Politics
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PAP gathers for August Committee Sittings
The August Sittings of the Permanent Committees of the fifth Parliament of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) are scheduled to be held from 02 to 10 August 2019 at the seat of the continental Parliament in Midrand, South Africa. The August Sittings will be guided by the African Union theme of 2019; ‘Year of Refugees, Returnees and…
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Open letter: Government should deliver on its promises
By Victor Vimbai Mwendamberi Death is not my destiny but is a right of passage after someone has done their will. Reclining, recollecting and yearning for the good old days as I am thinking loudly regretting the present times, I know surely my time will come. As we celebrate our independence what independence are we…
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Lupane East by-election and battle for two-third majority in parliament
By Farai Chirimumimba For four months, one seat in National Assembly has sat empty. Three more have been vacant for the past month. That the seats are empty in the first place was an affront of nature. The previous incumbents, elected only in 2018, died less than a year in office. The first seat fell…
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IRI/NDI Assess Zimbabwe’s Electoral Reform Process
The International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) fielded a three-person delegation to Zimbabwe to provide an impartial assessment of the status of Zimbabwe’s electoral reform agenda at approximately one year following the country’s 2018 “harmonised” elections. The delegation met with a variety of stakeholders to monitor and benchmark progress achieved since…
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Let’s not gloss over wounds of the past: MDC
By Blessing Chebundo, MDC Secretary for National Healing, Peace, Reconciliation and Integration Obert Mpofus’ latest Gukurahundi utterances in which he advocates against Emmerson Mnangagwa apologizing for the country’s biggest Zanu PF government led atrocities since attainment of black rule in 1980, is a deplorable act of self-serving by a man whose hands are unclean of…
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MDC launches RELOAD rallies and grassroots engagement programme
The MDC has reported that it will this weekend launch nationwide RELOAD rallies as well as a robust nationwide consultation programme in the party’s districts to engage the people on the key national grievances so as to collectively chart the way forward in the wake of the deteriorating situation in the country. Party Deputy National Spokesperson,…
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North-East Nigeria: A decade of conflict takes heavy toll on the population, many people now suffering from mental illness
Effects of a decade long conflict in Borno State begin to show as some of 1,8 million displaced people now suffer from mental illnesses. The effects of a decade long conflict in Northeast Nigeria between the military and armed groups, are beginning to show as some of the 1,8 million displaced people, are now suffering…
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Dilemmas of a girl child in rural Zimbabwe: Young souls enduring emotional trauma in early marriages
By Joyce Mukucha Without the active participation of women and incorporation of women’s perspectives at all levels, the Beijing Platform for Action 1995 states that the goal of equality, expansion and peace cannot be achieved. It is tear jerking that a girl child residing in rural Zimbabwe continues to endure male chauvinism in addition to…
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We are making strides in rural district councils: LEAD
BY Neil Chamisa (LEAD President Spokesperson) When we embarked on the Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) project three months ago, we never guessed that by this time we will be engaged in an election campaign. The challenge presented itself in the form of Lupane East and Bubi RDC ward 22 by elections. It’s been…
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Non-Legislative Business in the National Assembly in June
By Veritas Our recent Bill Watch bulletins have concentrated on either Parliamentary progress on Bills [Bill Watches Nos 29, 30, 31] or SI 142’s unexpected reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar [ZWL] as the sole legal tender in the country on 24th June [Bill Watches Nos. 32 and 33]. This bulletin sketches non-legislative business in the National…
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ZESN condemns suspected vote-buying ahead of the Lupane East by-election
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has voiced concern over the purported request by the ZANU PF Political Commissariat for medicine supplies at local clinics as assistance in respect of the Lupane East by-election campaign scheduled for 3 August 2019. In a statement ZESN said whilst it acknowledges the right for political parties to solicit…
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Erdoğan: “We have the right to speak in Cyprus as a guarantor country”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey has the right to speak as a guarantor country in Cyprus with regard to defending the rights of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Erdoğan met with the editors of newspapers and television channels, some writers and academics. In answer to a question, Erdoğan reiterated that the Yavuz…
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Sikhala set free on ZWL$5 000 bail
By Kumbirai Mafunda Masvingo High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo on Monday 15 July 2019 ended the detention of MDC National Vice-Chairperson Hon. Job Sikhala after granting him ZWL$5 000 bail. Hon. Sikhala had been detained at Masvingo Remand Prison after he appeared before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa at Bikita Magistrates Court on Thursday 11 July…
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Fight against FETO Terrorist Organisation: Turkish Ambassador
Ambassador of Turkey to Zimbabwe, HE Hakan Kivanc has urged the world to fight against members of the the 15th of July 2016 coup attempt carried out by the FETO terrorist organisation. Speaking at a media briefing at the Turkish Embassy today, Ambassador Kivanc said the 15th of July coup attempt was planned by the…
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MDC orders status quo, pending due process and investigations in Bulawayo
