BY FARAI MATIASHE

Government has approved the ratification of the Eastern and Southern Africa-United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (ESA-UK) economic partnership agreement aimed at maintaining access to the UK market by Zimbabwe and other countries.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said under the agreement, the UK would grant duty-free and quota-free market access for all goods exported by the ESA countries to the UK, except for arms and ammunition.

“Following presentation by the Attorney-General, Cabinet approved ratification of the Eastern and Southern Africa-United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland economic partnership agreement. The agreement seeks to ensure the maintenance of existing market access to the UK by ESA Signatory States, which comprise Zimbabwe, the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Zambia,” she said.

“In terms of the agreement, the UK will grant duty-free and quota-free market access for all goods exported by the ESA countries to the UK, except for arms and ammunition. On their part, the ESA States will continue to gradually liberalise 80% of their trade imports from the UK covering capital, raw materials and intermediate goods up to 2022.”

Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwean products to be excluded from the liberalisation process include products of animal origin, cereals, beverages, paper, plastics and rubber, textiles and clothing, footwear, glass and ceramics, consumer electronics and vehicles.

She said Cabinet was briefed by the Information Communication Technology minister Kazembe Kazembe regarding migration to the holding of e-enabled paperless Cabinet meetings as well as the introduction of the Executive Electronic Dashboard to monitor the implementation of priority government programmes in real time.

“These two innovations are part of the broader e-government programme, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a digital and knowledge-driven society in line with Vision 2030. In terms of the progress already made, it is projected that Cabinet meetings will go paperless by early February 2020,” she said.

In preparation for the Executive Electronic Dashboard Monitoring System, Cabinet members have been issued with the relevant tablets which will be used by the Presidency, government ministers and senior government officials to track progress of government programmes by ministries and government agencies in keeping with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s clarion call to prioritise implementation of policies.

She said Cabinet had approved a memorandum of understanding between the government and We Care Solar, a non-governmental organisation registered in the United States aimed at reducing maternal mortality rate through providing power at hospitals around the country at a time the country is facing power shortages.

Grace Mugabe

BY CHARLES LAITON

FORMER First Lady Grace Mugabe’s business empire is headed for the cliff, as a Mazowe gold miner she displaced during her late husband, Robert Mugabe’s reign, is now seeking to evict her and repossess the farm where the mine is located.

The miner, Langton Chapungu, recently approached the High Court seeking the former First Lady’s eviction together with two other individuals who were only identified in court papers as Tongai and Jemwa.

Since Mugabe’s ouster from power through a coup in November 2017, the former First Family has not enjoyed peace following several lawsuits filed against them by farmers and miners dispossessed of their land as the Mugabes expanded their business empire in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province.

The family is facing similar threats from Harare property owners who were displapced to pave way for expansion of Mugabe’s Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale.

“The first and second respondents (Tongai and Jemwa) are doing illegal mining activities in my plot and the third respondent (Grace) is also doing her farming activities in that same plot of mine, to an extent that she had even erected some structures at my place,” Chapungu stated.

“The defendants have gone further threatening me with unspecified action if I continue disturbing them from their illegal activities in my plot. In spite of the demand to vacate, the defendants have refused and offered flimsy and fabricated reasons to justify their continued illegal stay at my place, leaving me with no option except to approach this honourable court for relief,”

The eviction bid comes shortly after Mashonaland Central provincial mining director Tariro Ndhlovu, through a memo dated September 18, 2019, called on all mining claim owners in Manzou, Surtic, Smithfield, Arnold, Yarrowdale, Foyle Estate, Brecon, Bandari, Brundret, Maggiesdale and Glenbervile farms, some of which were owned by Grace, to get back to the farms.

There were also reports that Grace risked losing one of her properties that form part of her family’s Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale Brooke following a High Court ruling in June to let go of the land in favour of the applicants, Farai and Nyasha Chitsinde.

The Sherriff of the High Court has issued a warrant of ejection against the Mugabe family, which has until the end of today to move out of the contested portion of the land.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE / EVERSON MUSHAVA

CIVIL servants have declared incapacitation to continue reporting for duty on their inflation-battered salaries, adding more misery to the government, which is struggling to tame the triple-digit inflation, shortages of local cash, foreign currency, fuel, bread and rolling power cuts.

