NewsHawks 28 January 2022-FINAL

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Audit giant PwC
mired in Tongaat
Hulett US$267m
takeover scandal

ALSO INSIDE Giant leap forward for shady US$1.3bn pipeline deal

Page 2 News NewsHawks

Audit giant PwC Issue 65, 28 January 2022
mired in Tongaat
Hulett US$267m
takeover scandal

AYESHA CHIDEMBO In a court application filed at the High Court PwC South Africa is accused of collaborating with Tongaat executives to commission an unprocedural,
of Zimbabwe in Harare by Jiti Law Chambers, unprofessional and illegal audit.
REPUTABLE financial advisory services firm run by top Harare lawyer Webster Jiti, former
PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) South Africa, Hippo Valley financial director and Zimbabwe Businessman Hamish Rudland
part of the international PwC accounting and Sugar Sales non-executive director — who was
consultancy network, is caught up in an auditing also the board’s audit committee chair — John
scandal over the controversial takeover of regional Edward Chibwe says Tongaat authorised an ille-
sugar-producing giant Tongaat Hulett by Zimba- gal, fraudulent and sham audit by PwC to witch-
bwean tycoon Hamish Rudland in a deal involv- hunt him and others, while covering its tracks on
ing US$267 million. illegalities it had committed.

In a major regional corporate boardroom The first respondent in the explosive case is
coup, the Rudland family last week seized con- Zimbabwe Sugar Sales; second Hippo Valley,
trol of Tongaat, which has operations in South third Tongaat, fourth PwC Advisory Services
Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe, (Pty) Ltd and fifth PwC South Africa.
through their Mauritian-registered entity Magis-
ter Investments Ltd, amid resistance by minori- Hippo Valley holds 50% in Zimbabwe Sugar
ty shareholders who protested that they had not Sales and, in turn, Tongaat controls 50.32% in
been sufficiently informed about the Rudlands Hippo Valley through its 100%-owned subsidi-
and their financial dealings and capacity. ary, Triangle Sugar Corporation Ltd.

As exclusively reported by The NewsHawks last Tongaat therefore holds sway over Zimbabwe
week, the deal came against a backdrop of seri- Sugar Sales and Hippo Valley.
ous problems, including a new auditing scandal
which has exploded in the Zimbabwean High Leave to bring peregrine South African com-
Court. panies — Tongaat, PwC Advisory Services and
PwC South Africa — to court in Zimbabwe was
PwC South Africa is accused of collaborat- sought by Jiti and granted before the application
ing with Tongaat executives to commission an was filed. This followed the PwC audit in which
unprocedural, unprofessional and illegal audit, Chibwe was accused of aiding and abetting a bulk
while also using the irregular process to pursue sugar sales deal in which prices were fraudulently
personal vendettas to eliminate unwanted top inflated for corruption.
management figures to undervalue its assets in
Zimbabwe and knock down the overall value of Chibwe is challenging the audit in its entirety.
the company to facilitate a takeover by the Rud- The challenge comes at a time Tongaat ex-
lands at a bargain. ecutives are accused of fraudulently stripping
assets and value, including land, in the compa-
The audit, used as part of the corporate raiding ny's Zimbabwean subsidiaries through irrational
process in the US$267 million (R4 billion) rights write downs to facilitate the takeover, according
issue that enabled the deal, is being challenged to company officials.
on a number of fronts, including on procedural, “The bulk of the R12 billion Tongaat write
professional and jurisdiction grounds. downs were in Zimbabwean subsidiaries and was
a result of the PwC forensic audit which is now
The massive rights offer, well above the com- the subject of a court challenge. Ironically, while
pany’s market capitalisation which is less than Tongaat’s market capitalisation is approximate-
US$66 million (R1 billion), was underwritten ly US$66 million, the market cap of Hippo in
to the tune of US$133 million (R2 billion) by which its interest is just under 51% is currently
the Rudlands. The Rudlands, Hamish together about ZW$50.2 billion (US$250 million). Tri-
with his brother Simon, run a sprawling business angle, if it were listed, would have commanded a
empire in Zimbabwe and the region straddling higher value than Hippo of perhaps no less than
transport and logistics, financial services, agricul- US$350 million due to its wider asset base, en-
ture and tobacco. hanced revenue base and high profitability,” a se-
nior Tongaat official told The NewsHawks.
Hence their latest controversial acquisition has “The PwC audit upon which the rights issue
ramifications which reverberate across the region. hinged is a scandal. It may not be surprising
that the asset-stripping process to undervalue
The latest audit scandal comes at a time the the company was deliberate and well-calculated;
regional sugar giant, which has a significant as- one cannot rule out involvement of Tongaat top
set base and footprint across southern Africa, is management in the takeover manoeuvres behind
struggling to emerge from another scandal in- the scenes through the questionable rights issue.
volving audit firm Deloitte which misstated its In this whole scam it’s the minority shareholders
financial position by R12 billion (US$800 mil- who have lost out the most. The rights issue is not
lion). taking into account the true value of the compa-
ny subsidiaries.”
Deloitte, the company’s audit firm for many Company executives questioned why the audit
decades, signed off on the irregularities in its missed glaring fraudulent transactions, suggest-
financial statements from 2011 to 2018. The ing they were meant to hide malpractices by Ton-
fraudulent process inflated Tongaat’s financial gaat as part of the takeover deal.
position by almost R12 billion. “The 2% of gross proceeds of annual sugar sales
payable to Tongaat over the years by Hippo Val-
Trading in the company’s shares was suspend- ley under the guise of technical fees (which were
ed in 2018 after news of the financial fraud sent never rendered) was never flagged by PwC in its
its shares into free fall. forensic audit. Crucially, other malpractices be-
tween Hippo and Triangle wherein Hippo would
Tongaat has launched legal action against De- borrow money it did not need in the first place
loitte over that. from Triangle and pay it back with interest above
bank rates were not unearthed by PwC, raising
The company also confirmed it is filing a R450 more questions than answers,” the executive said.
million (US$30 million) civil claim against some In his founding affidavit, Chibwe says the con-
of its former executives — including former tentious PwC forensic audit did not meet basic
CEO Peter Staude and ex-CFO Murray Munro minimum standards of a professional auditing
— for inflating profits.

Back in Zimbabwe, Tongaat is mired in a
messy court battle over a controversial PwC fo-
rensic audit on its local subsidiaries, Zimbabwe
Sugar Sales (Pvt) Ltd and Hippo Valley Estate
Limited.

NewsHawks News Page 3

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Tongaat Hulett is mired in a messy court battle over a controversial PwC forensic audit on its local subsidiaries.

process. loss suffered and determine the parties’ involve- decisions heavily relied on emails, which were Lawyer Webster Jiti (left)
“I aver that a forensic audit investigation re- ment and liability and the resultant conclusions never contextualised. In fact, the emails used in by 3rd (Tongaat) respondent in the context of
by the auditors or investigators must not be bi- the purported forensic audit were a selection of group practices. At the instigation of 3rd respon-
port by its very nature is an authoritative docu- ased and/or based on speculation or conjecture. emails and not all the emails relevant to the sub- dent and on the back of the 4th and 5th respon-
ment which is an outcome of an unbind process This was never done. ject matter were used.” dent forensic audit, the transaction was classified
that seeks to uncover the modus operandi of a as fraudulent and was treated as an irregularity
corporate and/or individual person’s misdoings, “Upon completion, the forensic audit report He also says PwC confined themselves to se- in 2nd respondent’s financials and adjusted as a
fraud, fictitious transaction embezzlement etc, should be presented to the audit committee and lected emails and interviews of only a few, result- prior period error.
expressing the testimony of an expert regarding a subsequently to the board of directors by the au- ing in uninformed conclusions.
matter which may be the subject of legal proceed- dit committee chairman; this again was not done “Surprisingly, a similar transaction conducted
ings. It is a very important document of immense in the case of the 1st and 2nd respondents. This “Fourth and 5th respondents, through Trevor by 3rd respondent [as group practice] under the
authority. Therefore, the process and validity of was clearly a hatchet job. White failed to appreciate that companies are le- South Africa Sugar Association [SASA was treat-
the input to the process and resultant audit report gal entities represented by their boards and their ed bona fide and continued to be recognised [In
are key in determining the legal standing and ad- “It is shocking that 4th and 5th respondents decisions are made collectively and that decisions terms of ISA 18 : Revenue] and adjusted for in
missibility of the forensic investigation report in did not examine, review nor analyse all the rel- are reflected in appropriately documented min- 3rd Respondent’s financials as an accounting pol-
any legal proceedings,” he says. evant documents relevant to the operations of utes, resolutions and reports,” he says. icy change for the year ended 31 March 2019.
1st and 2nd respondents. Through their Trevor These are shocking double standards.”
Chibwe, however, says required steps in initi- White they failed to contextualise issues and the Chibwe rebuts and rejects the findings which
ating a forensic audit at Zimbabwe Sugar Sales rationale thereof. They made no attempt to re- found him guilty of wrongdoing on bulk sugar This has left PwC deeply involved in the messy
and Hippo Valley were not followed, including view. Board minutes which sanctioned certain sales and nails him on contested financial issues. Tongaat deal which has left a sour taste over the
ensuring that the exercise is sanctioned by the sugar transaction.
board’s audit committee through an engagement “The 1st respondent's bulk sale was introduced
letter that sets out the terms of reference, scope
of work and key deliverables signed by the audit
committee chairperson.

“This process was not done in this case as I
never commissioned any forensic audit at the 1st
respondent (Zimbabwe Sugar Sales), where I was
chairman of the audit committee and neither was
the same done at second respondent, where I was
an ex-officio member of the audit committee. In
fact there were no deliberations regarding com-
missioning of an audit process at the 1st and 2nd
respondents (Zimbabwe Sugar Sales and Hippo)
at both board of directors level and audit com-
mittee level,” Chibwe says.

He says according to the companies’ procedure
the auditors are then appointed through the audit
committee after a selection process and confirma-
tion of the auditors’ independence and possible
conflict of interest.

“This again was not done and for the avoid-
ance of doubt no such deliberations took place in
the run-up to the investigation done by 4th and
5th respondents (PwC Advisory and PwC South
Africa respectively),” Chibwe says.

“. . . As a sub-committee of the audit commit-
tee of the board, the audit committee chairman
reports to the board with the committee recom-
mendations for the conducting of a forensic au-
dit. This never happened in respect of the 1st and
2nd respondents.”

Chibwe also adds: “As a matter of fact, auditors
are enjoined to gather evidence, review and anal-
yse all relevant documents that is, reports, min-
utes, agreements among other things. This clearly
eluded 4th and 5th respondents.

“The auditors must quantify the amount of

Page 4 News NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Giant leap forward for shady

US$1.3 billion pipeline deal

NYASHA CHINGONO President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close associate Eddie Cross

FEASIBILITY studies of the shady US$1.3 Limpopo province in South Africa, Katanga age Commission and later as chief executive of project. The Noic pipeline remained the main
billion petroleum pipeline project, whose cost province in DRC (Democratic Republic of the Beira Corridor Group which rehabilitated petroleum products transportation infrastruc-
has quickened from US$850 million to US$1.3 Congo), Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Zimba- the Beira oil pipeline in the late 1980s, Cross ture, largely used by several fuel companies. It
billion and will ultimately surge to US$4 bil- bwe and central Mozambique (Tete). The proj- was tasked with pushing the project. was later mainly controlled in terms of capacity
lion, are nearing completion, as President Em- ect will now extend to Tanzania, it is the port utilisation by Trafigura, an international com-
merson Mnangagwa’s allies continue minting it. of entry for the Copperbelt and Lubumbashi “His task was to look for a company that modities giant, and its local partner Sakunda
province. could design and fund a new Beira-Harare Holdings, owned by business tycoon Tagwirei.
The controversial Coven Energy deal is front- pipeline. He did so and found the Mining, Oil
ed by South African businessman Errol Gregor, “For Malawi this project is very important and Gas Supply Company (Mogs) in Johannes- The new pipeline was seen as a commercial
chairperson of Coven Energy Ltd, while Mnan- and for Congo too because they use trucks to burg, South Africa,” the source said. threat to their Beira-Harare oil infrastructure
gagwa’s close associate Eddie Cross is playing a move their fuel.” stranglehold. Noic controls the existing pipe-
pivotal role in setting up the project. “The company had been founded by Gregor, line.
Ncube confirmed that the feasibility studies a South African chemical engineer who refused
The massive project has many shades of grey, had been completed. to serve in the apartheid army and left South In the past, Noic had a partnership with
with transparency and accountability gaps rais- Africa to start a new life in Texas, United States. Lonmin, formerly the mining division of Lon-
ing eyebrows. “Most of the studies have been done. We also rho plc, now acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater, a
did the regional demand which took longer. We “While there, Gregor established Mogs as a South Africa mining giant, but the shares were
It was approved by Cabinet in August last are currently a fuel hub, which means we have service company for the oil and gas business acquired by the government after the 2017
year and could result in Mnangagwa’s allies be- to go and capture the requirements of the re- in the southern states of America. This became coup.
coming key suppliers of petroleum products in gion and make ourselves competitive,” Ncube a major operation and spread wings into the
the southern African region. said. Middle East region.” When the military seized power in Novem-
ber 2017 and installed Mnangagwa, the new
Since Mnangagwa rose to power on the back He said the project will reduce local fuel pric- Another source in Johannesburg added: pipeline project was revived, with Cross — who
of a military coup in 2017, his cronies, includ- es due to more supply. “When Nelson Mandela was released from had crossed sides from the opposition to gov-
ing businessmen Kuda Tagwirei, Zunaid Moti, jail in February 1990, Gregor returned home ernment— playing a major role.
Lucas Pouroulis and Jacco Immink, have bene- Investigations show that the project was ac- to South Africa and moved his headquarters to
fitted from opaque deals. tually mulled in 2010 during the Government Johannesburg. However, Tagwirei and business partners re-
of National Unity between the late president sisted it and Mnangagwa’s government shelved
According to sources close to the deal, the Robert Mugabe and the opposition MDC’s After some time, he sold 51% to Royal Ba- it again. Mutsvangwa was livid about it at the
feasibility study is at draft stage and will be pre- found leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who is also fokeng Holdings (RBH) and they built up the time, and had public outbursts over it.
sented to the government after completion. as deceased. company to the point where they were operat-
a formality, cabinet is expected to operationalise ing drilling machines for the mining, oil and Part of the problem became that Gregor lat-
the joint venture, having already approved the Cross was the deal-maker. He initially gas industry as well as building and operating er sold his 51% to Royal Bafokeng Holdings.
project. worked with former Energy minister Elton storage and pipelines for fuel and gas.” Mogs was already controlled 49% by South
Mangoma over the deal. Mangoma wanted to Africa’s state-owned Public Investment Corpo-
Investigations by The NewsHawks, which build a regional fuel hub in Zimbabwe. Mangoma and Cross tabled the project at a ration.
began in August last year covering Zimbabwe, cost of US$850 million.
South Africa and the United Kingdom, have A UK source in August said given his experi- Various engagements followed behind the
unearthed revealing details about the project ence as a business executive, first as Dairy Mar- However, when Zanu-PF won the election scenes and when Tagwirei sold his fuel business
that was largely facilitated by Cross and state- keting Board boss, then head of the Cold Stor- in 2013, it stalled movement on the proposed
owned National Oil Infrastructure Company of
Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd (Noic) chairperson Daniel
Mckenzie Ncube, an engineer who is a long-
time Mnangagwa ally.

Ncube was Zanu-PF Midlands provin-
cial chairperson, but was replaced by another
Mnangagwa ally Larry Mavhima during the
just-ended provincial elections.

Cross, previously a top business executive
and former main opposition MDC senior lead-
er and MP, is now an informal adviser to Mnan-
gagwa and Finance minister Mthuli Ncube.

He is more listened to by Mnangagwa than
the dysfunctional Presidential Advisory Coun-
cil, hence he enabled the deal.

The government approved the deal a week
after Mnangagwa launched his biography, ti-
tled A Life of Sacrifice, which was written by
Cross, thereby opening a new chapter in their
cosy relations.

Documents obtained from the United King-
dom show that the project is a 50-50 joint ven-
ture between British-registered Coven Energy
Ltd, fronted by Gregor, and Noic, which im-
ports, transports, stores and handles petroleum
products locally.

The state enterprise has depots at strategic
sites around the country, including Harare
(Mabvuku and Msasa), Bulawayo, Mutare and
Beitbridge that have capacity to store 400 000
tonnes of product.

The project resembles one which Gregor
tried to implement in 2018 working with Cross
and Christopher Mutsvangwa, a former minis-
ter and Mnangagwa’s ex-adviser.

Cross confirmed this week that partners were
finalising the feasibility studies.

“We are busy finalising the feasibility, which
the government requested four months ago.
This includes the regional demand of seven

Sadc countries and the state of infrastructure
demands,” Cross told The NewsHawks.

“When it is completed, we will give it to the
government for approval. It is then up to the
government to consider what to do next and
authorise the joint venture,” Cross said.

“Among the regional ports considered are

NewsHawks News Page 5

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

to Trafigura to concentrate on building a new Information on the company registry shows Projects include . . .
business empire, a new window of opportunity Coven is effectively controlled by Gregor and l Strengthening the infrastructure at Mozam- ities and the tankers for loading or off-loading
opened. The Highlands Group.Although the sharehold- bican ports to establish the capacity to handle liquid and gas cargo;
ing structure is not explicitly revealed, docu- regional petroleum needs; l Building a new pipeline for refined fuels from
But Gregor had moved on. He had gone to ments show The Highlands Group’s nature of l Establishing a floating single-point mooring Beira to Harare terminating at Mabvuku storage
establish Coven Energy in the UK. However, control is through holding shares which are (SPM) off the coast of Beira capable of handling facilities, where Noic has underground tanks for
when he was given a second bite of the cherry more than 50%, but less than 75%. Gregor’s na- large tankers (Beira can only handle small tank- 400 000 tonnes of petroleum products; and
he agreed. ture of control is through holding shares which ers because of draft). An SPM is a floating buoy/ l Constructing the capacity to distribute fuel
are more than 25%, but not more than 50%. jetty anchored offshore to allow handling of liq- by rail from the Harare hub to regional states;
In 2019, Mnangagwa then moved to appoint uid cargo such as petroleum products for tanker and eventually building pipelines to the Congo,
Ncube the Noic chair to further facilitate the The two also have ownership of voting rights ships. It serves as a link between the shore facil- South Africa and Malawi.
project. in line with their shareholding and the right to
appoint and remove directors. National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe chairperson Daniel Mckenzie Ncube.
“After that, Ncube then engaged and nego-
tiated with Cross and Gregor to establish a 50- Curiously, both Gregor and the Highlands
50 joint venture between Noic and Coven,” the Group have the same address as Coven Energy.
UK source said. “It’s a regional project based
in Zimbabwe. So essentially Ncube and Cross, Gregor’s control began effectively on 25 Au-
working with the Energy ministry and Noic of- gust 2020 when the company was registered,
ficials, crafted the deal.” while The Highlands Group was notified on 16
November 2020.
Documents show that the project will run for
30 years, starting off with eight million tonnes The Highlands Group is registered in En-
of product per annum. gland and Wales. The registration number is
10485227. It has one active director, Heine Jan
Announcing the deal in August last year, In- Van Niekerk, a South African resident in the
formation minister Monica Mutsvangwa said: UK. The company is, in turn, controlled by Af-
“The project will result in the National Oil In- rica Focus Group Limited whose address is Cos-
frastructure Company of Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd co Tower, Unit 1411, 14th Floor, Cosco Tower,
and Coven Energy Ltd entering into a 50-50 183 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong
public-private partnership. Kong. It is registered in Hong Kong under reg-
istration number 2452086. It was notified on
“The project will create employment oppor- 30 November 2020 and the nature of control is
tunities and generate foreign currency for the through 75% share control. Records show Gre-
country. It will also help reduce vehicular con- gor was a shareholder in The Highlands Group
gestion and the smuggling of petroleum prod- between 28 July 2017 and 16 November 2020.
ucts.” He held 75% or more shares in the Highlands
Group.
However, investigations show the deal is con-
troversial as company records in the UK show Other entities with significant control who
Coven was only established by Gregor in August resigned from the company are the Caledonia
2020, apparently for this project only. Highland Trust and Africa Defence Group Lim-
ited.
Details on the UK companies registry show
that Coven Energy Limited — whose registra- A check on The Highlands Group micro-en-
tion number is 12835465 — was registered on tity balance sheet as at 30 November 2019,
25 August 2020, raising questions around issues approved by the board on 26 November 2020,
of experience and capacity to undertake such a shows the company is not really operating.
huge project.
It had nominal capital and reserves of £100;
It is located at Flat 501, No.1 Bolander the same as it was in 2018. Previously, The
Grove, London, England. The company, whose Highlands Group was known as
first accounts are due on 25 May 2022, has four
directors including Gregor, who is chair and was Protected Mobility International between 17
appointed the day the company was registered. November 2016 and 28 July 2017. It was later
known as Lewis and Clark Group Ltd between
Other directors are Alexander Fraser Russell, July 2017 and 14 April 2020. Several dodgy
Stephanus Du Toit Burger, both South African deals have been cut on Mnangagwa’s watch.
nationals, and Ghanaian Leon Kendon Appen-
teng.

Page 6 News NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Govt clocks up huge budget deficit

DUMISANI NYONI amounted to ZW$119.17 billion, with tax reve- quarter of 2021, comprising ZW$92.06 billion accounting for 52%,” the report reads in part.
nue accounting for 92.9% of total revenue, while in current expenditure and ZW$59.21 billion The fiscal developments in the period under re-
GOVERNMENT incurred a budget deficit of non-tax revenue contributed the remaining 7.1%. capital expenditure.
ZW$32.1 billion (about US$286 million) during view culminated in a budget deficit of ZW$32.1
the third quarter of last year, driven by current Tax on income and profits amounted to Capital expenditure increased by 15% to billion, up from the cumulative budget deficit of
expenditure which accounted for 61% of total ZW$40.3 billion and accounted for 33.8% of ZW$59.206 million, from ZW$51.467 million ZW$16.7 billion, recorded in the second quarter
spending. total revenue. Value-added tax collections ac- in the second quarter, largely reflecting expendi- of 2021.
counted for 25.1%; tax on financial and capital ture on infrastructure projects being undertaken
Current expenditure comprises ongoing day- transactions (10.4%); excise duty (9.7%); non- by the government, according to the report. The country has been struggling to cut its defi-
to-day expenses, like the cost of running schools, tax revenue (7.1%); custom duties (5.9%); taxes cit despite promises to do so, mainly due to high
hospitals and other essential services. on gross revenue (5.0%); taxes on specific services “Current expenditures accounted for 61% of government spending on public-sector salaries.
(2.7%) and other indirect taxes (0.2%). total government expenditure. Compensation
According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s of employees dominated current expenditures, The ZW$32.1 billion deficit is more than dou-
quarterly economic review report for the third The report shows that total government spend- at 48% of the total, with use of goods and ser- ble the government's projected year-end deficit of
quarter of 2021, government revenue collections ing amounted to ZW$151.27 billion in the third vices, social benefits, subsidies, interest on debt ZW$14 billion (or 0.5% of gross domestic prod-
uct).

