BY Brenna Matendere

THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to guard against all electoral malpractices, including vote rigging during the Bikita ward 31 by-by-election set for today, claiming the opposition party will romp to victory if the playfield is level.

The by-election is to fill the council seat left vacant following the death of Zanu PF councillor Patrick Marozhe on April 15 this year.

MDC is being represented by its Bikita district chairperson Moses Maphosa, while Thomas Mataga will stand for Zanu PF.

In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, MDC secretary for elections Jacob Mafume said his party was confident of winning the poll.

“We have done two rallies there and our teams worked throughout last weekend to drum-up support. We are confident that if Zec is impartial, independent and
does not allow people to be intimidated, does not allow people to be bought, (does not allow) assisted voters to multiply, food to be distributed on election
day, then we will win the Bikita by-election,” he said.

MDC held the seat from 2008 to 2013 when it lost it to Zanu PF.

Mafume said the party had done its homework and is set to win back the seat.

“Previously (2013 elections), it was affected by double candidates. Now, we have a single candidate. We have got our own agents who are trained. They are ready
to stop any mischief,” he said.

Mafume claimed that the opposition had become more popular due to Zanu PF’s bad policies.

“It is now clear to all and sundry that Zanu PF has failed. They no longer allow those in rural areas to sell their maize. There are no jobs. There is no
education, and there is no electricity; there is also no good healthcare. With all this, no person in their right mind can vote for Zanu PF,” he said.

MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya also expressed optimism the party will win the seat.

“Prices of basic commodities continue to skyrocket. There is no shop that sells cheap things to Zanu PF supporters. We all buy in expensive shops. So, even
Zanu PF supporters are also feeling the pain. They want change,” he said.

“We won the seat before, so we are taking it back. In fact, we have plans to win all the other by-elections in future.”

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo poured cold water on MDC’s assertions.

“If the MDC is arguing the bad economy will make Zanu PF lose, let them win if they are saying so. What they think is not what we think. We are prepared to
win,” he said.

BY Brenna Matendere

THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to guard against all electoral malpractices, including vote rigging during the Bikita ward 31 by-by-election set for today, claiming the opposition party will romp to victory if the playfield is level.

The by-election is to fill the council seat left vacant following the death of Zanu PF councillor Patrick Marozhe on April 15 this year.

MDC is being represented by its Bikita district chairperson Moses Maphosa, while Thomas Mataga will stand for Zanu PF.

In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, MDC secretary for elections Jacob Mafume said his party was confident of winning the poll.

“We have done two rallies there and our teams worked throughout last weekend to drum-up support. We are confident that if Zec is impartial, independent and
does not allow people to be intimidated, does not allow people to be bought, (does not allow) assisted voters to multiply, food to be distributed on election
day, then we will win the Bikita by-election,” he said.

MDC held the seat from 2008 to 2013 when it lost it to Zanu PF.

Mafume said the party had done its homework and is set to win back the seat.

“Previously (2013 elections), it was affected by double candidates. Now, we have a single candidate. We have got our own agents who are trained. They are ready
to stop any mischief,” he said.

Mafume claimed that the opposition had become more popular due to Zanu PF’s bad policies.

“It is now clear to all and sundry that Zanu PF has failed. They no longer allow those in rural areas to sell their maize. There are no jobs. There is no
education, and there is no electricity; there is also no good healthcare. With all this, no person in their right mind can vote for Zanu PF,” he said.

MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya also expressed optimism the party will win the seat.

“Prices of basic commodities continue to skyrocket. There is no shop that sells cheap things to Zanu PF supporters. We all buy in expensive shops. So, even
Zanu PF supporters are also feeling the pain. They want change,” he said.

“We won the seat before, so we are taking it back. In fact, we have plans to win all the other by-elections in future.”

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo poured cold water on MDC’s assertions.

“If the MDC is arguing the bad economy will make Zanu PF lose, let them win if they are saying so. What they think is not what we think. We are prepared to
win,” he said.

BY Brenna Matendere

THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to guard against all electoral malpractices, including vote rigging during the Bikita ward 31 by-by-election set for today, claiming the opposition party will romp to victory if the playfield is level.