The unions, however, stopped short of calling a strike to give the government more time to respond to their US dollar-based salary demands.

Government workers announced the development after tabling their salary review demands to their employer at a National Joint Negotiating Council meeting on Monday.

Doctors and nurses have since last month, not been reporting for duty citing incapacitation.

On Monday, they defied a recent Labour Court ruling compelling them to go back to work immediately, saying they would only be able to do so after their salaries were adjusted to match the rate of inflation.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration’s decision to end subsidies on fuel and electricity as well as to re-introduce the Zimbabwe dollar accelerated inflation and dimmed hopes of economic recovery as prices of goods and services shot through the roof.

Cecilia Alexander, chairperson of the Apex Council, an umbrella body for civil servants’ labour unions, yesterday said the skyrocketing prices against stagnant salaries had severely eroded workers’ earnings.

“We have notified the government of our incapacitation and in the notification, we clearly explained the situation that is obtaining. The 76% cost of living adjustment given to them on September 3 this year has been eroded by inflation and that their October 2018 US$475 salary for the lowest paid worker be multiplied by the interbank rates as is happening with all other goods,” she said.

Alexander said they had also requested that government, through their inspectors and supervisors, should desist from victimising workers who fail to turn up for work until such time a remedy to their incapacitation is found.

“Do not borrow money for transport or walk to work for instance. It is not your duty to subsidise the employer,” she advised government employees, adding: “We are the only people carrying the burden of austerity as all prices of goods and services are now bench-marked to the interbank rate. Some businesses are transacting in US dollars.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou yesterday said they had mobilised their members to down tools starting next week as they could no longer cope with the rising cost of living.

He accused the Apex Council of hijacking the fight against government by declaring civil servants’ incapacitation after teachers’ unions were the first to do so.

“Apex is trying to hijack a united front of teachers after receiving information that we have completed mobilisation in schools across union divide. We, however, welcome Apex to the terrain of our struggle and hope that their machinations and romance with government would not disturb our process that was already on course. Their endorsement is nothing other than a fait accompli, registering something that was already on the move outside their orbit,” Zhou said.

“I can confirm to you that our members in schools have mobilised teachers across the union divide and there will be a strike next week starting on Monday or Tuesday. We have also engaged all teacher unions and there is consensus on incapacitation. Even Apex cannot ignore the incapacitation wave, but we are aware that they are on a mission to hijack our incapacitation industrial action in order to seek relevance and would try to call it off after three days on the pretext of giving dialogue a chance.”

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure also said despite the Apex engagements with the government, they were going forward with the strike since there is no favourable outcome coming from the employer.

“The government has failed to review our salaries in line with the obtaining economic realities. Teachers and civil servants have been reduced to paupers,” he added.

“The National Joint Negotiating Council (meeting) yesterday was a direct response to our planned indefinite job action which begins on Monday. Our members will be patiently waiting at home for a favourable outcome of the negotiations.”

Public Service minister Sekai Nzenza was not responding to calls up to the time of going to print last night.

BY TATIRA ZWINOIRA, in New York, United States

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has widened its estimated contraction for Zimbabwe’s economy to 7,1% by year end owing to worsening macro-economic challenges.

Previously, the IMF had predicted Zimbabwe’s economy to contract by 5,2% by year end while government recently revised its economic contraction to 6,5% from an initial 3% in its 2020 Pre-Budget Strategy Document.

The revised estimated amount is due to continued macro-economic challenges on the back of austerity measures implemented by government without corresponding social protections which has greatly reduced consumer activity.

“Data is based on IMF staff estimates of price and exchange rate developments in US dollars. IMF staff estimates of US dollar values may differ from authorities’ estimates. Real gross domestic product is in constant 2009 prices,” said IMF, in its 2019 World Economic Outlook released yesterday.

The IMF said Sub-Saharan Africa growth is expected at 3,2% in 2019 and 3,6% in 2020, slightly lower for both years than in the April 2019 World Economic Outlook due to instability in commodity prices and poor polices in the bigger economies.

