PF. Similarly, the International Monetary Fund versity of Zimbabwe classmate, but I babwe’s resources and concealing the
In reality, he was a black man on Mandaza and many others have over (IMF) and World Bank blue-eyed-boy know that he does not have any theo- proceeds in offshore accounts. It will
the outside and a wannabe English the years been incorporated into pol- and University of Cambridge-educat- retical tools which are of much use to be near-impossible to detect criminali-
gentleman in the inside. His wide icy formulation, but were discarded ed Professor Mthuli Ncube, the econ- Zimbabwe. His conceptual apparatus ty in the paper trail, but in the unlikely
range of University of London degrees as soon as their contributions ceased omy and currency are on a tailspin. He will only work where the recommend- event that it is uncovered, they will ask
equipped him with exactly the same being amenable to regime survival and recently celebrated a budget surplus ed texts that he read at the universities the questions: In what ways is theft
intellectual tools as those of the Brit- security.  and yet over 96% of the population of Zimbabwe and Cambridge were and corruption any worse than forced
ish architects of colonialism and not have no jobs.  authored.   labour (chibharo), land dispossession,
much more. People voted for him in I also have a suspicion that the Zim- and outright abuse of black people by
the belief that the benefit of his educa- babwean government does not have a Furthermore, in recent research I The Zimbabwean opposition is white Rhodesians?
tion would somehow accrue to them. policy research department. Ministers came across households which survive dominated by lawyers whom togeth- Monetising God
His wife recently tried to hoodwink seem to make decisions on the basis of on a single meal per day, saw disabled er with opposition party leaders ap- Zimbabwean newspapers, radio sta-
potential voters into believing that she anecdote and personal whim. For ex- people begging for food in the streets, proached the US government to im- tions and social media are full of
was capable of inheriting the presiden- ample, the government’s response to destitute people sleeping in the streets pose sanctions on the government. first-hand anthropological accounts
cy from her husband by concealing her the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have and dying of hypothermia, mothers Some argue that they are merely tar- about the strong association between
lack of sophistication and intellectual been a “cut and paste” from developed standing at the supermarket pay-point geted sanctions, but they are not.  religion and the occult, but researchers
capacity with a fraudulent University countries’ government institutions.  struggling to decide whether to buy
of Zimbabwe PhD.  one loaf of bread or two and wondered In the UK, for example, if any in-
Secondly, a government minister
Within the Southern Africa aca- recently banned the importation of
demic circles, it is widely known that second-hand cars older than 10 years.
some Zimbabweans (including politi-
cians) are buying degrees from South
African universities. In addition to
the fraudulent degrees, it is also very
common for senior public figures to
acquire degrees from unaccredited
universities. 

Despite the practice of acquiring
educational degrees as a means to gain
unwarranted authority and prestige
together with the legacies of colonial-
ism briefly introduced above, Zimba-
bwe has had its fair share of influential
academics both inside and outside
government and these include Ibbo
Mandaza, the late Sam Moyo, Brian
Roftopoulos, Jonathan Moyo, Ngwabi
Bhebhe, Eldred Masunungure, Sabelo
Ndlovu-Gatsheni, up-and-coming
ones like Blessing Miles Tendi and
this is by no means an exhaustive list.

NewsHawks The Big Debate Page 33

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

and policymakers have not paid atten- six-year-old child. Faced with pover- ticism to both credible (and equally formidable opposition party. It is not cal solutions that stem from the argu-
tion to this, possibly because when the ty and destitution, many continue to questionable) knowledge claims (and/ too late for those who believe in the ment that the Zimbabwe problem is
white men came to Zimbabwe, they be financially abused, sexually mo- or authority) has historical precedents, “Chamisa Chete Chete” dogma to greed for money, wealth and power.
proclaimed that witchcraft does not lested and alienated from loved ones some of which have been examined in demand viable political thought and Some like Ncube who has most prob-
exist.  by self-appointed men of God who previous sections.  strategy from him because as we speak ably read Friedman will perhaps argue
have found fertile ground in Africa to there is no evidence that he has any. that greed incentivises individuals to
If not that, perhaps it is because of monetise God based on fraudulent re- In brief, Ndlovu-Gatsheni men- The response that it is a strategic move innovate and in the process grow the
religious freedom doctrines borrowed ligious authority.  tioned the “big man” syndrome and to play daft is nonsensical.  Voting economy, but I am aware that there
from distant others whose 12-year- Conclusion  I would add praise poetry in which, him into power merely on the basis of is abundant contrary evidence to that
old daughters will never be raped or The above synopsis suggests that the through totems, we ascribe to the liv- charismatic authority will be as huge a line of argument. 
married off to 60-year-old men who elites have not made much positive ing the courageous qualities, military mistake as was overlooking Nkomo in
visit traditional doctors (aka spiritual contributions to the people of Zim- adventures and virtues of people who 1980 and voting Mugabe into power Others will hold the view that the
fathers) in West Africa and come back babwe. More specifically, political died hundreds of years ago. In that, we on the basis of his eloquence and per- Zimbabwe problem lies in poor lead-
a “man of God”.  elites have not produced a pragmatic also deliberately choose to unsee their ceived level of education.   ership, corruption, inequality and au-
ideology as called for by Ndlovu-Gat- folly. The previous examples provid- thoritarianism. In my humble view,
These men of God (predominantly sheni, neither have they demonstrated ed in the introduction supports the Equally, it is not impossible for a these are mere outcomes of greed for
the prosperity gospel sect) are pacify- an ability to remove the people-ver- view that populism as an ideology is viable opposition party headed by a money, wealth and power. The Zimba-
ing the long-suffering people of Zim- sus-elites rift.  dangerous and irrational; it appeals to more intelligent leader than the ones bwe People’s Charter goes to the root
babwe to believe in a Jesus who does human instincts in ways that are not we have had thus far to emerge. If that of our problems as a nation.  
not say no to the prayer of congregants The research output by Zimbabwe- necessarily beneficial to society.  were to happen, I am not convinced
who pay them a generous tithe which an academics is clearly beneficial to Mnangagwa and his vote-rigging arse- *About the writer: Dr Mike
they lavishly spend on behalf of God.  them, the countries where they work, Despite his ineptitude, it is likely nal and violence would help him win Chipere, is an affiliate of the Hu-
their funders and academic disciplines that Mnangagwa will emerge victo- the next election. Ian Smith had far man Economy Programme which is
In the process, they become mil- in which they are situated, but incon- rious from the 2023 elections, not more violent means to retain power, housed at University of Pretoria. His
lionaires who live in mansions while sequential to the lives of the ordinary because people love him but his mo- but he lost the 1980 elections. research interests are in development
over three thirds of their congregants Zimbabweans.  nopoly to violence, vote-rigging and finance, fintech, convergence of mon-
live below the poverty line. One does unfettered access to national broad- Given the gloomy realities outlined ey with technology and, more recent-
not need a theology degree to know The church has managed to put casting services paid for by the people in this article, what is the way forward?  ly, decoloniality. Views expressed in
that God cannot provide a job where God on sale to the lowest and highest of Zimbabwe.  this article are his own and do not
industry has been shut down or park bidder. The origins of the tendency by I believe it is to be found in the represent any organisation or per-
a new luxury car on anyone’s drive- Zimbabweans not to have any scep- Lastly and most importantly, Zimbabwe People’s Charter which will sons.
way just as Bushiri (a so-called man Mnangagwa is likely to win because be examined in detail in a follow-up
of God) did a Rolls-Royce for his Zimbabwe does not currently have a article. In brief, it will provide practi-

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FRIDAY 5 NOV GOLDEN CONIFER

7.30 a.m. —9.30 a.m. 30 Quendon Road, Strathaven

Guest Speaker

H.E Dr Margret Verwijk

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The Netherlands horticulture success story:
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RSVP: +263773407466/ +263772166285

[email protected], [email protected]

Page 34 The Big Debate NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Signs of trouble in Mnangagwa’s house

Resurgence of political violence still has sufficient political capital. in the 2018 elections. They know their President Emmerson Mnangagwa. cerning the source of the violence.
A REVIEW of political events over the The party had lost its headquarters, relevance hangs on the façade created notice to his rivals. If they thought the Theory 1: The leopard will not
past fortnight might suggest that the by the courts and the regime during the sustained assault during the pandemic change its spots 
Zanu PF regime is back to form when it its MPs and councillors were removed pandemic. year has worn him out, they realize they The first theory is that Mnangagwa is
comes to political violence. After all, it by the Douglas Mwonzora outfit, its have a big fight on their hands. the principal author of the violence be-
is a party whose fluency in the language funding from the state was usurped and An election will cause their instant cause that is consistent with his nature
of political violence is well known.  things were looking dire. evisceration from the political scene, It is more likely that Chamisa and and record. If a hyena comes across a
after which they will cease to have any his party gained more sympathizers goat, its instinct is to kill and devour it.
But that narrative is likely to miss Attempts to fight the battles in the claim to relevance. Zanu PF knows this at a time when the political assailants Therefore, according to this view, the
the more subtle details of what is hap- courts of law were futile. too, and because it wants to frustrate thought they were putting them out of violence meted on Chamisa, and his
pening. A more nuanced analysis might Chamisa and the MDC Alliance, it has the game. delegation is just Mnangagwa acting
reveal a lot more that is lurking in the That is why at the time, we said if maintained the ban on by-elections.  true to his character and disposition.
background. While popular narratives there was going to be any respite for Besides, the reception has boost- In other words, this is just Mnangagwa
trace the recent spurts of violence to Chamisa, it would not be in the courts The current tour is Chamisa’s first ed his confidence after a period when being Mnangagwa.
Zanu PF, this broad brush might like- of law but the court of public opinion. opportunity to test the political waters some critics and naysayers were doubt-
ly miss the authors of the violence and But with the pandemic raging and re- after more than a year of pandemic-in- ing him, some even suggesting without His political history is replete with
their motives. It is important to exam- strictions in force, the court of public duced absence. Two important features evidence that he had lost “considerable acts of egregious violence. He over-
ine the authors of this violence with the opinion remained closed. have emerged: support”. Politicians thrive on confi- saw state security and the ruthless spy
state and Zanu PF. It is a question that • First, is the euphoria with which dence and this will have helped them agency during Gukurahundi. He was
I will attempt to examine. The unavailability of the court of immensely. Mugabe’s campaign manager and strat-
public opinion meant that official he has been received by the crowds • The second feature is the violent egist during the bloody presidential
Before we examine this question, let judgment on the authentic opposition wherever he has gone. It is a good run-off election in 2008. Violence is
us consider the context in which the remained in abeyance. sign for Chamisa, that despite the response to Chamisa’s tour. It be- not a foreign language to the man. As a
recent violence has occurred. The ugly troubles that he has encountered gan in Masvingo where Chamisa’s result, the moment Chamisa appeared
incidents of violence marked a return The situation favoured the Mwon- with the Harare administration advance party was physically at- to spread his wings the instinct was to
of more visible opposition political ac- zora outfit because while they were al- and its surrogates, the people are tacked by an unruly mob, leaving respond with violence.
tivity after more than a year of a pan- lowed to remove MDC Alliance MPs, still on his side. It was the first vehicles and some members of the
demic-induced lull. Like its peers across they did not have to worry about prov- time that the court of public delegation injured. His vehicle But still, it seems counter-intuitive
the world, the Zimbabwean regime re- ing themselves in by-elections.  opinion was in evidence, and it was also directly attacked when he for Mnangagwa to engage in violence
sponded to the Covid-19 pandemic by responded with resounding affir- traveled to Manicaland prompting purposefully and intentionally at this
imposing restrictions across economic, Unsurprisingly, they do not fancy mation, something that would fears and accusations of an assassi- moment. This is a time when he is
social, and political life. This meant by-elections or any elections at all. have buoyed Chamisa no end and nation attempt. But why was there desperate to give a good impression
most political activities were prohibit- frustrated his rivals. such a violent response to a simple of himself. First, he is very excited by
ed. It was a difficult time for politicians, While they justify this aversion It was more delightful for him be- tour? the prospect of travelling to the United
especially in the opposition parties. to elections on the seemingly noble cause these are rural areas that he is There is no election on the horizon Kingdom for the COP26 Summit in
ground that there ought to be reforms touring, not urban areas which are to raise political temperatures. This Glasgow. Although it is a gathering to
While ruling parties could be seen first, the reality is that they have no in- regarded as his zones of strength. It is, is an important question because the which all are invited to
in action responding to the pandemic, terest in electoral contests because they of course, too early but he has served answer to that is not immediately ap-
opposition parties tended to retreat to lack the political capital to win any- parent. discuss the issue of climate change,
the background. The best they could thing of significance. Let us now look at the theories con- Mnangagwa and people around him
do was to monitor the government’s regard it as a special honour because it
response to the pandemic and identify They owe their status to the politi- will be the first time that a Zimbabwe-
weaknesses. But they had to be careful cal capital accumulated by and stolen an and Zanu PF leader will be permit-
lest their criticism was seen as petty or from Chamisa and the MDC Alliance ted to visit the former colonial power
standing in the way of what most saw in more than 20 years. This is a big
as an existential threat to humankind. deal for Mnangagwa. That is why the
But even as they were immobilised by propaganda machinery is touting it as
the lockdown, opposition leaders faced a “success” in Mnangagwa’s desperate
mounting criticism. “They have no bid for re-engagement with Britain and
plan” “They have no strategy”. These the West. It would be strange, although
were some of the shots that were fired not impossible, for him to batter his
at Chamisa and the MDC Alliance. opponent so publicly when he has an
opportunity to present a more civilized
While some countries took a more picture.
flexible approach, holding elections
during the pandemic Zimbabwe took The second circumstance is that he
a more restrictive approach. While has a special guest in the country whom
neighbours Zambia and Malawi held he invited to bolster his anti-sanctions
national elections during the pandemic campaign. Alena Douhan, from Belar-
period, Zimbabwe suspended all elec- us, another human rights hotspot, is in
toral activities. However, political par- Zimbabwe as a UN Special Rapporteur
ties were still allowed to remove MPs to investigate the human rights impli-
from Parliament during the pandemic. cations of the targeted sanctions regime
by the US and the EU. Her itinerary,
This mismatch created a massive which is almost exclusively meetings
gap that has left several constituencies with government and Zanu PF-aligned
without political representation. And people, suggests that it is little more
although the regime has since opened than a hatchet job. They might have
other sectors of social and econom- added a hint of subtlety by including
ic life, political restrictions are still in even some friendly opposition par-
place. ties and civil society groups and other
stakeholders, but they could not be
This is not entirely surprising: there bothered.
was always a fear that regimes of an au-
thoritarian type would take advantage Still, the fact is she is in the country
of the pandemic to reinforce their grip and the image of Zanu PF supporters
on power. causing carnage in the opposition is not
Court of public opinion something that would serve Mnangag-
Against this background, it is hardly wa’s interests. The purpose of the guest
surprising that Chamisa’s recent foray is to repackage Mnangagwa as a “vic-
into some rural areas has created quite tim” of Western sanctions. Why would
a wave of excitement in the political he want to dilute it by victimising the
community. opposition leader in the full glare of
the Special Rapporteur? If anything, he
After a miserable year in which the would be better served by presenting
MDC Alliance was subjected to a sus- a picture of mutual respect and toler-
tained political assault by Zanu PF and ation. Overall, although the theory that
its surrogates, Chamisa relished the Mnangagwa is acting to type cannot be
opportunity to reconnect with the or-
dinary citizens and demonstrate that he

