Regional Human Capital Operations Manager – Human Capital x2 (Harare)

SAP Support Analyst (F1) – ICT: LEVEL 9 (Harare)

ABAP Developer: Level 9 (Harare)

Procurement Manager: D5 (Harare)

Financial Accountant (Harare)

Sales Consultant (Kadoma)

Cervical Cancer & Clinical Service Mentor Nurse

Laboratory Technician (Harare)

Spport Driver (Harare)

Food Security and Livelihoods Head of Department (Harare)

Accountant (Harare)

Accounting Assistants x3 (Harare)

Communications Intern (Harare)

Corporate Legal Counsel (Kamativi)

Company Secretary (Harare)

Marketing Manager (Harare)

Sales Manager (Harare)

Procurement Manager (D5)

Director Policy and Market Development (Harare)

Assistant Valuer Grade 7

Town Planner Grade 10

Till Operator x2 (Bindura)

Ambulance Technician (Bindura)

Business Development Manager

Intellectual Property Manager

Chief Research Officer (Bindura)

Teaching Assistant: Banking and Finance (Bindura)

Technical Assistant: Natural Resource Management (Bindura)

Administrator (Bindura)

Faculties Manager (Harare)

Staff Development Fellow: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology x4 (Harare)

Staff Development Fellow: Department of Construction & Civil Engineering (Harare)

Officer: Student Residential and Logistical Services (Harare)

Student Development Officers (Harare)

Information Manager (Harare)

Graphic Designer x2 (Harare)

Marketing Officer (Harare)

Technical/Copy Editor x2 (Harare)

Proofreader x2 (Harare)

Typesetter x2 (Harare)

Acquisitions Editors x2 (Harare)

General Hand (Harare)

Locum Pharmacists (Mutare & Ngezi)

Drivers x2 (Harare Campus)

Graphic Designer (Gweru)

Drivers (Harare Campus)

Artisan Supervisor – Fleet Maintenance (Gweru)

Transport and Logistics Officer - Tracking (Gweru)

SHEQ Intern/ Attaché (Bulawayo)

Nutrition Officer (Mutare)

Team Leader (Mutare)

Project Field Officer (Mutare)

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (Mutare)

Assistant Accountant-Retail (Harare)

Trainee Risk Officer (Harare)

Sales Manager (Bulawayo)

<p>The Masvingo High Court on Tuesday, November 26, delivered a default judgment in favour of Patrick Cheza, the losing Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for the Chirumhanzu parliamentary constituency in the 2023 general elections, and four other party members.</p>
<p>The CCC activists were arrested in September 2023 for allegedly assaulting the ZANU PF candidate, Barbra Rwodzi, who won the seat.</p>
<p>Cheza was charged with inciting public violence, while Elias Maduveko, Magmaster Chidyawuye, Delight Zinyemba and Courage Mugova were facing public violence charges.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://x.com/ChangeRadioZW/status/1861343790948053301"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Change Radio</span></a>, Justice Sensley Zisengwe dismissed the case due to the absence of key filings from the Prosecutor General and Gweru Presiding Magistrate Beaulity Dube.</p>
<p>Cheza had been facing allegations related to a traffic incident on August 24, 2023, involving George Chengeta Rwodzi, Barbra Rwodzi’s son.</p>
<p>The incident involved a minor accident between Cheza’s driver and Rwodzi’s vehicle. Upon arriving at the scene, Cheza found Barbra Rwodzi already there.</p>
<p>It was alleged that Cheza instigated his supporters to assault Rwodzi.</p>
<p>In court, it was stated that Chidyawuye intentionally tripped the government minister and attempted to stab her in the face with a knife.</p>
<p>Prosecutors claimed that while she was on the ground, other CCC supporters joined in, indiscriminately kicking her multiple times.</p>
<p>Cheza was represented by human rights lawyers Esau Mandipa and Leopold Mudisi and was accompanied by his wife during the proceedings.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Pindula News

Patrick Cheza, a CCC candidate, won a court case against assault allegations. He and four others were accused of attacking a ZANU PF candidate. The court said there were missing files, so the case was dismissed. They had been involved in a traffic incident with the ZANU PF candidate's son. In court, it was claimed they tried to harm the candidate. Cheza had lawyers with him during the case. The case is now closed.

CCC's Patrick Cheza Wins Default Judgment In Barbara Rwodzi High Court Assault Case

<p>Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has proposed the establishment of a facility that would allow civil servants to contribute monthly towards end-of-year holidays, to promote domestic tourism.</p>
<p>During a media engagement in Harare on Monday, July 8th, Rwodzi said that Zimbabwe has numerous tourist attractions, yet very few people have visited them.</p>
<p>The proposed savings scheme would enable civil servants to set aside funds throughout the year, which they could then use to take vacations within the country during the holiday season. Said Rwodzi (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029368/govt-banks-on-civil-servants-in-tourism-push"><strong>NewsDay</strong></a>):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>You were talking about the Balancing Rocks, we have been advertising it for international tourists so that they go and see that place, but how many of us have visited that place?</p>
<p>We need to advocate a facility for civil servants through the banks, where they can pay every month throughout the year so that they can at least have even a weekend where they visit any domestic tourist destination.</p>
<p>Every year, their families would know that they have a place that they visit as a family.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Minister Rwodzi’s proposal for a civil servant savings scheme comes at a time when the earnings of government employees in Zimbabwe have significantly declined compared to the Government of National Unity (GNU) era.</p>
<p>During the period from 2009 to 2013, civil servants were earning salaries of around US$540 per month. </p>
<p>However, with the reintroduction of the local currency, their take-home pay has dwindled, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford domestic travel.</p>
<p>Rwodzi lamented the difficulty in accessing many of Zimbabwe’s tourist destinations, highlighting the need to improve the supporting infrastructure.</p>
<p>She called for a bolstering of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund, which would be used to develop the necessary infrastructure linked to the tourism industry. Said Rwodzi:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If you look at the roads that lead to our tourist destinations, we can see that the roads are bad. If you look at the road that leads to the Balancing Rocks which you were talking about here, is it good? Who do you think is going to fix that road?</p>
<p>It is not the city council, it is the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund. That place needs to be developed because there are no resting places or restaurants there.</p>
<p>There is no bulk infrastructure that can attract investors, so we need to boost domestic tourism.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>According to the latest figures, Zimbabwe’s tourism industry generated a total of US$1.16 billion in receipts last year.</p>
<p>Of this, US$732 million was earned from international tourism, while the domestic market contributed US$428 million.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


The government wants civil servants to save money for holidays. They can put money aside each month to visit tourist places in Zimbabwe. The Tourism Minister said many people in Zimbabwe have not visited their own tourist spots. Civil servants' salaries have gone down, so it's hard for them to travel. The Minister also wants to improve roads and facilities at tourist sites. The government hopes this will boost tourism in the country. Last year, tourism brought in $1.16 billion, with a big chunk from international visitors. The government wants to encourage more local tourism.

