Mr Ban Ki-moon

From Caesar Zvayi at the UNITED NATIONS–
THE 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly enters its second week today with world leaders seized with a broad agenda to tackle multi-faceted challenges confronting the world. This includes peace and security challenges confronting various continents and the Ebola outbreak afflicting parts of West Africa. South Africa, which chairs the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation was scheduled to host a meeting of Sadc member-states to deliberate on the situation in Lesotho and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in the wake of their meeting with UN secretary-general Mr Ban Ki-moon yesterday at which they deliberated on the situation in the Great Lakes Region of which the DRC is a part.

At their meeting at the SA ambassador’s residence, Sadc foreign affairs ministers are expected to brief each other on the outcome of the Double Troika Summit held in Pretoria last week.
Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane fled following a coup in the kingdom last month. Sadc leaders then convened a Troika meeting in Pretoria, where Zimbabwe attended in her capacity as Sadc chairperson to bring normalcy in the kingdom.

After the summit, the leaders came up with a communiqué urging leaders of the coalition government in Lesotho to uphold their commitment towards restoration of constitutional normalcy in the kingdom and to bring forward poll dates from 2017 to a date to be agreed on upon consultations between the coalition leaders among other issues.

The UN yesterday said it had dedicated US$1 billion to fight Ebola over the next six months.
Over the past two decades, the Great Lakes region has been the epicentre of tragic violence and suffering from the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 to the devastating invasion of the DRC by US-backed Ugandan and Rwandan rebels who were only repelled by Zimbabwe’s leadership of Operation Sovereign Legitimacy that brought together Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia who were members of the Sadc Troika then under the able leadership of Zimbabwe.

Despite progress made in fostering peace over the years, conflict still ravages eastern DRC, long plagued by state weakness and competition for its abundant resources.
Recurring conflicts between armed groups continue to claim numerous lives and displace tens of thousands of people.

Today, however, under a new UN-brokered agreement, governments of the Great Lakes and the international community are seeking a lasting solution to the seemingly never-ending state of conflict in the region.

The Peace, Security and Co-operation Framework for the DRC and the region, signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February, brings 11 nations of the region and beyond into a comprehensive pact to stop the cycles of conflict by resolving their root causes and fostering trust between DRC and its neighbours.

1128: We end our live updates here.

1117: “To the  business community, we will benefit the economy if we work together with Government.” Malaba

1112: President of the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe, Sam Malaba, is now making the closing remarks.

1108: “We cannot stand and fold our hands in desperation. We must never put our eggs in one basket. We need to work in unison to unlock our potential.”

1106: “We banned the export of raw gold and in the first six months Fidelity has managed to refine 8.5 tonnes of gold.”

1105: “Antwerp and Dubai have raised our price to $76 per carat”

1103: “We are now trying to nurture domestic industry. We don’t want to become a warehouse for other countries.”

1101: “I receive taxes from the formal sector but not the informal. As far as pay as you earn, I don’t get that. The policies are ours.”

1059: “We cannot ignore the informal sector…if we do, it is at our own peril. With flexibility the core of business is maintained.”

1056: “Our wage bill is 76% of whatever we receive. 76% goes towards paying bills and none towards operations. Its not good.”

1054: “If we have got that greater transparency it will help. We are going to extend this to our tollgates. That alone will see our revenue doubling. You must go beyond suspicion to go beyond corruption.”

1052: “Those who sell debts are not the debtors, they are creditors. If they tell us that they have sold the debts then I will be quite happy. If they sell the debts then we should not remain debtors otherwise we should reschedule. The briber and bribed have benefited and will not report to the police. Corruption is therefore very hard to investigate. My approach is that we need greater transparency in what we do.”

1048: “I hope that at the beginning of the year we will have small change and brings down prices. If the private sector is supported it widens my revenue. I need that capacity.”

From left: Zimpapers Chief Operating Officer and Editor In Chief, Pikirayi Deketeke, Minister of Information,Media and Broadcasting Services, Prof Jonathan Moyo and Cde Patrick Zhuwawo follow proceedings.

1047: “Let’s not shout too much about corruption where it does not exist. It will despirit those who are not corrupt. I don’t want to make accusations where there is no basis. The multi currency regime is here to stay. I am not a reckless finance minister. If there is no output and no foreign currency reserves, there is no point in bringing a local currency.”

1041: “It’s not just for the Government but for the private sector as well. We might get softening of the heart sooner rather than later.” Chinamasa

1040: Chinamasa is now speaking “These efforts are all to look for friendship nomatter how hard it may be. Unless we do so we will not have access to capital banks. It is very important that as a country we should look everywhere in order to move forward.
“Maybe the IMF is saying you are not dying but psychologically you have convinced yourself that you are dying. We have the capacity if we put our house in order. We are not a basket case.”

1035: “I’m really impressed by the discussions we have had. It makes me only hope well for the future that this is a start of a beautiful friendship.” Fanizza.

1033: “As long as you live within the quantitative targets, it’s okay with us. How to spend and how to raise revenue is up to the authorities, not us.” Fanizza

1022: “If you want to really get the process moving, you need to build consensus out there” Fanizza

1019: “I see highly qualified and skilled people in Zimbabwe.The fund deals with anybody, with any country despite who is in power. The last decision is made by our shareholders.”Fanizza

1016: Minister of SMEs Sithembiso Nyoni “Zimbabwe is not all doom and gloom.”

1013: Deputy Information minister, Supa Mandiwanzira comments “Zimbabwe is the only country to be described b y a shareholder of IMF as an extraordinary threat to America. The political situation in this country has been a major drawback.”

1010: “We cannot sell the debt but what we can do is find a debt solution and find support which your debt can be rescheduled.” Fanizza

1008: “It’s not Government but the market that defines what is the comparative advantage.” Fanizza

1007: “The quality of the health sector in Zimbabwe should be improved.” Fanizza starts answering.

1004: Question: “Are we fighting corruption?, if not, what is the problem?”

1001: Question: “What does the IMF see as Zimbabwe’s comparative advantages?”

1000: “Become part of the emerging Africa. Don’t think you are special. Businesses have to compete and you have to compete and show how good you are. The IMF does not provide support to the private sector. We lend to governments and central banks. We are not a bank. There is a sector that is part of the IMF but I cannot answer for them.”Fanizza

0957: Mr Fanizza responds to a question “The concept of conditionality imposed on Zimbabwe is not there. There subsidies  but there are other kinds of subsidies that we as the IMF cannot support. I have heard about the need of trade protection. We believe in free trade and it has shown to help economies move. You are not China and you cannot replicate China’s model of growth.”

0946: It’s now time for the Question and Answer session.

0943: “Zim Asset spoke of an economy which had a history. The problem we have, not only in Zimbabwe but in Africa, is like driving a car looking in the rear view mirror. By holding public auctions in Zambia, the Government was able to raise revenue from Gemstones.”

0940: “Every investor says they want to know about the nature of their investment. Targeted subsidies have been shown to work around the world. Where is Zimbabwe with targeted subsidies?”

0938: “The question is why are the investors not coming here” Mongayi

0937: The final speaker is former World Bank country manager Mr Nginya Mongayi.

0927: “I would like to thank Zimpapers for opening the floor for such dialogue. We as Zimbabweans should learn to spend what we have and not spend beyond our means. We are going to emerge victorious.”

Mr Goddard

0922: “Zimbabwe was rated 5th on  the World Economic Forum in terms of mathematics. Although we have outdated infrastructure, we have  what we need to restore the country.”

