HARARE - Highlanders coach Erol Akbay has warned log leaders CAPS United that his charges are now fully-focussed on the Castle Lager Premiership championship race following Sunday’s disappointment.

The Bulawayo giants’ dream of a league and cup double went up in smoke when they lost 1-0 to Ngezi Platinum Stars in the semi-final of the Chibuku Super Cup at Barbourfields Stadium.

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Bosso, though, do not have to wait long for a chance to redeem themselves on the pitch as they host struggling Tsholotsho on Saturday in a crucial league match.

Highlanders are desperate to land the championship they last won in 2006 and Akbay feels their exit from the knockout competition simplifies their hunt for silverware.

His side is in second place on the log just a single point behind leaders CAPS United, who have a tricky fixture this weekend against Harare City.

“Maybe now that we are out of the Chibuku Super Cup, we can be stronger in the league; concentrate on that more, really push on to try to win the title,” Akbay told the Daily News.

“We are one point behind log leaders with three matches to go and I think we have our chances to win the title.

“We have got great mental strength, there is disappointment in the dressing room, yes, but we have got to pick ourselves up and win our next game against Tsholotsho.

“Then we need to be strong now in the league, to push on and make sure we get a trophy at the end of the year. We want to win every game. We want to win our remaining matches and hopefully CAPS drop some points.

“We quickly need to forget about that defeat against Ngezi and focus on our next matches.”

On their match against Tsholotsho on Saturday, Akbay is expecting a difficult match.

“Tsholotsho are fighting relegation and they will not make it easy for us,” he said. “It’s not going to be an easy match they will definitely make it difficult for us. But there is no room for error in these remaining matches. Our focus is to win the remaining three matches but we have to understand that it will not be an easy feat.”

The Premier Soccer League have this week directed that the three title-chasing teams — CAPS United, Highlanders and FC Platinum — play their remaining matches at the same time starting this weekend.

Makepekepe, who are seeking to end over a decade without the championship, face tricky Harare City at Rufaro Stadium hoping to consolidate their lead at the top of the table.

It is a fall from grace for an FC Platinum side, who were top of the table for the better part of the season, and now find themselves third on the log table.

The Zvishavane-based side travel to Ascot for a date against Chapungu in a potentially explosive Midlands derby.

Norman Mapeza’s side will be hoping to carry on from where they left off when they dispatched Harare City 3-0 in the Chibuku Super Cup last weekend. The platinum miners are fancying their chances of a rare league and cup double.

Fixtures:

Saturday: Harare City v CAPS United (Rufaro Stadium), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Hwange (Baobab Stadium), Chapungu v FC Platinum (Ascot Stadium), Highlanders v Tsholotsho (Barbourfields Stadium)

Sunday: Border Strikers v Triangle United (Dulivhadzimo Stadium), Dynamos v Mutare City Rovers (Rufaro Stadium), How Mine v Chicken Inn (Luveve Stadium), Bulawayo City v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields Stadium)

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HARARE - Mercedes-Benz distributor in Zimbabwe, Zimoco, has introduced the GLC 4Matic sports-activity vehicle to the local market.

On a technical level the new SUV clearly makes its’ mark with the excellent standard of safety that is a brand hallmark, featuring state-of-the-art assistance systems and outstanding energy efficiency.

Fuel consumption has been cut by up to 19 percent compared with the previous model. At the same time, the air body control multi-chamber air suspension, that is without parallel in this segment, the extended range of dynamic select dynamic transmission modes and the 4matic permanent all-wheel drive increase not only the ride comfort, but also the vehicle’s sporty agility — whatever surface it is driving on.

Visually, the body follows the clear and sensual design idiom which was demonstrated so successfully by the GLC Coupé show car concept in spring 2015, and which serves as the standard for future SUV families. The dynamic design exudes emotional appeal while also employing purist forms.

The GLC only represents a departure from its progenitor — the G-Class — in terms of appearance, however. This vehicle clearly sets new benchmarks in all disciplines — the mid-size SUV’s off-road capabilities remain as outstanding as ever.

Compared with its predecessor, the new model is substantially more spacious for front and rear occupants alike. The increase in the GLC’s length compared with the previous model has been translated effectively into useful interior space. Almost all key comfort factors have been improved, above all the space on the rear bench.

Through the effective use of space and intelligent packaging, the engineers have also managed to increase the size of the luggage compartment substantially with a level load area and its attendant utility value.

The Germany car manufacturer has also gone an extra mile in upgrading the latest vehicle’s interior.

A modern setting prevails which is quite in keeping with the standard set by its bigger brother, the GLE. The GLC’s interior conjures up the feel-good atmosphere which is a brand hallmark courtesy of high-class materials featuring a hand-crafted character, such as nappa leather or open-pore wood trim, meticulously finished details and an appealing overall touch and feel.

A key focus of the totally new interior design is the dashboard and the centre console with its flowing lines, with a large, one-piece console panel performing an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. The newly- developed, innovative touchpad in the handrest over the rotary pushbutton nestles ergonomically in the centre console.

As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures.

The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting — in any language supported by the Audio 20 or COMAND Online.

A centrally positioned media display is partially integrated above the centre console.

Mercedes-Benz has applied an extensive package of measures to enhance the GLC’s energy efficiency and performance substantially. Modified or new drive systems, outstanding aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight design are the primary factors behind the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

The diesel and petrol models boast significant reductions of up to 19 percent in both fuel consumption and CO-emissions compared with the previous generation, while at the same time improving performance with the same power output.

For the first time in this segment, with the GLC 350 e 4MATIC Mercedes-Benz is additionally offering a plug-in hybrid which combines the merits of agile all-wheel drive with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions: the mid-size SUV emits only 60 grammes of CO per kilometre (provisional figure) and attains a top speed of 235 km/h with a best-in-class system output of 211 and 116 hp.

The semi-electric vehicle can cover up to 34 kilometres (provisional figure) in zero-emission all-electric mode, accelerating to 100 km/h in 5,9 seconds if necessary, courtesy of the boost function.

