NewsHawks 14 January 2022

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WHAT’S INSIDE Friday 14 January 2022 PBaUcSiIfiNcESS SWPaOrrRiTors sent
re-launches crashing out
NGEoWvtSgrabs Pegasus, Branson of Afcon
Chombo’s cigarette brands by Malawi
farm, gives
to ex-wife Story on Page 24 Story on Page 50

Story on Page 3

Chamisa
caught in
between
a rock and
hard place

ALSO INSIDE ANC relates better with ex-Zapu ambassadors: Tshinga Dube

Page 2 News NewsHawks

Chamisa Issue 63, 14 January 2022
caught in
between a
rock and a
hard place

AYESHA CHIDEMBO and local government. We are the owners of the MDC-Alliance would be seeking to signal a break MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa
Movement for Democratic Change name. Over with the toxic past and moving forward to occupy Yet the parties agree the by-elections are criti-
ZIMBABWE’S main opposition MDC-Alliance the years there has been so many derivatives put on centre political ground — whether ideologically or cal. They will determine who is the popular and
leader Nelson Chamisa — who is hugely popular it,” Mwonzora says. perceptually. authentic opposition between the MDC-Alliance
and got over two million votes in the 2018 pres- and MDC-T in the aftermath of a vicious internal
idential election — is caught between a rock and “However, the leadership of this party was de- This might work for 2023, but then the by-elec- power struggle triggered by the death of Tsvangirai.
a hard place ahead of crucial by-elections on 26 fined by the Supreme Court in the judgment in SC tions bring in new complexities. If the party chang- Sources say the outcome of the by-elections
March. 56/20. Pursuant to this judgment the party held its es its name and rebrands, it will lose its MPs in might also propel or torpedo Mnangagwa’s and
extraordinary congress on the 27th of December Parliament who were elected under the MDC-Alli- Mwonzora’s plans for a coalition government and
Nomination is on 26 January. 2020 where I was elected the substantive President ance brand since it cannot have MPs elected under postponement of the 2023 elections. This is said to
Chamisa faces three difficult options: To contest of the party. By virtue of the Composite Political two different names at the same time. Ultimately, be the goal of the unholy alliance between Zanu
as MDC-Alliance and clash in the process with the Agreement signed on the 5th of August 2017 and changing its name means surrendering the name PF and the MDC-T premised on destroying the
MDC-T which has announced it will field candi- the subsequent meetings of the MDC-Alliance, I and its identity to the MDC-T and, by extension, MDC-Alliance.
dates under the same name amid their continued assume the leadership of the MDC-Alliance.” to Zanu PF. Chamisa will lose his remaining MPs Amid the raging and intensifying storm, the
cutthroat wrangling; change name and rebrand or to the same rivals — Zanu PF and MDC-T — MDC-Alliance put on a brave face yesterday when
boycott the elections. Former Zanu PF minister and MP Jonathan that are forcing him to change his party’s name. it addressed media.
All these options have grave political costs and Moyo says Mwonzora’s claim to be the leader of the “We will participate for now as the MDC-Alli-
potentially devastating consequences, but the first MDC-Alliance through the Composite Political The last and third option is even more com- ance and as and when that changes you will hear it
one carries the day. Agreement is spurious and ridiculous. Moyo, also a plicated: Boycotting the by-elections. The idea of from me, you have got my guarantee. We are the
The MDC-Alliance said yesterday at a press professor of politics, says Mwonzora cannot legally boycotting the by-elections might be an easy way MDC-Alliance and when that changes President
conference in Harare it would continue to partici- and practically be the leader of the MDC-Alliance out of the mess as the party will then get time to Chamisa is on record that we are building a ‘new
pate in politics under its current name, but would electoral pact because that expired in 2018 soon af- change its name and rebrand and carries no exe- way; new wave for change’, as and when there is a
however advise its supporters and stakeholders at ter the elections as its continuity was only premised cutional risks, but it implies surrendering its hard- change you will be told about it, but that doesn’t
the appropriate time on the way forward. on a coalition victory which did not happen. won political ground secured at huge political cost matter because it’s like you asking me, ‘what’s your
“We will participate for now as the MDC-Al- since 2000. If the MDC-Alliance boycotts and the new make-up today?’, that’s not what my identi-
liance and as and when that changes occur you In any case, he says, Mwonzora was not even a MDC-T contests the by-elections as MDC-Alli- ty is, my identity is what he party stands for, the
will hear it from me; you have got my guarantee,” signatory to the alliance agreement signed in Au- ance this means recalls will be intensified after that cause, the consciousness, the people who follow us,
MDC-Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere told gust 2017 which did not have leaders or officials as and all Chamisa MPs would be removed. our alternative policies, our leaders and our general
journalists. “We will make an announcement at he purports, except a presidential candidate, initial- belief in the dream that we need a new leadership
the appropriate time.” ly Tsvangirai and later Chamisa despite his seizure That takes the party more than 20 years back- in Zimbabwe; that Zanu PF must go,” Mahere
If the MDC-Alliance participate under this of power from legitimate heir Khupe. wards, a position from which it might be even told a press conference.
name, they will clash with the MDC-T, widely harder to recover. These scenarios present Chamisa
seen as a Zanu PF appendage that enjoys state in- Moyo further says there is a difference be- with a quandary.
stitutional support, including that of the Zimba- tween the MDC-Alliance electoral pact and the
bwe Electoral Commission (Zec), Parliament and MDC-Alliance political party led by Chamisa CHAMISA'S OPTIONS FOR BY-ELECTIONS:
the judiciary, as well as the executive. formed in 2019 after the 2017 elections agreement
The MDC-T has already said it will participate had automatically dissolved. (i) Contesting the 26 March 2022 by-elections as the MDC-Alliance under Nelson Cha-
in the by-elections as MDC-Alliance. The logic of misa. This carries a serious risk of confusion and chaos as the MDC-T under Douglas
the party and its leader Douglas Mwonzora is that So, Moyo adds, Mwonzora cannot be leader of Mwonzora are claiming to be also the MDC-Alliance, ultimately risking a Zec or court
they “own” the MDC-Alliance by virtue of the 31 an electoral alliance which has expired — the pact ban;
March 2020 Supreme Court judgment which said did not have a leader or president anyway and no (ii) New name, logo and rebranding: Contesting under a new party name, logo and
Chamisa was not the legitimate MDC-T leader. longer exists — or take over a political party, the brand/profile offers a fresh start - a lot of the MDC-Alliance bigwigs want this, but they
Mwonzora says this means he is now the leader MDC-Alliance, to which he does not belong. are mistaken as that is precisely the Mwonzora and Mnangagwa strategy; or
of the MDC-T and the MDC-Alliance as an elec- (iii) Boycotting the by-elections altogether, which is an easy way out of the mess;
toral pact because after the extraordinary congress Moyo says Zec and other state institutions (iv) Given all this the best option is: The first option - insisting and persisting as the
in December 2020 following the court decision he would damage themselves irreparably if they il- MDC-Alliance no matter what. Anything the MDC-T and Zanu PF do to the MDC-Al-
defeated acting MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe legally and fraudulently assist Mwonzora to seize liance under this strategy backfires and benefits Chamisa. Anything other than this puts
to assume the party leadership and that of the elec- the MDC-Alliance name from its legitimate and the MDC-Alliance under destructive pressure and a losing position; and
tion coalition. rightful owners. (v) Why: If the MDC-Alliance go head-to-head with the MDC-T pretending to be also
In a letter to Zec on 3 January, Mwonzora ex- MDC-Alliance, Mwonzora and his allies are doomed. If they ban the MDC-Alliance in
plains his controversial claim to be the MDC-Al- The second option for Chamisa, which party se- desperation, Chamisa wins; he rebrands and then properly crushes Mwonzora and per-
liance leader, the rationale he used to decimate nior officials say they are actively considering and haps Mnangagwa in 2023 - the whole plot fails dismally.
Chamisa’s party in Parliament and municipalities might well eventually prevail in the 2023 general
through provocative recalls. elections, is name changing and rebranding.
“We advise that in the forthcoming by-elec-
tions we intend to field candidates in Parliament The process entails internal and external chang-
es. Internally, it means changing structures and the
way of working within the party. After the internal
processes, there are external aspects — getting a
new name, logo and profile.

By rebranding — from ideological and poli-
cy repositioning, fixing structures and workflows
to changing the name logo and profile — the

NewsHawks News Page 3
Former minister Ignatius Chombo
Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Govt grabs Chombo’s
farm, gives to ex-wife

OWEN GAGARE new farm manager’s house, among other improve-
ments, resulting in increased production..
Government is continuing its retributive land sei-
zures targeting political opponents, real or imag- Chombo argued that the distribution of assets
ined, this time cancelling former Finance minister between him and his former spouse was a prerog-
Ignatius Chombo’s 99-year lease for Allan Grange ative of the courts, and not the ministry. He later
Farm in Zvimba. invited the minister and his officials to the farm,
to appreciate the huge investment before making
Chombo, who was arrested, tortured and de- decisions.
tained by the military during the 2017 military
coup which toppled former president Robert Chombo also informed the minister that al-
Mugabe and catapulted President Emmerson though Allan Grange Farm was 3 000 hectares in
Mnangagwa into power, was seen as a key member extent, only 505 hectares is arable, hence the pro-
of the G40 faction. posed subdivision would not be of much benefit
to the new beneficiaries because the bigger part is
The G40 faction had coalesced around Mugabe covered by a range of mountains.
and his wife Grace, and was pushing for former
Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi to succede He also argued that the fam was highly produc-
the former president, instead of Mnangagwa. tive and should not be considered for repossession,
given that there are many idle farms.
The Mnangagwa administration has also target-
ed farms owned by other G40 members, among Despite the submissions, the minister withdrew
them former ministers Jonathan Moyo, Saviour the lease. He told Chombo that he entered the
Kasukuwere and Patrick Zhuwao. Some perceived joint venture without the consent of his ex-wife.
critics such as Osisa boss Siphosami Malunga and
Fred Mutanda have also been targeted under the Masuka said although the farm was productive,
farm-grabbing blitz. Marian had a right to claim a share.

Malunga, the son of national hero Sydney, and “The rights of beneficiaries trump the produc-
his business associates Charles Moyo and Zepha- tion levels. Productivity ought to be weighed up
nia Dlamini are battling for their farm in court. against other factors like enjoyment of rights by
The farm has been allocated to Zanu PF secretary other parties to an agreement,” he said.
for administration Obert Mpofu and Nation-
al University for Science and Technology (Nust) The minister said he did not need to visit the
lecturer Dumisani Madzivanyati, among other farm since a team from the ministry had done so
people. prior to the lease cancellation.

Part of Chombo’s farm has been allocated to He said Chombo will be allocated a portion of
his estranged former wife Marian, and some un- the land after the replanning exercise.
named individuals who invaded the land.
Commenting on the issue, a female lawyer and
In a letter dated 21 September 2021 and de- women’s rights activist said other former spouses
livered to Chombo’s lawyers on 10 January 2022, of Zanu PF bigwigs should benefit from land in a
Lands minister Anxious Masuka cited govern- similar manner.
ment’s one man one farm policy, government pol-
icy on spousal rights to land upon divorce, and a “The controversial policy regarding spousal
court order in favour of Marian access to land upon divorce has been laid bare,
thanks to Dr Masuka. Ironically, the same policy
Chombo as some of the reasons for the lease has only applied to a sacked Zanu PF bigwig,” she
withdrawal. Earlier, in 2021, Masuka had written said.
to Chombo, giving a lease cancellation notice,
with the intention to allocate part of the farm to “Our government has never seriously consid-
Marian Chombo and other settlers. ered women as direct beneficiaries of agricultural
land, as such, women are now getting land through
In response to the minister’s proposal, Chom- the back door. This means that all former wives of
bo made reference to a valid 10-year joint ven- bigwigs, the likes of Tambudzani Mohadi, Tracy
ture which had invested more than US$2 million Mutinhiri, Mary Chiwenga, Jocelyn Chiwenga,
which the ministry had authorised as one of the Florence Ziyambi and many more can smile all
reasons why it would be difficult to withdraw the the way the the minister's office for redress.”
lease.
After his ouster from Zanu PF and government,
The joint venture, which started in 2018 and Chombo was diagnosed with cancer and has not
will run until 2028, had resulted in investment been politically active. He also faced numerous al-
in farming equipment such as centre pivots and a legations of corruption and abuse of office, which
have been in the courts for almost five years now.
Some of the cases have since been dismissed for
lack of evidence.

Osisa boss Siphosami Malunga is among those targeted under the farm-grabbing blitz. Marian Chombo

Page 4 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Musengezi lawyers Police have been hunting
challenge police to for Zanu PF member Sybeth
come out clean on Musengezi (below) since the
hunting their client beginning of the new year.

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA client’s in-laws in Budiriro, Harare, on 5 January Phelekezela Mphoko and the sixth is ex-Zanu PF Musengezi further said Mnangagwa and Chi-
2022, and indicated they were looking for our secretary for administration Ignatius Chombo. namasa have also not filed their notices of opposi-
LAWYERS representing Zanu PF member Sy- client over some undisclosed allegations. The offi- tion and opposing affidavits, but instead submit-
beth Musengezi, a local businessman and econo- cers were being led by Detective Assistant Inspec- Zanu PF and Mnangagwa are represented by ted supporting affidavits to Mpofu’s papers.
mist challenging President Emmerson Mnangag- tor Nyazamba,” the letter says. Edwin Manikai of Dube, Manikai and Hwacha,
wa’s ascendancy to power and legitimacy, which while Musengezi’s counsel is the Bulawayo-based In other words, they refrained from opposing
he says was unconstitutional and unlawful, mak- “Our client is obviously worried about such Ncube Attorneys, whose correspondent law firm his case against themselves and are content with
ing him a creature of illegalities, say police must a visit taking into consideration that there is a in Harare is Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni. merely backing Mpofu in court.
come out clean on why they are hunting down pending matter where he has approached the
their client. High Court of Zimbabwe over the legitimacy of In a devastating answering affidavit, Musengezi Manikai filed the respondents’ opposing affi-
the incumbent President who doubles as the Pres- sought to crush all the issues raised by Manikai davit before turning around and demanding the
Police have been looking for Musengezi since ident of Zanu PF and its 1st secretary. for Zanu PF and Mnangagwa, as well as others. withdrawal of the case lest the applicant and his
the beginning of the new year after he filed his He said to begin with the opposing affidavit filed lawyers suffer the consequences, in a clear case of
application challenging how Zanu PF installed “It is in light of this background that we are by Manikai for Zanu PF and its officials, particu- litigation by correspondence. This prompted a
Mnangagwa into his current position. He says the being retained to enquire into the nature of the larly Mpofu, was done without an exhibit of the complaint by Ncube Attorneys.
ruling party did not follow its own constitution visit, in particular whether there are any criminal ruling party’s resolution or permission for them to
and procedures, hence Mnangagwa rose to the charges, so that we arrange that our Mr (Nqoba- do so, as the party is supposed to be represented In a dramatic escalation of tensions over the
top unlawfully. ni) Sithole who is in Bulawayo accompanies our in litigation by its secretary for legal affairs — Paul Mnangagwa legitimacy battle, Ncube Attorneys
client on a pre-agreed date as to ensure that his Mangwana — in terms of article 9, section 55(3) wrote in a letter dated 18 November 2021 ac-
The case has sent shockwaves within Zanu PF legal rights are duly observed in whatever process of its constitution. knowledging receipt of Manikai’s earlier corre-
ranks and fuelled infighting between Mnangagwa is intended. From the above, we request that you spondence of 11 November 2021, while simulta-
and his deputy Vice-President Constantino Chi- favour us with information regarding your visit, Musengezi said Mpofu, secretary for admin- neously complaining about DMH’s conduct.
wenga who are locked in a battle for the heart and and that you advise if we need to avail our client, istration, merely claimed to be representing the
soul of the party ahead of its elective congress in and if so, when and where?” party without producing evidence. As a result, he Musengezi’s lawyers then went on to report
December. Their raging war of attrition revolving says Zanu PF has not properly filed its notice of Manikai to the Law Society of Zimbabwe for “un-
around two main factions has been worsened by Ncube Attorneys say Sithole would be available opposition and opposing affidavit, meaning it is professional” and “unethical” conduct.
recent provincial elections, preceded earlier by to visit police in Harare with Musengezi at the legally out of court.
district coordinating committee polls last year. end of the month. After Musengezi filed his ap- Musengezi will file his heads of argument next
plication, Mnangagwa’s lawyers said the President week.
In a letter to police dated 7 January 2022, Ncu- could not be sued because he has immunity.
be Attorneys say law enforcers must come out in
the open on why they looking for Musengezi and However, in his answering affidavit, in High
hounding him. Court case number HC 5687/21, Musengezi
came out guns blazing against Zanu PF (first re-
“We represent Mr S Musengezi and please note spondent), Mnangagwa (second), Obert Mpofu
our professional interests. We have been advised (third) and Patrick Chinamasa (fourth).
by our client that your officers made a visit to our
The fifth respondent is former vice-president

NewsHawks News Page 5

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

LIZWE SEBATHA ANC relates better with ex-Zapu
ambassadors, says Tshinga Dube
FORMER War Veterans deputy minister Tshin-
ga Dube (pictured) has stopped short of blaming Those communication channels which ex-Zapu
the anxiety faced by Zimbabwean immigrants in members used to enjoy with the ANC are no
South Africa over expiring permits on President longer there; hence difficult to engage on other
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “wrong” appointment platforms because they do not know the current
of David Hamadziripi as ambassador to that ambassador.”
country.
Some Zimbabwean groups have challenged
Dube claimed Hamadziripi was “unknown” to South Africa’s decision not to renew the ZEP per-
South Africa’s ruling ANC party to influence any mits in the High Court, Gauteng Division, Pre-
policy change on the expired permits compared to toria. On 28 December 2021, the court removed
former diplomats from the former Zapu. the matter from the roll, dealing a blow to ZEP
holders.
Zapu had close links with the ANC.
South Africa gave the Zimbabwe Exemption “We need to engage with South Africa because
Permits (ZEP) holders 12 months to regularise there are millions of our fellow countrymen who
their status by 31 December, or face deportation. went there to look for jobs. Imagine if all of them
There are an estimated 200 000 ZEP permit hold- are deported,” Dube added as he exposed the
ers. The permits were first introduced in 2009 by country’s fears over the fate of Zimbabwean im-
then Home Affairs minister Nkosazana Dlam- migrants in that country.
ni-Zuma for the documentation of qualifying
Zimbabweans for a five-year period. The permit In an unrelated case, Dube said only veteran
was called the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Permit nationalist Angeline Masuku has the authority to
(DZP). talk about the Unity Accord as the only surviving
It was extended in 2014 and called the Zimba- member from PF Zapu’s negotiating team during
bwean Special Permit (ZSP). In 2017 came the the unity talks with Zanu.
ZEP which will expire in December.
The DZP and ZSP were introduced when the “Unfortunately, she is bedridden, but she is the
late Simon Khaya-Moyo and former Vice-Presi- only authentic voice to talk about what was agreed
dent Phelekezela Mphoko were the country’s rep- on during the talks; the principles of that agree-
resentatives to South Africa. Khaya-Moyo served ment and so forth,” Dube said.
as Zimbabwe ambassador to South Africa from
2007 to 2011 and Mphoko between 2011 and This follows complaints that former Zapu
December 2014. members were being sidelined under Mnangag-
“But now they (ANC) don’t know him (current wa’s government. In the past, posts such as one
ambassador). In the past, it was easy because we national vice-presidential position and the Zanu
would use our Zapu/ANC links to communicate PF chairperson used to be reserved from ex-Zapu
with our brothers and sisters in South Africa. And members, but not anymore.
through such communication, we were able to
have our fellow countrymen documented to stop Masuku was tasked to oversee the integration
the deportations,” Dube said. exercise of Zanu PF and PF Zapu after the signing
The alliance between Zapu’s military wing of the Unity Accord in 1987. Other Zapu mem-
Zpra and Umkhonto weSizwe has existed since bers were Welshman Mabhena, Cyril Ndebele,
the 1960s. Kotsho Lloyd Dube and George Marange.
Hamadziripi was appointed ambassador to
South Africa in May 2018, taking over from From Zanu, there was Edison Zvogbo, Did-
Isaac Moyo, who is now the country’s spy chief. ymus Mutasa, Nelson Mawema, Herbert Ushe-
Hamadziripi served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador wokunze and Tsitsi Mutambanengwe.
to France under the late Robert Mugabe. He also
served as acting Foreign Affairs secretary. The Unity Accord ended the mass killings of
Dube added: “But now you need to write a civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands known as
letter to the ANC to introduce the ambassador. the Gukurahundi genocide.

Children enjoy a see-saw game near Devonia Farm just outside Chinhoyi on Wednesday . Due to the A herdsman drives a herd of cattle back home after grazing near Devonia Farm on Wednesday.
prolonged closure of schools, children spend their time playing games. — Pictures: Aaron Ufumeli

Page 6 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

KUMBIRAI MACHINGURA Mwonzora cannot claim a
non-existent entity: Moyo
POLITICAL scientist Professor Jonathan Moyo
says Douglas Mwonzora’s manoeuvre for the MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora
MDC-T to contest the 26 March by-elections
under the MDC-Alliance banner is null and void candidates. Mwonzora is debatably Tsvangirai’s successor as name is based on a non-existent 2017 pre-election
at law and would confirm the country as a pariah “Tsvangirai was the presidential candidate, not MDC-T leader; but it is not debatable that he did Alliance Agreement that expired in 2018; and
state if allowed by the courts or the Zimbabwe not and could not inherit Tsvangirai’s popularity Hon @DMwonzora’s claim that he is President of
Electoral Commission (Zec). President, of the Alliance,” Moyo said. as the ‘best presidential candidate’. the MDC-A is based on a non-existent office, not
“As a result of the Supreme Court judgment even in the 2017 pre-2018 election agreement!”
Mwonzora wrote to Zec on 3 January indicat- “All told @OurMDCT’s claim to the MDC-A
ing he is president of the MDC-Alliance, based of 31 March 2020 in the Mashavira case, Hon
on the pre-2018 election pact which MDC-T was
part of. He also informed the electoral body that Political scientist Professor Jonathan Moyo says Zec should not allow MDC-T to contest by-elections as the MDC-Alliance.
other MDC formations should cease using the
MDC acronym.

“We are the owners of the Movement for Dem-
ocratic Change name,” Mwonzora wrote in the
letter.

“Over the years, there has been so many deriv-
atives put on it. However, the leadership of this
party was defined by the Supreme Court in the
judgement in SC 56/20. Pursuant to this judge-
ment the party held its extraordinary congress on
December 27, 2020, where I was elected the sub-
stantive president of the party.

“By virtue of the Composite Political Agree-
ment signed on August 5, 2017, and the subse-
quent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed
the leadership of the MDC Alliance.”

However, in a series of Tweets political scien-
tist Prof Jonathan Moyo said the 2017 MDC-Al-
liance was not a political party, but an alliance
ahead of the 2018 polls. The MDC-Alliance only
existed as a party in 2019 after the alliance failed
to win the polls and is therefore different to the
2017 alliance.

“No one needs to be a lawyer to know that the
2017 MDC-A was not a political party, but a pre-
2018 election alliance; meant to become a post-
2018 election coalition govt, had the pre-election
alliance won the 2018 poll. The 2017 MDC-A
was thus only a pre-2018 election alliance,” Moyo
said.

“Agreements have a duration. The 2017
MDC-A pre-2018 election agreement did not
mutate into a post-2018 election coalition gov-
ernment; because the pre-2018 election alliance
(MDC-A) did not win the 2018 election. As
such, the 2017 pre-election (MDC-A) agreement
expired in 2018.

“Since 2018, no pre-election alliance agree-
ment has been entered into by @OurMDCT
with any party for 2022 by-elections or 2023 elec-
tions or any elections. The @OurMDCT cannot
use an expired 2018 agreement, which was never
renewed, for 2022 by-elections or 2023 elections.
No!

“Finally, one need not hold a brief for @nel-
sonchamisa to realise that his @mdczimbabwe is
not connected to the 2017 (MDC-A) pre-2018
election Agreement nor to any pre-election alli-
ance; it’s a political party in its own right formed
in 2019 and is entitled to its full rights.”

In another thread, Moyo described Mwonzo-
ra’s letter as shocking.

He said if Zec or the courts allow MDC-T to
contest the by-elections as the MDC-Alliance,
Zimbabwe would be confirmed as a pariah state.

“@DMwonzora and his @OurMDCT pres-
ent their quest to contest the by-elections as a
legal matter, premised on the 2017 pre-2018
election pact, but their arguments are all propa-
ganda based on an agreement that expired long
ago when the 2017 Alliance did not form govt in
2018,” Moyo said.

“The 2017 pre-election Alliance pact that ex-
pired in 2018, after the Alliance did not win the
poll to form a govt which would have extended
the pact to 2023, had one and clear identity which
was to use, not a common name but a common
election symbol for all candidates.

“The expired 2017 Alliance pact says each al-
liance partner candidate shall seek nomination at
the Nomination Court under its name, but using
the alliance common symbol; yet @DMwonzora’s
ZEC letter lists only @OurMDCT officials to ap-
prove nominations; even for other parties.”

Moyo also said Mwonzora falsely claims that
the expired pact provided that the leader of the
MDC-T would lead the alliance.

“No. It said the ‘presidential candidate’ would
be the ‘best individual who can win the election’
& specifically named that individual as Morgan
Tsvangirai,” Moyo said.

Moyo added that whereas Mwonzora indicated
that he was the president of the MDC-Alliance,
the expired 2017 pre-election pact did not create
offices or officers, but only provided for election

NewsHawks News Page 7

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA Chamisa’s party urgently
needs new name: Analysts
POLITICAL scientists say the main opposition
MDC-Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has no Political analysts say MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa must rebrand his party to avoid confusion during elections.
choice but to rebrand and change its name ahead
of the 26 March by-elections and the crucial gen- tional attachment to the name MDC, but also babweans are smart, they know who to vote for. ing is usually against the incumbent than a vote
eral elections next year. there has to be a rational response. By the way, “As for Chamisa, it will be less voting for him for the newcomer,” Mandaza said.
what’s in a name? Mwonzora’s party cannot be
They also warned that MDC-T leader Doug- known by every other name as if he a chief bull than against. What I mean is voting against can He continued: “It is always a vote against the
las Mwonzora, who this week announced his par- in the opposition,” he said. take two folds — you can vote for somebody incumbent. If you look at 1980, it was a vote
ty would be contesting under the MDC-Alliance else then Mwonzora; to quote from Dr (Si- against Smith and Muzorewa. In 2000, 2005,
banner, risks sinking into political oblivion after Political analyst Dr Ibbo Mandaza said oppo- mon) Muzenda, you can vote for a donkey than 2008 and 2013, it was a vote against the incum-
joining hands with Zanu PF and President Em- sition forces were bigger than the name MDC, Mwonzora. bent.
merson Mnangagwa to dismantle the opposition. before pointing out that the by-election will end
Mwonzora’s political career in an instant. “Opposition forces are bigger than the name “This time again it will be against the person
Mwonzora also moved to stop other opposi- MDC and the history of voting in Africa shows who the people see as a sellout and this is what is
tion parties from using the MDC name. “It’s both insane and obscene, to say the least. that it is a vote against the incumbent. going to happen to Mwonzora and it is a matter
It is gutter politics, desperate politics and it’s the of weeks before we see this. Mwonzora is going to
In a letter to the Zimbabwe Electoral Com- end of his political career. He has buried himself “In 2008, I said this to Morgan Tsvangirai that be history and it is doubtful that the military will
mission (Zec) early this week, Mwonzora de- in ignominy. I really think it’s about voters; Zim- (Robert) Mugabe lost by a landslide and he said assist him this time.”
clared himself leader of the MDC-Alliance. ‘No, I won by a landslide’. So the history of vot-

Mwonzora told Zec that only he and three
other officials of his MDC-T party could con-
firm candidates “on behalf of the MDC, any of
its derivatives and the MDC-Alliance” ahead of
the by-elections.

The move appears aimed at upending Zim-
babwe’s main opposition party, the MDC-Alli-
ance, which is seeking to regain seats it lost when
Mwonzora recalled its elected officials, ironical-
ly accusing them of joining a rival party — the
MDC-Alliance.

Candidates for the various political parties
contesting in 28 parliamentary seats and 105
council seats will be confirmed during the sitting
of the nomination court on 26 January.

University of Zimbabwe political scientist Pro-
fessor Eldred Masunungure says Chamisa and
the MDC-Alliance have one option: to rebrand
or rename the party to avoid confusing the elec-
torate.

He said the legal route was a non-starter, given
that the courts are captured.

Masunungure described Mwonzora as a chief
bull in the opposition that wants everything to
himself just to spite others.

“If Chamisa wants to appear inconsistent he
would take the legal route where he knows that
the judiciary has been captured as what happened
in the past,” Masunungure said.

“But if he wants to be consistent that the ju-
diciary has been captured apparently by the state
and Zanu PF, then he needs to rebrand, rename
or re-label the party because the name MDC has
become so toxic and will cause confusion.

“That confusion is what Mwonzora wants to
perpetuate so that in the end the biggest loser will
be Chamisa. As I see it, Mwonzora has nothing
to lose,” Masunungure said.

He continued: “The renaming of the party has
to be done not in future, but now as a matter of
urgency. Although it is a hard decision, Chamisa
has to make that decision. He has the numbers,
the charisma is there and the leadership. For as
long as the name MDC still exists, there will be
confusion among voters. Yes, there is an emo-

Gweru council protects US$10m dodgy dealers

STEPHEN CHADENGA US$11 811 848 for the stands disposed and acting town clerk Douglas Chikwekwe told this geted” when it was clear that many people were
had an outstanding land sale balance of around publication. involved in the dubious land deals.
SOME corrupt Gweru City Council officials $10 077 974 due and payable by the beneficia-
who benefited from more than US$10 million in ries. The use of a manual record system, which “The land audit was conducted mainly in the “Honestly, corruption involving land of that
unprocedural land deals over the past decade are was not in order and the Promun system was not estates and evaluations, as well as housing depart- magnitude has to net more people across various
yet to be made public with residents criticising reliable as stands sold on cash basis were not cap- ments respectively. As council we also carried out departments at council. But we see a selective ap-
the local authority for its unwillingness to bring tured in the system.” our inquiries on cases that needed to be inves- proach that could be like other investigations of
the culprits to justice. tigated. The law enforcement agents are seized corruption in the country that have not brought
The audit conducted from March to May with the matter and some people have appeared any tangible results,” Gweru United Progressive
A 2019 forensic audit report by the ministry 2019 by a team of Local Government chief inter- before the courts.” Residents and Ratepayers Development Associa-
of Local Government revealed council has been nal auditor Angel Nyoni and five other members tion director David Chikore said.
unprocedurally disposing of land for the past 10 showed that, during the period, council created Chikwekwe said a section of the Zimbabwe
years. over 7 206 stands for disposal with a portion of Anti-Corruption Commission was also involved In 2020, mayor Josiah Makombe told The
the land sales not accounted for. in asset recovery from officials caught up in the NewsHawks that the Local Government minis-
Over the years the Midlands provincial capital, graft rot. However, he would not immediately try submitted the report to council last year and
which is yet to fully automate operations in its The review established that 7 048 stands were reveal some of the people being investigated, em- that disciplinary action has since been instituted
key departments, has been struggling to account received for disposal by council with a difference phasising that some of the cases were pending in against officials implicated in the audit.
for vast tracts of land. of 158 stands remaining unexplained. court.
He said although the report mainly touched
As reported by The NewsHawks last year, from Stands were created through unprocedural Investigations by The NewsHawks, however, on the period presided over by his predecessors,
2009 to 2019 Gweru disposed of residential, allocation on open spaces, recreational sites and found out that only a few selected former and his administration will leave no “stone unturned
commercial, institutional and industrial stands golf courses, among other undesignated places. suspended senior officials had been brought be- in bringing the culprits to book.
with an estimated value of US$21 million, but fore the courts and these include former town
earned only half of that money because of dodgy This week The NewsHawks sought comment clerk Daniel Matawu and suspended housing di- “We have since suspended employees impli-
deals. on the progress the city has made to bring to rector Shingirayi Tigere. cated in the audit to institute disciplinary mea-
book officials involved in the land scam with a sures against them,” he said then.
“The expected value of all the stands disposed senior city official saying something was being Council has also brought suspended estates
during the period from 2009 to date of audit done but that residents needed to understand and evaluations manager Gibson Chingwadza Last year, residents also alleged the local au-
(2019) was over US$21 889 823,” the land audit that the procedure was slow and needed patience. before a disciplinary hearing. thority was not availing the report to residents,
report said. but Makombe said council had nothing to hide
“You should understand that this is a But concerned residents said it was disappoint- and members of the public interested in the doc-
“To date the city council had realised over slow-burning process, but it is taking place,” ing that only a few “selected individuals were tar- ument should approach the council offices.

