BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

The presidential anti-corruption special prosecution unit has dumped the matter in which the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe director-general Gift Machengete is being accused of violating the Procurement Act.

Machengete’s case has now been handed over to the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) after the special anti-corruption unit failed to commence the trial on several occasions, raising questions on its capacity to handle corruption cases.

Magistrate Hosea Mujaya last month castigated the State for not taking his court seriously by asking for several postponements without cogent reasons.

The trial was supposed to kick off in March this year, but the matter was postponed on several occasions due to the non-appearance of the special prosecutor Thabani Mpofu.

The magistrate then postponed the matter, saying it would be the last time to do so or he would remove the accused from remand.

Mpofu also assured Mujaya that the trial would start on the next remand date without fail.

But Mujaya heard yesterdaythat Mpofu was in Egypt and the matter was now being handled by Michael Reza from the NPA.

This irked Mujaya, who then asked prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu whether Mpofu had gone to the north African country on a private visit to watch the 2019 African Cup of Nations soccer
tournament.

But Zinyandu told the court Mpofu was in Egypt on official duty.

“Prosecutor Thabani Mpofu, who was handling this matter, is in Egypt on national duty. The matter will be taken over by Michael Reza. However, Reza is appearing at the High Court and we
seek a postponement to June 19 to allow Reza to familiarise himself with the case,” Zinyandu said.

But Machengete’s lawyer, Farai Zuva, challenged the postponement, saying his client must be removed from remand as earlier promised by the court that it was the last remand date.

Zuva asked the court to remove his client from remand, saying the trial was supposed to start in March, but has been patient with the State, which has been asking for postponements.

“Mpofu knew about this, but chose to travel knowing fully well that court business takes precedence. The State is only communicating to us now that another prosecutor will be taking
over the matter, this court cannot be held to ransom. I apply that the accused be removed from remand, especially considering warnings by this court that it will not tolerate further
postponements. The State can always proceed by way of summons once it puts its house in order,” Zuva submitted.

Mujaya said he was failing to understand the problem with the matter.

“It has been postponement after postponement at a trial court. I have always expressed displeasure at the manner at which this matter is being handled. Whether the matter is now being
handled by the special unit … we cannot go on like this,” the magistrate fumed.

“I hope the NPA takeover will bring sanity in the way this case is being handled. I will grudgingly grant one last postponement. If the State is not ready on the next date, no further
remand will be entertained and I will remove the accused from remand.”

The matter was then postponed to June 19.

By Farai Matiashe

The health situation at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison has deteriorated because the number of inmates has exceeded the penitentiary’s carrying capacity, parliamentarians have been told.

Three Parliamentary Portfolio committees on Women’s Affairs, Justice and Health yesterday visited the institution where they were told of the terrible conditions inmates were living in.

Addressing the parliamentarians yesterday, officer commanding Harare province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Alvord Gapare said they were incapacitated to provide prisoners with decent facilities.

“This is a grade four prison. It houses dangerous prisoners. We only have two of these in the country with Mlondolozi in Bulawayo. We cannot send the other prisoners to other smaller
prisons. The situation here is bad,” he said.

“This morning, we had 2 508 prisoners against a carrying capacity of 1 080. We do not have a choice. Our population is higher than what we should have and this has caused a number of
health problems to inmates.”

Prison medical officer Blessing Dhoropa said the number of patients with tuberculosis (TB) was on the increase due to overpopulation.

“We have two wards in the main hospital. We are finding it difficult to contain diseases such as TB, which is being caused by the overcrowding of inmates. Currently, we have 24 TB
patients. Such diseases are common here,” he said.

“Besides patients with TB, we also have 500 prisoners on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Of course, ARV drugs are available, but we do not have drugs for those that are diabetic.”

Dhoropa added that the unavailability of transport was a problem for inmates who needed better health services at hospitals such as Parirenyatwa.

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health acting chairperson Daniel Molokele-Tsiye (MDC Alliance) said MPs were going to push the government to improve Chikurubi Prison facilities.

