HARARE - A local bank has dragged former deputy minister of Mines and Mining Development Fred Moyo to court over a $700 000 debt owed to the financial institution.

According to an application filed at the High Court, the bank is seeking an order directing the investigation and identification of Moyo’s properties to go under the hammer in order to expunge the debt.

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In March 2015, the bank obtained a judgment against Moyo and three other parties for them to pay $760 986, 67.

The financial institution said it had to file the current application after the property it managed to attach was only valued at $7 767, 02.

The bank claims that as proceedings to attach the politician’s assets were underway, Moyo transferred his immovable property to his Trust called Nelundo Family Trust.

“Nelundo Family Trust now hold the property under Deed of Transfer number 1191/2015. It is not clear whether there was any value that was received by the respondent from Nelundo Family Trust. One certainly cannot dismiss the fact that such dispossession could have been a dispossession without value aimed at prejudicing creditors,” the court heard.

The application lodged before the court is therefore for the sequestration of Moyo’s estate in terms of the provisions of Section 12 as read with Section 11 of the Insolvency Act (the Act) principally on the basis that the former deputy minister has allegedly committed an act of insolvency on account of his failure to discharge his liability to the bank.

The bank said after the sale of the politician’s property, it engaged Moyo with a view to ensure that the he honours his obligation. 

“Consequently, a decision was taken by the applicant to file this application. More particularly, after having considered the fact that the respondent in 2015 whilst the applicant’s proceedings against him which led to the judgment in casu were proceeding, the respondent transferred his immovable property to his Trust called Nelundo Family Trust,” reads part of the court papers.

The bank further demanded the sequestration of Moyo’s estate and that a Trustee be appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispossession and whether the former deputy minister has any other properties.

“The applicant also understands that the respondent has a significant interest in a mining company called Ox Mining (Private) Limited which is currently under judicial management. The company has been under judicial management for quite some time. It is important for a Trustee to be appointed to investigate the nature and extent of the respondent’s interest in the said company,” the bank argued.

According to court papers, when the Sheriff went to attach Moyo’s property, certain property which was part of the attachment list went missing and a police report was filed, which has however, not yielded any results.

Moyo has challenged the application, claiming it is invalid.

“I deny that I have failed to pay my debts or that I am unable to pay them … I have more than enough assets to extinguish the judgment debt and accordingly submit that the application is without proper cause,” Moyo said, adding that the bank filed the application without exhausting all the enforcement mechanisms in terms of the High Court

Rules.

He said the application ought to be dismissed with costs.

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HARARE - Black market foreign currency traders have been hit hard by the new measures that were announced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) last week, which have seen parallel rates beginning to stabilise.

This comes as the government is, at the same time, ratcheting up its blitz against illegal forex traders, leading to the traders — commonly known as Osiphatheleni in Bulawayo — suffering the double whammy of having to contend with both tumbling rates and the renewed government crackdown.

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Yesterday, the local RTGS dollar was, on average, trading at between 3,4 and 3,6 to the American dollar on the parallel market in Harare and Bulawayo, depending on volumes — down from about four RTGS dollars at the end of last week.

“RBZ personnel, working together with the police, are patrolling the streets and searching suspected money changers. If they find you with more than $300, they demand an explanation and … also force you to go and deposit the money in a bank or you face arrest,” an aggrieved trader told the Daily News.

“The rates are unfortunately going down because of what (RBZ governor John) Mangudya did. For US$100 we will give you 340 bond or 360 RTGS depending on the numbers,” weighed in the trader’s counterpart — who said she was conducting her business underground.

Presenting his Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) in Harare last week, Mangudya said the new monetary policies that he effected would stabilise both exchange rates and the prices of goods and services.

He also revealed that the central bank had put in place measures to maintain stability in the market through the establishment of an inter-bank foreign exchange market with immediate effect — to formalise the trading of real time gross settlement (RTGS) balances and bond notes with hard currencies, on a willing-buyer willing-seller basis, through banks and bureaux de change.

“This is essential in order to bring sanity in the foreign currency market, whilst at the same time promoting exports, Diaspora remittances and investments for the good of our national economy,” he said.

“The use of RTGS dollars for domestic transactions will eliminate the existence of the multi-pricing system and charging of goods and services in foreign currency within the domestic economy.

“In this regard, prices should remain at their current levels and or to start to decline in sympathy with the stability in the exchange rate given that the current monetary balances have not been changed,” Mangudya added.

The interbank market became operational on Friday, with the RTGS dollar officially trading at 2,5 against the United States dollar.

Meanwhile, 24 illegal foreign currency traders appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts yesterday on allegations of violating the foreign exchange laws — which now attract up to 10 years in prison.

Six of the alleged money changers were granted $150 bail each, with the rest being remanded in custody to today, for bail applications.

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HARARE - Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has received an early boost ahead of what could turn out to be a bruising contest when the MDC congress gets underway in three months’ time — after several party structures moved to endorse his candidature at the weekend.

This comes as speculation is growing that respected MDC secretary-general, Douglas Mwonzora — as well as one of Chamisa’s two deputies, Elias Mudzuri — could also throw their hats into the ring when the country’s main opposition party holds its eagerly-awaited elective congress in May.

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The charismatic Chamisa took over the party’s reins under hotly-disputed circumstances in February last year, following the death of the MDC’s revered founding president Morgan Tsvangirai — who lost his valiant battle against colon cancer on Valentine’s Day, and soon after he had elevated the youthful politician to the party’s presidium.

With behind-the-scenes campaigning gathering steam ahead of the party’s congress, many MDC structures are already marking the territory for their favoured leaders — with a number of them moving to make it clear at the weekend that Chamisa would receive their backing when this highly-anticipated gathering gets underway in May.

“We met as a provincial executive council on Sunday and unanimously agreed to stand by the president (Chamisa), so that he takes us to 2023.

“It was not a difficult decision to reach because what he has done so far is there for all to see ... It is clear that nobody in the party at present can match that,” Mashonaland West provincial secretary Edson Ndirayire told the Daily News yesterday.

Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Piniel Denga also said while they had not met as a province to nominate their candidate, the executive had earlier agreed at its provincial assembly meeting that Chamisa should remain at the party’s helm.

“As the chairman, I made that proposal and it was agreed to by all ... so when the nomination day comes, we are simply going to refer to that agreement, and so our position is already clear that we are going with Chamisa,” Denga said.

On her part, women’s assembly chairperson Lynnet Karenyi-Kore said the fact that Chamisa had emerged leader at short notice following the death of Tsvangirai — while also going on to perform well in the July 30, 2018 presidential election — was “enough proof that he was a solid leader”.

“As women, we are confident that only Chamisa has what it takes now. He managed to get us over two million votes despite the handicap of having to be thrown at the deep end at the last minute.

“We still want him to continue and see where he takes us because the road we have travelled with him so far is promising ... and so come congress he is our man,” Karenyi-Kore said emphatically.

And speaking to the Daily News separately, MDC youth assembly secretary-general Lovemore Chinoputsa also said they were already lobbying other structures to rally behind Chamisa.

“Our support for Chamisa is premised on the principle that young people should be promoted into positions of leadership — hence for purposes of this congress we have taken a decision to work towards convincing all other structures in this regard,” Chinoputsa said.

However, other party insiders said it was not yet “cast in stone that Chamisa will roll over” his opponents in May. This was particularly so if Mwonzora decided to contest him.