Page 8 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Taona T. Rebranding is a matter of life
Denhere and death for MDC-Alliance

WILLIAM Shakespeare, the 16th to stop Mugabe from contesting the Tsvangirai House (formerly Harvest sion (Zec) dated 3 January 2022 is a MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.
century English playwright who once 1980 elections under the banner of House) headquarters. In addition to significant giveaway as it shows that vive and stand on their own two feet
prominently featured on the Zimba- Zanu, arguing that he was the bona this, they have been treated with kid MDC-T was already privy and aware outside the establishment life support
bwean Ordinary Level and Advanced fide owner of the name. Nonetheless, gloves and allowed to carry their party of the impending elections before system of the captured and pliant ju-
Level English literature school cur- Soames, who was neutral arbiter in political activities such as the contro- Mnangagwa’s proclamation. diciary and parliament. 
riculum, once rhetorically asked: this case without much vested inter- versial December 2020 extraordinary
“What's in a name? That which we est in the electoral outcome, refused congress — ordered by the court — Moreover, on the day Mnangagwa Yet no serious judge, even a cap-
call a rose by any other name would to entertain Sithole’s request and pe- despite Covid-19 restrictions which announced the date for by-elections tured one, would want to support
smell just as sweet”.  tition.  were put in place to outlaw such Mwonzora and his other top lieuten- Mwonzora’s new claims of being lead-
gatherings.  ants had surreptitiously visited him in er of MDC-Alliance without risking
This is quite an instructive line Mugabe thus contested the 1980 the company of Zanu PF top official irreparable reputational damage.
in view of the full-blown war of at- elections under the banner of Zanu, This, coupled with the manner Patrick Chinamasa and George Cha-
trition currently engulfing the op- while Sithole did so under Za- in which they have been allowed to ramba, the presidential spokesperson, The political environment in the
position movement in Zimbabwe, nu-Ndonga. Zanu, together with freely conduct their political activities at State House in Harare.  run up to the March by-elections
triggered by the long-running saga Zapu, later adopted the suffix and across the country without harass- demonstrates that the MDC-T is
of who owns the political title deeds prefix “PF", for Patriotic Front, re- ment, is a direct contrast to the way This shows there is an unholy al- facing humiliating defeat and anni-
and naming rights of the opposition spectively, to end up with Zanu PF Chamisa has been hounded, harassed liance between the Zanu PF govern- hilation unless it is helped by Zanu
MDC-Alliance. The fight pits two and PF Zapu. and violently attacked for travelling ment and the MDC-T to destroy the PF to survive as its surrogate party.
bitter factional political rivals, Nelson around during his civic engagement MDC-Alliance.  It is pointing to a This further explains why the cap-
Chamisa who leads the MDC-Al- Since March 2020, when the ju- activities. tag team designed to frustrate, sabo- tured institutions such as Zec are
liance and Douglas Mwonzora, the dicially modified and reconstructed tage and destroy the MDC-Alliance willing to be used to bend the rules
MDC-T leader. MDC-T came into existence after the When President Emmerson Mnan- as it tries to contest the forthcoming to accommodate the distortions, mis-
controversial and divisive Supreme gagwa issued Statutory Instrument 2 by-elections in which it is likely to re- representations and falsehoods of the
This comes amid the desperate Court ruling, it has become an open of 2022 setting set the date for the tain all its stolen seats.  MDC-T to help it contest elections
blitz and kamikaze line of attack ad- secret that they are the blue-eyed nomination court and the by-elec- under Chamisa’s popular MDC-Alli-
opted by Mwonzora and his MDC-T boys and the ever-obedient lackeys of tions, political observers were not sur- In this multi-pronged offensive ance brand at the expense of the real
in their vicious fight against Chamisa Zanu PF and its government.  prised by the vindictive and scorched strategy, the MDC-T is acting as the MDC-Alliance party which is differ-
and his party. Mwonzora unsurpris- earth reaction of the Mwonzora-led lapdog, attack dog and the cannon ent from Mwonzora’s MDC-T.
ingly and unequivocally declared at This has been demonstrated by the MDC-T. They dropped another fodder for Zanu PF in destabilising
their press conference on Wednes- unprecedented number of both par- bombshell, declaring that they will be and disenfranchising the MDC-Al- Despite all these political shenani-
day that they will be contesting the tial and highly controversial judicial contesting the by-elections under the liance. Mwonzora and the MDC-T gans, it is known that by-elections are
26 March 2022 by-elections under and parliamentary freebies they have banner of the MDC-Alliance.  will be used and dumped by Zanu PF coming due to the recall of MPs and
the banner of the MDC-Alliance, been gifted with, including MPs, eventually. This has happened before. councillors who actually belonged to
and that anyone who will use the ac- councillors and state funds due to the However, a lot of significant devel- Chamisa’s and not Mwonzora’s party.
ronym MDC will face serious legal MDC-Alliance — daylight robbery.  opments had occurred prior to this This unrelenting scorched earth That was the first phase of the plot to
consequences.  announcement that raised eyebrows. strategy has come into being upon destroy the MDC-Alliance.
Additionally, the Zanu PF govern- For instance, the letter which was a realisation by both Zanu PF and
This is not a mere empty threat ment allowed security forces to assist written by Douglas Mwonzora to the MDC-T that Mwonzora and his Needless to say there are strong
considering how the judiciary has MDC-T to take over the hitherto the Zimbabwe Electoral Commis- party, which is the trojan horse of the warning signs to show that the
been weaponised by Mwonzora and MDC-Alliance-controlled Morgan ruling party, cannot politically sur- MDC-T maybe acting in cahoots
his allies against the MDC-Alliance. with a captured and compromised
Consequently, with the fast-ap-
proaching by-elections the Chami-
sa-led MDC-Alliance needs to fully
grasp that it faces an existential threat
and a huge political setback if it does
not out-think and out-manoeu-
vre both the Zanu PF regime and
MDC-T in this battle, and come up
with a new, savvy and distinct brand
name by the time of nomination of
candidates on 26 January ahead of
the by-elections. 

The nomination court sits on
26 January ahead of the 26 March
by-elections.  A brief detour in the
past and highlights of crucial exam-
ples of the battle for naming rights in
political spheres of Zimbabwe would
help. Thus I conducted a compara-
tive analysis on why the Chamisa-led
MDC-Alliance is operating in an
unprecedentedly hostile, unforgiving
and poisonous political environment.
Consequently, this places onerous re-
sponsibilities on them to be pragmat-
ic, shrewd and think outside the box.

The battle for political naming
rights is not a new phenomenon
within the post-colonial political
and electoral struggles of Zimbabwe.
In January 1980, the late nationalist
Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, the
founding Zanu leader in 1963 before
he was unceremoniously dethroned
in 1975 and replaced by the late for-
mer president Robert Mugabe, ap-
proached Lord Arthur Soames, who
was the governor of the transitional
authority tasked with overseeing the
first democratic elections and inde-
pendence transition process of Zim-
babwe. 

Sithole sought to petition Soames

NewsHawks News Page 9

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Zec and are setting up political booby ry Welsh. They need to do some am- sive, thus mitigating the risks of being MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora. ground and parliamentary territories.
traps for the real MDC-Alliance to be bush branding of their new political blocked and disenfranchised in the most of the time on the political It will be politicide and self-defeating
disqualified and disenfranchised on project. Thus, they will need to keep by-elections. ropes being bludgeoned and receiv- if the MDC-Alliance does decide to
nomination day and subsequently on it as a highly guarded secret and only ing hammer blows from Zanu PF, boycott the by-elections. It will be
election day.  reveal it moments away from submit- It is abundantly clear that MDC-T, the captured judiciary and akin to the MDC-Alliance cutting its
ting papers at nomination court. By MDC-Alliance desperately needs parliament. political nose to spite its political face.
Mwonzora’s letter to Zec, which doing this, they would have caught to participate in the forthcoming The thought of boycotting should not
is replete with falsehoods, petitioned both the Zanu PF, Zec and MDC-T by-elections by any means necessary. So these by-elections will provide be entertained at all in the MDC-Al-
that no one should be allowed to use off guard and put them on the defen- This is even more critical since over them with a rare opportunity to tur- liance power corridors.   
the acronym MDC other than him the past two years they have spent bocharge and reinvigorate their polit-
aand his MDC-T. The letter, together ical movement and reclaim political In our Shona cosmology, they say
with a press conference by Mwonzo- you should never surrender and aban-
ra on Wednesday, clearly articulated don a ripe maize field to baboons.
their strategy to block the MDC-Al- Therefore, MDC-Alliance rebrand-
liance from participating in the elec- ing is now a non-negotiable life-and-
tions for obvious reasons: both Zanu death matter. That must be holisti-
PF and MDC-T fear defeat.   cally, wisely and maturely be pursued
because the future of the democratic
That a potential legal challenge struggle and democratic dispensation
awaits Chamisa and the MDC-Alli- depends on what the MDC-Alliance
ance if they contest the by-elections will do between now and 26 March. 
as the MDC-Alliance should be taken
seriously considering how lawfare and Needless to say the very legacies
captured state institutions has been of MDC political martyrs such as
ruthlessly deployed against them over Tsvangirai, Talent Mabika, Tichaona
the last two years. This should spring Chiminya, Tonderai Ndira and many
the MDC-Alliance into decisive ac- others rest on the MDC-Alliance con-
tion to come up with a pragmatic testing these by-elections and regain-
strategy and practical approach for ing lost political ground which their
rebranding ahead of the by-elections departed heroes fought and even died
and the 2023 general elections. for. These martyrs and other MDC
democratic stalwarts such as Gibson
The post-November 2017 electoral Sibanda, Fletcher Dulini Ncube,
and political landscape in Zimbabwe Mike Auret, Trudy Stevenson and
has become structurally illiberal and Rebecca Mafikeni must be turning in
autocratic. In terms of rebranding their graves upon realising how Mor-
their political vehicle, the MDC-Al- gan Tsvangirai House, the hitherto
liance needs to know that they have citadel of democratic resistance and
to put themselves in a position of democratic struggle, has now been
both the MDC-Alliance and that desecrated and reduced into a brothel
of the twin axis of evil of Zanu PF of performative politics of puppetry
and MDC-T, hypothetically think and collaboration with Zanu PF by
and rehearse what will happen if or Mwonzora and his puppets. 
when they come up with a different
name and rebrand. This will enable Therefore, rebranding and con-
the MDC-Alliance to be two steps testing the by-elections by MDC-Al-
ahead of its detractors. It also enables liance is an opportunity for them to
tge party to come up with contingent reinvent themselves and rekindle the
and viable plans if Plan A or Plan B democratic resistance flame and re-
get sabotaged by either Zanu PF or capture the founding spirit and ethos
MDC-T. of the original MDC of 1999, which
provides a flicker of hope for Zimba-
This will also ensure that they will bwe to emerge from the authoritarian
not continue to be pigeon-holed for hellhole it has been since 1980, but
easy rich pickings for the authori- more so since 2000 when the centre
tarian consolidation agenda by both could no longer hold and things start-
Zanu PF and MDC-T. ed falling apart.

Knowing the callous nature of the *About the writer: Taona T. Den-
autocratic beast it is up against, the here is a human rights and interna-
MDC-Alliance needs to borrow from tional development lawyer based in
the advertising concept of ambush the United Kingdom.
marketing or ambush advertisement
which was developed by strategist Jer-

TAKE WHY YOU SHOULD
RESPONSIBILITY STAY 3 FEET AWAY

PREVENT FROM PEOPLE
THE SPREAD
OF COVID-19

Ÿ You can’t immediately identify who has the
virus..

Ÿ To reduce the spread of the virus if you are
already infected.

Ÿ To avoid droplets from an infected person
when they sneeze or cough.

Page 10 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Mangudya improves
in key global central
bankers ranking table

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya

RESERVE Bank of Zimbabwe governor John is on the road to recovery after years of turmoil,
Mangudya has improved in the authoritative with last two being in recession. Growth is pro-
global central bankers performance indicators and jected at 3.9% in 2021 by the World Bank and
ranking list by American magazine Global Finance 6% by IMF.
as he graduated with a C- in 2021 compared to a
D the previous year, the latest edition of the pub- “The apex bank also wants commercial banks
lication says. to help the recovery by encouraging their clients
to invest in government securities. The bank has
Global Finance is an American monthly finan- launched a regulatory sandbox framework to en-
cial magazine founded and published starting in courage innovations in the fintechs and further
1987 by Harvard-trained financial publisher Jo- liberalised the operations of bureau de change to
seph D. Giarraputo and others. promote financial inclusion.”

The Central Banker Report Cards, published This is contrary to the initial report on the is-
annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade sue by Nigerian magazine Business Insider Africa
central bank governors of 101 key countries and which rated Mangudya last in Africa. The publi-
territories, including African states. cation has since pulled down the misleading ar-
ticle.
In its latest edition titled Central Banker Report
Cards 2021: The Art Of Timing, the magazine puts As economies start to grow again, central bank-
Mangudya broadly in the same class and category ers face the tricky question of when to ease off the
as central bankers from Nigeria, Tunisia, Mozam- gas — or even tap the brake, Global Finance says.
bique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia and Algeria.
The last year kept central bank governors on
The only A-rated governors in Africa are from high alert, as a global Covid-19 pandemic threat-
Egypt, Morocco and South Africa; Abdellatif ened fiscal, as well as physical health.
Jouahri, Tarek Amer and Lesetja Kganyago re-
spectively. The central bank governor of Maurita- Although years of loose money left some with
nia Cheikh El Kebir Moulay Taher had the least little room to add stimulus, central bankers used
rating (D) of all his African counterparts. all the tools at their disposal to mitigate the im-
mediate threat.
Global Finance, with input from analysts, econ-
omists and financial industry sources, grades the Covid-19 has since played a role in a cascade
world’s leading central bankers on a scale of A to of aftershocks, including a slump in commod-
F, with A being the highest grade and F the lowest, ities and a collapse in employment. It is even
based on a series of objective and subjective met- now evolving unpredictable variants. Yet signs of
rics, including the appropriate implementation of growth are emerging — albeit uneven and un-
monetary policy for the economic conditions of evenly distributed.
each country.
“The pandemic is still underway and high un-
Latest performance rankings are based on ac- certainty persists, making it too early to tell which
tivities from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. A gov- shocks are transitory and which are permanent,”
ernor must have held office for at least one year in Alejandro Díaz de León, governor of the Bank of
order to receive a letter grade. Mexico says. “Global and local supply chains re-
main critically affected and may be subject to a
In its citation on Zimbabwe and Mangudya’s profound adjustment process.”
performance, Global Finance says:
The performance algorithm includes criteria
“Zimbabwe’s central bank has been revelling — such as monetary policy, supervision of banks
over its prudent monetary policy stance that has and the financial system, asset purchase and bond
resulted in year-on-year inflation dropping from sale programmes, accuracy of forecasts, quality
837.5% in July 2020 to 50.2% in August 2021. of guidance, transparency, independence from
political influence, success in meeting specific
“The bank’s monetary policy committee met mandates (which differ from country to country),
in August and resolved to stay the course on the and reputation at home and internationally —
current stance, leading to a decision to hold the weighted for relative importance. — STAFF WRITER.
benchmark rate at 40%. Zimbabwe’s economy

NewsHawks News Page 11

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

The firing of ‘Mudha’
Ncube attracts mixed
reactions in Midlands

STEPHEN CHADENGA follow the wind and are quick to suddenly begin Former State Security minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube
ostracising the shunned person.
WHEN President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired
his long-time ally and confidant, former State “We have always said it before that he (Mud-
Security minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube on ha Ncube) knew nothing and was not supposed
Monday for misconduct, some of the Midlands to get that job (State Security minister),”one ac-
hardliner’s staunch backers quickly abandoned tivist retorted, a rare utterance in Ncube’s hey-
him. day.

The reaction of his staunch supporters in Another member said Mnangagwa had made
Zanu PF, particularly those who had created a a good move, otherwise he was going to “be
WhatsApp group, “Endorsement of Mudha”, tainted” had he kept Ncube in office for long.
prior to the ruling party’s provincial elections,
whose outcome in Midlands triggered the de- Yet another activist mocked and said “ED”
mise of the former national security boss, was (Mnangagwa) was the “game changer” and was
somewhat suprising. going to win 2023 elections because he had
“scrapped mandatory ethanol blending, re-
Mudha Ncube had shown interest in contest- moved duty on all capital machinery and fired
ing for the provincial chairmanship post, only a minister for misconduct.”
to be blocked by incumbent chairperson Larry
Mavhima whom Mnangagwa imposed to avert Others probably still keeping a semblance of
nasty factional fights in his backyard. allegiance to Ncube chose to be diplomatic and
said “ED knew better” why he fired his handy
When news filtered through on Monday man.
that Mnangagwa had fired his close lieutenant
for unruly behaviour after Ncube last Satur- However, those in opposition circles re-
day stormed a provincial meeting at Winery in member Ncube as a “tormentor” who made
Gweru, where he literally took over the agenda their life “hell on earth” through the use of a
of the conference, Mudha’s glorifiers left the so- Kwekwe-based militant group, Al-Shaabab that
cial media group (Endorsement of Mudha) in mainly used machetes to mete out violence
hordes. against opponents.

Once a vibrant WhatsApp group, where Ncube has to date denied any links to the
Ncube was given praise names such as “Touch militant group.
Bomber” and “Mbudhlo”, Monday’s turn of
events, however, saw a lull of activity on the They all agree with outspoken independent
group. Norton legislator Themba Mliswa that Mudha
used his political muscle, and, in particular, the
The last activity on the group was on Tuesday State Security position to “settle personal scores”
morning, but members were leaving the social against those he perceived to be enemies.
media space in droves.
In Kwekwe where Al-Shaabab mostly operat-
Mudha’s supporters, however, took to other ed, Blessing Chebundo (former MDC Kwekwe
WhatsApp groups that had been created prior Central MP) and MDC-Alliance Mbizo legisla-
to the provincial elections to discuss the sudden tor Settlement Chikwinya could pass for Holly-
demise of their adored leader. wood actors in an action-packed movie where
they are fugitives running away from danger-
“What really happened guys? What could be ously armed rivals.
the reason that things had to end up like this?”
one Mudha follower quizzed. During tense political battles in previous
years, the two knew no peace at home and
A barrage of responses showed that once you both of them at some point reportedly had to
become unpopular in Zanu PF and fall out with desert their families while hiding from the ma-
with the appointing authority in the party, the chete-wielding thugs.
purported support you previously enjoyed evap-
orates and certain priviledges are withdrawn Ironically, early last year Chebundo and oth-
from you. Lumpen elements in the ruling party er opposition figures defected to Zanu PF and
have become relentless Mnangagwa praise sing-
STEPHEN CHADENGA ers at ruling party gatherings.

IN 2012, just a year before the 2013 harmon- . . . as terrorising militia Al-Shabaab
ised elections, the non-governmental organi- commander leaves trail of violence
sation Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition reported
that Zanu PF had revived militia terror groups provincial chairperson Larry Mavhima, whom “Our clients have been defamed and have the former (Mnangagwa) appointed Mudha
around the country, which political observ- Mnangagwa “appointed” as the unopposed suffered damages in the sum of US$10 000 Ncube as Midlands provincial Affairs minister.
ers said were mainly created to intimidate the candidate in what has now been termed as each. We have therefore been instructed to de-
main opposition MDC party then led by the “guided democracy” in Zanu PF circles. mand that you deposit the money with us or During his tenure as the province’s resident
late Morgan Tsvangirai. make arrangements for payment of the same. minister he was known to intimidate not only
Prior to Mnangagwa’s imposition of Mavhi- If you fail to do so we shall proceed to institute party officials but even state institutions, par-
The fear-instilling clusters were named as ma, Mudha Ncube had shown interest in the court action without further notice,” the trio’s ticularly the police, as he hounded perceived
Chipangano in Harare, Top Six in Chinhoyi, top provincial post, but his decision to im- lawyers wrote to Juro then. enemies at will.
Jochomondo in Hurungwe, Jambanja in pose himself on Mavhima was seen as a slap in
Marambapfungwe and Al-Shaabab in Kwe- Mnangagwa’s face. Zanu PF officials in the province alleged Sources in Zanu PF told The NewsHawks
kwe. that Al-Shaabab was linked to Mnangagwa that even after he was appointed State Security
Back then in 2012 and 2013, Al-Shaabab who was then Defence minister. minister in 2018, Mudha Ncube would always
Al-Shaabab has nothing to do with Islamist did not only terrorise opposition political par- make frequent visits to his home province,
terrorism but drew its name from a Somali ter- ty activists but also perceived rivals within the In successive years, the militia group was to where he now acted “more invincible than
rorist group with the same title. factional wars that were raging inside Zanu PF terrorise opposition activists in the province before” after clinching the powerful national
in the Midlands province. and in particular declared Kwekwe a “no-go security post.
It sent shivers down the spines of many, not area” for the opposition.
only in the Midlands province, but also the In 2013 in particular, then senior Zanu Last year, Al-Shaabab was blamed for violent
whole country. PF member and retired army Captain David Reports indicate that many people lost their attacks on Zanu PF officials and supporters
Mutinyi Juro wrote to then party commissar lives and were injured by the machete-wielding that left many wounded at party headquarters
Al-Shaabab was allegedly led by “Mudha” Webster Shamu warning that if the activities militia group, which even the police feared to in Kwekwe during the inter-district elections.
Ncube, a long-time ally of President Emmer- of Al-Shaabab were not contained, there was arrest during that time.
son Mnangagwa, whom the latter fired on a risk the ruling party would be humiliated in Over the years, Mudha Ncube has denied
Monday as State Security minister. Ncube was that year’s elections. Al-Shaabab bully activities even cascaded to leading Al-Shaabab, but last Saturday’s actions
also known as Mnangagwa’s brutal enforcer. the mining sector where they would grab gold betrayed his unruly behaviour, as a senior pol-
But through their lawyers, Mudha Ncube claims from people with wanton force. itician in Zanu PF and Mnangagwa had this
The dismissal came after Ncube unleashed and his two colleagues identified as Moses Mu- Monday no option but to show his State Se-
his machete-wielding gangsters on a Zanu PF rada and Tapiwa Muto each demanded US$10 In 2017, following the “soft military coup” curity minister and long-time henchman the
provincial meeting last Saturday in Gweru, 000 from Juro for defamation of character. that saw Mnangagwa and his allies deposing exit door.
meant to introduce the new provincial leader- the late president Robert Mugabe from power,
ship following the recently held internal polls.

At last weekend’s meeting, Ncube imposed
himself to chair the meeting and imposed his
allies as deputies, much to the chagrin of new

Page 12 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Mudha and nexus of Kwekwe gold terror

AT the time former president Robert Mugabe was saw the youths employed by the security firm en- It is all lies. You are actually the fifth person to call (CR86/10/16 at Kwekwe Central police station
deposed in a military coup in November 2017, gaging in running battles with members of com- me since last year over this issue and I have always and CID Kwekwe 01/11/16) involving Noel Ja-
police were investigating senior Zanu PF officials munity who also wanted to mine gold there. This said it's lies. You are welcome to visit this side and cha, who is said to have been working with the
linked to then Vice-President Emmerson Mnan- resulted in a dramatic rise in cases of violence, as- see for yourself what is happening on the ground.” late Dick.
gagwa over alleged illegal gold panning, cases of sault and murder.
violence and murders in and around Kwekwe’s Police sources at the time said between 18 Sep- Police sources said Jacha was stabbed on 22
volatile gold-mining fields. The sources said in 2016, the security outfit’s tember 2016 and 10 November 2016, a number October 2016 while having drinks with Clive
leadership split into two camps over gold inter- of cases were reported. Maronje at Much Better Bar in Kwekwe.
The police, then under the command of ex- ests; one led by Ngwenya and the other by the late
iled Augustine Chihuri, who refused to support Dick. The sources said the two groups — which The violent clashes drove then Zanu PF Kwe- It is alleged Chamunorwa Marete, who be-
the military coup and was associated with the later morphed into terror gangs — would engage kwe Central MP Masango “Black Man” Mat- longed to Ngwenya’s camp, allegedly entered the
pro-Mugabe G40 faction, were investigating cas- in vicious fights using machetes and knives, com- ambanadzo into organising a “peace campaign” bar with a machete and without being provoked,
es of violence and killings which occurred over monly known as “colombia clubs”. meeting in 2016 at Globe & Phoenix Mine, stabbed Jacha once on the right side of the chest,
Globe and Phoenix Mine, also known as Falcon where he brought together about 120 people. just above the right side of the chest and at the
Gold, allegedly controlled by Gokwe-Kana legis- However, both camps remained loyal to Ncu- back. Jacha died on the spot.
lator Owen “Mudha” Ncube. be, widely viewed as the “gold lord”, “gold baron” Matambanadzo tried to unite Ngwenya and
or “kingpin”, in the area. Dick before his death, as well as their camps and Marete, who fled the crime scene, was arrested
Ncube had reportedly illegally taken over min- also discouraged violence and use of machetes to by police in Masvingo on 10 January 2017 and
ing rights with the assistance of Zanu PF polit- Talking to the Zimbabwe Independent in Sep- resolve disputes. transferred to Kwekwe for trial.
buro member July Moyo and Zanu PF Midlands tember 2017, Ncube said he did not know Dick
spokesperson Cornelius Mupereri, who were all and Ngwenya. He also said he was not involved On eptember 26 last year, Dick and an accom- Another case occurred in the wee hours of 14
key Mnangagwa allies, at a time he was battling in gold mining. plice allegedly assaulted Ngwenya over a mining January 2017 when Elvis Moyo was murdered
for the control of Zanu PF with the G-40 faction. dispute at Globe & Phoenix mine. along Nhamo Street in Rutendo. His body was
“I have been sick for seven months since last discovered by police officers who were on patrol.
The brutality and murder cases are being com- year August and I was not in the country. I was Dick and partner allegedly disarmed Ngwen-
mitted allegedly by Zanu PF youths loyal to Ncu- admitted at Donald Gordon hospital in South ya and grabbed his star pistol, serial number Police sources said investigations revealed
be. Africa. I only came back in the country early 1418040, and struck him with a machete and a Moyo was murdered allegedly by Ngwenya’s ter-
this year. I am actually supposed to go back for log all over his body. ror group members, Goodhope Tawanda Maha-
The escalation of crime in the gold-rich area a check-up. The incidents you are talking about, chi and Courage Sibanda, who ran away from
prompted cabinet to set up a taskforce to look the violence in October until January occurred After that, Dick and his accomplice were ar- the police at the crime scene. The murder case
into the chilling cases of violence and murder in while I was outside the country, so how do they rested. is under CR34/01/17 at Kwekwe Central Police
Mnangagwa’s political sphere of influence. involve me?” Ncube asked. Station, while recorded under DR28/01/17 at
However, before judgment was passed Dick Kwekwe CID.
Police sources at the time revealed the police “After all, I am not involved in mining. I don’t was allegedly murdered (CR38/11/16 at Kwe-
were acting on four active cases of murder, span- have any rights at Globe and Phoenix Gold mine, kwe Central and DR14/11/16 at Kwekwe CID) In February 2017, Mines minister Walter Chi-
ning the period between 2016 and 2017, with a neither was I interested in it. I am into farming. I by Ngwenya and two accomplices. Ngwenya al- dakwa said cabinet had set up a committee to
view to bringing some bigwigs to justice. am a farmer. So there is totally nothing like that. legedly brutally assaulted and murdered Dick us- look into violence at mining communities.
ing machetes and “colombian daggers”.
The first case was the murder of Washington — STAFF WRITER.
Dick, allegedly by Likwa Ngwenya in November Another murder case was also reported
2016. The matter was in the courts.
Former State Security minister Owen Mudha Ncube allegedly claimed to own all mining tributes Globe and Phoenix Mine.
Police investigations showed that before turn-
ing on each other, Ngwenya and Dick were ap-
pointed leaders of an unregistered security or-
ganisation — which later became a terror gang
— allegedly run by Ncube to ensure illegal pan-
ners do not invade Globe and Phoenix.

The state’s case was that on 10 November
2016, Ngwenya, in the company of other un-
named accused persons, attacked Dick with ma-
chetes several times all over the body until he died
near Sable Flats in Kwekwe.

After committing the crime, Ngwenya and his
alleged accomplices fled the scene.

“The accused’s (Ngwenya) cellphone was re-
covered at the scene, his vehicle was seen at the
scene and the police also recovered a blood-
stained worksuit in his motor vehicle,” said the
state before a Kwekwe magistrate in 2017.

Before his death, Dick was facing an attempted
murder charge (ZRP Kwekwe CR101/09/16 and
Kwekwe CID 01/10/16) for allegedly attacking
Ngwenya using a machete following a dispute
over a gold claim.

Ncube is said to have been carrying out gold
mining operations in Kwekwe since 2002 when
mining ground to a halt, as the owners felt opera-
tions were no longer viable.

Police sources also said when Globe and Phoe-
nix Mine ceased operations, illegal gold panners
and political leaders in Kwekwe scrambled to ac-
quire tribute rights to the mine.

The police sources said Kwekwe Consolidat-
ed Gold Mines (Private) Limited and Homesake
Mining and

Technical Services approached the ministry of
Mines in 2009 seeking to clarify the validity of the
agreement of the tributes.

However, the ministry said the agreement
elapsed in February 2005, adding that any opera-
tions under the tribute were illegal.

Police sources added that political interference
led to a gold rush at the mine before Ncube took
control.

He allegedly took advantage of unemployed
Zanu PF youths and gave them responsibilities
of providing security at the mine by protecting it
from other illegal panners and supervising those
who would have been given permission to mine
on a 50-50% basis.

The sources said Ncube claimed to own all
mining tributes at the mine. He is alleged to have
also claimed ownership of Moonbeam Hammer
Mill, located two kilometres from Globe and
Phoenix South pit mine.

However, the seizure of mining operations by
Ncube did not go down well with some members
of the Kwekwe community, the sources said. This

NewsHawks News Page 13

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

NYASHA CHINGONO Booted out CIO minister
Ncube overplayed his hand
BY the time fired State Security minister Owen
“Mudha” Ncube was removed from office, he Sacked State Security minister Owen "Mudha" Ncube (taking oath of office) is seen as the “commander” of a Kwekwe-based violent group known as Al-Shaabab
had become a frankenstein monster for President and is believed to be behind the several violent attacks on fellow Zanu PF members in Midlands Province (below).
Emmerson Mnangagwa, as he was now causing
havoc in his home province. While Mudha continued to defy Mnangagwa, district offices. become a de facto leader in the Midlands.
he was also at war with First Lady Auxillia in Kwe- Police had to fire warning shots after being “Mudha is doing what he wants here. He
Ncube, a close ally of Mnangagwa, was fired kwe.
for a cocktail of reasons, including hooliganism, called to contain the situation which had spiralled would shut down anyone who would stand up to
factionalism and destabilising Zanu PF, fear of Auxillia, who was backing local gold magnate out of control as factions bludgeoned each other speak during the meeting. Some politburo mem-
losing elections, undermining his grip on power Kandross Mugabe for the Kwekwe central seat, over the voters’ roll, with Mudha accused of being bers had to ask him for permission to speak.”
and deadly battles over gold mines in Kwekwe. was involved in direct confrontation with losing among the chief instigators of the violence.
2018 parliamentary candidate Energy Ncube, “The power that Mnangagwa has given Mudha
Mudha is generally seen as the “commander” nephew of Mudha, during the primaries in 2020. In a leaked voice recording ,party supporters in is too much,” an unidentified supporter said.
of a Kwekwe-based violent group known as Al- the Midlands talk about Mudha’s violent mach-
Shaabab, that is notorious for intimidation and In October 2020, Zanu PF primary polls to inations in the province, describing how youths Observers say Mudha overestimated his im-
brutality in local politics and gold mining affairs choose a Kwekwe Central parliamentary candi- were hired to bruitalise rival factions. portance in Mnangagwa’s camp, but it remains to
in the city and its surrounding areas. Al-Shaabab date for a by-election turned bloody following be seen whether Mnangagwa will discard his blue
is blamed for violent attacks and killings there, intense clashes between rival groups at Kwekwe In the audio, recorded after a provincial meet- eyed boy forever or he will resurface in another
amid allegations that the group was responsible ing in Gweru, party supporters say Mudha had portfolio.
for many murders in gold-rich Kwekwe.

Al-Shaabab, named after the Somali Islamist
extremist group, is also behind a reign of terror in
the Midlands, with elements often used to mete
out violence on opposition supporters.

But during the longstanding battle for the
Zanu PF Midlands chairperson’s position, the
group has also been used to fight factional battles
between Mudha and another Mnangagwa ally,
Daniel Mackenzie Ncube.

When Mnangagwa appointed “Mudha” Ncu-
be, there was public uproar, with critics saying
he was not ministerial material given his back-
ground of hooliganism, violence and brutality in
Kwekwe. Mnangagwa, however, did not heed the
public concerns.

In March 2020, the United States designat-
ed Zimbabwe’s former Presidential Guard com-
mander Anselem Sanyatwe, now an ambassador,
and “Mudha” Ncube for their “role in human
rights abuses related to political repression in
Zimbabwe”.

This further vindicated critics who had ques-
tioned his appointment.

A Zanu PF insider said “Mudha” Ncube had
remained “the hooligan that he has always been”
as minister. He still embraced gangsterism, vio-
lence and brutality; thuggery to settle issues. Only
last weekend he bused a group of his Al-Shaabab
gang armed with machetes to a Zanu PF Gweru
meeting.

Sources say Ncube ran the show like a “war-
lord”, issuing instructions, threats and orders
about how provincial structures should be like
after the recent elections.

Insiders add that Ncube wanted to control the
structures in his own favour, not helping Mnan-
gagwa to consolidate power, while others allege
that he was working with Vice-President Con-
stantino Chiwenga’s faction.

“The dramatic events at the Zanu PF provin-
cial meeting at the party’s convention centre, The
Winery, showed beyond reasonable doubt that
Mudha had become a warlord, ruling the prov-
ince by violence and fear. He brought thugs with
machetes and illegally ran the meeting like a thug.

“He behaved like a mafia boss and issued orders
and threats as he sought to influence structures
after the provincial elections, not to help Mnan-
gagwa but to control the region for his own good.
Mnangagwa’s Midlands loyalists pushed for his
removal. He had become a Frankenstein monster.

“Mudha is a creature of violent Zanu PF pol-
itics Mnangagwa presided over in the Midlands
and all over the country. Now, typically, he was
now threatening to ruin his creator. Zanu PF is in
tatters in the Midlands, and of course all over the
country, but in that region Mudha created hav-
oc,” added the source.

“Mnangagwa’s allies had been repeatedly warn-
ing him Mudha was destabilising the party and
undermining him. He took a long to act because
this was his key right-hand man for a long time,
but then he had morphed into a Frankenstein. His
actions risked defeat for Mnangagwa in 2023.”

Mnangagwa’s allies led by Midlands provin-
cial chairperson Larry Mavima feared Mudha
was now undermining Mnangagwa to vengefully
help his deputy and rival Chiwenga after he was
blocked from becoming party provincial chair.
His actions damaged Mnangagwa, but helped
Chiwenga.

Mnangagwa blocked Ncube from becoming
Midlands chairperson as he battled former chair
Daniel McKenzie Ncube. Mavima, who has no
political capital, became the compromise chair.
This enraged Mudha and he became destructive
as he lashed out in all directions, using fear and
violence, insiders say.

Page 14 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Mpofu wreaks havoc at Esidakeni Farm

AS lawlessness and a breakdown in the rule of mandlovu, Matabeleland North, are seeking an Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu minister Anxious Masuka, had issued an offer
law in Zimbabwe persist, Zanu PF secretary for order declaring that the notice of acquisition of dent. letter to a company controlled by Mpofu, de-
administration Obert Mpofu — a multiple farm their farm is null and void as it violates the con- spite his being a multiple farm owner, hence the
owner — is violating a court order to vacate Esi- stitution. In his founding affidavit, which was sup- application for a joinder.
dakeni Farm owned by human rights lawyer ported by Malunga and Moyo, Dhlamini said
The applicants are also seeking an order de- despite featuring prominently in the farm’s af- The applicants provided the court Mswelan-
Siphosami Malunga and his business partners claring that “any offer letter issued on the basis fairs, including visiting in March and enquiring gubo (Pvt) Ltd’s memorandum of association
Zephaniah Dhlamini and Charles Moyo. of the purported acquisition is null and void”. whether it had been subdivided, Mpofu had pre- showing that Mpofu and his wife Sikhanyisiwe
viously not been joined to proceedings because were the only shareholders. They also provided a
Farm workers this week were being booted The applicants sought to join Mpofu to the “we had taken the view that no relief could be CR6 form showing that Mpofu is a director in
out in a ruthless and brutal manner amid rainy application after discovering that part of Esidak- sought against him as we believed he had taken the company, as well as the company’s certificate
conditions. They made impassioned pleas for eni Farm had been parcelled out to his company. no benefit from the illegalities”. of incorporation.
help as Mpofu’s goons invaded the farm and Mswelangubo (Pvt) Ltd was cited as the eighth
threw them out despite court processes currently respondent with Mpofu being the ninth respon- Dhlamini said they had however discovered “There is no doubt that Obert Moses Mpofu
underway. that the first respondent in the matter, Lands being a controlling shareholder, (albeit exercising
in theory only negative control), and a portion
“Mpofu is wreaking havoc at the farm. He is of the farm now having been parcelled out to
evicting our workers, removing their belongings the company that he controls, his involvement
in violation of a court order and when it is rain- referred to in the main application was designed
ing,” a manager at Esidakeni Farm said. to secure personal interest. It must therefore for
that reason be stigmatised as abuse of power,”
“We have secured an eviction order against Dhlamini said.
him from our farm, but he appealed amid new
disruptions. We applied for ejectment pending Dhlamini argued that there was a strong case
his appeal and the matter is pending. What for joinder.
Mpofu is doing now is abuse of office and con-
tempt of court with impunity. The Esidakeni “Insofar as the eighth respondent is con-
Farm situation and chaos manifests the break- cerned, the validity of its offer letter is in issue
down in the rule of law, lawlessness and impuni- and it is vitally important that it be given an op-
ty in Zimbabwe.” portunity to defend its ill-gotten gains before eq-
uity. The rules of natural justice demand no less.
A voice note of a female worker describing the
situation at the farm sent to the media paints a “As regards the ninth respondent, Mpofu, a
picture of continued aggression and desperation multiple farm owner and senior official of the
as Mpofu’s gang evicts the employees illegally ruling Zanu PF party, it is important that he
and without regard for their welfare and security. defends his conduct in the context of illegalities
that he perpetrated for selfish reasons. For all in-
Malunga, Dhlamini and tents and purposes, he is the direct beneficiary
Moyo bought the farm, but Mpofu and Mata- of the portion of the farm allocated to eighth
beleland North resident minister Richard Moyo, respondent.
backed by Central Intelligence Organisation
co-deputy director-general Gatsha Mazithulela, “It is vital that this court pronounces itself in
have been vigorously pushing to grab the farm the main matter on the conduct of senior poli-
amid resistance from the owners. ticians who, contrary to government policy and
The saga has badly damaged the image of for self-aggrandisement, abuse power given to
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government them by way of public trust. I have been advised
which often claims it is different from the regime that the ruling Zanu PF party has taken a posi-
of the late former president Robert Mugabe that tion against multiple farm ownership. Mpofu’s
most of the current officials served. actions are at variance with the ethos of the po-
Mpofu and a company he controls, Mswelan- litical party to which he belongs and which he
gubo Farm (Private) Limited, have agreed to be leads.”
joined to High Court application 1054/21 in
which the owners of Esidakeni Farm in Nya- Mpofu is represented by Ndove and Associ-
ates. — STAFF WRITER.

