HARARE – A large section of the church,  including “prophets”, has no problems working within prescribed conditions by government which on Wednesday announced that it was working on a raft of regulations to curb malpractices and breaches by clerics.

This comes as President Robert Mugabe has urged long-suffering Zimbabweans to avoid falling prey to fly-by-night and modern-day self-styled prophets he accuses of pursuing money instead of God.

Crowd-pulling clerics — Emmanuel Makandiwa and Walter Magaya — told the Daily News yesterday that they have no problems with the mooted regulations.

“If government says we need to register then we will register because even the Bible talks about respecting authorities.

“There is nothing wrong with that, in fact it would be a good thing because it will ensure things are done properly,” said Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries overseer, Admire Mango.

“With us we say that even if the prophet prays for you, you do not stop medication. The healing is not fake, it’s genuine. So if you are told that you have been healed, you go back to the same doctor that told you had the disease for tests.

Before a person is healed we see your medical report, pray for you and then go back to the doctor for proof that you no longer have the disease. So when you are giving a testimony you will bring the proof from the doctor that you no longer have the disease,” added Mango.

United Family International Church (UFIC) senior pastor and Makandiwa’s spokesperson, Prime Kufa said the regulations will not be a bad thing if the government consults widely before crafting the framework to guide miracle work.

“It is not a bad thing but it will depend on the framework that will be used and how they want to achieve their objectives,” Kufa said.

“Proper consultations need to be done with churches before they implement that, and these consultations must be done and especially with churches that work out miracles and healing.”

Health and Child Care deputy minister Aldrin Musiiwa on Wednesday announced that miracle workers would now require licences to carry out deliverance and healing sessions, or administer any healing ointments and herbs to the public.

“All religious groups, churches, prophets, pastors and individuals must now be registered so that there is cross referencing of their work because as ministry, our role is to look at the health of the people so those that minister to the health of the people must be known to be registered,” said Musiiwa.

“Churches are registered as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), their registration for purposes of prayer has nothing to do with the ministry of health, what we are concerned about is when they start dabbling in healing sessions.

“So the churches then require a separate certificate for their healing sessions. The law is very clear on that, if one persists and gives one even an olive branch as a gesture of healing, and they are not registered, I have no option but to prosecute them because they have become a problem to the nation.”

“I have spoken to churches to make them understand the law, we are saying what we are doing if it is right and bona fide, all that is required is an endorsement from your church to get a licence.

“I don’t see any problem of transparency if what you are going to do is right,” added Musiiwa.

Zimbabwe has in recent witnessed a surge in ‘‘prophets’’ with some claiming to perform ludicrous things such as phoning God and performing miraculous healings — in developments which split opinion among ordinary citizens.

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HARARE – Outspoken MP for Norton Temba Mliswa yesterday said he was sympathising with President Robert Mugabe because he did not deserve the current attention and drama surrounding his family.

This comes as Mugabe, 93, has had to endure embarrassment due to the conduct of his two sons — Robert Junior and Chatunga Bellarmine — whose wayward behaviour led to their mother’s alleged assault of a 20-year-old South African model found in their hotel room on Sunday night, in Johannesburg.

Grace has been charged for the alleged assault of Gabriella Engels who suffered multiple injuries which she said were caused by an extension cord that was used by the first lady to strike her.

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Yesterday, Mliswa said the saga surrounding Mugabe’s family had the potential of adversely affecting the health of the 93-year-old.

“I am not a person to kick someone who is down and I am sincere about this. But I feel for his excellency, he is a good man, despite what we are facing from the economic point of view, despite him being in power for a long time.

“But his excellency is also getting old and you don’t want him being stressed. I feel for him. He doesn’t deserve this at this moment. We have to make sure we comfort him and I am hoping that discussions going on in South Africa are positive for his excellency,” said Mliswa.

Mliswa also said Grace needed anger management and prayers, adding that he went through the same route on his way to be becoming “a peaceful” citizen.

“I don’t want to celebrate her downfall because she is the first lady. I wanna offer a solution, one, anger management and two, prayer,” Mliswa said.

“I went through Bishop Noah Pashapa because I was very temperamental, but he worked on it through God and I am appealing to all churches in the country to pray for the first lady in terms of the anger that she has and for her to be forgiven.”

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HARARE – Musician and businessman Energy Mutodi, who was arrested last week on charges of undermining the president will challenge his arrest when he next appears in court.

The businessman-cum-politician was arrested last week by armed police following his Facebook post in which he warned President Robert Mugabe of dire consequences in the event he failed to handle the burning succession issue in his party.

“Appellant (Mutodi) has given notice that he will challenge the basis of his arrest at the next remand date on the basis that the article read as a whole does not disclose an offence and that his arrest violates his rights under Section 49 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (right to personal liberty), on the basis that he was arrested on incorrect information; Section 50 in that he was not advised, on arrest, of the correct reasons for his arrest and the reasons were only furnished when he was warned and cautioned on different split charges; Section 56 (equality and non-discrimination), in that he is being charged for making a political commentary on an issue of public interest on which many other political commentators have commented and that he is the only one selected for arrest,” Mutodi said in the bail appeal filed at the High Court by his lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, on Wednesday.

Mutodi is currently in remand prison after he was denied bail at the magistrates’ court.

However, Mutodi said Harare provincial magistrate Elisha Singano, erred and misdirected himself by denying him bail based on “facts and grounds” that he created on his own, which were not relied upon by the State.

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He said there are no compelling reasons advanced by the State warranting him not to be released on $100 bail, with a condition for him to report to the police once a week.

Mutodi also argued that there are no grounded reasons that would warrant him to abscond if released on bail, as he is a Zimbabwean, with businesses that he runs locally.

He  defended his commentary, arguing that it was based on a speech that had been made by Mugabe and does not warrant any criminal charges, adding that in any event, he has a right to freely express himself as ascribed by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

He was arrested after he wrote on his Facebook wall that Zimbabwe risked a coup if the thorny succession issue was not resolved amicably, adding that Mugabe should consult the army to avert chaos.

“While a military takeover may be far-fetched in Zimbabwe, it is important for . . . Mugabe to be careful in naming his successor. Any suspicion of unfairness or discrimination on account of tribalism or factionalism may backfire,” he wrote.

“There are key stakeholders that need to be consulted, among them the military and the whole security establishment called the Joint Operations Command that is chaired by Vice President Mnangagwa,” he went on.

The State was yet to file a response yesterday in the bail application slated for hearing today.

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HARARE – Harare City Council employees are up in arms against a plan by mayor Bernard Manyenyeni to slash their salaries.

Chairperson of the Harare Municipal Workers Union Cosmas Bungu told the Daily News the cut was unacceptable given that their members had already forgone a much-needed salary increment last year.

Manyenyeni is planning to slash wages for council employees ostensibly because they are too exorbitant and gobbling a significant chunk of revenue that is meant for service delivery.