Govt Proposes Civil Servant Savings Scheme To Boost Domestic Tourism

<p>Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has condemned certain local hotels for delivering substandard services, following a delegation of United States guests who opted to leave a five-star hotel in Harare due to lice infestation and soiled mattresses with stains.</p>
<p>Addressing industry stakeholders during the concluding consultations on the Tourism Bill Amendments in Harare, Rwodzi specifically called out three prominent hotels in the country, criticizing their management and describing them as a national embarrassment.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/minister-fumes-over-filthy-hotels/"><strong>Business Times</strong></a>, Rwodzi said that many hotels claiming to be five-star establishments were falling short of expectations, operating more akin to brothels, which she described as a disgrace to the country. She said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I was embarrassed by these people (hotel name withheld). There was a group of 18 American guests who came in December 2023 but they could not even spend a night there after encountering lice. Their mattresses were dirty and the guests left despite having booked for days.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>She urged hotels to enhance their cleanliness and maintenance practices and adhere to international standards, noting that some establishments have lost sight of the grading system’s true meaning.</p>
<p>Rwodzi also revealed that a principal from a specific country sustained injuries while bathing at another hotel.</p>
<p>The Minister bemoaned the loss of revenue from online bookings from other countries, saying:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We have learnt from South Africa how they won the fight against these online booking sites and soon we will embark on making sure no more revenue is lost.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Consultations for the Tourism Bill Amendments have ended with Harare being the last province.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Minister Rwodzi Demands Improved Standards In Zimbabwe's Hospitality Sector

<p>Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, has said the recent toll fee hike harms domestic tourism.</p>
<p>This comes after the Government early this month increased toll fees by up to 100% on some roads.</p>
<p>Rwodzi told journalists on Friday last week that her Ministry engaged the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development on the possibility of lowering the toll fees as they make travelling by roads expensive. She said (<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022079/toll-fees-hike-stalls-domestic-tourism-govt"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">via NewsDay</span></a>):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We think toll fees will affect domestic tourism, we were not in support of the move. However, we negotiated for the fees to be reduced.</p>
<p>When people are travelling they should not have headaches. For example, there might be five to six tollgates for someone driving from Harare to Victoria Falls and that is a substantial amount put aside by a motorist.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rwodzi said the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, which is in poor condition, should be prioritised. She said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>As the tourism ministry, we want to ensure that these roads get fixed and accessed and we are very hopeful that the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway will be fixed and we will be making a lot of noise about it because upgrading our roads will make accessibility better.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), which collects the toll fees, defended the hike. It said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The new fees have been carefully considered to balance the need for accelerated road infrastructure rehabilitation funding, which has over the past three years been funded largely through Treasury.</p>
<p>These revised fees are part of a broader strategy to enhance capacity for ongoing road rehabilitation and routine maintenance.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Toll fees on the Harare-Beitbridge and Plumtree-Mutare highways were increased to US$4 for light motor vehicles up from US$2.</p>
<p>Minibuses pay US$6 from US$3, buses US$8 from US$4, heavy vehicles US$10 from US$5, and haulage trucks US$20 from US$10.</p>
<p>On other roads, toll fees were increased by 50%.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Toll Fees Hike Harms Domestic Tourism - Minister Rwodzi

<p>Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, has been accused of unwarranted interference with the operations of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in breach of the law and corporate governance.</p>
<p>Rwodzi reportedly suspended the ZTA board last week following clashes after it allegedly stood up to her overarching interference.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/news/article/200021560/minister-wreaks-havoc-at-zta"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Standard</span></a> reported sources as saying ZTA chief executive officer Winnie Muchanyuka was also pressured into resigning by Rwodzi. Said a source:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The board and CEO are meant to serve the authority and not subject to the whims of the minister.</p>
<p>The minister is behaving like a bull in a China shop.</p>
<p>She has bullied the CEO into resignation and has pummelled the board to vacate office.</p>
<p>The board’s term was due to expire on January 31, 2024, but someone was so impatient. What’s the rush?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Several senior ZTA officials were also at risk of being sacked as Rwodzi is allegedly keen on seconding her cronies to the organisation.</p>
<p>The ZTA is a corporate statutory body created under the Tourism Act and as a state enterprise is fully subject to comply with the Public Enterprises Corporate Governance Act.</p>
<p>In terms of the Public Enterprises Corporate Governance Act, the minister appoints the board drawn from, and approved by the Corporate Governance Unit.</p>
<p>The board in turn appoints the chief executive officer.</p>
<p>The role of the minister is policy, while operations are the preserve of the authority.</p>
<p>When contacted for comment by <em>The Standard</em>, Rwodzi said she was about to join a meeting.</p>
<p>She later referred the publication to the state media saying she had done an interview with them about ZTA.</p>
<p>Rwodzi is the Member of Parliament for Chirumanzi South constituency (ZANU PF).</p>
<p>In the run-up to the August 2023 general elections, she allegedly threatened a police officer, an Assistant Inspector, who was investigating a ZANU PF supporter arrested for removing opposition Citizens Coalition for Change campaign posters.</p>
<p>The Assistant Inspector, only identified as Matsa, was stationed at Charandura Police Station in Rwodzi’s constituency.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Barbara Rwodzi Wreaks Havoc At Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

