BY BLESSED MHLANGA

OPPOSITION MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, still basking in the glory of a fresh mandate given to him at the party congress last month, has rekindled his fight to effectively bar former vice-president Thokozani Khupe from using the party symbols, name and related regalia.

The MDC, in its resolutions at the just-ended congress held in Gweru, ratified the expulsion of Khupe, former spokesperson Obert Gutu and former organising secretary Abednigo Bhebhe, saying they formed their own political party and should, therefore, be stopped from masquerading as members of the Chamisa-led party.

“Congress noted that some former members of the MDC party, namely Thokozani Khupe, Obert Gutu and Abednigo Bhebhe, were expelled by the national council and subsequently left the party to form and found their new political home. Congress, therefore, confirms their expulsion by the national council and further resolves that they must, forthwith, cease or be stopped from using the party’s name, symbols, trademarks and intellectual property,” part of the resolutions read.

Spokesperson Jacob Mafume confirmed that their lawyers were putting in place measures to ensure that the legal case over party symbols and names between the MDC and Khupe was brought to finality.

“The case is already before the courts and after the congress resolutions, our lawyers are moving to ensure that the case is brought to finality so that our symbols and logo are not abused and used by people who are not part of the party,” he said.

Congress mandated Chamisa to clip Khupe’s wings by ensuring that she is barred from using the name MDC-T, slogans or party regalia.

“Congress resolved that the name of the party should not be used by anyone who is not a member of the MDC for any purpose without the authority of national council. In particular, no seceding, expelled or resigned person/s shall be allowed to use or continue to use the name of the Party or any derivative thereof,” part of the resolutions read.

Gutu dismissed the resolutions by the Chamisa-led party as “kindergarten gibberish”.

“They will not win this; they are allowed to day dream. They will not win this one, they are day dreaming, but they can try and, as usual, we will give them the Mike Tyson knock-out
punch,” he said.

Khupe has maintained that she is the legitimate successor of the late MDC founder Morgan Tsvangirai, adding Chamisa had used unorthodox means to wrest the party leadership from her.

By Stephen Chadenga

JUSTICE minister Ziyambi Ziyambi yesterday commissioned the Anti-Corruption Court for the Midlands province, where he called on judicial institutions and law enforcement agencies to keep abreast of sophisticated criminal activities and stay ahead of criminal syndicates which thrive on graft.

Ziyambi said corruption was the greatest threat to the country’s bid to attain an upper-middle class economy by 2030.

“Criminals, particularly those who thrive on corruption, use sophisticated means to achieve their objectives,” he said.

“It is necessary for us to design strategies which ensure that law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions stay ahead of the criminal syndicates.

“We are working towards achieving a middle-class economy by 2030. The greatest threat to these initiatives would be human created bottlenecks like corruption.”

Ziyambi said besides hindering development, corruption affected the poor most, with public resources diverted to benefit a few corrupt individuals.

“May I once again reiterate that corruption hits the poor the hardest because they are the most in need of goods and services yet they cannot pay bribes,” he said.

“Public resources are diverted to the pockets of corrupt individuals, instead of being channelled towards needed investments in transport, energy, health, education to mention but a
few. Undeserving people get their way simply because they can pay their way through and this should not be.”

Ziyambi said the challenges slowing progress in dealing with corruption cases had been dealt with, adding that trials of such matters would be “apparently in the short-term”.

He said people needed to move away from the perception that corruption only existed in public institutions, as it was also evident in the private sector.

The Justice minister said corruption not only deprived government of revenue meant for the country’s economic development, but also took away the credibility of institutions at all
levels.

Midlands is the fifth province to have anti-corruption courts, a project being spearheaded by the Judicial Service Commission to cover all the country’s 10 provinces.

BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA

ABOUT seven million condoms were distributed across Mashonaland East province last year alone, in a bid to combat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and new HIV infections.

Addressing scores of villagers at Bondamakara in Mutoko during a belated World Aids Day commemoration yesterday, Health ministry representative George Machacha said about 6,6 million condoms were distributed, while more than 20 000 males were circumcised.

“Against a background of high STIs, at least 6,6 million condoms were distributed across the province in 2018. The coverage of voluntary medical male circumcision reached 22 348 males, while we are currently at 6,7% towards the 5% target of virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission. Our progress towards the first 90%, which requires people to get tested for
HIV , is now at 74%,” he said.

In Mashonaland East, STIs are highly prevalent in Marondera, Murewa and Nyamapanda as well as in farming communities and growth points along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway.

Machacha added that 114 000 people in the province with HIV were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

“In addition to this, from when we started the ART programme in 2004 and with a negative economic landscape, Mashonaland East now has nearly 114 000 people living with HIV who are on ART, which is an 83% coverage. Of those that are on treatment, 83% are virally suppressed,” he added.