0920: “It would be hugely beneficial for Zimbabwe to mend our relationships around the world.”

0918: “We need to carefully evaluate the partners that are going to help us achieve our goals.” Goddard

0913: The next respondent is businessman Ross Goddard.

0911: “How can an economy be capitalised when we open our frontiers. If you overspend in the right areas that creates a positive domino effect then there is nothing wrong with that.”

Mr Mandiwanza

0907: “We are under no illusion that IMF will bring a bag of money into Zimbabwe” Mandiwanza

0905: One of the respondents for the morning Antony Mandiwanza, CEO of Dairibord is now addressing the meeting.

0859: “Zimbabwe faces formidable financial obstacles but sound policies can help.”

0858: “The IMF cannot extend funds to Zimbabwe until it runs its financial arrears”

Mr Fanizza

0856: “Zimbabwe cannot enjoy financial benefits because of financial arrears” Fanizza

0853: Mr Domenico Fanizza representing the IMF is now addressing the meeting.

0852: “Zimbabwe’s relationship with the IMF  should be one of judicial manager and creditor not liquidator and creditor. IMF should not watch Zimbabwe collapse”

0847: “The private sector is not under sanctions so I do not understand why the IFC is not helping. Is it a punitive measure?”

0845:  “The private sector debt of $1.9 billion is being serviced as we speak. I don’t fix things which are not broken. So what is stopping the IFC from aiding our private sector”

0843: “IMF should help us nurse this economy to be what it used to be and what it should be” Chinamasa

0837: “As a member of IMF and World Bank we are entitled to support and borrowing. But because of certain challenges we cannot access fresh credit” Chinamasa

Minister Chinamasa

0831: The Herald business breakfast has started. After welcome remarks and introductions by moderator Busisa Moyo Minister Chinamasa is now giving his remarks.

Herald Reporter
PROMINENT individuals continue to lose property and other valuables worth thousands of dollars to creditors after failing to settle debts. The latest is former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono whose combine harvester was attached by the Chegutu Messenger of Court over an undisclosed amount of money. According to a notice published in the Press on Monday under case number 117/ 13, the combine harvester, a 2388 Axial Flow, goes under the hammer on October 1.
Red Fox owner, Mr Robert Zhuwao, is also set to lose cattle at his Darwendale farm after the Deputy Sheriff attached them over an unpaid debt.

Mr Zhuwao owes money to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
The cattle were attached by the Norton Messenger of Court under case number HC7114 /11.
Fifteen head of cattle will be auctioned on October 1 at his Cockington Farm in Darwendale.

Zimbabwe Women’s Football League chairperson and Zimbabwe Football Association board member, Mrs Miriam Sibanda had her household property attached and sold last week after failing to settle a debt with Steelwaters Security Operations Private Limited under case number HC8534/ 13.

The household property which was auctioned includes a Samsung microwave, dressing table, six-piece dinning suite, two display units, Samsung double door refrigerator, a Capri deep freezer, Sony plasma television, five piece table set, four wooden chairs, wooden bench, six-piece Pioneer home theatre, DStv decoder and defy washing machine.
Harare businessman Mr Tichaona Samuriwo lost three stands in Helensville, Borrowdale Brooke and Glen Lorne after he failed to repay Kingdom Bank.

The Deputy Sheriff last week attached more than 32 up-market houses and stands after the owners failed to service loans.
The properties are being auctioned this Friday on behalf of liquidators, financial institutions, companies and individuals.

The properties include a building in the central business district, a double storey house in Ballantyne Park, a five bedroom house in Glen Lorne and an office block in Southerton industrial area with five workshop bays.

Herald Reporter
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu yesterday defended Air Zimbabwe acting board chairperson Mr Abdulman Eric Harid for doubling up as the airline’s general manager responsible for finance. Mr Harid’s actions are in violation of Government’s recently proposed National Code of Corporate Governance which prohibits a senior member of management from doubling up as a board member.

The code makes it mandatory that no chairperson or board member of a company should double-up as a chief executive officer of the same company.
In an interview after a send-off ceremony for five drivers who are heading for an international competition in Poland, Minister Mpofu said Mr Harid was an accountant for Air Zimbabwe on an interim basis while the hunt was on for a substantive holder of the post.

“The issue was misrepresented,” said Minister Mpofu.
“That gentleman, Mr Harid, was part of the interim team that was assigned to run the affairs of Air Zimbabwe briefly.

“He was assigned to assist finance as a former comptroller and auditor general, so it was a temporary arrangement while we were looking for a new board.”
Parliamentarians recently raised concern over Mr Harid’s doubling up of the positions in view of the Government’s proposed National Code of Corporate Governance.

Minister Mpofu said Mr Harid would not eventually assume the position of accountant for Air Zimbabwe because he was a pensioner who retired from Government some time ago.
“When we appointed a new board he moved to the board, but there was no substantive accountant so he has been waiting to handover,” he said. “We cannot just leave a department of finance unattended.

“We said now that there is a new board, he will act as chairman while the board looks to fill substantive positions. It is not possible the law doesn’t allow that. We called him back just to assist.”

Minister Mpofu saw off the team of drivers to the World Professional Driver Championship in Poland scheduled from Thursday to Saturday. He said it was critical to include commuter omnibus drivers in such programmes to enable them to learn from other world class drivers and avoid accidents due to human error.

The World Professional Drivers Championship is hosted by the Union International Des Chauffers Routiers (UICR), an international body for professional drivers which coordinates and represents the interests of professional drivers worldwide.

It hosts the championship every two years.

Minister Chinamasa

Tinashe Makichi Business Reporter
Government is creating relations with multi-lateral institutions to access capital markets critical for economic revival. Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa yesterday said Government had decided that it was in the interest of the nation to engage multi-lateral financial institutions to unlock funding. “Unless we engage the international institutions, we will have no access to the capital markets,” he said.

“At the moment one of the multilateral institutions which are not represented here is the European Investment Bank and we also owe them about US$350 million.”
Minister Chinamasa said it was in the interest of Government’s long-term focus to access all capital markets.

“It is very important that as a country we should look everywhere in order to move forward,” he said.
“That means we should look to the West, North, East and the South and there should be no area where we say we will not approach because we are looking at opportunities which we can exploit as a country.”

Minister Chinamasa said Zimbabwe was a small market and any business which was serious about growing should consider engaging the export market everywhere. He said the country had enormous potential and required the private sector to exploit that potential and revive the economy.

“Zimbabwe is not a basket case for the reasons that we all know and what we basically need to do is to do the correct things and we need to have a correct analytical picture of our economy,” said Minister Chinamasa.

He said no matter the amount of time that it will take to regain support from the International Monetary Fund, Zimbabwe was going to make sure that it unlocked funding for industry.
Minister Chinamasa said Government would continue to work towards regaining consensus within IMF member countries, at the same time trying to loosen up the negative attitudes that some of those countries have.

He said engagement should not be an issue for Government alone, as the private sector should take part in making necessary engagements with international institutions.
Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited chief executive Mr Anthony Mandiwanza said there should be co-ordination between Government and the private sector to ensure the economy improved.

(from right) Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, IMF head of mission to Zimbabwe Mr Domenico Fanizza, BAZ president and Agribank CEO Sam Malaba ,ex-World Bank country manager Mr Nginya Mungai, Dairibord CEO Mr Anthony Mandiwanza and businessman Mr John Goddard following proceedings during The Herald Business breakfast meeting in Harare yesterday.