NewsHawks News Page 15

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

NYASHA CHINGONO Govt turns blind eye to
Deka River pollution
THE sun beats mercilessly on the open fields of
Chachachunda in Hwange district, Matabeleland Water in Deka River has turned green due
North province, as the cattle scampering for graz- effluent disposal. — Pictures: Nyasha Chingono
ing pasture feed on brown grass.
She recounted how life has changed since the stockpiles and/or backfilled material and the un- Deputy Mines minister Polite Kambamura
This is the safest place for grazing for the cattle river was polluted. derlying soils into the groundwater environment said mining companies must adhere to environ-
which have suffered from drinking polluted wa- pollute the aquifers due to increased salt load and mental laws.
ter and feeding on pastures by the banks of Deka “We just started seeing water changing colour. metals.”
River, located several kilometres from Chacha- After that we saw fish dying, they rot and we have “Mining companies must adhere to environ-
chunda. nothing to do. Our cattle keep on going to Deka One of the companies accused of discharging mental issues, especially what they committed in
because of Matete lawn. Life has never been the effluent into the Deka River, Zimberly, denied the the Environmental Impact Assessment report. Ef-
Reckless coal-mining activities around the same since our river polluted,” she said. accusations that the company is involved in envi- fluent must not in any way be discharged into riv-
Hwange area have led to untenable damage to the ronmentally unfriendly practices. ers and other related water bodies as this impacts
environment and serious pollution of major water Peter Dube of Mashala area said apart from the negatively on the communities and general water
sources. Companies accused of polluting the river death of cattle, the pollution has killed fish. The company says it had developed an alkalin- ecosystem,” Kambamura said.
include the Zimbabwe Power Company, Galpex isation station on Deka.
and Hwange Colliery Company. There is acid Shashachunda like other areas is a mixed sub- The state-run Environmental Management
mine drainage (AMD) from the colliery’s aban- sistence economy which was traditionally reliant “If I take you to Mwalidaanze Dam that we Agency (Ema) said mining companies are not al-
doned underground activities. on fishing. With fish dying in large numbers, the developed as an alkalinisation station on Deka, lowed to discharge effluent in water bodies and
Shashachunda community is in dire straits. you will find the dam teeming with bream, cat- failure to comply attracts a penalty.
Herdsmen have been battling to keep the re- fish, livestock drinking water from there and
maining cattle away from the infested river, after “We do not have fishing anymore. This was our crocodiles which have migrated from the Deka “In as much as mining remains a vital econom-
dozens of cattle died from a mysterious disease livelihood. Fish are dying, it’s now a disaster. We Bridge. So which effluents are we supposed to be ic cog, mining operations are known to impact
while female cows have suffered stillbirths. have a big challenge,” Dube said. releasing into the river that have had the impact negatively on the environment, especially if un-
of killing fish, cattle and livelihoods around the sustainable practices are employed. In the case of
Among the herdsmen is Mathias Phiri (68), He lamented that the people of Shashachun- area?” a Zimberly director, Cephas Mandlenkosi the area in question, the uniqueness of coal min-
who is reeling from loss of livestock due to pollut- da were never consulted when mining companies Msipa, said. ing is that it is associated with acid mine drainage
ed water. Phiri had 63 cattle, but is now left with started activities upstream. (AMD), a major water pollution threat. Hence
only three. Scientific tests have shown that Deka River wa- according to Statutory Instrument 6 of 2007, no
“We were never consulted, to know who has ter quality has deteriorated drastically, while the operations are allowed to discharge effluent qual-
“It is very tough to lose livestock you worked come to mine in our land. We needed to know water flow dynamics have been altered and there ity that does not meet the set standards, mandat-
hard for. I had 63 cattle and I am now left with why they were here. People are coming, mine and us evidence of heavy metal bioaccumulation in ing project developers to, among other strategies,
three cattle,” he said. pollute, and start their blame game,” plants. pre-treat the effluent to allowable standards be-
fore discharge into the environment,” Ema said in
He said the plague had forced him to sell some “We do not know where to go. The communi- It has been noted with great concern that soils emailed responses.
of his livestock to avoid losses. Phiri was forced to ty was never engaged. This is beyond our control. are heavily contaminated due to disposal of chem-
sell his cattle for half the price. We engage our village heads and councillors, but icals from the mining activities. This has greatly Ema said the current effluent discharge mecha-
now this is beyond our control,” he lamented. affected the growth of plants hence no trees are nisms in Hwange were not efficient.
“This has forced me to sell cattle whenever I see growing perfectly well in the area.
that the cattle are now weak . If you do not sell, With pollution continuing unabated upstream “The current effluent abatement technologies
you will suffer a heavy loss,” he said. of the Deka River, the community is now suffer- According to the Zimbabwe Environmental being implemented within the Hwange area spe-
ing water problems. Law Association (Zela), the Deka River pollution cifically for AMD are not as effective as would be
The livestock farmer said the last five months of has not only affected livestock, wild animals and desired to entirely reduce the risk of pollution.
the year were more lethal for the cattle. The few boreholes are not enough to water aquatic life, but is also causing health problems However, the agency monitors these operations
their cattle and get enough to drink. for villagers living near the river. closely through effluent and ambient water qual-
“Between August and December we lose a lot ity monitoring programmes to timeously detect
of cattle, some just drop dead. What pains me the “We are benefitting nothing. We have nothing. “Among our client’s members and other mem- any pollution incidents. This enables a timeous
most is that we cannot even sell our cattle any- These mining companies are not helping at all. bers of the community several cases of rotting response to avert a disaster or action on the part
more. Everyone now knows that our water is bad. Whenever we cry for help, we just hear lip ser- teeth, swollen stomach, death of aquatic life and of the perpetrators.”
Instead of selling a beast for US$500, you are vice,” Malaba Ncube said. livestock and stunted growth of crops have been l This story was published as part of the We
forced to sell it at US$250,” he said. reported,” Zela said. Investigate programme by the Centre for Inno-
In a report by environmental watchdog, vation and Technology.
He tells a heartbreaking story of how dozens of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance Zela argues that the people of Hwange should
his cattle would drop dead days after drinking the (CNRG), the leaching of dangerous mining enjoy the right to water as enshrined in section 77
contaminated water from Deka River, a tributary chemicals was affecting groundwater. of the constitution of Zimbabwe.
of the Zambezi River.
Soil acidity around Deka River is now over
Livestock farmers in Shashachunda, Mashala, 76%, which is very dangerous.
Makwa, Zwabo, Mwemba and Simangani have
been counting their losses since several coal-min- “Rainwater infiltrating through the overburden
ing companies invaded the local area, dumping
refuse into the river.

Deka River is a source of livelihood for villagers
and livestock farmers have been hit the most.

An investigation into mining activities around
the Deka area shows that coal-mining companies
dump debris, which include deadly chemicals,
upstream.

As Phiri recounts his ordeal, Decent Malaba
Ncube, another cattle farmer, listens carefully.

From a herd of 52 cattle, Malaba Ncube is left
with 12. He has lost goats too.

“I have lost 12 cattle. Every year I lose cattle, I
have lost a lot of goats too. Our cattle cannot give
birth anymore,” he lamented.

Relying on Deka River for survival in a village
where employment prospects are elusive, Malaba
Ncube said villagers in Shashandunda and other
surrounding villages were suffering.

“We do not have jobs here, so we relied on fish-
ing to survive. People relied on Deka for a living.
They would fish and sell in Hwange and take chil-
dren to school. But right now we have a challenge.
We had a lot of cattle but they died because of this
water,” he said.

Once known for its fresh and clean ecology
teeming with bream and catfish, among other
aquatic species, Deka’s water has turned green
over the years, affecting the flora and fauna and
harming the lives of villagers.

The deafening silence around Deka River
shows that most living organisms have either died
or relocated from the infested waters.

Thick-layered algae forming on top of the wa-
ter flows downstream where villagers engage in
several activities like fishing, bathing, washing
clothes and watering their gardens.

The lifeless river, which feeds into the Zambezi
up north, has become a pale shadow of its former
self as chemicals and pollution suck its very life.

“The mining activities have really affected us.
When the cattle drink water from the river, they
suffer stillbirth. Deka has really affected our live-
lihoods. We used to have clean water to bathe,
drink and for our livestock, but we now have a se-
rious problem here,” Chachandunda village head
Anastacia Tshuma said.

Page 16 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Zimbabwe is battling an exodus of health professionals.

‘Oppressing health workers to backfire’

BERNARD MPOFU Zimbabwe is battling a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections and deaths.

A PLAN by the government to criminalise in- this is not a satisfactory Bill.” rently Z$70 000) or three years’ imprisonment Constitution; it also “discusses the parameters
dustrial action by health professionals, among Clause 5 of the Bill will insert a new section or both. of collective job action by the Health Service.”
other proposed changes, will trigger massive
skills flight of medical staff, a parliamentary into the Act to restrict the right of members of The Health Service Amendment Bill was Last mont, Constantino Chiwenga, the
watchdog has warned. the Health Service to engage in collective job ac- published in the Government Gazette on 23 July country’s Health minister and Vice-President,
tion — which essentially means going on strike. last year. It has been presented in the National announced that the government is in talks with
Zimbabwe, which endured two years of eco- Assembly and is currently being considered by the United Nations and other multilateral agen-
nomic contraction and growing political intol- All members of the governing bodies of the Parliamentary Legal Committee. cies to help compensate Harare for training
erance, is battling an exodus of health profes- unions that incite or organise collective job ac- costs for health professionals who left the coun-
sionals, thereby paralysing the already weakened tion in breach of the new section will be guilty According to its memorandum, the Bill is in- try for better employment prospects abroad.
health delivery system. of an offence and liable to a fine of level 10 (cur- tended to align the Health Service Act to the

Official statistics show that last year 2 000
nurses fled the country for greener pastures as
the economy continues to wobble.

The authorities have already pressed the pan-
ic button and are now making frantic efforts to
stop the skills flight. The United Kingdom, Aus-
tralia and New Zealand have over the years been
some of the preferred destinations for health
professionals such as doctors and nurses.

Veritas, a local watchdog and think-tank on
parliamentary business, said proposed changes
to a law governing the health professional will
have an adverse effect on the southern African
country.

Zimbabwe is battling a fourth wave of
Covid-19 infections and deaths and experts say
the pandemic has already strained the country’s
weakened health delivery system. Health profes-
sionals in the private sector do not fall under
the public health service, and the Act does not
apply to them.

“The Bill is unlikely to cow government
health professionals into accepting their unsat-
isfactory conditions of service and refraining
from strike action,” Veritas says.

“Instead it may persuade them that the gov-
ernment is not prepared to listen to their com-
plaints and intends to resort to coercion. The
Bill may therefore drive more of them to seek
their fortunes outside the country. Altogether

NewsHawks News Page 17

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Heavy rains leave trail of destruction

Kennedy Majoni walks through flooded and damaged sugar bean plants due to heavy rains and the spilling of a nearby dam at Devonia Farm outside Chinhoyi on Wednesday. — Pictures: Aaron Ufumeli

NYASHA CHINGONO IN CHINHOYI

GILBERT Chinharo (51) trudges through mud- Willard Kakora walks through his flooded maize crop at Devonia Farm outside Chinhoyi, on Wednesday. Many farmers have had mostly their maize and
dy waters that cover his field as he haplessly tries sugar bean crops destroyed by heavy rains.
to save his soya bean crop after three days of in-
cessant rain at Devonia village in Chinhoyi, about Loadshed Chibage plants sugar beans at Devonia Farm outside Chinhoy on Wednesday.
120 kilometres west of Harare.
the bursting of nearby Nyamtsvindi Dam on 10 “A hectare of soyabean will give me 3,500 ate farmers across the country who had endured a
Across his field, which has been turned into January, forming a waterway along a valley that tonnes which is a substantial amount of money dry spell, the current wet spell has brought devas-
puddles, is a trail of destruction left by heavy rain. leads to vast swathes of arable land. but as things stand there is nothing to expect,” he tation to some farmers.
added, saying diverting the water from the fields
Broken trees blocking roads and flooded roads While other farmers have successfully de-wa- was a mammoth task due to the pressure from the In Marondera, a hailstorm destroyed 25 hect-
can be seen from Chinharo’s farm. tered their farmland, farmers like dam. ares of tobacco owned by a young farmer a week
before the first harvest.
Chinharo’s three hectares of soybean were Kennedy Majoni are battling to remove large “Diverting water is a near-impossible task
washed away by rain last week, leaving the father amounts of water that has formed puddles on because the rains have been pounding for three The farmer, who is counting huge losses, will
of three counting his losses. their farms. nights which means there is a lot of water under- have to wait for next season to replant.
neath. This makes it difficult to do anything, we
While many farmers across the country are Majoni, an electrician by profession, is leasing may have to engage experts to find out how we With the government pinning its hopes on ag-
elated that the heavens finally opened following a the farm from a local farmer. can go about this because we risk losing all our riculture, a good rainy season will be critical to
prolonged dry spell, farmers in Devonia, former- savings.” achieviing a good yield.
ly owned by white farmers before the 2000 land In despair, he haplessly gazes at his farm in ut-
reform programme, wish the heavens had given ter devastation. While the rains have been a blessing to desper- Following a good 2020/21 agricultural season,
them less rain. Zimbabwe is expecting a repeat this year, with ex-
“I planted my soyabean on 1 January but this is perts saying this would boost economic fortunes.
As rains continue to pound, farmers here are a total disaster,” Majoni lamented.
battling to divert the water forming puddles on
their farms, as they fear losing their crop.

Chinharo, who has been farming in the area
since the early 2000s, said there is no hope for
his crop.

“I had planted three hectares of soybean, ex-
pecting to get at least 1 200 tonnes per hectare
but this is a disaster. There is no hope of getting
anything this year,” he told The NewsHawks.

“The water is not receding so we are just wish-
ing that God will withhold the rains for a while so
that I can save my crop.”

A drive around the area shows massive devas-
tation as families that rely on farming for their
livelihood gaze at their farms in despair.

Among them is Gilbert Kakora (32), who was
introduced to farming several years ago.

Following successful farming seasons, Kakora
is staring at a major loss this season, after seven
hectares of maize were wiped away by the rains.

“My crop is now a write off. I was really expect-
ing to get more than 13 tonnes from this piece of
field because it is very fertile, but the heavens said
no. I hope the rains will recede anytime soon so
that I can replant. That is my only hope,” Kakora
said while his twin brother worked to divert water
from the field.

As a group of young people toiled to de-wa-
ter the fields, the skies turned grey, threatening a
heavy downpour, worsening an already dire situ-
ation.

Melody Maupa (43) narrated how she woke up
to a large puddle in her field, up to her knees.

As rains poured on 10 January, Maupa feared
her house was going to be washed away.

“The situation is now better, it was worse a few
days ago. My field looked like a dam, I could not
believe my eyes,” Maupa said as she showed the
news crew pictures of the devastation.

“I have lost my soyabean and maize crops.
There is nothing we can do, this is nature,” she
said.

Farmers here say the flooding was worsened by

Page 20 News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Special Covid-19

PANDEMIC coverage

MARY MUNDEYA Covid-19 toll: Festive season
not as deadly as previous one
ZIMBABWE has emerged from the festive sea-
son in a better position compared to last year
when there was a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases
during the Christmas and New Year holidays al-
though current infections and deaths remain a
concern to heath authorities.

On Christmas Day in 2020, Zimbabwe re-
corded 94 new cases and two deaths, bringing
the cumulative death toll to 341.

However, a month later, figures had spiralled
out of control. Zimbabwe on 25 January 2021
recorded 326 new infections and 70 deaths,
bringing the cumulative death toll to 1 075.

Cases continued to rise after that.
In terms of total infections, Zimbabwe had
cumulative infections of 12 880 on Christmas
Day in 2020 but the figure had more than dou-
bled to 31 646 by 25 January.
Zimbabwe recorded its first Covid-19 case
in March 2020, but cases dramatically rose in
2021, claiming the lives of thousands of Zim-
babweans, among them high-profile persons,
including cabinet ministers Sibusiso Busi Moyo
and Joel Biggie Matiza.
Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri suc-
cumbed to Covid-19 in July 2020.
There were fears that Covid-19 cases would
spiral out of control yet again, stretching the
country’s health facilities after the discovery of
the Omicron variant in November last year.
Scientists say the variant, discovered by
a Zimbabwean scientist based in Botswana,
is more infections and deadlier than other
Covid-19 variants, but so far both infections
and deaths have remained under control.
As of 12 January 2022, Zimbabwe recorded
668 new cases and 14 deaths, bringing the cu-
mulative death toll to 5 215.
Although there has been a recent increase in
Covid-19 deaths, with the highest daily figure
of 28 fatalities being recorded on 7 January, the
figures are not as high as the January 2021 num-
bers.
Chief coordinator of the Covid-19 taskforce
Dr Agnes Mahomva is on record as urging the
nation not to panic.

A reflection of sweet vendors is seen on a shop window along Jason Moyo street yesterday. Pedestrians walk in the rain as they cross a street in Harare yesterday. The incessant rains falling
throughout the country have resulted in flooding in some areas and blocking of drains in urban areas. —

Pictures: Aaron Ufumeli

NewsHawks News Page 19

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

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Page 22 Editorial & Opinion NewsHawks

CARTOON Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Citizens voting
with their feet

ZIMBABWE, the biggest exporter of economic refugees Chamisa’s difficult political calculus
in southern Africa, is once again in the spotlight for all
the wrong reasons. ZIMBABWE’S main opposition MDC municipalities through provocative recalls. vail in the 2023 general elections, is name
Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa — who is Former Zanu PF minister and MP Jona- changing and rebranding.
The epic drama emanating from South Africa’s initial hugely popular and got over two million
refusal to renew the special permits of Zimbabwean na- votes in the 2018 presidential election — than Moyo says Mwonzora’s claim to be the The process entails internal and exter-
tionals based in the regional economic powerhouse has is caught between a rock and a hard place leader of the MDC-Alliance through the nal changes. Internally, it means changing
brought to the fore the sorry state of affairs in this coun- ahead of crucial by-elections on 26 March. Composite Political Agreement is spurious structures and the way of working within
try. and ridiculous. Moyo, also a professor of the party. After the internal processes, there
Nomination is on 26 January. politics, says Mwonzora cannot legally and are external aspects — getting a new name,
According to the latest reports, the South African gov- Chamisa faces three difficult options: To practically be the leader of the MDC-Alli- logo and profile. By rebranding — from
ernment has since granted a reprieve — to allow the Zim- contest as MDC-Alliance and clash in the ance electoral pact because that expired in ideological and policy repositioning, fixing
babweans to use the permits until the end of 2022 while process with the MDC-T, which has an- 2018 soon after the elections as its continu- structures and workflows to changing the
regularising their stay. nounced it will field candidates under the ity was only premised on a coalition victory name logo and profile — the MDC-Al-
same name amid their continued cutthroat which did not happen. liance would be seeking to signal a break
Some of the affected Zimbabweans brewed a shocker wrangling; change name and rebrand or with the toxic past and moving forward to
when they sought to drag the South African government boycott the elections. In any case, he says, Mwonzora was not occupy centre political ground — whether
to court in a futile bid to have the permits renewed. It All these options have political costs and even signatory to the alliance agreement ideologically or perceptually.
was an ill-advised move. potentially devastating consequences. signed in August 2017 which did not have
The MDC-Alliance said yesterday at a leaders or officials as he purports, except a This might work for 2023, but then the
You do not force the hand of a sovereign state through press conference in Harare it would contin- presidential candidate, initially Tsvangirai by-elections bring in new complexities. If
misplaced self-deceit. ue to participate in politics under its current the party changes its name and rebrands,
name, but would however advise its sup- Hawk Eye it will lose its MPs in Parliament who were
We must read the signs of the times. porters and stakeholders at the appropriate elected under the MDC-Alliance brand
There is a growing sentiment in South Africa and in time on the way forward. Dumisani since it cannot have MPs elected under
the rest of the neighbourhood that Zimbabwe’s economic If the MDC-Alliance participate under Muleya two different names at the same time.
crisis has dragged on for far too long. this name, they will clash with the MDC-T, Ultimately, changing its name means sur-
Make no mistake, people have travelled up and down widely seen as a Zanu PF appendage that and later Chamisa despite his seizure of rendering the name and its identity to the
in this part of the world since the beginning of time. enjoys state institutional support, including power from rightful heir Khupe. MDC-T and, by extension, to Zanu PF.
The movement of people from one country to another is that of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commis- Chamisa will lose his remaining MPs to
nothing new. sion (Zec), Parliament and the judiciary, as Moyo further says there is a difference the same rivals — Zanu PF and MDC-T
What is new is the sheer magnitude of undocument- well as the executive. between the MDC-Alliance electoral pact — who are forcing him to change his par-
ed Zimbabweans who are skipping borders and placing a The MDC-T has already said it will par- and the MDC-Alliance political party led ty’s name.
strain on neighbouring nations. Undocumented immi- ticipate in the by-elections as the MDC-Al- by Chamisa formed in 2019 after the 2017
grants pose serious security, economic and social head- liance. The logic of the party and its leader elections agreement had automatically dis- The last and third option is even more
aches for a host country. Douglas Mwonzora is that they “own” the solved. So, Moyo adds, Mwonzora cannot complicated: Boycotting the by-elections.
What has obviously accentuated the problem is that MDC-Alliance by virtue of the 31 March be leader of an electoral alliance which has The idea of boycotting the by-elections
South Africa — whose GDP has been overtaken by Ni- 2020 Supreme Court judgment which said expired — the pact did not have a leader or might be an easy way out of the mess as the
geria and Egypt in recent years — is reeling under record Chamisa was not the legitimate MDC-T president anyway and no longer exists — or party will then get time to change its name
unemployment. leader. Mwonzora says this means he is now take over a political, the MDC-Alliance, to and rebrand and carries no executional risks,
The unemployment rate hit a new record high of 34.9% the leader of the MDC-T and the MDC-Al- which he does not belong. but it implies surrendering its hard-won po-
in the third quarter of 2021, heightening the scramble liance as an electoral pact because after the litical ground secured at huge political cost
for jobs. extraordinary congress in December 2020 Moyo says Zec and other state institutions since 2000. If the MDC-Alliance boycotts
Misguided South African politicians who wrongly following the court decision he defeated would damage themselves irreparably if they and the MDC-T contests the by-elections
thought Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is solely foreign acting MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe to illegally and fraudulently assist Mwonzora as the MDC-Alliance, this means recalls
problem are discovering it actually has domestic rami- assume the party leadership and that of the to seize the name MDC-Alliance. will be intensified after that and all Chamisa
fications. election coalition. MPs would be removed.
In last year’s election in that country, undocumented In a letter to Zec on 3 January, Mwonzo- The second option for Chamisa, which
immigrants came in for heated discussion, with many ra explains his controversial claim to be the party senior officials say they are actively That takes the party more than 20 years
South Africans openly demanding a solution to the issue. MDC-Alliance leader, a rationale he used to considering and might well eventually pre- backwards, a position from which it might
Unlike in the past when it was viewed as a peripheral top- decimate Chamisa’s party in Parliament and be even harder to recover.
ic raised by the lunatic fringe, there is growing acceptance
that this matter can no longer be ignored. In the end, Chamisa's best option is to
Hopefully, the people of Africa can begin discussing stay course and stick with the MDC-Alli-
the Zimbabwean crisis from a better informed perspec- ance name, logo and profile.
tive.
Too many Africans have swallowed — hook, line and
sinker — Zanu PF propaganda on the real causes of the
mass exodus.
It has nothing to do with Western sanctions, but every-
thing to do with bad governance, leadership failure and
corruption-induced poverty.
There is no better evidence of the catastrophic failings
of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government than
the mass exodus of economic refugees. Citizens are flee-
ing his misrule.
But the people of Zimbabwe must also introspect.
Running away from the man-made crisis may provide
temporary relief, but a sustainable solution is needed.
This can only happen through the return to legitimacy
via a free, fair and democratic election. Anything else is
wishful thinking.

Reaffirming the fundamental impor- The NewsHawks is published on different EDITORIAL STAFF: Marketing Officer: Voluntary Media
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NewsHawks New Perspectives Page 21

Issue 63, 14 January 2022 A make-or-break year:
Challenges for Zim in 2022
THE year 2021 has been de-
pressing for a great number of babweans find it hard to put babweans whose work permits shows its invincibility, there can Add to these the unending
people across the globe. food on the table, the ongoing have not been renewed. This be a heavy cost. Most probably economic experiments we have
migration crisis between Zim- is bad news for a country with the former will be the case. In had for the last four decades.
From the suffering of the ma- babwe and South Africa is of half its population living below one way or the other, the pan- Without cost-benefit analy-
jority of Zimbabweans due to major concern. The South Afri- the poverty line.   demic will remain here, even in sis, one policy or even system
continued economic challeng- can government recently tight- Another fault line for Zim- milder form at least. is supplanted with another at
es, insurgents in Mozambique ened its regulations and beefed babwe emanates from its high- If the 2021 gave us serious the whim of those in authority,
linked to the Islamic State that up security to block undoc- ly uncertain political environ- challenges, this year will not which has taken the economy
have staged various attacks, umented Zimbabweans from ment. Politics in Zimbabwe’s take them away. to a dead end from which only
Zimbabwe-South Africa migra- flocking to the country. An es- history has been anything but Zimbabwe has structural is- suicide seems inevitable.
tion crisis, a Taliban takeover in timated three million Zimba- highly uncer-
Afghanistan, and the arrival of bweans are living in South Af- tain. Year after One thing is for sure: Let-
hardliners in Iran to the New rica and only 250 000 of them year, political ting things continue this way
Cold War made global head- granted work permits in 2009 witch-hunts, Econometrics is unsustainable. It is impover-
lines.  Of course, the pandemic which have been renewed over intimidations, ishing the majority, destroying
seemed untamed, which in ef- the years. These immigrants and political vi- HawksView society along tribal lines and
fect not only shaped the year, have been supporting their fam- olence have de- destroying the future of the
but its manifest disasters also ilies and relatives back home. fined the coun- youths. The time has come for
left no stone unturned.  However, the migration crisis try. This year the authorities and the elite
implies that those families and will not be any Tinashe Kaduwo class to cater to the needs of
In other words, the pandem- individuals who were relying different as po- Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans,
ic seeped into society like air in on their relatives plying their litical parties are entering into sues which cannot be solved otherwise we will all run out of
the atmosphere. Despite poor trade is South Africa will find election mode. Whatever hap- at the drop of a hat. Sadly, time, considering that 2023 is
spending on the social sector, it difficult to put food on the pens, political instability will this country has continued election year.
Zimbabwe till now has done table. The migration crisis is a prevail or rather metastasize to going down the road to self-
well as far as the pandemic is result of rising unemployment another level. harm. Economic hardships and There is fear that more popu-
concerned. The year 2022 will in South Africa due to years of Although the government self-serving politics have fur- list policies may be implement-
be dominated by five key fault subdued economic growth. The has tamed the virus to some ex- ther divided the nation across ed in light of the upcoming
lines for Zimbabwe, neverthe- South African government de- tent, with its new variant, the social lines in more of a tribal elections, that may completely
less. cided that it will not renew the deadly virus can overwhelm the and cronyist nature. On the one destroy the little economic hope
work permits for Zimbabweans country in no time. At best, hand, there is a dichotomy on left. Indeed 2022 is a make-or-
On the economic front, Zim- after the 31 December 2021 ex- Zimbabwe will grapple with the each front, on the other, this break year for the Zimbabwean
babwe's record has been one piry date. 2022 will be a diffi- situation; at worst, like other balkanisation goes unaddressed economy and its society. 
of the worst in its entire histo- cult year for Zimbabweans who countries such as South Africa with the passage of time. The
ry. The country has absolutely were relying on remittances and India, if the vaccination end game, if unabated, is a di- *About the writer: Tinashe
failed to manage the Zimdollar, from their colleagues in South programme does not pick up sastrous total collapse of societ- Kaduwo is a researcher and
with the currency crisis a press- Africa and also for those Zim- pace and the  newer variant ies on tribal lines. economist. He writes in his
ing issue. High price increases personal capacity. Contact
have shaped virtually all sectors. [email protected] whatsapp
To cope with these hydra-head- +263773376128
ed price increases or inflation,
the only strategy of the govern-
ment is to hope that the global
oil and key commodity prices
go down. It shows how trou-
bled the country is. Crude oil
prices gained nearly 60% in
2021 and liquefied natural gas
(LNG) prices have also touched
a new all-time high. The rise in
global oil prices is being quick-
ly translated to the rise in local
energy prices. The rising oil
prices forced the energy regu-
lator Zera to scrap the manda-
tory blending of fuel. In 2022,
crude oil prices are expected to
remain high, a major concern
for the country that relies on
imports for most of its energy
demand.  

Given the rising price of
key commodity, oil, and oth-
er macro-economic weakness-
es, Zimbabwe's year-on-year
inflation remained elevated,
closing the year at 60.7%. Of
concern however, is the month-
on-month inflation which
stubbornly remained above the
5% mark in the last quarter of
2021. Going forward in 2022,
the way the government han-
dles affairs, it is anything but
difficult to predict that infla-
tion will prevail throughout the
year in one form or the other.
If that is not enough, contin-
ued depreciation of the Zim-
babwean dollar is also adding
to high inflationary pressures.
Premiums between the official
rate and the parallel market rate
have since surpassed the 60%
mark. Some entities are already
using the 60% rate to discount
some assets that are linked to
the US dollar but paid in lo-
cal currency. In short, inflation
will remain and Zimbabwe may
struggle to contain it this year.

While more than half of Zim-

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

DUMISANI NYONI ASX questions Prospect,
Chinese firm shares deal
THE Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has
questioned a deal involving a Chinese resources tential distribution to shareholders, or the ex- expect to retain US$50 million of the consider- ed trust account, which is an Australian bank
outfit, Zhejiang Huayou, which seeks to take pected composition in terms of income and/or ation,” the company said. account.
over 87% shareholding in Prospect Lithium capital components.”
Zimbabwe (PLZ) for nearly US$378 million. Prospect said it will give further consider- “There are no regulatory approvals required
“That will be further considered in due course ation to the exact quantum of cash it intends to transfer this cash deposit into the Australian
PLZ, which is listed on the ASX, last month in conjunction with Prospect’s tax advisers (and to retain in due course (subject to receipt of the bank account of Prospect Minerals Pte Ltd (as
announced its intention to sell 87% of its inter- is subject to receipt of the cash consideration cash consideration under the transaction) and seller) upon and in accordance with the terms of
est in Arcadia Lithium, a world-class asset on under the Transaction) and the market appro- keep the market appropriately informed. the transaction,” it said.
the outskirts of Harare, to the Shanghai-listed priately informed,” it said.
Chinese firm, Zhejiang Huayou. In respect of the conditions precedent, ASX Huayou could ultimately pay up to US$422
“Prospect lastly notes that the announcement wanted to know the “requisite Chinese regulato- million to assume full control of the operation
However, ASX has questioned the deal, ask- states that Prospect “expects to retain a cash ry approvals” that must be obtained by Huayou. if Zimbabwean investors in the project agree to
ing Prospect to explain the basis for the forecast balance of up to US$50 million . . . As at the relinquish their 13% shareholding in the busi-
share price valuation for its main class of secu- date of announcement, Prospect had a current The ASX also asked whether Huayou had ness, according to Prospect.
rities insofar as Prospect represented that the cash balance of approximately AU$20 million, paid the US$20 million deposit into Prospect’s
effect of the transaction will equate to “approxi- including the proceeds of the capital raising un- nominated trust account. The transaction is, however, still subject to a
mately AUD$1.23 per PSC (Prospect) ordinary dertaken in October 2021. Prospect does not series of regulatory approvals in both Zimbabwe
share”. In response, Prospect said Huayou has paid and China.
the US$20 million deposit into the nominat-
In response to this question, Prospect said
the quoted figure of approximately A$1.23 per Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe last month announced its intention to sell 87% of its interest in Arcadia Lithium to Zhejiang Huayou.
share was not expressed, nor intended, as a share
price valuation.

It said the quoted figure of approximately
A$1.23 per share in the announcement was stat-
ed as being “the equivalent value per ordinary
Prospect share of the value of the cash consider-
ation payable to Prospect’s subsidiary, Prospect
Minerals Pte Ltd, for the sale of its 87% share-
holding in Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (Pvt)
Ltd (owner of the Arcadia Lithium Project)
(Transaction)”.

Prospect said the AU$:US$ exchange rate
(0.715) used the number of shares on issue (428
523 535) and that the calculation was before
transaction costs and tax.

“This figure is readily calculable as the head-
line cash consideration payable under the Trans-
action (US$377 million), converted to AUD at
the stated AUD/USD exchange rate (AU$528
million), and divided by current ordinary Pros-
pect shares on issue (428.5 million),” it said.

Prospect said the announcement reflected
the transaction value of the gross proceeds to
be received, before Zimbabwean capital gains
tax and transactional costs, in a dollar per share
format and clearly states the nature and basis of
calculation of that figure.

The ASX also noted that Prospect intended to
retain US$50 million of the consideration while
applying the balance of the consideration to
shareholders, after accounting for tax and costs
of the transaction, by way of a cash return of
capital.

“Does PSC expect that shareholders will re-
ceive approximately AUD$1.23 per PSC ordi-
nary share in the cash return of capital? If not,
what is the basis for disclosing the Share Price
Valuation, noting this is not a transaction for
the purposes of Chapter 6 of the Corporations
Act?” ASX questioned.

In response, Prospect said the announcement
stated that Zimbabwean capital gains tax and
transactional costs will be payable with respect
to the transaction.

Accordingly, Prospect does not expect, nor
has it stated, that shareholders will receive ap-
proximately A$1.23 per Prospect ordinary share
in a “cash return of capital”.

“Prospect notes that the announcement does
not state that any return to shareholders would
be a ‘cash return of capital’. The announcement
outlines an intent to ‘distribute the remaining
post-tax, post-transaction costs, sale proceeds’
to shareholders.”

