Dr Gono

Bulawayo Bureau
FORMER Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono has warned Zanu-PF that factionalism could derail efforts to revive the economy in the face of his disqualification from the Senate. Dr Gono, who was disqualified by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) from filling the vacant Buhera West Senate seat on the basis that he was not a registered voter in Manicaland Province, blames “faceless characters” for his political troubles.

Dr Gono believes that the decision to bar him from replacing Cde Kumbirai Kangai, who died last year, has more to do with the factional strife bedevilling the revolutionary party than legal reasons.

And he warns that an economic turnaround will elude the Zanu-PF Government as long as senior party figures, whom he does not name, are “tearing each other”.
“No team, let alone a country, can win economic wars when its members are shooting the ball in whichever direction a player is facing. It’s that basic, and don’t forget I speak from experience, hence my commitment to support and strengthen only the one centre I know, that of the President and no other,” said the former central bank chief.

He said the country’s economic blue print, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation Zimbabwe (Zim-Asset), would never deliver jobs or prosperity as long as party members were undermining and attacking each other as if their differences are more than what binds them.
He said there was need for Zimbabweans to restore confidence in themselves and in others as a matter of urgency as part and parcel of moving forward.

“History will condemn us badly if the current situation is allowed to persist where the private and public sectors of our economy, civil service, the media and other statutory, judiciary and security bodies are now being perceived by the ordinary persons as appearing to be discharging their duties along factional or ethnic lines,” he said.

ZEC chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau, wrote a letter to Zanu-PF’s national chairman, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, on September 15 informing him that Dr Gono was not eligible to represent Manicaland in the Senate based on the “party list” system where seats are allocated on proportional representation.

“We wish to advise Honourable Chairman that, according to our records, Dr Gono is not registered as a voter in any of the wards in Manicaland province,” Justice Makarau said. Dr Gono insists that he is willing to bide his time after ZEC’s snub.

“I’m on record stating that we must follow all procedures and processes stipulated by the law. I don’t aspire to be a lawmaker who breaks the law and if it’s going to take four more years to comply with the requirements of ZEC, so be it and let it be,” he said.

But while Dr Gono might have appeared to be resigned to his fate, Zanu-PF’s secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa claimed on Tuesday that the party was prepared to bend the law to accommodate Dr Gono. “No-one will reverse a decision of the Politburo,” Cde Mutasa said. “We will ensure that the law fits with the requirements of the party.”

Zanu-PF Manicaland province had recommended Gono’s appointment to fill the seat left vacant following the death of Cde Kangai in August last year.
The recommendation was endorsed by the Politburo. Based on the party-list system, former CIO boss and veteran freedom fighter Cde Shadreck Chipanga should have stepped in, before the Politburo’s intervention.

Minister Kasukuwere

Caesar Zvayi at the UNITED NATIONS—
Zimbabwe is keen to participate in the Africa Clean Energy Corridor initiative that seeks to promote a regional approach to developing clean, cost-effective renewable power to boost economic development, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has said. The Africa Clean Energy Corridor initiative, put forward by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and endorsed by ministers from countries of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) at the fourth IRENA Assembly in January 2014, promotes renewable power to support Africa’s economic growth.

The initiative calls for accelerated deployment and cross-border trade of renewable power in a continuous network from Egypt to South Africa.
According to IRENA, four-fifths of all electricity in Eastern and Southern Africa today is generated from carbon-bearing fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil or coal, and regional demand for electricity is expected to at least double in the next quarter century.

Experts, however, say half of all electricity in Eastern and Southern Africa could come from clean, indigenous, cost-effective renewables by 2030, allowing for a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly at the Climate Change Summit here on Tuesday on initiatives being taken by Zimbabwe to mitigate the effects of climate change, Minister Kasukuwere said Africa needed assistance to exploit its vast renewable energy resources to stabilise the world climate.

Zimbabwe, Minister Kasukuwere said, viewed climate change as a very serious issue.
“Our main sector of climate change mitigation focus is the energy sector, which is the main source of greenhouse gases in the country,” he said.
Minister Kasukuwere told delegates that Zimbabwe, like most southern African countries, was failing to adequately satisfy its energy requirements, leading to the considerable depletion of its forests for energy purposes.

He urged developed nations to help pay to mitigate the effects of climate change, saying the cost of technology transfer from the developed world, particularly in the energy sector, was partly to blame for the continuing depletion of Africa.

“Developed countries must provide adequate means of implementation, including the finance, technology and capacity building needed to enable developing countries to address mitigation and adaptation,” said Minister Kasukuwere.

Government, he said, was in the process of developing a Renewable Energy Policy in a bid to help curb greenhouse gas emissions.
A new policy requiring all dams being constructed in Zimbabwe to include hydropower generation has been approved.

Private companies are operating as independent power producers, injecting 18 megawatts into the national grid with two major projects expected to contribute an additional 1 200 megawatts from a mix of renewable and thermal sources, which is about 66 percent of the country’s peak demand, by 2016.
Another three renewable energy projects to contribute 600 megawatts each by 2016 are being discussed.

Minister Kasukuwere revealed that Government had put in place policies to help safeguard the country’s forests as he hailed the climate change summit as important to tackle climate change and ensure a brighter future for the world.

Government’s economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation, identifies energy and power development as key enablers of productivity and socio-economic development.

Justice Mayor Wadyajena

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Legislators yesterday rapped the Environmental Management Agency for failing to assert their authority by allowing Chisumbanje based ethanol producing firm, Green Fuel to operate without an Environmental Impact Assessment report, a situation that has seen it discharging effluent in nearby rivers and compromising soil quality.
A portfolio committee on Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment chaired by Gokwe Nembudziya Mr Justice Mayor Wadyajena castigated EMA for failing to reign in on Green fuel but yet it was quick to pounce on small firms and individuals who violated environmental laws.

This was after EMA Director General Mrs Mutsa Chasi had told the committee that Green Fuel had refused to comply with the law when it was told to cease operations until it secured an EIA.

Mrs Chasi said all efforts including issuing it with three tickets did not help to enforce compliance as it was discharging effluent that was harmful to soil, animals and human life.

Mr Wadyajena asked if there was political interference that was stopping them from exercising their powers to implement environmental laws.
“So EMA is a toothless bull-dog that targets small institutions leaving big companies violating the law. We see you impounding lorries carrying sand but these big companies you are turning a blind eye,” said Mr Wadyajena.

Gokwe North MP Ticharwa Madondo said allowing the company to continue operating while it was discharging effluent to nearby rivers was in violation of the local people’s right to clean water.

Other legislators took turns to castigate EMA saying it had not done enough to reign in on Green fuel and urged it to be tough including issuing tickets every-day until compliance was achieved.

Earlier on Mrs Chasi said Greenfuel had not secured an EIA and had directed the firm to take necessary measures to mitigate the discharge of effluent into rivers as that would contaminate water bodies and underground water.

She said Greenfuel started operations without EIA in breach of the law and when eventually asked to submit it they did so without depositing the necessary monitoring fees.

Concentrated effluent, she said, was flowing through unlined canals posing danger to underground water quality.
She said the effluent being deposited in rivers did not have enough oxygen and that would impact on the water bodies in the water.

The PH, she said was too acidic, something had long term effect on the ability of the soil to be productive.
“We are concerned that such effluent is going to affect underground water. In 2012 communities downstream communities raised water pollution concerns. We carried an inspection and discovered that Green-fuel was illegally discharging undiluted effluent into community rivers,” she said.

As a result cattle in those areas were refusing to drink the water and water-bodies in those rivers would die.
Mrs Chasi said they had to hire an independent expert from the University of Zimbabwe to make an evaluation which confirmed their observation after Green-fuel sought to discredit their analysis.

She said Green had doubted EMA’s capacity hence they hired an independent soil scientist who confirmed their observations and analysis.
“Green-fuel has either failed, refused or objected to comply with the law,” she said.

She said they had since reported the case to police and a criminal docket had since been opened against Greenfuel.
Mrs Chasi said this was the only avenue available after the board of EMA convened a hearing where it directed it to cease operations.