“These elections are far from decided because it is early days yet. Anyone, particularly Dougie (Mwonzora) has a chance of winning this post because he is respected and loved by many in the party who see him as mature and level-headed.

“Remember too that five years ago, Chamisa lost to Mwonzora hands down despite him thinking that he had the support of 11 of the party’s 12 provinces.

“As you also know, a day is too long in politics … and indeed, only time will tell when we get to May how the exact picture will look like, as well as who is likely to win,” one of the insiders told the Daily News.

The well-placed source’s sentiments come after Chamisa was defeated by Mwonzora in 2014 for the secretary-general’s post — who was, at the time, considered a rank outsider in those elections.

Chamisa then held the powerful post of MDC organising secretary, a position which was said to have given him the opportunity to revamp party structures in his favour — and which structures were expected to give him an overwhelming victory against Mwonzora, who was the party spokesperson at the time.

Mwonzora scored a shock and unexpected crushing victory over Chamisa — which saw him getting 2 464 votes against his rival’s 1 756.

This subsequently left Chamisa as an ordinary card-carrying member, before he was rescued by Tsvangirai who appointed him to the MDC national executive as secretary for policy and research.

There were even unconfirmed suggestions at the time that a stunned Chamisa, unwilling to stomach the results of those internal polls, was even contemplating resigning from the MDC altogether — which never happened.

In an ironic turn of fate, Chamisa was to later assume the reins of the country’s main opposition party ahead of his rivals following the death of Tsvangirai last year — albeit, under controversial circumstances.

The 41-year-old was accused of having allegedly used his then assumed closeness to Tsvangirai’s widow, Elizabeth, to torpedo the ambitions of the likes of Mudzuri and Thokozani Khupe.

A titanic leadership battle subsequently ensued in the party, which eventually led to Khupe forming a breakaway faction which went on to perform dismally in last year’s elections.

Chamisa ultimately prevailed over his party competitors after a consultative meeting of the MDC, which was held at its Harare headquarters — and which was attended by 639 delegates from 210 party districts — endorsed him as Tsvangirai’s successor and the party’s presidential candidate in the 2018 polls.

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HARARE - Lloyd Chigowe’s hopes of assembling a competitive side ahead of the 2019 Castle Lager Premiership season have been dealt a huge blow as talks between midfielder Archford Gutu and Dynamos are reported to have hit a brickwall.  

Chigowe had hoped to build his team around the returning forward Edward Sadomba and Gutu, who understand the culture and values of the Glamour Boys in a largely new-look side following the departure of almost three quarters of the playing staff from last season.

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Gutu, who is returning from a spell in Sweden, has been training with DeMbare since they started their pre-season preparations last month while negotiations were on-going with the hope of signing the midfielder on a long-term deal having impressed the technical department.  

However, Gutu was not included in the provisional squad that was submitted to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) last Friday after the deal to tie down the player failed to sail through as both parties disagreed.

The Daily News understands the major sticking points rest on the transfer fee which is being demanded by the player which is beyond the club’s reach. Also Gutu is believed to be keen on signing a one-year deal while DeMbare prefer not less than two years in line with the team’s new transfer policy.

Dynamos chairperson, Isaiah Mupfurutsa, yesterday hinted to the Daily News that the deal could be well but over despite negotiations being on-going.

“As a club we have set certain standards that we want to sign players for not less than two seasons while at the same time we are also operating within a certain budget,” Mupfurutsa said.   

“Of course the list that was sent to PSL is still incomplete and allows us to make some alterations. As for Gutu, when we sent that list last week negotiations were not yet completed and are still on-going. 

“He has been training with us but we did not have any special treatment or arrangement with him. But let me say we cannot go beyond what we can afford. We are working with a certain budget and we don’t want to be forced to operate outside that. 

“We are not desperate as a club and if we feel we cannot afford some of the demands of players we will not hesitate to pull out of that deal.

“I am sure you will appreciate we have almost a full squad now which we are very happy with.”

Gutu is already being linked with a move to newly-promoted side Manica Diamonds who has been one of the busiest clubs during this current transfer window period in their bid to make an immediate impact in the top flight league.

Former CAPS United’s Carlton Munzabwa, Wisdom Mutasa, Peace Makaha, Tafadzwa Dube, Pritchard Mpelele and Partson Jaure are some of the established PSL players who have since joined the Diamond Boys ahead of the new season.

But contacted for comment regards the signing of Gutu, Luke Masomere played down the development saying: “We have since finalised our squad for the 2019 season. We don’t intend to add more players. The only vacant place here is that of a developmental goalkeeper otherwise we are good to go.”

Chigowe was hoping such players like Gutu, who knows the club very well would help a host of new youngsters to settle.

Gutu first arrived at the Glamour Boys in 2010 having signed from South Africa’s Ajax Cape Town and the following year he became an integral part of the then Lloyd Mutasa’s charges by forming a deadly partnership with Denver Mukamba in the midfield.

Chigowe has been busy on the transfer market having managed to retain a handful of players from last season’s squad in Kudzanai Dhemere, Tawanda Machake, Godfrey Mukambi, Jimmy Tigere and Simbarashe Chinani.

Sadomba lead a cast of new players that also includes gifted exciting Aces Youth Soccer Academy product Junior Selemani and former CAPS United striker Amon Kambanje.

Attacking linkman Jerome Nyateme, Congolese dribbler Ngandu Mankala and former Nichrut right back Joseph Ali Maliselo are also some of the new faces at the Glamour Boys.

Defender Munyaradzi Mawadza who joined from Division One side Beta XI and Aces Academy product Emmanuel Jalaya are also some of the players expected to shine for Dynamos this season.

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HARARE - The Insurance and Pensions Commission (Ipec) says it will this year intensify its drive for micro-insurance to boost Zimbabwe’s insurance penetration, which it says is low.

Micro-insurance products offer coverage to low-income households or individuals who have little savings. It is tailored specifically for lower valued assets and compensation for illness, injury or death.

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“The drive for micro-insurance is one of the efforts being extended by Ipec towards financial inclusion in line with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2016-2020,” Christopher Manunure, Ipec’s principal analyst said while making a presentation at the Zimbabwe Financial Inclusion Forum in Harare last week.

“We are targeting the provision of products and services that cater for the under-served and marginalised segments of our society. In this regard, we will also be focusing on the registration of dedicated micro-insurance firms and expanding reach through digital delivery channels,” he said.

Manunure indicated that the commission would this year “streamline the current supervisory framework for micro-insurance companies in line with the proportionality principle, which calls for the use of simpler and less burdensome guidelines for low risk activities.”

“We found that a review of the existing regulatory framework and tools is necessary in order to facilitate financial inclusion,” he said.

This comes as government last year gazetted Statutory Instruments 39 and 40 to govern and monitor the operations of micro-insurers. 

Minimum capital levels for micro-insurers were set at 

$300 000 compared to $2,5 million and $5 million required for traditional nonlife and life insurance companies. Ipec said it was also looking to build on this by pushing for “insurance coverage through wider branch networks and banc-assurance.”

The insurance regulator noted that the country’s insurance penetration, at 4,7 percent in 2017, is very low compared to other territories.