“Specifically, the announcement does not
state the anticipated form or amount of any po-

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 23

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Delays in settling US$2bn debt costly

BERNARD MPOFU

DELAYS by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe The Zimbabwe dollar has continued to lose ground against the greenback as business and consumers continue to buy forex on the parallel market.
in repatriating over US$2 billion owed to local
and international firms will dampen confidence was trading at nearly 110:1 against the United ciled by the Debt Office, for which the office A few years ago, the government established
in the southern African nation, which is des- States dollar on the formal market compared to may demand from the creditor concerned the the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange as a way of
perately in need of capital to reboot its ailing 200:1 on the unofficial market. following as may be appropriate — authenticat- easing the repatriation of dividends offshore,
economy, a leading economist has said. ed copies of relevant loan agreement or contract but sceptics say the unlocking of the blocked
According to the Act, “all claims arising from or declaration in the case of dividends.” funds will test the government’s commitment.
Despite government promises to improve the blocked funds shall be validated and recon-
the investment climate, Zimbabwe is currently
ranked at the tail end of the World Bank Ease
of Doing Business report due to several bottle-
necks faced by investors in setting up business.

According to the latest Finance Act amend-
ments, 580 companies which include the coun-
try’s biggest beverage maker and largest bank by
deposits are failing to repatriate funds to their
foreign shareholders indicating that the econo-
my could be facing a forex logjam.

The Act also shows that the government is
liable for a total of US$2.5 billion for funds be-
longing to foreign counterparties that provided
loans and credit facilities “to a person resident
in Zimbabwe and was entitled to such payment
but could not be paid when the funds were
due".

Prosper Chitambara, an economist at the La-
bour and Economic Development Institute of
Zimbabwe (Ledriz), said failure by the central
bank to liberalise the foreign exchange market
and Zimbabwe’s current account position had
resulted in companies and creditors failing to
access the funds.

“This sends wrong messages to both current
and future investors. There is an urgent need to
liberalise the foreign exchange market instead
of having a managed system. This will certainly
improve investor confidence, which is currently
low,” Chitambara said.

The discrepancy between the official foreign
exchange rate and the parallel market move-
ments has failed to narrow down due to erratic
supplies of hard currency on the formal system.

The Zimbabwe dollar has continued to lose
ground against the greenback as business and
consumers continue to buy forex on the parallel
market. By the end of December, the local unit

DUMISANI NYONI Soaring imports widen trade deficit

ZIMBABWE’S trade deficit — an outflow of do- Fuel is among imports driving Zimbabwe’s widening trade deficit.
mestic currency to foreign markets — widened by
24% to US$1.4 billion from January to Novem- nomic environment. lion), ferro-chromium (US$276 million), plati- The bulk of the country’s imports in the period
ber last year, driven by increases in fuel, machin- Imports were projected to grow in line with the num (US$187 million) and diamonds at US$168 under review remained heavily skewed towards
ery and raw material imports. million. consumptive products, which comprise fuel,
re-opening of the economy and attendant growth wheat, medicines and electricity.
Latest data from the Zimbabwe National pressures, he said. One of the challenges of relying on primary
Statistics Agency (ZimStat) shows that between product exports is that the country might run For instance, fuel gobbled up US$858 million,
January and November last year, the country ex- In the period under review, Zimbabwe’s ex- out of its finite primary products, for example crude soyabean oil (US$197 million), vaccines
ported goods and services worth US$5.4 billion ports were dominated by primary commodities, precious metals could become scarce. Without di- for human medicines (US$183m), electricity
against imports of US$6.8 billion, giving a trade with gold accounting for US$1.4 billion, nickel versification, this would leave the economy with (US$140 million), maize (US$111 million) and
deficit of US$1.4 billion. mattes at US$1.1 billion, nickel ores and concen- a void. broken rice (US$101 million).
trates (US$957 million), tobacco (US$698 mil-
During the corresponding period in 2020,
exports stood at US$3.9 billion with imports at
US$5.0 billion, resulting in the country experi-
encing a negative trade balance of US$1.1 billion.

The widening trade deficit, according to the
government, is mainly attributed to the fuel,
machinery and raw material imports, while an-
alysts have attributed it to economic instability,
the outbreak of Covid-19, which disrupted the
movement of goods, as well as the volatility of the
South African rand to the US dollar.

“The increase in imports was reflective of the
growing economy and foreign currency avail-
ability on the auction system,” Finance minister
Mthuli Ncube said in his 2022 National Budget
statement.

In his 2021 National Budget, Ncube had pro-
jected that the current account would remain pos-
itive despite vulnerabilities in the global economy,
driven by continued recovery of exports and im-
ports, coupled with an increase in remittances and
efficient foreign exchange market auction system,
which prioritise allocating foreign currency to
industry raw materials, rather than consumptive
goods.

Ncube said the growth in exports would be
driven mainly by increased production and pro-
ductivity, riding on a stable domestic macro-eco-

Page 26 Companies & Markets NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

DUMISANI NYONI ‘Zim must officially dollarise’

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s admin- cycle. he said. he said.
istration should, among other things, officially “We have low productivity, low incomes, low Secondly, Mutasa said there was a need to “Unfortunately, the outlook in this regard looks
dollarise and also improve the efficiency of state-
owned enterprises (SOEs) if the economy is going savings, low investment, low capital formation. strengthen collective bargaining and trade union bleak, the government is determined to continue
to improve this year, analysts have said. Therefore we need policies that reverse these and power. manipulating the electoral processes. This means
bring about a virtuous cycle,” he said. we face a tough and gloomy future,” Mutasa said.
Zimbabwe’s economy is currently going “We must use collective bargaining to allo-
through tumultuous times, with the local curren- “This cannot be achieved using neoliberal cate productivity gains fairly and ensure that we He said if the government does not want to
cy losing value against the greenback while infla- thinking and austerity measures. There is a need ratchet up domestic demand. This will also lead to reverse its disastrous policies, it appears to be the
tion continues to skyrocket. for a well-measured government policy interven- increased savings rate, which is crucial for capital case, then the citizens have to mobilise, unite and
tion that is pro-poor, inclusive and anchored on formation,” he said. demand change.
For instance, the Zimbabwe dollar is trading at national cohesion. We need a new social contract
ZW$200 against the United States dollar on the that is fair and a product of social dialogue.” “We also need to utilise the national minimum Dhlamini, however, said the outlook for 2022,
parallel market. wage to address the incidences of working poverty given it is preceding an election, was positive in
“First thing is to deal with the disruptive cur- which is now a big impediment to economic re- terms of economic growth.
Economic analysts and labour experts who rency policy problem. In the short term, we must covery and eradication of poverty. We need robust
spoke to The NewsHawks said there was a need for officially dollarise. The market has already dolla- and effective social security programming to ad- The country is set to hold general national elec-
the government to expedite institutional reforms rised and only wages are stuck in RTGS. This is dress vulnerabilities and at the minimum provide tions next year.
to bring confidence, officially dollarise as well as grossly unfair and the main cause for the vicious social safety nets for the poor.”
review toxic taxes. cycle at the moment, extremely low wages,” Mu- “I project a modest growth of above 6%, large-
tasa said. “However, the main problem of Zimbabwe is ly stimulated by increased investment in infra-
“The new tax policy is likely to undermine the politics. We need to sanitise the political environ- structure through the drawdown of the SDR that
government revenues as it will encourage tax eva- Mutasa said dollarising and decommissioning ment and processes for us to attract investment. was allocated to Zimbabwe by the International
sion. Government needs to review, especially the the RTGS would do away with the numerous ar- We need to ‘socially distance’ ourselves from dic- Monetary Fund.”
clause that charges taxes in forex even where in- bitrage opportunities that are enriching the ruling tatorial practices and engender constitutionalism,
come is partly RTGS,” academic and economist elites and their cronies without production. It will true democracy and rule of law. We need to mask “Secondly, economic growth will be driven by
Stevenson Dhlamini said. also address the uncertainties caused by the vola- up against corruption and plunder of our natural an increase in aggregate demand undergirded by
tile exchange rate and build market confidence, resources by the ruling elites and their cronies,” increased salaries in both public and private sec-
In the recently enacted Finance Act No.7 of tor. We expect a bumper harvest due to the im-
2021, which became effective this month, the proved rains, that is if they continue,” he said.
government made changes to existing taxing laws
to give effect to changes announced in the 2022
National Budget announced in November 2021.

Among the tax changes, the government an-
nounced plans to tax persons who earn both
United States and Zimbabwe dollars as if their
entire salary was forex-based.

“I also expect the government to improve the
efficiency or efficacy of the state-owned enterpris-
es as failure to do this will undermine the effec-
tiveness of the NDS 1 (National Development
Strategy 1),” he said.

Zimbabwe’s parastatals have been bleeding the
fiscus for decades due to mismanagement, poor
governance and corruption involving government
officials and top management.

Dhlamini also said the provision of safety nets
needed to be improved so that the objective of in-
clusive growth is attained.

“The government also needs to increase youth
employment through government-funded initia-
tives and support for the micro, small and me-
dium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This is very
critical for the attainment of inclusive growth,”
he said.

Economist Prosper Chitambara said: “First of
all, we need to expedite institutional reforms to
bring better confidence. We need to reform the
(forex) auction market to make it more efficient,
more market-led. We should also master fiscal
discipline, which are also critical ingredients for
economic sustainability.”

Immediate past president of the Zimbabwe
Congress of Trade Unions Peter Mutasa said on
the economic side, Zimbabwe was in a vicious

Pacific re-launches Pegasus, Branson cigarette brands

PACIFIC Cigarette Company has expanded its ed tobaccos from Zimbabwe, undeniably the amid the Covid-19 pandemic. of appreciating each day, we make it alive and
brand portfolio with the launch of low brands world’s favourite tobaccos,” he said. “We owe it to our maker, the Almighty God, having optimism.
— Pegasus and Branson cigarettes — to capture
customers with a variety of flavours. Watinaye said the re-launch of the brands Allah. If there is a greatest lesson that we draw “We, at Pacific, were not spared from the
was a celebration of optimism of grace and life from the current scourge of Covid-19, it’s that ripple effects of Covid-19, our customers were
The low brands are now available at afford- affected, and value chains have been disrupted,
able prices, making it easier for those who love whereas livelihoods have not only been threat-
to smoke blended cigarettes. ened, but greatly questioned.

The Pegusus brand will be going for Where will Africa turn to and her people?
ZW$437.50 at wholesale price and ZW$525/ “We, at Pacific are always filled by the chal-
brick at retail price while the Branson brand lenges of the present day as they confront us, we
will be selling at ZW$350/brick at wholesale are keen to respond to challenges with practical
price and ZW$437.50 at retail price. solutions. To date, I’m pleased to announce to
you that our value chains have created more
Speaking at the re-launch in Harare, Itai than 100 entrepreneurs, hundreds of families
Gift Watinaye, the general manager of Pacific have a decent livelihood,” he said.
Cigarette Company, said the new Pegasus and Ashleyn Mukamba, the head of sales and
Branson packs were well blended using local marketing, said plans were afoot to bring more
tobacco. exciting brands. Pacific Cigarette Company is a
business that was created by Zimbabweans.
“Today, as we re-launch Pegasus and Bran- Over the years, Pacific has heeded the gov-
son, we reignite our self-drive not to bury our ernment’s call for value-addition, the people
heads in the sand, but to rise to occasion and and economy.
offer our customers value for money products, Value-addition is Africa’s top agenda for sus-
whose quality and value offering still competes tainable economic growth as it is an enabler of
in the export market. automation, science and societal development.

“It’s a double-edged sword, we will not let — STAFF WRITER.
down our local customers; we, today on-board
them to our refreshed Branson and Pegasus
packs packed with our enduring well-blend-

NewsHawks Companies & Markets Page 25

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Page 26 Stock Taking NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Price Sheet

Thursday, 13 January 2022 A MEMBER OF FINSEC & THE ZIMBABWE STOCK EXCHANGE

Company Sector Bloomberg Previous Last VWAP (cents) Total Total Price Price YTD Market
Ticker Price Traded Traded
AFDIS Consumer Goods (cents) 12500.00 Volume Traded Change Change (%) Cap
African Sun Consumer Services AFDIS: ZH Price 600.08 Value ($) (cents) (%) ($m)
ART ASUN: ZH 12500.00 1050.00 -
Ariston Industrials ARTD: ZH 600.41 - 329.78 47,000 - - - - 14,936.82
Axia Consumer Services ARISTON: ZH 1050.00 600.00 4016.44 282,038 -0.33 -0.05 -6.57 8,544.73
BAT AXIA: ZH 332.04 309000.00 - 0.48 4,588.26
CAFCA Consumer Goods 4097.43 - 17000.00 4,600 - - - -11.40 5,366.83
Cassava Consumer Goods BAT: ZH 309000.00 325.00 4566.14 266,100 15,170 -2.26 -0.68 33.66 22,176.79
CBZ CAFCA: ZH 17000.00 4500.00 7090.50 10,687,750 -80.99 -1.98 -3.47 63,757.57
CFI Industrials 4552.19 10200.00 - 1,484.97
Dairibord Technology CSZL: ZH 7094.77 - 3712.50 - - - - - 118,289.38
Delta CBZ: ZH 9005.00 - 18975.83 518,600 - - - 12.32 37,059.31
Econet Banking 3100.00 4570.00 9313.97 33,700 23,679,990 13.95 0.31 -5.67 10,816.17
Edgars Industrials CFI:ZH 17243.46 7500.00 485.79 2,000 2,389,500 -4.27 -0.06 9.01 13,290.78
FBC Consumer Goods DZL: ZH 8639.97 10200.00 3189.42 800 204,000 1195.00 13.27 6.07 247,478.15
Fidelity Consumer Goods DLTA: ZH 500.00 3700.00 1565.00 334,500 29,700 612.50 19.76 16.75 241,285.55
First Capital Telecommunications ECO: ZH 3189.42 19400.00 359.15 603,200 63,474,150 1732.37 10.05 9.58 2,935.38
FML Consumer Services EDGR: ZH 1560.00 9300.00 1700.00 1,900 56,181,860 674.00 7.80 11.68 21,431.31
FMP FBC: ZH 350.09 490.00 699.31 - 9,230 -14.21 -2.84 -5.79 1,704.65
GBH Banking FIDL: ZH 1700.00 - 208.14 100 - - - -0.86 7,756.98
Getbucks Financial Services FCA: ZH 700.00 1565.00 523.61 22,700 1,565 5.00 0.32 3.98 11,732.43
Hippo FMHL: ZH 217.15 345.25 26000.00 - 81,528 9.06 2.59 -15.00 8,658.56
Innscor Banking FMP: ZH 560.00 - 21185.75 1,300 - - - -10.34 1,116.86
Lafarge Financial Services GBH: ZH 26000.00 691.00 8200.00 107,300 9,091 -0.69 -0.10 -9.31 6,090.20
Mash GBFS: ZH 18596.49 200.00 258.99 1,800 223,335 -9.01 -4.15 -12.73 50,185.35
Masimba Real Estate HIPO: ZH 8200.00 500.00 5400.00 89,300 9,425 -36.39 -6.50 -7.14 120,732.60
Medtech Industrials INN: ZH 250.06 26000.00 2254.17 356,000 23,218,000 - - 30.46 6,560.00
Medtech Class B LACZ: ZH 5400.00 21500.00 2600.00 - 75,421,270 2589.26 13.92 2.50 4,814.82
Meikles Financial Services MASH: ZH 2315.00 - 12696.06 26,900 - - - -20.18 13,049.30
Nampak Consumer Goods MSHL: ZH 2600.00 260.00 1200.00 - 69,667 8.93 3.57 -1.82
NatFoods MMDZ: ZH 12505.00 - 138600.00 2,400 - - - -35.60 270.50
NTS Industrials MMDZB: ZH 1150.00 2000.00 600.00 - 54,100 -60.83 -2.63 4.00 34.89
NMBZ Industrials MEIK: ZH 138600.00 - 1500.00 40,400 - - - 1.49 32,076.10
OK Zim Real Estate NPKZ: ZH 600.00 13000.00 2767.10 1,100 5,129,210 191.06 1.53 7.56 9,067.78
Proplastics Industrials NTFD: ZH 1301.60 1200.00 2870.00 7,000 13,200 50.00 4.35 0.83 94,802.55
RTG Financial Services NTS: ZH 2616.43 138600.00 739.90 - 9,702,000 - - -4.76 1,523.23
RioZim Financial Services NMB: ZH 2870.00 - 4000.00 800 - - - 86.26 6,062.58
SeedCo Industrials OKZ: ZH 736.59 1500.00 11230.09 387,900 12,000 198.40 15.24 0.82 35,581.71
Simbisa Industrials PROL: ZH 4000.00 2800.00 10701.61 - 10,733,590 150.67 5.76 -1.03 7,230.55
Star Africa Consumer Goods RTG: ZH 11210.00 - 126.94 2,900 - - - -5.14 18,464.17
Truworths Industrials RIOZ: ZH 10268.77 740.00 210.00 - 21,457 3.31 0.45 4,881.18
TSL SEED: ZH 128.69 - 9000.00 68,800 - - - - 27,761.08
Turnall Banking SIM: ZH 230.00 11250.00 450.00 36,100 7,726,300 20.09 0.18 6.38 60,162.82
Unifreight Consumer Services SACL: ZH 9000.00 11515.00 2845.00 1,270,500 3,863,280 432.84 4.22 18.91 5,985.33
Willdale TRUW: ZH 420.00 150.00 345.83 7,700 1,612,801 -1.75 -1.36 9.56 806.54
ZB Industrials TSL: ZH 2845.00 210.00 7699.51 - 16,170 -20.00 -8.70 5.00 32,139.22
Zeco Consumer Services TURN: ZH 349.34 - 1.00 3,100 - - - 28.26 2,218.68
Zimpapers UNIF: ZH 7000.00 450.00 290.44 - 13,950 30.00 7.14 9.72 3,029.19
Zimplow Basic Materials WILD: ZH 1.00 - 2400.96 13,500 - - - -5.06 6,148.86
ZHL Consumer Goods ZBFH: ZH 290.25 331.00 340.00 324,400 46,687 -3.51 -1.00 11.75 13,488.82
TOTAL Consumer Goods ZECO: ZH 2400.00 7700.00 - 24,977,200 699.51 9.99 -0.01 4.63
Consumer Goods ZIMP: ZH 338.73 - 2,200 - - - 108.33 1,672.93
Consumer Services ZIMPLOW: ZH 290.25 5,200 6,390 0.19 0.07 -0.19 8,273.24
Consumer Goods ZHL: ZH 2400.00 60,100 124,850 0.96 0.04 1.74 6,181.94
340.00 4,651,900 204,340 1.27 0.37 -9.59 1,423,712.25
Industrials 320,244,794
Industrials
Industrials

Banking
Industrials
Consumer Services
Industrials
Financial Services

ETFs MCMS.zw 1272.22 1500.00 1500.00 1,100 16,500 227.78 17.90 50.00 1,888.92
Morgan&Co Multi-Sector ETF OMTT.zw 455.80 457.00 457.15 4,951,862 22,637,560 1.35 0.30 3.88 365.72
Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 ETF
9,546.35
FINSEC Financial Services OMZIL 11500.00 11500.00 11500.00 - -- - 15.00
Old Mutual Zimbabwe US$m
70.00
VFEX (US cents) Mining BIND:VX 5.50 - 5.50 - - - - - 8.06
BNC Mining CMCL:VX 1300.00 28.40 1300.00 - - - - - 113.73
Caledonia Consumer Goods 21.00 21.00 26,078 5,476.38 - - - 108.33
Padenga Consumer Goods PHL:VX
SeedCo International SCIL:VX 28.05 28.40 2,113 600.09 0.35 1.25 1.25 YTD %
+6.07
Index Close Change (%) Open YTD % Top 5 Risers Price Change % +86.26
ZSE All Share 11,733.61 +4.60 11,217.51 +8.42 Dairibord 3712.50c +612.50c +19.76 +30.46
7,523.41 +5.57 +10.45 1500.00c +198.40c +15.24 +9.01
Top 10 8,317.55 +4.99 7,126.41 +10.47 NMBZ 21185.75c +13.92 +16.75
+0.20 7,922.02 -1.09 10200.00c +2589.26c +13.27
Top 15 398,369.22 +2.11 397,560.34 +3.55 Innscor 18975.83c +1195.00c +10.05 YTD %
21,131.63 20,694.96 +1732.37c +5.00
Small Cap CFI -12.73
-9.31
Medium Cap Delta +11.68
-35.60
Top 5 Fallers Price Change %
Truworths 210.00c -20.00c -8.70
Getbucks 523.61c -36.39c -6.50
GBH 208.14c -9.01c -4.15
Edgars 485.79c -14.21c -2.84
Medtech -60.83c -2.63
2254.17c

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

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

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

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

independently verified; MORGAN & COMPANY makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to the accuracy or completeness of its content.

NewsHawks News Analysis Page 27

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Mnangagwa democratic credentials
face litmus test in election season

NYASHA CHINGONO

THE year 2022 is a litmus test when campaigning begins ahead Unity Movement have borne the outfit is still considered Zanu President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
for President Emmerson Mnan- of the elections. brunt of Zanu PF violence, just PF’s main challenge. 
gagwa's regime which promised like the MDC which has been on will be done before the election
to open up political space and While this is happening, Zanu the receiving end of state-spon- Political analyst Eldred observers come,” he added. 
uphold civil liberties as tempera- PF has unlimited access to the sored violence since 2000. Masunungure said Zanu PF will
tures hot up ahead of next year’s rural areas, with traditional lead- further entrench authoritari- The University of Zimbabwe
general elections. ers already on the campaign trail, 2008 was the peak of po- anism ahead of the 26 March political science professor said
using food aid as bait. Zanu PF litically motivated violence in by-elections and the 2023 polls, Zanu PF will use a blend of the
All eyes will be on the Zanu has also completed its restruc- Zimbabwe, with hundreds of which includes employing vio- politics of persuasion and intim-
PF strongman as the coun- turing exercise at grassroots level opposition supporters killed, lence on the opposition.  idation to win the 2023 polls. 
try prepares for the 26 March despite stopping the opposition maimed, raped and tortured,
by-elections, being held to re- from holding meetings under while others were abducted after “2022 is a year of election- “Zanu PF’s tool box is well
place several members of Par- the guise of enforcing Covid-19 the founding MDC leader Mor- eering and for the main politi- equipped with persuasion and
liament who have died or were restrictions. gan Tsvangirai outpolled the cal parties the by-elections are a force,” Masunungure said. 
recalled since 2018.  then president Robert Mugabe dress rehearsal for 2023. Zanu
It will also be interesting how in the first round of the presi- PF will invest more into getting Political analyst Ibbo Manda-
The by-elections come after the party will be treated ahead of dential elections, but failed to 5 million votes and as a result za said while Zanu PF will use
the government had banned the the 2023 polls, amid the reintro- garner enough votes to oust the Zanu PF will put into motion the by-elections to gauge popu-
elections, citing the need to ad- duction of the National Youth strongman, amid rigging claims. strategies to ensure that no space larity ahead of 2023, the March
here to Covid-19 regulations. Service, known as Border Gezi, is left unoccupied. This will be elections are a litmus test of
The by-elections are seen as a often used to mete out violence Since 2018, many MDC-Alli- done by shrinking space for the Mnangagwa’s ability to keep the
dress rehearsal for the 2023 gen- on the opposition.  ance activists have been arrested opposition, so that it remains as party together. 
eral elections. for allegedly flouting Covid-19 a dominant force,” Masunun-
The return of former war vet- regulations, a move which crit- gure said.  The 79-year-old politician is
Campaigning for the polls is erans leader Jabulani Sibanda, ics say is aimed at weakening the also faced with a crunch Zanu
expected to start this year and so who was deployed to coordinate party’s influence.  Masungure dispelled the no- PF electoral congress, a stern
a number of activities crucial for violence on the opposition in tion that Zanu PF was angling test of his popularity in the party
elections such as the census. 2008, has also sent tongues wag- Although the MDC-Alliance to decimate the opposition.  which has waned over the years. 
ging over what the ruling party has faced headwinds in its quest
But the elections are also an could be planning in 2023.  to claim political power in Zim- “They want the MDC-Alli- “The by-election is a test
important test of tolerance and babwe, amid a ploy to weaken ance as part of the contesting case for Mnangagwa, especially
democracy in a country with a Zimbabwe has a bloody his- the party through parliamentary parties but in a weakened state. ahead of 2023. If he is trounced,
history of bloody elections.  tory of violent elections. Politi- recalls and the shrinking of the Much of the preparatory work it will be a huge dent on his aspi-
cal parties such as PF Zapu and democratic space, the political will be done in 2022, which in- rations,” said Mandaza, adding
Coming hot on the heels of a the Edgar Tekere-led Zimbabwe cludes meting out violence. This that the recently held provincial
disputed 2018 election, which elections were also a stern test of
was eventually decided by the Zanu PF’s unity which was con-
Constitutional Court, Zim- siderably tested.
babwe’s election will be one to
watch as the world keenly waits
to see if democracy will prevail. 

Zanu PF has gone for broke,
recruiting influential personali-
ties, including musicians, come-
dians, clergy and socialites as it
aims to garner 5 million votes
for Mnangagwa next year. 

The faction-ridden ruling
party recently held provincial
elections, which were marred by
violence and allegations of vote
buying and rigging.

With a chequered history of
meting out violence on political
opponents, analysts say Zanu
PF is expected to continue on
that path while also employing
persuasive politics, that include
dangling trinkets before voters.

The spotlight remains on
Mnangagwa, with critics saying
any violence or shrinking of po-
litical space will further damage
the country’s image. 

The main opposition
MDC-Alliance has already been
on the receiving end of politi-
cally motivated violence from
Zanu PF militia. Opposition
leader Nelson Chamisa's entou-
rage was violently attacked in
Masvingo and Manicaland late
last year. 

Chamisa accused suspected
state agents of attempting to as-
sassinate him, raising the spectre
of doubt over Mnangagwa’s ut-
terances that a new democratic
era had dawned on Zimbabwe. 

The illegal attempts to block
the opposition from engaging
communities is likely to play out

Page 28 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

REGINALD MURENDO Change your name!: Zanu PF’s
new trump card against Chamisa
IN a surprise move, President Emmer-
son Mnangagwa proclaimed 26 March sition, and for as long as he is not in Supreme Court accepted that the case President Emmerson Mnangagwa. includes the real possibility that Zanu
2022 as the date for long overdue parliament, through his elected offi- had become moot due to the develop- opposition in parliament, Chamisa PF does not want the 2023 elections
by-elections. This should fill in vacan- cials, that parliament will never com- ments outlined. It proceeded, howev- now returns as a minority opposition and may be pushing for a government
cies created through the controversial mand legitimacy. Mnangagwa and er, to incredibly ignore the mootness leader. Zanu PF knows that Chamisa, of national unity and delayed elections
recalls of elected MPs and councillors Mwonzora’s alliance evokes memories doctrine, and installed Khupe as the under whatever moniker, will win the through constitutional amendments.
by the Douglas Mwonzora-led smaller of the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia arrange- leader of the opposition party that she by-elections and overwhelmingly so.
opposition MDC-T using a cocktail ment consisting of co-opted puppets campaigned against. Phase one of the These by-elections will not give him Chamisa will not have the right to
of powers given to him by the courts masquerading as leaders of the black takeover was complete, and ably assist- the status of leader of the main oppo- say he was excluded as his members
and through collusion with the Speak- majority. Zanu PF is not stupid. ed by an acquiescent judiciary.  sition on paper. The strategy depends in parliament under the new name
er of parliament. They are aware of this fact. They are on this.  would have lost. The ultimate goal is
also aware of the fact that if dialogue In phase two, Zanu PF, using Kh- to recalibrate the results of 2018 and
On recalls Mwonzora fired elected is the way to go, then Chamisa must upe, proceeded to create vacancies in If Chamisa agrees to change the remove the stink that both the ruling
officials accusing them of leaving the be included. So far, attempts using a the national assembly and in coun- name of his party before 26 March party’s leader, Mnangagwa, and the
MDC-T to join the main opposition carrot-and-stick approach through Po- cils through recalls targeted at elected 2022, it is predictable that there will leader of the opposition, Mwonzora,
MDC-Alliance, a political party he litical Actors Dialogue (Polad), itself a MDC Alliance officials. Some elected be the name MDC Alliance on the created by Zanu PF, only exist because
now claims is his own. The latter is gathering of Zanu PF puppets, have officials quickly defected to the Khupe, ballot, as there is already an MDC Al- of a pliable judiciary. Chamisa is need-
the party led by Nelson Chamisa, the dismally failed. Chamisa continues to later Mwonzora outfit, and were saved liance in parliament under Mwonzora, ed in this game, and the by-elections
country’s most popular opposition elude and bamboozle them with his si- from the chop. Instead of proclaiming with the collusion of the judiciary, Zec are the bait. 
leader. lence and his insistence on keeping his by-elections, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Speaker. 
cards close to his chest.  was used as a convenient excuse. If I was Chamisa, I would be alive
Zimbabweans on social media have Assuming that Chamisa wins the to the bigger picture and the possibil-
been clamouring for a change in strat- Having performed badly in the No elections could be held as the majority of the seats as a new party, ity that Mnangagwa does not want
egy on the part of Chamisa. They want 2018 presidential election, Zanu PF government was battling the corona- he automatically becomes Mwonzo- elections next year. An angry man has
him to announce a new name and re- immediately set out to capture the virus and voting was feared as having ra’s junior in parliament. He will also never been a wise man. We may be
brand the party, and some have gone opposition, civil society and even me- a super-spreader effect. In the interim lose his right to claim that Mwonzora angry at how the elected officials have
as far as suggesting new names which dia. An application was already pend- and despite the feigned fear of the pan- has effectively hijacked the MDC Alli- been bastardised and how Mnangag-
they say he must adopt. ing in the courts challenging the ap- demic, Mnangagwa continued to hold ance, and that will remove the greater wa has rendered all three arms of the
pointment Chamisa after the death of rallies, address large gatherings and the portion of the doubt hanging around state completely useless. Mnangagwa
Predictably, and in what he thinks Morgan Tsvangirai in February 2018. ruling party continued with its work Mwonzora. It will also give basis to counts on that anger in the final phase.
is a pre-emptive strike at Chamisa, The High Court had ruled that the ap- unabated. The pandemic existed as an say if at all Chamisa was party leader Electoral law reforms needed for free
Mwonzora wrote a letter to the Zim- pointment was invalid and an appeal excuse to avoid constitutional obliga- in the MDC Alliance as he claims, and fair elections have not happened.
babwe Electoral Commission (Zec) was immediately noted. tions and curtail freedoms and rights then he abandoned that position and It is to blow hot and cold for Chamisa
on 3 January, seeking to bar anyone of others, but somehow seemed to formed a new party.  to demand electoral reforms and then
from using the name MDC Alliance. Between the noting of appeals and abate when it was convenient to Zanu jump at the first opportunity to partic-
Mwonzora is a Zanu PF string puppet, the determination of the Supreme PF.  In any future dialogue, Chamisa ipate in inconsequential by-elections. 
and that needs no emphasis. It should Court case, Chamisa and Thokozani will be a junior member of the op-
be clear to those who observe that Khupe had each led different factions The electoral vacancies opened up position, having only the right to The 26 March 2022 elections
Zanu PF wants to destroy the MDC of the MDC-T and also parties into the stage for phase three of the plot, speak for the few seats handed to him are nothing in the greater scheme
Alliance and one way of so doing is to the elections, campaigned against namely the mistaken participation of by Zanu PF on 26 March 2022. He of things. Chamisa does not need
force it to change its name for Mwon- each other, and elections came and Chamisa in by-elections intended to will have been effectively installed as by-elections to test his suitability by
zora and ultimately its own benefit. went. In a judgement that dents the bring him back into parliament as a a junior to Mwonzora. This will also the electorate. Anyone who holds a
credibility of a judiciary further, the minority opposition leader. Having allow Zanu PF and Mwonzora a legit- contrary view at best has no idea how
Those who claim to be friendly ad- been removed as leader of the main imate platform to "defeat" Chamisa the electorate in Zimbabwe operates
visers have also taken to social media in parliament through voting. This and thinks. That advice is premised
to campaign that the MDC Alliance on a false basis. If at all someone needs
must change its name, and do so be- by-elections to test the waters, it is the
fore 26 March 2022. In a way, the party whose leader performed dismally
enemies of the MDC Alliance sing in in the 2018 elections despite his own
concert with its so-called friends. It party doing well in other constituen-
must dawn on everyone that the same cies. Mnangagwa is that person!
strategy cannot serve two conflicting
ends. Zanu PF cannot push the MDC No real benefit is served by insisting
Alliance to change its name, and at the on getting into parliament just under
same time the MDC Alliance cannot a year before general elections. If the
use the same strategy crafted and be- members of his party who were re-
ing pushed by Zanu PF through its called wish to get into parliament, let
able string puppet, Mwonzora and his them do so as independents with his
party.  blessing. A change in name, though an
attractive way to go, will serve Zanu
Why is Zanu PF through captured PF more than the MDC Alliance.
institutions, with Zec being Mwonzo- This has always to me been an obvious
ra’s first port of call to implement that strategy, yet Zanu PF has proclaimed
as shown by his 3 January letter, seek- by-elections nonetheless.
ing to arm-twist Chamisa to drop the
MDC Alliance name? How does Zanu Where Zanu PF is concerned,  it
PF benefit from a change of name if its is better to try and see how something
effect is to clear any confusion on who benefits them as a basis to understand
the true opposition is? why it has been done. To those who
give advice on public platforms and
Those of the "friends’ who are push- claim to be friends, be wary of friends
ing this agenda seem to suffer from the who proclaim both your problems and
usual miscalculation that most Zimba- their solutions on platforms where the
bweans usually do. We seem to think enemy has easy access. 
that Zanu PF is stupid, and that it has
moments of lucidity where it actual- Those who are calling for a change
ly takes action for the greater good. of name must worry that their advice
Those who think that Mnangagwa fits well into the Zanu PF strategy.
proclaimed by-elections, 24 months When two people with polar oppo-
after the fact because he suddenly re- site intentions do the same thing, they
alised that he has a constitutional duty must be wary that they are pursuing
to do so, are lost. I will demonstrate different agendas from apparently sim-
why this is so, by tracking through the ilar positions.
strategy as it unfolded. 
*About the writer: Reginald
The first point to note is that Mnan- Murendo is a lawyer and political
gagwa has a serious legitimacy crisis analyst.
emanating from he ascended to power
in Zanu PF and nationally. Zanu PF
knows that Mwonzora has never been
accepted as the legitimate leader of the
main opposition movement. His po-
litical career will soon meet its end if
in 2023 elections are held.

