BY BLESSED MHLANGA

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa, backed by his ruling Zanu PF party and close to 18 opposition political parties, is pressing ahead with political parties’ dialogue without the main opposition MDC and its leader Nelson Chamisa, who has insistently refused to join the process.

Zanu PF and the other political parties, who include the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe, NCA led by Lovemore Madhuku and other leaders including Bryn Mteki, yesterday met at State House and agreed to officially launch the dialogue on May 17 at the HICC.

The programme, although not yet finalised, will see the parties to the dialogue, now led by National Peace and Reconciliation Commission chairperson Justice Selo Nare and Zimbabwe Gender Commission chair Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, setting the terms and reference of the talks.

Cleric Patrick Mugadza, who is part of the talks, confirmed the launch, saying the committee will meet on Friday to finalise all the logistics of the launch.

“We will only be able to say the terms of reference of the talks after the launch on May 17, most likely at the HICC [Harare International Conference Centre]. We will meet soon after the launch and discuss the issues that will be tabled as part of the dialogue,” he said.

In a statement, the Information ministry said at the meeting, the parties also adopted a code of conduct.

“Today (yesterday), the political actors in the national dialogue met and adopted a code of conduct that will promote conditions that are conducive for dialogue built on political tolerance, mutual respect, consensus, information dissemination and commitment to the dialogue,” the ministry said.

Chamisa has insisted that for him to meet Mnangagwa for talks, there was need for an independent interlocutor mutually agreed on by the MDC and Zanu PF.

His party has also insisted on discussing the legitimacy of Mnangagwa’s presidency, a condition Zanu PF has said it will not accept.

BY BLESSED MHLANGA

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa, backed by his ruling Zanu PF party and close to 18 opposition political parties, is pressing ahead with political parties’ dialogue without the main opposition MDC and its leader Nelson Chamisa, who has insistently refused to join the process.

Zanu PF and the other political parties, who include the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe, NCA led by Lovemore Madhuku and other leaders including Bryn Mteki, yesterday met at State House and agreed to officially launch the dialogue on May 17 at the HICC.

The programme, although not yet finalised, will see the parties to the dialogue, now led by National Peace and Reconciliation Commission chairperson Justice Selo Nare and Zimbabwe Gender Commission chair Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, setting the terms and reference of the talks.

Cleric Patrick Mugadza, who is part of the talks, confirmed the launch, saying the committee will meet on Friday to finalise all the logistics of the launch.

“We will only be able to say the terms of reference of the talks after the launch on May 17, most likely at the HICC [Harare International Conference Centre]. We will meet soon after the launch and discuss the issues that will be tabled as part of the dialogue,” he said.

In a statement, the Information ministry said at the meeting, the parties also adopted a code of conduct.

“Today (yesterday), the political actors in the national dialogue met and adopted a code of conduct that will promote conditions that are conducive for dialogue built on political tolerance, mutual respect, consensus, information dissemination and commitment to the dialogue,” the ministry said.

Chamisa has insisted that for him to meet Mnangagwa for talks, there was need for an independent interlocutor mutually agreed on by the MDC and Zanu PF.

His party has also insisted on discussing the legitimacy of Mnangagwa’s presidency, a condition Zanu PF has said it will not accept.

Editorial Comment

THE need for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to come together and forge a deal that would see the country rescued from the current economic malaise has never been in doubt.

In fact, the deepening economic crisis on the back of the currency confusion afflicting the country has made such a deal more necessary, as the citizens are paying a huge price for the politicians’ pride.

Both Mnangagwa and Chamisa need to go beyond social media posturing and take the bull by the horns because the more they dilly-dally, the more people continue to suffer.

Politicking does not work in such a situation because beyond the politics, these leaders need to really demonstrate in action that they have the welfare of the citizens at heart.

The majority of Zimbabweans, bearing the brunt of the economic meltdown, are now like orphans in a nation with leaders.

While it might be all good for the leaders to portray themselves in a positive light on social media, claiming to have their doors open for dialogue, it is really not on when this is not turned into action on the ground.

And all the while the population is looking up to the leaders to do something about the economic situation spiralling out of control.

Sticking to entrenched positions — with Mnangagwa insisting he won the last elections fairly and Chamisa insisting otherwise — is not going to help.

Only a compromise can unlock the gridlock. It is not a secret that the country is in a crisis and this demands sober minds that are willing to compromise if a way forward can be found.