The commission has not yet finished tallying figures for 2018 but it believes that the southern African nation’s insurance penetration came down even lower to 2,9 percent in 2018 after it rebased some of its economic statistics, in an unexpected move that increased the nominal size of the struggling economy by more than 40 percent to $22 billion for 2017.

Ipec makes insurance penetration calculations by measuring the ratio of total gross premiums to the gross domestic product. The regulatory body says the metric is an “indicator of the importance of the insurance sector in a country.”

Manunure said apart from low disposable incomes, low confidence in the insurance industry has been the major deterrent of insurance penetration in the country.

“In 2008, we saw insurance and pension values being eroded to the extent that many Zimbabweans have lost confidence in insurance,” he said. 

Ipec, which is targeting an insurance penetration of 20 percent by 2020, says Zimbabwe’s insurance penetration rate had increased steadily from about 1,9 percent in 2010 to 4,7 percent 2017. 

“Micro-insurance has played a big role in the progress that we have made thus far,” Manunure said.

He said there were more than 1,5 million policies under micro-insurance products as at December 31, 2018. “The commission is also assessing six micro-insurance license applications which were received in 2019,” Manunure said.

Meanwhile, Ipec says it is working on a “micro-pensions” framework to cater for the informally employed and those with irregular incomes to increase pension coverage in the country.

Manunure said this is in line with successful models that have been implemented elsewhere within the region.

“The current three pillars of pension provision cater for t he formally employed only. Ipec is also amending the legislation to make pension provision mandatory to all employers,” he said.

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HARARE - Maungwe Brothers, the late Thomas Makion’s musical band, has released their first studio album since the death of the chart-topping Makorokoto singer.

Makion died 18 years ago but his cousin brother Fred “Biggaz” Zhakata refused to see his rich musical legacy dying as well.

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“We are just picking it up from where Makion left. We can’t afford to let his rich musical legacy die because he died,” Zhakata told the Daily News.

The new studio album is called Bhora Mberi, which literally translated to English to mean “going ahead”.

Zhakata, 38, hails from the Maungwe area of Rusape.

He is not new to the music industry as he was part of Leonard Zhakata’s Zimbabwe All Stars band for a couple of years.

“Leonard (Zhakata) is my uncle. I used to be part of his management team. Music is an in-born thing to me.

“I decided to revive the Maungwe Brothers Band because I wanted to fill the gap created by the death of Makion,” he said.

The Maungwe Brothers Band was founded by the duo of Leonard Zhakata and Makion way back in the 1980s.

As the trend in showbiz, the two split at the peak of their careers.

Zhakata told local media that their split was “amicable” as “they had always treated their composition separately”.

After the split, the Mugove hit-maker formed Zimbabwe All Stars, leaving Makion with the name Maungwe Brothers.

Makion’s discography is made up of about seven studio albums and some of his popular songs include Makorokoto, Kuparara Kwenyika, Zino Irema and Ndaringa among others.

Unfortunately, by the time of his death, Makion’s popularity had waned.

On the other hand, Zhakata’s discography constitutes hit albums such as Maruva Enyika, Nhamo Dzenyika, Vagoni Vebasa, Udza Vamwe, Ndingaite Sei, Mubikira, Gotwe and Mutunga Dzese only to mention but a few.

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HARARE - Former Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa has been dragged to the High Court by Metbank Limited, which is seeking to recover over $600 000 from the ex-executive.

In the application, the bank cited Wilfred and Duncan Mukondiwa as first and second respondents respectively.

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“Plaintiff and first defendant (Wilfred) entered into a loan facility agreement on 23rd March 2012 in terms of which monies were advanced in the sum of $350 000. The loan was repayable in monthly instalments of $2 916 over 10 years as from the 30th April 2012. It is a term of the facility that failure to pay any instalment or breach of any term of the facility agreement would render the full amount plus interest and other charges owing in terms of the facility agreement due and payable,” the court was told.

According to court papers, the loan was secured by a mortgage bond by Wilfred in favour of the bank over Stand No. 52 Gletwyn Township of Stand 81 Gletwyn Township held under Deed of Transfer No. 13764/02.

The bank said it advanced the money in terms of the facility agreement and that Duncan had signed an acknowledgment of debt in the sum of $397 577, 79 as further security for the loan. He was bound to pay $3 000 per month, but failed to comply with the undertaking.

“In breach of the agreement, the defendants have failed to extinguish the debt in full leaving an outstanding balance of $637 302, 86. The defendants are obliged to pay the amount owing plus interest accruing at 18 percent per annum to date of full payment in full and costs on attorney-client scale and collection commission. Despite demand, the defendants have failed/refused to pay the aforementioned sum,” the court heard.

The two are still to file a response to the application.

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Editor — I am an African. It is our culture to have a kraal head, a headman, a chief,  paramount chief and a king. The white man introduced a native commissioner and a chief native commissioner right up to the president. We were forced to accept these.

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We objected to the use of the name “native” and the colonialist changed it to district commissioner. We embraced it. At independence we adopted these offices but changed commissioner to administrator.
The British coloniser banned the use of the word king because it rivalled her majesty’s position. Matabeleland was a colony and so could not have a king. We had our king and his name was Lobengula, son of Mzilikazi ka Matshobana. He was defeated by superior weaponry albeit the invader counted quite a few casualties in his number.
 The  country was then annexed. The Ndebeles rebelled and the Mashona followed suit. Alas the uprisings were suppressed. King Mzilikazi and his son never had sovereignty over Mashonaland. So the British killed two birds with one stone. They annexed two states.
Today, the people want to revive their culture by strengthening the traditional leader and reintroducing the monarchy and thus complete the cultural structure. There is a deafening silence from the very custodians of our culture. All they have done is to build traditional homes in schools in towns and leave the structures unoccupied. 
A home without people lunxiwa. It is obvious that the same fear the British had also haunts the present government. 
If not so, why is the government not encouraging the reintroduction of the monarchy. Surely, it can be modernised to assuage the fears of those who believe that having a monarch is primitive, anachronistic and therefore has no place in modern society. The bad things about the monarchy, if any can be discarded.
Our culture and that of the South Africans are not dissimilar and the South Africans have easily accommodated their kings and queens. The monarchy there is helping central government get rid of the unhygienic and dangerous practice of circumcision by encouraging the people to seek medical help. 
This is a deeply entrenched tribal practice which only the traditional leaders can end. This is so because the hierarchy is set and is respected. Once the leaders work with the State a lot will be achieved in all spheres of government.
I urge the government to quickly support the return of the king if that is what the people want. The government can start by having a referendum in the areas that the kingship extended to. The king will be a unifier even across the political divide. 
The State is not threatened in any way. The president can be the son of a king in as much as they presently are sons of kraalheads and chiefs and that does not make one a threat to the other. We are in all probability going to have a king with a doctorate. Let us not entertain the thought that an African king is going to inherit King Mzilikazi’s attire of leopard skins carrying a spear ready to kill the nearest offender.
Each country is unique by its culture and values most of which were destroyed by colonialism. I think we should take advantage of the elderly who are still around and revive our cultures.

Nyonyana Gwabeni.

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EDITOR — We support the rule of law and sovereign constitutions. We thank the USA for its contribution to democracy in Zimbabwe. We, who are living and working in South Africa, are here because of Zanu PF misrule, corruption, brutality and intimidation. 

