Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has dismissed claims made by ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who alleged that Biti had been meeting with American diplomats in South Africa to “whip up emotions about title deeds and land in Zimbabwe” in an attempt to catch the attention of US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the media at the ZANU PF headquarters in Harare on Thursday, Mutsvangwa claimed that Biti had met with US embassy officials in South Africa on Wednesday.
In response, Biti labelled Mutsvangwa’s accusations as blatant falsehoods and gross misrepresentations. Said Biti:
<blockquote>
The beleaguered faction-ridden desperate vacuous rag-tag liberation movement now resorts to blatant falsehoods and gross misrepresentations.
We need to remind it that it has failed and failed in absolute terms. That its agenda to amend the constitution will fail. Indeed its attempt to privatize agricultural land acquired during the land reform program is a blatant neo-liberal reversal of the land reform program.
That its hubristic extractive economic policies have reduced this country to a little tin pot, fast food economy, with millions wallowing in poverty and the vagaries of the informal economy.
Truth is ZANU PF has reached the end of its tether. It is slowly withering away mired in self-defeating contradictions and heresies. At the centre of the division is the corruption and greed of the so-called 2nd Republic.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti said he did not meet with US diplomats in South Africa, as claimed by ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa. Mutsvangwa said that Biti was trying to get the attention of US President Donald Trump by discussing land issues in Zimbabwe. Biti called Mutsvangwa's accusations false and said that ZANU PF is failing. He also criticized ZANU PF's economic policies and corruption. Biti believes that ZANU PF is falling apart due to corruption and greed.

Biti Denies Mutsvangwa’s Allegations Of Secret Meetings With US Diplomats

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has warned of potential economic chaos in 2025 if there is no liberalised exchange rate and no injection of liquidity into the economy.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/business/article/200036951/economy-heads-for-a-bloodbath-biti">NewsDay</a>, Biti said the introduction of the gold-backed ZiG currency in 2024 has contributed to economic instability. Said Biti:
<blockquote>
Companies are paying the price of an uncertain political regime and exchange rate mismanagement. The introduction of the ZiG [Zimbabwe Gold] currency has only brought chaos to the economy.
</blockquote>
Biti warned that Zimbabwe could face a total collapse in aggregate demand as businesses grapple with crippling debt charges and limited access to affordable capital.
To prevent further economic decline, Biti said that must be cheap money in the market to provide businesses with the funding necessary for survival.
He also criticized the export surrender requirement, calling it an unnecessary burden that restricts access to foreign currency.
Under the current system, exporters are required to surrender 25% of their proceeds in exchange for local currency at the prevailing interbank exchange rate.
Biti further called for the removal of money transfer fees, arguing that they stifle economic activity and increase the cost of doing business.
The former Finance Minister also expressed concern over the political uncertainty surrounding the potential extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, which are set to end in 2028.
He warned that such political instability could further exacerbate the country’s economic challenges. Biti said:
<blockquote>
The uncertainty created by Mnangagwa’s third-term ambitions and the removal of key officials is discouraging investment and deepening the crisis. Such moves create suspicion and erode trust in governance.
</blockquote>
Biti said the political climate is prompting businesses to relocate to South Africa and other neighbouring countries, while investors remain cautious and reluctant to commit.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tendai Biti, a past Finance Minister, said 2025 could bring economic chaos if things don't change. Companies struggle with debt and need cheap money to survive. Biti doesn't like the gold-backed currency or the rules for exporting and transferring money. He worries about President Mnangagwa's future plans and their impact. Businesses might go to other countries and investors are unsure because of the political situation. Biti thinks change is needed to avoid a big economic collapse.