The MDC has said it noted with serious concern the developments within Bulawayo City Council where the Town Clerk has been suspended. Party Spokesperson, Daniel Molokele said his party believes in Constitutionalism, due process, the rule of law and zero tolerance to corruption. “The party leadership has directed that the status quo ante be upheld, in…
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Media should drive progressive socio-economic and democratic agenda in the country: Parajuli
By Byron Mutingwende The media plays an important role in defining common denominator in promoting national interest and setting progressive socio-economic and democratic agenda in the country, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe has said. “The role of media, including the newsprint, electronic and online/digital entities, cannot be over-emphasised in national development, which involves advancement…
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ZPP bemoans discrimination in food distribution
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has bemoaned discrimination prevalent in the distribution of food assistance as the inputs and food aid are channelled through local and traditional structures. ZPP said it has over the years documented numerous cases of destitute and marginalised citizens of Zimbabwe being unlawfully denied social welfare assistance, solely on the basis…
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AU Summit: President Adesina to lead AfDB’s delegation, AfCFTA talks to top summit agenda
The Bank will also participate in the meetings of the 37th NEPAD Heads of state and Government Orientation Committee African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Akinwumi Adesina will next week lead a delegation of top Bank officials to the extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Niger’s capital,…
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Women Shaping Global Economic Governance
New book on how to restore trust in globalisation and democracy This week’s nomination of Christine Lagarde to be the next President of the European Central Bank is the latest example of women in top positions in economic policymaking around the globe. A new book from the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), the European…
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Joshua Nkomo’s legacy lives on as Bualawayo City hosts “Umdala Wethu Dance”
By Farai Chirimumimba The late Vice-President Dr. Joshua Nkoma is being remembered, as July 1st 2019, marks 20 years since the popular national liberation hero died at a local hospital aged 82 .His death shocked the country and triggered a flood of grief. Joshua Nkomo’s family have created a foundation in his owner and on…
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Zimbabwe still hasn’t adopted UN Convention Against Torture: Why the delay?
By Veritas Introduction 26th June was the International Day in Support of Torture Victims Yet another 26th June has come and gone without Zimbabwe having adopted the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment [CAT]. Previous Government undertakings and assurances given to the UN Human Rights Committee and…
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Youths Amplify Fight for Government’s Attention
Founding President of Youth Voice Mass Movement and the Young People’s Program Zimbabwe Youth Association, Tinashe Nyagunzu has said youths remain unperturbed in their efforts to be engaged in the governance of affairs and fight against anything that is hindering the country’s progress. Addressing a press briefing, Nyagunzu lamented the lack of peace of mind…
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US Cyberattack Reportedly Knocked Out Iran Missile Control Systems
The US launched a cyber-attack on Iranian weapons systems on Thursday as President Trump pulled out of air strikes on the country, US reports say. The cyber-attack disabled computer systems controlling rocket and missile launchers, the Washington Post said. It was in retaliation for the shooting down of a US drone as well as attacks…
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Pan-African Parliament joins global parliamentary consultations on topical issues
26th annual Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy begins its work in Tbilisi The Pan-African African Parliament (PAP) is among international Parliamentary organisations invited to take part in the 26th Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (I.A.O) currently underway in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Assembly is being held from 19 to 23 June 2019 under the theme: “The contribution of…
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Commissions of Inquiry in Zimbabwe – no action no gain, a waste of resources
By Farai Chirimumimba It has become clear that power is vested with the people. Therefore let the people and not resource sucking commissions of inquiry take responsibility. The Zimbabwe propensity to rely on commissions of inquiry that sadly never resolve crises, redress gross mismanagement and punish wrongdoers is no longer sustainable as it never worked.…
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President Mbeki right on electoral fraud based triumphalism: MDC
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has said Zanu PF’s intention to spin remarks by President Thabo Mbeki are baseless and an act of desperation to find endorsement where none exists. The biggest opposition party said in essence, President Mbeki recognises that a win which Mnangagwa claims to have obtained has failed to create sufficient…
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ZESN Lupane East National Assembly By-election Nomination Court Update
On 14 June 2019, ZESN observed the Nomination Court proceedings for the Lupane East National Assembly by-election scheduled to be held on 3 August 2019. The seat fell vacant following the death of Sithembile Gumbo of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), who was the Member of Parliament (MP) on 5 April 2018. Veritas…
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Put children first to mitigate humanitarian situations: ZLHR
By Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) joined the rest of Africa to commemorate the Day of the African Child, set aside by the African Union (AU) with a call for the government of Zimbabwe to put children’s rights first in order to alleviate the devastating impact of humanitarian situations. Commemorated every year…
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PAP member, Hon. Elhadj Diao KANTE has passed on!
