KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Sudan’s military ruler on Wednesday offered to resume a dialogue on a transition to democracy, one day after he scrapped all agreements with an opposition alliance.

The offer by the head of Sudan’s ruling military council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, came as the number of people killed since security forces stormed a protest camp in Khartoum on Monday rose to 60, according to a medical group linked to the opposition.

In a message for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr broadcast on state television, Burhan paid homage to the uprising that began in December and culminated with the military overthrow and arrest of President Omar al-Bashir in April. He was still ready to hand over power to an elected government, he said.

“We in the military council, extend our hands to negotiations without shackles except the interests of the homeland,” Burhan said.

Burhan had previously announced he was skipping any negotiations with protest groups and said he would organise elections within nine months.

His decision came after security forces stormed a protest camp site outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum in an operation that resulted in the death of at least 35 people, according to the doctors’ group.

The association said more people had been killed since then throughout Khartoum and its twin city of Omdruman.

Zimbabwe-born Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira has been named Tourism Ambassador for destination Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Toirism Authority’s main objective for the appointment is to increase tourism traffic into destination Zimbabwe.

This comes as the global trend in tourism today calls for destinations to appoint Tourism Ambassadors as advocates for the destination offerings.

Zimbabwe is bidding to lure an ambitious three million visitors by end of 2019, having received 2,5 million visitors in 2018.

Mtawarira was conferred the honour this morning at a Harare hotel by the Minister of Environment, Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Hon. Priscah Mupfumira.

“The concept of Tourism Brand Ambassadors is widely used as a tool for promoting many destinations across the globe,” Mupfumira said.

“People are appointed Tourism Ambassadors for their ability to significantly contribute to the promotion of destinations with the main objective of increasing tourism traffic.

“Tourism Ambassadors could be nationals of Zimbabwe or non –nationals for which the titles would be Tourism Ambassador for the former and Honorary Tourism Ambassador for the latter. The term of office varies from a minimum period of a year to a period as determined by my Ministry.

“The person chosen must have excelled in a particular discipline, be it sport, music, art, business, beauty pageants or charity workthereby giving them influence on the international arena. The individual must be of high integrity, must be apolitical and also able to defend the interests of Destination Zimbabwe.”

Acting Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Rita Likukuma said the veteran Sharks front rower, The Beast, who is famous for being the first black Springbok to play 100 Tests and even eclipsed Adriaan Strauss as South Africa’s most capped Super Rugby player, is an opinion leader whose help would be strategic in positioning Destination Zimbabwe as a destination of choice.

“Given all his fame on the global rugby arena, he has remained grounded. His humility is worth admiring and his involvement with two major charities here in Zimbabwe, both committed to helping children in school and sport has earned himself the status of philanthropist. His love for Zimbabwe shines through his dedication and hard work, and above all leading by example on whatever he does in his life,” Likukuma said.

BY BLESSED MHLANGA

THOUSANDS of families risk being left homeless as government is mooting a massive eviction and property destruction programme to clear out illegal settlers occupying Harare wetlands and council land.

Harare Metropolitan Affairs minister Oliver Chidawu has declared war on thousands of illegal settlers allocated land by mostly Zanu PF cooperatives and land barons at the height of former President Robert Mugabe’s campaign to retain political power in urban areas.

Over 10 000 homesteads in Budiriro, Crowborough, Kambuzuma, Harare City Council farms and other areas have been targeted for demolition as government moves to thwart a potential humanitarian crisis.

“We have to be bold and tackle the issue of illegal settlers, but we are going to do it with a human face, we are asking all those who know they are illegally-settled to move out on their own. If they fail to do that, we are going to remove them by force. We can’t allow these illegal settlements because they are a threat to wetlands and cause massive pollution to our water bodies,” he said.

Zimbabwe is in the grip of a deep economic crisis characterised by high unemployment estimated at above 80% and illegal settlements are growing in every city as local authorities struggle to meet the demand for housing.

Chidawu’s declaration evokes memories of government’s 2005 slum-clearance operation called Operation Murambatsvina, meaning to “drive out the filth” which displaced some 700 000 Zimbabweans, according to human rights groups in a military-style operation that ran for two months.

Zanu PF led urban land invasions with most of its top brass at that time ripping off desperate homeseekers by parcelling out thousands of stands under the guise of empowerment.

The illegal settlements have now overrun council’s capacity to provide enough potable water and treat sewerage.

Chidawu said the homes will be destroyed by force if the owners do not find alternative accommodation by themselves.

“We can’t call that empowerment, we also cannot have soft hearts, because in doing so we put the greater Harare at risk of cholera and other diseases. We have to act and all people on wetlands, and illegal settlers must stop construction and move out or be moved by force,” he said.