“The life of inmates has to be improved. These facilities were built for a small population in the Rhodesia era. The population has so far increased. Even the budget has to be increased because it is no longer adequate. There is also need to ensure that there are enough supplies of drugs and condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and Aids,” he said.

guest column Kudzai Kwangwari

THE recent announcement by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is going to have its own currency before end of year, is not only careless and miscalculated, but a sign of panic and lack of tact.

There is consensus that Zimbabwe is in a serious economic crisis which cannot be addressed by currency reform since currency issues are just but symptomatic, signifying more serious and deep-seated economic fundamentals that have gone off- rail.

Mnangagwa must remind his Finance minister Mthuli Ncube what went wrong for Zimbabwe to abandon its own currency before considering bringing it back.

He (Mnangagwa) would know better since he has been part of Cabinet since the attainment of independence in 1980 and he witnessed how the economy took a nose-dive since the black Friday in 1997. So it’s a crisis which cannot be addressed by focusing on the currency.

If this currency is introduced when the economy is in its current state, then be sure that it will be just as the RTGS and citizens and businesses will speculate while the problems we face will worsen.

Mnangagwa should have concentrated on a serious economic reform process which is premised on genuine political reforms not just face-saving antics which are meant to sway the attention of citizens.

There are a number of key issues that require addressing and which determine whether our own currency will sustain or not. These are public confidence, corruption, productivity, and political stability including rule of law.

Public confidence
No economy sustains without public confidence for as long as the public has no confidence in the economic system, including banking system, and policies that go with it such as fiscal policy and monetary policies, then we are still doomed.

In fact for as long as there is a public secret that those that are on the driving seat of the economy are not trustworthy, nothing will work. It’s very important that those making key decisions about the economy inspire confidence and citizens have trust in them, then nothing will work.

It won’t work, simple. The Zanu PF government has a record of messing up the economy and with the change of guard in 2017, Mnangagwa had an opportunity to adopt a new approach but he didn’t.

There was so much goodwill both locally and internationally which the current government failed to take advantage of and present a new way of doing business. The mantra-‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ – did not provide anything tangible on the ground to inspire confidence to both local and international publics.

The international re-engagement process should have been backed by clear and confidence -inspiring reforms both economically and politically on the ground. This did not happen.

In fact we witnessed the worsening of the situation. So, Mnangagwa and his government need to address this important economic capital which is evidently deficient at the moment. In my view, introducing a new currency without building public confidence is just but a waste of time.

Invest in confidence building first, then all else may just fall in place. Seek yee public confidence, then things may begin to take shape.

Address corruption decisively
This can no longer be business as usual and it’s not funny and it’s linked to the issue of public confidence.

The arrests- and- release political game which you adopted immediately after assuming office cannot be tolerated unfortunately nor can you use this cancerous issue as a political tool to deal with your political enemies Mr President. No. It will not work.

This time citizens would want to see you taking difficult measures and decisions to root our society of corruption.

We have heard you making some very encouraging pronouncements on how serious you want to deal with corruption only to be disappointed as all that turns to be lots of heat without light at all.

There mustn’t be any sacred cows when it comes to dealing with corruption and any sign of it must be dealt with decisively and not political tokenism. In order for citizens to believe in you and your government, there must be genuine desire to reform from within.

The tussle between government and party as you conflate the two carelessly should stop. Party business cannot be the same with government business. Sending party representatives to speak on serious government business should not be allowed.

Otherwise introducing new currency under such circumstances will not help and it will not work.

Increase productivity
While l support foreign direct investment since it brings much-needed foreign currency, I am of the view that local businesses must pass a vote of confidence in the economy by growing their business locally. I am a fan of an economy which is rooted locally where we utilise our comparative advantage as a nation.

Otherwise we cannot invite foreigners to come and invest in an economy which our own businesses have no confidence in. It will not work. It doesn’t work.

While we are courting foreign businesses, let’s also genuinely support local businesses with progressive policy measures which are not designed to generate political mileage but genuinely grow our economy. The ease-of-doing business mantra must be supported by practical measures on the ground.

