The Sun 09 -14 May 2023 When The Sun Speaks, The World Listens Room 100, Desson Building, 8th Street and Robert Mugabe way, Gweru, Zimbabwe Telephone: 263 712 718 043 Email: [email protected] Story Inside The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 P/4 In the fiscal year 2023, the City of Gweru mobilized $80.3 billion, representing a collection efficiency of 71percent, as compared to an accrued income of $113 billion." As of December 31, the outstanding debtors amounted to $64.2 billion, while creditors stood at $16.5 billion," Read full story on Page 2 Father rejects Lobola from 'Hwindi"
The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 2. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper www.thesunnews.co.zw Cash-strapped Gweru City Council (GCC) collected $80,3 billion in rates and other services representing a 71 percent revenue collection rate against accrued income of $113 billion and a debtor's book which stood at $64.2 billion. With this development, GCC is encountering liquidity challenges due to non-payment by its debtors and clients at large. Even though its debtors are more than the creditors, the organization is struggling to meet its obligations. GCC is in a situation that requires strict cash flow management strategies that match expenditure with cash inflows. What is required are strict expenditure controls and avoidance of some of the luxuries that organizations sometimes enjoy. In his State of the City address this Thursday, Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko said, "In the fiscal year 2023, the City of Gweru mobilized $80.3 billion, representing a collection efficiency of 71percent, as compared to an accrued income of $113 billion." Unfortunately, Cllr Chivhoko noted that this depressed collection rate has adversely affected both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of service delivery. "As of December 31, the outstanding debtors amounted to $64.2 billion, while creditors stood at $16.5 billion," he said. Cllr Chivhoko said the local authority had a devolution allocation of $1.3 billion for 2023, specifically earmarked for capital projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of the city's residents. However, he explained that only $323 million, which is 25 percent of the allocated funds, was disbursed by the Central Government. "Consequently, 75 percent of the earmarked projects could not be implemented due to the nondisbursement of funds," he said. Cllr Chivhoko noted that the daily pumping regime continues to fluctuate between 40 and 45 megalitres per day out of an installed design capacity of 65 megalitres per day at Gwenhoro Water Treatment Plant. "The fluctuation is either a result of persistent power cuts, under voltages, or pump breakdowns. The city's unrestricted demand currently stands at 125 mega liters. It is our hope to improve our pumping capacity, currently, we have commissioned three new high lift pumps, we hope to procure four electric motors for Amapongobgwe low lift pumps and we also look forward to repairing two pumps at Gwenhoro low lift. These interventions will boost our daily pumping capacity to at least 60 megalitres per day," he explained. Still, on water supply, he said at White Waters, the pumping capacity is 1.5 megalitres per day, out of a design capacity of 3.6 megalitres per day provided there is a 24-hour supply of electricity. On sewerage service provision, he said, the local authority is currently facing challenges with rampant sewer blockages due to several reasons which include dumping of foreign objects into sewer lines by residents, seasonal flooding as a result of persistent rains, obsolete infrastructure and non-functional sewage pump stations. "Efforts are underway to restore pumping at Phakamisa sewer works. We recently procured two submersible pumps for Nashville and Montrose sewage pump stations which are to be installed after pumping has resumed at Phakamisa. Plans to tender the procurement of submersibles for other sewage pump stations are in progress," he said. Cllr Chivhoko indicated that the council rewinded two electric motors for Phakamisa and one submersible pump for Mkoba 4 pump stations after they had broken down adding that pumping operations will be resuming soon. "Commencement of pumping operations at Phakamisa will help relieve most sewer lines in that catchment which are currently loaded with sewer since we have not been pumping at Phakamisa for a long time. "At Cambridgeshire, we desludged the Secondary Anaerobic Pond which was full of sludge and we aim to complete the rehabilitation works after the rainy season," he said. On roads, the Mayor said in the CBD, 80 percent of the roads are trafficable adding that at least 2000 m2 of potholes need attention with patching. "We last carried out a tar pothole patching in October 2023. This is mainly because of the lack of tar pothole patching material," he said. "60 percent of the residential area roads are trafficable. Our main challenge is the lack of equipment for carrying out grading to reshape roads, currently, one grader is operational. At times we have insufficient fuel, which restricts gravel supply to most residential roads with focus