Chamisa is the leader of the oppo-

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 29

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Reflections: Former US diplomat on George
W. Bush administration's Zimbabwe policy

Former US assistant secretary of elections, which he then clearly clear efforts to signal that the US Former US President George W. Bush. WK: Tragic. The whole thing was
state for African Affairs Walter stole. was interested in supporting a just tragic.
Kansteiner reflects on his dealing MG:  So things were already Zimbabwe that wanted to turn MG:  Yeah, it was tremendously MG:  I remember talking to
with former South African Presi- sort of a problem in the inbox things around, bolster the rule bipartisan. Michael Miller on journalists who'd been beaten
dent Thabo Mbeki in formulating straight away. of law, respect civil and political the Frist staff did a great deal of up and activists who essentially
US policy toward Zimbabwe from WK: They were. And we all kind rights. work on it, and I think you're were in hiding. There was a great
2001 to 2003. Kansteiner served of knew—we all being State De- WK:  Definitely. And at the time right, there was a lot of shared deal of violence and fear.
as assistant secretary of state for Af- partment and senior foreign pol- I think there was pretty good syn- concern, kind of a shared diag- WK:  Independent judges —be-
rican Affairs in the George W Bush icy folks in the US government chronisation and agreement be- nosis, of what was going wrong cause Zimbabwe had a pretty au-
administration from June 2001 to that cared about Africa and were tween the Hill and the administra- and worry about the poten- thentic, independent judiciary —
November 2003. interested in Zimbabwe—pretty tion that we needed to bolster the tial effects, not just for Zimba- the independent judges that were
much everyone realised this was independent civil society in Zim- bweans, but for the region as a not part of this at all, they would
In this interview, Michelle Gavin not a good trajectory. babwe so, in fact, the government whole. all of a sudden find themselves in
(MG), a senior fellow for Africa MG:  Absolutely. And it wasn't couldn't run amok there. WK:  Yeah, exactly. And then automobile wrecks and things like
policy studies  at the Council on too long into your tenure when MG: Right. when was the next Zim election? that. It was pretty nasty.
Foreign Relations, an independent you had Congress passing the WK:  I mean, I think both sides Was it ’02? MG: It was harrowing. So may-
American think-tank, speaks to Zimbabwe Democracy and of the aisle were pretty aware that MG: It was ’02, it was the March be just describe a little bit about
Walter Kansteiner (WK). Economic Recovery Act. That this could really break bad. Who 2002 presidential election. the kind of strategy, then, that
MG:  Thank you so much for was signed into law at the end sponsored that bill? WK: Yeah, and he absolutely stole the administration was working
taking time to do this. I’ve been of 2001. So the US strategy in- MG: It was a Frist-Feingold bill. that one. And all the intimidation on to address it.
interested in talking to people volved some pressure that came WK: Was it Frist-Feingold? that took place before and after— WK: So I have to get my tick-tock
who've been involved in US-Af- from the Hill. We were already MG: It was. but a lot before—it was just a gen- right, but pre-election, pre-March
rica policy at a very senior level in a posture of trying to change WK: That's great. So, see, I don't eral plan of intimidation. I mean, of 2002, we were trying to make
about what they reflect on years the calculus in Zimbabwe by speak with forked tongue, I’m it was a demonstration that we're sure that the political and human-
later, about issues they find making it unattractive to contin- right. going to run this thing. itarian situation didn’t completely
themselves considering, with ue on this path. But also in that MG: Right. And it turned out to spin out of control, and part of that
the benefit of hindsight, and bill, and in some of the state- be incredibly costly, in terms of was, number one, to send signals
wondering how things might ments that you made to Con- human lives, and, it turned out, to Mugabe that we're all watching,
have gone differently if they had gress and elsewhere, there were the entire economy. and two, we would bolster parts of
known then what they know the civil society that were under
now. duress, like the independent press
and the church. I remember that
And as you and I have dis- the Catholic church in particular
cussed, you often reflect on the was a strong voice. We were go-
attempt — very, very serious ing to help civil society in their
and sustained attempts, but ulti- battle to keep this thing on the
mately unsuccessful attempts — democratic rails. But at the same
to change the calculus of Rob- time, definitely sending signals to
ert Mugabe, former President the Mugabe regime that violations
of Zimbabwe, and the Zanu PF will produce consequences.
elites around him as they be- MG:  Right. It's not a cost-free
came more and more repressive proposition to be that repres-
in the early 2000s, driving the sive. And then they rolled into
economy and the state of basic that election, which did have
freedoms in Zimbabwe further that incredibly violent run-up
toward a downward trajectory. and was so deeply flawed as to
WK: Yeah. lack real legitimacy.
MG:  So just as a place to start, WK:  And, this is just kind of a
I just want to reflect on the fact sidelight, but it's interesting side-
that when President George W. light. At one point, we had pretty
Bush took office and, and you good reports that said Zanu PF
came on board as the assistant clearly lost the election, there's no
secretary, things had already two ways about that, but interest-
started to go south in Zimba- ingly Mugabe was willing to ac-
bwe. cept the loss and was trying to cut
WK: Yeah. Because I think it was a deal with the opposition parties,
the 2000 parliamentary election, and his generals at a critical late
which would have just happened evening at the presidential palace
before the Bush administration said, ‘No way, stand tall. Don't
came in. The 2000 election was go.’ And kind of bucked him back
really the first election that Mug- up and he, then he never looked
abe clearly stole and fixed and back. And I don't know. Mugabe
quickly revealed that he was ca- was a wily old man. Was that a
pable of manipulating democratic test of his generals? Was he test-
outcomes and certainly willing to ing his generals to see that he still
do it. had the military behind him? Or
MG: Right. Because there's been did he authentically realise that he
the defeat of his preferred con- had lost and was willing to play it
stitutional referendum, right, as straight, but they wouldn't let him
I recall, earlier in 2000? play it straight? We’ll never know.
WK: Yeah, and that was a shocker.
And then he essentially ignored it
and proceeded to the next set of

Page 30 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

We never knew. timing of it was ideal, the world
MG:  Right. What a tantalising had seen what Mugabe had been
possibility, though. up to for a year now, since the
WK:  Yes. To the point where we election, and the economy was
even — I remember agonising really tanking. Remember, we
over, well, how do we do a back had hyper-hyperinflation. And it
channel to Mugabe to give him the was spilling over into South Afri-
confidence to do the right thing ca. Immigrants and refugees were
and step down and still save face flooding across the Limpopo. And
somehow? It never amounted to so Mugabe had caused Thabo
anything. I still to this day, don't grief, had caused him trouble, at
know if that was just his test to his home. So we were ready to believe
generals, or if, in fact, the generals — and readily did believe — that
did buck him up, but then he was Thabo truly understood the issue,
kind of solidified and bolstered was experiencing some of the re-
and kept marching forward and percussions himself in his own
never — and never looked back country, and hence would, in fact,
until then when he finally went, do what he said he would do. So
what, twenty years later? yes, you're exactly right. There was
relief — like, whew, got that one
right.

MG: No, I don't think any of us The late former President Robert Mugabe. MG: I try to put myself in your
anticipated how long he was go- shoes and think how delighted I
ing to hang on there. But that is MG:  I think so often U.S. offi- helpful, it's South Africa that's ac- health was too. And we had lots of would be. Both because I would
interesting, just that little flicker, cials have to grapple with the re- tually physically and geographical- issues to work over with them, but feel that on this really import-
right? I can think of a number of ality that our influence does have ly and politically going to be able this was right at the top. I mean, ant policy issue of Zimbabwe
instances where the U.S. govern- limits. And particularly when we to bring the most force to bear HIV and Zimbabwe were the two we're moving in the right direc-
ment has agonised over how to find ourselves isolated, sanctions against Mugabe. big issues that we were going to tion and the coalition is broader
signal to a very repressive leader regimes are rarely very effective. MG:  Absolutely. The moral au- want to make sure we spent some and does include this important
with blood on their hands, who So you were working to build, I thority of South Africa, par- time on. Both a little bit sensitive, African power. I would also, I
might be willing to peacefully presume, as broad a multilateral ticularly when dealing with an right? I mean, we were going to be think, probably — and I think
step aside. How to signal that coalition as possible. individual who had liberation critical of Mbeki on HIV, and yet I probably would be misreading
there could be a way to do that WK: Exactly, exactly. And I can't hero credentials, and the impli- we needed his help on Zimbabwe. it — but I would think, well,
without landing in prison. The remember all of the countries we cations for the South Africans So we were diplomatic and careful perhaps this bodes well for other
trade-offs to try to make horrible enlisted, but it was a pretty nice themselves of the massive flow and balanced, but when it came areas where this bilateral rela-
violence end, it's actually a real- list. It was pretty comprehensive. of migrants from Zimbabwe to Zimbabwe, he right at the top tionship can deepen and grow.
ly hard business, because both Certainly among the north Atlan- fleeing both persecution and of the agenda gave us complete We're going to be able to work
you don't know how sincere, tic, it was complete. economic collapse — it makes assurances that he was with us in on a range of things together.
how real that is, and it's also just MG: Right. And Zimbabwe was all the sense in the world. And our objectives and our goals — WK: Including the HIV issue —
a difficult message to deliver. It's expelled from the Common- this was a strategy that was pur- that is, that Zimbabwe had to be this is, “we're really seeing eye-to-
difficult to get everybody on the wealth and you were trying to sued at the very highest levels, brought to a democratic, new be- eye here.”
same page within the US govern- bring the most important, most right? President Bush personally ginning. And part of that is that MG:  Right. Building trust and
ment and wrestle with the issues relevant African players on got involved in discussing these Mugabe is going to have to find we've got this big overlap of
with accountability. board as well. issues with then-South African a different role to play. Now, we shared concern about pushing
WK:  In any case, the Mugabe WK: Exactly. And that's when we President Mbeki. never said he's got to actually de- back on violent authoritarian-
flicker of hope turned out to be really turned our attention to the WK:  Exactly. And the key meet- part, but the implication was, yes, ism, which is something that I
just a flicker. And then we pretty big neighbor: South Africa. ing was in Pretoria, July 2003. he can no longer be head of state. think we always want to think
well realised that he would stop at MG:  Of course, South Africa By this point our sanctions had We'll find another role, we'll kick about South Africa — that be-
nothing both politically and mil- makes sense as an absolutely probably really been rolled out in him upstairs and let him be chair- cause of their history and their
itarily — and certainly economi- critical player in any attempt to early 2003 — and so now we re- man of the board kind of thing. amazing constitution, that we're
cally. He was willing to destroy his influence events in Zimbabwe. ally need their help to make them But Thabo completely understood on the same page about the
own country to stay in power. And the Bush administration bite. And so President Bush and that Mugabe had to go, and his importance of pushing back
had more broadly decided on a President Mbeki had their meet- response and guarantee was “leave against political repression.
MG: Once that was clear and the strategy of both bolstering and ing and there were lots of issues it in my good hands and I will WK: I mean, we see South Africa
flickers of hope were gone, the working closely where inter- on the table. Remember, HIV and take care of this issue, and within as this city on the hill for democra-
plan was to try and make it just ests align with what were being Aids was raging through Africa, six months we'll have a complete- cy in sub-Saharan Africa. Because
kind of untenable? called “anchor states” — and and we in the Bush administration ly different political dynamic in they went through what they went
WK: And to get those around him South Africa was one of them. were trying to roll out a lot on that Zimbabwe.” through and came out with Nel-
to realize that this was not going WK: Yes, and in Zimbabwe's case, front and getting some resistance MG:  It must've been kind of a son Mandela and a true democrat-
to end well for any of them. Fi- clearly the most important of the from Mbeki's administration. great moment to hear him say ic process with deep democratic
nancially, personally — any way. anchor states. Although Nigeria MG: Right, and he was embrac- that. You don't have to convince institutions and, as you say, a con-
And so hence the whole sanctions and Kenya could be useful and ing these HIV denialists. him that this is a problem — he's stitution to back it up — so that's
regime. What do we do to really right there with you and he's got your natural ally. That's your bea-
get them to feel the pain? There a strategy he's going to pursue. con of the democratic rule of law
were some pretty aggressive eco- against authoritarianism; that's
nomic and financial sanctions WK: And certainly his minister of WK:  Yep, it was great. And the your neighborhood champion.
levied on the list of Zimbabwe And so, we thought “all makes
“who's who”: Zanu PF officials sense” that he sees it so clearly, like
as well as Zanu PF-aligned busi- we see it.
nesspeople. Because we wanted MG:  Right, and so I recall that
that entire Zanu PF elite to feel — I know this from going back
the pain — that their actions have and rereading some news clips
repercussions for them. And that's — after that bilateral meeting,
of course when we quickly real- President Bush made some pub-
ized we need to do this together lic remarks where he said, ‘I have
with other allies, and London was no intention of second-guessing
our first stop, the EU was willing his tactics,’ referring to Presi-
as well to some extent. And we dent Mbeki and the Zimbabwe
pulled together a whole coalition crisis. So, he is publicly all in,
of the willing that that would be now our president’s credibility is
game to be part and parcel of this sort of lashed to this idea.
pressuring the Zanu PF elite.

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 31

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

WK: Because we've been told that WK: I was reviewing some analy- ten years better than I do, but you ic success of getting the South have gotten more repressive in
we are not only aligned — South sis about the hopes and fears and look at the SANDF and the whole Africans to say, “we've got this, Zimbabwe and eSwatini?” Es-
Africa and the U.S. aligned — but objectives of ANC elites. And military capability of the South we have a strategy where we're sentially casting that same line
the South Africans are now in the what was the most interesting part Africans — they can't project going to work on it,” then fore- into the waters, hoping for a
lead and have got it covered. And of that was the fear. Who did they power like they used to in terms closed other options. kind of robust defense of dem-
last thing President Bush want- perceive as the number one en- of just military assets. They no WK:  That’s right. And again, I ocratic values in southern Africa
ed to do was, like you said, sec- emy in the world? What was the longer have that. Their econom- think that exact comment was and South Africa's role. But her
ond-guess him — I mean, you're number-one threat to their very ic might is still real and big and very truthful and multilayered. response was very much in keep-
not going to second-guess him, existence? And that number-one significant and powerful, so they I'm not going to second-guess ing with where they have been
he's given his word that he's going threat, from their perspective, was still have that, but post-Zuma — Thabo Mbeki when he tells me — in this sense, we must make
to take care of this problem. the United States of America. So or Zuma and post-Zuma — from he's got the situation under con- them crazy, because they don't
MG:  Of course. Here you have that was quite revealing analysis, the high-road, ethical perspective, trol. I'm not going to second-guess really attempt to mislead us on
African leadership, aligned with that reinforced my realization that he's brought them way down. And him because I trust him as a head this. It was “well, if they were to
our goals. Why would you not this wasn't going to really happen. so they don't really have the bully of state and he has given me these ask for our help on governance
want to do everything you can MG: And do you think that when pulpit among other Africans that assurances. And I also am not go- issues, then of course we would
to say, “I delight in this”? So it you look at it through that lens they used to. ing to second-guess him because be eager to help, but we can't
makes sense to me that it hap- — through how the ANC actual- MG:  Yeah, moral authority is a he knows the situation better than impose this on them.”
pened, it just looms large now, ly felt, maybe still feel, about the hard thing to sustain. I'm cu- I did, and I don't want to under- WK: Actually, that's very honest.
of course, because Mbeki didn't United States of America — do rious, when you reflect on that mine him. MG: Oh it’s very honest. A little
follow through. And so, at what you wonder if they felt that we personal commitment that MG: Sure. deflating, but very honest.
point did it become clear to you weren't being honest about what turned out not to be sincere, WK: And you're right, once those WK:  Well, I think I've answered
that he was not actually pursu- concerned us in Zimbabwe? Do do you ever ask yourself: if you assurances have been publicly giv- my own question: we don't learn.
ing a strategy aimed at finding you think they suspected our had known then what you know en and publicly made, to send the MG:  Hope springs eternal.
an exit for Mugabe and a more motives? now, what you would have done assistant secretary off to Beijing to Which also is something about
democratic dispensation for WK:  I think they suspected that differently? try to hotbox the Chinese to cut Americans, right? Both the way
Zimbabwe? our motives were steeped in old WK:  I think it goes back to — off the loan to Harare would have we imagine others to see us in
WK:  This is going to sound and incorrect perceptions that and maybe it wouldn't have been really peculiar. the best possible light, because
self-serving, but when he said it, centered on concerns for the white changed anything to be totally re- Although probably should have that's the way we like to see our-
I was maybe the only one in the farming community. The South alistic, it might not have changed done it. selves, and our kind of unflag-
room that really wondered if he Africans thought our concerns a thing — but we wouldn't have MG:  Try everything, right? But ging optimism that maybe this
was telling the truth. I was a little were about farms being occu- spent as much time and effort there’s also just the very real lim- time things will be better.
suspicious from the get-go. Not pied and expropriated and white and hope on relying on the big its of U.S. influence. Which are actually things I like
so much “oh, he's just flat out, Zimbabweans being kicked off neighbor. And maybe, just may- WK: Yeah, and in the meantime, about our national character,
boldface lying to us.” It was more, the land. So their cultural misper- be, it would have taken a slightly the Congo War is heating up. but we do probably need to
“I don't know how tactically he ceptions and our cultural lack of different tactic. Maybe we would You’ve been there, there’s a lot of reckon with a clear head.
does this.” How is he going to get understanding got us to the point have tried more at the AU, for in- stuff you end up juggling. It’s a big WK:  Exactly. Just my rhetorical
Mugabe to step down as president where we thought we were actu- stance — where I don't think we continent. question to you: I want to believe
of Zimbabwe? And I've decided, ally tied at the hip and great allies would've gotten very far — but MG: It is a big continent. We’ve that our relationship with South
well, wow, this is a heavy load he's — and we weren't. maybe we actually would have got a lot of different concerns Africa can be different; actually
taken on, wonder if he can real- MG:  It's really interesting, be- tried to enlist Obasanjo and the and priorities and interests. And that's like “wow, way too optimis-
ly do it. So, I was already a little cause every U.S. administra- Nigerians, or maybe we would ad- you can’t sacrifice all of them to tic, dial it back.” But that's where
questioning how, not so much the tion keeps trying to reapproach just to work harder at getting truly any one thing. But it’s a tremen- I still am. As the rest of Africa, in
motivation. And it was only a few the South Africans and seek a international. Pull in the Japa- dously interesting thing to think fact, does develop into the twen-
months later that I think I realized strong, close relationship. nese and Chinese. The Chinese about because it does raise these ty-first century both economical-
not only does Mbeki not have the WK: And we're still trying. would have been really a clever issues of trust and credibility — ly and politically, I suppose you
tactical capability of doing it, he MG:  We’re still trying. As you move because that's, remember, of the way the U.S. sees itself would have to assume that South
also doesn't really have the will to reflect on the whole thing, do who came to save Mugabe during and the way other countries see Africa's leadership pole position
do it. you think that the U.S. both the hyperinflation. So probably us, and the way we don’t ever does diminish. We've already
MG:  Do you recall what led misreads South Africa's appetite unlikely, but maybe. I spent very seem to learn that lesson. mentioned it on the military side,
you to that conclusion? Because for a close relationship, but also little time, quite frankly, working WK:  And what I guess I would but even on the economic side, as
you're right, the tactics did seem misreads their influence in the the Chinese angle on pressuring ask myself, when I ask you the others grow and become stron-
challenging. I mean, particular- region? Do you think that if, if Harare, because I thought South question, is this: is it significantly ger and larger economic players,
ly in a society where seniority is they wanted to, they could do Africa would be easier and better changed in 2021? So, we’re kind then perhaps South Africa doesn't
still valued so much. I remem- more? — closer. But maybe we should of looking back, it’s in the early loom quite so large. But that's not
ber people endlessly parsing the WK: Great question. And I think have, in 20-20 hindsight. South 2000s. But twenty-one years or entirely true, either. I mean,
notion that Mbeki’s father was we definitely misread their moti- Africa didn't hurt Zimbabwe — nineteen years on, whatever it’s
more Mugabe’s contemporary vations, because we want to be- they certainly didn't throw up been, is Cyril Ramaphosa’s lead- Mozambique is going to grow
and therefore President Mbeki lieve that they believe what we any sanctions of their own, kept ership actually genuinely differ- largely because of South African
would need to be very respect- want them to believe, you know all the borders open, kept loaning ent? And this is where I’m just a finance, for instance. South Af-
ful and it would be very hard what I mean? them money—but they didn't re- glutton for punishment. I want rican banks — and they're going
for him to be assertive, just on MG: I do. ally bail them out like the Chinese to believe it is. That actually, our to make good money doing it —
a personal level, because of the WK:  We want to cast them in did. So maybe that would have engagement with South Africa re- they’re going to provide real devel-
generational dynamics and the this rainbow-nation, pro-democ- been the better diplomatic angle. ally is one of the anchors of policy opment capital for Mozambique
history. racy limelight, which is not really Cut them off at the pass with the and we really should be doing it. for them to develop, too. I think
WK: That's true, and I think there where they — well, that's not fair. Chinese. But the South Africans I’m like, “God, Walter, you haven’t we'll be wrestling with this ques-
was that. And Lindiwe Sisulu, They have been there, and they were the logical choice. learned anything?” tion about South Africa for a long
who was kind of tasked to be my occasionally go there, but there MG: My question is not to sug- time.
contact and point person to work are other issues that make up their gest there was some other ob- But I want to believe a differ- MG: I think you're right. I think
on the “Zimbabwe issue” was in political culture, too. So, I think vious approach — that’s not ent, more productive partnership there's just no positive trajecto-
the same boat. She was a Sisulu. we misread it. As far as their ca- what I’m getting at — but I'm is possible, and that Cyril can ry for southern Africa — eco-
They're a freedom-fighting family pabilities go, I think we assign sure we all think about, if I had overcome the divisions within the nomic, political, or otherwise
that respects other freedom fight- way higher likelihood of success, known then maybe I could have ANC that often muddy South — without a really robust South
ers. So, for her to go up to Harare so to speak, to their abilities than tried this or that. But I suppose Africa’s objectives and intentions. African role. There just isn't.
and suggest that Mugabe needs to we ought to. And I think in these once, so publicly, it was clear But I mean, do you think that’s WK: I agree.
move on is highly unlikely, cultur- last five to ten years, that really that Mbeki was going to be in just false hope? Should we just MG: But I am so grateful to you
ally. has become the case. And now the lead, then it might've been learn our lesson and get on with it? for your time and your reflec-
MG:  So you have a contextual I'm stepping into your territory very difficult to ask anyone else MG: Well, I had a chance to ask tions. Thank you so much.
awareness that this is going to because you know the last five or to get involved. Because it goes Naledi Pandor in September
be a lot tougher than maybe it straight to “what are the South “What is South Africa going — Council on Foreign Rela-
seems at face value, but then it Africans doing?” No one would to do about the fact that things tions.
becomes clear to you that this want to unnecessarily irritate
isn't a genuine effort anyway. them or get crosswise with them
and wade into difficult waters.
So, in some ways, the diplomat-

Page 32 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Mozambique sceptical of Manuel Chang
facing justice over hidden debt scandal

BORGES NHAMIRRE

THE high-profile corruption Manuel Chang, Mozambique's former finance minister, at an extradition hearing in Johannesburg in 2019. Credit...Reuters
trial of Mozambican politicians
and officials — followed on live governor of Mozambique’s Cen- crisis, undermining medium to sastrous effects on Mozambique’s that the main defendants — in-
television throughout the coun- tral Bank, Ernesto Gove, who long-term governance and de- domestic politics. Despite both cluding the former directors of
try — is drawing to a close with admitted he  approved  illegal stabilising the economy, internal belonging to the long-standing the state intelligence agency and
many questions outstanding. debt contracts.  politics and security. ruling Mozambique Liberation the former president’s son —
Front, the current and former will not escape jail and compen-
So far, it seems the top-lev- The governor’s behaviour is The biggest blow was dealt to presidents have fallen out, caus- sation to the state.
el politicians won’t be held ac- characteristic of political pa- the economy. The discovery of ing governance constraints. 
countable for their role in the tronage regimes where appoin- corruption in 2016 led to West- But so far the top politicians
massive debt scandal that has tees defend the interests of their ern donors suspending devel- The country’s security also — those who decided to con-
cost the people of Mozambique bosses, even if they have violat- opment aid, and the immediate suffered a setback. Part of the il- tract the debt and hide it from
dearly.  ed the law and compromised devaluation of the currency by licit loan was to purchase Ocean Parliament — are escaping jus-
the country’s future. Had Gove more than 30%. Annual GDP Eagle interceptor boats for a tice. This tends to vindicate the
Former finance minister reacted differently to the mani- growth dropped from 7% to less massive monitoring and coast- view of Mozambique’s civil so-
Manuel Chang, who signed the festly illegal contracts, the debts than half that amount, and the al protection project. Some of ciety forum that Chang will not
illegal sovereign guarantees al- that sank the economy could debt ratio grew to 113% com- the equipment was already in face real justice in Mozambique. 
lowing the contracting of US$2 have been prevented. pared to around 54% before the Mozambique while other com-
billion, is awaiting a decision on debt was incurred. ponents were in production by If the trial is to serve as a turn-
whether he will be extradited to In addition to political patron- Privinvest when the current gov- ing point for the rule of law,
the United States or Mozam- age, the highly corrupt nature of One study  estimates  that the ernment stopped the project. the conditions that enabled the
bique. He has been in custody the Maputo regime facilitated corruption scandal may already illegal contracting cannot be
in South Africa since 2018. the contracting of these debts. have cost Mozambique at least There are reports of partial allowed to prevail. Corruption
Despite warning the govern- US$11 billion — almost the use of some maritime securi- indices remain  high, with state
Armando Guebuza, who was ment about the risks involved, country’s entire 2016 GDP. ty  equipment  acquired through officials serving their chiefs’ in-
head of state when the debts top state intelligence officers Nearly two million people are the loans. But the loss of the terests rather than respecting the
were contracted, is expected to accepted  bribes  from Privinvest believed to have been pushed integrated monitoring and pro- law. The discovery and trial sur-
testify in February in the ongo- and remained silent. into poverty. Mozambique re- tection system is a setback con- rounding the hidden debts will
ing trial that started in Maputo lies on exploring and exporting sidering that Mozambique is do nothing for good governance
in August 2021. But he will ap- Three state intelligence agency natural gas discovered offshore struggling with organised crime unless the rule of law prevails in
pear before the court as a witness directors — the director-general, in Cabo Delgado for its future and terrorism enabled by mari- Mozambique. 
— not a defendant.   the director of economic intelli- economic development. How- time logistics.
gence and the director of stud- ever, a 2018 government  docu- About the writer: Borges
Guebuza’s inner circle, in- ies and planning — have been ment shows that the debt service The debt trial has publicised Mhamirre us a consultant with
cluding his eldest son Arman- indicted for receiving around will consume gas revenues for the extent to which corruption the Institute for Security Studies
do Ndambi Guebuza, personal US$30 million in bribes to fa- the first 10 years of production. and political patronage have in Pretoria, South Africa.
assistant Maria Inês Moiane cilitate the contracts. The loans undermined governance in Mo-
and political adviser Renato threw the country into a deep Hidden debts have also had di- zambique. It also seems evident — ISS Today.
Matusse, are among the 19 de-
fendants being prosecuted for
receiving millions of dollars in
bribes. But Guebuza himself
seems untouchable.

Testifying before the court,
Guebuza’s subordinates cleared
the former president. They
claimed he wasn’t aware that
they were receiving money from
a company that won the highly
lucrative contracts from state-
owned companies. This seems
unlikely.

Current President Filipe Ny-
usi was defence minister at the
time, responsible for coordinat-
ing coastal protection projects.
The Abu Dhabi-based naval
shipyard Privinvest told a Unit-
ed Kingdom  court  that it paid
nearly US$1 million to support
Nyusi’s 2014 presidential bid.
The company claimed these were
not bribes since political party
contributions were legal in Mo-
zambique. But the alleged funds
weren’t paid directly to Nyusi.
Instead, money was transferred
to an offshore  company, signal-
ling some wrongdoing. 

Despite evidence that Nyusi
benefited from unlawful pay-
ments, he is not a defendant in
the case and will not even tes-
tify as a witness. The country’s
political opposition has contest-
ed Nyusi’s absence from the trial.

Even without top politicians
in the dock, new revelations
show how some senior state of-
ficials’ failure to fulfil their roles
enabled the debts to be con-
tracted. This includes the former

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 33

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Omicron variant is here: We
Tula either get scared, hide or act
Dlamini

THE emergence of the SARS-Cov-2 opt for the panic button. More and get scared to death; hide in a cave; ac- improves for more people than ever in does it with stunning velocity. As our
Omicron variant has led some nostal- more nations are considering measures cept forced mandates or demand that history. Problems eventually get solved scientists try to understand the virus,
gic individuals to revisit a movie called that are even more extreme – including only credible science should guide us even if the process is messy. Of course, they are compelled to look deep into
“Omicron” that was released in 1963 making vaccines mandatory for every instead. because ignorance rules – the better how they evolve. Hopefully, we also
with an extremely bizarre plot. single citizen. For instance, in Germany things are, the more people complain learn how it offers us new viral answers
a vaccine mandate for the entire coun- For now, our world is changing faster and conjure all kinds of conspiracies.  to our other social and global problems. 
In the movie, an alien takes over the try is likely to go into effect in February than ever before. From the times when
body of a human “in order to learn 2022 if it is approved by parliament humans had to live with and fear pred- But even as we are surrounded Imagine if we could mobilise infor-
about the planet so his race can take it and by the country’s ethics council. ators – lions, tigers and bears oh my! Of by all the bad news emanating from mation in such a way that helps reduce
over.” Fortunately, our scientists are un- course, those days are not coming back. Covid-19, there are good reasons to uncertainty, improves understanding
fazed by the fictional Omicron. If Germany and a few other nations Instead, we are confronted by a vast be optimistic. The world would not be and transparency and supports in-
succeed in implementing mandates, it range of news threats, from pandemics, what it is without viruses. The virus was formed decision-making? What if we
In reality, the first genetic sequence would only be a matter of time before inequality, political intransigence and the first, and will likely be the last, to could evolve a set of accessible tools for
of Omicron was produced on 24 No- a lot of other countries start jumping explosive violence on citizens, perpetu- leave this world after humanity has left. everyone to navigate the future more
vember 2021 by the Botswana-based on board, notes Michael Snyder in his ated by insane human beings, etc.  The most logical thing to do is to learn confidently? 
Zimbabwean researcher Sikhulile latest analysis of responses to Omicron to live with viruses, that is it.
Moyo, director at the Havard Aids and the likely threats to the global Each of these risks are interconnect- This is the call in the book titled
Institute Partnership (BHP). What economy supply chains. ed, which is why we must engage with These are extraordinary times to live “TERRA INCOGNITO” by Ian Gol-
followed was a frenzy of travel bans all of them simultaneously. But first, we in. We are privileged beings who sit in din and Robert Muggah. The work is
imposed on South Africa and other “Ultimately, we can expect to see must attempt to identify, contextualise, the front row of the theatre of life and based on decades of research, combin-
southern African countries by the Unit- vaccine mandates throughout much illuminate and inform ourselves about look at something as incomprehensible ing state-of-the-art satellite maps and
ed States and several European coun- of Europe”, says Snyder. “Covid has these dangers; instead of following the as this pandemic. We never thought brilliant analysis. It is indeed a great
tries. As many pointed out, the travel provided the perfect opportunity for current hype from media talking heads something like this would happen to us guide to the uncertain times we live in,
bans were counter-productive, and politicians to start acting like tyrants, – who promote fear and despondency; in our lifetime.  and how it will change in the next 100
would not protect humanity from the and what we are witnessing right now specialise in emphasizing the end of years. Go find a copy!
real Omicron, which, as it turned out, is setting the stage for the exceedingly times, etc – further fragmenting the Now, we are re-learning new rules of
was already circulating in 38 countries dark times that are coming,” he adds. divides between and within commu- conduct – whether it is the value of vac- *About the writer: Tula Dlamini is
globally.  nities. cination, social distancing, hygiene re- a Zimbabwean journalist and media
Of course, the world is a messy quirements etc. The bottom line is that scholar.
Indeed, like in the movie alluded to place. But we have choices – either we Luckily, life goes on and arguably we have to change. The Covid virus
above, Omicron would certainly be a
fitting name if it was the scariest Covid
variant so far, but indications are that all
cases up to this point have been “mild”.
The experts that I have spoken to – oth-
ers on condition of anonymity – say the
fatal case rate (CFR) is far less than 1%
on infected people even given the high
numbers of positive cases. “It used to be
around 3% in the previous waves 1 to
3 – a 300% reduction in CFR,” genetic
engineer Dr Vikela Mbuso Nyandeni
confirmed.

South Africa is a case in point – with
an increase in Covid-19 re-infections
due to the Omicron variant but “symp-
toms for re-infected patients and those
infected after vaccination appear to be
mild”, scientists studying the outbreak
of the new strain are reported as saying.

“What this means therefore is that
we are most likely now getting into the
phase of attenuated viruses,” says Dr
Nyandeni.

And the same thing is happening in
Europe. The overwhelming majority of
cases that have been confirmed so far
have been “mild”.

So why the hysteria? What have we
not learnt from the previous pandem-
ics? Take, for instance, a global pan-
demic such as polio.

“Like the SARS-Cov-2, the polio
virus had mutations which became at-
tenuated naturally,” says Dr Nyandeni,
adding that “the identification of these
attenuated Covid-19 viruses brings us
closer to the development of possible
live vaccine candidates to win this war”.

Unfortunately, we are already start-
ing to see politicians all over the world

Page 34 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Why reconciliation agreement between
Germany, Namibia has hit the buffers

HENNING MELBER

IN mid-2015 the German Foreign 30 years for development projects the right to participate in deci- "I am troubled by how the con- and the diaspora who continue
ministry admitted that the war the to Namibian regions with the de- sion-making in matters which versation has gone thus far. It is to be most affected by the violent
country had waged against the lo- scendants of the genocide victims. would affect their rights, through now so apparent that the debate past. It points to the limitations
cal communities of the Ovaherero representatives chosen by them- has become so divisive. We call of government-to-government
and Nama (and the Damara and About the same amount as Ger- selves in accordance with their each other names. We refer to each negotiations as long as they don’t
San) between 1904 and 1908 in man development cooperation own procedures." other as puppets and sell-outs … I adequately recognise those who
German South West Africa (now has spent in the 30 years since Na- am afraid that should we continue mainly bear the trauma and con-
Namibia) was a genocide. mibia’s Independence. Due to the pandemic-relat- with this path, then the legacy left sequences of the genocide.
ed lockdown, the parliamentary by the divide and rule philosophy
Since then bilateral negotia- Another 50 million euro debate was postponed. Opening will continue to flourish." According to the joint dec-
tions with the Namibian govern- (US$56 million) “will be dedicat- in late September 2021, it lasted laration: "Germany apologises
ment  have taken place  to find ed to the projects on reconcilia- until the end of the parliamentary The parliamentary debate and bows before the descendants
ways to come to terms with this tion, remembrance, research and sessions on 1 December. closed without any decision tak- of the victims … The Namibian
horrific chapter of the shared co- education” over the same period. en. Government  announced  that Government and people accept
lonial past. The declared aim was Numerous speakers from all taking into consideration the con- Germany’s apology and believe
to seek reconciliation. This is a pittance. Nevertheless parties expressed concerns, criti- tributions, it would seek further that it paves the way to a lasting
the declaration stresses that "these cism and rejections regarding the negotiations with the German mutual understanding and the
In mid-May 2021 the special amounts … settle all financial as- shortcomings. In a entirely new side. consolidation of a special relation-
envoys of Germany and Namib- pects of the issues relating to the form of unity, they were con- No end in sight ship between the two nations."
ia initialled a  joint declaration. past". demning the declaration as insuf- Once an improved agreement was
While ratification by the foreign ficient. ratified, MPs were reassured that Without the descendants of the
ministers was anticipated within For many, such meagre material it would be submitted to the Na- genocide survivors substantially
weeks, this remains a pending af- recognition adds insult to injury. MacHenry Venaani, leader of mibian Parliament for acceptance. involved and willing to reconcile,
fair. the official opposition Popular this remains as patronising and
The main agencies of the de- Democratic Movement,  lambast- In October, German special en- paternalistic as colonialism was.
Considering the declaration’s scendants, political opposition ed the agreed forms of compensa- voy Ruprecht Polenz confirmed in It underlines the continued asym-
flaws, this should not come as a parties and leading members of tion for the crimes committed as, an interview  that the declaration metries. There is a long way to rec-
surprise. the governing South West Africa “A flagrant display of arrogance by would not be renegotiated. onciliation.
People’s Organisation (Swapo) the German government.”
The declaration  avoid- did not waste any time to manifest However, the new German The question the late Jewish
ed  far-reaching precedence. The their disagreement. The opening Bernadus Swartbooi, leader of government in office since early historian Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi
genocide was recognised in moral debate in the National Assembly the Landless People’s Movement, December stresses in its coalition once posed in his book Zakhor –
and political, but not legal terms. in early June ended in turmoil. In the second biggest opposition par- agreement  the commitment  to Jewish History and Jewish Memo-
As a result, reparations were not an unprecedented form of protest, ty, concluded with reference to the pursue reconciliation with Na- ry remains valid also for this case:
acknowledged as a consequence hundreds of demonstrators joined exclusion of the Ovaherero and mibia as an “indispensable task”.
of the admission. It has there- by MPs stormed the fenced in area Nama in the negotiations as the "Is it possible that the antonym
fore been widely criticised. outside Parliament to voice their most affected indigenous commu- It remains to be seen if a foreign of ‘forgetting’ is not ‘remember-
frustration over the “betrayal”. nities “that this nation-state does minister from the Green Party will ing,’ but justice?"
For the European Centre for not belong to all”. be willing and able to find a way
Constitutional and Human For them the motto is: “Noth- out of the impasse. — The Conversation.
Rights it is a  “lost opportunity”, ing about us without us.” Swapo MPs voiced their frus-
since it failed to meet the stan- tration too. Minister Tom Al- Finally, even if renegotiations *About the writer: Henning
dards of codified international law This reflects  article 18  in the weendo was concerned about the would be a viable option, the ma- Melber is extraordinary profes-
norms. United Nations Declaration on growing divisions along ethnic jor challenge lies in the inclusion sor in the Department of Polit-
the Rights of Indigenous People lines as well as the government of the communities in Namibia ical Sciences at the University of
That the “reconciliation agree- which has been signed by both and opposition parties: Pretoria in South Africa.
ment” will be published as a mere countries. It states:
joint declaration speaks volumes.
It reflects the fact that reconcil- "Indigenous peoples have
iation between the people of the
two countries – but also within
Namibia – is further away than
before. But one cannot admit to
the degree of atrocities commit-
ted with their far reaching demo-
graphic, material and traumatic
consequences for the descendants
of the survivors without seeking
direct reconciliation with these.
What’s gone wrong
The preceding negotiation process
disregarded international partici-
pation rights based both in trea-
ties and customary international
law. Critics bemoaned, among
other things, the fact that both
governments were  “seeking for-
giveness without listening to de-
scendants” and with no reference
to the return of land to the dispos-
sessed as part of restitutive justice.