“Frankly speaking, he is the first mayor to propose a salary reduction and tamper with conditions of service of lower grades. Instead, he should be advocating for better conditions of service for employees from Grades 5 to 16 who do the bulk of service delivery provisions.

“Last year, at the last Collective Bargaining Agreement meeting we had with our employer, we gave in to not receiving a salary increment, waiting until the country’s financial situation improved.

“People should earn salaries that allow them to continue working while also taking care of their families. As it is, employees in the lower grades have salary backlogs of up to five months,” he said.

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Bungu said any agreement of salary reductions and increments should be done within the confines of the law.

The unionist said instead of coming up with “such retrogressive suggestions”, council should instead look into reviving the revenue base.

“Executive grades, whose conditions of employment are determined by the ministry of Local Government, should be negotiated with. They should be paid what is commensurate with the service they provide. They should not get astronomical salaries but something that is reasonable. While salary reductions should not be bulldozed on anyone, no one should be paid or even suggest to be paid $30 000 in this economic situation we have,” Bungu said.

Government in 2014 capped the salary and perks for managers of government-owned entities and city council bosses at a total of $72 000 a year, representing a huge cut for some executives, who were raking in up to half a million a year.

Acting town clerk Josephine Ncube declined to comment saying “there is a process that is currently taking place with regard to the issue”.

An audit by the local government ministry last year revealed that directors were still paying themselves in excess of $12 000/month each.

While trying to reduce salaries again last year, council’s top management wrote to Manyenyeni arguing that he could not slash their salaries as it would constitute breach of contract.

The mayor said the issue will be dealt with internally.

“The reality is that council is sinking because of our human resources costs. Ideally council salaries should be midway between the private and government sector.

“However, you find that we are paying more than the private sector and that is unjustifiable,” Manyenyeni said.

“How do we justify these hefty salaries to residents? We simply have no leg to stand on when it comes to what executives are being paid.”

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HARARE – The First Family is working towards bringing back home — for good — Robert Junior and Chatunga Bellarmine, who are currently based in neighbouring South Africa, the Daily News can exclusively report.

Robert Jnr and Chatunga have been a thorn in the backside for the first family because of their waywardness, and indulgent lifestyles.

They are both infamously known for their extravagant lifestyles, hanging out with stylish girls and wild drinking binges.

President Robert Mugabe’s sons relocated to Johannesburg, the commercial capital city of South Africa, at the beginning of the year after running into discipline problems involving brawls and abuse of banned substances.

The older Robert Junior was previously based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where the Mugabes frequented in a futile bid to restrain him.

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Chatunga Bellarmine had been staying in Zimbabwe.

Given the wave of crime in South Africa, and the negative attention they have courted, the first family now fear for Chatunga and Robert Jnr’s safety such that they are considering moving them back to Zimbabwe.

Mugabe has confided in his inner circle that the boys’ wayward behaviour was causing him sleepless nights, adding that he feared their security risk was high.

The rebellious children lead a wild partying lifestyle, which badly exposes them to South Africa’s rampant crime society.

Mugabe’s concerns come amid an incident, which has attracted global attention whereby First Lady Grace Mugabe reportedly violently assaulted a 20-year-old woman, Gabriella Engels, whom she found in a hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg in the company of her volatile sons.

The boys have apparently been staying at the hotel since last month after they were evicted from a luxurious apartment Sandton — home to South Africa’s wealthiest people — following a violent brawl that left one security officer at the place severely injured.

Grace has since landed herself in trouble with the law in South Africa, where she is battling to avoid prosecution for assault and has since invoked diplomatic immunity which, however, South African authorities are fiercely contesting.

The incident could trigger a diplomatic stand-off between Harare and Pretoria.

Impeccable sources told the Daily News yesterday that Mugabe told his inner circle that he was travelling to Pretoria to attend the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) heads of State summit, two days ahead of schedule, to try and secure his wife’s freedom as well as make arrangements to bring back to Zimbabwe his sons.

Mugabe flew to Pretoria late on Wednesday afternoon despite the fact that the summit only kicks off today.

Grace had hurried to the Rainbow Nation to follow up on the boys after contact with them was lost between Thursday and Friday last week, heightening security fears.

This was contrary to the earlier statement which Mugabe gave at a rally in Gwanda where he claimed Grace had travelled to that country to seek medical attention for her ankle which she claims was caused in a freak accident at the Harare International Airport last month.

“He expressed deep concern over the behaviour of the boys. He told us that he was going there ahead of the Sadc summit schedule to attend to the incident involving the first lady as well as to arrange for the boys’ repatriation,” said a Cabinet minister who cannot be named.

“It is clear that he is worried about their safety given the high crime rate in that country,” the minister added.

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HARARE – The discord between Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s allies and his employer — the government — burst into the public domain yesterday as the two sides took diametrically opposite positions over what could have caused the 75-year-old politician to suffer a relentless bout of blood vomiting and diarrhoea on Saturday.

Government has ruled out suspected food poisoning, saying results of tests conducted so far suggest that the vice president ate stale food on the day in question, which upset his tummy.

It has also dismissed social media reports that Mnangagwa, who is currently hospitalised in South Africa, could have consumed ice cream laced with poison at a youth interface rally held in Gwanda on Saturday, prompting him to leave the venue in a huff in order to seek medical attention.

Information, Media and Broadcasting Services minister Chris Mushohwe was quoted in the State media on Thursday dismissing reports doing the rounds as false, informing the nation that tests had instead indicated he had eaten stale food.

“What doctors think happened is that he ate stale food,” Mushohwe claimed.

But Mnangagwa’s associates have reacted angrily to the claims, telling the Daily News that doctors attending to the ailing politician, for long seen as President Robert Mugabe’s likely successor, were yet to release results of tests they ran to determine the cause of severe stomach cramps he suffered last Saturday.

Mnangagwa’s close confidante, Jorum Gumbo — who is the second most senior Zanu PF member in the vice president’s home province of Midlands — differed with Mushohwe yesterday, saying the politician did not eat any stale food.

“He did not consume any stale food. He flew from Harare to Bulawayo along with many other people before taking a helicopter to Gwanda, so I wonder where the stale food would have come from,” Gumbo said.

Mnangagwa was airlifted to South Africa for treatment on Sunday where he is still admitted.

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He had fallen ill in the Matabeleland South provincial capital of Gwanda while attending a Zanu PF youth interface meeting addressed by Mugabe.

There has been widespread speculation that Mnangagwa consumed food poisoned by his Zanu PF rivals in an attempt to physically eliminate him from the succession race.

With Mugabe turning 94 in February next year, fierce jostling has emerged among his top lieutenants who believe they have what it takes to succeed him.

The race, which has been on for the past two decades, has had its intrigues.

Four vice presidents have so far succumbed to varying ailments, denying them of the opportunity to get a chance to run for the top office.