Engineers have also added their voice, saying government must ensure that construction on wetlands is stopped forthwith.

Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers’ information communication technology division chairman Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi said: “The construction and development is so rampant that all ventilation and wetland areas in the likes of Mabelreign and Sundridge have all been sold out and under some kind of construction development. As engineers, we are hereby requesting the government, local authorities and construction firms to immediately stop all developments and constructions that are taking place on all wetlands and strategic open spaces.”

Zimbabwe is a signatory to the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and has domesticated provisions for the protection of wetlands under the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27), Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 on Environmental Management (Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecosystems Protection) Regulations.

BY XOLISANI NCUBE

Government has begun a process to formulate a law to deal with cartels and corporates that are allegedly monopolising their sectors for profiteering purposes.

Addressing a post-Cabinet Press conference in Harare yesterday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the proposed changes will be contained in the Competition Act administered by Industry minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.

Mutsvangwa said under the changes, cartels accused of causing price hikes and controlling market performance would be “effectively dealt with”.

“The principles seek to align with the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Key provisions include the following, introduction of a corporate leniency programme so as to facilitate the successful
investigation of cartels,” she said.

Ndlovu told the Press conference that the proposed change to the law will see the Competition and Tariffs Commission being empowered to probe and fine cartels for economic sabotage.

“We would want to get to the bottom of this issue. The whole idea is not to target people, but to create competition. It is not a secret that we have some people who collude with others
to hike prices and we are saying let us have competition,” Ndlovu said. He charged that the food sector and the sugar industry had operators with monopolistic tendencies.

“The Act seeks to empower the commission to levy administrative penalties on companies that violate the competition laws,” Ndlovu added.

Some Zanu PF and senior government officials have accused cartels of controlling the economy much to the disadvantage of ordinary citizens.

The proposed changes will also empower the Competition and Tariffs Commission to probe unfair business conduct and fine those found wanting.

Cabinet also received a report on projects that had been ear-marked under the 100-day plan with the Minister for Presidential Affairs Joram Gumbo reporting that at least 60% of set projects were on target, while 16% were ahead of target.

“Ministers that had all their priority progressing well, either on target or ahead of target are as follows, Environment, Tourism and Hospitality, Finance and Economic Development, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Information, Mines and Mining Development,” Mutsvangwa said.

She said those that failed were due to pricing challenges as well as lack of foreign currency.

Cabinet also received a report on the proposed amendments to Attorney-General’s Act which seeks to provide terms for appointing a Deputy Attorney-General.

Cabinet was also briefed on the fuel situation and the electricity crisis with Energy minister Fortune Chasi saying: “On the electricity front, strategies would be implemented to cushion farmers and other critical entities from the ongoing drought-induced load -shedding.”

BY VENERANDA LANGA

The Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) yesterday said there was lack of urgency in dealing with problems in the health sector, resulting in costs dramatically rising with people now being charged in United States dollars despite earning RTGS dollars.

AHFoZ chairperson Stanford Sisya appeared before the Ruth Labode-led Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, where he disclosed that the only company supplying oxygen to hospitals in the country, BOC Gases had also upped charges.

He said patients on dialysis, a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when kidneys stop working properly, now fork out US$200 per session which is way out of reach of many Zimbabweans.

“Fuel queues are treated with urgency, but when it comes to healthcare, people are suffering and dying at hospitals or homes, and right now, we only have one source of oxygen and the
company supplying that is charging for its cans which they never used to charge for the oxygen container,” Sisya said.

“Now patients are asked to pay ZWL$28 rentals per cylinder for oxygen and the costs have gone up.”
Chinhoyi MP Peter Mataruse (Zanu PF), a member of the committee and a medical practitioner, said while Feruka was producing oxygen, BOC Gases was monopolising the supply of oxygen to hospitals because the infrastructure for oxygen at hospitals was theirs.

“BOC Gases owns the infrastructure at hospitals and so Feruka cannot go into their containers to supply oxygen,” Mataruse said.

The committee said it would be better for the oxygen supply companies to agree to share the infrastructure in order to assist sick people that are desperately in need of oxygen.

Sisya said AHFoZ has 29 members with 1,3 million Zimbabweans contributing to their different medical aid schemes (10% of the population). Some of the challenges experienced by members
were that medical services are charged in US dollars and if one cannot fork out hard currency they are charged using black market rates.

“For example, dialysis costs US$200 and it means in RTGS dollars, a patient has to fork out $1 600 per session when they need dialysis three times a week. Our members are not paid in US$ and as AHfoz, we propose that if the RTGS dollars is the official currency, then the US$ should be pulled off because it is causing distortions in the medical sector,” he said.

Sisya added that there were also cases of double-dipping by medical practitioners where, for example, they are reimbursed ZWL$35 by AHFoZ for consultation fees, but they also charge patients US$20 or US$35 as consultation fees.