Golden Sibanda Senior Business Reporter
Zimbabwe faces formidable economic challenges, but sound policies can unlock the country’s economic potential, the International Monetary Fund has said. Head of the IMF Mission to Harare, Mr Domenico Fanizza, said yesterday that Zimbabwe needed to normalise relations with international creditors to access fresh credit. Mr Fanizza said normal relations with international lenders were key for Zimbabwe’s economic development strategy such as the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.

He was speaking at The Herald Business breakfast meeting attended by Government ministers and executives from a cross section of the business sector. “The ambitious development objectives set out in the Zim-Asset strategy cannot be achieved without the support of the international community,” Mr Fanizza said.

“Zimbabwe faces formidable economic challenges, but sound economic policies can unleash its strong economic potential and bring better living conditions to its population.”
The IMF mission is conducting its third review of the Staff Monitored Programme to evaluate Zimbabwe’s progress towards re-engaging the global lender.

Mr Fanizza said mending relations with the international financial community was critical for Zimbabwe to get support for rescheduling of its overdue debt.
He said Zimbabwe could not access funding from the IMF and other international lenders such as the World Bank and African Development Bank due to its arrears.

Speaking at the same occasion, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said Zimbabwe owed international creditors about US$6,9 billion.
The country also owed IMF US$2,55 billion, with about US$1,6 billion of that amount already in arrears as it failed to pay back since 2002.

“What it means is that we are unable to access fresh credit,” he said.
“Zimbabwe has engaged both IMF and WB and AfDB on possible strategy to clear its external debt.”

Minister Chinamasa said it was key to normalise relations with the IMF since all lenders across the world dealt with borrowers on the basis of what the IMF said.
Reforms under the Staff Monitored Programme include transparency in minerals revenue and how it is applied, reforms in public debt management, building reserves, increasing social spending, cuts on Government wage bill and improving financial sector management and stability.

Sister Annie Tenga being assisted by Sister Beatrice Warure (right) to wear protective gear for Ebola at Wilkins Ebola Quarantine Unit in Harare yesterday, while Dr Hilda Bara (far left) looks on. — (Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

Paidamoyo Chipunza Health Reporter
Harare City Council is prepared to deal with the deadly Ebola virus should any case be confirmed, City Health director Dr Prosper Chonzi has said. During a media tour of the Ebola quarantine centre at Wilkins Infectious Disease Hospital yesterday, Dr Chonzi said drugs to manage victims, equipment and protective clothing for use during management as well as disinfectants were in stock.

He said about 200 nurses, 16 doctors and support staff from all city health departments had undergone training for Ebola detection and management.
“As City Health, we are ready and we are more than prepared to deal with any case should the outbreak hit the city, but of course that will depend on the numbers,” said Dr Chonzi.

He said in the event that the outbreak got worse in the city, all patients currently receiving treatment for other infectious diseases at the institution would be transferred to Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospitals.

Dr Chonzi said the current quarantine centre could accommodate seven patients, but the whole institution had a capacity for up to 40 patients at any given time.
“Should the outbreak get worse, we can as well erect tents outside the institution, but the whole hospital accommodates up to 40 patients,” said Dr Chonzi.

He said at any given time, a team comprising a doctor, nurses, an environmental health technician and other support staff would be on standby to handle cases.
He said 12 such teams have been identified and they would be working for six-hour shifts every day.

“These teams rehearse everyday even if we do not have a patient just to make sure they stay alert for any case,” he said.
He said health workers in the uniformed forces also underwent Ebola training in the event that their services were needed.

Earlier, Wilkins Infectious Disease Hospital medical superintendent, Dr Hilda Bara, took journalists through the process of safety measures involved when a patient is brought to the institution.

A patient suspected of having Ebola will first be attended to in a separate makeshift ward erected outside the main hospital’s ward specifically for Ebola management.
Once the health worker is convinced that they are dealing with a case of Ebola, the patient is then transferred into the ward where basic health care is rendered.

Twelve-step instructions on safety precautions to protect health workers from contracting the virus from suspected patients are well labelled in each operating room.
Ebola is highly infectious and only transmitted through fluids.

Initial symptoms include fever, colds, weakness before complicating to bleeding.
So far, more than 2 600 people have died of the disease in West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Nigeria.

Cases have also been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the only country in Southern Africa affected by the virus.
In Zimbabwe, a total of 98 people have so far been screened and are under surveillance for the Ebola virus.

Cde Gumbo

Herald Reporter
Zanu-PF has come up with a draft of rules and regulations for Central Committee elections ahead of the party’s 6th National People’s Congress in December. The rules and regulations would be tabled before the party’s Politburo and Central Committee meetings to be held after President Mugabe’s return from the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

In an interview yesterday, Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo, said the regulations needed to be finalised.
“The rules and guidelines are there and they need to be discussed further,” he said.

“What we have is a rough draft that we want to fine tune when the President returns from the UN meeting.
“We are going to have a Politburo meeting followed by the Central Committee to further discuss the rules and the regulations.”

This comes in the wake of vote buying and jostling for Central Committee positions ahead of the Congress.
Zanu-PF has already warned its members to stop electioneering before the regulations were announced as some of them were wasting their time because they would end up falling by the wayside when the regulations were finally announced.

Cde Gumbo said the committees formed to oversee the preparations of the Congress were already sorting out logistical matters.
The committees supervise, co-ordinate and guide the work of sub-committees in preparing for the congress.

He said the information committee met yesterday to discuss several issues including the media material and party regalia.
The eight sub-committees are chaired by Cdes Didymus Mutasa (finance), Webster Shamu (organising), Sydney Sekeramayi (security and accreditation), Rugare Gumbo (information), Nicholas Goche (transport and welfare), Emmerson Mnangagwa (legal and documentation), David Parirenyatwa (health) and Sikhanyiso Ndlovu (entertainment).

President Mugabe

Tafadzwa Ndlovu Herald Reporter—
President Mugabe has, with immediate effect, reshuffled some permanent secretaries, with former Ambassador to Japan Mr Stuart Comberbach being assigned to the post of Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet. Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said this in a statement yesterday. Mr Comberbach is a long-serving senior Government official, with much of his service as a diplomat but including a posting as Secretary for Industry and International Trade. He is taking up the post in the Office of the President and Cabinet straight from being a Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Japan. Dr Sylivia Utete Masango has been moved from the post of Secretary in the Civil Service Commission to the post of Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education.

She once served as the Secretary for Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development during the inclusive Government, apart from holding other posts in the civil service before.

Mrs Constance Chigwamba, who is being replaced by Dr Masango, has been moved to the post of Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Before becoming the Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Chigwamba was Secretary with the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture.

Dr Desire Sibanda takes over as the head of Fiscal Policy and Investment in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development from the post of Secretary in the Civil Service Commission.

He once served as the Secretary for the Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion during the inclusive Government.

Herald Reporter—
More than $300 million is required to fund mobilisation of this year’s summer inputs and the refurbishment of silos at the Grain Marketing Board, legislators heard yesterday. This comes as legislators have called for a national dialogue to determine whether the country should embrace genetically modified organisms as Members of Parliament called on the Government not to be rigid on the issue.

Secretary for Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Mr Ringson Chitsiko said $252 million was required for grain input programme for this summer while $51 million was required to refurbish the grain silos.

He said the $51 million for silos would come as a loan from the Government of China, while Treasury had to provide for the $252 million for inputs to benefit AI model, and communal farmers.