Rumour that some government officials are taking advantage of their proximity to the centre of power as an opportunity to engage in corruption is an unfortunate development which must not be allowed to continue unperturbed.

It is very important to support genuine businesses seeking to contribute to economic growth through various policy interventions and these should not be based on partisan lines, but on merit. Additionally, the support should be a business approach as opposed to political freebies which are not paid back, thereby weighing on the economy.

Political stability and democracy
Our Constitution together with other supporting statutes are very important tools in promoting and guiding democratic practice. The rights enunciated in the Constitution must not only be promoted but also protected so that citizens are confident about how they can go about their community life.

In a situation where rights are not guaranteed as it appears to be some of the time, it affects the social contract between the governors and the governed. It should not based on the discretion of the political elites to determine which rights one must or mustn’t enjoy.

The August 1, 2018 and January 14, 2019 incidents are not a good example of a government which takes the promotion and protection of the rights of citizens seriously and as such is not a good public relations even to foreigners.

We need to see more commitment to the rule of law principle as opposed to rule by law where laws are used to perpetuate anarchy and violation of rights.

The right to demonstrate as provided for in the Constitution must be taken as an opportunity for those in government to gauge how popular its policies are, and therefore must be supported and encouraged without interference.

This does not mean taking away the responsibility of government to protect life, property, and citizens, but in all cases it must be done in a manner which discourages citizenry from taking an active role in the political ecosystem of its country.

In the same token opposition must be allowed to engage in its political programmes including and especially challenging the ruling party both on various platforms including parliament, and elections.

In conclusion, it is too early to even consider announcing the introduction of a local currency given the sorry state of the economy. In fact there is no economy to talk about at this stage and a local currency is the last thing locals would want to hear.

The government should concentrate on serious political and economic reforms, building public confidence, stimulate productivity and exports, growing local businesses while attracting foreign direct investment, promote political stability including rule of law and constitutionalism, before introducing our local currency.

In the absence of these, it will not work and it doesn’t work. Otherwise, the effects of the announcement itself will be devastating.

BY MISHMA CHAKANYUKA

LISTED manufacturer and distributor of farming implements, Zimplow, says its revenue grew by 86% to $29,8 million in the first five months of 2019, driven by an improvement in volumes across the group’s business units.

Zimplow operates five business units, namely Barzem, Mealie Brand, Powermec, CT Bolts and Farmec.

In a trading update at the company’s annual general meeting, chief executive Vimbayi Nyakudya said the group’s operating profit went up by 784% to $13,4 million during the five months to May, driven by growth in volumes and impact of the exchange rate movement towards the end of May 2019 on the group’s foreign-denominated monetary assets.

The group’s Mealie Brand performed well despite the drought that affected the region, causing a decline in agricultural activity.

“Volumes of implements in the past five months grew by 49%, driven mainly by the export markets. The export sales implement volumes grew by 232%, countering the drop of 36% in the local market. The trust to drive export sales in light of the dip in local sales performance has been a game changer in the current year,” Nyakudya said.

Powermec recorded 106% growth in volumes against prior year.

Nyakudya said the intensifying load shedding that has triggered a rush to alternative power and demand for generators has started scaling up stock holding in
order to meet the demand.

Barzem’s parts uptake through the counter grew by 6% and the sector is currently ramping up stockholding and workshop capacity in light of the projected growth
in fleet maintenance activities by the group’s key customers as they shy away from capital expenditure.

Nyakudya said the Farmec business unit performance was affected by drought, subsequent drop in yields and soft producer prices in the 2018/19 agricultural
season although the performance recorded during the five months was ahead of the group’s projections and budgets.

“Tractor volumes have been 5% ahead of the budget albeit being 43% down on last year. Implements and parts uptake have been 25% and 21% lower than prior year, respectively,” Nyakudya said.

The CT Bolts unit remained profitable as it recorded a 98% growth in sales volumes of high tensile steel bolts.

Nyakudya said going forward, the group will take advantage of opportunities as they come along and expects firm export orders, demand for alternative power and
solid performance from Barzem and Farmec to spur the group’s 2019 financial performance.