The declaration avoids the term
“reparations”. It allocates a to-
tal amount of 1.05 billion euro
(US$1.18 billion) over a period of

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 35

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Taona T. Makomborero Haruzivishe: Every
Denhere generation must fulfill its mission

FRANTZ Fanon in his seminal MDC-Alliance popular cadre and activist Makomborero Haruzivishe (right) with another big mover Joanna Mamombe (left). regimes upon their release from
and immortal text The Wretched prison. 
of The Earth prophetically and ingas” in street lingo.   cratic resistance, organising and stand up for their rights or exer-
provocatively said that “each gen- This cast of wrong role models mobilising zeal, coupled with his cise the vote, can bring change in If both Ian Douglas Smith and
eration must out of relative obscu- willingness to challenge injustice, Zimbabwe is one fell swoop. PW Botha had woken up from
rity, discover its mission, fulfill it includes characters like Passion repression and violation of human their graves on that particular Sat-
or betray it”.  Java, Ubert Angel and others be- rights whenever they rear their This was put into perspective urday morning, they would have
ing used by the ruling elites to ugly heads, put him on a pedes- with video footage of interviews been mistaken in believing that
At that moment, Fanon was mobilise youths to support those tal of the democratic struggle, as he made upon his release. Haruz- they are both in apartheid Rhode-
throwing down a generational who have actually stolen their his actions can be a catalyst and ivishe, far from being physically, sia and South Africa respectively.
gauntlet at the height of anti-co- future. It is only in countries heartbeat of further resistance to mentally and politically broken The only difference being that it
lonial struggles in Africa and like Zimbabwe where the youths radicalise, politicise and conscien- by prison, came out as re-invigo- is black people instead of white
the rest of the colonised world. would sing praises and songs for tise the largely docile youths.  rated and re-energised to continue people acting as the shock troops
However, this prophetic text has those who have stolen their future with his generational mandate. of repression. Thus it is black-on-
become transcendental and in- and condemned them to perpetu- Prior to his release from remand He spoke in revolutionary fashion black repression; the purported
ter-generational. As such, it has al poverty and misery. prison on 8 January 2022, Ha- about how the struggle against liberators have metamorphosed
become a reference and rallying ruzivishe had served an unlawful tyranny and dictatorship is not an into Frankenstein autocrats.
point for the youths in post-co- This is where the politically prison sentence of 10 months and easy road. 
lonial Africa to derive ideological and civically engaged youths such 22 days. The the manner in which The flip side of the unforgetta-
satnav and radical thought process as Haruzivishe bring a breath of he was released from remand pris- He indicated that there is an ul- ble optics of that Saturday morn-
in their quest to chart their own revolutionary and radical fresh on has national significance in the timate price that inevitability had ing at remand prison, the polar
generational political course and air. That is why the Zanu PF es- political and democratic struggles to be paid and that the inevitable opposite of the heavily armed po-
mandate.  tablishment is doing all it could of Zimbabwe.  dangers of the process come with lice presence, was the jubilant, vo-
to break the spirit of such youths the territory. This comes from ciferous crowd of friends, relatives
In Zimbabwe, Makomborero or compromise with promises of Looking at the optics that ac- Steve Biko's political thought pro- and opposition supporters who
Haruzivishe, an MDC-Alliance freedom from jail or good life if companied his delayed respite cess, that a struggle without casu- had braved the wet weather and
cadre and activist who has been they abandon the struggle. The from political persecution within alties is not worth its salt. possibly the intimidating threat
widely considered the latest pris- system is clearly rattled by Haruz- the dingy prison walls is quite re- of the police to welcome and em-
oner of conscience, is the apt ivishe who has proven to be un- velatory and insightful. The heav- Moreover, the heavy police brace their comrade, leader and
metaphor of the generation that afraid, strong and resolute. ily armed police presence clearly presence betrays a regime which friend. 
is fulfilling its generational mis- showed that Haruzivishe possesses is paranoid and insecure, which is
sion. This demands us to locate The radical and risk-taking po- and carries ideas and thought pro- further afraid of a politically en- This clearly points to the pro-
and contextualise the political, litical and practical consciousness cesses that strike fear at the heart gaged youth with a clear ideologi- gressive cause that Harizivishe is
generational and demograph- of Haruzivishe has inadvertently of the autocratic and repressive cal and political clarity on matters fighting, thus the contagious and
ic significance of him within the put him on a collision course with power structure of the Zanu PF relating to governance, upholding infectious resonance of his cause
increasingly tyrannised and Tali- the repressive and paranoid Zanu government.   of the constitution and human within the democratic opposition
banised political environment in PF authoritarian state apparatus, rights, as well as their basic needs community created an enigmatic
Zimbabwe.  which will try to crush him or The system is not fighting an and economic prosperity. larger-than-life personality clout
coopt him since he is considered a individual, but rather the ideas around him. However, despite
This is especially relevant against thorn in the flesh for merely exer- and the potential of that vessel or The scenes and optics from re- the phalanx of adoring supporters
the backdrop of his much-delayed cising his democratic and consti- carrier of those ideas in terms of mand prison were reminiscent of and comrades, the clear humility,
release from remand prison due to tutional rights. The selfless nature politicising, conscientising and the way anti-colonial nationalists discipline, and ordinariness in his
refusal of bail. Optics of a heavily of Haruzivishe’s organic demo- mobilising the youths who, if they and anti-apartheid stalwarts were personality was quite remarkable
armed police presence juxtaposed treated by colonial and apartheid and humbling. It projected an im-
with the large fanatical support age of a man of the people; a fear-
base that greeted him during his less youth leader whose prototype
release from Harare Remand Pris- is needed to free Zimbabwe from
on after the granting of bail by the the protracted tyranny of former
High Court show the significance liberators.  
of the political dynamics currently
prevailing in Zimbabwe. When he referenced and ac-
knowledged political and demo-
Over the last three years, the cratic martyrs like Itai Dzamara,
youths of Zimbabwe have to a a journalist-turned-activist who
greater degree been controversial- was abducted seven years ago, it
ly classified and critiqued as the showed a young man who was
“unfocused youths”. This is due to cognisant of Karl Max’s ideologi-
the fact that demographically they cal analytical prism of that “men
are the largest population group make their own history, but they
which possesses so much un- do not make it as they please; they
tapped political capital and clout. do not make it under self-selected
Coupled with the fact that youth circumstances, but under circum-
have been historically considered stances existing already, given and
the vanguard of the revolution, transmitted from the past.” 
the current youth’s lethargy is thus
an issue of major political interest Furthermore, by invoking the
and concern.  name of Dzamara he is remind-
ing us that freedom has never
Suffice to say, the Zimbabwean been free and ultimately striving
youths as a demographic block for freedom and democracy under
have largely been de-politicised, a repressive regime comes with
immobilised, and disengaged mortal dangers and casualties.
from the democratic, political,
and civic struggles of the local Zimbabweans have to under-
polity. This pejorative term of un- stand that there can be no free-
focused youths has largely been dom without sacrifice.
put into glaring focus through
the way they gravitate towards the *About the writer: Taona T.
politically bankrupt and ideolog- Denhere is a human rights and
ically shallow socialites, who are international development law-
affectionately referred to as “mb- yer based in the United King-
dom.

Page 36 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

JOSEPH SIEGLE/CANDACE COOK Issue 63, 14 January 2022

THERE is little that is ordinary about Africa’s complex 2022 elections:
the African elections slated for 2022. Restoring democratic processes
With multiple elections intended to
restart democratic processes and re- Responding to the coups, conflicts, and other derailments of democratic
sume constitutional governance, Af- processes in recent years, Africa’s 2022 elections are, in large part, an
rica’s elections in 2022 will be unlike effort to right the democratic ship of state on the continent.
anything the continent has seen in
recent years. 

Libya, Somalia, Mali, Guinea and
Chad are all tentatively scheduled to
hold elections that have been delayed
or disrupted by coups or conflict. The
parameters shaping these electoral
processes have yet to be finalised and
even the timing of when they will take
place remains up in the air.

Africa’s 2022 elections, therefore,
will be dynamic and complex. Given
the legitimising authority that a cred-
ible electoral process can bring, it is
the manner in which these elections
are managed, more than the specific
outcomes, that will be significant for
shaping Africa’s governance and secu-
rity environment.

Libya Supporters of opposition presidential candidate Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas cheer during their party's last rally of the presidential campaign in Brazzaville, Congo.
Presidential, 24 January
Legislative, 15 February in the negotiations over the electoral millions of Libyans who continue to is currently slated to be completed member states (FMS) leaders, more-
Postponed from its initially target- process and a close Haftar ally, is also aspire for a democratic government. by 25 February. He faces a crowded over, were resentful of Farmaajo for
ed date of 24 December 2021, the running. Libya’s electoral process, They remember the authoritarianism, field of candidates, including former perceived foot dragging and efforts to
planned Libyan elections are ham- therefore, must overcome political impunity, and human rights abuses of Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and undermine the integrity of the IEC,
strung by unclear rules regulating rivalries, regional differences, and po- the Gaddafi era and are determined Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former which resulted in multiple delays in
the process, including basic questions larisation caused by years of conflict. to prevent the re-emergence of a new Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. the election date. Farmaajo accentu-
over the election law  and who is eli- despot.  ated these suspicions in April 2021,
gible to run.  Libya’s fragile institutions also Somalia continues to operate un- by proposing a two-year extension of
make it vulnerable to exploitation Therefore, while genuine demo- der an indirect, multistage electoral his term, which technically expired in
The electoral process is also unfold- by external actors who are backing cratic processes are novel, large num- system where 54 senators are elect- February 2021.
ing under a nebulous legal founda- proxies and attempting to shape the bers of Libyans have collected their ed by five state assemblies, and 275
tion since a 2017 draft constitution process in their interests. This in- ballot cards, thousands are planning members of Somalia’s Lower House The convulsions of the Somali elec-
was never approved. Consequently, cludes tapping Libya’s lucrative oil to run for parliamentary seats, and of Parliament are selected by 27 775 toral process reveal the weaknesses of
while strong international pressure wealth and strategic geography in the many more are intent on participat- delegates nominated by clan elders.  the electoral oversight bodies such as
has pushed for holding early elections eastern Mediterranean.  Key among ing and having their voices heard in Collectively, these senators and parlia- the IEC and Federal Electoral Imple-
with the aim of stabilizing Libya’s ten- these actors are Russia, the United Libya’s embryonic democratic enter- mentarians then select the president mentation Team (FEIT), which have
uous ceasefire, the process is papering Arab Emirates, and Egypt who have prise. among a list of candidates approved allowed the incumbent to delay and
over fundamental gaps over just what worked in tandem to support Haftar by the Indirect Election Commission influence the proceedings. The am-
authorities would be granted the pres- and are hostile to democracy taking Strengthening Libyan institutions (IEC). biguities of the process have fostered
idency, legislature, judiciary, subna- root in the region. Turkey and Qatar and sovereignty  so that the will and distrust and escalating tensions. If
tional entities, and other independent have simultaneously supported both interests of Libyans shape the trajec- The senate selection process was not satisfactorily resolved, any leader
bodies like the electoral commission.  the UN-backed efforts and candidates tory of its governing structures and completed in November 2021.  who emerges from the selection pro-
associated with the Muslim Brother- leadership will be the litmus test cess will lack legitimacy in the eyes of
Libya, likewise, lacks a clear plan hood. Moreover, competing Europe- for the effectiveness of these efforts. The selection of members to the many Somalis, further contributing
for how the many militias dotting the an interests — namely from France, Therefore, the priority in Libya may Lower House of Parliament is slat- to instability. The prolonged electoral
security landscape would be incorpo- Italy, and Greece — have hampered a be less the specific date of the election ed to be completed by 25 February. process has also consumed most of the
rated into a cohesive national security unified European position. and more the authenticity of the pro- Given the politicking built into the political energy in Somalia for more
structure. cess to get there. This may involve a selection of both bodies, the processes than a year, distracting from other
Libya must also contend with  ex- drawn-out negotiation over the course are subject to vote buying and other governing priorities including securi-
Absent greater clarity over the rules ternally sponsored disinformation of the year, which if it advances Liby- means of influence peddling, includ- ty.
of the game, premature elections risk campaigns, notably from Russia, that an ownership, will be well-warranted. ing by the violent extremist insurgen-
generating a victor who lacks legiti- sow confusion, obscure the truth, and Somalia cy, Al Shabaab, and external actors. A silver lining in the jostling be-
macy and is unable to serve as a uni- escalate polarisation. Paradoxically, Presidential and Legislative, 25 Feb- tween the President, Prime Minister,
fying actor in Libya’s notoriously frac- it may be that the wide array of do- ruary In response to  criticism that the and FMS is that Somalia is forging,
tious political environment. Worse, mestic and international competition Originally scheduled for December process was being manipulated  in in fits and starts, a system of checks
tensions over a perceived winner-take- in Libya is serving as a crude form of 2020, Somalia’s electoral calendar favour of the incumbent and threats and balances on its executive branch
all electoral outcome that would be checks and balances on the unbridled has been repeatedly delayed. Soma- of an opposition boycott, Prime and an open debate on what a free
dominated by an unaccountable pres- usurpation of power by any one indi- lia’s indirect presidential election, in Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and fair electoral process entails. Re-
ident could trigger a return to conflict vidual or entity. which President Mohamed Abdul- sacked seven members of the Dis- form efforts should build on this di-
and authoritarian rule. The lack of a lahi Mohamed (popularly known as pute Resolution Committee for bias. alogue  and push for further institu-
clear constitutional roadmap echoes Despite the many challenges sur- Farmaajo) is seeking a second term, This  led Farmaajo to try to dismiss tionalisation of these processes. This
the competing constitutional frame- rounding Libya’s electoral process, Roble  (something only Parliament includes enhancing the independence
works that characterised the rushed it is important to not overlook the can do), raising for a time the pros-
and ultimately failed Egyptian demo- pect of open conflict. The federal
cratic transition effort of 2012-2013.

Libya’s fraught process is a remind-
er that elections are not a substitute
for negotiated settlements to out-
standing disagreements and a recon-
ciliation framework.

Emblematic of the confusing elec-
toral environment, over 100 candi-
dates have declared their intention
to run. These include highly divisive
figures such as one of Muammar
Gaddafi’s sons, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi,
who is wanted by the International
Criminal Court on charges of crimes
against humanity, and Khalifa Haftar,
the eastern Libya-based warlord who
carried out an 18-month siege of the
Capital. Potential candidates also in-
clude Abdulhamid Dabaiba, who as
interim Prime Minister is technically
barred from running. Parliamenta-
ry Speaker Aguila Saleh, a key actor

NewsHawks Reframing Issues Page 37

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

of the elections commission so that presented as an extraordinary means who has seized power. By strengthen- Alpha Condé who was controversially percent of Guineans say they trust the
it can conduct future elections on a of responding to a serious security ing independent democratic institu- serving a third term in office. Presi- military, according to the most recent
predetermined schedule, adopting a threat, the track record of Wagner de- tions (such as the judiciary, electoral dential third terms were barred under Afrobarometer surveys. 
process of direct elections to limit the ployments in the Central African Re- commission, and anti-corruption Guinea’s constitution  until Condé
influence peddling inherent in the public, Libya, Sudan, Mozambique, bodies), Malians will have more effec- overrode these provisions through In contrast, 77% of Guineans are
current system, and a clear outline Syria, and Ukraine has been to ad- tive means through which to respond what many Guineans considered ex- strongly supportive of democracy
of the roles and authorities of the na- vance Moscow’s interests and prop up to the inevitable governance short- tra-legal tactics and the use of violence with the same number saying it was
tional government vis-à-vis the FMS their allies rather than enhance stabil- comings that emerge. against protesters by security forces not acceptable for the military to in-
under Somalia’s federal system. ity. These deals frequently also involve resulting in fatalities. tervene and assume power.
Mali granting Wagner access to a country’s Another critical lesson from Mali
Presidential and Legislative, 27 Feb- natural resources. (as well as other African countries that While rationalized as a  response Given its limited experience with
ruary have experienced coups) is the fallacy to Condé’s third-termism, the mili- democracy prior to 2010, Guinea
2022 will be a pivotal year in Mali’s The self-interested motives behind of enabling military actors who have tary junta has not turned power over exceeded expectations in adapting
efforts to restore democratic rule fol- this deal seem all the more evident seized power extra constitutionally to to a civilian caretaker government. democratic practices and institutions
lowing the two coups led by Colonel given the  junta’s refusal to accept an lead the transition process back to de- Instead, it has installed Doumbouya in the subsequent decade. This in-
Assimi Göita in August 2020 and additional 2 000 military and police mocracy. These coup leaders have al- as interim President and taken few cluded massive and sustained peaceful
May 2021. The 27 February date for forces (at no cost to Mali) as part of ready demonstrated their disdain for steps toward elections, appearing to demonstrations by Guineans opposed
elections was set by the Economic the 17 000-strong peacekeeping force democratic processes and therefore be vying for a multiyear military-led to Condé’s efforts to circumvent the
Community of West African States of the United Nations Multidimen- are least suited to reinstate them.  transition. constitution to stay on for a third
(Ecowas) during negotiations with sional Integrated Stabilisation Mis- term and his inability to secure parlia-
the military junta to resume civilian sion in Mali (MINUSMA). Moreover, so long as they are rec- The focal point of the electoral pro- mentary approval for a revision.  
rule in this expansive Sahelian coun- ognized and have access to state re- cess in Guinea will be negotiations
try of 20 million people.  The Wagner deal exposes the vul- sources, they have few incentives to with Ecowas to hasten the return of Guinea, thus, has an active civil
nerability a nation faces from an do so. Removing the processes and civilian-led democratic rule. Having society and political class capable of
Göita, however, has grand am- unelected and illegitimate leader- timetables for democratic transitions already suspended Guinea from the navigating the transition back to de-
bitions for the military’s role in the ship  bargaining away elements of from the purview of military actors regional body and imposed sanctions mocracy absent the military’s direc-
Malian government and has made a national sovereignty  in its effort to and instead entrusting these to an upon it, Ecowas and international tion.
point of rehabilitating the images of cling to power. Such an outcome independent, merit-based body is far democratic actors must continue to
past disgraced military rulers such as is even more unsavory given that a more likely to lead to the desired res- coordinate their actions to signal to Guinea’s experience is also a  re-
Moussa Traoré and Amadou Haya Russian-inspired disinformation cam- toration of a democratic system. Doumbouya (and other potential minder of the instability linked to
Sanogo, who oversaw ruinous periods paign was instrumental in fomenting coup-makers) that his seizure of pow- third-termism in Africa, where leaders
of Mali’s post-independence history. discontent with President Ibrahim As Malians navigate a return to de- er will not be recognised or rewarded. who stay on for more than two terms
Mali, thus, is on course for a high- Boubacar Keïta and democratic pro- mocracy in 2022, they have the ad- are linked to higher levels of corrup-
stakes standoff over vastly different cesses in Mali the year leading up to vantage of experience. While Mali’s Doumbouya’s claim to need more tion, decreased civil liberties, and in-
visions of its governance trajectory. the 2020 coup. previous efforts at democratisation time to revise the constitution and creased conflict. Proactively prevent-
may have been imperfect, these expe- institute reforms overlooks the fun- ing leaders from evading term limits,
Göita can be expected to try to Among the many lessons for demo- riences provide valuable lessons as a damental issue that such foundational therefore, will be key to maintaining
ignore the 27 February deadline for cratic development in Africa that can starting point for the improvements changes are the prerogatives of dem- regular election schedules in Africa
elections, and the junta has shown be drawn from Mali’s recent coups, to be fashioned and the resiliencies to ocratically elected representatives and and avoiding the need to orchestrate
little interest in preparing for the two stand out.  One is the importance be strengthened moving forward. not a self-appointed military junta. ad-hoc efforts to transition back to-
transition. Instead, it has proposed a of strengthening independent institu- Guinea ward democracy.
five-year transition process that would tions to foster the self-corrections that Presidential and Legislative, March The irony of the military claiming Kenya
culminate in 2026. This suggestion are the bread-and-butter of democrat- 2022 the mantle of reform is particularly Presidential and Legislative, 9 August
has been strongly rejected by the op- ic systems. Many Malians initially jus- The March date for Guinea’s presiden- nonsensical given  Guinea’s devastat- The headline of Kenya’s presidential
position coalition and Ecowas, pre- tified the coup in 2020 (as they did in tial elections represents the six-month ing legacy of military governments re- elections is the forthcoming succes-
cipitating an escalation in sanctions 2012) based on the alleged corruption timetable established by ECOW- nowned for human rights abuses, sion from President Uhuru Kenyatta,
on the junta including the closure of and ineptitude of Keïta’s democrati- AS following the military coup of corruption, and impunity. Military who is stepping down after two terms
borders and limitations on financial cally elected government.  September 2021. Led by Colonel misgovernance was a major factor in in office. The elections, therefore, rep-
transactions. If these measures are re- Mamady Doumbouya, the leader of making Guinea one of the poorest resent an important inflection point
inforced by international democratic Yet, these coups have only further a 300-strong special forces unit, the countries in Africa when the country in Kenya’s democratic development
actors, the junta will be further isolat- pulled Mali away from a constitution- coup deposed 83-year-old President held its first democratic elections in and renewal. 
ed, exposing its lack of legitimacy. ally based system, exposing citizens to 2010. Indeed, reflecting the still fresh
the whims of the latest military actor scars of authoritarian rule,  only 52 Despite challenges of ethnic vio-
Key issues to watch in Mali, there- lence and allegations of vote-rigging
fore, will be how Ecowas elevates the over the years, Kenya has a history of
costs on the junta for its intransigence competitive elections and has been
and how independently managed an outspoken defender of upholding
elections will be enabled. Ecowas’s democratic norms in the region.
earlier willingness to concede to the
junta’s demands and timetables have Kenya’s democratic evolution is
been shown to be based on false hopes owed, in no small part, to the grow-
that the junta actually intended on fa- ing independence of the judiciary,
cilitating a transition.  which has emerged as a critical check
on the executive branch. This was
The regional body’s stiffened re- seen in the rejection of election results
solve also signals its recognition that if due to irregularities in vote tallying in
it tolerates the junta in Mali, the norm the 2017 presidential contest, requir-
of coups as a means of succession will ing a rerun. The judiciary also played
be legitimised, inspiring further coups an instrumental role in rejecting the
on the continent — a phenomenon proposed Building Bridges Initiative
that has already started to take shape. (BBI) that would have revised the
constitution to expand the scope of
The junta justified its coup as well the executive branch, a move that
as its proposed extended transition many in civil society saw as a threat to
timeframe on the ongoing securi- the progressive 2010 constitution and
ty threat posed by militant Islamist its provisions for more inclusive and
groups in the central and northern accountable government in Kenya.
regions of the country. However, the
security threat has only worsened Among a crowded field of can-
since the military coup — with vio- didates, the leading contenders are
lent events linked to militant Islamist shaping up to be Vice-President Wil-
groups in Mali increasing by a third liam Ruto and perennial challenger,
in 2021 over 2020. The coup lead- Raila Odinga. While Ruto had been
ers’ preoccupation with consolidating Kenyatta’s running mate for the past
their seizure of power has come at the two elections, Kenyatta has endorsed
expense of securing at-risk communi- Odinga, the leading contender in the
ties. 2017 election. The effect has been a
topsy-turvy recasting of political al-
In the interest of bolstering its hold liances and injection of considerable
on power, the junta has surreptitiously unpredictability in the outcome.
contracted to bring in 1,000 Russian
mercenaries from the Wagner Group At the front of many Kenyans’
at the cost of US$11 million per minds is the risk of political violence
month to further shore up the junta’s that has accompanied many recent
position. (Given that Mali’s annual presidential elections, notably the
military expenditures are estimated to 2007 contest that resulted in an es-
be around US$580 million, the pay- timated 1 200 fatalities and 650 000
ments to Wagner amount to 23% of displaced. This violence has, at times,
what Mali spends on defence). While taken on ethnic overtones, a result
of the polarisation and stoking of
animosities. A key issue to watch in

Page 38 Reframing Issues NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

2022, therefore, is what efforts lead- Angola of food and other basic goods have has come”) who have challenged the Justice and Welfare Party in a close
ing candidates, parties, and national Presidential and Legislative, August been rising. Perceptions of corruption legitimacy of the junta, have not been election. The results were quickly
and neighbourhood level peacebuild- The ruling Popular Movement for continue to be among the highest in a part of this dialogue. Moreover, pro- accepted by Kulmiye leaders and the
ing groups make to mitigate potential the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) has the world. The combination of politi- tests over the exclusionary nature of opposition alliance was subsequently
violence during this cycle. maintained continuous control over cal and economic frustrations has led the transition have been forcibly put able to select the new leader of the
Angolan politics since 1975 and ap- to a series of anti-government protests down, including with live ammuni- House of Representatives.
This vulnerability of the Kenyan pears intent on ensuring this remains in Luanda, which have been forceful- tion.    In November 2021, however,
political process is perpetuated by the case after the 2022 elections when ly put down by the Angolan security the junta released nearly 300 jailed These local elections may be a har-
the organisation of political parties strongman President João Lourenço forces using live ammunition. political dissidents. binger for the presidential elections
around ethnicity and personality rath- stands for a second term.  where Somaliland President Muse
er than ideology, heightening percep- In short, what could be one of The junta has also signalled that it Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye party
tions of what is at stake. It has also The MPLA is systematically pursu- the most consequential elections on intends to control the transition on its is seeking a second 5-year term. Ana-
perpetuated a seeming stasis of leading ing this objective through a series of the continent — signalling a com- terms by rejecting the African Union’s lysts suggest Bihi will need to govern
presidential candidates from election ham-handed manoeuvres maximis- mitment to genuine reform, more designated Special Envoy to mediate more inclusively if he hopes to win in
to election, handicapping prospects ing its control over state structures. inclusive political participation, and the Chad crisis, Ibrahima Fall. The November, paying particular atten-
for more reformist candidates. That Through its deep influence over the respect for the rule of law — is likely junta has also floated the idea that the tion to shoring up constituencies in
said, neither Ruto nor Odinga are courts, the MPLA has challenged the to be little more than a formality. 18-month transition may be renewed the east of the territory where turnout
Kikuyu, Kenya’s largest ethnic group, selection of new opposition leaders, Chad and have not committed to barring (amounting to 64% overall) was rela-
portending a shift in ethnic alliances, namely Costa Júnior of Unita and Presidential and Legislative, June-Sep- any members of the transitional gov- tively lowest. At the least, the results
regardless of who emerges victorious. Abel Chivukuvuku of PRA-JÁ Ser- tember ernment from running in the elections show the competitiveness of Somalil-
vir Angola. This creates additional Chad’s off-cycle 2022 elections are when they are held. Mahamat Déby and’s three-party electoral system and
Kenyan politics have also been buf- bureaucratic obstacles for the opposi- an attempt to move Chad to a ci- has also suggested that  “conditions” the accountability it holds for incum-
feted by a rise in domestic disinforma- tion, which has vowed to field a uni- vilian-led, democratic government be met before a transition could take bent leaders.
tion campaigns in recent years. The fied coalition in the 2022 elections, following the death of long-time place, including that “Chadians get
most high-profile of these well-organ- the United Patriotic Front. authoritarian leader Idriss Déby in along” and that the transition receive Somaliland has navigated a pos-
ised campaigns — aimed at the jus- April 2021. The irregular elections are international financial support. This itive democratic trajectory because
tices who struck down the disputed Citing the pandemic, the MPLA needed because executive authority sort of brash brinksmanship has led of the strong democratic culture
2017 elections, the BBI, and the Pan- has not held local elections for over did not shift to the Speaker of Parlia- many Chadians to fear that Mahamat that has been embraced by its nearly
dora Papers exposé — seem intended three years, denying the opposition ment after Déby’s death as constitu- Déby is simply trying to replicate his six million residents. This is backed
to confuse citizens over what is true, momentum prior to the presidential tionally mandated.  father’s long hold on power in Chad. by consensus among all three parties
thereby muting outrage and collective elections. (The opposition currently on the importance of resolving dif-
action. controls roughly a third of the seats Rather, a military council of 13 Despite its  inauspicious authori- ferences through negotiation without
in the National Assembly, despite al- generals seized power, dissolved the tarian track record and dismal devel- disrupting the territory’s cherished
This has impacted public trust in legations of widespread irregularities government, and selected his 37-year- opment performance, Chad has gar- reputation for stability.
Kenyan political leaders. Along with benefitting the MPLA during the old son, Mahamat Déby as the coun- nered international political capital
the perceived elite domination of the 2017 vote count). Under a curious try’s new leader. This extraconstitu- over the years from the deployment of Somaliland’s institutions, however,
political process and corruption, this formulation, even the composition of tional, hereditary succession of power its armed forces in the Sahel and Lake remain underdeveloped and in need
has resulted in declining public en- the National Electoral Commission amounted to a coup, precipitating a Chad Basin as part of regional efforts of strengthening. This includes estab-
thusiasm for the elections. Kenya’s In- (CNE) is stipulated to be proportion- negotiation with the African Union to combat militant Islamist groups. lishing more clarity and consistency
dependent Electoral and Boundaries al to the party representation in the resulting in the 18-month transitional in the timeframe for holding elec-
Commission has struggled to increase legislature, thereby institutionalising timeframe intended to culminate in Inclusion of a genuine political op- tions. The previous election for the
voter registrations. Disinterest is par- bias and perpetuating the influence of the 2022 presidential elections. position in the transitional process, House of Representatives was in 2005
ticularly high among youth, who the ruling party. opening of space for civil society and and for Local Council in 2012. The
may not hold much hope for change As with other recent military coups the media, and the establishment of Upper House of Elders, also known
regardless of which candidate wins. By forcing constitutional revisions in Africa, however, the junta in Chad an independent electoral commission as the Guurti, is generally considered
Given that 75% of Kenya’s 48 million through the MPLA-dominated leg- does not appear to be in a hurry to or- to oversee the elections without fur- to have played a valuable moderat-
people are under 35, this disconnect islature, vote counting for the 2022 ganise the transition or give up power. ther delays will all be indicators of ing role in finding consensus around
represents an important challenge fac- polls is to be done centrally rather The military has long played a role in the junta’s seriousness in supporting political disagreements. However, its
ing all candidates. than at the local level, defying elec- Chadian politics, with Idriss Déby a transition and the credibility of the members were last selected in the ear-
toral best practice, thereby reducing himself having seized power in a coup 2022 polls. ly 2000’s and its seats are passed by
Beyond the modelling benefit that a oversight and accountability of these 31 years prior to his death.  Somaliland hereditary succession. 
fair and legitimating electoral process tallies. Civil society leaders are also Presidential, 13 November
in Kenya can have for strengthening concerned that Lourenço will use the During his tenure, the Chadian Legislative, 31 May The Guurti elections of May 2022,
democratic norms in the region, the constitutional revisions as justifica- government was characterised by its While not officially recognised by therefore, will go far in reinvigorating
Kenyan elections also have important tion for resetting the term limit clock. political exclusion, repressive actions any state, one of the most democratic Somaliland’s democratic tapestry. To
regional security implications. Kenya against opposition political leaders presidential elections to be held in Af- avoid fragmentation, Somaliland also
has the region’s most dynamic econo- While the MPLA’s control over the and media, corruption, and repeated rica in 2022 may well be in Somalil- has a stipulation limiting the political
my and has been a bulwark of stability institutional architecture may succeed bouts of instability  involving a host and. Since 1991, Somaliland has held arena to three parties. Party licenses
in a neighbourhood facing an array of in maintaining its stranglehold over of rebel groups regularly mounting regular presidential and legislative are awarded every 10 years based on
security challenges — al Shabaab in Angolan politics, this is not a sustain- attacks to overturn the government. elections that have resulted in period- elections. This process is set to take
Somalia, South Sudan’s ongoing in- able strategy for the country more ic alternations of power. This was the place in December, capping off what
stability, heightened political repres- generally.  Claims by the junta that they will result in the May 2021 Lower House will be a busy electoral calendar in
sion in Uganda and Tanzania, and hold an inclusive national dialogue and Local Council elections, in which 2022.
the devastating civil war in Ethiopia Angola has experienced six years in February 2022 have been met the governing Kulmiye Peace, Unity
— many of which have governance of economic contraction despite its with  considerable scepticism within and Development Party won fewer *About the writers: Joseph Siegle
drivers.  abundance of natural resources. It Chad. Opposition groups and leading seats than the opposition alliance of is research director and Candace
owes US$40 billion of foreign debt civil society actors, including mem- the Waddani National Party and the Cook is research assistant at the Af-
A solid election in Kenya, accord- (with an annual GDP of US$63 bil- bers of the citizen movement Wakit rica Centre for Strategic Studies in
ingly, will be felt far beyond its bor- lion), of which half is to China. Prices Tama (Chadian Arabic for “the time the United States.
ders.