Biti Warns Of Economic Chaos In 2025

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti says the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), previously known as the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Zimbabwe, has been used to covertly privatize the country’s most important parastatals.
The MIF is a state-owned investment fund established to manage and invest surplus funds generated from Zimbabwe’s natural resources.
Created through the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act in 2014, it was renamed in 2023 via Statutory Instrument 156.
The fund manages assets from various state-owned enterprises, including NetOne, National Railways of Zimbabwe, Air Zimbabwe, TelOne, and others.
Biti criticized the “privatization” of these parastatals, saying it was carried out without proper valuations or parliamentary oversight. Below are Biti’s comments on the MIF:
<blockquote>
The Mutapa Fund has essentially been a back door privatization of 40 or so of the country’s biggest and most important parastatals that include Hwange, NRZ, IDC and NetOne.
The process was done without individual valuations of the different parastatals and parliamentary scrutiny.
The Mutapa Fund now controls a huge chunk of the country’s balance sheet and yet it is not accountable to Parliament or a line ministry.
It is a huge Asset Management Fund, privately controlled, yet it houses State Assets. This kind of arbitrage and theft is a national threat.
The repeal of section 22 of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act which prevents the Mutapa Fund from securitising the shares of parastatals it now controls is proof of arbitrage on steroids.
This regime has no limits, nor elasticity, no shame. The Mutapa Fund and those who control it are a national threat to the country’s sovereignty.
A country can’t be run on the philosophy and polity of looting for the sake of looting. The class of 2017 is a cabal, a ruthless brood whose only interest is to loot Zimbabwe dry. Self-respecting decent wananchi should say NO.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti says the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) was used to secretly sell important state-owned companies in Zimbabwe. The fund was created in 2014 to manage money from natural resources, but it now controls assets like NetOne, National Railways of Zimbabwe, and Air Zimbabwe. Biti criticized this sale, saying it was done without proper checks. He called the fund a threat to the country's independence and accused the people in charge of only wanting to steal from Zimbabwe. This needs to stop, according to Biti.

Biti Says Mutapa Fund Used For Secretive Privatisation Of Parastatals

Political commentator Brighton Mutebuka has hit back at Freeman Chari’s assertion that Nelson Chamisa, the former leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), personalised the movement with his doctrine of “Strategic Ambiguity.”
Chari, a veteran opposition activist based in the United States, who has had extensive involvement with MDC, MDC-T, MDC Alliance, and CCC, claimed that when the movement was first founded, there was a collective consensus on the importance of having a constitution and structured organisation.
However, he argued that Chamisa’s principle of Strategic Ambiguity led to the abandonment of those initial agreements, effectively disregarding the foundational promises.
In a sharp response posted on X, Mutebuka accused Chari of exposing sensitive, private discussions to the public. He criticized Chari for breaking confidentiality and airing internal matters outside the party.
Mutebuka further revealed that Chamisa was never interested in working with former senior MDC officials who had left the party under the leadership of the late Morgan Tsvangirai.
Notable figures such as Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, and Job Sikhala, who departed at various points, later returned to join the MDC Alliance—something Mutebuka suggests Chamisa did not fully support. Wrote Mutebuka:
<blockquote>
For the record, we all agreed on the fundamentals. Where we differ is our understanding of the dynamics involved &amp; how to resolve them.
Confidential &amp; private discussions should always be kept under lock &amp; key to engender enduring trust &amp; relationships.
Even disagreements aren’t enough to move away from that caveat. This is a cardinal rule in politics.
My assessment, which I have highlighted consistently, is that there was no love lost btn Chamisa &amp; his erstwhile colleagues from the Tsvangirai era.
He was forced to embrace them when he inherited the MDC-A from Tsvangirai. That’s also where the likes of Tshabangu came from.
With trust &amp; confidence low, and the by-elections of March 2022 a mere 2 months after CCC’s formation, there was never enough time to complete the formalities of adopting a party Constitution at the time.
None other than Prof Ncube himself confirmed this to me in 2022. The draft remained just that.
The lack of trust was terminal, with many lying in wait to pounce &amp; break away soon after the elections.
Chamisa was clearly aware of this. It’s what informed Strategic Ambiguity &amp; the adoption of the Constitution that I criticised.
So the two were forced on him, as extreme measures / strategies which he hoped would be sufficient to stem infiltration &amp; hijacking of the party – with Mwonzora’s then recent antics still raw.
Let’s not forget echoes of a haunting past involving Biti &amp; Ncube’s damaging break aways from Tsvangirai as well.
Every strategy has got it’s pros &amp; cons. SA succeeded in exposing ED’s hand in the infiltration of CCC using state machinery.
However, it came at a heavy price of reputational harm domestically &amp; internationally vis-a-vis a perceived lack of adherence to democratic norms.
Many hadn’t bargained for ED being that brazen &amp; going to such extremes in pursuit of a life presidency.
The paralysis Freeman refers to post election is attributable to ED’s infiltration.
Chamisa succeeded in exposing the regime for conducting a sham election, which was confirmed by SADC’s SEOM Final Report.
That’s the best he could do under the circumstances with a hopelessly compromised party.
Freeman is unable or unwilling to accept that Ncube &amp; his crew’s behaviour is consistent with those that have been co-opted.
By breaking free &amp; starting afresh, Chamisa has got one final chance to start a project on his own terms &amp; for which he will be ultimately responsible!
It won’t be a walk in the park, but it’s for the best that a line be drawn in the sand concerning a very painful &amp; traumatic past!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Nelson Chamisa did not want Welshman Ncube and Tendai Biti in his new party, the Citizens Coalition for Change. Some people say Chamisa didn't want to work with them because he didn't trust them. Others say he wanted to stop his party from being taken over by his enemies. Chamisa had to make tough choices to protect his party from being controlled by others. Now, he has a chance to start fresh with his own project and show that he can lead on his own terms.

