Willom Tight regrets Warriors hunt Super Eagles

signing with SA label

W
ITH a full squad complement at his
disposal, Warriors coach Baltemar

W
HEN a South Africa based record label dan-
gled an apple to lure musician Willom Tight
out of early retirement and sign a contract
with them, he never knew that he would regret
ever putting pen on the dotted line. PAGE S2
Brito is set to ring some changes for
the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C
second qualifier against giants Nigeria at
the Huye Stadium in Butare this afternoon.
PAGE 32

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Why ED dropped
General Sibanda
BY KENNETH NYANGANI

P
RESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa
was forced to reverse the appointment
of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)
commander Valerio Sibanda into Zanu PF’s
politiburo after he was threatened with a
lawsuit for violating the constitution.
Mnangagwa made the surprise appoint-
ment of the army boss into the politburo as
CONTINUED TO PAGE 2

Health workers at a cholera treatment centre at Harare's Kuwadzana Polyclinic were busy throughout the day yesterday as the country tries to
contain the diarrheal disease. The government has since declared a state of emergency following rising cases of cholera. Pic: Shepherd Tozvireva

‘Impostor’ Sengezo Tshabangu’s gift to Zanu PF Losing Zanu PF candidate reclaims donation

T A
he controversial mass recall of Citizens Coali- Zanu PF losing council candidate has been ac-
tion for Change (CCC) legislators by Sengezo cused of demanding goal posts which he donat-
Tshabangu has created vacancies in at least four ed to a school in Plumtree, Matabeleland South,
rural constituencies that the one year-old opposition ahead of the disputed August 23 elections. Richard
party had wrestled from Zanu PF in the August 23 and Khumalo contested for a ward 2 seat in Plumtree on a
24 elections, fuelling speculation that he is pushing Zanu PF ticket, but lost to Zanele Ndlovu of the Citi-
interests of the ruling party. PAGE 3 zens Coalition for Change. PAGE S15
2 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
Slain CCC activist Zanu PF blocks Mnangagwa, Chamisa talks
given huge send off
BY STAFF REPORTER
SCORES of people attended the burial of slain Citizens Coa-
lition for Change (CCC) activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya in Ha-
rare yesterday amid growing calls for justice.
Masaya was kidnapped last Saturday in Mabvuku while
campaigning for the party's parliamentary candidate Mu-
nyaradzi Febion Kufahakutizwi ahead of the December 9
by-elections.
Masaya’s body was found last Monday about 30 km out-
side Harare.
Last week, Kufahakutizwi contemplated withdrawing
from the elections citing the escalating attacks against CCC
supporters.
Police last week said they are investigating circumstanc-
es leading to Masaya’s abduction and murder.
However, there have been no arrests or updates on the
investigations.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa told mourners that Presi-
dent Emmerson Mnangagwa's silence on Masaya's death
raises eyebrows.
“Politics must not take away life but it to all,” Chamisa
said.
“Differences in politics must be our strength and not our
weakness. There is greater power in our diversity.”
Human rights watchdogs including Amnesty Interna-
tional, United States Embassy and European Union and the
United Nations have condemned his murder.
They have called for thorough investigations to bring
the culprits to book.
Masaya's murder followed rising cases of politically mo-
tivated violence and intimidation and torture of CCC mem-
bers following the disputed August elections.
Chamisa demanded an end to the abductions.
“We cannot even start to speak of an absence of convic-
tions. Culpability stands at the doorstep of those who are
supposed to preside over the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations on Friday condemned
Masaya’s killing and called for transparent investigations
into the case.
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Liz Throssell said
Masaya’s death was disturbing following reports of in-
creased violent attacks against opposition activists in re-
cent months.
“We urge them (authorities) to ensure there are thor-
ough, prompt and independent investigations not only
into his (Masaya) death but also into all allegations of peo-
ple being tortured and kidnapped, including to establish
whether they were forcibly disappeared,” Throssell said in
a statement.
“Perpetrators should be held accountable in fair trials
that follow due process.”
Throssell said the human rights’ violations were an at-
tack on democracy.
“The safety and security of all individuals, including vic-
tims and members of the political opposition, must be en-
sured,” she said.
“Such crimes violate not only the right to life, but also
have a stifling effect on the rights to freedom of opinion
and expression, freedom of association and equal partici-
pation.
“Authorities must guarantee these rights at all times.”
The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations
(ZHOCD) also called on government to stop the escalation
of violence and abductions of opposition party activists.
“The Bible emphasises the sanctity of life and the impor-
tance of protecting it,” the ZHOCD said in a statement.
According to the ZHOCD, the abduction of Masaya and
others has a negative effect on the state of human securi-
ty in the country.
“The security sector is called upon to investigate and
bring to finality all the cases of abductions and murder that
have been reported to them,” the church leaders said.
“Offenders must be given deterrent sentences and
should be held accountable for their actions.
“The church calls upon the civil society and other non-
state actors to collectively work towards peacebuilding
and building of a better Zimbabwe.”
Weather report
www.standard.co.zw
Today’s temper-
atures for main
city centres (°c):
Minimum Maximum
Harare 20 33
Bulawayo 21 35
Gweru 19 34
Mutare 17 33
Kwekwe 20 36
Kadoma 22 37
Masvingo 19 34
Chinhoyi 22 36
Lupane 22 38
Bindura 20 36
Marondera 16 31
Gwanda 21 37
—MSD
News
BY MIRAM MANGWAYA
Z
anu PF hardliners have closed
the door on Citizens Coalition
for Change (CCC) leader Nel-
son Chamisa (pictured) direct-
ly engaging President Emmer-
son Mnangagwa to resolve the country’s
long-running crisis.
Chamisa has been calling for dialogue
with Mnangagwa to resolve the political
crisis following the disputed August 23
and 24 elections.
The opposition leader has refused to
accept election results citing vote fraud
and the intimidation of his supporters.
This publication established that
Chamisa recently sent emissaries to
Mnangagwa to initiate processes to-
wards having a dialogue, but ruling par-
ty hawks shut the door on him.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher
Mutsvangwa confirmed the develop-
ment when contacted for comment.
According to Mutsvangwa, the ruling
party told Chamisa that he could only
engage Mnangagwa through Vice Presi-
dent Constantino Chiwenga.
Chamisa has not reached out to Chi-
wenga.
“If he wants to talk to the president he
must use the Vice President (Chiwenga)
as his channel,” Mutsvangwa said.
“He sent his two emissaries, one Ut-
siwegota and (Innocent) Chagonda and
he was told to speak to the president
through the vice-president.
“He knows the channel and he must
use it.
“There is a channel that has been es-
tablished between the two of them.”
Mutsvangwa said Zanu PF could not al-
low Chamisa to meet Mnangagwa direct-
ly.
“We have no problem with engage-
ment, but the only challenge is that CCC
wants to be treated as an exception,” he
said.
“After all, we are in Parliament togeth-
er and we meet in a plethora of fora.
“CCC wants exceptionalism, but we
Why ED dropped Gen Sibanda
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
an ex-officio member at the party’s annual con-
ference held in Gweru, Midlands last month.
The politburo is where key decisions relating
to the running of the ruling party and govern-
ment are made.
His appointment triggered an outcry with
critics saying it was unconstitutional as the law
barred serving officers from participating in ac-
tive politics.
Zanu PF activists, including Mnangagwa, de-
fended the appointment saying Sibanda was
not going to enjoy the same rights as other po-
litburo members such as voting on matters dis-
cussed in their meetings.
On Friday, Mnangagwa was served with a
notice to sue him over the matter, forcing him
to quickly reverse the appointment in a state-
ment issued by his spokesperson George Cha-
ramba.
“His Excellency the President Dr ED Mnan-
gagwa has announced the staying of General
PV Sibanda appointment to the ruling Zanu PF
party politburo as an ex officio member,” Cha-
ramba said.
”The position will be reviewed at the expiry
of General Sibanda’s term as a senior serving
officer at the helm of the ZDF.
“The deferment of the appointment resolves
the apparent conflict with the country’s consti-
tution which regulates the conduct of serving
members of the security services.”
In a notice to sue in possession of The Stand-
ard, Harare lawyer Kudzai Kadzere through his
lawyers Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni
Legal practitioners said he was acting in the
public interest in terms of section 85(1)(d) of
the constitution.
Kadzere said the appointment of Sibanda
into the politburo was in violation of section
208 (2) of the constitution, which prohibits
serving officers from active politics.
“It further violates section 208(3) and (4) of
the constitution of Zimbabwe, which provide
respectively that members of the security ser-
vices must not be active members or office-
have already been treated as an exception
by the electorate.
“We can’t then be undermining our ex-
ception and promoting the CCC excep-
tionalism.”
He said Zanu PF was cautious not to
confer superiority to Chamisa.
“We are also saying we are cut above all
political parties because we won the elec-
tions,” said Mutsvangwa.
“CCC wants Zanu PF to confer it with a
title of being exceptional.
“But if we confer them that title, it will
be at our expense with the electorate,
which gave us the exceptional majority.
“We are very careful not to confer an
exceptional laurel to Chamisa and under-
mine our own exceptionalism.”
Mnangagwa established the Political
Actors Dialogue (Polad) after the 2018
elections, a platform where he regularly
met losing presidential candidates.
Chamisa refused to join Polad dismiss-
ing it as a Zanu PF platform.
The opposition leader, however, con-
firmed sending emissaries to initiate di-
alogue with Mnangagwa.
Chamisa said dialogue was the key to
addressing the country’s multi-faceted
crisis.
“There is a conundrum that must be
fixed. The conflict between the elected
government and what was declared,” he
told The Standard.
“This illegitimacy crisis is what is
causing all these problems.
“So the only way to correct this is to
have a political settlement that will re-
solve the issues fundamentally and com-
prehensively.”
Zanu PF insists Mnangagwa won the
bearers of any political party or organisation,”
he submitted.
“Serving members of the security services
must not be employed or engaged in civilian
institutions except in periods of public emer-
gency.”
The lawyers said the appointment was also
against sections of the Defence Forces Act.
“Our client further avers that by participat-
ing in active politics in full glare of the public
and members of the Defence Forces Sibanda
may have committed and will commit an of-
fence of contravening section 39 of the De-
fence Forces Act (Chapter 11:01) as read with
section 36 of the first schedule of the said Act,”
they said.
The section says any ‘officer who behaves in
a scandalous manner unbecoming the charac-
ter of an officer and gentleman shall be guilty
of an offence and liable to be cashiered.’
The lawyers added: “It is therefore evident
that your appointment of Sibanda as an ex-
officio member of the Zanu PF politburo puts
a serving commander of the Defence Forces
into an invidious position of acting or being
seen as acting in a partisan manner, further-
ing the interests of the Zanu PF political par-
ty, prejudicing the interest of opposition po-
litical parties and being seen or perceived as
an active member or office bearer of the Zanu
PF political party especially given that he was
appointed into the highest decision making
body of Zanu PF.”
Sibanda is also reportedly in the succession
matrix to replace Mnangagwa.
Exiled former tourism minister Walter
Mzembi said Mnangagwa was being set up for
failure and being given wrong advice.
“So whoever for example advised on a Siban-
da pick for politburo, that person is an enemy
of the state and is plotting against Mnangag-
wa but pretending to love him most,” Mzembi
commented on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“If Mnangagwa processed this on his own
then it’s time to slow down to some critical
thinking before any public pronouncements.”
elections in a free contest.
The ruling party is now eyeing a two-
thirds majority from the upcoming De-
cember 9 by-elections.
“I have always said, ‘two people must
exchange points of agreement for nation
building,” Chamisa said.
“There must be cross-pollination of
ideas for a synoptic approach for nation
building."
Observers cast doubt on the possibili-
ties of Mnangagwa and Chamisa engag-
ing in a fruitful dialogue without exter-
nal intervention especially from Zanu PF
hawks.
“The prospects of that (dialogue) are
remote,” political analyst Eldred Masu-
nungure said.
“The dialogue is desirable but the
chances are very limited unless there is
another mediator in the making- maybe
regional leaders.
“They need to combine efforts to ad-
dress the chronic syndrome of the crisis
that we have in Zimbabwe.
“And the best person to do that is some-
one mutually trusted by both parties, but
I don’t see that one in Zimbabwe.”
Another political analyst Rejoice
Ngwenya said the Southern African De-
velopment Community must intervene.
“There is a need for a more superior
body like Sadc to bring them together,”
Ngwenya said.
“But all the dialogue must be inclusive
of all critical stakeholders, to address
the broader challenges that the country
is facing, rather than the mere political
impasse that we are experiencing.”
In 2008, the late president Robert
Mugabe was forced to the negotiating ta-
ble with opposition leader, Morgan Ts-
vangirai, also late, following a disputed
election.
The talks resulted in the formation of a
government of national unity (GNU) be-
tween 2009 and 2013, a period where the
country enjoyed relative economic and
political stability.
Zanu PF has resisted talks of another
GNU.
Mzembi said the late president Robert
Mugabe suffered the same fate as he was be-
ing given wrong or old speeches to embarrass
him.
“Sometimes he would be given wrong
speeches and made to read the same speech
twice,” he said.
“To discount fitness for office he would be
made to trip physically, the airport incident be-
ing testimony.”
Exiled former information minister Jonathan
Moyo, however, argued that there was nothing
wrong with the appointment.
“But, and this is key to appreciate, under-
stand and to underline, there is nothing in sec-
tion 208 of the constitution which provides
that “members of the security services may not
be members of any political party or organisa-
tion,” he argued on X.
“All that the section provides is that “mem-
bers of the security services must not be active
members or office-bearers of any political par-
ty or organisation”.
"Membership of or belonging to a political
party or organisation is not prohibited by sec-
tion 208 of the constitution.
"What is prohibited is being an active mem-
ber of a political party or being an office bear-
er – such as being a political commissar or
speaking for a political party, addressing pub-
lic meetings for the party and so forth.”
At the conference Mnangagwa also appoint-
ed Rose Mpofu to replace the late Joshua Teke
Malinga who was the secretary for people with
disabilities.
The military has in the past been accused of
acting unprofessionally by dabbling in Zanu PF
politics.
In 2017, the army staged a coup after Mnan-
gagwa was fired from Zanu PF and govern-
ment by Mugabe.
The generals at the forefront of the putsch
said they intervened to remove alleged crim-
inals that surrounded Mugabe and stop the
sidelining of former liberation war fighters in
Zanu PF.
 News The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023 3
‘Impostor’ Sengezo Tshabangu’s gift to Zanu PF
BY KENNETH NYANGANI 6,476 votes against 6,241 polled by Zanu PF can- Ncube, a former Beirbridge mayor, said losing
didate, Phathisiwe Ncube Machangu. the seat by just 96 votes was a bitter pill to swal-
THE controversial mass recall of Citizens Coalition for Zanu PF is also eyeing Mabvuku-Tafara where low for the ruling party.
Change (CCC) legislators by Sengezo Tshabangu (pic- Zanu PF benefactor and gold dealer, Scott “We surprised them and they are very aware
tured) has created vacancies in at least four rural constit- Sakupwanya lost in the August polls despite in- that they are not going to win the seat again de-
uencies that the one year-old opposition party had wres- vesting millions in his campaign. spite trying to intimidate our supporters,” Ncu-
tled from Zanu PF in the August 23 and 24 elections, fuel- Sakupwanya is the Zanu PF candidate in the be said.
ling speculation that he is pushing interests of the ruling by-elections. He said it was financially draining to go for an-
party. Mutasa, who won the seat with 189 votes, other election.
Tshabangu a former MDC- T chairperson for Matabele- on Friday expressed confidence that he would Zanu PF director of Information Farai Mara-
land North and an ex-People’s Democratic Party official, bounce back into Parliament. pira said the party was not working with Tsha-
emerged from nowhere shortly after the elections and “Zanu PF was shocked by my win that is why bangu.
claimed to be the CCC interim secretary general. they have even gone to court challenging my “Why are they not speaking about Bulawayo
He started recalling MPs, senators and councillors a few victory,” Mutasa said. where they said they will never lose an election,”
days after they were sworn in as he claimed that they were “They have never lost the seat in history. Marapira said.
imposed. “They are fighting back to win the seat but “We are not whatsoever behind those recalls;
Some of the affected constituencies are Lupane East, people now believe that the opposition can lead as Zanu PF we are doing our own business.”
Beitbridge West, Zvimba East and Seke, which were con- the constituency.” President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been
sidered to be Zanu PF strongholds before the August elec- Mutasa said Zanu PF was employing dirty tac- accused of pushing for the recalls to ensure the
tions. tics including intimidating his supporters to re- party gets a two thirds majority in Parliament to
Tshabangu’s critics say the removal of rural CCC MPs has gain the seat. railroad amendments for a third-term in office.
exposed him as a Zanu PF proxy who is working to ensure “However, I am confident of winning back the Mnangagwa is serving his second and last “One thing that has always come out each
the ruling party regains some of the seats in the Decem- seat despite the dirty tactics,” he said. term in terms of the constitution. and every time there is a difference of opinion in
ber 9 by-elections. “Tshabangu is obviously working with Zanu Tshabangu’s lawyer Nqobani Sithole yester- CCC, they turn to blame elsewhere,” Sithole said.
Political analysts say Zanu PF has a chance of winning PF to retain the seats but we are not going to day said Zanu PF was not financing his client's “These are unfounded allegations that we are
back the constituencies because the ruling party has un- allow that.” legal fees. being sponsored by Zanu PF.”
limited sources of funding to run effective campaigns
while CCC has to scramble for resources.
Last week, Tshabangu recalled 13 more CCC Members
of Parliament (MPs) and five Senators.
Sources say Tshabangu is being financed by Zanu PF
and disgruntled CCC top officials.
The only CCC official who has come out in public sup-
porting Tshabangu is former Nkulumane MP, Kucaca Phu-
lu.
CCC MP for Zvimba East, Oliver Mutasa, is among those
recalled by Tshabangu recently.
Zvimba East has been under Zanu PF’s since the 1980s.
Beitbridge West MP, Morgan Ncube, was also recalled
from representing the constituency that has been a
known Zanu PF stronghold in Matabeleland South.
He beat Zanu PF’s Thusani Ndou by 96 votes to win the
parliamentary seat.
Another seat which Zanu PF is eyeing is Seke where
CCC MP Tapfumaneyi Madzimbamuto has been recalled.
Zanu PF is also targeting Lupane East, a constituency
that was in its bag for years before the August elections.
CCC member Bright Vanya Moyo won the seat with

84 foreigners appear PUBLIC NOTICE

in Beitbridge court
Mr. Edmund Makona
BY REX MPHISA

EIGHTY-FOUR foreign nationals appeared at

the Beitbridge magistrates court yesterday
charged with illegally entering the country.
The foreign nationals from Malawi, Burun-
di, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia were
en-route to South Africa.
APPOINTMENT OF AIR ZIMBABWE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
They were arrested at roadblocks mount-
ed along the Beitbridge to Harare highway by The Air Zimbabwe (Private) Limited Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment
police and immigration officials in an opera-
tion code-named "No To Illegal Immigrants". of Mr. Edmund Makona as the Chief Executive Officer of the national airline with effect from the 1st
Officer commanding Beitbridge Police Dis-
trict chief superintendent Tichaona Nyongo of November 2023.
confirmed the arrests.
"These 84 were arrested on different occa-
Mr Makona, has been appointed in terms of Section 14 (4) (b) of the Public Entities
sions since Monday during the ongoing oper- Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31) for an effective 5- year – term. At the time of his appointment,
ation,” he said.
They were aboard the Rimbi, Trip Trans Mr Makona was the Acting Chief Executive Officer.
and Chiwara buses that operate along that
route. The incoming Chief Executive Officer is a top-notch regional and international aviation
This publication understands the operation
was triggered by numerous cases of human expert and consultant with over 38 years of experience. He has been an Aviation consultant with
trafficking and assisted border jumping by
bus operators, villagers and other unscrupu- aeronautical engineering background, a type –rated licensed aircraft engineer, aviation quality, safety and
lous officials.
Police documents showed the foreigners en- security expert and a trainer for the aircraft engineers and pilots ground school. Mr Makona also
tered the country through Nyamapanda bor-
der post.
served both as President and Executive Committee member of the African Airline Association. He is currently
They appeared before magistrate Vavariro the Ambassador of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) for the Africa Southern Region on
Gavi charged with violating the country’s im-
migration laws. the African Union (AU) initiative regarding the liberalisation of the African skies.
They now await deportation to their respec-
tive countries. The Board, is keen on unlocking value from Mr Makona`s diverse expertise and vast experience.
A police document gleaned by The Stand-
ard showed the officials were convinced the We are confident that he will complement the Board's vision to turn around the national
foreigners were not of any security threat.
Trafficking of foreigners is a big and dan- carrier and reposition it to become a strategic, competitive and viable airline for the country.
gerous business in Beitbridge.
There are known individuals and kingpins We wish, Mr. Makona, the very best during his tenure.
of the trade who kidnap foreigners and de-
mand ransom of as much as R80 000 per per-
son.
Some of the foreigners come from as far Get In Touch With Us
afield as Somalia and Ethiopia and use Zim-
babwe and Beitbridge as a transit destina-
Book Your Flight I www.airzimbabwe.aero
tion.
+263 716 801 440/1, +263 712 875 364 FlyAirZimbabwe FlyAirZimbabwe FlyAirZimbabwe FlyAirZimbabwe
4 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
Drugs menace exposes legislators
BY MOSES MUGUGUNYEKI
P
oliticians are not keen on in-
stituting legislation that aids
in eradicating drug abuse that
has become rampant in the
country, a legal expert has said.
Harare lawyer Aleck Chimhofu told
journalists attending a National Aids
Council (NAC) convened workshop in
Norton recently that lack of specific le-
gal and constitutional provisions that
speak to the use of dangerous drugs was
among barriers impeding efforts to fight
drug abuse in the country.
Zimbabwe is among countries that
have recently witnessed an increase in
drug abuse, although there is no offi-
cial data on drug or substance abuse
because a population size estimate has
never been done before. However, anec-
dotal evidence points to a lot of illicit
drug abuse on the ground in the country.
Among the popular drugs being
abused is crystal meth, a highly addic-
tive stimulant used for its powerful eu-
phoric effects.
Known scientifically as methamphet-
amine, crystal meth is not listed in the
relevant schedule to the Dangerous
Drugs Act [Chapter 15:02].
“Scheduled drugs are those specific
drugs listed in Part I and Part II of the
Youths with albinism stand up for their own
BY STAFF REPORTER
A group of young people living with albinism have
embarked on an ambitious mission to take charge
of efforts to improve the lives of their peers with-
out having to wait for handouts from people and
organisations that may want to profit from their
misery.
Taking cue from then junior mayor of Chitung-
wiza junior council of 2000-2001, Clever Takud-
zwa Mhukayesango (21), the youths, led by Marcia
Mandizha (23) have registered an organisation to
assist people living with albinism.
The entity named Albino Care
Organisation(ACO), is now registered with the
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry
and has as its mission to provide special needs for
albinos, including skincare, educational and eco-
nomic requirements and especially to help with
societal awareness on albinism.
Mandizha is chairperson of the organisation
and is deputised by Mhukayesango.
The Albino Care Organisation last week em-
barked on their first programme where Mandizha
and Mhukayesango handed over umbrellas, exer-
cise books, rulers, pens and pencils to each of the
23 learners in primary and secondary schools in
Chitungwiza who live with albinism.
“When I was junior mayor, one of the issues that
News
Standard
PEOPLE
schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Act,”
said Chimhofu.
“Part I of the schedule lists which are
classified under Dangerous Drugs and
Part II those classified under Prohibit-
ed Drugs and are not allowed which in-
clude methylenedioxymethampheta-
mine, which has been confused with
crystal methylene – dioxymethamphet-
amine.”
Chimhofu said as such, people found
in possession of crystal methampheta-
mine in Zimbabwe have not been found
guilty because of loopholes in the law.
“Laws should be clear and in our case,
we cannot differentiate between crystal
methamphetamine – methylenedioxym-
ethamphetamine and people found in
possession of the drug have got off scot-
free,” he said.
“According to the law crystal meth is
not a scheduled drug and the only way it
can be done is to amend the law and in-
clude the drug on the Dangerous Drugs
Act.
“We have had so many statutory in-
struments since 2017, but what does it
take to have the Dangerous Act amend-
ed.”
Chimhofu said the buck stops with the
Parliament, which should push for the
amendment of the law.
Mental health expert Munyaradzi
Clever Takudzwa Mhukayesango (left) and ACO chairperson Marcia Mandizha (right) handed over dona-
tions to schools in Chitungwiza on Friday
I pursued with my heart was the betterment of the
lives of fellow pupils living with albinism,” Mhu-
kayesango said.
“ One of the resolutions I made to myself then
was to allow people living with albinism to take
charge of interventions meant to assist them, in-
stead of waiting for help from unaffected people.
Madhombiro said there was a connec-
tion between substance abuse disorders
and HIV.
He said conditions such as depression,
anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and
epilepsy as well as drug abuse and alco-
hol use disorder were major causes of
morbidity and mortality.
“There is a high prevalence of sub-
stance abuse and psychiatric disorders
among people living with HIV,” Mad-
hombiro said.
“Drug and alcohol-use disorders are
frequently comorbid with depression,
anxiety and severe mental illness.”
NAC communications officer Tadi-
wa Nyatanga said her organisation
and its partners have embraced mental
health education as well as antidrug pro-
grammes in the response to HIV after re-
alising that they were significant and
rapidly increasing factors in the trans-
mission of HIV and Aids.
“Our planning, coordination and im-
plementation of strategies and pro-
grammes for HIV prevention incorpo-
rate mental health education as well as
anti-drug education and advocacy,” Ny-
atanga said.
“The strong effects of drugs can
change decisions and remove shyness
leading people to engage in impulsive
and unsafe behaviours.”
Catholic Archbishop of
Harare, His Grace Robert
Christopher Ndlovu ( in
purple skull cap) officiating
at the Redemptorist Region
of Zimbabwe Diaconate
ordination of Reverends
Erick Silence Makova
(holding microphone),
Munyaradzi Celestino
Magwenzi (in glasses) and
Oscar Madzonganyika at St
Alphonsus Parish in Tafara,
Harare last Saturday.
“That is how we pooled together a group of
youths with these common needs to form this or-
ganisation.
“When their board was set up, they asked me to
continue working with them and to accept the po-
sition of deputy chairperson, at least until the or-
ganisation is up and running.”
BRIEFS
Musengezi seeks
release of passport
Zanu PF activist Sybeth Musengezi on Friday filed an ap-
plication for the temporary release of his passport so that
he can visit South Africa for business.
Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda, however, postponed
her ruling to November 21.
Musengezi through his lawyer Doug Coltart said he
would be back in Zimbabwe before December 8.
“Musengezi is into construction business and needs to
travel to South Africa to inspect, test and receive training
on the use of construction resources and intends to buy an
excavator,” Coltart said.
Prosecutor Dzidzai Joseph opposed the application say-
ing Musengezi was a flight risk.
“In this case the accused person is facing a serious offense
which is punishable by severe custodial sentence hence if
the passport is released he will likely abscond,” Josiah said.
Musengezi is challenging President Emmerson Mnan-
gagwa’s ascendancy to the Zanu PF top’s post following the
2017 coup that ousted the late Robert Mugabe.
—TREVOR MUTSVAIRO
Council gets
tough on graffiti
The government has approved new Gwanda municipali-
ty bylaws that prohibit the placement of adverts on trees,
traffic signs or bridges under the control of the local au-
thority.
Local Government minister Winston Chitando approved
the new laws through Statutory Instrument 230 of 2023.
“Any person who contravenes any prohibition or obliga-
tion imposed in terms of these regulations shall be liable to
a fine specified,” the SI reads.
Some advertisements would require permission from
the council.
"No person shall, without the permission of the council,
place, exhibit or display, or cause to be placed, exhibited or
displayed, upon a road or public place any advertisement,"
the SI reads.
"Whether in a stationary position or building or perime-
ter wall; or on a sandwich board, vehicle, or other movable
device." —TAFADZWA KACHIKO
Spike in mental
health cases
More than 60% of admissions in mental health institu-
tions can be traced to drug and illegal substance abuse.
This emerged during a workshop on drug policy and
harm reduction held in the capital on Friday.
Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Networks director
Wilson Box said laws against drug abuse needed to be re-
looked to fight the vice more effectively.
“Let us have a situation or law which promotes inclusivity,
an effective drug policy that looks at human rights,” Box said.
“Current laws are punitive to drug users,” he said.
Parliamentary portfolio committee on health and child
care chairperson Daniel Molokele urged parliamentarians
to push for progressive legislation.
“We need to come up with other ways of dealing with
the drug and substance use scourge,” he said.
—VANESSA GONYE
Man in court for
insulting daughter
A Harare man was dragged to court on Friday by his es-
tranged wife for sending their eight year old daughter ob-
scene text messages.
The applicant (names withheld to protect the minor) told
Harare magistrate Sharon Mashavira that her ex-husband
was verbally and emotionally abusing their child.
She said the respondent calls the minor a prostitute.
“He sends the child messages insulting her saying she is
a prostitute and that she is following in my footsteps of be-
ing sexually involved with different men,” said the mother.
She pleaded with the court to be granted a protection or-
der for herself and the minor child.
The respondent did not deny the accusations.
He said he did not want to comment on anything and
Mashavira granted the woman the peace order.
—REJOICE PHIRI
The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023 5
6 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
C Music was soundtrack
reative entrepreneur
and digital creator Plot
Mhako says growing
up surrounded by ar-
tistes influenced his ca-
reer path.
Mhako (PM) opened up about
his life and career in an interview
with Alpha Media Holdings chair-
man Trevor Ncube (TN) on the
platform In Conversation with
Trevor.
Below are excerpts from the in-
terview.
TN: Plot Mhako, welcome to
In Conversation With Trevor.
PM: Thank you so much. It is
an honour to actually be sitting
next to you.
TN: You know your brother
is Chad Mhako?
PM: Yes.
TN: What an amazing young
man? You know for me this
is also an opportunity to say
what a beautiful soul, what a
beautiful human being. Are
you like him?
PM: I think our mother mod-
elled us in almost the same fash-
ion, so if you meet one you may
feel like you have met the other
one.
TN: Talk to me about what
your mother did in terms of
raising you? What did you
learn from a mother?
PM: Our mother taught us very
important lessons.
One of the most important
lesson(s) [was] to be humble, and
to be sincere and honest in every-
thing that we do and to work hard.
Never cutting corners, so even
if an opportunity presents your-
self to cut corners our moth-
er taught us never to follow that
route.
So those lessons have never de-
parted from us even if we have
left home and we are now stay-
ing on our own. We still feel like
we our mother's kids and our fa-
ther also gave us the same kind of
teachings.
TN: But doesn't the world
abuse and take advantage of
sincere people?
PM: The world does but I think
the world has also sincere people
that appreciate genuiness, and
the world has A beautiful place
for such people.
So you would find largely the
abuses there, but in the rightful
places sincerity does make a big
difference.
I see it from the moment that
I left my former employment to
get into the creative industry, the
kind of ethics that I used there
were based on the professional
ethics that I learned from work,
and it is almost the same that I am
using now.
From just learning you know
with the Germans, you learn you
cannot lie, you cannot be dodgy
and those are some of the ethics
that I am also learning [to] bring
home.
But you will find, you know in
a space like Zimbabwe it is not an
easy space if you try to be very
honest...
TN: Hahahaha.
PM: But ultimately it pays off.
TN: Yeah it does. You know
you mentioned one thing there
that I value a lot, and that is
you can never run away from
yourself.
PM: Yes.
TN: You know some people
say oh I am quitting this job
because they have not been
fair with me, but you have not
taken the opportunity to learn
from that job.
I always say to people that
you cannot run away from
yourself.
of my life, says Mhako
We might be in a different
geographical setting, but there
you are, have you dealt with
yourself ?
PM: That is very true because
you would find I mean the prin-
ciples of business are universal
wherever you go.
The ethics, the values, the
norms, they apply universal-
ly and if you default, if you do
things differently you would find
yourself wanting, yes.
TN: So that is what your
mom taught you? Your father
is late now?
PM: Yes my father is late.
TN: What do you remember
from your upbringing on your
father's side?
PM: Well his entrepreneurship
acumen. We always thought our
father was a pharmacist, but he
was just a salesman in a pharma-
cy...
TN: Hahaha I remember
Chad saying that! So this guy
tricked you, you thought he
was a pharmacist but...?
PM: It was us believing that he
was because he was working in a
pharmacy.
So at school would tell them that
our father is a chemist, a pharma-
cist, and how he managed to take
care of all of us because we were
many of us and having so many
siblings and all being able to go to
school and how he managed to set
up an enterprise in our village.
You know he had bottle store,
[a] general dealer as well as a
workshop.
The things that he was doing at
that age, if I am just to look at how
old he was and I look at my gener-
ation now and how easy we want
things to be I am like oh.
So, some of those teachings
were really important.
I mean for me he gave me a
chance to connect with the com-
munity at a different level, to ex-
perience entrepreneurship also
during school holidays we would
go to the village, work in the shop,
work in the field and those expe-
riences you cannot find them an-
ywhere else.
TN: Did you enjoy it whilst
you were doing it or you are
looking back now and saying
‘wow that was awesome’?
PM: Working at the shop I en-
joyed.
TN: Yeah.
PM: Because it looked fancy, it
felt so good. But working in the
field I detested it, but now I have
grown to appreciate [it] because I
have seen how my mother raised
us.
TN: Yeah.
News
PM: Using the proceeds from
working on the field.
TN: Are there any mistakes
that you saw your dad encoun-
tering that have remained with
you?
PM: I think mainly is to do with
just creating a legacy business-
wise, where your children are
able to really master what he mas-
tered, and we carry on with that
business.
If I look at some of the big-
gest enterprises in the world they
are family businesses, but for us
when our father died we did not
know what to do with the busi-
ness, so we just had to rent it out.
Over [the] years we have not
been able to actively revive the
kind of business that he had set
up for years.
So I think those are some of the
things that I mean for my kids I
would teach them the skills, what
I know so that if they do decide
to follow my path they know that
there's a way.
TN: I have been wanting to
ask you this question since you
sat there: Why are you based in
Dortmund Germany?
PM: I am based in Germany,
[in] Dortmund because I moved
there with my family.
What first took me to Europe
was work.
I was touring, travelling with a
lot of artists, creating dance the-
atre music productions [with] a
number of other musicians that I
have had a privilege to work with.
So we were touring and then I
ended up settling in Germany and
for the past eight years now I am
literally based there, but my heart
is home.
That is why I am constantly
back in Zimbabwe.
TN: Let us take a helicopter
view of what you do, and I do
not know where you get the
time to do what you do, but
you’re going to share how you
do it with us.
So you involved with City
Boys, we would want to go
there at some point, with
Hifa...
PM: Yes.
TN: You set up Jibilika,
worked with Jah Prayzah, Nut-
ty-O and Pro-Beats?
PM: Yes.
TN: You set up Kuenda Pro-
ductions and Mafuwe Interna-
tional Festival of Dance.
PM: Yes.
TN: You are involved with
promoting youth culture and
creativity through Skate Zim-
babwe, Zim Hip-Hop Summit
Plot Mhako In Conversation With Trevor recently
and Zim Dance Hall Summit.
You are involved in fight-
ing for fair competition for the
creative arts through Creative
Rights Zimbabwe Trust.
PM: Yes.
TN: You are the chief edi-
tor for earGROUND Africa.
You are involved with Ampli-
faya Festival, you founded it in
2022.
Have I left anything out?
PM: Not really, some of them
are small projects that come in be-
tween, but that is the skeleton.
TN: Why do you do this stuff ?
PM: I just love art.
Growing up music was the
soundtrack of my life, so I was
surrounded by music.
Just a house away from our
house lived Emmanuel Vore, who
is the general manager at Gram-
mar Records, but then he was the
air and marketing manager.
So he had a disco every week-
end.
[He] would set it up, play music,
so he exposed us to so much mu-
sic.
At home my sisters were lis-
tening to a lot of music, my uncle
also [brought] a lot of reggae mu-
sic and my brother also and my
late uncle Ashford Masango.
You know these are people that
inspired me a lot.
TN: Wow.
PM: And just the stone throw
away there was a sound system
crew called New Generation, and
they were playing a lot of music
and going to school I would pass
through Simon Chimbetu’s house
you know.
I was in the same class with his
son and there was so much music
around me, so much art around
me.
Watching TV, what I would
watch on TV I would imagine and
all of these things made me de-
sire to be in the creative space and
when I got a chance to do so after
working for five years for Fideli-
ty Printers & Refiners, I decided
to set up Jibilika and Jibilika be-
came the root for everything.
I always wanted to get into the
youth culture, I did that. I want-
ed to get into the media because
I had already started journal-
ism and finished in 2004 but nev-
er got a chance to work as a jour-
nalist because they were limited
jobs, but you know drawing inspi-
ration from institutions like the
ones that you set up with AMH, I
always desired one day to set up
my own media house.
Five years ago, I set up ear-
GROUND Media, and it has been
interconnected.
At one point I am doing this, at
one point I am doing that, but I
feel like it is all one story that re-
volves around the creative arts,
the media and just the passion to
contribute towards Zimbabwe.
l “In Conversation With Tre-
vor” is a weekly show broad-
cast on YouTube.com//InCon-
versationWithTrevor. The con-
versations are broadcast to you
by Heart and Soul Broadcast-
ing Services. The conversa-
tions are sponsored by West-
Prop Holdings.
 News The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023 7

Fake marriages and a black market:What Zim’s

health care workers are doing to get UK jobs
BY EVIDENCE CHENJERAI
When Kundai graduated with a master’s degree from a
local university, she did not imagine staying unemployed
for five years. Even more unexpected was the fact that
her path to forging a career as a health worker and get-
ting financial freedom would come by way of marrying
her nephew.
Despite attending several interviews since 2018, no
job offer came her way.
“Every time they would ask for work experience, but
I had none because no organization ever gave me a
chance after completing my first degree,” says Kundai,
who asked to use one name for fear her story could jeop-
ardize her employment prospects.
She started taking odd jobs she came across: cleaning
people’s houses, gardening and babysitting.
One day late last year, a friend told Kundai she was
moving to the United Kingdom after a relative got her a
job. The two kept in touch, with Kundai’s friend giving her
updates on job opportunities in the U.K.
Kundai started looking for work in the UK and soon be-
gan her own application process to enable her to relo-
cate.
“I immediately saw a bright future for me abroad.
“In fact, I said it was better doing odd jobs there than
enduring years of unemployment, regardless of my high
qualifications here in Zimbabwe,” she says.
The process to get her visa took almost eight months.
Those selling the certificates justify the costs
by offering to provide accommodations and oth-
er benefits, such as food, internet and heating, for
the first months of a successful applicant’s stay
in the UK. Besides having sponsorship from a UK
employer, applicants must also take an English
test, take a tuberculosis test, have a valid driver’s
license and have a job offer.
The desperation to relocate has seen some ap-
plicants get duped by agents.
Others have found their way to the UK only to
discover they have been sold certificates without
work hours; they remain unemployed for months
until their sponsors resolve the problem.
There are also those that have arrived in the UK
only to find their sponsors are no longer licensed
to take them, despite paying exorbitant fees, leav-
ing them stuck in a foreign land with no source of
income to pay for rent and utilities.
Those with canceled sponsors are given 60
Z I M B A B W E
days to find new ones.
Tapfumaneyi Soko is one of the unlucky ones
who hasn’t been able to realize his dream to move
to “chando,” a colloquial Shona term used by lo-
cals to mean “the land of cold and snow.”
He started the process over a year ago. Having
secured all other requirements, he looked for con-
nections to get a sponsorship certificate in the
same WhatsApp group Kundai used.
Someone directed him to a person who was
selling one. He had heard that the certificates
should be free, but like everyone else, he decid-
ed to buy one as he wasn’t sure how to access the
free ones.
“I sold some household property and second-
hand car to raise the 3,500 British pounds I was
asked to pay.
I even borrowed some of the money with the
intention of returning it once I had settled in the
UK,” Soko says.
T O U R I S M A
He says the alleged agent told him that once
the number of workers required by the UK gov-
ernment’s health care department was reached,
the visa application would be shut down.
This put him in a state of panic and he gave in
to the pressure.
He did all he could to get the money, paying
the supposed agent cash with the assurance that
he would have the certificate within a week’s time.
A week went by and he started getting excuses
about delays in processing the document until it
ran into many weeks.
“In the end, the number was either no longer
reachable or would go unanswered and eventu-
ally disconnected,” Soko says.
Soko believes that several other people in the
WhatsApp group, who had attested to being as-
sisted by the agent, were also in on the scam.
- Global Press Journal
U T H O R I T Y

URIPI?
One requirement was to submit a certificate of spon-
sorship, a crucial document for foreigners seeking to
work in the UK.
“The journey is quite expensive, especially the certifi-
cate of sponsorship … which is being sold even though
we hear it is supposed to be free,” Kundai says.
The certificate is an electronic record that proves that a
company in the UK. is responsible for the employee dur-