With several international bodies such as the European Union and the Southern Africa Development Community having called for dialogue, with several local organisations offering to broker talks between the two political arch-rivals, there is no need why political leaders in the same country cannot find each other for the greater good of the country and its citizens.

We believe now is the time for both Mnangagwa and Chamisa to stand up and be counted. In fact, the mood among the citizens is that if none of the two is willing to sacrifice, the citizens could take things into their own hands. Who knows what will happen if that happens?

BY VENERANDA LANGA

TRANSPORT minister Joel Biggie Matiza yesterday said heads would roll at the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) over cases of corruption involving millions of dollars.

Matiza also admitted that the road authority was not carrying out its due mandate and had no authority to tender and contract jobs, which was the duty of local authorities.

He made the remarks yesterday when he appeared before the Tendai Biti-led Public Accounts Committee, where he told Parliament that police were investigating corruption at Zinara, which had cost the country millions while roads were in a very bad shape.

Some of the corruption cases at Zinara included the misuse of $71 million earmarked for special projects, awarding of millions worth of contracts to the same companies, for example, Univern, without going to tender, prejudicing the country of millions of dollars through contracts that were poorly negotiated, the $8 million graders tender scam and several issues of mismanagement, including hefty salaries and allowances for Zinara’s top brass.

“As we speak, police are investigating issues at Zinara and all the core issues and core persons have been reported and arrests will be made,” Matiza said.

“The law is taking its course and some people are paying bail now for such rotten work at Zinara, and the new Zinara board chaired by former Deputy Transport minister Michael Madanha has put in place a programme to ensure that there is financial probity at Zinara. The results will be seen in the future, and I can assure you that you will soon see things unravelling,” he added.

Matiza also defended his choice of Madanha as board chairperson, saying he was ably qualified and the best man for the job.

MPs felt that it was unethical and contravened corporate governance rules for Matiza to appoint Madanha as board chairperson when he (Madanha) was deputy minister during the period when corruption and mismanagement was rampant at Zinara.

“He (Madanha) is a man of integrity and before he assumed office, a background check was done by security agents. He went through rigorous vetting and within four months of his term, he had done a lot to ensure that local authorities understand their role and the role of Zinara.

“That is why these investigations on Zinara have been constituted so that it does not do what is not on its mandate. I found him suitable and had scanned and scouted for someone who is suitable to run the institution,” Matiza said.

Biti then quizzed Matiza over gender equality and regional representation at the Zinara board.

It turned out that out of the current eight board members, only two were women. Matiza said there were still four more openings for board members, adding and he would ensure that more women were appointed.

Matiza also told the committee that heads were going to roll in the Zinara management, saying they were already looking for a substantive chief executive.

Jah Prayzah (left) and Winky D

BY SINDISO DUBE

THE battle for supremacy between two of the country’s biggest musicians, Jah Prayzah and Winky D, is not yet over as the duo has been nominated alongside South Africa-based Oskido for the Outstanding Arts Personality outside Bulawayo gong at this year’s edition of the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards set for June 29.

Jah Prayzah and Winky D — who both command a huge following — have been pitted together several times despite their different music genres but the debate on who is the best is yet to be settled.

The two, together with Oskido were among the nominees revealed on Saturday night at a glamorous event at the Bulawayo Theatre.

One of the award organisers, Simon Mambazo Phiri, said the category award was meant to celebrate the impact made by artistes from out of Bulawayo to the city.

“This new category is dedicated to a Zimbabwean or a foreigner who impacts heavily on the Bulawayo arts scene or space. Because we are the cultural hub, we harness such talents and energy and recognise that these individuals find working space here, as well as impact our hub,” he said.

Winky D and Jah Prayzah fans have in the past used awards ceremonies as a yardstick to measure their icon’s popularity and artistic prowess.

The two are currently trending with their latest videos, Mugarden (Winky D) and Dzamutsana (Jah Prayzah).

There was an uproar following the recent edition of the National Arts Merit Awards after the two were conspicuous by their absence from the nominees list in their respective music categories, with the People’s Choice Award going to long-forgotten gospel musician, Respina Patai.

Meanwhile, house musician Novuyo Seagirl, Cal_Vin and Zinjaziyamluma have emerged as the top contenders at this year’s ceremony, with three nominations each.