Mr Chitsiko was giving oral evidence before a joint sitting of the portfolio committee on agriculture and the Senate thematic committee on Millennium Development Goals.
The money for inputs to be disbursed in packs would cover for all forms of grains, fertiliser, cotton and livestock farmers.

Treasury, said Mr Chitsiko was still to finalise the mobilisation of the resources and would have wanted the inputs to be distributed early so that farmers would know their deficit.
Matabeleland North Senator Thokozile Mathuthu, wanted to know what guarantee was there that the money would be available from Treasury.

“I think I would not be able to give an answer to that. I cannot assure this committee as to whether this money will be available as we all rely on Treasury,” said Mr Chitsiko.
Lobengula MP, Dr Sam Sipepa-Nkomo (MDC-T), queried the cost of the $51 million loan to repair grain silos saying the money was too much.

This was after Mr Chitsiko said the money would be released after Government first deposited $7 million and about $2 million of commitment and establishment fee and that the agreement provided for repayment of $13 million a year.

Mr Chitsiko said he agreed with the observation on cost but there was nowhere else they could secure that money to do such an important national project.
On the need for national dialogue, committee chairperson and Mbire MP Cde David Butau (Zanu-PF), said it was important to have that.

Dr Sipepa-Nkomo said it was not necessary for Government to remain rigid particularly on the need to consider GMOs.
This was after Mr Chitsiko said those countries that had embraced GMOs like South Africa were already regretting doing so.

Dr Joseph Made

Herald Reporters—
Zimbabwe is headed for yet another successful agricultural season following yesterday’s announcement that the Presidential Well-Wishers Input Scheme for the 2014-15 summer cropping season will cover all food crops and cotton for about 1,6 million households. Under the scheme, A1 and communal farmers will receive 150kg ammonium nitrate fertiliser, 150kg Compound D, 150kg Lime and 10kg seeds each by November 1.

The success registered in agriculture last season was attributed mainly to the same scheme and normal-to-above-normal rains.
This accounted for an increase in production from 758 000 tonnes of maize to 1,4 million tonnes.

Seed and fertilisers are also readily available, with producers yesterday giving assurances that they were ready to deliver.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made said Government had an elaborate programme to cover maize, small grains, cotton, soyabean and livestock.

“The main issue that has been a major outcry is support of inputs and that is what we have prepared,” he said.
Addressing guests at the launch of a partnership between a local company Triomf and a South African firm to provide 20 000 tonnes of fertiliser, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Cde Davis Marapira yesterday said co-mmunal, A1 and old resettlement farmers were the toast of agriculture.

“We are grateful that this season there are several input schemes to assist farmers,” he said. “We have private organisations, we have the Zanu-PF youths (providing inputs worth $2,4 billion) and today we have Triomf who are bringing in new fertilizers with partnership from South Africa.

“This is going to reduce our pressure on inputs supply of which I believe this year’s inputs supply is better than the previous year’s supply.”
Cde Marapira commended Triomf for launching its brand of fertilizers as a compliment to Government efforts enshrined in the ZimAsset economic blueprint.

He said the fertilizers to be imported from South Africa included Mushe Maize, Liquid Lime, Nitrex and other fertilizer products for maize, tobacco, soyabeans, cotton and sugarcane.
“With support from Government, development partners and the private sector in the form of seeds, fertilizers and extension services, progressive improvements in crop yields in the various farming sectors would be achieved this season,” said Cde Marapira.

Cde Marapira said the target for Government programme was to achieve two million tonnes of maize output as stated in ZimAsset.
Triomf Zimbabwe executive director Mr Elias Musakwa said they were prepared to provide farmers with fertilizers countrywide and they alreayd had about 20 000 metric tonnes in stock.

“We are prepared to supply fertilizers and we have since identified business partners countrywide who we are giving them stock for free so that they can sell to farmers,” he said. “Farmers don’t need to travel to Harare to get the fertilizer, but will get them on their door step.”

Fertiliser industry spokesperson and Chemplex chief executive officer Mr Samson Misheck Kachere said they would supply enough fertilizers.
He said stocks of fertilizer comprised of 30 000 tonnes of Compound A and a similar amount of Ammonium Nitrate and production of more volumes was underway.

Mr Kachere said they would produce 25 000 tonnes of fertilizers per month for the next three months.
“Sales are low, so there is need for cash injection to kick-start the whole cycle in terms of supply, but we are ready for the season and just waiting particularly for Government to place its order for 1,6 million households as announced,” he said.

Seed houses said they were distributing enough seed in retail outlets and agronomists were helping farmers with advise on the correct variety to buy for specific areas.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Mr Wonder Chabikwa said the prices of seed and fertilizers had not increased, although farmers wished the price of fertlizer could be subsidised to increase viability.

Meanwhile, the $98 million agricultural equipment from Brazil has started arriving in the country and will be distributed as soon as the full package arrives.
Director of Mechanisation, Mr Rabson Gumbo said the first batch of equipment arrived two weeks ago and included tractors, ploughs and seeders.

“The equipment will not benefit individual farmers but those in the irrigation schemes,” he said. “The process will be handled by Agribank and we expect the full package to arrive before the season advances as it is to be used during this farming season.”

The number of Zimbabweans requiring food aid is set to decline from 2,2 million to 565 000 next year as the country starts reaping benefits of the Food Security and Nutrition cluster of ZimAsset which ensures food sustenance at national and household level.

The Food Agricultural Organisation and the World Food Programme underpinned the envisaged improvement in food security on provisions of ZimAsset.
The Meteorological Department has forecast normal to above normal rainfall throughout the 2014/15 cropping season, though some areas will experience dry spells towards the end of the season.

Dr Gono

George Chisoko Acting Editor—
Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono’s election to Senate has hit a brick wall after it emerged that he is not registered as a voter in Manicaland and until the law is put in place to allow people to register as voters and transfer their votes between constituencies. Dr Gono was slated to take up the Senate seat which fell vacant following the death of Cde Kumbirai Kangai on August 24 last year.

Zanu-PF won the seat on a party list system and could nominate a replacement.
In a letter addressed to Zanu-PF national chairman Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Rita Makarau said there were no records showing that Dr Gono had registered as a voter in any of the wards in Manicaland Province.

“In view of the fact that Dr Gono is, on the face of it, not as of now resident in any ward in Manicaland, he then becomes disqualified to fill a vacancy in the province in terms of Section 45D (1) (d) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2.13],’’ said Justice Makarau.

Ironically, Dr Gono was recently quoted in some quarters of the media declaring that he was ready to lead the people of Manicaland, yet he is registered as a voter in Harare.

Dr Gono could not be reached for comment last night despite several attempts and text messages sent to him.
The Zanu-PF leadership in Manicaland had in December last year adopted a resolution to have Dr Gono take up the senatorial seat.

Justice Makarau said even if Dr Gono tried to transfer his registration to Manicaland, there was currently no legal framework for anyone to do so.
“Now that the function to register and transfer voters is vested in ZEC, the most practical way around the current difficulty would have been for Dr Gono to apply to the commission to transfer his vote from Harare to Buhera West,” she said.

“Again, Honourable Chairman, we regret to advise that, whilst we now have the constitutional mandate to register and transfer voters and are willing and ready to register and transfer voters, there is no legal framework on voter registration and allied matters as envisaged in section 157 (1) (b) of the Constitution, a vacuum that has made us hold back on voter registration, thereby prejudicing not only Dr Gono in this case, but the generality of the electorate in Zimbabwe.’’