UNGAPHI?
ing the duration of their visa’s validity in the country.
It also shows how many work hours the prospective
employee has been allocated and proves the company
will have a job ready for them upon their arrival.
From July 2022 to June this year, a total of 271,523
sponsorships were issued from the UK, an increase of
57% from the previous year.
To get a certificate, Kundai parted with 5,000 British
pounds (over US$6,100) and had to ask relatives for fi-
nancial assistance to finalise her application.
Kundai is one among thousands of Zimbabweans
leaving the country for the UK in search of better job op-
portunities, many of them in the health care sector.
Often, it takes an individual dozens of applications to
get a free certificate of sponsorship. THIS FESTIVE SEASON Lake Kariba
A faster way of getting one, though, is by working with
agents based in the UK and Zimbabwe.
In their desperation to relocate, many applicants resort
to dubious means to get this document.
This includes getting into fake marriages or marriages
of convenience to halve the cost of buying a certificate
from middlemen. To keep up to date with what was hap-
pening, Kundai joined a WhatsApp group of people who
want to migrate abroad. Every Journey Leads you Home !
She saw advertisements from people looking for part-
ners to marry in the group and remembered she had a
nephew almost her age who had also been unlucky in
the Zimbabwean job market. That is when the idea to
marry him struck her. The ceremony was held in March.
“I thought it would be better if we had a court mar-
riage than the church marriage, which is too public and
involves too many people,” she says.
“For me this meant I would have helped a family mem-
ber the same way our family had chipped in with money
needed for the application process.”
In 2020, the UK government introduced a health and
care worker visa which has made it easier for people to
migrate for work with the National Health Services, an
NHS supplier or in adult social care.
The visa was created to provide a much-needed boost
for social care in response to the coronavirus pandemic
pressures on the UK health care sector.
As the number of work sponsorship visas granted by
the U.K. soared in 2021 and 2022, the number of Zimba-
bweans granted these health and care worker visas also
ballooned.
In 2021, about 1% of all work sponsorship visas were
given to Zimbabweans; in 2022, that grew to 4%, and in
the first three months of 2023 it jumped to 7%.
In the health and care worker category, Zimbabweans
are the third largest visa holders this year, after India and
Nigeria. These figures are a 418% jump from the previous
year for Zimbabwe, a testament to the growing desire for
people to migrate.
But moving to the UK is not cheap.
One of the highest costs attached to the process is ob-
taining the sponsorship certificate.
High demand for the document has birthed a black
market where they are sold for between 3,500 and 7,000
pounds (about US$4,200 to US$8,500). www.zimbabwetourism.net ztaupdates
This amount is out of reach for most Zimbabweans
who are either unemployed or have low-wage jobs.
8 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
‘It’s traumatic’: Mysterious injections
News in depth with
BY SHARON
BUWERIMWE
C
itizens Coalition for
Change (CCC) Hara-
re councillor Wombe-
raishe Nhende was in
tears as he recounted
events on the day when he begged
his abductors to spare his life.
Nhende was snatched on Sep-
tember 2 this year by unknown
persons who kept him captive for
hours alongside another CCC ac-
tivist Sanele Mkhuhlane before
they were released.
Three unmarked 4x4 vehicles
visited Nhende’s home in Glen No-
rah and forced him and Mkhuh-
lane into one of the vehicles.
The duo was assaulted and tor-
tured before being injected with
an unknown substance and later
dumped in Mapinga, about 73km
along the Harare-Chirundu high-
CCC Harare councillor Womberaishe Nhende was assaulted and tortured before being injected with an unknown substance
The gangs who are scamming
motorists are still out there
facts&fiction
BY ZIMFACT
Claim: A picture circulating on Zimbabwe so-
cial media of three men is being used as proof of
claims that a gang of bogus policemen, which has
been scamming unsuspecting motorists in Harare
has been arrested.
The picture has been circulating alongside a
WhatsApp voice note recorded by a person who
claims to have been forced to pay US$200 by men
posing as police officers over allegations of driving
through a red stop-sign traffic light at a road junc-
News
way.
Since then, Nhende now battles
all sorts of health challenges in-
cluding loss of taste.
“The biggest trauma is that in-
jection,” Nhende said.
“Just imagining that these
people, who are obviously state
agents, may have injected some
cancer-causing substance or some
such poison which could mani-
fest in my body now or sometime
in the future, is traumatising,” he
said.
Already, preliminary health as-
sessments have pointed at some-
thing cancerous having been in-
troduced into his body.
Nhende said he recently tested
positive for a virus that can cause
cancer.
“I am still having a series of
tests, the latest being a sample of
my hair,” he told The Standard.
“The doctors are checking if
there are any trends or changes
and the (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
DNA structure of the hair.
“So, all of those tests haven’t
come back from the labs where we
are trying to get as much informa-
tion as possible on what the sub-
stance could have been.
“That feeling of trying to get a CCC supporter Tapfumaneyi Masaya was found dead on Monday last week
diagnosis of something and you
can’t really determine what it is, ghurt after having lost my sense jected with some unknown sub- made chemicals that are used, es-
is just so traumatic.” of taste,” he said. stance and now say they are bat- pecially nerve agents,” the source
Nhende says he is now having “Now I can go for even two days tling varying health complica- said.
bouts of vomiting and also has without eating. As it is all I can at- tions. “These could be Sarin, VX, So-
loss of appetite. tempt to eat is dry rice.” At least 15 CCC activists have man, tuban and this one from Rus-
“I have been surviving on intra- Almost all opposition activists been abducted over the last few sia; the polonium 210 and 204.
venous feeding. When I came out that have been abducted and tor- months. “Some of these substances are
of hospital I only ate natural yo- tured recently were allegedly in- The most recent case was in- jected, swallowed or
that of Tapfumaneyi administered through
Masaya an active CCC direct contact.”
supporter who was ab- Nhende said he feared
ducted from Mabvuku for the health of his
last week while cam- colleagues who were
paigning ahead of the abducted and tor-
December 9 by-election tured.
in the constitu- “The other
ency.
He was found
JUST IMAGINING THAT person who
was abduct-
dead on Monday ed Nelson
last week. THESE PEOPLE, WHO ARE Mukwenha
In another is experienc-
case a fortnight
ago, CCC leg-
OBVIOUSLY STATE AGENTS, ing memory
loss issues,”
islator
zwa
Takud-
Ngadziore MAY HAVE INJECTED SOME Nhende said.
He said the
streamed live on fear of fur-
Facebook while
being chased by
CANCER-CAUSING ther repris-
als from state
gun-toting men
who then abduct- SUBSTANCE OR SOME agents com-
pounded his
ed, tortured and trauma, hin-
injected him with SUCH POISON WHICH dering him
an unknown sub- to move for-
stance.
Ngadziore was
COULD MANIFEST IN MY ward.
“The
state agents
later dumped in
Mazowe, badly in- BODY NOW OR SOMETIME whipped me
jured and disori- with some
ented.
Last month,
IN THE FUTURE, IS sharp ob-
jects that tore
former Mabvuku-
Tafara legislator TRAUMATISING off my skin,
and they
James Chidhak-
wa was also ab-
ducted, tortured and again inject-
ed with an unknown substance be-
took turns to
trample
and kicking me all over my body
as I lay there helplessly,” Nhende
on
fore being dumped in Arcturus. said.
His abductors shaved off his “After that they threw me on the
dreadlocks using matchetes. tarred road and reversed their ve-
Scars of this brutal encounter hicle with apparent intent to run
are yet to heal and Chidhakwa me over. I only managed to move
tion. says he is still traumatised by the an inch away from the wheels as
Is the picture that has gone viral that of the men experience. my whole body was aching.
scamming motorists? “I am still traumatised and I “They only managed to run over
True or false? am still in pain. I can’t say more,” my left foot.”
Verdict: False. This is an old photo. Chidhakwa said. Other victims of abductions
A reverse image search conducted by ZimFact A source, who requested ano- reported that they were passing
shows that the above image is from December 23, nymity, opined that the substance blood in their stool, raising con-
2020 when the three men pictured (one police offic- that is being used by the abduc- cerns about internal bleeding and
er and two soldiers) were arrested by Rhodesville tors was likely Polonium-210, a gastrointestinal complications.
Police in the Zimbabwe capital following a string of rare and highly radioactive iso- Pride Mukono , another activ-
robberies in Hillside. tope that is extremely hard to de- ist who was injected with an un-
The men in the above image are not the scammers tect. known substance when he was ar-
who have been duping motorists in Harare lately. Other nerve wrecking substanc- rested and detained in 2019 said he
Zimbabwe police say they are still investigating the es could also be used by the abduc- was presenting symptoms associ-
matter. tors. ated with colon cancer.
“They could also be using nerve Mukono said he suspects that he
wrecking agents; these are man- may be a victim of slow poisoning.
 News The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023 9

ruins lives of Zim’s abduction victims

“The symptoms I am currently having start- ner that does not have any respect for the concept
ed after my release from prison in 2019,” Muko- of democracy in Zimbabwe. “
no said. Heal Zimbabwe Trust Information and advoca-
“These included slight aches in the lower abdo- cy officer Tapiwanashe Chiriga said they had re-
men and blood clots in my faecal matter. corded more than 10 cases of CCC members being
“I initially thought this would go away, but it abducted.
didn’t hence I sought medical attention and I fear “We recorded quite a number of cases and most
this could be colon cancer.” of these cases did not get national attention in the
On September 3 this year, Zimbabwe Election heat of the general election,” Chiriga said.
Advocacy Trust executive director Ignatius Sadzi- Chiriga called on authorities to respect the
wa was abducted and tortured by suspected state United Nations International Convention for the
security agents shortly after attending a meeting Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disap-
with the European Union Observer Mission. pearances.
Sadziwa was tortured for four hours before be- “We demand that the state, through the police,
ing dumped somewhere in St Marys in Chitung- investigates the systematic and targeted attack
wiza. on opposition members and supporters to end ab-
On August 26, former Marondera Ward 10 coun- ductions and torture so that all citizens enjoy the
cillor Nelson Mukwena was abducted from his right to personal security as provided by Section
home in Highfield. He was also injected with an 52 and freedom from torture and inhuman treat-
unknown substances. ment granted by Section 53 of the constitution,”
Some abduction victims were not so lucky as he said.
they were never seen again like Itai Dzamara, a According to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human
human rights activist who was abducted by state Rights, over 5,894 people have been abducted by
agents in 2015 and disappeared without trace. the state since 2000. Faz president Kudakwashe Munsaka
CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said
Zimbabwe ‘cannot continue on the path of law-
lessness and impunity’ as he pleaded with author-
ities to stop abducting opposition party members.
“We hold the government of Zimbabwe square-
ly responsible for this carnage” Mkwananzi said.
“We call upon Mnangagwa while he is still de-
jure president, to uphold, protect and promote the
rule of law, the constitution of Zimbabwe and en-
sure the safety and security of every citizen.
“We urge the police to do their work and ensure
that all these abductors are promptly and effec-
tively brought to justice.”
Police spokesperson senior assistant commis-
sioner Nyathi said the law enforcement agency
had not received some of the reports of the al-
leged abductions.
“If there is any other case where somebody
claims that a crime was committed, then they
should report to police for investigations to be
conducted,” Nyathi said. “Like the case of Tapfu-
maneyi Masaya, it is being investigated.”
Zanu PF activists and members of one of its af-
filiates, Forever Associate of Zimbabwe (FAZ), a
shadowy group with links to the Central Intelli-
gence Organisation, have been accused of most
of the abductions of CCC members.
Faz president Kudakwashe Munsaka, however,
said the accusations were baseless.
“We are now used to being wrongly accused and
have gotten to a point where we no longer care
what the opposition says about our organisa-
tion,” Munsaka said.
“We remain strongly vested in all areas that
will lead Zanu PF to victory as its affiliate. “We
care less about lies that are peddled about our in-
nocent organisation.”
Zanu PF acting director of information Farai
Marapira accused CCC of peddling lies about ab-
ductions.
“We all know that CCC loves to engage in hyper-
bole,” Marapira said.
“They are the most toxic party in our country
and they have done so many fake abductions in
the past.
“Over the past few years I don't think it's Zanu
PF; it's them.
“It's their direct policy and decisions to be
moving about clowning and behaving in a man-

The Board, management and staff of Alpha Media

Holdings (AMH) congratulate its journalists who
received accolades at the 2023 NJAMA Awards.

Your hardwork, dedication and unwavering

commitment to excellence have paid off.

Amhlophe!Makorokoto!

CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi

10 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
Flawed polls: EU hit
nail in the head
A
s expected, the European Union Election
Observer Mission (EOM) to Zimbabwe’s Au-
gust 2023 elections final report is highly crit-
ical of the way the polls were conducted.
The EOM report was released in Brussels on
Friday after the Zimbabwe government refused to
give permission to the mission to return to Harare
as previously agreed.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government
has not taken kindly to criticism by foreign ob-
servers, including the Southern African Develop-
ment Community (Sadc), that found the election
process to be deeply flawed.
The EOM report says the Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission (Zec), the shadowy Forever Associ-
ate Zimbabwe (Faz), judiciary and the police col-
luded to give Mnangagwa and his ruling Zanu PF
an unfair advantage in the polls.
Fabio Massimo Castaldo, who headed the mis-
sion, said the way the institutions conducted
themselves was in violation of regional election
standards.
More pointedly, Castaldo noted that: “The pro-
cedures during voting were largely flawed as not-
ed by EU EOM observers, but some important pro-
cesses, such as the public posting of polling sta-
tion results protocols were not consistently imple-
mented, especially during the counting.
“The judiciary played a key role in the process.
The acute lack of confidence expressed by many
interlocutors in the judiciary raised concerns
about the role of the courts in settling electoral
disputes and on public confidence in its rulings.”
The report also criticised laws passed by Mnan-
gagwa’s government that it said had constrained
civic and political freedoms as well as eroding the
separation of powers.
In a nutshell, the EOM findings were not very
different from those of the Sadc Electoral Observ-
er Mission (SEOM) that was led by former Zambi-
an vice president Nevers Mumba.
Mnangagwa’s government fought viciously to
ensure that the adverse SEOM report is not tabled
at an extra-ordinary Sadc summit held in Angola
last month.
Some government officials resorted to attacking
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who ap-
pointed Mumba in his capacity as the chairperson
of the Sadc organ on peace and security, to head
the SEOM.
Hichilema was accused without any shred of ev-
idence of fronting western regime change inter-
ests in Zimbabwe.
It was apparent though that the smear campaign
was meant to deflect attention from the foreign
observer mission reports on the elections whose
conduct severely dented Zimbabwe’s democratic
credentials.
Instead of burying their heads in the sand like
ostriches, those found to have compromised the
integrity of the elections must use the reports by
the EOM and SEOM to correct their ways.
Quote of the week
“His Excellency the President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa,
has announced the staying of General PV Sibanda’s
appointment to the ruling ZANU PF Party Politburo
as an ex-officio member. The position will be re-
viewed at the expiry of General Sibanda’s term as a
senior serving officer at the helm of the Zimbabwe
Defence Forces, ZDF. This deferment of the appointment resolves the
apparent conflict with the country’s constitution, which regulates the
conduct of serving members of the security services,” said Deputy
Chief secretary in the office of the president and cabinet (presidential
communications) George Charamba in a statement rescinding ZDF
Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda’s Politburo appointment.
LEADER PAGE
Deepening dysfunction in Zimbabwe
BY TERESA NOGUEIRA PINTO
In 2017, with the end of Robert Mugabe’s
decades-long rule in Zimbabwe, President
Emmerson Mnangagwa promised a “new
dawn” for the country and assured investors
the country was “open for business.”
Mnangagwa, formerly a key figure in
Mugabe’s regime, was declared the winner of
the 2018 elections, but the results were heav-
ily contested by the opposition.
Five years later, the promises of new jobs,
compensation for land seizures and a politi-
cal opening have not been fulfilled.
The latest elections in August confirmed
that the country remains immersed in a vi-
cious cycle of economic crises and authori-
tarianism.
And, instead of promoting democratic
reform, continued Western sanctions have
helped push Zimbabwe into the orbit of Rus-
sia and China.
Zimbabwe is a testament to the failures
and limits of the so-called third wave of de-
mocratization.
Since 2018, it has also illustrated – like the
cases of Libya or Sudan – that ending a resil-
ient, personalised authoritarian regime does
not guarantee a transition to democracy.
The results of the first vote held after the
overthrow Mugabe were contested by the
opposition, led by Nelson Chamisa.
The post-election period was marked by
violence, as protests were repressed by the
military.
Over the past five years, Zanu PF alliance
has deepened its hold on power under the
leadership of Mnangagwa and through leg-
islation such as the recently signed Patriot-
ic Bill, which further constrains activities of
the media, opposition parties and civil so-
ciety.
Repeating a pattern observed in Zimba-
bwe’s voting history since the early 2000s,
the August election was marked by irregular-
ities, including delays in the delivery of ballot
papers to opposition strongholds.
The outcome has been contested by the
opposition and international observers like
the European Union.
More importantly, the African Union and
the Southern Africa Development Communi-
ty have also questioned the integrity of the
process.
In Zimbabwe, the hegemony of the Zanu
PF goes hand in hand with an economic pol-
icy determined by the logic of neopatrimoni-
alism, under which officials exploit their con-
trol over the state and society for their own
benefit.
Once among Africa’s most industrialized
and diversified economies, Zimbabwe has
with brief exceptions suffered consecutive
economic and financial crises since the be-
ginning of this century.
Among other ills, the economy has never
recovered from the effects of the fast-track
land reform implemented in the 2000s, or
the indigenisation and economic empower-
Opinion
ment programme launched in 2008.
After the overthrow of Mugabe, the Zanu
PF restored its allegiance to the military by
appointing former General Constantino Chi-
wenga to serve as vice president of both
Zimbabwe and the Zanu PF.
This bond, which for decades sustained
the country’s regime and was only briefly in-
terrupted in 2016-2017, remains the main
obstacle to political competitiveness.
Neopatrimonialism requires connecting
the military, political and economic domains,
for those in power to use public resources
to dole out financial rewards and other ad-
vantages to specific groups, especially with-
in the military.
Mnangagwa has lately been accused of
running the state as a “family business,” after
his son and his nephew were appointed to
an expanded cabinet.
But charges of nepotism in Zimbabwe
are hardly new. Bona Mugabe, daughter of
the late president, was appointed to a cen-
sorship board created under the Censorship
and Entertainment Controls Act, as well as to
the board of Empower Bank run by the na-
tional indigenisation and economic empow-
erment board.
The exploitation of natural resources has
also been heavily politicised in Zimbabwe,
a concern that is becoming newly relevant.
After land and diamonds, lithium has be-
come a crucial source of income in the coun-
try.
Global demand for the metal, a critical
component of electric vehicle batteries, has
more than tripled over the past five years.
In 2022, the Chinese mining company
Sinomine Resource Group acquired Zimba-
bwe’s Bikita mine, one of the world’s largest
known lithium deposits.
Besides the authoritarian turn, the 2000s
also paved the way for a complete transfor-
mation of the Zimbabwean economy.
Since then – with the exception of the na-
tional unity government of 2009-2013, when
the Zanu PF formally shared power with
the opposition Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC) – the country has been mired
in economic stagnation and financial crises.
Just as political reforms – including of the
security and electoral systems and the re-
versal of repressive legislation – remain nec-
essary for any political opening, future eco-
nomic growth will require major policy
changes.
In the absence of a new direction in mone-
tary and fiscal policies, the central bank’s de-
cision to reintroduce the Zimbabwean dollar
in 2019 (after its withdrawal in 2009 in favor
of foreign currencies like the US dollar and
South African rand) has once more led to hy-
perinflation.
The high interest rates set by the Reserve
Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) have not prevent-
ed the continuous devaluation of the Zimba-
bwean dollar, and inflation surged to 175%
last June.
Today, the socioeconomic context is de-
fined by high poverty rates (estimated at
over 60%), high inflation, high unemploy-
ment rates and excessive debt.
Most Zimbabweans rely on the informal
economy to circumvent the restraints of
overregulation.
Informal cross-border trade has long been
a key source of income for many residents.
And, as always, people vote with their feet.
There are some 1 million Zimbabweans
living in South Africa today, accounting for
over 80 percent of the country’s diaspora.
Moreover, as the government continues
to focus on public spending, Zimbabwe has
a serious debt problem.
Without reforms, and with those in pow-
er having every incentive to stamp out po-
litical and economic competitiveness, pros-
pects for change remain low.
Instead of giving in to Western sanctions,
Zimbabwe’s ruling elite is increasingly turn-
ing to governments like Beijing and Moscow
for resources and support.
Due to its debt arrears, the government’s
ability to borrow money in the international
market is severely restrained.
The country owes around US$414 billion
to regional and international financial insti-
tutions like the African Development Bank
and the World Bank.
To be sure, perceptions of high economic
and political risks deter many investors from
venturing into Zimbabwe.
But sanctions – which have hardly paved
the way for democracy, as shown by the re-
cent elections – have also helped reinforce
ties between Zimbabwe and countries like
China or Russia, regimes more willing and
able to overlook these risks.
Despite growing pressure from the Af-
rican Union, it will be difficult for Western
countries to lift sanctions on Zimbabwe, es-
pecially after the latest contested ballot.
In the most recent Russia-Africa Summit,
held in July, Russian President Vladimir Putin
promised to deliver 50 000 tonnes of grain
to Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa, one of 17 African leaders
present at the summit, has expressed his
support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
China has also been a strategic partner in
the country since its independence. In the
early 2000s, after the imposition of west-
ern sanctions, Mugabe announced the Look
East Policy, a means of evading the effects of
sanctions and expanding relations with non-
Western powers, especially China.
Beijing has become a key provider of fi-
nancing for the country, in sectors like infra-
structure, energy and mining. This year, Pres-
ident Mnangagwa inaugurated a 600-mega-
watt coal-fired power plant, one of the first
deals made under the Look East Policy.
Zimbabwe will not be able to restructure
its debt without the support of western lend-
ers and multilateral financial institutions.
*Teresa Nogueira Pinto is an African af-
fairs expert. This article was first published
by GIS Reports.

Some lessons from November 11 by-elections
T he November 11 by-elections
were held to fill vacancies
in five local authority wards
and one National Assembly con-
stituency.
By-elections were held for the
National Assembly and local au-
thority following the deaths of
candidates and incumbent respec-
tively.
Nomination courts sat on Octo-
ber 10 to consider candidates in
respective ocal authorities and in
Masvingo for the National Assem-
bly constituency.
In the run-up to the by-elections
the Zimbabwe Election Support
Network (Zesn) deployed long-
term observers and short-term
observers to observe the political
environment and other key elec-
toral related processes.
The observations established
that the environment was largely
peaceful, with isolated cases of vi-
olations.
In its observations, Zesn focused
on, among other things, the cam-
paigns, voter education, polling
day processes, counting, collation
and announcement of results.
Campaigns were conducted, ob-
servers noted greater electoral
and political activity in Gutu West
constituency while the local au-
thority wards were not political-
ly charged.
It was observed that Zanu PF
pulled larger crowds at rallies in
Gutu West whereas the main op-
position CCC mainly conducted
door-to-door visits to galvanise
support.
On election day, Zesn deployed
65 static and mobile observers
who observed that the election
was well administered.
Polling started on time in al-
Community land rights, mining induced displacements in Zim
C
onsidering the vast deposits
of minerals, it is quite like-
ly that there will be an in-
creased degree of mining-induced
displacement in various sections
of the nation due to the incre-
mental exploitation of minerals
in Zimbabwe and other develop-
ments.
In such cases, resettlement dy-
namics need to be properly consid-
ered.
To promote the rights of com-
munities that are domiciled on the
land where minerals are found, it
is necessary to assess the imple-
mentation of the laws and poli-
cies by mining companies and the
government when there are situa-
tions of mining-induced displace-
ment.
Often, there is a failure to high-
light the problems encountered by
displaced people and how this im-
pacts sustainable development,
which often results in rights vio-
lations and an apparent failure to
mitigate the effects of mining-in-
duced displacements.
The main question for Zimba-
bwe is: Do we have adequate laws
and policies that can be utilized to
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EDITORIAL:
Editor-In-Chief: Kholwani Nyathi knyathi@standard.co.zw
Zesn established that the environment during the just-ended by-elections was largely peaceful, with isolated cases of violations
most all the observed polling sta-
tions.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Com-
mission (Zec) followed most of
the due processes, the voters’ rolls
were displayed outside to ena-
ble the electorate to check their
names.
This lessened the number of re-
directed and turned-away voters
on polling day. Polling procedures
were also followed in accordance
with the law.
protect communities in mining-in-
duced displacement scenarios?
In 2021, the Zimbabwe Environ-
ment Lawyers Association (Zela)
commissioned a study to investi-
gate the suitability of the laws that
relate to land rights in Zimbabwe
in the face of mining-induced dis-
placements.
The report details the findings
from a desktop review and an on-
line survey that investigated the
rights of occupiers of communal
land in the face of displacement
and other vices that come with
mining development.
The findings of the study con-
firm that there is a need to have
laws and policies developed to be
more responsive to the needs of
the communities affected by dis-
placements.
The amendments or changes to
the law should prioritise interven-
tions relating to security of ten-
ure, community participation, a
framework for the relocation of
communities affected by mining
operations, transparency, and ac-
countability in the sector.
Subsequent to the study, Zela
has developed model regulations
Editor: Kholwani Nyathi knyathi@standard.co.zw
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FEEDBACK The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023 11
Overall, there were no major
incidences of violence recorded.
It was observed that in Nkayi
ward 11 and Kusile ward 13, po-
litical parties supporters man-
aged to freely express their politi-
cal preferences with very few and
limited intimidation.
Additionally, freedom of as-
sembly was respected, members
of the two main political parties
did not face major restrictions.
While the environment was
very peaceful, violations of rights
manifested through discrimina-
tions as recorded in Nkayi where
farming inputs were allegedly
distributed along party lines.
Another isolated case of intim-
idation was also reported in Jot-
sholo Village 13 of Kusile ward
13, where it was reported that
Zanu PF allegedly threatened to
confiscate seed and fertilizer do-
nations from villagers suspected
of supporting the CCC party
Zesn commends voters who
took time off to cast their vote
in peace during the by elections,
however, turnout in the by-elec-
tions reinforced the trend where
voters seemed more interested in
National Assembly by-elections
and less in local authority by-
elections.
Announced results indicate no continues as evidenced by very The network proffers the fol-
new inroads by either party, Zanu few women who were vying for lowing recommendations to im-
PF retained dominance in areas it positions. prove the pre-, polling and post-
won in 2018 while opposition CCC Except for Vungu Rural Dis- electoral periods in future elec-
won one ward, formerly won by trict Council’s ward 14 and Zvim- tions.
MDC-A in 2018. ba RDC ward 23, all other local au- •Political parties should make
Of the five local authority elec- thorities and the Gutu West con- efforts to increase the political lit-
tions, Zanu PF won four and CCC stituency were dominated by male eracy of their supporters to raise
won one. candidates the level of interest in local su-
Zanu PF also retained the Gutu The political environment in thority elections.
West constituency. the run-up to the November 11 by- The turnout during the byelec-
The by-elections established elections was relatively peaceful tions clearly indicates that voters
that marginalisation of women and calm for most of the areas. seemed to have less interest in lo-
cal suthority by-elections.
•Political parties should ad-
here to the code of conduct pro-
visions, including campaigning
within the stipulated time frame
(the official campaign period),
and desist from gathering with-
on compensation and relocation The affected persons or commu- in a 300-metre radius from poll-
as an advocacy tool to protect the nity should be fully informed and ing stations.
rights of communities in mining- consulted about the proposed relo- •Political parties need to do
affected areas. cation and the compensation that more to support the participation
The objective of these regula- will be provided. of women as candidates in elec-
tions is to provide a model legal This means it should involve tions.
framework for implementation in the meaningful participation of Zesn
cases involving the social impacts affected communities in decision-
of mining activities, procedures making processes;
to be followed by holders of min- Relocation should ensure that
ing rights, and the rights and re- all affected people have access to
Voluntary Media
sponsibilities of affected parties, adequate and appropriate com- Council
as well as requirements for social pensation, as well as adequate
impact assessments to be done by housing, land, and infrastructure.
of Zimbabwe
all holders of mining rights before Zela will be conducting a stake-
the commencement of mining ac- holder meeting to discuss its mod- The Standard newspaper subscribes to
tivities. el regulations on compensation a Code of Conduct that promotes truth-
In these regulations, Zela high- and relocation and gather views ful, accurate, fair and balanced news re-
lights the following as some of the on how mining-induced displace- porting. If we do not meet these stand-
key considerations for protecting ments should be handled in Zim- ards, register your complaints with the
community rights: babwe. Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe
Relocation should be considered It is hoped that this discussion at No 34, Colenbrander Rd, Milton Park
a last resort after all other alterna- will inform the amendments or Harare.
tives have been explored. changes to the law that should pri- Telephone us at 04-778096 or 04-
Any relocation of a communi- oritise interventions relating to se- 778006
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12 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
Varakashi’s obsession with HH now unhealthy
half of Sadc.
No matter how much the likes of
Joji fulminate on X and throw shade
at HH, they will never earn the le-
gitimacy they so crave by demonis-
ing HH, who is clearly providing his
country with better leadership com-
pared to what we see here.
Munopengaaaaaaa!
The callous and brutal murder of
Citizens Coalition for Change party
member Tapfumaneyi Masaya while
campaigning in Mabvuku ahead of
next months’ by-elections has ex-
posed just how impunity and vio-
lence continue to thrive under the
Letter to my people Ngwena-led dispensation of pover-
BY DOCTOR STOP IT ty, darkness and confusion.
The dastardly act comes shortly af-
ter the abduction and torture of the
like lice in the wake of these abduc-
tions and murders in broad daylight.
Despite his subsequent calls for
peace, Generari has never retracted
those threats.
As long as the abduction of op-
position party members, civic socie-
ty activists and even comedians per-
sist, the Scarfmore regime can forget
about re-engagement.
Still on the issue of re-engage-
ment, the government spokesman
and former nurse Nicky has yet again
shown how he lives in his own world.
“The re-engagement agenda is on
course.
Very soon these dividends will be
harvested and there for all to see.
“ED is officially smooth and soft as
wool,” Mangwana wrote on X former-
stuck in the sand to declare that re-
engagement is bearing fruit when
the debt restructuring process is un-
der threat due to the failure by the
Scarfmore regime to hold credible
elections.
That this comes soon after his
shocking fib that one Peter Murphy,
who was sponsored to give credence
to the sham election, was the former
Australian prime minister demon-
strates just how Nick is becoming
a huge embarrassment for the coup
cabal.
The country’s citizens are strong-
ly advised to take whatever this be-
spectacled fellow says with a pinch
of salt.
Ngwena’s pitiful attempt to try and
justify the appointment of the Zim-
OPINION
gone above the limit of the number
of ministers he can appoint who are
not members of parliament.
Such amateurish aberrations
by Scarfmore rightly brings about
questions of the authenticity of his
law degree.
Gushungo, whose wise leadership
remains unparalleled, would have
never made such comical errors. The
shambolic leadership of Ngwena
just shows how poorer Zimbabwe-
ans are without his guidance and
telescopic foresight.
The statement of CCC senior of-
ficial Tendai Biti made interesting
reading.
While he denied that he was part
of the Tshabangu circus orchestrat-
ed by the coup cabal, he did criticize

A
My Dear People
pologists of the ruin-
ing party have gone into
overdrive trying to por-
tray HH as a despot and
a puppet of the West.
They latch onto every incident
that happens across the border to
discredit the Zambian leader on
state controlled mainstream media
and on social media.
This past week the Horrid had a
screaming headline that read: “Zam-
bia closes democratic space”.
I chuckled, but soon realised that
it wasn’t a joke. I thought I could
suggest a better headline that would
go: “Zambia follows in the footsteps
of the second republic” kikikiki
Anyway we know where this is all
coming from. They are still to recov-
er from what Never Mumba did to
them in August to tell it like it is after
observing the sham elections on be-
former Mabvuku- Tafara member of
parliament James Chidhakwa and
MP Takudzwa Ngadziore by suspect-
ed state security agents.
These abductions and murder
make a mockery of Scarfmore’s calls
for peace particularly when those
who commit these barbaric acts are
never apprehended despite some of
them being captured on camera.
These abductions and murder of
CCC party members speak of a re-
gime looking to use intimidation in
a desperate attempt to turn the tide
against it after having been repeat-
edly rejected by the electorate in al-
most all urban constituencies.
The ruining party is being reject-
ed because of its dismal govern-
ance failures and downright incom-
petence.
One cannot forget the ominous re-
marks by Generari at a rally last year
where he threatened to crush CCC
ly called Twitter in an exposé of the
worrying levels of delusion by the
government loudmouth.
Munopenga!!!!
The premature excitement had
been prompted by the remarks of
the British ambassador to Zimbabwe
Pete Vowles not to engage in mega-
phone diplomacy.
Ngwena’s fantasy of successful
re-engagement is laughable given
that just recently the European Un-
ion withdrew its funding to the Zim-
babwe Electoral Commission after
the fraudulent harmonized elections
that were panned even by the re-
gional body Sadc.
It is startling that Mangwana
speaks of successful re-engagement
when legislators in the United States
are calling for even tougher meas-
ures on Ngwena’s regime on top of
the sanctions it imposed in 2001.
Mangwana must have his head
babwe Defence Forces commander
Valerio Sibanda to the Zanu PF polit-
buro marks yet another stain on his
leadership which has been riddled
with schoolboy errors and atrocious
lack of judgement.
He said that the appointment of
the head of the army to the party po-
litburo was above board as he does
not hold any voting rights in the par-
ty.
It seems to have eluded the oc-
togenarian leader that this is in vi-
olation of section 208 of the coun-
try’s Constitution that forbids mem-
bers of the armed forces in active-
ly participating in any party politics
whether they have voting rights or
not.
This is not the first time that Ng-
wena has been caught flat footed.
With egg on his face, Scarfmore
has been forced to reverse minis-
terial appointments twice having
the dearth of constitutionalism and
structure within the Nero led party.
It is noteworthy that these obser-
vations are coming from such senior
figures in the party.
Indeed it reeks of hypocrisy and
double standards for the opposi-
tion party to criticise Scarfmore and
co for violating the country’s consti-
tution when it does not even have a
constitution governing its own in-
ternal conduct.
Biti’s remarks in addition to
the outrageous recalls by that
self-imposed dimwit should be a
wakeup call to Nero to put his house
in order in as far as putting in place
a constitution and structures in the
opposition party is concerned.
Munopengaaaaa
Stop It!
Dr Amai Stop it! PhD (Fake)

