BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

The late educationist Gogo Esther Musewe, nee Mahechani, who passed on at her home in Old Highfield, Harare, last Friday was laid to rest at Warren Hills Cemetery yesterday.

Gogo Musewe, who died at the age of 92, was an iconic lady who was a pioneer teacher at Chipembere and Mbizi primary schools in Highfield in the early 1960s.

She taught many prominent people among them the late music superstar and national hero, Oliver Mtukudzi.

Together with her now late husband William Simpson Musewe who was also an educationist, the two were acknowledged as community leaders in Highfield.

The late Gogo Musewe walked the talk and was revered in educational circles where she set an extremely high bar which eluded many families by endowing their children with the best bequest ever.

Her youngest son, Vincent Tichafa said the Highfield community had lost a pillar and icon who served the country in the education sector as she helped several people during her stay in Highfield from the 1950s.

“My mother has been in Highfield from the 1950s and she even taught many people who include Oliver Mtukudzi. She also contributed much for her church St Pauls Anglican church. Several women in the community have received counselling. She was humble, humility and love,” Vincent said.

Her eldest son, Norman Nhamohainavazhinji is a top paediatric cardiologist in Toronto, Canada, and is followed by daughter Angelina Ziwazwako Hatendi, who is an American Board certified anaesthesiologist and sits on the Alpha Media Holdings Editorial Advisory Board of trustees, and Owen who is a motor vehicle assembly engineer with Toyota Motor manufacturer in Toronto, Canada.

There is also Augustine Togara who is a medical doctor specialising in public health in Cape Town, South Africa. Vincent is a leading economist and political commentator.

By Staff Reporter

The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has said attempts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to make fundamental changes to the national Constitution fly in the face of global democratic best practices.

LSZ president Thandaza Masiye-Moyo told journalists last week that the proposed constitutional amendments were retrogressive.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi late last year came out guns blazing accusing the LSZ of having lost its moral compass and acting like activists after the latter warned against tampering with the Constitution.

Ziyambi had been incensed by a hard-hitting statement by the LSZ following reports Mnangagwa among other things wanted to amend the Constitution and allow for the direct appointment of the Chief Justice by the President in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

But Masiye-Moyo stuck to his guns.

“We have been criticised by the Minister of Justice who argues we seem to have gone off our lane to use his words and turned ourselves into activists. The point we insist on making is that we are very much within our mandate if you look at the Legal Practitioners Act. What we did and continue to do is exactly what is expected of us. It is our firmly held belief that the proposed amendments to the Constitution are by nature very retrogressive except perhaps for one which relates to gender equality,” Masiye-Moyo said.

He said the proposal that the Chief Justice be appointed by the President in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission as opposed to public interviews was retrogressive.

The LSZ president said public interviews enhanced the independence of the judiciary.

“The current set-up was designed for a purpose that is to decongest power from an individual. Decongestion is aimed at ensuring that power is not concentrated in one person. We agree with this because it is in sync with what is happening elsewhere in the world.

“It creates checks and balances and answers to democratisation. Our argument has been that we do not want a Chief Justice who is forever indebted to the appointing authority and that is why we say the current set-up is democratic. It is progressive and answers to international best practices. It is the right thing to do,” Masiye-Moyo said.

“If we take that (provision) away, it becomes retrogressive. This Constitution is barely six years old and forms the foundation of a society, underpinning our behaviour as well as how we relate to each other. The assumption is that what is captured in the Constitution should serve us and the next generations except in very exceptional circumstances.”

Masiye-Moyo said there was nothing in the current political environment to warrant the proposed constitutional changes.

BY CHARLES LAITON

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has pounced on socialite businessman Genius Kadungure, popularly known as Ginimbi and seized his US$200 000 Bentley Continental GT motor vehicle after it emerged that its import duty was irregular.

This came to light after Kadungure filed the application after Zimra officials accompanied by police officers from the Vehicle Theft Squad besieged his Domboshava residence on January 11 and informed him that they had instructions to seize the vehicle as it had not paid the requisite customs duty and value-added tax (VAT).

“In the interim, I seek an interdict prohibiting the first respondent (Zimra) and her officers from seizing or embargoing my vehicle on the basis that the duty paid was insufficient without first seeking an order from this court to that effect,” Kadungure said in his founding affidavit.