GLC’s new off-road engineering package comprises up to five programs. “Slippery” and four off-road driving programs are totally new here. “Off-road” is predestined for easy off-road terrain such as gravel or sand tracks.

“Incline” boosts climbing capabilities on steep ramps or long, slow uphill stretches.

In conjunction with air body control air suspension, the additional “Rocking Assist” program offers the last resort, should the vehicle get stuck.

Here the driving level is raised by 50 millimetres and the wheel-slip control thresholds are increased so as to enable the GLC to work its way free. The fourth off-road program, “Trailer”, is designed for optimum trailer towing in off-road terrain and facilitates moving off on wet grassland, for example.

For such a cool vehicle, which comes with a two-year warrant on an unlimited mileage, one is only expected to part with $102 000.

Until next week, drive safely!

* For feedback get in touch on kachemberej@dailynews.co.zw or +263772214432

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HARARE - The  world’s largest platinum producer Anglo-American Platinum (Amplats) says production at its Zimbabwean unit went up 16 percent to 18 200 ounces in the quarter to September on the back of improved production at the mine.

Amplats owns and operates Unki Platinum Mine (Unki) near Shurugwi.

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The Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company said Unki’s contribution had resulted in a one percent increase in the group’s total platinum production to 619 100 ounces.

“The increased production was due to improved underground mining efficiencies which resulted in a five percent increase in tonnes milled, and a nine percent increase in grade due to improved mining height control,” Amplats said in a market update yesterday.

“Total platinum production was up one percent to 619 100 ounces as a result of improved performances during the quarter at Mogalakwena, Amandelbult, Unki, and at JV’s Modikwa, Kroondal and BRPM,” the company added.

Joint venture production (mined and purchased) was down one percent  to 207 100 ounces driven primarily by the group’s Bokoni mine on the back of closure of two shafts last year, offset by strong performance at Modikwa, Kroondal and BRPM.

“On a normalised basis, excluding production from the closure of the two vertical shafts, production at Bokoni increased 12 percent year-on-year,” the miner said, adding production from its Rustenburg operations including the Western Limb Tailings Retreatment (WLTR) was down three percent to 120 900 ounces.

Production during the period under review was also impacted by two fatal incidents, and the subsequent safety stoppages.

“This was offset by a strong performance from the WLTR which increased 38 percent to 13 800 ounces in part due to new production from the East tailings dams,” Amplats said.

Refined platinum production increased 14 percent to 694 600 ounces following recovery at the group’s Precious Metals Refinery in processing additional matte material that was built-up ahead of the refinery, after a safety stoppage in the first quarter.

Sales volumes for the quarter of 588 000 ounces were less than refined production of 694 600 ounces, as leases of 49 000 ounces were repaid and the balance used to build up refined inventory.

This comes as Amplats last year announced it was postponing all major project investment decisions at Unki until at least 2017.

Consequently, the mine then shelved a planned mine expansion project due to depressed prices of the base metal on the international market.

The Shurugwi-based mining concern had announced it was set to build a smelter at the mine, but instead also asked suppliers during the same period to cut prices by between five to 15 percent in line with depressed platinum prices.

Amplats is a global and diversified mining business with mining operations, growth projects and exploration and marketing activities extend across southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.

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HARARE - London-listed Stock Exchange-listed financial services group, Atlas Mara, has recorded a $4 million profit in the nine months to September 2016, down 44 percent from $7,1 million registered in the same period last year.

Atlas Mara, which owns BancABC Zimbabwe, yesterday attributed the decline in profits to falling currencies in Africa.

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“Although uncertainty around the economic environment, exchange rates and monetary policies in our markets make near term forecasts difficult, we expect the improving operational momentum” to continue, Atlas Mara said.

The British Virgin Islands incorporated firm saw its deposits rising 32 percent in the period under review on a constant currency basis and loans extended during the period increased 23 percent, while costs excluding acquisitions increased 6,5 percent, the company said.

Atlas Mara, which invests in African banks, has lost more than 73 percent of its value since an initial public offering in December 2013. It started a cost-cutting exercise earlier this year as expenses engulfed income and threatened its ability to grow by acquisition.

The group’s chief executive John Vitalo said Atlas Mara’s strategy of buying, protecting and growing sub-Saharan Africa banks has not changed.

“What has changed is how we are going about achieving our objective of becoming the region’s premier financial institution. We have been emphasising cost controls, streamlining operations and growing our digital initiatives and our markets and treasury business as a key focus during the third and will continue this focus for the rest of the year and into 2017,” he said.

Vitalo added that Atlas Mara’s current results demonstrate that the company is on the right path.

The financial services firm’s markets and treasury business grew by more than a 100 percent to contribute $26 million to revenue this year.

“Of the projected $8 million cost savings that were announced in our half year results, $10 million has been achieved within both the shared services and centre and country operating level. We expect the improving trend in the profitability of our business attained over the last two quarters to continue as we execute on our focused strategy. We remain enthused and are geared to benefit from the long term growth in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

The Africa-focused firm reported a $5,2 million adverse currency impact, while non-performing loans as a percentage of the loan book were 15 percent.

Atlas Mara — co-founded by former Barclays Plc chief executive Bob Diamond —  seeks to create sub-Saharan Africa’s premier financial services institution through a combination of its experience, expertise and access to capital, liquidity and funding.

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HARARE - Highly-energetic singer and actress Kessia Masona who plays the lead role in television drama Muchaneta gave a charged and impressive performance together with a number of other female singers at this week’s edition of City Sports Bar’s Jam Session.

The event saw female artistes in form of Edith WeUtonga, James Chimombe’s daughter Tendai, Wanai, Cynthia Mare, Beverly Sibanda and Zoey among others all sharing the stage.

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Masona only performed for 15 minutes but her slot saw fans who have fully packed the joint failing to dance along as they were all glued to her jaw dropping act.

“I have been in the industry for the past 16 years but fame only came this year thanks to Muchaneta drama.

“I was expecting breakthrough to come from music but God had other plans for me.

“Now my music career is flourishing because of the popularity of Muchaneta.

“Last week I was invited to grace a number of events in Mozambique owing to the popularity of Muchaneta,” the Marondera bred artiste said.