<p>Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, said that Zimbabwe will engage South Africa to speed up the processing of travellers between the two countries during peak periods.</p>
<p>This comes after thousands of travellers were forced to wait for their buses on the Zimbabwean side of the Beitbridge Border Post because they were caught up in traffic jams on the South African side in the past few days.</p>
<p>Speaking on Sunday during a visit to Beitdridge town, Rwodzi said there is a need for the two countries to engage each other during peak periods to ensure there is seamless travel for visitors on both sides of the border. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021378/zim-to-engage-sa-over-beitbridge-border-chaos"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>NewsDay</strong></span></a> quoted Rwodzi as saying:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Our Zimbabwean side is okay and officials have cleared all people here. They are waiting for their buses and vehicles caught up in traffic jams on the SA side. Travellers have indicated they are waiting for their transport.</p>
<p>We will in future engage our counterparts in SA to see how we can speed up movement, and make it seamless.</p>
<p>I am happy that facilities by Zimborders have enabled fast movements on our side.</p>
<p>I am told the average per day has been around 20 000 people a day and we expect 25 000 today [Sunday].</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rwodzi spoke to travellers at the border and distributed water and various goodies to children and adults alike.</p>
<p>Beitbridge Border Post, which is Zimbabwe’s busiest port of entry, handles approximately 300 buses, 2 000 commercial trucks, 3 000 light vehicles, and 20 000 travellers daily.</p>
<p>During holiday periods, these numbers can triple, resulting in even higher traffic volumes.</p>
<p>During this 2023 festive period, authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution, maintain safe following distances, and be vigilant of pedestrians at all times.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Zim To Engage SA Over Beitbridge Border Traffic Jam - Minister Rwodzi

<p>ZANU PF has won the Gutu West Constituency by-election, with their candidate <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/John_Paradza/">John Paradza</a></strong> emerging as the winner. Five contestants participated in the race. Paradza received 12,147 votes, defeating the other candidates. Martin Sebastian Mudzingwa, an independent candidate, received 1,775 votes, Ephraim Morudu from Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) received 1,258 votes, and Robson Kurwa from the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) received 138 votes. There were 132 spoilt papers.</p>
<p>The by-election was a result of the death of <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Christopher_Mutonhori_Rwodzi/">Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi</a></strong>, the husband of Tourism Minister <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Barbara_Rwodzi/">Barbara Rwodzi</a></strong>, just before the harmonised elections on August 23, 2023. Christopher Rwodzi, who defied ZANU PF orders and resolved to contest as an independent candidate, died in an accident.</p>
<p>There was only one candidate, Paradza, who agreed to the election results and signed the polling station returns (V11 forms). The others had complaints about how the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) conducted the elections. However, both ZEC and ZANU PF signed the V11 forms, indicating their agreement with the results.</p>
<p>In the lead-up to the by-elections in the Gutu West constituency, there were <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/07/zimrights-concerned-over-rise-in-cases-of-political-violence-in-gutu-west/">reports of politically motivated violence</a></strong> and voter intimidation allegedly carried out by ZANU PF Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) activists. For example, a ZANU-PF member named Rashiel Bere, who is also part of the FAZ organisation, was accused of intimidating villagers and threatening to burn their houses if they voted for the opposition party.</p>
<p>In another incident, a member of the CCC was beaten by ZANU-PF supporters at a shopping centre in Gutu after being seen wearing a CCC T-shirt. The victim identified one of the assailants as the younger brother of ZANU-PF MP Candidate John Paradza, known as “Boss Para”.</p>
<p>These incidents confirm the findings of the ZimRights 2022 State of Peace Report, which highlighted that over 50% of Zimbabweans live in a fragile peace, fearing the elections.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>


ZANU PF Wins Gutu West Constituency By-election

<p>President <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a></strong> has issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 157 of 2023, ordering a by-election for <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gutu/">Gutu</a></strong> West on November 11, 2023. The by-election is a result of the death of <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Christopher_Mutonhori_Rwodzi/">Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi</a></strong>, the husband of Tourism Minister <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Barbara_Rwodzi/">Barbara Rwodzi</a></strong>, just before the harmonised elections on August 23, 2023. Christopher Rwodzi, an independent candidate, died in an accident.</p>
<p>The statutory instrument declares that the seat of Member of Parliament for Gutu West has become vacant due to the death of a duly nominated candidate before the poll commenced. It further states that all proceedings relating to the election are void and must be recommenced as if a vacancy had occurred. Read the SI:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>Proclamation 6 of 2023</em></p>
<p><em>PROCLAMATION by HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA, G.C.Z.M., President of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of Zimbabwe. </em></p>
<p><em>WHEREAS, in terms of section 50 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], the seat of Member of Parliament for Gutu West became vacant by reason of death of a duly nominated candidate before the poll commenced; </em></p>
<p><em>AND WHEREAS it is provided by section 50(1)(a) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that when a duly nominated candidate for election for a constituency dies before the poll commences, the Chief Elections Officer shall, so far as concerns that constituency, declare that all proceedings relating to that election are void and all proceedings in relation to that election shall be commenced afresh in the same manner as if a vacancy had occurred; </em></p>
<p><em>AND WHEREAS it is provided by section 39(2) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that after the President has been notified in terms of the said section of a vacancy in the membership of National Assembly, he shall issue a proclamation ordering a new election to fill the vacancy in the same manner, mutatis mutandis, as is provided in section 38 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] in regard to a general election; </em></p>
<p><em>AND WHEREAS, I have been notified of the vacancy which has arisen by reason of the death of a duly nominated candidate for Gutu West Constituency before the poll commenced: </em></p>
<p><em>NOW, THEREFORE, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President as aforesaid, I do, hereby — </em></p>
<p><em>(a) order a new election for the constituency of Gutu West;</em></p>
<p><em>and (b) fix Tuesday the 10th day of October, 2023, as the date on which the nomination court shall sit, commencing at 10 o’clock in the morning, at the Magistrates Court, Masvingo, for the purpose of receiving nominations of candidates for election as a member of the -National Assembly constituency for Gutu West; </em></p>
<p><em>and (c) fix Saturday the 1 1 th day of November, 2023, as the day on which a poll shall be taken if a poll becomes necessary in terms of section 46(17)(c) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13]. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Zimbabwe at Harare, this 22nd day of September in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty-three.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>