CEO Round Table breakfast meeting in pics

Facilitator of the event Nigel Chanakira

Panel discussion: RBZ governor John Mangudya (left) and Industry and Commerce minister Sekai Nzenza

SAZ director general Eve Gadzikwa giving the closing
remarks

Guests enjoy breakfast. — Pictures: Aaron Ufumeli Corporate lawyer Nqobile Munzara

NewsHawks News Page 7

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Thousands of villagers in Chiredzi face eviction

MORRIS BISHI Vice-President Chiredzi district development coordinator, vincial executive meeting to be held in Masvingo
Constantino who is also the chairperson of the district lands at the weekend.
MORE than 2 500 families in Chiredzi face evic- Chiwenga committee, Lovemore Chisema, told The News-
tion after a politically connected company was Hawks that he was not aware of the identity of the “It is true that the party received a petition
given an offer letter to undertake farming in the that it is surprising to note that leaders can issue company which was offered land in Chihungume from people in Chihungume after the ministry
area where the families were resettled many years an offer letter for a piece of land which is already since he was attending meetings in Harare. of Lands issued an offer letter for their land to a
ago. occupied by thousands of people. certain company. Unfortunately l have not seen
He referred questions to the Lands ministry. the contents of the petition since it was submitted
The development came after Vice-President He said as custodians of land, war veterans will Efforts to get a comment from provincial lands to the Chiredzi district party executive and l am
Constantino Chiwenga last year raised alarm and not allow the takeover of the land by a company officer Tendai Mumera and Lands minister Anx- certain that the issue will be discussed at our exec-
cancelled a list of sugarcane plot beneficiaries, cit- which was never discussed by the district lands ious Masuka were fruitless as their mobile phones utive meeting here in Masvingo at the weekend,”
ing favouritism and corruption, a move which led committee. went unanswered. Mavhenyengwa said.
to the arrest of minister of State for Masvingo Ezra Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson
Chadzamira by “As war veterans we are always clear on issues Rabson Mavhenyengwa confirmed that villagers A villager in Chihungume told The NewsHawks
to do with land. We are worried by the behaviour in Chihungume petitioned the ruling party over that they saw a man who identified himself as
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission of some of our leaders who are not worried about issues pertaining to their future. However, he said Kwenda and was accompanied by his colleagues
(Zacc) investigators over the matter. the welfare of others. We are hearing that there is the petition is still in the hands of party officials in scouting the area in preparation to moving in. He
a company which was given an offer letter for Chi- Chiredzi but the issue will be discussed at a pro- said villagers were verbally told via phone call by
The government issued two offer letters to Pre- hungume but truly speaking we are not aware of officials from Chiredzi’s ministry of Lands office.
cab Investments and Redoak Corporation for 5 that company. It was never discussed at our meet-
600 hectares which is part of 8 500 hectares in ings here in Chiredzi and we are telling our people “There is a guy who identified himself by the
Chihungume, Triangle, known as Lot 16 of Nu- not to move an inch and we will resist any attempt name Kwenda who came to our area looking
anetsi Ranch. The land is occupied by 2 600 fam- to move them away,” Makuni said. around. He was in possession of the offer letter
ilies and the government is silent on how it will which gave them power to start farming opera-
compensate the families. tions in our area. We are surprised by the move
by government and we do’'t know why they are
The offer letters for the two companies were always targeting us here in Chiredzi. As you know,
issued on the same day, 2 September 2021, and our colleagues in Chilonga are facing the same
they have similar details which include the quanti- fate and, for your information, most villagers in
ty of land being offered and the names of compa- our area are from Chilonga, meaning we have no-
ny directors is the same. where to go as the Shangaan people,” the villager
said.
The allocation has divided the ruling party in
the province after villagers in Chihungume wrote A senior ministry of Lands official told The
a petition to the Zanu PF Chiredzi district coordi- NewsHawks that the issuance of identical offer let-
nating committee. ters to two companies is meant to confuse people
but the directorship of the companies is the same.
The petition will be discussed at the party’s pro-
vincial executive committee this weekend. He said the hands of ministry officials are tied
over the issue since it involves the interests of very
Killer Makuni, the chairperson of the Zim- senior party and government officials.
babwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Asso-
ciation in Chiredzi district, told The NewsHawks

Marry Chiwenga to know her fate soon

THE fate of Vice-President Constantino Chi- Marry Chiwenga
wenga’s estranged wife Marry is drawing closer
after the state closed its case in a matter she is Mtetwa argued. help the state case. and what he said against his estranged wife re-
accused of forging the former military general’s Louzedis died on 14 December last year be- He said he had no knowledge about what mains unknown.
signature in a bid to upgrade their customary
marriage. fore he could take to the witness stand. transpired and only met Marry once when she Besides the fraud case, Marry is also accused
Ncube dismissed the state’s application, say- told him that she wanted to wed. of attempting to kill Chiwenga while he was
Marry will know the outcome on 4 February hospitalised in South Africa.
when Harare magistrate Lazini Ncube delivers ing it would be unfair to accept the statement, Chiweshe referred Marry, who is also his
his verdict after a fast-tracked trial in which 11 considering that the defence would not be able niece, to former chief magistrate Munamato She is yet to stand trial as it involves extra-ter-
witnesses, including Chiwenga, gave evidence to cross-examine a deceased person. Mutevedzi. ritorial investigations.
against the former model.
The state alleges that Marry attempted to Mutevedzi said Marry did not sign any docu- Marry is also accused of money laundering
Marry has made efforts to come to court each have the marriage between herself and Chiwen- mentation, adding that the wedding never took and assault. The state is also yet to prosecute her
time she was required to do so, even as her ailing ga illegally solemnised at a time the Vice-Presi- place. on these matters.
body sees her routinely collapsing. dent was battling for life in a South African hos-
pital. She denies the charges. All the other witnesses also said Marry did not Besides the criminal cases, she is also going
At one time she was brought to court in an sign any papers and they never met her in person through divorce with Chiwenga. The case has
ambulance before being wheeled up the stairs on The chief witness in the case, former judge over the wedding issue. been pending before the High Court since
a stretcher bed. president Justice George Chiweshe could not 2019. — STAFF WRITER.
Chiwenga last year gave evidence in camera
Court had to proceed while she sat in a wheel-
chair with cables dangling from her body while
an aide stood by her side supporting a drip pack.

About four times, Marry has collapsed out-
side the courtroom.

Marry takes several medicines including pain
killers, antibiotics and sedatives which, accord-
ing to her lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, make her
body weak and painful.

Her hands are swollen, especially the right
one with septic wounds.

The same applies to her feet, which hardly fit
into her shoes and she has to literally drag herself
while supported on both sides to move from one
point to another.

In court, Marry sits with an assistant by her
side, sometimes falling asleep in the dock as her
lawyer fights for her freedom.

On her last court appearance, Mtetwa resisted
the state’s attempts to submit written evidence
by the late jeweller Michael Louzidis, who al-
legedly designed the couple’s marriage rings be-
fore he died.

“The admissibility of the statement under
current positions requires the state to thorough-
ly examine the witness. 12 witnesses were called,
but they denied false representation, and what
is in the state outline does not say the accused
misrepresented. We do not know what the de-
ceased knew about this case, and he cannot be
cross-examined because he is no longer there,”

Page 8 News NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

DUMISANI NYONI Zim badly needs wealth tax

ZIMBABWE could raise US$65 million a year Businessman Strive Masiyiwa jority. “Public wealth and economic opportunities are
through annual wealth tax, enough to increase ernment is operating in violation of section 298 “The consolidation of wealth and economic pocketed by 10% of Zimbabweans at the expense
public health expenditure by 21%, a new report (1)(b)(i) of the constitution of Zimbabwe which of the majority 90% of citizens who are struggling
reveals. stipulates that the burden of taxation must be power in the hands of few economic and polit- to put food on the table.”
shared fairly. ical elites in Zimbabwe has over the years facil-
According to the report released by Oxfam itated the massive transfer of public wealth and Oxfam said the five richest billionaires in Af-
Southern Africa, there is only one billionaire in Zimcodd said the government must introduce economic opportunities in the hands of the few,” rica saw their wealth increase by a third (US$9.7
the country, Strive Masiyiwa, and his wealth has and implement a tax to facilitate the redistribu- Zimcodd said in its latest statement. billion) during the pandemic while 39 million
reached US$2.3 billion. tion of wealth to the benefit of the suffering ma- people are estimated to have been pushed into
extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
Masiyiwa is the founder and executive chair-
person of the international technology group These are Aliko Dangote, Nassef Sawiris,
Econet Global. Nicky Oppenheimer, Mike Adenuga and Abdul-
samad Rabiu. The five richest billionaires own
Throughout the pandemic (beginning in mid- more wealth (US$45.8 billion) than the bottom
March 2020), his wealth increased US$1.12 bil- 678 million (half of Africa) Africans (US$41.9
lion. “The wealth of the sole billionaire increased billion).
94.9% during the pandemic. He owns more
wealth than the bottom 8.8 million Zimbabwe- Zimcodd said an annual wealth tax in Africa
ans,” the report reads in part. would raise US$19.87 billion a year (with rates at
2% on wealth over US$5 million, 3% on wealth
“An annual wealth tax on the wealthiest indi- over US$50 million and 5% on wealth over US$1
vidual in Zimbabwe would raise US$65 million billion).
a year (with rates at 5% on wealth over US$1 bil-
lion).” A more progressive wealth tax would raise
US$27.28 billion (with rates at 2% on wealth
“An annual wealth tax at a rate of 5% applied over US$5 million, 5% on wealth over US$50
to the wealth of the richest person in the country million and 10% on wealth over US$1 billion).
would raise US$65 million a year, enough to in-
crease public health expenditure by 21%,” it said. The organisation said an annual wealth tax
applied to the wealth of multi-millionaires and
Oxfam said a more progressive wealth tax billionaires would raise US$19.87 billion a year,
would raise US$130 million (with rates at 10% enough to increase African public health expen-
on wealth over US$1 billion). diture by 38% or reduce out-of-pocket health ex-
penditure by nearly a half (46%).
Calls for the governments around the world to
introduce wealth tax on the wealthiest individuals The world’s 10 richest men more than doubled
is growing louder. their fortunes from US$700 billion to US$1.5
trillion — at a rate of US$15 000 per second or
A coalition of 18 lobby groups under the ban- US$1.3 billion a day — during the first two years
ner of the Zimbabwe Fight Inequality Alliance of a pandemic that has seen the incomes of 99%
has been urging the government to introduce of humanity fall and over 160 million more peo-
wealth tax to address economic inequality and de- ple forced into poverty, according to Oxfam.
velopmental deficits.
The 10 richest men are Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos,
The alliance says Zimbabwe has a taxation sys- Bernard Arnault & family, Bill Gates, Larry Elli-
tem which penalises the poor and vulnerable. son, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg,
Steve Ballmer and Warren Buffet.
The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Devel-
opment (Zimcodd) has been calling for the intro-
duction of wealth tax, arguing that the country
has a tax administration system that is rigged in
favour of the rich and political elites at the ex-
pense of the poor.

By so doing, the organisation says, the gov-

Masiyiwa, the nation’s one and only billionaire

BORN in 1961, Strive Masiyiwa is a Lon- position of principal engineer. Masiyiwa became While Masiyiwa waited to gain the govern- ment rights. According to the New York Times,
don-based Zimbabwean entrepreneur, billionaire frustrated with government bureaucracy, howev- ment’s approval for operations in Zimbabwe, he however, Masiyiwa vowed to regain control of
and philanthropist. He is the founder and chair- er, and left the PTC in 1988 to start an electrical was able to start a cellphone network in neigh- EWN. He said: “We’ve taken on Goliaths be-
person of Econet Wireless International, a global contracting firm named Retrofit Engineering. He bouring Botswana. Econet Wireless Holdings fore.” (15 January 2004).
telecommunications group. was chosen as Zimbabwe’s youngest-ever Busi- then established a presence in over 15 countries,
nessman of the Year in 1990. including other African nations, New Zealand, In the early months of 2004, Econet signed a
A devout Christian noted for his determina- and the United Kingdom. The company also di- 50-50 joint-venture agreement with Allied Tech-
tion and social conscience, Masiyiwa has been The start of Econet versified into satellite communications, fixed-line nology (Altech), a South African information
described as a hero for helping millions of Afri- Masiyiwa recognised the great potential for telephone service and internet. technology company. With Altech’s capital and
cans gain access to the modern world through wireless telephones in sub-Saharan Africa because Econet’s experience in telecommunications, the
cellphone and internet technology. the region had only two fixed-line telephones for Masiyiwa decided to relocate his family and new company — dubbed Newco — announced
every 100 people in the 1990s. the Econet headquarters to South Africa in 2000. its intention to pursue an aggressive expansion
Education and early career He saw that wireless networks would be quick- Some observers suggested that he was going into strategy in the developing countries of Africa and
According to Reference for Business, an organ- er and less expensive to build than land-based exile from his homeland once again. Asia.
isation that compiles business biographies, when networks that required stringing miles of tele-
Masiywa was seven years old, his family fled the phone lines across rough terrain. Masiyiwa himself said simply that South Af- Masiyiwa became a role model for other
country as Ian Smith’s embattled white minority Wireless telephone service would also be less rica was the best place from which to launch a young African entrepreneurs through his vision
government began to crumble. The family settled vulnerable than traditional landlines to the theft multinational corporation because it had the con- and persistence. He was bestowed numerous
in Kitwe, a city in north central Zambia known of copper wire for resale. Masiyiwa first ap- tinent’s most vibrant economy. national and international honours, including a
for its copper mines. Masiyiwa’s mother was an proached the PTC about forming a mobile tele- place on Time magazine’s list of the world’s most
entrepreneur with interests in retail sales, small- phone network in Zimbabwe. The company was Masiyiwa further antagonised the Zimbabwe- promising young executives in 2002. Masiyiwa
scale farming and transportation. not interested, however, saying that cellphones an government when TSMH bailed out the fi- attributed his success in part to the ethical integ-
His father worked at first in one of the nearby had no future in the country. nancially strapped opposition newspaper, the rity he developed through the devotional practice
mines, but later joined the family business. By the Masiyiwa then decided to create a cellphone Daily News. of reading the Bible for an hour every morning.
time Masiyiwa was 12 years old, his parents could network on his own. He sold Retrofit Engineer- He served on the boards of such international de-
afford to provide him with a coveted European ing in 1994 and started financing Econet Wireless Masiyiwa eventually became a major share- velopment agencies as the Southern African En-
education. They sent him to private school in Ed- through his family company, TS Masiyiwa Hold- holder in the newspaper’s parent company, As- terprise Development Fund and the Rockefeller
inburgh, Scotland. When he graduated in 1978, ings (TSMH). He met with fierce opposition, sociated Newspapers of Zimbabwe, as well as Foundation. He and his wife Tsitsi also founded
he travelled back to Zimbabwe, intending to join first from the PTC, which told him it held a mo- the company’s chairperson. The government and funded a charitable trust that had provided
the anti-government guerilla forces there. nopoly in telecommunications, and second from responded by shutting down the newspaper in scholarships for more than five thousand children
But, according to Time magazine, one of the the Zimbabwean government, which swamped the fall of 2003. The paper continued to publish orphaned by Aids as of 2003.
senior officers told him to go back and study so him with redtape and demands for bribes. sporadically, though, through early 2004, and
that he could help rebuild Zimbabwe. Masiyiwa As a devout Christian, Masiyiwa was opposed maintained an online version from South Afri- Family
took the man’s advice and returned to school in to paying bribes and kickbacks to government ca. Masiyiwa sued for permission to restart the He is married to Tsitsi and they have four chil-
Britain, earning a degree in electrical and elec- officials. He decided to pursue his case through presses in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean govern- dren.
tronic engineering from the University of Wales the courts. After a landmark four-year legal bat- ment countered by initiating criminal proceed-
in 1983. He worked briefly in the computer tle that went all the way to the Supreme Court, ings against four Daily News directors in June Career
industry in Cambridge, England, but soon re- Econet finally won a licence to provide a mobile 2004 on charges of illegally publishing the pa- l Zimbabwe Posts and Telecommunications
turned to Zimbabwe in 1984, hoping to aid the network service in Zimbabwe. per without a licence. Government officials also Corporation, 1984–1988, senior engineer, then
country’s recovery after the war of Independence The court declared that the government mo- threatened to revoke Econet’s licence to operate principal engineer;
it had won in 1980. nopoly on telecommunications had violated the in Zimbabwe at that time. l Retrofit Engineering, 1988–1994;
Masiyiwa joined the Zimbabwe Posts and constitution’s guarantee of free speech. Econet's l Founder and CEO; Econet Wireless Holdings,
Telecommunications Corporation (PTC), the first cellphone subscriber was connected to the The board of directors of Econet Wireless 1994;
state-owned telephone company, as a senior en- new network in 1998. Nigeria (EWN), a company in which Masiyiwa l Founder and CEO; Associated Newspapers of
gineer. The PTC quickly promoted him to the held a stake, ousted him in 2003 when he failed Zimbabwe, 2000 — chairperson.
to acquire necessary financing. l Additional reporting by Dumisani Nyoni.

The board turned instead to Vodacom, a large
South African telecommunications firm, which
agreed to provide capital in return for manage-

NewsHawks News Page 9

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

MARY MUNDEYA ‘Tax regime widens inequality’

CIVIL society organisations under the banner Finance minister Mthuli Ncube
of Fight Inequality Alliance-Zimbabwe have
called on Finance minister Mthuli Ncube to ad- tively hostile when we consider our neighbours feel the increase from 10% to 30% on withhold- upper middle-income economy by 2030. Our
dress tax inequalities that have widened the in- because first of all we have the Intermediated ing tax was unjustified, but the minister has said tax approach needs to be growth oriented and
come gap between rich and poor Zimbabweans. Money Transfer Tax (IMTT), which is a tax on the hike was a penalty for non-compliance. We be consistent with where we are as a country
transactions which does not exist in any other also had suggested that the inItitial 10% with- economically,” Mutambanengwe added.
The government recently made changes to tax jurisdiction. When that tax was introduced, the holding tax becomes more of a presumptive tax
laws through Finance Act No.7 of 2021, which minister had highlighted that they want to rope so that once someone has the 10% deducted, Trade finance specialist and economist Per-
became effective this January. Its provisions, in the informal sector into the tax net, which especially for SMEs, that it be considered as tax sistance Gwanyanya said the government,
such as the increase of withholding tax from is fine. What we were saying is that it becomes payment, but the minister rejected our request. through the current tax regime, is trying to re-
10% to 30% and introduction of income tax in deductable against one’s tax liabilities and be- balance its books since it has been running bud-
foreign currency for those who are paid partly comes more like a pre-payment for tax so that “Because of the stage where we are, where get deficits.
or fully in forex, have been met with widespread when I do my final submissions, I can also de- we are trying to grow the economy, you would
outrage by citizens. duct the amount that I would have paid as I want to incentivise small businesses by having “Government is trying to rebalance its books.
transact, but the minister has refused to allow lower tax, just like we have incentives for ex- In the past the government has been running
Vulnerable Zimbabweans have accused Trea- that, hence IMTT is a tax on its own, which is porters, for FDI (foreign direct investment). We extensive budget deficits and the only new
sury of worsening the tax burden of the already unprecedented,” Mandoreba said. have to incentivise the creation and growth of source of income is to play around with taxes
impoverished majority whose earnings are being new enterprises since we have such high levels of and enforce compliance on taxes because we
eroded by the relentless increase in the cost of “We have highlighted to the minister that we unemployment and we are aiming to become an don’t have a firm source of revenue as a country,
living. so unfortunately that’s what is there,” he said.

Speaking to The NewsHawks, Angela Man-
doreba from Fight Inequality Alliance-Zim-
babwe said the 2022 National Budget showed
how the nation had adopted a regressive tax re-
gime whose burden is weighing heavily on the
shoulders of poor Zimbabweans.

She said the rich and corporates are not pay-
ing their fair share of tax.

“Looking at the 2022 National Budget in
Zimbabwe, I think it’s just a confirmation of
how we have migrated from a progressive tax
regime into a regressive tax regime. A regime
where we see the burden of taxation being
weighed heavily on the shoulders of the poor
Zimbabweans yet the rich and corporates are
not paying their fair share of taxes,” Mandoreba
said.

“Harmful tax practices are further entrench-
ing tax injustice in Zimbabwe, multinational
companies are given tax incentives and tax hol-
idays. For instance, last year Great Dyke Invest-
ments, which is a mining company, was given a
tax exemption, which is very unfair. If we give
unjustified tax incentives to multinational cor-
porations, it means that the burden of raising
revenue through taxation is passed on to poor
citizens.”

Economist and founder of the SME Asso-
ciation of Zimbabwe Farai Mutambanengwe
echoed Mandoreba’s sentiments, saying Zimba-
bwe’s tax environment is very hostile compared
to other countries in the Sadc region.

He said the recent change of tax laws was un-
justified.

“Generally our tax environment is compara-

Uproar as recalled Gweru mayor clings to luxury car

STEPHEN CHADENGA lors do not have service delivery at heart but are Former Gweru mayor Josiah Makombe said.
driven by “self-aggrandisement”. that when these councillors are elected into of- “I don’t see why council property is taken by
GWERU residents this week came out guns fice they are not elected to serve people but their
blazing, amid reports that former mayor Josi- “This is a clear testimony, a clear indication own egos, to fatten their own pockets,” Selipiwe someone for personal use. It’s all hogwash and
ah Makombe, who was recalled by the Douglas nonsensical and it shows that as a city we are not
Mwonzora-led MDC, is refusing to hand over going anywhere. Why take the Prado that was
to council a high-powered Toyota Prado vehicle moreover initially bought for the town clerk?
at a time the financially crippled local authority This goes to show the level of selfishness of these
is struggling to provide services to ratepayers. people and it’s really dangerous for the city and
we will never progress as long as we have such
Early this year, residents again crossed swords deployees who are bent on milking our local
with the Gweru City Council over the purchase authority. How does one want to get terminal
of a top-of-the-range car, which they said was benefits when they are fired?”
supposed to be disposed of in exchange for ser-
vice delivery vehicles. Gweru United Progressive Residents and
Ratepayers Development Association executive
The four-wheel-drive SUV at the cen- director David Chikore said the “grabbing” of
tre of contestation was bought in 2018 for council assets by selfish politicians is a burden to
US$170 000 as part of then town clerk Eliza- ratepayers who often have to contend with poor
beth Gwatipedza’s benefits. service delivery.

Gwatipedza has since been fired on allegations He said Makombe should do the “honourable
of gross mismanagement and abuse of office. thing” and surrender the vehicle to council.

The vehicle was delivered by suppliers in “It’s a sad day for our already financially
2020, with city fathers joining hands with res- strained city,” Chikore said.
idents to condemn the extravagant acquisition.
“This heightens calls for residents to elect into
But Makombe, who was among those who office people with a heart to serve and not to
criticised the purchase of the vehicle, is now de- strip council assets for personal benefit. The for-
clining to hand back the vehicle to council. This mer mayor should do the honourable thing and
is despite the election of a new mayor, Hamu- surrender council property.”
tendi Kombayi, about a fortnight ago.
Makombe did not respond to questions from
Contacted for comment, acting town clerk The NewsHawks.
Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe confirmed that Ma-
kombe was yet to surrender the Toyota Prado to Over the years, Gweru City Council, like
council. most urban authorities in the country, has been
struggling to supply residents with water, attend
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association to sewer bursts and collect refuse, among other
director Cornelia Selipiwe said Makombe’s ac- key service delivery benchmarks, with residents
tions were a demonstration that Gweru council- accusing city fathers of being extravagant.

Page 10 News NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

EFFORTS by former Premier Service Medical Supreme Court dismisses Dube’s
Aid Society (Psmas) chief executive Cuthbert claim for US$3.5 million benefits
Dube to extract money from his ex-employer hit of the arbitrator that there was still a subsisting
a brick wall after the Supreme Court dismissed gued that “the arbitrator made a determination Former Psmas chief executive Cuthbert Dube contract of employment between him and Psmas
his appeal against a Labour Court ruling quash- that ran foul of the issue presented before him.” But the Labour Court reasoned that it was was outside the arbitrator’s terms of reference.
ing his US$3.5 million arbitral award. clear in the parties’ minds that the contract of
“The arbitrator was at fault when he found employment had been terminated and what re- He argued the Labour Court erred in finding
Dube was one of Zimbabwe’s biggest earn- there was a valid and enforceable contract be- quired determination was whether or not such that there was no binding contract of employ-
ers, taking home an astonishing US$230 000 tween the parties whereas it was common cause termination was lawful. ment between him and PSMI. But his argument
monthly from Psmas and its subsidiary PSMI between the parties that no contract still exist- The court also ruled that the arbitrator fell did not find favour with the upper court.
before he was forced to resign in January 2014. ed,” they further submitted. outside the terms of reference by making a deter-
mination that the contract of employment still “In my view what was implicit in the terms
Three judges of the supreme court, Justices PSMI said the arbitrator missed the import of subsisted and remained in force. of reference is that there had been a contract of
Lavender Makoni, Nicholas Mathonsi and Alfas issues referred to him and also that it was simply Dube approached the Supreme Court, argu- employment between the appellant and PSMI.
Chitakunye, found no merit in his appeal and the investment vehicle of the first respondent ing that the Labour Court had misdirected it- The court a quo was therefore correct in finding
threw it out. and used to contribute to the appellant’s salary self and erred at law in finding that the decision that the arbitrator had misinterpreted the terms
at the request or on the instructions of Dube. of reference. Indeed, the arbitrator erred given
The Labour Court had earlier quashed the the specific terms of reference in proceeding to
US$3.5 million arbitral award granted to Dube make the finding that the contract of employ-
in a contractual dispute with Psmas. ment between the respondent and the claimant
still subsists and remains in force,” Justice Ma-
Dube won the arbitral award against Psmas thonsi said.
in April 2015, entitling him to a monthly salary
and benefits backdated to January 2014. The judge said, indeed, the arbitrator misdi-
rected himself by concluding that the contract
He won the money in two arbitral awards, was never terminated.
one against PSMI, a subsidiary of Psmas, for
US$2 070 000 and the other against Psmas, “It was not within his remit to exceed his
for US$1 380 000, bringing his total claims to mandate. The arbitrator misconceived the whole
US$3 450 000. nature of the inquiry or his duty in connection
therewith. Thus the first ground of appeal has no
But the Labour Court set aside the two merit and must fail,” he ruled.
awards.
He added: “I find nothing to confirm the ex-
Aggrieved by the Labour Court’s decision, istence of a contract of employment with PSMI
Dube took the matter up to the Supreme Court, and there are strong indications that there was
appealing the judgement. no such agreement.