The mother of two told the Daily News that she does not take drugs.

“I am a Christian but currently I do not belong to any church, though I have the gift to heal through prayer, not really like a prophetess, but I just have a gift of praying for people with sickness, those who are barren among others. Its either I dream of someone’s problem or I feel it in my body,” Masona said.

Masona, who is currently studying towards Bachelors of Science degree in Community Development with the Women’s University of Africa, has a single 10-track album called Gumbomutsvairo that was produced by Munyaradzi Viyali.

“I am currently working on my debut video project. Most of my fans do not know my side of music hence the video will go a long way in promoting Kessia as a musician,” the Tyler Perry-inspired artiste said.

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HARARE - This week’s City Sports Bar Monday Jam Session resembled a mini-female musicians’ festival as several songbirds shared the stage in an event dubbed “Divas Jam Session”.

With more than 20 sisters joining the party on the night, the fans who packed the venue were indeed expecting something spectacular.

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“We are here to entertain you as divas, we are here to show you what we can do, how talented we are. And there are many of us tonight, hence it will be a real feast,” said bassist Edith WeUtonga as she introduced her band.

And the divas did not disappoint as they put up spirited performances punctuated by some raunchy sexy dances.

Thanks to the resident band, Talking Guitars, who were able, like always, to provide the much needed backing. And so polished was Talking Guitar’s performance that you wondered when they would have rehearsed all the songs on the playlist comprising various musical genres.

Another highlight of the night was the dancing, yes, the divas can dance and things got a notch higher when celebrated dancers Kessia Masona, Bev and Zoey took to the stage where they shook everything on them and sent audiences wild.

The music offered throughout the night was a mixture of jazz, rhumba, sungura and reggae.

Singer Cynthia Mare was a delight to watch as she and her two dancing girls put up a polished act.

WeUtonga played the bass guitar like she was possessed and one could hear the applause from the audience to her strumming prowess.

And like Mare she also brought two female dancers who commandeered the stage well.

Erotic dancer Beverly Sibanda aka Bev showed why she still claims to be the “Queen” within the local showbiz circles as she drew the attention of everyone.

The sexy dancer did her usual erotic stuff aided by her dancing troupe plus the comic boy who portrays popular comedian-cum-musician Kapfupi.

Bev also took the opportunity to bid farewell to her fans as she leaves for South Africa this weekend.

The Monday night event also saw female artistes in form of James Chimombe’s daughter Tendai, Wanai and Zoey among others all sharing the stage.

City Sports Bar manager Mathias Bangure said the all-female event was in line with the promotion of women in all sectors of the society.

“The idea was to give marginalised groups a platform to showcase their talent. Women have been crying out loud that they were not being treated fairly on performing opportunities; hence we tried to pacify them through giving them what they were yearning for.

“We want to empower our ladies ...look at America’s music scene, the women are on top of the game there and these include Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Megan among others. If women can rise up to that level, so why not ours yet they’ve got talent too?”

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HARARE - Tendai Chimombe, the eldest daughter of the late music legend James Chimombe, will headline a commemorative gig in honour of her departed father to be hosted by Jazz 24/7 on November 3.

Artistes who will perform in honour of Chimombe who died on October 23, 1990 aged 39 include Tendai Dembo, Jairos Chabvonga, Sasha, Blessing Chihera, Sani Makhalima, Uhuru Tribe, Ammi Jamanda, Mama Rachie, Eriya and Biggie Tembo Jnr.

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Rising artiste Andy Muridzo will be the guest artiste. Tendai told the Daily News that complications forced them to move the gig beyond its traditional time in October.

“We were supposed to honour him this month but we did not get a proper venue which is central that is why we have pushed it to November 3,” Tendai said.

The eldest daughter of the legendary Chimombe formed a 10-member musical outfit in 2014 called Huchi Band in a bid to carry her celebrated father’s musical legacy.

“James Chimombe’s last musical band was called Huchi and as a result I decided to continue with the name. I recorded an eight-track album titled Tribute to the legendary James Chimombe that I did in honour of my father and I am glad the album has done fairly well,” she said.

Songs on her album include Anondida, Masutu Remix, Zuvaramakaenda, Kutsamwa, Baba Vevana, Jemedza Remix, Natsa and Gitare.

The daughter of the late Chimombe recently told the Daily News that she was forced by circumstances to enter the music world.

“It is now our duty as his children to maintain that legacy. We were six children in the family — three boys and three girls. It is unfortunate that two boys passed away — Freddy and Kudakwashe who was physically challenged.

“My only surviving brother is now staying in the United Kingdom and as such, as the eldest child I have no option but to take the bull by the horns. I have a duty to uphold my father’s musical legacy,” said the mother of two who joined the Zimbabwe College of Music in 2011 to prepare herself for the rigours of the music world.

“Initially, I never thought I would become a musician one day. I spent more than 10 years as a civil servant but the call to music increasingly became irresistible,” she said then.

The late Chimombe is still fondly remembered for hits such as Munakandafa, Zvaitika, Bindura, Muchiti Mugere, Jikinya, Emma, Kudakwashe and Jemedza among others.

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HARARE - Zim hip-hop star Stunner, who was recently fined $150 and sentenced to 210 hours of community service for driving without a driver’s licence and ramming into four parked vehicles, appears to be taking the punishment with good grace.

The Ndaita Mbiri singer has been posting videos on social media which show him dressed in overalls and designer shoes while doing various chores with workers at Greendale District Office.

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On the videos, mostly posted on Snapchat, Stunner seems to be enjoying his interaction with workers at the district office particularly when doing cooking duties.

“Those cooking skills I use at home are now working. Today I am the one who is cooking. Unogona kuvharirwa wonzi sarudza chaunoda kuchera migero kana kubika. Ndirikubika sadza, guru, matumbu (I am sometimes asked to either choose between digging trenches or cooking. Today I am cooking sadza and tripe.),” he says on one of the videos.

It would appear the community service is not stopping Stunner from recording music. He has been working with producers who include Simba Tagz and DJ Towers and is also seen hanging out with other musicians and rappers.