At the heart of the macro-economic challenges is a declining local currency that lacks either foreign currency or market confidence backing, causing both official and parallel forex rates to rise.

As a result, businesses are constantly changing their pricing in line with those rates to maintain the value of their goods and services.

This has resulted in endless price hikes,ultimately pushing the economy into hyperinflation.

Recently, the Public Accountants and Auditors Board announced “hyperinflationary reporting” in firms crafting their financial statements.

“Our outlook for the Zimbabwean consumer continues to deteriorate. Government reforms have so far been unpopular and have had adverse effects on the consumer base. Moreover, extremely high levels of inflation are weighing on consumer purchasing power,” said American financial services firm, Fitch Solutions, in its October 2019 Africa Monitor for southern Africa.

TWO Zimbabwean brothers based in Australia recently released a track calling on Zimbabwe’s political leaders to unite for the betterment of the ailing economy.

By Tafadzwa Rusike Gondo & Kuda Pembere

Two brothers Farai & Fungai Katiyo

Dubbed ‘So Harare’, one of the brothers Farai Katiyo said the song is an analysis of what was once Zimbabwe during its progressive period .

“I talk about our colonial history, our independence, and our days as the “breadbasket of Africa” to now being a laughing stock. I touch on the harsh realities our people face whilst living as migrants in foreign countries for example xenophobia.

“I plead with our President to work hard to restore our country, to make it the country our liberation fighters dreamed of living in as they died fighting for our freedom,” he said.

In the song, Katiyo addresses corrupt leaders and those who promote sanctions.

“I also touch on my desire to see our opposition fighting alongside the ruling party for a better Zimbabwe.

“I talk about the police and army brutality which we saw after the elections last year and during the riots early this year. I also touch on the rise of fake prophets who are taking advantage of our desperate people,” Katiyo says.

It is his hope that this I hope people will not be misconstrued as if he is attacking the political parties.
Speaking about the depth of the song he urged the general public not to misconstrue his intended message

“I hope people won’t misinterpret this track thinking that I am attacking one political party or another.

“I am neither for ZANU nor MDC, I am for Zimbabwe and I just pray for a better Zimbabwe with dedicated leaders, who are not corrupt and who will bring change whether they ZANU or MDC or any other political party,” he distances himself as an apolitical.

The song comes on the back of the trending ‘So Brooklyn Challenge initiated by Casanova and Fabulous.

“The Instrumental is from Casanova and Fabulous‘s song “So Brooklyn”. They ran a challenge to promote their track called the “So Brooklyn Challenge” in which rappers had to rap about their hometown / city.

“My brother told me about it, and I decided to embrace the challenge and talk about my hometown Harare. The lyrics really came out of my love for my country; I love Zimbabwe with all my heart. I would do anything humanly possible to contribute towards its success,” Katiyo said.
Born in Harare, the chanter’s family moved to New Zealand while he was in Grade 4.

“I was born in Harare at Parirenyatwa hospital in 1992. I went to Greendale nursery school, before studying at Belvedere primary from grade 1 – 3, I then went to S.O.S Hermann Gmeiner primary from grade 4-5 before moving to New Zealand.

“Whilst in New Zealand I completed my primary education at Onehunga primary before going to Royal Oak intermediate. I then did form 1 – 2 at Marcellin College then I finished high school at Sacred Heart college before heading to Otago University to complete my bachelor of science,” he said.

Based in Melbourne, the rapper also works as a speaker and medical technician.

“I also run an events company formally known as “Clarence.K.Photography” now “Clarence.K.Events” and we provide planning, photography, videography, MCing and Djing services for parties, weddings, anniversaries and other events. I am also working on my own clothing line,” Katiyo said.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

WARRIORS captain Partson Jaure has made a passionate appeal to his troops to be focused and defend their lead jealously when they clash with Lesotho in Maseru in the decisive second leg of the 2020 African Nations Championships (Chan) tournament on Sunday.

The Chan tournament, to be held in Cameroon, is a version of the prestigious African Cup of Nations, but designed exclusively for home-based players.