Justice Makarau said the constitutional function to register and transfer voters vested in the then Registrar-General of Voters in accordance with provisions of Clause 6 (2) of Part 3 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution for the purposes of the July 31 2013 harmonised elections ceased when the voters roll for those elections closed on July 10 2013.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Cde Didymus Mutasa last night said the party was aware of the letter ZEC had written to the national chairman.

“The Politburo wants Dr Gono to be a Senator and if it means that the law would be amended, then let it be,” he said. “No one will reverse the decision of the Politburo. We will ensure that the law fits with the requirements of the party.

“Ukaona vakuru vachitadziswa kuenda pachigaro nekuda kwevaduku, then there is something wrong.”
Political and legal analysts last night concurred with Justice Makarau, noting that Dr Gono did not qualify to be nominated as Senator for Manicaland because he was not legally registered as a voter in that province.

They said the purported registration of Dr Gono had no legal force or effect because in terms of the new Constitution, the RG lost the power to register or transfer voters on July 10 2013.
Although the new Constitution gives ZEC the power to register or transfer voters, it cannot do that as there is no legal framework on voter registration and this does not have anything to do with Dr Gono as a person, but applies to everyone.

Stephen Garan’anga Visual Art

Zimbabwe’s visual art platforms and art business transactions have remained subdued for a while but that has not deterred most practitioners from creating.

Many have resorted to using what they can though at times compromising quality or inhibiting their ability to make their ideas come through.
Of late there have been limited positive movements in the sector that saw a number of art exhibitions being hosted at various private art spaces including high density suburbs especially in Harare, the resurgent of activities at Dzimbanhete Arts Interactions, the opening of Empire Gallery at Ascot shopping mall in Bulawayo, the open call submission of artworks announced by the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare for the reintroduction of an annual art exhibition.

For the first time since Operation Murambatsvina that saw a number of practitioners being displaced, the Mutare National Gallery confirmed an exhilarating improvement on artists’ participation in exhibitions. The National Gallery said the forgettable days where they used to struggle to fill a full calendar year of exhibitions and kneeling for artists’ participation were a thing of the past especial in year 2014.

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare had a couple impressive art shows at the beginning of the year which included “Woman at the Top” and  “Zimbabwe In Design” before terminating all activities for a while paving way for major renovations of the structure since its inauguration in 1957. They recently resumed activities with a high profile exhibition of the Zimbabwe Pavilion at the 55th Venice International Art Biennale.

During their closure they called for artists’ submission of artworks for a new look Zimbabwe Annual Exhibition scheduled for year-end perhaps similar the yesteryears’ prestigious Zimbabwe Annual Heritage exhibitions that had various awards and motivated practitioners to create the unthinkable to be part of it.

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo has had a much subdued period to date with some exhibitions running for far too long. Art sales too in the region as in other regions outside Harare have been almost non-existent. Gallery Delta Foundation for Art and the Humanities in Harare has been consistent with sponsored monthly shows with most of them having printed catalogues. They have had too a couple of art competitions and exhibitions that had awards that enlightened artistic spirits for many young and upcoming practitioners.

The third edition of the Wild Geese Art Festival took centre stage once again on June 1, 2014 at the Wild Geese Lodge in Harare. The festival is the only one in Zimbabwe entirely dedicated to ‘visual art’ and the promotion of its market. It continues to grow with the number of participating artists of race and creed from all pockets of the nation almost doubling every year. The event had an art competition with of small paintings and sculptures under the theme “Remind Me of Zimbabwe” that were displayed in their own gallery. Some amazing quick small painting demonstrations too took place and some sold as quickly as they finished. There were more art sales in this year’s edition than the previous ones.

Wild Geese Art Festival offers visual artists a free platform to showcase their work, converse directly with buyers and handling of their sales. When artists have conducted art business transactions they are kindly requested to remit 10% of their sales to the Wild Geese Charity. This is a unique pleasant scenario.

There were various small private art spaces which were invited to spot the talent they could tap. The crowd in attendance was also very different from that normally attend art exhibitions at galleries and that is a significant reassuring scenario.

The art festival was a welcome platform for many who had gone for ages without exposing their work to anyone other than their immediate families at home and those who had never participated in any art show since they took oath to the profession years ago. Signs of the depressed art market were evident as most of the sales were of small low priced pieces but the unravelled talent by artists at various levels was amazing.

July 2014 saw Dzimbanhete Arts Interactions (DAI) Trust having a relaunch ceremony and exhibition that marked the beginning of hyper visual art other cultural activities at the artists’ resource centre. That came as a short in the arm for practitioners who have endured lengthy periods of uninspiring artistic environment with very minimal movements.

The art space has had international artists’ workshops and residencies before and has on numerous occasions conducted national art workshops and exhibitions as well as organized mentorship workshops and outreach programmes as prescribed by their mission. Dzimbanhete Arts Interactions (D.A.I.) seeks to assist visual artists in acquiring a variety of skills and techniques in various media. They want artists to realise their creative abilities without encountering too many technical challenges and limitations, and to be able to cross over to the making of applied objects.

DAI’s vision is to become a leading show casing centre of contemporary African-Zimbabwean art and to be a formidable force in the production of high level art and applied crafts. This will include prototype inventions to be patented, ready for industrial mass-production and marketing, and to be a major catalyst for connecting people and ideas through art.

Along with various practical interactions, DAI intends to facilitate stimulating and informative workshops and talks, delivered by invited specialists. Other workshops will be designed to expose fine artists to high-craft industrial techniques.

They also will be facilitated by selected artists or professionals from the technical world [local or visiting] who have excelled in a particular technique. Harare’s Verandah Gallery in Emerald Hill conducted the 23rd edition of its annual charitable single day art exhibition coinciding with Emerald Hill Children’s Home’s centenary cerebrations with numerous artists at various levels on board. The worthy cause show see’s twenty five per cent of all its sales being forwarded to the Emerald Hill Children’s Home and Emerald Hill School for the Deaf. The exhibition dominated by small sized paintings on card and very few graphics had several practitioners who rarely or do not participate in mainstream art exhibitions with locally established galleries and a handful of the established ones.

Year 2014 had also launch of a new small art space called ‘Koo Vha’ – Creative Hub Gallery byelegant beer brewers ‘Koa Vha’ Craft Beer hidden at Newlands Shopping Centre. They launched with a debut solo exhibition by young creative and innovative emerging artist, Terence Musekiwa and followed up with other shows that included ‘Collectors’ Cocktail’ and ‘Disowning my Mutupo’ another debut professional solo exhibition by young and upcoming female artist Tandazani Dhlakama. First Floor Gallery in Harare’s city centre had a share of their shows but not vibrant as they used to be. More important they have been exposing Zimbabwe’s contemporary artworks to the outside world with trips and participation at festivals in Berlin, London and Johannesburg. They have travelled with some artists and their work to other countries before establishing crucial networks.

Gwanza Arts, a month of international art photography exhibitions at various places in the country founded and curated by one of the country’s internationally highly decorated photographer Calvin Dondo has for over a decade consistently conducted its annual exhibitions. A few local art festivals have incorporated visual arts in their programs, tertiary learning institutions and other schools have also continued to showcase artworks at various spaces.

A handful of individual artists have continued to seek opportunities beyond our borders and some have successfully secured networks especially in South Africa.
Unfortunately Njelele Art Station in Harare city centre that was quite vibrant in 2013 attracting huge crowds with their expressive and experimental exhibitions remained inactive at their gallery since the beginning of 2014.