being made on critical areas. Currently, we have one tipper which should service the entire Gweru." Cllr Chivhoko said the council is working on acquiring a new site to relocate the dumpsite that is located in Woodlands suburb. The dumpsite, he noted, has become a menace to suburbs that were built around it, these include Woodlands, Mkoba 21, Paradise Park and Claremont Park. "These suburbs were built way after the establishment of the dumpsite, however as a local authority it is our mandate to ensure that people live in healthy environments, hence the need for us to relocate the dumpsite," he said. Cllr Chivhoko said the construction of the new landfill site comes with a huge financial request of almost plus or minus US$ 300,000 per cell. "We intend to have six cells with a life span of five years each giving us a usage period of plus or minus 30 years under proper management," he said. He said the council managed to acquire four fire trucks to replace the aging and outdated fleet. "Three of the trucks which are brand new were received under the Government -Belarus initiative and the fourth one was purchased by the council using internal fire levy funds," said Cllr Chivhoko. In light of the improved fleet levels, within the council's plans, the said council has started working on establishing two Fire Substations for Gweru, one in Senga and the second one at Mkoba Poly Clinic. "This will reduce the reaction time and the costs of traveling from town to Mkoba or Senga as the response will be immediate and such actions will save life and property," he said. Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko
The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 3 The Sun 01- 07 March 2024
The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 4 The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 www.thesunnews.co.zw Prominent Businesswoman and philanthropist, Ambassador Dr Smelly Dube has been appointed ambassador for the Gweru-based non-governmental organization (NGO) MASO. As part of familiarizing herself with the institution, Amb Dube toured the charity organization where using funds that she had previously donated. She had an appreciation of the ECD Block which was renovated using funds that had previously donated. The organization which now runs an ECD class for orphaned kids also seeks to have Amb Dube, a renowned philanthropist, with a collection of international business awards as its patron. Speaking after the tour of the organization's facilities Amb Dube also pledged to pay two teachers who have been voluntarily teaching the orphaned kids as well as providing food for the kids through her company called River Valley Properties. The company chairman, Engineer Mncedisi Dube, also pledged to revamp the Kids' recreational center to improve entertainment for them and to encourage them to go to school. "We are born to help so I really appreciate the good work by Maso in their endeavor to give these abandoned and orphaned children a future. We will also be assisting as a company and in the future we will take some kids who would have completed their early learning and pay their fees when they get into school," she said. MASO chairman, Mr Victor Wasara, said the organization was happy with the support from River Valley and the corporate world. "We are very appreciative of the commitment by Dr Dube and we would like to appoint her shortly as the organization's patron and Ambassador," he said. Businesswoman and philanthropist, Ambassador Dr Smelly Dube
The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 5. The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 More than 50 cattle have been euthanized by the Department of Veterinary Services since the beginning of this year after being moved across the country illegally. The measure serves to guard against the spread of cattle diseases. The figure was disclosed by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Deputy Director of Veterinary Field Services, Dr Reverend Spargo this Saturday. "We have noted with great concern the rise in illegal cattle movement. Since the beginning of this year, we have destroyed more than 50 cattle for moving without the necessary documents which are livestock movement permits. We are calling for citizens to acquire the documents before moving their cattle. Why it is necessary is, we need to make sure that the movement does not spread diseases across the country. This will also curb the rampant cattle rustling," said Dr Spargo. The government also implored farmers to acquire the necessary documents to avoid losses. "We are encouraging farmers to acquire the documents because those cattle found moving without necessary documents will be destroyed. We have discovered that those cattle being moved illegally have the potential of spreading diseases," added Dr Spargo. In a bid to turn around the livestock sector, the government is rolling out several initiatives to protect the national herd which includes the Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Programme and the rehabilitation and construction of dip tanks. "We have noted with great concern the rise in illegal cattle movement. Since the beginning of this year, we have destroyed more than 50 cattle for moving without the necessary documents which are livestock movement permits. We are calling for citizens to acquire the documents before moving their cattle. Why it is necessary is, we need to make sure that the movement does not spread diseases across the country. This will also curb the rampant cattle rustling Perfect Chivima A Woodland's father shocked the whole community after he refused to accept the bride price from a Kombi conductor (Hwindi) because he had lied about his profession. 