She said Greenfuel had argued that the bio-digestor and other infrastructural equipment being recommended by EMA was expensive. This, she said, had seen the firm preferring rather not to comply and face the risk of being fined which to them was cheaper than to buy the equipment.

Golden Sibanda Senior Business Reporter
Telecel Zimbabwe has appealed against part of a High Court order directing the company to hand over all copies of resolutions passed by its board from March 2010 to date to Empowerment Corporation shareholder Dr Jane Mutasa.
In its notice on the grounds of appeal, Telecel Zimbabwe, has also appealed against the court’s directive that it hands over all minutes of deliberations by board between the same period to Dr Mutasa.

Dr Mutasa needed copies containing details of resolutions and minutes passed after her ouster as acting board chairperson to contest legality of the actions.
She was booted out in 2010 but she argues the ouster is null and void after the Attorney General’s office declined to prosecute her citing lack of incriminating evidence against fraud charges.

Dr Mutasa also requires the copies of the resolutions and minutes of the board to contest the company’s plans to abolish the post of acting board chairperson at Telecel.
Telecel contested the ruling that it must pay Dr Mutasa, a shareholder in Empowerment Corporation, a shareholder in Telecel Zimbabwe for the cost of the lawsuit, which went in Dr Mutasa’s favour.

Telecel said that part of the High Court judgment supported that respondents; Telecel, Telecel Global director Kai Uebach and former chief executive Mr Aimable Mpore had ceased to be part of the litigation.

Telecel Global is the controlling shareholder, with 60 percent stake, in the telecoms company while Empowerment Corporation holds the balance of 40 percent.
The company argued that the court ruled without prior regard to High Court rule 88 on the provision consequential on making of order under High Court rule 87.

“The court a quo, accordingly misdirected itself in fact and law in making an order against a part that was not before the court, until High Court rule 88 had been complied with. The court a quo, accordingly misdirected itself in fact and law in making an order placing an onerous burden on a part before and who had not been heard,” Telecel said in its heads of argument.

Further, Telecel argued that the High Court had erred in law in the exercise of its discretion on costs in that they were awarded to applicant in circumstances where applicant had sued an incorrect party or entity, without allowing the firm being sued opportunity to be heard.

The mobile operator also said that the court misdirected itself in fact and law by not adjudicating parties’ rights and obligations in terms of the shareholders’ agreement, salient terms of which were put before the High Court and analysed by the same court.

In seeking nullification of the order Telecel prayed that “the judgment of the court a quo be and is hereby set aside and in its stead, it is hereby ordered that the application is dismissed with costs. In any event, the respondents are awarded the costs of their misjoinder.”

Nneka

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
It’s all systems go for the much-anticipated Shoko Festival which opened yesterday and runs until September 28 at Alex Sports Club.
The showcase running under the theme “Re-Inspire Re-Imagine” is expected to see standout performances from heavy hitters among them Nneka (Germany), Buddy Wakefield (US) and Chester Missing (South Africa).
Zimbabwe will be represented by sensational headline acts such as Netsayi, rapper Tehn Diamond, Ammara Brown, Jason Leroux, Ba Shupi and DJs Raz as well as Raydizz.

This year the festival asks the public to rethink creatively, to look at how they see themselves, the country and the future and to breathe life into our world.
Festival goers should expect a transformed arena including funky installations ranging from wild to wilder, an up-cycling contest between local designers and engineers, a fun day for the young and families.

Tafadzwa Sharaunga, the publicist was optimistic that the new venue Alex Sports Club in Milton Park along Blakiston Street would live up to billing.
“Just on the edge of the central business district is the setting for this year’s festival providing festival-goers a reason to rush from their busy schedules and revel in the range of art activities and festivities.

“The venue will be transformed into a vibrant festive hub. On last day of the festival, the concerts move to the Peace in the Hood Concert in Chitungwiza,” Sharaunga said.

Shoko Festival is Zimbabwe’s fastest growing international arts festival produced by Magamba Network. The festival features a number of genre including the very best in urban culture, music, comedy, poetry, DJ parties, talks, new media discussions workshops and awards with local, regional and international acts.

This year’s edition is supported by Shoko’s main festival partner, the Embassy of Sweden, as well as Premium partners, the Culture Fund and Hivos in partnership with the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Funds secured from Stanbic will cover numerous development costs such as consultancy work, debt maintenance or escrow account, old Kariba plant refurbishment, construction aggregates and fees and permits, not included in the EPC contract with Sino-Hydro

Golden Sibanda Senior Business Reporter
Zimbabwe Power Company’s financial advisors on the estimated $533 million expansion of Kariba South Power Station, KPMG, have secured $160 million from Stanbic Bank South Africa for counterpart project finance.
The loan from Stanbic is meant to cover ZPC’s project development cost obligations, including debt maintenance, equal to 15 percent portion of total project cost.
However, ZPC successfully negotiated with contractor Sino-Hydro to cover 90 percent of the cost of engineering, procurement and construction of the project. Kariba expansion will add 300 megawatts to the grid.

“KPMG are the financial advisors, their role is to look for funding. The funding is known as export credit agent finance,” said a source that preferred anonymity.
“They work in collaboration with China Eximbank. They are the ones who prepared the documentation we used to source for funding,” he added.

Funds secured from Stanbic will cover numerous development costs such as consultancy work, debt maintenance or escrow account, old Kariba plant refurbishment, construction aggregates and fees and permits, not included in the EPC contract with Sino-Hydro.

The EPC, which is only a partial cost, is valued at $354 million.
Sources said ZPC has since entered into an arrangement with Namibia’s power utility, Nampower, for the sale of 80MW as security guarantee for the Stanbic loan.
Sources however, said the contract entails a load factor of 50 percent, meaning ZPC will only sell 40MW to Nampower.

Load factor is the ratio of total energy used in the billing period divided by the possible total energy used within the period.
Exports will start on 1 April next year.

Sources said the arrangement that the loan facility from Stanbic South Africa be secured by electricity exports to Nampower had already been approved by Cabinet.
The Stanbic loan will cover the additional costs, minus the EPC cost, to give the sum of $533 million estimated total project cost, which may decline if further contracts to be negotiated fall below current estimates.

In fact, the initial estimated project cost presented to Government was $700 million, but came down significantly after the EPC contract was sealed with Sino-Hydro.
ZPC sources said efficient project management of Kariba South expansion could see the cost further dropping, just as counterpart project finance came down from the initially estimated $45 million to $28 million.

The development costs, which are excluded from the EPC contract, include the cost of paying consultants; namely technical, financial, legal and transaction specialists.

After the completion of the tender and bidding process State Procurement Board awarded the contracts for specialist consultancy work to HATCH South Africa (technical), KPMG (financial), African Transaction Corporation (transaction) and Norton Rose (legal).

The development costs also include the cost of feasibility study to determine possibility of carrying out a project and the possible output capacity of the site.
The Kariba South expansion project will also include costs relating to a maintenance reserve account to support sprucing up of the plant in line with the 20-year lifespan of the section to be extended by Sino-Hydro.

ZPC is yet to go to tender for approval to seek specialists who will do the refurbishment of the power station, which is estimated to cost a total of $48 million.
“It’s actually a condition of the bank, which says for us to give you money, you must refurbish the plant,” a source said.

In addition, the power utility will also hire 25 specialists on fixed contracts over a five- year period at an estimated cost of $15 million, but this could vary.
The experts who will come in at different stages of construction, might not all be engaged for the entire 5 years.

ZPC will also pay interest during the project construction, which triggers soon after the first draw down of $79 million has been activated.
“There also will be costs for permits and fees to Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, Kariba Town Council and the Environmental Management Authority.

Further, the total project cost will also include aggregates such as stones and sand to be used for construction, which may have to be obtained outside the range of 5 kilometre radius stated in the EPC contract and possibly inflate the cost of the EPC contract.

As such, it means the total project cost will include expenses not covered in the EPC contract, but inevitable for successful implementation of the project, some of which still have to for public tendering.