Psmas is a medical aid society registered in “Indeed, Dube has not set out what the terms
terms of the Medical Services Act and PSMI is of this agreement with PSMI are . . . thus the
the investment vehicle of Psmas. court a quo’s finding that there was no contract
of employment between the appellant and PSMI
Both entities are managed by two separate and consequently that there was no entitlement
boards of directors. for payment of the alleged salary due to him,
cannot be faulted.
Dube was the CEO of Psmas in terms of a
contract of employment. According to court “From what is on record there is nothing to
documents, he also drew a salary from PSMI indicate that there was a contract with PSMI. He
under unclear circumstances. did not plead the terms of the oral contract if
indeed it existed. He did not complain about the
Dube reached retirement age at 60 in Decem- unlawful termination of his contract with PSMI.
ber 2013 in terms of Psmas rules. He did not complain about unlawful termina-
tion of his contract with the second respondent.
On 14 March 2013, the boards of directors of He just claimed non-payment of salaries.
Psmas and PSMI unanimously extended Dube’s
tenure of office by a further 10 years. “In light of the above, the second ground of
appeal being unmeritorious must fail. Costs will
The new contract commenced on 1 January follow the cause. The appeal be and is hereby dis-
2014 and would end on 31 December 2024. missed with costs,” concluded the judge. — STAFF

At the beginning of 2014, Dube commenced WRITER.
the extended employment contract.

The parties also reached an agreement that
Dube’s monthly salary would be US$60 000 per
month effective January 2014 along with other
benefits. It was later reduced to US$43 000.

Following the allegations that he was taking
an exorbitant salary of US$92 000 every month,
before monthly allowances, without the knowl-
edge of the full boards, except two directors, the
boards withdrew their earlier decision to extend
Dube’s contract of employment.

Psmas and PSMI relied on provisions of the
entities’ retirement policy to rescind the exten-
sion of the employment contract.

Dube was thus requested to go on pre-retire-
ment paid leave.

In response, Dube, through a letter in Feb-
ruary 2014 addressed to Psmas, claimed that he
had a subsisting contract of employment for a
period of 10 years which commenced on 1 Jan-
uary 2014.

He insisted that the contract had not been
terminated in any way and vowed to continue
executing his duties in line with the extension.
Consequently, a dispute arose between Psmas
and Dube.

On 17 February 2015, the dispute between
Dube and Psmas was referred to compulsory ar-
bitration.

The terms of reference were to determine
whether or not Dube’s contract of employment
was lawfully terminated and the appropriate
remedy.

In the matter, the arbitral award was to the
effect that the contract of employment between
Dube and Psmas existed and thus remained in
force.

The arbitrator further ordered that Psmas pay
all salaries and benefits from the date these were
last paid on the scale of US$92 000 per month.

In the matter between Dube and PSMI, the
arbitral award was to the effect that Dube’s con-
tract of employment was enforceable against
PSMI and that the contract was never terminat-
ed, thereby finding that Dube was entitled to
salaries and benefits as claimed.

Aggrieved, Psmas and PSMI appealed the two
arbitral awards at the Labour Court. The two
appeals were consolidated for the sake of con-
venience.

In the heads of appeal, Psmas and PSMI ar-

NewsHawks News Page 11

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA Chamisa’s party name change
was unavoidable — Analysts
THE recent launch of the opposition Citizens’
Coalition for Change by Nelson Chamisa has Nelson Chamisa (in yellow shirt) at the launch of Citizens' Coalition for Change.
been welcomed by political analysts who say it
was a step in the right direction, given the toxicity MDC factions.” a single seat in either the councils or Parliament, “As we speak, there are wards where the CCC
around the MDC name, courtesy of state-spon- Mukundu said the MDC factions can no lon- but by way of the popularity of Nelson Chamisa party has fielded two candidates under the same
sored infighting. as well as the support that those who are in the name. If this is happening in the formative stages,
ger obstruct Chamisa’s political path. leadership of the CCC party had before they were then you can imagine what the future holds.”
The new party is expected to fare much better “So, this is a good move because there was noth- dismissed from Parliament by Douglas Mwonzo-
than the remaining MDC variations, now mired ra. That clearly makes the CCC party the biggest Another Bulawayo-based analyst, Dumisani
in fierce squabbling between Douglas Mwonzora ing of significance that Chamisa was still gaining threat to the hegemony of Zanu PF.” Nkomo, said the CCC party should demonstrate
and Thokozani Khupe. The party which launched from holding onto the name MDC or whatever a different political culture and DNA.
this week has yellow as its colour. formations of the MDC because there will always Bulawayo-based political commentator Mlu-
be some legal hurdle or legal challenge or dispute ngisi Moyo said the name change was inevitable “I think generally it is a good move in the
University of Zimbabwe political science pro- that various MDC factions would throw at him,” for the simple reason that Chamisa had lost grip sense that there has been a lot of controversy and
fessor Eldred Masunungure said the name change Mukundu said. of the MDC. a quagmire with regards to the name MDC and
was long overdue in the circumstances. its formations such as MDC-T, MDC-99 and
“So, this affords Chamisa and the CCC party “But judging from the debate on social media, MDC-Alliance.
“All other options had been effectively blocked a new beginning and what they need to do, of it appears there are two school of thought: One is
and it was thus compulsory for Chamisa to craft a course, is to ensure that there is a change in terms that he has done a good thing in rebranding and “There has been an obsession with MDC and
new name and associated paraphernalia,” he said. of the politics, opposition politics of the past of starting afresh. an obsession with the past. So it was good that
numerous and unending splits, of lack of clarity they have had the courage moving into the future.
“The mother of all challenges is to popularise in terms of policy issues. What they need now is “Secondly, the other school of thought is that On their part, it was a good move and hopefully
the name across the length and breadth of Zim- to clearly demonstrate that they are an alternative by using his face on the party symbols he is creat- they can build the momentum around the name,
babwe, but in this age of social media, and with a not only to the MDC which now remains with ing a political cult than a party. What if the pres- the colour and slogan.
robust strategy, it is doable.” Mwonzora but also to Zanu PF which remains the idency falls vacant, does it mean the next person
biggest rival and threat to Nelson Chamisa.” will use their face on the symbol? It is a myopic “I think what they should be worried about now
Fadzayi Mahere, the CCC spokesperson, said view because it doesn’t communicate with the fu- is fresh court applications. I understand somebody
the rebirth if the opposition was aimed at giving He continued: “So there will be, I think, ev- ture. is claiming that the name is theirs and they should
structure to citizen agency. ery effort that will be made by Zanu PF to now expect that. However, they should clearly break
train their bullets on the CCC party and Nelson “It is okay that Chamisa has come out in the from the past and have clear policy options and
“We announced the birth of a brand new party Chamisa. It is not lost to Zanu PF that their big- open but there are impeding by-elections which alternatives, not just saying Zanu PF must go.
on the 24th of January 2022, which is called the gest political rival is not Mwanzora and MDC but will serve as a barometer of his influence. I’m not
Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC). Nelson Chamisa. really sure if the name change has also cured the “The CCC party should show different politi-
problems that used to bedevil the opposition and cal DNA from Zanu PF, such as on tolerance and
“This was done to give structure to a citizen “So this makes the CCC party essentially the it is the problem of splits. violence, they should demonstrate that they have
movement that aims to win Zimbabwe for change biggest opposition party even as it doesn’t have a different political culture.”
and put the citizen back at the centre of all de-
cision-making. Political power lies in the people
and it is the people who are the lifeblood of this
movement,” she said

Political analyst Ibbo Mandaza commented:
“Well, I suppose it was inevitable that they had to
find a new name and brand in the circumstances.”

However, he cautioned against personalising
the brand and the name.

“Except I would kindly caution the idea of per-
sonalising the name and brand, in my view an al-
ready bad precedent established in the Tsvangirai
era. Otherwise, the reference to citizens broadly is
most appropriate in that an opposition movement
must be based in the people, for the people. I hope
the CCC lives up to both the import and signifi-
cance of the name.”

Political commentator Rashweat Mukundu
said the name change provides the CCC party
with a new beginning.

“I think the legal process that began with the
Supreme Court ruling on the succession of Mor-
gan Tsvangirai and the subsequent legal battles be-
tween Nelson Chamisa and Douglas Mwonzora
left Chamisa with little or no option at all in terms
of moving forward as a political leader and also
as a leader of the MDC-Alliance, which has now
been grabbed by Mwonzora.

“So the name change and maybe the launch of
political party affords Nelson Chamisa a new and
clean beginning without attachment to the histor-
ical issues of the past.

“Essentially this cuts the umbilical cord that
tied Nelson Chamisa to all the legal battles in the

MARY MUNDEYA Women sidelined from political contests

ONLY 16 female aspiring councillors will take but were contesting to reclaim the wards they all comfortable to say we have reached at a stage portant to have women in political positions
part in by-elections slated for 26 March com- were recalled from. where male and female are treated equally by because there are issues that affect women that
pared to a total of 64 male candidates who are the electorate, especially in procedural primary only us can stand and advocate for,’’ she said.
vying for posts in the same polls. “As a party we made a decision that we should election processes.”
retain our recalled councillors, subject to confir- LEAD party’s only candidate in the local
The development comes at a time a lot of mation by the community. It’s an unfortunate He added that the ruling Zanu PF current- by-elections, Nobetter Shongedza, said she was
advocacy has been directed towards having sig- mistake which we made in 2018 when we were ly has no mechanisms to alter primary election inspired to take the initiative to contest after her
nificant representation of women in political electing our candidates for the National Assem- mechanisms in favour of women. husband and children motivated her to go for
spaces. bly and local authority posts. Clearly, we had a it.
problem with gender balance.” “At the moment there are no mechanisms
While the constitution requires all political to suspend or as it were scuttle primary elec- “My husband and kids motivated me to take
parties to meet gender parity and avail equal op- Shiriyedenga stated that her party was in tions in favour of any candidate, so male and part and they have been very supportive. I hope
portunity, the political terrain in Zimbabwe has the process of correcting that anomaly through female candidates race in the primary elections to bring change as far as service delivery is con-
remained male dominated. providing training to women interested in con- to chose those who will represent the party at cerned in my ward and be an example of an ex-
testing for various posts in the 2023 general equal level. We know that those are matters that ceptional leader,” Shongedza said.
The MDC-Alliance party has the highest elections. need to be looked at seriously, the party believes
number of female candidates (six) followed by in the capacity of women and we would want Recalled ward 41 Harare West constituency
Zanu PF which has four. “We have come up with a smart gender task- more women to participate in these processes,’’ councillor Kudzai Kadzombe, one of the two
force and one of our main goals is to mentor Mugwadi said. female candidates contesting in the by-elections
The recently formed Citizens’ Coalition For potential female candidates with leadership from the CCC party, said her track record in
Change party has two, the Patriotic Zimbabwe- development training so that they are able to One of the four female candidates who will service delivery speaks for itself.
an party and LEAD have a candidate each and stand on their own feet and participate in the be contesting under Zanu PF, Ellen Mutuma,
the two remaining candidates are independents. upcoming 2023 general elections,’’ she said. expressed joy at having managed to win her par- “The citizens in my area already know my
ty’s primary elections, a move which earned her track record and the reduction of service deliv-
Speaking to The NewsHawks on why the Citi- Tafadzwa Mugwadi, Zanu PF party’s direc- an opportunity to take part in the by-elections ery when I was recalled. Residents actually end-
zens’ Coalition For Change (CCC) has only two tor for information, said it was unfortunate that for ward 34 in Harare's Mufakose constituency. ed up doing protests at the Marlborough dis-
female candidates in Harare’s local authority the country has not reached a point where male trict offices when refuse was not being collected,
by-elections, the CCC’s deputy national secre- and female candidates are treated equally. “I’m more than elated to have managed to which never happened when I was in office,’’
tary for elections, Ellen Shiriyedenga, attributed win the primary elections. It's more than im- Kadzombe said.
the move to the mistake the party made in 2018 “We have not arrived at where we would be
which saw them have a lot of male candidates.

She said most councillors were later recalled,

Page 12 News NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

NYASHA CHINGONO ‘Name changed to CCC, but
party’s vision remains intact’
THE move by opposition leader Nelson Cha-
misa to change his party’s name to Citizens’ abe regime failed to dowse the opposition fire The former MDC-Alliance secretary-gen- considered as radicals.
Coalition for Change (CCC) has put the fi- spreading across the country. eral has since 2019 pushed to scuttle the Now that Chamisa has chosen a new path,
nal nail into the MDC brand, which has since MDC-Alliance project created before the
1999 emerged as one of the strongest political At the height of repression in Zimbabwe the 2018 elections. with a fresh name, slogan and party colours,
movements in Africa. opposition endured state-sponsored brutality, the MDC brand dies but the vision of a con-
killings and abductions as Mugabe pushed to Last year, Mwonzora aided Mnangagwa to tinues in CCC.
Now largely viewed as a tainted brand due rescucitate the one-party state, which the par- effect constitutional ammendments.
to endless bickering by its various formations, ty had enjoyed since 1987. As for Mwonzora, his lack of political gravi-
the MDC brand however remains one of Zim- Mwonzora supported constitutional tas to tackle Zanu PF head-on betrays the de-
babwe’s most recognisable opposition political MDC founding president Tsvangirai was amendments when 11 of his senators passed meanour of one working in cahoots with the
formations since 1980. charged with treason in 2002 as the Constitution Amendment (No.2) Bill, state, analysts say.
which gives Mnangagwa imperial powers
Observers say Douglas Mwonzora was left Mugabe pushed to destroy the opposition to handpick judges and remove the running Political analyst Ibbo Mandaza said the
with a shell party, name and party headquar- movement. mate clause. MDC ethos and values will continue to live
ters, but is not expected to mount any serious in CCC.
challenge to Zanu PF. This was followed by the arrest and brutalis- Described as a sad milestone in Zimbabwe’s
ing of several MDC officials, with 2008 being democracy, the passed Bill further plunged However, he warned that the new political
In fact, Mwonzora is largely viewed as a the height of political violence. Zimbabwe into pariah status. formation will have to live up to its name and
Zanu PF surrogate out to destroy the oppo- rebuild structures destroyed by bickering.
sition although he lacks the gravitas and cha- Although the MDC had split in 2005, with Although Mwonzora “slammed” the pass-
risma to be a serious political contender on a breakaway faction led by Arthur Mutamba- ing of the Amendment (No.2) Bill, he had al- “The name is one thing but the content is
his own. ra and later Welshman Ncube, the party re- ready whipped his senators into voting for the the same. They continue to represent the main
mained a potent threat to Zanu PF. Bill, giving Zanu PF the much-needed two- opposition.”
Beyond the 2023 polls, the MDC brand thirds majority.
risks total extinction, but analysts argue that Subsequent breakaways by Tendai Biti in He said Mwonzora had lost the MDC’s
CCC will continue to operate in the letter and 2014 and Job Sikhala, failed to destroy the The collusion between Zanu PF and the founding principles, warning that the 26
spirit of the MDC as a social democratic party opposition party. MDC-T also became apparent during the March by-elections will be a litmus test for his
committed to change. military assisted takeover of Morgan Tsvan- party.
But the country’s opposition, which has girai House from the MDC-Alliance led by
Although it is rather unfortunate to see such enjoyed more than 20 years of active politics Chamisa and after the Supreme Court found “It has lost it already. They are the break-
an iconic party lose its lustre due to infighting in Zimbabwe, is on the verge of collapse after that Khupe was the legitimate leader. away party and this by-election will confirm
and bickering, it is time for a new beginning. Mnangagwa found an ally in Mwonzora. that. CCC has all the potential, it's theirs to
Mwonzora’s collusion with the ruling lose. It depends on their ability to rebuild
Chamisa made arguably the best decision Mwonzora, who took over from Thokozani party was also revealed when he recalled 12 their structures. They need to rebuild it quick-
under the circumstances, his proponents ar- Khupe who was also accused of working in ca- MDC-Alliance legislators in 2020, who were ly and define their framework as the main op-
gue. hoots with Mnangagwa, has come under fire position,” Mandaza said.
for fighting Chamisa.
To dump the party name, slogan, colours
and brand recognition that came with the
MDC would have been a bitter pill to swallow.

But facing a stubborn opponent in Mwon-
zora, who was gunning for the MDC-Alliance
name, meant that Chamisa was left with no
option than to move on.

The CCC brand is likely to go through tur-
bulent waters before it can become a house-
hold name, not only in Zimbabwe but also in
Africa.

CCC must grapple with the arduous task of
communicating the new name to the elector-
ate, a cumbersome exercise which will require
financial muscle.

The MDC, under the late founding presi-
dent Morgan Tsvangirai, had transcended the
Zimbabwean borders, roused the excitement
of the electorate and kindled hope for a Zim-
babwe, becoming a well-known party which
stood for and by the people.

Since its formation in 1999 from a labour
movement, fronted by Tsvangirai and the late
Gibson Sibanda, among other luminaries,
the MDC grew in membership and influence
across the country.

By 2000, the No Vote to the constitution
sent shockwaves on the political landscape,
inflicting defeat on Zanu PF.

Zanu PF knew that a new challenge had ar-
rived and since then has hatched several plans
to destroy the opposition.

Although former Zanu PF leader Robert
Mugabe died at a time when the opposition
MDC was at its weakest, the party had acquit-
ted itself well as a formidable threat to his re-
gime for over a decade, winning in 2008 but
failing to take power.

Riding on the repressive state apparatus
and subverting public institutions, the Zanu
PF regime has tried to destroy for over two
decades.

Some say President Emmerson Mnangag-
wa has partially succeeded in destroying the
MDC brand as shown by the latest move by
Chamisa to abandon the MDC name.

Mnangagwa has gone for the jugular since
Chamisa matched him pound for pound in
the 2018 presidential polls, plotting the op-
position leader’s downfall, with Mwonzora his
willing tool.

What his predecessor, Mugabe, failed to do
for 17 years, Mnangagwa has managed to do
in just four years since ascending to office via
a military coup.

Since the formation of MDC in 1999,
Mugabe employed several tools to destabilise
and destroy the opposition party which had
been a thorn in his flesh.

The MDC, a labour-backed party widely
acknowledged as one of the strongest oppo-
sition movements in Africa in terms of rep-
resentation and critical mass, has been under
attack from the Zanu PF regime since 1999.

A cocktail of repressive tools by the Mug-

NewsHawks News Page 13

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Khupe, Mwonzora fight over filthy lucre

OPPOSITION MDC factional leaders Douglas ER. MDC faction leader Thokozani Khupe (right)
Mwonzora and Thokozani Khupe are embroiled MDC faction leader Douglas Mwonzora
in a vicious fight over ZW$150 million (US$1.3
million at official rate and US$750 000 at paral-
lel rate) availed by government under the Politi-
cal Parties (Finance) Act ahead of the 26 March
by-elections and amid preparations for the 2023
polls.

Khupe has claimed leadership of the MDC-T
party and last week announced that Mwonzora
had effectively fired himself from the movement
by writing to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commis-
sion (Zec), stating his party will participate in
the by-elections under the MDC-Alliance ban-
ner.

Khupe interpreted it to mean Mwonzora had
fired himself from the MDC-T, adding that her
party should therefore get the taxpayer funding.

Mwonzora, however, maintains he is the
MDC-T leader although his party will goy into
alliance with other parties in the polls, hence it
will contest as the MDC-Alliance.

The Mwonzora faction of the MDC-T had
announced Khupe’s suspension from the party
before Khupe last week announced the dismissal
of her rival.

Khupe’s spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu said
they have since written to Justice minister Zi-
yambi Ziyambi stating reasons why the MDC-T
should get all the money as Mwonzora has
formed a new political outfit.

“The president made it clear last week that
there is a split in the MDC-T and she asked
the ministry of Justice to treat both factions as
equals so what it means is that money should
be shared equally between the two MDC-T for-
mations just like what happened in 2014 when
we had a split in the MDC and the money was
shared on a 50-50 basis between the (late former
party leader Morgan) Tsvangirai group and the
Tendai Biti-led group, so that is our attitude at
this stage, but we have maintaned that Mwon-
zora has fired himself from the MDC-T by writ-
ing that letter to Zec to the effect that he is now
MDC-Alliance, so he has formed a new party so
he doesn’t qualify.”

He said the government has not indicated
that it will hand over the money to Mwonzo-
ra “but we have implored them to do the right
thing”.

Through the Government Gazette, the au-
thorities announced: “lt is hereby notified, in
terms of section 3(2) of the political Parties (Fi-
nance) Act [Chapter 2:1], that the total amount
of moneys payable to political parties in respect
of the year beginning 1st January, 2022 ending
31st December 2022, is five hundred million
Zimbabwean dollars.”

“The money shall be disbursed to politcal
parties that qualify in terms in terms of Section
3(2) of the Act as follows . . . ZW$350 150 000
to be paid to Zanu PF, which received 70.03%
of the total votes casted and ZW$149 850 000
shall be paid to the Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC) which recieved 29.97% of the
total votes casted.”

Endless squabbling within the opposition
movement have seen the Nelson Chamisa-led
formation transforming into the Citizens’ Coa-
lition For Change (CCC).

Chamisa lost the party finances, headquar-
ters, properties and members of Parliament to
Mwonzora who has also claimed the party name.

Government officials say the money is like-
ly to be awarded to Mwonzora who has a cosy
relationship with President Emmerson Mnan-
gagwa whom he has helped to consolidate pow-
er through supporting constitutional changes
which strengthen his hand.

Mwonzora has also assisted Mnangagwa to
subvert the opposition and stifle Chamisa, who
is viewed as a threat by Zanu PF leaders.

Mwonzora has forged an alliance with Mnan-
gagwa, meeting the President at least twice at
State House to plot electoral strategy, among
other issues.

While Mwonzora or Khupe will likely be
awarded the money, Chamisa’s party is banking
on grassroots fundraising, including the crowd
funding platform GoFundMe, to finance an
election campaign described by Chamisa as a
“curtain raiser” for the 2023 polls. — STAFF WRIT-

Page 14 News NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Bulawayo pothole filling in pictures

Men in Bulawayo have taken advantage of Bulawayo City Council’s delay in attending to potholes across the city and surbubs to make a few dollars. Despite the hazard posed, they fill them up and ask motorists for donations.

NewsHawks News Page 15

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Special Covid-19
PANDEMIC coverage

Demolitions throw
Gweru vendors into

grinding poverty

Some vendors failed to get space after Kudzanai Bus Terminus was refurbished.