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 35

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

totally discounted, it seems unlikely be- incidents, and they could easily have stigated by a faction that is opposed to wa knows all about tortoises on fence or near his inner circle. Mnangagwa’s
cause it is counter-intuitive and count- arrested the perpetrators. They let them and working to undermine Mnangag- posts. Back in 2016, when he was Jus- background is in intelligence. He might
er-productive to the man’s designs. go and protected them because they are wa because it is fed up with his leader- tice minister and wanted to change the prefer to feign ignorance but may strike
Zanu PF members who have always ship. On this theory, while Mnangagwa law for the appointment of the Chief when the moment is opportune. In-
There must be another explanation, acted with impunity. Arresting them faces a serious threat from Chamisa in Justice, one Lewis Zibani lodged an deed, he may have struck already. The
but what could that be? would only work to bust the myth of the contest for national leadership, his urgent application to stop the process other problem is that he cannot deny
Theory 2: political theatrics  stage-managed attacks. most potent adversaries are closer to that was already underway. Zibani was responsibility for what is happening
The second theory is one that is fa- • Second, at the first opportunity, him. The only people who would want a tortoise on a fence post. In November without exposing his lack of control.
voured by Zanu PF propagandists and to do Mnangagwa harm and have the 2017, some obscure individuals lodged For if it is not him doing it, it would
supporters. It is that the attacks are no Zanu PF defended and explained capacity to do so without facing imme- an application at the High Court ask- mean there is another centre of power
more than political theatrics by the op- the conduct of the violent mob. diate arrest are people within Zanu PF. ing for confirmation that the conduct in Zanu PF directing these mobs and
position designed to soil Mnangagwa’s When the Zanu PF political com- By contrast, even if the opposition were of the military was lawful. Another ap- that would render him weak.  
image at a time when he is about to en- missar Patrick Chinamasa reacted willing to harm Mnangagwa’s reputa- plication sought to invalidate the firing
joy some limelight on the international to the violence in Masvingo, he tion, they don’t have the capacity to do of Mnangagwa as Vice-President a few No leader, no matter how powerless
stage. The reasons for the limelight are did not criticise the violence or so without facing immediate arrest and weeks before. he might be at any given time, wants to
as described in the first theory above, the mobs. Instead, he alleged that prosecution. expose his weaknesses to the rest of the
namely, Mnangagwa’s impending Chamisa was at fault for trying to Those individuals were tortoises on world. Consider the case of Mugabe.
trip to Britain for the COP26 which address people who did not want Mnangagwa is likely aware of this. fence posts. Right to the very end when he was top-
Mnangagwa’s people have packaged as to be addressed by him. If the He should know because the same pled, Mugabe kept the pretence that he
a diplomatic success in the re-engage- violent mob was refusing to be strategy was used against Mugabe An incident during the 2018 elec- was in control. Interviews with individ-
ment process and the current visit by addressed by Chamisa, how then during his last years in office and he tions is also instructive. Chamisa and uals close to him at the time reveal that
the UN Special Rapporteur, who is in do they turn out to be Chamisa’s was the principal beneficiary, if not the the MDC Alliance called a Press con- he refused to believe that his top lieu-
Zimbabwe at the Mnangagwa regime’s people? How do people allegedly author of it. Several things happened ference at the Bronte Hotel. However, tenants like Mnangagwa, Chiwenga,
special invitation. refusing to be addressed by Cha- during Mugabe’s last years in power riot police descended on the venue and Shiri, etc, could turn against him. He
misa become the same people that did not make sense because they stopped the Press conference, harassing kept the charade going, even attending
They say because it is counterintui- who are stage-managing false at- only served to hurt him and his ad- journalists in the process. It was an em- a college graduation ceremony during
tive for Mnangagwa to hurt himself it tacks? Chinamasa was defending, ministration. Take, for example, the barrassing incident that demonstrated the coup week, even though it was clear
must be the opposition that is staging not disowning the mob that had abduction and enforced disappearance intolerance and heavy-handedness. to most observers that it was time up.
the attacks to hurt him. attacked Chamisa’s convoy. One of journalist and human rights activist, These actions were not in Mnangagwa’s Mnangagwa cannot be oblivious to
cannot have his cake and eat it at Itai Dzamara in 2015. There was noth- interests, especially after the shooting of these strategies.
They also argue that whenever the the same time. ing to be gained by Mugabe for abduct- civilians on 1 August 2018. The deploy-
regime is on the verge of something The ruling party cannot defend and ex- ing Dzamara and causing his enforced ment of the riot police had happened He was an architect in the slow pro-
positive or whenever there is an in- plain the actions of a violent mob and disappearance. He was not posing a outside his command. A desperate cess of eliminating Mugabe that ended
ternational event, something terrible disown and accuse it of stage-managing significant threat to the regime. Those Mnangagwa sent Simon Khaya Moyo with that dramatic week in November.
happens to the opposition and that this the attacks at the same time. who did it likely were either overzealous to Bronte Hotel to reverse the decision He will surely be aware that he has un-
is because of the opposition’s machina- • Third, Zanu PF has always used or they acted purposefully to raise pres- and let the press conference go ahead. happy allies in his camp who are doing
tions. It is easy to see why this theory the same line in its defence when- sure on Mugabe.  what they can to damage his reputation
has appeal among Mnangagwa’s sup- ever its members and associates This was the closest he came to ad- and oust him.
porters and sympathizers. have attacked the opposition. If Additionally, many people were tak- mitting that things were happening
they do not blame the opposi- en aback when Mugabe read the wrong outside his immediate control. In Jan- Why is this important?
It is easy to believe that an opponent tion, they point to a faceless and speech at the opening of a Session of uary 2019, he suffered embarrassment This is ominous because he faces a twin
is self-harming to draw attention than nameless “third force”. Victims of Parliament in September 2015. It was in the full glare of the World Economic challenge: the serious challenge posed
to accept that the harm is coming from abductions and torture have suf- a big faux pas that embarrassed Mug- Forum at Davos following yet anoth- by Chamisa. Despite the sustained
their own end. Zanu PF has never tak- fered accusations of causing harm abe and made international headlines. er heavy-handed response to protests political assault during the pandem-
en responsibility for its violence. Four to themselves while perpetrators of His spokesperson George Charamba which left several people dead.  ic period, Chamisa appears to have
decades after Gukurahundi, Zanu PF is the heinous crimes went free. claimed it was a “mix-up of speeches”. emerged stronger and more refreshed.
yet to take full responsibility and atone Zanu PF also has a long history of Critical observers did not buy this ex- More recently, signs of internal dis- His is a serious political challenge that
for the genocidal attacks on citizens in blaming victims. When Joshua Nkomo planation. Mugabe was 91 and his suc- sent were evident when a small group of Mnangagwa cannot afford to ignore.
Matabeleland and the Midlands. More was facing similar attacks in the 1980s, cessors, among them Mnangagwa, was war veterans was arrested and detained However, he hopes he can rely on the
than a decade after the egregious vio- Zanu PF ministers and the media were growing impatient. Looking back, it is after demonstrating at the offices of the state and its machinery of coercion and
lence in the 2008 presidential run-off blaming Nkomo. When Gukurahundi likely that the mix-up was more delib- Ministry of Finance and Economic De- cheating to thwart Chamisa. The sec-
campaign, there has been no account- was raging in Matabeleland and the erate than accidental. It was designed to velopment. They were released during ond challenge is internal and probably
ability.  Midlands, they were blaming the ordi- embarrass the aging leader and to show the night. the most potent.
nary people in the villages. that he had lost it.
However, the notion that Chamisa Zanu PF blaming the opposition for Perhaps the war veterans were sim- These are near him; people who can
and the MDC Alliance are staging fake its troubles is the typical default mode The irony is that the same strategies ply audacious, but it is more likely use the strategies that Mnangagwa used
attacks to create negative attention and of the long-reigning ruling party. It and tactics that Mnangagwa and his that they had internal support to take against his predecessor. Unlike Chami-
soil the Mnangagwa regime is fanciful never accepts responsibility. For Zanu associates deployed against Mugabe are such action. The midnight release was sa and the MDC Alliance that are iden-
for several reasons. Here, I will list three PF, there is always someone else to now being deployed against him. A few also a panic reaction to undo the dam- tifiable, the difficulty with the internal
principal reasons as to why the theory blame. The theory of political theatrics weeks ago, NewsHawks led with a sto- age of the arrests and detention which faction is that it is formless and harder
of stage-managing attacks is implausi- and stage-managed attacks is conve- ry of how Mnangagwa’s legitimacy was had happened without Mnangagwa’s to pin down. 
ble: nient to Zanu PF but it is far-fetched being questioned within his party. knowledge. Long-term observers of
• First, if the theory of fake attacks and without foundation. But it has also Zimbabwean politics will remember This is important because it suggests
been argued that there is only a remote Just this week, in another case of a that the last years of Mugabe were char- that it is not just the traditional oppo-
had any credence, the Mnangag- possibility of Mnangagwa being the tortoise on a fence post, one Sybeth acterized by similar demonstrations sition forces that believe Mnangagwa is
wa regime would have spared no directing hand of these attacks. If that Musengezi, an obscure individual and mistreatment of war veterans by not fit for purpose. Rather, even those
effort to prove it by arresting and is the case, who then is responsible for claiming to be a Zanu PF member the police. in his party seem to have realised that
prosecuting the alleged masquer- the attacks? This takes us to the third made an application to the High Court he has outlived his purpose and that it
ades. theory, which in my opinion, suggests challenging Mnangagwa’s ascendancy They were open rebellions against is time for him to go.
Why would the regime waste a great a mounting problem for Mnangagwa. to the helm of the ruling party during Mugabe, threats from within. Mnan-
opportunity to prove that its rivals were While it might appear to exonerate the coup four years ago. gagwa will surely have taken notice of There is a group within Zanu PF
engaging in political theatrics? It cannot Mnangagwa as the directing hand of the small demonstration at the Min- that is not impressed with his bid for
be because there is no evidence. After the attacks, it suggests a certain precari- The issue is not whether the applica- istry of Finance and its significance another five years in office. If he were
all, there is ample video footage of the ousness of his position, which in many tion has legal merit, but that four years would not have escaped his attention. watching this, Mugabe would probably
incidents from which offenders can be ways is not dissimilar to the problems after the coup someone dares to ap- wear a smirk at the sight of his successor
identified. If they were MDC Alliance that Mugabe faced at the tail-end of his proach the courts to challenge Mnan- Those behind the recent attacks on facing the very same machinations that
supporters masquerading as Zanu PF long and controversial career. gagwa’s legitimacy. Chamisa and the MDC Alliance are he so treacherously deployed against
members engaging in violence, there Theory 3: the enemy lies within   gunning for Mnangagwa. him.   
is no way the regime would let them This theory is that the attacks are in- As with any tortoise that you see on
go. The regime has full control of the a fence post, the important question is It is his reputation that suffers. Apart *About the writer: Dr Alex Magai-
police service, and it would have been how it got there because it could not from reputation carnage, there is anoth- sa was adviser to Zimbabwe’s late
delighted to prove that the attacks were possibly have climbed on its own.  er purpose to these outrageous actions. prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
stage-managed. It is to spur citizens into some type of He is a law lecturer at Kent Universi-
Police were present in some of the Someone is sponsoring the lit- mass action, perhaps a revolt against ty in the United Kingdom.
tle-known Musengezi to challenge Mnangagwa. But he faces a dilemma:
Mnangagwa’s legitimacy. Mnangag- he cannot go after these attackers with-
out exposing their sponsors who are in