Military is dead, ED rules! thing in the days and months after

Corruption Watch
WITH TAWANDA MAJONI
IN late November 2017, I did a street
prophecy in this space a few days
after Emmerson Mnangagwa had
been inaugurated as the caretaker
president of Zimbabwe following the
military assisted takeover from the
late Robert Mugabe.
The article was titled “Military
fourth branch: Beware the post-
Mugabe error”. It’s a pity you won’t
find the cheeky guess online, but it’s
there in hard print.
What I was saying then—despite
all that euphoria around Mugabe’s
forced removal and the hope for a
new era among millions of naïve
Zimbabweans—was that the coup
would turn Zimbabwe into a mili-
tary state.
With the military and its head
then, Constantino Chiwenga, hav-
ing played such an incredibly brave
and existentially threatening role in
Mugabe’s removal, the stage was set
for the barracks to dominate Zimba-
bwean power politics.
And things turned pretty like that.
You will remember how Chiwen-
ga tried, with some bit of success, to
make national appointments parallel
to and contradictory to the ones that
Mnangagwa was making or made.
You will remember how the mili-
tary stepped in to deal with civilian
protests, actual and planned, as if we
were in war situation.
There were pervasive military ap-
pointments in cabinet, the public bu-
reaucracy and other key national po-
sitions.
The military also sought to influ-
ence ruling party politics.
Like, it pushed Engelbert Ruge-
je onto the national commissariat
as its head ahead of the 2018 elec-
tions, even though Mnangagwa man-
aged to remove him later and re-
placed him with the more pliant Vic-
tor Matemadanda.
Naturally, then, you notice that
the military was making key deci-
sions because it was working under
this entrenched sense of entitlement
for removing Mugabe against all the
odds.
Let’s be honest on this. There was a
time when you really felt that Mnan-
gagwa was not in charge, helplessly
watching as some people made na-
tionally strategic decisions while he
was away in foreign lands, getting
cabinet positions foisted on him and
suffering morning shocks as things
turned out the way he had never
planned.
But then, Mnangagwa is a shrewd
schemer. He bent backward in these
cases, yes, but he was waiting for
his day. His step was already in that
day when Chiwenga and the mili-
tary allowed him to be the civilian
face of the coup by getting him in as
Mugabe’s replacer.
The real narrative, though, is not
exactly like that.
The fact is that, as Chiwenga and
his cohorts believed that they were
sanitising the coup by appointing a
“civilian stooge” as Mugabe’s succes-
sor, Mnangagwa had different plans.
He had always wanted to rule Zimba-
bwe after Mugabe.
In 2004, he had astutely managed
to fold in 60 percent of the Zanu PF
provincial chairpersons to support
his bid to take over the party co-
vice presidency ahead of congress,
in preparation for him eventually re-
placing Mugabe at the 2008 elections.
The Zezuru element in Zanu PF
didn’t like that idea so, led by the
then State Security minister, Nicho-
las Goche who is from Mashonaland
Central, they checkmated the Mnan-
gagwa plan overnight and succeed-
ed in forcing a witching hour amend-
ment to the party constitution to re-
serve the Shona slot in the vice pres-
idency for a woman, precisely Joice
Mujuru who was Goche’s home girl
and the face of the anti-Mnangagwa
faction.
After the 2018 elections, Mnangag-
wa went on a covert mission. Bit by
bit, he started removing the pillars
from the military edifice.
He began purging the military
and central intelligence of people he
wasn’t comfortable with because he
considered them too close to Chi-
wenga or just anti-him, posting some
of them outside the country on diplo-
matic missions.
Usefully for him, some of them like
Perrance Shiri, the former Air Force
of Zimbabwe commander who got
the influential Agriculture portfo-
lio post-coup, and Sibusiso Moyo,
who seized ZBC back then and an-
nounced the coup without calling it a
coup and became the Foreign Affairs
minister, passed on along the way.
As all that happened, he was grad-
ually weakening Chiwenga’s power
base, to the extent that, by the time
we went for the 2023 elections, the
former military boss had been re-
duced to a sulking, feeble and flick-
ering shadow of the once vibrant, if
not cocky, man who acted as if Zim-
babwe owed him just about every-
the coup.
It wasn’t going to be enough for
Mnangagwa, though, to see his coup
comrade in that sorry.
Once the 2023 elections were done
and dusted, he quickly removed Chi-
wenga as minister of Health, as if to
say: Boy, you must know your place.
It’s doubtful if Mnangagwa even con-
sulted Chiwenga when he framed his
post-election cabinet.
But there was a loudly telling thing
that happened ahead of the elections.
Mnangagwa broke away from the
Zanu PF tradition of primarily using
the army as an election campaign
vehicle. Instead, he put the military
on the margins and conscripted, in-
stead, the Central Intelligence Organ-
isation (CIO), using a proxy called the
Forever Associate of Zimbabwe Trust
(FAZ) that was/is headed by a senior
spook, Walter Tapfumaneyi.
By putting his trust in FAZ and the
CIO, Mnangagwa, in practical terms,
was sticking out the middle finger at
the military.
Well, the military as in those dudes
that assumed the sun must shine
through their bowels just because
they had removed Mugabe from pow-
er.
This is worth noting because, as
you will see, it doesn’t mean that
Mnangagwa has discarded the army
and military. Instead, he is building
his own as commander in chief of the
Defence Forces.
Why am I going on and on about
this? Have a look, there is this am-
ply misleading—naughty, you might
say—school of thought that wants us
to start believing that the anti-Mnan-
gagwa military factor is clawing back.
This lie has gained currency in the
wake of some key and dramatic ap-
pointments that Mnangagwa has
made after this year’s elections.
The president surprised many
when he made Anselem Sanyatwe’s
wife, Chido, the deputy minister in
the Home Affairs portfolio. Now, that
ministry is a politically strategic zone.
And Mnangagwa also made the
husband the new commander of the
Zimbabwe National Army.
That was surprising considering
the fact that, in the eyes and minds
of most of us, Sanyatwe was an an-
ti-Mnangagwa ex-general who had
been in charge of the Presidential
Guard when Mugabe was in power.
This then led to the fake news that
Mnangagwa was conceding to Chi-
wenga-linked military pressure, con-
sidering also that Sanyatwe had been
seen as an ally of the VP.
Then there was the interesting,
weird and ominous appointment of
Phillip Valerio Sibanda to the Zanu
PF politburo as an ex officio mem-
ber despite the fact that he is still the
serving commander of the Defence
Forces, a position he got after Chi-
wenga became VP after the coup.
The theory that came out of this
was that, again, it showed that the
military was resurging.
The thinking here is that the mili-
tary wanted Sibanda out of the bar-
racks so that he could be replaced by
a Chiwenga-friendly general.
Further, says the school of thought,
Sibanda remains a military guy who
hasn’t forgotten the military role he
played in removing Mugabe and is,
therefore, still loyal to the military
project that was headed by his for-
mer boss, Chiwenga.
This untidy theory views Siban-
da as having been earmarked to be
rewarded by becoming Chiwenga’s
deputy when the latter finally gets the
presidency, apparently as planned at
coup.
All this gibberish about a pro-
Chiwenga military claw back is, of
course, misleading because the con-
trary is what is true. That post-coup
military element is dead.
In the wake of the coup, Mnangag-
wa is at his strongest. He said it him-
self this past week when, speak-
ing at some event, he boasted that
if ever there is anyone plotting
against him, that person is doomed
because he is bound to always
know, considering that his eyes and
ears are everywhere in national in-
telligence and related security sec-
tor agencies.
Tawanda Majoni writes in his per-
sonal capacity and can be contacted
on majonitt@gmail.com
Mental health/New Perspectives
Mental Health
WITH DR CHIDO
RWAFA-MADZVAMUTSE
MENTAL health is a state of well-
being in which an individual re-
alizes his or her own potential,
can cope with the normal stress-
es of life, can work productively
and fruitfully, and is able to make
a meaningful contribution to their
community.
Mental health is a critical com-
ponent of individual, family, com-
munity and national wellbeing and
prosperity.
Fifteen million babies are born
prematurely globally and ten out
of every 100 babies in Zimbabwe is
born prematurely.
Prematurity can lead to many
health challenges in the baby, how-
ever, having a premature baby par-
ticularly one needing extensive
hospital care can significantly af-
fect the mental health of the par-
ents.
As we commemorate this year’s
World Prematurity Day on Novem-
ber 17, let us reflect on the mental
strain that parents of a premature
child may experience.
What puts parents of a pre-
mature baby at risk of mental
health challenges?
Building local economies and creating
employment opportunities
Perspectives
BY SAMUEL WADZAI
THE first ever International Street Ven-
dors Day was celebrated across the
world on the November 14, 2012.
The day spotlights the significant con-
tribution street vendors make towards
their local economies.
It is a time to venerate the centrality of
street vending to world economies and an
opportunity for vendors to reflect on their
challenges, achievements and opportuni-
ties.
The day was first celebrated under the
banner of StreetNet International.
StreetNet International is a global or-
ganization of committed informal traders,
with the goal to promote and leverage an
autonomous and democratic alliance of
street vendors, hawkers, and cross-border
traders in over 50 countries.
The day calls for recognition of the con-
tribution street vendors make to national
development and to raise awareness on
the significant challenges street vendors
face.
The impact of having a premature
baby on mental wellbeing
1. Sudden, sometimes trau-
matic delivery: premature births
are often unexpected and may be
traumatic. What one would have
envisioned about their baby’s deliv-
ery is shattered. The mother may
need intensive medical care, which
can be frightening and the father is
faced with two ill family members
which can be overwhelming.
2. Separation from the baby:
Premature babies often need ne-
onatal care and this often means
the parents will be separated from
the baby. This is heart wrenching,
stressful and overwhelming for any
new parent.
3. Extended hospital stays: se-
verely premature infants or prema-
ture infants who have other medi-
cal conditions may have to stay in
hospital for weeks or even months.
Parents will often have to rear-
range their lives around hospital
visits and medical interventions.
This can be exhausting physically
and emotionally.
4. Medical interventions on
the baby: having to watch your
baby have even minor medical in-
terventions can be stressful. One
can feel helpless and powerless, not
being able to help your baby or re-
lieve their pain.
5. Limited social support: in
our increasingly isolated societies,
young families may have little fam-
ily support after delivery of a pre-
mature infant. Hospital systems
are often not responsive to the emo-
tional needs of parents who have
had a premature infant as the fo-
Eleven years since the day was first cel-
ebrated, street vendors still face consider-
able challenges in going about trying to
earn a decent living.
In Zimbabwe, this year’s commemo-
rations are taking place at the backdrop
of the declaration of war on street ven-
dor’s livelihoods by the authorities, char-
acteristic of their arrests, confiscation of
goods, detentions, prosecutions, and as-
saults which has decimated the vendors’
capacities to trade profitably, and taken a
toll on their livelihoods and those of their
families.
Street vending has been seen as a nui-
sance by many local municipalities in
Zimbabwe and their right to earn decent
livelihoods is always under threat by un-
favorable by-laws and municipal regula-
tions.
Urban policies and local economic de-
velopment strategies rarely prioritize live-
lihood security (social protection) for in-
formal workers.
Urban renewal projects and infrastruc-
ture upgrades routinely displace street
vendors from natural markets, leaving the
most vulnerable without a suitable work-
place.
However, good practice documenta-
tion shows street vendors can help with
urban management challenges like crime
and cleaning.
Also, basic infrastructure, shelter, toi-
lets, electricity and water can improve
work environments and make public
spaces safer, more comfortable and aes-
thetically pleasing.
Some cities in the so-called developed
world are working with street vendors’ or-
ganizations to formulate innovative poli-
cies, programmes and practices that ena-
ble street vendors to have a voice in mak-
ing their cities more inclusive.
The Vendors Initiative for Social and
cus is on the health of the infant.
Affected parents will often have to
manage their emotional distress
with little support.
6. Financial strain: the medical
costs of extended hospital stays and
continued frequent follow up visits
and can result in mental distress
What mental health challeng-
es can parents of a premature
baby experience?
1. Anxiety: the fear and uncer-
tainty of the baby’s health condi-
tion, the stress of being in hospi-
tal or visiting the hospital daily, the
financial challenges can result in
anxiety disorders. This can be in
the form of chronic pervasive wor-
ry as seen in Generalized Anxiety
Disorder or acute, intense bouts of
anxiety as seen in Panic Attacks.
2. Depression: the chronic stress
of having an infant in hospital, the
Economic Transformation (Viset) func-
tions as a solidarity, resource and infor-
mation center for street vendors whose
constitutional rights to livelihoods, de-
cent work and social security are con-
strained due to unfavourable policies and
engage with local councils in addressing
these challenges.
Over the past eight years of its exist-
ence, Viset has developed alternative ap-
proaches to the management of street
vendors and shared the same with au-
thorities for adoption and possible imple-
mentation.
Viset believes that while the govern-
ment has a responsibility to decongest the
cities and confine street vending to desig-
nated sites, this has to be done in a man-
ner that does not impinge on street ven-
dors right to livelihoods.
In India and South Africa, the street
ending challenge was overcome amicably
without necessarily arresting or prosecut-
ing street vendors and we implore the gov-
ernment of Zimbabwe and local authori-
ties to embrace the same progressive ap-
proach.
As the world celebrates the interna-
tional street vendors’ day, it must also be
an opportunity to let the authorities know
that street vendors are small businesses
that, if granted adequate and appropriate
support, such as access to finance, profit-
able markets, skills development, can ac-
tually grow their businesses and become
macro-entrepreneurs and create employ-
ment for young people.
The number of street vendors flock-
ing to central business districts (CBD) to
search for livelihoods continues to swell.
In Harare CBD for instance, there is an
estimated 50 000 street vendors.
While this number continues to in-
crease, vending space does not increase.
This has resulted in vendors occupying
The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
physical and emotional exhaustion
of such circumstances can result in
depression. Women are at risk of
post natal depression but fathers
under the stress of managing a pre-
mature baby may also experience
depression, experiencing sadness,
exhaustion, demotivation, helpless-
ness and hopelessness
3. Post-traumatic stress dis-
order: the trauma of an unexpect-
ed early delivery, separation from
one’s infant, witnessing of medical
interventions, seeing other unwell
children admitted together with
your own can all result in psycho-
logical trauma and in some cases
post-traumatic stress disorder
How can the family, commu-
nity and the healthcare system
support parents of premature
babies
1. Strengthen social support net-
pavements; entrance’s to shops, and other
unorthodox places thus exposing cities to
health and other hazards.
Whilst there are some peculiar chal-
lenges to the trade, on the whole street
vendors face similar challenges in plying
their trade on the African continent and
globally.
Street trading is thriving and grow-
ing in harsh economic times, so we can
no longer overlook that street vendors
are an integral part of urban economies
around the world, offering easy access to
a wide range of goods and services in pub-
lic spaces.
It should be acknowledged that street
trading is an ancient and important oc-
cupation found in virtually every country
and major city around the world.
Most of these challenges arise from the
historical fact that most African countries
have not transformed statutes on their
books that pre date attainment of inde-
pendence, such as municipal by laws that
criminalize informal work.
Law enforcement authorities and mu-
nicipalities have often regarded street
vending as being a part of an underground
economy which hinders operations of the
formal economy and this has led to clash-
es over market space, licensing and sani-
tation.
It is unfortunate that, even where local
authorities collect substantial amounts of
revenue through operating fees, no prop-
er records are kept in order for them to re-
spond to the needs of the sector.
Besides the regulation challenges,
street vending is at times adversely affect-
ed by low purchasing power of customers,
poor location of market space, lack of for-
mal financing schemes and unreliability
of credit customers.
The profile of the average street vendor
is changing as well, with most university
13
works in our families especially
in times of distress. Our families
should be the first line of defence
when we are under stress and vul-
nerable to mental health challenges
2. Provide practical support to af-
fected families as families and com-
munities, to help ease the burden of
extended hospital stays
3. Allow emotional authenticity
and emotional vulnerability, if an
affected parent feels overwhelmed,
helpless or hopeless, allow them to
express their emotions without pre-
maturely giving advice on how they
should handle the situation
4. Create health systems that are
responsive to emotional and mental
health needs of affected families,
health workers need training on
how to provide mental health first
aid to distressed families and basic
psychosocial support
5. Provide integrated mental
health screening and care for affect-
ed families for early identification
of mental health challenges and ap-
propriate care
If you think that you or someone
that you know may be struggling
with a mental health challenge,
please contact your nearest health
care provider and get help.
*Dr Chido Rwafa-Madzva-
mutse is a consultant psychi-
atrist. Feedback on What-
sApp: +263714987729; Linked-
In: https://www.linkedin.com/
in/chido-rwafa-madzvamut-
se-53529259/ ; Facebook: htt-
ps://www.facebook.com/chido.
rwafa
graduates also turning to the trade due to
limited employment opportunities.
There is also a more affluent type of
street vendor that now operates from car
boots, as well as using social media and
uses air travel to purchase wares from
destinations such as Dubai, Turkey and
China.
At present, it is estimated that across
the continent, the informal sector ac-
counts for over 65% of employment, with
street vending providing much of that
number.
It is thus imperative for national and lo-
cal governments to begin to respect and
respond to the needs of the informal sec-
tor.
In Zimbabwe, the right to carry on
trade or business is provided for under
Section 64 of the constitution which pro-
vides for the right to freedom of choice
and practice of a trade or profession.
Section 24 of the constitution provides
for the national objective of removing re-
strictions that inhibit people from work-
ing or otherwise engaging in gainful eco-
nomic activities.
Section 13 of the constitution obliges
the government to promote private initi-
atives and self-reliance.
The right to human dignity, right to
food and right to life can all not be real-
ized if people are denied opportunities to
earn livelihoods.
Street vendors provide valuable servic-
es to the urban population while trying to
earn a livelihood and it is the duty of the
State to protect the right of this segment
of population to earn their livelihood.
*Samuel Wadzai is an informal econo-
my analyst and Viset executive director. He
writes in his personal capacity.
These weekly articles are coordinated by
Lovemore Kadenge, an independent con-
sultant, managing consultant of Zawale
Consultant (Private) Limited, past presi-
dent of the Zimbabwe Economics Society
and past president of the Chartered Gov-
ernance & Accountancy Institute in Zim-
babwe. Email - kadenge.zes@gmail.com or
Mobile No. +263 772 382 852
14 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
Ukraine left in the cold by US and its allies!
Letter from America
WITH KENNETH MUFUKA
“WE will support Ukraine to its last
man and as long as it exists.” US
president Joe Biden, March5, 2023.
In March 2022, Volodymyr
Zelensky, who had been elected by
Ukrainian people on a platform of
accommodation with Russia came
to an agreement that guaranteed
some peace.
The story would have ended the
clown, Zelensky played a comedi-
an on television in his previous life,
had not entertained the wiles of
two persons from the West.
British prime minister Boris
Johnson visited Kiev and pres-
sured him to cut up the agreement
and spit into Russian leader’s face,
Vladimir Putin.
In this treachery, Johnson was
supported by the under-hand-
ed princess of the neo-cons (war
Climate change: Women are our first line of defence
Village Rhapsody
WITH CLIFF CHIDUKU
LESS than two weeks from now, financi-
ers, activists, politicians, and policy mak-
ers will converge in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates, for the 2023 United Nations
Climate Change Conference, popularly
known as COP28.
From November 30 to December 12,
the spotlight will be on Dubai as world
leaders convene to assess the world’s
collective progress towards achieving
climate goals.
A letter to COP28 parties said the
conference will focus how to find ways
to fast-track the energy transition and
slashing emissions before 2030; trans-
forming climate financing ecosystem by
delivering on old promises and setting
the framework for a new deal on finance
and putting nature, people, lives, and
livelihoods at the heart of climate action.
In putting people, lives, and liveli-
hoods at the centre of climate action, it
is important to reflect on the unique role
played by women in pursuing climate
goals.
Although climate change affects all
people, women often bear the brunt
in places where the impacts of climate
mongers) in Washington, deputy
secretary of state, Victoria Nuland.
The neo-cons are famous for
their ignorance of foreign cultures
and their assumption that wars are
won by superior weapons alone.
They hate history.
They are responsible for a series
of wars in Afghanistan (losing it
after 20 years) in Syria even as we
speak, since 2008, in Yemen for an-
other 20 years and of course in the
mother of all wars, in Iraq since
2003.
They win no wars, their memo-
ries are fungible, they lose and go
to the next, in their series of forev-
er wars. They are war criminals on
a global scale, says retired General
Wesley Clark.
The young man fell for the witch’s
brew, especially when he was told
he was six foot tall, and that he
could walk in the shoes of the great
Winston Churchill.
In September 2022, a US Air
Force Unit, complete with a pro-
tective squad was sent for him. He
addressed the US congress. He was
told that Putin was a wicked tyrant,
very unpopular and that the aris-
tocrats were awaiting for a proper
time for his overthrow.
A few military defeats in the
Ukraine will see Russia crum-
ble to its knees and coming beg-
ging for mercy. All this informa-
tion was from the drunken Yevgeny
Prigozhin, a mercenary command-
er with the Russians.
Like Dr. Faust, Zelensky found
the offer of immortality and per-
petual youthfulness hard to refuse.
change are already being experienced.
This is due to their multiple roles in
their families and communities.
For example, in developing countries,
it is small-scale farmers who are most-
ly women who produce the bulk of the
food.
This is especially true because men of-
ten migrate to urban areas in search of
employment.
However, climate change makes
farming more difficult for these women.
When crops fail due to extreme
weather events such as floods, cyclones
and drought, less food is produced, and
women are then thrown under the bus
to provide for their families.
For cooking, more than half of the
women around the world still use paraf-
fin, firewood, coal, cow dung and other
carbon-emitting fossils.
This results in air pollution in their
poorly ventilated houses. An estimated
seven million people die every year from
indoor and outdoor air pollution.
That is more than those who died
from Covid-19 over the last two years.
Often invisible, air pollution receives
little attention compared with oth-
er public health emergencies, but the
threats to health are every bit as real.
As we prepare for COP28, let us think
on measures that can reduce the con-
sumption of energy sources that have
become incompatible with a sustaina-
Numbers don’t lie.
War minister Olenski Reznikov
was another liar making himself up
to be of the order of Melchizedek.
Reznikov reported to the high
council that in addition to the 700
000 men already under arms as reg-
istered in 2015, if he included other
eligible units like the police force,
border patrol and home units were
added, he could bring one million
men to bear arms.
The fighters were given the im-
pression that fighting the Russians
was a walk in the park, and they
would be home for Christmas.
Of the 700 000 men, perhaps only
100 000 were combat ready. Nurs-
es and prison officers had been in-
cluded.
The Americans, as represented
by US senator Richard Blumenthal
laughed all the way to their money
printing presses. “This is the best
investment we have ever made,”
said the treacherous senator. “We
can fight Russia without a single
American dying.”
Then came the horror of war.
From April to June 2022 the Ukrain-
ian fought bravely.
If wishes were horses, even beg-
gars could ride. They were going to
defend the tiny hamlet of Bakhmut
to the death.
Aerial photographs of the grave-
yards reveal that over 100 000
Ukrainians died compared to Rus-
sia’s 20 000. That ratio is one Rus-
sian to five Ukrainians.
By any measure, such a horrif-
ic death toll soon affected every
Ukrainian family. Families bribed
ble future and instead invest in products
that support low-carbon living.
When the climate changes, women
work harder and longer.
As food, fuel and water become
scarce, women have to walk long dis-
tances to have access to these basics.
These long distances and shortages
often put women at a risk of domestic vi-
olence.
When extreme weather conditions
do hit — something we are experienc-
ing frequently — women suffer the most.
This is often linked to their lack of capac-
ity.
The role of women in combating cli-
mate change is multifaceted, encom-
passing areas such as sustainable agri-
culture, renewable energy, conservation,
advocacy, and policy-making.
In many parts of the world, women
are disproportionately affected by the
impacts of climate change.
They often bear the brunt of environ-
mental disasters and resource scarci-
ty, particularly in rural and marginalised
communities.
Despite these challenges, women
have demonstrated remarkable resil-
ience and resourcefulness in adapting to
changing environmental conditions.
One significant way in which women
contribute to climate action is through
sustainable agriculture.
Women play a crucial role in food pro-
recruiters not to draft their boys.
Whole villages were bombed out
and as many as eight million mi-
grated abroad.
Numbers are important; eight
million have been displaced, an-
other eight million have migrat-
ed and 500 000 able formerly able-
bodied men have either been killed
or disabled. Oh, I forgot Russian
speaking Ukrainians in four oblasts
have been absorbed into the Rus-
sian federation.
It is the numbers, you sluggard.
US gives Zelensky a cold shoul-
der.
A leader who does not read his-
tory must be shot. To be an enemy
of the US is dangerous enough, but
to be a friend is fatal. I will give you
two examples.
The Shah of Iran was accused by
his people of trying to Americanize
his country. When he interviewed
Barbara Walters (1978) on the spur
of the moment, ignoring the Chief
Ayatollah who had waited for six
months for an audience, that was a
straw that broke the camel’s back.
When he was overthrown by his
people, the US had no use for him.
They refused him refugee status
and he died in Mexico, a broken
man.
Iraq’s Saddam Hussein was the
US man in then Middle East, act-
ing up and cutting up, declar-
ing a proxy war against Iran. The
US falsely accused him of keep-
ing weapons of mass destruction,
hanged him (2004) and caused the
death of three million Iraqis.
Fools never learn.
duction and are often the primary care-
takers of land and households. As such,
they are at the forefront of implementing
sustainable farming practices that pro-
mote biodiversity, soil health, and water
conservation.
Additionally, women are increasingly
involved in agroecology and permacul-
ture initiatives that prioritise ecological
balance and resilience in the face of cli-
mate variability.
Furthermore, women are at the fore-
front in driving innovation in renewable
energy technologies and advocating for
clean energy solutions.
In many developing countries, wom-
en-led initiatives are promoting the
adoption of solar power, biogas systems,
and other renewable energy sources to
reduce reliance on fossil fuels and miti-
gate greenhouse gas emissions. These ef-
forts not only contribute to climate mit-
igation, but also empower women eco-
nomically and socially.
Conservation and environmental
stewardship are also areas where wom-
en are making significant contributions
to climate action.
Women-led conservation projects fo-
cus on preserving biodiversity, restoring
ecosystems, and promoting sustainable
resource management.
Their involvement in community-
based conservation efforts is crucial in
safeguarding natural habitats and miti-
gating the impacts of climate change on
vulnerable species.
In addition to these efforts, women
are influential advocates for climate jus-
tice and policy change.
Women’s organisations such as UN
Women and grassroots movements
across the world are amplifying the voic-
es of those most affected by environ-
mental degradation and demanding eq-
uitable solutions to climate-related chal-
lenges.
Women are at the forefront in driving
policy change on issues such as adapta-
tion, funding, gender-responsive climate
action, and inclusive decision-making
processes within frameworks such as
the Paris Agreement.
OPINION
On September 21, Zelensky met
some US leaders at speaker Kevin
McCarthy’s house. He had been
snubbed. A year ago, a US Air Force
jet had been sent to escort him
from Kiev when the US thought he
would beat Russia.
Now the wind has turned. After
supporting Ukraine with US$113
billion, Americans were now tes-
ty. How come he has not won the
war. It is now two years. By Septem-
ber 21, congress had cut off his sup-
port.
“They asked straight up,” wrote
a witness from TIME, “if we don’t
give you the (money) what hap-
pens?”
Things are going badly for Zelen-
sky.
The renowned investigative jour-
nalist Seymour Hersh has made a
list of seven houses Zelensky owns,
one in Florida, another in Paris and
yet another in Israel.
Now congress is abuzz with
the word “corruption.” It wants
an Inspector General to go to the
Ukraine.
When former president asked for
a review of Ukraine’s deals with the
US, he was impeached.
In the Ukraine itself, the gener-
als told Zelensky they did not have
enough men to take the village of
Holivka.
Then came October 7 and all at-
tention was on Israel.
There is a method. When Ameri-
cans are tired of a puppet, they ac-
cuse him of corruption.
*(Ken Mufuka is a Zimbabwean
patriot. He writes from the US.)
That said, empowering women to
participate fully in climate action is not
only a matter of social justice, but also a
strategic imperative for addressing glob-
al environmental concerns.
Research has shown that when wom-
en are involved in decision-making pro-
cesses related to natural resource man-
agement and climate adaptation, out-
comes are more effective and sustaina-
ble.
By recognising and supporting the
pivotal role of women in combating cli-
mate change, countries should harness
their knowledge, skills, and leadership to
build a more resilient and environmen-
tally sustainable future for all.
More often, it is easy to label these
women as victims, but what makes
them vulnerable also makes them pivot-
al to climate change action.
Whether in developing countries or
in developed countries, women stand
at the front lines in the battle against cli-
mate change: as providers of water, food,
and energy or as leaders in businesses,
communities, and politics. In fact, they
are our first line of defence in the fight
against climate change.
In conclusion, women are indeed a
potent force in the fight against climate
change.
Their diverse contributions across
various domains – from agriculture to
renewable energy to advocacy – under-
score the critical importance of gender-
inclusive approaches to environmental
sustainability.
By leveraging the expertise and agen-
cy of women worldwide, countries can
enhance their capacity to address the
complex challenges posed by a chang-
ing climate while fostering greater equi-
ty and resilience for present and future
generations.
*Cliff Chiduku is a communica-
tions, public policy and govern-
ance expert with interests in cli-
mate change, agriculture and en-
vironmental issues. He writes in
his personal capacity. Feedback:
cchiduku@gmail.com or Call/App
+263775716517.

Standard
EDUCATION
Education
WITH TIM MIDDLETON
“
SO, how’s it going?” Have we ever been asked
that question? The easy answer obviously is
simply, like a teenager, to say, “Fine!” Indeed,
the answer is as suitably vague as the ques-
tion. When one Head was asked by people the sim-
ilar question, “How’s the school going?”, he would
reply, “You tell me how you measure it and I will
tell you.” The answer, after all, to the initial ques-
tion should simply be, “It depends” or maybe even
“As long as you need it.” It is similar to the phrase,
“How long is a piece of string?” (One rather tired
adult muttered the answer as, “Long enough to
wrap around your neck”!) Children have a similar
mindset too when they are given an essay title as
their immediate question is, “How long must it be?”
The value of values
though in truth they are wanting to know
how short it can be, for them to do the least
amount of work.
When it comes to considering the value
of something, we might think along the
same lines. Like children wanting to know
how short their work can be, we look to see
how cheaply we can buy something. How-
ever, the reality is, as we all know but tend
to forget or ignore, that if the item is cheap,
it is not likely to last long. We confuse price
(or cost) and value but as Warren Buffett
says, “Price is what you pay; value is what
you get” or as Forbes website has it: “Price
is arbitrary and value is fundamental.”
What is more, as soon as something has
been bought its value decreases.
And when it comes to considering the
value of things, we should seriously re-
flect on how much we value values. When
we speak of the value of something we are
looking at what it is worth, how much im-
portance we place on it, how useful or ben-
eficial it is; when we speak of values, how-
ever, we are talking of principles, of stand-
ards and beliefs that we consider essential
and which will motivate or direct us. Value
means price; values mean principles. They
must not be confused.
In short, many people will answer the
question “How valuable are values?” in the
same manner that they answer the ques-
The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
tion about the length of a piece of string.
To many, it simply depends; it depends on
what they want, how they feel, what they
can get out of them. Many will hold on to
cheap or loose, vague values, like being
‘good’ — after all, being good could apply to
being good at lying. They will have values
as long as they will benefit them.
The bottom line however is that values
are extremely valuable and must be valued
highly. They will provide a fixed reference
point that is desperately needed in a fast-
moving world. They provide a filtering sys-
tem to everything that comes our way to as-
sist us to make the right and appropriate
decision. They will give direction and more
importantly purpose. They will enable us
to grow and develop more firmly. They con-
nect people onto the same level. They pro-
vide security, stability and sustainability.
A man standing on an iceberg may think
he is on solid ground but the ground is still
moving; we need solid ground on which
to stand. Values must be that solid, firm
ground.
It is so important for our children to be
taught and modelled values while they
are young so that they know how to re-
spond to actions or words when they are on
their own; rules are not the answer as they
tend to be negative. Rather we want to give
them something to aim for, something that
15
is positive and possible, for them, as with
those in the high jump, to go higher.
If we think back to the question at the
start of this article about “how long is a
piece of string?”, so it is with the old story
of an army officer telling recruits to jump,
with their response being an immediate,
“Yes, sir” before quickly adding “How
high?” The answer to the question of val-
ues is simply this: “Higher still”. The prob-
lem with our society in this consumer age
is that we are too concerned with the val-
ue of things and not with values. The real-
ity is that we cannot buy values; we have to
learn them, live them and lift them. There
are certainly some things that many of us
can never afford but we simply cannot af-
ford not to have values, big values at that.
It is not a matter of “How long is a piece
of string?” but rather, “How long will it be
before we see the true value of values?” Val-
ues are priceless; their value is irredeem-
able. We simply must have them if our
schools, our society, our families are going
to thrive and stand together. Cheap things
do not last; real values do. So, schools, how
are your values coming along? And “Fine”
is not an answer.
Tim Middleton is the executive di-
rector of the Association of Trust
Schools [ATS]. The views expressed in
this article, however, are solely those
of the author in his private capacity
and do not necessarily represent the
views of the ATS.
Email: ceo@atschisz.co.zw
website: www.atschisz
16 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
How solar installations give
new life to blighted brownfields
by Kyle Miller
Brownfields are broadly defined as blight-
ed lands that have suffered environmental
contamination, complicating their redevel-
opment or expansion. While some may con-
demn these sites to the waste bin of histo-
ry, many of the 450,000+ brownfields in the
Save the Date
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27 Feb - 1 March 2024
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RENEWABLE
ENERGY
U.S. are ripe with repurposing potential. Re-
mediating and redeveloping these properties
not only supports environmental and human
health, but also stimulates local economies
and fosters resilient, connected communities.
“Brightfields”—the colloquial term for
brownfields redeveloped into solar projects—
are a particularly novel opportunity to re-
th st
wmasawa@alphamedia.co.zw
omuteiwa@alphamedia.co.zw
+263773277599 / +263784102843
invest in formerly disturbed areas and re-
lieve the surrounding areas of a significant
burden. Research indicates that 190,000 U.S.
brownfield sites are eligible for brightfield
conversion, offering hundreds of gigawatts
of renewable energy potential. Over 10,000 of
these sites are inactive landfills – which alone
could power nearly eight million homes. Many
of these sites, though, sat unused for decades.
In the mid-2010s, Annika Colston saw an
opportunity to turn these inactive landfills
into clean energy assets, given the declining
cost of solar technology and the rise of so-
lar-friendly policies. Where some viewed con-
taminated sites as low-value land, Colston —
with her more than 20+ years of development
experience — saw their clean energy and eco-
nomic potential. In 2016, she founded AC Power for this
purpose.
The company’s mission is to reenergize communities
with solar, one brownfield at a time. Today, where envi-
ronmental stewardship and community ties are critical,
the dumping grounds of years past can be glowing bea-
cons of future hope. Today, AC Power has an active de-
velopment pipeline of more than 200 MW.
But this was not just a simple brownfield site.
Global Sanitary Landfill was opened in 1968 and its
57.5 acres served Old Bridge until heavy rainfall and
high tides triggered a slope failure in 1984. This loss of
structural integrity exposed waste to the broader envi-
ronment, breaching the landfill’s perimeter and con-
taminating the surrounding wetlands. In 1989, further
site excavation revealed illegally dumped drums of haz-
ardous waste, and the site was placed on the EPA Super-
fund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is EPA’s list
of the most serious abandoned hazardous waste sites in
the country. These sites pose the greatest risk to local
populations and the environment.
Over the next 30 years, the Global Sanitary Landfill
Superfund site required continuous monitoring, mod-
ifications, and cleanup. In the past decade, site review
determined that remedial action has been successfully
completed, and environmental monitoring and mainte-
nance have been ongoing. But the complicated nature
of the site, such as access restrictions and environmen-
tal concerns, meant the area sat undeveloped — until
now.
AC Power executes solar sites every year and saw im-
mense potential in the Global Sanitary Landfill site.
Choosing a formerly-disturbed site requires that the
land can support a solar facility and also benefit the
environment and surrounding community. The Global
Sanitary Landfill’s location and contamination disqual-
ified it from any residential, commercial, or recreation-
al use, but perfectly met AC Power’s development cri-
teria.
In 2021, the project was awarded 2.8 MW-dc of capac-
ity as part of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’
highly competitive Community Solar Pilot Program.
The array would provide renewable energy access and
reduced electricity costs for residents who are unable to
install solar at their home. Global Sanitary Landfill was
on its way to supporting New Jersey’s 2050 100 percent
clean energy and energy accessibility goals.
Nevertheless, executing such a project is easier said
than done, and it wasn’t a solo effort.
“This project would not have been realized without
the support of dozens of partners including Old Bridge
Township, the New Jersey Department of Environmen-
tal Protection, U.S. EPA, and AC Power’s committed
consultants and engineers,” says CEO Annika Colston.
“Despite countless reasons why this project was just too
complicated, this group of dedicated stakeholders per-
severed.”
These strategic collaborations determined that the
ideal project would revitalize the land, support accessi-
ble renewable power, and also include a local workforce
development program.
Jared Fredericks, the project manager at civil engi-
neering firm FWH Associates, helped explain the me-
chanics of placing an array on a landfill cap:
When carefully designed, “community solar programs
are fantastic. It is a great use of unused property, to be
able to put solar on top of landfill caps and provide ben-
efits to the community surrounding it through better
energy costs. Being a part of these projects is amazing.”
The Global Sanitary Landfill solar project also pro-
vides opportunities for community workforce growth.
AC Power partnered with Solar One, an environmental
STEM education organization, to develop high school
and college-level career readiness programs. High
school internship participants receive non-profit and
corporate renewable energy experience, and college
students obtain North American Board of Certified En-
ergy Practitioners certification training at County Col-
lege of Morris. AC Power provides funding to sponsor
coursework and exams for local students.
Max Levitzke, Senior Director of Green Workforce
at Solar One, calls this partnership “a commitment to
nurturing the next generation of green energy leaders…
Together, we’re redefining the future of clean energy
and ensuring that our youth are at the forefront of this
transformative journey.”
Overall, the Global Sanitary Landfill solar project has
been a case study in strategic partnerships, the impor-
tance of state incentives, stewardship, integrity, tenac-
ity, and patience. AC Power is proud to deploy a project
with such a unique fingerprint on its community and
surrounding organizations. The project’s owner and
operator, NJR Clean Energy Ventures, speaks excitedly
about bringing this complex solar initiative to fruition.
—Renewable Energy World

Standard
RELIGION
The power of the spoken Word
A
S we continue with our
teaching today, it is critical
to understand that words
are very important because they
shape the direction of our lives.
Words can be used to create or to
destroy. We are a result of what
we say. We are all surround by the
manifestations of what we have
said, both positive and negative.
Matthew 12:36-37 (MSG)
36. Let me tell you something:
Every one of these careless words
is going to come back to haunt
you. There will be a time of Reck-
oning. Words are powerful; take
them seriously.
37. Words can be your salva-
tion. Words can also be your dam-
nation.” In the above scripture, Je-
sus is clearly telling us how power-
ful words are. We must not speak
anyhow. We must choose our
words wisely
Genesis 12:1-2 (NIV)
1. The LORD had said to Abram,
“Leave your country, your people
and your father’s household and
go to the land I will show you.
2. I will make you into a great
nation and I will bless you; I will
make your name great, and you
will be a blessing. God came to
Abraham and spoke to him. He
gave him a word of direction and
He wanted Abraham to follow.
Abraham received a word of di-
rection and he understood the im-
pact of words so he did not hes-
itate but he acted on the word.
Most of us we received a word of
wisdom from our spiritual lead-
divineinsight
BY HUMPHREY
MTANDWA
DAVID Understood that his af-
fliction came because of a deci-
sion he made, and he cried out,
saying, 'Before I was afflicted, I
went astray.' In the season when
men go to war, David chose to
stay behind, but that one de-
cision was going to affect not
only him, but generations af-
ter him. Many people ignorant-
ly make decisions, and though
they assume the decision only
impacts them, that single deci-
sion entraps them and those un-
der them.
obeying God. It also shows total re-
liance on God as children of the
most High.
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
8. The grass withers and the
flowers fall, but the word of our
God stands forever.” The word of
God is eternal. It is forever. Let
me tell you this. Many people have
been discouraged in our Christian
life. We have received word of wis-
dom, word of prophecy etc and
we have waited for it’s manifes-
sundayword tation. This has resulted in many
BY PROSPER TINGINI even losing hope and faith. How-
ever I want to bring back hope to
you. The word of God is eternal. It
ers, our Pastors but have failed to is establishing. There is no repent-
respond. This has negatively af- ance about it. When it’s spoken, it
fected many destinies. We are not becomes a pillar that stands for-
where we are supposed to be be- ever. So write down every word of
cause we disobeyed. Imagine if prophecy you have ever received,
Abraham had not followed God’s meditate on it and speak it. It shall
word. I am here today to encour- surely come to pass.
age you to hear God and act on eve- Romans 10:17 (NIV)
rything He says to us. 17. Consequently, faith comes
Isaiah 50:10 (NIV) from hearing the message, and
10. Who among you fears the the message is heard through the
LORD and obeys the word of his word of Christ. The word of God
servant? Let him who walks in is all powerful. The word of God is
the dark, who has no light, trust the center of everything Christi-
in the name of the LORD and rely anity. Our faith is centered on the
on his God. It is important to rev- word of God. It is established and
erence God by obeying the word of natured by hearing it. We gain
our Pastors. God speaks through our faith when we hear the word
our Pastors. God is a God of or- of God preached to us. This is why
der. He has placed people in our it is important to gather togeth-
lives to lead us. These people are er with other saints and hear the
the mouth peace of God. The men word of God. Having Bible discus-
and women of God represent God sions help us grow our faith.
in our lives so when we honor , re- Matthew 8:8 (KJV)
spect and obey them we are also 8. The centurion answered and
Discovering your divine path: navigating
purpose, decisions, and afflictions
The Bible says, 'Wide is the are because of the path your fa-
path that leads to death,' and it ther or you chose to take.
shows us that many decide to use What path are you
this path. When you use the wide walking in, and is
path, you endanger yourself. Eve- it the path he or-
ry man born of a woman has a dained for you
predestined path they are called before you
to walk in, but one of the hard- were formed
est things is to locate and walk in your
in these paths. Jeremiah is told, mother's
'Before you were formed in your womb?
mother's womb, I ordained thee
and made you a prophet.' Jeremi-
ah's assignment or purpose was
older than him, and so is your
purpose.
As people, our purpose is to
walk in the path God ordained
for us before we were formed in
our mothers' wombs. But many Some
are blinded from these paths, are in the
while others make the mistake of wrong marriag-
straying away from these paths. es, some in the wrong
But when you are outside your careers, and some are leading a
ordained path, there are demonic people they were never ordained
agents who then take advantage to lead.
and cause you to live a miserable The Bible says, 'A man's gift
life. Some of those problems and makes room for him,' meaning
situations you're going through God gave you gifts that have the
The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
said, Lord, I am not worthy that
thou shouldest come under my
roof: but speak the word only, and
my servant shall be healed. Here
we have a man who understood
the power of words. He had a clear
revelation of the creative power of
the words we speak. He said to Je-
sus, I know the power words carry,
you don’t need to go to my house,
just speak a word. His servant was
healed exactly at that very time.
Many evil people understand this
concept. They speak negatively
against lives. They shape the di-
rection of our lives through their
words in an act of witchcraft. Un-
fortunately most Christians are
lazy to speak to their own lives.
Wherever you are, learn to speak
to your business, project, mar-
riage, studies. You will surely see
the results.
Matthew 12:36-37 (MSG)
36. Let me tell you something:
Every one of these careless words
is going to come back to haunt you.
There will be a time of Reckoning.
Words are powerful; take them se-
riously.
37. Words can be your salvation.
Words can also be your damna-
tion.” Words are very important to
such an extent that they have such
serious consequences in our lives.
The above scripture tells us that
every word we speak has a bearing
on our lives. All negative and care-
less words will manifest and sure-
ly haunt us at one point. We must
speak carefully. This scripture
tells us that we can either lose or
capacity to create opportunities
for you. Your greatest assign-
ment is to discover your
God-given path
and walk in
it and to
function
in the
purpose
he created
for you.
Jeremi-
ah, speak-
ing again, said
there are ancient
paths, and he seems
to advise that these
paths are discovered
as you follow and learn
from those who have also
discovered the true paths
of their lives. A man can
be gifted but never be able
to use the gift because they nev-
er sat down under another man
who would raise them and awak-
en the gift they have.
David, when he is ordained
King, finds himself in the house
17
hold on to our salvation through
the words we speak. We are going
to be accountable to what we say.
So today I encourage you to choose
your words wisely
Matthew 18:18-19 (MSG)
18. “Take this most seriously:
A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a
no on earth is no in heaven. What
you say to one another is eternal. I
mean this.
19. When two of you get togeth-
er on anything at all on earth and
make a prayer of it, my Father in
heaven goes into action. Take life
seriously Don’t let people speak
into your life and let it just go.
You must counter every negative
words spoken into your life. The
words we say to one another are
eternal, God moves into action the
moment we speak anything. Stand
guard of every word that is spoken
about you. Take charge of your
life. Find prayer partners who will
stand with you. God is ready to ful-
fill your vision.
Today’s discussion has taught
us that words are very powerful.
God’s words is important in our
lives because it helps shape where
we are going. It has also shown
us that we need to be careful with
what we say and speak to our chil-
dren or ourselves, it has serious
consequences. Be it a business
speak positively, be it a marriage
speak positively, studies speak
positively. Speak the word of God
into everything you do and He will
surely fulfill it for you. See you
next week. SHALOM
*Prosper Tingini is the Scribe of the
Children of God Missionary Assembly
— God’s messengers. Contact details:
Mobile & WhatsApp — 0771 260 195.
Email address: ptingini@gmail.com
of King Saul because God want-
ed him to learn and be mentored
in the area of his gifting and call-
ing.
What path are you called into,
and are you functioning in that
path? Most afflictions come be-
cause of position. You are one
decision away from your break-
through or increase, and that de-
cision is a decision of discovery
where you're awakened to his
original purpose for you. The Bi-
ble says we are his workmanship,
created unto good works; you
were created for good works.
Will you take this journey of
discovery to find the ancient path
God ordained for you to walk in
and manifest the calling he gave
you in your mother's womb? Gen-
erations are waiting for you. God
bless you.
 Humphrey Mtandwa is an
apostolic teacher of the Word
of God and founder of Believ-
ers Voice of Triumph Minis-
tries. He has authored many
books, including The Enoch
Generation, Truthfulness,
Night Parables and Theopha-
ny. If you want to connect with
him or have any questions, get
in touch on www.apostlehum-
phrey.com
18 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
There is nothing that you haven’t received
T
HE church has promoted
so many wrong ideas over
the years that people think
the Lord wants Christians to live
in little shacks with no money in
our pockets. The Word of God says
differently. God wants to bless His
children. In fact, if you aren’t em-
barrassed by your level of pros-
perity, then there is a good chance
you aren’t depending upon God as
your source. I know that sounds
a little shocking, but I believe it’s
true. When I first heard about
these words, I was equally chal-
lenged.
It’s true that if you can look at
everything you have and say, “I
did this; this is all the result of my
effort,” then you haven’t tapped
into God’s supernatural ability,
you’re just depending on yourself.
Of course, godly prosperity is dif-
ferent from coveting riches. God
wants you to have nice things, but
you shouldn’t get them by hoard-
ing your money and spending it
all on yourself. When you give and
handle your assets like a stew-
ard of God’s money, then God will
bless you, and the blessing of God
adds no sorrow with it.
When you open up your hand
and begin to trust God, you’ll see
that God is not a taker, He’s a mul-
tiplier. He has not come into your
life to take from you. The Bible is
full of stories of men and women
whom God blessed and prospered
and they all had the attitude of a
steward. They all recognized God
as their source. David is a good ex-
ample of a steward. He wanted to
build the Lord a temple, but God
told him he couldn’t.
God wanted David’s son Solo-
hebrewscriptures
BY MELANIE PHILLIPS
DESPITE general media malevo-
lence, a BBC story reveals the ex-
traordinary lengths to which the Is-
raeli Defence Forces go to spare the
lives of Gaza’s civilians.
Israeli tanks protecting Gazan
evacuees against Hamas attack
The BBC News website recent-
ly ran a story by Alice Cuddy that
describes how the Israelis rang
a Gazan civilian at dawn to tell
him to warn the inhabitants of
three apartment blocks to evacu-
ate because they were about to be
bombed.
Mahmoud Shaheen, a dentist liv-
ing in the al-Zahra neighbourhood
in the north of Gaza, told the BBC
that on October 19 he was called on
his mobile phone by a man speak-
ing flawless Arabic who said he was
from Israeli intelligence and told
him not to hang up.
Shaheen said, “He told me he
wanted to bomb three towers… and
ordered me to evacuate the sur-
rounding area.”
Anxious lest this was a hoax call,
Shaheen asked for warning shots to
prove the caller was genuine. These
duly occurred.
Now that Mahmoud knew it was
real he tried to stall, asking the man
to be patient. “I told him: ‘Don’t be-
gracetidings
WITH DR DOUG
MAMVURA
mon to build the temple. David
obeyed God, but he started setting
aside the money and materials Sol-
omon would need one day in order
to build the temple. It was his way
of contributing. David set aside
huge resources for that purpose
while Solomon was growing up.
Then, right before he handed over
the throne to Solomon, he made
one last gift. He said,
“Moreover, because I have set my
affection to the house of my God, I
have of mine own proper good, of
gold and silver, which I have given
to the house of my God, over and
above all that I have prepared for
the holy house, even three thou-
sand talents of gold, of the gold of
Ophir, and seven thousand talents
of refined silver, to overlay the
walls of the houses, The gold for
things of gold, and the silver for
How Israel tries to protect Gaza’s civilians
tray us and bomb while people are
still evacuating.” The man said he
would give Mahmoud time — he
said he did not want anyone to die,
the dentist recalls. Mahmoud re-
sponded that he didn’t want any-
one to even be injured. He kept the
call going as he rushed around the
neighbourhood, urging people to
evacuate…
One neighbour remembers the
dentist “just shouting”, then others
joined in. Mahmoud could not un-
derstand why his neighbourhood
had become a target. “I tried my
best to stop him. I asked, ‘Why do
you want to bomb?” He said, ‘There
are some things that we see that you
don’t see.” The man did not explain
what he meant. “It is an order from
people bigger than me and you, and
we have an order to bomb,” the voice
added, according to Mahmoud.
When the areas around the build-
ings were clear the man informed
Mahmoud that the bombing would
begin. Mahmoud panicked — what
if they bombed the wrong building
by mistake? “Wait a bit,” the man
told him, he says. An Israeli aircraft
circled overhead. Mahmoud stared
at the three towers that neighboured
his own apartment block. Then one
of them was bombed. “This is the
tower that we want, stay away,” the
man on the phone said as the build-
ing fell, according to Mahmoud.
The two other blocks were then
destroyed...When the bombing
stopped, Mahmoud remembers the
voice telling him: “We’ve finished…
you can go back.”
Later that day, Shaheen was called
again by a different Israeli who gave
his name as Daoud. Shaheen was un-
nerved by the level of detail the man
had about his life, addressing him in
a familiar way and referring to his
son’s name.
Take your time. I won’t bomb un-
things of silver, and for all manner
of work to be made by the hands of
artificers. And who then is willing
to consecrate his service this day
unto the Lord? (1 Chronicles 29:3-5)
For this one gift, David gave 110
tons of gold and 260 tons of silver.
After giving this huge gift, David
encouraged other people to give.
All the leaders of the tribes caught
the spirit of giving and began to
donate large sums of money. The
leaders gave even more than Da-
vid: 190 tons of gold and 375 tons
of silver.
“Therefore David blessed the
Lord before all the congregation:
and David said, Blessed are you,
Lord God of Israel our father, for
ever and ever. Yours O Lord, is the
greatness, and the power, and the
glory, and the victory, and the maj-
esty: for all that is in the heaven
and in the earth is Yours; Yours
is the kingdom, O Lord, and You
are exalted as head above all. Both
riches and honor come from You,
and You reign over all; and in Your
hand is power and might; and in
Your hand it is to make great, and
to give strength to all” (1 Chroni-
cles 29:10-12)
David saw himself as a steward.
He knew that all of his assets had
been given to him by God. David
gave God the credit for being the
source of all his riches. God had
taken the people of Israel out of
slavery and made them a rich and
prosperous nation, able to donate
all those resources in one day. God
had made them great.
Then David said, “O Lord our
God, all this abundance that we
have prepared to build You a house
for Your holy name comes is from
less you give me permission.
Daoud tried to explain what was
happening in Gaza by referring
to the slaughter of Israelis by Ha-
mas, the details of which atrocities
Shaheen apparently refused to be-
lieve. Daoud told him more buildings
would be destroyed that night and
that Shaheen needed to order more
residents to evacuate. As Daoud sub-
sequently informed him of more
and more buildings that were tar-
gets, Shaheen ran from block to
block evacuating the residents.
Then there is this telling passage:
Despite the panic, Mahmoud
stayed on the phone the whole time,
trying his best to delay the bomb-
ing. The voice on the other end of
the phone continued, without emo-
tion. “He even told me, ‘Take your
time. I won’t bomb unless you give
me permission.’ “I said ‘No, it’s not
my permission. I don’t want you to
bomb anything. If you want me to
evacuate, I will evacuate for the safe-
ty of the people, but if you want to
bomb, don’t tell me you need my per-
mission. It’s not Mahmoud Shaheen
who will bomb al-Zahra.”
Note the fact that while the Israeli
was telling Shaheen that these build-
ings wouldn’t be bombed until he
gave the all-clear that the residents
were safely evacuated, Shaheen in-
terpreted this remarkable display
of military restraint merely as some
kind of insulting implication of col-
laboration with the bombing — the
point of which, of course, he was un-
able to comprehend.
The BBC’s story reveals the re-
markably precise and detailed in-
telligence that Israel possesses on
what’s going on in Gaza. It also il-
lustrates the extraordinary lengths
to which the Israeli Defence Forc-
es go to spare the lives of Gaza’s ci-
vilians. As any dispassionate per-
son who has followed Israel’s wars
Your hand, and is all Your own. I
know also, my God, that you test
the heart, and have pleasure in
uprightness. As for me, in the up-
rightness of my heart I have will-
ingly offered all these things: and
now with joy I have seen Your peo-
ple, which are present here, to of-
fer willingly to you (1 Chronicles
29:16-17).
Notice how David said that they
had only given what God first gave
to them; all they had done was give
back to God what was rightfully
His anyway. This is the attitude
I’m trying to describe. In order to
begin to prosper, you have to stop
thinking of money as belonging to
you. You need to quit seeing your-
self as the source of your prosper-
ity, and recognise that all bless-
ings and riches come from God.
The reason people are so
stressed out about money is that
they think they are in control
of their finances. People tend to
think they are responsible for all
of the factors that lead to prosper-
ity and the money needed to sur-
vive. They are worried about los-
ing their jobs or a downturn in the
economy because they see them-
selves as the source of their pro-
vision.
Seeing yourself as the source
of blessing in your life puts a lot
of pressure on you to control cir-
cumstances that are really beyond
your control. One of the benefits
of seeing yourself as a steward is
peace of mind and a sense of se-
curity. When you know that God
is your source, you aren’t worried
about the natural circumstances.
If God can prosper Abraham and
feed his flocks and herds in a de-
knows very well, the IDF try every-
thing they can to get enemy civilians
out of harm’s way — by leafleting,
“knock on the roof” warning shots,
phone calls and other means of com-
munication.
No other army in the world has
ever done this. When coalition forc-
es bombed Afghanistan or when US
forces flattened Mosul, no one even
bothered to mention the civilians
who must have been killed there.
Yet Israel’s wars repeatedly engulf
it in international outrage with ac-
cusations that it kills enemy civil-
ians wantonly or deliberately. This
is not just a malevolent lie; it could
not be a more grotesque inversion of
the truth.
The lie is nevertheless perpetrat-
ed day in, day out by western me-
dia. While the Israelis say they have
killed “thousands of Hamas terror-
ists” in this current war, western
media outlets publish Hamas claims
that 10,000 “civilians” have been
killed — with no attempt whatev-
er to acknowledge that any of these
were Hamas operatives and refer-
ring only to women and children
among the dead.
Sadly, many civilians will unavoid-
ably be killed in Gaza, as in any war.
But the wicked distortion that turns
the Israelis from scrupulous adher-
ents to the international law require-
ment to try to avoid civilian deaths
into war criminals turns these me-
dia outlets into Hamas accomplices.
While the BBC is a principal and
habitual offender, it is to its credit
that it has published the story relat-
ed by Mahmoud Shaheen. It says it
contacted him after many al-Zahra
residents identified him as the man
who had received the warning call.
Elsewhere, further evidence of Is-
rael’s concern for Gaza’s civilians
has been venomously distorted.
Yesterday, a remarkable video sur-
RELIGION
sert, then He can bless and pros-
per you in any economic situation.
It doesn’t matter what is going
on around you. God is responsible
for you, and even has numbered
all the hairs of your head. (Mat-
thew 10:30.) The Lord meets our
needs according to His riches in
glory, not this country’s economy.
(Philippians 4:19.)
If you are stressed out about fi-
nances, maybe you are single and
trying to figure out how to make
ends meet; or you’re married and
arguing with your spouse about
money, then I encourage you to
start looking to God as the source
of your prosperity. God will take
better care of your finances than
you can. Sometimes it’s hard to
look beyond the physical or nat-
ural challenges you face and see
into the spiritual realm, but you
can do it with a steward’s mental-
ity.
Being a steward gives you a
sense of confidence that you will
never have as long as you see
yourself as your source. I’m tell-
ing you, adopting the attitude of a
steward will really help you.
Every one of us needs to see our
income as something God has en-
trusted us with, and then ask our-
selves what God wants us to do
with it. Knowing that your income
is really God’s money makes you
approach finances with a total-
ly different attitude and your at-
titude toward money is actually
more important than what you do
with it.
You and I are only stewards of
God’s blessings because there is
nothing that we have that we have
not received.
faced showing a long line of people
streaming from the north of Gaza to
the south. The Israelis have repeated-
ly warned that residents of the north
should move to the south for their
own safety since the north was about
to become Israel’s principal focus for
attack.
Some 800,000 Gazans did so, but Ha-
mas tried to stop more joining them
by firing on them, in order to keep
them in place as human shields. The
reason for yesterday’s large line mov-
ing south was that, with the IDF now
having moved into Gaza City, its tanks
could protect the evacuating civilians
from Hamas attack. This is how the
Guardian chose to report it:
Waving white flags and holding
their hands above their heads, Pales-
tinian families fled past tanks waiting
to storm Gaza City in the next stage
of the war that the Israeli prime min-
ister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said
will give Israel “indefinite” control
over the besieged territory.
Israel’s military gave civilians in-
side the encircled city a four-hour
window to leave on Tuesday, as its
forces prepared to retake the biggest
city in the strip. Men, women and chil-
dren, some carrying their belongings
on donkeys, fled their homes past Is-
raeli troops out of the city.
Posting online, one resident, Adam
Fayez Zeyara, said the walk on Tues-
day was the most dangerous of his
life. “We saw the tanks from point
blank. We saw decomposed body
parts. We saw death.”
In other words, the Guardian por-
trayed the Gazans who were being
protected by Israeli troops as fleeing
from Israeli troops.
By such malevolent misrepresen-
tation, of the kind that the media has
habitually promulgated against Isra-
el for decades, the western mind has
been poisoned and fatally subverted
to endorse evil against its victims.
 Influx of second
Standard hand clothes