Kadungure is also challenging the constitutionality of section 192 of the Customs and Excise Act, arguing it was being used by Zimra to infringe his rights as provided in sections 68 and 71 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“Section 192 is unconstitutional to the extent that it allows the first respondent (Zimra) and her officers to take administrative action against me without regard to my rights to fair administrative action in terms of section 68 of the Constitution as expanded by the Administrative Justice Act,” he said.

Kadungure, who is also suing Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, is also challenging the constitutionality of section 196 of the same Act that prohibits any civil proceedings to be taken against Zimra without giving six months’ notice in terms of the State Liabilities Act.

Kadungure claimed that he purchased the vehicle from LSM Distributors, a South African company and took delivery of it on or around January 5, 2019 through his courier and clearing agents.

“Having purchased the vehicle and paid for it in full, I caused it to be imported into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Border Post. I attach relevant documents from the cargo carrier and from South African authorities pertaining to the clearing and movement of the vehicle… as the vehicle had been in a South African bonded warehouse, it had to be cleared by the South African authorities…”

“At the border, I appeared personally and filled in Form No 52A which is a customs duty declaration form … I declared that the vehicle ought to be assessed duty on its purchase price mentioned above. “The customs officers responsible inspected the vehicle and they assessed duty in terms of that figure and an invoice for customs duty and VAT was issued.”
The matter is set to be heard on Friday this week.

BY FREEMAN MAKOPA

THE Miss Zimbabwe International Trust has nominated beauty queen Tania Tatenda Aaron as its representative at this year’s edition of Miss Global to be held in Oaxaca, Mexico on January 18.

The pageant started off on Saturday with a 15-day bootcamp that will lead to the grand finale and coronation ceremony on January 18.

Miss Zimbabwe International country director Patience Lusengo said the Miss Global Zimbabwe committee was confident that Aaron would fly the country’s flag high and bring home the crown.

“We are delighted and honoured to announce that Tania Aaron has been selected to be the official 57th Miss Global 2019 contestant. Congratulations. The Miss Global organising committee is confident that she will be a great representative for your country and will make significant contributions during her participation in the Miss Global 2019 pageant,” she said.

The committee said it has been working with Aaron to prepare for the modelling extravaganza.

According to Lusengo, the Miss Global committee always took great caution to select the most qualified delegates with the potential of clinching the crown.

Lusengo said the launch of the official Miss Global beauty pageant will set the new standards for a more diverse selection of beauty queens aged between 18 and 35.

Although the Miss Global is one-year long, Lusengo said her committee made it clear that the queen will travel throughout the world to participate in charitable fundraisers while promoting the beauty, intelligence and charm of women.

She will also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain innumerable contacts, establish lifelong friendships and secure endless support from diverse communities advancing her modelling career.

At only 24, Aaron has a solid modelling track record that includes being crowned Miss Valentine Zimbabwe (2016), Face of Chitungwiza (2017), Miss Tourism Queen Zimbabwe (2018), Miss International Zimbabwe (Tokyo Japan, 2018), Miss Tourism Queen Zimbabwe (2019), Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide (4th runner-up — Philippines, 2019).

The Miss Zimbabwe International, held on the sidelines of the ZimExpo, was started by Noir Models and Sadza.com.

It has been developing models mainly from the Zimbabwean diaspora from the USA, Canada, UK and South Africa.

This year the trust included in its pool candidates from Zimbabwe and has secured most of the funding from various individuals and organisations that include Tania’s wardrobe sponsors Nandi, Rich Chasers, Thembani Mubochwa and Style by Mine, with her make-up from Christian by Hadassah.

Lusengo said Miss Global contestants were encouraged to express their individuality with poise, grace and wit.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba

BY SILAS NKALA/RICHARD MUPONDE/PRECIOUS CHIDA

DEPUTY Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza has berated law enforcement agents who are in the habit of rushing to arrest before thoroughly investigating their suspects, saying this had the effect of eroding public confidence and frustrating the tail end of the justice delivery system.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2020 legal year at the Bulawayo High Court yesterday, Justice Gwaunza said investigators and arresting officers should continue honing their skills and conduct thorough investigations before arresting those suspected of engaging in criminal activities.

“Knee-jerk arrests only serve to frustrate the ends of justice,” she said.

“The public will consequently feel let down by the system and such a scenario lends credence to the notorious accusations of catch and release.

“In my address last year, I intimated that there were plans to cascade the anti-corruption courts to all 10 provinces of the country. I am happy to advise that in the past year, the Judicial Service Commission established anti-corruption courts in five additional provinces, Midlands included.”