President Mugabe

From Caesar Zvayi at the UNITED NATIONS—
PRESIDENT Mugabe has called for the expeditious democratic reform of the international financial architecture to improve the legitimacy of the World Bank and IMF to ensure the full voice and participation of developing countries and to achieve the post-2015 Development Agenda. The Post-2015 Development Agenda refers to the UN-led process aimed at defining the future global development framework to succeed the Millennium Development Goals, the set of eight global development targets which come to an end in 2015.

In the year 2000, UN member states agreed on targets on reducing poverty, increasing access to improved drinking water sources, improving the lives of slum dwellers and achieving gender parity in primary school.

For Zimbabwe, however, while others were fighting to end poverty, it has been a battle for survival against a ruinous economic sanctions regime that had deleterious effects on Government’s attempts to achieve the MDGs.

The sanctions are estimated to have cost Zimbabwe over US$42 billion in revenue shrinking the economy by over 40 percent with devastating 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 whom are reeling from sanctions-induced hardships.

By some agreement, the US and its European allies maintain sole control of the leadership of the IMF and the World Bank with Europe choosing the former while the US fills the latter and by dint of that the US was able to compel its executive directors to all multi-lateral lending institutions to vote against the extension of lines of credit to Zimbabwe in line with the sanctions law now called, the Zimbabwe Transition to Democracy and Economic Recovery Act.

“To support the implementation of the post-2015 Development Agenda, we call for expeditious reform of the Bretton Woods Institutions, particularly their governance structures. It is high time that we addressed the democratic deficit in these institutions and improve their legitimacy.

“These reforms must reflect current realities and ensure the full voice and participation of developing countries in their decision-making and norm-setting,’’ President Mugabe told the UNGA here yesterday as he contributed to the annual grand debate which this year is being held under the theme, “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda”.

President Mugabe told delegates that the country’s five-year economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation fits into the post-2015 agenda

‘‘We share the view in Sadc that the post-MDG agenda must be informed by national development priorities and that the new targets must better reflect local conditions.

“In this regard, Zimbabwe adopted its own economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset). This is a bold and achievable development programme that has the objective of achieving inclusive economic growth, generation of decent jobs for all, affordable and reliable energy, food security, sustainable agriculture and development of reliable modern infrastructure.

‘‘Through this programme we also aim to expand the industrial base which is key to sustained overall economic development as well as the human development of our country. We continue to push for the leveraging of our diverse and abundant resources through the beneficiation and value-addition of our resources.

“We, therefore, expect that the proposals in the sustainable development goals, which complement these of our national aspirations, will be endorsed and integrated in the post-2015 Development Agenda Framework,’’ President Mugabe said.

The Post-2015 Development Agenda, President Mugabe said, could only be achieved through genuine and committed support for resource nationalism.
‘‘Social justice, political stability and sustainable development in African countries can best be achieved through genuine and committed support for the ownership of means of production that favour the poor, who are in the majority.

“In Zimbabwe, my Government has gone a long way in laying the foundation for sustained food production through our Land Reform Programme. The majority of the rural people have been empowered to contribute to household and to national food security. The possession and exploitation of land has also turned them into masters of their own destiny, thus giving true meaning to our national independence and unquestioned sovereignty,’’ he said.

For daring to empower its citizens, President Mugabe, Zimbabwe invited the wrath of Western countries who imposed a ruinous sanctions regime that with a view to effecting a change of government.

‘‘Because Zimbabwe has been pre-occupied with the empowerment of its people economically, she has become a victim of the evil machinations of Western countries who continue to apply unilateral and illegal sanctions as a foreign policy tool to achieve short-term political objectives, particularly regime change.

“Mr President, regime change is a diabolical illegal policy of interference in the domestic affairs of my country and no good can come from undermining our economy, or depriving our citizens of the necessities of life.

‘‘Why, I ask, should Zimbabweans continue to suffer under the American and British yoke of unjustified and unwarranted illegal sanctions? These evil sanctions violate the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and should be condemned by the international community. We once again call for their immediate and unconditional removal,’’ he said.

The President said Zimbabwe was a peace-loving nation that was after constructive, mutually-beneficial relations.
‘‘We are a peaceful and peace-loving nation, ready to engage in constructive dialogue for mutually beneficial relations.

“We call on those who continue to harbour ill will against us to cast away their hegemony-driven hostility as we appeal to them to review their hard positions and open a new chapter in their relations with us based on mutual respect and friendly co-operation,’’ the President said.

Minister Nyoni

Heather Charema Herald Reporter—
High taxation levels and inflexible business licensing models are hindering the growth of the SME sector in the country, players in the industry have said. SME sector representatives told Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperative Development Minister Cde Sithembiso Nyoni during a meeting on Wednesday that Government needed to review tax levels and licensing models to save SMEs from collapse.

“Presumptive taxes demanded by ZIMRA are too high for most of our growing SMEs,” said SMEs chamber president, Mr Daniel Chinyemba.
“Almost 10 SMEs in Zvishavane alone have collapsed after failing to pay presumptive taxes and many more countrywide are collapsing.”

The SMEs leader said a number of businesses in the sector were closing down due to numerous operational challenges, including outdated by-laws governing the sector.
Minister Nyoni pledged that Government was going to help SMEs grow.

“The agenda should be SME growth and the Government is going to work on strengthening the informal sector,” she said.

“If taxes are killing SMEs then there is need to sit down with ZIMRA and discuss the impact of presumptive taxes on the growth of informal traders.”

Bruce Wharton

Cletus Mushanawani in Mutema, Chipinge
United STATES ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Bruce Wharton’s tour of Mutema banana project in Chipinge West was yesterday met with demonstrations from villagers demanding the total removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by his country. Ambassador Wharton’s delegation, which arrived around midday was met by placard-waving villagers who spoke against the sanctions saying partial aid to Zimbabwe was not benefiting anyone.

Some of the placards read: “The Real Aid We Need, Remove All Sanctions; Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Stop Seizing Our Export Earnings; American Aid plus Sanctions equals Zero and Thank You Mr Ambassador For The Bid, But Most Important Aid We Need Is Removal Of Sanctions.”

A tour of the banana fields was ended abruptly after one of the villagers, Mrs Alice Mutyambizi, fell into a trance and could not allow foreigners on her piece of land.
Mrs Mutyambizi’s bone of contention was that the tour guides led by Arex supervisor, Ms Naume Mayakayaka, had hired people who were not part of their block to speak glowingly about the project.

The hired people had the guts to trespass onto her land.
“Who are these foreigners on my land? Get away from here rubbish. How can you get people from other parts of this scheme to come here and pretend that they are the plot holders here?” fumed Mrs Mutyambizi.

One of the hired people, Ms Rose Tsanga was later heard apologising to a fuming Mrs Mutyambizi.  She went on to plead with her not to continue raising dust and promised to compensate her for trespassing into her land. Ms Mayakayaka also confirmed that some of the people who were given a chance to address the American delegation were not plot holders in the toured fields.

Other villagers said their demonstration was necessitated by the fact that the US was trying to use divide and rule tactics and avoid the issue of removal of sanctions through trivial donations to projects.

“Yes, they are here assisting us through the Zimbabwe Agricultural Income and Employment Development programme under the USAID’s programme, but we are getting just 35 percent of the total sales, with 65 percent going towards loans servicing.

“Our country is reeling under sanctions imposed by America and its allies, but their people led by the ambassador are here to try to paint a glowing picture on good relations between their country and ours. We do not want partial aid, but the total removal of sanctions,” said Mr Martin Mtisi.

Another villager, Ms Elise Takaya, said sanctions had reduced most Zimbabweans to beggars.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Ambassador Wharton insisted that there were no sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, but restrictive measures imposed on 106 individuals.

“There are no sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, but there are 106 individuals who have travel restrictions. Our focus is on helping the people of Zimbabwe to ensure food security through projects like this banana project.

“My government is interested in making sure that we understand each other on how we should have a sound democratic process in Zimbabwe. We should continue to engage and do that every day,” he said.

On the issue of the dirty dozen MPs accused of wining and dining with staff at the US Embassy, Ambassador Wharton said: “Dirty Dozen was a Hollywood movie released 30 years ago and is fiction.”