BUSINESS
The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
chokes Zim’s
retailers

Powers cuts, high tarrifs weigh down Zim mines

BY NIZBERT MOYO balt (73%).
“Minerals that recorded de-

Z
IMBABWE’S leading min-
ing companies say they are
negotiating with Zesa to
guarantee adequate power sup-
plies and lower tariffs as the coun-
try reels from a power deficit.
The country’s business sector is
battling constant power outages
that lead to production stoppages
and output losses.
Zimbabwe’s electricity short-
ages have been worsened by con-
stant breakdowns at the Hwange
Thermal Power Station and low
water levels at Kariba Dam.
Hwange and the Kariba Hydro-
power Station are the country’s
biggest sources of electricity.
Chamber of Mines of Zimba-
bwe (CoMZ) president Thom-
as Gono revealed the negotia-
tions between Zesa and the min-
ers at the just ended Association
of Mines Managers of Zimba-
bwe annual conference in Victo-
ria Falls in a speech read by the
chamber’s chief executive officer
Isaac Kwesu.
“The chamber is engaging Zesa
and government to prioritise min-
ing companies for available power
at a tariff that is in line with the
region,” Gono said.
“It is without doubt that the
conference programme will touch
on all pertinent technical aspects
that position our mining indus-
try as a competitive global market
driven by innovation.
“Zimbabwe’s mining sector is
a strategic pillar to the national
economy.
“It is currently accounting for
Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Isaac Kwesu
13,5% of the country’s GDP (gross
domestic product), earns over
80% of the country’s foreign cur-
rency, and mining companies con-
tribute 19% of their revenues to
government through taxes and
levies.”
In its Mining Industry Pros-
pects for 2024 incorporating the
State of the Mining Industry Sur-
vey Report, CoMZ said miners ex-
pressed concern on the new elec-
tricity tariff of 14,21 US cents per
kilowatt hour (KWh).
They said the reviewing of the
tarrifs from 12,21 US cents per
KWh would result in the cost of
production increasing by between
7% and 10%.
Miners also expressed concern
over tariffs that are strictly in for-
eign currency.
Miners requested fa downward
tariff review and recommended a
tariff ranging from around 7 US
cents per KWh for ferrochrome
producers with a cap of 10 US
cents per KWh for the rest of the
mining industry.
They also recommended that
the electricity tariff must be paid
in line with foreign exchange re-
tention level pegged at 75%.
Gono said the mining sector re-
corded a mixed performance dur-
ing the six months to June 2023,
compared to the same period in
2022.
He said minerals that recorded
increases in production volumes
during this period included irid-
ium at 16%, nickel (24%), and co-
clines in production during this
period include gold -11%, plati-
num -1%, rhodium -5% and palla-
dium -2%,” Gono said.
The CoMZ boss said while min-
eral output was expected to in-
crease in 2024, the softening glob-
al mineral prices would cut into
the expected returns.
“Most mining companies are
planning to ramp up production
in 2024 to compensate for falling
earnings due to softening prices,”
Gono said.
“Despite the anticipated in-
crease in production, mineral
earnings are expected to decline
by an average of 14% in 2024,”
Gono said.
“Despite most mining compa-
nies planning to ramp up produc-
tion to compensate for revenue
losses due to low prices, the pro-
duction increase is expected to be
more than offset by the decline in
prices.”
In making the case for stable
power supply, Gono said the min-
ing industry attracted more than
73% of the foreign direct invest-
ment into the economy, against a
regional average of 31,7%.
He said the mining industry
employed over 53 663 people in
the large scale mining sector with
a further 500 000 in the artisanal
category.
According to the CoMZ, statis-
tics on the ground show that for
every United States dollar gener-
ated by the sector, US$3 or more
are generated in other sectors of
the economy through linkages.

BY TAFADZWA MHLANGA

THE US$30 million Horticulture Ex-

port Revolving Fund (HERF) which
was set by the government to facili-
tate access to the export market for
small farmers has been structured
by banks not to benefit smallholder
farmers, forcing them to turn to ille-
gal buyers, it has been revealed.
Only 1,6% of the HERF that was
launched more than a year ago in
September 2022 has been disbursed.
At the time of its launch, the Re-
serve Bank of Zimbabwe, FBC Bank,
NMB Bank, CABS Bank and the AFC
Land and Development Bank signed
a memorandum of agreement and
term sheet that allowed the central
bank to disburse the HERF funds to
banks.
The supporting banks later ex-
panded to include Ecobank Zimba-
bwe Limited and CBZ Bank.
Horticulture Development Council
chief executive officer Linda Nielsen
told Standardbusiness that specific
entry requirements for the HERF ex-
clude the beneficiaries the fund was
meant for.
Nielson said the banks that dis-
burse the funds had different specif-
ic requirements that complicated the
process.
“The fund is being channelled
through five commercial banks and
each bank has its own credit depart-
ment and has specific entry require-
ments,” she said.
“Unfortunately, the funds then ex-
clude the very beneficiaries that the
fund was meant for, that is the small-
Funding bottlenecks hit Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector
holder farmers.
“They don’t have the collateral; they don’t
have audited financials, and a long list of oth-
er requirements that only the formal sector
has.”
The government would provide the banks
with cash cover in case any of the farmers de-
faulted in paying back the loans.
But, since the release of the HERF
only US$19,5 million has been covered.
Nielsen said tfarmers prefer to remain in-
formal as there were no limitations like mar-
ket compliance costs and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) tests to sell their produce in
the local market through illegal buyers.
“Suppose you try to sell to a local farmer
the idea of coming to the formal sector when
there is ‘makorokoza’ (illegal buyers) coming
to get the product from the farm gate and pay-
ing up cash, no logistics, no export document
costs, no MRI testing, or market compliance
costs,” she said.
“In that case, he is going to sell it to the guy
who gives him cash at the gate.
“The idea is to build a policy environment Nielson said high interest rates were also eign logistics payments for exporters.
that will get more exporters in the formal sec- hindering access to funding and that farmers “For a local investor in the country, it’s a
tor.” were working on alternative lines of funding. hustle to operate, what more for foreign inves-
Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry is seek- “Another thing is high interest rates. By the tors.
ing to grow the area under horticulture from time you get the fund, the interest would be up “It is not easy to explain four different cur-
36 600 hectares (Ha) to 55 300Ha by 2025, gross to 10% interest,” she said. rency systems to a foreign investor. It scares
value to US$3,9 billion by 2025, and target an “It then becomes a very expensive financial investors away so; we just need a more condu-
annual export value of US$1,32 billion by 2025. model. cive policy to deal with this.
“Access to finance and the availability of “So, we are working on getting alternative “It is also affecting our ability to pay for our
a bankable document is basically still a chal- funding to bite down the costs on the farmers logistics which are so far foreign-based.
lenge. We need a resolution,” Nielsen said. and build more inclusive funding for the sec- “We need a way forward. A team Zimbabwe
“We need to sit down with the government tor. approach to reach that 1 billion export for the
and the banks and find ways to go about this She also urged the government to address agriculture industry is going to mean a force
because it has become a huge barrier for us.” the multi-currency system that is affecting for- of action.”
20 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
BRIEFS
Nigeria to produce cleaner fuel
from corn and sugarcane
IN a significant step towards bolstering Nigeria’s etha-
nol production capacity and aligning with sustainability
principles, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Limited (NNPC) has signed a Memorandum of Under-
standing (MoU) with the Niger state government.
This agreement paves the way for establishing a 500
million-litre ethanol plant, alongside cultivating maize,
sugarcane, and sweet sorghum on 100 000 hectares of
land within the state.
The MoU also entails the NNPC’s commitment to
planting 135 million trees on the allocated land, demon-
strating its dedication to achieving net-zero emissions
by 2030 and actively contributing to climate protection
efforts. This initiative is expected to generate over 500
000 tons of crops for powering the ethanol plant.
—Business Day
Britain promises new investment in
Nigeria
CHIM Chalemera, the British deputy high commissioner
and head of the UK Government Department Business
and Trade (DBT) Nigeria, has pledged the commitment
of her country to a stronger relationship with Nigeria,
promising new investments.
Chalemera’s representative, who spoke at the Nige-
ria-Britain Association (N-BA) 2023 presidential cocktail
at the residence of the British deputy high commission-
er, in Lagos, emphasised the consistent support ren-
dered by the British diplomat, highlighting events like
the presidential cocktail as pivotal moments in cement-
ing the strong ties between Nigeria and the UK.
Total trade in goods and services between the Unit-
ed Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria was £7.6 billion in the first
quarter of 2023, an increase of 48,4%or £2,5 billion from
the record of the fourth quarter of 2022, the UK Depart-
ment of Trade and Business has said.
—Business Day
African Finance Summit:
Challenges and opportunities for
a booming sector
THE African financial world has grown considerably in
recent years but not without facing some major chal-
lenges. In Lomé, Togo, the Africa Financial Industry
Summit (AFIS), organised by the pan-African magazine
Jeune Afrique, has become a key event for African fi-
nance, bringing together more than 800 leaders.
Despite mounting obstacles, the continent's finan-
cial institutions are beginning to emerge on the world
stage. As international competitors withdraw, an op-
portunity is opening up to extend the influence of the
African financial sector.
—Africanews
Alibaba sheds US$20b in market
value after scrapping plans to list
its cloud business
CHINESE e-commerce giant Alibaba saw US$20 billion
wiped off its market capitalization after announcing that
it would no longer spin off and list its cloud computing
business.
The company, which competes with U.S. tech giant
Amazon, said on Thursday that it would not proceed
with the spinoff of its Cloud Intelligence Group, citing
U.S. export restrictions on advanced chips.
Alibaba said the curbs have "created uncertainties for
the prospects of Cloud Intelligence Group," which com-
petes with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and
Google Cloud Platform.
"Instead, we will focus on developing a sustainable
growth model based on emerging AI-driven demand for
networked and highly scaled cloud computing services,"
Alibaba CEO Joe Tsai said on the company's investor call
Thursday.
—CNBC
Egypt pursues economic reform and
investment climate improvement
EGYPT has shown its economic vision that can anticipate
the future, deal with its challenges and opportunities,
and face risks. This vision is reflected in the achievements
that have been made in a short period, such as reforming
the economy, improving the investment climate, imple-
menting infrastructure projects, and maximizing Egypt’s
potential.
Recently, Cairo hosted the first session of the Egypt and
Investment Challenges Conference, which was attended
by delegations from more than 25 Arab, foreign, and Af-
rican countries, as well as representatives from the Suez
Canal Economic Authority and the General Authority for
Investment and Free Zones.
—Egyptian Daily News
Influx of second hand clothes
chokes Zimbabwe’s retailers
BY MELODY CHIKONO
THE last two or so decades have seen
a massive growth in the second-hand
clothing business in Zimbabwe, an enter-
prise that has grown so big that it is now
dubbed the ‘mabhero’ market.
In English, mabhero means ‘bales of
clothes’ and the name was coined by
traders who imported discarded clothes
from the international market, which ar-
rive in large containers.
The clothes are sold on street pave-
ments and markets in Zimbabwe’s urban
areas and business centres.
Once the clothes arrive, traders heap
the clothes and start selling them allow-
ing consumers to take their pick at any-
thing they want.
It has become such a big industry that
it is now sustaining many livelihoods as
most of the income is in hard currency.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s 2022
Finscope Consumer Survey Report, not-
ed that an average adult earned US$100
while the average household income was
US$370 a month.
The survey found that among the ma-
jor monthly consumer costs, 84% used
cash to buy clothes and footwear, point-
ing to a reliance on the mabhero busi-
ness.
This is because at those wages, an
adult and family would be restricted in
what they could buy in terms of clothing.
On any day, it has become difficult to
navigate through the streets of Harare
as the second-hand clothes vendors have
taken over pavements.
One such place is along Park Street, be-
tween Nelson Mandela and Jason Moyo
Avenues in the central business district
which has become a popular outdoor
clothing mall.
Several stalls are placed almost ‘shoul-
der to shoulder’ while others have strewn
clothes on the pavement in what has be-
come a high traffic zone.
One cannot pass this area, on their way
to the Copacabana bus terminus at the
intersection of Speke Avenue and Chin-
hoyi Street, a few blocks away, without
being accosted by a trader on Park Street.
But, the emergence of Covid-19 saw
people becoming skeptical of buying
these clothes paving way for a new wave
of second hand clothing sales through
use of ‘runners’ who are smuggling bales
from Mozambique.
These have been providing an avenue
for every street vendors to have an oppor-
tunity to sale ‘new clothes’ as they are ob-
tained at unreasonably low prices.
This has also seen the emergence of
car boutiques and pavement clothing
dealers.
To catch up, most second-hand clothes
sellers now have gone a step further to
steam or iron these clothes and hang them
on the mobile clothing lines.
While for many it has come as a blessing
in disguise, market watchers have ques-
tioned the sustainability of the formal
clothing business in Zimbabwe.
Big retail shops are feeling the heat and
this has forced them to employ several
strategies such as reducing their branch
network and removing credit terms to stay
afloat.
“And most worryingly now, you should
look at the levels of unemployment and the
level of incomes in this country.
“Informalisation coming from an indi-
vidual’s point of view is a way of survival
because of high unemployment levels and
inadequate incomes.
“If it’s going to be only level playing field,
it’s fine,” Truworths chief executive offic-
er Bekithemba Ndebele told Standardbusi-
ness.
“What you see is smuggling, not just
smuggling but dumping of second-hand
clothing at ridiculous prices.
“So, when we actually talk about dump-
ing, we are actually talking about goods be-
ing sold in this market at below the cost of
manufacturing.
“I will give you an example, you find a
pair of shoes selling for US$2, 50.
“The minimum duty on a pair of shoes
is US$2 per pair plus 40%. So how do you
sell it for UD$2 or UD$2.50? It doesn’t make
sense.”
He said that kids clothing, tracksuits,
were being sold at US$5.
“The local manufacturer of tracksuits
can’t produce a tracksuit for less than
US$11.
“If he squeezes it and drops the fabric
quality, it’s US$8.
“You see what I’m saying?
“So, this dumping of goods is a serious
threat to former clothing retailers.”
Ndebele said Zimbabwe had become a
dumping ground for poor quality products
that are sold cheaply.
“But, if it’s outside Zimbabwe, it’s some-
thing else,” he said.
“That’s why they have got that capacity
to then come and there is no way you can
manufacture at that cost?.
“It’s either these are rejects from Chinese
factories or exports that are undervalued.
“So, if it’s pure second-hand clothing,
which is now in this country, we call it
preloved.”
The Truworths boss said the future of
Zimbabwe’s textile industry was bleak.
Zimbabwe first banned imports of sec-
ond-hand clothes in 2015 in a bid to protect
the country’s textile industry, but the regu-
lations were later relaxed following an out-
BUSINESS
cry by traders.
There is a new wave of smuggling of
clothes especially by Chinese nationals.
Some major clothing retailers are rely-
ing are now even relying on the smugglers
to restock.
Ndebele said African countries that have
imposed the importation of second hand
clothes had seen an improvement in their
textile industries.
“Countries like Uganda and Rwanda are
actually thriving (after banning second
hand clothes trade),” he said.
“And the reasoning that is there is that
they are saying we are moving into Africa,
the African continental future.
“You have to make goods. You can’t be
trading goods,” Ndebele asked.
“And in Rwanda’s view, it was how we
can make goods when we allow goods to be
dumped in our market.
“ In this country, the customs duties are
clear on what should be done, the duties
that should be applied.
“There is a ban on imported second-hand
clothing, but it is still finding its way into
the market.”
Ndebele noted that the country had lost
over 90% of its textile manufacturers since
2015 with most of the shoe manufacturers
also having left the country.
However, Edgars Stores Limited CEO Se-
vious Mushosho said they were not threat-
ened by the emergence of car boutiques
and pavement vendors.
“Our offering is targeted at customers
who value exclusive high quality fashion-
able garments sold in a world class depart-
mental store at flexible payment terms,”
Mushosho said.
“Such customers may not buy from those
car boutiques and from ‘mabhero’.”
Last month, Industry and Commerce
minister Sithembiso Nyoni said govern-
ment was reviewing the Zimbabwe Cotton
to Clothing Strategy (2014-2019) in a bid to
curb the influx of second-hand clothing
which was choking the local textile indus-
try.
“Over the years the clothing sector in
Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole, has been
faced by challenges of the influx of second-
hand clothing, which has rendered the in-
dustry uncompetitive,” Nyoni said.
“To address this negative trend, the Min-
istry of Industry and Commerce is current-
ly working on the review of the Zimbabwe
Cotton to Clothing Strategy (2014-2019).
“This industry provides employment
opportunities to millions of people world-
wide, from designers and artisans to retail
workers and logistic experts.
“Furthermore, the fashion industry has
a strong influence on the global supply
chain, as it relies heavily on international
trade and the sourcing of raw materials.”
BUSINESS The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023 21

Women empowerment champion bags top awards

By Takemore Mazuruse has become home to some of the most innova- the $60 ticket,” Buhlungu said. ity, has continued to score major milestones and

W
omen emancipation champion Sibo-
nokuhle Buhlungu — who is the found-
er and CEO of Empowered Women, a pro-
gressive business membership organisa-
tion for over 500 women — is capping
what has been an industrious year with top accolades from
the Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network Africa (CWE-
NA) and the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network awarded in South
Africa and Zimbabwe respectively.
Buhlungu, who boasts of vast experience in the devel-
opment and social entrepreneurship space, is also nomi-
nated for other coming awards before year ends.
tive and entrepreneurial women.
As the organisation continues on its progres-
sive trajectory, they will be hosting an interna-
tional conference and awards night from No-
vember 24 to 25 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel.
“The international conference and awards
event is open to all progressive women and we
have pegged the ticket to the two-day event at a
modest US$120, including meals, but those that
want to attend the conference only can opt for
“We have delegations coming from as far as
India as well as the Sadc region and some parts
of East Africa.
“We are super excited about this event and
we believe it’s a good way to end our 2023 pro-
grammes year.”
The organisation, which prides itself in en-
suring sustainable empowerment of women
through tailor-made and market tested pro-
grammes that inspire excellence and productiv-
recently partnered the Organisation for Women
in International Trade Zimbabwe and Ecobank
Zimbabwe for a fully subscribed Open Market
Day and Exhibition.
“We want to collaborate women’s efforts with
a view to create opportunities for partnership,
empower women with skills to run businesses,
create income generating projects for women
and build a network of financially independent
women,” Buhlungu said.

Ideas
“My goal is to ensure that every woman is empowered
enough to self-sustain and live her dreams,” she said.
“Patriarchy has dealt women a huge blow for years and

22
I am happy to be part of a generation that is doing all it

NOV
takes to emancipate women.
“The recent awards that I have been accorded are a big
2023
24
challenge and motivation for me to continue giving my
best in service to my fellow women.
“I believe in the power of working together and I am
happy that Empowered Women is fast becoming a force in
Troutbeck Hotel

Festival
providing homegrown solutions to challenges bedeviling
the generally disadvantaged women.” Nyanga
The CWENA award, which Buhlungu received at a recent

Conference
regional conference in Sandton, South Africa, acknowl-
edged her use of social media to inspire excellence and
productivity while the Social Enterprise award was in view
of her strides with Empowered Women.
“Empowered Women is a membership-based network
of women drawn from different sectors internationally,”
MEET THE SPEAKERS

Buhlungu said.
“The women centered organisation was born out of my
passion of empowering women and I am happy that the
impact is being felt in Zimbabwe and across the region.
“The network aims to collaborate the efforts of different
women and denounce the notion that women cannot sup-
port each other.
“We have achieved a lot within a short space of time and
I am encouraged by our strides to date.” Mr. Douglas Mboweni Prof Arthur Mutambara Mr. Tafadzwa Chinamo
The organisation espouses the highest level of corpo- How an idea transformed a village AI Opportunities and Risks ZIDA ( The window into
rate governance and is managed by a board of trustees Zimbabwe’s opportunities)
who direct policy and ensure that the highest levels of pro-
fessionalism are upheld.
“The board of trustees is ably assisted by a team of ex-
ecutive members in ensuring that there is effective imple-
mentation of programmes and activities aimed at foster-
ing excellence and productivity amongst the member-
ship,” Buhlungu said.
“We are a diverse group that covers women in farming,
women in construction, government employees, women
in mining, entrepreneurs, women lawyers, women doctors,
property owners, creatives and women caterers to name Dr Solomon Guramatunhu Mr. Vulindlela Ndlovu Dr. Engineer Talon Garikayi
a few.” Future Proofing our education Health and wellness in the
Empowered Women membership is open to all progres- digital age: CIMAS Journey Innovating in a developing nation
sive women that aspire to be the best and rise above their
limitations.
Through ideas and experience sharing, the organisation

Dr. Zorodzai Maroveke Mr. Tinashe Nyamudoka Svinurai Gonera

Economic Transformation Marketing Kumusha wine Afrofuturism & Entertainment
through hemp industry to the world

Mr. Memory Nguwi Lillian Mubaiwa Mr. Ken Sharpe

Nurturing Innovation in the Value Creation Challenge. The Future of Smart Cities
Work place Eight2Five powered by Old Mutual & urbanization

FOR MORE INFO Email wmasawa@alphamedia.co.zw /olga@heartandsoul.co.zw

Sibonokuhle Buhlungu at the Zim CEO Awards recently
22 The Standard | November 19 to 25 2023
M
ENTAL fitness is one of
the least spoken about
phenomena in the world
in general and I think in Africa in
particular. We tend to speak a lot
about being strong, a man needing
to be strong and sometimes even
to be stronger than a woman as if
strength is physical and more mas-
culine than feminine. We scratch
the surface of a big and important
issue when we treat it like that and
refuse to understand it, thinking
that by sloganeering about it we
will make a difference. Right now,
cases of suicide, people collapsing
and dying, some going insane, and
many entering survival mode are
on the rise and one can trace them
back to lack of mental fitness.
Eckhart Tolle, one of my fa-
vorite writers and speakers right-
fully teaches that a person’s rela-
tionship with challenges is very
important and determines their
wellbeing in everything in life. It
is retrogressive therefore to teach
that challenges can be totally got-
ten rid of when there are challeng-
es all around us and Tolle dares
say that these are good because
they stretch all muscles including
the muscle of resilience and what
he calls spiritual growth or awak-
ening. It is not good for anyone
when they face a problem, to think
or feel that the challenge should
not be happening. It is ok to want
to get the self out of an undesir-
able situation but to think that it
should not be happening triggers
a lot of body biological and chemi-
cal reactions.
To fight against the reality that
a challenge is facing us or that we
have a challenge in our hands, re-
duces our chances of creative-
ly and intelligently working our
way through it. Every feeling we
feel, stamps itself on the body and
has a chemical effect, which is ei-
ther positive or negative. Negative
thoughts result in negative feel-
ings that trigger the secretion of
negative stress hormones in the
Magic of growth in entrepreneurship
Business Opinion
with Farai Chigora
EVEN though it might sound su-
perstitious as to what magic re-
lates to in our daily lives some
of our successful entrepreneurs
have made it from their experi-
ence and survival in the turbu-
lences towards successful growth.
Of course it is not an easy road
but once at the apex the returns
are worth the drive. At the incep-
tion of our start-ups we infused
growth as a barometer for suc-
cess.
The same still stands as we dis-
cuss. We have to operate guid-
ed by processes that are synergic
to push for profitable expansions
supported by the initial vision.
Yes in the previous talks we
also uncovered economies of
scale that are brought by the same
growth but now we shade more
light on the wonders that have
been recorded by some achievers
Re-imaging the
workplace
with Bhekilizwe
Bernard Ndlovu
body and that places one in a situa-
tion whereby they are in a bad situ-
ation and need to be at their best to
come out of it but have put them-
selves in a weak and worse situa-
tion. It is like when one is drown-
ing, and they grab a heavy object
like a rock and the rock makes it
worse by assisting the water to
press the person down and drown
them.
A presentation on what happens
within a person when they have
a bad relationship with challeng-
es will make anyone want to un-
derstand themselves and seek as-
sistance regarding being able not
only to understand how the mind
works and the effects its working
has on their wellbeing, but to also
learn the practices that are needed
to be mentally fit and stop the com-
pulsive and unconscious activities
of the body that do their own thing
without them knowing. Some lose
their sanity, some their cool and
a lot lose even their lives through
psychosomatic diseases that never
warn anyone.
I need just about five minutes to
scare you dear reader into taking
mental fitness seriously because
it is indeed serious and I would
have achieved a lot if I managed
of our time.
Today we talk about global au-
tomobile brands, retailers and ex-
clusive clothing producers who
have mastered the game well by
expanding their horizons from
one pole to another.
Now we relate to the Toyota
brand, Gucci and Nike as if made
in Zimbabwe. We can do the same
in our global markets as a fortune
trackers toward magical growth.
As abovementioned progres-
sion in everything we do is al-
ways measure of longevity. For
the same reason as practitioners
we always re-visit our product
life cycle (PLC) together with the
business model canvas (BMC) to
understand where we are towards
the same achievement.
Whatever we use as a leading
business strategy seem to be in-
fluenced by changes from time to
time.
Meaning that as the business
grow from the inception up until
dominating a certain market(s) as
a leader/influencer there is need-
ed to be guided by some anticipat-
ed benefits so as to keep adjusting
for better.
When a business grows it moves
closer to the best in the form ap-
plication of contemporary mar-
keting practices, innovative re-
tailing, data-led production, high-
ly rewarding partnerships and
networks for further growth.
To start with is the tooling for
continued wide-awareness where
the entrepreneurial business will
then move from the limited tra-
ditional forms of mass media to
those customised multiple forms
of linking with particular mar-
Mental fitness
in the workplace
to make you come forward and say
now that you have made me under-
stand that there is a horror movie
happening inside me, please help
me disrupt it and begin to take
control of what happens inside my
head, in my mind, in my heart and
the whole biochemistry that is in-
side me. That, dear reader is some-
thing we need to make popular in
the world because it is as impor-
tant as food.
At the center of this horror mov-
ie happening involuntarily in our
body systems, is this little thing
called thought which is accumulat-
ed through lived experiences. We
think, according to research, com-
pulsively 95% of the time per day,
and we think between 60 000 and 80
000 thoughts per day compulsively,
95% of which are recycled. I think
it is even generous of research to
say 95%. I think the samples might
not have been representative of all
reality in the world because my
sense is that in Africa, we are in a
worse state than that. We could be
doing 99.9% compulsive thinking,
I think.
The challenge with being stuck
in compulsive thinking is that
very little thinking, real thinking
happens. Thoughts just flow out
like diarrhea and never achieve
anything new. It becomes autopilot
thinking happening to us the way
dreaming happens to us where
we wake up the following morn-
kets.
Yes we tend to get more com-
fortable in our small operations
restricting ourselves to what we
think is the best tool (s) for our
media publicity.
But as we grow our eyes open
more in search of better/best me-
dia for our lasting publicity. An-
other added advantage is the elim-
ination costly mass media since
we can now use specialised one
that is designed by us for our spe-
cific markets.
That is the same reason why
digital marketing is dominating
as a contemporary philosophy to
support such growth in the con-
temporary.
This is not out of serendipity
but an outcome of growth as the
desire to reach wide markets in-
creases at the same time.
Partnerships for higher share-
holding value has always been
part of sustainable growth by our
various businesses.
In the same process we are able
to associate with big investors and
key achievers who will further
add on to our desired profitability
and fame.
That is the same reason why
most of our growing businesses
have found a bigger space and at-
tractiveness on local, regional and
international stock exchange.
They have developed that ca-
pacity and now confident/accept-
ed to join these platforms of in-
vestment.
Where steel sharpens steel as we
invest/mingle with big investors
like us too for continued growth.
In fact that is the only closer in-
gredient for turning a SME into a
ing wondering what happened
and sometimes knowing we had
dreamt but having even forgotten
what we dreamt about.
A good relationship with chal-
lenges places us in a position
where thoughts can be generated
consciously that are fresh and can
qualitatively address challenges
without exposing the person to un-
controllable biochemical problems
that worsen the situation as they
press the individual down to the
bottom of the pit. The mind fights
a difficult battle when the person
going through a challenges refuses
first and foremost, to ACCEPT that
they are facing a problem and that
the problem had to happen. Had to
happen? Yes. Why? Because it is
happening. One uses double ener-
gy unnecessarily when they must
lose energy denying that they
have a challenge and at the same
time use some energy to address
the problem. If they accept that
they have a challenge, the energy
they were going to use to deny can
be harnessed to give them double
energy to address the challenge.
There is no need to waste energy
on denial because it achieves noth-
ing.
Dependence on things expos-
es many of us to mental unfitness
problems. We fall in love and seek
security so that when the universe
pushes the envelope for us and
shakes us in our security, we are
multinational corporation (MNC)
and even develop own-franchises
that further penetrate into global
markets and weaken any competi-
tor power along the way.
Previously we were operating
from a manufacturer dominance
perspective which could not give
much to us besides averaging the
costs of production.
The problem is that even with
all the costs proven and controlled
it does not ultimately mean that
profits will be realised.
Remember the disadvantages
of a production orientation which
makes us have a market myopia.
When you grow tables will even-
tually turn around making your
entrepreneurial business have a
retailer dominance.
This helps in getting closer to
the customers to become a mar-
ket leader rather and become an
industry-wide brand for reference
by current and future customers
together with any likely competi-
tors.
This is because competitors will
become afraid to challenge this
growth. In fact entrepreneurial
growth provides business muscles
as defensive mechanism for sus-
tainability.
As you further grow, the reason
to know your customers better be-
comes so clear.
Here data-based marketing
becomes key as the business is
forced to do a data search, analy-
sis and storage of its current and
future customers.
The same then is used to make
decisions for ranking customers
according to their frequency of
consumption, preferences, demo-
BUSINESS
not ready and so lose it. We have a
job in the workplace and begin to
feel secure and never think that
this could shake one day, and we
find ourselves exposed. If we do
not understand that mental fitness
is cultivated by embracing vulner-
ability, then we are not ready, and
our mental faculties will be found
wanting when the day of recon-
ning comes. You might be wonder-
ing and thinking that this writer
is talking in riddles. Is he about
to suggest that security is a weak-
ness? Well, maybe yes. Let’s ex-
plore that further next week and
examine the mental strength
found in vulnerability.
*Bhekilizwe Bernard Ndlo-
vu’s training is in human re-
sources training, development
and transformation, behaviour-
al change, applied drama, per-
sonal mastery, and mental fit-
ness. He works for a Zimbabwe-
an company as human capital
executive, while also doing a
PhD with Wits University where
he looks at violent strikes in the
South African workplace as a
researcher. Ndlovu worked as a
human resources manager for
several blue-chip companies in
Zimbabwe and still takes keen
interest in the affairs of people
and performance management.
He can be contacted on bhekili-
zweb.bn@gmail.com
graphics and any other.
Remember kiss goes by favour
as it is reciprocal in the sense that
when a customer see the business
is making an effort to know his/
her needs and wants will become
loyal and further refer others to
consume your products/service.
It is magical to say.
There is a tendency of being
compared by bigger business-
es when you are small especially
from an agency outsourcing per-
spective.
It is unavoidable to engage with
a business agencies in the current
world of business as one cannot
do all things at once and alone.
Those in the freight and clear-
ance industry can confirm to this
viewpoint.
When you grow these agencies
will go any step away from the
normal/usual to ensure that your
desires are taken care of first at
every stage of doing business.
They will become more account-
able to even use their resources in
advance to make sure that excel-
lence remains a leading connector
of your whole value chain.
Till then, food for thought as we
continue to grow in our entrepre-
neurship.
*Farai Chigora is a business-
man and academic. He is the
Head of Management and Entre-
preneurship at the Africa Univer-
sity’s College of Business, Peace,
Leadership and Governance. His
Doctoral Research focused on
Business Administration (Desti-
nation Marketing and Branding
Major, Ukzn, SA). He is into ag-
ribusiness and consults for many
companies in Zimbabwe and Af-
rica. He writes in his person-
al capacity and can be contacted
for feedback and business at fa-
riechigora@gmail.com, www.
fachip.co.zw, WhatsApp mobile:
+263772886871.
 NOVEMBER 19 TO 25 2023

TOP EUROPEAN CLUBS

SEND SCOUTS TO ZIM
RUSHESHA MUSABVUNDA
TARGETS SPORTS, FITNESS
SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL READY
WARRIORS CAREER TO RUMBLE
SH24 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023

SportsHub

Top European clubs send scouts to Zim

BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE

S
COUTS from top European clubs such as
Brentford who play in the English Premier
League, Werder Bremen (Germany), SC Bra-
ga (Portugal), Standard Liege (Belgium), Macca-
bi Tel Aviv (Israel) and IFK Gothenburg (Sweden)
are set to take part in the Prime Time Academy
international combine set for Alex Sports Club
in Harare next month.
The international combine will run from De-
cember 11 to 13 and scouts from other top
clubs who have not yet confirmed their partic-
ipation could also grace the occasion.
This golden opportunity for talented upcom-
ing footballers, both male and female has been
made possible by local academy Prime Time,
which was established two years ago.
Prime Time Academy is the brainchild of for-
mer England youth international striker Dex-
ter Blackstock, who also played for Queens Park
Rangers and Nottingham Forest in England; and
former Trinidad and Tobago central midfielder
Andre Boucaud.
Boucaud also played for English sides Pe-
terborough United, Wycombe Wanders, Notts
County and Dagenham and Redbridge.
It is the two directors of the academy, who
have used their connections to invite the scouts
from Europe.
The academy’s general manager, Taurai Jan-
hi, who is also the programmes director of the
international combine confirmed the develop-
ment.
“Prime Time Academy international combine
is there in December from the 11th to the 13th
at Alex Sports Club in Harare and we shall be
having scouts from big European clubs,” he told
The Sports Hub. form for these youngsters to be scouted and achievements thus far as well as the long term powerhouse. We want to make sure national
“The objective is to create a marketing plat- probably end up playing abroad. We believe goals. teams in southern Africa improve through em-
form for our talented football players here in that if we do this annually we will produce great “Prime Time Academy was established two powerment, identifying, promoting and mar-
Zimbabwe. We have realised that we have a lot results and impact positively on the national years ago and we already have a few players keting talent.
of talent in Zimbabwe, we have brilliant coaches team and improve our football status on the in- who are in Europe and one player, Prosper Pad- “As an academy dealing with junior develop-
at junior level, we also have fairly good facilities ternational level,” he said. era who is having trials at Brentford in the Eng- ment we advocate against drugs. This is a very
and football programmes running here in Zim- This is the second time this year that Prime lish Premiership. The big dream is to conquer Af- big pandemic in our times and we want to make
babwe but we do not have enough platforms to Time Academy is hosting an international com- rica starting from southern Africa. That is to es- sure these youngsters do not indulge in drug
market our players. So this is a big opportunity. bine after another successful one in April. tablish an academy in all the countries in south- and substance abuse. Drugs and substance
"It's very expensive for talented players to go The combine will give an opportunity to 300 ern Africa, tap the talent, market the talent to abuse are a big issue all over the world and we
for trials in Europe and anywhere in the world, players to interact with European scouts. Europe and other big leagues. can also play a very small role in addressing it
so bringing Europe to Zimbabwe is a good plat- Janhi also spoke about the academy's “We want Southern Africa to be a football through sport,” he said.