Justice Gwaunza added that two anti-corruption courts had been established in Harare and Bulawayo, with the identified judges earmarked for training in Uganda later this month.

“The fight against corruption requires the collective effort of all institutions involved in the administration of justice. The public is equally expected to play its part,” she said.

She urged the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) to properly advise the police and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) on the strength of evidence required to secure prosecutions.

“The pursuit of justice should resonate with a careful, conscientious and professional execution of the constitutional mandate of prosecuting criminal matters in courts,” Justice Gwaunza said.

“Legal practitioners are equally enjoined to play their constitutional role of representing their clients to the best of their abilities and in terms of the law. Legal practitioners are officers of the court and are expected not only to assist the court arrive at just decisions but to behave ethically as well.”

Last year, the country witnessed several arrests of top government officials and ex-ministers on allegations of corruption, but most of the cases have either collapsed or yet to be concluded.

Officially opening the 2020 legal year at the Constitutional Court in Harare yesterday, Chief Justice Luke Malaba revealed that the judiciary will this year introduce live-streaming of cases attracting public and national interest..

Chief Justice Malaba said live broadcasting of cases is vital in promoting transparency and accountability, while members of the general public, who cannot attend court sessions, will be able to know what goes on in courts.

He said live-streaming of the 2018 presidential election petition hearing was an eye opener to the Judiciary, hence the idea to make this a permanent feature.

BY BLESSED MHLANGA

ZANU PF is wary of labour unions and is accusing them of attempting to use workers to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government under the guise of fighting for better working conditions.

In its report to Zanu PF’s 18th people’s conference held last month, the central committee questioned why unions and workers demanding better pay were only focusing on pushing government and leaving out the private sector.

“Why are trade unions not agitating for fair salaries and wages in the private sector? Why is the agitation restricted to the public sector? Why is any agitation against the rise in the cost of living restricted to government without demanding fair wages from business,” the report reads.

Zanu PF said it suspected that unions were harbouring political interests, an allegation constantly repeated by even Mnangagwa, especially following a four-month job action by goverment doctors.

“Are the trade unions pursuing a political objective by leaving the interests of labour at the mercy of capital? If so, for what political objective,” the report further reads in part.

Zanu PF, however, acknowledged that all was not well as business was hurting the poor by not paying fair wages and stripping workers of their dignity.

“The casualisation of labour continues to afflict the sector as business tries ways of managing operational costs.
This has tended to create a state of job insecurity in the industrial sector leading to inefficiencies. Unfair labour practices have continued to pervade the industrial employment sector,” the report further reads.

But the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has hit back, accusing the Zanu PF government of being the major cause of labour unrest in the counrty.

“They don’t respect the Constitution. Instead of investing in making the Tripartite Negotiation Forum (TNF) work, which is recognised at law, they are putting money in Polad [Political Actors Dialogue]. The TNF is not working and workers are left with no option, but to use peaceful and constitutional means to demand a living wage,” ZCTU president Peter Mutasa said.

The labour union has blamed government for causing the economic turmoil through the return of the Zimdollar, pushing austerity measures and clamping down on labour unions’ rights to demonstrate for fair wages.

Mutasa said workers were not pursuing any political agenda, but wanted fair pay for their labour.

“Our members come from different political persuasions. The individual members have their own political rights and we do not tamper with those, but as an organisation, we represent everyone regardless,” he said.

Workers have vowed to face off with government until they get a living wage which matches current economic trends.

Mthuli Ncube

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday poured cold water on civil servants’ demand for United States dollar-benchmarked salary adjustments, saying the broke Zanu PF government will, instead, continue giving them cushioning allowances.

Civil servants have threatened to down tools unless government adjusts their salaries to the equivalent of what they used to earn during the US dollar era.

At the moment, the least-paid government employee gets a gross salary of around $1 100.

While presenting the 2020 national budget last November, Ncube reviewed the tax threshold from $700 to $2 000.

Last week, the public service workers shot down a 97% salary increase offered by government and threatened a crippling nationwide strike, with teachers boycotting classes starting today.

Addressing journalists on the sidelines of a meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and visiting Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi at State House, Ncube ruled out substantial salary increases for civil servants, saying government had other pressing commitments at the moment, among them drought relief food and energy imports.

He said civil servants will get their January allowances of between $400 (US$16) and $750 (US$32) starting today.

“The government is committed to paying our civil servants a decent salary and you know when you negotiate, there are disagreements. At times that is normal, but we are expecting to reach an agreement with them in a few weeks,” he said.