STEPHEN CHADENGA “Unfortunately it has been a cat-and-mouse Gweru chapter chairperson, Tafadzwa Mazo- The private firms have, however, failed to meet
game between the vendors and the municipal rodze, the demolitions took away the source of deadlines on several occasions due to various
FOR over a decade, Memory Mashoko of Mta- police and the Zimbabwe Republic Police offi- livelihood of 36 000 people across the Midlands challenges.
pa suburb in Gweru has been eking out a living cers deployed in the streets. Life has never been province.
from selling vegetables at Kombayi Fresh Farm this tough for me. I struggle to pay rent, put food The affected vendors have no option but to
Produce Market. on the table and pay fees for my children.” “A significant number of people’s source of join their counterparts who operate illegally as
income has been affected.The traders relied on they try to make a living.
But in April 2022, it will be two years since She said some vendors displaced by the dem- selling their wares to buy food, pay rentals, bills
the marketplace where she operated from was olitions were allocated temporary sites at Mtapa and school fees for their children.” But this week council said it had no option,
destroyed, following a government directive Market. She was, however, among the unlucky but to descend on unregistered vendors in a bid
to renovate the vending stalls. The stalls were ones who failed to get operating space. He said in the Gweru alone market stall de- to enforce the city’s by-laws.
destroyed during Zimbabwe’s first Covid-19- structions affected 16 960 livelihoods after dis-
induced lockdown which commenced on 30 Now Mashoko, a registered informal trader placing 3 140 registered market stall holders in “We have City of Gweru hawkers and street
March 2020, effectively taking away her means with a council permit, has joined a league of il- Gweru Urban. vendors by-laws which state that the business
of survival. legal vendors locked in endless running battles community needs to be protected, bearing
with the authorities. Soon after the demolitions, former Gwe- in mind that they pay Zesa and council bills,”
Mashoko is among more than 30 000 fami- ru mayor Josiah Makombe said council would council said in a statement.
lies in the Midlands province affected by market Her situation is similar to that of John Moyo ensure registered informal traders got priority
demolitions. who used to operate at Kudzanai Bus Terminus. in the re-allocation of vending bays. But when “More so, informal traders should operate at
Although the refurbished market sites at the Kudzanai Bus Terminus market was re-opened, a place provided to them by council and should
Hundreds of thousands of informal trad- long-distance terminus were recently opened to Mashoko and Moto, among many other regis- have a valid health certificate and hawker’s li-
ers countrywide have lost their livelihoods due informal traders, Moyo was unfortunate as he tered vendors, were left out in the cold. cence.
to the destruction of their trading stalls during could get his vending space back.
Covid-19 lockdowns. A visit by The NewsHawks this week to Kom- “Currently, informal traders are temporarily
“Overnight l found that there were now new bayi Market pointed to renovations that were far operating at Mtapa marketplace and work is still
“For more than 10 years my survival and that faces at Kudzanai and l wonder what criteria from completion anytime soon. in progress at Kombayi and Ivene marketplaces
my family revolved around Kombayi vegetable were used to allocate the market stalls,” a bewil- and upon completion informal traders will be
market. I used to sell tomatoes, vegetables and a dered Moyo told The NewsHawks. Last year, council admitted that it was too fi- allocated space to operate on.”
variety of crop grains and the proceeds from such nancially constrained to revamp market stalls it
efforts sustained my life,” a distraught Mashoko Moyo is now also on the streets, caught up in destroyed hence had to rope in private compa- But those displaced by the demolitions main-
told The NewsHawks. never-ending fights with municipal police. nies to do the job. tain that the re-allocation process is not transpar-
ent, leaving them with no option but to operate
“But when the marketplace was destroyed in “My wares are regularly confiscated and l have This subsequently saw two companies, Ben- illegally.
March during 2020’s first Covid-19 lockdown, l either to bribe the council officials or lose them tach Resources and Casas Property Investments,
have been hopping from one street to another in altogether,” he said. winning tenders to renovate Kudzanai Bus Ter- There are more than 5 000 people on the
the city’s central business district. minus as well as the Kombayi vegetable whole- vending waiting list and the Midlands capital has
According to the Zimbabwe National Cham- sale, Wimpy and Mtapa markets respectively. been struggling to accommodate them at desig-
ber of Small to Medium Enterprises (ZCSME's) nated market stalls.

Page 16 Editorial & Opinion NewsHawks

CARTOON Issue 65, 28 January 2022

A lot at stake
in these polls

FOR a country whose clueless government has become the Mnangagwa, break these chains
biggest producer of economic refugees in southern Afri-
ca, one would expect the ruling elites to focus on turning ONE of Zanu PF’s defining traits is impu- been assessed by the UN council, the first right thing? You cannot slaughter inno-
around the fortunes of a poverty-stricken population. But nity — accentuated by the party leaders’ time being in October 2011 followed by cent people in the middle of Harare in
no, they are preoccupied with decimating the opposition. utter disdain for the rule of law and con- November 2016. It has been long since the broad daylight, with international media
stitutionalism. last review. cameras rolling and election observers all
The Zanu PF regime is fixated on systematically disman- over the place, and hope to get away with
tling the main opposition movement led by Nelson Cha- The primitive arrogance is on display ev- The global community rarely gets such criminality.
misa. erywhere. Someone holds a contrary view? a glorious opportunity to properly scruti-
Just bludgeon them into submission. nise the omissions and commissions of an Through such naked impunity, the
The ruling party is mortally afraid of Chamisa. In the autocratic government. Zanu PF regime starkly refuses to apolo-
2018 election he proved beyond any shadow of doubt that Someone is genuinely opposed to cor- gise, compensate the victims and bring to
he commands a massive following. Garnering more than ruption and cronyism? Concoct false ac- Although the UN Human Rights justice those who perpetrated the Gukura-
two million votes is no joke in this authoritarian polity. They cusations against them. Someone stands Council is not a court of law and cannot hundi genocide. It is also the reason why
definitely know what he is capable of and it unsettles them. up for democracy? Eliminate them. It gets be objectively expected to play an adver- there is still no justice for activist and jour-
too predictable, does it not? sarial role, the first observation from the nalist Itai Dzamara, whose fate remains
Despite an unrelenting onslaught from the Zanu PF re- proceedings is that the world knows exact- unknown, seven years after he was abduct-
gime — which enjoys total control of the repressive state ap- Zanu PF is caught in a time warp. 200 ly what is happening in Zimbabwe. ed by state agents.
paratus — Chamisa and his team have managed to continue years from now, gobsmacked political sci-
focusing on the ball. What matters is popular support, not entists will sit around computer screens The government may intimidate jour- The government told the UN this week
the size of your gun. and curiously examine this most unusual nalists and human rights defenders, but that no journalist has been arrested in
relic of prehistoric politics. the truth will always prevail. And before Zimbabwe for doing their work. That is a
As political scientist Brian Raftopolous correctly noted at the Zanu PF overlords are tempted to re- blatant lie. Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono
yesterday’s Sapes Trust discussion, the elections will not be a This week, Zimbabwe appeared before sort to the usual “we are under attack from spent 84 days in pre-trial detention at
stroll in the park for the new party, the Citizens’ Coalition the United Nations Human Rights Coun- imperialism” smokescreen, we should look Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. His
For Change. cil for the annual Universal Periodic Re- at the nations which raised concern over broadcast camera and other digital equip-
view. the government’s human rights record. ment were seized illegally by the police.
A politicised military, a jittery autocratic state, the shift These are the actions of a criminal state.
in regional sentiments, a captured judiciary, lawfare, general Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi pre- They included Angola, India, Norway,
fatigue over the Zimbabwe crisis, and geopolitical factors sented his report, outlining what he said South Africa and Sweden. Zanu PF can- In 2020 alone, the Media Institute of
will all come into play. were the government’s accomplishments Southern Africa recorded more than 50
in implementing recommendations from Hawk Eye violations of media freedom. Last year,
The post-coup era has rudely reminded everyone that the previous review. Misa recorded 15.
Zanu PF is incapable of reform. No sooner had the eupho- Brezh
ria over Mugabe’s ouster subsided than Emmerson Mnan- Among these purported achievements Malaba This year, so far, three cases have been
gagwa’s regime unleashed murderous soldiers on unarmed were: the mainstreaming of national dis- recorded. On 12 January this year, New-
civilians. ability policy; compliance with interna- not claim that these countries are driven sHawks journalist Mary Mundeya was
tional conventions and treaties on racial by imperialist intrigue. arrested while covering a demonstration
The March by-elections and the 2023 general elections discrimination; international conventions by teachers at the National Social Secu-
will be held notwithstanding the lack of electoral reforms. on civil and political rights; as well as com- The problem with Zanu PF elites is rity Authority offices in Harare. Intimi-
That is telling. The political scientist Ibbo Mandaza has pliance with international obligations on that they have perfected the art of shoot- dation, harassment, assault, unlawful de-
asked a pertinent question: After orchestrating a coup in economic, social and cultural rights. ing themselves in the foot. The Motlanthe tention and torture pose a grave threat to
2017, can the military countenance an opposition victory Commission of Inquiry, appointed by the Press freedom.
in the forthcoming elections? Ziyambi also reported back on the Na- Zimbabwean government, recommended
tional Development Strategy which he that the persons responsible for the mur- Mnangagwa’s government has still not
Well, whether or not the junta is willing to allow democ- said was bringing economic stability. He der of unarmed civilians in Harare on 1 instituted an independent complaints
racy to prevail, the people of Zimbabwe must never give up also dwelt on the national Covid-19 re- August 2018 be brought to justice. This mechanism to investigate and bring to
hope. In the absence of hope, what else do the long-suffer- sponse, revealing that 7.5 million citizens has not been done. justice members of the security forces who
ing masses have? Capitulation and death? have been vaccinated. violate human rights.
The killings happened in the full glare
There is a dangerous fallacy that election rigging occurs In a nutshell, the minister was hard- of cameras. President Emmerson Mnan- Rogue soldiers and policemen have
on polling day. The reality, of course, is that outright ballot pressed to paint an overly rosy picture of a gagwa — whose human rights record was since graduated from being Zanu PF’s
stuffing is not as common as people assume. Rigging is more government that is hard at work and very already in tatters — has dragged Zimba- political shock troops to masterminding
complex than that. It begins years ahead of election day. serious about improving the quality of life. bwe back to the gutter by failing to fully armed robberies and terrorising law-abid-
implement the commission’s recommen- ing citizens. Who will bring them to book?
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says it is planning But impunity can only take you so far. dations. There are too many unregulated firearms
voter registration blitzes for February and April. This is not The international community will hold in the hands of criminals—and a signifi-
good enough. As long as the Registrar-General continues you accountable. We witnessed this at the What is stopping him from doing the cant proportion of these weapons have
making it difficult for new voters — particularly young first- UN Human Rights Council this week. Af- been smuggled out of state armouries.
time voters — to get national identity documents, no blitz ter Ziyambi presented his report, member
under the sun can make a difference. states got an opportunity to ask pressing The brutal reality — and the pun is un-
questions. The big question was: Is the avoidable — is that Zanu PF regime is just
This is a serious matter. For instance, the three Matabele- Zimbabwean government living up to its not serious about human rights.
land provinces, which have traditionally been opposition human rights obligations?
strongholds, are likely to see a decline in the number of con-
stituencies during delimitation. There is no better definition This is the third time Zimbabwe has
of rigging than mass disenfranchisement. The issuance of
identity documents and voter registration must both be ex-
pedited without further delay.

The 26 March by-elections are a referendum on Mnan-
gagwa. For that reason, the ruling party will go for broke.
He is under pressure—not least internally within a Zanu PF,
which has an elective congress this year. The party’s leader-
ship question remains contested, as the faction-ridden pro-
vincial elections showed. There is a lot at stake in the 26
March by-elections and 2023 elections.

Reaffirming the fundamental impor- The NewsHawks is published on different EDITORIAL STAFF: Marketing Officer: Voluntary Media
tance of freedom of expression and me- content platforms by the NewsHawks Digital Managing Editor: Dumisani Muleya Charmaine Phiri Council of Zimbabwe
dia freedom as the cornerstone of de- Media which is owned by Centre for Public Cell: +263 735666122
mocracy and as a means of upholding Interest Journalism Assistant Editor: Brezh Malaba [email protected] The NewsHawks newspaper subscribes to the
human rights and liberties in the con- No. 100 Nelson Mandela Avenue [email protected] Code of Conduct that promotes truthful, accurate,
stitution; our mission is to hold power Beverly Court, 6th floor News Editor: Owen Gagare
in its various forms and manifestations Harare, Zimbabwe Subscriptions & Distribution: fair and balanced news reporting. If we do not
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and office, betrayals of public trust and Trustees/Directors: with the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe
corruption to ensure good governance Beatrice Mtetwa, Raphael Khumalo, Reporters: at No.: 34, Colenbrander Rd, Milton Park, Harare.
and accountability in the public inter- Professor Wallace Chuma, Teldah Mawarire, Bridget Mananavire, Nyasha Chingono, Enoch Muchinjo
est. Doug Coltart Telephone: 024-2778096 or 024-2778006,
Email: [email protected] 24Hr Complaints Line: 0772 125 659

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Website: www.vmcz.co.zw, Facebook: vmcz Zimbabwe

NewsHawks New Perspectives Page 17

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

AfCFTA's PAPSS to facilitate trade

A NEW pan-African payment in four countries the Integrated ya, South Africa, Mozambique can issue circulars on a regular ate is very important. Ignoring
system launched by the African Regional Electronic Settlement and Uganda, and many others, basis, seemingly moving the this will land the investor of fi-
Continental Free Trade Area System (SIRESS), later to be are by varying degrees develop- goalposts and at times reversing nancier in serious trouble. 
(AfCFTA) is a major milestone renamed Sadc-RTGS. Current- ing their manufacturing capaci- previously communicated de-
in the implementation of a con- ly, all payments within Sadc are ties. There is a notable upswing cisions.  For an investor sitting Lack of systemic integration
tinental free trade zone.  being processed through the in the importation of big-ticket in Europe or the US, it seems between countries was indeed a
system in real time. This has goods such as cars, along with uncoordinated, it can certain- challenge which the AfCFTA's
The Pan-African Payments improved trade among regional clothing, electrical goods and ly be difficult to pick up reg- PAPSS will address.
and Settlement System (PAPSS) states.  other consumables too. ulatory trends across multiple
was launched in the six-nation Investors and For instance, sending funds
West African Monetary Zone, The pan-African payment set- financiers from from Zimbabwe to, say, Equa-
including Nigeria, earlier this tlement system is indeed a major outside the re- torial Guinea, has been sur-
month, with six central banks step towards full operationali- gion wanting to Econometrics prisingly complex. Money may
and 15 commercial banks. PA- sation of the AfCFTA. African understand and have to leave Africa and be
PSS is a centralised payment countries are pushing towards appreciate the HawksView channelled through a Europe-
and settlement infrastructure having a continental free trade continent need an or US partner bank before
for intra-Africa trade and com- area and trade in Africa has long to grasp two reaching its beneficiary. In this
merce payments. been touted as a big econom- key facts. First- example, frustration can arise
ic opportunity. For such a vast ly, Africa has a Tinashe Kaduwo because correspondent bank-
The system is a joint initia- area, trade in Africa to date has population of ing relationships between some
tive of the AfCFTA, the African been relatively simple to define. 1.4 billion, growing at around countries. Of course, a foreign countries simply do not exist. 
Union, Afreximbank and Afri- 32 million annually. Secondly, business seeking to invest in the
can central banks and will fa- For most of its 55 countries the countries that define the continent needs to know up- However, change has come
cilitate payments as well as for- it has been a mix of importing continent have between them a front how to extract value from and the driver of this change is
malise some of the unrecorded finished goods and exporting widely differing mix of cultures, its overseas activities, by repatri- commitment by African nations
trade due to prevalence of infor- agricultural and mining com- currencies and regulations, each ating funds or paying dividends, to implement the AfCFTA and
mal cross-border trade in Africa. modities. characterised by varying degrees for example. But with such reg- develop a settlement platform
of economic nationalism and ulatory "dynamism" across the that facilitates trade and inte-
It will also provide an alter- But this is a picture that is be- liberalism. The other important board, staying close to the reg- grates nations.  
native to current high-cost and ginning to transform into some- challenge is the dynamic nature ulators, making a point of un-
lengthy correspondent bank- thing more complex and benefi- of regulation which is hard to derstanding the ever-changing *About the writer: Tinashe
ing relationships to facilitate cial for all parties. keep up with. The authorities framework in which they oper- Kaduwo is a researcher and
trade and other economic ac- economist. He writes in his
tivities among African countries While the current import-ex- personal capacity. Contact
through a simple, low-cost and port balance continues, nations [email protected] whatsapp
risk-controlled payment clear- such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Ken- +263773376128
ing and settlement system. Gen-
erally, the benefits of PAPPS for
cross-border payments include
cost reduction; reduction in du-
ration and time variability; de-
creasing liquidity requirements
of commercial banks; decreas-
ing liquidity requirements of
central banks for settlement as
well as its own payments; and
strengthening central banks’
oversight of cross-border pay-
ment systems.

The platform aims to boost
trade in the Ghana-headquar-
tered AfCFTA, cutting trans-
action times across borders by
allowing commercial banks to
deal directly. This will result in
the continent saving an estimat-
ed US$5 billion in costs annu-
ally.

Currently, a trader’s bank has
to route a cross-border payment
through a correspondent bank
or two in the United States or
Europe before it gets to the re-
cipient’s bank, which takes a
minimum of three to five days,
with charges at every point.
PAPSS bypasses that, with the
sender’s bank, the recipient’s
bank, and their respective cen-
tral banks settling at one point. 

PAPSS however is not the
first regional settlement to be
launched. In 2004, the Central
Bank of West African (BCEOA)
real-time gross settlement sys-
tem (RTGS) was launched, re-
moving the need for complex
correspondent banking rela-
tionships, contributing to the
integration of the economies
of BCEAO member states. The
East African Cross-Border Pay-
ment System (EAPS) went live
in 2013, doing the same for its
members. The same year, the
Southern African Development
Community (Sadc) rolled out

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

PALESA MUWANI Propaganda on economy
unconstructive: Hawkins
RENOWNED economist Tony Hawkins has
warned of a difficult year ahead characterised by Economist Tony Hawkins
high inflation and depreciation of the Zimbabwe
dollar. “It is the inconsistency, the contradiction, the the country to experience 7% annual growth in result in an overvalued exchange rate.
deceit, the dishonesty of the government. They do US dollar terms from now until then, which is Nzenza acknowledged that there are still policy
Speaking at the CEO Africa Roundtable yester- not believe their own untruths. Why should we impossible.
day, Hawkins said the government's positive spin believe in it?” he asked. inconsistencies by the government as well as ob-
on the performance of the economy belies the sit- He said only returning to dollarisation will en- stacles to ease of doing business.
uation on the ground. Hawkins said for President Emmerson Mnan- sure economic stability.
gagwa’s government to achieve its target of a mid- “Yes, there are challenges with government, but
This was soon after Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe dle-class income economy by 2030, it would need Mangudya however shot that down, saying that what we have done is to create dialogue where we
governor John Mangudya and Industry minister this would make the economy uncompetitive and listen to what the private sector is saying,” she said.
Sekai Nzenza had earlier told captains of industry
at the function that there have been positive indi-
cators towards economic recovery which include
increased capacity utilisation as well as the avail-
ability of more locally manufactured goods.

“We hear government talking about restricted
spending. I am going to give you two examples
from the last 24 hours of restricted spending. A
Fastjet plane could not land in Bulawayo because
there was no back-up generator but (Finance min-
ister) Mthuli (Ncube) says he has a budget sur-
plus. Let us give him a round of applause for that,”
Hawkins said.

“People had to come from Bulawayo for radia-
tion (treatment) because the radiation machinery
at Bulawayo hospitals do not work. Well done,
minister.”

He told delegates that he was going to give
them facts and not the Zanu PF propaganda they
had been fed by Mangudya and Nzenza of an im-
proving economy.

“The reality around us is closed schools, it’s
deteriorating health services, it’s bank queues, it’s
rising prices, it’s potholed roads, it is teachers and
nurses leaving the country, it is increasing poverty
and unemployment,” he said.

Responding to Mangudya's exhortation to cap-
tains of industry to increase the use of the local
currency, Hawkins said the central bank governor
is trying to preserve a currency no one wants to
use.

“He (Mangudya) promised to preserve value
(of the Zimbabwe dollar) but since then prices
have gone up 3 000% and the currency’s value has
devalued by 99%,” Hawkins said.

He added that while Mangudya is pushing for
the increased use of the Zimbabwe dollar, the gov-
ernment is charging for passports and collecting
some of its taxes in hard currency.

Broke NRZ general manager reads riot act

DUMISANI NYONI leaked to The NewsHawks. scot free,” Zinyanduko added. last year, overtime was at whopping ZW$62
“2022 is a turnaround year by you and me, The NRZ boss said there was too much ma- million.
TECHNICALLY insolvent National Railways
of Zimbabwe (NRZ) incurred a loss of ZW$1.7 with a 3.9 million tonnes target to achieve. Not lingering, as at any given time there were many Employees must consider taking time off for
billion (approximately US$14.8 million) last easy but achievable. Non-team players are free company workers in town doing all sorts of pri- overtime worked, she said.
year, prompting the parastatal’s general manager to resign. So far, January performance is way vate business at the parastatal’s expense.
to threaten to fire all employees who fail to meet below the target, this last week we achieved On train derailments, the general manager
set targets this year. ZW$98 million against a target of ZW$185 “This just has to stop henceforth. Our securi- said these were milking the company dry, urg-
million against wage bill of ZW$165 million.” ty has been mandated to apprehend such found ing drivers to observe set cautions.
In her staff address dated 24 January 2022 loitering in town and the supervisor too will be
titled GM Candid Talk, NRZ general manager In 2021, according to state media, the rail- taken to task,” she said. “Control your bills, be concerned (with) your
Respina Zinyanduko read the riot act, threaten- way company transported 2.191 million tonnes Zesa (Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority)
ing even to apprehend workers found loitering of cargo against a target of three million tonnes. “You succeed together, you fail together, or water bills. Stop all financial leakages. Clean
in town during company time. operate as a team, not as silos, team up. Tar- your work areas, for yourselves by yourselves,”
“We have to give each other targets and fail- get quick wagon turnaround, provide reliable she said.
“Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) is ure to meet them shall be dealt with decisively: locomotives, account for every failure, assess
owed ZW$400m, pension fund ZW$600m A warning first, followed by an interview then, progress frequently and take decisive corrective On lost tools, she said the culprits would be
(and) Railmed is owed big time too. NRZ is finally, dismissal. Supervisors must supervise action.” penalised at three times the cost of the lost tool.
technically insolvent,” she said in an address their subordinates. Manage the production
time, stop late starts, the late comer must not go Zinyanduko said workers should cut on over- “If as a supervisor you chose to shield
time and relief, pointing out that in November non-performers, fine, but at your own peril,”
she warned.

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 19

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Zim GDP stands at US$20bn: Imara

BERNARD MPOFU

IMARA Asset Management has estimated the Africa that President Xi stated back in November headline amount of money it supplies to Africa Zimbabwe has
size of the Zimbabwean economy to be at US$20 that over the next three years China would cut the by one third to US$40 billion and that it would been relying on loans from
billion, a figure which is a tenth shy of govern- lenders such as the African
ment projections, as the local economy continues Export and Import Bank to
to function under a dual pricing system. finance some of its critical

Experts say estimating the actual size of the projects.
economy in United States dollars is equally hard, redirect money away from large infrastructure
given the current currency dynamics. projects,” the report reads.

The government’s own numbers put the Gross
Domestic Product at ZW$3 000 billion which at
the auction rate is roughly US$30 billion, but at
the parallel rate would be US$15 billion.

“This latter number is more in tune with the
Annual Debt Bulletin 2020, where the US dollar
estimate was put at US$14.7 billion in that year,”
Imara said in a research note titled Zimbabwe In-
vestment Notes January 2022.

“By comparison, Zambia’s economy, using
IMF data, suggests their economy is US$23
billion. US$15 billion for Zimbabwe looks low,
but US$30 billion looks way too high. Including
the informal economy, a number somewhere be-
tween US$15 billion and US$20 billion is prob-
ably closer to the mark. This is especially the case
with increasing dollarisation within the economy,
driven by both the private and public sectors.”

Parliament, the report further advises, should
play an oversight role in capping the country’s ex-
ternal debt, which has ballooned over the last five
years. With no budgetary support, Zimbabwe has
been relying on domestic resources, loans from
China and lenders such as the African Export
and Import Bank to finance some of its critical
projects.

According to the government, external debt
stood at a whopping US$13.2 billion. At the
time of the 2016 Lima Agreement on external
debt, Zimbabwe had US$6.8 billion on its books
(2015 numbers).

“That number has now expanded by nearly
US$7 billion in just five years which for a country
that suggests that it is under international sanc-
tions should be seen as a serious increase,” Imara
says.

“These are very large numbers and should have
received in-depth scrutiny by Parliament in our
view as to where all that money ended up. What
is to stop something similar happening in 2022
on the eve of an election?”