Specialist doctors are said to be charging as much as US$250.

AHFoZ chief executive officer Shylet Sanyanga said it was sad that drugs for diabetes, for example, were going up with patients forking out US$53.

BY HENRY MHARA IN DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

MIDFIELDERS Thabani Kamusoko (pictured) and Butholezwe Ncube might have earned themselves tickets to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals after good performances in Zimbabwe’s 2-0 win over Comoros in the quarterfinals of the Cosafa Cup in South Africa on Saturday.

Impeccable sources told NewsDay Sport that the dreadlocked Kamusoko, who was voted man of the match against Comoros, has secured his spot in the final 23-man squad, while Ncube is charming the technical team as well.

Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze who had a dream season with Baroka in the South African topflight league has also been impressing at training, and could be picked ahead of Talbert Shumba for the third goalkeeper spot in the final squad.

Three goalkeepers will travel to the Afcon, and first choice goaltender George Chigova and Edmore Sibanda seem to have automatic places on the plane.

“Thabani did well and the coach was convinced he is the sort of player that he needs to add some steel in midfield. He will definitely be on the plane to Egypt,” said the source.

“Butholezwe is likely to be picked. He is a very good player, and Mhofu (Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga) likes his kind of play. He has one foot in, and so is Chipezeze. He is doing fantastic at training, and should be able to nudge Talbert out of the way.”

The trio did not participate in the Afcon qualifiers and are some of the few players likely to gatecrash their way into the travelling party.

Warriors assistant coach Rahman Gumbo confirmed that the bulk of the final 23-man squad are players that took part in the qualifiers.

“There is a squad that we have been working with from the beginning of the qualifiers, and to be honest it would be very unfair to drop somebody who has been there from the start unless there are injuries. But there are some players who have come in now and have given us some very good performances so much that they could be part of the Afcon squad,” said Gumbo.

Dr Rush, as Gumbo is affectionately known, will take charge of the Warriors in their Cosafa Cup semi-final clash against old enemies Zambia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this evening.
Kick off is 7.30pm.

Chidzambga was forced to abort this tournament and return to Harare on Sunday following the passing on of his father back home.

Gumbo said more players will be given a chance against Zambia to stake a claim in the team to the Afcon.

England-based striker Admiral Muskwe is expected to be given his first start, an opportunity which he will have to use to have a chance to make it to Afcon.

“So far these games have given us a clear indication of who is going to be in the final 23, but that will depend on how we will finish the Cosafa tournament.”

The Warriors face Chipolopolo for the third time in a row in this Cosafa competition, having played a thrilling final in last year’s edition when Zimbabwe had to come from 2 goals down to win the match 4-2.

“We knew that we might come up against one of the strong teams in the semi-finals, and we wanted that because it’s good for us in terms of Afcon preparations. At the same time it would be nice to defend the Cosafa Cup. We want to give all the players a run around so that they get game time and you might probably see some new players featuring in the game against Zambia.

“Zambia have always been one of our biggest rivals, but in the past two years we have had a good run against them and we hope to continue with that good run.

“This match is important in that we have not had many friendly games, so there is pressure on the team to do the preparation and at the same time try to defend our title,” the coach said.

Striker Evans Rusike has been ruled out of today’s match due to an injury he picked in the Comoros game.

The big striker suffered a soft tissue contusion on the chest wall, and although the injury doesn’t look too serious, the Warriors technical team does not want to take chances.

Young Walter Musona is also down with an ankle injury, and is out of the Cosafa tournament.

Mhofu will pick 18 players to travel to Nigeria on Thursday for a friendly match against the Super Eagles on Saturday, while the other group will remain behind to finish the Cosafa tournament.

BY BLESSED MHLANGA

THE main opposition MDC has accused government of putting the country under an undeclared state of emergency, with security forces virtually camped in cities and high-density suburbs
MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume yesterday said government had now become the biggest threat to peace and stability by wantonly arresting members of the civil society and staging hoax demonstrations in an effort to find an excuse to declare a state of emergency.

“Recent developments in the country have exposed a failed government that is running scared of citizens’ demands to be governed differently and effectively. The country is effectively on military lockdown. Soldiers have pitched tents in high-density suburbs and no reason of deployment have been brought to Parliament in line with constitutional requirements; there is also an unconstitutional attempt by the illegitimate government to ban demonstrations and industrial action,” Mafume said.

Through State-controlled media, government and police have warned of impending demonstrations, accusing the United States of America and civil society of being behind the plot to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government from power because of its failure to arrest the economic decline.

Government has already put its security agents on high alert to deal with the alleged plots to topple Mnangagwa.