“People are asking me how much sleep I get. Normally it’s four hours and at times six.

“Soon after working at the district offices, I go home, bath and head for the studio. I am always working,” he said.

Though most comments on Stunner’s community service pictures have been complimentary, there are some who have hit out at the Zim hip-hop artiste for allegedly not showing remorse.

Bernard Garikayi Mudoti wrote on Facebook: “I guess you (Stunner) must be a role model. What will we learn from you when you tend to be reckless like that, I mean driving without a licence…”

Stunner responded: “Zvikoro zvavharwa here ukuda kudzidza kwandiri? Your future is in trouble then.”

One Desmond Mapini also attacked Stunner on Facebook for bragging about the community service.

“You are not even showing remorse, let alone humility. You should be doing your community service in private. What you did in the CBD of all the places was shameful and disgraceful …”

The Tazoita Cash Records boss refused to take the blow lying down. He answered back rather curtly.

“Ukuda kuti ndigare mumba ndichichema? It’s called an accident wangu. I move on with life. That’s how I manage to smile every day. I’m going to open a beer after this text. Itirwai nyasha.”

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HARARE - For 22 years Bonny Woodman was at the helm of Special Olympics Zimbabwe (Soz), a movement dedicated to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport.

It was only until that infamous directive from the Washington-based international body — the Special Olympics Regional Management for Africa — that under the New African American management, Soz was supposed to be led by an indigenous Zimbabwean.

She was born in Cape Town, South Africa, 70 years ago and holds Zimbabwean and Irish citizenship.

And naturally, she was disappointed but her passion in dealing with humanity kept her on her toes as she continued her association with Soz as an honorary member.

“I earned my respect from the sporting community and government in Zimbabwe. I was disappointed that such a misconception by foreigners should impact on our programme, one of which was recognised as the best in Africa,” Woodman told the Daily News on Sunday yesterday.

“Nevertheless, it was time to move on, I told myself. Throughout 22 years of voluntary service to an organisation, or rather to our Zimbabwean athletes, a time of dedication and passion it was a great honour for me to serve them.”

Woodman joined Soz as a swimming coach in 1987 and rose through the ranks, performing duties such as public relations, among others, until the big honour of being national director.

Despite a premature end to the journey in December 2008 that had started in 1987, Woodman never abandoned the sport as she continues to be involved as an honorary board member.

She refers to herself as “Wife, mother, gogo (grandmother) and humanitarian,” and was forced to relocate to Zimbabwe then Rhodesia because of her brother’s condition that needed higher ground.

“My brother was asthmatic and doctors advised my parents to emigrate to higher ground. We came to what was then Rhodesia. My father immediately embraced our new country and adopted citizenship for us all,” she added.

“My son Tom swam for Zimbabwe and I spent many hours at the side of Les Brown Pool supporting him. It was there that I was asked to coach swimming to special needs children and adults and initially found the challenge daunting.

“However, after my first lesson with these special people at St Catherine’s, I knew that I could make a difference to their quality of life.”

Woodman reckons that this was the beginning of an incredible journey.

Among her major highlights was being invited to dinner at the White House in December 2000 by the then United States President Bill Clinton as representative of the Sub Saharan African Special Olympics programme, a position she was voted into by All African Programmes.

A year later she would be invited to meet the late ex-South African President Nelson Mandela on Robben Island in her capacity as a Special Olympics International board member.

Woodman was also invited by the then Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger for dinner at his home in Santa Monica, again in her capacity as Special Olympics International board member.

She was the first runner-up during the Zimbabwe Sports Administrator of the Year Awards in 2004 at the Annual National Sportsperson of the Years Awards (Ansa).

In 2004, Woodman ran her first Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town at the age of 58, winning bronze and since then she ran three more races getting a podium finish in all the competitions with her final event coming in 2010- a challenge she set for herself later in life.

“The reason I decided to run under the training of Comrades multiple silver medallist Ephraim Kambaira was because over the many years I had presented to special needs athletes for their achievements and had never won a medal myself,” she explained.

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“Ephraim, a neighbour, took me under his wing. I was a challenge to him never having run before. I did well in my age group and then went on to run another three half marathons so I now have a haul of my own medals.”

Her two children Mike and Tom have also tapped on her love for philanthropy.

Both were educated in Harare and also played a part in sports for the country.

Tom represented Zimbabwe in the All Africa Games in swimming and was also a member of the national Water Polo team.

Mike, a former St Georges College student rowed at school and for University of Cape Town and helps with some coaching on the Mazowe Dam when he is in the country.

“Mike is a doctor and has travelled to  human conflict disaster zones including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Congo, Sudan, Haiti, Myanamar and the refugee camp for Somalians on the border of Kenya working for doctors without borders- a charity organisation,” she said.

“Currently, he is in Lebanon co-ordinating health care for 1,2 million Syrian Refugees. Tom is a doctor working in London and both men did their elective stages in Zimbabwe, Mike at Mpilo in Bulawayo and Tom at Parirenyatwa in Harare.”

She is still very busy and active as before.

“We do a 5km walk most mornings. Our son sponsors our subscription to a local gym which we go to three or four times a week,” she adds.

“I continue doing voluntary work. Walk dogs twice a week for a friend who is mostly out of the country. There are so many people in need of help if I can and I am kept very busy.

“My husband is a government pensioner and the time has come for our son Mike to subsidise us in order to enable us to continue living in our country where we belong.”

She paid tribute to the current Soz board but noted they need more support with regards to funding.

“There’s an excellent board in place, the programme needs much support, it is a voluntary one. Those who serve will know that the athletes have priority.

“It is offered free to all people who are intellectually challenged, the sports training never stops and the benefits last a lifetime,” she said.

“I have had so many humbling moments. Working with these special needs athletes keeps you grounded with their amazing ability to overcome their disabilities.

“The challenging times were fundraising especially during the Zimbabwe dollar era when generous funding dwindled to such an extent that the Team Zimbabwe to Shangai would not have been able to attend but for my persistent nagging of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to allow the funds to be converted into US dollars at the preferential rate stressful times indeed.