The World Aids Day commemorations were held under the theme Know Your Status.

Due to HIV prevention interventions such as condom distribution, male circumcisions, HIV testings, PMTC preventions and social campaigns for behaviour change, the HIV incidence rate has dropped to 0,48% in 2016 from 0,88% in 2011, while HIV prevalence rate remains stagnant at 14,1%.

BY CHARLES LAITON

AILING former Finance minister Ignatius Chombo, whose passport was recently seized by a State security agent at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as he sought to fly to South Africa for a medical review, has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking an order to compel a Harare Magistrates’ Courts clerk to release his travel document, to enable him to proceed with his travel arrangements.

The former Cabinet minister’s passport was seized last month and handed back to the Harare Magistrates Courts under unclear circumstances. Chombo was about to check-in into- a South African-bound Fastjet airline when the passport was seized.

In his affidavit through his lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, Chombo said his earlier application to the High Court was dismissed by Justice Nyaradzo Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa despite the fact that she did not make a determination that his travel document was unlawfully taken away from him.

Justice Munangati-Manongwa ordered Chombo to go back to the lower court and exhaust all alternative remedies, including filing for contempt of court charges against the clerk of court
who is alleged to have refused to release his passport despite an extant order.

“As the judgment of the court aquo (High Court) makes it clear, there is no factual dispute regarding the following; that the passport was unlawfully taken away from me (Chombo) by a State agent; that it was handed back to the first respondent (clerk of court) and that the first respondent is refusing to release it to me in accordance with the order of May 10, 2019,” he said.

The former minister further said he was now worried that if the passport was not released on time, he would miss his medical review dates and above all, the date upon which the court ordered the return of the same passport would be due with him not having utilised it.

“If my appeal is heard urgently before June 21, 2019 and it succeeds, I will be able to utilise the remaining days before June 21, 2019 and have very useful medical reviews. My failure to travel for medical treatment is causing me a great deal of mental and physical pain,” Chombo said.

“I fear for my health. I feel it every day that is passing that my health is deteriorating. At my age, these routine medical reviews are a source of strength.” The matter is pending.

SUCCESS LIFE Jonah Nyoni

AT times we allow people to control us. Some control us using fear, manipulation, and authority as tools.

At times, we are controlled by what the crowds must think of us. Naturally, we want to fit into what we found. In this writing, I want you to stretch out your wings and live your dream. Who is that person who has been limiting and controlling you? Let’s talk about them and how you can free yourself.

Fault-funders

People control us using the weaknesses they know about us. People will talk you out by picking on your blackspots. Don’t be deceived, everyone has their own weaknesses. These people hold us back and are very toxic. Such people include leaders, spouses, friends and some in the family. These people are always looking out and picking on your faults. Believe in your strengths and believe that you can.

Critics

Some people don’t want you to excel in life and they would generally respond negatively to your new ideas. You might propose something great and what they would do is to hammer and crash your strides. There are people that will always criticise you and at times for no tangible reason. At times you don’t need to respond and if ever you are to, always use wisdom.

Belittlers

Some people want their opinion or contributions to be the ones accepted and so what that do they don’t consider your thoughts and contributions. They act as though you have never done anything great. In such a situation you respond by doing what is good. There is nothing like a person who ran in their track. The easy way to free yourself from what people think of you is never try to please everyone. Work and walk confidently and after all you are a masterpiece.

Inflictors

There are people that want you to be in pain. So, they will look for means to bring that pain. They will look for something to blame you for. They will remind you of that painful and degrading past. Not because they want to show you lessons, but to lessen your credibility and inform everyone of your worst past. Learn of your past, but don’t stay in your past.

Publicists

Some people will talk bad about you. They publish all the worst and lies about you. Yes, they are publicists; negative ones. As an author, I have personally felt that pain, especially on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Respected people will just find something to talk about, and all of sudden you get published to thousands of followers. What do you do, never try to justify yourself. Keep on your game.

Shooters

These people want to always shoot you down. When you go up, they are looking for means to bring you down. They don’t care all the good you have done, they are ready to shoot you.

The Judas Iscariots

There are people that will seemingly show signs of love. These are too dangerous. They will feast with you on the same table, give you a kiss, but sell you out to your enemies. There is nothing as painful as being betrayed. The person that betrays you is that one you love and they seemingly love you back.

The CIAs

Such people will use overt, organised and concealed means to know your worst works. They investigate you deeply and tactfully. What they want is to create headline news about your life, and boom, the negative is published. How do you win with these? Keep doing great things so that they find no reason to crucify you.