Rushesha targets successful Warriors career

BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
ENGLAND-BASED Warriors defender
Tivonge Rushesha is targeting a suc-
cessful career with the Zimbabwe na-
tional team after joining the squad
for the first time last week ahead of
the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers
against Rwanda and Nigeria.
The Warriors played a goalless
draw against Rwanda on Wednesday
in the first match of the World Cup
qualification campaign in Butare.
Rushesha, who plays for English
League One side Reading, did not
feature in the match against Rwan-
da as it was reported that he did not
have his passport yet.
But the 21-year-old fullback could
make his debut against Nigeria in
Rwanda this afternoon if his issues
have been solved in time for the
match.
Zimbabwe are using Huye Stadium
in Butare as their home ground since
there is no Caf accredited stadium in
the country.
“This is my first time in the Zim-
babwe national team. It’s a country
where my family is from. I was born
in Zimbabwe and I would always vis-
it every year of my life when I was
younger, so it’s a very proud mo-
ment,” Rushesha told Zifa media after
joining camp.
“It took a lot to get here and so I
am very grateful to players and the
staff for making me very comforta-
ble on my first day and it’s an expe-
rience I am going to savour, I am go-
ing to cherish.
“I am going to do my very best to
Tivonge Rushesha after arrival in Rwanda last week
help the team and hopefully we
will make it to the World Cup. I am
grateful for the support and I pray
that I can do the country justice
and be successful,” he said.
Rushesha and Andy Rinomho-
ta, who plays for Cardiff City in the
English Championship, are the first
of the ‘British brigade’ to accept the
call to represent their country of or-
igin since the lifting of the Fifa sus-
pension in July.
Warriors coach Baltemor Bri-
to and his technical team had also
called Leicester City’s Tawanda
Maswanhise, young Brentford goal-
keeper Marley Tavaziva, Isaac Ma-
baya who plays for Liverpool and
Leon Chiwome who is in Wolver-
hampton Wanderers’ books, but
they did not turn up for various rea-
sons.
The number of players with Zim-
babwean roots continues to in-
crease across the English top
flight football league with other
names such as Thierry Alfred Far-
ai Katsukunya (Aston Villa), Ver-
non Masara (Burnley)Trey Nyoni
(Liverpool), Matthew Kudakwashe
Takawira ( Luton Town), Michael
Ndiweni (Newcastle United), Sean
Tarima (West Ham), Joshua Nyakud-
ya (Wolves) and Tawanda Chirewa
(Wolves) coming to mind.
Rushesha, born in Zimbabwe be-
fore moving to the UK in 2003, rep-
resented the Wales Under-17, Un-
der-19 and Under-20 national
teams.
He then decided to switch alle-
giance after failing to break into the
Welsh national team.
If he impresses the coaches,
Rushesha could claim the right back
position for Zimbabwe.
The versatile player can also play
as a central midfielder as well as in
defensive midfield.
Rushesha has made 13 appear-
ances for Reading in all competi-
tions this season and has been de-
ployed in four different roles as a
right back.central midfielder, de-
fensive midfielder and right sided
midfielder.
It remains to be seen whether
Rushesha will help Zimbabwe qual-
ify for a maiden World Cup appear-
ance.
 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023 SH25

SportsHub Sport
Musabvunda
Sports, Fitness
festival ready
to rumble
BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE

A
LL is now in place for the staging of the
second edition of the Musabvunda Sports
and Fitness festival, which will take place
at the Reserve Bank Sports Club next weekend.
At least 2000 people are expected to partici-
pate in the two-day festival organised by one
of the fastest growing gym and sports apparel
brands Musabvunda.
It will take place on November 25 and 26 in Ha-
rare.

G lf Zone
The event will include activities such as a half
marathon which is the highlight of the festi-
val and physical fitness contests such as bench
press, deadlift challenge, squat challenge, tug of
war and half plank, among others.
Athlete and fitness enthusiast Kudzai Pasipan-
odya who is the founder of Musabvunda Sports
and Fitness Festival and also the Cadence Sports
Academy director is excited about the second
edition of the event.
“We are very happy to be hosting our second
All things golf
sports and fitness festival that will have several
activities and it is now an annual event, which
started last year. The sport festival is in appre-
ciation to our customers who we supply with
sportswear," Pasipanodya said.
"All is now in place for us to host our second
Musabvunda Sports and Fitness Festival that will
have sports codes like athletics, physical fitness,

Your One-Stop for:

that is bench press, deadlift challenge, squat
challenge, tug of war and half plank, among sev-
eral others.
“The festival is aimed at helping athletes and
individuals maintain healthy lifestyles. We are
1. Corporate/ Charity/ Society Golf
happy with the cooperation we are getting from
the athletes and the online registration has been 2. Profiling of weekly golf winners
going on well with top athletes and clubs con-
firming their availability.
“We are committed to produce top athletes in
3. Golf calendar updates
the country and it is an opportunity for aspiring
athletes to come and take part as we will have 4. Gold course round-ups
the 5km, 10km and 21km races which I think ca-
ters for every individual depending on one’s ca-
pabilities.
"The Musabvunda brand is a fast growing gym

Call:
and sportswear apparel producer. At the festival
we will have a different approach after we dis-
covered that many focus on athletics alone and
we have incorporated fitness.
“We will have people competing for medals
and cash prizes with the top three being reward-
ed in each event,” he said.
Talent Mativenga on +263 77 910 7791
Pasipanodya recently completed his second
Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Email: tmativenga@zimind.co.zw
Seasoned musicians such as Baba Harare and
Nicholas Zakaria will also provide some enter-
tainment during the festival.
Lina Mutsopotsi on +263 77 708 6431
Email: lmutsopotsi @alphamedia.co.zw
“WE ARE VERY happy
to be hosting our
second sports and
fitness festival that
will have several
activities and it is now
an annual event
which, started last
year. The sport festival
is in appreciation to
our customers who we
supply with
sportswear"
SH26 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
Everton’s deduction is a tremor – City
and Chelsea may face the earthquake
G
EOLOGISTS know that some-
times what appears to be an
earthquake is only a prelude
to an even greater seismic event.
That is worth remembering amid
the tremors of the decision to dock
Everton 10 points for breaching
the Premier League’s profit and
sustainability rules (PSR) because
for Manchester City and Chelsea a
quake of a far larger magnitude is
potentially looming.
City, after all, have been charged
with more than 100 breaches of
Premier League rules over multiple
years. Chelsea are under investiga-
tion for alleged financial wrongdo-
ing between 2012 and 2019 – and,
as the Guardian revealed this week,
secret payments worth tens of mil-
lions of pounds appear to have
been made by companies owned
by Roman Abramovich.
Everton are the first club to be
punished by the league for break-
ing profitability and sustainability
rules, and the leading sports law-
yer Catherine Forshaw believes
that City and Chelsea will be fear-
ing much more severe punish-
ments – including potential rele-
gation.
“If you are a lawyer at these
clubs, you will be more nervous af-
ter this verdict,” says Forshaw, who
works at the sports law firm Brab-
ners and has significant experi-
ence in advising national govern-
ing bodies and football clubs.
“There’s precedent in place now.
And compared to Chelsea and
Manchester City, Everton are likely
to be at the lower end of the spec-
trum in terms of severity. So I think
relegation is certainly not out of
the question.”
Another prominent sports law-
yer, Nii Anteson, points to section
107 and 108 of the 41-page Ever-
ton verdict as potentially being rel-
evant to future cases.
It was not just that the commis-
sion stressed to Everton that the
Football
Today
African World Cup Qualifiers - Bu-
rundi v Gabon (15:00), Zimbabwe
v Nigeria (15:00), Mozambique v
Algeria (15:00), Sudan v DR Con-
go (18:00), Sierra Leone v Egypt
(18:00)
European Championships Qual-
ifying - Hungary v Montenegro
(16:00), Serbia v Bulgaria (16:00),
Belgium v Azerbaijan (19:00),
Sweden v Estonia (19:00), Portu-
gal v Iceland (21:45), Bosnia-Her-
zegovina v Slovakia (21:45), Scot-
land v Norway (21:45), Liechten-
stein v Luxembourg (21:45), Spain
v Georgia (21:45)
Everton’s 10-point deduction has made lawyers at other Premier League clubs nervous
“obligation to act in utmost good
faith is high”, and told the club that
the information supplied was “ma-
terially inaccurate” and “less than
frank”.
No. Notably, they also dismissed
a claim by Everton’s representative
that “in the same way that a tax ac-
countant’s job was to reduce a cli-
ent’s tax exposure, an element of
his job was to protect or interpret
PSR rules to the benefit of his em-
ployer”.
According to Anteson, a partner
and solicitor advocate at the law
firm Sheridans, that is potentially
quite significant in other cases.
“That representative said his job
is to creatively interpret the prof-
itability and sustainability rules to
benefit his employer – Everton,” he
says. “But the commission in this
case found that the general duty
of good faith that clubs owe to
the Premier League is a very high
standard and trumps that.
Tomorrow
African World Cup Qualifiers -
Djibouti v Guinea-Bissau (15:00),
Gambia v Cote d'Ivoire (18:00), Li-
beria v Equatorial Guinea (18:00),
Seychelles v Kenya (21:00), Chad v
Madagascar (21:00), Mali v Central
African Republic (21:00)
European Championships Qual-
ifying - Northern Ireland v Den-
mark (21:45), Albania v Faroe Is-
lands (21:45), San Marino v Fin-
land (21:45), North Macedonia v
England (21:45), Ukraine v Italy
(21:45), Czech Republic v Moldo-
va (21:45), Slovenia v Kazakhstan
(21:45)
Tuesday
“And frankly, because the Pre-
mier League is generally unsight-
ed into the goings-on at a club,
aside from these financial reports,
which need to be submitted, it’s
important that the clubs exer-
cise the utmost care in providing
those reports. So the commission
found that while Everton didn’t
consciously intend to circumvent
the rules it failed to discharge that
duty of good faith and that was
one of the aggravating factors.”
That said, there were also miti-
gating circumstances in the Ever-
ton case. The commission, for in-
stance, agreed that the club had
“behaved openly and responsi-
bly in its dealings with the Premier
League in relation to its PSR chal-
lenges, and that behaviour should
stand to its credit”.
It also noted the effects of Covid,
and the other difficulties Everton
had faced over the period where
African World Cup Qualifiers -
Botswana v Guinea (15:00), Leso-
tho v Benin (15:00), Malawi v Tu-
nisia (15:00), Rwanda v South Af-
rica (15:00), Somalia v Uganda
(15:00), Eswatini v Cape Verde
(15:00), Comoros v Ghana (18:00),
Mauritius v Angola (18:00), Libya
v Cameroon (18:00), South Sudan
v Mauritania (18:00), Togo v Sen-
egal (18:00), Sao Tome and Princ-
ipe v Namibia (18:00), Ethiopia v
Burkina Faso (21:00), Niger v Zam-
bia (21:00), Tanzania v Morocco
(21:00)
European Championships Qual-
ifying - Andorra v Israel (21:45),
Kosovo v Belarus (21:45), Croatia v
it went over the maximum per-
mitted losses of £105m over three
years. Even so, it decided to inflict
a 10-point penalty.
All that is worth noting in City’s
case. Especially as the seven-times
Premier League winners are facing
far more charges – including fail-
ing to give “a true and fair view of
the club’s financial position”, fail-
ing to “include full details” of play-
er and manager remuneration, fail-
ing to comply with fair play rules,
and failing to cooperate in the Pre-
mier League’s investigation. They
have denied wrongdoing and say
that a “comprehensive body of ir-
refutable evidence” exists in sup-
port of their position.
Chelsea’s case is different again,
with a new regime having come
forward to the Premier League
to highlight the discrepancies it
found after it took over the club.
Anteson says there is a common
thread between all three cases:
Armenia (21:45), Romania v Swit-
zerland (21:45), Greece v France
(21:45), Gibraltar v Netherlands
(21:45), Wales v Turkey (21:45)
Cricket
Today
ICC Men's Cricket World Cup
2023 Final - India v Australia
(10:30)
Wednesday
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa
Qualifier - Kenya v Rwanda (9:30),
Uganda v Tanzania (9:30), Zimba-
bwe v Namibia (13:50)
Thursday
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa
Qualifier - Kenya v Nigeria (9:30),
Zimbabwe v Tanzania (13:50)
TOUCHING NEDBANK
TOUR DE GREAT
DYKE MOMENT
AS 82-YEAR-OLD
CYCLIST FALLS OF
THE BIKE Pg 25
“The Premier League is now keen
to have the deterrent effect of their
rules and regulations felt.”
So is the Premier League finally
baring its teeth? Yes and no, says
Forshaw.
“They have more than one eye
on the independent regulator that
is due to come in,” she says.
“Basically, the Premier League
are saying that they want to retain
some of their regulatory powers
to govern their own league. This is
a way of showcasing that they’re
able to do that – and they will take
breaches of the regulation serious-
ly.”
So what will happen next? Ever-
ton have said they will appeal
against the sanction and the find-
ing that they failed to act with the
utmost good faith. But neither An-
teson or Forshaw believes they
have a strong chance of complete-
ly overturning the verdict.
“It may be a case that the sanc-
tion is reduced, but they’d have to
prove that there had been an un-
just finding or evidence had been
ignored,” says Forshaw. “And given
the scrutiny of the case, and how
long this has gone on for, I think it’s
unlikely.”
Meanwhile, the commission
chair, David Phillips KC, has giv-
en Leeds, Leicester, Burnley and
Southampton – who have previ-
ously written to Everton’s prospec-
tive new owners, 777 Partners,
warning they intend to pursue
damages in the event of a guilty
verdict – 28 days to inform the
commission they want compensa-
tion. The clubs are not allowed to
take separate legal action through
the courts.
Chelsea and Manchester City can
only wait to see what the Premier
League will do next.
But after Friday’s verdict one
thing is clear: collars in both board-
rooms will be a little more sweaty.
— Guardian Sports
1st T20I - India v Australia
(15:30)
Friday
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Afri-
ca Qualifier - Nigeria v Rwanda
(9:30), Namibia v Uganda (13:50)
Saturday
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa
Qualifier - Kenya v Tanzania (9:30),
Namibia v Rwanda (13:50)
Motorsport
Today
Formula 1
Las Vegas GP (Las Vegas Street
Circuit, Las Vegas, 08:00)
MotoGP
Qatar GP (Losail International
Circuit, Losail 19:00)
 14 Classifieds
The Standard November 18 to 25 2023
/ MyClassifieds 27
NewsDay Weekender | Saturday July 8, 2023
THE STANDARD
CITY OF BULAWAYO REGIONAL, TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT, (CHAPTER CITY OF BULAWAYO

Where to nd us:

KARIBA FRESH FISH &
29:12) OF 1996.Notice of an application for a Permit in terms
RENOVATIONS, ROOFLEAKS,
Advertise your
MATEMBA AVAILABLE.
CALL/IN BOX 0715786000 Section 26 (3) of the Act:
Guttering, Building extensions, Notice is hereby given of an application to carry out the following
painting,
NOTICE tiling, capentr y, AND
TO CREDITORS NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO development on the Remainder of Subdivision A of Lot 437 Highlands NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO
plumbing.
DEBTORSCall AND0242751211,
TO ALL WHOM CONSTRUCT TOWN HOUSES (18 UNITS) ON STAND 144 of Lot 22 (136 Arcturus Road), Harare. ESTABLISH LIQOUR WHOLESALE ON STAND
Samora Machel Ave 6495 BULAWAYO

Motor Vehicles,
IT MAY CONCERN DRB 443/23 M AT S H E U M H LO P H E ( 4 7 - 4 9 E D E N F E I L D R O A D 1.It is proposed to establish a Licensed Restaurant with ancillary TOWNSHIP (19 WALSALL ROAD, THORNGROVE BULAWAYO):
0772651831,
IN the Estate 0777527474,
of the late MATSHEUMHLOPHE): DISTRICT OF BULAWAYO: OBERT Wellness Centre (Physiotherapy) on the above mentioned stand which DISTRICT OF BULAWAYO: BULAWAYO MOTOR REWINDS.
0NDABEZINHLE
7 1 5 8 3 9 7 1 9 .DISCHARGE
Email: CHAUKE AND SINEKESENKOSI CHAUKE. falls in Residential Zone 1A(i) in terms of Greendale Local ZB Bank

et
Notice is hereby given in terms of subsection (3) of Section 26 of
DHLAMINI of BULAWAYO who Notice is hereby given in terms of subsection (3) of Section 26 of

Rotten Row Stre

middler0enterprises@gmail Development Plan No.56, wherein the proposed use may be permitted the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, CAP 29:12, that an

Harare Street
died at BULAWAYO on the 15TH the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, CAP 29:12, that an through special consent of the Local Planning Authority. The stand application to establish aKwame liquor wholesale
Nkrumahon the above mentioned

Properties,
.com
day of MARCH 2020.All persons application to construct town houses (18 units) on the above Ave

having claims against the
above-named Estate are
Zanu PF Headquarters
measures 7102 square meters. property has been received.
mentioned property has been received.
2.According to the Act, this application is required to be advertised The application and plans may be inspected on the Doves seventh oor,
The application and plans may be inspected on the seventh oor,

Kaguvi Street
required to lodge them in detail Municipal Buildings, (Tower Block) during normal ofce hours. and owners of adjacent properties notied in writing before being Municipal Buildings, (Tower Block) during normal ofce hours.
with the undersigned not later Any persons wishing to make objections or representation relating considered by the Local Planning Authority. Any persons wishing to make objections or representation relating
No. 1 Kwame Nkrumah Ave

than the 30 TH of JULY 2023
and those indebted thereto are
required to pay to the
undersigned the amounts due
by them within the same period,
Computers,
to the application must lodge them with the undersigned at the The application, plans and any special conditions which the Authority to the application must1stlodge
3rd Block, Floor them with the undersigned at the
Municipal Buildings (City Hall), P.O Box 591, Bulawayo, not later is likely to impose in the event of this application being favorably Municipal Buildings (City Hall), P.O Box 591, Bulawayo, not later
than 8 August 2023. considered maybe inspected at the address below during normal than 8 August 2023.
ADVERT NO: 12294 C.DUBE ofce hours.Any person wishing to make objections or ADVERT NO: 12292 Jason Moyo Avenue C.DUBE
DATE: 8 July 2023 TOWN CLERK representations relating to the application must lodge them with the DATE: 8 July 2023 TOWN CLERK

Cellphones &
failing which legal proceedings undersigned within one month of the date of the rst insertion of this
will be taken for the recovery
notice.
thereof.All persons having in CITY OF BULAWAYO
HARARE CITY COUNCIL REGIONAL, TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT, (CHAPTER
their custody or possession any FAMILY
property belonging or relating to DEPARTMENT OF WORKS 29;12)NOTICES
REVISED EDITION 1996.Notice MISCELLANEOUS
of an application for a
001 Births 40726(3)Miscellaneous
of the Act; Wanted

Accessories,
this Estate are required to deliver EASTERN REGION SECTION Permit in terms Section
the same for thwith to the ROOM 308D THIRD FLOOR 002 Birthdays 408 Ofce
Notice is hereby given of an application to carry out Equipment
the following
NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO CLEVELAND HOUSE, 92 L. TAKAWIRA STREET 003 Online Shopping 409 Stationary
undersigned.MAJOR development on Stand 160 Chadcombe Township 2 of Chadcombe
ESTABLISH A BOTTLE STORE WITHIN A SUPERMARKET ON 004Lapford
Weddings & Events 410 Antiques
DHLAMINI, BLOCK 57/1784 , HARARE (11 Road) Harare
STAND 7529 NKETA TOWNSHIP OF STAND 5334 NKETA 9, P.O
MPOPOMA, BULAWAYO 005 Anniversary 411 Tools & Machinery

Auctions in Our
N KU LU M A N E : D I S T R I C T O F B U L A W AYO : F O R M E R 1.It is proposed to construct two (2) additional cluster houses
ENTERPRISES.
006 Bridal Services 412 Arms & Ammunition
REGIONAL, TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT, (CHAPTER 29; resulting in three (3) units on the above quoted property which is
Notice is hereby given in terms of subsection (3) of Section 26 of 007 Deaths 414 Auctions & Highlights
12) REVISED EDITION 1996.Notice of an application for a Permit situated in Residential Low Density Zone 2C of the Operative City of
Advertise your the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, CAP 29:12, that an
application to establish a bottle store within a supermarket on the
in terms Section 26(3) of the Act;
Notice is hereby given of an application to carry out the following
008 Condolences
Harare's Waterfalls/Hateld Local Development Plan Number 26,
009 In Memoriam SPECIALISTS SERVICES
wherein the proposed development requires the special consent of

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above mentioned property has been received. development on Remainder of Lot 434 Greendale Township (29 010 Funeral Notices 500 Building
the Local Planning Authority. The property measures 4047sqm and
Motor Vehicles, The application and plans may be inspected on the seventh oor,
Municipal Buildings, (Tower Block) during normal ofce hours.
Trinity Road) Harare
1.It is proposed to construct eleven (11) double storey cluster
011 Funeral Services 501 Carpets & Cleaning
the resultant net density per unit will be 1349sqm.
012 Memorial Services
2.In terms of the Act, this application
Services
Any persons wishing to make objections or representation relating
houses on the above quoted property which is situated in Zone 1C 015 Mining 502is required
Cateringto &
beBakery
advertised
to the application must lodge them with the undersigned at the and adjacent neighbours notied in503 writingGardening
before being considered
Properties,
Classieds
Municipal Buildings (City Hall), P.O Box 591, Bulawayo, not later Flats (500sqm) in terms of the operative City of Harare's Greendale
by the LocalNOTICES
GENERAL Planning Authority.The504 application plans and any
Hire services
than 8 August 2023. Local Development Plan No.56 wherein the proposed development
special
100 conditions which the
Babies, Toddlers & Authority is likely
505 Plumbing to impose in the
ADVERT NO: 12291 C.DUBE requires the special consent of the Local Planning Authority. The

Computers,
event of this Children.
application being favourably
506 considered
Security & may be
Insurance
DATE: 8 July 2023 TOWN CLERK property measures 7800sqm and the resultant density will be
709sqm per unit on reticulated sewerage system. inspected at the
102 Lost & Found address below during normal
507 Boreholes ofce hours. Any
2.In terms of the Act, this application is required to be advertised person
103 wishing
Personal to Notices
make objections508 or representations
General relating to the
CITY OF BULAWAYO
Cellphones & and adjacent neighbours notied in writing before being considered
by the Local Planning Authority.The application plans and any
application
104 Tuition
of105
must lodge them with the
Personal
the date Finance
of the rst
509undersigned
insertion of this
510notice.
Electricalwithin one month
Carpentry
special conditions which the Authority is likely to impose in the 106 Health
HARARE & Beauty
CITY COUNCIL 511 Pest Control

Accessories, NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO

event of this application being favourably considered may be
inspected at the address below during normal ofce hours. Any
DIRECTOR OF WORKS
EMPLOYMENT
EASTERN REGION SECTION
200 Vacancies
512 Power Back Up
513 Farming & Equipment
ESTABLISH A HARDWARE ON SUBDIVISION A OF STAND 1140 person wishing to make objections or representations relating to the ROOM 307 THIRD
201 Situations Wanted FLOOR 514 Poultry & Livestock

Auctions in Our BULAWAYO ( FORT STREET 20A): DISTRICT OF BULAWAYO:

JOSEPH MUTIYENI.
application must lodge them with the undersigned within one month
of the date of the rst insertion of this notice.
CLEVELAND HOUSE,
202 Positions
HARARE
92 LEOPOLD TAKAWIRA STREET
Filled
ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE
Notice is hereby given in terms of subsection (3) of Section 26 of HARARE CITY COUNCIL PROPERTY 600 Sound and Vision

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the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, CAP 29:12, that an DIRECTOR OF WORKS 300REGIONAL, TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING
Accommodation ACT (CHAPTER 29:12)
601 Photography
application to establish a hardware on the above mentioned EASTERN REGION SECTION NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 49(4) OF THE ACT
available 602 Camping & Outdoor
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 40(3) of the Regional, Town And
property has been received. ROOM 307 THIRD FLOOR
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Any persons wishing to make objections or representation relating
CLEVELAND HOUSE, 92 LEOPOLD TAKAWIRA STREET
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residentialWanted
303 boundary
outside
and commercial development603
HousesofTotheLet following properties
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on Chaminuka
604 Lot Boats
A of Balla
& Travel
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& Mona
(Being surveyed
of Borrowdale
equipment
Estate,
304 RemainderFlats To ofLetBalla Mona of Borrowdale Estate (NijoFarm)
605 Fashion & Fabrics Windyridge
to the application must lodge them with the undersigned at the
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The property in question which is owned by City of Harare is zoned Let
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iv) Business Premises
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and site plan can be inspected at the address given below during 312 Planning
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development proposed in this803 Vehicle
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In terms of Section 49(4) of the Act, the Minister of Local Government 313generalBusiness
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confersVehicle
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and Public Works and National Housing is obliged to give public the owners of other properties adjacent805
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28 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
Remembering Rahman Gumbo
O
FTEN when you write about a man
who made his fame on a football pitch,
you're expected to ramble on about
matters- football, football etiquette and their
prowess on the field of play.
Don't quite know if I could do that ....
For it is not really on account of his football
exploits that Rahman Gumbo so charmed me
and left such inspired footprints on mine and
the hearts of many out there.
It is not why I miss him. No.
It is more of The Man, the gregarious social-
ite, the colossal human being beneath, behind
and beyond the footballer....
The way after 90 minutes and a shower, this
man carried himself amongst us, ordinary peo-
ple eKasi, in them shebeens and Cclubs, eWO-
ZA, eMawosweni, in the burial societies, eMa-
caweni, and sundry social hangouts ..... I re-
member Rhà!
Often, when Rahman's name was raised as
would be the case, in heated comparison to
some of Zimbabwe's most shining super-stars
of the day or yesteryear, I'd be reminded of an
observation he was given to make in our many
binging banters: "The ultimate charm and
quality of a woman Zii, is not so much in their
stunning looks as it is in their grooming, their
feminine deportment and their basic sense
of humility...That ability, in a stunning beauty
mntamama, to glide through life, in the midst
of underlining, with so much grace, elegance n
poise, with absolute nonchalance and almost
complete unawareness of just how beautiful
she is...! Ain't that the ultimate turn- on Bro?" (
bursting into his infections signature laughter,
and flashing that sxhenxhe of his!) I remember
Rahman.
He leaves the legacy of an audacious su-
perstar-cum-flamboyant gentleman, who re-
fused to play the showy superstar card ... but
always made you forget the true football geni-
us he was whenever you bumped into him in a
bar, playing snooker, puffin away his cigarette,
blaring loud decibels of Spandau Ballet, Bon
Jovi, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath or some such
hard rock music, being a normal man about
other man.
Though he clearly had a unique palate for
the finest things of life, this soul brother, Rah-
man was super cool any other day with ezan-
gaphakathi, umthala lomtshaza, iNgwebu le fla-
vor ravor, Don Gumbo, Don Carlos, Gregory
n the good old time religion... Matshikos and
Dan Tshanda leNkukhumakhaya....
And so indeed, that was the social genius
of Rahman Gumbo: a happy meeting point
between the highest quality excellence in his
trade and the deepest grounded humility in
society...
A particularly rare combination of virtues
you would see, perhaps in Adamski (MHSRIP),
perhaps in Choruma... but a rare attribute to
most of our celebrities, as indeed it is so too
most humans.
Without doubt, Rahman Gumbo was en-
dowed with amazing abundant talent as a
baller as well as a coach, mentor and manag-
er of the footballers, not only here, in the City
of Kings but across the country, @ the national
stage, at the regional stage and international-
ly, indeed King Rush was to become our pride
and flagship too. I remember Rhá!
Rahman's career CV shines and his foot-
ball pedigree stands proud for all who care
for sporting excellence to behold, see and ac-
knowledge, even given this, our well-known,
perennially toxic, polarised, vindictive, jealous
and thankless kind of social ecosystem.
Here was your "Can't- put- a- good- man-
down" kinda dude. I do remember Rahman.
Outside of the usual culprits, historically, the
most painful thorn in the flesh of Highlanders
F.C over the years was known to be Kennedy
Sibanda's stubborn Wanderers/ Eagles Foot-
ball Club.
Of that 'Mazhiya mafia' was always that ter-
rible core quartet of revetting stalwarts who
seemed only born to embarrass Highland-
ers and sworn to ever bring streams of tears
to Soweto, eMagumeni every time Bosso met
their erstwhile enemy, the Eagles...
It was Elvis "Chuchu" Chiweshe. It was Felix
Ntuthu.
It was the mercurial Boy Ndlovu. And yes,
you guess right, it was Yours Truly, the legend-
ary Rhaman Gumbo. I remember Rhá! Damn!
Sport
Who amongst us would forget those dan-
gerous forays of the gangly King Rush in just
about all those explosive encounters at White
City as well as BF when his trademark rasp-
ing long range drives would rip the nets , set-
tling in the top corner, to leave " Captain Oxo"
clutching at empty air, much to the groaned
chagrin of thousands of AmaNdebele?
Graceful and elegant on the ball, he popped
where you didn't think he would.
He used his rather gangly physique and that
deceptively languid mobility to great effect...
cherishing the high octane game intensity, yet
gifted with the amazing ability to tone down
the tempo and dictate play when there was
need.
I remember Rhaman. Long long before he
dorned that Highlanders jersey, the dude was
the fear and envy of every Bosso fan...
His unassuming charisma and strength of
character emerged early in his career.
Everyone wonders, just what goes wrong
with our footballers and managing fame.
As has been sad tradition, when some his fa-
mous teammates fell victim to their own fame
and got sucked into the dark and foggy un-
derworld of crime eNumber One, when others
were ruthlessly harvested by orgy and terrible
pandemics along the way... he kept-his-eyes-
on -the-ball, maintained his discipline and as-
tute focus.
And yet in his own words, " It was never be-
cause we were smarter than others jeki... Jus
God showing us how stupid we were. And
how much He still loves us!" He was a care-
fully chiseled leader very early on. I remem-
ber Rahman.
Always you could tell from his distinguish-
ing demeanour, his class, his exquisite taste
and sense of dress... Always, the debonair gen-
tleman.
Where team mates were easily drawn by
their fame to boisterous and boastful arro-
gance, he was always circumspect, measured
and polished without losing any of his great
sense of jestful humour... I remember Rah-
man..
At a time in history when Bosso was a close-
ly guarded enclave of Willard/Rambo/Madin-
da's Mzilikazi-Makokoba fiefdom, Rahman
was to budge in from the cold and break that
Mziliziopoly...
No doubt that feat would have taken im-
mense personal courage, stamina, huge per-
sonality besides exceptional talent. Rahman
walked straight into the team, fitting like he
belonged forever! I remember Rahman.
Really, as they say the rest is history. The ex-
ploits, achievements, accolades and trophy
cabinets of Rahman Gumbo are seamless and
limitless...Basazobhala onobhala!
I don`t forget what one player who went
through the hands of both Shacky and Rha
said when asked to compare his time between
the two great coaches... " I learnt technique
and grew my game under coach Ndlovu like
nowhere else.... With Coach Rhaa, all of us sim-
ply wanted to die on the pitch for the gaffer.
We tore off our 11 hearts and left them on the
turf for him!" I remember Rahman
I remember Rhaman Gumbo.
Where so many of his ilk somehow seemed
to divide opinion in our polarised pretence
of a nation, Rahman's humility and charming
aura infected all. He grew to command sincere
respect amongst ordinarily bitter enemies and
disagreeing forces across the sport.
From Highlanders to the world, this leg-
end and gentleman of grand quality brought
us immeasurable pride and collective joy.
UThoko angafakaza.
He remains one of Bosso's most favorite
sons and an epitome of selfless great service.
His epic conquests with Reinhard Fabisch,
Rambo, Willard, Chawanda and Shonayi would
require another whole day to tell. I remember
Rhaman.
Fiur countries and six championship titles
later.... trophies and cups, podium moments
without count...I remember Rhaman.
His indelible footprint , writ large in our
hearts, flickers great memories for many in the
lands of Malawi, Botswana, South Africa and
the Sadc.
He was no Peter Ndlovu, but I remember
well ... that talisman fabric of the trailblazing
Warriors was threaded around Rhaman Gum-
bo.
Suffice for now to say his chain of accolades
is absolutely astounding for one so well loved
yet so poorly celebrated.
His trailblazing football boots allowed us a
window into his human soul... And there, we
were all to encounter this amazing human be-
ing, this larger than life iconic man...
It is why today, many of us feel a loss beyond
a football legend, but one of a rare breed of
passion, finesse, humility, joy, excellence, love
and class all rolled up in a simple , gifted man.
It is in the loss of such humble great man
that you feel more and more lonely in a busy
world of pretentious commoners... I remember
Rahman. Am I suggesting he was a some angel
or paragon of virtue... Not by the longest shot.
Rahman was a saint, only if a saint, like me,
is a sinner that keeps trying. Perfect in his im-
perfections!
In the final round of this, his illustrious Life
Tournament, my great brother Rahman Gum-
bo jus fell to an injury-time foul tackle of the
heart.
We have watched this Warrior take on so
many life pandemics and conquer. But God`s
Time is God`s time.
Deepest condolences to Sancho, Norman,
Sheila and the kids. Most sincere condolences
ku Sis Virgie and the family. I hear Mom NaRhà
is alive and knockin on a century, not out. Ma-
sidumise. Sidabuke kunye lawe mama. Silani.
Silahlekelwe sonke.
Yet as Coach Amin put it, Heroes never die,
they sleep... "URahman ulele!"
We embrace the will of God and celebrate
one of the best played Life Tournaments some
of us have had the honour to watch.
Go well Brotherman.Ngisabhala... Ngiyam-
khumbula uRhá..
 Zii Masiye (ziimasiye@gmail.com)
writes elsewhere on social media as Bal-
ancing Rocks.