Prof Moyo

Herald Reporter—
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo yesterday dismissed claims by former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono that some people were blocking his bid to become Senator for Manicaland. Prof Moyo said in a statement that Dr Gono was displaying ignorance of the law since it was clear that he was not registered as a voter in any ward in Manicaland, a requirement for any individual aspiring to the post.

“It is abundantly self-evident that, by any means available or not Dr Gono is desperate to be Senator for Manicaland province, a provincial parliamentary seat he apparently mistakes for Buhera district,” he said.

“This explains why he has become so emotional and reckless about his comments to the point of displaying his ignorance of the law in public.”
Prof Moyo said it was clear that when Dr Gono sought and was given by the Register General a confirmation of transfer of his voter registration from a constituency in Harare to Buhera West in on December 5 last year, the confirmation was illegal because the RG’s office had ceased to have the legal authority to do such work.

He said the transfer of powers to register voters was not done by Dr Gono’s detractors as he alleged, but came out of the new Constitution and was a matter with nothing to do with real or imagined factionalism in Zanu-PF. Prof Moyo criticised Dr Gono for accusing President Mugabe of leading a faction in Zanu-PF.

Dr Gono was quoted in the media yesterday as saying that he belonged a faction led by President Mugabe.
“It is preposterous and objectionable in the extreme for Dr Gono to claim that he is “remaining out of all factions except that of and led by the President,” said Prof Moyo.

“President Mugabe does not have and does not lead a faction. The President leads Zanu-PF, the Government and the nation of Zimbabwe.
“In other words, President Mugabe leads not some, but all of us Zimbabweans. An aspiring Senator is ordinarily expected to understand this basic fact.”

Prof Moyo said Dr Gono’s statement indicating that most institutions and agencies of the State in the country operated on factional lines was “an outlandishly exaggerated and inflammatory statement whose inciting borders on subversion”.

Dr Gono’s bid to become Senator for Manicaland following the death of Cde Kumbirai Kangai in August last year hit a snag when the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission wrote to Zanu-PF indicating that he was not a registered voter in Manicaland.
He was not on the original party list of candidates nominated by Zanu-PF to take up senatorial seats in Manicaland through proportional representation.

Isdore Guvamombe Reflections
Back in the village in the land of milk, honey and dust or Guruve – if you like – late October and early November of each given year were anxious moments. Hunger, the community believed, knew no autochthon and hunger, they added, respected no cotton tuft head. Without food, the stomach always gurgled. That time, villagers started preparing the fields in anticipation of new rainy season that ushered in new life. The land was dusty and we were small boys, still milking behind our ears and hardly old enough to wear our pants without leaning against a wall or a tree.

Fields beckoned near the banks of the rivers and the hillsides, the flat platforms and floodplains, forcing elders – men and women working on them – to follow the same paths to the fields again and again, lest they were caught off guard by the rains.

Grandmother liked staying with her nephews and she had collected eight of us from her different daughters and sons, to make the home lighter and at least noisy. But we were too young to go to the fields and were always left behind to guard the chickens at the homestead against the lightning fast swoop of the eagle. Grandmother and grandfather spent most of their time in the fields. There they worked under the blistering heat, one eye on the ground another to the sky.

There was a pit toilet on the outskirts of the homestead and again, we were too young to relieve ourselves in it. Mupinge River snaked lackadaisically to the immediate north of the homestead and between the river and the homestead was a thick bush. That bush became our toilet.

Being thick, we were advised to go together when nature called. Seven boys streaking to the bush to relieve themselves, was something else. There was no tissue paper. Tree leaves were not advised either for, many creepy creatures clung precariously on them, some of them that would leave your behind itchy.

Granny had devised a safe method. A small sand mound carefully made by both hands, sufficed. One would just strategically sit astride on top of the mound and squeeze against it. Smart!

Tapfuma was the oldest among us. He liked spitting afterwards and squashing the sand-hued phlegm under hit feet. He was our spokesperson most of the times when we disagreed with granny on domestic chores. Tapfuma spoke strongly against bathing. He would do anything to avoid bathing.

Each sunset granny battled with us on bathing. We detested bathing. Sunsets were normally cold. We were too young to go to the river with older boys. We detested the scrubbing part of it but if we were allowed to go to bed with our ashen grey dust on our legs, we woke up clean and even smarter. The blanket would have done the trick, especially the fact that three or four of us shared the same blanket and there was massive pulling during sleep.

The wee hours, the time elephants normally bathed, was especially very cold and pulling the blanket was an endless job. It needed muscle and the young and weak was always in trouble. It was not uncommon to call granny to intervene. Do village elders not say one cannot ride on a donkey and avoid its unpleasant farts?

Food . . . food, food! Meal times were dramatic. Food disappeared as soon as the plate was opened. It was a maggot-like operation. One had to be good, fast and smart. We shared the same washing dish. We shared the same plate. The eldest started and it went on in line with hierarchy.

The same applied in picking pieces of meat. The eldest started. But Tapfuma had developed much skill in which he would swoop meat with a ball of sadza and on many occasions granny had to come to restore order.

At times she would give her own piece to the youngest after Tapfuma played his trick. With time granny devised a method. She would put soup only, and then come with a spoon to give each one of us a piece in the hand. Tapfuma remonstrated but granny would not give him an ear.

Granny never really beat up someone. She would threaten but would hardly beat up someone. Her eyes normally gave warning. This particular day there came granny’s visitors from South Africa. It was her brother who had gone to Wenera, as the Diaspora was called those days. He had married there and had brought his family.

A Mercedes-Benz was parked in the yard and we were instructed to chase after the biggest cockerel. We battled to catch the cock, through banana plantation, into the kraal and behind the bathing room right into grandpa’s shed.

There the cock hid under a rickety old table at the centre of a hotchpotch of farm equipment that included ploughs, hoes, axes and adzes. Tapfuma finally caught the cock and we jostled to carry it to the kitchen.

That evening grandma cooked in the kitchen and we gathered around the low fire burning at the centre of the house. Although there were two huge windows, most of the smoke remained inside, coiling snake-like up the roof.

Meal time then came and there we were around the plate. Tapfuma searched for meat. There was none. Instead, there was dried vegetable. It must have been cowpeas leaves. We started discussing in whispers and it was generally agreed that granny had forgotten to give us our share of chicken. Tapfuma, our usual spokesman, shout: “Granny . . . granny, granny, you forgot to dish out our chicken!”

Granny was pissed off and she shouted back: “Chicken is for the visitors only.” The voice was contemptuous. As soon as the visitors left the following day, we were all beaten silly. It was a twitch carefully selected by grandpa from riverine vegetation.

That afternoon lightning stabbed the air. Tree branches shook, swayed and sang. Heavy rains spattered. The old boys got rained on silly. They hid in the thicket but still it rained on them.

Grandpa ruled that we should go back to our parents to allow him and granny to work seriously on the fields. Thereafter they needed to go to and from the fields to hoe out furrows, then back, driven by the ancient rhythm of life to survive, across again, dribbling fertiliser. Then back and all over to sow the seeds. Then, back and across to weed day after day, with one eye to the sky looking for God’s saliva!

Rain! And, another eye to the ground — the weeds, the insects and the winds — before coming back for the final time, harvesting.
Harvesting the green cobs of maize, brown heads of sorghum, tufts of cotton and digging for sweet potatoes. Harvesting the dry maize. Everything! The village.

President Mugabe addresses the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday.

Statement by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, to the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York, September 25, 2014.

Your Excellency, Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly,
Your Excellency Mr Ban Ki-moon,  Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Your Majesties,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Comrades and Friends
Your Excellency,
Allow me to congratulate you on assuming the Presidency of the 69th Session of the General Assembly. We are indeed proud of the honour that has been bestowed upon the African continent as a result of your election.

Mr. President,
The theme you have chosen for this session, “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda”, is pertinent, appropriate and timely. It is relevant in our efforts to achieve a seamless transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals, and to the broader post-2015 Development Agenda. We look forward to having a candid and holistic debate on the challenges we continue to face at the domestic and international levels in our efforts to eradicate poverty.