Zimbabwe make the trip to Lesotho tomorrow with what appears a good lead after overcoming their opponents 3-1 in the first leg courtesy of a brace by Prince Dube with Wellington Taderera weighing in with another goal.

Lesotho then converted a late penalty through Hlompho Kalake to give some hope of overturning the tables in the reverse fixture.

And Jaure yesterday said Lesotho remain a threat despite having beaten them at home. He said they would try to score early and then defend.

“We managed to beat Lesotho 3-1 in the first leg, but it doesn’t mean they are a bad side. I believe they are a very strong side capable of turning the tables, so we need to treat them with respect. In my view, we need to score an early goal and then close shop. We have to make sure they don’t score, so we need to defend to the last minute. It will, however, depend on the coach’s strategy, but what is important is that we have to go through by all means,” Jaure said.

The 29-year-old was part of the Chan squad that had a successful campaign which ended with Zimbabwe reaching the semi-finals of the tournament in South Africa in 2014, under Ian Gorowa’s guidance. It was the first time for Zimbabwe to reach the last four of the tournament since its inauguration in 2009.

The Warriors are eager to make it to Cameroon after missing the boat for the first time last year following a shock defeat at the hands of Namibia in the qualifiers.

Warriors coach Joey Antipas has made changes to the team that defeated Lesotho in the first leg with Dynamos striker Evans Katema returning after recovering from an injury that had kept him out, while Caps United midfielder Joel Ngodzo is set to play a part for the first time after he finally managed to secure a passport.

Ngezi Platinum Stars midfielder Donald Teguru has also been rewarded with a call-up, while FC Platinum’s Kelvin Madzongwe, who has also been unable to feature for the team because of the passport issue, has been included in the squad.

However, striker Never Tigere has been dropped, having participated in the previous qualifiers.

Provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Simbarashe Chinani (Dynamos), Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi)

Defenders: Partson Jaure (Manica Diamonds), Peter Muduwa, MacClive Phiri (Highlanders) Frank Mukarati (Ngezi Platinum), Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba), Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn), Nomore Chinyerere (Hwange)

Midfielders: Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Tichaona Chipunza, Valentine Kadonzvo, Sipho Ndlovu (Chicken Inn), Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders), Ralph Kawondera (Triangle) Joel Ngodzo, Phenias Bamusi (Caps) Juan Mutudza (Herentals), Donald Teguru (Ngezi Platinum), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah), Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos)

Strikers: Prince Dube (Highlanders), Obriel Chirinda (Chicken Inn), Evans Katema (Dynamos)

BY MISHMA CHAKANYUKA

ZIMBABWE’s month-on-month inflation rate decelerated by 0,35 percentage points in September to 17,72% from 18,07% in August, the statistics agency has revealed.

Treasury barred the publication of the annual inflation rate in its mid-term fiscal policy review issued in August, after the rate had reached a decade-high of 175,66% in June.

However, the implied annual inflation drawn from the official statistics show a significant increase to 353% from the August figure of 288,5%.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats), the inflation slow down means that prices, as measured by the all items Consumer Price Index (CPI), increased by an average rate of 17,72% from August 2019 to September 2019.

“The month-on-month inflation rate in September 2019 was 17,72% shedding 0,35 percentage points on the August 2019 rate of 18,07%,” Zimstats said.

Month-on-month food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation rate gained 1 percentage points to 19,55% from the August rate of 18,55%, while the month-on-month non-food inflation rate stood at 16,63%, shedding 1,16 percentage points on the August 2019 rate of 17,79%.

Economist Prosper Chitambara told NewsDay Business yesterday that the inflation figures were not reflective of the real situation on the ground because they did not encompass what is happening in the informal sector.

“The major challenge is that these figures are tracing what is happening in the formal sector only. As you know, Zimbabwe is now highly informal, so whatever is happening in the non-formal sector side is not represented by these inflation figures. As the inflation figures are not representing both sectors, the figures do not reflect the actual situation on the ground,” Chitambara said.

In its pre-budget strategy, Treasury projected that the month-on-month inflation rate will be 10% by year end.