We need Musona lust like Portugal needs Ronaldo
S OMETIME back, we bold-
ly declared that Zimbabwe
no longer needed Knowl-
edge Musona and that he should
be allowed to take his bow - and
now it appears we were wrong.
After watching the Warriors
miss those easy to score chances
against Rwanda, we have been
forced to rethink and declare
that Zimbabwe still needs the
smiling Assassin just as much as
Portugal relies on the 38-year-
old, Christiano Ronaldo.
Even in his worst days, the Al
Riyadh SC striker could have
taken care of those chances that
Terence Dzukamanja, Prince
Dube, Gerald Takwara and
young brother Walter, allowed
to pass.
What was clearly evident in
the game against Rwanda was
that Zimbabwe needs somebody
of the experience of Knowledge,
a striker who is at the right posi-
tion at the right time, and some-
body capable of opening up the
defence with those darting runs
which are Knowledge’s trade-
mark qualities.
Yes, Zimbabwe has exception-
ally talented strikers in the form
of the younger Musona, Dube,
FOR many a parent, it is a moment
of huge delight and pride to wit-
ness a child running first races in
athletics at Primary school in the
earliest grades. Then the pride and
joy increase as the child later rep-
resents the school Colts team for
the first time in a school fixture!
The next step is in moving up
to school third or second teams
before eventually playing for the
school first team – now the child
Dzvukamanja, Tino Kadewere
and of course, Admiral Muskwe,
but what cannot be disputed
is that they need Knowledge’s
guidance for them to deliver.
After all, Musona, is only 33
years and will be 34 in 2024 and
is playing in the Saudi Profes-
sional League that is fast be-
coming one of the most com-
petitive leagues in the world
considering the wealth of talent
gathered there.
It is unfortunate that Knowl-
edge is not in today’s game
against the Super Eagles of Ni-
geria but the hope, if not the ex-
pectation, is that the Warriors
will prevail over a team that has
lost its way around world foot-
ball.
If this Super Eagles team
could play out a 1-1 draw and
for that matter at home against,
of all teams, Lesotho, then there
is no reason why the Warriors
cannot pick up the maximum
points.
This can only come true if
coach Baltermar Brito gets his
team selection spot-on especial-
ly in the strike force where from
the look of things, he has limited
resources.
He has to make his choice on
whether to start with the inju-
ry prone Muskwe and Kadewere
or decide on Dzvukamanja and
Dube, who unfortunately has
failed to turn his club form into
national team success.
The Prince has been bare-
ly recognizable in Warriors col-
ours compared to the Dube who
has been creating waves in Tan-
zania by scoring goals at will for
his club Azam.
Surely, the Nigerians are no
longer the formidable side of
old and so can easily be beaten.
Their new side lacks talent and
cannot be compared to the good
old days when the Super Eagles
paraded the likes of Sunday Ol-
iseh, Nwanko Kanu, Austin ‘Jay
Jay’ Okocha, Rashid Yekini, Vic-
tor Ikpeba, amongst others.
Even their current best play-
er Victor Osimhem cannot be
compared to the likes of Oko-
SOMETHING BIGGER
has truly made it! No, wait, now
there is the chance of him or her
representing his new Secondary
school at Under 14 level, maybe
at B team level, maybe even the A
team.
Each year, the child looks to rep-
resent the school at the next level,
aiming one day for the pinnacle of
the First team, and once there, to
even hope for making the provin-
cial and even national team at age
group level.
All the way through school,
there is always something big-
ger to aim for; indeed, the same
applies after school where the
youngster may now look to play
for a club first team, then make
the provincial team and even the
national Under 21 side before go-
ing even higher to ultimately play
for the full national team.
Now, what elation that parent
is feeling! Could it get any better?
Could there be anything bigger?
Some would say there is some-
thing bigger – that would be play-
ing for the national side that wins
a major tournament, be it a con-
tinental one initially but eventual-
ly the world one. Is there anything
bigger? Surely not! Nothing could
Sport
top any of that!
There is something bigger
though. That something bigger
will be found on the touchlines,
not on the field of play.
To consider what, we can go
back a year or so and note com-
ments made by a League One
soccer manager in England af-
ter he was subjected to a “barrage
of abuse”, including racist com-
ments, swearing, from opposing
fans sitting right behind his team’s
dugout, before he and his staff
were also subjected to spitting,
physical contact and objects be-
ing thrown at players.
It should be added that the
abuse was not initiated by events
on the field or by the result; right
from the beginning of the match
this all went on, purely because
they were opponents.
The manager’s comments were
insightful: "Just because we are
sportsmen and professional peo-
ple and we work for opposition
football clubs, it does not give you
a right to say and do what you
want to us. We are human beings
and we deserve to be treated like
human beings. Some things are
bigger than football and today is
The Standard November 19 to 25 2023 29
cha and Kanu and does not even
come closer to Zimbabwe’s own
Peter Ndlovu who was a shining
beacon for Coventry City in the
English Premiership.
More importantly is the fact
that Osim-
hem, who
plays for
Napo-
li in Ita-
ly is not
available
for this
match
al-
though
Zim-
ba-
bwe
already
had an an-
tidote for him in the form
of Jordan Zemura.
For Brito, there won’t
be any excuses as the
Warriors have been to-
gether and training as
a team since Thursday,
a day after their disap-
pointing and unexpected
1-1 draw against Rwanda.
He also has the added
advantage of the presence
of Zemura and Andy Rinom-
hota who arrived late in Kiga-
li and not in time for the game
against Rwanda but are up for
selection against Nigeria.
Surely, this group that also in-
cludes Benin and South Afri-
ca is one that Zimbabwe can
easily win only if the coach
and the Zifa Normali-
sation Committee get
their act right.
Our biggest com-
petitor could
turn out to be
South Africa.
For your
comments,
views, and
suggestions
mkariati@
gmail.com or
WhatsApp on
0773 266 779.
bigger than football." being thrown but so too can their
There is something bigger than mental health be seriously affect-
football, than sport in general. In ed by verbal abuse. No-one has the
fact, there is more than one thing right to disparage anyone else.
that is more important than foot- Ultimately though, life is bigger
ball, rugby or cricket or whatever than sport. Sport is not the be-all-
sport. and-end-all of life. Indeed, beat-
People are bigger than sport, ing a rival school in a sports fix-
even (especially) those who sup- ture is not going to give our child
port a different team. “We are hu- a place at university or a job; be-
man beings and we deserve to ing part of an unbeaten team will
be treated like human beings”, not increase our child’s chance of
whether on a sports field or not. getting married; scoring winning
The old well-known mantra of goals or tries does not go near to
the All Blacks that “a better per- being married; losing a match is
son makes a better player” also nothing in comparison to facing
holds true for being a better spec- a death.
tator, and indeed for managers; We might add that there is
managers or players who try to something worse than all that
whip up the crowd into a louder, abuse at a soccer match and that
noisier, more intimidating frenzy is abuse that is heard at school
are guilty of serious abuse. sports fields, directed at referees,
Everyone’s dignity and human- coaches and players, not by the
ity should be respected, on and children but by the parents, the
off a sports field. If they cannot spectators, the adults.
do it on the sports field (or in the It seems that all we are doing is
crowd) what hope will there be for breeding people who shout abuse,
them to do it in society? swear words and vitriol, even vio-
Furthermore, there is some- lently, when things do not go their
thing else bigger than sport and way, when others dare to be differ-
that is the health of those peo- ent to them.
ple. Their physical well-being can That must end – now! There is
be affected by objects or punches definitely something bigger.
30 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
Australia enter India’s Thunder Dome
with unfamiliar tag of underdogs
A Eagles —Kpakor
FTER two wildly contrasting World Cup
semi-finals in the traditional centres of
Mumbai and Kolkata comes the grand fi-
nale at the ground that India’s board – and its
government, certainly – hopes will become the
beating heart of cricket in the country.
Since its £80m construction three years ago,
the hulking saffron-seated thunderdome that
is Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium has
staged two Indian Premier League finals, three
Test matches and, among its four fixtures so far
in this global tournament, seen arch-rivals Pa-
kistan swatted aside by Rohit Sharma’s poster
boys.
But, to the outsider at least, it feels affection
for it among India’s cricketing public is yet to
truly take root and certainly pales in compari-
son with the likes of the Wankhede Stadium,
Eden Gardens or Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy
Stadium. Sunday, with a six-figure full house ex-
pected, could nudge things a fair bit here pro-
vided Sharma’s currently unbeaten Indian ma-
chine doesn’t malfunction.
The most common question during this
World Cup has probably been whether any
team can prevent India fulfilling what appears
their destiny.
It requires the suppression of a batting line-
up that is now averaging 61 runs per wick-
et, 18 clear of the next best in New Zealand.
And in turn, this side’s batters will have to pre-
vail against a mouthwatering masala of pace,
swing, seam movement and spin, both tradi-
tional and unorthodox.
Well, if there is an answer other than simply
“er, no one” it can now only be Australia who
face India in today’s mouthwater-
ing ICC Cricket World Cup fi-
nal.
On Friday af-
Haaland to miss
Australian rugby unions demand chairman's resignation with foot injury
Sport
ternoon Pat Cummins and his players – plus a
small army of support staff – cruised through
a sea of camera phones at Kolkata airport, next
stop Ahmedabad.
They looked pretty chipper after the three-
wicket win over South Africa the night before,
one set up by a fabulous, Test-standard new-
ball burst from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazle-
wood.
Australia are a popular bunch in these parts,
with Glenn Maxwell the most common name
among the knock-off, non-India shirts in the
stands.
David Warner is very much the favourite on
the boundary’s edge, however, after carefully,
slightly unctuously cultivating his own Indian
fanbase over the years.
The Hollies Stand it has very much not been,
even if the love for the 37-year-old’s dancing
may be briefly paused this weekend.
And as confident and form-rich as India’s
players appear, there can be no complacen-
cy here. For one, Australia have already giv-
en the hosts a bloody nose, reducing them to
an alarming two for three in their tournament
opener in Chennai (even if Virat Kohli and KL
Rahul doused those particular flames for a com-
fortable win). And then there is that innate, en-
viable Australian trait: the kangaroo that starts
boxing come the knockouts.
In England, even considering this year’s sev-
enth-placed flunk, a pioneering white-ball gen-
eration which won the 50-over World Cup in
2019 and then united this with the T20 belt
last year has been rightly lauded. But should
Cummins and co poop the party this
weekend and take the trophy,
it will be a third in limited-
overs crick- et for the core
of the cur- rent set-up af-
ter the 2015 World Cup
and its
Euro qualifier
SYDNEY — Six state unions have de-
manded the immediate resignation
of Rugby Australia chairman Hamish
McLennan in the wake of the failed
tenure of former Wallabies coach Ed-
die Jones.
An open letter signed by six of the
eight union chairs called for an extraor-
dinary general meeting of the RA board
to oust McLennan if he ignores their
call to stand down, saying they have
lost "trust or faith in his leadership".
The ultimatum comes in the
wake of a miserable year for the
Wallabies under Jones in which
they won just two of nine tests
and failed to reach the World Cup
quarterfinals for the first time.
McLennan was a key driver in
the January decision to replace
former coach Dave Rennie with
Jones, whose tumultuous ten-
ure ended last month.
The letter, whose sig-
natories include the
heads of the pow-
erful Queens-
land and ACT
unions, ac-
cused
McLennan
of "acting
outside
his role as
a direc-
tor".
T20 equivalent in 2021.
And though the second of those titles came
with a fair few sideways glances about the in-
fluence of the toss in the United Arab Emirates,
going all the way here would have no such as-
terisk. Having avenged the early loss to South
Africa at Eden Gardens this week, beating India
would mean Australia having overcome all nine
teams along the way.
Rewind to the start and this possibility looked
remote. Australia lost their opening two games,
dropped their wicketkeeper after the first and,
with Adam Zampa struggling as the lone front-
line spinner, the mood was foreboding. And
yet what seemed an imperfect side for subcon-
tinental conditions has grown, be it through
Warner and Travis Head’s powerplay pyrotech-
nics, Zampa’s 22 pelts, or fielding standards that
have been elite.
Considering 2023 has seen a good number
play four Tests in India, a Test final and an in-
tense five-match Ashes series in England, and
then take on a two-month World Cup tour,
starting with warm-ups in late September, this
speaks volumes about their mental fortitude.
Nasser Hussain was recently lampooned in
Australia for stating England were tired; a less
febrile reaction would have been to realise
what this actually said about their own men.
The final leg looks by far the toughest.
This mighty India side will have a wall of
sound behind them at the Narendra Modi Sta-
dium, such that Australia are a weird mix of
playing their eighth World Cup fi-
nal, eyeing their sixth title,
and yet the underdogs.
Deny the ground
its intended place
in folklore and
there is a case
to say it would
top the lot. -
Guardian
Sport
The union chairs stressed their call was un-
related to a recent push by RA for reforms that
would create a more centralised structure.
"This is instead a deep concern about the
performance of Mr McLennan as Chair, and the
damage done to the game by his performance,"
the letter, released on Friday, read.
"During the past 12 months, Mr McLennan
has made a series of calls that have harmed the
standing and reputation of our game and led us
to question his judgement and his understand-
ing of high-performance sport.
"His decisions and 'captain's picks' have di-
rectly led to an historic failure at the men's Rug-
by World Cup and a Wallabies international
ranking at an historic low (ninth), with all of the
regrettable and public fallout that came with it."
The unions further accused the 57-year-old
of ignoring the women's and community game.
McLennan, appointed to the role in May 2020
following a long career in the business world,
vowed to fight the unions' proposal.
"This will be the defining moment for the
battle of rugby. It's all about money and control
and we have been failing for years," he told the
Sydney Morning Herald.
"This is about principles. They (unions) are ac-
tually not putting the game first and it's about
self-interest and parochialism."
The signatories to the letter say they didn't
approach the NSW and Victorian Rugby unions
due to their ongoing centralisation negotia-
tions with RA.
The sport's player union was also not ap-
proached, they said, to avoid placing players in
a compromised position. - Supersport
BRIEFS
Game against Zim a
must-win for Super
LAGOS — Former Nigeria international
Moses Kpakor has said the Super Eagles
game against Zimbabwe today is a must
win after their shock home draw against
Lesotho.
The Eagles kicked off their 2026 FIFA
World Cup qualifier with a 1-1 draw with
Lesotho inside the Godswill Akpabio In-
ternational stadium on Thursday.
A Semi Ajayi 67 minutes header helped
the Super Eagles avoid defeat to Lesotho.
In an interview with Completesports.
com the 1990 AFCON silver medal winner
lamented: “I greatly looked at the statis-
tics and it showed that we did not play
well. I think when you are playing a team
that you have no idea of its strengths and
whatever, it can be dicey.
“So I think it’s a surprise but we should
not lose hope. I think Moses (Simon)
would have come much earlier than he
did so he can make a reasonable impact.
I think in the return leg our players would
know what to do better.
“I think we have always had good
games against Zimbabwe. But as we keep
saying, football is growing. There is no
small country in the world of football.
If you look at the qualifiers worldwide
you’ll see those surprises. I saw that Brazil
were defeated, I saw that Argentina lost.
“The next game is a must win if we
don’t want a repeat of what happened
the last time against Ghana. So we don’t
need to struggle with goal advantage,
head to head or whatever rule. All the
players need to take the match against
Zimbabwe seriously.”
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest striker
Taiwo Awoniyi has returned to England
after picking up a groin injury in the en-
counter. — completesports.com
MANCHESTER — Erling Haaland will miss
Norway's final European Championship
qualifier against Scotland after injuring
his foot in a friendly match against the
Faroe Islands, his team doctor said on Sat-
urday.
The Manchester City striker suffered a
knock in Thursday's friendly and will not
be available for Sunday's Group A game
against Scotland in Glasgow.
"The injury is not serious, but he has so
much pain and somewhat limited func-
tion that the Scotland game unfortunate-
ly comes a little too early," team doctor
Ola Sand said in a statement.
Norway are third in the group and can-
not finish in the top two with Spain and
Scotland having already sealed their
spots at Euro 2024. But the Scandinavi-
an side could still qualify if they make the
playoffs.
Haaland is Norway's top scorer in the
qualifiers with six goals and coach Stale
Solbakken said he would not be bringing
in a replacement.
"It's obviously a shame that Erling
won't be ready for the game on Sunday,
but we're not going to bring in a replace-
ment," he said.
"This is a great opportunity for the at-
tacking players in the squad."
City will also be sweating over his fit-
ness with Pep Guardiola's side hosting
Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash next
Saturday after the international break.
Haaland is the league's top scorer this
season with 13 goals. — Supersport
 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023 31

Sport

Chevrons target head start Rhinos dents Sheasham survival hopes

BY TERRY MADYAUTA A 10 minute goal by Lot Chiwunga

in T20 World Cup qualifiers

BLACK RHINOS..........(2)3
SHEASHAM................(1)2
SHEASHAM coach Lizwe Sweswe cut a
sombre figure after his team's survival
hopes suffered a major blow when they
BY AUSTIN KARONGA second. But you then can’t take your eye off the ball. lost 3-2 to Black Rhinos at Bata stadium
“I was chatting to the guys and they said when we played them yesterday.
put Black Rhinos in front before Stima
restored parity 18 minutes later.
Rhinos were back in front just before
the halftime break courtesy of Chelsea
Nyakope, tapping in the ball from a free
kick.
Physiwell Madhazi levelled matters
for the Gweru-based side 64 minutes

Z
IMBABWE will be taking no prisoners when they embark
on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Africa starting on
Tuesday in Namibia in their quest to qualify for the global
showcase to be co-hosted by West Indies and the USA next year.
The qualifiers will see Zimbabwe joining Kenya, Nigeria, Rwan-
da, Tanzania, Uganda, and kick off their campaign against hosts,
Namibia on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe visited Namibia for a practice tour ahead of the
qualifiers and lost the series 3-2.
Head coach, Dave Houghton said his side will not be taking
any team lightly and if need be, they will be sleeping with one eye
open.
“The tendency even from people who are fans, they
talk about us going back to Namibia to play Namib-
ia, well Namibia are one of the seven sides we have
to play. Obviously, I want to hit the ground running,
I want us to beat them. It's as simple as that. We have
more knowledge of their team than they have of ours
because they played their best team against us three
weeks ago,” Houghton told The Standard Sport.
“But, I have been explaining to our guys
that we cannot only focus on one team.
"We have to come out and play our brand
of cricket and beat every team that’s in
front of us. The fact of the matter is that
two people who will be considered our
biggest threats will be Namibia and
Uganda and we play them first and
in the last T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Bulawayo, the biggest fight
we got was from Jersey and none would have expected that at all,
who is Jersey to give us the problem.
“But, they play good honest cricket, they try hard and they can
cause you problems. So, we have to have our eye on every team
we play whether it will be Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya or whoever, we
have to play our brand of cricket, bully the opposition to come
away with good wins.”
Bowling coach Steve Kirby echoed Houghton’s sentiments, but
declared the team ready for duty.
“Uganda are a good team, they are here, they are training at the
moment and Namibia are really a strong team. There are other
teams there that are going to come well-drilled. We will be on
point. I can absolutely, categorically assure everybody, with
the way that we are training we are leaving no stone un-
turned. We don’t take everybody lightly,” said Kirby.
The top two sides in the tournament will qualify for the
2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe Squad for the ICC Men’s T20
World Cup Qualifier Africa: Sikandar Raza
(Captain), Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara,
Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Innocent
Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Mad-
hevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani,
Wellington Masakadza, Carl Mum-
ba, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard
Ngarava, Nick Welch, Sean Wil-
liams.
Sweswe admitted fate is no longer in
their hands, going into the last match
where they host FC Platinum at the
same venue.
Lot Chiwunga, Chelsea Nyakope and
Valentine scored for Black Rhinos in ei-
ther halves while William Stima and
Physiwell Madhazi were on target for
Sheasham.
Sweswe said: "We didn't defend well.
"I have a feeling that our chances are
very low. We will see the next game. I as
a coach, I have tried. The institution still
needs a foundation, a team to compete
on these high levels.
"I'm not giving up, but we must have
a plan. To ask ourselves, where are go-
ing from here as difficult as it is."
Black Rhinos gaffer Saul Chaminu-
ka said his focus is now on their final
league game against Simba Bhora.
"It’s a game that we needed to win.
"Since the league started, our team has
not won twice on the trot. I have been
challenging the team that we needed
to win twice on the trot so that we get
out of the relegation zone.
"But its fine, we have this game be-
fore us which is a decider. It’s a game we
into the game.
But the soldiers showed character as
they went into the lead again, through
Valentine Katsande.
Katsande slotted the ball home from
a rebound after Sheasham goalie Elton
Sibanda spilled a free freekick whipped
in by Chelsea Nyakope.
Three of the five team from 13th
placed ZPC Kariba who have 38 points
to Sheasham in 17th with 35 points on
the 18 team standings could go down
next week.
Yadah FC are 14th on 37 points while
Rhinos and Triangle, occupy position
15 and 16 having the same number of
points as Sheasham.
TEAMS
BLACK RHINOS: L Gonese, C Nya-
kope, G Saunyama, A Gahadzik-
wa, D Mutimuzunze, G Dematsika, K
Nyakudanga, V Katsande, L Chiwun-
ga, E Katema, S Chikwerengwe(M
Mahodobi 75').
SHEASHAM: E Sibanda, C Kwa-
ramba, P Madhazi, L Masveure(D
Masukuta 90'), W Stima, D Mange-
si, L Jani(K Musharu 86'), R Useni,

Big send off for Rahman

cannot think of anything that is not a T Jubane, P Shoko(S Mhare 62'), T
win. It’s now or never," Chaminuka said. Marira(T Chidhobha 62')

Ngezi Platinum, Dembare

BY FORTUNE MBELE tional team and at club level. He will
be remembered for his career with
"He is a true legend. We have leg-
ends, we have former players but
win as FC Platinum draw
BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
NEWLY-CROWNED champions Ngezi
Platinum Stars continued with their
rich vein of form after dispatching al-
ready relegated 3 - 1 Cranborne Bul-
lets at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
It was Madamburo’s 20th win of
the season and third on the trot,
which took them to 66 points on the
log standings, with just one match re-
maining.
After Cranborne sportingly grant-
ed the champions a guard of honour
before the match the host showed
no mercy in the field of play as they
raced to a two goal lead inside the
tion threatened Green Fuel.
Unheralded defender Tendaishe
Magwaza headed home the solitary
goal after just 12 minutes from an
Issa Sadiki corner kick.
Dynamos are now on 57 points,
three points ahead of third-placed
Manica Diamonds who host High-
landers at Gibbo today.
Outgoing champions FC Platinum
laboured to a disappointing one-all
draw with Hwange in what was vet-
eran defender Gift Bello’s final home
match for the club.
Juan Mutudza gave Pure Platinum
Play the lead at the start of the sec-
ond half before Brighton Makopa re-

S
CORES of Zimbabweans
thronged Lady Stanley Cem-
etery in Bulawayo to pay their
last respects to the legendary for-
mer Warriors and Highlanders play-
er and coach Rahman Gumbo, who
was buried yesterday.
Gumbo died in Botswana last
week due to heart complications,
aged 59.
A roadshow took the body of
the late Gumbo to Njube at Desert
grounds where he grew up playing
then White City Stadium, home of
Eagles, a club he played for in the
top league before moving to High-
landers in the late 1980s.
It also passed through Barbour-
fields Stadium where he won the
league title both as a player and
coach and also Luveve Stadium.
Fifa president Giovanni Infanti-
no sent his condolence message
through a letter, which was read by
Rosemary Mugadza during the bur-
ial service.
"I would like to express my sincere
condolences on the passing of a for-
mer international player and a na-
tional team coach Rahman Gumbo.
"Words seem inadequate to express
the sadness as we feel the sadness of
his loss,” Infantino said.
“During his career, Rahman won
several caps with the Zimbabwe na-
Highlanders Football Club. Follow-
ing his retirement he started a suc-
cessful managerial career, notably in
South Africa, Botswana and Malawi,
winning several league titles.
“He also coached the national
team of Zimbabwe in three differ-
ent stints....his legacy and achieve-
ments and particularly his person-
ality, his leadership, popularity and
his humanity qualities will not be
forgotten. On behalf of the interna-
tional football community, I wish to
extend our deepest sympathy to the
Zimbabwe Football Association, to
the Gumbo family, friends and loved
ones."
Mugadza represented the Zifa
normalisation committee.
"We are passing our deepest con-
dolences to the Gumbo family, espe-
cially to Mrs Virginia Gumbo. I thank
God that you are a powerful wom-
an, a person who fears and knows
God. I am proud to be a product of
Bulawayo. We used to be the super
house of Zimbabwe both the Warri-
ors and the Mighty Warriors. Where
are we now? Let's go back to the ba-
sics and lead the country to the glo-
ry days where we were as a city," she
said.
Premier Soccer League chairman
Farai Jere referred to Gumbo as a
true legend.
Rahman Gumbo served with dis- first 17 minutes. stored parity half way through the
tinction. He was different. Rahman Bruno Mtigo opened the scoring second stanza.
Gumbo scored one of his trade- with a cool finish in the 15th minute Gift Mbweti was red carded late in
mark goals, which is trending on so- before Tapiwa Mandinyenya doubled the match.
cial media versus South Africa. Rah- the lead two minutes later. The result means that FC Platinum
man Gumbo is like a soldier, Rahman Bullets pulled a goal back from the can no longer finish in second place.
Gumbo will never die. His name will penalty spot, Brian Muzondiwa con- Results
never disappear because of what he verting early in the second half be- Chicken Inn 2 - 1 Yadah
did. His legacy will live on," Jere said. fore Claude Mapoka put the gloss Platinum 1 - 1 Hwange
CAPS United legends donated on the scoreline just before the hour Black Rhinos 3 - 2 Sheasham
US$750 towards Gumbo's burial. mark after coming on as a substitute. Kariba 1 - 1 Simba Bhora
His son Bukhosi, gave a heart- At the national Sports Stadium Dy- Ngezi 3 - 1 Cranborne Bullets
rending speech. namos made a claim of the second Triangle Utd 1 - 1 CAPS Utd
"I learnt a great deal from my dad. sport after a narrow 1 – 0 over relega- Dynamos 1 - 0 Green Fuel
"He was a legend. Many people
called him different names, genius,
maestro, goal poacher, I only called
him daddy, simple and that was all
to me and my siblings. He meant a
great deal to people, some of them
not here, in Malawi, in Botswana.
You all know his life story,"he said.
Highlanders were represented by
board member Elkanah Dube, who
acknowledged Gumbo’s contribu-
tion to the club.
The burial was attended by mul-
titudes of Bulawayo residents, foot-
ball stakeholders from across the
country, football legends, admin-
istrators, coaches, politicians and
football clubs in the country.
Morupule FC, the last team that he
coached in Botswana was also repre-
sented. Ngezi Platinum Stars
32 The Standard November 19 to 25 2023
Standard
SPORT
www.thestandard.co.zw
Warriors hunt
Super Eagles
BY HENRY MHARA IN BUTARE, RWANDA
W
ITH a full squad complement
at his disposal, Warriors coach
Baltemar Brito is set to ring
some changes for the crucial 2026 FIFA
World Cup Group C second qualifier
against giants Nigeria at the Huye Sta-
dium in Butare this afternoon.
Zimbabwe are the home team in a
game that kicks off at 3pm.
Both teams are out to redeem them-
selves in this clash after they kicked off
their quest for a place in next World
Cup finals in a disappointing manner.
Brito's men were frustrated to a
goalless draw by Rwanda last Wednes-
day in a game that marked the War-
riors' return to competitive interna-
tional football following a two-year
Fifa ban, while the three--time Afri-
can champions Nigeria were left with
a sour taste of disappointment in their
group opener as they were held to a
1-1 draw at home by minnows Lesotho
last Thursday.
There were, however, some mitigat-
ing factors for the Warriors' average
display as the team hardly trained to-
gether with some players arriving the
night before the game.
In his post-match comments, Brito
promised to make changes for the Ni-
geria match, specifically upfront after
the team struggled to find the back of
the net.
France-based Tino Kadewere who
played the last 15 minutes against
Rwanda, hours after he had arrived in
Rwanda, is set to start ahead of Prince
Dube.
Dynamos midfielder Tanaka "Kante"
Shandirwa is likely to be picked in the
first 11 ahead of Brian Banda while Ita-
ly based star Jordan Zemura could start
on the left channel where Walter Mu-
sona operated.
Andrew "Tower" Mbeba received his
full Warriors debut at right back against
Rwanda, but it wasn't the best perfor-
mance from the Highlanders defend-
er, so Brito might be tempted to switch
things up in that regard and bring in
Moldova-based Munashe Garan’anga.
Kadewere is confident that the War-
riors can get an upset win this after-
noon.
The last time that Zimbabwe faced
Australian rugby unions demand
chairman's resignation
Six state unions have demanded the immediate resig-
nation of Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLen-
nan in the wake of the failed tenure of former Wal-
labies coach Eddie Jones. An open letter signed by
six of the eight union chairs called for an extraordi-
nary general meeting of the RA board to oust
McLennan if he ignores their call to stand
down, saying they have lost "trust or faith
in his leadership". Page 30
off against Nigeria in a friendly in the that or on who is missing for them but themselves with a victory to get their
build up to the 2019 Africa Cup of Na- on those who are there. campaign off the ground.
tions, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, "We know they have the quality, we He confirmed yesterday that he will
something that is motivating the Lyon just need to put our game towards make two changes in defence with
forward. them. We should try and make sure Bruno Onyemaechi coming in for Jami-
"Of course they are counted as one that we don't sit back, we have to push lu Collins, while former Chelsea full
of the biggest teams in Africa but we forward to get the victory. back Ola Aina will take the place of
don't want to put that into our minds," "It's not going to be easy and we Bright Osayi-Samuel at right back.
Kadewere reckons. know we need to put more than 100 In attack, Moses Simon replaces Ad-
"We have to go into the pitch tell- percent effort into this game." emola Lookman on the left
ing ourselves that this is a cup final. We The Warriors switched base flank while Terem Moffi will
need to do everything to get this victo- from Kigali yesterday morn- take the place of Nottingham
ry for ourselves and the nation. ing to Butare where Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi
"We got a good technical team that they trained at the who has returned to
is behind us and we have had some match venue in England with a groin
tactical meetings with videos analys- the evening injury.
ing most of the team that Nigeria is. We ahead of this Peseiro is targeting
have got an insight into how they play." afternoon's nothing short of a
On paper, the Super Eagles look fa- blockbuster victory today.
vourites due to the number of world clash. “We will re-
class stars within their ranks. Nigeria spond very well
But Kadewere is unfazed by the op- coach Jose (vs Zimbabwe),”
ponents' status. Santos Pe- the former Sau-
"We all know Nigeria. They have a seiro is also di Arabia and Ven-
very good squad. Of course they have expected to ezuela coach told re-
a few players missing like Victor Osim- make some porters.
hen and Samuel Chukwueze but they changes to his “Now we have to beat
still have a very good squad. squad today as Zimbabwe on Sunday," the
“We don't have to focus much on they look to redeem Portuguese added.
 Standard
DIVAS
SQUARE
OFF AT
BYO ARTS
AWARDS

NOVEMBER 19 TO 25 2023

WILLOM TIGHT REGRETS

SIGNING WITH SA LABEL
ARTISTS’ FELI NANDI
COPYRIGHT MUST SPEAKS ON
BE RESPECTED:
ZIMURA
TANZANIA
TOUR
S2 Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023 Arts

Willom Tight regrets

signing with SA label
BY SINDISO DUBE
“Manifesto is not the return of the cherished Tight,

W
HEN a South Africa based record
label dangled an apple to lure
musician Willom Tight out of
early retirement and sign a contract with
them, he never knew that he would re-
gret ever putting pen on the dotted line.
Willom had surprised the country by
retiring early and paving the way for his
son, Gary.
In 2013, the artist came out of hiber-
nation and signed a 10 year long contract with
Shamiso Music and Entertainment, South Africa-
based multimedia group that would manage his
music affairs and see the musician releasing his
new album-Manifesto under the stable.
The artist dropped a lead track, Ndewan-
gu (Ndoni Yamanzi), featuring South
African star Speedy and recorded
songs with Uhuru and Salif Kei-
ta believing that he had found
an opportunity to “put Zim-
babwe on the internation-
al map”.
Speaking to Stand-
ard Style in 2013, the
label’s spokesperson
Gilbert Muvavarirwa,
called the deal as the
“affirmation, ascension
and consolidation of Willom
Tight”,
He said Manifesto was a game-
changing and innovative musical
project, which will showcase the art-
ist’s unique vocal capabilities and de-
livery.
“The project will, among other things,
introduce Willom Tight to the interna-
tional community. This album, as its
name suggests, is a published verbal
declaration of his intentions, motives, or
views pertaining to his career, he said.
but this is the affirmation, ascension and consolida-
tion of the brand and its value proposition, while po-
sitioning for the international market,” he said.
Alas, the international record label signing didn’t
propel Willom Tight into international stardom but
into regret, depression and heartbreaks.
Speaking to Chamvary on ZiFM, Tight urged young
artists not to make rushed decisions when ap-
proached with record label deals, lest they make the
mistake he made.
“I got into an international signing in South Afri-
ca, but the contract didn’t end well. And it took me
about 10 years without recording because they said
I had breached the contractual agreement so that I
couldn’t breach the agreements. I had recorded songs
with Uhuru, Salif Keita and many more but it didn’t
end well," he said.
For the past years I was in South Africa doing gigs
with Zimbabwean clubs and now the contract has
lapsed and I am back and reunited with Dino Mudon-
da and we are doing big things,” he said.
Tight added that artists should be wary of record la-
bel contracts before signing them.
“Every artist wishes to get signed internationally
and they had told me that that’s what I was going to
get. It's every artist's dream to work with Salif Keita,
it was like I had elevated my career but it didn’t end
well," he said.
"These record labels always promise you cool and
rosy things and you put pen to paper. My advice is you
should go through the paper and understand the de-
tails. Don’t get excited when someone wants to sign
you.”
Born Willboard Muponda, Tight hogged the lime-
light with the album Ndinoda Wangu in 2000 before
releasing another hit album Hodzeko in 2003, both
under Shamiso Music and Entertainment.
He was to part ways with the company and went on
to record Kuza Ngoma in 2008 and Chinyerere in 2011.
Despite roping in superstar Oliver Mtukudzi on
Kuza Ngoma, the album failed to get to the level of his
previous two albums.

‘Yes, I have HIV’ TV series fails to pay crew

BY SINDISO DUBE tant Thabiseng Chiwashira gleened by The
Standard, Honey TV revealed that they had
ESPIRITS Concepts, an independent produc- paid Kanyama and Experts Productions in
tion house commissioned by Honey TV for full.
the production of Yes, I have HIV Zimbabwe Stella Mukwasi, Tariro Ziny-
television series is under fire for failing to emba, Sylvester Chitswat-
pay its crew. swa, Chido Chivaura, Ron-
The series broadcast on Honey Africa, ald Chikwava, and Micah
DStv channel 173, provided an insight into Panashe who are part of the
the challenges and success faced by people crew which hasn't been paid
living with HIV on a daily basis. were also copied on the
Prior to the launch of the series, Liz Dziva, email.
MultiChoice Zimbabwe spokesperson, said: “I received a late part pay-
“This will be a fascinating and inspir- ment on 14 September
ing series and it will help remind us all that 2023, but all my crew mem-
there are many people living with HIV who bers copied in this email
need our support and encouragement.” have not yet received
Host of the TV series Phyllis Mavushe said any amount. The
the crew behind the show has been ill-treat- agreement with
ed by the director of Espirits Concepts pro- Sam Kanyama was
duction Sam Kanyama who has not shown to have our wag-
any interest in paying them for the services es paid into our
they offered during production. accounts fully af-
“I was the host of the series and Sam ter delivering
only paid part of my money and hasn’t paid our duties which
some of the crew members. The agreement we diligently ful-
was that he pays us when Honey TV is im- filled in May
pressed by the works we did; however, we 2023. Reasons
still haven’t received our monies,"she said. for non-pay-
"We have tried to inquire from him but he ment have been
is no longer answering our calls, respond- around monies be-
ing to neither text messages nor emails. His ing held by the chan-
excuse was he hasn’t received any money nel and we have since
from Honey TV yet when we contacted them been given deadlines
(Honey TV) they said they had paid Sam in with each deadline
full.” passing without prop-
In an email communication between Ma- er communication
vushe and Honey TV’s post production assis- when funds were not
availed. which was not true. A few vocal people were
“It was not in our interest to write to the paid their monies and I was lucky to have
channel, but seeing Honey Africa TV is clos- gotten mine because I was the least paid
ing on the 31st of October with all ep- in the crew and some of Sam’s colleagues
isodes aired but having only re- asked him to pay me because it didn’t make
ceived part payment (for myself ) sense for me to wait for a ridiculously small
and other crew members not amount for long," Panashe said.
being paid raised fears if we They are other people who are yet to get
will be ever paid. We have paid and what pains us more is that produc-
reached out to you to kind- tion was hard and we didn’t receive proper
ly assist us in how this issue support- we were not compensated for our
can be resolved. We have transport allowances, food on set was bad
waited patiently and we and Sam was abusive and swearing at eve-
think this is an unfair ryone on set.”
and unprofessional Quizzed to comment on the allegations,
practice from Sam Kanyama said: “I have no comment on that,
considering the thanks.”
time and effort Meanwhile, less than three years after it
to deliver amid launched in February 2021, Honey TV was
the challenges axed at the end of October by MultiChoice.
we faced during "In line with the strategy to continuously
filming,” read the review international and local content line-
communique. ups and optimise the suite of channels on
In their re- offer on DStv, the business has decided to
sponse, Honey bid farewell to Honey TV (DStv 173),"
TV assured the "This is done to ensure we deliver unbeat-
aggrieved that able content to our customers and that our
investigations DStv services cater for the needs and view-
were underway. ing requirements of our customers." Multi-
Micah Panashe Choice said.
who was the pro- Honey TV launched in mid-February 2021
duction assistant for with a coterie of shows like South Africa's
the series echoed the Anele Mdoda doing a The view-type talk
same sentiments with show called The Buzz, the reality series Pas-
Mavushe. tors' Wives, and with promises to "showcase
“We were told by Africans living their best lives and to depict
Sam that Honey TV an honest modern-day view of our diverse
had not paid him, countries, cultures and peoples".

Samaita project
dogged by
misfortunes
M
UTARE-BASED sungura musician Brian Sa-
maita says he was compelled to shelve the
release of a five-track album after the pro-
ject was dogged by misfortunes.
Samaita had promised to release the album be-
fore the August 23 general elections.
The album, which is his eighth, carries five tracks
— Mubvandiripo, Gweja Nyumwa, Memo, Ndi-
novimba Nemi and Kudzura Midzi.
“I had to shelve the release of the project due to
my misfortunes,” he said.
“I was involved in a road traffic accident at the
Christmas Pass at the time that we were putting fi-
nal touches on the album.
“I had also a court case where I was a state wit-
ness and I had to be part of the proceedings
throughout.”
The musician said apart from delaying the al-
bum release, the troubles forced him to suspend
music shows and important church sessions.
“After the accident, I had to stop live perfor-
mances, you know I do a lot of shows at private
functions,” Samaita said.
“I had to withdraw from some important church
gatherings, but I am now back on my feet and
ready to entrtain.”
However, Samaita said he was happy that he
managed to overcome the misfortunes and was
looking at releasing the album next month.
“I am releasing the album just before Christmas,”
he said.
“It’s going to be an early Christmas present for
sungura lovers.”
Samaita said he was yet to find a name for the
album.
“It’s that old sungura beat and I roped in some
Snoop Dogg says he is giving up smoking
NEW YORK - Snoop Dogg, who has built a
public persona around his copious marijuana
intake, says he is giving up smoking.
The hip-hop star, whose real name is Calvin
Broadus, made the surprise announcement
on social media.
"After much consideration & conversa-
tion with my family, I’ve decided to give up
smoke. Please respect my privacy at this
time,” he posted on Instagram, external and
X., external
He did not specify what form of smoking
he was stopping, or even whether he was se-
rious.
Some fans speculated that the post was
part of a marketing stunt for his cannabis
company Leafs By Snoop.
Others reacted with disbelief.
“Today isn’t April Fools day Snoop,” said
one.
“Snoop without smoke is like earth without
water," added another.
Ro Marley, son of reggae legend Bob
Marley, commented: "No more BBQ at un-
cle's... the grill is off for the season."
Snoop's cannabis intake has been well-
documented in his music and interviews.
The rapper, 52, made his debut on
Dr Dre's 1992 album The Chronic,
whose title is a slang name for high
quality marijuana.
Over the years, his lyrics have
contained multiple references to
the habit.
"We gon' smoke an ounce to
this," he rapped on his solo sin-
gle Gin And Juice. The Dr Dre
collaboration The Next Episode -
which opened the Super Bowl half-
time show in 2022 - carried the observa-
tion: "Smoke weed every day."
In 2013, speaking to GQ magazine, the
Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023 S3
top session instrumentalists on the project,” he was happy that his songs were getting fa-
said. vourable airplay on national radio stations,
The guitar virtuoso’s last project was titled National FM and Radio Zimbabwe, while
Kwaive Kusaziva released in March 2021. his local radio Diamond FM is
“I had to shelve production of the eighth album giving him extensive sup-
because of Covid-19, although I had released my port. — STYLE REPORTER
last album Kwaive Kusaziva at the height of the
Covid-19 outbreak,” Samaita said.
“I am also doing videos for all the songs, which I
hope to release by the time I drop the album.”
Samaita said he was hoping to do countrywide
shows to promote the album.
“I am preparing to do shows around the coun-
try to promote the album and to meet my fans,” he
said.
“I have been performing at private functions,
but I think I need to, and meet sungura fans.”
The award-winning businessman and music
promoter said he would also do shows in neigh-
bouring Mozambique and Malawi.
“My music is followed very much in Mozam-
bique and I want to take this album there,” he said.
“In Malawi followership has grown since the
last time I performed at Major 1’s function in
Blantyre during the Easter holiday in 2021.”
In 2021, Samaita went to Malawi to per-
form at two private functions for high-
profile families, including an Easter
crusade convened by the Enlight-
ened Christian Gathering (ECG)
church led by Prophet Shep-
herd Bushiri.
“Plans are underway to
go back to Malawi for sim-
ilar shows,” he said.
Samaita said he
artist said he was smoking 80 cannabis joints
a day.
Feli Nandi speaks on Tanzania tour
His founded Leafs By Snoop two years later.
The company specialises in making its own
cannabis strains, concentrates, flowers, and BY NYASHA GOROGODO
edibles.
Some fans suggested the star's apparent SONGSTRESS Feli Nandi, who represented Zimba-
decision to quit could have been made on bwe at the recent The ACCES Festival held in Dar
health grounds. es Salaam, Tanzania, says her visit to the east Afri-
"I had a pulmonary embolism last year and can country was an eye-opener.
had to give up smoking as well," wrote one The ACCES Festival is organized by the Mu-
on Instagram. sic in Africa Foundation, in partnership
"I know how hard this transition is especial- with Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Insti-
ly for someone like you. Take all the time you tut, the Tanzanian Ministry of Cul-
need." ture, Arts, and Sports, the Na-
A second comment added: "I quit few tional Arts Council of Tanza-
months ago and literally [had] so much clari- nia (BASATA), and Alliance
ty since I stopped. Congratulations unc." Francaise.
On X, another fan speculated that Snoop The event aims to create
was not giving up the drug altogether. a vibrant space for artists, in-
"He’s moving to edibles, letting his dustry professionals, and mu-
lungs rest a little. Eat up, champ." sic enthusiasts to come together and
Frank, the UK's anti-drug advisory celebrate the rich tapestry of African
service, notes that overusing mari- music.
juana can increase the risk of lung The ACCES Festival provides a
cancer. platform for music industry players
Long-term users can also to exchange ideas, discover emerg-
develop symptoms in- ing talent, and establish critical
cluding anxiety, para- business connections.
noia, insomnia, loss of “It was a great opportunity indeed.
appetite and halluci- Besides showcasing our talent we also
nations. The drug can learnt about the professional music busi-
also increase your ness process at the conference. We hope
chances of develop- to get the opportunity to be back again on
ing schizophrenia. their next edition next year,” said Feli.
The BBC has The musician hailed her band and team
contacted Snoop which she said pushes her to get better.
Dogg's representa- “I work with an able team that constant-
tives for more con- ly challenges me to do better than my last
text on his statement, performance or song production. We are
but has yet to receive a constantly putting in the work to improve
reply. — BBC our craft and learn as much as we can, “she said.
S4 Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023

Divas square off at Byo Arts Awards

BY SINDISO DUBE

A
BEVY of female artistes will square
off in the outstanding female artiste
of the year category at the Bulawayo
Arts Awards.
The tightly contested category has rap-
per Noluntu J, singer and rapper Joy Ru-
kanza, theatre actress Charmaine Mu-
dau and reggae and dancehall chanter
Mandie Mae all looking up to the top
female spot.
The Awards are set for November
25, at the ZITF in the city of Kings and
Queens.
The nominees will also be pitted
against each other for the outstanding
female award.
Noluntu J has done well this year with
her new songs and managing to hold shows
in and outside Bulawayo. She was a headline
act at the Shoko Festival and also performed at
Saintfloew's album launch.
Joy Rukanza also made sure the world notic-
es her with the release of her debut
album- MatterMoreForSis.
The NAMA award winning
Charmaine Mudau has also
done well in the world of
theatre and is nominat-
ed for the outstanding fe-
male theatre actress for
her role in Simunye.
The reggae and dancehall
chanter Mandie Mae also put
in work with her song lifestyle
also up for the outstanding
song of the year.