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Page 36 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Sanctions,
corruption
in Zimbabwe
inextricably
linked
ernment has devised means of flying
LLOYD MSIPA under the radar and finding friendly
countries willing to risk being black-
ON 25 October as Zimbabwe and listed, willing to supply equipment,
the Southern African Development for example. Banks are afraid of being
Community (Sadc) joined efforts in blacklisted. So, minerals are smug-
calling on the Western world to lift gled out and sold on the parallel mar-
the two-decade economic sanctions ket. The money is routed using BIG-
imposed on Zimbabwe. It gives us an WHITE and systems set up when
opportunity to real look back, intro- Rhodesia learned to bust sanctions
spect and unmask this thing we call during Ian Smith’s Unilateral Decla-
sanctions and how they have enabled ration of Independence.
corruption to take root in Zimbabwe.
RBZ epicentre of corruption unable to feed its troops because of ed monetary value of the prejudice Lloyd Msipa.
The founding president of Zimba- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe the sanctions. In came John Breden- to the taxpayer: US$100  000 and fectively hold government to account
bwe, Robert Gabriel Mugabe (May (RBZ) became central to running kamp, Nick Van Hoogstraten, all less; US$500  000 and less; $1 mil- and check its excesses. Sadc, the Afri-
His soul continue to rest in peace) off-book operations in the name of the Rhodies with the rule book on lion and less; US$5 million; US$10 can Union, Zimbabwe Election Sup-
always maintained that sanctions sanctions busting. It smuggled and how to bust sanctions. “Let us assist million and so on. Let us start with port Network, domestic and regional
were never imposed on Zimbabwe continues to smuggle gold and dia- you feed the army; we know how to those who corruptly acquired assets bodies endorsed the 2018 elections.
to ensure compliance with human monds to the parallel market to bust bust sanctions.” Money was deposit- after the new dispensation and move There will be no power-sharing gov-
rights. They were in fact a tool used sanctions. The RBZ buys directly ed into bank accounts in the British downwards, or vice versa. Or we can ernment, no transitional authority,
by Western countries to threaten little from makorokoza (small-scale min- Isles. Those sent to do so on behalf use a third way. A reconciliatory way no back-door entry to the table. 2018
countries that threaten their interests. ers) and diverts to the parallel mar- of government started pocketing for which acknowledges that this scourge is not 2008. Let us move on.
In Zimbabwe’s case, the land reform ket. The same is done with foreign themselves. They are now rich. They arose through attempted sanctions
programme and the indigenisation currency deals being done through are the new cartels. busting. This approach acknowledg- The opposition should focus on its
policy.  kingpins who have direct access to Mnangagwa’s challenge es that most state institutions were role in Parliament and force the pace
Western sanctions on Zimbabwe the central bank, the presidium and The challenge for Mnangagwa will be roped into off-book practices to bust of reforms. They should influence the
Are the sanctions working? Yes. They close relatives. to genuinely demonstrate the political sanctions. legislative agenda to cause debate on
have been instrumental in impov- will required to end the endemic cor- the necessary changes.
erishing the average Zimbabwean A system was created where in- ruption. The political will to restore Which in essence is truthful in that
who is not connected to those who come-generating institutions would key state institutions to their original it acknowledges that most people par- The Government of National
run state institutions and have access retain certain percentages every constitutional functions without de- ticipated either directly or indirectly Unity did not result in robust elec-
to the gravy train. Are they targeted? month to keep their operations stroying them. in corrupt practices. Or we tell them toral law reform agenda. What was its
Yes, they are. Zimbabwe, let us be running. These retained funds were to simply surrender two thirds of cor- purpose? Whose interests did it serve?
honest and tell it like it is. If we are abused, as evidenced by numerous re- How does he gracefully neutralise ruptly acquired property or cash by a Certainly not the interests of ordinary
to carry out a lifestyle audit of those ports that implicated the Zimbabwe key allies, relatives and comrades who set time and get immunity from pros- Zimbabweans.
people on the targeted sanctions list Republic Police (ZRP), Judicial Ser- fuel corruption and state capture? If ecution.
and we proceed to do another audit vice Commission (JSC), Zimbabwe he were to remove the rotten eggs, The way forward
of the Zimbabwean companies on National Road Administration, Zim- who does he replace them with and Mnangagwa tried this with his Zimbabwe is a constitutional de-
that list and the banks, the findings babwe Electricity Supply Holdings, by which date? 2023 is around the “name and shame” list. He failed. He mocracy. Strengthening the institu-
will be telling. The people who run Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and corner. tried getting civil servants to declare tions set up by the constitution will
these institutions are some of the the RBZ. The ZRP had stopped de- their interests in business ventures. strengthen our democracy. How? Ac-
richest and most comfortable Zimba- positing fines with JSC, they had cre- Will this be strategically wise? The He failed. So, maybe amnesty? Im- countability.  How do we hold insti-
bweans who can fly business class to ated their own ticketing system. Some danger is that the rotten eggs will co- munity from prosecution? Carrot and tutions to account? In Parliament and
South Africa, the Asian countries and monies were delivered to high-profile alesce and remove him. The bigwigs stick. If there are no sacred cows, all speaking with one voice.
get first-class medical treatment. In individuals in boxes. Ultimately, a relegated to “Shake Shake building” Zacc must do is check from number
their minds, there is no shame to it. system had been created that allowed (Zanu PF headquarters) are a restless one downwards what assets or bank As Zimbabweans, we need to dis-
They did not place Zimbabwe under for loopholes, grey areas in pursuit lot. They have nothing to do.  balances everyone has. Then serve abuse ourselves of the notion that
sanctions, therefore why should they of sanctions busting. Tender systems Dealing with corruption them with High Court orders to ex- Europe, America and Britain are our
suffer? turned upside down to combat sanc- Let us be honest with ourselves. The plain how they acquired such wealth saviours. We need to stop outsourc-
How corruption took root in Zim- tions. Criminals connected to those Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Com- and, if they fail, they lose the assets. ing the solutions to our problems to
babwe in power stepped into the gap.  mission and prosecutor-general Kum- Political and electoral reforms outsiders. Let us tell each the truth as
Why is corruption so deep rooted in Hobson’s choice birai Hodzi will never give us the way On political and electoral reforms, Zimbabweans, to build Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe? Why is it embedded in “You can have a white horse or forward about successfully dealing the harsh reality is that the party with for ourselves. Our future generations.
all state institutions, including the a white horse … that’s Hobson’s with corruption. We need a policy the majority in Parliament will push Sanctions are affecting everyone. In-
Office of the President and Cabinet. choice!” Meaning you have no choice on criminal prosecutions to prevent those reforms that benefit its policies deed, sanctions must go — but so
To illustrate the impact of these sanc- at all. The only option you have is the selective application of anti-corrup- and support its government. That is should corruption, patronage and
tions, an average Zimbabwean trying one that is being offered to you. As tion legislation. What sort of policy? democracy, the tyranny of the major- nepotism.
to buy something payable in foreign long as the sanctions remain in place, We use timeframes: 2000 to 2005; ity. The opposition should accept the
currency to supply to Zimbabwe will this systematic corruption can never 2006 to 2010; 2011 to 2017; 2018 proposal of being officially appoint- *About the writer: Lloyd Msipa
jump through the hoops before that be rooted out. Calling for sanctions onwards. ed, recognised and appropriately is a UK based Zimbabwean law-
is realised. Paying school fees to over- to remain on Zimbabwe amounts to remunerated in Parliament, West- yer and politician. He is the deputy
seas universities can also be quite a calling for corruption to continue. Or perhaps we can use estimat- minster-style. That way, they can ef- president of the People’s Party which
task for an ordinary Zimbabwean.  Hobson’s choice, it is a necessary evil.  was formed in November 2019.
Msipa is also the son of the late
The truth is any company that Some have suggested arrest. But Zanu PF politician Cephas Msipa.
buys, sells or trades with Zimbabwe- can they arrest each other, know-
an firms and individuals on the sanc- ing that they were doing it togeth-
tions list is targeted and blacklisted by er, knowing why they did it, why
the United States, the United King- they must continue to do it to get
dom and the European Union. What around sanctions? The army in the
has since happened is that the gov- Democratic Republic of Congo was

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 37

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Debunking voter registration campaigns in
Africa: Lessons for Nigeria, Kenya and Zim
ANOTIDA CHIKUMBU/
DAVID CHIKWAZA/
TONDERAI NDAWANA

THE view that the outcome of an Veterinarians treat a wounded elephant in Ishasha, Uganda. Tourism is the main source of revenue for such activities in many of Africa’s national parks. Photo: Alex Braczkowski
election is often decided way before
the actual act of voting on polling day lion, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa logic.  presidential elections dropped to establish the legitimacy of the elected
is unassailable, but without proper according to the 2020  World Poverty However, because emotional appeals from 53.68% in 2011, from a officials in the eyes of the public. There-
voter education, voter registration Clock report. total voter age population of 81 fore, we need to work on making sure
campaigns may be an exercise in fu- do not always hold up well after the fact 691 751 to 43.65% in 2015, that elections work well.
tility. One of the reasons for poor vot- As of June 2021, over 7.8 million when the voters process the message, it from a total voter age popula-
er turn-outs in Africa is not just voter people in Kenya were reported to be is critical to substantiate your emotion- tion of 91 669 312 to 34.75% If governments and civil society in
apathy but poor voter education. living in extreme poverty by Statista.  al appeal with both logic and facts. This in 2019 from a total voter age these three countries work on these
strategy can be easily co-opted in all population of 106 490 312; issues, high voter turnouts and good
There has been growing attention on To think, therefore, that all these the three countries we have mentioned • In Kenya, the figures rose from choices will be made in the forthcom-
voter registration campaigns on both people can dispassionately make choic- since voter education programmes are 69.09% in 2007, from a total ing elections. The more eligible voters
social, broadcast and print media in es based on issues in an election is far already underway.  voter age population of 18 126 vote, the more the government truly
Kenya, Zimbabwe and Nigeria as the from the truth. Many if not all these 573 to 85.65% in 2013, from a does represent every citizen. It is this re-
three countries gear up for their forth- people are susceptible to manipulation In Nigeria, improving voter educa- total voter age population of 22 alisation that produced high voter turn-
coming elections to be held in 2022 by the political elite. They can easily tion is one of the five key goals listed 177 678 but dropped remark- outs in Zambia in August. 
and 2023 respectively. Whereas “voter trade a vote for a bar of soap, a pack- in the 2017-2021 Inec Strategic Plan. ably to 79.49% in 2017, from a
registration” has been increasingly em- et of sugar or bottle of oil. They may total voter age population of 25 The Zambian experience taught us
phasised, ‘voter education’ providing vote with their stomachs and emotions In Zimbabwe, organisations like 374 082; and that when voter education is done well,
unbiased, non-partisan information rather than their minds. Most also have the Electoral Institute for Sustain- • In Zimbabwe, the figures rose people make elections work for them
about the candidates and the issues at fundamental gaps in their understand- able Democracy in Africa (Eisda), the from 42.37% in 2008, from a by doing more than registering to vote;
stake, about voting options, the integri- ing of the electoral and governance pro- Community Tolerance Reconciliation total voter age population of 5 that is, showing up on polling day and
ty of the electoral system, and the value cess. and Development (Cotrad), and the 320 015 to 54.38% in 2013, making good choices. The same could
and importance of casting a ballot has Zimbabwe Electoral Support Net- from a total voter age popula- also happen in Kenya, Nigeria and
been disproportionately less empha- It is, therefore, imperative to coalesce work (ZESN) launched massive voter tion of 5 696 780 to 86.84% in Zimbabwe.
sised.  voter registration campaigns with ro- registration mobilisation campaigns 2018 from a total voter popula-
bust voter education campaigns that through online and offline platforms. tion of 7 650 931. Overall, it would be important to
There are basically two reasons for appeal to both reason and emotions The campaigns are mainly targeting the These drops are not just caused by point out that voter education or not,
this. and place emphasis on key issues about youth, especially those who are reach- voter apathy but by poor voter educa- if we do not sanitise electoral practic-
the candidates and the issues at stake. ing voting age and are, therefore, facing tion. Voters do not just want to be told es, history is likely to repeat itself come
Firstly, it could be that vested inter- Voters can then connect directly with their first opportunity to vote. to go and register to vote but to be told election day.
est groups, including governing politi- the facts, understand the value of elec- more details about the electoral process;
cal parties and electoral agencies, delib- tions, the impact they have on the sys- In Kenya, the Independent Electoral how votes are counted and collated, — Daily Maverick.
erately avoid timely and dispassionately tem of government, and how they can and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) who counts them and when, and what *About writers: Anotida Chikum-
conveying important information to be used to address the economic, social recently launched a nationwide voter they should pay attention to to protect bu is a historian and political econ-
the electorate. This may be to set the and political challenges facing the na- registration exercise which began on 4 their vote from fraud.  omist. He is a PhD candidate and
stage well for vote-rigging in case the tion.  October 2021. In our analysis of these issues, it assistant lecturer in the department
election outcome does not favour their would be important to accept that elec- of history at the University of Massa-
preferred candidate. Interest groups should organise cam- The commission will also conduct tions, and not military coups, or violent chusetts Amherst, US. David Anod-
paigns filled with values, moral senti- mass voter registration for the diaspora rebellions are the best way to elect a iwanashe Chikwaza is a researcher
Secondly, it could be that people are ments, analogies, images and moving in December this year.  government in a democracy.  The most and scholar of political science and
under the mistaken belief that citizens oratory that manifests apparently.  If critical aspect is the medium of voting. international development studies.
have appropriate knowledge and can done effectively, this could stir voters. If Improving voter education quali- An important function of elections is Tonderai Ndawana is with the De-
independently think and make good they stir sympathy in voters, they en- ty and techniques could help save the partment of Psychology at the Uni-
choices. Citizens can indeed participate able them to identify with the issues at fluctuating voter turnouts in these versity of Zimbabwe in Harare.
in an election and independently make stake on a visceral level, bypassing in- three countries. According to the Inter-
their choices, but that thought process tellectual filters, such as scepticism and national Institute for Democracy and
needs stimulation. Although the two Electoral Assistance (Idea) database:
theories proffer convincing explana-
tions, the second one requires further • Voter turn-out in Nigeria’s voter
inquiry. 