These are Joshua Nkomo (1917–1999); Simon Muzenda (1922–2003); Joseph Msika (1923–2009) and John Landa Nkomo (1934–2013).

More interestingly, Joice Mujuru, once seen as a shoo-in to take over from Mugabe, was fired from Zanu PF and government in 2014 for plotting to dethrone her boss using unconstitutional means.

Mujuru, who is now leading the National People’s Party, had deputised Mugabe for about 10 years.

Nicknamed “the crocodile” in the Shona language, Mnangagwa was appointed after the sacking of Mujuru.

But since taking over from Mujuru, Mnangagwa has found himself facing similar charges from his internal rivals of plotting to unseat Mugabe.

Mnangagwa’s allies are therefore pointing an accusing finger at their rivals in Generation 40 (G40) for what happened on Saturday although there is no evidence to validate their claims.

In the past, there have been six break-ins at his offices with his allies saying those were plots to eliminate him.

Gumbo refused to speculate on the cause of Mnangagwa’s sickness yesterday, saying things will only be clear when test results are released.

“I personally did not see him eating ice cream or any other food at the rally because I arrived a bit late. I would therefore rather not speculate about the cause of the sickness because I am waiting for the test results like everyone else,” he said.

“I talk to him daily over the phone. He says he is recovering very well and responding to treatment. He is actually waiting for the results of the test so as to confirm what really transpired before he comes back to work,” said the Transport and Infrastructural Development minister, who also doubles up as secretary for education in the Zanu PF politburo.

Gumbo is considered one of Mnangagwa’s loyalists who have defended him against an onslaught mounted by his opponents trending under the moniker G40.

The military, seen as sympathetic to Mnangagwa’s prospects of succeeding Mugabe, has, along with his family, virtually taken charge of the vice president’s battle for survival, with the other arms of government that should have been at the forefront of it, playing second fiddle.

For example, on his way to seek specialist treatment in South Africa, the vice president had to be accompanied by a military doctor, Paul Chimedza — a former deputy minister for Health. The entourage also included Marry Chiwenga, wife to Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander Constantino Chiwenga — who is keeping the ZDF chief upraised of developments — and a top security operative, Charles Mpanduki.

From the family side, Mnangagwa’s son Emmerson Dambudzo Junior and the vice president’s wife, Auxillia, accompanied him.

From the time he was airlifted from Gwanda, to being committed into an Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) health institution and to being airlifted to South Africa from Manyame Airbase on Sunday, the army has basically taken charge of the proceedings, with the full blessings of his family.

So deep has been the army’s involvement in the arrangements that the civilian side of government struggled for information because of the secretive nature of all military operations.

Yesterday, Zimbabweans from all walks of life were invited to a prayer meeting for the vice president, which was poorly attended.

Axed Zanu PF youth league members Godwin Gomwe, Godfrey Tsenengamu, Vengai Msengi and Lewis Mathuthu headlined the poorly-attended prayer meeting at the Robert Mugabe Square in Harare.

The prayer vigil comes after an alleged prophecy by United Family International Church leader Emmanuel Makandiwa predicting that Mnangagwa would be a fool if he banks on doctors to make him better.

“Doctors will not save him,” says Makandiwa’s prophesy video.

Clad in shirts emblazoned Bold and Speedy Recovery Shumba, the small crowd that had been bussed to the scene congregated for the event which had been scheduled to begin at 10am but only started two hours later as people trickled at a snail’s pace before organisers were convinced that no more people were coming.

Surprisingly, the gathered crowd sung the phased out Zimbabwe national anthem Ishe Komborera Africa substituting the word Africa with Zimbabwe.

“That’s the way we wanted our message to be heard, it was nothing political,” said one of organisers who declined to be named.

“This was just a prayer meeting for our leader; there was nothing factional or political about it. If someone in your family falls sick, it’s in our culture to pray for them.”

The prayer meeting went on without the organisers seeking police clearance but the police did not act as they do when opposition parties hold such unsanctioned meetings.

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HARARE – South Africa yesterday sealed all its borders and issued a high-level security alert to its agents to look out for under-pressure First Lady Grace Mugabe in case she tries to flee the country where she is alleged to have assaulted a 20-year-old model.

This comes as it has also emerged that the family of the 20-year-old Gabriella Engels had been allegedly approached by the First Family’s emissaries for an out-of-court settlement.

At the same time, lawyers acting for Engels said they had been told that police were now weighing issuing Grace with a warrant of arrest as pressure mounted for the South African authorities to deny her immunity from prosecution.

Speaking on the sidelines of an indaba on gender-based violence, South African Police minister Fikile Mbalula told journalists that police had put out a “red alert” at their borders for Grace, in case she attempted to leave the country.

He, however, said she had not made attempts to flee.

“We, in terms of South African Police, already put tabs in the borders in relation to her leaving the country, so there is no question about that.

“So tabs have been put, a red alert has been put, so she is not somebody who has been running away,” said Mbalula.

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Grace has been accused of severely assaulting Engels whom she found with her two sons — Robert Junior and Chatunga Bellarmine — at their hotel in Sandton, on Sunday.

Engels is alleging that she was struck several times with an extension cord and was left nursing deep wounds which needed stitching.

Yesterday, she appeared at a televised press conference where her lawyers from Afriforum made stunning revelations that Grace had offered her family money for an out-of-court settlement via third parties.

The lawyers did not reveal the amount offered.

“The family has not been kept abreast with what has been happening, the more concerning thing is that the family has been approached via a third party to accept an amount of money to settle this, and the family is not interested in doing this and we will definitely assist. If nothing happens, we will consider doing private prosecution,” said Gerrie Nel, South Africa’s top lawyer who is representing Engels with instructions from rights group, Afriforum.

Nel, who is famed for prosecuting high-profile cases during his time in the South African National Prosecuting Authority, also said police were considering issuing a warrant of arrest for Grace.

“As of this morning, there wasn’t a warrant issued yet, but I have to say and that came out in consultation with Gabriella that the investigating officer called her and told her that they will now authorise it.

“If she (Grace) escapes jurisdiction, we will really do what we can in terms of the law, in terms of extraditions but it’s a very difficult question to answer now on what we should do, but we are focusing now on the suspect is still in the country,” Nel told journalists.

Engels’ mother, Debbie, said she was convinced that Grace was not going to find it easy to escape the charges levelled against her.

“We are so grateful for all the help you guys are giving us at least now I can sleep at little more peaceful knowing that I have people in my corner that are going to help me fight get justice for my daughter and I know these people are not going to back down. Now I know that this woman (Grace) is not going to get off scot-free for what she did to my child,” she said.

Grace has asked for diplomatic immunity to avoid being arrested.

She’s yet to be granted immunity.

According to South African legislation, she can only be granted immunity if her visit to South Africa was gazetted by the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) in advance.

However, Dirco has already said since Grace was not on official business and as a result, diplomatic immunity would not apply in her case.