President Mnangagwa Orders Gutu West Constituency By-election

<p>Patrick Cheza, the losing Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for the Chirumhanzu parliamentary constituency, has been granted bail by Masvingo High Court judge Garainesu Mawadze.</p>
<p>Cheza, along with four other party members, was arrested for <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/28/former-deputy-minister-barbara-rwodzi-assaulted/">allegedly assaulting</a> </strong>his ZANU PF rival, <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Barbara_Rwodzi/">Barbra Rwodzi</a></strong>, who eventually won the seat. After spending over two weeks in prison, all the suspects were released.</p>
<p>Cheza is charged with inciting public violence, while Elias Maduveko, Magmaster Chidyawuye, Delight Zinyemba and Courage Mugova are all facing public violence charges.</p>
<h3>Some Context:</h3>
<p>The assault allegations arose after a road traffic accident on August 24 involving Cheza and Rwodzi’s vehicles, leading to a confrontation. After a road accident, the rivals encountered each other at the scene, leading to a misunderstanding. According to the state, Cheza instigated his supporters to assault Rwodzi.</p>
<p>In court, it was stated that Chidyawuye intentionally tripped the government minister and attempted to stab her in the face with a knife. Prosecutors claim that while she was on the ground, other CCC supporters joined in, indiscriminately kicking her multiple times.</p>
<p>CCC asserts that its supporters face state persecution due to their opposition affiliation. Following the August 23-24, 2023 elections, several party members, including Members of Parliament (MPs), were arrested on different charges. Some are on the run, while others have been released. Some analysts argue that ZANU PF, falling short of a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly by four MPs, aims to remove CCC members to secure the majority. The ruling party denies these claims, asserting that the police are simply performing their duties.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>


CCC's Losing Candidate For Chirumhanzu Constituency Granted Bail

<p>Women’s advocacy groups have expressed their dissatisfaction with the limited representation of women in President <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a></strong>‘s newly-formed Cabinet. Out of the appointed ministers, only six are women: <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tatenda_Mavetera/">Tatenda Mavetera</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Monica_Mutsvangwa/">Monica Mutsvangwa</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kirsty_Coventry/">Kirsty Coventry</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Oppah_Muchinguri/">Oppah Muchinguri</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Barbara_Rwodzi/">Barbara Rwodzi</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sithembiso_Nyoni/">Sithembiso Nyoni</a></strong>.</p>
<p>In response to the concerns raised by women’s pressure groups, Mnangagwa stated that he would not succumb to pressure from lobbyists to appoint more female ministers. He responded to a question during a presser at State House:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>If you look at me, who do you think can put pressure on me?</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Women's_Academy_for_Leadership_and_Political_Excellence_(WALPE)/">Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE)</a></strong> issued a statement criticising the low number of female ministers, stating that it disregarded constitutional provisions. Read the statement:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>The number of women in Cabinet is still too few considering that there are only six women against 17 men. This is a flagrant disregard of constitutional provisions found in sections 17, 56 and 80 that speak to gender equality.</em></p>
<p><em>The Presidency must not take lightly the issue of gender equality and women’s rights as they are human rights issues as well.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>According to the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, in the previous Cabinet that concluded its term with the August 23 and 24 elections, men accounted for 76% of the ministers, while women made up only 24% of the ministerial positions.</p>
<p>This comes amidst calls from women’s rights groups urging President Mnangagwa to replace Vice President <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kembo_Mohadi/">Kembo Mohadi</a></strong> with a female Vice President.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Women's Groups Dissatisfied With Low Female Representation In President Mnangagwa's Cabinet

<p>Former Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, was allegedly assaulted by CCC members following a road traffic accident on a dusty road in Chirumhanzu on 24 August.</p>
<p>Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the assault occurred after Rwodzi’s car, which was being driven by her son, collided with a car owned by losing CCC Chirumhanzu Patrick Cheza.</p>
<p>It is alleged that Cheza and some CCC activists assaulted Rwodzi after she had travelled to the accident scene following a distress call from her son. Said Assist Comm Nyathi:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a road traffic accident involving a vehicle driven by George Chengetai Rwodzi, son to Honourable Barbara Rwodzi and another vehicle driven by John Bata, along Chaka-Charandura dust road, Chirumhanzu on 24th August 2023 at 1245 hours.</p>
<p>The collision occurred as both vehicles approached Njiva curve in the Gonawapotera area. Coincidentally, the vehicles are owned by Member of Parliament for Chirumhanzu Constituency, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi and losing Citizen Coalition for Change candidate, Patrick Cheza. </p>
<p>As a result, Honourable Rwodzi drove to the scene after receiving a distress call from her son, while Patrick Cheza also drove to the scene in the company of Citizen Coalition for Change members.</p>
<p>A dispute ensued resulting in Citizen Coalition for Change activists led by Patrick Cheza assaulting Honourable Rwodzi.</p>
<p>Patrick Cheza later made a report on the accident to the police while Honourable Barbara Rwodzi made an assault report to the police.</p>
<p>Patrick Cheza handed himself to the police in the company of his lawyer, Esau Mandipa on 27th August 2023. </p>
<p>The Zimbabwe Republic Police assures the public that the road traffic accident and the assault case will be handled in line with the country’s laws.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Former Deputy Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, Assaulted

<p>A senior police officer, Assistant Inspector Chester Last Matsa, who received threatening remarks from Deputy Tourism Minister Barbra Rwodzi after arresting a ZANU PF member, has reportedly gone missing.</p>
<p>The police radio issued from Shurugwi Police Station announced Matsa’s absence and requested his arrest if located. Matsa had been transferred to Shurugwi from Charandura Police Station after a leaked recording of his conversation with Rwodzi went viral. In the audio, Rwodzi verbally abused Matsa and threatened him for arresting Fidelis Danger, a member of her party who was taking down opposition party campaign posters. Rwodzi was recorded saying: </p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>I will finish this with you in front of (Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Godwin Thandabantu) Matanga. You’re an idiot… You think CCC will win? You’re a dog! You’re a dog! Go and file a complaint wherever you want, you’re a dog. Stupid!</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Matsa filed a police complaint against Rwodzi in Gweru on July 17, 2023, but no update was provided after police issued a statement saying the matter was under investigation. In his complaint which named Rwodzi as the accused person, Matsa said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>The accused person threatened the complainant with harm over the phone.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Zimbabwe Human Rights Monitors Platform expressed concern over the incident, stating that it was a dangerous sign of a slide towards authoritarianism to intimidate and harass law enforcement officials for political gain.</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>