NewsHawks Africa News Page 39

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

IT is widely known that Africa battles vaccine inequity, new
Covid-19 poses a higher threat variants and HIV simultaneously
to immunocompromised people
– and Africa, which accounts for The continent requires better vaccine distribution in 2022 as it
almost  two-thirds  of the global tries to protect its existing immunocompromised population.
total of new HIV infections,
holds especially vulnerable pop- ritius, Morocco, Tunisia, Cabo ulation by December 2021. the Partnership for African Vac- Centres for Disease Control and
ulations, forcing the continent Verde, Botswana and Rwanda – These lags in vaccination rates cine Manufacturing programme Prevention, said to The World.
to combat two public health have reached the World Health and increased distribution ef-
emergencies at once. Organisation’s goal of vaccinat- – the result of a combination forts in 2022, Dr. John Nken- Moving forward, Nkengas-
ing 40% of each country’s pop- of resource and distribution is- gasong, the director of Africa ong says that Africa “should be
Although the African con- sues – are being combated by mindful of what
tinent’s HIV situation has
improved in recent years, Covid[-19] can do to erode
with HIV infections falling the significant progress that we
by  37%  between 2000 and have made in achieving remark-
2018, the pandemic has still able progress in controlling
taken a toll on those living with HIV/Aids over the years.”
this widespread autoimmune
disease. While the development “We don't know what the tra-
of anti-retroviral technologies jectory for Covid[-19] will look
have saved 13.6 million lives in like in the coming years, but we
the same period, those who have know that HIV has been with
not received treatment still have us for 40 years [and] has killed
difficulty passing the virus. almost 37 million people,” he
said. “Tremendous gains have
"In someone where immu- been made in the fight against
nity is suppressed, then we see HIV, especially in Africa. But
virus persisting,” Professor Lin- we should be mindful of what
da-Gayle Bekker, the head of Covid[-19] can do to erode the
the Desmond Tutu HIV Foun- significant progress that we have
dation in Cape Town, said in an made in achieving remarkable
interview with the BBC. progress in controlling HIV/
Aids over the years.”
This, coupled with the lack of
vaccine access in Africa, makes — US News.
it especially strenuous to com-
bat these two ongoing illnesses.
Currently, just under  10%  of
the continent is fully vaccinated
against Covid-19 and only  sev-
en countries – Seychelles, Mau-

There is a future.

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CHILDREN’S CANCER RELIEF

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DETECTION

IS THE BEST PROTECTION!

STAY IF YOU SUSPECT EYE CANCER
ALERT! VISIT YOUR CLINIC TODAY

Page 40 World News NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

BORIS Johnson’s appearance at a ‘Vain, fickle, hypocritical’: How
Downing Street party during lock- Europe sees Johnson after partygate
down could mark his downfall, Euro-
pean media have concluded, painting Boris Johnson is seen on a screen as he admits to attending the Downing Street garden party in May 2020. Photograph: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock
a devastating picture of a “vain, fick-
le, hypocritical opportunist” with an For France’s Le Monde, the last Having ousted the party’s “most Spain’s El País said the prime min- security hike in April and despite
“elastic relationship to the truth” who couple of months have proved “ca- reasonable members”, Johnson, ister’s ability to surprise “has much to “Johnson’s proven ability to squeeze
only ever “played at being prime min- lamitous” for a “bumbling politician” caught between “a young guard de- do with how he shuns conventional out of a tight spot like nobody else”,
ister”. whose faults – “opportunism, no manding more public spending for thinking. He does what no one would his prospects for survival look slim,
attention to detail, an elastic rela- the disadvantaged, and Thatcherites expect, and acts as if he is exempt from “particularly when 65% of the elec-
Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung tionship with the truth” – everyone eschewing all state intervention”, has the rules that apply to other mortals,” torate consider him incompetent”.
said in a brutal editorial that it had seemed ready to forgive, until now. no moderate Tory support left, it said. the paper said.
“only ever been a matter of time” be- De Volksrant said Johnson’s “clown-
fore the British prime minister was The prime minister’s fall in popu- For Libération, too, “gone are the “Until Wednesday, when he had no ish appearance conceals a man long
exposed to one and all as the emperor larity has been “so brutal that his im- days of arrogant victories, electoral choice but to take the obvious course engaged on a ruthless drive for the top
with no clothes. mediate future appears to be in jeop- landslides and spicy slogans. Two and and say sorry.” Typically, however, – but one who needs to be loved. That
ardy”, the paper said, with many Tory a half years after his election, prime even his apology was “an attempt to may explain why he couldn’t say no to
“Boris Johnson has never really MPs “now doubting his ability to lead minister Boris Johnson is up against cover his back”, the paper said: “He a drink with his staff.”
changed,” the paper said. “He’s always the party to a fourth consecutive vic- the wall. The party is over – and so are admitted his presence – but said he
been a seducer and a loudmouth. tory” and the rightwing press turning the jokes.” thought it was a work gathering.” It was not voters or the opposition
Always lied when it’s in his interest. on him. that could topple Johnson this time,
He is the great illusionist of British After multiple previous revelations, In the Netherlands, NRC Handels- the Dutch paper said, but his own
politics.” Johnson’s “remorseful con- “Johnson should not be underesti- the “spring aperitif ” mid-lockdown blad said the scandal was “just one party. “Hugely popular at the time
fessions” and “submissive contrition” mated: he has political flair, charisma could prove fatal, the French paper of the many difficult developments of his election victory, he has since
would do little to change things, the and, so far, he has been very lucky,” said. At prime minister’s questions Johnson has to contend with”, citing made enemies in his own circle. That
paper said. the paper said. But if he survives par- on Wednesday, Tory MPs said little soaring living costs due to “inflation, distaste becomes dangerous when the
tygate, he still has to act on the cost of about the scandal – “but behind the high energy prices and the negative prime minister’s popularity with vot-
He may have “posed as Churchill” living, and “satisfy impatient Brexiters thick curtains of the tearooms, things consequences of Brexit”. ers is plunging.”
and looked like “the saviour of the with more than chimeras”. are on the move”.
kingdom” after his election victory in Add in the coming tax and social —The Guardian.
2019, but unlike his historical hero,
“Johnson has himself led Britain into
an existential crisis, for which he bears
full responsibility.

“He has not given up his frivolous,
unserious nature. His fickleness is re-
vealed in his government’s absence of
strategy. Snobbery explains his lack of
interest in the state of the country. Bo-
ris Johnson doesn’t govern, he plays at
being prime minister.”

Another German paper, Die Welt,
said few options remain open. With
polls showing 66% of voters want him
to step down, Johnson “could volun-
tarily and immediately resign, as all
three opposition leaders urged him
to do. But that has never happened in
British parliamentary history.”

He intended to wait for the out-
come of the official investigation, the
paper said, and assured the Commons
on Wednesday he would accept its
conclusion. If Sue Gray’s verdict al-
lowed, however, the prime minister
would probably try to hang on.

“But that won’t be easy,” the pa-
per said. “The public view that there
is ‘one rule for those up there, and
another for everyone else’ has taken
root.” Johnson may even have to go
before local elections: “Partygate has
made the Joker a burden.”

Handelsblatt, another German
publication, agreed. “Johnson has
weathered many storms,” it said. “But
this time, it looks bad. Even if the
investigation exonerates him, he has
tough weeks ahead: soaring inflation,
a cost of living crisis … His overthrow
looks likely before May.”

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Page 41 Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Nyasha David.

I’m an advocate of love — Nyasha David

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA serenaded guests on a musical ’70s.  He also played with Mar- his music career as he went to moments was when he collaborat-
journey. Each song had an effect shall Munhumumwe  before he China in September 2015 to per- ed with reggae super group mem-
WHEN he first grabbed the lime- on the audience although he was left for Malawi where he later form at the Chengdu Intangible bers Denroy and Gramps Morgan
light, many people thought he just performing as a duo along- changed his name from Misheck Cultural Heritage Convention. on a track tilted Missing You.
was a fluke. side a keyboardist. Dengwani to Tockson Banda.
In December 2015, he per- Since then, he has been stag-
But much to their amusement, The 31-year-old singer made The Gweru-born star attended formed during Chinese President ing live shows, including the Un-
Nyasha David has made a huge his presence felt on and off the Widdecombe Primary School and Xi Jinping's state visit to Zimba- plugged Zimbabwe concerts.
splash on the mainstream music stage with a flawless delivery that Churchill Boy High for his Or- bwe. 
scene with his latest album Songs even Ashleyn Mukamba, the head dinary Level before enrolling at He dropped his debut single in
of David. But one may ask: What of sales and marketing at Pacific Nashville High School in Gweru The same year, Nyasha David 2016 simply titled Toasting then
makes Nyasha David stand out Cigarette Company, who was a to complete his Advanced Level. was one of the contestants in the he followed it up with other sin-
from his contemporaries? presenter, enjoyed to the fullest. Dreamstar Zimbabwe competi- gles Tiki Taka, Isai Mawoko and
His love for music began when tion, coming out third in the con- Haumbomugona in 2017.
He says he is an "advocate of The hugely talented Afro-pop he was at Churchill High School test won by beat boxer ProBeatz.
love” and his songs make people singer comes from a musical fam- in Harare where he headlined In 2018, he released two sin-
feel loved and fall in love. ily. "Culture Nights" at the institu- His career then got a ma- gles, Newe (Follow Me) which
tion and at sister school Roosevelt jor boost when he performed at sample Nelson Chibwana’s yes-
Recently, Nyasha David, whose His father Godfrey Dengwani Girls High.  the Dreamstar Zimbabwe Nan- teryear hit titled Mamoyo Follow
real name is Nyasha David Deng- was an acoustic performer in Lib- jing-Beijing Tour in November Me and Moyo Muti, another love
wani, had music lovers eating out ya and Mozambique, where he At the time, the dancing was 2017. gem.
of his palms at the relaunch of was training to be a pilot. more dominant than the singing
Pegasus and Branson cigarettes in which saw him also performing In 2018, Nyasha David also He holds a City and Guilds and
Harare. And his uncle Tockson Ban- at high school gigs and variety performed at the Dreamstar Zim- Hexco diploma in information
da played for the Rock Jazzers, shows. Perhaps his school shaped babwe Lanzhou China Tour. communication technology, and
While on stage, Nyasha David a band from Malawi, in the late music is his part-time job.
One of this most memorable

Page 42 Life & Style NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Title: The footsteps that never arrived Poet: Stephen Mupoto Title: Boomerang love
Poet: Tafadzwa Chiwanza Poem: The Love Letter Poet: Aries Rage

thirty years now, Dear Electorate, It boomeranged,
the future's boots echo in the corridor. It is that time again, seven seconds in Heaven
the echo grows feeble and soft- When I have to assert my love again, and I came crashing
like a tale whispered centuries ago It has been five years, into the abyss.
of footsteps that never arrived. Since our last intimacy, Heart fluttered
the past receeds behind us I am sorry to say, butterflies danced,
waving its frail hands at our dusty ankles, All our children were stillborn. smiles graced my face with
ghostly dusk looms in the west, Year after year, each passing moment
casting its ragged net Our desire to have our progeny, but it boomeranged;
Into the deep dark waters of the east, Was abortive. went back to the heartless
dawn, gone somewhere I know our fallout, human,
between time's parted lips Was temporary, who hid his fangs behind his tight
that chewed the sun and spat Day. I have returned to you, lipped mouth,
thirty years now, With this promise, and let his eyes wander in the
we stand at the wrong end of the corridor I promise to fulfil, void spaces between us.
cowered behind this fast shut door, That I will deliver babies, Dizzy spells grace me with their
hearing the footsteps of the future ebb away And protect them from still births. presence,
I will ensure that I repair the broken chandelier, as I'm tossed and toyed with
*********************************************** And illuminate your world. back and forth like a yo-yo;
Title: a dog finds itself on a train I have a vision for this Affair, yet blinded I dare not see
Author: Tanaka Chidora You have suffered enough my love, that all this time;
And I apologise for my wrong doing. all he had to give was boomerang love.
people have faraway looks, I repent from all my vices.
like the sun Give me another chance, ***********************************************
contemplating the journey And I will bring laughter to your stoep, Title: A Black Thing Floating In The Pot
to the west, I will deliver cans of milk and honey. Poet: Elias M. Muonde
like father scrutinising I am sorry about yesterday,
the horizon for a cloud When I gagged the watchdog, Mother would be gently paddling around
the size of a human being’s hand. It was because of rumour mongering, the starchy water in the big sadza pot with
no one sees the dog; To protect you, the big cooking stick in the big round hut
they all look beyond it, I have a new set of law, Now and again, she sprinkles mealie meal
as if the well-packaged That will protect you against your adversaries. about the pot
schedules of the day Allow me at the juncture, Mother cautious and thorough as always
need no mishaps. To buy you sweet scented roses, Mother focused and meticulous under our
As fresh as rain, hungry watch from the edges of the fire-
*********************************************** And refreshing as the cool waters, place
Title: Forever Young Of Mississippi river. Then suddenly she spots the thing
Poet: Sithembinkosi Ncube I will deliver nuggets of gold, Black and tiny
To your very domain, Bobbing around in the mess of porridge...
I am almost fifty now but still feel smaller I will make you feel whole again, With a stroke of a deft hand
than my 1980 And wash away your shame. Mother tackles the thing with the tip of her
elementary school classmates Kiss my fist, cooking stick
I still feel the weight And you will not feel any dent, It lands in the heart of the fire;
of Mandla's punch on my jaws Because I will protect you, And Mother carries on
out in the pastures; and deep in the darkness, Against exorbitant rent. We don't know what it is
wobbling universe and dizziness... Mother doesn't want to know what it is.
Only our cart's wheels have become smaller
and the steps to our kitchen door are no lon-
ger scary
Even the steep slopes of Nyova hills
where our goats strayed
are no longer as precipitous
I have learnt of levers and spanners
but still doubt their trade
Mandla's grip was an eternal clasp on my
throat.

NewsHawks People & Places Page 43

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Local tourists throng Cecil John Rhodes' grave

Zimbabwean tourists visiting Cecil John Rhodes grave at Matopos 40km out-
side Bulawayo on New Year's Day. The area was a hive of activity as the new year
began. Photos: Kayden Muleya.

Property
NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022 PROPERTY INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE GARDENING Page 44

The home of prime property: [email protected]

Demand for housing is high in Zimbabwe, with nearly two million residents on the waiting list for low-cost housing.

CFI unveils investment plan for Harare South

ALEX MHANDU treat, with residents in arrears settling their pay- Centre (FCC) branch network. The transaction, which was consummated in
ments for residential stands. During the past financial year, FCC opened 2015, involved a land-for-debt swap deal which
DIVERSIFIED listed group CFI Holdings Lim- saw Fidelity Life Assurance (FLA) assuming CFI’s
ited says it will develop houses for Harare’s low- She said: “An encouraging number of resi- new branches in Msasa and Masvingo, re-opened $18 million debt.
end market, which will be one of its key priority dents who had previously fallen into arrears on Nyazura and Chipangayi branches. The group
areas this current financial year as part of initia- payments for their stands continued to regular- also refurbished the Bindura and Zvishavane However, as a result of shareholder disputes at
tives to help narrow the housing backlog in the ise their payments and sign legal agreements in branches in order to increase the trading space the agro-focused CFI, Willoughby’s Investments
capital city. preparation for the development phase of the and range while the Harare Kenneth Kaunda together with other shareholders controlling
project. branch has been converted into a Builders City. It about 60% of CFI supported the reversal of the
The group indicated the initiative is also meant is expected to open its doors to the public in the transaction.
to complement efforts by other stakeholders in “Town planning permits secured in prior year second quarter of this current financial year.
the real estate sector’s residential segment of pro- and other development preliminaries being pur- “The legal proceedings remain pending before
viding more housing options for homeseekers, sued in the year will assist the Group in giving Meanwhile, the group indicated that proceed- the relevant tribunals. The market will be updated
especially in urban centres. impetus to the development stage of the project.” ings to reverse the Langford Estates transaction with further progress in due course,” Pasi said.
sale at shareholder level were still being reviewed
Demand for housing is generally high in the Management at CFI have also been busy by the relevant tribunals. Fidelity intended to construct about 11 500
country, with nearly two million residents on the sprucing up their retail division — Farm and City high-density residential stands at Langford.
waiting list for low-cost housing and about half
a million units required for Harare alone. The
ever-increasing demand for low-cost housing has
also given rise to land fraudsters, taking advantage
of desperate homeseekers by parcelling out land
illegally and double allocations, which have also
resulted in thr sprouting of illegal settlements.

Without specifying, chairperson Itai Pasi said
the group had already committed funding to-
wards the development of its land portfolios in
financial year 2022.

“Priority will also be given to the development
of low-cost housing delivery in Harare South in
support of Government’s Vision 2030 on hous-
ing. The scourge of land barons will need reso-
lution to make way for progressive and orderly
infrastructure deployment and service delivery to
the various settlements.

“The group has committed funding in FY2022
(full-year 2022) to fortify its land development
portfolios,” she said in an update for the year to
30 September 2021.

Pasi also highlighted that business progress has
been made towards development at Saturday Re-

NewsHawks Sport Page 45

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

Drama, delays and domestic unrest: Why
hosting Afcon so important for Cameroon

JO CLARKE Cameroon players celebrate after winning the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 on home ground. name “Africa in miniature”.
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images What to expect on the field
A YEAR later than planned, due to So, after all the delays, drama and on-
Covid-19, the 2021 Africa Cup of Na- the COVID pandemic. recently  morphed  into political de- and property destroyed. going domestic unrest, we are finally
tions (Afcon) has successfully kicked off Even by December 2021 there mands, strikes and riots. The govern- Uniting the nation here, and the hosts are keen to focus on
in Cameroon. ment maintains it has a fair governance Football is the  “king sport”  in Cam- the opportunities ahead.
were rumours the country would not structure, yet English speaking Camer- eroon. But it has become more than
The opening match of the 33rd edi- be  hosting  the tournament. The pres- oonians still feel oppressed. a sport, with many Cameroonians ar- On the field, Cameroon will contin-
tion of Afcon took place in Yaoundé, ident of the Confederation of African guing that football is politics. Previous ue to try and impress. Despite winning
the capital city. In the spectacular open- Football arrived in Yaoundé to discuss Government powers and Anglo- research studies show that football plays the tournament five times, it is Egypt
er, Cameroon came from behind to concerns around organisation, incom- phone separatists have engaged in in- a very prominent role in building na- who lead the way, with “The Pharaohs”
beat Burkina Faso after captain Vincent plete building work and the threat of creasingly brutal violence amid reprisals tionalism and unity in Cameroon. It’s having lifted the trophy a record seven
Aboubakar scored two penalty kicks. coronavirus outbreaks among players to lay down their weapons and return therefore no surprise that the govern- times. Cameroon has less than a 3%
and staff. There are also continued con- to community life. In addition, gov- ment has used football as bait to gain chance of winning if you believe the
For Cameroon, there is intensifying cerns about ongoing domestic unrest in ernment authorities have detained op- some form of stability when its power betting market odds and team rankings
pressure to host a successful tourna- the country – a socio-political dispute position activists who pursue outright has been at stake. at The Analyst website. And no host has
ment for both on-pitch and off-pitch which can be traced back to the end separation from Cameroon with a new won the competition since Egypt did
reasons. of the French and British colonial leg- state called “Ambazonia”. This is a ma- Even President Paul Biya said ahead back in 2006. Nevertheless, Cameroon
acy and the formation of Cameroon as jor challenge regarding national unity of the football mega event that hosting arrives at the competition in good form
It is 50 years since the country host- an independent state. and security. the tournament should help enhance after recently securing a place in the
ed the continental football showpiece. unity and solidarity: FIFA World Cup qualification third
Given that the Afcon is hosted every The well-documented divide relates The separatist movement signalled round.
two years – and given the Camer- to Anglophone Cameroonians, who its intention to disrupt the tournament. "We want it (Afcon) to be a great
oon’s youthful population – few locals constitute 20% of the population, A few days before kick-off, separatist moment of brotherhood. Let us offer Reigning Champions Algeria look
will have first-hand recollections of the feeling marginalised and exploited fighters set off an improvised explosive our guests the rich cultural diversity strong favourites to win again, they
1972 tournament. by the Francophone-dominated state device in Limbe, the coastal city due to that has earned our country the nick- are unbeaten in all matches since 2018
and population. A series of grievances host Afcon matches. Six were injured and have a favourable group on paper.
There is a palpable sense of pride that Captained by Manchester City’s Riyad
Cameroon is hosting the Cup of Na- Mahrez, they will be full of confidence
tions again. It is a very different com- after winning last month’s  FIFA Arab
petition to the 1972 event. The biggest Cup in Doha.
difference is sheer size. It has grown
from an eight-team tournament with 2019 Afcon runners-up Senegal
only six players based in clubs outside will be looking to go one better this
of Africa, to a 24 team tournament year and come into the competition
with 404 players based at European with the highest ranking of 20th in the
clubs plus others in the US, China, world. The team got off to the best pos-
South Korea, India, Qatar and Saudi sible start with Liverpool’s Sadio Mané
Arabia. scoring a dramatic last minute penalty
winner in their first match versus Zim-
As the group stage begins, hosting babwe.
a successful tournament matters on
many levels. On the pitch, Camer- But the constant threat of Covid-19
oon’s Samuel Eto'o has recently begun could play an unwanted role within
his presidency of the national football the competition and there have already
federation and expectations are high for been  reported cases  in several squads:
the hosts to perform well on home soil. Cameroon, Senegal, Burkina Faso,
Economically, businesses in Cameroon Egypt, Gabon Tunisia, Malawi, Cape
all have their eyes on a revival and boost Verde Islands, and Ivory Coast.  New
in revenue. And, off the field, it is vitally guidelines  outlined this week – that
important from a political perspective – teams who have a Covid-19 outbreak
given ongoing domestic unrest, security must field 11 players even if they do not
issues and a lack of national unity. have a fit goalkeeper – could make this
Bumpy road competition one that won’t be forgot-
Cameroon was due to host the tourna- ten. And one person of note for Afcon
ment in 2019. But in November 2018, 2021 will be referee Salima Mukansan-
the organisers  stripped the country  of ga  from Rwanda. One of 63 officials,
its hosting rights, citing a lack of con- she will be the first female to referee at
fidence in the Central African nation’s the championships.
readiness based on  infrastructure. The
tournament was given to  Egypt  with — The Conversation.
Cameroon given hosting rights for *About the writers: Jo Clarke is a
2021. senior lecturer in sport business man-
agement at Sheffield Hallam Univer-
There have been further delays since. sity in England. Becky Ashworth, a
First, the Confederation of African lecturer at the same institution, pro-
Football moved the tournament for- vided additional research and writ-
ward to January 2021 to avoid  Cam- ing contributions to this article.
eroon’s rainy season. Then the tourna-
ment has delayed to 2022 because of

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Page 46 Sport NewsHawks

The many Issue 63, 14 January 2022
silences of
Heath Streak

FIRDOSE MOONDA was told that if I could double that, it people, mostly black Africans across wealth had to be given up. Heath Streak,
would be unbelievable. Most top teams Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswa- "We had some of our land taken but have cricket to look forward to. They
HEATH Streak had never heard a si- work on a win ratio of 50-60%" na. That may not seem like a remark- like seeing the national team playing
lence so loud. It was March 2018 and able thing to say about a Zimbabwean, we were still left with some," Streak against England or Australia. It gives
Zimbabwe had failed to qualify for the Streak was  hired in October 2016, even a white Zimbabwean, but it is. says. "I believe we are very lucky to them pride in their country, and they
2019 World Cup. Missing out was a and took over from Makhaya Ntini, It's not just that Streak can speak and have a farm, so we will just crack on get some relief from watching sport."
matter of both pride and money. who served in an interim role after Dav listen, or ask and answer but he is ful- with what we have left. My dad and
Whatmore was sacked that June. Ac- ly fluent in the language. He jokes in I are very committed to the farm and It was a remarkable line, given the
It would be the first time in Zimba- cording to Streak, the ZC board chair, Ndebele and knows its nuances. community." history of his own team and country,
bwe's history that they would not be at Tavengwa Mukuhlani, and the man- and the stance does not seem to have
the tournament. It doesn't matter that aging director, Faisal Hasnain, did not He is unusual, says  Chris Mpofu, There remain some cattle, a safari changed since.
they have never been expected to win; specify any other performance criteria. because he speaks Ndebele more than park, and a primary school that the
World Cups are a rare chance for them he does English. "When we [the team] Streaks built with the help of some do- Streak could be accused of simply
to test themselves against the best - and "We also spoke about the World would go to his farm, we would find nors from New Zealand. being naïve. Critics might argue his is
occasionally to beat them. It is also one Cup qualifiers and we understood that him speaking Ndebele to his dad," says a perspective born of white privilege,
of the few opportunities to add to Zim- the World Cup had moved from 14 Mpofu, who played five internation- Denis Streak is 72, played 14 first- that he is able to ignore the politics in
babwe Cricket's bank balance, which to ten teams and that there would be als alongside Streak in 2005 and was class matches for Rhodesia, and cur- the personal. Or it could be a strategic
otherwise runs close to empty in a flail- some really good teams in the qualifi- coached by him. "It was actually pleas- rently represents Zimbabwe in lawn pose, the fine line Streak walks between
ing economy. For the World Cup, the ers, but there was never a stipulation of ing to see white people love something bowls. He continues to take care of cricket and the corridors of power.
participation fee was US$100 000 and qualification being the requirement to that is part of us and our culture." much of the day-to-day running of the
for every match won, teams earned an continue. Up to the World Cup qual- farm, in circumstances that vary in the David Coltart, Zimbabwe's former
extra $40 000. Zimbabwe could have ifiers,  our win percentage was 37  and Streak's paternal great-grandfather, degrees of difficulty they impose. For sports minister and a close friend of
lost every match they played and still we won an ODI series in Sri Lanka af- originally from England, bought land the last two decades, Zimbabwe's econ- Streak's, says there is no basis for this
returned home with enough money ter 17 years, so I felt I had done what in the Turk Mine area, 60 kilometres omy has been ravaged by hyperinfla- latter speculation. "He is not political
to, for example, pay the salaries of the was expected of me." north of Bulawayo, in 1896. Over four tion and economic sanctions. In the last at all. He would never think of running
coaching staff for a year. generations, the Streaks' have farmed 20 months, the coronavirus pandemic for office, for example," Coltart says.
Still, Hasnain sent Streak an email cattle and founded a safari company, has further depleted what little foreign "But he wants to get the job done and
Streak, who was head coach at the on a Friday at the end of that March, with zebra, wildebeest, kudu and gi- currency was coming in. "Things are realised that to get the job done, he had
time, and his support staff, which giving him and his staff an ultima- raffe roaming their terrain. As white tough," the younger Streak admits. to have people on both sides."
included Lance Klusener (batting), tum to resign by 3pm that day or be people on African soil, the Streaks "It's really not easy. With Covid-19,
Douglas Hondo (bowling), Walter sacked.  Hasnain himself resigned  less recognise the privilege they hold in tourism has been almost non-existent." Coltart speaks of Streak's ability to
Chawaguta (fielding), Stanley Chiwo- than a month later, citing the team's their title deed and the fact that most connect "people who loved cricket but
za (analyst) and Sean Bell (strength inability to qualify for the World Cup. of Zimbabwe's majority black African Streak, though, is famously apo- also people who are politically con-
and conditioning), voluntarily gave up By then, Streak had launched a court population do not own any land at all. litical. He's not going to blame the nected", though he notes that Streak's
their salaries for more than a year lead- case against ZC, demanded the board post-independence regimes of Mugabe, straddling of those divides extends fur-
ing in to the qualifiers, in an attempt be dissolved  to pay debts, including That is a legacy of the country's colo- and now Emmerson Mnangagwa, for ther than that.
to mitigate against pay cuts for players. the money he was owed, and lodged a nial past, but things have changed over the country's struggles. He played no
They figured that if the cricketers were defamation claim against Mukuhlani, the last 40-odd years. The war of liber- part in Andy Flower and Henry Olon- "The most important thing about
not worrying entirely about money - who had accused Streak of being a rac- ation that led to independence in 1980 ga's black-armband protest  against Streak, and it sets him apart from every
there was still some concern because ist. Although it was the last of those brought Robert Mugabe to power as the death of democracy at the 2003 other white player in Zimbabwe, is his
they were on reduced pay - they would allegations that stung Streak the most, Zimbabwe's first black president. Ini- World Cup, and didn't even know of ability to span the racial, and to a lesser
be able to fully focus on their perfor- it transpired that the absence of funds tially he led over some of the country's their intentions until the morning of extent the ethnic, divide [between the
mance. If that happened, Zimbabwe was also a significant issue. Three years most fruitful years, which saw it pros- the match, when the game had already Ndebele and Shona tribes - Zimba-
would give themselves the best chance later,  he would be banned for eight per agriculturally (Zimbabwe was once begun. bwe's two largest indigenous groups].
of qualifying, and if that happened, years after admitting to accepting two known as "the breadbasket of Africa"). He is fluent in Ndebele. That has been
everyone would eventually get back bitcoins worth $70,000 and an iPhone Eventually, though, Mugabe also over- In an  interview to the  Indepen- a huge benefit for him. It's not just that
what was owed to them. The incentive from a man the ICC recognised as a saw the country's decline, as he slowly dent that same summer, when he was he is fluent but he understands Ndebele
to get there was strong. Even though corruptor, and multiple breaches of transformed into a cruel despot. Under leading Zimbabwe on a tour of En- culture and it's given him a remarkable
there were a lot of ifs, it was a reason- the ICC's anti-corruption code. Streak him, in 2000, the government intro- gland, Streak maintained that sport opportunity to reach out to black play-
able plan; it could even be viewed as a said he had provided information on, duced its first land-reform programme and politics should not mix. ers in particular. To that extent, he has
case of deferred payments. In reality, it among other tournaments, the 2018 to appropriate white-owned farmland been one of the greatest unifiers.
backfired badly. Afghanistan Premier League, which and redistribute it among the black "I do have opinions, and I have been
took place six months after the World population. The Streaks' farm was affected both politically and economi- "You know, if you get a group of
"It was just really terrible when we Cup qualifiers. among those affected. More than 70% cally by what is going on," he said in white men together in a change room,
realised we would not qualify, especial- of their land was seized, and though that interview. "But I don't think it's a when they don't have to be politically
ly because it had been a tough tour- By then, he was without permanent the family protested initially, they have good idea to make a big song and dance correct, you quickly get to understand
nament in so many ways," Streak says employment, still unpaid by his former since come to reflect on their own po- over cricket because of what is happen- who the real racists are. Heath is not a
from his home in Bulawayo in June employers and embroiled in legal pro- sitions and accept that some of their ing politically. People may not like that, racist.
2021. "There was no DRS and we had ceedings against them. but it doesn't mean I'm insensitive to
a horrendous decision against West In- the issues. And I know that there are a Look at his ideas around land [on
dies: [Sikandar] Raza was bowled off a Streak hasn't said it and neither has lot of people in my country who only losing land in the reforms].
no-ball. That defeat made it difficult anyone else, but it's not difficult to see
for us, but we weren't the only team to a connection between the dysfunc- "He exudes warmth, and through
struggle without the reviews. Scotland tion of this last coaching stint and his that, he has managed to reach out,
were also on the receiving end of a few transgressions thereafter, which have
bad decisions. not only scarred his reputation but also
changed the nature of his relationship
"Then we got to playing against the with cricket.
UAE. They scored 235, which was
going to be tough to chase anyway. How did it come to this? Had it been
There was a major storm at lunch and building from back in 2004, when he
our target was revised to 230 from 40 stepped down as captain of Zimbabwe
overs. The ball was swinging and it was and walked out amid a transformation
tough batting and we fell short. We just storm, only to return a year later? Or
couldn't believe it. Afterwards, in the were the roots laid a decade later, when
change room, it was the longest bit of Streak was overlooked in succeed-
silence I've heard." ing Alan Butcher as the men's head
coach, despite a successful tenure un-
A week later,  Streak and his entire der Butcher as bowling coach? Was it
staff were sacked, in what he claimed because he was then compelled to take
were unfair dismissals. "When I was temporary posts and start an academy
hired, one of the things that came up in Bulawayo, rather than, as many of
in my interview was how I would be his contemporaries had done, look for
judged. I asked how the board would more permanent employment abroad?
deem success because I needed what And, most complicatedly, did it get to
I was asked to do to be realistic and this point because of his devotion to
achievable. the land of his birth and the soil of his
soul?
"Zimbabwe had a 20% win ratio in
the two years before I took over, and I Streak is fluent in Ndebele, the lan-
guage spoken by nearly four million