Parting Point: I hope you picked one from the seven kinds of people who inflict a lot of pain. Such people are inevitable. If you want to be great, there is no way you can avoid such
people. Remember, when people start speaking about you, there is a possibility that you are shifting or shaking spaces. Keep doing it. “Cutting people from your life does not mean you hate them, it simply means you respect yourself. Not everyone is meant to stay” (Cited from the Live Life Happy Website)

BY DANIEL NHAKANISO IN CAPE TOWN

ZIMBABWE Academy has made six changes to the team to face Eastern Province as they seek a winning finish to their SuperSport Rugby Challenge campaign at the Village Rugby Club here today.

Head coach Brendan Dawson, who has continuously rotated his squad throughout the six week tour, experimenting with different combinations, has made another major backline shake-up for a match they are eager to win after crushing defeats in their last two matches against Cheetahs and Boland.

The Young Bucks, as the Zimbabwe Academy are affectionately known, have lost all their six games so far, despite putting some strong performances in the South Section of South Africa’s tier two competition.

Heading into the final game, Dawson has kept faith in the front row trio of losehead prop Tyran Fagan, hooker Matthew Mandioma and in-form tighthead Cleopas Kundiona, who will head to Sharks after today’s final game.

Towering lock Sanele Sibanda replaces George Saumgweme in the second row, where he partners stand-in captain Jan Ferreira, while Biselele Tshamala returns to the blindside flanker role, with Brian Nyaude retaining his place at open side flanker.

England-based ex-Zimbabwe youth international Aiden Burnett completes the loose trio at No.8 after coming in for Njabulo Ndlovu, who drops to the replacements.

Jeremiah Jaravaza, who has been a revelation during the tour, takes over at flyhalf ahead of injured captain Brendon Mandivenga, while vice-captain Hilton Mudariki starts at scrum-half.

Dawson also rotated his midfield, which means a first start this year for Daniel Capsopulous, who will form a new centre partnership with Mathew MacNab.

Western Province winger Sam Phiri, Old Georgians Takudzwa Kumadiro and fullback Kuda Chiwanza make up the back three.

Zimbabwe Academy Starting line-up: 15. Kuda Chiwanza 14. Takudzwa Kumadiro 13. Matthew McNab 12. Daniel Capsopulous 11. Sam Phiri 10. Jeremiah Jaravaza 9. Hilton Mudariki (Vice-Captain)
8. Aiden Burnett 7. Brian Nyaude 6. Biselele Tshamala 5. Sanele Sibanda 4. Jan Ferreira (Captain) 3. Cleopas Kundiona 2. Matthew Mandioma 1. Tyran Fagan.

Replacements: 16. Neil Mawere 17. Royal Mwale 18. Godfrey Muzanargwo, 19. Blithe Mavesere 20. Njabulo Ndlovu 21. Kuziwakwashe Kazembe 22. Takudzwa Chieza

BY FORTUNE MBELE

HARARE City coach Mark Harrison says his boys are geared up for the fight against Castle Lager Premier Soccer League pacesetters Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.

Chicken Inn are also on cloud nine after hammering Caps United 3-1 away from home last week to claim top-spot and will be out to consolidate that position against the Sunshine City Boys.

Harrison acknowledges it will not be easy for his boys, but said they will put up a fight, riding on the good performance displayed against Hwange.

“They (Chicken Inn) are at the top of the log-standings and are in good form. It is going to be a difficult match for us. But we played well last week. We just have to pick up on consistency. We are up for the fight. We have no injuries in camp and we are in good mood and form after playing well last week. I am sure it will be an exciting game against Chicken
Inn,” Harrison said.

Ismael Wadi scored a hat-trick against Hwange for Harare City, who also have Kuda Musharu and Tatenda Tumba as some of their attackers. Defender Marshal Machazane will be looking to contain the red-hot Chicken Inn forward Clive Augusto, who is leading on the scorers’ chart with 11 goals from 10 games.

Augusto notched a hat-trick against Caps United.

Harare City troop to Bulawayo on the backdrop of an indifferent stride in their first 10 games, in which they won four times, drew once and lost five times, while their counterparts
this afternoon have only lost two games against seven wins, a draw and two defeats.

Despite leading the race in the early stages of the competition and are among the favourites to lift the title, Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas has tipped champions FC Platinum to retain the title, with Caps United and Black Rhinos as the top challengers.

devotion column Erasmus Makarimayi

ONE very basic and elementary teaching of the Bible is love. From as early as Sunday school, we are taught to love others as we love ourselves. This includes loving and praying for our enemies.

Love becomes key to Christian identity. However, certain teachings and prayers going on in some settings are what I may call witchcraft in the church. There are prayers commonly called “back to sender”. These are premised on vengeance, a desire by a so called Christian for evil to befall perceived opponents. It is quite interesting to find out what goes on when one
Christian sends fire to another Christian. If ever that prayer is answered, it is not the doing of the Lord, but witchcraft.