“Firstly‚ for it to apply‚ she needs to be here on official business. It won’t apply if she’s here on holiday or for something else.

“Secondly‚ as a first lady‚ she’s not part of government or a government official. It doesn’t apply just because she’s the wife of a president,” said Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela.

According to President Robert Mugabe, Grace missed last week’s youth interface rally in Gwanda as she had travelled to South Africa for treatment on her injured ankle, in a statement which appeared to suggest that his wife’s trip was private and personal.

Grace has in the past been caught in incidents of violence.

In 2009, Grace was investigated by Hong Kong police for an alleged assault on a British photographer during a shopping trip to the city.

She was accused of repeatedly punching Richard Jones — chief photographer of the Hong Kong photo agency Sinopix — who was on an assignment for the British Sunday Times.

In 2014, Grace confronted journalists at a Singaporean hospital as she bid to block them from photographing Mugabe as he entered Gleneagles facility for his medical check-up.

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HARARE – Premier Service Medical Aid Society (Psmas) yesterday launched a new low-cost medical insurance package tailor-made for the informal sector.

Backed by years of research and with detailed input from members of the informal sector, Psmas’ Shield Plan offers unmatched services at an entry price of $10 per member per month.

With an annual global limit of $3 000, Shield Plan boasts by far the best benefits package of any similar subscription.

The package gives members access to general practitioners, medical specialists, hospitalisation, rehabilitation hospitalisation, prescription drugs, dentistry, refraction, optical, maternity, radiology, psychiatric services and ambulances among others. 

“Being a socially aware corporate, we have taken note of the concerns and needs of our members and we are moving forward with our turnaround,” Psmas communications and brand manager Arthur Choga said.

“We are committed to getting Psmas back on the firmest path and we have been shaping our Society from within, ensuring a stronger structure that lives by our values of teamwork, communication, commitment, integrity and empathy,” he added.

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HARARE - Mobile network operator NetOne has partnered BancABC in a $10 million deal that will see the company’s subscribers buying smart phones over a 12-month period.

The State-owned NetOne’s acting chief executive, Brian Mutandiro, said the company’s over 6,5 million subscribers will have an option to buy a variety of smart phones from international brands such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, Alcatel, ZTE and Lenovo among others.

To buy a smart phone, customers will get a loan from BancEasy, a BancABC subsidiary, which they will use to pay for the device.

“The devices will come with complimentary free OneFusion airtime for 12 months with customers getting a maximum of OneFusion $20 per month, depending on the device one chooses to purchase,” Mutandiro said.

In most markets across the world, mobile network operators partner with smart phones manufacturers to allow subscribers to get phones for free and only pay for airtime over specified periods.

Markets experts said the move by NetOne would result in as many Zimbabweans as possible migrating to the new data-driven mobile environment.

Mutandiro noted that subscribers will need to bring payslip, proof of residence, national identification documents and a letter from the employer to access these packages.

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Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s second largest mobile network operator by subscriber base yesterday also launched a micro mobile insurance product, OneCover, which offers funeral assurance to its customers.

Micro-insurance enables low-income people, mostly in the developing world, avoid the debt traps that often imperil their livelihoods and even their lives.

Experts say micro-insurance is also particularly important for those in the informal economy, who are usually underserved by mainstream commercial and social insurance schemes.

“OneCover — underwritten by First Mutual Life (FML) — seeks to drive financial inclusion through affordable plans, ease access, leveraging on the reputation and the market share of NetOne Cellular,” Mutandiro said.

The insurance product’s premiums and claims payments will be made through NetOne’s mobile financial service platform.

“Like any other insurance, OneCover has a waiting period, were except for accidental death, the waiting period for all plans will be three months on the main life assured. There shall be six months waiting period on other adult dependents, non-biological children, biological children above 23 years attained and subsequent spouses,” the NetOne boss added.

FML chief operations manager Peter Shoniwa said his organisation seriously takes financial inclusion issues hence its decision to partner NetOne.

“FML, which has been around for more than 100 years, would want to ensure that people do not have to travel long distances to access financial products. Through this partnership, we will be able to distribute our insurance products through NetOne offices and technology offered by the mobile firm,” he said.

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HARARE - State-owned financial institution Agricultural Bank of Zimbabwe (Agribank) is negotiating for $48 million in fresh capital with government to recapitalise the business.

The bank’s chief executive officer — Sam Malaba — said the bank, whose core mandate is to fund the country’s agriculture sector, was courting strategic partners to raise funds to recapitalise the financial institution.

“The bank is engaging the shareholder (government) in pursuance of further capitalisation and we are also talking to potential strategic partners. The bank’s core capital is standing at about $52 million. We appreciate the continuing support from the shareholder in terms of capitalisation of the bank.  Government has recapitalised the bank to the tune of $40 million so far. But for us to fully support the agriculture sector and optimise on business growth prospects, it is important that the bank be further capitalised with a further $48 million,” said Malaba.

In its financial results for the six months to June  this year, which were released this week, Agribank, recorded a marginal one percent  increase in net profit to $2,18 from $2,16 million  registered in the same period last year.

The bank attributed the growth to the re-organisation of the bank, investment in upgrading information communications technology as well as implementation of a wide range of the bank’s business growth strategies and initiatives.

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Malaba said the growth was also due to positive benefits from transferring non-performing loans to Zimbabwe Asset Management Corporation (Zamco).

Net interest income increased by 14,2 percent  in the period under review to $13 million from $11,42 million recorded in the first half of the previous year.

Commission income went up by four percent to $2,3 million during the period under review  compared to $2,2 million  recorded in the same period in 2016.

Total operating expenses surged 5,2 percent to $11,45 million  in the first half of this year from $10,88 million recorded in the same period in the previous year.

The bank recorded impairment charges of $3,34 million during the period under review from $891 000 recorded in the same period in 2016.

Loans and advances declined by 19 percent to $80,28 million during the period under review from $99 million in the same period the previous year, due to transfer of $17 million worth of loans to Zamco that outweighs growth in new loans.

Total assets grew by five percent to $214,99 million during the period under review from $204 million recorded in 2016.

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HARARE - Media, Information and Broadcasting Services minister Christopher Mushowe has urged gospel music couple Charles and Olivia Charamba to remain humble and exemplary in society.

Mushowe was the guest of honour at the Charambas’ albums launch held at Zimbabwe College of Music in the capital on Wednesday evening.

Charles and Olivia unveiled their latest studio albums Abba Father and Voice of Miriam respectively.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including police spokesperson Charity Charamba and her husband, minister of State in Harare Province Miriam Chikukwa, music promoters Partson Chimbodza, Sebia Raire, Polisile Ncube from Zimura, businessman Chamu Chiwanza, musicians Somandla Ndebele, Gift Mahlupeka, Trymore Bande and Mudiwa among others.