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has announced with regret, the loss of Hon. Elhadj Diao KANTE, a national of Guinea Conakry. Hon. Kante succumbed to death in the morning hours of 13 June 2019 in South Africa, after suffering from a cancer related illness that bound him on a hospital bed since the May Parliamentary Session that…
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Religious Organisations Condemn Mass Demonstrations and Protests
By Tatenda Mujeyi Religious organisations convened a prayer meeting at Mabvuku Salvation Army Church yesterday and condemned the calls by some opposition parties to stage mass demonstrations and protests. The prayer which was coordinated by Women Intercessors Network (WIN) under the theme ‘Prayer for peace’ was attended by other religious groups including Destiny for Africa…
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World Refugee Day commemoration at the Pan-African Parliament
The Department of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency will commemorate the World Refugee Day at the Pan-African Parliament (Midrand) on 20 June. In line with the African Union 2019 theme “Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally…
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Credible, inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue critical to Zimbabwe’s international re-engagement agenda: ZCC
By Byron Mutingwende A credible, inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue is important for the country’s international re-engagement agenda, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has said. Dr Solomon Muqayi, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe speaking at the Second National Economic Dialogue series under the topic “Zimbabwe’s International Re-engagement Agenda: A…
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MDC Parly caucus disheartened by Hon. Tsvangirai – Java’s death
The MDC Parliamentary Caucus was disheartened by the untimely death of Hon. Vimbai Tsvangirai – Java, a young and promising MP who had a good political future in the party that her father founded twenty years ago. In a statement, the Parliamentary Caucus said it was distraught by the loss one of its own…
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ZESN Launches Compendium of Election Observers’ Recommendations
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) launched its Compendium of Election Observers’ Recommendations yesterday in Harare. The launch was attended by a Commissioner from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Commissioner Leticia Joyce Kazembe, two senior staff members from the Commission; ZESN network members, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) representatives; and members of the media fraternity. In…
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School teacher persecuted for slating education minister and ZANU (PF)
By Kumbirai Mafunda A Zimbabwean school teacher has been hauled to appear before a disciplinary hearing to answer to misconduct charges after he was accused of denouncing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling ZANU PF party and criticising one of his allies for causing untold suffering among citizens. Stephen Mangoma, a teacher at Mateta (Rujeko) High School…
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June Month of Radicalism: MDC Youth National Assembly
By Tatenda Mujeyi The MDC National Youth Assembly has declared June as a month of radical responses to the economic and social challenges they blame on the ZANU PF administration. The youth assembly’s first press briefing since their election at congress last month emphasised the radical approaches needed to deal with the ZANU PF government.…
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High Court sets free remaining CSO leaders charged with subverting constitutional government
By Kumbirai Mafunda Two civil society leaders who were arrested last month and charged with subverting constitutional government have been set free after High Court Judge Justice Amy Tsanga granted them $1 000 RTGS bail and imposed some stringent reporting conditions for them. The two CSO leaders Beauty Rita Nyampinga aged 61 years and Stabile…
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ZESN Preliminary Statement on the Kadoma Central Ward 2 local authority by-election
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observed Kadoma Central Ward 2 local authority by-election held 8 June 2019. This is part of its comprehensive efforts to observe all elections and electoral processes in Zimbabwe. In this by-election, ZESN deployed 5 polling station based observers, a ward collation centre observer and a mobile team which was assessing…
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Human rights campaigners get bail with stringent conditions
By Kumbirai Mafunda High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi on Friday 7 June 2019 set free four human rights campaigners, who had spent more than two weeks in prison after they were arrested last month and charged with subverting a constitutional government. The four human rights defenders namely George Makoni, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura and…
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Terrence Masendeke family compels authorities to conduct post-mortem to ascertain his death cause
By Kumbirai Mafunda High Court Judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi will on Thursday 06 June 2019 hear an urgent chamber application filed by the family of a Mutare man seeking an order to compel Zimbabwean authorities to conduct a post-mortem examination on the body of their deceased relative who was shot dead by a former police…
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ARTUZ President abducted and tortured over teachers’ strike
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has reported that its President, Obert Masaraure, was abducted at midnight by unknown assailants believed to be state security agents. ARTUZ has been leading a just-ended 3 day nationwide strike over low salaries and high cost of living. This was a legally protected strike and 14 day…
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ZESN holds workshop on electoral reforms petition
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) is holding an Electoral Reforms Petition workshop to review the legal framework governing elections in light of the petition submitted to Parliament by ZESN on the 3rd December 2018. The workshop is attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Advocate Jacob Mudenda and Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on…
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Most Projects on Target in Second 100-day Cycle: Gumbo
By Tatenda Mujeyi The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring and Implementation of Government Programs, Mr Joram Gumbo has submitted the second 100 Day cycle mid-term report to cabinet. The 100 day cycle which runs from 28 February to 7 June reported that 16% were ahead of target, 60% on target whilst 24%…
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Gender Links gives a thumbs up to new SA Cabinet
Gender Links (GL) has welcomed the 50/50 cabinet and change in women’s minister announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, but says he missed the opportunity to appoint a woman deputy President and restructure the women’s ministry. Announcing his long-awaited cabinet following the 8 May elections, President Ramaphosa proudly announced that South Africa has achieved…
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Zim Court acquits Biti’s aides for “border jumping”
By Kumbirai Mafunda Karoi Magistrate Sam Chitumwa on Friday 31 May 2019 acquitted three aides of human rights lawyer and opposition political party leader Hon. Tendai Biti, who had been on trial for allegedly violating the country’s immigration laws. Biti’s lawyer Nqobizitha Mahole Mlilo and two of the opposition legislator’s aides Clever Rambanepasi, and Tawanda…