“There was no way that I was going to let those athletes down.”

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TONIGHT’s State of the Nation play titled  Handeitione at Harare’s Theatre in the Park turns the spotlight on what has been termed Zimbabwe’s biggest ‘‘national security threat’’ — corruption.

The showcase comes at a time the military has also weighed in on the rampant corruption by top government officials who have been implicated and nothing has been done to investigate or arrest them.

Giving oral evidence before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Security in Harare this week, chief of staff administration, major general Douglas Nyikayaramba said the country was not growing and was bleeding because of corruption by some senior government officials.

“Corruption is a cancer which is taking the nation backward thereby causing insecurity to the nation. It is now a security threat because it is causing people to create mafias or alliances where if one is accused of being corrupt he quickly asks for help of other big names to protect him.

“The ordinary citizens expect authorities to address these issues, but if they see nothing happening to the alleged criminals, they will end up being ungovernable and creating problems for the defence forces,” said Nyikayaramba.

Theatre in the Park’s producer Daves Guzha added that while Zimbabwe’s economy continues to grow weaker and weaker, “some in Cabinet have decided to take the nation for a ride as they play Robin Hood in office and showing no concern whatsoever about the implications of their actions.”

The play which was written by Hellen Morris is aptly dubbed; #Handeitione #Asambenisibone — We are watching and features Guzha and Doc Vikela with guest appearances by singer Hope Masike, Getrude, Chipo and Joe-Anne among others.

They will also be joined by an ordinary vendor, a university student and a villager.

Guzha said they dubbed the play Handeitione, a signature phrase used by Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo while on Twitter and who is fighting corruption charges brought to him and his deputy Godfrey Gandawa.

“All we are saying is that the level of corruption by those in higher office is getting worse by each day while those being implicated are actually being promoted and rewarded.

“What is interesting is that we also have people like VP Mphoko who are in the habit of fighting on the corner of the accused. Actually when Moyo’s scandal was unearthed, you had a bee-line of officials defending his rot!” said Guzha.

The actor said today’s politicians have no shame at all. “Whatever happened to the word ‘principle’? Where are our values as a nation? What will our children say when we, the adults, are always in the news because we stole this or that?”

Guzha pointed out the late minister Maurice Nyagumbo who reportedly committed suicide after the Willowvale Scandal as a man who had shame.

“We had the late minister Edmond Garwe who resigned in shame after his daughter leaked an examination paper. Why are our leaders today not ashamed of their corrupt deeds?”

Guzha said in bringing the play to Theatre in the Park, they are actually giving people the platform to speak their minds.

“The newspapers and television stations have all brought the issue of corruption to the fore, but they have been ignored. And we are saying now; let the people speak their feelings.

“We hope to bring policy makers, those fighting graft and the security sectors to come and deliberate on this important issue — this cancer among us."

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HARARE - Guardian First Book Award winner Petina Gappah has launched a collection of short stories which she titled Rotten Row after the Harare road on which the Magistrate’s Courts are located.

Gappah, who was longlisted for this year’s Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award and for the 2016 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, confirmed the launch of the book made up of 20 stories about crime on her Facebook page.

“It’s official! Rotten Row is launched,” she wrote without giving further details.

But in an earlier Facebook post, the award-winning writer described Rotten Row, published by Faber & Faber, as a “joy.”

“I started the book in February 2014. I finished it in February 2016. Unlike the Book of Memory, every moment was a joy, all 74 000 words of it.

“For the very first time in my short life as a writer, I knew exactly what I was doing (the first book was an accident, the second a tortured obligation),” wrote Gappah on Facebook.

Faber & Faber, whose illustrious list of authors includes 12 Nobel Laureates and six Booker Prize winners, declares in the book’s blurb:

“Petina Gappah crosses the barriers of class, race, gender and sexual politics in Zimbabwe to explore the causes and effects of crime, and to meditate on the nature of justice.

“Rotten Row represents a leap in artistry and achievement from the award-winning author of An Elegy for Easterly and The Book of Memory. With compassion and humour, Petina Gappah paints portraits of lives aching for meaning to produce a moving and universal tableau.”

Rotten Row is the third book by Gappah, who has law degrees from the University of Zimbabwe, the University of Cambridge and the University of Graz.

Her first book An Elegy for Easterly won the Guardian First Book Award in 2009 while her second The Book of Memory continues to receive international acclaim.

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SEVERAL leading Zimbabwean gospel and secular artistes alike have paid tribute to female singer Joyce Simeti who died in Harare on Tuesday at Arcadia Medical Centre.

According to the late musician’s husband, Stanley Simeti, the popular musician passed away aged 42, three years after being diagnosed with an auto immune disorder.

Leading the overflow of tributes was veteran gospel musician Charles Charamba who said death had robbed him of a “good friend.”

“We are going to miss her as a friend. Not only was she a fellow musician but we also worked together in different aspects of our lives. We were both on the Zimura board and we also came from the same village as well,” said the Machira Chete singer.

Music producer Lyton Ngolomi described the late musician as a good example of a modest and selfless person.

“I worked with her on the song Ndakange Ndisipo in 2012 and she was a joy to work with. She was really passionate about her work and she was not a difficult person to work with. I am so hurt. I have lost someone who was easy to work with and may her soul rest in peace, ‘‘ he said.

Ngolomi‘s wife — Bethen Pasinawako — said Simeti’s death had left her distraught.

“Mai Simeti has left a big gap in our music industry. For me to be who I am today Mai Simeti was part of it too. A fashionista I used to call her. I am grateful that she asked me to be the backing vocalist for her album Ndakange Ndisipo,” she said.

Celebrated gospel songstress Shingisai Suluma wrote on her Facebook page, “Words are inadequate to express the sadness I feel about losing Joyce Simeti, my partner and soldier in God’s army serving through music. Stanley and Rejoice Simeti, I pray you have courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.”

Despite being a secular musician, award-winning Jah Prayzah joined the gospel music industry in mourning Simeti.

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“It is a sad day in the Zimbabwean music fraternity once again. We have lost a talented gospel artist, Amai Joyce Simeti. Rest well Amai nenyasha dzaMwari tichasanganiswa,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Songstress Cindy Munyavi also registered her condolences on Facebook.