Of that US$13.2 billion, US$4.9 billion can
be accounted for by the RBZ’s own actions, its
liabilities have been taken over by government.
US$3.3 billion of the US$4.9 billion are blocked
funds or the so-called legacy debt going back
to the introduction of the Zimdollar in 2019.
US$1.45 billion are loans that the RBZ guaran-
teed of which a part is assumed to be related to
agricultural loans.

There is much discussion across Africa as to the
extent of Chinese loans to various African gov-
ernments, which in a number of cases put such
countries in precarious debt positions.

In Zimbabwe, according to the Public Debt
Bulletin 2020, Chinese debts appear under
Non-Paris Club bilateral debt, which totalled
US$1.66 billion.

“In 2020 we note that China received 84% of
the total token debt-service payments that Zim-
babwe made. Such is the Chinese loan problem in

Too poor to survive, too poor to die

WORKERS, particularly civil servants, have The group says it last reviewed tariffs in Oc- company has endured unbudgeted costs in the
raised alarm over an astronomical increase in fu- tober 2019 despite the fact that inflation rose to last few years of Covid-19 difficult times,” he said.
neral policy premiums, forcing some of them to a high of 837% over the period on the back of
abandon the service. economic volatility. Under Nyaradzo’s new pay- He said the obtaining economic environment
ment schedule, clients who were paying around over the years has not been conducive to intro-
Poverty-stricken workers, who earn Zimdollar ZW$853 are now forking out ZW$3 407 ducing new products as consumers are focusing
salaries in a US dollar economy, bemoaned the monthly. more on basic survival needs.
latest development, saying both the cost of living
and the cost of dying are now beyond the reach Speaking to The NewsHawks Business, Matara- The Nyaradzo boss said the group’s strategy of
of most. Financial services concern Nyaradzo nyika said the company had reached a point balancing affordability and high quality service
Group has effected an almost 300% increase in where the obtaining tariffs had become unsus- over the years has helped contain the premium
premiums. tainable. default rate.

Chief executive Phillip Mataranyika (pictured) “We have been absorbing the costs since then “We remain committed to providing our cli-
defended the move, saying this was the first in- and we can’t continue operating as if the premi- ents with the usual top-notch service which they
crease in two years. ums are stagnant against rising expenses. The have known us for over the years,” Mataranyika
added. — STAFF WRITER.

Page 20 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Inflation target likely to be missed

BERNARD MPOFU Continued depreciation of the Zimdollar on the parallel market resulted in economic agents preferring to hold on to the more stable US dollar.

FAILURE to implement tight monetary policy works against the poverty alleviation. The TCPL for December 2021 was ZW$8 also created arbitrage opportunities which are un-
and a raft of confidence-building measures will see The impact of inflation on poverty is reflected 009 per person in December 2021. This implies dermining the government effort towards vision
Zimbabwe missing its inflation target of 32.6% that an individual should be able to set aside 2030,” the report reads.
in 2022, a manufacturing sector lobby group has in both the Zimstat Food Poverty Line (FPL) per ZW$8 000 to purchase both non-food and food
said in its economic forecast report. person and the Zimstat Total Consumption Pov- items so as not to be deemed poor.” Official figures show that total allotments in
erty Line (TCPL). year 2021 were US$1 971 446 836 compared to
Experts say money supply growth, adverse Commenting on the currency developments, US$624 933 977 in 2020. The increased allot-
expectations, exchange rate premium, cost-push The FPL for December is ZWL$5 761, having the CZI said the continued depreciation of the ment, the CZI says, can be attributed to increased
inflation, delays on the forex auction market and increased from ZWL$5 424 in November 2021. Zimdollar on the parallel market resulted in eco- production and easing of lockdown restrictions.
Statutory Instrument 127 of 2021, which led to This means a family of five people with an income nomic agents preferring to hold on to the more On the auction market the Zimdollar depreciat-
a massive transfer of US dollar revenue from the of ZWL$25 000 per month will not be able to stable US dollar. ed by 32.9% in 2021 compared to 84.7% on the
formal to the informal sector, were the main driv- afford the basic food requirements for all family parallel market.
ers of inflation in 2021. Official figures show that members to stay out of poverty. “The inefficiencies of the auction market have
annual inflation ended the year 2021 at 60.74%,
having gained 2.34 percentage points from the
November inflation rate.

The 2022 National Budget has forecast an av-
erage inflation target of 32.6% and end period
range of 15% to 20% in 2022. The Confeder-
ation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) in its latest
outlook report released this month said taming
inflation would be an uphill task for the authori-
ties in the absence of reforms.

“These (targets) can only be achieved if there is
a decisive turn on the manner in which the for-
eign exchange auction market is handled as well
as a tighter monetary policy compared to the cur-
rent regime. In addition, economic agents need
confidence that the disinflation programmes in
place will be able to tame inflation,” the CZI said
in the report titled 2021 Inflation and Currency
Round Up.

“Given that these decisive measures have been
acknowledged by policymakers abut are taking
time to implement the likelihood that the 2022
inflation targets will be missed again remains a
possibility.”

Economists say by eroding disposable income
and pushing more people into poverty, inflation

Economic fortunes depend
on policy implementation

ALEX MHANDU This has resulted in severe exchange rate disparity Econet continues to enjoy increased demand for data.
between the parallel market rate and the official
THE continuing economic challenges, com- auction rate. creased demand for data, as the country imple- demand as agriculture remains a strong pillar of
pounded by the adverse effects of the Covid-19 ments various levels of Covid-19 lockdowns, African economies.
pandemic, are likely to derail growth projections As of last week, the greenback was selling forcing businesses to adopt remote working while
for the year 2022, analysts have said. at a premium of around ZW$230 on the par- schools have also embraced e-learning. The group reported maize seed sales volumes
allel market against the official auction rate of rose 46% for the half year to 30 September 2021,
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for ZW$109. Seed Co Limited, on the other hand, is expect- as half-year revenue jumped 43% compared to
the year 2021 is estimated to remain strong at ed to continue benefiting from increased seed the corresponding period in the prior year.
7.8%, while it is projected to grow by 5.5% for However, the monetary authorities have
year 2022 on the back of an anticipated strong mulled some measures to address the challenge,
agriculture and mining performance. while the stockbrokers maintain increasing li-
quidity on the official market may be an added
The International Monetary Fund’s World Eco- advantage to address the challenge.
nomic Outlook report of October 2021 projects
the global economy to have grown by an average “The monetary policy committee has resolved
of 5.9% in 2021. to continue with its tight monetary policy stance
in the coming year while the fiscal authorities will
However, for Zimbabwe, the pandemic came also support the measure through the curbing of
at a time the economy was already facing several malpractices in the financial sector in a quest to
headwinds such as limited foreign currency, in- mitigate the disparity between the official ex-
flationary pressures and unreliable utilities that change rate and the parallel market rate.
derailed production.
“Availing of funds in the official sector can be
Climate-induced disasters have also added a major win to the corporate sector as they have
to the troubles, which experts see as a threat to been citing operational challenges due to short-
meeting the projected growth targets, with fiscal ages of foreign currency to import raw materials,”
policy implementation put to the test. EFE Securities said.

“The year 2022 is going to be a major test The stockbrokers also see hope in the ongoing
for the fiscal policy implementation due to the vaccination programme, which is expected to see
continuing Covid-19 situation and inconsistent more companies able to operate as compared to
rainfall patterns which have been experienced in the previous year.
the first half of the rainy season.
Already, some listed firms have recorded im-
“The accumulating problems are likely to de- provements in performance for the financial year
rail the 5.5% GDP growth rate projections for 2021, a trend expected to continue in 2022, with
the coming year,” stockbrokers EFE Securities blue chips seen keeping their heads above the wa-
said in a full-year 2021 Review and 2022 Outlook ter.
report.
For Delta, which is currently the biggest com-
The country also faces currency volatility, dat- pany on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange by mar-
ing back as far as 1997, which has created bottle- ket capitalisation, its recent acquisitions of South
necks for economic growth, despite several efforts African United Breweries will further help con-
to tame the challenges and boost production. solidate its position in the sorghum beer segment,
which is a major volume driver for the group.
To date, foreign currency shortages have con-
tinued, causing a spike in the parallel market rate. Elsewhere, Econet continues to enjoy in-

NewsHawks Stock Taking Page 21

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Price Sheet A MEMBER OF FINSEC & THE ZIMBABWE STOCK EXCHANGE

Friday, 28 January 2022

Company Sector Bloomberg Previous Last VWAP (cents) Total Total Price Price YTD Market
Ticker Price Traded Traded Traded Change Change (%) Cap
AFDIS Consumer Goods (cents) 12600.00 Volume Value ($) (cents) ($m)
African Sun Consumer Services AFDIS: ZH Price 652.58 (%)
ART ASUN: ZH 12500.00 1020.00 8,900
Ariston Industrials ARTD: ZH 652.74 12600.00 352.66 3,600 1,121,400 100.00 0.80 0.80 15,056.31
Axia Consumer Services ARISTON: ZH 1020.00 650.00 4341.33 5,800 23,493 -0.16 -0.02 1.61 9,292.29
BAT AXIA: ZH 353.39 1020.00 1,100 59,160 -2.39 4,457.17
CAFCA Consumer Goods 4314.99 350.00 299900.00 7,500 3,879 - - -5.25 5,739.17
Cassava Consumer Goods BAT: ZH 4350.00 17000.00 -0.73 -0.21 44.47
CBZ CAFCA: ZH 307500.00 5801.15 200 325,600 26.34 0.61 -6.31 23,970.67
CFI Industrials 17000.00 299900.00 7899.21 - 599,800 -7600.00 -2.47 61,879.92
Dairibord Technology CSZL: ZH 5904.82 - 10200.00 -
Delta CBZ: ZH 7850.00 3760.00 39,400 - - - 42.70 1,484.97
Econet Banking CFI:ZH 10200.00 5500.00 18782.84 25,300 2,285,655 -103.67 -1.76 5.09 150,283.27
Edgars Industrials DZL: ZH 3501.87 7900.00 9797.73 1,998,500 49.21 0.63 9.01
FBC Consumer Goods DLTA: ZH 18862.07 - 7.43 41,286.13
Fidelity Consumer Goods ECO: ZH 9439.92 - 450.00 1,500 - - - 15.56 10,816.17
First Capital Telecommunications 3700.00 3008.33 59,500 56,400 258.13 7.37 15.27 13,460.83
FML Consumer Services EDGR: ZH 440.20 18800.00 1140.00 1,304,100 11,175,790 -79.23 -0.42 3.45 244,961.22
FMP FBC: ZH 3011.76 10000.00 343.14 15,600 127,772,200 357.81 3.79 -11.14 253,817.72
GBH Banking FIDL: ZH 1135.00 450.00 2198.42 70,200 2.23 -27.78
Getbucks Financial Services FCA: ZH 350.10 3005.00 700.31 300 9.80 -0.11 -0.65 2,719.12
Hippo 2189.05 1140.00 190.03 500 9,025 -3.43 0.44 9.92 20,214.47
Innscor Banking FMHL: ZH 740.00 340.00 504.67 105,100 5,700 5.00 -1.99 -10.22
Lafarge Financial Services FMP: ZH 162.57 2200.00 26005.00 18,400 360,645 -6.96 0.43 -17.20 1,241.73
Mash GBH: ZH 502.00 725.00 20904.08 16,000 404,510 9.37 -5.36 -15.89 7,411.19
Masimba Real Estate 26000.00 190.00 8202.32 10,700 112,050 -39.69 16.89 -7.13 15,172.24
Medtech Industrials GBFS: ZH 20729.50 502.00 230.00 300 20,333 27.46 0.53 28.72 8,670.94
Medtech Class B HIPO: ZH 8202.32 26005.00 4507.35 4,700 1,514 2.67 0.02 2.53 1,019.68
Meikles Financial Services 200.49 20840.00 2310.00 36,000 1,222,235 5.00 0.84 -29.12 5,869.91
Nampak Consumer Goods INN: ZH 4800.00 3200.00 7,525,470 174.58 -18.05 50,195.00
NatFoods LACZ: ZH 2308.33 - 12019.23 - - -34.00 119,127.43
NTS Industrials MASH: ZH 3200.00 230.00 1350.00 200 - - 14.72 28.00 6,561.86
NMBZ Industrials MSHL: ZH 12204.35 4500.00 130014.63 6,800 460 29.51 -6.10 -3.92 4,275.87
OK Zim Real Estate MMDZ: ZH 1350.00 2310.00 511.00 100 306,500 -292.65 0.07 21.00 10,892.18
Proplastics Industrials MMDZB: ZH 130000.00 1300.22 2,310 1.67 -5.42
RTG Financial Services MEIK: ZH 511.00 - 2701.12 - - -18.89 277.20
RioZim Financial Services NPKZ: ZH 1298.25 12000.00 2700.00 5,200 - - -1.52 61.46 42.94
SeedCo Industrials NTFD: ZH 2710.32 1350.00 750.00 625,000 -185.12 -1.59
Simbisa Industrials 2700.00 130000.00 4500.00 600 - -6.89 30,366.11
Star Africa Consumer Goods NTS: ZH 762.72 12500.00 4,100 8,100 - 0.01 -3.85 10,201.25
Truworths Industrials NMB: ZH 4500.00 - 13142.90 5,330,600 14.63 12.50 88,930.15
TSL OKZ: ZH 12200.00 1300.00 150.99 - - 18.41
Turnall Banking PROL: ZH 13176.52 2710.00 200.00 45,600 - - 0.15 46.03 1,297.29
Unifreight Consumer Services RTG: ZH 147.31 2700.00 8000.00 346,500 592,900 1.97 -0.34 30.32 5,255.12
Willdale RIOZ: ZH 200.00 750.00 498.33 24,800 9,359,395 -9.20 34,733.28
ZB Industrials SEED: ZH 7500.00 3000.00 669,600 - - 6,802.26
Zeco Consumer Services SIM: ZH 495.25 - 321.82 600 - -1.67 14.01 18,716.22
Zimpapers SACL: ZH 3350.00 12500.00 7300.00 - 4,500 -12.72 21.51 5,491.33
Zimplow Basic Materials TRUW: ZH 321.64 13150.00 - - 0.11 30,900.33
ZHL Consumer Goods TSL: ZH 7937.50 2.00 100 - 2.46 3.99 73,887.38
TOTAL Consumer Goods TURN: ZH 150.00 278.01 6,200 12,500 300.00 -0.26 -5.19 7,119.31
Consumer Goods UNIF: ZH 2.00 200.00 2044.27 222,000 814,860 -33.62 2.50 316.67
Consumer Services WILD: ZH 278.01 8000.00 347.33 335,192 -4.46 768.14
Consumer Goods ZBFH: ZH 2200.00 550.00 600 3.68 - -13.38 28,568.20
ZECO: ZH 350.00 3000.00 6,300 1,200 - 6.67 -7.64
Industrials ZIMP: ZH 321.00 2,700 504,000 0.62 2,456.97
Industrials ZIMPLOW: ZH 7300.00 500.00 -10.45 3,194.23
Industrials ZHL: ZH 100 13,455 3.08 0.06 5,721.96
- 11,000 3,000 -8.03 12,788.92
Banking - -350.00
Industrials 2100.00 300 35,401 0.18 - 9.27
Consumer Services 350.00 - 21,900 - 1,601.34
Industrials - -637.50 -7.08 7,044.16
Financial Services - - -0.76 6,315.22
4,800 - - 1,472,366.00
6,900 98,125
2,360,000 23,966 -155.73
173,916,522 -2.67

ETFs MCMS.zw 1310.60 1320.00 1446.29 20,772 300,424 135.69 10.35 44.63 1,821.28
Morgan&Co Multi-Sector ETF OMTT.zw 702.56 756.00 764.38 4,834 36,950 61.82 8.82 73.69 611.50
Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 ETF
10,791.52
FINSEC Financial Services OMZIL 12500.00 12500.00 13000.00 20,362 2,647,060 500.00 0.04 30.00
Old Mutual Zimbabwe US$m
76.36
VFEX (US cents) Mining BIND:VX 6.00 - 6.00 - -- - 9.09 8.06
BNC Mining CMCL:VX 1300.00 - 1300.00
Caledonia Consumer Goods 21.00 - -- - - 113.73
Padenga Consumer Goods PHL:VX 21.00 - 21.00 108.56
SeedCo International SCIL:VX 28.46 28.46 717 150.57 - - -
YTD %
- -- - 1.46 -17.20
-29.12
Index Close Change (%) Open YTD % Top 5 Risers Price Change % +7.43
ZSE All Share 12,120.10 +0.14 12,103.19 +11.99 GBH 190.03c +27.46c +16.89 +14.01
Top 10 7,864.28 +0.10 +15.46 Mash 230.00c +29.51c +14.72 +15.27
Top 15 8,642.03 +0.31 7,856.23 +14.78 Dairibord +7.37
Small Cap +1.67 8,615.32 -6.91 TSL 3760.00c +258.13c +6.67 YTD %
Medium Cap 374,941.96 +0.20 368,770.93 +3.67 Econet 8000.00c +500.00c +3.79 +0.11
21,155.21 21,112.08 9797.73c +357.81c -5.19
-13.38
Top 5 Fallers Price Change % -18.05
Unifreight 3000.00c -350.00c -10.45 -10.22
ZB 7300.00c -637.50c -8.03
Zimplow 2044.27c -155.73c -7.08
Masimba 4507.35c -292.65c -6.10
FMP -39.69c -5.36
700.31c

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Page 22 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

NewsHawks News Analysis Page 23

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

PALESA MUWANI Consumers feel the pinch drain .
as cost of living shoots up The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
THE wave of price hikes resulting
from the weakening of the Zimbabwe Prices of basic goods have risen sharply in Zimbabwe. last week met with business as it des-
dollar spells doom for beleaguered perately looks to shore up the local
citizens in the New Year, with no re- of the local unit that the government, The deterioration in the standard professionals, Zanu PF have blamed currency and reduce the rate at which
prieve in sight to the country’s deep- which has resisted demands by its of living is a far cry from the rosy the West for the brain drain. the prices of goods and services are
ening economic crisis. workers for US dollar salaries, paid picture of rapid economic recovery soaring.
civil servants’ bonuses in hard curren- painted by the government. “The Vice-President also talked
The price of flour has gone up cy last year. about the brain drain in the medical Among the resolutions made
by 6.5% from ZW$112 000 to Despite his upbeat tone on the sector which again is being caused by during the meeting was that the gov-
ZW$119 000 per metric tonne. This President Emmerson Mnangag- country’s recovery path, Finance the Western countries who do not ernment and the central bank should
has pushed the price of bread up by wa’s administration pointed out that minister Mthuli Ncube warned in the train their people,” Zanu PF party come up with strategies to enhance
15% from ZW$175 to ZW$210. it had taken the decision to pay bo- 2022 National Budget last year that spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa told the attractiveness of the local curren-
nuses in hard currency to protect its the 5.5% growth he projected this a Press conference after a recent poli- cy and strengthen its demand in the
Prices of basics such as maize-meal, workers from what it called exchange year is under threat from the volatile tiburo meeting. context of the multi-currency sys-
cooking oil and sugar have also shot rate fluctuations. exchange rat, among other factors. tem in place, the need for everyone,
up sharply. The price hikes have also “When a crisis comes, they also through a collective responsibility, to
had a knock-on effect on rentals Even the setting up of the foreign Disillusioned by the continued have an ageing population, they exhibit good leadership and exercise
which have also increased. currency auction market in June last economic decline, the country has come to recruit from Zimbabwe and restraint on the volatility of the ex-
month, which aimed to provide cheap experienced major brain drain. The because we are relatively poorer than change rate and the continuation by
The Zimbabwe Electricity Trans- funding to companies to increase Health Service Board revealed re- them — because we were colonised the central bank’s investigative arm,
mission Distribution Company production, managed only to bring cently that more than 2000 health and enslaved — we are not as rich as the Financial Intelligence Unit, to
(ZETDC) announced a 12.3% elec- temporary respite to price hikes. workers left the country in search of they are. penalise currency manipulators and
tricity tariff increase. Domestic con- greener pastures last year alone. Chief abusers of the foreign currency auc-
sumers on pre-paid meters will now The failure by the Reserve Bank of Justice Luke Malaba said 88 judicial “We train the best people, they tion rules.
have to part with ZW$1 265.11 to Zimbabwe to allocate the foreign cur- officers resigned over poor working come and snatch them and never
buy 200 units per month. Con- rency on the auction market has led conditions last year. want to compensate us for those peo- However, measures by the central
sumers on post-paid meters will pay to major bottlenecks for companies ple who we invest in so much through bank to curb exchange rate volatility
similar charges with an additional which access forex on the platform. The Institute of Chartered Ac- training, but they are now lured by and resultant price hikes thus far have
ZW$35.68 monthly fixed charge. This has forced more companies to countants of Zimbabwe also revealed better salaries because they have been been futile.
access forex on the parallel market, that there has been a mass exodus of neglectful to train their own person-
Diversifed telecommunications making goods and services more ex- auditors from the country as they are nel. So, we are always at the receiving From putting in place laws to ar-
company Econet Wireless this week pensive. lured by better working conditions, end of these people who want to lec- rest moneychangers in 2018 to mak-
announced a hike in its tariffs. which include wages which are far ture us about democracy and human ing it criminal to price goods above
However, workers’ wages have not more lucrative than what is offered at rights, and all this.” the official exchange in May last year,
The Zimbabwe National Roads been able to keep up with the rate of home. the measures have all been in vain, as
Administration hiked toll gate fees price increases and have left them in He added that cabinet was in dis- the exchange rate has run amok, with
recently. the doldrums. Miffed by the massive exodus of cussions on how to curb the brain prices astronomically shooting up.

Owners of light vehicles will now The latest wave of price hikes will
have to part with ZW$220, up further burden workers who are strug-
from ZW$165. Minibuses now pay gling to make ends meet, according to
ZW$330 from ZW$245. Haulage Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions
truck drivers will now have to fork secretary-general Japhet Moyo.
out ZW$1 100 from ZW$820.
“The pricing system always follows
Workers paying funeral subscrip- the parallel market rate. The price of
tions will suffer a significant reduc- bread has doubled over the last two
tion in their wages as funeral service years. Not everyone gets forex from
providers have announced an increase the auction and those who don’t get
in subscriptions. forex go to the parallel market to get
forex at steep rates, which they pass
Consumer watchdog, the Con- on to the consumer,” he said.
sumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ),
this month revealed that a family of “On the other hand, employers
six now requires a massive ZW$72 cannot pay wages indexed to the par-
967 to meet basic needs, an amount allel market rate, which means work-
that far exceeds the wages most work- ers’ salaries will lag behind prices. The
ers earn. The price hikes are a result struggle for the worker continues.”
of the rapid fall of the local currency,
which has eroded wages as prices of Moyo said the only solution to the
goods and services, which are indexed chasm between prices of goods and
to the parallel market rate, continue services and the earnings of workers
skyrocketing. is for the government to ensure ex-
change rate stability.
The official auction rate is standing
at ZW$115 with the parallel market “Government cannot fight market
rate hovering around ZW$230 to the forces. It just does not work,” Moyo
greenback. Such has been the erosion said.