23rd of February was supposed to be a day of merrymaking and joy for the community but turned into a drama after the Hwindi's delegation was been chased from the negotiation meeting. Sources who witnessed the event said when news that Thandi Magonye was getting Hwindi," said Mary Makume. Thandi is a Midlands State Univesity (MSU) graduate in banking and Finance, and studying for another second degree. A cheery afternoon filled with good spirits quickly shifted into a blockbuster of loud trash-talking that was distinctly heard from the house. The noise was loud enough to attract residents to create a crowd, as the groom's father could be heard shouting that his daughter was not going to be married to Hwindi. married, the community was filled up with joyous celebrations and were eagerly waiting for her groom, as she is a well-liked girl in Phase 1. The Magonye homestead was decorated with red and white matching the outfit by fellow relatives of Thandi who had traveled from all over to witness the event. Bruce Hefani a long-time fiance of Nothando arrived with his escort in a Hiace omnibus half full with drunk local Hwindis in a jovial mood. Whistles and ululating accompanied Him into Magonye'shomestead where he was duty-bound to meet his father-in-law to complete lobola negotiations. "The groom had previously lied to the negotiation team that he was a Boiler maker at a local college and unfortunately the Magonyes were tipped off by a neighbor who knew Bruce from the TM kombi terminus that he was a Bruce and his entourage came out of the house followed by the bride's father who tactically swept his foot sending the would-be groom face down to the ground."I don't stand such disrespect, trying to play your drunkardgames elsewhere not with my daughter," shouted the bride's father. Bruce managed to escape into the Hiace omnibus and drifted out of Magonye's house with his companions. Thandi came out weeping and her aunts comforted her as they stood watching the groom fleeing for his dear life. "The two have been in love more than three years, all know them but the father wants her graduated daughter to be married to a person matching her status business not to an omnibus conductor," said another resident. Love is all about fate, unfortunately, it was a twist of fate for Bruce and Nothando.
The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 6 The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 AI for sustainable development Richard Shumba With World Engineering Day approaching on March 4th, Engineer Martin Manhowa has highlighted the instrumental role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development. AI is actively contributing to optimizing energy consumption, improving food production, and refining transportation systems, according to the Vice President of the World Engineering Federation Organization (WEFO). In an interview, Mr Manhowa stressed the importance of ethical design in deploying AI, ensuring that its implementation benefits rather than harms the communities it serves. Addressing concerns about potential job displacement, he advocated for the responsible automation of repetitive tasks, coupled with a proactive approach from individuals to adapt and shape their future roles. His strategic vision for AI involves positioning it as a tool to enhance efficiency and national competitiveness and called for a concerted effort to foster technical proficiency, particularly in coding, and computer science, among the younger generation. This, he believes, will empower them to harness AI for indigenous innovation, contributing to the development of infrastructure and technological solutions. Manhowa's insights shed light on the transformative potential of AI and the need for a thoughtful and ethical approach to its integration into various sectors for sustainable development. Meanwhile, the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development is an official international day proclaimed in 2019 by UNESCO. This was based on a proposal from the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) Engineer Martin Manhowa PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACT Regulations, 1997 PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACT (CHAPTER 17:05) Notice of Application for registration of a Private Voluntary Organisation Notice is hereby given in terms of subsection (2) of section 9 of Private Voluntary Organization Act (Chapter 17:05), that application for registration has been made in respect of: 1. Name and Address of Private Voluntary Organization EMBRACING THE VULNERABLE (SiiETV) NO.38 STRAND STREET GWERU EAST-GWERU 2. Aims and objects of private voluntary organization proposes to render its service PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO THE VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY BY ADDRESSING THEIR SPIRITUAL NEED, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE 3. Area or areas in which the private voluntary organization proposes to render its service VUNGU RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL Any objections to this proposed registration to render of Private Voluntary Organisation, P.O. Box 429 Causeway, not later than twenty one days from the date of publication notice. THERESA MUGWIDI (SR) Secretary Form P.V.O 2 2nd Advert Man stabbed in Silobela A 20-year-old Silobela man was fatally stabbed in the neck with a knife by his rival suitor following a misunderstanding over a girl. