Politics
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Human rights campaigners endure more jail time awaiting freedom bid verdict
By Kumbirai Mafunda Four human rights defenders (HRDs) who were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government will endure more jail time after a High Court Judge deferred delivery of his ruling on their bail application to next week. The four HRDs namely George Makoni, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura and Frank Nyasha…
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Churches, CSOs lambast demonstration plans
By Tatenda Mujeyi The Churches and Civiil Society Forum (CSCJF) has lambasted some political parties for their quest to cause destabilisation through demonstrations, a press conference held at Chop Chop in Harare today revealed. CSCJF noted with concern the economic challenges that Zimbabwe is experiencing at the moment. “As CSCJF we are disturbed and indeed…
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Practical Ways In Which Dabengwa Must Be Honoured
By Dumisani O Nkomo Much has been said about the life and incredible heroism of former ZAPU intelligence supremo Dr Dumiso Dabengwa who died last week. Indeed, his heroic acts dating back to his days as a militant youth with the National Democratic Party to the battle of Wankie with the Luthuli Detachment. The key…
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NANGO irked by continued shrinkage of civic space
The National Association of Non Governmental Organisations (NANGO) has noted with great concern the continued arrests of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) officials and sternly condemned efforts to inhibit operations of civil society by Government. The association argued that the shrinking of civic space is exacerbating by day and this is against the expectations of…
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ZESN provides report on Mutasa Rural District Council Ward 10 by-election
On 11 March 2019, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) conducted a local authority by-election for Mutasa Rural District Council (RDC) to fill a vacancy that had arisen following the arrest of Frank Chitembwe on charges of public violence. Mutasa RDC Ward 10 is in Manicaland Province and is one of the 12 Wards that make…
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Resolutions of the MDC 5th National Congress (2019-2024)
By MDC Information Department The Movement for Democratic Change convened a successful and historic Congress from the 24th to the 26th of May 2019 at Ascot Stadium in Gweru, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe under the theme “Defining a New Course for Zimbabwe”. Following a comprehensive Political Report of the Party and Thematic Reports followed by robust…
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NANGO celebrates Africa Day
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), the umbrella body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe has joined the continent in celebrating Africa Day. It reiterated that Africa made history on the 25th of May 1963 by establishing the Organisation of African Union (OAU), which was later, in 2002, renamed the African Union. NANGO described the…
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Supreme Court hears opposition legislator’s challenge of electoral fraud
By Kumbirai Mafunda The Supreme Court will on Friday 24 May 2019 preside over the hearing and determination of an appeal filed by Gift Machoka Konjana of MDC Alliance party who is seeking an order to overturn the Electoral Court’s decision confirming Dexter Nduna of the ruling ZANU PF party as the legislator for Chegutu…
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ZESN reiterates calls for an all-inclusive national dialogue
By ZESN Information The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) notes efforts by political parties that participated in the 30 July 2018 harmonised elections to engage in dialogue. The network also notes that some political parties which participated in the harmonised elections are not participating in the political dialogue raising issues around the legitimacy of the dialogue,…
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Feja Feja policies render thousands stranded in the CBD
By Jacob Mafume (MDC Spokesperson) The MDC is concerned with how the transport situation has deteriorated over the past few days due to Zanu PF’s incompetency, inconsistency and inability to make the right decisions. A country run through a series of stop gap measures is bound to degenerate into the chaos witnessed last night…
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Do Elections Work In Zimbabwe?: The Script Remains the Same
By Dumisani O. Nkomo This article seeks to explore the efficacy of elections as a tool of democratic governance in Zimbabwe since 1980 . It is by no means exhaustive but in a brief and cursory manner looks at the merits and demerits of elections in their current form in Zimbabwe. I would like to…
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Legislators sue Minister, ZRP over Parliament fracas
By ZLHR Information Department Three opposition political party legislators have slapped government with a lawsuit demanding more than $20 000 as compensation for violation of their fundamental rights when some law enforcement agents assaulted them in Parliament in November 2018. The three opposition MDC party legislators namely Hon. Lynette Karenyi (Proportional Representation), Hon. Thabitha Khumalo…
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President Mnangagwa effects changes of Cabinet
The office of the President announced changes to be made to the Ministry of Energy and the National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC) management, a press statement published. The changes which were necessitated by retirement, vacancy of office and took effect yesterday with ministerial swearing expected to take place today. Hon Joram Gumbo has been assigned…
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Zimbabwean political terrain impacted by social media
By Talkmore Thulani Gandiwa Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook have transformed the way political figures interact with their constituencies. Fifteen years ago, campaigns were drastically different. Reflect back to Robert Mugabe Vs Morgan Tsvangirai election of 2002. There was hardly social media. Facebook was to be launched two years after these elections, and when it came…
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African Union Elections Observer Team visits PAP
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to South Africa visited the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on the eve of South Africa’s General Elections 2019. The Team was received by the President of PAP, the Rt. Hon. Roger Nkodo DANG, the First Vice President, Hon. Stephen MASELE and other Bureau Members. Headed by former Tanzanian President, Hon. Jakaya Kikwete, the team…
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MDC Congress process irreversible
By Jacob Mafume (MDC Spokesperson) We have just been advised of the High Court of Zimbabwe judgement issued by Justice Edith Mushore today. We fundamentally disagree with the judgement. The choice of leaders of any political party, the world over is the sole preserve of the members of that party. It can never be a…
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President Museveni condemns Zim sanctions
By Lovemore Chazingwa Trade Fair, Bulawayo Sanctions are a show of cowardice on the part of the instigator as they are not sure whether the victim is wrong or right, Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said at the official opening of this year’s historic ZITF yesterday. The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) first…
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Hon James Chidakwa: one of the jewels of Zimbabwean youths
By Elvis Dzvene Some Zimbabwean youths are jewels to the nation, the likes of James Chidakwa, Happymore Chidziva, Keith Charumbira, Clifford Hlatywayo, Costa Machingauta and the late Chikadaya among others. They served well under the Presidency of the late Dr Richard Morgan Tsvangirai and transitioned well to the anointed presidency of Adv. Nelson Chamisa. They…
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U.S. Intelligence Latest Report Claims Huawei is Funded by Chinese State Security
Huawei Technologies Co.