“My sincere condolences to her family and the industry at large. The music industry is tough but every time I bumped into sister Joyce she always left me feeling encouraged. All it took was five minutes of her time. Go well big sis. ..”

Fellow gospel artistes Pastor G and Mathias Mhere were also among those who poured plaudits on the late gospel artiste.

“She was hardworking, resourceful and creative. She loved God and people. She was also full of humility and good character. Mai Simeti leaves a huge gap in the industry,” said Pastor G while Mhere paid tribute to her exemplary behaviour.

“Her demeanour, dressing, everything was something to marvel at. Mumunda medu tarasikirwa,” he said.

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HARARE - Zimbabwe's tobacco export earnings rose by nearly 10 percent to $518 million in the seven months to October on higher prices and demand from China.

Tobacco is the country’s single largest export commodity, ahead of platinum and gold.

Statistics released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) yesterday showed that cigarette makers in China, the world’s biggest market and grower of tobacco,  bought 33,3 million kilogrammes (kg) of the golden leaf valued at $265 million.

This was after the country had exported 101 million to various countries around the world in the period under review compared to 94 million kg sold in the same period last year earning $473 million.

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Other major buyers of Zimbabwe’s flue-cured tobacco, which is used as flavouring in cigarettes, are Belgium, South Africa and Indonesia.

Chinese buyers paid an average of $7,95 per kg, more than double what the other major buyers offered.

China has become the largest investor in Zimbabwe, which has been shunned by the West over its human rights record and is struggling to emerge from a deep 1999-2008 recession that forced the government to ditch its own currency in 2009.

The latest data also comes at a time when the United States of America and Mauritius have dumped importing Zimbabwean tobacco due to an increase in human rights abuse.

The two countries, which were among Zimbabwe’s top ten tobacco export destinations and imported a combined total of $11,7 million of the golden leaf in 2015, were conspicuous by their absence on this year’s list of top 40 importing countries.

Economic experts say the withdrawal of deep-pocketed countries such as the United States and Mauritius from buying Zimbabwean products is a heavy blow to the country’s ailing economy, which exports 90 percent of its tobacco and is in dire need of fresh capital to offset a biting liquidity and cash-crisis.

“America and Mauritius used to buy our tobacco at good rates. For instance, in 2015 they imported tobacco at an average of $4,00 per kg, which is far ahead of the $2,79 that South Africa was offering and if they (US and Mauritius) had continued buying this year, prices would have definitely improved,” said an official knowledgeable about developments  at TIMB.

Tobacco farmers early this year sought audience with the tobacco industry regulator over grossly low prices which were obtaining at the auction floors despite a huge improvement on the quality of the crop.

Figures obtained by the businessdaily show that tobacco prices averaged between $2,50 and $2,60 per kg this year compared to an average of $3,60 per kg in 2015.

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HARARE - Zimbabwe's $3,3 billion stock market is up 22 percent this month, more than any of the 94 equity indexes tracked by Bloomberg globally.

Zimbabweans are piling into equities to preserve their wealth as the government plans to introduce a pseudo-currency called bond notes, stirring memories of the hyperinflation that plagued the southern African nation until it abandoned its own currency in 2009, according to Welcome Mavingire at Intellego Investment Consultants in Harare, the capital.

“Fear is driving the rally,” he said.

The government, however, insists that the introduction of bond notes would be good for the struggling economy.

The local bourse’s industrial index, which has been on the back foot for the past three years, this month resurged to breach the 100 point-mark for the first time since August 24, despite an absence of positive news for companies battling to recapitalise and turn around their fortunes.

Some financial experts contend that the demand for stocks has been rising since government indicated that it had little fiscal space to pay maturing Treasury Bills, indicating that it would roll them over.

The 100-point-mark was benchmarked in February 2009 after the country embraced a multi-currency system, having given up the Zimbabwe dollar, which succumbed to hyperinflation.

Leading to the benchmarking of the bourse, trade on the equities market had been halted in 2008 as a consequence of the hyperinflation.

Towards the end of 2008, hyperinflation, estimated at 500 billion percent at the time, had caused nightmares to the authorities as they could not cope with the resurgence of zeroes on the domestic currency, which had the effect of pushing share prices beyond ZW$30 quadrillion in November 2008, causing computer systems to crash.

Companies whose share prices have rallied are in the league of blue chips, including Delta, which is well managed and has strong brands.

Delta has good cash generation capacity and is well capitalised.

There is also the financial services behemoth, Old Mutual, which many believe is a good store of value.

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HARRE - A Harare man who pounced on a couple that stood by a roadside during the night and pretended to be a community leader before dragging the woman to a bush and where he raped her was yesterday slapped with an 18-year jail sentence.

Thompson Nyamare, 36, of New Tafara Harare, was convicted by Harare regional magistrate, Temba Kuwanda.

He will serve an effective 15 years in jail as three were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

In his defence Nyamare had lied to the court that the victim was a commercial sex worker who settled for $2 payment before consenting to the act.

After Nyamare’s conviction, prosecutor Rufaro Mhandu urged the court to impose a stiffer sentence because he had disrespected the woman’s dignity.

“The accused person did not show the slightest form of remorse and went on to label the victim a prostitute. He has no respect for women and must be taught that sexual abuse is not tolerated by these courts,” Mhandu said.

The complainant, 19, (name withheld) resides in Caledonia and was a stranger to Nyamare.

Mhandu proved that on August 30, this year at around 8pm, the complainant was standing with her boyfriend along a road in Caledonia.

Nyamare approached the lovebirds and introduced himself as a community representative for the girl child.

He went on to tell the victim and her boyfriend that it was unlawful for them to be standing together at that hour.

The court heard that Nyamare then ordered the girl to accompany him to the police and instructed her boyfriend to remain behind.

Nyamare and the complainant walked for two kilometres before he dragged the woman into a bush.

He then pushed the woman to the ground and removed her underwear before raping her.

The complainant screamed as Nyamare raped her but was threatened with death and stopped.