BY TATIRA ZWINOIRA

ARISTON Holdings Limited (AHL) says Cyclone Idai damaged the company’s plantations in the Eastern Highlands, with early indications suggesting that the damage could be worth US$1,5 million.

“In March 2019, the group’s estates located in Chimanimani and Chipinge were affected by tropical Cyclone Idai. The damage on the estates varied substantially, with the greatest effects being experienced at Roscommon Estate which is located in Chimanimani,” chief executive Paul Spear said in a statement accompanying the company’s half year results.

“While there was no loss of life, damage was incurred on infrastructure, including roads, bridges, irrigation equipment, housing and to a lesser extent,
orchards. The group is currently seized with rebuilding the infrastructure that was damaged. Early indications are that US$1,5 million is required for this
rehabilitation work. The group is engaged with the matter through an insurance claim.”

Roscommon Estate produces the red tea wanganella, macadamia and potatoes, with a potential to increase production along with other key crops.

“The group closed the half year with a profit-after-tax of ZWL$0,79 million compared to ZWL$0,028 million for the prior comparative period. Positive steps in
the restructuring of the group’s statement of financial position continued,” Spear said.

“The group was able to restructure the majority of its debt into long tenure and the weighted average interest rate continued to decline from 8% per annum to
6% per annum.”

Revenue was up 50% to ZWL$7,96 million in the period under review from the 2018 comparative of ZWL$5,3 million, driven by better pricing on export crops as
quality improved.

Of concern was a 249% increase in operating expenses to ZWLS$6,73 million from ZWL$1,92 million in 2018, which the group says was a result of the depreciation
of the ZWL$ versus the US$.

Total assets grew to ZWL$57,91 million for the period under review from last’s year comparative of ZWL$46,31 million.

In terms of liquidity, AHL had a current ratio of 1,79, indicating the firm was adequately covered to cover its liabilities should they come due. AHL’s net
profit margin was 22,34% at the end of the period under review.

In an outlook, Spear said the company would look to macademia and tea exports, while also leveraging on the interbank market to maintain value.

“The majority of our harvesting and selling activities occur in the second half of the year,” he said.

By Simbarashe Sithole

A BOGUS cop was arrested and arraigned before Bindura magistrate Ethel Chichera for impersonating a police officer and stealing a reed mat worth ZWL$15 from a hawker.

Batsirai Mandunde (36) pleaded not guilty to contravening section 179(i)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 and was remanded to June 17 on ZWL$20 bail.

The State alleges that last Sunday, Mandumbe met the complainant, Lovemore Chitumba (21), who was selling reed mates at Aerodrome in Bindura.

Chitumba told Mandumbe that he was selling them at ZWL$15 each and he negotiated for ZWL$10 and the seller agreed.

Mandumbe then introduced himself as a police officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (Minerals section).

He subsequently ordered the complainant to surrender one reed mat or risk facing arrest.

In fear, Chitumba surrendered the mat and walked away. A witness, Joram Chaurura, enquired what was happening to Chitumba and he was told of the incident.

Chaurura advised the complaint to get his mat back or get his money.

When Chitumba demanded his mat back if the accused did n ot have the money, Mandumbe became violent and Chaurura intervened leading to Mandumbe being apprehended and taken to Chiwaridzo Police Station. Tariro Janhi represented the State.

BY PHYLLIS MBANJE

FOLLOWING a spate of arrests and detention of members of non-governmental organisations and trade unionists in Zimbabwe, families have been left in anguish by the experience which has been publicly condemned by the both the local and international communities.

One such family is that of Africa Union goodwill ambassador on Ending Child Marriages, Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda.

Her 26-year-old daughter, Farirai, was among the seven human rights defenders who spent more than two weeks in remand prison after they were arrested last month and charged with plotting to subvert a constitutional government.

She was granted bail last Friday alongside four others.

From May 21, when Farirai was snatched right in front of her mother at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, there has been an outpouring of solidarity
messages and prayer petitions for the young girl and the other six.

Gumbonzvanda took to Facebook, pouring out her heart and pain.

She lit candles, joined nightly vigils, posting heart-wrenching posts declaring her love for her daughter.