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Zanu PF is incapable of following or complying with international law. Zanu PF needs to be policed because it is run like a mafia. We are very happy and we thank the USA for scrutinising Zanu PF. 
Zanu PF is full of crooks and murderers who want to retain power because they fear that if they lose power all their scams, corruption etc will be exposed. 
When Simon Khaya Moyo criticises the USA he should look at his own back yard first. 
Corruptionforce does not condone looting. It is the disease of the corrupt. But it is also a problem when there is a breakdown of law and order. Corruptionforce is consistent on this. 
We say to those who looted shops when things got out of hand in January, you are thieves who have looted from your fellow citizens and the law should take its course.
What Corruptionforce does not condone is the use of excessive force by the military. Killing people is a NO. Yet Zanu PF has not prosecuted anyone for the killings on August 1, 2018 and then in January of this year. Why is that? We ask you Khaya Moyo, why has Zanu PF not prosecuted anyone?
Zimbabwe is in trouble both politically and economically. 
Zanu PF must hold free and fair elections, without intimidation and coercion and comply fully with the Zimbabwean Constitution.

Corruptionforce.

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HARARE - The leader of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) — the world’s largest trade union federation — has cancelled a fact-finding visit to Zimbabwe after he was denied a visa by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

ITUC secretary-general Diallo Mamadou had applied for a visa at the Zimbabwean embassy in Brussels, only to be told he could not be given one. Although Zimbabwe operates a visa-on-arrival system, hours before he set off, he was told he would not be eligible.

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Meanwhile, ITUC secretary-general for Africa Kwasi Adu Amankwah was picked up after checking into a Harare hotel yesterday morning just after his arrival at the Robert Mugabe International Airport.

He was set to meet with leaders of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), president Peter Mutasa and secretary-general Japhet Moyo who are out on bail after being arrested for calling for the January national stay-away against an over 150 percent hike in fuel prices. 

Mutasa and Moyo have both been granted $2 000 bail and are reporting three times a week to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Law and Order section.

They are facing charges of attempting to subvert a constitutionally-elected government. 

Amankwa, the African leader for ITUC — whose primary mission is the promotion and defence of workers’ rights and interests — has reportedly stressed that his journey had no political purpose.

Amankwa, a veteran Ghanaian trade unionist, has been held incommunicado since his arrest, and denied access to public litigation lawyer Obey Shava of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

He is being held by the Department of Immigration at the airport and was yet to be handed over to police. It is unclear what charge is being preferred against him or if he faces deportation.

Mutasa told the Daily News: “Mamadou from ITUC Brussels was denied a visa.  Amankwah from ITUC Africa is held at the airport since morning. They are saying they want to assess something.

“We are worried about his further detention. We had bought breakfast for him but could not give him. Our lawyer Obey Shava was also denied access to his client. For Mamadou, no reasons were proffered, they just denied to give him visa.”

ITUC Africa yesterday wrote a letter to Mnangagwa appealing on him to intervene.

“This is to bring to your attention that the general-secretary of the African Regional Organisation of ITUC Africa … Amankwah has been forcefully taken from Jameson Hotel where he checked into upon arrival in Zimbabwe this morning 26th February 2019 by men from the department of Immigration of Zimbabwe.

“We are further informed that he has now been detained at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. We fear he is being processed for deportation. We nevertheless, sincerely hope that this will not be the case.

“Mr President, we ask that your government take the necessary steps to ensure that … Amankwah is released and allowed to continue with his mission,” the letter to Mnangagwa said.

Efforts to speak to Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo were fruitless as his mobile phone was unavailable.

Information deputy minister Energy Mutodi promised to respond to questions sent to him but had not done so by the time of going to print.

Mutasa blasted the government for Amankwa’s harassment.

“We are now back to Mugabe’s time if it’s not worse. The situation is so bad people are now living in fear. They are beating, harassing and intimidating people on a daily basis,” the ZCTU president said.

Disgruntled workers last month downed tools to protest fuel price hikes and the ever-increasing cost of living that has rendered many people’s salaries useless.

To quell the protests, Mnangagwa dispatched the military in a clampdown that was condemned by the western world due to its heavy-handedness as well as reports of rape and torture of unarmed civilians.

Property worth millions of dollars was also destroyed and looted in the mayhem which ensued, after thousands of workers heeded a three-day strike call.

At least 20 people died, while 78 others were treated for serious gunshot wounds, according to rights groups and medical doctors.

Mutasa said “the struggle continues, no amount of force will stop us.”

“We are going to sit down and strategise on the way forward. We were formed to fight for the workers’ rights.

“As workers, I think the best way forward is for us to unite. Soon we are going to call all unions who belong to ZCTU or other federations. We must be united whether you are from the public sector or private sector. We have been robbed again. All our salaries have been eroded. We are facing a regime which doesn’t respect workers.”

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HARARE - Jostling for positions has intensified in the MDC ahead of its elective congress in May.

Party bigwigs are likely to take each other head-on at the congress as they battle for supremacy in the 19-year-old opposition outfit.

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It’s already a dog-eat-dog affair in the MDC with those aspiring to contest for positions openly canvassing for support within party structures.

At the top, party leader Nelson Chamisa is likely to be challenged by either one of his deputies Elias Mudzuri and secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, or both.

Another battle of titanic proportions is in the offing for the position of deputy president. The MDC has three deputy presidents.

While Welshman Ncube’s position appears to be safe as he has support from all the Matabeleland provinces, the same cannot be said of the other two deputy presidents — Morgen Komichi and Mudzuri. Komichi might have to battle it out with deputy national chairperson Tendai Biti and secretary for elections Murisi Zwizwai.

Also in the mix for the three positions are women’s assembly boss Lynnet Karenyi-Kore, Lillian Timveos, treasurer-general Theresa Makone and former Labour minister Paurina Mpariwa.

Zwizwai said he was not in a position to comment as nominations have not been done by the provincial executives.

“We all await the process to begin so that we can be able to tell where the people want to deploy us. It is not up to me to decide where I want to be,” Zwizwai said.

Karenyi-Kore said: “I am what I am not because I canvassed but because I was deployed by the people”.

“The real fight is on the VPs where several candidates have shown interest but Biti having stood by Chamisa during the campaign period has better chances although Zwizwai is also in there with a shout,” a source said, adding that the likes of Mpariwa, Makone and Karenyi-Kore are pinning their hopes on the possible introduction of the women’s quota in the presidium.

For the position of national chairperson, the insiders say, incumbent Thabitha Khumalo could retain her position without a challenge as no one has so far shown interest. She is likely be deputised by Manicaland provincial chairperson David Chimhini who has reportedly shown interest in the position.

Another battle of monumental proportions is looming for the position of secretary-general where deputy treasurer -general Charlton Hwende, Bekithemba Mpofu and Sesel Zvidzai will likely battle it out. On the other hand Masvingo provincial chairperson, former Economic planning minister Tapiwa Mashakada, and Gift Banda will contest the position of treasurer-general. Epworth Member of Parliament Etherege Kureva is reportedly eyeing the position of deputy treasurer-general.

MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya faces stiff challenge from youth leader Happymore Chidziva while the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s former spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka, current party spokesperson Jacob Mafume and Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala are eyeing the information portfolio.

Contacted for a comment over his ambitions going into the congress, Chibaya said “it is for the people to decide but I am happy with my current position”.

On his part, Sikhala said the appetite for positions has destroyed a number of politicians’ careers.