Mr President,
The Millennium Development Goals helped to focus and mobilise global development efforts in order to achieve progress in the social sectors. However, despite the significant achievements under the framework of the MDGs, the progress was uneven between goals, among regions, and within countries.
Consequently, we cannot remain complacent when some sections of the global community are marginalised, or even left behind. We are, therefore, gratified that the proposed sustainable development goals have taken on board the unfinished business of the Millennium Development Goals. Part of that unfinished business concerns the critical issue of poverty eradication which remains the greatest global challenge. This issue should, therefore, be top priority and overarching objective of the development agenda for the future.

Mr President,
We share the view in Sadc that the post-MDG agenda must be informed by national development priorities, and that the new targets must better reflect local conditions. In this regard, Zimbabwe adopted its own economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zm-Asset).
This is a bold and achievable development programme that has the objective of achieving inclusive economic growth, generation of decent jobs for all, affordable and reliable energy, food security, sustainable agriculture and development of reliable modern infrastructure.

Through this programme we also aim to expand the industrial base which is key to sustained overall economic development as well as the human development of our country. We continue to push for the leveraging of our diverse and abundant resources through the beneficiation and value-addition of our resources.

We, therefore, expect that the proposals in the Sustainable Development Goals, which complement these of our national aspirations, will be endorsed and integrated in the post-2015 Development Agenda Framework.

Mr President, Your Excellencies,
Social justice, political stability and sustainable development in African countries can best be achieved through genuine and committed support for the ownership of means of production that favour the poor, who are in the majority.

In Zimbabwe, my Government has gone a long way in laying the foundation for sustained food production through our Land Reform Programme. The majority of the rural people have been empowered to contribute to household, and to national food security. The possession and exploitation of land has also turned them into masters of their own destiny, thus giving true meaning to our national independence and unquestioned sovereignty.

Mr President,
Because Zimbabwe has been preoccupied with the empowerment of its people economically, she has become a victim of the evil machinations of Western countries who continue to apply unilateral and illegal sanctions as a foreign policy tool to achieve short-term political objectives, particularly regime change.
Mr President, regime change is a diabolical illegal policy of interference in the domestic affairs of my country and no good can come from undermining our economy, or depriving our citizens of the necessities of life.

Why, I ask, should Zimbabweans continue to suffer under the American and British yoke of unjustified and unwarranted illegal sanctions? These evil sanctions violate the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and should be condemned by the international community. We once again call for their immediate and unconditional removal.

We are a peaceful and peace-loving nation, ready to engage in constructive dialogue for mutually beneficial relations. We call on those who continue to harbour ill will against us to cast away their hegemony-driven hostility as we appeal to them to review their hard positions and open a new chapter in their relations with us based on mutual respect and friendly co-operation.

Mr President,
To support the implementation of the post-2015 Development Agenda, we call for expeditious reform of the Bretton Woods institutions, particularly their governance structures. It is high time that we addressed the democratic deficit in these institutions and improve their legitimacy. These reforms must reflect current realities and ensure the full voice and participation of developing countries in their decision-making and norm-setting.

Mr President,
Zimbabwe firmly believes that the United Nations should promote dialogue to achieve peace, rule of law and common understanding among states. Peace, security, stability and welfare of Africa and our sub-region is vital for us.

In Africa, the African Union is working tirelessly to push for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic and Somalia. The international community must remain intensively engaged and support Africa in the maintenance of peace and stability, enhancing thereby its peacekeeping capacity needs through training, logistical and financial support.

Africa also remains seized with the issue of Western Sahara, the last colonial vestige in Africa. The United Nations should not shake off its responsibility to ensure the achievement of self-determination by the people of Western Sahara.

Mr President,
We continue to witness the suffering and persecution of the people of Palestine at the hands of Israel. We have witnessed the callous murder of women and children in shelters where they seek refuge from Israel’s bombs. We have witnessed the brutal and random destruction of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, and while these heinous acts were being perpetrated by Israel, the so-called civilised world maintained a deafening silence.

Lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. Any other manoeuvres to change demographic realities through settlements or use of force will only prolong the suffering of the Palestinians.

Mr President,
In conclusion, as we move forward, it is important to muster the necessary political will to create a development-oriented international environment that hastens the eradication of poverty and enhances the correct management of natural resources for economic and social development under renewed real global partnership.
I thank you.

With Swagga T and Brie
Hello cool people. If you check closely, the colour purple is dominating especially at Africa Unity Square and some boulevards around town. Our friends said it is not only in Harare but some other parts in the environs also have the same resemblance.
Yes, we are talking about Jacarandas of which some don’t want to hear about because their nerves will be disturbed. This means exams are around the corner. Are we ready? CLS wishes the best of lucky to the seating candidates.

On the fashion scene, the curtain comes down on the SADC fashion Week and Zim Fashion week and oh boy some teenage designers got talent. It was the battle of the red carpet and we’re still waiting for the results from the fashion police.

Too bad for Wiz Khalifa who got divorced by bubbly model Amber Rose.

I’ve noticed a lot of teenagers have gone crazy on Instagram about the couple’s affair. Well, let the sleeping dogs lie.

Hope you have checked the latest track, “Don’t be gone too long” by Chris Brown and Ariana Grande, the duo’s powerful melody is dominating on music charts yet alone it’s some favourite ringing tone.

Well somehow it’s girlish but big up to Breezy.

Back to our reload, let us check on some of our nay or yeah of the week:

All Star Chuck 70 Polartec: “Finally, A Pair Of Chucks For Wet Weather Use.”

Chuck Taylors have been a staple of people’s sneaker wardrobes closing in on a full century now. Seriously, that’s a long time to thrive for a pair of shoes that have remained largely unchanged since their introduction in 1917.

That’s why I can’t believe that all these years, they’ve never released a pair designed for wearing in wet and snowy weather.

They’re changing that now with the All Star Chuck ‘70 Polartec. While still decked in the traditional canvas and rubber construction, this new release is completely weather-resistant, with the ability to shrug off water like it’s nobody’s business.

That way, you can walk in the rain, run through puddles, and engage in heavy water fights at the park without leaving your socks (and your feet) a soaking mess after all is said and done. To add the waterproofing, the All Star Chuck ‘70 Polartec comes with a layer of the Polartec Power Shield Pro membrane between the canvas upper and the tricot inner lining.

Basically, it’s one of the best water-repelling fabrics around, having seen wide use in a variety of products, including rain jackets, climbing pants, and other outdoor gear. Go grab some this season.

Decoded
Yes so much more fun and this time they have done it.

Though it is exam period we just let them go anyway.

Family entertainment on DStv is being expanded by the introduction of three new channels aimed at families and younger viewers at the end of this month.

The new channels are part of a broadening of content on DStv by Viacom International Media Networks, which brings Nick Jr, Nicktoons and BET International to viewers across Africa from Tuesday, September 30.

Officials from MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said that with the introduction of the new channels VIMN Africa now delivered more channels to African viewers than any other international media company, with a total of eight distinct entertainment brands: MTV, MTV Base, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and VH1 Classic.

Launching on channel 135, BET International is a fun and inspirational channel that will appeal to lovers of black culture aged between 12 and 49 years.

“This channel promises to keep young ones glued to their screens with familiar friends such as Dora the Explorer, Bubble Guppies, Go, Diego, Go! and Paw Patrol, with a host of brand new series due to launch in 2015, including Dora & Friends, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and Shimmer & Shine,” she said.

Nicktoons will become available on channel 308, offering a mix of current and classic programmes appealing to family viewers of DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact.

It will feature series from Nickelodeon´s famous animation library, including The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, T.U.F.F. Puppy, Back to the Barnyard, Avatar and Fanboy & Chum Chum, and time-honoured favourites such as Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys.

Till next week.

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The South African government says it is now geared up for the processing of the new three-year special permits for Zimbabweans (ZSP) wishing to work or study in that country.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Mr Malusi Gigaba announced on Thursday that all the Visa Facilitation Service centres had been activated for the processing of the permits which begins on 1 October.

“On the 12th of August, 2014, I announced the establishment of the Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP) of 2014 allowing Zimbabwean holders of this special permit to work, conduct business or study in South Africa for three years, until the end of December 2017.