Facing a sharp rise in the cost of living, crippling fuel and energy shortages and wages losing purchasing power, workers have warned that they are left with no option, but to face government head on.

Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema on Monday warned that the threatened strikes would invite drastic action from security forces.

Mafume said this was only an excuse and avenue to justify military intervention to thwart peaceful demonstration by the people of Zimbabwe.

“All these developments are not just unacceptable, but undemocratic and a violation of basic human rights as provided for in the national Constitution. Just last night, suspected State security agents raided Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe (CiZC) chairperson Rashid Mahiya’s home, refused to identify themselves as they banged at his doors. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Mafume’s boss Nelson Chamisa has since said his party was prepared to push Mnangagwa and his government out of State power before his five-year term comes to an end.

Speaking at the just-ended MDC congress, Chamisa said his party would force Mnangagwa to the negotiating table to ensure elections are held well before 2023.

“I have already said that 2023 is too far. Why am I saying it’s far? We must make sure that we have a democratic election in this country as soon as possible. If they refuse we will force them for that democratic election to happen in this country,” he said.

In the past week, seven democracy activists among them Stabile Dewa, Farirai Gumbonzvanda, Gamuchirai Makura, George Makoni, Frank Nyasha Mpahlo, Rita Nyamupinga and Tatenda were arrested and are currently languishing in prison on charges of trying to subvert a constitutionally elected government.

The MDC said it was concerned by what it termed a “dictatorial attitude by the failed government and its incapacity to lead this nation in any positive direction”.

BY SHARON SIBINDI

SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean promoters, Underground Entertainment have taken over Johannesburg’s Hillbrow Theatre as they intend to host live concerts for Zimbabwean musicians.

An official from Underground Entertainment, Phakama Nkomo, told NewsDay Life & Style yesterday that it was the love of art that inspired him to take over the place.

“I have been working on this project since 2017; it has been proposals back and forth. It looked impossible at some point, until early this year when I received a call from Gerald
Bester, the then centre manager, telling me my proposal had been approved,” he said.

“The agreement is straight forward; Underground Entertainment manages, runs and maintains the premises to the best interest of the people and users of the theatre. Meaning, from the first of June, Hillbrow Theatre is in our hands and responsibility.”

Nkomo said he wanted theatre to be readily accessible for bookings by the community, adding they would put up a restaurant and bar that would mainly serve African dishes, including
setting up a recording studio within the premises.

“The love of art made me to do this project, as it is not only about music events as many people think. Theatre is also for stage plays and movie screening. We will be doing that as well. People should expect more vibrant and lively theatre; more activities,” he said.

“We will conduct theatre-acting lessons and plays there ( Hillbrow Theatre). It will become an arts centre.”

Underground Entertainment has promoted shows such as Clash of the Titans, which saw Martin Sibanda and Charles Ndebele sharing the stage in Mzansi. The promoters have also hosted big names such as Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso, among others.

BY WINSTONE ANTONIO

Tammy Moyo

AFRO-POP songbird Thamsanqa “Tammy” Moyo (pictured) is set for a litmus test tomorrow night when she puts up her own show, The Tamy Experience, at The Venue in Harare.

At a time when music concerts are failing to attract large crowds due to the punishing economic situation, Tammy’s pulling factor will be put to test tomorrow in her pathfinding expedition.

While the music industry, which is male-dominated in Zimbabwe, has seen a lot of women struggle to make it big and surpass the levels set by their male counterparts, Tammy has, however, managed to fuse various beats to come up with a sound that has attracted the attention of many music lovers.

Drawing inspiration from celebrated top artistes like South Africa’s songbird Zahara and American superstar Beyoncé Knowles, the talented and energetic Tammy is on record saying her compositions are mostly about what she experiences in life and also her expectations are a drive to some of her songs.

In an interview with NewsDay Life &Style yesterday, concert co-ordinator Dee Nosh said the stage was set for the show that will also feature Ammara Brown and Gemma Griffiths,who both will provide cover for Tammy.

“This is a big day for Tammy, alongside her friends in the showbiz, Ammara Brown and Gemma Griffiths, as they are set to hold their own at the concert. The trio has promised sterling performances,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tammy’s manager Pedzi Chimbwanda said the concert was set to prove that female artistes could hold their own on the big stage.

“Our female artistes are a stakeholder market who can do the same or even better on those big stages than their male counterparts,” he said.
Chimbwanda said at the concert, Tammy will give a lucky teenage sensation below 15 years the exposure to rub shoulders with her, Ammara and Gemma.

“At the concert, I will give a young girl the opportunity to open the show for Tamy. A lucky teenager was chosen from a social media contest that was run on our social media pages,
where we requested contestants to forward a 45 seconds to 60 seconds video on either Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #thetamyexperience,” he said.