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
Scores of artistes from different genres thronged the Book Café on Tuesday night to fundraise for fellow artiste Pretty Xaba who needs to undergo surgery in India.
Actress Xaba, who is well known for her role as Mai Muwengwa in Studio 263, was diagnosed with cancer last month.
Dubbed “Let’s help Pretty Xaba Campaign”, the show lived to its billing with an array of artistes coming to support their colleague.
Xaba needs at least $15 000 to cover surgery expenses.

Musicians Jah Prayzah, Baba naMai Charamba, Suluman Chimbetu, Albert Nyathi, Progress Chipfumo, BaShupi, Prince Musarurwa and actor Charles Kapfupi were among the artistes who performed during the  show.

The show started with poets and comedians entertaining the audience. Doc Vikela and Q The Boss left the people in stitches with their jokes.
Opening the door for the musicians was Sulu, who serenaded music lovers with his late father’s songs such as “Pane Asipo”, “Samatenga” and his hit “Sean Timba”.

The Charambas also left the fans in awe when they put up a sterling performance of their hits from previous projects including touching song “Ndoga Handigone”.
Progress Chipfumo, who played only one song, left the people clamouring for more.

Jah Prayzah gave an explosive act.
It was a unique night for the musician who calls himself “Soja Rinosvika Kure” as he came clad in a designer suit instead of the famous army regalia stage outfit.
He performed his latest single “Karunyerekupe” and the fans sang along and danced jubilantly.

He also played “Kumbumura Mhute” before he left the stage but his fans called for more and he had to return to sing the song “Makanika”.
In an interview on the sidelines of his performance, Jah Prayzah said the show was important to him since it was not just one of his performances but a gig that was aimed at assisting a fellow artiste.

“As artistes we believe we are one big family. It is a situation similar to when your blood brother or sister is not well. One does everything he or she can to save them and that is what we did to help our sister Pretty,” he said.

Because of the number of artistes who turned up for the show, some failed to perform because of time.
Coordinator of the programme, Taonga Mafundikwa said the response the campaign got from artistes was overwhelming and he apologised to some artistes who could not perform because of the tight programme.

Affirmative Action Group donated Pretty’s air ticket to and from India while the group’s chairman Chamu Chiwanza offered $500.
A number of pledges were still coming such that the actual figure of money raised could not be ascertained by yesterday.

Dr Zobha

Entertainment Reporter
Wheel spinners Tich Mataz, Dr Zobha and Garry B will team up in a new project called “The Legends Tour” that would see them invading several clubs to dish out a mixed bag of music beginning tomorrow with a show at Private Lounge.
The team has decided to combine forces in the project that is set to bring a new taste of combined selections to Harare’s night life. They also intend to take the project beyond the capital.

Dr Zobha said they chose Private Lounge to launch their tour because the place brings together people of different music tastes.
“This is a place that brings people of various music tastes together. It is mainly a place where female dancers perform and many people from various backgrounds have fallen in love with the venue. It is the best venue for us to launch our project because our different music selections will cut across genres,” said Dr Zobha.

The “faceless” character is known for dropping exciting local and international old school tunes whenever he takes to the turntable.
Dr Zobha has made a name at various old school joints in the country and is rated among the best entertainers in clubbing circles and outdoor entertainment venues.

When he combines with Tich Mataz, who has a flair for current international hits and Gary B who is well-known for dancehall and reggae selections, the results are likely to be phenomenal.

Private Lounge events coordinator Joe Mentro said they would bring the DJs for the launch with an aim of working with the combination again during their tour.
“This is the advent of ‘The Legends Tour’ and we know people will love the combination. They have a number of shows but we know that the launch will help us build a good relationship with the trio. We are planning to work with them for other shows in the future,” said Mentro.

He said there would be a number of other activities to support the DJs during the launch and ensure that the event presents a lot of fun for revellers.

Patients and their relatives arrive at Karanda Hospital (left) while Dr Stephens monitors a hydrocephalus patient and gives a touch to a visiting patient (right)

Tichaona Zindoga Senior Features Writer
The idea of “miracles” has, at the moment, permeated the Zimbabwean psyche as a good number of people are turning to the supernatural for solutions to personal lives and crises.
It could be the search for material prosperity and breakthroughs or deliverance from health problems.
In fact, a phalanx of churches has emerged, and grown, on the wave of this new belief.

On the other hand, the idea of miracles was even invoked by authorities recently when conjoined twins were successfully separated at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare a couple months ago.

The incident threw fresh light on the capabilities of local doctors and institutions to carry out complex, life-saving operations, surgeries and procedures.
However, for many people, Karanda Hospital in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central province, has for the past decade been the home of miracle operations as people from all over the country are flocking to the remote hospital for life-saving procedures.

Located some 200km from Harare and deep in the rural Mt Darwin, on the surface the hospital does not appear to be a typical behemoth, yet a snap survey of the patients reveals their diverse backgrounds: the patients come from surrounding areas in Mashonaland Central and neighbouring Mashonaland East while others come from Chinhoyi, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru and as far afield as Beitbridge.

The hospital previously enjoyed an obscure existence, for all the great work it was doing dating back to the days of the liberation struggle.
“It was not until the 2007 /8 economic collapse that we started receiving major cases of surgery because hospitals in Harare were not functioning,” Dr Daniel Stephens, the medical superintendent at the Hospital told The Herald this week.

“We started receiving cases from all over the country. In 2000 we had started hydrocephalus (water in the brain) operations and many patients came because it is a delicate procedure requiring neurosurgery which most doctors can’t do,” said Dr Stephens.

Ironically, Dr Stephens himself has a background, he says, of working in the community and performing general surgery, orthopaedia, prostrates and neurology.
When Dr Stephens came to the institution in 1991 (his father Roland, was the founder in 1961), the institution was not performing prostrate operations.
Then something sad happened.

Some years ago, he referred four prostate patients to Harare but with the referral centre having a two-year backlog, three of the patients died.
“That is when we decided to do open prostate surgery,” says Dr Stephens.

Today, there is an ever growing demand for prostate cancer operations from all over Zimbabwe. Prostate cancer affects men as they get old.
Apart from the cases of hydrocephalus, obstetrics, gynaecology and eye operations as well as HIV/Aids and TB which constitute the bulk of demand, there are emerging health challenges as well. The hospital is now seized with emerging trends of cancer.

“We are now doing screening for cancer of the cervix and we are increasingly seeing cases of the cancer of the bowel. This is because of urbanization of our clientele because traditionally we did not treat such cases as people in the rural areas because of their diet are not prone to it. So, we are now doing a lot of abdominal surgery as well,” said Dr Stephens.

When one crunches the numbers, a shining example in Karanda beams through.
The hospital handles about 20 major cases a day and performs eye operations triple the number done in Harare due to the efficiency of staff and equipment as well as the commitment of the staff. The hospital has 150 beds and treats 200-300 outpatients per day.

Patients do not have to remain on waiting lists for long, unlike in Harare, as they can secure a date within two weeks. Dr Stephens attributes this to the fact that, being stationed full time at the mission, the doctors and staff do not have other commitments and obligations and distractions and that the small size of staff.

The institution, which has missionary doctors as well as local professionals, has since received a boost with the arrival of Dr Thistle from Howard Mission who came here last year.

And critically: “I am in charge,” says Dr Stephens whose work is largely also informed by his Christian practice.
The hospital operates under the auspices of the Evangelical Alliance Mission and states that, “Our goal is to provide an authentic Christian witness by: demonstrating the compassion of Christ through medical work; establishing and strengthening the local church through participation in spiritual ministry to patients and in outreach to local communities.”