“I have been always moved by the down-to-earth personality exuded by the Charambas. They are always polite and humble despite the popularity and influence they command in the music industry. You are exemplary in society. You have toured a number of countries around the globe but you chose to remain unassuming. Vamwe kungoita kambiri, aah makhadza mudenga (With little fame, some become untouchable),” Mushowe said.

“We lost a number of musicians who had potential to scale dizzy heights in the music industry due to diseases such as HIV/Aids but instead the Charambas remained an icon of moral uprightness.”

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Mushowe said the Charambas’ music plays a pivotal role in moulding society.

“The song Mhinduro Iripo played a crucial part during behaviour change advocacy at a time when the HIV/Aids pandemic was highly prevalent and people needed awareness. The song was staged as a theme tune during the declaration of HIV/Aids as a national disaster by the ministry of Health and Child Care.

“Olivia’s Africa Restore Your Identity and Africa PaBethsaida are songs that show the intensity of their passion for the transformation of the continent.”

The Charambas touched on parenthood issues that mould and shape families and further offered religious counsel in many of their songs.

“Your songs have a positive bearing and impact on our society and proffer community development and poverty alleviation.

“Of great value is that they work inseparably together and have assisted many needy groups that include orphanages. They have mentored many young artistes and I agree with them that the vision of imparting skills to young people must be applauded,” Mushowe said.

The album Abba Father comprises songs: Abba Father, Ndiregerere, Jesu Garai, Vakanga Vakaita Sei?, Ndozvatinoda, Zvepa Calvary, Kutengesa Josefa, Kutenda Kusina Mabasa and a bonus track Tudikidiki,  a song he collaborated with CCAP Voices of Mbare.

On the other hand, album Voice of Miriam which is Olivia’s first album since 2009 is made up of tracks: Mwaka, Boycott Sin, Ndiri Munana, Mend My Ways, Vana Mumasango, Takavinga Denga, Usaverengera Kunamata and Mwana Mwana.

“We found it worthy not to collaborate with other artistes on the latest albums because it has been a while since we last released and as a result, we wanted to respect our fans by giving them all our efforts,” Charamba said.

Both albums were recorded at their Fishers of Men Studios. Their previous albums include Tinashe Akatendeka (1997), Johane 3:16 (1998), Vhuserere (2000), Exodus (2001), Sunday Service (2002), Verses and Chapters (2004), Pashoko Pangoma (2010).

Charambas Live at HICC (2005) and WeNazareta (2014) which were collaborations.

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HARARE – Kuwadzana legislator and former model Betty Kaseke has organised a beauty pageant titled Miss Kuwadzana to be held tomorrow in her constituency meant to empower ghetto girls.

The Miss Kuwadzana pageant scheduled for Holland Centre in the densely-populated suburb of Harare will be graced by Miss Zimbabwe Trust chairperson Marry Chiwenga.

“The Miss Kuwadzana is meant to bring out society’s future leaders.

This pageant is a build up to Kuwadzana Carnival to be held on August 26,”Courage Mazuru the public relations officer in the office of Kaseke said.

“We have 15 girls participating in Miss Kuwadzana pageant. We are calling it Miss Kuwadzana pageant because it is targeting and is confined to the girl-child of Kuwadzana constituency.

“The event is running under the theme ‘Empowering the girl-child through beauty pageant’ as Kaseke has great passion for the empowerment of the girl-child,” he said.

“The girls are already in camp, they are staying at a local five-star hotel, they are undergoing tutorial sessions. We have taken them through educative trips to the National Heroes Acre, on Thursday, we took them to places of historical significance in Kuwadzana constituency, we have also toured some of projects which Kaseke is spearheading in the constituency such as women empowerment projects, orphanage support programmes, environmental management projects and water provision projects among others.

“The winners of this pageant will lead the Kuwadzana Carnival procession, another event to be held on August 26, 2017. Through Kuwadzana Carnival, we would like to showcase the cultural diversity of Kuwadzana constituency.

“We have also invited cultural groups from other constituencies surrounding us to take part in the street party on the day. We will spice up the carnival with a talent identification show under the banner Star Brite Show.”

Artistes who include Seh Calaz will perform at the event.

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HARARE – The Zimbabwe 7s rugby national team has agreed on a one-year sponsorship deal worth $100 000 with Delta Beverages that will see Zambezi Lager becoming the Cheetahs’ official sponsor.

The Zambezi Cheetahs are currently preparing for the forthcoming 2017 Africa Cup Sevens tournament which will be held in Kampala, Uganda in October.

If the team reaches the final of the tournament in Kampala, they will also qualify for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens finals to be held in San Francisco, USA.

The top two teams in Kampala will also become core members of the 2018-19 World Rugby Sevens Series. Speaking at the official ceremony to unveil the sponsorship yesterday, Delta Beverages sales executive Stanley Muchenje said: “We believe that this partnership represents what we cherish the most and believe that we are makers of our own success.

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“That is the desire that drives Delta to sponsor sports; as you are aware, we are into other various sports sponsorships. We believe that the Cheetahs are a special team, with special qualities that we would like to be associated with; qualities that we also share.”

With the Sevens game now an Olympic sport, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (Zoc) president Admire Masenda praised the company for coming on board.

“As Zoc, we would like to thank Delta for this funding ... There is a slot for rugby sevens in Tokyo 2019; you (Zambezi Cheetahs) just have to make it happen (qualify). If you make it happen, I promise you that, we will take you to Tokyo,” Masenda said.

Zimbabwe Sevens Committee chairperson Colleen de Jong said:

“The road to San Francisco begins with the Cheetahs’ aim to achieve the maximum possible standards through what has been a rigorous talent identification process, strength and conditioning, high performance training and continuous participation in international tournaments,” de Jong said.

Zambezi Cheetahs captain Hilton Mudariki said: “As players, we are grateful that Delta has come on board. They have put in a lot of money for us players on our road to qualifying for the World Cup next year.

“We just hope to focus on one game at a time and hopefully get to the final which will qualify us for the World Cup although our main goal is to win the Africa Cup.”

Zambezi Cheetahs training squad:

Tapiwa Tsomondo, Riaan O’Neil (False Bay, SA), Njabulo Ndhlovu (UWC, SA), Biselele Tshamala, Ngoni Chibuwe (College Rovers, SA), Brian Dube Old Boys, SA), Mkhululi Ndhlela (Tuks, SA), Hilton Mudariki (Pirates, SA), Gardner Nechiroga (Raiders, SA), Boyd Rouse (Bury, UK), Connor Pritchard (Griffith University, Australia), Shayne Makombe (RC Compiegnois, France), Tafadzwa Chitokwindo (TV Pforzheim, Germany), Lucky Sithole, Osbourne Muhambi, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Takudzwa Francisco, Zepheniah Nkomo, Shingi Hlanguyo, Russell Dodo (Sportivo), Stephan Hunduza, Scotty Jones, Lenience Tambwera, Takudzwa Chieza, Shingi Katsvere, Wilson Seremani (OGs), Innocent Nyatsanza, McDonald Kazingizi, Prince Dube (Police Defenders), Gideon Muyambo, Dennis Museredza (Mutare SC), Tinashe Gwisai, Joshua Gando, Tichafara Makwanya (OH), Nelson Madida, Taraisai Mugariri, Walter Gode, Theodore Chiremba (Mat Warriors), Kilvan Magunje (Gweru SC).