Seagirl is up for Outstanding House/Kwaito, Outstanding Female Artiste of the Year, and Song of the Year for her track, Bambelela.

Cal_Vin is up for Outstanding Hip-Hop Artiste, Outstanding Male Artiste, and for Song of the Year for his hit track, Banjalo.

Zinjaziyamluma is up for Outstanding Male Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year for his track Ebunandini as well as for Outstanding Ambassador for Republic of South Africa.
The ceremony is set for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds on June 29.

Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

IT might be early days yet to predict how things will pan out, but FC Platinum’s Norman Mapeza and Caps United’s Lloyd Chitembwe, seem to be rekindling the exciting title saga between the two friends in the 2016 season whose honours eventually were won by the Green Machine.

At this stage, it would be folly for anyone to discount any team, even Highlanders, sitting in the relegation zone still have a chance, but from evidence presented so far, this could be another Mapeza versus Chitembwe classic.

It could be another title tussle between Mapeza’s pass masters and Chitembwe’s press masters for the 2019 honours.

Three years ago, Harare giants Caps United and FC Platinum pushed each other week after week to incredible heights. However, it was the Green Machine who beat their rivals to the biggest prize on domestic football at the tail end of the campaign — their first championship since 2005. They finished on 63 points, two ahead of FC Platinum.

It has been argued, the all-conquering squad of 2016, put together by Chitembwe, is one of the most brilliant sides in Caps United history. They went for an incredible 14 matches without tasting defeat only to be stopped by Highlanders who edged them 1-0.

Six matches have now been played in the new season and with the two teams at the top of the table, it points to history repeating itself.

While FC Platinum lead the pack with 14 points from six matches, Caps United have a game in hand and trail in second place with 13 points. Both teams are yet to taste defeat with FC Platinum having won four and drawn two while the Harare giants have won four and drawn once.

So much has been said about Caps United’s attack featuring the likes of Phineas Bhamusi and winger Gabriel Nyoni — one of the fastest strikers in the Premier Soccer League. That forward line has already banged in nine goals.

A thriving charity for opposing strikers last season in which they shipped in 30 goals to finish a distant eighth in the league, Chitembwe has transformed Caps United’s back line, thanks in no small measure to veteran defender Method Mwanjali whose experience appears to have stabilised things.

The Caps United gaffer has also reinvented Valentine Ndaba into an exciting left-back reviving what had started to look like a waning career.

New signing Blessing Sarupinda has been tasked with the anchoring role. The results have been remarkable.

Chitembwe attributed his victory over Harare City to discipline in defence, efficiency in attack and good game management.

“It was a very tactical game, especially in the second half when Harare City had to shift their team around and I thought we responded very well,’’ Chitembwe said.

“I have a strong feeling that we did everything in the first half where we got a goal and in the second half they tried to come at us, but we managed the game well.

“I am very happy and I am really impressed by the way the boys applied themselves. In terms of mental attitude, I thought they were spot on. They showed very high levels of concentration and composure. I am delighted by that performance. This is one game that we really needed the most. We, therefore, needed to be efficient in attack and disciplined in defence.’’

FC Platinum on the other hand have continued to be at their efficient best despite being dogged by injuries.

Their defence has been as water tight as it has always been since Mapeza took over. Like Caps, FC Platinum are building on a strong defence which is difficult to penetrate.

But after seeing his team fail to penetrate the Herentals defence on Saturday to play out a 0-0 stalemate, Mapeza will be looking to sharpen his forward line, whose effect diminished with the departure of Rodwell Chinyengetere.

However, it might not be just about Caps and FC Platinum. Chicken Inn, champions in 2015 are likely to have a say in the championship race this term. The lead at the top of the table has already changed hands once with Chicken Inn having also enjoyed a cool breeze at the summit, after dethroning FC Platinum.

The Bulawayo side have lost two and won four. Their two defeats have been inflicted by big teams Ngezi Platinum and FC Platinum but they can pick themselves up and put together a sustained winning run to put themselves firmly into contention.

Hwange, sitting in third place with 13 points having lost once, drawn once and won four should also be giving other contenders enough headache.

New Warriors Umbro kit

BY Kevin Mapasure

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) and Umbro will next week unveil the yellow and red Warriors shirt that has already proved unpopular with the fans after images of the home strip leaked some weeks ago.