The by-election is to fill the council seat left vacant following the death of Zanu PF councillor Patrick Marozhe on April 15 this year.

MDC is being represented by its Bikita district chairperson Moses Maphosa, while Thomas Mataga will stand for Zanu PF.

In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, MDC secretary for elections Jacob Mafume said his party was confident of winning the poll.

“We have done two rallies there and our teams worked throughout last weekend to drum-up support. We are confident that if Zec is impartial, independent and
does not allow people to be intimidated, does not allow people to be bought, (does not allow) assisted voters to multiply, food to be distributed on election
day, then we will win the Bikita by-election,” he said.

MDC held the seat from 2008 to 2013 when it lost it to Zanu PF.

Mafume said the party had done its homework and is set to win back the seat.

“Previously (2013 elections), it was affected by double candidates. Now, we have a single candidate. We have got our own agents who are trained. They are ready
to stop any mischief,” he said.

Mafume claimed that the opposition had become more popular due to Zanu PF’s bad policies.

“It is now clear to all and sundry that Zanu PF has failed. They no longer allow those in rural areas to sell their maize. There are no jobs. There is no
education, and there is no electricity; there is also no good healthcare. With all this, no person in their right mind can vote for Zanu PF,” he said.

MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya also expressed optimism the party will win the seat.

“Prices of basic commodities continue to skyrocket. There is no shop that sells cheap things to Zanu PF supporters. We all buy in expensive shops. So, even
Zanu PF supporters are also feeling the pain. They want change,” he said.

“We won the seat before, so we are taking it back. In fact, we have plans to win all the other by-elections in future.”

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo poured cold water on MDC’s assertions.

“If the MDC is arguing the bad economy will make Zanu PF lose, let them win if they are saying so. What they think is not what we think. We are prepared to
win,” he said.

BY Brenna Matendere

THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to guard against all electoral malpractices, including vote rigging during the Bikita ward 31 by-by-election set for today, claiming the opposition party will romp to victory if the playfield is level.

The by-election is to fill the council seat left vacant following the death of Zanu PF councillor Patrick Marozhe on April 15 this year.

MDC is being represented by its Bikita district chairperson Moses Maphosa, while Thomas Mataga will stand for Zanu PF.

In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, MDC secretary for elections Jacob Mafume said his party was confident of winning the poll.

“We have done two rallies there and our teams worked throughout last weekend to drum-up support. We are confident that if Zec is impartial, independent and
does not allow people to be intimidated, does not allow people to be bought, (does not allow) assisted voters to multiply, food to be distributed on election
day, then we will win the Bikita by-election,” he said.

MDC held the seat from 2008 to 2013 when it lost it to Zanu PF.

Mafume said the party had done its homework and is set to win back the seat.

“Previously (2013 elections), it was affected by double candidates. Now, we have a single candidate. We have got our own agents who are trained. They are ready
to stop any mischief,” he said.

Mafume claimed that the opposition had become more popular due to Zanu PF’s bad policies.

“It is now clear to all and sundry that Zanu PF has failed. They no longer allow those in rural areas to sell their maize. There are no jobs. There is no
education, and there is no electricity; there is also no good healthcare. With all this, no person in their right mind can vote for Zanu PF,” he said.

MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya also expressed optimism the party will win the seat.

“Prices of basic commodities continue to skyrocket. There is no shop that sells cheap things to Zanu PF supporters. We all buy in expensive shops. So, even
Zanu PF supporters are also feeling the pain. They want change,” he said.

“We won the seat before, so we are taking it back. In fact, we have plans to win all the other by-elections in future.”

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo poured cold water on MDC’s assertions.

“If the MDC is arguing the bad economy will make Zanu PF lose, let them win if they are saying so. What they think is not what we think. We are prepared to
win,” he said.

BY Brenna Matendere

THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to guard against all electoral malpractices, including vote rigging during the Bikita ward 31 by-by-election set for today, claiming the opposition party will romp to victory if the playfield is level.