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HARARE – Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s allies have gone through what could rank as their worst week in which two of their most vocal wordsmiths are battling to regain their freedom, while their godfather is still undergoing treatment in South Africa following suspected food poisoning, the Daily News can report.

It has really been another bad week for Energy Mutodi, who was arrested last week on charges of undermining the authority of the president and causing disaffection among the defence forces. Mutodi, who has taken his lobby for a Mnangagwa presidency to social media, will endure yet another weekend behind bars after his bail appeal hearing failed to take off at the High Court yesterday.

The businessman-cum-politician was arrested last week following his Facebook post in which he warned President Robert Mugabe of dire consequences in the event he failed to handle the burning succession in his party.

Mutodi is currently in remand prison after he was denied bail at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts, forcing him to file an appeal at the High Court, which was slated for hearing yesterday. However, the record of proceedings from the Harare Magistrates’ Courts detailing reasons for his bail denial by the lower court was not available for the matter to be heard yesterday, resulting in High Court judge Clement Phiri postponing the matter to next Tuesday.

His lawyer Taona Nyamakura made an undertaking to facilitate the availability of the record of proceedings from the Harare Magistrates’ Courts so that the appeal can be heard.

Mutodi has vowed to challenge his arrest when he comes back to court on August 25, according to his bail appeal papers.

“Appellant (Mutodi) has given notice that he will challenge the basis of his arrest at the next remand date on the basis that the article read as a whole does not disclose an offence and that his arrest violates his rights under Section 49 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (right to personal liberty), on the basis that he was arrested on incorrect information; Section 50 in that he was not advised, on arrest, of the correct reasons for his arrest and the reasons were only furnished when he was warned and cautioned on different split charges; Section 56 (equality and non-discrimination), in that he is being charged for making a political commentary on an issue of public interest on which many other political commentators have commented and that he is the only one selected for arrest,” Mutodi said.

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Mutodi argued that the provincial magistrate who handled his bail application, Elisha Singano, erred and misdirected himself by denying him bail based on “facts and grounds” that he created on his own, which were not relied upon by the State.

He said there are no compelling reasons advanced by the State warranting him not to be released on $100 bail, with a condition for him to report to the police once a week.

Mutodi also argued that there are no grounded reasons that would warrant him to abscond if released on bail, as he is a Zimbabwean, with businesses that he runs locally.

He further said subsequent punishment if convicted is a fine, which in itself is not an inducement for him to take flight.

Mutodi also defended his commentary, arguing that it was based on a speech that had been made by Mugabe and does not warrant any criminal charges, adding that in any event, he has a right to freely express himself as ascribed by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Another of Mnangagwa’s allies, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda, also remained caged at the time of going to print yesterday, with his legal counsel trying everything possible to get his release but without success.

Matemadanda is being charged with undermining authority of or insulting the president.

His lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, yesterday said the court process had been stage-managed and pushed for Harare provincial magistrate Elisha Singano’s recusal because he was likely to make the same decisions detrimental to his client as in the Mutodi case.

Mtetwa said her argument was based on an alleged secret meeting the magistrate convened on the night of August 17 in the defence team’s absence when Matemadanda had been summoned to court.

“Anyone in the accused person’s shoes would feel the decision has already been made in chambers. The accused person is being charged under the same section and grounds as those for Mutodi and the court’s previous conduct in similar cases will make it impossible to impartially and independently deal with the matter before you,” Mtetwa said.

Singano refuted the allegations and said he was not present at court at the time alleged by the defendant’s lawyers, arguing that Mutodi and Matemadanda were two different people hence his decision would not be clouded.

Prosecutor Fransisca Mukumbiri applied for a warrant of further detention to enable the police to travel with Matemadanda to search his house and business premises in Gokwe as they suspected that they would identify material at the premises crucial in building their case against the ZNLWVA secretary-general before he could be formally placed on remand.

However, Mtetwa objected: “Is it not correct that your case is entirely based on a press conference that the accused person gave in Harare recently? Clearly, both charges arose from the presser. What other manufactured material are you going to get out of the four corners of the presser?

“You were allocated this case on August 11 and had ample time to complete your investigations and travel to Gokwe until yesterday but you chose not to. He even asked you to go and conduct the search in his wife’s presence but you refused and insisted on going with him. The accused person has rights and he will state that he is not comfortable to travel with you during the night”.

This is the second time in just over a year that Matemadanda has had to fight for his freedom at the courts.

He, along with other executive members of ZNLWVA were arrested in July last year, for allegedly penning a damning communiqué that denounced Mugabe for running down the southern African state, being divisive in politics and manipulative in general.

On his way to the top of the war veterans’ body, Matemadanda stepped on too many toes.

For example, he was among the group that pushed for Joice Mujuru’s removal as vice president in 2014.

He was also key in the removal of Jabulani Sibanda as leader of ZNLWVA in October 2014, after Sibanda — in his spirited attempts to defend Mujuru — was accused of criminally insulting Mugabe and First Lady Grace Mugabe.

The insult laws, which have rarely been used against Zanu PF members, have trailed several of Mnangagwa’s tough-talking allies.

Former Zanu PF youth leader for Mashonaland Central Godfrey Tsenengamu was arrested in May on charges of attempting to subvert a constitutionally-elected government.

He was first arrested in February this year on similar charges after convening a press conference in Harare where he called for a response from Mnangagwa and his allies, following Mugabe’s birthday interview with ZBC in which he appeared to crush Mnangagwa’s presidential ambitions by saying that no one in Zanu PF was worthy of succeeding him.

In December 2015, Zanu PF legislator for Gokwe-Nembudziya, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, was arrested in Victoria Falls at the close of the party’s national conference for insulting Grace.

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HARARE – South Africa is mulling granting diplomatic immunity to First Lady Grace Mugabe to escape prosecution after she was accused of assaulting a model at a hotel in Johannesburg, the Daily News can report.

This comes as President Robert Mugabe is said to have pressured South Africa on the sidelines of the ongoing summit of the 15-nation Southern African Development Community (Sadc) in Pretoria into invoking diplomatic immunity to help his wife evade justice.

Graces is facing “serious charges” of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after she assaulted South African model Gabriella Engels at a Sandton hotel last weekend.

She was visiting her sons on Sunday when she reportedly stormed into their room and assaulted Engels, whom she accused of living with her sons — who are both in their 20s and live in Johannesburg.

The first lady allegedly assaulted Engels with an electric cord in the face and head. The model sustained serious injuries.