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident. "I can confirm that the police are investigating the murder of a man who died on admission at Nkayi Hospital after he was stabbed with an okapi knife," he said. Insp Mahoko said the matter occurred in Chief Malisa area, Silobela, on Thursday at around 5PM. "Both, the now deceased Narvel Ndlovu and the suspect in the matter, Nkosikhona Ncube (20) hail from Rungu Village under Chief Malisa in Silobela. It is alleged, they had a misunderstanding over a girl, and the scuffle generated a fight," he said. Insp Mahoko said Ncube allegedly drew a knife from his pocket and stabbed Ndlovu once in the neck. " Ndlovu fell and became unconscious and Ncube ran away. Ndlovu was rushed to Nkayi Hospital where he died upon being admitted," he said. Insp Mahoko said a manhunt for Ncube is underway. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.thesunnews.co.zw for more breaking news
The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 7. LOST DEED OF TRANSFER NOTICE is hereby given that we intend to apply for a certified copy of Deed of Transfer Number 1203/2008 dated 19th of June 2008 , passed in favour of KUDZAI SHARON MUZUVA Born 30th August 1985 and TADIWANASHE ENNETH MASHANDA Born 21st September 2007, in respect of a property being a certain piece of land in extent 513 Square meters being STAND 5160 GWELO TOWNSHIP OF GWELO TOWNSHIP LANDS situate in the district of Gweru. All persons who have any objections to, or wishing to make any representation in connection with, the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing, at the Deeds Registry, Bulawayo within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice. Mutatu & Partners Legal Practitioners 1st Floor, Old Mutual House 45 R.G Mugabe Way KWEKWE Perfect Chivima Local 95.8 Central FM radio disc jockey Vulie Sithole popularly known as Dj Vulie will host a weekly Dancehall show to elevate underground and prominent artists in the Midlands province. Dancehall music is widely known as the backbone for local artists as it's transparent routine easily snugs into various genres. Well known for his afternoon dancehall shellings attitude the Duke of Midlands is not opting to cease fire. "We are hosting a weekly show which will combine a set of two artists, dancehall instrumentals and an open voting line," said Dj Vulie. Occasionally referred to Dancehall Dose on Central Radio as the golden disc jockey in the streets of Gweru, Dj Vulie is orchestrating on stomping the airwaves with a frenzy dancehall weekly session. He has long been the Duke of Midlands, offering a springboard for new talent and overseeing a prominent revival in the dancehall genre. This is a big step in the Midlands entertainment amalgamating music producers with artists and an active audience. Female and male chanters together with their respective labels will showcase their talents in a live studio session with the host Dj Vulie. "95.8 FM dancehall dosage will hype a huge number of icons also adding color to forgotten artists in the Midlands," he said. The show frequently ignites with freestyle battles, spitting bars on the same instrumental and various blazing surprises to appoint the last man standing. "We Connect We Progress" the famous 95.8 FM line will definitely come to live as audiences will connect and vote for the prowess champion. It is quite a spick and span show already dominating in chit-chat social occasions with reputable artists lining up. Vulie's passion for the music has seen him become one of the most seasoned and sought-after DJs in the Midlands. 95.8 Central FM radio disc jockey Vulie Sithole A chrome mining firm battling to recover its 20-tonne excavator from the miner that had hired it has prevailed before the High Court (Commercial Division) and was awarded more than US$195 000 plus interest in hire charges and holding-over damages. African Chrome Fields Limited instituted legal proceedings against Mr Adorn Samambwa in a bid to recover arrears amounting to US$51 450 plus holding over damages calculated at US$2 250 per week effectively from October 16, 2022. African Chrome is a private black-owned mining company with mining operations along the Great Dyke in Midlands. Mr Samambwa refused to surrender the power shovel after the chrome-mining firm cancelled the hire-agreement with him over rent arrears, and he was claiming to have bought the power-shovel from the