Umbro failed to deliver the new Warriors kit in time for their last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo Brazzaville as had been promised with Zifa forced to find an alternative.

While fans complained of the colours on social media, Umbro have insisted that they will unveil the yellow shirt which has got red vertical stripes.

In a statement yesterday, Zifa said the new kit will be launched in Harare on May 16 together with an away kit featuring a green top, yellow shorts and red socks.

It is likely that the away kit will be more popular than the home shirt among the fans.

Zifa have promised that on the day of the launch, the replicas will be available for the fans to purchase.

The Warriors will take part in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals that will be held in Egypt between June and July.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) and Umbro today announced the consummation of their long-term partnership as the parties continue their preparations for the upcoming Total Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Warriors begin their campaign against Egypt in the prestigious opening match on June 21, 2019 and will wear the Umbro-designed kit which incorporates the most advanced lightweight performance fabrics designed for movement and breathability,” Zifa said in a statement.

Some fans have hit out at the kit design which they believe is not in sync with the Warriors’ traditional colours yellow and green and Zifa have been forced into defence mode.

“The Warriors home kit was inspired by Zimbabwe’s traditional yellow jersey with an added modern twist, using a mix of solid and gradient red vertical stripes. This clean and contemporary design ensures the home jersey will be a fan favourite. The away kit was inspired by the traditional colours of the Zimbabwean national flag. The use of solid green for the jersey, yellow for the shorts and red for the socks incorporates the colours of the flag in simple yet classic design features. Umbro has committed to partnering with major local retailers to distribute replica products and supporters gear to ensure that fans can participate in the growth and performance of the national team as they take part in Africa’s premier tournament.”

Zifa boss Felton Kamambo said the kit saga should finally come to an end.

“This should end all speculation in the marketplace about our partnership. We are proud to partner with such an established global sportswear brand and the parties have been working extremely hard over the past few weeks to structure this long-term partnership,” he said.

Chief executive of Umbro South Afric, David Ricketts insisted that they had done a good job, despite the criticism.

“We have created fantastic designs and a superior technical kit befitting Zimbabwe’s passionate fans. This partnership forms a very important part of our expansion in southern Africa and we are delighted to be part of this journey with Zifa,” he said.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

MINES minister Winston Chitando has disclosed that government has not yet increased statutory mining fees, but was in the process of reviewing them.

“The long and short of it is mining fees have not been increased. There is a proposal discussion within the Mines ministry to review the mining fees but the process has not even taken off in terms of consultation within the ministry and government,” Chitando told a Press conference in Bulawayo yesterday.

“However, there are discussions to review the mining fees and these discussions to review the mining fees will take a consultative process after which the increases will then be made public.”

According to a leaked document, government was proposing to increase mining fees across the board by 250%.

Chitando also said Zimbabwe is only supplying about 4% of chrome ores and 2,5% of ferrochrome despite holding the second largest chrome ore reserves in the world.

In 2018 output reached 350 000 tonnes, but government has plans to install new capacity to increase production by 20% to 418 000 tonnes.

Speaking at a Press conference in Bulawayo yesterday, Chitando said Zimbabwe hoped to utilise the International Chromium Development Association (ICDA) conference being held in Victoria Falls, to boost chrome value addition and marketing.

“As a country, we hold around 12% to 15% of the world chrome resources, but at the same time, in terms of the production of chrome supplied to the world market, we only supply around 4% of chrome ores and around 2,5% of ferrochrome production,” Chitando said.

“So, there is a big mismatch between the percentage of resource we have and hold versus the world chromium resources and what we are supplying. So, there is potential to increase the production of ferrochrome and for it to play a key role in the development of the economy and towards the achievement of Vision 2030”.

Chitando said Zimbabwe, through the conference, hopes to generate the appetite to uplift the production of the ores and also of the value-added chrome products.

“We have well over 200 delegates coming from across the world who will be coming for this. The conference was way oversubscribed with still more than a week to go. The level of interest to attend this conference has been absolutely phenomenally, and we are pleased as government….,” he said.

He said President Emmerson Mnangagwa would officially open the conference on Wednesday.

The conference, which kicked off today, will end on Thursday.

“There will be an overview of international issues in terms of the market, supply situation and other chrome dynamics,” he said.

Chitando said he would deliver a paper on the opportunities chromium investments in Zimbabwe.

This is the first time that the conference would be held in Zimbabwe.