Dr Stephens says he is not driven by money, having worked here for 25 years, and believes he can change lives by helping people and “make them understand that God loves them.”

Poor man’s hospital
Such compassion by hospital staff and leadership, coupled with its success, are a sure attraction.
However, it is the cost that has drawn people to the institution, with consultation fees as low as $10 and such operations as eye procedures costing as little as $75, far less than it costs in Harare.

One of the people who have been relieved is Susan Rupayo (30), from Mitchell Farm in Beatrice.
Pregnant with her second child, Rupayo was told by her doctor in Harare that she would have to undergo Caesarian surgery for her to successfully deliver her child. Her first delivery had been Caesarian birth.

The costs that came with her anticipated delivery were just too high.
“The doctor said he required $200 for the delivery, the hospital needed $100 and the cost of the Caesarian procedure was pegged at $600,” said she.
The cost was just too high for the wife of a petty farm official.

“I could not afford the cost so I decided to come here where I was told that the procedure would cost not more than $250,” she said.
Then the “miracle” happened.

Through the efforts of the staff at the hospital, the woman underwent a normal birth and delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 3,4 kg. She was very relieved.
“At the end of the process I paid only $26: $10 for registration, $10 for the scan and $6 for drugs,” she said.

Many women are seen flocking into – and out of – Karanda hospital for such miracle babies.
In general, a lot more wait for their turn, or the turn of their relatives, at the waiting shelters provided by the hospitals.

Locals speak highly of the institution which has changed lives.
A woman from the nearby Chironga village, who identified herslf as Amai Zvavamwe, said having stayed in Norton and witnessed the health systems there, she was full of admiration for Karanda, where she said doctors cared and had a good work ethic.

She said the fact that people came from many parts of the country bore testimony to the good work of the institution.
But Karanda also faces challenges relating to access as the roads leading to the institution are bad and sometimes impassable.
A river on the foot of the hospital in summer cuts off access, forcing people to take a 22km circuitous route.

Authorities here say that because of the remote location of the hospital, it may take days and weeks to get vital equipment repaired in Harare.
They are also affected by a shortage of drugs and feel challenged by the ever increasing numbers of patients.

Dr Stephens says the hospital wants to increase equipment for bowel and cervical cancer treatment and double the size of the operating rooms to four.
There won’t be major changes, though, says Dr Stephens, as this may require more infrastructure and resources.

Just: “We want to continue what we are doing,” promised Dr Stephens.

Prophet Makandiwa

Takunda Maodza and Fidelis Munyoro—
Zimbabweans should not engage in mass protests because such demonstrations cause bloodshed, United Family International Church leader, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, has said. Prophet Makandiwa said God revealed to him in a prophecy on June 17 this year that demonstrations would trigger unrest and warned people against taking such action in the national interest.

He explained the prophecy during his Tuesday evening service at the City Sports Centre.
“We come across things and God gives us grace to interpret,” he told his congregation, adding that he had seen thousands of people entering a field to plant seeds, but the timing was wrong.

“They entered into a field and the people were like farmers carrying seeds and they started sowing the seeds in the field.
“The seeds were very good, but the timing was wrong. It was not time for planting. It was not the correct time. I looked at the seed; it might be a good seed but look at the time though the seed might be good.

“So I tried to warn the people. All of a sudden the owner of the field came and said you cannot be putting seeds at this time, but people never listened.”
He went on: “I saw bees walking on foot from the forest from all directions and they started biting people. People started crying and as they were crying other bees from very far places heard them crying and they came flying. These bees started biting each other but in the process, the farmers were in danger”.
“These ones are coming to stop them. It is their responsibility to stop any disorder. They were not attacking the farmers. No, but they were biting other bees.”
Prophet Makandiwa said he saw rivers flowing with blood in the second vision.

“First they were flowing with water which later turned into blood. I saw blood spots on the streets, on the walls, on the road. I would want all of you to hear me well, it is a spiritual thing.”

“If you tell people that things are going to be well they think it’s motivational speaking, but I only say it because I have seen it,” he said.
The prophet said there were so many nations that Zimbabweans admired but when those countries looked at Zimbabwe they “admire us more than we do”.

“Number one is your culture and that is why when they want to help you they say sacrifice your culture and we will give you grants, revisit your marriage definition and if you cannot compromise, we cannot help you. The other thing that makes you admirable is the peace you have, do everything you can to keep that peace for the sake of the next generation,” he said.

“Less talking, more prayer, whoever is going to come in, no matter how perfect, she or he will not be of any help. Let us have a person that we are ready to pray for.”
When The Herald sought his interpretation of the prophecies yesterday, he urged those organising mass protests to call them off.
“This is an issue I saw four months ago before I mentioned it. The people that I saw were people that were gathered. Zvikanzi let us have a campaign that was peaceful. People were in the streets. They were marching,” he said.

“You have security agents coming…We do not want a situation where we end up having peacekeepers here. In most cases, civilians will lose their lives,” said Prophet Makandiwa.
He urged Zimbabweans to pray for the nation.

“That is a matter we have to pray against. That whole process will result in bloodspots in the streets. We just need to pray for our nation. The Bible says iye haabate munondo pasina. Ministers are appointed by God. Presidents are appointed by God.”

“It is something that can be avoided. Whoever is behind whatever it is, is intelligent enough to make a decision. It was a good motive but the timing is wrong. It is like having a good seed on the ground at the wrong time. It will not germinate. It will rot in the ground.”

Added Prophet Makandiwa: “Where we are now, as I pray, I see the President as a person committed to put something in place. There is something he is contemplating. It is still in the pipeline but it is unfortunate there are so many fights even in-house. That will delay the plans. It was supposed to be something…”
He said that when given a prophecy, as a man of God, he was obliged to share it with the nation.

“Whoever is organising the protests, I would tell him what I saw in the prophecy. I would advise not to proceed. It is not the right time,” said Prophet Makandiwa.
“It is a situation we have but we are there to pray for people vaiswa namwari. If we see anything we say it.”
The MDC-T led by Mr Morgan Tsvangirai plans to stage mass protests after its October congress.

For the past month, Mr Tsvangirai has been urging his supporters to demonstrate against what he termed “worsening economic crisis in the country” and jobs.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter—
Government has condemned 12 Zanu-PF legislators accused of personally approaching representatives of foreign countries and humanitarian aid agencies for assistance, saying their conduct was disgraceful and constitutes misconduct since aid should come through recognised Government institutions. Leader of the House and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa also warned diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe against holding clandestine meetings with individuals and travelling beyond the 40-kilometre radius of Harare without the knowledge of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

He said legislators should approach the Government if they needed assistance for projects in their constituencies.
The responsibility for development, said Minister Mnangagwa, lay in Government’s hands as evidenced by President Mugabe’s recent State visit to China where he signed mega deals on behalf of the country.

Minister Mnangagwa said this while responding yesterday in the National Assembly to questions from legislators during a question-and-answer session.
He urged foreign Governments, aid agencies and individuals wishing to assist Zimbabwe to come through recognised Government institutions.

The media has been awash with reports that 12 Zanu-PF MPs, now popularly known as the “dirty dozen”, were wining and dining with staff at the US Embassy where they were getting project assistance for their constituencies despite frosty relations between Harare and Washington.