company. But Justice Bongani Ndlovu ruled in favour of African Chrome, noting that it had proved its case on balance of probabilities and the court nullified the lease agreement between the two for the hire of a 20-tonne Rondebult Excavator. Mr Samambwa was ordered to deliver the excavator to African Chrome within 48 hours of notice of the court order, with the Sheriff of the High Court authorised to seize it and deliver it to African Chrome within 48 hours of any failure to do so, said the judge. He was ordered to pay the total of US$51,450 in hire fees running from December 31 2021 to October 15 2022, plus holding over damages calculated at the rate of US$2 250.00 per week with effect from October 16 2022 to the date of the return of the Rondebult Excavator. The damages are payable in ZWL$ at the prevailing interbank exchange rate on the date of payment plus interest on all the amounts due, at the prescribed rate from the date of summons to the date of full and final payment. In his ruling, Justice Ndlovu found that the witnesses for African Chrome were credible in articulating the case for the mining company. The same could, however, be said about Mr Samambwa whose testimony inconsistent and his behaviour inconsistent with someone who had bought an excavator and fully paid for it. The court further noted that Mr Samambwa’s conduct was inconsistent with someone dealing with an individual he did not trust. “On a balance of probabiliMining firm awarded US$195 000 damages ties, plaintiff has proven its claim that it did not sell its excavator to defendant and defendant defaulted in servicing the lease agreement and had the excavator against its will,” the court said. “The unsanctioned possession is causing plaintiff financial prejudice justifying an order for holding-over damages.” The court heard that between April and May 2022, Mr Samambwa receded into arrears, and African Chrome sought to get back its excavator. And on June 15 2022, African Chrome human resources manager Mr Laszlo Takacs went to Mr Samambwa with a lowbed truck to uplift the excavator but the man refused to release it. E-mails were dispatched to Samambwa regarding the arrears and in June 2022, arrear rentals had accumulated to US$10 900. He in turn said he had prepared a schedule for payments made and amounts owing. African Chrome wrote a letter of demand in July 2022 but that yielded nothing leading to the start of legal proceedings. According to African Chrome, the excavator was never sold to Samambwa but it had been leased to him for six months and thereafter it continued on the same terms and conditions. In his defence to the claim, Samambwa argued that after the expiry of the written lease agreement, a sale agreement was entered into between the parties in terms of which African Chrome sold to him the excavator for US$70 000 which was to be paid on or before June 30 2022. He argued, through his legal counsel, that he could not return the excavator because he bought it and paid the purchase price in full. But Mr Samambwa also told the court that he was never issued any receipts when he made payments both for rent and purchase. The excavator purchase price, he said, was made in instalments which were to be paid on or before June 30 2022 with no specific figure per month as all that the mining company wanted was cash flow to keep it afloat. Mr Samambwa does not have the licence book for the excavator in question. Mr Ignatius Mupfiga and Mr Wellington Davira of Gundu, Dube and Pamacheche Legal Practitioners acted for African Chrome while Mr M. Hore and Mr A. Chingwe of Hore and Partners represented Mr Samambwa Samambwa
The Sun 22 August 2023 The Sun 18 August 2023 SPEACIL EDITION The paper that digs deeper NATIONAL NEWS 8 The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 The bulk of the 2023/2024 maize crop is a complete write off following below average rainfall, agricultural sector leaders disclosed this week, warning that over half of the population would require food aid. The unions spoke as captains of Zimbabwe’s largely agro-based industries warned of steep writedowns in fragile manufacturing firms as demand slips, under pressure from falling incomes and rising cost of living. Swaths of maize crops had wilted, with farmers saying most of the affected crop would not recover even if rains returned. Thousands of cattle have already died due to water shortages in Matabeleland South and some parts of the country, while wildlife experts warned this week of a surge in poaching in the coming months as water shortages mount. In Mashonaland West, some farmers had by last week freed livestock to feed on the wilting maize crop, according to reports. This week’s warning from farmers and industrialists came as the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) warned in January that current reserves would last only four months. El-Nino induced weather patterns, which are characterised by below average rainfall, have amplified an already dire situation in Zimbabwe, which is battling to shake off an intractable economic crisis marked by a free-falling currency. Prince Kuipa, field operations director at the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), described