After the act, Nyamare fled from the scene.

She phoned her boyfriend and they both went to see her parents.

The matter was reported to the police and Nyamare was tracked and arrested.

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MUTARE - Quest Motors (Quest)’s assembling plant is facing operational challenges due to central bank’s failure to approve their payments to its Japanese and Chinese kit suppliers for over eight months, the Daily News has learnt.

The company’s operations manager, Carl Fernandez, said the situation was now “critical”.

“We have been facing serious problems with paying for kits for the last eight months. We can’t seem to get our allocation, even though we are in Category One,” he said.

“Despite meeting ministers our pleas fall on deaf ears. The situation is critical. We cannot even access money to pay for kits already in the plant…we cannot even get enough to pay for spare parts,” Fernandez said.

The problems besetting the complete knock-down-vehicle-assembly plant comes as the company, which has been operating for more than half a century, is recovering from a decade-long economic crunch and was widening its vehicle’s range.

Quest is currently producing Chinese vehicle models that include Chery Tiggo, Foton and JMC, with franchise deals for Toyota and Suzuki having already been sealed.

It recently added Japan’s Mitsubishi.

The company’s chairman, Gulam Adams, recently told Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa of their struggle to push through their payments and he promised to act on the situation.

Adams told Mnangagwa that due to local banks’ failure to send through their payment requests to their suppliers, “...suppliers are saying they cannot continue supplying us if we are not paying”.

“We are making the transfers but the banks cannot honour our payments on our behalf due to the current cash shortage,” Adams told the VP.

Adams later said the challenges facing the local motor industry saw the country spending over $5,3 billion on car imports since 2009.

Quest is also working at strengthening local industries to raise local inputs to 40 percent as it plans a regional excursion for export markets in the face of low local uptake for its vehicles.

Its director, Tarik Adam, said the company’s biggest impediment has been their importation of every component in their vehicle assembly process, which disqualified them from exporting regionally with discounted duty.

“There is a 40 percent input benchmark for regional States to be eligible to export at a discounted duty,” Adam said.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe had not responded to questions on the matter by the time of going to print.

HARARE - Opposition MPs led by MDC vice president Nelson Chamisa, have moved a motion to have government support the spouse and children of missing journalist-cum-activist Itai Dzamara who was abducted in Harare more than a year ago.

In addition, the legislators also want Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo to investigate alleged acts of police brutality.

Dzamara has been missing since March 9 last year when he was seized from a hair salon in Glen View township while having a haircut.

“Now therefore Parliament calls upon government to chip in on the social welfare and support to the Dzamara family, particularly the wife and children as restorative and rehabilitative measures,” reads the motion.

The missing activist’s family accuses President Robert Mugabe’s government of involvement in the disappearance whose investigations have so far drawn blanks, according to the police.

In May this year, the Dzamara family released a horrifying and grotesque image which it claimed was of Itai taken from captivity by his alleged abductors.

At a media conference where the images were released, Itai’s young brother, Patson, claimed that the country’s feared military intelligence had been responsible for the missing social justice campaigner’s brazen abduction last year.

“Some individuals from within the evil establishment volunteered information regarding who abducted Itai Dzamara, why and where he was kept. The heinous act was executed by State security agents, in particular the military intelligence,” the emotional Patson said.

“Incontestable evidence was availed to us and I dare Mr Mugabe (President Robert Mugabe) and his surrogates to prove me wrong. They can’t, because this is the truth. They thought they would get away with this evil deed as usual, but not this time around. They pressed the wrong button.

“I cannot at this juncture state my brother’s fate in the hands of these gangsters but I can categorically inform you that Itai Dzamara was abducted by the military intelligence under the direct instruction and supervision of Zanu PF,” Patson said then.

Since his abduction last year Dzamara has never been seen or heard from, with civil society organisations, opposition parties and western powers demanding his release.

After his broad-daylight abduction, Dzamara’s wife approached the High Court in a bid to force the police and the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) to search for her husband.

During the hearing, both the police and CIO denied knowledge of his whereabouts, with authorities saying that investigations into the abduction had hit a dead end.

Still, Judge David Mangota ordered the police and CIO “to do all things necessary to determine his whereabouts”, including advertising the case in State media.

Mangota also said detectives should work with Dzamara’s lawyers “to search for him at all such places as may be within their jurisdiction” and periodically report their progress to the court.

Meanwhile, Chamisa also moved another motion calling on Chombo to investigate police brutality and report findings to Parliament.

In the motion that is already on the National Assembly Order Paper awaiting debate, Chamisa said his motion was motivated by the emergence on social media,  of images and video footage of police officers beating up citizens expressing their constitutional right to protest.

Chamisa said the motion also came about with the knowledge that the Police Charter  rests on the settled principle of pro lege, pro patria, pro populi (for the law, for the country, for the people and that Parliament was concerned with human rights abuses “ and rule by law instead of rule of law instigated by the law enforcement agents.

“Perturbed that that the minister responsible for the police or the commissioner general have not made efforts to censure or discipline the perpetrators who violated the national constitution, this house now therefore, call upon the minister of Home Affairs to investigate the conduct of the police and report to Parliament, issue a public apology over the untoward conduct of some of the police officers,” Chamisa demanded.

Police have been accused of bludgeoning pro democracy and opposition members whenever they hold peaceful demonstrations.

Between July and September rights groups documented cases in which ordinary citizens accused police of brutally assaulting them during protests.

Rights group say more than 700 ordinary citizens were either arrested or brutally assaulted by police when they crushed demonstrations which had been permitted by the courts.

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HARARE - Four suspects who were reportedly caught attempting to bomb Alpha Omega Dairies yesterday applied for refusal of further remand, accusing the State of infringing on their right to be tried within a reasonable period of time.

Jailed president of the Zimbabwe People’s Front political party, 34-year-old Owen Kuchata, Zimbabwe National Army corporals — Borman Ngwenya, 30, Solomon Makumbe, 29 — and an ex-soldier Silas Pfupa, 37, are facing treason charges.

They appeared before Harare magistrate Bianca Makwande.