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Page 24 Critical Thinking NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

From Algeria to Zimbabwe: How Africa’s
autocratic elites cycle in and out of power

ANDREA CARBONI/ CLIONADH RALEIGH

IN 2021, coups d’état ousted four The late former Presdent Robert Mugabe and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.
heads of state in sub-Saharan Africa.
Army interventions in Chad, Mali, their survival. In doing so, we propose phase coincides with the height of a Regime crises reshape the existing and followed the removal according to
Guinea and Sudan halted a years-long an alternative conceptual framework leader’s authority, where the threat of power structures by disposing of the a cyclical logic.
decline in military takeovers. Some to interpret dynamics of change in Af- being removed is lowest. old leader. They also reshuffle senior
heralded this as the  comeback of the rican autocracies. elites into a narrow ruling coalition. Our analysis emphasises elite dy-
army in African politics. Four stages of the autocratic regime At this stage, the leader may be Culmination of ripened factional- namics over the role of mass protests
cycle perceived to be excessively centralis- ism and popular opposition. True popular
Elsewhere in Africa, elected lead- Each stage of the cycle is determined ing power. One sign is, for example, In  our paper, we apply these obser- demonstrations can spark crises within
ers in  Tunisia,  Tanzania  and  Zimba- by the nature of contestation between replacing security chiefs with loyalists. vations to the removal of three of the a regime. But leaders and senior elites
bwe, among others, were accused of the incumbent and senior elites. The This may be a threat to other elites. Se- longest-serving heads of state in Africa. are more likely to produce significant
pivoting to authoritarian rule. Com- balance of power between these actors nior elites may organise along faction- and durable changes.
mon authoritarian measures include varies in each stage, according to the al lines to create opposition within the Between 2017 and 2019, Algeria’s
suspending parliamentary assemblies, level of fragmentation of authority regime. This creates factions. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Sudan’s Omar Democratic breakthroughs cannot
confining opposition leaders, ex- within and across those groups. al-Bashir and Zimbabwe’s Robert be ruled out. But they are typically the
tending term limits and violently re- Factions can consist of rival senior Mugabe were ousted after a combined product of a political stalemate. They
pressing opposition and dissent. The four stages are accommoda- elites, who tactically join forces to get 90 years in power. Our analysis shows are not ideological preferences or pub-
tion, consolidation, factionalisation the leader to spread power. The inten- that their removal was the culmination lic appeals for political change.
Here lies an apparent paradox: de- and crisis. But they do not necessarily tion is not to depose the leader or split of ripened factionalism. In each case,
spite decades in which democratic follow a chronological order. the regime, but rather to bargain the this had blossomed after the leaders’ The forceful removals observed in
institutions have become prevalent terms of inclusion. Leaders also use attempts to centralise power. It was 2021 seem to conform to this cyclical
across the continent, African states During the accommodation phase, disorder to try to prevent elite coop- not a direct consequence of mass pro- logic of political change. Senior elites
continue to be vulnerable to military leaders build coalitions by distribut- eration to lessen the strength of senior tests and economic downturns. took advantage of a crisis moment to
takeovers and autocratic forms of ing rents and authority among senior elite coalitions. seize power and reconfigure the regime
power. elites. The intention of this stage is to Senior military and security elites to their own advantage.
reward loyalists and co-opt prospective However, a crisis may occur when took advantage of the crisis moment
Multiple interpretations aim to ex- allies. The incentive is integration and factions decide to take advantage of a to dispose of the leaders and their loy- — The Conversation.
plain this seeming contradiction. A inclusion. critical juncture to forcibly reshuffle alists and reshuffle the regime. Natu-
popular explanation suggests that the the ruling coalition. The jostling for rally, they were once regime insiders *About the writers: Andrea Car-
world, and especially Africa, is enter- The narrowing of competitive influ- power among senior elites typical- and allies of the ageing autocrats. Stag- boni is a post-doctoral research
ing a new phase of "democratic back- ences leads to the consolidation stage. ly leads to such crisis moments. This es of accommodation, consolidation, fellow at the University of Sussex.
sliding". This follows a decades-long The leader seeks to assert authority can result in military takeovers, forced factionalisation and crisis preceded Clionadh Raleigh is professor of
era during which several leaders were over a coalition of "rival allies". This resignations, constitutional coups or political geography at the School of
ousted by popular movements. power-sharing agreements. Global Studies, University of Sussex,
Britain.
Nowhere was this more evident
than in North Africa. Here, the dem-
ocratic aspirations of the 2011 Arab
Spring were overshadowed by a return
to authoritarianism and conflict. Yet,
in many of Africa’s competitive autoc-
racies, the removal of leaders is not as-
sociated with revolutionary change. In
fact, there is a remarkable stability of
senior elites and institutional practic-
es across regimes. This seems to point
to their resilience in the face of a sup-
posed trajectory towards democracy.

The literature on  political surviv-
al  provides a more compelling nar-
rative to explain political change in
competitive autocracies. A leader’s
survival is conditioned on the support
of senior elites. Leaders can typically
spread power among their "rival allies"
to keep it and co-opt enough of those
elites in exchange for political support.

These actors can in turn leverage
their collective power to secure greater
influence and rewards from the centre.
The concept of a "political market-
place" has aptly captured the trans-
actional nature of regime strategies
to determine association, loyalty and
alliances with senior elites.

Drawing on these insights,  our
recently published paper  seeks to ex-
plain political change in African com-
petitive autocracies using the notion
of "regime cycles". This framework,
which produced rich insights into
the failed democratisation processes of
the post-communist states during the
1990s, suggests that elites must act
collectively if they are to challenge the
leader, identifying four stages within a
regime cycle.

Our research seeks to explain polit-
ical change in African autocracies by
looking at the role of political elites,
focusing on cycles of power between a
leader and their rivals which determine

NewsHawks Critical Thinking Page 25

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

The HIV epidemic wasn’t curbed by
data alone – and Covid won’t be either

JOÃO FLORÊNCIO

SINCE the beginning of the pan- that we were able to effectively of patient groups and communi- epidemiologists telling people to ing a life worth living, and that
demic, communication from the contain the virus thanks not to ties to the centre of political de- gather in “their” gardens, to use is directed at an abstract general
government, epidemiologists and the behavioural changes advocat- cision-making and biomedical separate bathrooms at home if one public is insufficient —  and that
health statisticians appears to rely ed by epidemiologists and other research. From this we gained not person falls ill, or to spend a few epidemiologists can make errors
on the belief that if people are public health specialists in the first only a better understanding of the hundred pounds on air purifiers of both science and advice. We
shown enough graphs, enough decade of the pandemic, but to pandemic itself but also of what for their homes. Government reg- need to involve not just scientists
models, enough statistics, enough antiretroviral treatments and pro- matters to people and the lives ulations have seemingly assumed but also social scientists, cultural
information, they will all act ra- phylaxis that were shown to suc- they consider worth living. since the start of this pandemic scholars and communities to get
tionally and do the right thing. cessfully halt HIV transmission. that everyone lives in a detached a better understanding of what
Even when that is deeply at odds We must make an effort to un- single-family home with their matters to people,  while also ac-
with the way people live: closing This, however, does not mean derstand what drives people to loved ones, or that homes are, by knowledging that we do not al-
oneself at home, potentially alone, all we did was wait for treatments behave in certain ways, why cer- definition, safe spaces where we ways (and will never) behave in a
ceasing all intimate contact with to arrive. Instead, treatments ar- tain behaviours perceived as risky can lock ourselves in without be- purely rational manner.
people outside, locking down. rived owing to political pressure are important to them, and meet ing alone or fear of violence.
from affected communities who them where they are by acknowl- Models tend to assume that
This was surprisingly successful recognised that simply expecting edging and respecting their value And, we see the same ineffective populations are made of auton-
in 2020, as a response to a sudden people to change their behaviours systems. Social, affective and cul- messaging brought forward. In omous agents who will act only
disaster, but it isn’t a realistic long- and do the right thing at all times tural factors are at play. Desire, the early months of the pandem- according to reason in response
term strategy. The cultural, social was not sustainable. pleasure, the pull of intimacy, the ic, the Terrence Higgins Trust rec- to a given set of information. The
and political history of the  HIV need for proximity and physical ommended gay men stop having problem is that, for those of us
pandemic  taught us that this ep- We ceased to privilege the state- contact are important in deter- casual sex, a behavioural recom- who work on the medical, cultural
idemiological approach of trying ments of truth posited by a single mining what people ultimately mendation unlikely to work in the and social histories of an older and
to protect a population chiefly by scientific discipline and instead do. long term. In contrast, the sexual still continuing global pandemic
focusing on ideal individual be- started drawing from knowledge health activist group Prepster put — HIV — such views fall short
havioural guidelines doesn’t work. produced across the wider med- During Covid, we again see the out a series of comics (similar to of capturing what happens every
ical sciences, the social sciences, difficulty of drawing conclusions the ones by the Gay Men’s Health time we are faced with a choice.
When I see “doomsday” epi- the humanitiesand from activists and recommendations about in- Crisis in the 1980s), giving advice They are ultimately limited and
demiologists, for whom the only and patient groups. dividual behaviours from pop- to queer men on how to manage counterproductive.
solution to the pandemic appears ulation-level data, and the ways Covid risk during hookups – a
to be to lock everybody in until The Gay Men’s Health Crisis this abstract approach  can easily more realistic approach than ab- — The Guardian.
we reach an idealised #zerocovid group in the US, for example, was overlook the social complexity stinence-only.
state, I worry we haven’t yet the first to start promoting con- and differences in specific com- *About the writer: João Florên-
learned those lessons. dom use among gay men when munities. The lessons of the Aids crisis cio is senior lecturer in history of
the state didn’t want to do it and are that public health messaging modern and contemporary art
I don’t mean to disqualify or was focusing instead on a no-sex Risk and the ability to protect that does not take into account and visual culture at the Univer-
question the important work approach. And activist groups oneself are often unfairly and un- what different people value as be- sity of Exeter in Britain.
done by epidemiologists in un- such as Act Up brought the voices evenly distributed — think of the
derstanding how disease spreads.
But there are other forces inform-
ing how people decide to behave
beyond mere access to apparently
straightforward and ideology-free
epidemiological data and graph-
ics.

Epidemiologists study popula-
tions, that is, people in social for-
mations. Putting numbers on risk
based on population-level data
and models is not the sole driving
force of our actions.

In the case of HIV and other
epidemics, epidemiological mod-
els have either been shown to be
wrong or at the very least insuffi-
cient. Early in that pandemic, ep-
idemiological data arriving from
the US wrongly made the virus a
cause of concern only for already
stigmatised populations – for in-
stance claims that Aids was some-
thing that affected only gay men –
thus contributing to further social
discrimination. And there were
unreasonable political decisions
made to close down many spac-
es of gay male sexual sociability,
such as the 1985 closure of  the
Mineshaft bar in New York in an
attempt to curb the spread of the
virus.

But ultimately none of these
things were enough. It was not
until the 1990s, when virology
gave us new hopes to end Aids,

Page 26 Critical Thinking NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

What makes young people accept help to
stay well: Review of interventions in Africa

MARISA CASALE/
GEVEVIEVE HAUPT RONNIE/
OLUWASEYI DELANO SOMEFUN

ANYONE who has ever tried to con- Young people must be included from the early stages of interventions. Shutterstock
vince an adolescent to behave a cer-
tain way is likely to be familiar with • knowledge of the intervention properly understand the intervention ternet. It would also be important to en-
resistance. or knowledge provided by the and feel confident in their ability to Findings of our review work show gage early on with whoever is central
intervention use it. They need to make sure that to an intervention being relevant,
So, when offering support to help adolescents have access to sufficient overall high acceptability of e-health well-implemented and accepted by
young people stay healthy, happy and • the intervention allowing for logistical and emotional support interventions. Adolescents high- adolescents and the broader com-
out of difficulty, it is worth knowing (greater) autonomy while participating. lighted benefits presented by digital munity. These may include caregiv-
what they are comfortable with. In- technology. These include lower costs ers, partners and peers, teachers and
terventions that young people find • feeling supported while par- And, importantly, these young compared to in-person interaction. community leaders, who may play an
acceptable are more likely to work. ticipating in the intervention people’s confidential information important role in adolescents’ lives.
must be protected. This will protect But there were also concerns. These
But what do they find acceptable? • feeling assured that their pri- participants from much-feared stig- ranged from connectivity issues, lack It would also be important to en-
There is not much research about vacy and confidential infor- ma and other potential negative so- of access to mobile phones and other gage early on with whoever is central
this in low-income and middle-in- mation would be protected. cial consequences. devices, and unintended disclosure to an intervention being relevant,
come countries, specifically in Afri- of HIV status or other confidential well-implemented and accepted by
ca or beyond the health sector. This Reasons for “unacceptability” were Moreover, intervention developers information. These concerns repre- adolescents and the broader com-
is despite the fact that there are 360 more diverse. These included: should bear in mind that adolescents sent challenges for the equitable ac- munity. These may include caregiv-
million  people aged 15-24 on the value autonomy. And that this has a cess, acceptability and effectiveness of ers, partners and peers, teachers and
continent. Many face challenges to • conservative views about the gender dimension. Autonomy does e-health programmes. It is therefore community leaders, who may play an
their wellbeing. These include low ed- intervention or its content not only mean being able to choose important for intervention providers important role in adolescents’ lives.
ucational attainment, unemployment (such as contraception) to participate in or use an interven- to assess these challenges early on,
and poor access to healthcare. tion. It also means being empowered and to explore ways of increasing ac- Lastly, opportunities exist for more
To explore this, we systematical- • intervention costs by the knowledge it may provide cess to necessary technologies within acceptability research in important
ly  reviewed  studies published over • difficult or inequitable access and the greater control it may afford the intervention itself or by support- areas for adolescent development
the past decade (2010-2020). The • fear of pain and side effects young people – particularly young ing concurrent initiatives. beyond health. These include edu-
research assessed the acceptability of women – in managing high risk situ- Way forward cational outcomes, employment op-
interventions with adolescents and (for biomedical interventions, ations and unequal relationships. Our findings highlight the impor- portunities, access to water and other
young people aged 10-24 in Africa. including vaccines) tance of strengthening adolescents’ services, gender equality, protection
We wanted to know what young • stigma (for example around Given current public health chal- knowledge of interventions and how from violence, social protection and
people find acceptable in an interven- HIV testing) lenges, such as the Covid-19 pan- to interact with them, but also of un- mental health. — The Conversation.
tion and why. We included all types • distrust (of vaccines, for ex- demic, it may also be worth paying derstanding and engaging with the
of interventions that aimed to im- ample) particular attention to specific types broader context within which adoles- *About the writers: Marisa Ca-
prove outcomes outlined in the Sus- • lack of knowledge or support. of interventions. cent acceptability is shaped. sale is extraordinary professor at
tainable Development Goals. Most Key aspects and delivery the University of the Western Cape
were linked to the goal of ensuring Our findings suggest that interven- For example, digital technology is One way to achieve this is to in- in South Africa. Genevieve Haupt
healthy lives and promoting wellbe- tion developers and implementers becoming increasingly important to volve adolescents and youth early in Ronnie is a esearch fellow at the
ing – HIV testing is one example. should pay attention to key aspects of achieve developmental goals in the the design, planning and scale up of University of Cape Town, South Af-
We identified a number of fac- interventions and their delivery that context of Covid-19. Young people interventions and – if possible – at rica. Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun is
tors that developers of interventions adolescents clearly care a lot about. remain the most connected popula- various stages of the intervention life a post-doctoral fellow at the Univer-
should pay attention to. One recom- This must start from the intervention tion group to digital platforms. But cycle. sity of the Western Cape.
mendation arising from our review is development phase. more than  60%  of young adults in
that adolescents and young people be They should ensure that adoles- Africa do not have access to the in-
involved early in the design, planning cents are provided with adequate
and scale up of interventions. knowledge, training and resources to
Focus of studies
We found 55 studies evaluating 60
interventions for acceptability. Most
of these studies were carried out in
southern and east Africa, mainly
South Africa and Uganda.
Most focused on HIV or sexual and
reproductive health interventions.
Based on the way interventions were
delivered, 10 interventions could be
categorised as HIV or HPV vaccine
interventions, 10 as e-health, eight as
HIV testing interventions, seven as
support group interventions and six
as contraceptive interventions. There
were also programmes for volun-
tary medical male circumcision and
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to
reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Overall, the interventions were
well accepted. This could indicate
that they were well aligned with
young people’s needs and preferences.
It is also possible, though, that studies
with more positive results are more
likely to be published.
What’s acceptable and what’s not
The reasons most frequently raised
by young people to explain why they
found interventions acceptable were:

• ease of use of the product or
intervention

NewsHawks Critical Thinking Page 27

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Why education systems should build
environmental ethics into every subject

BELLARMINE NNEJI

ONE of the goals most of the world
has agreed on is education for sus-
tainable development.

This means development that con-
siders present concerns without com-
promising the interests of future gen-
erations. Nations develop through
education that takes care of the pres-
ent and the future.

As I have argued in a  paper  on
environmental ethics in education, I
believe that the principles and ideas
of sustainable development and con-
sumption should be embedded in all
aspects of education. Every course
or subject in the school curriculum
should contain these ideas. Education
should give future leaders the critical
thinking tools they will need in a dy-
namic society faced with serious cli-
mate change challenges. Almost every
profession and livelihood has an im-
pact on the environment.

Call for ‘edutainability’ The earlier children are introduced It is not enough to tell people what They should appreciate the differenc- disposing of them incorrectly would
In Nigeria’s schools, there is little to reflecting and asking questions to do in order to preserve the environ- es between human-made and natural challenge sustainability.
or no emphasis on sustainable con- about the environment and the im- ment. Children must understand the disasters.
sumption as part of sustainable de- pacts of human activities on it, the rationale and the interconnectedness My view is that every course or
velopment. My call is for the idea of better they can begin to develop an of humans and nature. They need They also need to appreciate the subject must incorporate how to en-
“edutainability”. This I derived from a attitude of care for the environment. to know their environmental rights, political nature of climate change and sure and contribute to sustainable
combination of the words education such as the right to inherit a healthy what their various governments are development and consumption. Also,
and sustainability. It is based on the Children are inquisitive and full and sustainable environment, and the doing about their future. When it is all academic research must incorpo-
gap I see in the idea of education for of questions about their surround- right to food, water, shelter and edu- time for them to take over they must rate a section on sustainable develop-
sustainable development. This misses ings. This is what the introduction of cation. They also need to know that be equipped for the task. ment and consumption from the per-
the consumption aspect, which ad- philosophy at primary and secondary climate change is going to affect the Everybody is a consumer spective of the discipline concerned.
versely affects our environment. school level could exploit. It would exercising and enjoyment of these It is not enough to teach environmen-
help shape children’s reasoning and rights. For example, recent  flooding tal ethics and philosophy of technol- The choices of consumers can
Edutainability stresses that every equip them eventually to take part in in parts of Nigeria is one reason to in- ogy to students in science and tech- greatly influence producers to adopt
subject must incorporate ideas about debates and policy making. As Unes- troduce environmental ethics into the nology departments. That would be a sustainable development approaches.
how to ensure sustainable develop- co puts it, education that would lead country’s education system (and else- limited perspective, focusing only on And everybody is a consumer.
ment and consumption. I also argue to sustainable development empow- where on the continent). Children producers (the professions in the two
that learning about sustainable devel- ers citizens to take informed decisions were major victims of the flooding sectors) while ignoring the end users. — The Conversation.
opment and consumption should not and responsible actions for environ- and remain at risk.
be limited to disciplines in the scienc- mental integrity, economic viability For example, certain pest control *About the writer: Bellarmine
es and technologies. Almost every hu- and a just society for present and fu- Drought in the Sahel is another is- chemicals, when applied safely, can Nneji (PhD) is a lecturer in philos-
man action affects sustainability and ture generations. sue that children need to understand. be sustainable but applying them or ophy of education at Alvan Ikoku
has an impact on the environment, Federal College of Education, Nige-
directly or indirectly. ria.

Edutainability can be viewed as
part of environmental ethics.  Envi-
ronmental ethics  is a branch of ap-
plied philosophy that studies the
conceptual foundations of environ-
mental values. It’s also concerned
with issues surrounding societal atti-
tudes, actions, and policies to protect
and sustain biodiversity and ecolog-
ical systems. It applies the rigour of
ethical thinking to the natural world
and the relationship between humans
and the planet Earth.

Page 28 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 29

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Burkina Faso coup: Latest sign of a rise
in the ballot box being traded for bullets

JONATHAN POWELL

WHEN news broke that soldiers Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore.
had mutinied in Burkina Faso, it
was hardly surprising. Burkina Fa- commented on the weakening of ple, were perhaps anticipating  an ly approved of military rule in the streak is at least in part due to a
so’s history has been plagued by a presumed  anti-coup norm  that Egypt-like progression  in which same sample. This is up 10% from quirk of definitions, as the  killing
both  army mutinies  and  military was argued to be at least  partially any suspension of its US$700 mil- a decade earlier. of Guinea-Bissauan President João
coups d’état. responsible for the decline in coups. lion aid package  would be tempo- Politics by the gun Bernardo Vieira is generally consid-
rary. In the case of military aid, even Tomorrow’s would-be coupists are ered to be a mere “assassination.”
Earlier this year an  attempt was In the past, post-coup regimes if the US or other Western actors emboldened by every case that lacks
foiled. Even then it was clear that it saw suspensions remain in place un- response harshly, alternatives are in- robust responses – from within and Compared to earlier eras, howev-
was possibly only a matter of time til prominent coupists fully retreat- creasingly willing to step in. without. er, coups in the last 20 years have
before another was made. ed from power. In the case of Mada- been comparatively tamer. It’s im-
gascar, it was nearly five years. Such Put simply, the lesson learned The normalisation of coups does portant to note that violence is a
And recent history in the region responses have given way to seeing from coups is that any costs are not simply mean an increase in “ir- tool whose use all coup leaders ac-
served a strong signal too. Over the membership restored and sanctions short-lived. regular” transfers of power. It means cept.
last two years there have been coups dropped so long as coupists partic- an increased acceptance of politics
in nearby  Guinea  and  Chad, mul- ipate in an election. Not only are In addition to changing inter- by the gun. Nevertheless, the level of vio-
tiple coups in Mali, and a failed at- former coup leaders such as  Abdel national dynamics, there seems to lence associated with them has
tempt last year in neighbouring Ni- Fattah el-Sisi and and Mohammed be a change in attitude on the part The reported  attempt  on Presi- dramatically decreased over time.
ger. Ould Abdel Aziz welcomed back, of people living in countries expe- dent Roch Kabore’s life could be a This is not a coincidence . Leaders
they were even chosen to serve as riencing coups. Citizens in places further indication of a throwback such as Sylvanus Olympioin 1963 ,
As far as coup attempts go, the organisation’s chairperson. like  in Burkina Faso  have in the to an earlier coup era. An underap- and Thomas Sankara in 1987 were
Burkina Faso was the missing piece past  rallied to thwart coups. More preciated trend accompanying the not killed by accident. These were
in coup puzzle stretching from the More recently, the organisa- recently, peoples’ willingness to tol- decline of coups is that though they murder victims whose deaths were
Atlantic to the Red Sea. tion has simply chosen to ignore erate coups seems to be increasing. still occasionally occur, they have meant to facilitate a coup’s success
coups altogether  in 2017 Zimba- become far less likely to be accom- and to eliminate a future political
That this region would be bwe and 2021 Chad. Neighbouring Mali has seen its panied by political assassination. threat.
plagued by coups might strike people  protest against Ecowas’s
some as unsurprising. The average Nor has the behaviour of world post-coup sanctions, while a recent At the time President Ibrahim The normalisation of armies as
rating of this stretch of countries powers acted as a deterrent. China, polling effort suggests over  90% Bare Mainassara was killed  in an political actors inevitably means
in the  Fragile States Index  is 98, for example, has taken a “without of respondents in Bamako support April 1999 coup in Niger, Africa the use of the military toolkit in
easily worse than recent coup cas- conditions” approach to its loans military rule. The most recent data had seen 14 of 82 ousted leaders politics. With growing support for
es like Myanmar, a so-called “failed and assistance, viewing the occa- from Afrobarometer – an indepen- killed during the attempt or as a di- army intervention and less interest
state” such as Libya and placing the sional coup as little more than “the dent research network that mea- rect consequence of it. in preventing coups these are trying
region far closer to bottom-ranked cost of doing business”  in the re- sures public attitudes on economic, times for those wary of returning
Yemen and Syria than countries like gion. Though the US has regularly political, and social matters in Af- Following the April 1999 coup trading the ballot box for bullets.
Senegal or Ghana. suspended assistance after coups, as rica – pegged nationwide support in Niger, a period which coincided
with the AU, they have been happy for military rule in Mali to be at with the continent’s establishment — The Conversation.
Relative to other regions, the to end those suspensions so long as around 31%. of an anti-coup norm, no lead-
Sahel faces  extraordinary challeng- the coupists test the vote. ers have been killed in the last 24 *About the writer: Jonathan
es. It’s nevertheless surprising that By comparison,  50% Burkinabe successful coups. Admittedly, this Powell is associate professor at tge
there has been such a high number Sudan’s coup leaders, for exam- respondents  approved or strong- University of Central Florida, US.
of coups in such a short period of
time.

UN secretary-general Antonio
Guterres  recently lamented  what
he called an “epidemic of coups,”
while acknowledging “effective
deterrence is not in place.” In Gu-
terres’s view, responses to coups
have been handcuffed as potential
anti-coup enforcers struggle with
their own problems during the
pandemic.  The result, he argues,
is "an environment in which some
military leaders feel that they have
total impunity, they can do what-
ever they want because nothing will
happen to them".
Decline in counterveiling forces
against coups
By various accounts , post-colonial
Africa has seen over 200 coup at-
tempts, with roughly half seeing the
leader successfully removed. And
though recent years have hardly
seen the phenomenon complete-
ly retreat as a threat, the practice
had greatly declined.