the crop situation across provinces as dire. He confirmed that most of the crop was a ‘complete write off’. “Information coming from our farmers shows that most of the grain has been affected and farmers are considering the maize crop as a write off,” Kuipa said. “It is a disaster year. The crop is moisture stressed. Maybe government is going to announce a disaster situation so they can mobilise grain and arrange donor funding. Without anything coming from farms, government should kick in by importing grain. The private sector can also play its role to make sure that no one dies of hunger,” the ZFU boss told the Independent. Tinotenda Mhiko, chief executive officer at the Staterun Agriculture Rural Development Authority (Arda) said, the firm, which superintends over swaths of strategic farmlands across provinces, had not been spared by the heat, which has destroyed the hopes of a country that relies on agriculture to prop up industries. “The 2023/2024 agricultural season has been characterised by below average rainfall brought about by ElNino,” Mhiko said. “This has not spared cropping programmes managed by Arda. However, we have put in place mitigatory measures to counter the effects and salvage our crop,” he added. The Independent was told that the effects of this year’s drought would be felt far and wide. Kurai Matsheza, president at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), said spending power would be hammered as drought tears through the economy, with deadly effects on manufacturing companies. Over 55% of raw materials required by Zimbabwe’s industries come from the agricultural sector, according to experts. They said with companies likely to switch to imported raw materials, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s already over stretched foreign currency auction system will fall under fresh pressures. Reports said last week a backlog of US$3 million had already accumulated on the platform in the past 120 days. “Our economy is agrobased and as agriculture gets affected by these drought conditions, other sectors also follow suit, particularly manufacturing,” the CZI chief told the Independent. “With focus on ensuring that there is food for every citizen, discretionary spending will diminish hence aggregate demand will slow down thus impacting on business performance,” he added. Matsheza said utility costs were likely to rise, further squeezing Zimbabwe’s fragile industries. “Zimbabwe has about 50% of its electricity generation capacity from hydro sources. With limited inflows into the dam (Lake Kariba). Government reviews councillors’ allowances The Government has reviewed allowances for councillors in all local authorities in the country with effect from the beginning of the year, in a move meant to improve their welfare. According to a circular from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Winston Chitando, dated 27 February, the reviewed allowances are with effect from 1 January. “The Mayors and Chairpersons of Councils are hereby advised that councillors’ allowances will be reviewed as follows: Mayors/Chairpersons $1 629 906, Deputy Mayors/ Chairpersons $1 494 081, Committee Chairpersons $1 412 585, Councillor $1 358 255. The review is effective from 1 January 2024. This circular rescinds all previous circulars relating to this subject matter. Please note that interpretation of any part of this circular rests with the undersigned,” reads the circular. The Government previously approved the pegging of travel and subsistence allowances for councillors in foreign currency. The ministry also approved that the councillors get free parking space and a grave during their tenure in office. On the purchasing of electronic equipment, the ministry also said if a council wishes to do that it should be done with the approval of the ministry. To add on to their perks, the Government through Circular No 12 of 2019 allows councillors the privilege to buy residential land at a 40 percent discount and commercial land for full price but without going to tender. Under this provision, councillors can arrange a payment plan with the local authority, which should be completed within five years of their service in the council. Director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mr Gabriel Masvora, said the Government through Circular No. 12 of 2019 granted councillors permission to benefit from a commercial and residential stand within their lifetime. “The stand may be sold to the councillor at a discount of 40 percent of the normal value. The stand is to be offered to the councillor on a lease ,with the option to purchase, with payments being made in equal monthly instalments and completed before the end of the term of office of the councillor. Title deeds may not be issued until the development of the home is complete.” Mr Masvora, said a councillor may not sell the stand or cede the lease during his/her term of office and the cost of servicing of the stand shall be paid in full.