Buhera South MP Cde Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu-PF) asked Minister Mnangagwa what Government policy said regarding ambassadors who moved around the country holding meetings with people who included MPs without the knowledge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Masvingo Central MP Dr Daniel Shumba (Zanu-PF) sought to know what Government policy was on the engagement of diplomats by MPs on constituency projects.
Minister Mnangagwa said he was saddened to observe that some senior Zanu-PF politicians and legislators thought that diplomatic relations with other countries were aimed at begging for assistance.

“The intention is not to bring them here so that we beg from them, but to establish diplomatic relations.
“These incoming ambassadors will convey our wishes to their Governments just as ours in their countries would do the same,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
He said the electorate would be ashamed to learn that their representatives were approaching unfriendly countries for money when there were ministries and Government departments responsible for that.

“You have the right as MPs to seek and discuss with appropriate authorities, but it’s gross misconduct for an Honourable MP to go to a foreign embassy to seek assistance.

“That role is done by the Government. That’s why we had the Head of Government in China to seek aid,” said.
Minister Mnangagwa said even in the United Kingdom and United States of America, a member of House of Common or Lords or even Congressmen would not be allowed to hold meetings with hostile nations.

On diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, Minister Mnangagwa said some of them were mischievous and were travelling beyond the 40 km radius of Harare without the knowledge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Vazhinji vacho vanemusikanzwa vanongofohla. Vanongopwanya ruzhowa. Have you ever heard members of House of Commons or Lords coming to (Gabriel) Machinga (Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Britain). We have not heard that US Congressmen have done that with our ambassadors,” he said.
Minister Mnangagwa said the rationale for the need to inform Government of trips outside Harare was so that they could have police protection in the event of something happening to them.

He also warned legislators against gullibility, and reading and accepting everything that came out in the media as true as some of this could be unverified information.

“I want to warn that not everything that gets published is true. You must research to find out whether what is published is true,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
The Minister said he was surprised that there were seasoned politicians who were taking everything that they read as true.
“You don’t just swallow, you must take these with a pinch of salt,” he said.

The 12 MPs who had been named as receiving direct US grants have since denied the allegations.
The legislators invited for a handover of $90 000 US grant by the US Ambassador Mr Bruce Wharton recently to be distributed to various groups in the constituencies are: Cde Paul Mavhima (Gokwe Sengwa), Cde Walter Kanhanga (Guruve North), Cde Adam Chamwemurombe (Chipinge West), Cde Enock Porusingazi (Chipinge South), Cde Chriswell Mutematsaka (Guruve South), Cde Batsirayi Pemhenayi (Mutare North), Cde Kindness Paradza (Makonde), Cde David Butau (Mbire), Cde Simbaneuta Mudarikwa (Uzumba), Cde Tapiwa Matangaidze (Shurugwe South), Cde Temba Mliswa (West) Hurungwe, and Cde Paul Chimedza (Gutu South).
However, only Cde Kanhanga, Cde Chamwemurombe and Cde Mutematsaka attended the ambassador’s function.

Cde Mnangagwa

Elizabeth Chingururu Herald Reporter
burglars broke into the offices of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa at the New Government Complex on Tuesday night. The break-in was discovered yesterday morning and police investigators flocked to the building, some with sniffer dogs, to investigate what exactly transpired. Minister Mnangagwa referred all questions to his permanent secretary, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza, who confirmed the break-in.
“It is true that there was a break-in,” she said.

“There is evidence of an intrusion in the office of the minister. The door was tampered with and we quickly made a report to the police.”
Mrs Mabhiza said a clear picture of what transpired would come out at the end of police investigations.
“The police are now handling the matter and we will hear from them,” she said.

The ministry made a report at Harare Central Police Station under reference number IR091404.
Police chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed receiving the report, saying investigations were underway.
“I can confirm that we received a report of suspected unlawful entry into the office of the minister,” she said.

“Police attended the scene and investigations have since been launched.”
The incident comes three weeks after people broke into the chambers of Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku at the Supreme Court and stole a desktop computer and a television set.

Judicial Service Commission secretary Justice Rita Makarau on September 1 issued a press statement announcing the incident.
Police are still investigating the break-in and theft at the Supreme Court.

A few days after the break-in at the Supreme Court, four judges reportedly lost keys to their offices, a development that prompted the JSC to urgently request police security at Mashonganyika Building which houses the Supreme and the Constitutional courts.

Mr Ban Ki-moon

Caesar Zvayi at the UNITED NATIONS—
The United Nations General Assembly’s annual high-level grand debate officially opened here yesterday with world leaders taking to the podium to tackle a broad agenda centred on the theme “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda”. The theme couldn’t be more apt given that there are less than 470 days left to the deadline to achieve the eight anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set at the turn of the millennium.

Since 2000, the world agreed targets to reduce poverty, increase access to improved drinking water sources, improve the lives of slum dwellers and achieve gender parity in primary school.

For Zimbabwe, however, while others were fighting poverty, it has been a battle for survival against a ruinous economic sanctions regime that the West has admitted was designed “to make the economy scream”, with deleterious effects on Government’s attempts to achieve the MDGs.

This year, 2014, is the 14th straight year the General Assembly convenes with Zimbabwe reeling from the illegal economic sanctions regime that was imposed outside the purview of the UN system.

The sanctions are estimated to have cost Zimbabwe over $42 billion in revenue, shrinking the economy by over 40 percent with crippling effects on livelihoods and jobs over the past 14 years.

Zimbabwean companies continue to lose funds to the US State Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control that has been intercepting revenue accruing to Zimbabwean companies, most of them reeling from sanctions-induced hardships. Cases in point are the Industrial Development Corporation, which lost over $20 million to Ofac, while a Zimbabwean resident in Botswana had his $1 000 frozen.

The Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company and Olivine Industries, two of IDC subsidiaries, also had their $5 million and $2.1 million frozen by Ofac as part of the US sanctions law, the Zimbabwe Transition to Democracy and Economic Recovery Act while the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe also lost over $30 million in revenue to Ofac. Officially opening the Grand Debate yesterday, the president of the General Assembly, Mr Sam Kutesa, appealed to world leaders to improve the livelihoods of all people and set them on a path to achieving sustainable development.

UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, concurred as he warned that the world’s “fasten seat belt” light was illuminated as he called for decisive leadership to tackle the multi-faceted challenges confronting the world.

“This year, the horizon of hope is darkened. Our hearts are made heavy by unspeakable acts and the deaths of innocents,” Mr Ban said.
“Not since the end of the Second World War have there been so many refugees, displaced people and asylum seekers. Never before has the United Nations been asked to reach so many people with emergency food assistance and other life-saving supplies,” he said.

“It may seem as if the world is falling apart, as crises pile up and disease spreads.
“But leadership is precisely about finding the seeds of hope and nurturing them into something bigger. That is our duty. That is my call to you today.”
President Mugabe is scheduled to address the General Assembly today.

Over the next six days up to October 1, the renovated General Assembly hall will host 196 speakers drawn from all 193 UN member states, as well as the Observer States of the Holy See, and Palestine as well as the delegation of the European Union.

Mr Ban today convenes a session to focus on a more robust international response to the Ebola crisis afflicting parts of West Africa for which the world body has committed $1 billion over the next six months.

Among the high-level meetings held yesterday was a Security Council summit that was chaired by US President Mr Barack Obama, whose country holds the body’s presidency for the month, to draw international attention and action to the growing and dangerous phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters; most of whom are ironically created and sponsored by his country, the likes of Al Qaeda and ISIS.