NewsHawks Sport Page 47

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

particularly to black and other minori- Streak played the final ODI in a se- in Bulawayo is Streak's love letter to ers and players in that league. Though Streak's ban with thinly veiled glee. The
ty players in a way that, with the best ries Zimbabwe had already lost, and the Zimbabwe, a top-class facility, aimed at Streak was not coaching in the BPL, he statement the board sent out on the
intentions in the world, someone like only ODI he and Mpofu would play in developing talented cricketers and en- had previously worked as Bangladesh's day Streak's sanction was announced
Andy Flower or Grant Flower was nev- together. "It was in Port Elizabeth and I suring the national talent pool spreads bowling coach and was well acquainted said it was "an episode that may well go
er able to do." had never been to a place that windy," outside the capital, Harare. He set it with their players. Agarwal promised down as the darkest day in Zimbabwe-
Mpofu remembers. "We opened the up in a tough financial environment, Streak they could "earn good money an cricket", and that Streak had shown
Mpofu is a good example. He was bowling together and I was bowling Zimbabwe being a forbidding place as a result of which they could invest himself to be a "corrupt, greedy and
still a schoolboy when he met Streak in into the wind and it was blowing me for investors, using his own money and in a T20 event in Zimbabwe". Streak selfish character who regrettably abused
1999. He had always admired Streak, backwards. Streaky said we should some fundraising, including with gov- provided the details of three play- his status and position in pursuit of
and in 2003, when he bowled to the switch ends because he was a heavy guy ernment backing. ers, including a national captain, and dirty benefits". The country's Sports
national team in the nets, he got to and could push the wind away." the ICC's decision found that Streak and Recreation Commission asked
know Streak better. It was an interest- The academy is controlled by a trust "knew or should have known that Mr the National Prosecuting Authority,
ing time for the two to be forming a When Deepak Agarwal,  identified that includes people on either side of X [Agarwal] may use these details to the agency that deals with state pros-
bond, not least because Zimbabwe as Mr X by the ICC  in various an- the political divide. "The composition contact these players and request Inside ecutions, to look into whether there
cricket was pulling apart at the seams, ti-corruption cases over the last few of the trust is fascinating," says Col- Information from them for him to use might be a criminal case against Streak
along racial lines. years,  first made contact with Streak tart, who is part of the body. "He was for betting purposes". (although an observer well versed in
in September 2017, he did so under at pains to include me. There's also a the law in Zimbabwe confirms no such
Although plans to push affirmative the pretence of wanting to start a T20 ZANU-PF MP and another person Streak says he made a mistake and action can be taken). Most consequen-
action had been afoot since Zimbabwe league in Zimbabwe. He asked if Streak who is very close to [current president] puts it down to naivete. tially, Streak's dalliance with Agarwal
gained independence, they only really would be interested in a joint business Mnangagwa. As I said, Heath knows has hit where it will hurt him most: his
crept into cricket in the late 1990s. In venture. As it happens, Streak had been how Zimbabwe works and has always "I was overly trusting. There's a lot academy, his relationship with his be-
his paper "No-ball! When Transfor- thinking of a T20 league for Zimbabwe been a bridge builder." of things that you might say to your loved homeland, and his family.
mation, Indigenization and Politick- for years, and he jumped at the chance. wife or your dad, and if they were a
ing Overstepped Into Zimbabwean Despite this reputation and the fact gambling people, they could do some "His parents are absolutely dev-
Cricket", independent researcher and "There hadn't been any form of that he had set up an academy, Streak of those things. I should have been a astated by this," Coltart says. "They
academic Admire Thonje, who works T20 tournament in Zimbabwe for continued to be overlooked for jobs lot more conscientious [about] what love cricket; it's in their bones, in their
on social issues in Zimbabwe, argues over three years, which is actually a with the national team, as they cycled we are privy to, and that we have in- blood, so to have something like this
that former ZC chair Peter Chingoka stipulation by ICC for countries to through Andy Waller, Whatmore, Ste- formation that can be used. This is the happen, it goes to their very core. His
and former managing director Ozias access full funding," Streak says. "I ran phen Mangongo and Ntini as head sad reality of professional sport. People mom was in floods of tears after the
Bvute were "partisan officials" who a T20 competition at my academy in coaches. All the while, Zimbabwe's re- gamble on sport and it's big business. academy trust meeting."
drove transformation but believed their Bulawayo, which drew in some Ha- sults got worse. Among the lowlights in Everyone is trying to get any edge they
methods were motivated by a particu- rare guys, but we wanted something that time was losing all eight matches can." Streak's parents remain involved in
lar political agenda Although Thonje bigger. We didn't necessarily want it to on a tour to Bangladesh in 2014, losing the academy but Streak himself is not,
recognises that because the racial mix be the same as the IPL, BPL or CPL home and away ODI and T20 series to Agarwal's attempts to get an edge and for Coltart, that is the most worry-
in Zimbabwe's national cricket side but something that would have al- Afghanistan, and losing players, most continued for another year. He asked ing outcome of the whole saga. "I was
had hardly changed from its all-white lowed domestic players to be seen and notably Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis for player references for the 2018 PSL also disappointed for the academy," he
composition between 1982 and 1999, play alongside emerging international to Kolpak deals. and the 2018 Afghanistan Premier says. "It has been hanging by a thread
which made affirmative action nec- players. And it could have made ZC League (APL). Most damningly, in for ages, in this political and economic
essary, he concludes that Chingoka and Zimbabwean players money in the Eventually,  after more administra- return, Streak accepted two bitcoins environment. It is an ongoing battle to
and Bvute's methods were "problem- right environment" tive mishaps, they did circle back to worth $35,000 each and an iPhone, keep it going, and I knew this would
atic," that they divided players into Streak. He was appointed national as gifts. By December 2018, the ICC's severely damage the ability of the acad-
two camps, for and against inclusion. For a short period in the years lead- coach in October 2016 on generous Anti-Corruption Unit had been in emy to continue."
Streak, these administrators decided, ing up to that offer, the environment terms. He was also allowed to continue contact with Streak and notified him
fell into the latter category because he looked right. In the first half of the working as bowling coach of Gujarat he would be required to attend an in- For now, the academy continues to
expressed serious concerns with the 2010s, the country and its cricket went Lions in the IPL and to take on oth- terview. The ICC found that Streak exist and has produced several players
running of Zimbabwe cricket - those through a wave of relative stability. er short-term deals, ZC perhaps safe and Agarwal had coordinated on what at age-group level, including under-19
concerns, however, were about the dys- in the knowledge that Streak would they should say in this interview. captain Jonathan Connolly. It is being
functional nature of the board rather The 2008-09 power-sharing agree- - could - never be away for too long. run by Streak's former agent Joseph
than being racially motivated. ment between Mugabe's ZANU PF All put together, the trail of the case Rigo. "My name has been withdrawn
and the opposition Movement for There was still no T20 tournament and the sheer weight of evidence against from it, so there is no reason for corpo-
On 2 April 2004, reports emerged Democratic Change, led by Morgan in Zimbabwe when he took over, and Streak blows holes through a defence of rate sponsors to withdraw," Streak says.
that  Streak had threatened to resign Tsvangirai, promised, if not democracy, not one by 2019, after Streak had been naivete, or that he was simply too gull- "I hope it can survive."
as captain  unless  ZC met certain de- then stability. One of the key features sacked. That was the year he started ible and that a corruptor took advan-
mands, including a review of the na- of these years was the dollarisation of work on a business proposal with Agar- tage of his eagerness to start a league. He spends his days running the farm
tional selection panel. By 4 April, it was the Zimbabwean economy, which, wal. There is enough to show that Streak and fishing.
unclear whether Streak had stepped in short, meant slightly more money, must have known more about Agarwal
down or been sacked, and what fol- which meant slightly more opportuni- "We were going to call it the Safa- and his intentions than he has let on, "I've always fished. I haven't been
lowed were ten days of high drama. ty for everyone, including ZC. ri Blast, and look at playing it in the and that he was, ultimately, complicit. able to do it as much because of cricket
window just before the IPL," Streak but now I am doing a lot of bass fishing
Denis Streak denied that Streak gave In August 2009, Streak was appoint- says. "It would give players who want- It took another two and a half years and entering a few tournaments. I can't
ZC an ultimatum, ZC claimed Streak ed Zimbabwe's bowling coach and ed to get match-ready for the IPL that for the ICC to complete their investi- say I am okay but I am keeping busy
had retired, and replaced him as cap- was thought to be the preferred can- opportunity and would work well as gation and impose an eight-year ban on and doing stuff."
tain with Tatenda Taibu. Denis then hit didate to take over the main job. But pre-season time for the England sum- Streak. That, he reckons, is as good as
back with an  accusation that ZC had in February 2010, ZC appointed Alan mer. We pitched it to the then-CEO, a life ban. Is he done with cricket? Not if you
unlawfully terminated Streak's con- Butcher, with Streak remaining in his Faisal Hasnain, and presented some- ask Coltart.
tract. On 14 April 2004, 13 Zimbabwe role. As Zimbabwe prepared to end thing to ZC." "In eight years I will be 55 and I
players, all white, including Streak, is- their self-imposed isolation from Test think it will be difficult to get back into "He stayed in the country. He
sued a lengthy statement, explaining cricket and further professionalise the According to the ICC's investiga- coaching at elite level then." ground it out. Much as I have got af-
why they were effectively walking domestic game, this constituted what tion, at this time Agarwal also made fection for Andy and Grant Flower,
away from Zimbabwe cricket. Later ESPNcricinfo called, at the time, a it clear to Streak that he was "involved "A lot of people understand that I they are not here. They left the country.
that month Zimbabwe hosted Sri Lan- "sense of normality". in betting on cricket", and requested was abused by someone who had taken Heath is here. So I hope that sentence
ka. Taibu captained, and in the  third Streak's bank details. Streak makes no advantage of me," he says, continuing can be reduced, because the sooner he
ODI the side was bowled out for 35. The next year was a marquee one mention of this critical bit of informa- to play the victim. "But there are peo- is available to come back, the better for
If Streak needed a sign that he need not for Zimbabwe. Although they had a tion, and as he did to the ICC, reiter- ple who I thought would reach out, Zimbabwe Cricket. And personally, I
look back, this was it. poor World Cup, in August that year ates simply that he "made it clear in even to express disappointment, who stand shoulder to shoulder with Heath.
they enjoyed a successful return to the these discussions that he wanted to es- haven't. So this has shown me who
Cricket in Zimbabwe was in free fall longest format with victory over Ban- tablish a T20 League in Zimbabwe and my true friends are. It's been charac- "There's not one single person who
with the exodus of white players and gladesh at home. They hosted Pakistan was passionate about furthering cricket ter-building and enlightening. I can't doesn't have a lapse of judgement at
their experience, leaving behind a gap and New Zealand in an unusually busy in Zimbabwe". think of anyone who has said to me some stage. It's just deeply saddening.
that was filled by poor results and prej- home summer. Later that season, ZC directly that I am an idiot." Some people deserve what they get,
udice. secured the services of Chris Gayle, Herein is the crux of the case against people who you know are just an acci-
Shaun Tait, Ryan ten Doeschate and Streak: the relationship he formed with Coltart says so, if in words not so dent waiting to happen. That was never
Most who left had access to, or had Dirk Nannes for their T20 domestic Agarwal and his subsequent breach- blunt. "I was disappointed in Heath. Heath."
already obtained, British passports and league, sponsored by Stanbic Bank. es of the ICC's anti-corruption code. It was a serious lapse of judgement. He
could end their careers on the county That, although there can be little doubt should have known better. He should "There's not one single person who
circuit. That option was open to Streak However, the corporate backing about the nature of Streak's transgres- have realised that this was very danger- doesn't have a lapse of judgement at
too, and he signed a deal with War- didn't last long. Stanbic Bank pulled sions and the motivations that drove ous territory. some stage. It's just deeply saddening.
wickshire, where he took  13 for 158 out after the 2011-12 season, an early them, it is possible to believe that at Some people deserve what they get,
on debut, won the county title in his sign that things were not all that nor- some level inside, he was also driven by "I was disappointed for him because people who you know are just an acci-
maiden season, and returned for three mal; the next season the tournament a genuine desire to better the game in it has severely undermined his cred- dent waiting to happen. That was never
more years. ran unsponsored, and the season after, Zimbabwe; that he really did believe ibility, and he is a man I respect. You Heath."
it wasn't played at all. Since then Zim- Zimbabwe needed a T20 league and don't care too much when a scoundrel
And yet that life wasn't enough for babwe has only staged a T20 competi- that he was going to help set it up. is caught out but that doesn't apply to Is Streak done with Zimbabwe? We
him. tion three times. This is the landscape Heath." don't have to ask anyone but history
Streak believed had to change. Unlike so many former Zimbabwe for the answer to that.
He returned to Zimbabwe less than players, Streak never left. Each time Outright nasty things have been said
a year later. None of the others who First, he found himself on the out- he could have walked away, he came elsewhere. "One article equated me to There's a saying on the continent
left with him came back, which says as side again when his contract wasn't back. If he was a mediocre player, you Hansie [Cronje] and that was hurt- that you can take a person out of Af-
much about how they had moved on renewed after Butcher's tenure ended. might say he had no other option. Yet ful," Streak says. "I didn't do anything rica, but you can't take Africa out of
with their lives as it does about Streak He headed to Bangladesh, where he he stayed back and eventually - cruelly, that affected the result of any part of a person. There are few people who
having not done so. Willingly, though worked for a while as bowling coach. perhaps - that decision led to his down- any game. If I was helping somebody exemplify that more than Streak. It's
a wealth of other opportunities was But as before, he didn't feel entirely sat- fall. This isn't to absolve him; just that by saying I'd get my bowler to bowl a clear in any conversation with him how
available to him, he chose to play for isfied unless he was doing something in as an irony, it is difficult to ignore. wide, then I can influence the match much he loves Zimbabwe, the endless
the demoralised national side; a team Zimbabwe, and so he used his down- and that would be asking a guy to un- blue skies of a city like Bulawayo, or the
that had been hollowed-out, stripped time in 2014 to set up what would, Over the next year the Safari Blast derperform. I never did that. In fact, I deep silence of the African bush - even
of its core, and one that would spend were it not for the revelations of 2021, project stalled but Streak's communica- would happily do a polygraph to prove if he fears it's that silence he will hear a
most of the next decade trying to re- come to be seen as his most enduring tion with Agarwal did not. The ICC's my innocence. Possibly something oth- lot more in the future.
build. That was the team Mpofu made legacy. investigation found that Agarwal con- ers should be forced to do, like the great
his debut in. tacted Streak during the 2017 BPL for Steve Waugh once suggested." —ESPNcricinfo.
The Heath Streak Cricket Academy contact details of team captains, own- *About the writer: Firdose Moonda
Zimbabwe Cricket, with Mukuhlani is ESPNcricinfo's South Africa corre-
still as its chair, responded to news of spondent.

Page 48 Sport NewsHawks

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

IN this special guest column exclusively Guest column: A double life in
for The NewsHawks, John Kelley – sport, reporting and playing
who spent the greater part of his jour-
nalism career in Rhodesia and Zimba-
bwe – puts together 70 years of sport
and other activity, either through writ-
ing or taking part. This review, written
through vivid recall in a small flat on
England's south coast, was an adven-
ture bursting with memories. Enock
Muchinjo’s regular weekly column,
HawkZone, will return next week for
the first time this new year.

JOHN KELLEY 

My first attempt at journalism in John Kelley at the massive Cahora Bassa hydro-electric dam under construction across the Zambezi in Mozambique, researching a major whole-page feature for the
sport was back in 1950 at the age of Rhodesia Herald.
19 on a 200-year-old English country
newspaper, The Banbury Guardian.  "The Beatles", who were recording Devon lanes trying to keep up with Peden, the Herald's soccer writer, of only three players achieving six at
their second hit, From Me To You. I a cancelled helicopter schedule, with who spotted the golf clubs over my first-class in a row in the entire histo-
But I had been playing all kinds of also dabbled in snazzy headlines, one heart in mouth.  shoulder and knew he need not pre- ry of cricket, the others being Donald
sport three years before that, trying being "Hey Ho and Up She Rises" pare another golf column for the Bradman and C. B. Fry. 
to achieve a worthwhile level. The above a story about a local man who But the call of journalism was too reason that he knew next to nothing
event to be reported on was a village invented a lifeboat that could not strong and in taking up a freelancing about the sport. I wrote a big story about it for the
cricket final, and I was standing in for sink. The staid woman owner was not opportunity I at last found my true Herald back page, but the duty ed-
the newspaper's sports editor. I was pleased – but the readers were. This vocation. I was involved in some But it was mainly cricket that occu- itor of the day declined my offer of
actually diverted from the middle of led to a recall as group news editor, major stories: The death of 160 chil- pied me in those early days, as well as a front page item, then changed his
a printing apprenticeship. They were and so the "BG" saw me as printing dren as a coal sludge heap collapsed meeting up with officials and leading mind, dragging me out of a cinema
the days of hot metal.  apprentice, compositor, sports editor on their school, the Torrey Canyon players from all the sports. My first where I was watching "A Man For All
and group editor at different times. oil tanker disaster, with a massive oil big story was a cricket tour of South Seasons" which was rather fitting.
In football, I turned down a trial spill off Cornwall, the search for Ron- Africa against Currie Cup ‘B’ Section
offer from Aston Villa, but accepted During a holiday period, I was nie Biggs, a Great Train Robber, and sides over a Christmas and New Year I engaged Procter to write a week-
a 45-minute one from Coventry City, following South Africa's Harold an attempted interview with Mandy period. The clear and often stated ob- ly column for the Sunday Mail, but
just for the experience. No way did I Henning and Hugh Boyle around Rice-Davies, an exotic part of the jective was to beat them all so conclu- he never turned in any copy so I had
want to be a professional footballer. Wentworth in the Daks tournament Profumo scandal. Also the infamous sively that the SA cricket authorities to do it myself above his name. He
Playing out of position, I was made (a men's clothing outfit). Henning's yachtsman Donald Crowhurst and had no option but to place Rhodesia always wanted "more tom" and even-
rather a fool of by a young Nigerian, caddie, Joe Canada, was always well his Atlantic Ocean suicide when in back in the ‘A’ section – facing up to tually I sacked him. On one occasion
name of Kalamazoo. I eventually, ac- behind. I told Henning I could a round-the-world race, who I inter- Transvaal, Free State, Western Prov- Procter damaged his ankle quite bad-
tually in middle life, reached a seven do better than him, and after ask- viewed before he set off, and claimed ince and Natal the next season and ly and was confined in a hospital at
handicap at golf, plus several achieve- ing my handicap (12 at the time) I daily record distances. And there was hopefully beyond.  Southerton. I went there to see him
ments off the course worth noting. was engaged for a couple of events also a steady flow of soccer and rugby and establish when he would be able
the following summer. I worked for reporting against the clock for "the Prominent in the squad captained to return to play but was refused en-
Since then, I have paid 50% atten- him at the British Masters, Hillside, nationals." by Ray Gripper were Springbok Jack- try by a senior doctor who said: "This
tion to the quotation, "Your time is Southport and in two Open Cham- ie du Preez, big-hitting Howie Gar- is a sanctuary for the sick, Mr Kelley."
limited so don't waste it living some- pionships, Royal Birkdale and Royal In 1969, my big break came diner, Brian Davison – who became a I was rather cross but it gave me a re-
body else's life." In ignoring this ad- Liverpool. In the latter we came sixth. through South Africa's top yachts- Tasmania MP – and Duncan Fletch- portable quote.  Sanctuary for Mike
vice for the other 50%, I have intrud- I wrote a big article about it for Golf man, Bruce Dalling, while he was er, who was eventually England crick- Procter?
ed professionally in lots of sporting, Monthly magazine, my first national- taking part in the Observer newspa- et supremo. Fletcher was massively
political and military lives on behalf ly, and I still have a copy. per-sponsored Single-Handed race and crudely criticised by the English Having established myself in the
of my desire to inform readers and from Plymouth to Nantucket. We press and when he made a coaching sports world, I had been appointed
listeners about those people who That was in 1964. I also caddied became friends and he persuaded me visit to Zimbabwe, he came across to sports editor of the Sunday Mail in
reached the pinnacle of their disci- for Denis Hutchinson in two tour- to find work in South Africa. How- me and said: "Hello John, I am not 1973 and from there continued my
plines. Plus, a great deal on war, pol- naments and for Vinnie Baker, who ever, after several rejections, I ended going to talk to you." I said he should career, but only for a short while. I
itics and much else. Golf, the world's was some years later murdered on a up with an offering letter on behalf remember who his friends are. was interrupted in June 1972 by a
finest and most demanding sport, has Durban beach. of the Rhodesia Herald. My new life massive methane gas explosion at
occupied most of my leisure time, in sport, in war, in politics and in all However, the star of that critical Wankie Mine No. 2 Colliery that
with mixed success, as well as a writer. For the sake of salary improve- sorts of dramas, had begun. tour and beyond was "mercenary" killed 426 workers. 
ment, I had two years as publicity Mike Procter, the extraordinary
From 1950 until 1969, I was un- officer with the Conservative Party. I flew out on 8 July 1969, the South African all-rounder who scored The Bulawayo Chronicle report-
knowingly preparing myself for Af- High points were a three-day tour coldest July day in England for many three successive first-class centuries, ing team had fouled up the story
rica, where I would find sun and with Enoch Powell and another with years. at Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Kim- and severely damaged the newspaper
outgoing companions in great and Edward Heath. These were in 1966. I berley and then immediately another group's reputation by sending out a
rewarding quantities. Looking back, drove Heath pretty fast through foggy I arrived at Harare's international three back home. He was thus one story that bodies were being taken
I relish that every move somehow di- airport to be met by a happy Alan out of the colliery. This was not the
rected me there.

During those early years, I was
three years in the Royal Air Force on
compulsory national service, mostly
in Singapore at the tail-end of their
emergency (they did not call it a war)
against Chinese insurgents. It was
just outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaya's
capital, deep in a forest for training
against ambushes, that I began to play
golf. The course was around a jumble
of fast-moving streams bordered by
rough ground. I started with 11 air
shots on the first tee. But I would not
be beaten and have ceaselessly tried
not to be beaten ever since. I subse-
quently played 147 golf courses on
four continents and was lucky with
two holes in one.

Back in England, I persuaded the
"BG" owner to appoint me sports
editor, which by happy chance was
vacant. But there was catching up to
be done and eventually I obtained
the job of sports editor plus deputy
editor of a newspaper in Sussex. The
high point of my 18 months there
was to interview and spend an amus-
ing time with a new pop group called

NewsHawks Sport Page 49

Issue 63, 14 January 2022

case. None ever were. The reporters that all Muttiah Muralitharan's de- of 46, I had some modest successes. eral major exclusives in the wide and Smith's cabinet gathering for their
and photographer (originator of their liveries to him were illegal. Tatenda For example, as skip of the Masho- intense field of research and writing. I weekly meeting, something that had
story) were withdrawn. The Mail Taibu, with whom I became friendly, naland fours in a provincial tour- was known as "Lucky Kelley" because never been done before and consid-
news editor, Chris Reynolds, and I moved his family to a hotel for their nament, achieving national singles very often was just in the right place ered impossible. Michael Nicholson
were sent in for a double recovery, safety after declaring he would never runner-up from an entry list of more at the right time. Exclusives came of ITN was told of my arrangement
both of story and reputation, which play under Chingoka again and been than 3 000, plus my team winning a along and they included: and acted quickly.
we achieved. We also scooped the big threatened.  national trips championship. I was
international journalist contingent also chairperson of Avondale Sports *President Clifford Dupont with- *A Special Branch connection
by discovering the mine's decision And so it went on and on in this Club for two years. I wrote a weekly drawing his patronage of the Lawn called me for a clandestine meeting
one evening to seal off the colliery vein, month after month, defeat after bowls column, but this was irritably Tennis Association because they had in Churchill Avenue. He told me that
for ever as being much too dangerous defeat, all also fully reported local- shut down when I did not file any- pulled out of the Davis Cup when the the head of the army, General John
for rescue teams. Later, I interviewed ly. The players' rather volatile Greek thing through a Christmas and New country was under sanctions so that Hickman, had been arbitrarily sacked
a visiting official of the British Coal attorney kept me fully informed. At Year break in the sport. the organisers could proceed without by the Defence minister. Hickman
Board, who said he would have closed one stage, a forensic financial exam- them. Otherwise, Czechoslovakia was often accused of bad behaviour
the colliery long ago because it lacked ination was ordered by ICC. It was Some high moments in golf:  I would have declined to play, also the among farm wives. And so I knew
stone dusting, a procedure designed carried out by one accountant friend was engaged by a British promotions next drawn country and the next etc. about the sacking even before Prime
to slow down explosions. of the ZC administrators and the re- company to write reports on a John- He had previously told me at a State Minister Bishop Abel Muzorewa.
sult was clearly a whitewash. Yet the ny Walker-sponsored multi-tourna- House beat-the-retreat ceremony that
I was appointed news editor of The ICC accepted it. ment involving professionals from all he would telephone personally, un- *Finally (of this list anyway), I was
Herald in 1975, sport taking a back over Africa, staged at Warren Hills, heard of for a national president to undertaking a one-year contract in
seat, but quit after a year or so follow- I covered Tests and ODIs for Wingate and Windsor Hotel Nairo- do so. Hong Kong for the Journal of Com-
ing a lost salary dispute, whereupon Associated Press and for Angence bi; granted honorary membership of merce, New York, (1987), writing
I dived headlong into the world of France-Presse at the same time, a Royal Harare, Warren Hills, Harare   *When watching a tennis match stories from the Pacific Rim about
international freelancing after firstly mammoth task, specially when I had South and Mashonaland Seniors, against South Africa(Frewett and Mc- business and finance matters. Typi-
setting off to England to drum up to shout long and loud at the ZCU elected life vice-president of Zimba- millan) at the City Sports Centre in cal was a two-page feature for Flight
business, sharing offices with Reg staff for a phone or laptop connec- bwe Golfing Ambassadors Society Harare, I spotted a fire through an Magazine on the booming Far East
Shay at Frankel House. tion. The scorekeeper appointed was on the death of my predecessor, joint open entrance that could only be pet- commercial air traffic. I attended a
usually unreliable. But I managed to owner and editor for three years of rol-diesel on a big scale. My wife and mining expo in China proper and
I built up a client list of 23 media get a decent job done.  The Zimbabwe Golfer magazine. I sped down to Birmingham Road to in attendance was the senior Mining
houses, writing many stories, also find the national fuel depot engulfed Politburo member and I pestered of-
broadcasting and giving briefings, Eventually, Chingoka banned jour- The magazine's closure was even- in flames. We got there just before ficials for an interview. It turned out,
mainly to visiting journos. The list nalists from annual general meetings tually forced on us, after three years, roadblocks were in place and I was I was told afterwards, to be the first
included the London Express group, because of their hostile questions. by massive inflation when we were able to file an early detailed story.  I by a Politburo member granted to a
ITV News, national news agencies He did not seem to realise that the soon dealing in trillions of dollars was called up to the police reserve, Western journalist in 40 years. He ap-
of  Germany and China, Birming- procedure for AGMs is to invite jour- and through declining advertising. patrolling the industrial sites and be- parently wanted to get some criticism
ham Mail, Irish Free Press, Los Angeles nalists, but they do not ask questions But on the way, we published a ma- coming unpopular for calling the pa- of America off his chest.
Times (facilities), Time Magazine on from the floor. jor interview with Nick Price from trols "operation stable door!"
one occasion, national radio stations his home in America, a large pull-out I fought shy of interviewing Rho-
of Canada, ABC New York, Sweden, To my astonishment, I had a call on Bulawayo golf and a continuing *I ignored a mass parachute jump desia leader Ian Smith. Too many
Australian commercial and even Ha- from ZCU asking if I would edit series featuring individual country of 500 Mozambique recruits in Don- times, I saw him ridicule journalists
waii. Every day's work was up to 14 a new official cricket magazine, ti- clubs, a six-page feature on Zambian do, Beira, when I heard that the su- who attacked him. Smith was often
hours. I ate and drank on the run and tled Powerplay.  I discovered I was golf and another multi-page feature preme commander of Portuguese criticised as a poor statesman, main-
eventually had to hire a secretary and only to be copy editor and the "ed- previewing a Zimbabwe Open cham- forces in Mozambique, General Kaul- ly for listening to the wrong people.
a young journalist to assist.  itor-in-chief" was an inexperienced pionship. za D'Arriaga, was in his city office. I But he was a fierce, ruthless, and
woman. However, I went ahead until pestered and pestered for a one-to- devastating debater. My only profes-
Zimbabwe was granted Test crick- they forgot to pay me and then I was AFP sports editor (English) Al- one interview, eventually succeeding sional contacts with him were at the
et status by the International Cricket gone. lan Kelly asked me if I would like to and then leading the Herald next opening of the new Hostess Nicolle
Council in 1992 when Alwyn Pi- join his reporting team at golf Open day. D'Arriaga told me 10 000 more elephant research establishment at
chanick and Peter Chingoka made a Allow me to go back in time, to the Championships in England and Scot- troops were scheduled in to deal with Sanyati (which I hope still exists)
strong case in London, with Zimba- early 1980s: One morning, I woke up land. I was at Royal Birkdale and St Frelimo "once and for all." Not quite! and at his home next to the Cuban
bwe having beaten all other contend- with the notion to enter new territory Andrews. I also covered an Open embassy in Harare to talk about his
ing countries. But the team's wheels and go into local broadcasting. The at Royal Lytham St Anne's for the *I enjoyed an occasional beer with sporting prowess at university, which
came off very quickly and I was kept intention was to prepare and narrate a South African Press Association. I a certain MP.  He called off one of our was quite impressive.
busy doing stories indicating the 13-part radio series and offered it for had to pay accommodation and travel meetings due to urgently required
spectacular and dismaying decline. Radio One of ZBC. The head, Jimmy costs, but it was well worth it for the work at the airport. He discovered I joined Chapman Golf Club,
Robinson, offered me a dollar a min- experience. Open Championships are from traffic control that a second but quit after 180 days following an
Knocked over by Sri Lanka for ute, which I thought was rather fun- always attended by 700 journalists Viscount leaving Kariba had been unfriendly AGM debate with the
a record 26 runs, general manager ny and so did it gratis. Were there re- from 2 000 applications. So I passed shot down by ground-to-air missile captain. Later, for a very different
Vince Hogg was pushed around in ally people working in radio for that?  muster on that. with the loss of 51 lives, an atrocity Chapman captain, I was invited to
his office by people claiming he and claimed by Joshua Nkomo, who said be guest speaker at his inaugural din-
the groundsman had doctored the The subject was the forthcoming It was all capped after such busy he thought military chief General Pe- ner. There were several such speak-
pitch. The India captain swore to me 1984 Olympic Games in Los Ange- and rewarding years when receiving ter Walls was on board. He was not. I ing invitations, including the annual
that they would never come again af- les, and it was very successful. It all a "Lifetime Service to Golf" award was therefore hours ahead of my op- Mashonaland seniors lunch where
ter they twice beat Zimbabwe by an rather fell into place, including inter- by the Zimbabwe Golf Association. position with early details. I was an honorary member. My fre-
innings and more than 200 runs – views with former world heavyweight Unfortunately, they spelled my name quent theme was life being a search
each match finishing inside two days. champion Floyd Paterson, sent to wrongly on it and took three months   *Through another MP contact, for high points. I sponsor a monthly
Harare as "Olympic Ambassador", to get it corrected. I was also asked to I was able to arrange a photo of Ian competition every year and I am oth-
Captain Heath Streak was sacked as well as Zimbabwean MP Simba nominate two other winners. I chose erwise often remaining in touch with
for suggesting batting order chang- Makoni, a cabinet minister whose national and junior coach Roger Bay- old contacts.
es and made to pay at the gate next portfolio also included sports.  We lis and posthumously Tim Price.
day. Batsman Dion Ebrahim's career also had a few words with President
was ended when he claimed publicly Canaan Banana. Through the years, I achieved sev-

Taking up lawn bowling at the age

World Rugby lifeline: Why Zim may not cash in

From page 48 Angus Curtis, a 23-year-old who Williams was included in a training the Premiership stars.  This week, Zimbabwe’s World
order. It’s an important financial de- plays flyhalf or centre for Irish giants squad in 2016 without being capped. One such player of quality almost Cup preparations received a boost
cision to make, these guys are bread- Ulster, is another on the wish list. after invitation to play in the ‘B’
winners in their families. So some Both now technically qualify for sure to be a Sable is Western Force section of South Africa’s premier do-
have said no, some are still thinking All the above-mentioned were Zimbabwe under new World Rugby utility halfback Ian Prior (31), who mestic competition, the Currie Cup.
about it.” born in Zimbabwe, leaving the coun- eligibility rules that allow players to was born in Australia and qualifies
try at varying stages of their lives. switch international allegiance fol- through Zimbabwean family roots.  African rivals Kenya and European
Notable English Premiership stars There are several other players born lowing a three-year waiting period. side Georgia will also add an interna-
targeted by Zimbabwe are London elsewhere, whose Zimbabwean her- Also certain to feature for the tional flavour to the Currie Cup First
Irish tight-head Lovejoy Chawatama itage makes them eligible for Sables Zimbabwe need to move moun- Sables is former Scotland hopeful Division, which begins mid-March. 
(29), Bath lock Mike Williams (30), selection. tains to convince any of these top- Mungo Mason, a 26-year-old dy-
the Exeter Chiefs back-row pair of notch players to don the Sables’ namic loose-forward who was born The Zimbabwean side will spend
Don Armand (33) and Dave Ewers In the case of Armand and Wil- green-and-white hoops, given the in New Zealand of Zimbabwean the entire 14 weeks in South Africa
(31) as well as a recent UK arrival, liams, both have had brief flirtations background. Taking account of this, parents. Following previous hitches for the tournament. A Sables squad
Leicester Tigers’ former Zimbabwe with the England national side. Ha- it seems a feasible option for Zim- arising from having been part of a for the final phase of World Cup
youth international lock Eli Snyman rare-born Armand made two Test ap- babwe to turn to top-class players in Scotland Sevens squad in 2017, the qualifiers will be finalised there, and
(25). pearances for the Red Roses in 2017 other parts of the world, who do not path is now clear for him in the wake the Sables will leave for the crunch
whilst Bulawayo born-and-raised face the same contractual hitches as of the new World Rugby regulations.  tournament in France in July. 

Sports A crippling
poverty of
leadership
at Zifa

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

Friday 14 January 2022 @NewsHawksLive TheNewsHawks www.thenewshawks.com

CCraUodmLiTomUuRnEWiltiyfoelrilnde:RWughbyy
NEWSWHAT’S INSIDE Zimregulations may

$60 Covid under review
tariff for

Warriors sent crashingvisitors &
tourists
out of AfconCbhy Maamlaiwsia reacStoryonPage 3
not cash inStory on Page 8

ENOCK MUCHINJO

RULE changes that have made it
markedly easier for exiled players
to represent their countries of ori-
gin have sent a ripple of excitement
Khupeacross the second to third-tier nations
out to of world rugby, including Zimba-
bwe, who are aiming to return to the
World Cup for the first time since
1991.
However, in spite of the global
governing body’s revolutionary re-
Unofficial president calls for emergeforms intended to bridge the gap
between teams in international rug-
by, Zimbabwe has revealed frustrat-
ing technical hurdles in its efforts to
bring on board some of these world-
class players, chiefly from the English
Premiership.
While most of the players have
shown natural desire to play for their
motherland, they might be prevented
from doing so as it would have con-
siderable impact on their “local-play-
er status” in the United Kingdom,
which affects the nature of their con-
tracts and perhaps inevitably their fu-
ture with the clubs.
Nearly all Premiership players
wanted by Zimbabwe in the Sables’
World Cup bid fall under the EQP
(England Qualified Player) category
– by naturalisation or birth – giving
them the same contractual benefits
as any pure-bred Englishman in the
league.
Most may never get the opportu-
nity to play for England, but if one
Malawi team celebrating their win over Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations. decides to play for a different national
team, he surrenders his local status at
GABALDINHO Mhango scored points. by a 97th-minute Senegalese penalty this time by Francisco Madinga – set the club and, upon return from inter-
twice as Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-1 The victory is only Malawi's sec- and Malawi by Guinea, and it was the platform for Mhango to quickly national duty, must compete for the
to boost their hopes of a first-ever ap- ond win at the Nations Cup, with the Zimbabweans who had the better equalise at the back post and the for- four quota places each team is allocat-
pearance in the last 16 at the Africa their first – a 3-0 victory over Algeria first-half openings. ward then completed the comeback ed for non-English players.
Cup of Nations. – coming upon their tournament de- Warriors centre-back Gerald Tak- with a composed finish.
“Their hearts are in it, they want
Zimbabwe went ahead with a su- but in 2010 when they exited in the wara sent a free header down and The Flames were still without head to play for Zimbabwe,” Jason Maritz,
perb 38th-minute header from Ish- group stages. wide, while Wadi saw one headed of technical panel Mario Marinica Zimbabwe’s team manager, told The
mael Wadi, but Mhango equalised The Flames know victory over ALbeSfefhoOirnt dIgNobyScIMlDosaeElawanidkeFaeinpnoearthnEercrnepesuMtshKienad-istyabfwutetirhpaaedssCeovoeuvriatdl-$p13l9a.y2eoruBstabilvrlaeioialkan,bldehaaevgpianiongsitoNres“wBfHuuatnwdtkhsse.
five minutes later with a controlled pre-tournament favourites Senegal situatZioinmi'ss ltahteey sdtolna’tnd c
half-volley. in their final group game on Tuesday khobwe. only been able to name four substi- think they want to lose their local sta-
will see them through to the knock- Wadi's opener was a fine header tutes in their opening game against tus over there, it’s potentially a huge
And Mhango put the Flames out stage, while a point could be from Bruce Kangwa's left-wing cross, Guinea.
ahead in their Group B clash by din- enough to progress as one of four best which he directed back across goal financial status loss. You come down
king over the 'keeper 13 minutes into Defeat means Zimbabwe become to play for Zimbabwe, then go back
the second half. third-placed sides. from 14 yards and looped over the the first team to be eliminated from to your club as a foreign player, and
Both sides had lost their opening keeper. the Nations Cup, as they can no lon- suddenly you are down the pecking
Malawi sit a point behind Guin- games 1-0, with Zimbabwe beaten Another good ball into the box – ger finish third in the group. – BBC.
ea and Senegal, who both have four ...To page 47

ALSO INSIDE A double life in sport, reporting and playing