Makumbe and Pfupa’s lawyer, Gamuchirai Dzvitiro, slammed the State for dragging the case and prejudicing the accused.

“The accused persons’ constitutional rights, as envisaged in Section 69 which guarantees right to a public trial within a reasonable period, have been breached,” Dzvitiro said.

“We came today anticipating to be served indicts for trial at the High Court since on August 18 the State said it was unable to indict us because the superior courts were on vacation and would undertake to do so for the third quarter.”

“We requested to see if there was any form of communication between State and the registrar of High Court but the correspondence we got today is from the prosecutor general’s office instead,” Dzvitiro said.

Prosecutor, Sabastian Mutizirwa, indicated that the quartet’s trial would be held in the first quarter next year.

He requested for time to prepare his response to Dzvitiro’s submissions before the matter was postponed to October 30.

Mutizirwa alleged that sometime in August last year, the accused persons held several meetings at Queens Hotel in Harare and planned to subvert a constitutionally-elected government.

Pursuant to their plan, the four allegedly went to Mapinga in Mashonaland West and formed a camp from which their members would be trained and operate.

On January 1, they went to Mugabe’s rural home in Zvimba and carried out surveillances to identify suitable vulnerable points to carry out the sabotage.

They later met on January 19 at Queens Hotel and resolved that they would use fertiliser bombs to fulfil their mission.

On January 22, at around 4pm, police received a tip off that the quartet were planning to bomb Alpha Omega Dairies’ processing plant and tuck-shop during the night.

It is alleged that the four accused Mugabe of causing suffering to Zimbabweans because of his “dictatorial leadership”.

Police detectives proceeded to the farm and laid an ambush about 100 metres from the quartet’s target.

Around 10pm, detectives saw the quartet approaching the dairy’s processing plant and immediately arrested them.

They searched them and recovered four Molotov cocktails (petrol bombs), ammonium nitrate, nails and sand in 750 millilitres Chateau bottles.

They also recovered Zimbabwe People’s Front Party manifesto, party constitution and documents relating to its activities.

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HARARE - Protest artiste and fierce anti-President Robert Mugabe campaigner, Sylvanos Mudzvova, yesterday staged a one-man demonstration at Parliament against government’s silence concerning corruption, abductions and human rights violations.

Spotting a helmet, prison garb, handcuffs and leg irons, Mudzvova presented his new theatre play titled Silenced in front of the Parliament building.

The act comes just little over a month after he was discharged from hospital where he was treated following his reported abduction and assault by unknown assailants.

During the protest, Mudzvova yelled at legislators that “you will be lucky if any of you are re-elected in 2018 because you have forgotten the mandate we gave you to defend our rights!”

Uncharacteristically, riot police, who usually pounce on protesters, appeared to maintain their distance, with only one confronting him.

Although Mudzvova refused to budge, the police detail did not force him into submission, as they usually do, allowing him to continue his protest.

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He later vowed to be back again next week Wednesday to confront legislators for their alleged failure to represent the electorate’s will.

Mudzvova limped his way through his protest and later admitted he was “not 100 percent fit” to continue.

He, however, said his “desire to see a free Zimbabwe where people can express themselves freely” had driven him to protest. 

The veteran actor has been arrested several times for his involvement in protest plays and political satires.

In April, Mudzvova was arrested in Harare for staging a one-man play “Missing Diamonds, I Need My Share” in front of the Parliament building.

This was after Mugabe had said that $15 billion raised from diamond sales was missing and blamed the Chinese for it.

Mudzvova intended to also stage the play at the Chinese Embassy in Harare but his plan flopped after he was arrested five minutes into his play at Parliament.

At that time, he claimed he had been warned that he would “disappear” like fellow one-man demonstrator and pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara, if he continued with his demonstrations.

Earlier in 2007, Mudzvova and Tongani Anthony Tongani were arrested at the premiere of the controversial satire titled The Final Push.

The play, written by the actor, is about the chairman of a building called Liberty House (Mugabe) and his political challenger (presumed to be opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai) who were trapped together in an elevator during a power failure.

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HARARE - Controversial businessman Frank Buyanga has renewed his calls for an economic surveillance and monitoring unit under the President’s Office to instil confidence, and a sense of discipline among Zimbabwe’s parastatals, as the country hankers for the much-needed recovery.

This also comes as Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said “no one is above the law” in the current corruption shakeout and the Hamilton Group founder has twice written to President Robert Mugabe’s officials about the need for this envisioned outfit since November 2013.

“As per my previous correspondence of 2013, 2014 and 2015 regarding my observations, and economic warnings… witnessed by the seemingly growing disconnect. I pointed out the relevance of parastatals… for cohesion, social upliftment, blockage of human capital flight, balance of payments and trade integrity..,” Buyanga said in a September 30 to state residences director Innocent Tizora, adding “we still have another bite of the cherry if we set up the suggested… strategy unit.

“…as a national duty, I would only be willing to assist… uncorrupted security sectors. It is not only obvious to the naked eye, but reports on the police and anti-corruption sectors leave a lot to be desired,” the South Africa-based businessman noted, suggesting further that a “total weed out of bad apples, if not saboteurs, within these crucial socio-economic segments of law enforcement and State-owned enterprises would help regain confidence for the much-needed recovery”.

Buyanga said if such an autonomous and specialised monitoring unit was setup, Zimbabwe could “earn or realise as much as $100 million in additional equity or funding within the next calendar year.

As part of his pledge and support for this initiative, the maverick businessman said he was willing to pay the Harare administration $1 million-plus.

Buyanga’s calls not only come after his November 2013 dispatches to ex-Zimbabwe Defence Industries chief executive Tshinga Dube and another one in January last year to Tizora, and virtually rallying the same cause, but Zimbabwe’s military has also waded into the corruption debate by calling on Mugabe’s government to tackle the scourge as it has become a national threat.

According to the self-styled property investor and financier, such bold measures are needed to turn around the fortunes of entities across agriculture, mining, energy, transport, education, health, financial services and the tourism sectors.

These include the Cold Storage Commission, Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, National Railways of Zimbabwe and many others needing urgent reform.

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