Not since 1999 had so many suc-
cessful coups occurred in a calendar
year and not since 1980 had there
been a year with more successful
coups. Though 2021 appeared ex-
ceptional, the coup in Burkina Faso
could suggest 2021 was no fluke.

Though many of these countries
share fragile domestic political en-
vironments, many observers have

Page 30 Africa News NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Humanitarian agencies scale up Storm Ana
response amid floods and rising death toll

MADAGASCAR, Malawi and Mo- An overturned vehicle swept by flooding waters in Chikwawa, Malawi. Photograph: AP
zambique are the worst affected coun-
tries with 70 people reported dead and astation  across Mozambique, Malawi said early action taken to pre-empt the have been contaminated by flooding. Maria Luisa Fornara, the Unicef
80 000 more forced from their homes. and Zimbabwe, affecting millions of storms had helped limit the damage. Malawi’s government has declared a representative in Mozambique, said:
people. The Madagascar Red Cross So- “This latest storm to hit Mozambique
Humanitarian agencies have mount- ciety said flooding, which was worse in “We have been working with com- state of natural disaster after electricity is a blunt reminder that the climate cri-
ed an emergency response across south- slum areas and for more fragile homes munities for many years and have seen cuts caused by flooding at power sta- sis is very much a reality and children
ern Africa this week as the death toll made with earth walls and thatched what a significant difference pre-posi- tions. are most impacted by climate-related
from Tropical Storm Ana reached 70. roofs, had destroyed many people’s tioned stock movement from provinces severe weather events.”
food stocks. to districts make on our response time “Our priority now is restoring
Officials reported that at least 41 to community needs,” she said. power to health establishments, water Unicef said Mozambique has faced
people had been killed in Madagascar, Cristina Uamusse, secretary general treatment distribution systems, and eight tropical storms since 2016.
18 in Mozambique and 11 in Mala- of the Mozambican Red Cross Society, WaterAid said it is concerned about schools,” the national power utility said
wi. The EU’s aid agency Echo said on the spread of disease if water sources in a statement. — Guardian.
Thursday that at least 350,000 peo-
ple have been affected across the three
countries, including more than 80,000
displaced from their homes. Flooding
has cut off roads and damaged power
and water supplies.

The storm passed over Zimbabwe,
but no deaths have been reported.

Aid agencies have set up dozens of
temporary sites to house those made
homeless. Unicef said it is deploying
staff to set up temporary learning cen-
tres as well as distribute food, medicine
and water purification tablets in  Mo-
zambique.

The agency said 12 health facilities
and 137 schools had been damaged
by the storm in Mozambique, forc-
ing more than 27 000 children out
of school. It estimated US$3.5m was
needed to respond to the storm.

A spokesperson for the World Food
Programme said the agency had been
preparing for this year’s cyclone season
when the storm hit the region on Mon-
day.

“Storm Ana has brought heavy rains
and flooding in  Madagascar, Mozam-
bique and Malawi. Agricultural land,
key infrastructure and houses have been
damaged, and lives and livelihoods
lost,” said the spokesperson.

“Southern African countries have
been repeatedly struck by severe storms
and cyclones in recent years that have
impacted food security, destroyed live-
lihoods and displaced large numbers of
people.”

In 2019,  Cyclone Idai caused dev-

TRAINED by the US and France in Who is Burkina Faso coup More recently, Lt-Col Damiba re-
warfare, the young Lt-Col Paul-Henri leader Lt-Col Damiba? ceived military training from the US,
Sandaogo Damiba turned on his polit- cant public support in their countries — tennae, having refused to throw his Kaboré to tighten his grip on power and as it increasingly turned its attention to
ical masters in Burkina Faso by seizing all former French colonies. weight behind a 2015 coup that proved to placate troops angered by the killing West Africa to fight militant Islamists
power in a coup. to be so unpopular that the military re- of more than 50 security force members who have gained a foothold in the re-
"As far as we're concerned, it's not a linquished power a mere seven days later, in November. gion.
He anointed himself president just coup," school teacher Julienne Traore opening the way for Kaboré to be elected
three weeks after celebrating his 41st told AFP news agency as crowds cele- to office about two months later. The security source said that Lt-Col The US Africa Command confirmed
birthday, making him the latest man brated in Burkina Faso's capital Ouaga- Damiba's decision to strike against his to The New York Times that  Lt-Col
in camouflage to overthrow a govern- dougou. Lt-Col Damiba also seems to be ac- former boss did not come as a surprise, Damiba took part in American military
ment, and raising fears that what UN ademically oriented, having authored as "he is someone who doesn't do things courses and exercises between 2010 and
chief António Guterres last year called "It's the liberation of a country, which West African Armies and Terrorism: by half-measures". 2020, and received instruction on the
the "epidemic of coups" — in countries was being governed by people who were Uncertain Responses? — a book on the law of armed conflict, and respect for
ranging from Sudan to Myanmar — incompetent," the teacher added. biggest crisis facing Burkina Faso, the Is- "He sees the issue of jihadist insurgen- human rights.
could continue into the new year. lamist insurgency which has left about 2 cies as a complex problem, which cannot
This view was expressed despite the 000 people dead since 2015 and about be solved through military means alone. But the security source the BBC
Sporting a red beret, Lt-Col Dami- fact that Lt-Col Damiba has neither 300 000 children without education af- spoke to said they did not expect Lt-Col
ba sat impassively — as Reuters news addressed the nation nor granted media ter their schools were forced to close. "This isn't an easy thing for a soldier Damiba to be beholden to any foreign
agency put it — in a low-lit studio on interviews since seizing power, suggest- to say but he is someone who says what power.
Monday evening, leaving a captain to ing he is, at the least, publicity-shy -- not In the statement read on his behalf by he thinks," the source said.
announce on state television that he had ideal for a president. the captain who announced the coup, "He believes that Africa should bear
toppled President Roch Kaboré, a for- Lt-Col Damiba cited the deteriorating Lt-Col Damiba's background is sim- responsibility for its own problems, rath-
mer banker who is now his prisoner. A well-connected West African se- security situation as the chief reason for ilar to that of many of Burkina Faso's er than relying on the West, or anyone
curity source told the BBC: "He is not overthrowing Mr Kaboré. military elite — he studied in France else."
Holding the grand title of "President very talkative but when he does talk, you at a military academy and a prestigious
of the Patriotic Movement for Safe- should take him seriously. He turned on the president despite institution where he got a Master's in The jury is out on that - some sup-
guarding and Restoration", Lt-Col Da- the fact that he had been promoted about criminal sciences, and served in the pres- porters of Lt-Col Damiba carried Rus-
miba forms the West African triumvirate "He is a born leader and is very close seven weeks earlier to lead anti-terrorism idential guard of the now-exiled Blaise sian flags as they celebrated the coup in
of military rulers — along with Guinea's to the men he commands, rather than operations in the volatile northern zone, Compaoré, who maintained strong ties Ouagadougou, calling on Russia to help
charismatic Col Mamady Doumbouya, keeping his distance from them. For which includes Ouagadougou, in what with the former colonial power when he in the fight against the militant Islamists.
who was also born in 1981, and Mali's him, results on the grounds are what was seen as a military shake-up by Mr ruled with an iron-hand from 1987 to
bearded Col Assimi Goïta, who is the matters." 2014. They were taking their cue from Mali,
youngest of the trio, having been born where the junta is said to have brought
in 1983. He seems to have good political an- in Russia's controversial Wagner group
to defeat the insurgents, to the chagrin of
Though they have become political 15 European nations who — along with
pariahs in much of Africa and the West Canada — issued a statement in Decem-
for seizing power through the barrel of ber saying they "deeply regret" the deci-
the gun, the trio appear to have signifi- sion to use "already scarce public funds"
to pay foreign mercenaries. —BBC.

NewsHawks World News Page 31

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

THE United States has threatened to Ukraine crisis: Lucrative pipeline
halt the opening of a key pipeline that could be axed, Joe Biden warns
would send Russian gas to Western Eu- Stream 2.
rope, if Russia invades Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers are facing some 100,000 Russian soldiers massed on their borders. Diplomatic moves
Nord Stream 2 would run from The threats over Nord Stream 2 fol-
Russia to Germany, and on Thursday is run by former Chancellor Gerhard official line about Nord Stream 2 he said. lowed a day of diplomatic manoeu-
officials in Berlin said the project could Schröder. But many groups object to has been that the pipeline is a private That might not sound hawkish, vring on Wednesday.
face sanctions if Russia attacks. the plan. non-political business project.
but given the huge cost of cancelling The US rejected Russia's key de-
Western allies say they will target Environmentalists question how it Despite massive American pressure, the project it can be viewed as a major mand to bar Ukraine from joining the
Russia's economy if it invades, and the will fit in with German efforts to cut including threatened sanctions against threat. Nato military alliance, while offering
latest comments signal a hardening of emissions and tackle man-made cli- European companies involved in the Moscow a "serious diplomatic path for-
their stance on the lucrative pipeline. mate change, while politicians at home project, Berlin refused to back down. The pipeline is controversial in Ger- ward".
and abroad fear it could increase Eu- Some accused Washington of meddling many. The Green Party in particular
Russia denies it is planning an attack. rope's dependence on Russian energy. in Germany's independent energy pol- has always opposed it, partly for envi- President Vladimir Putin is currently
But the build-up of tens of thou- icy. ronmental reasons. But the chancel- assessing the proposals, his spokesman
sands of Russian troops on Ukraine's Ukrainian President Volodymyr lor's centre-left SPD party traditionally said.
borders in recent weeks has stoked ten- Zelensky has previously described the That changed last week, when Ger- backs the pipeline, believing it crucial
sions and escalated fears of an invasion. pipeline as a "dangerous geopolitical man Chancellor Olaf Scholz was asked for German energy supplies. The proposals will not be made
"I want to be very clear: if Russia weapon". whether Nord Stream 2 would be used public, but US Secretary of State Ant-
invades Ukraine one way or another, A major shift in tone to respond to Russian aggression. "Ev- The Russian military build-up on ony Blinken said the document made
Nord Stream 2 will not move forward," For years, the German government's erything is up for discussion if there is a Ukraine's border has achieved what their "core principles" clear, including
US state department spokesperson Ned military intervention against Ukraine," years of American pressure never could: Ukraine's sovereignty and its right to
Price told NPR. it has made Germany rethink Nord choose to be part of security alliances
But he added that he was "not go- such as Nato.
ing to get into the specifics" of how it
would be stopped, and questions re- Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lav-
main over whether the US would have rov said the formal response does not
the power to cancel the project. address Russia's "main concern" about
"We will work with Germany to en- the alliance's expansion. But he did say
sure it does not move forward," Price that it "gives hope for the start of a se-
said. rious conversation" on secondary ques-
While the US insisted that it would tions, adding that President Putin will
stop the opening of the pipeline com- decide how to respond.
pletely, Germany only said it would
not rule out imposing sanctions on the Separately, diplomats from Rus-
project. sia, Ukraine, France and Germa-
The country's foreign minister, An- ny reaffirmed a commitment to the
nalena Baerbock, told parliament that long-standing ceasefire agreement in
Western allies were "working on a Ukraine, which had seen Russia-backed
strong package of sanctions" covering rebels seize territory in the eastern Don-
aspects "including Nord Stream 2". bas region.
But she added that she would prefer
to "continue the dialogue" with Mos- All four nations continue to support
cow. the ceasefire "regardless of differences
Her comments came after the Ger- on other issues"  related to the 2015
man ambassador to the US Emily Minsk agreements, a statement pub-
Haber tweeted that "nothing will be off lished by the French presidency said.
the table, including Nord Stream 2" if The group is due to meet again in two
Russia violated "Ukraine's sovereignty". weeks in Berlin.
The 1 225km pipeline took five
years to build and cost US$11bn. The President Joe Biden is planning to
energy project, which would run under speak with Ukraine's president later on
the Baltic Sea, is designed to double Thursday. He will also meet German
Russia's gas exports to Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz on 7 February
But as yet it has not started operat- to discuss the Ukraine situation, the
ing, as regulators said in November it White House says.
does not comply with German law and
suspended its approval. — BBC.
Major European businesses have in-
vested heavily in Nord Stream 2, which

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Page 32 Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Givemore Manatsa
and inset is the late
Zexie Manatsa

Zexie’s ‘love child’ emerges at funeral wake

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA Clad in a black T-shirt bearing upbringing – without his biolog- he is today – Givemore grew up Harare’s quieter neighbourhoods.
the image of the dearly depart- ical father – does not stir any bit- conscious of his heritage and he “The bond is unbreakable,” he
A tall, lanky and bearded figure ed Manatsa, Givemore Madziya terness at all. proudly followed his biological
in the crowd caught the attention certainly sent whispers swirling father’s stellar music career. said.
of nearly every mourner at War- around the graveside on the day.  After he was born in 1983, “I interact well with them: Ten-
ren Hills Cemetery in Harare this his mother met a soulmate, who And in his singing son, 14-year-
week.  “Just who is he? Another son of raised Givemore with the same fa- old Munashe, Givemore reckons dai, Green, Aaron, Freedom and
his?” therly love that he gave his own the clan’s musical legacy is well Taku. We also have our four sis-
The curious gazes were trig- biological children. and truly secured. ters by the names of Priscilla, Sar-
gered by the unknown easy-going Indeed, he is the “love child” ah, Memory and Joy. Only Pris-
fellow who bore a striking resem- of the man that was being laid to Growing up in Chitungwiza, After the death of Zexie Manat- cilla was missing at dad’s funeral
blance to the legendary Zimba- rest on Sunday afternoon before Givemore never felt any different sa, the most prominent musician due to circumstances beyond her
bwean musician who was being multitudes of adoring fans as well from his maternal siblings. in the family is Tendai Manatsa, control.”
buried that afternoon.  as the who's who of Zimbabwean who befittingly is married to Sel-
society.  “No matter the circumstanc- mor, the diva daughter of the late Indeed, cross-family unity was
And nobody outside the late es, I have no regrets about my Zimbabwean music icon Oliver on full display at Warren Hills. All
Zexie Manatsa’s immediate fami- Manatsa, the Tea Hobvu hit- upbringing,” Givemore told The Mtukudzi. the Manatsa children, Givemore
ly seemed to know who the chap maker, lost his battle with can- NewsHawks during the funeral included, could be seen huddling
really was. cer last week at the age of 78 to wake. Touchingly, while Givemore together for selfies, in celebration
plunge a cross-generation of his grew up in a different family set- of their iconic father’s life and
But what added to the curiosi- fanbase into mourning.  “It is every child’s dream to be up altogether – in Chitungwiza’s music legacy.
ty was that the Manatsa children raised by his or her parents. How- bustling township of Zengeza –
and other family members clearly Ironically, Givemore is 39, the ever, my step-dad covered that gap he speaks of a cordial relationship “The song has ended,” Give-
knew who he was, and they relat- same age his father was when he and I’m forever grateful for that.” since childhood with the rest of more commented. “But the melo-
ed with him just like one of their was conceived out of wedlock the Manatsas, who enjoyed a more dy lingers forever. My dad’s music
own in full glare of everyone. years back. Whilst he adores his stepfa- privileged upbringing in some of must inspire even the next com-
ther – thoroughly grateful of the ing generation.”
But for this father of one, his way he was raised into the man

NewsHawks State of the culture Page 33

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Vusa Mkhaya

MAKING way to the Academy of The Real Homecoming Gig:
Music venue, connoisseurs of music Mkhaya, Berita and Bekezela
with a taste for the eclectic, organ- nour of humility which is irresist- terview with The NewsHawks. “They the sound is ethereal, it is easy to ya has graced stages in Vienna with
ic and the romantic had it coming ible and endearing. The crowd kept bring it back to life they repurpose it, place Mkhaya in the same league as musical notaries and his creations
with a bill featuring the stunning hollering and after an hour of her they remodel it, It’s got a life of its Jabu Khanyile, Salif Keita and Yous- have featured as film soundtrack pro-
guitar-strapping chanteuse Berita performance she bowed out before own. It's not me.” sou Ndour. It is mainly the sort of ductions. But the night was about a
Khumalo of "Ndicel’ iKiss" fame, returning with Bekezela for a duet music one listens to rather than danc- moment of reconnection with local
Bekezela (born Bothwell Nkomo) of the song "MaKhumalo". The song How did the concert happen? es to. But some could view that as a audiences and staking a claim in the
of "Bekezela" fame, both of whom penned by Bekezela is an ode to one “I’ve been doing these one-off gigs weakness for not just him but his fel- hearts of music lovers, in the process
are South African-based, and Vusa "MaKhumalo" and it burned its ro- in Bulawayo for the past three years. low producers. giving them a glimpse of what is in-
Mkhaya based in Austria.  mantic essence slowly and dizzyingly This year I decided to team up with volved in live performance on foreign
for the loved-up audience with some Berita and then she suggested that we To be fair, Mkhaya has some stages. 
On 27 December, the intimate couples swaying to its groove. rope in Bekezela. The show was pro- up-tempo ditties which he played
gig’s chosen setting spoke volumes duced and funded by the three of us,” and danced along to with the crowd The band was solid and presented
about the show organisers’ creative Bekezela is as self-assured as they explained Vusa Mkhaya. “The three joining in songs such as "Lalela" and the perfect backdrop for Mkhaya’s
intent. You cannot stage a largely come and with good reason. His per- of us are the producers of the gig. We "Manyanyatha".His communication voice. “They are tight because I’ve
acoustic gig in a wide open outdoor formance was joyous and he interact- then decided to select two local acts with the audience demonstrated his performed with the guitarist, bass
venue such as Hartsfield or Umguza ed with the crowd as he descended to join us. Vuyo Brown and Msiz’Kay understanding of an African griot’s guitarist and percussionist on all my
or White City Stadium. You target and ascended the stage. He rendered are amazing performers, so it was a artistic brief: allow the audience to gigs in Zimbabwe. They understand
the audience; the grown and sexy and a couple of songs but, of course, he no brainer for us to select them to be participate in co-creation. Thus it my music and sound.
allow them to sit and watch music would not have hit the sweet spot part of the line-up.” was, and even the director of cere-
drenched in a serene ambience.  without singing the eponymous song According to Beke- The gig had its doubters and nay-
"Bekezela" which has garnered him zela, the organisers monies Mbo sayers but, in the end, those who
Thus the drinks were by the right awards. The moment when he finally asked fans on social Mahocs had a attended got their money’s worth.
hand corner. The tickets were being sang the song was awe inspiring. The media. “We actu- standout mo- “We are happy about last night’s gig.
sold right outside the purpose built crowd sang along word for word. It is ally asked Twitter Addy ment dancing The audience was amazing and the
concert venue. The sound was an- the stuff performing artistes live for: and the two most Kudita the famous Ka- cherry on top is that we manage to
chored by established sound outfit when your audience sings your song voted artistes were langa traditional break even and all service providers
Sound Kulcha and it was crisp. What line for line as church folk might do Msiz'Kay and Vuyo dance Jerimani were paid.” “It felt really special. It
could go wrong?  with their favourite hymns. The song Brown.” between one of felt unlike all the gigs we have done
is what can be described as a migrant the breaks. with multitudes of people. We have
The audience trickled in and, as worker’s love letter to a spouse who Mkhaya moment Soundscape done 10 000, 40 000 people capac-
the night wore on, it was sizable. The remained home to be patient. The To cap off the night, Vusa Mkha- Still, imagine a journey into a ity crowds. Yesterday felt special be-
previous other night, South African song is powerful and evocative and ya came on stage, barefooted and soundscape in which one hears the cause we were doing it at home and
Big Zulu of "Imali Eningi" fame had it does not seem to be waning in its decked out in a black outfit that had plaintive tenor of trained musician it was not money-driven. It was that
been all the rage in town and attract- potency despite the fact of its age. a shield and spear emblazoned on the Mkhaya, born Vusa Ndlovu, sere- excitement that we were performing
ed a large crowd possibly wiping the “I did Bekezela in 2011. It keeps on left breast. It was a telling fashion nading and convincing you of his ekhaya (at home). I mean I saw Berita
slate clean off music lovers’ pockets. re-launching itself. It’s not me. When statement. The music simmered and seriousness as an artiste with a social having fun like a child. Last night's
VIP tickets had been going for top you say last year, even in 2017 it was percolated. message. It is in the slower songs that show brought the children in us out.
dollar at US$100 per head.  a huge hit, 2018, 2019, 2020 it was Mkhaya’s music is meditative and Mkhaya reveals his pedigree, harking We were like kids in a candy store. We
a huge hit. Even in 2021. Even in even a tad spiritual. One catches back to the days when he plied the really really were playing and having
The supporting acts were Msiz’kay 2030 it will still be a hit. I am not the glimpses of Salif Keita in there. From world music market with imbube fun. Ukuhlangana singabantu bako-
and Vuyo Brown. The headline acts one, it’s re-launching itself as people a branding standpoint, and because group Insingizi who, by the way, Bulawayo (coming together as people
were Mkhaya, Berita and Bekeze- rediscover it,” said Bekezela in an in- went platinum in Austria. Mkha- of Bulawayo)...it was really blissful,”
la who incidentally were the show’s added Bekezela.
producers. Berita chose an entirely
acoustic set of her hit songs. As she
sang, the audience was whistling
and singing along. She flavoured the
performance with bantering and the
crowd lapped it all up. Her guitar
playing is formidable and solid. She
struck an image of a singer-songwrit-
er very much in charge of her musical
direction. It helps that though very
visually appealing, she has a demea-

Page 34 Obituary NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

NewsHawks Life & Style Page 35

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Title: We have a problem Title: Sign Posts Title: I’m Sorry
Poet: Andy Kahari Poet-Patrick Hwande Poet: Lingiwe Patience Gumbo

Tots will endear the few; I saw a sign post I don't know how
Many it will brew That showed the way I don't know when
In wrinkles as astronauts they will imagine From Gokwe to Gweru. But I did you harm
to be; Only to find themselves deep in beer I saw the sign post I'm so sorry my dear heart
space; Aging in capsules of tots tossed in time That showed the distance I let them pull you apart
machines; Aging the lads before the forefa- From Gweru to Bulawayo. Into a million pieces they trampled under-
thers. But l am still to see foot
Tipsier they become; A sign post to show A rug they wiped their mess with
More arrogant they drown in tots; This generation the way. Tossed in the rubbish after
Never heeding - "... Houston we have a prob- I should've taken better care
lem ..." *********************************************** Closed you in away from their claws
As the rockets of fast life are ricocheting to Title: Refugees Secured you far from their reach
and fro in spirals of despair. Poet: Samuel Chuma Shredded you again and again
Strangely danger is endearing to their crav- Only you endured the pain
ing-, Last night I looked at the sky Never to be the same again
Stubborn they become to see how far earth is And beheld its vivid anger I'm sorry I did not teach you
from the binge- As it roared with thunderous voice To be steady as you fall in
And so are left more and more binged to their Scaring virgin droplets To be in love but not blind
liking, Of waters pure and innocent I should've been more aware
To gravitate on lapels of danger into the un- And causing them to Not too trusting nor expectant
known of liquor interstellar. Flee the heavens To avoid disappointment
Never will we hear from them again. For the dusty embrace I'm so sorry my dear heart
Just as their fathers lost at liquor stores before Of a gleeful earth I wish I could turn the hands of time
More daring they are, Which offered not I wish I could hide you close
To be even more lost Its hand to afford In my bosom where you are safer
As heroes lost in vastness of liquor orbits The refugees a soft landing Covered with the cage just to be sure
doused in heroin, sparkles of crystal meth, But only opens its mouth Because I detest this taste of defeat
bronchodilators- To feed the insatiable I'm sorry dear fragile heart
Sadly finding delight in being lost forevermore! Rivers and lakes I let you down
That form its innards I promise to take better care of you
*********************************************** *********************************************** If there's a next time.
Title: Cheers
Poet: Sithembinkosi Ncube Poet: Rutendo Mugadza ***********************************************
Poem: Happiness Title: A Black Thing Floating In The Pot
hi, hullabaloo Poet: Elias M. Muonde
we sit in the gloom If only he could then I would
at dawn; bottles in hands If only she would then I could Mother would be gently paddling around
drooping and drooling So we think and we wonder and we ponder the starchy water in the big sadza pot with
from the hangover Why can't he: why can't she the big cooking stick in the big round hut
a fly sings irritably If only we both knew, then we both would Now and again, she sprinkles mealie meal
from body to wall Why doesn't he just then I will about the pot
from wall to body Why won't she just then I'll do Mother cautious and thorough as always
now and again So we sit and we wait and we're patient Mother focused and meticulous under our
a slap misses it Why isn't she: why hasn't he hungry watch from the edges of the fire-
but falls hard on a limb If only we both did then we'd be place
the sun's rays So let's; then we can... Then suddenly she spots the thing
steal through chinks So let's; then we will... Black and tiny
exposing urine smudges, Become all that you are thinking Bobbing around in the mess of porridge...
bottle tops, cigarette stubs Become all that I am thinking With a stroke of a deft hand
and parked bicycles Happiness will be ours. Mother tackles the thing with the tip of her
one by one some disperse cooking stick
shy; as pals lie scattered It lands in the heart of the fire;
like logs in the dust And Mother carries on
still We don't know what it is
Motionless and adamant. Mother doesn't want to know what it is.