The by-election is to fill the council seat left vacant following the death of Zanu PF councillor Patrick Marozhe on April 15 this year.

MDC is being represented by its Bikita district chairperson Moses Maphosa, while Thomas Mataga will stand for Zanu PF.

In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, MDC secretary for elections Jacob Mafume said his party was confident of winning the poll.

“We have done two rallies there and our teams worked throughout last weekend to drum-up support. We are confident that if Zec is impartial, independent and
does not allow people to be intimidated, does not allow people to be bought, (does not allow) assisted voters to multiply, food to be distributed on election
day, then we will win the Bikita by-election,” he said.

MDC held the seat from 2008 to 2013 when it lost it to Zanu PF.

Mafume said the party had done its homework and is set to win back the seat.

“Previously (2013 elections), it was affected by double candidates. Now, we have a single candidate. We have got our own agents who are trained. They are ready
to stop any mischief,” he said.

Mafume claimed that the opposition had become more popular due to Zanu PF’s bad policies.

“It is now clear to all and sundry that Zanu PF has failed. They no longer allow those in rural areas to sell their maize. There are no jobs. There is no
education, and there is no electricity; there is also no good healthcare. With all this, no person in their right mind can vote for Zanu PF,” he said.

MDC organising secretary Amos Chibaya also expressed optimism the party will win the seat.

“Prices of basic commodities continue to skyrocket. There is no shop that sells cheap things to Zanu PF supporters. We all buy in expensive shops. So, even
Zanu PF supporters are also feeling the pain. They want change,” he said.

“We won the seat before, so we are taking it back. In fact, we have plans to win all the other by-elections in future.”

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo poured cold water on MDC’s assertions.

“If the MDC is arguing the bad economy will make Zanu PF lose, let them win if they are saying so. What they think is not what we think. We are prepared to
win,” he said.

BY Kevin Mapasure

Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe (pictured) has broken into Europe following a good showing at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals as he has signed for Turkish topflight side Yeni Malatyaspor.

The club confirmed on their website that Hadebe had penned a two-year deal that will see him part ways with Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.

Hadebe follows in the footsteps of former Warriors captain and coach Norman Mapeza, who played for several clubs in that country, including giants Galatasaray.

“EY Malatyaspor tied the colours of Zimbabwean national team stopper Teenage Hadebe and Australian midfielder Luke Brattan,” Malatyaspor confirmed on their
official website. “Transfer work continues without interruption for EY Malatyaspor. Two players have been added to the squad. South African team Kaizer Chiefs’
Zimbabwean defender, Teenage Hadebe, (has signed) a two-year contract. The 23-year-old is expected to join camp today.”

Hadebe, who formed a central defence partnership with Alec Mudimu, joins the club which finished sixth on the league table last season, earning a ticket to
the Europa League. Zimbabwe’s defence was praised for their performance, particularly in the first Afcon match against Egypt although they conceded a single
goal in that match.

They were equally good in the game against Uganda, but it was not the same in the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Malatyaspor, however, already appeared to have been convinced with what they had seen of the former Highlanders defender.

BY Kevin Mapasure

Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe (pictured) has broken into Europe following a good showing at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals as he has signed for Turkish topflight side Yeni Malatyaspor.

The club confirmed on their website that Hadebe had penned a two-year deal that will see him part ways with Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.

Hadebe follows in the footsteps of former Warriors captain and coach Norman Mapeza, who played for several clubs in that country, including giants Galatasaray.

“EY Malatyaspor tied the colours of Zimbabwean national team stopper Teenage Hadebe and Australian midfielder Luke Brattan,” Malatyaspor confirmed on their
official website. “Transfer work continues without interruption for EY Malatyaspor. Two players have been added to the squad. South African team Kaizer Chiefs’
Zimbabwean defender, Teenage Hadebe, (has signed) a two-year contract. The 23-year-old is expected to join camp today.”

Hadebe, who formed a central defence partnership with Alec Mudimu, joins the club which finished sixth on the league table last season, earning a ticket to
the Europa League. Zimbabwe’s defence was praised for their performance, particularly in the first Afcon match against Egypt although they conceded a single
goal in that match.