“My heart is bleeding. Farirai, my girl, be strong. Pray and breathe,” she posted.

When Gumbonzvanda went to visit her daughter at Chikurubi Remand Prison, she came face-to-face with the grim situation and later posted: “Spent the afternoon
with our Farirai at Chikurubi today. I died inside, seeing her in the green prison garb.”

Her agony was prolonged by the constant remanding in custody and newspaper headlines.

“I cannot read some of the news headlines. She is NOT coming home TODAY. Remanded in custody to June 6. Am gutted, and so deeply sad. Hurting and am trying to
find answers. I am hurting for my daughter. It’s painful, very very painful. I simply miss Farirai. I felt those birth pangs again today,” she posted.

Gumbonzvanda sang lullabies for Farirai, hoping she was safe in prison.

“Farirai, my baby, do not toss and turn. Sleep peacefully as hundreds of angels raise their voices in prayers for your freedom and for justice. Be still, and
know that there is a God. That God knew you before you were even born, and our God knows you are truly innocent. Sleep my flower, and rise tomorrow, bloom and
smile to all who visit you. I know one day soon you will be home.”

In the midst of all the chaos, the University of Massachusetts Boston conferred Gumbonzvanda with the honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, in recognition of her
work over the years in advocating and advancing the rights of women and girls around the world.

“I was smiling with one eye, and crying with the other, while carrying a heavy heart. I dedicated the recognition to my daughter Farirai Gumbonzvanda, as I
continue the fight for her freedom together with that of the #TheZimbabwe7,” she said.

“I managed the overwhelming day, fought the tears and cherished the standing ovation because I was surrounded by family and friends.”

Gumbonzvanda had also to content with her daughter’s global friends who were concerned about her welfare.

“Her global family and friends have been asking me one single question: ‘Is Farirai OKAY? Let her know we are thinking and praying for her!’ How do I answer to
her sisters and brothers she went to primary school with in Kenya; the close and very close high school friends from Geneva International School and all the
youngsters from her university, her networks in the national, and regional young women and girls’ networks?”

However, when bail was finally granted on Friday, Gumbonzvanda was elated, but still worried since the case is still pending before the courts.
“Yes, I am happy though I still carry a heavy heart. Farirai is home. It feels good,” she said.

Her pain and sorrow, which she chronicled for 18 whole days mirror what the six families of the other co-accused are going through.

While the case plays out in the court room, families fight their own battles.

BY FIDELITY MHLANGA

Seed Co Limited posted an after-tax-profit of US$90,7 million in the year ended March 31, up from US$21,4 million recorded in the prior year, driven by an increase in revenue.

Revenue was up 16% to US$73,4 million from US$63,3 million, spurred by upward price adjustments necessitated by the inflationary environment prevailing in the country.

During the period, majority Treasury Bills matured and were settled during the period, with part of the proceeds re-invested in government savings bonds last October.

Despite the inflationary challenges experienced by growers and the dry spell experienced during the production season, the company’s chief executive Morgan Nzwere said the group had adequate stocks to meet anticipated demand for the forthcoming season.

“We managed to contain our costs despite the inflationary pressure. We tried to increase our prices, but we were surprised the prices did not last long,” he said.

The company’s financials were denominated in United States dollars. Seed Co said after the introduction of RTGS dollar in February this year, it then used the interbank market rate to denominate the March earnings.

The book value of stock at US$7,4 million from US$17 million was substantially lower than at previous year following the conversion of local currency values to US dollar.

Trade and other receivables also declined to US$10,9 million from US$19 million due to the currency re-denomination.

The balance outstanding from government was settled post year-end.

During the period, the company’s assets totalled US$109,9 million from US$249 million during the similar period last year and liabilities were US$14,7 million
from US$60,8 million in the prior period.

Nzwere said the company experienced logistical challenges after the Government of Zambia banned the export of maize.

Despite the challenges, the company has enough maize carry over stock to kick-start early sales across markets this coming season

He said Seed Co would spend US$10 million to acquire an artificial seed drier, set to be commissioned in February 2020.