Page 36 People & Places NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

Zimbabweans waiting to cross border into SA

DESPITE a fierce crackdown launched by South African Home Affairs minister Aaron Mot-
soaledi and his immigration unit to block Zimbabweans from entering the country without
proper documentation or the required papers, local travellers are still pushing to enter the
neighbouring state with or without travel documents.
This week, Zimbabweans continued to travel to South Africa legally and illegally through Beit-
bridge Border Post.

The NewsHawks saw Zimbabweans pushing to enter South Africa through various legal and
illegal entry points.

Some travelled legally through the border, while others got in through illegal crossing points
using boats across the crocodile-infested Limpopo River with soldiers on both sides sometimes
collaborating with the immigrants.

Zimbabweans are still streaming into South Africa due to protracted economic problems at
home which have persisted for decades.

It is generally estimated that there are at least three million Zimbabwean in South Africa,
although this figure has never been scientifically authenticated or verified.

South Africans are increasingly getting agitated with immigrants, particularly Zimbabweans.
This has led to explosive flashes of xenophobic clashes and violence against foreigners in
South Africa, with some reports indicating a resurgence of intimidation and brutality this week.

— STAFF WRITER.

Property
NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022 PROPERTY INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE GARDENING Page 37

The home of prime property: [email protected]

Marlborough offers potential for a huge return on investments.

Marlborough ranked
among top markets
for investors: Experts

ALEX MHANDU ing densification through cluster developments developments in Adylinn, Marlborough Drive, and US$25 per square metre for bigger land sizes
and the proximity to the new capital city in Mt are changing the outlook and appeal of the area,” above 2 500 square metres.
MARLBOROUGH suburb is one of the top Hampden where the construction of a new Par- reads the report.
markets for investors looking to buy or develop liament building is nearing completion. Apartments, usually in well-secured gated
properties in Harare, according to real estate ex- These developments — secure, well-struc- communities, start from around US$80 000 at
perts. “Potential price growth, regeneration potential tured, modern and well-maintained — are shell level to around US$125 000 for complete
(visible signs of regeneration in many upcoming improving the status of the area and its future and modern units while rentals for the apart-
Situated in the city’s north-west, the area offers and complete cluster developments), security growth and revival potential. ments average US$800 with some high-end
potential for a huge return on investments, with (gated communities are offering improved secu- dwellings going for as much as US$1 500 a
demand already seen in residential and commer- rity), availability of water (underground water According to Rawson, houses on an average month.
cial segments, on the back of its strategic loca- availability), transport links are some of the major plot size of one-acre are usually on demand for
tion, they say. attractions,” said the firm in its Your Neighbour- sub-division purposes with prices range from Marlborough, one of the oldest suburbs in
hoods Report for the fourth quarter of 2021. US$130 000 to US$200 000, depending on size Harare, is believed to have begun as a farm to-
Several cluster developments are already hap- of land and strategic location advantages. gether with Highlands, Borrowdale, Avondale
pening in the area, which is linked to some of the “Commercial activities are now gathering pace and Hatfield, among others, which were later on
major roads in along Harare Drive, in Mt Pleasant Heights, Residential land for clusters averages US$60 sub-divided to form the main suburbs within the
Westgate and Pomona with the creation of com- to US$70 per square metre for stand sizes be- capital.
Harare, increasing its allure. These are Sam mercial hubs such as on corner Alpes Road and tween 300 square metres to 500 square metres
Nujoma Extension, Harare Drive and Lomagun- Harare Drive as well as Sumben mixed-use devel-
di Road. Local services and amenities — on the opments in Mt Pleasant also along Harare Drive.
stretch of Harare Drive from Alpes Rd to Loma-
gundi Rd — add to the area’s attractiveness. “Densification is now happening in Marlbor-
ough due to its strategic location following the
According to Rawson Properties, the biggest jobs and services being created within these areas.
value driver for Marlborough is Harare Drive,
which is the capital’s longest stretch. Harare “Elizabeth Windsor Gardens, Adylinn Place,
Drive is promoting industrial and commercial 58 Marlborough Drive are some of the massive
activities, availability of sewer lines, promot- and interesting developments in the area. Other

Page 38 Obituary NewsHawks

Issue 65, 28 January 2022

GODWIN MURAMBIWA ‘Bhuru gone to play Sables.
I AM hugely devasted and saddened rugby with the angels’ What people might not be aware
by the tragic death of Mordekai
“Bhuru” Mwerenga, who was killed Mordekai Mwerenga (standing, second from left) with a Zimbabwe Sevens team in the '90s. of is the difficulty that Mordekai
last weekend in a horror car crash in went through when he went overseas.
Coventry, England, at the age of 47.  coaching that team. Mordekai was Bhuru would go on to represent version of the sport find it difficult to He had contractual issues at the club
such an intense young man on the Zimbabwe’s national team, the Sa- play the 15-man game and vice-ver- that he played for up to a point that
Mordekai grew up in Glen View in field. Off the field – soft-spoken, very bles, and the Cheetahs (Sevens na- sa. But Bhuru was prominent during he only became good a few years lat-
Harare, where he went to Glen View respectful and a very good human tional team), which was a huge feat those periods when we had the Aus- er after coming out of that contract
Primary School. His father was a na- being. as normally people that play the short tralian Mark Donato coaching the and going back to normal life with-
tional senior police officer who sadly out trying to be a professional rugby
passed away about a year ago. player. 

Bhuru – his nickname because of Those early years, Mordekai would
his pitbull-like tenacity – comes from remain very humble. He was always a
a family of five boys and two girls. humble young man. 

Like most people who went I think the highlight of his rugby
through Prince Edward School, he was being captain of the 1993 Tigers
arrived in a flurry, a very talented team. For the longest time, even as we
young man. left Prince Edward, they were the first
team to beat Falcon at the (National
He captained the Tigers (PE’s first Schools) Festival. Because Falcon al-
rugby team) of 1993, which had guys ways used to win that game against
that went and really made it in senior Prince Edward for many years, Bhu-
rugby. ru's efforts were appreciated. 

Antony Papenfus was the flyhalf. He was just an intense young man.
The late Steve Mtandwa, a fullback, All of us are in shock at the moment.
would make waves as a young Un- I know Bhuru came back home a few
der-21 player. Mbiru Gotora was the years ago, meeting up with his good
scrumhalf. And then big Ali Mhlan- friend Walter Dinha, who gave us a
ga, a lock, just to name but a few of bit of background of where Bhuru
the players who excelled and went on came from – his humble beginnings
to play for Zimbabwe. and a lot of the times that they spent
in Selous House, which was one of
Besides captaining that team in the hostels at Prince Edward.
1993, Bhuru actually played first
team basketball too. So he would You know, we say in rugby, when
have earned colours in both sports somebody leaves us, “we know he
and I think a lot of people did not is playing rugby with the angels in
get how dynamic and how athletic heaven.”
he was. I think it was from playing
basketball. We hope to see Bhuru when our
turn comes. We will sincerely miss
After Bhuru left school, he joined him.
Old Hararians where he played for
us as an Under-21, but he was also Our deepest condolences to his
a bit nomadic. He did play for Old family. He left a young family in En-
Georgians as well. But he played for gland where he was staying. We also
us at Old Hararians in 1994 in a very say nematambudziko kuna mai vari
good Under-20 team which had guys kumusha (condolences to his moth-
like Enos Mbofana, Brendan French, er who is at the family’s rural home).
Ant Roberts – these were very good Till we meet again, may his soul rest
players back then.  in peace.

Old Hararians, back in the day, *Former Zimbabwe national
were the team to beat at junior lev- rugby team coach Godwin "Jaws"
el and I was fortunate enough to be Murambiwa verbally narrated this
eulogy to Enock Muchinjo.

Illegal bookies’ new lethal weapon

From Page 40 said modus operandi was the case on that everything comes to and end. In the best in rehab. Given he willingly BT played so many match-winning
It is here that the player wakes up Taylor’s fateful trip to India in 2019. the fullness of time, in his case, his went to the ICC, I think his punish- innings for his country, therefore its
the following morning in a lot more nightmare will also come to an end.” ment is extremely harsh and needs to heart-wrenching that he got himself
trouble than he initially feared.  Taylor, in a statement on Monday, be reconsidered (the ICC had neither into that kind of messy stuff. Having
“The room is bugged, and his drink stated that he was offered the US$15 Meanwhile, in a most difficult time issued a statement nor made a ruling met BT from Under-14, he exhibited
is spiked such that he passes out,” says 000 to travel to India by some busi- in his life, Taylor has also received at the time of writing).” so much potential in that group with
the ex-international.  nessmen friends of his to discuss po- support from other ex-teammates of Elton Chigumbura, as the genuine
“Obviously they have done a little tential sponsorship for Zimbabwean his who have praised him for being a Gary Brent, another former pacer, future stars of Zimbabwe. BT started
background check on you, so they cricket and the possibility of a mon- great Zimbabwean player and a pleas- who teamed up with Taylor interna- his international senior cricket jour-
know your status and all. If you’re ey-spinning T20 tournament in the ant person despite his dramatic fall tionally, also spoke of his “shock” over ney at a tender age, still a schoolboy,
married, the girl strips naked along- African country.  from grace. the matter.  that’s how much potential he showed.
side you in bed. You’re also stripped He led his country as a captain and
naked, but you don’t know what’s On the last night of the trip, the For ex-fast bowler Brighton Wat- “Well yes, it was a massive shock,” played county cricket. Such a dec-
happening because you look sleepy, businessmen are said to have stormed ambwa – who featured in six Test says the 46-year-old former Zimba- orated cricketer who in his journey
but in fact you’re passed out. Pictures Taylor’s hotel room armed with a vid- matches for Zimbabwe in 2001-02 bwe frontline bowler, who is now a inspired many a youngster to then
are taken to show you the next day eo clip of him engaging in the cocaine before playing for cricketing minnows church elder.  eventually get into this dark cloud is
and blackmail you into spot-fixing abuse. The US$15 000, suddenly, was United States and Belgium – captain- really saddening.”
or something like that. If you are not turned into a ransom, a “deposit” for ing the latter in more recent times, “I have great admiration for his
married, after being drugged, the girl the ex-Zimbabwe batting kingpin to Taylor’s ugly transformation from courage to confront the issue and take It further puzzles Mangongo that
is taken away in the middle of the spot-fix stages of matches, with a fur- hero to villain has come as a huge sur- the necessary actions to rectify his an experienced international like Tay-
night and replaced by a guy, both of ther payment US$20 000 due to him prise. poor decisions! Unfortunately, we all lor could fail to see the dangers of
you naked in bed in a compromising if he complied. But there is certainly make bad decisions, but his has cost dealing with bookmakers, at a time
position, so that they can blackmail more than meets the eye in this Taylor 44-year-old Watambwa played more than ours.” the players are constantly being stern-
you for being gay. In the morning, episode, according to the former star league cricket in the early 2000s for ly warned against any association with
you wake up alone in bed, with a sore speaking in this story. Harare Sports Club alongside a very It is a poor decision that has left these notorious gamblers. 
head. To your shock, later in the day, young Taylor, then a fearless young Taylor’s cross-section of fans in disbe-
whilst you’re still trying to figure out Taylor, it seems, fell into a trap that batsman still in school at St John’s lief. “ICC continuously and religious-
what really transpired, you’re sent the he naively thought he would leap out College in the Zimbabwean capital ly run educational campaigns on the
images of the compromising act and of without being tainted. city.  Equally baffled by Taylor’s mis- serious dangers of match-fixers and
chillingly told to play ball lest your judgement is former Zimbabwe na- illegal bookies,” remarks Mangon-
whole family and the whole world “When he got that call, he prob- “He was of course very young and tional team coach Steve Mangongo, go. “The awareness is out there! The
sees you for who you really are. It’s a ably knew that he was getting into super-talented, a very good kid,” Wat- who coached the ex-talisman since his dangers and trappings are out there as
very frightening situation to be in.” something,” says the ex-Test player, ambwa tells The NewsHawks. teenage years. well. For such an outstanding crick-
This account by the former player Taylor’s former teammate. eter like BT, a role model, it’s a sad
who came through to this publication “Obviously, I’m as surprised as ev- “It’s a tsunami for such a person ending to his career.”
is by no means a suggestion that this “But he thought he would dribble eryone else. Reading what he wrote like Brendan Taylor,” Mangongo says.
them. On what grounds would you be and given the situation, I think he “He was a servant of the game. He *This article is a fuller version of
given that kind of money by gamblers made a mistake many may also make, won so many matches for Zimbabwe. the one that appeared on our web-
to invite you, to just make an appear- and he got into an impossible situa- Let’s remember the majestic six off the site this week.
ance, without them making their in- tion. It’s a classic honeytrap. I feel for last over against Bangladesh to win
tentions clear? It’s fishy. But I believe him and his family and wish him all a match at Harare Sports Club and
he sent the stadium into delirium!

NewsHawks Sport Page 39

Issue 65, 28 January 2022 Taylor banned for three- as mitigating factors in the even-
and-a-half years by ICC tual punishment he received. The
FORMER Zimbabwe cap- fact that he took payment, which
tain  Brendan Taylor  has been Brendan Taylor. is yet to be returned, and initially
banned from all cricket for three- agreed to engage in corrupt activi-
and-a-half years by the Interna- engage in corrupt conduct under details of the case, Taylor did not Mr S reached out to him again in ty, as well as his seniority as an in-
tional Cricket Council (ICC) the Code including in relation to get in touch with the ACU until March 2020 to push him to spot- ternational cricketer, were seen as
anti-corruption unit (ACU) for Zimbabwe's then upcoming series March 2020. fix as Zimbabwe were  touring aggravating factors in the length
failing to report an approach from against Sri Lanka and/or Bangla- Bangladesh. of his ban.
alleged corruptors without delay. desh." By then, Taylor had flown out Doping charge
to meet Mr S in India in Octo- Taylor is yet to return the The anti-doping charge, inde-
In a release on Friday, the ICC Taylor was also charged with ber 2019, a meeting in which he US$15 000. pendent of the anti-corruption
said Taylor has accepted the ban, "obstructing or delaying an ACU accepted USD$ 15,000 in lieu of charges, "resulted" after Taylor
which starts from 28 January. Tay- investigation," because he first de- future payments for carrying out The ICC said Taylor "chose to had done the in-competition test
lor has also accepted one charge of layed reporting the approach and spot-fixes. He was also gifted a admit the charges" and "agreed" on 8 September 2021 during a
breaching the doping code -- relat- then deleted messages he had ex- new phone, some local currency the sanction instead of facing an match between Ireland and Zim-
ing to a dope test he failed in his changed with Mr S. Though his to spend, as well as new clothes. anti-corruption tribunal hearing. babwe. Taylor tested positive for
last international game last year. first contact with Mr S took place Taylor did not carry out any That, as well as his previous disci- a stimulant  Benzoylecognine,
He tested positive for cocaine. "in or around September 2019" spot-fixing; in fact, he called the plinary record and eventual coop- which the ICC said is a "cocaine
according to the ICC's published ACU to report the approach when eration during the four interviews metabolite" and is specified as a
The ICC release comes at the he had with the ACU were seen "substance of abuse" under the
end of a week which began with anti-doping code.
Taylor's  confession on Twitter  of
the encounter he failed to report. "This one-month suspension
Taylor revealed he had been filmed will run concurrently with the
using cocaine during a meeting in suspension of three-and-a-half
India with an alleged businessmen years under the ICC Anti-Cor-
that the ICC refers to as 'Mr S', ruption Code," the ICC said. "Mr
who then used that video to al- Taylor will be free to resume his
legedly blackmail Taylor into an involvement in the game on 28
agreement to spot-fix. July 2025."

Taylor, who will turn 36 next Alex Marshall, the ICC's ACU
week, has also since admitted him- head, said it was "disappointing"
self into a rehabilitation clinic. that Taylor, who played for Zim-
babwe for 17 years and attended
Taylor told the Daily Mail that at least 13 anti-corruption and
he had "beaten a few" drugs tests anti-doping sessions had failed to
in the past few years before eventu- report the approach in time.
ally failing one in his final interna-
tional match in September 2021. "It is disappointing that a play-
"I might have beaten a few tests in er of his experience chose not to
the past two-and-a-half years but fulfil those obligations, however
it got me when I was heading for he has accepted all charges, which
destruction," Taylor said. has been reflected in the sanc-
tion," Marshall said. "I would
The ICC release said Taylor echo Brendan's message to other
breached the ACU code on four players to report approaches as
counts, including failing to dis- soon as they happen, so any cor-
close not just the approach but rupt activity can be disrupted at
also receiving gifts and cash, in- the earliest possible opportunity.
cluding hospitality, from the al- We wish Brendan well in his reha-
leged corruptors. One of the ap- bilitation."
proaches to spot-fix, the charge
read, was made for Zimbabwe's — ESPNCricinfo.
tours to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh:
"Failing to disclose to the ACU
(without unnecessary delay) full
details of the approach received to

Restoring prestige in Warriors coach post

THE only point I can imagine log- sition of Zimbabwe’s national foot- Zifa, the controlling body, says first qualification in 2004, and for Malawi, following the shock
ical in defence of Norman Mapeza ball team coach. it is now hunting for a substantive the first time, a real possibility of group stage win over the Warriors
is how he, together with other local replacement.  advancing through to the knockout to progress to the next round, did
Zimbabwean coaches before him, In any working environment, Mapeza could well re-apply, if he phase was there. not disgrace themselves in the 2-1
have not been afforded the same professionals come with their own wishes, and still get the job. Those When we talk of the standards round-of-16 defeat to continental
privileges and perks as expatriate set of requirements, based on who that back him, and they are many, and prestige that I say must be be- power Morocco.
coaches. they are and their track-record. believe he is the right man to lead stowed on the position of Warriors
Nowhere is this more evident than the Warrior into the future. coach, we should also ask if the na- The Flames have done themselves
This stems from an unconscious in sport, and this is totally under- A 2-1 win over Guinea, after tion got the same in return. and their country proud. As they
bias of the appointing authorities to standable. the Warriors had In this would be saying in the land of my
the effect that the Europeans under- already been elim- instance, forefathers, “anasewela mphira wab-
stand football better, despite results But there must be at least min- inated from the the an- wino kwambiri anyamata (the boys
ultimately suggesting otherwise. imum standards for the contract, Nations Cup in swer is no. played some very good football).”
whether one is a foreign or local Cameroon, and HawkZone Mapeza
To think, the coaches that have coach.  Then of course you have the first-
guided the Warriors to their previ- a hearty perfor- failed on time qualifiers, Gambia, a small na-
ous Africa Cup of Nations appear- Belittling the position of national mance in the open- this front, tion of just over two million people,
ances, before this one in Cameroon, coach because it is in the hands of given the who have defeated Guinea to reach
have all been local men.  a Zimbabwean is to belittle pretty ing 1-0 loss to Sen- Enock history of the quarter-final stage of the tour-
much everything else associated egal, are the main the War- nament at the first time of asking. 
Yet even after the forgettable ex- with the Warriors – the players who factors giving this Muchinjo
perience with the catastrophic Bra- are being coached, and the fans who constituency hope riors, what And do not forget Comoros Is-
zilian Valinhos, desperately out of put their faith in the team. in Mapeza. was expect- lands, with a squad hit by Covid-19
his depth at the helm of the War- But those clam- ed of them that they had to use an in-field
riors, we did not learn anything and And after you have created a ouring for Mapeza’s appointment at this tournament, and the type of player as goalkeeper in their last-16
went on to drag to these parts an- structure that values the post of on the basis of these matches need opposition before them. Mapeza tie against Cameroon. They outdid
other expensive gamble in Zdravko Warriors coach, you then turn to just to look at the context of this himself, you expect that of him, has themselves in the tournament, their
Logarusic. This, after our own Joey the individual – and the results – to tournament in Cameroon.  been gracious in defeat, quick to fairytale run ending with a 2-1 de-
Antipas and proved to be equal to see if you are getting value for mon- There are factors in there which, accept responsibility for the Afcon feat to the hosts. 
the task, stinks of self-denigration ey in return, so to speak.  if carefully taken into account, disappointment. 
as a people. should surely change mindsets. The other context lies within the Had it been Zimbabwe, these
Mapeza, who presided over Zim- We all agree that Zimbabwe had minnow teams that have left a mark kinds of achievements, for me,
Without veering off further, the babwe’s early exit from the Nations their most favourable draw since on this tournament.  would have constituted at least bare
gist of the argument here is that we Cup, has reportedly left his post fol- minimum standards to argue a case
need to restore prestige to the po- lowing the expiry of his short-term for Mapeza. 
deal. 

Sports A crippling
poverty of
leadership
at Zifa

‘Humiliated, intimidated,
degraded’ ref reports
Thursday 1 October 2020 sexual advances

Friday 28 January 2022 @NewsHawksLive TheNewsHawks www.thenewshawks.com

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Story on Page 3 Story on Page 8

STUNNING revelations by former
Zimbabwe cricket captain Brendan
Taylor that he received a US$15 000 out to Khupe
bribe from illegal Indian bookmakers
to participate in spot-fixing – “cor-
nered” by a blackmail over a cocaine
binge in which he partook during a
visit to the cricket-mad Asian country
in October 2019 – have caused a stir
around the cricketing world.  Unofficial president calls for emerge
And now a renowned former Zim-
babwe cricketer, who testifies to have
witnessed approaches towards team-
mates during his playing days, is con-
vinced that Taylor’s bombshell is just
a tip of the iceberg insofar as a wide
range of Zimbabwean players or other
internationals cricketers from different
countries are concerned.
It is an intricate and increasing-
ly dangerous web of deceit by deeply
crooked match-fixers, he says, hell-bent
on raking in instant riches by placing
bets running into millions of dollars
on certain aspects of matches that they
would have fixed. This shadowy un-
dertaking is executed through players
held at ransom over threats of being
disgraced in a potentially career-threat-
ening and morally degrading manner. 
These extremely cunning acts by
the sly bookmakers, according to the
former player who spoke to us, do not
only include strategically planting at-
tractive young women around the sur-
roundings of hotels where the players
or teams will be booked. 
It also involves the daring fixers
breaching security at night to smug-
gle hired men into the hotel rooms
of male players who would have been
unsuspectingly induced into a drugged
stupor, to blackmail the stars over a
supposed homosexual relationship.
According to the ex-player, Interna-
tional Cricket Council (ICC) officials,
in their anti-corruption education ses- ALSO INSIDE Finance Ministy wipes out $3.2 Billion depositors funds Zim's latest land c
sions, have referred to this form of wily
scheming as the “honeypot”, especially
with regard to the female accomplices Brendan Taylor.

of the match-fixers. “But they are definitely not distant. they would be, will unfailingly make visiting team management to make first big mistake: go to the girl’s room
“The girls will be milling around They are friendly enough, and they the move. On tour, normally a team sure that players do not break team instead, where he thinks he is safe from
inside the premises, as if they are also give the signal that they are interested. occupies a whole hotel floor where curfew or invite strangers into the prying eyes.”
genuine guests staying at the hotel,” So those players with a penchant for there are cameras or security personnel rooms. At this instance, the player falls
The NewsHawks has been told. the ladies, unknowingly targeted as working under instruction from the into the intended trap and makes his To page 38

ALSO INSIDE Restoring prestige in the Warriors coach post