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NAYO appalled by shrinking civic space
The National Association of Youth Organisations (NAYO) has said it is perturbed by the continued crackdown on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Journalists, activists and human rights defenders; most of whom are youth. “The crackdown has seen unlawful suspension of NGOs as in the case of COTRAD in Masvingo; targeting of NGO leaders…
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Zimbabwe at 39: analysing the journey walked so far
By Farai Chirimumimba The world is used to trailing behind Zimbabwean political drama. The Government of National Unity (GNU) helped bring Zimbabwe the best years since the the turn of the century, when it was the breadbasket of Africa. Those heydays had been followed by nearly two decades of decline and political instability. Between 2000…
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IMF SMP – an abortive entry point for full support of the regime
By Jacob Mafume (MDC Spokesperson) The proposed International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Monitored Program is an entry point for full support of the regime and it ignores the factors arresting the Zimbabwean economy. Zimbabwe has had a stolen election; it was disputed by most players including the biggest political party, the MDC. More importantly, the…
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Biti’s lawyer, aides plead not guilty to border jumping charges
A lawyer and some aides for tormented opposition party leader and human rights lawyer Tendai Biti on Wednesday 10 April 2019 pleaded not guilty to charges of violating the country’s immigration laws when their trial commenced before Karoi Provincial Magistrate Sam Chitumwa. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human rights (ZLHR) reported that Hon. Biti’s lawyer Nqobizitha…
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Gloomy outlook for March: Zimbabwe Peace Project
By Zimbabwe Peace Project It never rains but pours Introduction Zimbabwe faced one of its greatest tragedies in the month of March. Following several forecasts of an approaching cyclone that was reported likely to affect Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, on 15 March Zimbabwe woke to a shockwave of devastation as Cyclone Idai engulfed parts of…
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U.N. Telecoms Chief Houlin Zhao Says Huawei Allegations Driven by Politics Not Evidence
U.S. security concerns about 5G mobile networks built by Chinese telecoms giant Huawei appear to be driven by politics and trade rather than any evidence, the head of the U.N. internet and telecoms agency said on Friday. Houlin Zhao, secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), told reporters in Geneva that security of 5G networks…
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EU encourages reforms and re-engagement in Zimbabwe
The European Union’s Managing Director for Africa, Mr Koen Vervaeke, has encouraged Zimbabwe to continue on the path of reform and engagement in order to enhance not only relations between Brussels and Harare, but also the livelihoods of Zimbabweans. Speaking after an intense working visit in Zimbabwe’s capital over the weekend, Mr Vervaeke said: “Based…
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Zimbabwe wants and deserves a robust opposition
By Farai Chirimumimba Nature abhors a vacuum, and MDC has become a giant vacuum machine, sucking the air out of opposition politics and leaving the government to roam the centre ground at will. One obvious consequence is that ZANU-PF is not being constantly challenged and made to justify their decisions at such a crucial time…
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Cowdray Park By-election: MDC Learning
The MDC said it has received a number of concerns raised by the public pertaining results of a By-Election held in Cowdry Park over the weekend.One of the major issues raised was that a loss of a seat in traditional MDC territory is unacceptable and that there must be no excuses about it. The biggest…
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ZESN Preliminary Statement on the Cowdray Park Ward 28 local authority by-election
As part of its comprehensive efforts to observe the local authority by-election in Ward 28 of Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) deployed 37 polling station based observers and a ward collation centre observer. In addition, ZESN had two mobile teams assessing the political environment outside the polling stations. Observation Methodology The…
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PAP to lobby for ratification of legal instruments: AU Commissioner
The African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security has appealed to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Legislators to encourage member states to sign, ratify and domesticate the instruments presented by the African Union. Commissioner Smail Chergui addressed the Permanent Committees of the fifth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament that took place in Midrand, South Africa. Putting emphasis on the…
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James Chidakwa: Power of young people to change the world
By Elvis Dzvene The Power of Young People to Change the World – “What can I do to make Zimbabwe better? This is one of the questions young people ask these days. Zimbabwean youths want to change their nation and Africa at large. They are usually aware of relevant issues that affect them and the…
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Zimbabwe has no sound leadership: Joseph Busha
By Tendai Guvamombe Free Zim Congress political party leader Joseph Makamba Busha has said Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s government has failed dismally to act diligently and proffer solutions to myriad challenges due to leadership inadequacy. Addressing members of the media on 20 March 2019 in the Harare, Free Zim Congress leader took time to reflect on…