Chamisa Did Not Want Welshman Ncube And Tendai Biti In CCC, Says Mutebuka

Former Finance Minister, Tendai Biti, has claimed that banks have been bailing out the government with civil servants’ pay, but some banks “refused to do this” in November leading to delays in payments of the ZiG component.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/banks-said-no-biti-explains-why-some-civil-servants-not-paid-salaries-on-time/">ZimLive</a>, Biti said government revenues have “collapsed to the point that at the present moment, the regime has no capacity to pay wages.” Said Biti:
<blockquote>
Revenues seriously dipped after April 5 when they introduced the ZiG. Big companies reorganised. Some retrenched, some relocated and many middle-sized companies simply shut shop.
Only US$2.5 billion was collected up to September against a budget target of US$9 billion. In the last 10 years, the country has managed to collect at least US$4 billion as budget receipts annually but the regime will be lucky to collect US$3 billion by the end of this year.
</blockquote>
Thousands of civil servants did not receive the ZiG component of their salaries last month, which included half of their annual bonus.
Despite unions threatening to strike, the government has not explained why some workers did not receive their payments on time.
Two banks were especially impacted: POSB and AFC Holdings (formerly Agribank). POSB reportedly released salaries on November 29, while civil servants with accounts at AFC Holdings were paid on December 2. Said Biti:
<blockquote>
In the past few months, banks have actually been paying salaries for the government and then subsequently waiting for a reimbursement.
In November, they refused to do this. They are miffed by the government’s failure to honour what they are owed, particularly their Non-Negotiable Certificates of Deposits (NNCDs).
</blockquote>
Biti said that the government has spent millions of dollars in unbudgeted expenditure even as the revenues continue to dry up. He said:
<blockquote>
They have been living beyond their means. They did not pull any stops in preparation for the SADC summit in July where they spent millions of dollars.
But what has really killed them is the collapse in revenue collection as a result of a shrinking tax base.
Mthuli Ncube’s policies, particularly exchange control mismanagement and skewed revenue measures, have de-industrialised the country and increased informalisation. Big players have left this economy since 2018 thanks to this finance minister and his government.
This in turn has created a desperate response where Ncube has had to resort to indirect taxes to target the informal sector.
But indirect taxes are regressive and hit the working people harder. No wonder there is such unprecedented disaffection and discontent against [Emmerson] Mnangagwa and his regime.
</blockquote>
Biti said the government should “cut taxes, encourage spending and investment, liberalise the ZiG, if not scrap it, and a drastic cut to government expenditure.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti said banks usually help the government pay civil servants, but some banks refused in November, causing delays in salaries. The government's revenue dropped a lot, making it hard to pay wages. Many workers didn't get their full pay last month. Biti blamed the government for spending too much and not collecting enough taxes. He thinks the government should lower taxes, spend less, and change some money policies to help the economy. Biti also said that the government should explain why some workers didn't get paid on time.

"Banks' Refusal To Bail Out Government Caused Delays In Civil Servants' Salaries"