“I will be comfortable to work in any position the people will give me even in the branch,” Sikhala said.

He added that the position one holds in the party is not the one that determines capacity but results.

“It’s like people running to a big law firm hoping that the name of the law firm will establish oneself but I am doing well at my small law firm so I can do good with whatever position,” he said.

Another intriguing fight will be in the youth assembly where Lovemore Chinoputsa, the current secretary-general, will square off with Obey Sithole.

The jostling is not only pronounced in the party’s top echelons but in the provinces and structures below as well.

In Harare for example, sitting provincial chairperson, Eric Murai, is facing a serious challenge from Glen Norah MP Wellington Chikombo.

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HARARE - The die has been cast in the MDC ahead of its elective congress as the party’s ambitious secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has expressed his desire to challenge party leader Nelson Chamisa in a contest that could make or break his political career.

Mwonzora has previously been keeping his cards close to his chest.

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But in an interview with the Daily News yesterday, he declared that he has rights including that of contesting the sitting leader since he is a “full member of the MDC”.

“I will be giving you a statement regarding what I will be standing for; there are key processes that must happen first and these include the nomination process. Within the MDC set-up, people are nominated by the structures, I want to emphasise (that) I am a full member with full rights including the right to contest any position,” said Mwonzora.

The former MDC spokesperson has previously been accused by Chamisa’s legion of supporters of harbouring presidential ambitions.

But unlike other MDC officials who chose to side with Chamisa for fear or reprisals, Mwonzora has soldiered on — suffering in some instances humiliating boos, jeers and sneers from some who regard him as the opposition party’s Judas Iscariot who is turning against the hugely popular Chamisa.

The soft-spoken politician, who is a lawyer by profession, said before he could pronounce himself on the matter there are conditions precedent.

“There are processes that have to be followed. We must have branch congresses, then ward, district, provincial congresses and after that the provincial assemblies will do nominations. It is at that time that we will know if we have been nominated,” said Mwonzora.

Already, the incumbent Chamisa has received endorsements from several party structures including provincial wings, with the youth league going as far as declaring war on anyone who would dare challenge the youthful opposition leader.

Several party heavyweights have also thrown their weight behind Chamisa with those who are seen as potential challengers likely to face a hostile reception in the run-up to the congress and at the elective indaba itself.

Mwonzora told the Daily News that he is aware of a smear campaign targeting him but that will not deter him to contest any position “because the opposition now requires someone with the right temperament and who understands democracy”.

“We are also aware of the smear campaigns that are going on but that is expected considering that we are now going to the congress,” said Mwonzora.

Chamisa’s close allies are sabre-rattling, keen on fending off potential rivals to the 41-year-old politician who amassed more than two million votes during last year’s presidential elections.

Last Sunday, Chamisa told MDC supporters at a rally in Gweru that he was not having sleepless nights over prospects of him being challenged at congress.

“We are a mature party; the character is that we are a democratic party. Tsvangirai left us this party, so our things will be done quietly, all positions are going to be nominated, they are open and up for contestations from the presidency,” Chamisa said.

The MDC leader said he is ready to step aside and allow someone to take over should he lose his position at congress.

“We are all allowed to contest for this position because I came to finish the term of our leader but I said the term has come to an end and I am removing the jacket and giving it to congress. If you still feel that I should continue leading the party, I am still ready but if you think my time is up and someone should take over, let it be because that is the democratic way of working,” he said.

There are also rumblings within the MDC that there could be a third hand sponsoring some of the candidates so as to remove Chamisa who has thus far failed to accept the results of last year’s presidential elections. In 2014, Chamisa faced off with Mwonzora who was the then spokesperson but lost in the battle to become secretary-general.

Mwonzora scored an unexpected crushing victory over Chamisa in a shock result — which saw him getting 2 464 votes against his rival’s 1 756.

This left Chamisa as an ordinary card carrying member until he was appointed by the party’s founding father Morgan Tsvangirai (now late) to the MDC national executive as secretary for policy and research.

Mwonzora’s 2014 victory came amid reports that Chamisa had had a row with Tsvangirai during the nomination process where he apparently accused his mentor of meddling in the Manicaland party provincial elections.

The elections saw Tsvangirai personally taking part in the nomination process there, where Mwonzora — who until then had not got any nominations for the post – got a ringing endorsement from the region.

The results completely flew in the face of the nomination tally that had Chamisa garnering 11 out of 12 provinces.

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BULAWAYO  - Bulawayo province has been hit by another round of divisions over who should lead the metropolis following the death of Callistus Ndlovu last week.

Ndlovu collapsed and died at the age of 83 in South Africa, where he was being treated for pancreatic cancer. He was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Saturday.

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Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube is among those tipped for the post.

Other names being bandied around include that of Industry deputy minister and Bulawayo South legislator Raji Modi and former war veterans’ leader Jabulani Sibanda.

Dark horses for the positions include Elifas Mashaba, who is the provincial administrator; Caleb Sengu, a committee member and Mlungisi Moyo, treasurer.

Before Ndlovu was laid to rest, ambitious party officials in the second city had already started gunning for the position.

This irked the party’s secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, who immediately called fellow party members to order.

While addressing Ndlovu’s funeral service at the City Hall in Bulawayo last Friday, Mpofu threatened to expose those who were behind the surreptitious campaigns.

“In fact there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved in this province and the national party leadership has assigned me to come here and look into these issues and I promise you we’ll fix the problems,” Mpofu told the mourners.

“You find people buying party members, telling lies about others and creating confusion in the party just because they want a position. Let’s not concentrate on the wrong things.”

On Saturday, Mpofu led a delegation comprising senior party officials to restructure the province and come up “with strategies to address the political challenges affecting the province”.

According to Zanu PF insiders, the knee-jerk response from the ruling party’s leadership showed that the death of Ndlovu left the province divided.

Not many people elected to the provincial chair in Bulawayo have lasted a full term owing to factionalism and infighting.

There is talk in Zanu PF that the campaign for the Bulawayo chairman actually started ahead of the party’s annual congress held in Esigodini late last year.

“For those who attended the annual party conference in Esigodini will testify that there are known members who were campaigning for the provincial chair post when Ndlovu was bedridden, so we know who Mpofu referred to when he recently warned some party members against jostling when the body was still to be buried,” said a party insider.

Contacted for comment, Mpofu referred questions to party spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo who preferred to play his cards close to his chest saying he was not aware of any jostling for positions in the city.

“I have not been briefed of this jostling. But we have a constitution, people must read the constitution, that’s the one we follow as a party, we cannot be guided by instincts,” Moyo told the Daily News.

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HARARE - The shocking video of a popular South African pastor, Alph Lukau, ostensibly bringing a “dead” Zimbabwean man back to life during a church service in Johannesburg, has reignited intense debate about the country’s ubiquitous charismatic preachers and self-styled prophets, the Daily News can report.

During the service — as recorded in the sickening video which has gone viral around the world on social media — the coffin of the supposedly dead man’s body is seen being removed from the hearse as hordes of Lukau’s adoring followers gather around it.

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A woman who claims to be the “dead” man’s landlady then tells Lukau, of Alleluia Ministries, that the “deceased” got sick and started coughing on Friday last week, which prompted her and others to take him to the hospital.