“As explained then, only the approximately 245 000 holders of the Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project (DZP) are eligible to apply for the ZSP.

“As the Department of Home Affairs will begin accepting applications via the website for the ZSP on October 1, 2014, we would like to take this opportunity to update stakeholders and the public on the implementation of the ZSP.

“In short, the Department is ready,” he said.

He added that the application processing partner VFS, had completed all the necessary preparations to process all prospective applications for the ZSP.
Mr Gigaba said all the 10 ZSP application centres had been secured by VFS.

“These include totally new centres in the provinces of Gauteng (Midrand), Western Cape (Cape Town), Limpopo (Polokwane) and Kwazulu-Natal (Durban).

“The remaining six centres are in George, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit and Rustenburg.

“These six will be operating from the existing visa and permit centres,” said Mr Gigaba.

He said they had 120 dedicated officers to deal with ZSP adjudication.

He said with effect from 1 October the website will be opened to Zimbabweans wishing to apply for the permits online.

The minister said the following website should be used for lodging applications http://www.vfsglobal.com/zsp/southafrica.

“In response to concerns about computer literacy and internet access, we will monitor this closely to see if these become issues, and mitigate accordingly.

We are confident that internet access is sufficiently high in SA.”

He said the application fee for the ZSP had been set at R870.

“We believe this fee is reasonable, when compared with visas and permits of similar duration.

“It is also reasonable, when considering the infrastructure we are setting up to allow applicants to apply here in South Africa, without having to leave the country as would usually be required, with associated travel costs for applicants.”

Court Reporters
Harare City Council has been taken to court for failure to maintain its road network, while a man has approached the courts suing the city for $300 000 as damages for breaking his leg after falling into an unsecured drain.
Harare businessman Mr Maxwell Murombo Manatsa argued that the city should be forced to maintain roads, citing two roads — Ridge Road and Mount Road in Avondale, Harare, where he resides — which he said were in a bad state and pushed up his vehicle fleet maintenance costs.

He said he frequently uses the two roads.

In an application for a vindication order filed at the High Court on Thursday, Mr Manatsa listed council director of works Engineer Philip Pfukwa and the council as respondents.

Mr Manatsa, who is represented by Mr Tinashe Tanyanyiwa of Manase and Manase law firm, wants council ordered to repair the two roads within 60 days of granting the order sought.

He argued that the condition of the roads made him suffer injury due to the high rate at which his cars were deteriorating.

“It is common cause the effects of frequently traversing a bad road on motor vehicles,” said Mr Manatsa in his papers.

“The tyres are eroded more quickly and suspensions suffer damage as a result of the terrible state of the roads.”

This, he said, resulted in his vehicles being serviced more often and at times parts have to be changed, which would not be necessary if the roads had been fixed.

Mr Manatsa further argued that council should be held culpable for his woes because it is responsible for ensuring that the city is properly run and that ratepayers enjoy a reasonable standard of living.

“It is high time the people we entrust with our money be compelled to do their jobs instead of just twiddling about while paying themselves heft salaries,” said Mr Manatsa.

The city has 10 days in which to respond to the lawsuit.

Four years ago, the Supreme Court paved way for motorists to sue the local authority for damage caused to their cars by potholes on the municipal roads.

This was after the court upheld a High Court ruling ordering council to pay for damages to former Stanbic Bank boss Ms Pindie Nyandoro’s Mercedes-Benz in 2007.

In January 2007, Ms Nyandoro was driving along Enterprise Road towards the city centre when her Mercedes-Benz hit a pothole, damaging the steering rack and a tie-rod end.

In the drainage system case, Mr Evaristo Mungate (40), who allegedly fell into a drainage pipe along Simon Mazorodze Road in March this year and broke his leg, is demanding $300 000 lump sum as compensation.

In his papers filed at the High Court, Mr Mungate is demanding damages for shock, pain and suffering, loss of amenities of life, disability and medical expenses.

Mr Mungate, who is represented by Mr Tafadzwa Christmas from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights NGO Forum, cited Harare mayor Mr Benard Manyenyeni and Town Clerk Mr Tendai Mahachi as respondents.

He alleged that on March 28 he fell into a drain while running to board a motor vehicle along Simon Mazorodze Road and is now unable to walk and conduct his day-to-day work.

He also claims that he was not able to enjoy leisure activities without the aid of crutches or a walking stick.

Mr Mungate claims that the City of Harare was negligent after it left the drainage pipe open and took no steps to put cautionary sign to warn pedestrians of the hazard posed by the deep hole.

The city is yet to respond to the lawsuit.

Monrovia. — Ebola-hit west Africa’s governments were desperately counting on promises of global aid to be effected Friday as the World Health Organisation announced urgently awaited vaccines could be ready early next year.
Liberia, the hardest-hit nation with almost 1 700 deaths, welcomed pledges of help from world leaders gathered at the United Nations on Thursday, but warned it was losing the trust of its people as the crisis escalated.

“We are happy to hear that the entire world now understands the urgency of the reaction to threat of Ebola,” Liberian Information Minister Lewis Brown told AFP.

“We hope that the commitment will be quickly followed by action because, if this drags for long, the populations of the various countries will begin to lose patience and they will blame our governments.”

Health systems in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have been overwhelmed by the epidemic, which has killed 3 000 people since the start of the year, and are in dire need of doctors, nurses, medical equipment and supplies.

The WHO told reporters in Geneva it was working with British company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and American group NewLink Genetics to accelerate clinical trials on two vaccines.

Some trials of the GSK vaccine have begun in the United States and Britain, and others are expected to begin in Mali next week, said WHO assistant director general Marie-Paule Kieny.

Trials of the NewLink vaccine are also set to start “imminently” in the US, and others are planned in Germany and elsewhere.

“If everything goes well, we may be able to begin using some of these vaccines in some of the affected countries at the very beginning of next year,” Kieny said.

The European Medicines Agency watchdog said it was gathering all available information on experimental Ebola treatments to help doctors and health authorities make decisions on what to offer patients.

Currently, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine against Ebola, although drugs which have not been fully tested have already been given to a few infected health workers, with stocks extremely limited.

“This is not a vaccine, this is a candidate vaccine,” Kieny stressed, pointing to the need for caution in rolling out the vaccines.

The two prototypes “have given very promising results in monkeys, but monkeys are not humans,” she said, adding that people who receive them initially “should not consider themselves protected against Ebola”.

WHO is trying to accelerate the development of around half a dozen treatments for Ebola, including the prototype ZMapp drug already given to US and Spanish aid workers.

Kieny said “a few hundred doses” should be available by the end of the year.

US President Barack Obama led calls for a ramped up response to the Ebola epidemic at the UN in New York on Thursday, urging governments, businesses and international organisations to join the fight.

Officials could not provide an immediate tally of the total pledges made at the meeting but the UN’s coordinator for Ebola, David Nabarro, said countries had “responded with generosity”.

Canada announced a contribution of $27 million (21 million euros) while France said it had set aside 70 million euros in a battle that the United Nations estimates will require close to one billion dollars.

The European Union said it would add 30 million euros to the current 150 million euros it has provided.

UN officials said a 20-fold surge in assistance is needed to come to grips with the outbreak.

Sierra Leone took the drastic step on Thursday of putting another three of its 14 districts under quarantine, meaning that more than a third of the population of six million can no longer move freely.

“My country is at the battlefront of one of the biggest life and death challenges facing the global human community,” Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma warned the UN by video link from Freetown.

A UN mission on Ebola set up last week is due to deploy in west Africa on Sunday, bringing supplies and equipment including protective suits, trucks, and helicopters.

The United States has begun sending the first of a 3,000-strong military mission to Liberia to help battle the contagion and has mobilised its experts from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to help beat back the virus.

Cuba said it would send nearly 300 more doctors and nurses to help fight epidemic, raising to 461 the number of its medical personnel in the region.

Thousands of doses of experimental Ebola vaccines should be available in the coming months and could eventually be given to health care workers and other people at high risk of the deadly disease, the World Health Organization said yesterday.