Many Christians agree with and confess Ephesians 6:12. It reads: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” They agree that their uncles and aunties can be used by the devil but their battle is not against their relatives, but the devil. No sooner that they have confessed that, do they invoke the wrath of God to befall anyone who wishes them bad. Scriptures commonly used are Psalms 35 and 109, which I ask
you to read.

Before we proceed, let’s recap. We have covered extensively that Jesus came in His earthly physical life during the subsistence of the old covenant or Mosaic law to fulfil it and redeem us from its demands. Galatians 4:4-5 records: “[4] But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, [5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Having done this we’re no longer under its demands. We’re free to serve God in Christ who gave us the law of life. Romans 8:2 asserts, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

We have also studied in this column the need to rightly divide the Word.

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Care, therefore, has to be taken in applying the Word especially on issues before the cross. There are issues that fall out after the cross, such as those the Psalms mentioned earlier. An example and simple case study is the Scripture quoted by Jesus when He declared His mission.

It comes from Isaiah 61:1-2. It reads: “[1] The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;”

Let’s see how Jesus refers to this issue. His words in Luke 4:18-19 read: “[18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, [19] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Please note that, He doesn’t quote Isaiah 61:9 in total to include the day of vengeance.

So using vengeance of Psalms 35 and 109 is error. He came to redeem us. If you’re praying for the demise of your enemies, remember that God sent His Son to die for you and them. He would want everyone to be saved. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 declares, “[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” God wants the witch and murderer saved.

Going through Samaria where Jesus was unwelcome, His disciples asked Him to wipe out the village. Here’s the story. Luke 9:54-56 records: “[54] And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? [55] But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. [56] For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” In the Old Testament, Elijah called fire to destroy, under Christ, souls are saved lest what He came for and died for would be brought to nought. Jesus says in Matthew 5:43-44: “[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” Grace and peace be multiplied to you through knowledge.

BY Kevin Mapasure

Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Erol Akbay believes that when his side is in its full stride of their one-touch football, no team can beat them in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

The Mhondoro-Ngezi-based miners tackle FC Platinum at Baobab Stadium this afternoon and Akbay said as long as his team can play the way he demands, they will have a fruitful outing this afternoon.

While Ngezi come against a side that also thrives on the passing game, they believe their best weapon is the one-touch football and they can outdo anyone in that regard.

The hosts go into this encounter at the back of a 3-2 away win over Bulawayo Chiefs, while Norman Mapeza’s side are smarting from a home defeat to Dynamos.

The stage is well set for an enthralling tie between the proponents of pure football.

“I always say when we play football, nobody can beat us. That is our weapon; we have to play football. We have to play one-touch football. Last weekend, we did very well. We played football and we scored three goals. We could have scored five, but it’s ok. We have to do it again this weekend. If we play one-touch football, Platinum will have a very difficult day,” Akbay said.

Ngezi Platinum only recorded their first away win of the season when they managed to score three goals, which gave them confidence going into this match.

Akbay is pleased with the way Donald Teguru has adapted after he turned him to be a central striker from a winger.

The Dutch coach has been having problems with his strike force due to injuries and the unexpected departure of Simba Nhivi.

“I had to change right winger Donald to a striker and he offers good movement. He can play well in the position. We have had no strikers, they have been injured and Donald is doing very good. I hope that he gives us three goals this weekend,” Akbay said.

FC Platinum have one of the strongest defence in the top division, and scoring goals against them is always a daunting task.

The Zvishavane-based side will be looking to re-align their season with a victory at the Baobab, but so far they have not been as good as they were last season.

They have already dropped five points on the road.

By Freeman Makopa

Triathlon Zimbabwe was impressed with the good show put up by the national junior team at the African Triathlon Championship held in Shandrani, Mauritius last weekend, where the team brought back three medals.

The team, which comprised of Matt Denslow, Luke Hacker, Luke Steffens, Andie Kuipers and Mikayla Colegrave competed in the U-19 category, while George Ascott battled it out in the 13/14-year category.

Ascott proved to be stronger than his opponents, striking gold in the ATU Youth event on Saturday. On the other hand, the mixed relay team won silver.

Triathlon Zimbabwe team coach Pamela Fulton expressed satisfaction over the youngsters’ performance.

“We took a Zimbabwe Triathlon team of juniors down to compete and they did exceedingly well in a very challenging tournament. We hope that this is a sign of good future for team Zimbabwe.

“They are good sports ambassadors of our country and have won the hearts and support of the locals back home through the way they carry themselves,” she said.

Local triathletes continue to shine at international arena, flying the country’s flag high.