Music Crossroads in cultural
preservation project
Chawasarira giving a lecture of the matepe mbira instrument
BY KHUMBULANI MULEYA
M
ATEPE Mbira is a cultural preser-
vation project that documents
82-year-old Matepe master musi-
cian Chaka Callisto Chawasarira’s repertoire.
The Matepe Mbira is a lamellophone orig-
inating from north east Zimbabwe and is
primarily played by the Sena Tonga and the
Kore-Kore peoples. It can also be traced to
adjacent areas in Mozambique. It is argua-
bly the most sophisticated instrument of its
kind.
To prevent its erosion, Music Crossroads
Academy Zimbabwe (MCAZ) hosted a histor-
ical moment of knowledge exchange in the
form of a Matepe masterclass led by Cha-
wasarira in collaboration with Othnell ‘Man-
goma’ Moyo.
The master class hosted on November 9
was graced by representatives from the cul-
tural department of the German embas-
sy in Harare as well as some of the acade-
my’s regional partners. It also encompassed
a class of 40 MCAZ students who previously
underwent a certificate in professional mu-
sic which enables young talented musicians
to turn into professionals. Chawasarira and
Mangoma lectured the participants on how
to play the intriguing Matepe Mbira.
Earlier this year, Stefan Franke, a Ger-
man cultural activist and creator of the mbi-
ra learning platform symres.org teamed up
with Moyo and digital media expert Kuda
Nyaruwabvu to document the entire reper-
toire of Chawasarira, an experienced Mbi-
ra maker and player in a bid to preserve the
Matepe Mbira Music.
Approximately 50 hours of Matepe songs
were recorded and several illustrative files
of how to play and build the Matepe mbira
were produced.
According to Chawasarira, the Matepe
playing tradition is almost dying as there are
only a handful of players in the country. “We
should now try to revive the playing of the
instrument,” said Chawasaria.
“We have to learn about our music using
our lenses. It’s better to educate the people
to know about the intricacies of our music
although we shun it because we are afraid,”
Mangoma told attendees. The international-
ly touring artist is an ethnomusicological re-
searcher and preservation artist who makes
75% of the instruments that he plays. He is
also a student under the tutelage of Cha-
wasarira.
To showcase the results of their documen-
tary efforts, an end-of-year Mbira concert is
scheduled for December 15 at the Zimba-
bwe German Society from 6 pm. The German
embassy will also use the occasion to hand
over the documented files to MCAZ.
Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023 S5
Mangoma (left) and chawasarira leading a matepe mbira masterclass at music crossroads
The school, located in Belvedere is re- Mangoma, and other surprise Matepe mbi- announced.
nowned for documenting traditional Zim- ra players from Nyamapanda and Chiweshe. This cultural preservation project is fund-
babwean music to enhance students’ knowl- The concert will present some songs which ed by the German Federal Foreign Office and
edge of indigenous sounds. The concert rep- will be a fusion of Matepe, Nhare, and Nyun- is supported by the cultural department of
ertoire will be presented by Chawasarira, ga Nyunga by local greats who are yet to be the German embassy in Harare.
Artists’ copyright must be respected: Zimura
BY SHARON ZEBRA
THE Zimbabwe Music Rights Association
(Zimura) deputy director Henry Makombe
says artists’ intellectual property and copy-
rights must be respected and protected as
it is a source of income.
Makombe made the remarks at a stake-
holders awareness workshop facilitated by
Zimura at the Zimbabwe College of Music
last Thursday in Harare.
The workshop saw established artists
such as multi-instrumentalist, compos-
er and producer Clive "Mono" Mukundu,
Josphat Somanje, Pastor Haisa and Dereck
Mpofu attending the event.
Major highlights at the event includ-
ed copyright awareness, and challenges
faced by Zimura. Musicians were educated
on their rights to avoid manipulation espe-
cially by broadcasters.
"The moment an artiste creates music
their works assume exclusive rights to au-
thorise or prohibit the use of an artiste’s
work by whatever means, broadcasting in-
cluded," said Makombe.
He added that artistes rely on their
works which caters for their upkeep hence
consumers have an obligation to pay for
the works to promote the artiste.
Makombe added: “Zimura acts as a le-
gal representation in court in the event of
copyright disputes standing in as witness
for an artist.”
"Rights granted to the copyright owner
include reproduction, distribution, public
performance, display and broadcasting,"
said Makombe.
He also highlighted unsustainable royal- such as music, dance, theatre, literature and knowledge," said Kusena.
ties, ignorance of copyright law, rampant and visual art. It supports artists and cul- He added that NACZ administers funds
piracy, and corruption at radio stations de- tural practitioners through funding, ca- and grants to support arts organisations
manding bribes in exchange for airplay, pacity building and facilitates collabora- and cultural projects.
unstable economy and currency as some tion and partnerships." “It also provides financial assistance for
of the major challenges faced by the or- "The council is also responsible for the the production, exhibition and promotion
ganisation which are beyond the organisa- preservation and promotion of the coun- of artistic works and supporting research
tion's responsibility. try's cultural heritage and works to pre- documentation of the arts," said Kusena.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe di- serve traditional practices, rituals and cus- This is mainly done through the Arts De-
rector Josiah Kusena said: "NACZ works toms as well as supporting initiatives that velopment Fund which however is inca-
to promote and develop various art forms document and preserve cultural artefacts pacitated at the moment."
S6 Standard Style | November 19 to 25
Lameckising Mapunzure's death
in the groove
with Fred Zindi
DON’T be confused by the word
Lameckising. It’s completely made-
up. You won’t find it in any diction-
ary either. I will explain the mean-
ing behind that word and its origins
later on in this article.
Garry Mapanzure (real name:
Gerry Garikai Munashe Mapan-
zure) was born on 18 June, 1998 in
Harare, Zimbabwe.
He died last month on the 13th Oc-
tober along with three others and
he was laid to rest at Lawn Cem-
etery in Masvingo after succumb-
ing to injuries sustained in a hor-
rific road traffic accident in Clipsh-
am Heights suburb along the Beit-
bridge Highway.
There were five passengers in the
car which killed Garry. Great Zim-
babwe University Law student and
Mapanzure’s friend Langton Madi-
ma (27) who was driving the Mazda
Demio, which was involved in the
accident died on the spot.
Mapanzure’s sister Margaret
Zigomo, was admitted at Masvingo
Provincial Hospital alongside her
friend, Respina Machokoto. Zigo-
mo’s child died at the scene of the
accident.
I met the late Garry Mapanzure
for the first time in April this year
when he had come to Harare for a
radio interview and I congratulat-
ed him on his successful music jour-
ney, which resulted in him winning
the Afrima Award in the best Afro/
Beats Award category. Donned in a
Sushi baseball cap and washed den-
im jacket, he seemed like he was
firmly in control of his destiny and
in his flashy attire, he had a swagger
and a flamboyance that would make
anyone pay attention to him.
Garry Mapanzure was at the
height of making waves in Zimba-
bwe and the rest of the world when
he died. Mapanzure is known for
Zim hiphop, Byo arts awards
nominations stun Mlue Jay
BY STYLE REPORTER
SOUTH Africa based rapper Mlue is nominated six times for Best Male
Jay (pictured) says he was surprised artist.
by the nominations he received for
the Bulawayo Arts Awards and Zim tion), Best Live Act, Best Diaspora,
Hip Hop awards, respectively.
The nominations for the two Impact Award.
awards ceremonies were revealed
during the week.
For the Roil Bulawayo Arts honestly ddnt see it coming," said an
Awards, the rapper is up for Out- excited Mlue Jay.
2023
The late Garry Mapanzure
tracks such as Wapunza, Rigiyoni
Takawanda, Kudeepisa, Nditauri-
reyi, Kumafaro, Zvinoita, TV room,
Aida, Slow, and Pindirai among
others.
Although born in Harare, Gerry
Garikai Munashe Mapanzure was
raised in Masvingo where his par-
ents were pastors at a church. He
released his first single titled Wa-
punza in 2017 on the 22nd of Au-
gust which became a national hit .
The song’s video has been aired on
national television countless times
as well as being played on Trace Af-
rica.
He went on to release his second
single entitled Moyo Muti on the
14th of February 2018, which be-
came another hit. His first song Wa-
punza featuring his brother Victor
Mapanzure was also well received
nationwide.
Garry realised that he had a gift
of singing when he was 11 years
old. He sang in the church choir
from an early age. He performed
in the Masvingo theatre multiple
times during his school days which
resulted in him catching the eyes
of many. However because of his
young age he was not allowed to
venture into music at the time.
After his secondary education in
Zimbabwe, he went to North Chi-
na’s University of Technology in
Beijing where he continued to pur-
sue his music career before mov-
ing to the United Kingdom where
he signed with Runabeat Music, a
company with which he released an
standing hiphop artiste whilst in
the Zim hiphop awards, the rapper
Best Album (Less Talk, More Ac-
People's Choice and Positive Social
"I am so honoured to be nominat-
ed for the BAA for the second time, I
EP entitled Sushi Season.
Garry’s breakthrough came as a
result of the track titled Wapunza,
which was well received in Zimba-
bwe and in most parts of the world.
This was followed by Moyo Muti,
which was released in February
2018. Garry went further to release
Truth Or Dare, which brought him
to the attention of many. He was
also then selected as the first Zim-
babwean artist for Mr Eazi’s EM-
PAWA100 programme under which
he released the track Slow. Garry
also did a featured track with Hilzy
titled TV Room, which got the atten-
tion of many and won an AFRIMA
Award for the best Group/ Duo in
African RnB.
In July 2019, Garry released Your
Man, a track which hit the number
one spot on Trace Africa’s Playlist
Top 30.
Now let me explain what I mean
by the word Lameckising. It came
from the uniqueness of the behav-
iour, which was showed by Lameck
Makwiramiti a resident of Mab-
vuku, Harare at his neighbour’s fu-
neral in 2017 after his daughter had
been impregnated by this neigh-
bour’s son.
One musician, Pablo Nakappa
asked me: “ I am from Mabvuku,
but I don’t know this story, which
has set Mabvuku abuzz with ru-
mours. What is this I hear about
Lameck from Mabvuku?”
I told him that I was not from Ma-
bvuku, but would try and explain
what went on as far as I knew the
The rap-
per didnt
hide his zeal
to win the
award.
"I thought
maybe
they will
snub me,
but I nations has put him on the same level
was
wrong. To
me that nomina-
tion means a lot and I re-
ally hoped I would win it because I
story. I said: In Zimbabwean culture
there are certain situations, which
are considered to be sacred or ta-
boo. For instance, getting married
in the month of November is con-
sidered taboo. Incest is also taboo.
Likewise when someone dies, so-
cial custom prohibits the mention-
ing of all the evil things that he did
when he was still alive. In the Sho-
na culture, there is a saying: "Wafa
anaka". That means that anyone
who has died becomes a good per-
son.
Lameck who was simmering
with anger had gone against tra-
dition at his neighbour’s funer-
al by lambasting a dead person.
Lameck’s daughter had been im-
pregnated by the neighbour’s son.
Lameck’s daughter went to the
boyfriend’s home and the boy-
friend’s mother who hated this un-
ion made her to sleep outside and
threw urine at her. The mother hat-
ed the idea of her son getting mar-
ried to Lameck’s daughter, so she
chased her away from her home.
Lameck then accommodated his
daughter with her boyfriend at his
house. The boy’s mother eventually
died after a short illness. However,
Lameck was incensed by the eulo-
gies that everyone who spoke at the
funeral, including the priest's. They
all spoke about the mother being a
virtuous person.
It is that mask of goodness,
which was said at the graveside
that Lameck decided to tear off by
his outburst at the funeral. This un-
really wanted to win it badly," he said.
"Zim Hip-Hop Awards
took me by surprise.
I thought they wou-
old nominate me
for Best Dias-
pora like
masking of the false veil of good-
ness and exposure of what Lameck
perceived to be the true nature of
the deceased is what the late Rose-
mary Moyana and I called Lameck-
ising The Dead. Lameck’s blatant
disregard for the taboo criticis-
ing the dead has brought about the
coined term, Lameckising. Now
you know where the word Lameck-
ising is coming from.
The same was experienced at
Garry Mapanzure’s funeral, hence
the title of this article: Lameckis-
ing Garry Mapanzure’s Death.
At his funeral one emotional
mourner burst out: “Garry was
foolish to come to Zimbabwe at this
time. Why did Garry not just con-
tinue with his studies in the UK?
Why did he want to pursue this stu-
pid music business, a career for va-
grants? This is what killed him be-
cause he had come here to promote
his new album and to show off !”
Whatever Garry’s reason for
coming to Zimbabwe in October, ac-
cording to Shona culture, we don’t
condemn it, especially after the
death of the person. This emotional
mourner, like Lameck, gave a crit-
ical funeral oration instead of the
expected eulogy where only nice
things are supposed to be said about
the dead person. However, at the
grave side in Lawnside, Masvingo
where Garry was buried, Lameck-
ising also took place. It came from
this one emotional mourner.
That aside, following the tragic
accident which killed Garry Ma-
panzure, the spotlight has fallen
once again on Zimbabwe’s health-
care services, after it emerged that
Mapanzure died as he waited for an
ambulance from Harare after air
medical services failed to attend
to him owing to power faults at a
Masvingo helipad.
Posting a video on social media,
in which Mapanzure’s grieving
wife led mourners as they sang Ma-
kananaka Jesu, prominent journal-
ist Hopewell Chin’ono revealed that
Mapanzure had waited 12 hours to
get access to services that may have
saved his life. Gosh! The man was
in pain for twelve hours waiting
for medical services before he died.
Zimbabwe recently spent $320 mil-
lion of the taxpayer’s money to ac-
quire 32 Kazan Ansat helicopters
from Russia. What are those heli-
copters for? Only one was needed
to airlift Garry to a hospital in Ha-
rare.
Prominent figures have high-
lighted the fact the musician’s life
could have been saved if the emer-
gency services had reacted sooner.
May Garry’s dear soul rest in
eternal peace!
Feedback: frezindi@gmail.
com
they always do, but I was like wow,
I'm actually nominated even for best
male.
"I was expecting my album- Less
Talk More Action to make the cut be-
cause I am the only hip-hop artist
from Bulawayo that dropped an al-
bum, which did good numbers and
made the country about my city."
Mlue Jay said the numerous nomi-
with the late Cal Vin and Asaph.
"I am now part of the top three in
the city- Me, Cal Vin and Asaph who
have had so much number of nomi-
nations in one awards ceremony," he
said.
"I just hope they make me win and
not do me like the way they did Cal
Vin, the other year when they nom-
inated him seven times and lost all
of them."
 Books Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023 S7

Chapungu Sculpture Park: A haven for art, nature

BY MERILYN MUSHAKWE The event featured performanc- ing exceptional events extends be-
es by renowned opera singers and yond "Tones and Stones." On Octo-

N
ESTLED in the vibrant city of
Harare lies Chapungu Sculp-
ture Park, a sanctuary of art
and nature that has captivated visi-
tors for over five decades.
Established in 1970 by Roy Guthrie
as Gallery Shona Sculpture, Chapun-
gu stands as a testament to Zimba-
bwe's rich cultural heritage, show-
casing an unparalleled collection of
thousands of stone sculptures that
chronicle the country's artistic evo-
lution.
The pieces are housed in various
spaces around the globe including
Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare,
Chapungu Sculpture Park in Love-
land Colorado, USA, and at the Bet-
tendorff Gallery in Heidelberg, Ger-
many amongst many others.
The collection in Harare encom-
passes the largest collection from
the First Generation (those who cre-
ated between the late 1960s and the
1980s) to the present day. It features
the creations of renowned sculptors
such as such as Joram Mariga, Jo-
seph Ndandarika, Henry Munyarad-
zi, Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Syl-
vester Mubayi, Bernard Matemera,
Richard Mteki, John, Bernard and
Lazarus Takawira and Brighton San-
go. It also features many from the
second generation (those who cre-
ated between the 1980s and 1990s)
such as Tapfuma Gutsa, Agnes Nyan-
hongo, Colleen Madamombe, Ra-
chel Ndandarika, Dominic Benhura,
Joe Mutasa, Arthur Fata, Jonathan
Gutsa, Fabian Madamombe, Taylor
Nkomo and Eddie Masaya.
These masterpieces, crafted from
Zimbabwe's diverse range of stones,
embody the country's deep connec-
tion to the natural world, spirituality,
and ancestral heritage.
Chapungu is committed to show-
case authentic sculptures by these
renowned sculptors at its outdoor
museum specifically dedicated to
the early sculptors, including the
early artists from the Tengenenge
Community.
There, many schools and art col-
lectors learn about the artwork that
emerged from this period, most of
which are very organic as they were
carved using hand tools with no ma-
chinery.
For those seeking a more intimate
encounter with contemporary Zim-
babwean art, the park's indoor gal-
lery houses an impressive array of
sculptures crafted from semi-pre-
cious stones like rose quartz, verdite,
aventurine, red jasper, and agate.
These intricate pieces showcase
the ingenuity and artistic vision of
Zimbabwe's modern sculptors.
Zimbabwean Stone Sculpture
stands as a profound testament to
the nation's rich cultural heritage, a
captivating form of artistic expres-
sion, a significant contributor to the
from the city's hustle and bustle,
while the park's Wellness Program
invites visitors to immerse them-
selves in Art Therapy, Dance Yoga,
Stone Sculpting for beginners and
Acrylic Painting classes.
For those seeking a deeper under-
standing of the sculptures and their
creators and guided tours every last
Saturday of the month offers an en-
riching journey into Zimbabwe's ar-
tistic landscape.
These tours, complemented by
traditional Mbira music and dance
performances, provide a holistic im-
mersion into the country's rich cul-
tural heritage.
Chapungu's appeal extends be-
yond its artistic and cultural offer-
ings. The park's meticulously main-
tained gardens, adorned with a pro-
fusion of native flowers and over
100 species of indigenous trees and
shrubs, create a serene oasis amidst
the urban sprawl.
At the main entrance car park sits
a “cathedral” of over fifty towering
Fever Trees ( Acacia/Vachellia xan-
thophloea) adjacent to the largest
Euphorbia stems ever seen in Zim-
babwe.
Visitors can stroll through the gar-
International guest artistes, whose ber 14, in collaboration with De An-
melodies harmonised perfectly with karra Chef (Tafadzwa Anifasi) and
the serene ambiance of the park. The Cooktyles (Tyler Sibindi), the
Performances were directed by park hosted an Afro-fusion lunch,
Zimbabwe’s leading musical direc- where culinary excellence met artis-
tor Kundisai Mtero. They included tic mastery.
Guncha Hojanepesova, a Russian The spectacular four-course meal
classical pianist and tutor who’s rep- was inspired by the rich cultural her-
ertoire consists of a classical varie- itage of Zimbabwean Stone Sculp-
ty - Bach, Beethoven, Debussy and tures, with each course being in-
others, international soprano op- spired and named after an artwork
era singer Mitchel Mvundura, the at Chapungu. For instance, the des-
Zimspiration choir, cameo German sert, a mazhanje and plum me-
guest pianist Marianne Beck Volz, ringue, was named after the white
and MiMhanzi, an Afro and Contem- opal stone piece titled “Wise Girl” by
porary Jazz fusion ensemble who Bernard Sakarombe.
enthralled guests, leaving them This event perfectly exemplified
spellbound. By the end of the per- Chapungu's ability to seamless-
formances, the audience was up on ly blend art, culture, and gastrono-
their feet and dancing their hearts my, creating an unparalleled dining
out. The diverse range of perfor- experience. The intricate flavours
mances showcased the rich musical of the Afro-fusion cuisine comple-
tapestry of Zimbabwe and the world mented the park's artistic ambiance,
beyond. leaving guests with a lasting impres-
The culinary offerings further el- sion.
evated the event, with food ven- Chapungu's dedication to hosting
dors including H-Town gelato, Da- captivating events is unwavering,
nai wines, Zimbarista, Wendy's with and the park consistently raises the
amazing pizza and burgers, and a bar for unforgettable experiences.
gourmet picnic basket by Amanda By seamlessly blending art, na-
Wessels of Sophisticatered. These ture, and culinary excellence, Cha-
delectable treats complemented pungu has established itself as a pre-
the artistic experience, ensuring a mier destination for those seeking a
truly memorable occasion. truly enriching and memorable ex-
Chapungu's commitment to host- perience.
Photo Credits: PictureHub Zim
den, revel in the tranquillity of na-
ture, and even catch glimpses of the
resident troop of monkeys, guinea
fowl, quail and Egyptian Geese.
Chapungu's appeal also lies in its
ability to cater to various occasions,
providing a picturesque setting for
corporate events and transforming
into a magical backdrop for special
gatherings.
Whether seeking artistic inspira-
tion, cultural immersion, or simply
a tranquil escape, Chapungu Sculp-
ture Park stands as a must-visit des-
tination, offering a unique blend of
art, nature, and Zimbabwean herit-
age.
The park has established itself as
a premier venue for hosting capti-
vating events that seamlessly inter-
twine art, culture, and culinary ex-
cellence.
Its recent success with the "Tones
and Stones: A Musical Sculpture Ex-
perience" exemplifies its ability to
curate events that captivate and in-
spire.
This unique fusion of mesmeris-
ing music, captivating stone sculp-
tures, and delectable cuisine creat-
ed an immersive experience that de-
lighted attendees.

Bling 4 tops Zim hip-hop nominations

economy, a symbol of resilience, and
a wellspring of global influence.
These sculptures continue to
mesmerize audiences with their ex-
quisite beauty, profound symbol-
ism, and the evocative stories they
embody. Chapungu Sculpture Park
proudly plays a pivotal role in pre-
serving and promoting this remark-
able artistic legacy.
Spanning across 15 acres of me-
ticulously landscaped gardens, Cha-
pungu offers a harmonious blend of
art and nature.
The park's tranquil ambiance,
punctuated by the gentle murmur
of a small lake and the rustling of
indigenous trees, provides an ideal
backdrop for appreciating the sculp-
tures' intricate details and profound
symbolism.
Beyond its artistic treasures, Cha-
pungu serves as a vibrant cultural
hub, offering a diverse range of ac-
tivities that cater to both art enthu-
siasts and nature lovers.
Weekend picnics in the tranquil
gardens provide a delightful escape
BY NYASHA GOROGODO
RAPPER Bling 4 garnered the most nominations
in this year’s edition of the annual Zim Hip hop
awards set for December 15.
Bling 4 is named in nine categories followed by
Bagga with eight, Holy Ten and Voltz JT are on sev-
en whilst South Africa based Mlue Jay is on six.
Bling 4 is up for Best Male, Best collaboration,
Best new comer, Song of the year for his song Shi-
ri ngainaiwe feat Voltz JT, video of the year for the
same song, best hip hop hustle, best hip hop verse
sweet 16 for his verse on ihulumende, hip hop
personality of the year and the people’s choice.
Bagga had nominations in people’s choice, hip
hop personality of the year, hip hop hustle, vid-
eo of the year for his video Nyarara, best alterna-
tive, best newcomer, best male, and best song of
the year.
For the best female nominees, the reigning best
female Young Gemini will battle it out with Nol-
untu J, Brucella, Millz Million, Banshee, and Nata-
sha Muz. Zim Hip Hop Awards is dedi-
This year’s edition of the awards themed- Evolu- cated to promoting and sup-
tion, will celebrate 50 years of the genre. porting Zimbabwean hip hop
Hip-hop started as a niche movement in New culture. It serves as a hub for
York in the early 1970s, and now, it is the world’s artists, fans, and industry pro-
biggest genre of music and permeates almost fessionals, providing a space
every aspect of modern music and pop culture. to discover new talent, share
“Our theme for 2023 is "Evolution," which is in- music, and stay updat-
spired by the worldwide celebration of hip ed on the latest de-
hop turning 50 years,” said a statement by velopments with-
the organisers. in the genre.
“This year, we are striving to show the Through events,
development and growth of hip hop not awards, and col-
only in Zimbabwe but across the globe laborations, Zim
as a culture. Hip Hop aims to
"As part of the evolution, the Zim Hip cultivate a thriv-
Hop Awards brand will be engaging ing hip hop com-
fans, industry professionals, and music munity in Zimba-
enthusiasts who truly understand the bwe and elevate
pulse of the genre in celebrating and the genre's cultural
showcasing the milestones of the cul- significance.
ture in Zimbabwe.”
S8 Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023

Energy company ‘energises’

Marondera school
STYLE REPORTER
TOP energy company, Primus
Energy has donated stationary
worth thousands of dollars to
Last year, the school received
300 day-old road runner chicks,
school fees for 14 students, roof-
ing sheets and sport regalia for
all sporting disciplines.

Busted
Dombotombo Primary School in
Marondera.
The donation saw scores of
learners benefiting as the school
held its annual prize-giving cer-
BY SAMUEL CHUMA emony to honour pupils who ex-
celled in both academic and ex-
We were found out tracurricular activities in 2023.
Before we started out The stationary included pens,
It was the day that exercise books, bond paper, rul-
We had braved the frowns ers and pencils among others.
Of horned traditions The company also donated
And sabre-toothed customs summer hats and t-shirts for
To feed each the other’s fantasies staff.
Prone on straw beds Primus Energy director Dun-
In the forest more Mutyambizi said the dona-
Of blazing passions tion was part of the company's
And fiery looks. corporate social responsibility.
We were sold out “We assist many institutions
Betrayed by hormones who seek any such help from
In concert with chromosomes us and the need is justified,"he
And many other such menaces said.
That chose to manufacture "Dombotombo Primary School
Groans and grunts is also outstanding in catering
Where only silence for special needs education, be it
Should have been given voice intellectual impairment or hear-
And allowed to rule... ing impairment.
"Currently the special needs
team is number 1 in the whole
Despite having no discrimina-
tory enrolment policy, the school
has been hailed for its pass rate
that hovers around 85%.
"The pass rate is also quite
impressive across all grades. A
consistent average pass rate of
88% for the past 5 years is what
also drives us to assist the learn-
ers," added Mutyambizi.
“I would like to thank the par-
ents for affording to educate
our young ones. Education is
the foundation towards any per-
son's development, be it academ-
ically, religiously or culturally.
“We urge our children to
behaving well, achieve good
grades, follow a sporting disci-
pline, art or culture, resist and
desist from substance abuse. We
commend government for prior-
itising education under NDS1
through Education 5.0.
“We encourage our teaching
staff including the school devel-
opment committee for a job well
done and to remain committed
to their important role in shap-

Candid Talk
(Mashonaland East Province) ing the future custodians of our
for the G and C quiz and will be great nation, Zimbabwe.”
representing the Province for Built in 1963, Dombotombo
the National Quiz Competition. Primary School produced lead-
BY PATRICK HWANDE "They are also the district ing academics such as former
champions in traditional dance; University of Zimbabwe lectur-
You have absolute freedom a useful art towards culture er who is now the Ambassador
To call a spade a spade preservation and conscientisa- of Zimbabwe to Rwanda Chari-
But King Pharaoh isn't dead. tion." ty Manyeruke.
Yes, you can growl This is not the first time the The school currently has an Primus Energy director Dunmore Mutyambizi
But beasts do prowl company has bailed the school. enrollment of 1 933 learners.
And make mincemeat of you.
I'm sure you know better
The language he knows better
It's you to bleach his soul.

Look not beyond your nose

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire
premieres in Zimbabwe
For Pharaoh's sanity dose.
Paper tigers connive with him.
Why not make a league
And face Pharaoh head on?
Two dogs lose not a bone to foes.
Pharaoh is an insulator
Prosperity never pass through his hands
You had better stand up.
BY SHARON ZEBRA

There's crimson in
AFRICAN animated science fiction
anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation
Fire premiered last week at Ster Ki-

faded Green
BY TEVIN NTOBEKO NDIMANDE
I am a warrior who fights for his land,
My soul is set on fire,
Stomach in and chest out is how I bravely stand,
Indeed, freedom at last we shall acquire.
I know of thorns, of trials, of unimaginable pains,
Pains of fellow brothers who died in my arms, of cracking
whips at the back.
Yet, I don't lose heart, for pain is the only pathway to
well-deserved gains.
I care not of the fancies I lack,
But I press forward, eye on the goal,
The goal to freedom that is a blazing flame in my soul.
In these veins pump blood, our blood is spilt, it waters
the trees,
They bath in our blood, in blood pools as vast as the seas.
These faded green denims I wear, have become to me a
second skin,
The foe sees me not as i lay in the thicket and leaves,
I embrace my rifle, the trigger the only breast to squeeze,
fighting for freedom is no sin.
I am one who dies and whose legacy lives.
A hero, one day with pride I shall beam,
And all shall know there once pumped crimson in fad-
ed green.
nekor, Sam Levy Village in Harare.
The anthology presents 10 futuris-
tic visions from Africa featuring ad-
vanced technology, monsters and
spirits.
The films are Stardust, Mkhuzi: The
Spirit Racer, Hatima, Enkai, More-
mi, Surf Sangoma, Mukudzei, First
Totem Problems, Herderboy and You
Give Me Heart.
Zimbabwean filmmakers Pious Nye-
nyewa and Tafadzwa Hove are among
the creatives behind the science fic-
tion animation demonstrating their
creativity in Mukudzei, sixth episode
of Kizazi Moto. Pious Nyenyewa and Tafadzwa Hove
Mukudzei presented a Zimbabwe-
an set up showcasing its culture, use
of Shona language and names such as Zimbabwe, it is peaceful, our culture Hove added: “We can convert the ti-
Rumbidzai. The film featured the sa- is beautiful and people around the niest things into something beauti-
credness of Great Zimbabwe monu- world now know that there is Great ful that people can be able to watch.
ment from which the country derived Zimbabwe. For some it may be just 10 "Stories like these (Mukudzei) hap-
its name. The Zimbabwe bird (hung- minutes but it took us a lot of effort to pen where people disappear at these
we) is also presented in the film. create the movie,” Nyenyewa added. sacred national monuments.”
Speaking after the movie screen- Hove said: “It was a challenge to Hove said they travelled to Los An-
ing Nyenyewa said: “In Mukudzei portray our people as beautiful as geles in the United States for the Afri-
we wanted to show beautiful things they are and no matter how much ef- ca Animation Exchange programme
about our country because Zimbabwe fort we had to put in we figured it out. where they had the opportunity to
has been portrayed negatively. For us "We do not have to change anything connect with other animators.
it was about changing the narrative to stand out because we are beautiful He said they met different anima-
through entertainment.” the way we are. That is what we want- tors for animated movies such as Mo-
“There are a lot of good things about ed.” ana, Lion King and Frozen.
 Advertorial Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023 S9

First lady to host global PMCT meeting

BY STAFF REPORTER

F
irst lady Auxilia Mnangagwa will
early next month host African first
ladies to deliberate on the preven-
tion of mother to child transmis-
sion and elimination of new born
infections on the continent.
The meeting, which will be held in Victo-
ria Falls, is among a series of events that are
being held ahead of the International Con-
ference on Aids and STIs in Africa (Icasa).
Zimbabwe will host Icasa from Decem-
ber 4 to 9 at the Harare International Con-
ference Centre under the theme Aids, is not
over: Address inequalities, accelerate inclu-
sion and innovation.
More than 8 000 delegates are expected in
the country to attend the biennial confer-
ence which is organised by the Society for
Aids in Africa.
The conference brings together partic-
ipants from across the globe to discuss the
latest research, policies, and developments
related to HIV and Aids as well as STIs in Af-
rica.
Icasa provides a platform for researchers,
healthcare professionals, activists, policy-
makers and advocates sharing their experi-
ences and expertise, and to network and col-
laborate on efforts to combat the HIV and
Aids epidemic as well as strengthen the
health systems in Africa.
Health and Child Care minister Douglas First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa
Mombeshora confirmed that the first lady
would host one of the two high-level meet-
ings to be held in Victoria Falls in the run up
to the global conference.
“We are very excited as a government
about the two high-level meetings, which we
are going to host on December 2 in Victoria
Falls as part of the build-up towards the Ica-
sa,” he said.
“We will have a meeting of the African
first ladies to be hosted by our First Lady,
Her Excellency Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa.
“This meeting will focus on addressing
prevention of mother to child transmission
and elimination of new born infections in
Africa.”
Mombeshora said his ministry will on the
same day host the African ministers of Fi-
nance, at a meeting focusing on addressing
domestic financing of the HIV response to
reach the UN 2025 goals and the African Un-
ion Agenda 2063.
Zimbabwe has made giant strides in tam-
ing the spread of HIV, but the mother-to-
child transmission of the virus remain a
challenge.
The first lady’s engagement with her
counterparts is in line with The Global Al-
liance to End Aids in Children, an initia-
tive meant to end Aids in children through
a strong, strategic and action-oriented al-
liance of multisectoral stakeholders at na-
tional, regional and global levels that works
with women living with HIV and their fam-
ilies, national governments and partners to
mobilise leadership, funding and action to
end Aids. National PMTCT and pediatric HIV care and treatment coordinator in the Health and Child Care ministry Angela Mushavi
The meeting in Victoria Falls is being or-
ganised by the Office of The First Lady in come pregnant each year. and adolescent health services, as well as the ministry of Health and Child Care Ange-
collaboration with other first ladies in the In the absence of intervention, the rate of strengthened health systems. la Mushavi told journalists last week.
Organisation of African First Ladies for De- transmission of HIV from a mother living “We are making sure that we improve ac- “We now have a triple EMTCT Plan: 2023-
velopment, running with the Global Alli- with HIV to her child during pregnancy, la- cess to sexual and reproductive health ser- 2026 targeted at eliminating mother to child
ance initiative as well as the #WeAreEqual bour, delivery or breastfeeding ranges from vices through preventing unintended preg- transmission of HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis
campaign. 15% to 45%, WHO said. nancies and screening and treatment for B.”
According to the World Health Organisa- In light of this Zimbabwe is promoting STIs in women and girls living with HIV, She said the Global Alliance to End Aids in
tion (WHO), globally, an estimated 1,3 mil- the integration of prevention of MTCT in- among others,” National PMTCT and pedi- Children initiative was among a myriad of pro-
lion women and girls living with HIV be- terventions into maternal, newborn, child atric HIV care and treatment coordinator in grammes meant to ends in children by 2030.
 S10 Standard Style | November 19 to 25
“Movember” a time for men’s empowerment through art
IN this article I interrogate the gen-
der agenda from a male stream
bias as both an artist and also gen-
der and policy enthusiast and aca-
demic.
I inculcate the element of art, but
my draw is to also speak deeply of
the issues that have a premise on
the capacitation of men.
We speak of how men have feel-
ings and emotions too. We are also
speaking of how a man can cry,
and in the process feel vulnerable
and weak, which is something very
deep and of relevance in the dis-
course of art and development.
The engenderment of the male
discourse in art and development
is also something that has to be
strengthened by the talk of em-
powerment and the capacitation of
men.
Movember is an annual event in-
volving the growing of moustach-
es during the month of November
to raise awareness of men's health
issues, such as prostate cancer, tes-
ticular cancer, and men's suicide.
It is a portmanteau of the Aus-
tralian-English diminutive word
for moustache, "mo", and "Novem-
ber".
I feel this is a very great initiative
as on 18 November we commemo-
rate International Day for the Elim-
ination of Violence Against Men.
Remember that men too are also
victims to different forms of vio-
lence and abuse, which is some-
thing seldom spoken of in the gen-
der discourses.
Raising awareness, and acknowl-
edging the importance of safe spac-
es, and promoting equality, ensur-
ing the well-being of all individuals
is one of the key precepts of this
day and predominantly the month
of November.
While the work toward protect-
out & about
with Grant Moyo
‘HOUDINI’ embodies that 4 a.m. feel-
ing when the night is coming to a
close and you’re a bit sweaty, but you
just don’t want the party to end, says
global Pop ball of fire Dua Lipa — tel-
ephoning the back story of her blan-
ket red-hot peachy honeyed clairvoy-
ant canon; bristle-pointed at a jum-
bo gait to pitch in a consummate spot
and dissolve human flesh. The exceed-
ingly hoped-for opus pioneering the
commencement of a historied chapter
— following the model-cum-recording
artist’s 2020 hit offering ‘Future Nos-
talgia’ — is out now aboard its inscru-
table hammy music video.
A fierce competitor — included on
the Time 100 Next list in 2021 — the
(3x) Grammy® and (6x) Brit award-
winning English-Albanian singer
songwriter closed out last 12-month
as one of the uppermost performers
of the period of time; with both Vari-
ety and Billboard naming her ‘Future
2023
edutainment mix
with Raymond Millagre
Langa
ing women against domestic vio-
lence in a predominantly male-driv-
en world is extremely important, it
has been going on for decades. But
even though the work to protect
women is good, many people don’t
realize how prevalent violence and
abuse against men is.
One of the most important ways
to observe International Day for the
Elimination of Violence Against
Men is to get educated and informed.
The research can be difficult to
find, but artists have the challenge to
research even more and have a deep-
er understanding on issues of mas-
culinity and the challenges men ex-
perience.
The majority of people may as-
sume that most domestic violence
is against women, perhaps because
men are typically larger and strong-
er, or maybe because women seem
less likely to be violent.
But the statistics tell a different
story up to 40% of domestic violence
victims are male and up to 25% of
Dua Lipa’s pop lulu smacks ‘Houdini’
Nostalgia World Tour’ — among the
best live shows of the year. The show’s
namesake album refulgent, coagulat-
ed Dua Lipa’s orientation as both a
pettifogging achiever and apical ra-
dio performer!
Tiptop carrying into action, ‘Fu-
ture Nostalgia’ which is certified plat-
inum in the US and UK, was the long-
est spurting top 10 work of berceuse
by a female artist on the Billboard
200 in 2021. Established firmly, it
has spawned multiple cosmopolitan
smash singles, with ‘Levitating’ earn-
ing certified diamond status and the
title of Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Song
of 2021.
Not here to play, in addition to
breaking solo records; Dua verified
to be a redoubtable collaborator with
British singer, pianist and compos-
er Sir Elton John’s ‘Cold Heart (PNAU
Remix)’ — landing them the honour
of Variety’s 2022 Hitmakers of the
Year.
News-buzzing, Dua Lipa’s umpteen
manias on the far side of the universe
of euphony saw her launch Service95
— an international style, culture, and
society editorial platform. The latter
is inspired by the Grammy Best Pop
Vocal Album, Best New Artist and
Best Dance Recording victor’s womb-
to-tomb habit of curating across-the-
board recommendations lists. Sure
as shooting, the concomitant pod-
cast called ‘Dua Lipa: At Your Ser-
vice’; features pensive conversations
with high-profile guests — from fel-
domestic abuse crimes reported to
police have male victims.
As we approach the 16 days of ac-
tivism against gender based vio-
lence, it is of note that women within
the context of Zimbabwe have been
suppressed for many ages and hence
many campaigns have been promul-
gated which cater for their cause.
But how many campaigns do we
have for men? Why is the empower-
ment of men closeted? Are we driv-
en and stimulated by stereotypical
thinking?
In this scenario, I strongly feel that
it’s high time we start campaigns
for men empowerment, not only to
teach them about protecting them-
selves against GBV, but to ensure
they desist from being perpetrators
of GBV.
In Bulawayo for example, I ap-
plaud many artists and creatives
who are calling for the voice of the
boy child to be heard and acknowl-
edged.
Mzoe 7 has a platform he calls
“majida lets talk”, and Mzingaye
Shoemaker also last week hosted
the “men’s conference” - a platform
where men were discussing issues
that hurdle them through the promo-
tion of suicide awareness and the is-
sues of depression which affect men.
This is an example of artists tak-
ing initiative and the first step at ad-
dressing the plight of the boy child
who is marauded by a lot of chal-
lenges.
Empowering men means that we
should begin by giving training of
basic life skills to young boys from
an early age. This will not only make
them ‘self-dependent’ and self-reliant
but will also make them more empa-
thetic towards women who work
hard in homes.
After all, chores such as cooking
food, cleaning homes, doing laundry,
low performers and artists to authors
and activists.
Dedication to diversity and rep-
resentation leaked, in any case be-
ing lauded in publications such as
The Sunday Times, Vogue, and The
Guardian; it was named one of the
Best Podcasts of 2022 by Spotify —
a Swedish audio streaming and me-
dia services provider. Absolutely lib-
eral, Dua’s passion for written lan-
guage and affinity for storytelling led
her to launch the third and a la mode
branch of the platform, known as
‘The Service95 Book Club’.
Swinging, ‘Houdini’ — the Pop
hotshot’s up-to-the-minute ditty;
sets about the narrative thread that
weaves its way through her forthcom-
ing project. The spick-and-span cin-
ematic visuals to the spanking bird-
call; were directed by French radical
filmmaker Manu Cossu, with cinema-
tographer and Director of Photogra-
phy (DOP) André Chemetoff from the
United States.
Dua Lipa’s super personality dis-
played; this very thought-provok-
ing means of telling and uncloaking
through illustration sees the many-
sided artist — who as a fashion icon,
has graced the cover of every ma-
jor fashion magazine globally, from
Vogue and Elle to W and Dazed —
post-rehearsal in a dance hall. Revis-
ing her choreography beneath fluo-
rescent lights. Linkages exemplified,
the lights reflect in the room’s mir-
rors, creating an optical illusion as
and taking care of people are just
some simple life skills that everyone
needs to know to survive in life with-
out being dependent on anyone.
Just as young girls are taught
how to ride a bike, driving a car, and
studying hard to get a job in order
to be ‘self-dependent’, boys too must
be made self-dependent by making
them experts in household chores. It
will make boys feel empowered and
to be in real competition with girls.
I will pose a rhetorical question
about whether we as artists under-
stand what gender equality means?
When we hear the word gender
don’t we always think of women em-
powerment?
Can men do what women do or can
women do what men do?
These are important rhetorics we
have to be edutained on by creatives
so that whenever we are address-
ing issues of gender, art and devel-
opment we remain aware and con-
scious of the need to create a bal-
ance.
The empowerment of men means
that we should be giving males full
freedom to express their emotions
from early childhood.
One of my unreleased songs is ti-
tled “when men cry” which address-
es the issues of the depth of the men-
tal health of men.
As an edutainer, in this song I am
saying that don’t tell young boys
when they feel like crying and shed-
ding tears that 'boys don’t cry!’ Why
do we say so?
Who has decided this for boys that
they can’t show their emotions and
feelings?
Why can’t they be sensitive like
girls? Why do we burden them with
our orthodox expectations of not
showing their vulnerability and cry-
ing bitterly like girls when they are
hurt?
the get-up-and-go vibe starts out to
swell.
“This track represents the most
light and freeing parts of my ‘sin-
gledom’. ‘Houdini’ is very tongue in
cheek, exploring the idea of whether
someone is really worth my while or
if I’ll ghost them in the end. You nev-
er know where something may take
you, that’s the beauty of being open
to whatever life throws your way. I’m
looking forward to sharing that feel-
ing of defiant bliss with my fans,” Dua
Lipa said.
Not only did Australian singer
songwriter, musician, record pro-
ducer and Disc Jockey Kevin Park-
er (known for his psychedelic musi-
cal project Tame Impala), and British
music producer composer Danny L.
Harle — produce this number ‘Hou-
dini’; the pair also co-wrote the neo-
nate gem along with Dua Lipa, Tobi-
as Jesso Jr. a Canadian musician, as
well as Norwegian singer songwrit-
er Caroline Ailin. Possessing giant
techniques, the ballad lords served
as core collaborators throughout the
project.
Knowing what it takes to win the
ultimate prize — slaying the game
with her mezzo-soprano vocal range
and disco-influenced production —
Dua Lipa avows: “A lot of this album
was written in those joyous moments
of absolute chaos and how I moved
through the world with lightness and
optimism of whatever the outcome
may be.”
It is absolutely fine to cry, and in
fact very necessary to encourage
boys to show their emotions and cry
their hearts out whenever they feel
like it. It will give an outlet to their
pent-up emotions and instead of be-
ing violent and aggressive which
they often become due to suppress-
ing their emotions, they will become
more humane and caring.
There’s nothing wrong if boys like
subjects like music, and humanities
more than science and technology.
There’s seriously nothing wrong
with all these. Let them be the hu-
man being they want to be instead of
pressurizing them into being a ‘per-
fect macho boy’.
Last but not least, don’t mock men
who love doing household chores or
taking care of their kids. Don’t ridi-
cule a man when he prefers to be a
stay-at-home-dad while letting his
wife work. These are the dynamics
and the changes in the tides of time.
Don’t judge men who don't like to
spend time on things like painting,
cooking, and singing, instead of be-
ing busy in the rat race of criminal
activity to earn maximum possible
money.
Let every individual — whether
a man or a woman, live life the way
they want to instead of pressurising
them into being something or some-
one else. Life is precious; let every-
one live it, enjoy it and celebrate it.
We are doing our bit to empower
women and now it’s time to empow-
er men too.
Raymond Millagre Langa is
musician, poet, orator, independ-
ent researcher and founder of In-
debo edutainment Trust. You can
follow on Facebook @Millagre
Ray Langa, on X you can follow
on #Millagre Langa, email. mil-
lagrepapito@gmail.com or inde-
botrust@gmail.com
Industrial in her quilted blood, Dua’s
eponymous 2017 debut full-bodied lulla-
by creation is certified platinum, having
bred six platinum jams, and made her the
first female artist in Brit Awards chroni-
cle to cream up five nominations in a sin-
gle year. Reaping so much gravitation-
al force across platforms globally; she
has amassed over 38 billion streams and
holds the record for having the top two
most streamed albums by a female artist
— of all time on Spotify.
A wise creative with matter to and who-
dunit at its nucleus, to crown her inun-
dated ascendance in the feverish show-
biz kingdom; Dua Lipa panache ran along
the fashion vista, where most freshly, she
co-designed Versace’s ‘La Vacanza’ col-
lection — alongside the iconic Donatella
Versace. Connection undeniably striking;
the womenswear collection which Vogue
called — “the hottest collaboration of the
summer” — debuted at a fashion show in
Cannes, in May of this 12-month period.
Mode language cultured in lavish-
ness, Vogue Runway’s review of the show
hailed it — “an instantly desirable, flatter-
ing summer wardrobe”. Making an unfor-
gettable statement that plays up how the
English-Albanian singer songwriter; who
is a two-time Guinness World Records
holder, has combined the astuteness and
cornucopia of her high-toned golden be-
gotten talent to the maximum — with the
glow of her fame and fortune — to reveal
the sultry loudness of her superstar sta-
tus on stage and off !
Grant Moyo is a prolific writer, inno-
vative media personality, entrepreneur and
a creative artist who is passionate about
using his creative mind for the betterment
of society. Follow him on X: @TotemGrant