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ZICT Chairman Jacob Mutisi Urges The Govt to Stop Using Free Email Services Such As Gmail and Yahoo
The Zimbabwe Information and Communication Technology (ZICT), a division of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, has been leading from the front in the growth of ICT and responsible internet use in Zimbabwe. Chairman of the Zimbabwe Information and Communication Technology, Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi reiterated that they have always supported the responsible use of Facebook,…
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CSOs set electoral reforms agenda ahead of 2023
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) held a post-2018 harmonised election conference on 7 and 8 March 2019 in Bulawayo. The overall objective of the Conference was to review the conduct of the 2018 harmonised elections focusing on the legislative and administrative framework, the political environment, role of observers, electoral reform process, and recommendations by…
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MDC Congress: Douglas Mwonzora told to consider law instead of presidency
Spiked Online Media correspondent, Henry Madiro, shares his views on the prospects of Hon. Douglas Mwonzora who is the leading contender to square up against incumbent MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa for the presidency of the party at the congress slated for May 2019. Below are our correspondent’s views: Douglas is an advocate who studied…
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Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda vies for MDC vice presidency
By Henry Madiro Veteran politician, Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda has notified all provincial structures of his intention to seek nomination as the MDC Vice-President during the oncoming congress. “Dear party members, I am seeking your support to be elected as MDC Vice President at our Congress in May. Currently, I am the member of the…
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2018 election coverage not fair, balanced: Media Monitors
By Talkmore Thulani Gandiwa Trends of media coverage were unfair to some political parties during the 2018 election period, a Media Monitors official has said. Addressing trainee journalists at Harare Polytechnic, Media Monitors Senior Researcher Prisiel Samu said a total number of 47 political parties were covered in the media during the electoral period. This…
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Vision 2030 Movement seeks to unify youths of different persuasions
Byron Mutingwende The Vision 2030 Movement, a lobby group by young Zimbabweans, is working to bridge the divide among youths from different walks of life in its pursuit of bringing about development. In an interview with Spiked Online Media, Milton Munyaradzi, the Spokesperson of Vision 2030 Movement said their goal was to…
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Analysis of the legality of searches by soldiers
By Veritas Introduction A document purporting to emanate from the Public Relations Directorate at Army Headquarters has been circulating on social media, warning the public that the ZNA (the Zimbabwe National Army) will be conducting “snap searches” in residential areas in order to find stolen army uniforms and similar clothing. The document states that the…
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Mines ministry vehicle scandal telling: MDC
By Jacob Mafume (MDC Spokesperson) The vehicles scandal involving senior employees at the Ministry of Mines is an insult to the tax payer and an indictment to the military government’s rhetorical intention to fight corruption. The MDC has been arguing that the country needed saving from the hands of a very dangerous cartel which fits…
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Biti challenges conviction and sentence over contravening Electoral Act
The Zimbabwe Layers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has reported that MDC-Alliance Vice-Chairperson Hon. Tendai Biti has filed an appeal in the High Court challenging his conviction and sentence for contravening some provisions of the Electoral Act. Hon. Biti filed the appeal against both conviction and sentence after Harare Magistrate Gloria Takundwa on Monday 18 February…
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Erhürman: “Anastasiades must clarify what he means on 26 February”
President Mustafa Akıncı and Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) held a one-hour meeting yesterday within the framework of their regular weekly meeting. In his statement following the meeting, Erhürman pointed out that Anastasiades is expected to define his statements so far at the meeting on the 26th of…
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Tendai Biti convicted, fined for contravening Electoral Act
By Kumbirai Mafunda Harare Magistrate Gloria Takundwa on Monday 18 February 2019 sentenced human rights lawyer and MDC-Alliance Vice-Chairperson Hon. Tendai Biti to pay $200 fine after convicting him for contravening some provisions of the Electoral Act. Magistrate Takundwa convicted Hon. Biti after ruling that the State had managed to prove its case against the…
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Criminal nuisance and the right to protest
By Veritas Introduction Many people arrested in connection with last month’s disturbances have been charged with criminal nuisance; many have signed admissions of guilt and have been released after paying deposit fines. What is criminal nuisance and how does it affect the right to demonstrate guaranteed by section 59 of the Constitution? Definition of Criminal Nuisance…