“That is where he died in my hands,” the supposed landlady gushes — at which point Lukau begins to pray for the body, which was said to have come straight from the mortuary, and prompting the “dead man” to sit up in the coffin with his mouth and eyes wide open. 

This dreadful story comes after another popular and self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, was recently arrested by South African police on serious charges of fraud and contravening Pretoria’s Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

In addition, many of Bushiri’s congregants now claim that they handed over to him millions of rands after the “prophet” promised them huge and fast returns on their hard-earned money through a “commodity investment opportunity” that failed dismally.

Emails and other documents in the possession of South African weekly newspaper, the City Press, show that investors were promised a 50 percent return within 30 banking days of placing their investments of between R100 000 and R1 million with the preacher.

Needless to say, the congregants are yet to receive a cent from the church, a year after Bushiri’s promises of mega returns on their cash.

“We have called, sent emails and SMSed the numbers they provided during the investment, but no one is responding. I went to their offices in Sandton, but they referred me to the church.

“At the church, no one knows who is responsible for handling our issues. They just act as if nothing has happened and this makes me sick. I am still repaying the loan I took for the investment and the interest, and I know many people who are going through the same problem,” one congregant complained bitterly at the weekend.

Although Lukau and his Alleluia Ministries have since tried to walk back on the resurrection story on the back of the scathing criticism that they received, analysts and leaders of mainstream churches who spoke to the Daily News yesterday said Zimbabweans also needed to be more careful when dealing with self-proclaimed prophets and other like-minded charlatans who were making a lucrative business out of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lawyer and politician Obert Gutu said while the country’s Constitution allowed freedom of conscience among other freedoms, the proliferation of dubious churches led by so-called prophets called for a review of some enabling regulations.

“Section 60 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience by stating that every person has the freedom to propagate and give expression to their thought, opinion, religion or belief — whether in public or in private, and whether alone or together with others.

“It would appear that this fundamental human right and liberty has been routinely abused by criminals masquerading as genuine pastors and prophets,” he said.

“The fact of the matter is that millions of unsuspecting and gullible people are being hoodwinked and swindled by these latter-day ‘prophets’ and crooks. Zimbabweans should be on the lookout for these crooks who masquerade as ‘prophets’ when in actual fact they are philanderers, murderers, pathological liars and in some cases, serial rapists.

“I strongly advocate for the regularisation of churches in tandem with the provisions of the supreme law of the land in order to protect innocent Zimbabweans from these marauding crooks and criminals,” Gutu added. 

Zimbabwe Council of Churches secretary-general Kenneth Mtata said “there has been a rise in people given different titles in the past decade and who have redefined conventional Christians at a number of levels”.

“They claim to have special knowledge about God … because of the special insight allegedly given to them by God … and since they have some special knowledge, their followers must depend on them for decisions, be it in business, politics and family life.

“It is this group of people who have found a way of manipulating many people who are desperate … and have managed to tap into the African Traditional Religion where the understanding among Africans is that for someone to succeed there must be some supernatural influence from outside, and if someone is not succeeding it means that there is some negative supernatural forces that must be overcome,” Mtata said.

“So, there is an interesting syncretism that has developed in the last 15 or so years, and this kind of Christianity is the one we are seeing manifesting in different forms of chicanery and manipulation and the miracles that are purported to have been performed as we have seen. Regulating religion is very difficult especially if your Constitution allows the freedom of religion and worship, and so to put restrictions on religion will be against the Constitution.

“What could be put as a requirement is that all churches should affiliate to one of the mother bodies, so that there is mutual accountability. This is what I think could address the problem,” Mtata added.

Ilana van Wyk, a lecturer in Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, said the prosperity gospel — as a religious movement — had exploded in popularity and prominence in Africa over the past two decades, despite stirring up controversy globally for more than 40 years.

“Today it’s the fastest growing religious movement in South Africa. While precise statistics are lacking, scholars agree that prosperity gospel followers rival, if not exceed, the numbers of so-called mainline churches,” she said.

Explaining the power and tenets of the prosperity gospel, Van Wyk said it typically viewed poverty and illness in terms of sins against God, specifically the withholding of tithes.

“It also ascribes such ‘bad luck’ to the work of demons engaged in a spiritual war against God’s kingdom. Converts typically renounce their past lives and their old churches. They embrace ‘spiritual technologies’ which include offerings in church, paying tithes, praying strongly and exorcising demons ... that promise to secure miraculous health and wealth directly from God. They also follow preacher-prophets who they believe have special powers to fight against the ‘spirit of poverty’.

“Many believers are strengthened in this faith through the persistent testimonies of those who had been ‘blessed’ with jobs, houses, cars and healing in church. These testimonies are delivered from church pulpits and in person, and are endlessly repeated in church publications and on radio, television and the Internet,” Van Wyk said.

And contrary to false beliefs that such prophets and their churches attracted mostly poor people, Van Wyk’s research had showed that prosperity gospel preachers attracted people from all walks of life and a variety of educational backgrounds.

“These churches also count significant numbers of professionals, business people and increasingly politicians in their ranks. I often struggle to convince people that those who subscribe to this gospel are not simply credulous dupes,” she said.

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IN previous decades a red carpet was used to mark the route used by heads of state on ceremonial and formal occasions. In recent years, it has been extended to be used by VIPs and celebrities for formal events like awards ceremonies.

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The most recent red carpet event in Zimbabwe which had everyone talking was the Star FM awards. The Internet was abuzz about what local celebrities were wearing. 

The most talked about being Madam Boss who wore a shimmery jumpsuit with cut out detail and black sandals with fur detail. 

I must say she has the perfect body for that jumpsuit, but she received backlash as jumpsuits are not the norm on the red carpet. 

However, to stand out, sometimes one has to be brave enough to go against the grain.

Most red carpet events, especially awards ceremonies are black tie events, meaning the men are expected to wear a tuxedo and the women are expected to wear long gowns.

Red Carpet Tips For Ladies

A cocktail dress is a safe choice. One could choose a safe black dress then accessorise it with statement jewellery. 

If you want to step outside your comfort zone, look for a memorable outfit. Floor length dress with a Train and shimmery detail could do the trick.

It is important to go for a design that flatters your body shape, and hides your flaws. Wear appropriate underwear or shape wear underneath your dress and avoid VPL (visible panty line) on tight outfits.

Local designers like Tapfumanei Munenge, Ngoni Motsi, Thembani Mubothswa and Jaspizy make amazing red carpet outfits so when 

in search of something unique, look for a local designer and have a dress made from scratch.

When it comes to shoes, metallic, black or nude strappy sandals are always safe with any dress especially the long ones. 

It is always hard to wear the closed or pointy high heeled pumps with a very long dress so it is better to opt for the strappy heels.

Your red carpet look is incomplete without the right hairstyle and professionally done flawless make up as you want to look as polished and as sophisticated as possible. 

The rule of thumb is that when a dress has a high neckline, the hair goes up. 

If shoulders are bare, the hair comes down, if the statement jewellery is chunky, the hair goes up. Do put all these factors into consideration when putting together your red carpet look.

Red Carpet Looks For Men

Men’s fashion on the red carpet is not as complicated as they are expected to show up in a tuxedo and bow tie or tie. A black tuxedo is safe in that one can go crazy on the accessories that include bow ties, pocket squares, shoes, belts and la pearle. 

Men have been known to fuse African prints, sequined fabrics velvet and satin in their quest to conquer the red carpet. One rule that must be observed is for one to always match the belt and the shoes. 