Insp Chester Last Matsa Reportedly Gone Missing

<p><strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Barbara_Rwodzi,/">Barbara Rwodzi</a></strong>, a Zimbabwean legislator, reportedly had a police Assistant Inspector transferred from his station after he refused to drop a criminal investigation into a Zanu PF supporter.</p>
<p>The Assistant Inspector, identified only as Matsa, was stationed at Charandura Police Station in Rwodzi’s constituency but has been transferred to a Shurugwi Police Station. While some reports suggest that the transfer was made to protect Matsa from interference by public officials, others have suggested that Rwodzi sought to punish the Assistant Inspector for his refusal to comply with her request.</p>
<p>Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has confirmed that the case involving Matsa, as well as the conduct of Barbra Rwodzi, is currently under investigation with the approval of Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga. He said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>We have since launched an investigation into the matter. The commissioner has already released a statement to say investigations into the matter have been launched, thus the matter is being dealt with</em>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The matter was in the news just over a week ago following an exchange between the Tourism deputy minister and Matsa over the phone. The recording between the two revealed that Matsa was investigating Fidelis “Danger,” a known associate of the Member of Parliament (MP), who was allegedly caught tearing posters belonging to Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Patrick Cheza.</p>
<p>The audio recording created a stir after Barbra Rwodzi used unprintable words to insult Matsa for refusing to comply with her demands to drop the investigation. Rwodzi threatened to take up the matter with Matanga, promising to “deal” with Matsa. She referred to Matsa as a “stupid idiot,” a “f…ing idiot,” and a “dog,” remarks which have brought her conduct into question. As yet, Rwodzi has not commented on the matter. </p>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>


Deputy Minister Rwodzi Allegedly Transferred A Police Officer For Refusing To Drop Investigations

<p>Junior police officers have complained to their superiors about interference by ZANU PF officials which is making it hard for them to perform their duties, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200014205/police-protest-abuse-by-zanu-pf-heavyweights"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NewsDay</span></a>.</p>
<p>Police said they are investigating audio in which the ZANU PF Chirumanzi South MP, Barbara Rwodzi, threatened to “deal” with a police officer who had opened a docket against a ZANU PF member who defaced CCC’s campaign posters.</p>
<p>Following the incident, police officers reportedly asked Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to take action against Rwodzi, to “restore police dignity”.</p>
<p>In a memo dated 16 July 2023, addressed to the police officer commanding Midlands province Patson Nyabadza, the officer commanding Gweru rural district Tambudzai Gumbo said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>On July 15, 2023, at around 2207 hours, number 041853R Insp Murima received a phone call from Honourable Babra Rwodzi… who is the deputy minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism questioning why the accused person was summoned to appear in court.</p>
<p>When she was told that the accused person was facing the allegations of removing and destroying posters for another political party, she vented her anger on the junior officer telling him that the police were doing nothing to protect members from the ruling party, ZANU PF.</p>
<p>She told the junior officer that the case was not supposed to be referred to court, instead, the junior officer as the officer-in-charge was supposed to handle the matter at the station…</p>
<p>Honourable Babra Rwodzi also questioned why the police were allowing the opposition party CCC to display party posters in the Chirumanzu South constituency.</p>
<p>Efforts to explain that police had no mandate to stop the opposition party from displaying their posters fell on deaf ears.</p>
<p>Honourable Babra Rwodzi accused police officers at ZRP Charandura of being members of the CCC party and promised to take the matter up with the Commissioner-General CDE GT Matanga and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe CDE DR ED Mnangagwa.</p>
<p>It is now difficult for police officers to execute their duties as required in section 219 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe with threats of victimisation when executing their duties.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told NewsDay that police bosses were seized with the matter.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Matanga is aware of such complaints and we have taken note of the alleged voice recording between Rwodzi and the police officer. We have since launched an investigation into the matter.</p>
<p>The commissioner has already released a statement to say investigations into the matter have been launched, thus the matter is being dealt with.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>ZANU PF political commissar Mike Bimha said the party had not sanctioned intimidation of police officers. Said Bimha:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Individuals threatening police officers are not representatives of ZANU PF in the acts.</p>
<p>An individual is not ZANU PF. Go and ask those accused of threatening the police, they can answer for themselves because they are independent of the party.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The opposition has been calling for security sector reforms for years but ZANU PF has been adamant it will maintain the status quo.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Junior Police Officers Complain About Abuse By ZANU PF Officials

<p>The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said investigations are underway following the emergence of audio circulating on social media in which a senior police officer was insulted by Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Deputy Minister Barbara Rwodzi.</p>
<p>In the audio, Rwodzi insulted the police officer as he was preparing a docket against a ZANU PF supporter, only known as Danger who is believed to be part of her campaign team.</p>
<p>Danger had been arrested for allegedly pulling down CCC posters on 12 July.</p>
<p>In a three and half minute’s audio, Rwodzi is heard calling Assistant Inspector Matsa, based at Charandura Police Station, a “stupid idiot” and threatening to deal with the police officer.</p>
<p>In a post on Twitter this Tuesday, ZRP said the matter is now under investigation. <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliceZimbabwe/status/1681299352260837377?s=20"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Reads the post</span></a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The ZRP has taken note of an audio circulating on social media concerning the incident involving some ZRP Charundura members allegedly with the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi. The case is now under investigation.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rwodzi, who is the Chirumanzu South MP (ZANU PF), lost her husband, Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, about weeks ago.</p>
<p>He was an independent candidate for the Gutu West constituency.</p>
<p>Rwodzi’s vehicle overturned at a bridge along Chivhu-Harare Highway and he died on the spot.</p>
<p>He was set to contest as an “Independent Candidate 4 ED” after he was prevented from running in the ZANU PF primaries that were held in March this year.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Police Say Barbara Rwodzi Audio Under Investigation