A starting point would be an argu-
ment made by social scientist  Drew
Westen  in his book  The Political
Brain  that, “in politics, when reason
and emotion collide, emotion invari-
ably wins”. Although his research draws
from case studies in American society,
his theory applies well in African poli-
tics. Westen notes that “the idea of the
mind as a cool calculator that makes de-
cisions by weighing the evidence bears
no relation to how the brain actually
works’’.

In the case of Kenya, Nigeria and
Zimbabwe, one can argue that when
interest groups assume voters inde-
pendently and objectively make choices
based on the “issues’’, they risk con-
centrating their energy on mobilising
people to register to vote only to be
disappointed when those people make
bad choices. 
Poverty and neopatrimonialism
Voter choice in African politics is
heavily influenced by  neopatrimonial-
ism which the poor (the majority) are
too poor to withstand. 

According to the  World Bank, the
“extreme poor”, defined as people
living under the food poverty line of
US$29.80 for each person a month
in Zimbabwe currently stands at 7.9
million. This threshold doubled from 3
million in 2011 to 6.6 million in 2019,
with higher numbers than ever record-
ed in rural areas. 

In Nigeria, the figure is 105 mil-

Page 38 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Lessons from Zim’s tobacco farmers
for the COP26 climate change talks
ANDREW NEWSHAM/
TOENDEPI SHONHE/
TSITSI BVUTE

ZIMBABWE is ranked in the top 20
countries in the world most affected
by extreme weather between 2000
and 2019.

Some regions in Zimbabwe ex-
perienced between  three to six bad
rainfall seasons  between 2014 to
2019 alone. In a country where ag-
riculture is so important, these im-
pacts are acutely felt.

They also come against a back-
ground of a drying climate trend in
Zimbabwe, observed since the 1980s.
The rainy season has shortened by
30 days across much of the country,
broken up by longer dry spells which
last up to 20 consecutive days.

What’s happening in Zimbabwe
holds important lessons for the glob-
al community ahead of the COP26
global climate change talks.

The first is that climate change,
with other factors, is already put-
ting lives and livelihoods around the
world on the brink. Much focus has
been on how small the window of
opportunity is for global action – as
if the world still had a couple more
years before things really get bad.

In Zimbabwe, for some of the
poorest farmers, growing a poten-
tially lucrative cash crop like tobac-
co has already become unviable. For
many, the crisis is now.

Second, heavily commercial-
ised agriculture, especially livestock
production, is  amongst the big-
gest contributors to greenhouse gas
emissions. It is a bitter irony that it
therefore contributes to the precarity
of farmers, like those in Zimbabwe,
who bear little or no responsibility
for climate change. And yet agricul-
ture has not historically been a high
priority on COP agendas.

The research Zimbabwe holds important lessons for the COP26 global climate change talks. Tafadzwa Ufumeli via GettyImages
These lessons are drawn from our re-
search  in Zimbabwe, conducted as plots of between 5 and 10 hectares farmers predominantly in communal in recent decades, ronmental change did not need to
part of of the  Future Agricultures intended for small scale black farm- land, for whom the crop is already • the linking of the  provision be priced in to agricultural produce,
Consortium. The research docu- ers aiming to start or increase com- a marginal and precarious undertak- and the deeply inequitable distribu-
ments the impact of climate change mercial production. The second were ing. These farmers are often amongst of input subsidies to political tion of revenues from global agricul-
on farmers growing tobacco as a plots of between 50 and 200 hectares those most in need of the cash, as- support, tural produce did not matter.
cash crop in the Mazowe district of for farmers who already had estab- sets and stability that tobacco can • the  effects of Covid-19 on Implications for the negotiators
Mashonaland Central province, ap- lished commercial credentials. provide. The majority of communal tobacco production and sale, Against this background, the  rel-
proximately 40 kilometres north of land farmers in the area we worked and atively low profile of agriculture at
Harare, the capital city. Many of these recipients have tak- in were, at the time, on food aid, ex- • the low placing of  Zimba- the global climate talks is hard to un-
en up tobacco, such that production periencing the opposite of poverty bwean farmers in internation- derstand. But the implications from
Due to high mortality rates of levels have almost recovered to above reduction via income from tobacco. al tobacco value chains. Zimbabwe for the climate change
smoking, tobacco isn’t everyone’s the pre-land reform levels, in partic- Climate change and social injustice This last point links to the under- negotiators are clear.
choice of cash crop to promote. But it ular owing to its  take-up by small- Increasingly, farmers who don’t lying dynamics fundamentally im-
is seen by some as a route out of pov- and medium-scale farmers. have access to irrigation and inputs plicated in both climate change and First, if we are to see meaningful
erty. A growing number of commen- are abandoning the crop. social injustice. Zimbabwean farmers change, these underlying dynamics
tators view tobacco production as a But climate impacts threaten the find themselves incorporated into need to be a focus for the negotia-
kind of  “success story”  for the  fast- viability of tobacco production. Our These are farmers who are often global markets on adverse terms. tions. Yet, in the run-up to COP26
track land reform programme which key finding was that when rain-fed tied into contract farming arrange- This is because value is created, and it doesn’t appear that they are.
was announced in 2000. rather than irrigated, tobacco is one ments which pay far below the capital accumulated higher up the
of the riskiest crops, even on land market rate for tobacco produced. tobacco value chain. Second, if things don’t change,
Controversially, the programme well-suited to growing it. This is During the poor rains of the 2019- At the same time, the inputs pro- the people least responsible for cli-
expropriated 1.3 million hectares of both from a climate and a commer- 2020 season, many in our communal vided for tobacco produced under mate change, in Zimbabwe and far
white-owned commercial farmland cial perspective. area field site found themselves de- contract farming no longer include beyond, will continue to be amongst
without compensation. The land was pendent on food aid. fuel, such as gum trees and coal, for those most exposed to and suffering
redistributed largely to residents of Predictably, the higher the level curing tobacco. This displacement of from its accelerating intense impacts.
communal lands. of access to irrigation and other re- As we found through our research, a production cost onto the farmer
sources, the better able farmers are these difficulties aren’t solely caused has led to tree cutting, and is impli- *About the writers: Andrew New-
In the 1920s, 96% of the pre-co- to weather the impacts and reduce by climate change. Its effects coexist cated in larger patterns of deforesta- sham is senior lecturer in interna-
lonial population were dispossessed climate-related production risks. with an ongoing array of processes, tion. tional development at the School
of their land. Roughly 50% of the And beneficiaries of land reform in including: It is no coincidence that tobacco, of Oriental and African Studies at
land, including all the best agricul- Mazowe do seem, to varying degrees, as with much agricultural produc- the University of London. Toende-
tural land, was given over to the better able to adapt to the new cli- • chronic economic instability tion, promotes unsustainable modes pi Shonhe is a research associate at
4% of the white settler population. mate realities. Access to better land and recurring bouts of infla- of commodification and consump- the University of South Africa. Tsit-
Communal lands were the agricul- seems to have been crucial to build- tion over four decades, tion of nature. Markets continue to si Bvute is a PhD candidate at the
turally marginal areas into which the ing an asset base, itself an important function as if the real costs of envi- University of Johannesburg.
black population was resettled. component of adaptive capacity. • the sharp reduction in agri-
cultural extension provision
The fast-track land reform pro- Yet the risks are greatest among
gramme established land leases for
two types of plots. The first were

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 39

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Sudan’s generals have torn up the transition
playbook. But don’t count out the masses

DAVID E KIWUWA

THIS week the head of Sudan’s Crowds gather to protest the coup in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. EPA-EFE/MOHAMMED ABU OBAID
Sovereign Council, General
Abdel Fattah El Burhan,  de- Progress towards these goals tempt to sharply criticise the Clearly this is merely an excuse. munity’s appetite for military
clared the dissolution of the tran- was at different stages of im- civilian council as riddled with What next? coups is wearing thin. The abil-
sitional council, which has been plementation. More substantive divisions, incompetent and un- The success or failure of this ity of the military to overcome
in place since the  overthrow  of progress was expected to follow dermining state stability. coup will rest on a number of pressure from regional and in-
former president Omar el-Bashir after the end of the transition. factors. ternational actors to return to
in 2019. This was due in 2022 when the Since the revolution against the status quo could be decisive,
chair of the sovereignty council Bashir’s government, the mili- First is the ability of the mil- given the international support
He also disbanded all the handed over to a civilian lead- tary have fancied themselves as itary to use force. This includes needed to prop up the crippled
structures that had been set up as er. This military intervention is generals in suits. They have con- potential violent confrontation economy.
part of the transitional roadmap, clearly self-serving and an op- tinued to wield enough power with the counter-coup forces.
and decreed a state of emergen- portunistic power grab. to almost run a parallel govern- This will dictate the capacity of The Sudanese population may
cy. ment in tension with the prime the military to change the terms have been growing frustrated
In November, the rotation- minister. This was evident when of the transition. with its civilian authority’s abil-
In essence, he staged a palace al chairmanship of the transi- the military continued to have ity to deliver on the demands of
coup against the transitional au- tional council was to be passed the say on security and  foreign Second is whether the mili- the revolution. But it is also true
thority he chaired. from the military to the civilian affairs. For their part, civilian tary can harness popular public that another coup to reinstate
wing of the council. That meant officials concentrated on rejuve- support in the same way that military rule is not something
The general’s actions, which the military would cede strong nating the economy and mobil- the  Guinean  or  Egyptian  mil- the protesters believe would ad-
included the arrest of Prime leverage to the civilians. Instead, ising international support for itaries did. This appears to be dress the challenges they were
Minister Abdalla Hamdok, are with the coup afoot, Burhan has the transitional council. a tall order, given that popular facing.
a culmination of a long period announced both a dissolution support appears to be far less
of tension between the civilian of the council as well as the dis- This didn’t stop the military forthcoming. Sudan has needed and will
and military wings of the coun- missal of provincial governors. from accusing the civilian lead- require compromise and princi-
cil. The tensions were punctu- He has unilaterally promised re- ership of failing to resuscitate the Third, the ability of the Suda- pled political goodwill to realise
ated by an alleged attempted turn to civilian rule in July 2023 country’s  ailing economy. True, nese masses to mobilise against a difficult transition. This will
coup only  weeks earlier. The through national elections. the economy has continued to military authorities cannot be entail setbacks but undoubtedly
days leading to the palace coup struggle from high inflation, low overlooked. Massive nation- military intervention in whatev-
were marked by street pro- Prior to this, the military had industrial output and dwindling wide street protests and defiance er guise is monumentally coun-
tests for and against the military. been systematically challenging foreign direct investment. As in campaigns underpinned by un- terproductive to the aspirations
the pre-eminence of the civilian all economies, conditions have derground organisational capa- of the protest movement.
Does this mark the end of the authority. It undermined them been exacerbated by the effects bilities  brought down govern-
transition as envisaged by the and  publicly berated  them for of COVID-19. ments in 1964, 1985 and 2019. *About the writer: David E
protest movement? governmental failures and weak- They could once again present a Kiwuwa is associate professor
nesses. For the last few months Sudan’s weakened economy stern test to the military. of international studies at the
The popular uprising against there has been a deliberate at- is, however, not sufficient reason University of Nottingham, UK.
Bashir’s government was  led by for the military intervention. Finally, the international com-
the Sudan Professional Associa-
tion. It ushered in the political
transitional union of civilians
and the military establishment.
The interim arrangement was to
lead to a return to civilian rule.
But this cohabitation was ten-
uous from the start, given the
oversized role of the military in
the transition. Moreover, the
military appeared to be reluctant
to see the civilian leadership as
an equal partner in shepherding
through the transition.

Nevertheless, until recently
there had been progress towards
creating the institutional archi-
tecture for the transition. De-
spite the challenges and notable
tension between the signatories
to the accord, it was never evi-
dent that the dysfunction was so
great as to herald the collapse of
the transitional authority.

For now, the transition might
be disrupted and in fact tempo-
rarily upended. But the lesson
from Sudan is never to count the
masses out of the equation. Their
ability to mobilise and confront
counter revolutionary forces
cannot be underestimated.
Unfinished business
The transitional pact itself had
been anchored by eight arduous-
ly negotiated protocols. These
included regional autonomy, in-
tegration of the national army,
revenue sharing and repatriation
of internal refugees. There was
also an agreement to share out
positions in national political in-
stitutions, such as the legislative
and executive branch.