A neat hairstyle and shave, clipped nails as well as good watch and cologne will definitely give a polished finish. 

Going forward I am hoping to see Zimbabweans becoming more adventurous on the red carpet and using the local designers to make our fashion scene more vibrant and home grown.

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WHILE music singer Jah Prayzah has been a close friend of the army because of his ambassadorial role for the military, there is yet another singer who, in his prime, was also a friend of the armed forces, and that is Clive Malunga.

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Malunga’s closeness to the army saw him shoot a brilliant war musical video titled Nesango which depicted a war zone with the cast all clad in army regalia. He had access to guns and helicopters which he used in producing the video. The video went on to become a national hit and Zimbabweans identified with it as it retraced and captured real time war episodes.

And many of us wondered how just an ordinary musician; a civilian like him would get so much support from the army? In a recent interview with the musician, Malunga chronicled his ties with the army that stretch way back. He joined the liberation struggle at the age of 18 and was attested into the national army before being demobilised in 1983.

“I went to Mozambique in 1978 and returned early 1981. From Mozambique I came through Mutare, went to Tongogara Assembly Point. From Tongogara Assembly Point, I then went to Llewellyn Barracks for integration in the army. “I was then posted to 19 Infantry Battalion, Ntabazinduna, Bulawayo. I worked under the now late Brigadier Charles Gumbo. I was demobilised from the army 1983,” said Malunga.

The Jenaguru director said while in Mozambique he stayed and trained with the late Mike Munyati (ZBC) and their camp commander was one Kasikai. He remembers being invited by the Mozambique government through ZIMOFA (Zimbabwe Mozambique Friendship Association) to fundraise for both countries. 

“I had then started performing with the Blues Revolution Band. We performed in Chimoi, Sofala and Tete. Around the year 1985, I started my music career, with the above mentioned group,” he said.

Asked why he had decided to join the struggle, Malunga said: “I wanted to free the motherland from tyranny, oppression and subjugation from the oppressor.” Malunga was to later form his own production company called Jenaguru whose thrust was to promote local musicians.

In the 1990s, Malunga through Jenaguru launched what would become one of the biggest music festivals in Zimbabwe; Jenaguru Music Festival which used to host close to 50 local musical bands for a musical jamboree. The music festival, which was held annually at Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare saw music fans streaming from all corners of the country as almost all popular and established bands converged.

As a musician himself, Malunga has bought tomb stones through Jenaguru for late musicians who include James Chimombe, Solomon Skuza, Suzan Mapfumo, Jordan Chataika, Picket Chiyangwa, Tobias Areketa, David Mankaba and Charles Mapika. “I did this out of love and as a fellow musician who had benefited immensely from other musicians I thought this was a worthy cause,” said Malunga.

Malunga, who is a first year, MBA student with Great Zimbabwe University said he is working on a 10-minute film, likely to be out in August who story line is The Liberation of Zimbabwe.                              

Jenaguru was also behind the recordings of mbira gurus that include the late Sekuru Gora, Ambuya Beauler Dyoko and Sekuru Kangara. 

Former Bhundu Boys member Kuda Matimba also recorded under the Jenaguru music label.

And Malunga is proud that it was Jenaguru who lobbied the University of Zimbabwe to confer honourary degrees to Thomas Mapfumo and Stella Chiweshe. 

“It was an honour to do that and I am happy that such a dream could come true. It was not easy putting documents in support of such an honour.

“We also awarded Mapfumo with a Chimurenga Music King medal and erected a statue for him along Harare First Street to complement the medal.”

The singer said it was not only deceased musicians he has helped. 

“I was also heavily involved in the reburial of our fallen fighters, in and outside Zimbabwe.

He said at the time of his contributions the late Winston Changara and George Rutanhire were the two former freedom fighters who spearheaded the reburial exercise in Mt Darwin.

“Jenaguru used to donate large sums of money every month to Zanu PF meant to go towards this exercise but I am disappointed because little work has been done and we hear reports of  neglected heroes shrines.

“I become very angry when I read such reports in newspapers and recently there was actually a debate in Parliament over the sad state of these shrines, and I am asking to myself what happened to the money we were paying for this service?

Asked on what happened to his plan to contest for a Parliamentary seat, Malunga said: “I wanted to contest in Norton but I have since backtracked. 

“Temba Mliswa (Norton MP), is a patriot, therefore I will never contest against him, because of what he stands for. I will contest elsewhere, not in Mliswa’s constituency.”

Malunga believes the late Jairos Jiri, Dick “Cde Chinx” Chingaira, Ambuya Mlambo and Charles Mungoshi should all have been declared national heroes.                           

Born on November 25, 1960, Malunga has released close to 12 albums and has in the past collaborated with South African guitarist Ray Phiri and our own Louis Mhlanga and Zimbabwean songbirds Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana and Tracey Zengeni.

Nesango was voted best musical video in 1997 while another song Zunde was voted number 1 in 1999 on ZBC. In 2003 and 2004 he toured Japan with the Four Brothers band.

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BULAWAYO-BASED designer Debra Mpofu is a bundle of talent cutting across modelling, grooming and deportment. A graduate from Ricochet Modelling Agency, she is also a hairdresser and makeup artist. The Daily News on Sunday’s writer Jeffrey Muvundusi sat down with the beauty stylist to hear more about her artistic journey.

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Q: Who inspires you most in the industry?

A: My dad was my source of inspiration. He was innovative and always wanted to give back his knowledge in designing. That is why David Tlale, a professional South African designer is also my inspiration. He is very innovative and takes fashion seriously.

Q: Why did you choose fashion designing as a profession?

A: I didn’t choose fashion designing, fashion chose me. It came naturally because I come from a designer’s family.

Q: Can you compare local designing standards to that of other countries; do you think Zimbabwe deserves to be counted amongst top designing countries?

A: The talent in Zimbabwe is of international standards but there are social and economic challenges. We need resources and support to be counted among top designing countries.

Q: Can someone survive on designing alone?

A: Given the right circumstances, one can survive on designing alone. I remain optimistic all times.

Q: Who is Debra?

A: I am Debra Mpofu, I was born and bred in Bulawayo. I am 28 years old. I went to Townsend Girls High and then studied Clothing technique at Macronet. In a nutshell, I would like to call myself a versatile artist.

Q: Tell us more about your career as a fashion designer?

A: It’s not always the artful way or arrangement of features that catapults one into true beauty but the cocktail mix of glamourisation and a good sense of fashion. My motto is “Dress to express”. Dress the way you want to be addressed. I am very passionate about fashion designing as I come from a designer background. My parents were both professional designers. As a young designer, it hasn’t been easy but I look to grow each day and find my breakthrough in the industry. I design and sew custom made garments under the label Famous Bolt. Mostly I do themed outfits for models, weddings and many other functions.

Q: Since you entered into professional designing what have you achieved so far?

A: Since I entered into professional designing I have managed to increase the people who admire and love my designs. My ambition to satisfy every client has also increased, so has been the quality of my products. I believe success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent persistence. Therefore I am determined to endure through failures and other obstacles.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake you have ever made in designing?

A: The mistake of rushing myself. You can’t rush art. It is a process that can’t be defined by time. I have learnt that, what I do as a designer it’s a form of art.

Q: Who are the other well-known designers that you have worked with? 