The company acquired Alliance Seed of South Africa, which will drive the vegetable seed production business.

“It is difficult to estimate the impact of exchange rate changes on future financial performance, but the group expects that it will maintain its market
dominance, with the new products expected to spur growth. The currency dynamics will continue to present product pricing challenges,” Nzwere said.

by VENERANDA LANGA

THE Education Amendment Bill went through its Second Reading stage in the National Assembly on Tuesday, with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) accused of refusing to air a programme on the Bill because the parliamentary committee leading the process was headed by an opposition legislator.

The Second Reading Stage was introduced in the House by Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Edgar Moyo who said among that other things, the Bill would ensure that it is compulsory for parents to send children to primary school and that there shall not be discrimination on grounds of colour, religion or political affiliation.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio on Education, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC-T) alleged that ZBC was throwing spanners into attempts to teach
people about the Bill because it was going to feature an opposition MP.

“I am disappointed with ZBC because we spoke to Nyaradzo Mashayamombe, running a programme called Identities to feature a programme with the committee on the
Education Amendment Bill,” she said.

“But the programme was blocked because a ZBC official said it was politically incorrect to air a programme which features someone from the opposition.

“They said they can only air the programme on the basis that Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavima was part of the programme and yet it is not
the prerogative of the Executive to speak on Bills being dealt with in Parliament.”

Misihairabwi-Mushonga said it was important that government ensures that sanitary wear is offered freely at schools.

Her point was supported by Norton MP Temba Mliswa (independent) who said: “There must not even be debate on the issue of sanitary wear. In the same way we find
condoms in toilets, sanitary wear should also be there. We cannot allow the girl child to feel less (human) because they are using socks, tissue or crowding.”

Misihairabwi-Mushonga said during public hearings on the Bill people shot down proposals to allow pregnant girls to continue attending class.

“However, the issue is that these girls get pregnant by older men and if we stop them from attending school they won’t be empowered. Education in this country
is not well-funded and so we need to create a new Education Finance Bill so that there is funding for education in the country. We need to say that everyone
driving a luxury vehicle should be charged carbon tax so that it finances education for poor children,” she said.

Bikita South MP Josiah Sithole (Zanu PF) said there was need to sympathise with pregnant girls so that they continue with class. “In 1999, there was a
statutory instrument which stipulated that pregnant girls can stay at school. We need to sympathise with these girls – after all some are raped, impregnated
by older people like us and so we need to sympathise with pregnant girls,” Sithole said.

Zvimba North MP Marian Chombo (Zanu PF) said in Insiza mostly females said pregnant girls must not be allowed to continue with class.

“One woman even said what if the pregnant girl begins vomiting in class. They said it will encourage other girls to fall pregnant,” Chombo said.

Kadoma Central MP Muchineripi Chinyanganya (MDC Alliance) said there is need to come up with funding mechanism for education which will include non-
governmental organisations.

Meanwhile, MPs observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the late Glen View South MP Vimbai Tsvangirai-Java (MDC Alliance) who died on Monday.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA

BUDDING cricketers in the Midlands province have been presented with an opportunity to showcase their talent following the inception of a provincial winter cricket tournament.

Seven teams are expected to participate in the tourney that is slated to commence later this month.

These include MSU Pirates, Gweru Sports Club, Redcliff, Mbizo, Kwekwe Queens and Zvishavane select.

Midlands Cricket organising secretary John Makuwalo said the tournament will mark the resurrection of the gentleman’s sport in the province having been dormant
for the last two years.

“This will be an important tournament for us in the province and it will give young cricketers from across the province, a chance to showcase their talent,” he
said.

“Seven teams are going to participate and we hope to continue playing from there until the end of the year. For this tournament, we will use T20 format.

“Then we are also going to decentralize the game and make sure that every part of province will host a game or two until the tournament ends.

“We have sponsors which we cannot reveal by name but for this tournament, those that make it into the top three will get prizes.”

The organisers want to use the tournament as part of their efforts to spread cricket to other parts of the country as competitive domestic tournaments are
dormant for the winter period.