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper 9. The Sun 22 August 2023 The Sun 18 August 2023 The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 SPEACIL EDITION Haiti declares curfew after 4,000 inmates escape jail amid rising violence Haiti’s government has declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew after an explosion of gang-led violence over the weekend saw thousands of prisoners escape after assaults on the country’s two biggest prisons. The 72-hour state of emergency went into immediate effect as the government said it would set out to find the killers, kidnappers and other violent criminals it said it had escaped in the attacks. “The police were ordered to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the curfew and apprehend all offenders,” said a statement from Finance Minister Patrick Boisvert, who is acting as prime minister while Ariel Henry is overseas trying to salvage support for a United Nations-backed security force to stabilise the country in its conflict with increasingly powerful crime groups. Gangs led by Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer known as Barbecue, are trying to force Henry from power. Pierre Esperance of the National Network for Defense of Human Rights said only about 100 of the National Penitentiary’s estimated 3,800 inmates remained inside after the assault on Saturday night. “We counted many prisoners’ bodies,” he added. A reporter from the AFP news agency who visited the prison on Sunday said they saw about a dozen bodies outside it. The gate was open and there was “hardly anyone” left inside, they added. The Reuters news agency reported that there were no signs of police officers at the prison and its main door was open. “I’m the only one left in my cell,” one unidentified inmate told Reuters. “We were asleep when we heard the sound of bullets. The cell barriers are broken.” In a statement, the Haitian government said police tried to repel the gang attack against that prison and at another facility called Croix des Bouquets. Esperance said it was not immediately clear how many inmates escaped from the second prison, which he said held 1,450 inmates. The government said the attacks left “several wounded” among prison staff and inmates. In a statement, it thanked “the population for their calm, despite these very difficult times”. Violence in Haiti has spiralled in recent days after calls by Cherizier for criminal groups to unite and overthrow Henry. Cherizier heads an alliance of gangs and faces sanctions from the UN and the United States. One voluntary prison worker on Sunday said that 99 prisoners had opted to remain in their cells in the main jail for fear of being killed in the crossfire. These included several retired Colombian soldiers who were jailed for their alleged involvement in the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise. Authorities warned people to be careful and “to continue to support the National Police who will do everything possible to track down fleeing prisoners and arrest those responsible for these acts”, the statement read. The prime minister’s exact whereabouts remained unclear on Sunday. Henry had been due to return from a visit to Kenya where he signed a security deal to tackle gang violence. Nearly 15,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in recent days, with 10 sites hosting internally displaced people emptied over the weekend, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM). Henry, who became prime minister in 2021 after Moise’s assassination, was supposed to step down by early February, but told a regional summit in Guyana before travelling to Kenya that he would only hold elections by August 2025 once the situation was more stable. The last elections took place in 2016. South Korea to suspend doctor licences as strike crisis escalates South Korea has said it will suspend the licences of trainee doctors who have ignored an ultimatum to end a strike over government plans to increase medical school admissions. About 9,000 junior doctors walked out on February 20, leading to the cancellation of some operations and treatments as well as hampering the operation of hospitals’ emergency units. On Monday, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said the authorities would visit hospitals to find out whether the doctors had returned to work and “take action according to the law and principle without exception”. Speaking in a televised briefing, he said those who had not returned “may experience serious problems in their personal career path”. The doctors taking strike action are a fraction of South Korea’s 140,000 doctors. But they account for as many as 40 percent of the total doctors at some major hospitals. Thousands took to the streets of Seoul on Sunday at a mass rally organised by the Korean Medical Association (KMA), which represents private practitioners, defying a February 29 government deadline for them to return to work or face legal action, including possible arrest. The doctors say the government should first address pay and working conditions before trying to increase the number of physicians. “The government is pushing the reforms unilaterally and that, the doctors cannot accept under any circumstances”, Kim Taekwoo of the Korea Medical Association told the crowd of protesters, who wore black masks. Under South Korean law, doctors are restricted from taking strike action.