They were equally good in the game against Uganda, but it was not the same in the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Malatyaspor, however, already appeared to have been convinced with what they had seen of the former Highlanders defender.

BY Kevin Mapasure

Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe (pictured) has broken into Europe following a good showing at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals as he has signed for Turkish topflight side Yeni Malatyaspor.

The club confirmed on their website that Hadebe had penned a two-year deal that will see him part ways with Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.

Hadebe follows in the footsteps of former Warriors captain and coach Norman Mapeza, who played for several clubs in that country, including giants Galatasaray.

“EY Malatyaspor tied the colours of Zimbabwean national team stopper Teenage Hadebe and Australian midfielder Luke Brattan,” Malatyaspor confirmed on their
official website. “Transfer work continues without interruption for EY Malatyaspor. Two players have been added to the squad. South African team Kaizer Chiefs’
Zimbabwean defender, Teenage Hadebe, (has signed) a two-year contract. The 23-year-old is expected to join camp today.”

Hadebe, who formed a central defence partnership with Alec Mudimu, joins the club which finished sixth on the league table last season, earning a ticket to
the Europa League. Zimbabwe’s defence was praised for their performance, particularly in the first Afcon match against Egypt although they conceded a single
goal in that match.

They were equally good in the game against Uganda, but it was not the same in the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Malatyaspor, however, already appeared to have been convinced with what they had seen of the former Highlanders defender.

BY RICHARD MUPONDE

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered the acceleration of roads development and tarring in Matabeleland, among them the 92km Plumtree-Maitengwe Border Post stretch.

Transport and Infrastructure Development minister Joel Biggie Matiza told villagers at Maitengwe Border on Thursday during a tour of the road that the project was one of Mnangagwa’s top priorities.

“The President has realised that the construction and rehabilitation of roads in Matabeleland was slower than in other regions across the country. Most of the
roads were budgeted for, but not funded. We are going to see funds being released in the next supplementary budget so that work is completed,” Matiza said.

“Right now, graders are being mobilised and serviced to start work in a week.”

He said the upgrading of Maitengwe Border Post and its road network would decongest Plumtree Border Post.

“This border expansion is part of the national programme of expanding and modernising all border posts. This has an economic effect on the country as it is in
line with the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra and will also decongest Plumtree Border Post as travellers to Bulilima district and neighbouring province in
Matabeleland will use this border,” he said.

Matiza said this would also see the resumption of work on the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road project which was initiated by the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo and has
been on the cards for over 20 years.

“The supplementary budget will see work on this road resuming. This is what the President has ordered us to do,” the minister said.

Matiza had been invited by Bulilima West legislator Dingimuzi Phuti to visit the area in order to assess the state of the roads in the area.

BY RUTENDO MATANHIKE

United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) has recommended that Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary committee system be revamped to put a cap on the number of portfolio committees a legislator can sit in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

The recommendation follows the completion of a DFID research on Zimbabwe’s committee system.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda told journalists after meeting DFID senior governance adviser and head of governance and economic team,

Catherine Weiss, on Wednesday that the research recommended that an MP should be a member of only one committee.

“They referred to the capacitation of our Members of Parliament so that they become effective. The recommendation was that an MP should only sit in one
committee instead of being in two,” he said.

Mudenda said Parliament would look into the pros and cons of the recommendations.

“Our idea of having a member being in at least two committees was based on the fact that we wanted these members to split into two groups in order to reach out
to the hinterland. If a member is involved in one small committee, it would be difficult to cover the 10 provinces, and we believe that our current system
helps us achieve that,” he said.

The Parly Speaker said the recommendation by DFID sought to improve committee work by the MPs as they would give undivided attention to their respective
committees.

“Their basis for this recommendation was to ensure there is concentrated effort in one committee rather than split effort. There is some justification with
regards to where we have the challenge of professional competitiveness and also time management. I think the recommendation is very sound,” Mudenda added.

He also said DFID recommended the strengthening of the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Committee through giving positions to individuals well versed in law.
Mudenda said this was difficult, as many lawyers did not want to venture into the political law arena.