<p>Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Deputy Minister Barbara Rwodzi was recorded verbally assaulting a senior police officer who arrested a ZANU PF supporter for pulling down CCC posters.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200014147/minister-police-boss-in-heated-tantrum"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NewsDay</span></a> reported that Rwodzi insulted the police officer as he was preparing a docket against the ZANU PF supporter, only known as Danger who is believed to be part of her campaign team.</p>
<p>In a three and half minute’s audio, Rwodzi is heard calling Assistant Inspector Matsa, based at Charandura Police Station, a “stupid idiot”.</p>
<p>The Chirumanzu South MP also threatened to deal with the police officer.</p>
<p>Rwodzi told the senior cop that she will deal with him “in front of (Godwin) Matanga”, the Police Commissioner-General. She was recorded saying:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I will finish with you. Do you think CCC will win? Urimbwa (you are a dog), you are stupid go and report wherever you want.</p>
<p>I am going to finish you, Matsa. I will fight you to the end. Urimbwa (you are a dog).</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The police officer, however, stood his ground insisting that he was only doing his job. He said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Mai Rwodzi, you don’t have to be personal and call me stupid.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>But Rwodzi told the cop that he should report her for calling him an idiot.</p>
<p>She said he should have discussed the matter with his superior and other officers at the station before opening a docket against a ZANU PF activist.</p>
<p>Rwodzi also said she will not be lectured about laws because she was responsible for making laws in the country as a Member of Parliament.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Minister Calls A Senior Cop "Stupid" And "A Dog" For Arresting ZANU PF Activist

<p>The late Independent candidate for Gutu West Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi (53), who died in an accident on Thursday night, will be buried on Sunday.</p>
<p>Rwodzi’s remains will be laid to rest at the family’s rural homestead at Aarons’ Village, formerly Mushaike Stores in Fairfields, Mvuma.</p>
<p>His older brother Aaron Chenjerai Rwodzi told <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/mutonho-burial-on-sunday-in-mvuma/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Mirror</span></a> that they suspect foul play in the aspiring MP’s death as he was a disciplined driver who drove the same route at least four times a week. He said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>My brother will be buried at Aaron’s Village, formerly known as Mushaike Stores in Farefields on Sunday around midday. The accident is mysterious.</p>
<p>He drove on that road at least four times a week. He was driving a Toyota Landcruiser along a rehabilitated road.</p>
<p>I went to the accident scene last night but could not make sense of it.</p>
<p>We have lost the family’s vanguard. The accident is unspeakable. We got the news when a Police officer answered his phone and told us that an accident had occurred.</p>
<p>The vehicle fell on its roof and he was trapped inside.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Mutonhori died after his vehicle, a Toyota Prado Landcruiser VX, plunged 18 metres into a dry riverbed on the 10km peg at Honeyspot along the Harare Highway.</p>
<p>He was the husband of the Deputy Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality industry, Barbra Rwodzi.</p>
<p>The couple has three children, two boys and a girl.</p>
<p>According to <em>The Mirror</em>, Mutonhori, a retired army Colonel, was contesting as an independent candidate against ZANU PF’s youth league deputy chairperson and incumbent legislature, John Paradza after he was disqualified before the party’s primary election.</p>
<p>He also had an altercation with ZANU PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Rabson Mavhenyengwa and secretary for commissariat Brian Munyoro on Wednesday last week at the nomination court.</p>
<p>The duo had instructed Mutonhori to remove a sticker branded Independent 4ED on his vehicle.</p>
<p>Mutonhori was Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) director in Zimbabwe and was the director of a security consultancy firm that he had established.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></strong></p>


Foul Play Suspected In An Accident That Killed Minister's Husband

<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Barbara_Rwodzi">Barbra Rwodzi,</a></strong> Tuesday, Tuesday described <strong><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/10/10/10-farm-workers-die-while-fighting-veld-fire-in-esigodini/">ten men who were burnt to death in a veld fire</a></strong> in <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Esigodini">Esigodini</a></strong> as heroes, <a href="https://cite.org.zw/they-died-protecting-the-environment-minister-hails-heroic-act-of-the-esigodini-fire-victims/">CITE</a> reported.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The men were trying to put out a raging fire which broke out at Lot 43 on Monday morning but unfortunately succumbed to the fire.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Five other sustained severe burns are currently receiving treatment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The <strong><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a></strong> Tuesday <strong><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/10/11/police-release-names-of-esigodini-fire-victims/">identified the deceased</a></strong> as:</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Kessary Sibanda, a male adult aged 53 of Marula, Figtree,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Ian Mudimba, a male adult aged 38,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Simon Mdlongwa, a male adult aged 39,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Nelisingwane Dlamini, a male adult aged 47 of GMB Esigodini,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Luzibo Tshuma, a male adult of Chiziya Malundu Village, Binga,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Oliver Mudimba, a male adult aged 39,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Bafana Moyo, a male adult aged 53 of Dimbamiwa Village, Nkayi,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• England Moyo, a male adult aged 20 of Nketa 8, Bulawayo,</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Thabani Mpofu, a male adult aged 46 of Gwelutshena Village, Nkayi and</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>• Menelisi Ngwenya a male adult aged 20 of Mandangema Village, Nkayi.</em></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">In her remarks after visiting the families of the deceased, deputy minister Rwodzi described the men as ‘heroes’ who died protecting property and the environment. </span><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">She spoke to the media</span><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">:</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><em>We have just visited the site where we lost ten lives that were trying to protect the environment when the veld fire started and we are saying it’s not a good sight, we have lost lives and we do not encourage any activity that uses fire in the bush because it just not destroys the bush but lives.</em></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">She said 5 400 veld fires had been recorded across the country this year compared to last year where by the end of the veld fire season they had recorded 3 400 veld fires.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The owner of the farm, Abel Moyo also said he was still trying to recover from the incident.</span></p>
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/"><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pindula News</span></a></h2>


Deputy Minister Describes Esigodini Fire Victims As Heroes Who Died Trying To Protect The Environment