The Sun 01- 07 March 2024 Yadah Stars set date for Khama Billiat unveiling www.thesunews.co.zw Paul Pogba reveals next move after receiving four-year ban Paul Pogba has issued a statement in his first reaction to the four-year football ban imposed on him after being found guilty of doping. The French international tested positive of a performance-enhancing drug in counter-analysis on a second sample following his anti-doping offence earlier in the season. The test found heightened levels of testosterone and the Juventus star was immediately suspended before receiving the multi-year ban from football on Thursday. Responding to the sanction in a statement, Paul Pogba professed his innocence and revealed plans to appeal the ban. The statement reads: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect. “I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me. “When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations. “As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against. “As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.” I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me. “When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations. ‘ GIANTS Dynamos and Highlanders are set to clash twice in just over a month as they have been short-listed to compete in the 2024 President's Independence Trophy in Manicaland. The football match pitting the country's two biggest teams is expected to put the icing on the festivities to be held on April 18. Manica Diamonds, from the hosting province, and Simba Bhora of Mashonaland Central who hosted the previous anniversary in 2023, are both part of the festivities as they are billed to entertain the crowds after the annual children's party that precedes the main Independence Day celebrations. The annual Uhuru commemorations are set to be held outside the two major cities of Harare and Bulawayo for the second year in a row after the cabinet announced that the celebrations will be hosted in Murambinda, Manicaland. This is in line with the Second Republic's drive toward the promotion of national unity, devolution, and decentralization. The previous celebrations and the last edition of the Uhuru Cup were held in Mt Darwin with marked success. "Cabinet considered and approved the Memorandum on the update on preparations for the 2024 Independence Anniversary and children's party celebrations, which was presented by Hon. Vice President KCD Mohadi as the chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments," the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, said when addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday. "The nation is informed that the 2024 Independence Anniversary and children's party celebrations will be held in Manicaland Province. "The nation is further advised that Murambinda B Secondary School will host the 2024 Independence Anniversary celebrations; Murambinda A Primary School will host the children's party, while Murambinda B Primary School will host the Independence Anniversary gala. "The nation is informed that the teams competing for the President's Independence Trophy will be Highlanders and Dynamos Football Clubs and that going forward, a team from the hosting province should compete with a team from the previous hosting province, with Manica Diamonds Football Club from Manicaland Province playing Simba Bhora Football Club from Mashonaland Central Province after the children's party." Defending champions Highlanders will have an opportunity to equal DeMbare as the most successful team in this invitational tournament, which has changed form and format since 1980 when Zimbabwe's Warriors hosted Zambia at Rufaro in the inaugural match and snatched a memorable 2-1 win, thanks to goals from the late greats David Mandigora and Shackman Tauro. Bosso took their tally of Independence titles to nine last year after edging Dynamos 5-3 on penalties, following a goal-less affair in regulation time, in Mt. Darwin. Highlanders walked away with a US$35 000 cheque for their triumph while DeMbare got US$25 000. Bosso has claimed the bragging rights in the recent Uhuru finals featuring the two giants. They have won the last three events in 2019, 2022, and 2023, with DeMbare claiming the 2021 edition at the National Sports Stadium. The giants are also expected to warm up the stage for this year's Castle Lager Premiership when they meet in the opening fixture of the 2024 Premiership season.