Page 40 Africa News NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Who finances Mozambique’s insurgency?

MOZAMBIQUE remains beset by Mozambican soldiers patrol in front of a burned truck carrying the inscription “Shabaab Chinja” referring to the jihadist group in Mocimboa da Praia.
an ongoing and devastating insur-
gency from the Islamist group Ah- process between hawala agents (ha- mal economies and formal banking, ensure a proactive rather than re- the utilisation of financial transfer
lu-Sunna Wa-Jama’a (also known as waladars)  makes the transactions informal trade and hawala networks active approach. From the outset, processes, and therefore the SADC
al-Shabaab). Despite bilateral and particularly difficult to regulate, and are a lifeline for local communities. stakeholders must first prioritise region needs to consider how to ad-
regional military interventions from ultimately law enforcement cannot They find themselves reliant on in- trust-building with communities. dress the issue of this financing in its
Rwanda and the Southern African “follow the money”. The illegitimate formal trade to sustain their liveli- strategy to combat organised crime,
Development Community (Sadc), use of hawala has been widely docu- hoods and hawala networks to re- Communities should be engaged which is currently being finalised. 
the group is forging ahead in consol- mented by the Financial Action Task ceive remittances and aid, which for on the issue of terrorist financing and
idating its presence in the north of Force, an intergovernmental organ- many is their main source of income. can then provide intelligence on how At a regional level, the African
the country.  isation created to develop policies Any intervention, especially de-risk- money is being transferred for such Continental Free Trade Area (Af-
against money laundering. ing, must consider first the impact it activities, including through illicit CFTA), which came into effect in
At the end of September, it re- might have on those already living on activities and informal trading across January 2021, offers opportunities
sumed organised attacks against civil- Recently, stakeholders in a closed- the economic margins of society. borders. They can also share insights for strengthening inter-African trade
ians and cross-border raids from Tan- door consultation with the IJR noted into the hindrances of accessing for- by promising a single market for
zania. Speaking at a press conference that the potential abuse of hawala as Any top-down attempts to reg- mal banking and explain their main African goods and services and by
in Pemba, Mozambican President a source of terror financing should be ulate these informal systems would developmental challenges. promises of tariff elimination. This
Filipe Nyusi appeared to reject criti- raised in the context of Mozambique. also require enormous investments may reduce the potential to capitalise
cism that the insurgency was fuelled Reports from SADC’s technical mis- into infrastructure and capacity. Additionally, practical steps need on different tariffs through tax avoid-
by grievances, claiming that Mocim- sion in April 2020 and the Eastern Even though Mozambique passed an to be considered in both the formal ance (such as cash-based informal
boa da Praia, the town in which it and Southern Africa Anti-Money anti-money laundering and combat- and informal banking arenas, includ- cross-border trade).
originated, was prosperous relative to Laundering Group have also identi- ting the financing of terrorism law in ing strategies to bring more of the
other unaffected regions. fied hawala’s mobile money transfers 2013, the country ranks fifth out of population into the mobile money The AfCFTA, through greater
and cash couriers to be conduits for 141 countries in the Basel AML in- sector, ultimately allowing for bet- connectivity in the form of financial
And yet it is clear that low levels terror funding in the area.  dex, meaning that it is at an extreme- ter-regulated systems. flows and human mobility, presents
of development have played a role in ly high risk of terrorist financing the continent with potential for sus-
the escalation of the conflict. Thus In the instance of cash couriers, and money laundering. In addition, Simultaneously, supporting inclu- tainable inclusive growth.
far talk around a reduction of the physical cash transfers are especially despite the financial intelligence pro- sive economic development in Mo-
conflict centres around military in- difficult to trace. High volumes of duced by the Financial Intelligence zambique is vital. Remittances are However, the same connectivity
tervention. However, as  research  by informal trade are underpinned by Unit, there is no evidence that law key to strengthening development could make it vulnerable to abuse
the Institute for Justice and Recon- a cash-based economy that includes enforcement is using this effectively. but have often faced the challenges of by malevolent actors, such as radi-
ciliation (IJR) shows, a highly secu- trade across the porous Tanzanian adhering to “know-your customer” calised groups.  As such, the critical
ritised mindset is unlikely to address border, all working to facilitate the As such, a top-down law enforce- documentation requirements when weaknesses that strengthen the cause
Mozambique’s challenges. Rather, a movement of cash between middle- ment approach is unlikely to address many migrants are themselves un- of these groups need to be identi-
longer-term focus on inclusive devel- men. the challenges faced in the country. documented. To address this, licenc- fied and neutralised. The countering
opment and communities is needed Hawala networks are a local lifeline Any strategy to address the group’s ing and registration regimes that can of illicit financial flows could be an
to counter recurring cycles of con- However, with little access to for- funding must find its roots in com- facilitate access should be considered.  important, if not the most effective,
flict. munity engagement. This will help weapon in this fight against radicali-
The illicit financial flows also have sation. — Mail & Guardian.
A number of interventions can be a cross-border dimension in terms of
considered to address critical deficits
that drain the country’s resources
and, by extension, its prospects for
inclusive development. One of these
is to contain illicit financial flows. 
Mozambique is thought to lose sig-
nificant amounts of its GDP annual-
ly to illicit financial flows, relating to
corruption, illegal markets, tax mis-
invoicing and a large informal sector. 

In 2018, Afrobarometer  data
showed that 88% of people in the
northern Cabo Delgado province
did not have a bank within walking
distance, and that 59% did not hold
a bank account. Low levels of formal
banking and trade in Mozambique
provide opportunities for financing
of the insurgency through existing
informal channels. Often, money is
transferred through informal or mo-
bile money-transfer systems, some of
which ensure anonymity.

For example, hawala  networks (a
popular and informal value transfer
system based on the performance
and honour of a huge network of
money brokers) often operate in re-
mote outposts where formal banking
is either absent, expensive or hard
to access. These networks are often
favoured because of efficient trans-
fer windows, competitive exchange
rates, low transaction fees, accessi-
bility for illiterate people, acceptance
under sharia law and all-year-round
availability. 

Hawala networks are entrenched
in many societies, and in some in-
stances have been exploited by ex-
tremist networks like Islamic State
and al-Shabaab. As such, the strong
reliance on hawala in Cabo Delgado,
a province characterised by relative
underdevelopment and high volumes
of informal trade, leaves a grey area
for insurgents to exploit. 

The nature of the settlement

NewsHawks Africa News Page 41

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Sub-Saharan Africa’s liberty deficit:
Can civil society help fill the gap?
NICOLA DE JAGER

THERE is something inherent in the rometer survey, support for democ- the philosophy of classical liberalism. ment and spread of civic groups. An group outside normal worship meet-
idea of democracy that invokes expec- racy was high. Seventy percent of the It recognises the importance of lim- example is a study about the influence ings.
tations of valuing human dignity and respondents indicated they wanted a iting “arbitrary government by insti- of missionaries in the development
thus freedoms. These include freedom democratic regime. But only 36% per- tutional controls”. It also recognises of liberal democracy in Africa, Asia, Civic engagement was not high
of association, thought, belief, religion ceived a supply of democracy. guaranteeing “specified rights of the Latin America and Oceania by  Rob- overall. Nevertheless, the least civically
and speech, and freedom from gov- individual against encroachment by ert Woodberry. He found that Prot- engaged were those who weren’t reli-
ernment abuse. Most therefore didn’t feel they were government”. estants were catalysts in the initial giously affiliated.
getting the type of democracy they development and then spread of vol-
Contemporary comparative politics wanted. My  research  engages with The challenge is how to address untary organisations. He noted that There are also some institutional
scholars Christian Welzel and Ronald sub-Saharan Africa’s so-called  “dem- this liberty deficit. How to restrain this influence then contributed to the examples that are instructive. In the
Inglehart argue that liberal democracy ocratic deficit”, as identified by Em- and make the ruling elite more ac- dispersion of power due to the growth run-up to Zimbabwe’s 2018 national
is a manifestation of human freedom. manuel Gyimah-Boadi. countable and how to protect civic of associational life as well as protest elections, churches and faith commu-
freedoms. A vibrant and indepen- tactics. This eventually provided the nities under the Zimbabwe Council
A liberal democracy is therefore un- I argue that the deficit in sub-Saha- dent civil society has become widely impetus for the formation of political of Churches umbrella campaigned for
derstood as entailing two parts: ran Africa’s democracies is in the clas- recognised as a core social requisite parties prior to independence. peace through their iVote and iPray
sical liberal tradition (accountability for the development of a liberal de- Religious affiliation and civic en- initiatives. They urged citizens to vote,
• access to power on the basis of and civil liberties). It is less so in the mocracy. Philosopher and anthropol- gagement but to do so without violence.
regular, competitive elections, democratic tradition (elections and ogist  Ernest Gellner  argues that civil Afrobaromater  surveys  also provide
where every citizen has polit- political participation). society – rather than elections – is the some insights into the relationship For its part the South African
ical equality in selecting the More a liberty deficit than a demo- guarantor of civil liberties. Societies between religious affiliation and civil Council of Churches together with
government cratic deficit are vulnerable to arbitrary rule if there engagement. These were conducted other civil society organisations held
Distinguishing liberal democracy is an insufficient density, diversity and between (2016/2018) covering 32 silent protests in response to corrup-
• constraints on that power from democracy is important as it depth of associations. sub-Saharan African countries. tion involving  Covid-19 emergency
through institutional controls allows for a better identification of funding.
such as a constitution and an the problem. Liberal democracy is My work noted that it is here that They showed that, on an individu-
autonomous, organised civ- a compromise of two traditions. On religion could potentially play its part, al level, the religiously affiliated were I don’t go as far as to argue that civic
il society, to protect personal the one hand, political power attained in terms of civil society development more civically engaged than those not associations are the panacea to the re-
freedoms. through popular participation. On and engagement. Especially in a re- affiliated. Civic engagement included gion’s liberty deficit. However, I argue
the other, accountability and liberty gion with high religiosity. Afrobarom- attendance of a community meeting that they can play an important role
The democracy part is fairly easy. ensured through informal and formal eter data shows that only 5% identify membership of a voluntary associa- in holding political power to account
It is the means of accessing power institutions. as having no religious affiliation. tion, and membership of a religious and protecting freedoms.
through elections and popular par-
ticipation. But the liberal or constitu- The term “liberal” is derived from Numerous studies have noted re- *About the writer: Nicola de Jager
tional component is more complex. Is ligion’s propensity for the establish- is associate professor at Stellenbosch
is about allowing for restraint on that University in South Africa.
power and a commitment to protect-
ing individual freedoms. This is often
not so palatable to ruling political
elites.

This is true for countries across the
globe. “Pure” democracies – popular
power without restraint – can be per-
nicious systems. They can be prone to
corruption and infringe essential civil
liberties. Examples can be found on
every continent, including Africa.

This is borne out by the fact that
there have been elections in a number
of countries that deem themselves as
democracies. But that’s where de-
mocracy ends. Only Botswana, Cape
Verde,  Ghana,  Mauritius,  Namib-
ia  and  South Africa  are considered
to be “free” in terms of political and
civil liberties. This is according to a
measurement designed by  Freedom
House. Political liberties are measured
according to the electoral process,
political pluralism and participation,
and the functioning of government.
Civil liberties are measured in terms
of freedom of expression and belief,
associational rights, rule of law and
individual rights.

The citizens of sub-Saharan Afri-
can countries are aware of this. They
recognise that, despite having regu-
lar elections, they are not getting the
supply of the type of democracy they
want. Based on surveys by  Afroba-
rometer, the largest proportion (56%)
of respondents understood democracy
in terms of civil liberties and person-
al freedoms. These included freedom
of speech, religion and movement.
The second highest ranked under-
standing of democracy (only 17%)
was in its procedural form, namely
voting, elections and multiparty elec-
tions. Afrobarometer is a pan-African,
non-partisan research network, which
conducts public attitude surveys in up
to 37 African countries.

In the  latest  (2016/2018) Afroba-

Page 42 NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 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.