<p>Human-wildlife conflict has become the most critical challenge in wildlife conservation, a government official has said.</p>
<p>Speaking at a human-wildlife conflict meeting in Mbire District, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi said that human activities are encroaching into wildlife habitats resulting in conflict between people and wild animals. She said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The status of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe is the most critical challenge in wildlife conservation.</p>
<p>There are a number of communities which live near and around protected areas in the country.</p>
<p>Major causes of human-wildlife conflict in the Mbire area are the human settlement in wildlife corridors, streambank cultivation, deforestation, expansion of arable land into forest areas and poaching.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Since 2015, 36 people lost their lives while 75 were injured in crocodile, elephant, and lion attacks as well as snake bites in 11 wards across Mbire District in Mashonaland Central Province.</p>
<p>Rwodzi said major parts of Mbire were forest and wildlife areas and three community conservancies are being established under the Global Environmental Facility project.</p>
<p>The conservancies are Mbire North, Mbire South and Karinyanga, which Rwodzi said would contribute significantly to the hunting industry and community livelihoods.</p>
<p>Rwodzi said district projects were working to reduce the effects of human-wildlife conflicts by establishing:</p>
<ul>
<li>solar community gardens</li>
<li>fish ponds</li>
<li>human-wildlife conflict campaigns</li>
<li>climate-smart agriculture</li>
<li>biogas digesters</li>
<li>apiculture</li>
<li>chilli technologies</li>
<li>training local game rangers</li>
</ul>
<p>| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200001751/human-wildlife-conflict-cases-escalate"><strong>NewsDay</strong></a></p>


Human-wildlife Conflict Cases Rise In Mbire

<p>Senior Government officials are reportedly involved in illegal mining activities which have resulted in environmental degradation in Penhalonga, Odzi, Tarka Forest and along Mutare River.</p>
<p>This was revealed by Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, during an Environmental Management Act Amendment Draft Bill (Chapter 20: 27) consultation meeting held in Mutare on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Rwodzi called for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the illegal mining activities. She said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I need to bring to the attention of the house the rampant land degradation and pollution which is happening at an accelerated pace in Manicaland due to illegal mining.</p>
<p>I am reliably informed that the most affected areas are Penhalonga, Mutare River, Tarka Forest and Odzi.</p>
<p>Complaints have been raised on the involvement of Government officials in these activities.</p>
<p>Illegal miners use mineral detectors and move from one place to another leaving a trail of land degradation as well as water and air pollution due to the usage of chemicals.</p>
<p>This must be stopped immediately and as Government we expect EMA, working with the police, to arrest the culprits for prosecution.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Rwodzi also noted that decommissioned mines are a threat to the environment as their rehabilitation cost millions of dollars. She said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>In this province, Inyathi and Dinhidza Mines come to mind. Environmental degradation and pollution are occurring from the old works and dumps and we need to have a critical discussion as we review the EMA Act.</p>
<p>EMA carried out a rehabilitation cost survey for decommissioned mines in 2011 and it was noted that an average of US$4 million is required to rehabilitate a single decommissioned large-scale mine.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Mutare consultation meeting sought to realign the Environmental Management Act with the Constitution and the latest global trends.</p>
<p>Similar meetings have already been conducted in Bulawayo and Masvingo and the next meeting is set for Kadoma this week.</p>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/govt-officials-dabble-in-illegal-mining/">The Manica Post</a></h4>


Govt Officials Involved In Illegal Mining

<p>The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecasted six more tropical cyclones before the end of the 2021/22 rainy season.</p>
<p>This was revealed by Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo during a Cyclone Idai Recovery Project donation ceremony in Harare on Wednesday. He said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>… according to the Meteorological Services Department, there is a projection of six more cyclones during the remainder of the current rainy season.</p>
<p>Thus the importance of robust mechanisms for monitoring natural phenomena cannot be overemphasised.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This comes barely a month after Cyclone Anna and Cyclone Batsirai ravaged parts of Southern Africa.</p>
<p>Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe were affected by Anna, which left scores dead and infrastructure worth millions damaged.</p>
<p>Tropical Cyclone Batsirai ravaged Madagascar before drifting further southward away from the African continent.</p>
<p>Speaking to <em>ZTN News</em> on the sidelines of the event, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Barbara Rwodzi said Zimbabwe was prepared to deal with the cyclones. She said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>As a country, as the Meteorological Services Department, we are more than ready for those cyclones with our other partners outside the country who have identified them.</p>
<p>And with what we have received here it will add more to the equipment we already have.</p>
<p>We are making the community aware of the cyclones that are coming</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Office for Project services donated weather monitoring equipment worth US$226 000.</p>
<p>This is the second batch of donations that followed Tropical Cyclone Idai which hit southern Africa in March 2019. The first batch of donations was received last year.</p>
<h4>More: <a href="https://ztn.co.zw/six-more-cyclones-expected-this-year/">ZTN News</a></h4>


Six More Tropical Cyclones Expected This Season

<p>Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has hailed the appointment of Barbara Rwodzi as the Deputy Minister for Environment, Climate, Tourism &amp; Hospitality Industry by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week.</p>
<p>Rwodzi was part of a cast of legislators from Southern Africa who blocked the Pan-African Parliament’s elections in South Africa recently.</p>
<p>The southerners demanded that the presidency be rotated rather than being a preserve for east and west African states.</p>
<p>Rwodzi, who is the Member of Parliament for Chirumhanzu in President Mnangagwa’s home province, Midlands, took centre stage by grabbing the ballot box during the fracas.</p>
<p>Her antics at the PAP conference and her subsequent appointment as a deputy minister did not go unnoticed by Malema. He tweeted:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>She deserves to be the president and replace that former self. I know Barbara Rwodzi, you are strong and very passionate about our continent.</p>
<p>Don’t all the ZANU PF misogynists speak down on you and make you feel like you are insignificant; you are better than mediocrity in that space.</p>
<p>We will dearly miss you at Pan African Parliament. Your fearless character inspired all of us who stood on the side of the truth.</p>
<p>You Barbara Rwodzi led us from the front, I hope you will not be replaced with some worthless old fellow. Asante Sana.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/malema-says-barbara-rwodzi-deserves-to-be-zim-president/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></strong></h4>