A: I have worked with Sidumiso Tshuma under the label Shadow wear; Bukhosi under the label Brandroom exclusive; Gift under the label Tribes and some designers who have not made a name but I still respect their work.

Q: Lastly, what are your wishes and aspirations in the industry?

A: I wish to grow and be known internationally. I aspire to be a trend setter in the industry.

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A NATIONAL dialogue for this country to find a ‘suitable political proposition’ for the Zimbabwean masses is necessary. In fact, it was necessary as far back as 1980 right after independence. Sadly, no such a national dialogue was held.

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This village idiot will give thumbs up to anyone who is making efforts to put together a national dialogue for this country. Zimbabwe needs two separate and distinct national dialogues: A national dialogue for “national healing” and a national dialogue for “a suitable political proposition” for the masses. 

This village idiot talks nonsense frankly and thus his trade mark. Let the village idiot be frank about the present and current political proposition for Zimbabwean masses. It is unacceptable, inyala-marara-rubbish.

This is why this country needs an urgent national dialogue, not to “discuss political power sharing” as in the past experience that landed the masses with that useless “government of national unity” but for the nation to come to a consensus on what the suitable political proposition for the Zimbabwean masses should be.

To guide the national conversations on such a national dialogue we would need a “national framework for dialogue”. Such a framework should be clear what national questions concerning the governance of this country does the national dialogue seek to answer. In short let the Zimbabwean masses agree on the list of questions that the national dialogue seeks to respond to and find answers. Such national questions should form the main part of the framework for a national dialogue for this country, that is if one of the agendas of the national dialogue is to find a suitable political proposition for the Zimbabwean masses.

The village idiot would be more than excited if in that list of national questions for the national dialogue framework “three” questions for national dialogue are included. I have no space in this article to discuss and breakdown all the three questions as proposed by this village idiot, so I will only dwell on one of the three questions.

“Is Zimbabwe and its masses safe in the driving hands and leadership of its bush war fighters?” They fancy calling themselves “war veterans” and I am not sure were that was copied from given the nature of Zimbabwe’s liberation war where the biggest financiers and investors of that liberation war and struggle were ordinary Zimbabwean villagers. Even the ancestors of Zimbabwe through family and national spirit mediums were deeply involved in the composition of the Zimbabwean liberation struggle. 

Even in the preamble of our Constitution it is put clearly that Zimbabwe does not have only one colonial resistance and liberation struggle. It has several of these, and yet those that got involved only in the last decade of the colonial resistance and struggle journey of this country now ring fence themselves as the only ones to be recognised and that their interests about Zimbabwe are more superior than all other interests.

It is for this reason that this village idiot wonders why one would create a class society of war veterans given such liberation war and struggle composition and background.

Is Zimbabwe safe in the hands and leadership of this self created class society from the wards level all the way to Senate, National Assembly and Central Government?

This is the biggest question for national dialogue if the nation seeks to find a suitable political proposition for the Zimbabwean masses.

The current political proposition in this country is only in the service and interests of this class society who think their contribution to the liberation struggle of this country is more superior than that of all other Zimbabweans since 1893.

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There are many good reasons for putting this question on the national dialogue framework but two stick out for this village idiot. This village idiot likes the first five words that open the Preamble of our Constitution.

They go; “We the people of Zimbabwe”.This speaks to unity, collective, inclusive and equality of our desires as a people, yet this  special society and social class of liberators have put themselves above all the “we the people of Zimbabwe” making themselves more equal than others in that only those from their social class can lead Zimbabwe.

This political proposition arose in 2000 as a reaction to the rise of the opposition party the Movement for Democratic Change and has been sponsored by this social class of liberators to this day. Is this what “we the people of Zimbabwe” want for this nation? Let’s dialogue this question.

In the same Constitution  “we the people of Zimbabwe” list our founding values and principles and we state that we recognise the rights of the veterans of the liberation struggle. We need to unpack these rights in some national dialogue because the way the current political proposition stands shows that this social class has a different understanding of these rights and their role in the politics and governance of Zimbabwe where they even claim that they are the only ones who have a right to defending the freedoms and liberation legacy of this nation and their way is the only right way for all of us “the people of Zimbabwe”. Is this what “we the people of Zimbabwe want for this nation?” Let’s dialogue this questions.

If who ever and what ever national dialogue is not going to have conversations around this question, then this village idiot will note take any notice to any dialogue forum as it would just be about power sharing and trying to impress the world citizens were our politicians have fun as they go round begging for money in the name of Zimbabweans and having nothing to do with addressing critical issues that have dragged Zimbabwe backwards for so many years.

Then people can meet and dine on behalf of the suffering masses of Zimbabwe in the name of some national dialogue and life after such dialogue will remain the same for we the people of Zimbabwe, unaffordable and suffer continue.

Zimbabwe is for us all and not just the urban idiot with their social class of liberators.

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WHILE her father, the late Oliver Mtukudzi — aka Tuku — abandoned her at the hour when she needed him most, Selmor has made it on her own.

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There could be a good reason for it.

Left on her own to navigate a rough world, that experience helped Selmor a lot; she is made of sterner stuff.

With many eager to see who will continue with Tuku’s legacy — Selmor could emerge the natural successor.

But who exactly is Selmor?

Married to musician husband Tendai, the son of the popular yesteryear music superstar Zexie Manatsa, Selmor has won several accolades including the 2015 National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) Outstanding Female Musician gong. 

She also won an award at the Africa Entertainment Awards in 2015.

A couple of years ago, the music diva was part of 10 top female musicians from all over Africa in the form of Nigeria’s Yemi Alade and Judith Sepuma of South Africa among others who collaborated on a song titled Strong Girl that seeks to campaign for the empowerment of women and girls.

Though Selmor is the biological daughter of the late music superstar, she was not groomed by Tuku as he just treated her just like any other musician.

She once told local media that “she went through all the challenges and ropes that any other musician with no music background goes through on their way up the ladder” and the process “made her quite strong.”

Selmor has toured overseas and made her own music far away from her late father and you could see that she was determined to reach the top on her own.

While Tuku had mended his ties with Selmor just before his death, it was the grooming that the late national hero failed to accord her.

But with Tuku’s blood flowing in her, things have suddenly turned the corner and since Tuku’s death her star seems shinning on her.

Zimbabweans would like someone to continue refreshing Tuku’s music and indeed Selmor is destined to do exactly that and she proved it recently when she performed  at a Tuku Memorial Concert held in Johannesburg in South Africa where she and sister Sandra were quite a toast. 

Recently she shared the stage with Mbeu — one of her late father’s protégés and it was all fireworks.

And there is no doubt that she will be a beneficiary of Mtukudzi’s rich music catalogue that comprises more than 60 music album and countless CDs. 

And she has the pleasure to perform all her father’s hits like we have witnessed sons and daughters of past musicians doing in the recent past.

These include among several others the likes of Suluman Chimbetu (Simon), Tryson Chimbetu (Naison), Peter Moyo (Tongai) and Faheem Somanje (Daiton).

Interestingly, Selmor, unlike other sons and daughters of musical heroes, has managed to carve her musical legacy well before the death of her father.

If she is going to inherit the rich musical legacy of her father, she will do it not as a greenhorn but as someone who already knows the rules of the game. 

She knows how it is done though not to the extent of fitting well into her father’s big shoes. 

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