Tsitsi Dangarembga: ‘There is no
freedom of expression’ in Zim

The Zimbabwean author and film- TD:  I am thrilled and I am delight- ways encouraging to other people.  ulation suffers from the socio-
maker Tsitsi Dangarembga (TD) has ed. For me, it has been quite a long road DW: After the fall of Former Zimba- economic situation and massive
received the Peace Prize of the German to this level of recognition and apprecia- bwean leader Robert Mugabe dies and human rights violations. How
Book Trade. She tells DW about the tion, and so I’m doubly grateful. the accession to power of his depu- difficult is the situation for free-
issues affecting literature in her home I  think that seeing somebody that one ty,  Emmerson Mnangagwa,  in 2017, dom of expression?
country. can identify with, doing their thing and your home country, Zimbabwe, re- TD: I think of freedom of expres-
doing it well and succeeding and having mains mired in a deep crisis. The pop- sion in two ways. I think of it in
Dangarembga, born in 1959 in the good achievement recognized, is al- the way that it is normally thought
Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), about, which is: When somebody
studied psychology in her home coun- has said something, what are the
try and later at the German Film and consequences of that expression?
Television Academy in Berlin. So, indeed, we have repression with
respect to freedom of expression.
Today she is one of the most import- We have a joke in Zimbabwe: There
ant filmmakers in Zimbabwe. In her is freedom of expression, but there
films, she has dealt with socially rele- is no freedom after expression.
vant topics such as Aids and violence
against women. So people are aware that, if you
say certain things, there might be
She also actively supports young repercussions from the state. Or
women filmmakers in her country and if the state gets to know about it,
founded her film production company, which they often do, because it
Nyerai Films, in 1990. seems that there are people who are
willing to inform the state about
As a writer, she gained internation- what people do and say.
al recognition with her trilogy of nov-
els,  Nervous Conditions  (1988),  The For me there is another kind of
Book of Not (2006) and This Mourn- freedom of expression:  One can
able Body (2018), which were written only express oneself if one has the
over three decades and follow a young means to do it, and this is increas-
woman’s struggle for  independence. ingly difficult. People can often not
go on social media to express their
Dangarembga is also involved in views simply because data is so ex-
the discussion surrounding looted colo- pensive.
nial art in Berlin’s museums.
Literature requires a lot of time
In Zimbabwe, she actively cam- for writing. And, because of the cri-
paigns against corruption and was sis in Zimbabwe and the fact that
briefly  arrested in July 2020  for every day is such a grind to find just
protesting against the government. the basics for survival, people do
Proceedings are currently  still pend- not have the time and the leisure
ing against her.  to sit down and reflect in peace to
write what they might want to
On 24 October, Tsitsi Dangarem- write.
bga (TD) will be honoured with the
2021  Peace Prize of the German To film is even more difficult
Book Trade  at the Frankfurt Book because it takes a lot of financial
Fair.  DW spoke to her ahead of the resources now. Financial resources
award ceremony. in Zimbabwe are regulated by the
DW: You are the first woman from state. In one way or another, all
sub-Saharan Africa to be award- businesses have to register with the
ed the Peace Prize of the German state. So, those bigger companies
Book Trade. How does that make
you and other female writers from
the African continent feel? 

NewsHawks Page 43

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

who might wish to maybe support of literature and writing is not receiv- that has the effect of making African situation for you?
creative narrative have to be careful ing support from the government or people identify with themselves as TD: My situation in Zimbabwe is
about which narratives they support, from any of the sectors that are actu- problematic, and so while I believe not particularly serious. Yes, I was
because, if there are narratives that do ally still thriving. such narratives are produced in good arrested last year on the 31st of July
not support the state, then they could faith, they do not in fact have a posi- after demonstrating peacefully with
also get into trouble. From time to time you will find tive impact on the communities and two posters and a friend.
So there is a level at which there is no that NGOs will publish a book. It societies that they are intended for.
freedom of expression because peo- might be fiction, it might be nonfic- So, it is very difficult at the moment I have been to court several times,
ple, the resources, are withheld from tion but it is always within the con- for people to participate in the literary over 10 times now, and in September,
certain groups of people. text of the development narrative that creation or to access books. the state was not ready to prosecute.
DW: Does that situation influence casts Africa as a problem: “Africa is DW: You stood up for more free- That simply means that they had not
your work? undeveloped.”  Therefore, it has this dom, for more democracy in your done the work necessary to be able to
TD: Yes, the situation does influence problem, which we have to tackle country, and you were arrested. You say yes, this case is now going to tri-
my work. This is why, in fact, I have in this story. It therefore makes the appeared before court in Septem- al, and so I will have another hearing
not produced a film of my own for problem the protagonist, and it col- ber, and you need to get back in on the 15th of December to find out
many, many years. And, in terms of lapses the space between the individu- December.  How dangerous  is the what happens from there.
writing, that is why it takes so long.  al in the story and the problem.
There is just so much else  to do  to — DW.
manage to survive, to make sure that So it is actually a kind of narrative
there’s food on the table, that I don’t
have the space to sit down and write
in the peace and quiet that I need.
DW: After independence in 1980,
there were many very good and
independent publishers and book-
stores in Zimbabwe. Maybe the
best book fair in Africa was held
in Harare. All that came to an end.
How hard is it to simply gain access
to books at the moment? 
TD: Access to books in Zimbabwe
is very difficult. Books are now taxed
when they come into the country.
They are exceedingly expensive, and
very few people have the credit cards
that are necessary to buy books. And
so, in fact, people are reading less and
less.

People are still interested in pro-
ducing narrative, but the publishing
industry has collapsed alongside the
other industries in the country and
certainly the creative industries.

There are very few industries in
Zimbabwe that are still functioning,
and so it is very difficult for any young
person in Zimbabwe to think about
a career in writing. We find that the
writers are tending to move to other
countries, where there are industries
in books and literature that they can
participate in, and so, really, the idea

Porsche just got angrier Being a Fashion Model

&Life Style

STYLE TRAVEL BOOKS ARTS MOTORING

Page 44 Issue 54, 29 October 2021

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA Zimbabwean businesswoman and
socialite Luminitsa Kimberly Jemwa.
THE term “socialite” tends to be loose-
ly used in Zimbabwe to describe glam- I’m much more than good
orous public figures. Ordinarily, this is looks, says Luminitsa
how many folk would think of Lumi-
nitsa when her name is mentioned.  called Priest. Her construction compa- who once claimed to make more mon- to stay pretty. Zambia.
ny, Design Cartel Private Ltd, is what ey than most CEOs in Zimbabwe, pre- “And I deliberately took that neg- “It’s only now that Zimbabwean
Other labels that quickly  stick are makes more money for her than she viously worked as an assistant technical
that of a fashion symbol, or simply a can count. director at the Zimbabwe Football As- ative statement because I’m not the businesses know what I do and, surpris-
stunningly beautiful woman who can sociation. She also worked on the tour- woman that everyone can say they have ingly, there are more jobs here although
turn many heads in any corner of the “And these are things people ignore nament and events board at the Con- had. I’m the trophy that you need to I don’t live here,” she says.
world.  about me and just focus on my looks,” federation of African Football, courtesy put in the work for in order to deserve,
she quips.  of her Sports Management and Science I spoil myself, I keep myself. Morally While she describes her job as de-
But ask those in her tiny circles, they degree. She also holds an Honours de- I’m a trophy, because I’m the ultimate manding, she gets inspiration from her
will tell you that Lumi -- as they fondly “I’m not a socialite purely because I gree in Psychology. prize.” travels around the world, something
call her -- is way more than that.  do not live within social circles. I nev- which earned her the nickname global
er go out to social events, let alone in She did her internship at French top- But looks are deceiving and, as they citizen.
It is a much broader image that is Zimbabwe.” flight club Monaco after obtaining her say, the beautiful ones are not yet born.
backed by the lady herself as she tells sports degree in Belgium.  What then sets her apart from other “Everything I do is on an interna-
us here.  There are two things about her that women? tional level. I don’t do furniture stuff or
you will hardly see on her social media She lived with Mushekwi in Europe interior décor.  I do structures, I do cus-
“If you were to ask me about the pages:  her love life and family. for a decade and, upon her return, de- “I don’t have competition in the tom-made structures and everything,
most creative minds on earth, I would cided to settle in South Africa where sense that I’ve always been better than it’s all through my vision and I am very
count myself twice!” she says with a “This is where I draw the line because she says life is more palpable. the day I was before. The moment I say involved in my projects. It’s a demand-
hearty chuckle.  these are the things that matter to me I can’t achieve that will be my biggest ing job and rare for women who are in
most. But the mentality that beautiful Often labeled a trophy wife during competition. Maybe men who do what the construction business,” she says.
“I’ am definitely one of the outstand- girls do nothing in life and just go out her marriage to Mushekwi, she re- I do, but I always challenge the status
ing and phenomenal creative minds I to social events is not me. Of course, I sponds: quo,” she says.  With so much on her plate, Lumi
know and that is what I am good at.”  can’t be wearing javas around my waist does not mince her words about what
to prove that I’m a serious business- “Trophy wife is an And her company Design Cartel at- makes her tick.
While that sounds like she is blow- woman,” she says.  international term used to describe tests to this, having spread its tentacles
ing her own horn, the truth is Lumi is a pretty young wives who are just spoilt to Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and “I make money, that’s the only thing
go-getter and a visionary too. For those not in the know, Lumi, that makes me tick!”

Gleaning through her Instagram
account, one tends to think she is all
about strutting her stuff and showing
off her bling. There is really plenty to
learn and enjoy from Lumi, a business-
woman in her own right and a feminist
at heart.

“I don’t go out of my way to justi-
fy things that I have. I let people think
what they think. Those that know me,
know me and it’s only a few people in
my circle, which is tiny; to the rest, I
don’t justify or deny anything, it’s un-
like me.”

Asked if she regards herself a social
media influencer, Lumi says she uses
her platform to push her own brands.

“I don’t influence anyone,”  she re-
plies. “I don’t advertise brands, I’m not
a celebrity who posts products and ser-
vices for people to buy. I don’t do that.
My Instagram page reflects my psychol-
ogy background because I give advice
to younger girls who are coming up and
how to make it as women.

“Never ever on my page do you
see me advertising anything. I turned
down offers when companies approach
me for influencer jobs, because I’m not
in the social circles. I’m not Madam
Boss, Pokello or Mai TT who work
with brands.

No!”
Born Luminitsa Kimberly Jemwa
29 years ago, the thriving entrepreneur
from Harare first emerged in the lime-
light during her high-profile marriage
to footballer Nyasha Mushekwi. 
A look at her business empire reveals
that she amassed some of her assets fol-
lowing her divorce settlement with the
China-based former Zimbabwe striker,
who has made quite a fortune from
playing in different leagues across the
world. 
Her empire includes a farm near
Macheke, where she runs a chicken
business, then houses in affluent Jo-
hannesburg neighborhoods in South
Africa. 
Her fleet of cars includes a Range
Rover, Mercedes-Benz and a Maserati.
Over and above this, the South Af-
rican-based beauty is a creative director
and founder of a wellness company

NewsHawks Life & Style Page 45

Issue 54, 29 October 2021 Black musicians should call out
racism. They’ve got the power
MICHELLE KAMBASHA
‘At no other point in the industry’s history have Black people been able to speak directly to wider audiences about their experiences.’ Stormzy at Leeds Festival
IN the eight years I have worked 2021. Photograph: Matthew Baker/Getty Images
in the British music industry, ca-
reer highs have been offset by in- Would it be wrong to ask that actly why this time felt different.
stances of racism. I have often been these artists use their relative pow- We all agreed that it was partly be-
confused with other black people er to elevate us all? The report still cause George Floyd’s murder, the
who work in the industry at events, shows that the effect of racism on Blackout Tuesday initiative and the
meetings and panels — at a gig one creators is still high, so ultimately waves of Black Lives Matter pro-
evening, it happened three separate it is on white folk to enact chang- tests made the urgent issues they
times. es, but it is interesting to note that raised unavoidable during the iso-
many of the race equality initia- lation of the pandemic. It is hard
For the first part of my career, I tives set up in the wake of  Black- to know if there will be long-lasting
worked in the independent sector, out Tuesday, the call for the music change, and findings like the Black
which is not known for its diver- industry to halt for a day in pro- Lives in Music report make it hard
sity. My isolation as one of the few test at the killing of George Floyd, for black people in the industry to
black people working in this area were started by black women, the be optimistic.
was often explained away by my demographic that the report found
white counterparts: I have been to suffer most from mental health But I get the sense that at no
told that black people just do not issues and to be the most under- other point in the music industry’s
listen to alternative music, but this paid. The implications of this are history have black people been able
does not explain why white people enormous. If we want a music in- to speak directly to wider audienc-
are overrepresented when working dustry that is as diverse as its talent, es about their experiences, partic-
in black music. When I am asked we need to create an environment ularly in the racism they have had
about my perspectives, I am often that is not hostile to its most un- to endure while making the mu-
then required to do the heavy lift- dervalued workers. sic they love. Reports like Black
ing, as though structural racism is Lives in Music are a step further
a problem that black people should Last week, I hosted a panel at to a greater understanding of those
fix rather than the white perpe- Wild Paths Festival called Anti-rac- lives, and the work that needs to be
trators of it. When I was starting ism in the Music Industry – One done. Now it is up to white people
out in the industry — younger, Year On. An audience member to help us implement the change
more insecure about my race and noted that anti-racism movements the music industry desperately
attempting to get my bearings in a have existed in the music indus- needs.
sea of white faces, my attempts to try long before Blackout Tuesday
assimilate were often overwhelmed — how then do we know that re- Carla Marie Williams. *About the writer: Zimba-
by a sense of otherness. cent efforts will actually produce bwe-born Michelle Kambasha
lasting change? All of us on stage works in the British music indus-
A recent study by Black Lives in found it difficult to pinpoint ex- try.
Music concluded that the majority
of black music industry profession-
als in the United Kingdom experi-
ence racism, from racist language
to instances of microaggression.

The report distinguished be-
tween the experiences of music
creators and music executives and
found that their experiences dif-
fered, with 63% of creators wit-
nessed direct or indirect racism
rising among professionals to 73%.