Barbara Rwodzi Deserves To Be Zimbabwe's President - Malema

<p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">The African Union Council of Foreign Ministers has resolved that the Pan African Parliament (PAP) presidency will be held on a rotational basis. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Fredrick Shava made the announcement while giving an update on resolutions made by a meeting held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia this Friday. He said:<br/>
</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">This is a great achievement as we managed to stop the dominance of the West African countries and also set the date for the elections in November this year.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">PAP is a platform for all African states to come up with possible solutions to problems and challenges facing the continent.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">PAP Acting President Chief Fortune Charumbira described the development as “great” adding that it will see Zimbabwe making history if he is elected in the upcoming elections.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">Legislator Barbra Rwodzi who made headlines after her unwavering stance on the need to follow guidelines said: “</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">We are very pleased with the outcome and the fight is only over after we have held the elections and won.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">Since its inception in 2004 PAP Presidents have been from West and Central Africa but the new development will see countries from the SADC region and North Africa having their chance.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;">More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/zim-tipped-for-pap-presidency/">ZBC News</a><br/>
</span></p>


Zimbabwe Pleased To Have Pan African Parliament Presidency Held On Rotational Basis

<div>
<div>
<div>
<article role="article" tabindex="0">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>Barbara Rwodzi has said she had no other choice but to literally fight in the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) as her views on the issue of rotation of the presidency were not being heard.</div>
<div>The meeting degenerated into chaos as the house disagreed on the way forward with East and Central Africa, on one hand, rejected the idea of rotation before while the North and the South were pushing for “overdue” rotation. Pindula News presents Rwodzi’s statement below.</div>
<blockquote>
<div><em>Dear Good People Thank you all for your tremendous support always Africa is our home and the only place that belongs to us all as Africans and it is indeed our responsibility to unify our continent. We can only achieve this through respecting each other’s decency.</em></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div data-testid="tweet">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<article role="article" tabindex="0">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div data-testid="tweet">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" lang="en"><em><span>I aired my views on the issue of rotation in our own meetings as the Ad Hoc committee, but no one would have any of that and it left me with no choice but to fight in the plenary together with my colleagues.</span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/pan-african-parliament-adjourns-after-days-of-chaos-delays-presidency-vote/">Pan-African Parliament Adjourns After Days Of Chaos Delays Presidency Vote</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<article role="article" tabindex="0">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div data-testid="tweet">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote>
<div dir="auto" lang="en">
<p><em><span>Many thanks to you all countries from the Southern Caucus and the North that joined us on the second day and special gratitude to </span></em></p>
<div><em><span><a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/Julius_S_Malema" role="link">@Julius_S_Malema</a></span><span> Hon Chihana, Hon Majodina, </span><span><a dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/mvenaani" role="link">@mvenaani</a></span><span>, Hon Majola, Hon Sen Na Alla, Hon Muntaka</span></em></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<article role="article" tabindex="0">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div data-testid="tweet">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" lang="en"><em><span>Notwithstanding my very own CDEs from Zimbabwe Parliament Hon Chief Whip Togarepi and Hon Stars Mathe who fearlessly stood up with me for the good cause.
</span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<article role="article" tabindex="0">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div data-testid="tweet">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" lang="en"><em><span>On the 2nd of June 2021, AU wrote to the Clerk of parliament to adjourn the session until further notice and elections will be conducted at a date to be advised soon.</span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<article role="article" tabindex="0">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div data-testid="tweet">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div dir="auto" lang="en"><em><span>Southern Caucus is happy with this position as it is an indication that AU will address issues at stake and map the way forward to put the house in order.</span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<article role="article" tabindex="0">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div data-testid="tweet">
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote>
<div><em><span>Let’s work together for the Africa we want and not allow colonial languages divide us. Together Impossible is Nothing</span><span> May our good Lord Bless our Continent I thank you all for the tremendous support. </span><span> (inserts African flag)</span></em></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div><strong>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a></strong></div>
</div>


"I Had To Fight" - Barbara Rwodzi On PAP Chaos

<p>The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) suspended a vote on its presidency on Tuesday after it had already been delayed by days of altercations and heated disputes among members.</p>
<p>PAP Secretariat spokesperson Jeffrey Onganga confirmed the suspension. He said the suspension is indefinite and a date would be confirmed at a later stage.</p>
<p>The delay is a win for the southern African caucus who refused to go ahead with the vote unless the process was reformed to a rotational presidency.</p>
<p>Speaking to <strong>ZTN</strong> on Wednesday, Zimbabwean legislator Barbara Rwodzi, explained the objections raised by the southern African caucus. She said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Our main argument as southern caucus together with the northern region caucus is that since its inception the Pan African Parliament had directives from the AU that the presidency has to rotate after every term, which is a 3-year term.</p>
<p>The leadership has been with the west, east and central and they pledged to recognize the rotational policy this year, now come 2021 they put up their CVs again from the west and the east, yet the competition was between the south and the north.</p>
<p>We said no we can’t continue like this, so the fight did not start in the plenary as may be perceived through social media and television. The fight started last week when we opened the session.</p></blockquote>
<p>The session was supposed to run from 21 May to 4 June.</p>
<p>The southern Africans are outnumbered by their counterparts in West and East Africa, who are each backing a candidate for the presidency.</p>
<p>The PAP has 229 members, with national parliaments from each member state allowed to send up to five MPs.</p>
<p>The West and East African caucuses accuse acting president Chief Fortune Charumbira of using the delay to hold onto power.</p>
<p>Charumbira is the southern African caucus’ presidential candidate, Albino Mathom Ayuel Aboug from South Sudan is the preferred candidate from the East African bloc and Mali’s Haidara Aichata Cisse is the other presidential candidate.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://ztn.co.zw/stream/2021/06/pan-african-parliament-adjourns-amid-heated-disputes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZTN</a>, <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/pan-african-parliament-suspended-indefinitely-after-days-of-chaos-delays-presidency-vote-20210602" rel="noopener" target="_blank">New24.com</a></strong></h4>


Barbara Rwodzi Latest News

Latest Jobs