Authoritative sources in Harare and Pretoria said it appears that South African President Jacob Zuma’s government was moving to protect Grace by “trying to leverage her status as a first lady by applying the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations”, which grant broad immunity from prosecution.

“It makes her absolutely immune in almost all cases from criminal arrest or civil suit. Diplomatic immunity is very protective,” said a senior government official in Harare.

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There were fears the dispute risked souring the broader South Africa-Zimbabwe bilateral relationship.

While both countries stressed the importance of their bilateral relationship during the crisis, it took complex wrangling to find a workable solution both sides could live with.

Authoritative sources revealed a “dizzying 24 hours” in which South Africa agreed to grant Grace diplomatic immunity, but would order her to leave the country immediately after the Sadc summit.

Diplomatic immunity rules mean individuals cannot be directly charged — their immunity either needs to be waived or, if the home nation refuses, they can be kicked out of South Africa.

But under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, those entitled to immunity are expected to obey the law.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) — which is handling the diplomatic immunity issue — declined to comment yesterday when contacted by the Daily News.

“I have got nothing to say on the matter; we are not commenting on it,” Dirco deputy director-general and spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

The civil rights watchdog, AfriForum and Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of the organisation’s Private Prosecuting Unit, told a media conference on Thursday that they would support Engels to see that justice prevails in the assault charge that she has brought against Grace.

Nel said he will monitor the handling of the case by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), as well as the implementation of private prosecution should the NPA fail to prosecute Grace without good cause.

“Should diplomatic immunity be granted to Mrs Mugabe, AfriForum is prepared to fight this in the highest court,” he said.

Nel said they were prepared to take a stand for justice despite enormous pressure.

“No one, not even Mrs Grace Mugabe, must be allowed to bypass the law as a result of their position of power,” Nel said, adding he will also direct letters to the SAPS and the NPA to request them to take the matter further as soon as possible.

“If they fail to do so, there is a sure possibility of private prosecution,” Nel vowed.

Questions sent to AfriForum seeking an update on the diplomatic immunity developments and the warrant of arrest which the investigating officer was considering on Thursday had not been responded to at the time of going for print yesterday.

Psychology Maziwisa, the former Zanu PF director of information and now legislator for Highfield West, who is also a trained lawyer, told the Daily News yesterday that there are different sources of law.

“Statutes are one and this is where the Geneva Convention, which gives immunity only and strictly to diplomats falls under. And then there is customary law, which enjoins courts and, in the present case, States to recognise international customs as general practices accepted as law. For a legal practice to be recognised under international customary law, it must generally be applied by a majority of States,” he said.

“Unlike the Geneva Convention, international customary law does not confine its application merely to diplomats. In fact, it deals directly and more specifically with immunity in respect of heads of State. The general inclination of courts worldwide has been to grant absolute immunity to sitting heads of State. In respect of family members of heads of State, courts have found under international customary law that it is prudent to extend such immunity to family members in order, in the first instance, to ensure the efficient running of government business which would otherwise be hindered were the attention of a respective head of State to be diverted in order to deal with a criminal prosecution of a family member in a foreign country,” said Maziwisa.

He said more than this, courts worldwide have found that such a diversion of attention could result in a no confidence vote being passed on an absent head of State thereby causing potentially disastrous consequences to the stability of a whole nation.

“In other words, it becomes a serious matter of national security. This immunity, it must be pointed out, subsists for the entire duration of a head of State’s, in this case ... Mugabe’s tenure in office,” said Maziwisa.

“In the circumstances, Dr Amai not only deserves diplomatic immunity, she is entitled to it under international customary law,” Maziwisa told the Daily News.

Stephen Chan, a professor of world politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, said everyone deserves their day in court.

“Until then, accusations are just accusations. A lot would then depend upon the testimony of her own sons who were present. Having said that, assault is not a normal presidential quality,” said Chan.

Piers Pigou, senior consultant at the International Crisis Group, said this imbroglio has shone the spotlight on Grace and her suitability for public office, and presents another test for the South African authorities and its commitment to the rule of law.

“But perhaps that immunity can be extended by virtue of her relationship to ... Mugabe,” said Pigou.

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HARARE - Harare City coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube says he is looking forward to facing his former paymasters Bulawayo City in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Barbourfields Stadium today.

Today’s match will be the first time Ncube goes against his former club which he left in acrimonious fashion last year following a match-fixing scandal.

Although Ncube was found not guilty by the Zimbabwe Football Association he never returned to the Amakhosi dugout and eventually resurfaced when he was named the Sunshine Boys coach in May this season.

Since arriving, Ncube has rejuvenated the Sunshine Boys, pulling them clear of the relegation zone with impressive wins recently, including a 3-2 success over defending champions CAPS United which marked the re-opening of Rufaro Stadium this season.

Today, Ncube returns to face Bulawayo City hoping to continue with the fine form that has seen his side pick up seven points in their last three matches.

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“I think as a coach you want to prove your critics wrong and I think they have also done their homework as well and would want to prove me wrong,” Ncube said.

“But one thing for sure is that it’s going to be tough but we are really prepared and we want three points at the end of the day.

“Everyone is raring to go, there are no injury worries and I think we will come up with the best 18 for this game.”

The last time Harare City visited Barbourfields was against Highlanders and were unlucky not to collect maximum points after dominating the Bulawayo giants only to be let down by poor finishing and the brilliance of goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.

The Sunshine Boys currently sit 10th on the log table with 25 points having played 21 matches and could further climb up the ladder with a win this afternoon.

City striker Martin Vengesai concurred with his coach that they are going to Bulawayo seeking nothing less than a victory.

“We are well prepared for the game. We have managed to pick up crucial points in our last three matches and we hope to build on that form going forward,” Vengesai said.

On the other hand Bulawayo City, who sit 12th on the log table, have not been convincing this term and will also be desperate to get maximum points as they bid to avoid the chop at the end of the season.

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HARARE – The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) says they have sacked Sables coach Cyprian Mandenge but on the other hand, the coach says the decision is null and void.

ZRU chief executive Blessing Chiutare, who has been tasked to run the union’s affairs after the suspension of the board led by Nyararai Sibanda by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), said Mandenge and his technical team were dismissed 11 days ago.

“There was a review of the Sables’ performance by the technical review committee in which the then head coach Mandenge was called in and whose composition included the suspended vice president Tapiwa Mangezi, director of rugby Nonsikelelo Sibanda and myself at the union’s boardroom,” Chiutare told the Daily News.

“The meeting concluded that the technical department should be dissolved owing to the poor results the team posted in the Rugby Afrique Africa Gold Cup where we finished just a place above the relegation zone,” Chitaure said.

“The coach was informed about this although he had his arguments where he pointed out that he had not been given any Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and therefore according to him he had not failed because the team had managed to remain in Group 1 A.”

Chiutare added: “He’s free to reapply for the job and there’s nothing that can stop him from doing so. The director of rugby has been asked to flight an advert for the vacant posts.