These findings will be largely
unsurprising for black people like
me working in music. I am not try-
ing to paint a picture of an industry
that is always knowingly aggressive
and violent. For the most part I en-
joy my job, and though there may
not be overt incidents of racism ev-
ery single day, it is persistent and it
is widely felt by black people work-
ing in music. This piles up, caus-
ing mental fatigue that minimises
our ability to work at full capaci-
ty. A lot of that racism is implied
or unsaid. While consciously most
white people in the industry may
not intend to be racist, instances of
unconscious bias and other insidi-
ous forms of racism have prolonged
effects on us — not just on our
ability to succeed in our work, but
on our mental health. Indeed, 36%
of music executives believed that
their mental health declined due to
the racism they faced. An industry
committing to anti-racism must be
more aware of this.

The differing experiences of mu-
sic creators and executives high-
lighted in the report speaks to an
unsettling hierarchy. Black people
— and especially black men —
who are creators experience a rel-
ative form of privilege that black
people working behind the scenes
in music do not have. Black cre-
ators are more often shielded from
the worst forms of racism that oth-
ers experience: since the artists are
the ones making everyone money,
white people are more likely to be
deferential.

Page 46 State of the culture NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Sanctions not the problem to Zim economic woes

Addy
Kudita

THIS past week I grappled with content and rule by a greedy oligarchy. We expect- position to his vision of our society. What Clearly, the new dispensation or second around without incidence. Along with
for this column because so much hap- ed equity, peace and justice. We expected was the vision? A one-party state. He did republic narrative is just a ruse because the theft of public funds, are these not
pened in our socio-political arena, but anything other than the dictatorship of go about liquidating all dissenters with although the players changed, the game sanctions? Our courts must show impar-
from a news story point of view nothing the colonialists. a misplaced singularity of purpose. He has remained intact. When it was first tiality and independence. Our constitu-
really topped what I call the sanctions The story of Independence wanted unbridled power to the point that trumpeted in 2017, some believed that it tion must be upheld by all office bearers.  
story. This story has Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo it seemed to me that getting him into of- was the ushering in of a new way of doing The story of the hungry ones
This is the story that played out across the as a towering figure. He led a party which fice was the ostensible reason the people things in this country. The promise was Forty war vets were this past week arrest-
spectrum of our society and even rever- brought all tribes together under his lead- went to war in the first place! I struggle that the vicious and barbaric politics of ed in the wake of their protest action over
berated all the way throughout Southern ership. Zapu was a people’s movement, to find a single monument to black excel- the past had ended. Soon enough, Zim- their pensions. These are the erstwhile
African Development Community and to all intents and purposes. Somehow, in lence in the aftermath of his reign. One babweans have come to grips with the freedom fighters of nation’s founding.
the African Union. Some will say even 1963, a breakaway movement emerged can offer the land reform programme as naked truth. These are the midwives of the Zimba-
the United Nations. which would forever shift the trajectory a milestone achievement of his regime. I The sanctions story bwean nation. They wallow in poverty
From a strategic communication stand- of our nation’s political fortunes. 1963 is will never argue against the principle of The Western powers believed they were today and are saddled with regret for the
point, it was a success for the government a year which in my view sowed the seeds self-determination personally. I will how- within their own rights to impose their sacrifices made. Who is the villain of their
in the sense of getting relevant bodies to of the intolerance which persist to this ever state that even this noble venture is sanctions. They believed that whatever peace?
sing from the anti-sanctions hymn book. day. Zimbabweans have not been able marred with so many abherrations.  was happening in Zimbabwe presented Parting shot
Hell, I even saw the march in Bulawayo ever since to tolerate those whom they The second republic? an existential threat to their way of life. In Roki, the musician, performing at the an-
by some of the youths on Monday. There differ with. The “pasi na” (down with) A recent one is the Sipho Malunga case. the struggle of nations to survive, preda- ti-sanctions gala provided a pivotal mo-
was a musical gala somewhere in Hara- sloganeering of our politics is basically the How is it even reasonable for the govern- tion is a given and, in the end, it is a sim- ment whilst singing his hit song Chidzo-
re. I will refer to a certain moment in the epitome of intolerance. It is the morbid ment to be so vindictive that it is doing pleton who will expect anything less from ka. Singing in falsetto, he could not hit
musical proceedings that I believe encap- and chilling language of supreme vio- all in its power to wrest the farm from any nation, East or West, to be doing the high notes and his backing singer was
sulate the anti-sanctions campaign. lence. It implies death or annihilation for black Zimbabweans who bought the land anything principally in Africa’s interest. tone deaf and off key. In disgust, Roki
Story telling rivals. Whoever formulated that slogan in the first place? All this is happening in What boggles the mind is just how along stopped the band. It was a perfect met-
Stories give a people a sense of culture, planted the seed of violent intolerance. It the much-touted “second republic” Land with all the damage which the sanctions aphor for the political dissonance in our
identity, history and raison d’etre. Stories is not child’s play, it was in effect akin to should not be weaponised against the cit- have inflicted upon our economy, there country. In the end, whatever story we tell
are used to transmit myths, personal and neuro-linguistic programming. So when izens along political lines, because there is is a parallel line of sanctions which our ourselves as a nation, we cannot shirk the
national events to the next generation they say down with someone, they are a danger that this victimisation may occur leaders have inflicted upon our society responsibility to tell each other the truth.
and for posterity. Stories are vehicles to otherising and dehumanising that per- every time the ruling regime is changed. since 1980. Gukurahundi, the corruption The truth is that Zimbabwe is not yet a
transport nations from one epoch to the son. They are saying: that person does not It creates instability and perpetuates cases from Paweni right through Willow- constitutional democracy. It is sanctioned
next and so on. In every story there is a deserve to live simply because they feel the culture of patronage. Moreover, the gate and the more recent chronicles of internally and externally. We need to tell
protagonist or protagonists. There are vil- and see differently from me! mass evictions of villagers to make way the Auditor-General’s reports and the a new story. The story we need told is one
lains too. In the case of our country, our The first republic? for Chinese mining firms  and others as rampant gold and diamond smuggling. about truth and reconciliation. The truth
story dates all the way back to the days In 1980, we expected a republic in which chronicled recently by watchdog organi- What is the actual quantum of that hae- is that we need tolerance, justice, meri-
of the Munhumutapa empire and the a person’s vote was their right with which sations beggars belief in a constitutional morrhaging? What is the actual quantum tocracy and accountability. No external
Rozvi empire and weaves its way through to support the party of their choice republic wherein leaders swore an oath to of the illicit financial outflows? Sanctions sanctions can stop us from allowing these
the invasion of the Ngunis via Mzilika- without fear of extermination by rivals. protect the citizenry. The people are list- have prohibited the movement of a few to prevail. We do not need the lie that all
zi, Nyamazana and Soshangane, Rhodes Mugabe was for a long while a hero, a less and defenceless in their own country.  individuals to certain countries. In Zim- our problems are because of sanctions.
and his Pioneer Column colonial govern- god even and one who brooked no op- But what is new about this republic if it babwe, there are areas where certain polit- We should and can do better. 
ment, the Federation, Unilateral Decla- retains all the characteristics of the first? ical principals are not able to freely move
ration of Independence, the liberation
struggle, Independence in 1980, Guku-
rahundi genocide, Unity Accord, land
reform, Government of National Unity
and finally the military in 2017.
The story of our nation
All the epochs which I mentioned have
critical elements that shaped or scarred
our nation for better or for worse. We are
the sum total of all these historical events
and movements inexorably pushing us
toward what we are now: intolerant of
opposing views and constantly gravitat-
ing toward idolatry. We have had the mis-
fortune of lacking leaders that unite all
the disparate cultural and ethnic groups.
Smith was as parochial as parochial gets in
his vision of the country. His main inter-
est was to serve his kith and kin hogging
the country’s resources to his racial clique.
Thus they thrived and ate with reckless
abandon whilst the poor natives looked
on. It was only a matter of time before the
natives realised that they were never going
to be invited to the feast. Soon enough,
they decided to fight for what they be-
lieved was theirs.

For a long moment, it did not mat-
ter which tribe you belonged to, the
natives were bound by one burning
ambition: to break the colonial shackles
and take back the land from its oppres-
sors and plunderers. It was a noble and
lofty cause and thousands of young peo-
ple threw down the gauntlet. After 16
years of armed struggle which eventually
gathered international momentum, the
country was freed. 1980 was the dawn
of Independence. The hope was that the
country would rest from the bloodshed.
I remember thinking that we would not
have to see the madness of arbitrary sup-
pression of people’s rights of the past and
the violent discrimination along ethnic or
political lines again. In short, we did not
expect a continuance of Smith’s brutality

NewsHawks Life & Style Page 47

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Title: Flower Title: The Rains Still Stayed Away Title: The Political Dejavus
Poet: Efuru Poet: Obey Chiyangwa Poet: Mthulisi ‘KingKG’ Ndlovu

You were my flower A few curious droplets came down to ascertain Souls haunting and enchanting.
We were too beautiful to water each other the abject situation. Restless Spirits, wavering and taunting.
We were the picture frame To take stock of the prevailing state of per- Spirit-less zombies in glittery suits hyping.
Laid out for murder sistent dryness. The forces, forcefully pounding on inno-
Our love was a sin (A barren spell had stretched for far too long in cence.
We were colored grey the land) Greedy maggots feeding on people’s
Wanting to be green The scouting droplets slanted silvery into the misery.
We craved growth in the midst of our dry drought stricken air. Hooliganism booing and mocking sover-
ground Spattered into the greyish nature of a khaki eignty.
Impossibility lead our fears to fail dust. Live ammunition caressing bare human
And we believed despite Making it jump in little puffs of tired powdery skin.
We were right for each other as flowers soil. Citizens on their knees yearning for mercy,
We were Gods vessel in each other’s lives Dark splotches on the exposed surface of Sophisticated terrorism coated with ques-
We prayed each night earth. tionable diplomacy.
God rain on us Thin lonely droplets sucked as soon as they Red pigmented tears flowing straight into
Help us grow together landed; the red sea splashing sorrows.
We were soul mates soul ties Earth was dry, the soil was thirsty. Pummeled and battered for unknown mis-
We were one Rivers were empty. chiefs.
We didn’t realize we were flowers of the same The land was starving. Bayonets crucifying sin-less masses.
plant Skies remained mean. The merciless guillotine chopping this and
In our obsessive rants over who wasn’t playing Gawking trees and broken dry grass in the that.
their part to growing closer sullen valley. Bullets of hate pointed at harmless and
We were growing together and we couldn’t Gaunt cows and shambling hungry goats mill- unarmed civilians.
even see ing around wasted grazing land. People vanish, as some turn into unvener-
We were flowers Yawning rivers’ dry patched sad-looking beds. able villains.
We were lovers Loitering heard-boys wandering in dry grass- People bow, as some stare with hurt...
We’d sit and talk for hours of the scents we land in despair, as lingering hopes dance Soar scars of wars that claimed inno-
loved most lamely in the shimmering haze of cruel heat. cence..
Of our dreams The rest of the meaningful rainfall stayed Grenades still at a foolish man’s disposal.
In bouquets away. Weapons of mass destruction hailed by
We wanted to be worthy Well out of reach and safe in the angry skies. modern day tyrants.
For each other Dense clouds that loitered somewhere above
For God ailing earth. ***********************************************
For the goal That hovered and danced in mockery of
But, flowers wither they shed earth’s hunger and thirst. Title: This Poem
And I forgot you Dark clouds that sauntered away oblivious of Poet: Tafadzwa Chiwanza.
I mean I wanted to the misery beneath them.
But I couldn’t The people looked on aghast. This poem is like chewing an unpeeled
I listened to the tails of old Their thin hopes were abashed. orange.
I cherished the golden rule The people’s feelings were abused. It runs havoc on the tongue like a dosage
You were going to grow back bigger better and Tender feet burnt to a pulp by dry caked earth. from a mad doctor:
ready to take me with you into that bouquet Blisters that burst open and spewed smelly Tastes like soil when the rains are shy to
You were ready puss on frowning earth. come down.
You were sure Copious tears that drenched the vision of their Tastes like drought!
You were more than I needed injured sight. Rawness! Rawness! Rawness!
In that second I yearned for nothing more There was no end in sight for the miseries they The poem is spread like virgin legs before
My beautiful flower endured. us, With its warm thighs directing us to a
The drought looked to be as persistent and as Religious ending.
relentless as ever. Religious freedom!
Many a writers have tried to write this
poem, they dressed it in bomber jackets,
sweaters and boots and face masks,
shades, and condoms,
and everything that keeps the poem-
from sounding like this one here!

Page 48 BOOKS NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Titus’s Covid-19 Journey by Chulu: New book
navigates life through Covid-induced job loss

BRETT CHULU TITUS' COVID-19 TITUS' COVID-19 JOURNEY TITUS'
JOURNEY COVID-19
THIS is an extract of the first of two JOURNEY
new books by Brett Chulu that will The unexpected onset of the COVID19 pandemic led
be available at the beginning of No- to drastic changes to the world we live in and to One Big Wave of Loss, Hardship and Trial
vember this year. people's lives.
A novel on how to deal with the negative effects of COVID-19
Titus’s Covid-19 Journey is a story Millions of lives were lost while the livelihoods of
about financial literacy. billions were disrupted by national lockdowns that By Brett Chulu
led to the shutdown of businesses and job losses
The story behind this story is especially for those providing non-essential services.
this: Chulu completed a manuscript A new normal was born with a struggle to cope with
three years ago on personal financial life amidst and beyond COVID19. With this came
management. Fifteen principles on questions such as "why me?" and "where to from
personal financial management and here?"
wealth creation were explored. The
book was a conventional academic It is through the story of Titus and his family that we
book. The manuscript was lost when find hope, a fresh perspective of life and tools to help
thieves broke into his house and left us navigate through the COVID19 drilled potholes we
with the laptop with the manuscript. find ourselves dealing with today.