‘Imbube came
through prophecy’
BY SHARON SIBINDI
AWARD-WINNING Isicathami-
ya gospel group, Indosakusa - The
Morning Star group leader Oscar
Siziba says he was once a garden-
er but a prophecy in 2000 at Zion
church in Enqameni, Mapane in
Gwanda foresaw that he will be-
come a renowned musician who
will touch the hearts of the peo-
ple.
In 2001, when he was worship-
ing God at a church called Jeru-
salem, he met Costa Lungisani
Ncube and on May 7, 2002, they to-
gether formed a group called lm-
pumelelo Shining Stars which lat-
er rebranded to lndosakusa The
Morning Star.
Siziba, who is also a founder of
Thobela Arts Foundation, caught
up with Standard Style and spoke
about his life outside the showbiz
industry and other matters.
How it started
“I am originally known as Os-
car Khutshwekhaya Siziba born
and raised at Enqameni, Mapane
in Gwanda under Chief Mathe-
ma. My parents are John Mbiri-
jo Siziba and Olitha Tshalibe. l
wasn't born a musician. When
l finished my O’ Level in 1998, I
went straight to Bulawayo to work
as a gardener in Bellevue for a
year.
“In 2000, l went back to my home
village and when l was attend-
ing a Zion Church service, I was
Misuse of medicines is making infections difficult to treat
ANTIMICROBIAL resistance
(AMR) occurs when bacteria, vi-
ruses, fungi and parasites change
over time and become resistant
to (or no longer respond to) med-
icines, making infections harder
to treat and increasing the risk of
disease spread, severe illness and
death.
As a result of drug resistance,
medicines become ineffective,
and infections become increas-
ingly difficult or impossible to
treat. That is why AMR ranks
among the top ten global health
threats worldwide.
“Antimicrobial Resistance
(AMR) is a problem driven by
misuse and overuse of antimicro-
bial medicines, including antibi-
otics and antivirals, and results
in critical medicines losing effec-
tiveness to treat infections,” said
Thomas Joseph, World Health Or-
ganisation (WHO)’s AMR Aware-
ness, Advocacy and Campaigns
head at a recent pre-conference
meet of 22nd International Con-
ference on AIDS and STIs in Afri-
ca (ICASA).
“AMR is associated with five
million deaths a year. Besides
this, there is the huge burden of
morbidity and healthcare expend-
iture that can affect household
welfare severely.
“The World Bank estimates that
Global GDP could fall by $1 to $3.4
trillion annually after 2030 due to
AMR,” he added.
“The World Bank estimates that
an additional 24 million people
would be forced into extreme pov-
erty by 2030 if no action is taken
on AMR today.
Drawing attention to World
AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)
which is celebrated between 18-
24 November every year, Thomas
cautioned that “All stakeholders
prophesied on my music career
at church. I was told that l will
be a renowned musician who will
touch the hearts of the people.”
“After that they prayed for me
and annointed me with holy oil.
Then in 2001 May 7, l then start-
ed my music career with my cur-
rent group lndosakusa The Morn-
ing Star which was once called
lmpumelelo Shining Stars.
Inspiration
“God is my first inspiration….
When I grew up, my father used to
buy Ladysmith Black Mambazo's
records and later listened to Black
Umfolosi and other groups so l
loved the kind of melody. I loved
the melody, harmony and message
on it and l was inspired.”
Musical journey and gongs
“Since 2001 l have been compos-
ing the songs for lndosakusa The
Morning Star. Our first album
was recorded in 2001 entitled Em-
thonjeni and up to date we have re-
leased 12 albums.
“We have been nominated sev-
eral times national and interna-
tionally. We have won about nine
awards. We have attended, show-
cased our talent local and interna-
tionally.”
“Our music is recognised most-
ly in Zimbabwe and South Africa
being played in radio and televi-
sion station.”
Why Imbube genre?
“It’s Imbube genre because it
is our mother genre, our culture,
should realise that if we do not
act now, we could go back to a pre-
antibiotic era, when even simple
infections become untreatable”.
There are several issues of ac-
cess and equity affecting AMR.
“Research and development of
new treatment options, including
new antibiotics, is not prioritized
due to a sector-wide market fail-
ure,” said Thomas.
“As a result, we are running
out of treatment options and new
drugs are not coming into the
market.
“Even when new medicines fi-
nally reach the market, low- and
middle-income countries are not
able to access these due to intel-
lectual property and pricing con-
straints.
“Antimicrobials should be re-
garded as global public goods.
“Governments should strength-
en their health systems and push
for universal health coverage, so
that all have access to the needed
antimicrobials prescribed by reg-
istered healthcare providers.”
Vanessa Carter, an AMR pa-
tient survivor, One Health advo-
cate, chairperson of the WHO
Taskforce of AMR Survivors,
and founder of The AMR Narra-
tive was one of the speakers at
the third Annual Global Media
Forum on AMR, hosted by Global
AMR Media Alliance in lead up to
WAAW 2023.
She shared her eye-opening
personal experience of her battle
with AMR.
“In 2004, I was 25 years old. I
had a severe car accident in Jo-
hannesburg, South Africa, and
ended up in a hospital with a lot
of massive injuries,” said Carter.
“I had been resuscitated on the
side of the road, I was put on life
support, I had multiple fractures
our language and being an inter-
nationally recognised music gen-
re which is classic all kinds of
people black, white, kalate etc.
“One can listen to our music be-
cause it has harmony in it. I chose
to sing it because it mainly speaks
about Ubuntu bethu, invelaphi yet-
hu (our history) and lapho esiyak-
hona (where we heading). Imbube
music carries information, edu-
cation, preaching and entertain-
ment.”
Midas touch
“The secret behind my success
is God "Seek first the Kingdom of
God” . Have a vision and focus. l
know my calling, commission and
going there for doing what God
had sent me as Oscar Siziba.”
“All the awards we got we got
them through hard work, produc-
ing quality products. Ungenza
okuhle konke okuhle kuzokulan-
dela and praying to God to allow
His Holy Spirit to lead me and the
group.”
Outside showbiz industry
“l run a shop, which does typ-
ing services and cosmetics. l
also have an organisation named
by my name called Thobela Arts
Foundation that focuses on pro-
moting local creative arts.”
Ups and downs
“l have faced a lot of challenges,
these include financial problems,
group members coming and leav-
ing the group, spiritual warfares,
short of sponsors and partners ..”
in my face- a broken jaw and a
broken nose- and also lost one eye.
“I also had a head injury, major
abdominal injury, fractured pel-
vis, neck, and back injury.
“But the most complicated inju-
ries were to my face, and it took
me 10 years to recover from them,
during which time I have had four
different facial prosthetic im-
plants.”
But the worst was yet to come.
Six years into the accident and af-
ter her fourth implant, one day,
while getting into her car, Cart-
er saw moisture seeping all over
her face.
It was pus oozing out from her
fourth implanted prosthetic. She
underwent emergency surgery,
and the doctors did “debride-
ment” and reconstructive sur-
gery to fix up the damaged tissue.
Two weeks later, the infection
returned. She got more of tissue
reconstruction done. But the in-
fection kept on returning and it
worsened over time.
This went on for the next 11
months during which she was
kept under the care of several
Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023 S11
Mo- the best! Love them all but
ments don't trust them again al-
at Indo- ways remember where you
sakusa come from, where you are
The Morn- and where are heading to.”
ing Star
“l feel l have
to give an hon-
our to lndosaku-
sa The Morning
Star members who
are still with me
today. They
stood a taste
of time, per-
severed,
worked to-
gether in
harmony.
"What l
can say is
that they are
more than
my biological
brothers now.
“We spend
time together
almost in eve-
ryday life. So,
l salute them a
lot because we
went through
fires, ups and
downs. They
didn't give up
even though
others did. l
give them their
flowers. l re-
spect and love
them they are
the ones who
make this vi-
sion a suc-
cess.”
Life lesson
“God's time is
“When I learned about antibi-
otic resistance, it came as a sur-
prise that why was it not a com-
mon knowledge even though it is
such a widespread global threat.”
World leaders at next year’s UN
General Assembly will be conven-
ing a United Nations High Level
Meeting on AMR.
“We are at a critical point in
time to act against AMR. The at-
tention to AMR is growing and it
is rightly so. The UN High Lev-
el Meeting on AMR next year is
a critical opportunity to further
accelerate the response to AMR,”
said Beatrice Atim Odwong Any-
war, Uganda’s Minister of State
for Environment, and Member of
specialist surgeons. Global Leaders Group on Antimi-
Carter was eventually diag- crobial Resistance (AMR).
nosed with highly antibiotic re- “Out of the five million AMR
sistant form of MRSA (Methicil- related human deaths that occur
lin-resistant Staphylococcus au- every year, most of them are hap-
reus) infection. pening in low- and middle-income
She could not undergo any countries.
more surgeries for one year, as “These are the countries where
the doctors had to wait for tissue the burden of diseases is also
to recover. higher.
“I had to cover my face as I “That is why Uganda is spear-
looked terrible. My face was very heading action against AMR
red, full of fluid and swollen. I across sectors such as human
could not wear my artificial eye. health, animal health, food and
I could not go to fetch my child agriculture, and the environ-
from school because the kids ment.”
would get scared looking at me”, The health of humans, animals,
she recalls. (domestic and wild), plants and
“I lost 10 valuable years of my our environment are closely in-
life between 25-35 years of age, be- terlinked and interdependent.
ing in and out of hospital, and not “This means that whatever
being able to look in the mirror happens to one of them, the oth-
without seeing a changed face. ers will be inevitably affected and
“I nearly got a bloodstream in- impacted for better or for worse”,
fection and sepsis and almost says Javier Yugueros-Marcos,
died. But I am also living with a head of department Antimicrobi-
severe disability now- facial dis- al Resistance & Veterinary Prod-
figuration which was partially ucts at World Organisation for
caused by the accident but exac- Animal Health (WOAH).
erbated by the fact that we could
not treat this infection. -Global AMR Media Alliance
S12 Standard Style | November 19 to 25
Health Talk
with Marisa Johannes
A few days ago, news was all over that the
suburbs of Kuwadzana were hit by chol-
era and eight people had succumbed to
the diarrheal disease.
The disease should not kill many peo-
ple as case fatality rate is usually less than
2%.
The continuous spread of the disease
is a serious test on primary health care
which should orient its structures and
functions towards the values of equity
and social solidarity.
Everyone should enjoy the highest at-
tainable standard of health without dis-
tinction of race, religion, political beliefs,
economic or social condition.
The principles required to sustain pri-
mary health care are its capacity to re-
spond equitably and efficiently to the
health needs of citizens, including the
ability to monitor progress for continuous
improvement and renewal, the responsi-
bility and accountability of government,
sustainability, participation and an orien-
tation towards the highest standards of
quality and safety and intersectoral ap-
proach.
Primary health care should thus dwell
on health education and promotion,
good nutrition, clean water supplies,
good sanitisation, immunisations, afford-
able first line drugs, easy patient transfers
to mention but just a few.
It is an embarrassment to die of chol-
era in this era and age. The disease is at-
tributed to poor sanitation and contami-
nated water.
This was a moment I could cherish forever
ghetto dances
with Onie Ndoro
NO sooner had I hit the bed than
I remembered I had forgotten to
lock the door. The children were
all asleep. Mai VaMaidei was on
the bed but still awake. She was
not happy that I had arrived a bit
late from Zororo Bar.
The evening had started well
until my friends started do dis-
appear one by one.
Health/Society
2023
Recurring cholera outbreaks:
We are our own waste enemy
Mounds of garbage are becoming an ugly sight at many open spaces which include both high and low-density suburbs.
There are many office bearers in coun-
cils, municipalities who seem incompe-
tent to deal with the perennial health
matters for our cities and towns. Is it that
meritocracy is not considered on selec-
tion and recruitment?
Harare city fathers concentrate their
energy on clamping of vehicles, charging
amounts ranging from $57 to $120 de-
pending on whether towing of the vehi-
cle was done or not.
Complaints have been raised about the
vindictive nature of City Parking or Easy
Park but no one has taken motorists seri-
ously.
Patronage, nepotism and favouritism
are killing our country as undeserving
people are occupying offices.
It is surprising that many office-bearers
in management positions do not have the
pre-requisite qualifications which should
surely include even a certificate, diploma
or degree in management.
First to give an excuse was
Baba VaTata, then Rasta who im-
mediately ran after Baba VaTata.
Fatso just vanished. I left
shortly afterwards.
It was dark outside as this was
the third straight day without
electricity.
I was just about to go and lock
the door when I heard the front
door creak open.
“Who is it?” I said.
There was dead silence. Imme-
diately after that I heard some
movement.
“Is that you Maidei?” I called
out to my daughter. The silence
was even more silent.
The children were sleeping in
the kitchen as usual and move-
ment was coming from there.
By now Mai VaMaidei was
clinging to me. I was beginning
to think that something was hor-
ribly wrong.
There was an intruder in
the house. And only last week,
thieves had broken in our neigh-
bour's house while Baba Svinu-
How can one run a whole health insti-
tution when they are ignorant of manage-
ment expectations? Just taking a doctor
from school and throwing him to become
a medical boss at a hospital is tantamount
to setting him for an arrest.
Mounds of garbage are becoming an
ugly sight at many open spaces which in-
clude both high and low-density suburbs.
It is regarded as normal to have gar-
bage next to your home. Harare has be-
come an eyesore with hordes of rubbish
piling up in all open spaces.
The consequences are catastroph-
ic with water bodies receiving maximum
contamination. Cholera has circulated in
the city and it is not showing signs of re-
mission.
About 200 people have already lost
their lives since February 12 when the first
cholera cases were identified in Chegutu.
We should remain very vigilant about
Cholera if we are not have a repeat of 2008
rai and Mai Svinurai were sleep-
ing. They got away with house-
hold goods and their 55 inch
smart tv which they had just
bought the previous month.
And to make matters worse, I
was half- naked and defenceless
Someone was prowling around
in the next room. One of the
kitchen chairs was moved to one
side. Oftentimes on movies you
see people dialing 911.
I wish that was easy in real
life. I was a bundle of fear. I re-
alized that there were two or
more people moving around in
the kitchen. It was just a matter
of time before they entered our
room.
I tried to look for a weapon to
defend ourselves with. There
was nothing that I could use as
a weapon. I was ill-prepared to
deal with this type of danger.
Mai VaMaidei tried to whisper
something to me.
“Sssh, keep quiet,” I said. My
voice was a bit husky with fear.
What was happening in the
when the country recorded about 98 585
cases and 4 287 deaths within a space of
just nine months.
The 2019 cholera outbreak was mild-
er with about 10 421 cases being record-
ed with about 69 people succumbing to
the disease.
It was not long ago when President
Emmerson Mnangagwa declared “a state
of disaster”in four Harare Metropolitan lo-
cal authorities namely Harare City Coun-
cil, Ruwa, Epworth and Chitungwiza due
to their failure to collect and dispose of
waste.
Epworth has experienced waste dis-
posal misery with residents now dumping
waste in rivers and vacant spaces, much to
the detriment of people’s health.
With the rain seasons fast approach-
ing, there is great potential to contam-
inate water bodies further and diseas-
es like cholera, dysentery, typhoid will be
very difficult to contain once they start to
next room? Were my children
safe?
Even if I tried to phone for help
the intruders would hear me.
By now the sound and move-
ments in the next room were
more pronounced.
I felt like there was a lump that
was lodged in my throat. Fear
has a way of getting at people.
Even me who always appeared
to be brave in a crowd was terri-
fied sick.
And then out of the blues,
lights came on. I did not know
whether this was a good omen or
not. Then just at that moment
Mai VaMaidei did the unexpect-
ed. Even before I could restrain
her she rushed to the kitchen.
I had no choice but to follow
only to get the surprise of my
life.
“Happy Birthday!!!”
I tried to retreat back to the
bedroom but it was too late. All
my friends were present, Baba
VaTata, Fatso, Rasta and some of
my wife's friends.
sprout.
It is common knowledge that garbage
has a high tendency to block water bod-
ies and natural flows, thus becoming un-
wanted breeding sources for vectors such
as mosquitoes that are very stubborn in
malarial transmission.
Why are we failing to contain Cholera in
our beautiful country? Is it not only mere
incompetence?
Strengthening water infrastructure re-
mains critical in reducing many of the
communicable diseases.
Statutory 140 of 2023 has potential to
improve the waste management system
as the Environmental Management Agen-
cy (EMA) is now mandated to manage re-
fuse collection and waste management
within Harare Metropolitan Province.
Funds from the treasury will be used
by EMA to coordinate the clearance of
dumpsites across the province.
If treasury avails the funds, then gar-
bage should be a thing of the past. Uneth-
ical practices like corruption and embez-
zlement of funds can hinder any progress
in any project and failure to address cor-
ruption will take us backwards as a coun-
try. The judiciary should not smile at all
those who were implicated in corruption.
Inter-sectoral approach remains funda-
mental in the mitigation and containment
of cholera with councils expected to take
leading roles.
People should also be reminded to
practice good hygiene which include
hand-washing with soapy water, sanitisa-
tion.
It is very wise to shun suspicious water
as it may be the source of Vibrio Cholerae,
a toxin-producing bacterium.
 Dr Johannes Marisa is a med-
ical practitioner, an educationist
and a public health expert who
can be reached on doctormari-
sa@gmail.com
All my children whom I had
thought were asleep all came to
hug me.
Zvazviri, our local photogra-
pher was already busy taking
photographs and when you live
in a community like ours, life
becomes sweet and at times like
this, hardships are forgotten.
When emotions get the better
of you, you don’t know whether
to cry or laugh but I was thrilled
to the bone.
I stood half-naked, torn be-
tween crying and celebrating.
My wife with the help of my
friends had organised a sur-
prise birthday party for me. My
wife was holding the cake which
looked fantastic, decorated in red
and white. This was a moment I
could cherish forever.
Onie Ndoro is a an
IELTS tutor, ghostwrit-
er and storyteller. For feed-
back: X@Onie90396982/
email:oniendoroh@gmail.com
0773007173
 Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023 S13

IN the construction industry, safety is of utmost

importance. With numerous potential hazards
and risks present on construction sites, it is cru-
cial for employers and employees to prioritise
The benefits of using printable safety
toolbox talks in construction industry
safety measures.
One effective way to promote safety awareness
and education is through the use of printable safe-
ty toolbox talks. These concise and informative
discussions provide a range of benefits that can
significantly improve safety practices and reduce protocols. This repetition helps reinforce struction industry provides numerous these discussions into routine safety pro-
accidents on construction sites. safe behaviours and reduces the likeli- benefits for both employers and employ- tocols.
Increased awareness and knowledge hood of complacency or negligence. ees. By investing in such initiatives, con-
One key benefit of utilising printable safety tool- As a result, accidents are minimised, Increased awareness and knowledge, struction companies can ensure the well-
box talks is the increased awareness and knowl- injuries are prevented, and construction improved communication and engage- being of their workforce while also pro-
edge they provide to workers. These talks cover sites become safer environments for eve- ment, enhanced safety culture, and a re- moting productivity and efficiency on job
various topics related to construction site safety, ryone involved. In conclusion, utilising duction in accidents are just some of the sites.
such as hazard identification, personal protective printable safety toolbox talks in the con- advantages derived from incorporating — simpli.com
equipment (PPE), fall protection, electrical safety,
and more. By regularly conducting toolbox talks,
workers are constantly reminded about potential
hazards they may encounter on the job site, as well
as the necessary precautions to take.
By distributing printed materials during these
talks, such as handouts or pamphlets containing
important information, workers can refer back to
them whenever needed. This helps reinforce their
understanding of important safety protocols and

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ensures that they have access to key information
at all times.
Improved communication and engagement
Printable safety toolbox talks also serve as a
platform for improved communication between
employers and employees. These discussions en-
courage an open dialogue where workers can
voice their concerns or ask questions related to
workplace safety. This two-way communication We wish to bring to the attention of stakeholders and consumers of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH)
fosters a culture of engagement where employees
feel valued and included in the decision-making
publications that we choose to be different in everything we do.
process regarding their own safety.
Moreover, by providing printed materials dur- We would like to reiterate that the AMH publications are totally committed to delivering accurate and
ing these sessions, employers can ensure that im-
portant information is effectively communicat- impartial news designed to inform the public, get Zimbabweans to speak to each other, debate and enable
ed to all workers regardless of language barriers them to make informed choices.
or literacy levels. Visual aids like diagrams or il-
lustrations can further enhance comprehension
for those who may have difficulty understanding The AMH Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees exists to ensure that our publications adhere to the AMH
written instructions
Enhanced safety culture
Pledge and Guiding Principles which seek to deliver the facts, truth and offer relevant context and analysis.
Regularly conducting printable safety toolbox
talks has a positive impact on the overall safe- AMH strives to encourage robust debate, patriotism and tolerance among Zimbabweans.
ty culture within an organisation or construc-
tion site. When employers consistently prioritise
employee well-being and take the time to educate
The Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees plays a signi�cant role in this regard.
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responsibility and accountability among everyone
involved. They have a right to ventilate their concerns and grievances.
By implementing toolbox talks as part of rou-
tine safety protocols, employers demonstrate The Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees is one access point and platform for achieving transparency and
their commitment to maintaining a safe work en-
vironment. This commitment is reciprocated by accountability.
employees who become more engaged in practic-
ing safe behaviors and looking out for their col- The Editorial Advisory Board of Trustees is alive to increasingly disturbing developments in the Zimbabwean
leagues’ well-being. Over time, this collective ef-
fort fosters a strong safety culture that becomes media industry where journalists are accused of demanding money to publish certain stories or to block the
ingrained in the organisation’s values.
Reduction in accidents and incidents
publication of stories by interested parties.
Ultimately, the primary goal of using printable
safety toolbox talks is to reduce accidents and inci- As a trail-blazer in the media industry, AMH is taking the lead in nipping in the bud the cancer of “brown
dents on construction sites. By increasing aware-
ness, improving communication, and promoting a envelopes” wherever it exists and we are, therefore, inviting our stakeholders to join us in restoring integrity
positive safety culture, these talks equip workers to the profession of journalism.
with the knowledge and tools necessary to identi-
fy potential hazards and take appropriate preven-
tive measures. In this regard, if any of our journalists are found to be involved in such reprehensible practices, stern action
Regularly conducting toolbox talks ensures that
will be taken without fear or favour.
workers are constantly reminded of key safety
We e n c o u r a g e o u r s t a k e h o l d e r s t o u t i l i s e t h e s e r v i c e s o f t h e A M H O m b u d s m a n
ombudsman@alphamedia.co.zw to report any transgressions by our journalists so that appropriate action
may be taken as expeditiously as possible.

MUCHADEYI ASHTON MASUNDA

CHAIRMAN
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

03 February, 2023

ZIMBABWE
INDEPENDENT
S14 Standard Style | November 19 to 25 2023
Create a successful appreciation strategy at work
BY BOB HELBIG
A Top Workplace Research Lab study recent-
ly found only 35% of HR professionals and
company leaders consider their workplace
appreciation efforts as very or extremely ef-
fective.
It underscores the need for meaningful
employee recognition. Successful workplace
appreciation strategies depend on under-
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standing what matters most to employees.
So how do you know how to best show
appreciation to employees? Ask them. Eve-
ry employee has a different way of accept-
ing praise.
Employee feedback will serve as a guide to
how to best reward their efforts.
Balance informal gestures and formal rec-
ognition. The same research study reveals
what HR professionals deem essential:
Powered by A.I. Linda
your phone
 Personalised forms of appreciation
 Recognition from senior leadership and
direct managers
 Financial incentives
 Opportunities for training and growth
 Consistency and fairness
 Alignment with employee values
 Celebrating professional milestones
Perhaps these ideas will inspire a culture
of gratitude where employees feel valued
and seen.
1. Say thank you: You can enhance this with a
handwritten or digital note to convey gratitude.
2. Employee-of-the-month award: Encourage fel-
low employees to nominate their peers with person-
al comments, highlighting their alignment with com-
pany values.
3. Work anniversaries: Celebrate at company-
wide meetings, internal channels, and thoughtful
gifts for milestone years.
4. Passion projects: Allow employees to carve out
time to explore their interests and passions alongside
their regular duties.
5. Company swag: Provide branded merchandise
such as T-shirts or mugs. Create a sense of belong-
ing and pride.
6. Customer service excellence recognition: Ac-
knowledge and appreciate employees who ensure
positive customer experiences and build a stronger
brand reputation.
7. Social media spotlight: Showcase your most
valuable assets – your dedicated employees.
Plus, it can attract top talent who value recogni-
tion.
8. Summer Fridays: Shorter workdays or early Fri-
days are a refreshing way to encourage employees to
recharge.
9. Employee appreciation events: Boost team
morale with happy hours, office outings, and compa-
ny-sponsored social events.
10. Appreciation wall: These walls often feature
peer-to-peer recognition, leadership quotes, and
guidance on how to express gratitude.
11. Driving success award: Reward creativity, hard
work, innovation, and embodiment of essential com-
pany values.
12. Above and beyond accolades: This award is
great for employees who consistently go the extra
mile.
13. Birthday celebrations: This is a simple yet
meaningful way to show you care about their special
day.
14. Wellness stipend: Invest in employee well-be-
ing and physical and mental health. It can also mini-
mise employee burnout.
15. Dinner out: A meal is a delicious way to con-
nect with employees.
16. Recognise outside achievements: Acknowl-
edge personal milestones, such as weddings, gradu-
ations, or births to show you care about people as in-
dividuals.
17. Virtual lunches: This is a fun way of engaging
remote employees to ensure they feel connected and
appreciated.
18. Workplace flexibility: Give employees room to
balance work and life according to their needs.
19. ‘No meetings’ day: Allow employees to focus
on tasks without interruptions.
20. Gift cards: Something from a favourite store or
restaurant is a special treat.
21. Monthly subscriptions: Surprise people with
monthly subscriptions to services such as streaming,
magazines, or meal kits.
22. Bonuses: Everyone appreciates extra cash.
23. Holiday celebrations: Mark holidays with fes-
tive events and decorations to create a joyful atmos-
phere.
24. Team retreat: Organise team-building retreats
to strengthen bonds.
25. Non-profit donations: Support causes that
matter to your team members to support their values.
26. VIP parking spot: Reward exceptional perfor-
mance.
27. Extra PTO: Provide additional paid time off for
a break to recharge.
28. Appreciation round: Start team meetings by
encouraging employees to share gratitude for other
team members. Celebrate teamwork.
29. Customer praise: Highlight positive reviews
from customers and share how it makes a positive im-
pact on the organisation.
30. Be a role model: This starts at the top. Encour-
age and model a culture of appreciation.
Learn what matters most to your employees.
After all, appreciation consistently ranks as one of
the strongest drivers of employee engagement.
- jobs.washingtonpost.com

on
Sunday
Briefs
Man stones
father to death
A 25-year-old man from Insuza allegedly stoned
his father before stabbing him to death over an un-
disclosed dispute.
Mbongeni Dube of Village 3B was not asked to
plead to murder when he appeared before Bula-
wayo magistrate Maxwell Ncube last week.
Dube was remanded in custody to November
23.
Prosecutors on September 7, Mbongeni had an
altercation with his father Davison Dube over an
undisclosed matter.
He allegedly his father with a stone on the head
before stabbing him with a kitchen knife, killing
him instantly.
A police report was filed, leading to his arrest.
Police attended the scene and recovered blood-
stained stones and a knife used to commit the
crime. -JERSSIE MPOFU
Education ministry in
community outreach
The Primary and Secondary Education ministry
has embarked on an outreach campaign in Bula-
wayo pleading with residents to take their children
to school.
Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro
said they want to ensure that every school going age
exercises their right to education through the outreach
that runs until November 28.
“Through the whole-of-government approach, the
ministry seeks to mobilise communities to play their
active role in ensuring that every child of school-go-
ing age, including those with disabilities and the or-
phaned and vulnerable enjoy their right to education,”
Ndoro said.
“The outreach also provides an opportunity for
youth and adults to get more information on how
they can access adult basic education as well as life-
long learning opportunities through their neighbour-
ing schools.”
“This initiative is aligned to the Continental Educa-
tion Strategy for Africa, the Sustainable Development
Goals and the National Development Strategy.
— INNOCENT MAGONDIO
Chief fumes over
funerals boycotts
Chief Tshitshi of Mangwe district, Matabeleland
South, has expressed his displeasure with some of
his subjects who are not attending funeral gather-
ings in his jurisdiction.
The traditional leader said the habit by his subjects
was unAfrican and against the spirit of Ubuntu.
“I am having a serious concern over the villagers
who no longer attend each other’s funerals or buri-
als,” Tshitshi said.
“This started long back, but now it’s too much, it
has gone beyond control.”
The traditional leader said he has summoned his
subjects to discuss the matter.
“There is no longer togetherness which has caused
some divisions here, which is not right,” he said.
“We are supposed to be one family. I need to find
out what is causing people to boycott funerals. We
need to correct this mess.”
Tshitshi also complained about the lack of pas-
tures because of the late rains, saying villagers were
livestock.
“We desperately need the rains,” he said.
- SHARON SIBINDI
Losing Zanu PF candidate
reclaims donation
BY SHARON SIBINDI
A Zanu PF losing council candidate
has been accused of demanding goal
posts which he donated to a school in
Plumtree, Matabeleland South, ahead of
the disputed August 23 elections.
Richard Khumalo contested for the
ward 2 seat in Plumtree on a Zanu PF
ticket, but lost to Zanele Ndlovu of the
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
A message posted on a community
WhatsApp group revealed that Khumalo
wants to uproot the goal posts he donat-
ed to Matiwaza Primary School.
“A losing Plumtree councilor, who
contested on a Zanu PF ticket in the just
ended August 23 harmonised plebiscite
has gone on rampage demanding all his
donations from the public……” read the
text.
The text also said Khumalo demand-
ed to be reimbursed the money, which
he used to transport the goal posts to the
school.
Khumalo did not deny the charg-
es when contacted for comment, but
claimed that the facts have been distort-
ed.
According to Khumalo, the school ap-
proached him seeking assistance to pur-
chase the goal posts.
“I agreed to their request, but told
them my goal posts are far out of town
and needed transport to ferry them to
the school,” Khumalo said.
“We then made an arrangement that
they provide their own transport to get
them.”
A meeting organised by the school de-
Bulawayo complete sewer,
water system upgrade
BY SILAS NKALA
The Bulawayo City Council has completed a sew-
er and water sanitation rehabilitation project
funded through an African Development Bank
AfDB US$33,6 million grant.
Council is considering approaching the bank
for more funding to expand Bulawayo’s water and
sewerage services improvement projects (BWS-
SIP).
Bulawayo’s sewer and reticulation infrastruc-
ture suffers from sewer pipe bursts and leaks hav-
ing outlived its lifespan.
Latest council minutes indicate that the AfDB
grant was used in the rehabilitation of targeted
critical components of the city’s water and sewer-
The Standard
relevant, credible news
Southern Eye on Sunday | November 19 to 25 2023 S15
velopment committee was held where it
was agreed that each parent will contrib-
ute US$1 towards hiring a vehicle to ferry
the material, he said.
Khumalo said he hired one of his friends
for US$150 to ferry the material on condi-
tion that he will be paid upon delivery.
“Three months down the line, they have
not paid for the transport,” he said, a sit-
uation that he claimed has pushed him to
demand his goal posts.
Khumalo also claimed that the matter
has been politicised.
“They influenced each other that I was
campaigning under a Zanu PF ticket, lead-
age infrastructure to improve access to water and
sanitation.
The BWSSIP project started in Bulawayo in 2016
and was completed in June this year.
"There was a need for the Project to close out
on a positive note with consideration of possibly
unlocking further funding from the AfDB as the
project was a first of its model in Zimbabwe where
the executing agent was granted powers to im-
plement the project in terms of planning, procur-
ing, contract administration and management.
“The project was modelled on the sidelines of
skills transfer and empowerment," read the min-
utes.
"This was a critical moment for the City of Bul-
awayo to close out the project in a positive note
ing to some parents not paying for the
transport fare as previously agreed," he
said.
Khumalo has said he has been sent from
pillar to post over the transport reim-
bursement.
“As long as there was no official hando-
ver, I am still the owner of the goal posts,”
he said.
“They need to pay the money so that
there would be an official handover.
"They should not mix the issue of goal
posts and our politics...they should just
pay the person, who ferried the goal posts
his money.”
with required human capital who executed the
project as project managers but currently most of
those critical project managers had left council."
The city fathers said they will hire former pro-
ject managers, most of whom were its former em-
ployees, as consultants.
The former project managers who had left
council employment were Vusisizwe Sibanda,
Thulani Dube, Michael Ncube and Mercy Ncube.
“It was against this background that the City
was requesting the engagement of the above for-
mer staff members for the period of the Bank re-
view mission," the council noted.
"The cost of hiring the above members would
be borne by council and amounted to $23 627
000 total andc rates as per travelling and subsist-
ence had been used as basis for calculating the
fees.”
Bulawayo is emerging as the country’s diar-
rhoea epicentre due to the ongoing water crisis
and collapsing sewer reticulation systems.
In June 2020, a killer diarrhoea outbreak killed
13 residents of Luveve suburb and infected over
2000 others.
Since then, the city has been battling recurring
diarrhoea outbreaks.

BY NIZBERT MOYO
A road traffic accident that
claimed 22 lives along the Bul-
awayo-Gwanda road last week
brought back to the spotlight the
poor state of the road network in
Matabeleland.
Most of the roads that connect
Bulawayo to various districts of
Matabeleland such as Tsholotsho,
Maphisa and Nkayi are in a sor-
ry state and have become death
traps.
The Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Vic-
toria Falls hghway, a major trade
route, is neglected.
It was only recently that govern-
ment started rehabilitating the
highway.
In Bulawayo, the council is on
record saying 70% of its road net-
work has outlived its lifespan and
requires about US$700 million to
be rehabilitated.
The government has been mak-
ing promises to rehabilitate the
roads over the years, but they re-
main neglected.
At some of these roads, equip-
ment is deployed on site towards
the elections with officials prom-
ising a quick fix.
However, the equipment is soon
removed after the elections, rais-
ing eyebrows.
Zimbabwe Passenger Associa-
tion secretary-general Paul Mak-
iwa said transport operators are
paying the high cost of neglected
roads.
Makiwa said their vehicles are
suffering tear and wear as they
traverse the corrugated roads
ferrying villagers from growth
points to deep outlying areas.
Zupco, government’s only li-
cenced mass public transport sys-
tem, even shuns the outlying are-
as, leaving villagers at the mercy
of the few private transport oper-
ators.
“We are witnessing daily road
carnage because most of the
roads in the region are in a bad
state,” Makiwa said.
“We do not have proper bridges
and other places are not friendly
and usable to the motorists.”
He appealed to government to
allocate more funds towards the
BY SILAS NKALA
There are fears of systematic
invasions of farms owned by for-
mer Zapu and Zpra ex-combatants
in Matabeleland in what analysts
claim is a deliberate move to un-
dermine the former war veterans
despite their role during the liber-
ation struggle.
Several renowned farms owned
by Zipra and Zapu war veterans
have been invaded over the years
including that of the late Zapu
leader, Dumiso Dabengwa.
Just last week, an attempt to
evict former National Healing and
Integration co-minister Moses
Mzila Ndlovu was exposed at the
High Court.
The High Court ruled in Ndlo-
vu’s favour and stayed his eviction.
Former ex-Zipra command-
er Thomas Ngwenya was also in
court last week after the boundary
fence of his Solusi farm was van-
dalised allegedly by National Uni-
versity of Science and Technology
(Nust) employees.
There are several other cases
where Zanu PF activists have gone
after properties owned by Zapu
members and ex-Zpra combatants,
a development that commentators
said raised eyebrows.
In several cases, most of the in-
vaders have been identified as peo-
ple from outside Matabeleland and
sponsored by Zanu PF bigwigs.
Zapu spokesperson Mso Ndlo-
vu said the developments were dis-
turbing.
"Every Zimbabwean of whatev-
er colour or creed deserves a piece
of land in areas they call home,”
Ndlovu said.
Horror crash exposes parlous
state of Matabeleland roads
rehabilitation of roads in the re-
gion.
The government launched the
Emergency Road Rehabilitation
Programme (ERRP) in 2021 after
President Emmerson Mnangagwa
declared the state of the country’s
roads a national disaster.
Under ERRP, the government is
targeting to rehabilitate 10 000 kil-
ometres of the road network coun-
trywide but mainly urban and
trunk roads, ignoring the neglect-
ed gravel roads in rural areas, par-
ticularly deep situated areas.
However, there have been re-
ports of some construction com-
panies being forced to abandon
road rehabilitation works over
payment delays.
Despite launching ERRP, ma-
jor routes in Matabeleland are in
a bad shape, said transport opera-
tor Matthew Sibanda.
“We pay a lot of money for our
public transport in terms of tax,
insurance and at tollgates hop-
ing that the money would be chan-
nelled towards the maintenance
of the roads but this is not the
case,” Sibanda said.
“What is painful is that the fees
keep on rising every now and then
but we do not see our value for
money in terms of service deliv-
ery.”
Tsholotsho Rural District
Council (RDC) chief executive
Nkululeko Sibanda said funds for
roads maintenance and formation
from the Zimbabwe National Road
Administration (Zinara) were not
enough.
“We do get allocation from Zi-
nara for council roads, but the dis-
bursements are erratic and not
enough,” Sibanda said.
Nkayi RDC chief executive Sili-
bele Mpofu said the council was
Land grabs targeting Zapu,
Zpra veterans raise eyebrows
“A systematic programme of
displacing locals in favour of in-
dividuals from other regions, it
is nothing but a cultural and eco-
nomic genocide which must never
be tolerated whether it happens in
Matabeleland or Mashonaland.
“ The issue of land redistribu-
tion is a time bomb, which is set to
cause conflict for our future gener-
ations if not addressed."
Ndlovu accused Zanu PF offi-
cials of abusing their positions of
influence to harass Zapu and Zpra
members.
"Zapu is appalled that where
Zanu PF planned, trained and de-
ployed a 5th Brigade to commit a
genocide, they failed to plan, train
and deploy a brigade of farmers
to fully utilize land when they em-
barked on the chaotic land reform
programme,” he said,.
"Only Zapu leaders at local and
national level have the wherewith-
al, capacity and willingness to con-
front this without fear, favour or
prejudice.”
Ibhetshu likazulu coordina-
tor Mbuso Fuzwayo said the land
question has been politicised by
Zanu PF.
"It means the people from Mata-
beleland are not yet liberated, it is
land under occupation, the sacri-
fices of Zipra were in vain,” Fuz-
Major routes in Matabeleland are in a bad shape
now using its own resources to try
and fix the roads.
“In our case we have acquired
a tipper truck and water bowser,
which we will use to repair the
roads,” Mpofu said.
“We will try and outsource only
the equipment that we do not
have.”
In Nkayi, roads linking Nkayi
centre and other outlying areas
are in bad condition.
Last year, Transport and Infra-
wayo said.
“People must unite against the
occupying force irrespective of re-
ligious beliefs or party affiliation.”
Political analyst Effie Ncu-
be said the invasion of the land
owned by Zapu-linked people is
a continuation of Gukurahun-
di where over 20 000 civilians lost
their lives in Matabeleland and
Midlands.
"Those invading the land be-
lieve they have the protection of
the state and the ruling party and
therefore can do anything, any-
time,” Ncube said.
Ncube said this also exposed the
erosion of the rule of law.
“The land is the most impor-
tant resource for any people. That
is why land dispossession inevita-
bly leads to devastating conflicts,"
he said.
“As such, land dispossession is
reversing the gains of the liber-
ation struggle and setting a time
bomb that will explode on future
generations."
Ncube said Zanu PF was sowing
seeds of future conflicts.
“Playing party politics with the
precious lives of future genera-
tions is irresponsible and a source
of future conflicts,” Ncube said.
In court papers, Mzila-Ndlovu
said he was facing eviction from
Southern Eye on Sunday | November 19 to 25 2023 S16
structural Development minister
Felix Mhona revealed that an es-
timated 35 km of the constructed
Bulawayo-Nkayi road has outlived
its design lifespan by two decades.
Construction of the road began
in 1996, three years after the com-
pletion of feasibility studies.
Critics argue the government
has never been serious in ensur-
ing the completion of the project
citing the painfully slow pace of
road construction works.
his farm in Matobo District, Mata-
beleland South Province.
The High Court granted an in-
terdict application to stay his evic-
tion from the property.
In his application, Ndlovu cited
Matobo District Lands officer Jo-
hannes Zifudze, the Secretary in
the Lands ministry, Lands minis-
try, officer-in-charge Figtree po-
lice, officer commanding Mata-
beleland South, the surveyor gen-
eral and the sheriff of Zimbabwe
as respondents respectively.
Ndlovu submitted that he has
been in beneficial occupation and
control of Khami Magazine Farm
measuring 360, 3163 hectares since
2004.
He said his troubles began in
August when Zifudze allocated
pieces of land of his property to
suspected Zanu PF supporters in
preparation for a full take-over of
his property.
In July 2014, scores of militant
Zanu PF supporters invaded late
Zapu leader Dabengwa’s Rudy
Farm in Nyamandlovu, Matabele-
land North saying he was under-
utilising it..
The Zanu PF supporters claimed
to have the blessings of the party’s
top brass when they invaded the
farm.
At about the same time, some
News
Zinara chief executive Nkosi-
nathi Ncube admitted that the
road network in the region was in
a poor state.
"I have been to Nkayi road and
that road is terrible,” Ncube said.
“However, if the councils can
use their own available equipment
or resources to fix these roads, say
they go to the government maybe
to ask for money for their grader
that would be better because that
is the essence of devolution.”
Zanu PF youth led the invasion of
the Bulawayo City Council-owned
Mazwi Nature Reserve close to St
Peter’s on the outskirts of the city.
In 2015, Zanu PF supporters in-
vaded Honey Bird Kop Farm, lo-
cated about 40km along the Bula-
wayo-Plumtree Highway belong-
ing to Zipra ex-combatant, John
Gazi.
They said the property was too
big for him.
Gazi was later arrested after he
deflated tyres of a vehicle belong-
ing to Zanu PF invaders.
Last year, a human rights lawyer
Siphosami Malunga, the son of the
late nationalist Sydney Malunga,
was forced to approach the courts
following an attempt to grab their
Esidakeni farm he co-owned with
Zephaniah Dlamini and Charles
Moyo.
Their problems began in 2019
when their childhood friend 2Gat-
sha Mazithulela, the country’s
deputy spy chief, asked if he could
join them in the venture and be-
come the fourth partner.
They turned him down.
In January 2020, Mazithule-
la was appointed deputy director-
general of the Central Intelligence
Organisation (CIO).
According to their papers filed
at the High Court in Bulawayo,
the trio said that after his appoint-
ment, Mazithulela approached
them again, begging to be allowed
to join the partnership but they
turned him down.
Since then several people linked
to Zanu PF have invaded Esidak-
eni farm, purporting to have been
given offer letters by Lands minis-
ter Anxious Masuka.