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has criticized the 2025 National Budget presented by Mthuli Ncube on Thursday, describing it as shallow, dishonest, and out of touch with the needs of the people.
In a post on X, Biti said that the budget reflects the incompetence and corruption of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
He further criticized the proposed tax measures, claiming they show a lack of empathy and disproportionately target vulnerable sectors.
Biti also argued that the budget fails to address the pressing issue of critical energy shortages. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The 2024 Budget Statement was presented in the backdrop of a tough and challenging year for the working people of Zimbabwe.
A year in which the citizen had been abused by extreme levels of inflation, emasculation by a rigged exchange rate, extortionate taxes, power shortages, poverty, and the aftermath of a scorching drought.
Naively, the citizen and businesses thus hoped for a BOLD, HONEST DECISIVE &amp; TECHNICALLY SOUND budget that would address the crippling challenges of the day and offer hope &amp; catharsis to a broken fatalistic desperate and disparate population.
Regrettably, Minister Ncube’s budget was nothing but a shallow, hollow, narcissistic, dishonest anti-people ritual. 
The Budget correctly bluetooths everything cataleptic about the Mnangwagwa regime: incompetence, ideologically vacuous, corrupt, insensitive, vicious and toxic.
Seven issues amplify the fatality of Mthuli’s project. First is the clear failure to calibrate the Budget in US$. In a volatile high inflation environment expressing the Budget in a local currency ravaged by serious inflation pressures is clearly a faux pas.
Zim has gone through six bouts of currency failures and any budget expressed in a local currency is a facade. A volatile ZIG also creates accounting chaos for businesses. Ultimately, a ZIG-based budget is simply a means to hide and mislead the true depth of economic mismanagement
Second Mr Ncube’s microeconomic framework and projections are simply unsound and blatantly dishonest. A 2 % GDP growth for 2024 is simply overstated.
It underestimates the ZIG-induced depression that has captured markets since 5 April 2024. A period that has seen many companies close or downsize.
There has been a massive curtailment of revenue inflows in companies and in the government itself. Aggregate demand simply collapsed resulting in Government revenues also collapsing to the point that at the present moment regime has no capacity to pay wages.
The budget projection of a 6 % growth in 2025 is dross. It is based on 3 assumptions viz decent rainfall, low inflation and a stable currency, and a tight fiscal and monetary policy. Expecting this government to live within its means and to keep a tight fiscal ship is madness.
The regime must monetize its rent-seeking projects particularly the feeding trough that road construction has become.
Particularly command agriculture and multiple Presidential schemes. Once the boys are paid broad money shoots through the roof. Inflation spikes and the ZIG falls.
Third, the 2025 budget framework is unsound and must be rejected by Parliament. In 2024 ZIG110,722 billion in revenue will be collected against projected expenditure of ZIG 119.972 resulting in a deficit of ZIG 9.3 billion. (they don’t sing about surpluses anymore).
In 2025 projected revenue jumps to ZIG 276.4 billion or US$ 7.5 billion. Whilst expenditure is ZIG 276.3 billion or US$7,668 billion.
On a growth of 6%, it eludes one’s wisdom how revenue will grow by 150% from ZIG110 billion in 2024 to ZIG 276 billion.
Put in another way, Mr Ncube expects 2024 revenues of ZIG 110 billion or US 3.05 billion to jump to US$7,5 billion.
This mendacity reflects disrespect for Zimbabwean intellect. More than that reflects total and utter contempt of Parliament. But the real issue is where will.
Mr Ncube extracted US$7,5 billion when companies have been squeezed dry and closing down retrenching or relocating.
Fourth the regime proposed revenue measures are narcissistic and lack empathy. Imposing taxes on betting income, on Pizza and chicken inn is ridiculous.
Targeting informal traders in spare parts dealers, groceries, hardware, lodgers, fabric merchandisers and boutiques for taxation is cruel and ridiculous.
The regime suffers from the warped view that it can extract money from stone. The pathological obsession with taxation is sickening
There is a crisis of under-accumulation in Zimbabwe. Companies are shutting down and unemployment is on the rise.
The 2025 Budget had a duty to create a stimulus and to provide incentives for consumption &amp; production to jump-start the economy.
Taxes had to be reduced various stimuli provided. Instead, a vacuous bankrupt government went the opposite of what logic dictated.
Sixth there had to be a push for currency reform. ZIG has failed and failed in absolute terms. The epicentre of the Zim crises is exchange rate mismanagement.
Finally, given the current structural energy crises the Budget ought to have addressed the power situation. Indeed it is ridiculous to imagine the economy will grow by 6% without power. No wonder and very poignantly ZESA went off during the Budget presentation.
Truth is, this is the worst government in the history of governments and the 2025 Budget is a further exhibit of this fact.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tendai Biti, a former Finance Minister, says the 2025 National Budget is bad and doesn't help people. He thinks the government is not good at managing money. Biti doesn't like the proposed tax increases and thinks they hurt poor people. He also says the budget does not solve the energy crisis. Biti believes the government is dishonest and only cares about itself. Overall, he thinks the budget is very bad and will make things worse for Zimbabwe.