No vaccine has yet been proved to be safe or effective in humans, said Marie-Paule Kieny, assistant director-general at WHO, who spoke at a press conference in Geneva that was later shared by email. Testing must first be done to ensure they are not harmful to people, some of which has already begun, she said.

The Canadian government has already donated 800 vials of one vaccine, which it developed before licensing to NewLink Genetics Corp. Kieny said the company is expected to produce several thousand more doses in the coming months. It’s unclear how many doses the 800 vials hold because testing needs to be done to determine how large an effective dose is, but Kieny said it was probably about 1,500.

By the beginning of next year, there should be about 10,000 doses of another vaccine, developed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and GlaxoSmithKline, Kieny said.

“This will not be a mass vaccination campaign,” she said. Health workers or people known to have had contact with an infected person could be given a vaccine as early as January, as part of a bigger trial to test the shot’s effectiveness, she said.

The Ebola outbreak sweeping West Africa is believed to have sickened more than 6 200 people and killed about half of those. It has overwhelmed health systems and defied the typical methods used to stem Ebola’s spread.

US health experts have warned that the number of infected people could explode to 1.4 million by mid-January, but that it could peak well below that if the response is ramped up. — AFP.

Lifestyle writer
For centuries people with unique talents and crazy ideas have been identified by society and have gone on to receive much recognition. In today’s world this recognition has gone to those with the ability to market their brands better than the rest. Thus Beyonce had become the queen of music, although it is really difficult to say that she is outstanding from the other top performers.

In football, names of strikers like Lionel Messi come to mind. Yet the unsung defenders and midfielders also play their part in making their teams win. But sometimes there are those with talents so unique that they need not worry about standing out of the competition.

Meet Ronald Muchuchu, a man who would be a perfectly ordinary Zimbabwean if it was not for his amazing teeth. They are perfect for chomping any food he likes, which is what teeth are meant for. But they go way beyond the ordinary.

Muchuchu can pull a car, bus, lorry and lift a person using his teeth as a vice grip.

Speaking to Saturday Herald Lifestyle Ronald revealed how he noticed his amazing gift at the age of 16 at his parents’ home in Chitungwiza.

“I grew up in a Christian home, that of the Johane Masowe Yechishanu sect where we would make metal products such as buckets and dishes.

“There was this steel bar that we used that was a bit heavy, one day I decided to lift it with my teeth. It was just a crazy idea but to my surprise I did it. Of course I needed to put in effort and practice before I could really do it, but I had noted that it could be done,” said Ronald

Once he got the knack of it, lifting the heavy steel bar with his teeth became a hobby to the teen Muchuchu. So the next stage was to expand the range of objects that he could latch his teeth onto.

As years passed by Muchuchu became more adventurous giving himself more challenges. The next stage was natural enough, he decided to make a living through his gift. Then of course he had to brand himself.

“When I decided to go professional with this I thought that it would be good to have a stage name and I picked ‘Lakabane’,” he said.

With no role model to shape his career in the country, Muchuchu decided to expand his horizons. He trekked down South to find professional expertise and hone his craft.

“Having spent the last 13 years in South Africa perfecting my career I then decided to come back home and show the people of my country how God has gifted me with such a tremendous flair.

“I performed in South Africa during the World Cup 2010 season and people from around the world loved my art,” he said.

While his teeth’s strength is unquestionable, Muchuchu has had to take care of his whole body in order to be a truly strong man. Obviously his teeth cannot shift any weight beyond what his entire frame can sustain.

His champion’s diet is not made up of any special foods, but sheer quantity makes it outstanding.

“I do not have any special diet but I eat a lot, I also do not have any specified medicine for my teeth I use ordinary toothpaste (brand specified) like any other person,” he says.

Muchuchu’s return does not signify a slow ebb into retirement, but rather an upped tempo as he goes for the heights that he set himself as the pinnacle of an unusual career:

“On the 28th of this month (today) I am going to face a stiff challenge that I have set for myself. I will be pulling an aeroplane,” he promises.

He is set to try this feat at the Harare International Airport where he will attempt to drag an as yet unspecified model plane with his bare teeth.

Muchuchu’s end game is to stake a claim for the present and posterity with an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. He would also love to get an endorsement deal from the manufacturers of his favourite toothpaste brand as he believes that his strong teeth are a product of religious use of their product.

Muchuchu says that his main challenge is that his fans believe he uses voodoo in his acts, yet he has worked hard to achieve what he has.

“Sometimes I hear people shouting out ‘mushonga uyo (it’s magic), that is the work of the devil’ and that hurts me. I am no Satanist. I am a Christian who strongly believes that I have a God-given gift.

“If God gave Samson so much strength then what could stop him from doing the same for me? Mine is no different story. The only difference is that Samson’s strength was in his hair and mine is in my teeth,” Muchuchu asserts.

It is to be hoped that no wilful Delilah awaits Muchuchu with a pair of extra strong dental forceps!

Andy Hodges in KUALAR LUMPUR, Malaysia
CAPS United are a football club crying out for a new lease of life, bogged down by a business model that is clearly not working and in dire need of a leadership that can take decisive action now to drive this team forward.
The club is, at present, stagnant.

For a club like CAPS United, who won two league championships on the trot, spending nine years without winning the grand prize is unacceptable and rightly, the supporters are frustrated and asking questions. It’s time for bold decisions to be made, long-term plans to be put in place and carried out and wider engagement with supporters done.

Clearly, there should be no room for rioting and violence.

We all know that this will hurt the very club we all love so much and I am a firm believer that any fan caught carrying out such acts should be banned from attending any football matches, of any type countrywide, for an extended period of time.

Supporters require answers to their questions and good communication between the club and supporters will go a long way to achieve this.

Our fans are frustrated because there appears to be no clear Master Plan at CAPS United and, if there is, they do not know what it is and cannot see it.

It is important, firstly, to note that any good organisation is only as good as the people running it and the “family” in it.

As CAPS United chairman, I was fortunate to have as an executive and also advisors who were some of the best football minds in Zimbabwe and successful businessmen in their own rights — Wellington Chando, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Willard Mayengavana, Wellington Dangarembizi, David Nyamweda and Mordecai Sachikonye.

And, of course, we had the helping hand of the CAPS United Supporters leadership and the club’s fans countrywide who were always there to give us advise.

That a true supporter is one who stays with their team through good and bad times and has faith and belief that things will get better.

A true supporter NEVER riots or resorts to violence. A good club executive puts the love of the club first and does all he/she can to ensure that things are in place to do the one thing we all want — win football matches and trophies

With the two together, True Supporters and Good Executives, nothing can hold CAPS United back, so let’s get on with it.

Player Welfare
Players need to be paid on time and when their funds are due, they should be given all the necessary support be it in equipment, gym, lunch, acceptable camping facilities, expert medical assistance, family support etc.

A club like CAPS United must ensure that the only thing that its players worry about is playing football and nothing else.

It is true to say a group of unhappy workers will never write success stories.

The coach and players, however, must step up and be counted.

They must play for the love of the Club and also the millions of our supporters in Zimbabwe who passionately support CAPS United.

They owe it to these supporters to win the games, no matter how hard the conditions they might be operating under.

Once they put on that green jersey, they should perform, anything else is unacceptable and players who are like mercenaries players have no place in a Club like CAPS United and no matter how good they are should be shown the exit door.

Disposal Of Shares
It is important to first state that Twine Phiri has only the interest of CAPS United at heart. I believe that the criticism against him, of late, is not constructive, unnecessary and over the top.

We are all not infallible and each of us must accept constructive criticism and I am sure Twine will do the same, but when the criticism is not constructive what should you do? Supporters do not see most of the work Twine, behind the scenes, does and has done for over 10 years.

He plays a large part in CAPS United and it is his character not to blow his horn but quietly go about his business.

Has he made some mistakes, of course, he has. Has he been successful, of course, he has. He is just like all of us who do exactly the same every day, but you should never doubt his love or passion for CAPS United and his belief that what he does is for the good of the team.

The issue of share disposal is not about the man it is about the club. Twine lives, eats and breathes CAPS United and football and to force out or lose such a talent is frankly ridiculous and in-fact would hurt our game.