Despite the annual inflation data blackout, in his latest annual inflation figures posted on Twitter on October 12, 2019, renowned American economist Steve Hanke said Zimbabwe’s annual rate stood at 286%, a marked decrease from 721% he posted in September.

Since January this year, annual inflation rate has been going up and stood at 56, 9%, up from a December 2018 figure of 42, 09%. In February this year it stood at 59,4% .

The annual inflation rate rose in March to 66,8% and in April it reached 75, 86% before surging to 97,85% in May.

This increase in annual inflation showed that Zimbabwe was already in a hyperinflationary environment and listed companies have been given a greenlight to adopt the hyperinflation reporting standard.

Kurai Makore

BY CHELSEA MUSAFARE

A NEPHEW to Chimurenga music icon Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo is set to release his debut album titled Gara Unzwe at Rainbow Towers’ Spin Village in Harare on Saturday in a development that is likely to ensure the continuity of Mukanya’s music legacy.

Kurai Makore, who goes by the moniker “Mapfumo” because of the significant influence of his uncle on his music and their similar physical features, yesterday said preparations for the album launch were at an advanced stage.

Among the several names Mukanya has nurtured over the last 45 years are Makore and the late Marshall Munhumumwe.

Makore told NewsDay Life & Style that the album’s theme, similar to those running through his uncle’s music, was centred on culture, traditional values, love and ordinary people’s struggles.

“People forget where they come from. We came from the past and should respect our ancestors with their customs, traditions and values. In communities, there is lack of love as men and women disrespect and abuse each other. We also create each other’s problems. This album mainly speaks about the life struggles people face,” Makore said.

Makore said he drew inspiration from his rich cultural experiences and his uncle, who is a brother to his father.

“My music is inspired culturally. I am a person who enjoys his values, principles and beliefs. My father, our very own Dr Thomas Mapfumo, is the one who motivates and inspires me.”

The Chimurenga musician said the six-track offering, produced by Knowledge Nkoma, was recorded by Oscar at K.O.M Studios with one of the tracks recorded By Scofield at Big Bass Studios.

The artiste, who took after Mukanya in singing Chimurenga music, said he has also been influenced by the music of local artistes such as the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Sulumani Chimbetu and Jah Prayzah.

Makore said the launch will be graced by Maungira eNharira, Mbira dzeNharira and Sasha Madhuve, among other artistes who will also perform.

The 31-year-old musician said he grew up listening to cultural songs during traditional events.

He cited Sulumani as a great influencer as he was the first musician to open the door for him. This was after Sulu had called him on stage to perform during Zee Guvheya’s album launch at a local bar where Makore belted out one of Mukanya’s songs.

BY ALLIEWAY NYONI

TWO of the 70 employees suspended by Mimosa Mining Company over a salary scandal have appeared at the Zvishavane Magistrates Court facing fraud charges. Two months ago, the platinum miner suspended 70 workers for allegedly altering their time sheets and making fictitious acting allowance claims.

The mine was allegedly prejudiced of over US$500 000 by a syndicate of workers from the mining and accounts sections who allegedly manipulated signatures that authorise overtime and acting allowances.

Prosper Vundurai (40) and Lazarus Madziva (51) are the prime suspects in a scam that saw over 70 employees, including management losing their jobs, after an internal audit revealed that some workers were earning extra allowances that did not tally with their grades.

Appearing before Zvishavane magistrate Achy Wochiunga, Vundurai and Madziva denied the charges and the matter was set for trial on October 24.

According to prosecutor Faith Mwale, during the period extending from June 6 2017 to January 26, 2018, Madziva was employed by Mimosa Mine as a magazine master and his duties were to order, receive and distribute explosives for the mine, while Vundurai was a mining clerk responsible for time sheets.

During the course of his work, Madziva and several other employees connived with Vundurai to raise fictitious acting allowance forms purporting, for instance, that one acted in the capacity of mine captain (managerial position) for a series of shifts.

It is alleged that Vundurai would then send the fictitious forms to the mine pay office for payments and he would get a certain percentage of the earnings.

Mimosa Mine is being represented by chief security officer Pagaravanhu Rwatirera.