“We are not going to agree on a once-off agreement, but we will follow last year’s trend, where we were cushioning them whenever there is inflation. We will (have) multiple negotiations as we did when we gave them cushioning allowance in May, salary increment and another cushion in July.

“We do have some urgent issues like climate change, food security and energy and also we are mobilising resources for Command Agriculture. We are also seized with issuing licences to independent energy suppliers to produce energy.”

The Apex Council, the umbrella body for civil servants’ unions, described Ncube’s remarks as misplaced and out of sync with the reality on the ground.

“We only respect pronouncements that arise out of resolutions made in the National Joint Negotiating Council, as they are binding. If at all this is the government’s position, then it really shows how out of touch it is with the dire incapacitation that is set to impact negatively on service delivery and the livelihoods of its workers,” Apex Council spokesperson David Dzatsunga said.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure confirmed that their members were not reporting for duty today.

“Government last paid teachers a full salary in September 2018. We have been earning 7% of the last negotiated income. Attempts to engage the government have been futile since then. An ordinary teacher’s salary cannot fend for food, shelter, transport, education and healthcare,” he said.

ZADHR executive director Calvin Fambirai

BY GARIKAI TUNHIRA

THE Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has elected a new board, which will be chaired by Fortune Nyamande.

ZADHR executive director Calvin Fambirai yesterday said Nyamande, who was previously the spokesperson, was replacing Brighton Chizhande, while Fungisai Mazhandu was retained as the vice-chairperson.

Norman Matara, who was treasurer in the last board, was elected secretary, replacing Evans Masitara.

Mufudzi Mushaninga is coming in as the new treasurer.

Human rights lawyer Jeremiah Bamu is the new legal adviser, replacing Alec Muchadehama.

The other board members are Artmore Chakanyuka, Ratidzo Mugumbate and Tendai Tsuro.

Mugumbate served as an ordinary board member in the previous term along with Antoinette Danha.

Fambirai said the new board would continue fighting for health and human rights of Zimbabweans to ensure they are “promoted, protected and defended”.

“We have no doubt that the esteemed new board of these outstanding individuals will bring new ideas for the growth of the organisation during their tenure,” Fambirai said.

The human rights doctors association has tormented President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government in the past, first when it released a damning report implicating soldiers in the August 1, 2018 post-election fatal shooting of six people in central Harare.

They were also to implicate the government in the brutal crackdown on protesters following anti-fuel price hike protests in mid-January last year.

Addressing a rally a month later in Mwenezi, Mnangagwa said his government would go after all the human rights doctors and lawyers who had assisted in treating injured protesters or represented them in courts.

Janet Manyowa

BY FREEMAN MAKOPA

AWARD-WINNING gospel musician, Janet Manyowa is delighted that she has been nominated for the Best Gospel Music Video award at the 2020 edition of the Maranatha Africa Continental Awards scheduled for April 12 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Zadzisa hit-maker was nominated for the trending song, Nyasha Nengoni.

Manyowa yesterday told NewsDay Life & Style that she was over the moon after receiving news of the nomination, which places her alongside the continental giants of African gospel music.

“We are excited about the African recognition. It is encouraging and we thank God who makes all things possible.
This is the second time I have been nominated for these awards and I hope to scoop it this time. These awards are held annually. Last year, they were in Kenya and this year they are in Nigeria,” she said.

The gospel diva said she was expecting to do more of that which made her successful last year and the latest nomination has given her the impetus to fly higher.

“I am optimistic and looking forward to witness what the new year has to offer through God’s grace. The plan is to do more of everything that made 2019 a positive year for us musically. More music, more visuals and more events can be expected from the Janet Manyowa Music team,” she said.

She expressed high hopes of collaborative projects with artistes from beyond the country’s borders.

Although last year was positive, she bemoaned piracy as a thorn in many a musician’s flesh.

“One challenge that may sound like a cliché, but still remains a burden for the modern-day musician, is piracy. I, for one, have come to terms with the fact that piracy cannot be completely eradicated in the near future. We will continue to ensure our music is easily accessible to the fans through a wide distribution network,” she said.

She said she was grateful for the recognition through the various accolades they received last year and also believed that her music was well-received in the previous year and through the numerous testimonies of how God was transforming people’s lives through her music.

Manyowa last year walked away with the Album of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Song Writer and Best Female Artiste from her several other nominations at the Permican Awards.