“I have been in this post for only three months but my understanding is that there’s no way a flagship rugby team like the Sables can operate without an assistant coach if we can have assistants at Under-16 and Under-18 levels. The norm is we appoint the head coach then together with the coach, discuss his assistants.”

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Mandenge, however, said he remains in charge of the team since he is not answerable to the Chiutare.

He said he only received an email notifying him of being relieved of his duties three days ago (Wednesday August 16) and not on August 8 the day of the meeting with ZRU.

“It’s just people who are not professional because it’s not professional for them to send me an email now and how can a vice president who was suspended by the SRC take part in the decision making that has a bearing on the affairs of rugby, I doesn’t add up?” Mandenge said.

“Secondly, I don’t report to Blessing (Chitaure) but answerable to the director of rugby and the reason why Zimbabwe is in this position is because we have people in the wrong positions, he’s not qualified to comment on that.

“Instead of us planning the way forward we are busy politicking and other countries like Kenya are playing a full Test against Hong Kong then they will participate in a Four Nations tournament in preparation for next year’s Africa Cup but we are doing nothing.”

SRC board chairperson Edward Siwela said he is confident normalcy will return to national rugby soon after successfully identifying individuals to work in the ZRU interim committee.

“There’s a commission of enquiry looking into all the problems in rugby...it took a bit of time because we had to be clear with these individuals we are recommending to the Sports minister whether they were interested in constituting this interim committee and I’m glad they all gave a nod,” Siwela said.

“We are hopeful that normalcy to some extent returns to rugby...at the moment without the interim committee the CEO is the person overseeing the affairs of rugby and he’s free to make decisions that he sees are in the interests of the nation and the rugby community at large but if the coach is not happy he has to confront the CEO with facts and confront him to take the issue with the SRC.”

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HARARE – Zambezi Cheetahs captain Hilton Mudariki says the team has a strong chance of qualifying for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens finals to be held in San Francisco, United States.

Zimbabwe need to reach the final of the Africa Cup Sevens tournament to be held in Kampala, Uganda in October to secure a ticket for San Francisco.

The team received a major boost on Thursday after Delta Beverages through their brand Zambezi Lager poured in $100 000 as the side’s title sponsor.

“As players, we are grateful that Delta has come on board. They have put in a lot of money for us players on our road to qualify for the World Cup next year,” Mudariki said.

“We just hope to focus on one game at a time and hopefully get to the final which will qualify us for the World Cup but our main goal is to win the Africa Cup.

“In every rugby game obviously, the main thing is the belief that you are going to win. That’s where we have to start and believe that we are going to the World Cup and once we get that aspect right; it’s all just focusing on the little details the coaches are going to come with.

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“Next week we are in camp and that’s what we are going to focus on. It’s all about taking it one step at a time.”

With the players’ welfare now going to be taken care of through the sponsorship, Mudariki said they will do their best to win the Africa Cup.

“For sure the morale is going to be high. We started off the year very good in Victoria Falls by putting in a winning performance with a lot of young guys,” the Pirates scrumhalf said.

“Now we have a larger pool of about 40 guys that are going to be fighting to be in that squad. Healthy competition is good for the squad and it’s going to make us better.”

Veteran wing Gardner Nechironga has been recalled to be part of the training squad and Mudariki is looking forward to working with the Raiders backline player.

“It means a hell of a lot. It helps me as the captain to have a few guys with a lot of experience,” he said.

“Gardner has that experience; he’s been there and done that, he’s been to World Cups and has played on the circuit. That little bit of experience he brings to the party is going to help us a lot.”            

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HARARE – Zimbabwe showed lots of character but fell short by 15 runs against the South Africa Emerging side in the second unofficial One Day International at Harare Sports Club yesterday.

The visitors effectively sealed the three-match series as they now carry an unassailable 2-0 lead following yesterday’s victory.

South Africa batted first after winning the toss and riding on the back of a century from opener Yaseen Valli, who scored an unbeaten 133 from 43, posted an imposing total of 330 for the loss of four wickets.

Number two and three batsmen Janneman Malan (56) and Senuran Muthusamy (53) chipped in with half centuries as well as a decent 48 from Mathew Christensen.

Zim A legspinner Brendon Mavuta picked two wickets for 67 runs from 10 overs while seamer Neville Madziva and spinner Ainsley Ndlovu took a wicket each.

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The locals lost openers Chamu Chibhabha (9) and Brian Chari (11) in the second and seventh over respectively as the chase got off to a worst possible start in view of the massive total on the board to leave Zim A on 27/2 after 6.5 overs.

Captain PJ Moor top scored with 75 runs from 58 balls in an entertaining batting innings made up of seven boundaries and five maximums before he was caught by Kyle Simmonds off the bowling of right-arm offbreak Wihan Lubbe in the 26th over with Zim A on 163-4.

Kevin Kasuza (60) and Tino Mutombodzi (63) chipped in with a half century each as they pushed the hosts towards a memorable chase.

However, their departure after settling well on the crease in the 37th and 46th over spelt doom for the team and it was only a matter of time before the visitors wiped out Zimbabwe’s tail.

Zim A needed 19 runs from the last 12 balls with two wickets in hand but four deliveries into the 49th over it was all over.

Lubbe cleaned the entire tail to end the match with three wickets for 56 runs from 6.4 overs.

Slow left-arm orthodox Simmonds also took three wickets while pace bowler Migael Pretorius took two wickets.

The third and final unofficial ODI, which is now a dead rubber, is set for the same venue tomorrow.

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HARARE – The Zimbabwe women cricket team hosts Namibia in three Twenty20 matches games as they fine tune for next month’s ICC Women Africa T20 World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for Windhoek.

The Namibians are expected to arrive in the country around midday tomorrow and head straight into the series which gets underway with the first two games at Takashinga Cricket Grounds in Highfield.

The first match is on Monday and the second is scheduled for Tuesday before the series winds to an end on Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe will then leave for South Africa on Friday for T20 games against that country’s provincial sides to further prepare for the September qualifiers.

Team manager Carol Nyamande is upbeat that with such amount of game time the team stands a better chance of making it to the Global Qualifiers.

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“The team has been in a camp for a long time while preparing for a tour to Namibia before the programme changed a bit because our hosts said their grounds were not ready to host us since they are preparing them for the qualifiers, so we ended up inviting them to come over because what’s important is that at least the girls get enough time on the wicket,” Nyamande told the Daily News.

“We would have wanted to go to Namibia and get an opportunity to acclimatise with the conditions but all the same we are grateful for their visit and look forward to an entertaining series.

“Our girls are excited to take to the field and showcase what they have learnt in training and with another game-laden series lined-up against South African provincial sides, we wouldn’t have asked for better preparations.”

Chipo Mugeri has retained her captaincy after being away on maternity leave while stand-in captain Sharne Mayers reverts back to her all-round tag and will be looking forward to help the team on both fronts.

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