Chulu lost the appetite to re-write As we walk with Titus and his wife, we learn amazing
the manuscript. biblical secrets about how to survive financial crises
and how to build wealth for today and tomorrow. We
It dawned on him after a discus- also learn about how to prepare for an impending
sion with a communication expert, a global crisis that no one will escape.
friend of his who lectures at the Na-
tional University of Science Technol- No doubt, there is treasure hidden in these pages!
ogy (Nust), on the power of stories as
a tool for conveying complex issues -Thandolwenkosi H. Nkomo
in a relatable manner to non-experts.
When Covid-19 struck, Chulu came Gugu was happy to see Musa’s dad, sound-proofed his ears. tortured her. It was a different silent runs.
up with an idea to write a story that but she was a bit worried. She smiled The thought of how he would af- night. It was not a calm night for her $25 was for wi-fi. 
communicates the 15 principles of as she welcomed Titus, but the tone at all. $10 was for the funeral scheme.
wealth creation and personal finan- of her voice clouded the smile: “Hi ford the rentals going forward filled $5 was for airtime. 
cial management so that as many hubby! Is everything alright, you’re his mind. He knew he would not af- Baby Bongi, surprisingly, slept $115 was for food and groceries. 
people as possible could learn about home early today?” ford the rentals. In tow was the ques- peacefully throughout the night.
them. The book has 13 chapters. tion of how he would afford the fees Blissfully unaware of the tension be- All the $800 gone. The tightness
“Hi, hi”, Titus responded weakly. for the mid-tier private school. This tween her parents, she had a tender of the budget meant they had no re-
Enjoy the foreword, written by Gugu’s heart skipped a beat. Her question weighed hard on his mind. and innocent expression on her face.  serves at all. As Gugu thought about
Thandolwenkosi H Nkomo. We also womanly intuition kicked into over- If the school fees one weighed hard, Chapter 2: Titus breaks the news the $1 500 or so they had borrowed
bring you the first book’s opening drive. She gently put Bongi into her the one on food pounded heavily Gugu could not hold it anymore. She from micro-financiers to fix the car
two chapters which are merged. cot.  against the walls of his mind. He had woke Titus up. Her tone, filled with and pay school fees, her stomach
Foreword “What’s wrong Amu’s dad?” no reserves whatsoever. “What if any anxiety and exasperation, rasped into grumbled. They had hoped that the
The unexpected onset of the “Yeah yeah…” Titus was strug- of my family members get sick, what Titus’s ears. Titus could not buy time usual bonus and travelling allowanc-
Covid-19 pandemic led to drastic gling to talk as he dropped the car will happen as I would no longer be any longer.  es for Titus would help them repay
changes to the world we live in and keys on the dressing table. Titus was able to contribute to medical aid?” the debt. Now this plan had just col-
to people’s lives. not one to carelessly place car keys. He pulled himself from the bed. lapsed in a flash. It was only a matter
That worried Gugu even more.  His heartbeat increased. His par- He yawned as he stretched his arms.  of time before the debt axe fell on
Millions of lives were lost while the Titus headed for the bathroom. ents and his in-laws would be heavily them. 
livelihoods of billions were disrupted He just wanted to warm up his body. affected, his family spent about $60 He looked straight into Gugu’s
by national lockdowns that led to As he sat in the bathtub, he played per month on their medication and eyes. Baby Bongi got her cue, she Gugu walked out of the bedroom
the shutdown of businesses and job back the conversation he had had another $60 on groceries.  burst into a feed-me-mum cry. In- to prepare Amu and Musa for school.
losses, especially for those providing with his boss.  stinctively, Gugu picked up baby
non-essential services.  “Titus, you know our organisation Gugu knocked at the bathroom Bongi and put her in her bosom. She As Gugu packed Amu and Musa’s
depends on funding from the donor door. There was silence. She moved rocked her as she fed her. She turned lunch boxes, she wondered how the
A new normal was born with a community,” Titus’s boss had spo- from knocking to banging the door. her head towards her husband. Titus contents of their lunch boxes would
struggle to cope with life amidst and ken ominously. “Yes, yes, sir,” Titus Amkela and Musa heard the banging. took an eternity to let the first string look like in the coming months. Her
beyond Covid-19. With this came affirmed with a face full of surprise. They rushed in the direction of the of words escape his mouth.  heart nearly popped out as she real-
questions such as “why me?” and His boss’s next words came sharply pounding.  ised there were certain privileges Ti-
“where to from here?” and briefly, very business-like.  Gugu soaked every word. Morning tus enjoyed at work that they did not
“Our major donors have revised The banging of the bathroom door turned into night. pay for that would now need to be
It is through the story of Titus their funding priorities, they are di- finally won over the hammering of paid for. 
and his family that we find hope, a verting funds to Covid-19. We do thoughts against Titus’s mind.  Her mind ran the monthly budget.
fresh perspective on life and tools to not qualify for these funds. This will $800 was what the family got from *About the author: Brett Chulu
help us navigate through the Covid- be our last month of operation. We “I am bathing. I will join you in Titus’ job. She brought no income to has a mathematical and financial
19-drilled potholes we find ourselves can only sustain the organisation for a bit.” the family. She pictured the follow- background. He honed his man-
dealing with today.  just one month. We are invoking the ing month and the months to follow. agement consultancy skills with
force majeure clause in your con- As Titus sat at the table, he could Her head ached. Her stomach ached Botswana’s top management con-
As we walk with Titus and his tract.” only stare at the food. He forced just too in sympathy.  sultancy firm. He is published in in-
wife, we learn amazing biblical secrets Titus sweated. Knots formed in five forkfuls and gave up. Musa and $80 went to tithe.  ternational peer-reviewed journals.
about how to survive financial crises his stomach. His throat dried. The Amkela sensed that something was $20 went to offering.  He has also penned newspaper col-
and how to build wealth for today weight of the news pressed him on to wrong. This was not the dad they $300 went towards rent. umns on economic issues, including
and tomorrow. We also learn about the chair. He held his chin.  knew.  $25 went to water and electricity. for The NewsHawks. On the family
how to prepare for an impending Whatever his boss said after this, $60 went to medication for parents.  side, Chulu is married to Samkeliso
global crisis that no one will escape.  he did not hear it. The news had Gugu felt dread in her heart, Titus $60 went to food support for parents. and they are blessed with three sons,
was yet to offload the news locked up $15 went to 9kg of gas. Wandile, Luyanda and Kwando-
No doubt, there is treasure hidden in his heart.  $35 went to the maid. kuhle.
in these pages! $50 went to fuel for work and school
Chapter 1: Titus He went straight to bed. He had
Titus arrived home earlier than usu- no interest in the evening family wor-
al. Gugu, Titus’s wife, had delivered a ship.
bouncing baby girl three weeks ear-
lier. Bongi, their baby girl, was their Gugu hardly slept. Titus’s silence
third child. The other two children,
Amkela and Musa, were already in
school. Amkela was in Early Child-
hood Development (ECD) B class.
Musa was in Grade Three. They all
learnt at a mid-tier private school. 

NewsHawks People & Places Page 49

Issue 54, 29 October 2021

Zimbabweans launch Masau craft distillery

Masau marketers.

Above is Lameck Garonga, Masau Craft Distillery owner and left is one of the Masau brands.

ZIMBABWEANS based in South date and is found mainly in the African holic beverages whilst we isolate, with continued to distill the spirit for the brings Masau to the world begins.
Africa have launched, Masau Craft Southern Hemisphere. We chose the friends and family. enjoyment of close family and friends. The brands of the brandy are already
Distillery, a small batch craft distill- name Masau to keep the original name
ery which uses traditional recipes of the fruit as it is known in Zimba- “MCD is fully owned by family and This family legacy of handcrafting making an impact.
and hand-crafted techniques to distill bwe and other parts of southern Africa very close associates, with the founding and distillation by the Pofera family is Masau Wooded Brandy (the Black
something unique to Southern Africa as well as to become our brand name,” director being the master distiller and now in the third generation who have
and marketed online to local, regional Garonga says. CEO of the Company. The board of now turned this family pastime into Bottle) was awarded two prestigious
and international consumers. directors as per the organogram is re- a craft distillery in South Africa. The Bronze medals in the brandy category
“Masau Craft Distillery (MCD) is sponsible for the operations of the day fourth generation is being trained from and the new brand launch - design &
Based at The Business Hub, Avian- a small batch craft distillery that uses to day functions of the business.” grassroots levels of farming Masau fruit packaging - at the International Spir-
to, Portion 82 Villa Road, Mulders- traditional recipes and hand-crafted Our story trees which will begin to bear fruit in its Challenge 2020. The accolade fol-
drift in Gauteng province in South techniques to distill something unique The Pofera family settled in Zimba- five years time when Masau aims to lowed a rigorous judging process that
Africa and led by Lameck Garonga to Southern Africa and marketed on- bwe from Mozambique where they launch their first whisky to the world saw more than 50 category experts
from Zimbabwe, the craft distillery is line and distributed to both local, re- fermented and distilled Masau to in 2027. gather for an intense blind tasting ses-
offering something different: Masau gional and international consumers. make alcoholic spirits used for family sion.
Vodka, Golden Gin, Golden Liqueur, Our Spirits will not be available in functions and traditional ceremonies. Every winter in the African south-
Wooded Spirit Aperitif and cocktails retail shops anytime soon. We strongly Upon moving to Zimbabwe and work- ern hemisphere, the Masau tree natu- Masau Wooded Brandy reported-
with a unique taste and flavour. believe in social distancing and encour- ing in the mines and farms the family rally and faithfully bears much fruit for ly excelled throughout this compre-
age responsible drinking of our alco- our enjoyment. Carefully chosen and hensive judging process and garnered
“Masau is a fruit that looks like a hand-picked the cyclical process that praise from some of the most deeply
respected spirits experts in the world.

Property
NewsHawks

Issue 54, 29 October 2021 PROPERTY INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE GARDENING Page 50

The home of prime property: [email protected]

SA holiday rentals to
boom this summer,
despite pandemic
uncertainty

THE South African holiday rental market, es- Beaches, lifestyle and Joleen Giraudeau, manager for Seeff South
pecially along the coast, is expected to boom as tourist attractions remain a Coast, says they have had loads of enquiries, but
the festive season approaches, but Seeff’s agents key differentiator for the Cape booking confirmations are slow. They expect it
note that bookings are often last minute due to will pick up drastically closer to December, as
the uncertainty around the Covid-19 pandemic coastal areas. people will want to get away, especially if there is
lockdowns. a fourth wave then.
pled in booking conversions, she adds. for a luxury six-eight bedroomed villa about
Although holidaymakers tend to leave book- She says guests have more downtime with ex- R12 500 per night max. The South Coast expects bookings to be bet-
ings a bit late, there is no shortage of eagerness ter this December compared to last year because
to get away for a holiday. Many are also book- tended school holidays and lockdown periods Weekend bookings also remain popular. people want to get out of their houses and cities
ing in any event, as they will want to get out of and guests have been eager for mini breakaways. Month-to-month rentals are also booming in and go on holiday. The pandemic has had a major
the house and to a nice coastal holiday house or 90% of bookings are local South Africans with Hermanus due to the pandemic as people look dampening effect on people, and they are looking
apartment before the next wave hits. only about 10% international, mostly from Eu- to escape the confines of their city homes. Rent- to get out, not just South Africans, but foreigners
rope and a few from the US. als range from R15 000 per month for a smaller too, although we expect foreign bookings to be
While some international travel will still be home to as much as R35 000 for bigger homes. lower due to international border closures.
affected due to international travel restrictions, Prices have remained fairly flat with a slight Bookings are coming from Johannesburg, Preto-
Seeff’s agents expect South Africans to flock to decrease in some rates. Rates are down by about ria and even KwaZulu-Natal, often at short no- Prices on the South and Mid-South Coast
holiday destinations this summer. 20% from what they should have been if there tice as people want to quickly get away before the have remained flat. Current rates are around
was no pandemic, hence the rate for a three-bed- restrictions. R1300 to R2850 per night, which is an almost
Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Sea- roomed house is around R2 500 per night and “give-away” price.
board and City Bowl, says Cape Town will be a
hot spot. The attraction is endless and there is no Andreas Wassenaar, licensee for Seeff Zimbali,
doubt that those who can travel will head to the says holiday booking habits have had to adjust
Cape and will find good value too. due to the unpredictability of the pandemic and
concerns over a fourth wave towards December,
The beaches, lifestyle and tourist attractions hence forward bookings are slower than expect-
remain a key differentiator for the Cape coastal ed.
areas. Marina Enslin, an agent with Seeff Pater-
noster, for example, says that weekends are basi- Whereas Zimbali accommodation for Decem-
cally fully booked in the village as people look to ber would usually already be booked out by Sep-
escape the city. tember, this is no longer the case. Bookings are
now delayed and confirmed closer to the actual
Ciska de Vries, short-let rental agent for Seeff occupation date. Bookings are also for shorter
Hermanus, says they are already about 85% periods and rates can be expected to be a little
booked out for December and January. This year lower overall, depending on the property. — PRI-
has been a surprise, with bookings in Hermanus
tripling, while some homes have even quadru- VATE PROPERTY