The question is if shares are sold, will they be sold to an individual or company that will be able to bear the long-term financial costs of the club and also implement long-term plans, that will require large financing — e.g. fixed costs like stadium/club house etc?

I believe that for the good of the club, and also to enable it to grow, this is an option that must be considered as long as the right partner is found.

How We Were Successful
Our executive came up with a five-year plan. This plan covered the following areas — Professionalism, Supporters, Revenue.

We recommended that we turn CAPS United into a professional institution, setting up our own office with the relevant qualified staff employed.

These would cover administrative issues, public relations, marketing and supporters and this was done in 2002/ 2003 and had tremendous benefits. We recommended that we set up a Supporters Club.

This allowed supporters, countrywide, to access regalia, season tickets, Match Day programmes, attend exclusive events etc.

The plan also called for supporters to be involved in the Supporters Club at management level. It was clear that the model of mostly existing on gate taking to run the club would be unsustainable. We had to generate additional revenue from other sources and sponsorship.

Fixed costs included wages, bonuses, venue hire, camping, kit, travel, hotel fees etc.

We understood we faced a number of challenges, some of these included the high cost of stadium rental and Match Day expenses, the revenue leakages at the turnstiles on Match Day and replicas being sold outside the club’s jurisdiction.

We understood we had to spend money to make money in the long-term.

We recommended we build our own training camp with full facilities, a club house, dormitory, state-of-the-art gym and medical rooms, sauna, two full-sized pitches, state-of-the-art training equipment, etc.

We recommended we seek land to build our own 10 to 15 000-seat stadium or buy and refurbish an existing venue. The benefits of our own stadium would be immense.

We would cut down fixed costs, introduce hospitality suites, hire out the venue for other events etc. The benefits to the club would be unbelievable.

We recommended we import and install, from South Africa, state-of-the-art computerised ticketing machines at all turnstiles at our match venue. This would allow us to ensure or, at least, cut down leakages.

We recommended selling season tickets to our supporters. This would allow us to receive revenue up front. We also recommended appointing a vendor countrywide to sell tickets during the week before Match Day and even utilising the internet to sell tickets well in advance of games.

With the introduction of the Supporters Club we would also realise income from membership fees.

Sponsors/players
We recommended getting a full-time sponsor. This could either be achieved through selling our commercial rights, selling of part ownership of the club, branding, etc.

We understood that sponsorship, however, would only come to an institution that was professionally run, had a clear vision and plan and had individuals that could be trusted by the sponsors and I am glad to say we did.

We understood that we had to ensure that we continuously had “home” grown players coming through the ranks. With this in mind we funded a comprehensive junior development programme from Under-10s upwards.

We further recommended twinning with schools all over Zimbabwe to identify talent and also give school players access into joining a professional football club and making football a career.

We further understood we had to also be continuously selling stars into bigger markets, Europe and South Africa and if we got our junior programme right we would have an endless talent of players who would eventually become stars outside the country and also raise large revenue for the club.

The executive also implemented a player-contract policy at CAPS by ensuring all players at all levels had valid long-term contracts. We sought stability, growth, a vibrant youth policy, all things required for a successful club to survive and grow on the field of play.

• Andy Hodges is a former CAPS United chairman who guided the Green machine to the league title in 2004, losing only one game and raking a record 79 points.

President Mugabe

Herald Reporters
Thousands of Zanu-PF supporters are expected to converge at the Harare International Airport today to welcome President Mugabe from New York where he addressed the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.
In a statement yesterday, Zanu-PF Harare Province called upon all party supporters to come in their numbers to give a thunderous welcome to the President.

The province said transport to and from Harare International Airport would be available at the usual pick up points.

“Zanu-PF Harare province members from the main wing, women and youth leagues will all welcome His Excellency The President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF, Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe from his successful trip to the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York at Harare International Airport,” read the statement.

The revolutionary party’s provincial youth executive weighed in, urging all party youths to be at the Harare International Airport to welcome the President.

Provincial youth chairperson Cde Godwin Gomwe said President Mugabe was a true revolutionary and an icon whom every other youth should emulate.

“We are all inspired by our Head of State and Government not only as a leader, but as an African icon and therefore we should join each other to celebrate his arrival tomorrow,” he said.

“As the Zanu-PF Harare province Youth League chairman, I would like to encourage all youths in Harare and Zanu-PF members at large to go to the Harare International Airport tomorrow (today) to welcome His Excellency President Mugabe who will be arriving from New York, where he is attending the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly meeting.”

Cde Gomwe said it was unfortunate that President Mugabe’s return was coinciding with embarrassing reports that some Members of Parliament were supping with the country’s enemies to access donor aid.

“It is saddening and quite disgracing that our President will return home during a period when a dozen MPs have been exposed as companions of the Westerners,” he said.

Cde Gomwe said the MPs had failed to behave honourably.

“These MPs are supposed to be honourable as their titles refer, but have succeeded in disgracing our beloved nation in a bid to seek the so-called international aid,” he said.

“Let us not follow these despicable actions, but unite in purpose, solidarity and in celebration of the arrival of our President.”

In his address to the General Assembly, President Mugabe rapped Western alliance for its deafening silence over Israeli atrocities in Gaza where over 2 200, mostly unarmed men, women and children were killed in a four week bombardment. President Mugabe did not echo the platitudes of Western leaders who pontificated about the “war on terror” and the situation in Iraq and Syria where US created and sponsored groups have turned weapons against their settler benefactors .

He drew the world’s attention to the tragedy in Gaza which the western leaders skirted like a plague as they bristled about Al-Qaeda.

What exactly is happening at the Harare City Council with regards to the retrenchment exercise carried out recently? Surely, the city management must not take residents for granted and divert money meant for service delivery to pay salaries for retrenched workers that are now being re-hired.
The residents were jubilant recently when the city announced that it was retrenching more than 1 000 workers with a net effect of cutting the monthly salary bill by US$2 million.

While the residents were still in a jovial mood, hoping the exercise would result in more money being channelled to critical areas, the city announced that it had in fact made a mistake.

Most of the retrenched workers will be back at work because management suddenly realised that among the retrenched staff were critical ones and that council cannot function properly without them.

Surely, it will be difficult for residents to take city council managers seriously, after such bungling.

The city council will now spend more money re-hiring the retrenched workers to fill critical posts that fell vacant following the so-called rationalisation.

What this means is that the retrenched workers who benefited from their hefty retrenchment packages will find themselves back at work within a few months and earning their normal salaries.

Obviously, the workers will not be asked to return the benefits received from retrenchment to the council and this is why we smell a big rat in all this exercise.

Someone, somewhere within the council must have reaped huge financial benefits after deliberately undertaking the exercise which they knew was futile.

It is a rule for all corporates that retrenchments are not carried out just to get rid of staff and save some money.

Retrenchments do not also mean that an organisation must stop functioning, but are meant to ensure it becomes effective.

Why someone at the city council failed to realise that retrenchment would result in the city’s inability to meet residents’ demands on service delivery boggles the mind.

Unless this was a deliberate move, then the city council has to give proper explanations on why it suddenly realised it had made everyone who mattered go home.

If it was not deliberate, then it means the city officials plunged into the exercise without a proper corporate strategy and just as a way of trying to be seen to be doing something to save ratepayers’ money.

We are told that the retirees will be given a one-year, fixed performance-based contract, while the city looks for suitable replacements and surely this is not a cost-cutting measure.

What is shocking in all this saga is that the identification of critical and non-critical positions was undertaken after the retrenchment exercise.

There is no precedent to such a retrenchment exercise and this is why we doubt the sincerity of the city officials.

It is difficult to buy into the council’s excuse that rehiring some of the retired staff who have critical skills would enhance service delivery.

Why let them go in the first place if they were critical to service delivery? City clinics, for instance, were left with skeletal staff after the majority of nurses applied for retrenchment and got approvals.

This a scandal which must attract the attention of relevant authorities like the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

Those responsible must be made accountable for a clear case of abusing the ratepayers’ funds and justice must be applied without fear or favour.