Biti Slams 2025 National Budget As Shallow And Out of Touch

High Court Judge Justice Gladys Mhuri on Monday, 23 September reserved judgment after hearing and presiding over Obey Shava’s application seeking to compel the government to ratify the Convention Against Torture and to criminalise the practice of torture in Zimbabwe.
In an application filed at the Harare High Court on December 12, 2023, human rights lawyer Shava, represented by Tendai Biti of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, is seeking to compel President Mnangagwa, along with other officials, to ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This convention was adopted by the United Nations in 1984 and came into effect in 1987.
Shava, a torture victim himself, argues that torture, enforced disappearances, and violence are widespread in Zimbabwe, necessitating the government’s accession to the convention.
He claims that the failure to ratify the convention violates the Constitution, particularly the rights to equal protection under the law and the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Shava asserted that there is a culture of impunity where cases of torture are not investigated, leaving victims without legal recourse.
Despite constitutional protections against torture and inhumane treatment, Shava says that these rights are not enforced in practice.
Shava further argues that Zimbabwe is out of step with international norms, as the majority of UN member states and African countries have ratified the convention.
He says that by not ratifying it, Zimbabwe risks being viewed as a pariah state and calls for the country to uphold fundamental human rights and freedoms through adherence to international law.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man is asking the court to make Zimbabwe ratify a convention against torture. He says torture is common in Zimbabwe and victims have no justice. The man says the government should follow international rules to protect human rights. The court has not made a decision yet. The man's lawyer is trying to make the government stop torture. If Zimbabwe doesn't follow the rules, they might look bad to other countries. The man says everyone should be treated fairly and not hurt on purpose.

Judgment Reserved In Case To Compel Zimbabwe To Ratify Anti-Torture Convention

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to stand trial in the High Court on Monday, 23 September, over his government’s failure to implement legislation aimed at preventing and combating torture, a serious issue in Zimbabwe.
The case has been brought forward by prominent human rights lawyer Obey Shava of Shava Law Chambers, who himself is a victim of torture. He is represented by Tendai Biti from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
Shava is seeking a court order to compel President Mnangagwa, along with other respondents—including the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, Parliament, and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)—to ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
This convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1984 and came into force in June 1987. Below is a statement from the ZLHR regarding the case:
<blockquote>
In Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is standing trial in court over his government’s reluctance to enact legislation aimed at preventing, prohibiting and combating torture, which is prevalent in the country. 
The trial is scheduled to commence on Monday 23 September at 10: AM at Harare High Court, where President Mnangagwa is being sued by prominent human rights lawyer Obey Shava of Shava Law Chambers, who is a victim of torture.
In an application filed at Harare High Court on 12 December 2023, Shava, who is represented by Tendai Biti of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), wants the court to compel President Mnangagwa and other respondents namely, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, Parliament, and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), to accent to and ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1984 and which came into operation in June 1987.
The human rights lawyer, who is a victim of torture after he was tortured by some unknown assailants in July 2023, argued that torture, violence, enforced disappearances and abductions are widespread in Zimbabwe, hence President Mnangagwa must be compelled to accede to and deposit the necessary instruments of accession to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment with the UN and place the same for ratification before Parliament within 12 months of the granting of the court order.
He charged that President Mnangagwa’s failure to accede to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is a breach of the Constitution and is also a violation of his right to equal protection of the law codified by section 56 of the Constitution and a breach of his right to constitutionalism and the rule of law guaranteed under section 47 of the Constitution. 
Shava bemoaned the systematic pattern of enforced disappearance, abduction, torture and cruel and degrading treatment, which several people including himself, human rights defenders, opposition political party supporters, legislators and ordinary citizens, have been subjected to including being injected with unknown substances.
He argued that cases of torture are never investigated and no one is prosecuted for committing such heinous crimes.
The Constitution, Shava argued, protects first generation rights such as the right to life, liberty, fair trial, human dignity and the right not to be subjected to torture, cruel or degrading treatment and that torture is implicitly prohibited under section 48 of the Constitution, which provides for the right to life and also under section 51, which protects the right to human dignity.
The human rights lawyer argued that despite the existence of progressive constitutional provisions on torture, personal liberty, fair trial, legal representation, human conditions of detention and human dignity, the same have not been incorporated into subsidiary legislation and are not being enforced in practice. 
Shava, who stated that there is a culture of impunity which has left hundreds of people without legal recourse, said it was regrettable that Zimbabwe has not ratified the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances, the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or the Rome Statute, which would criminalise enforced disappearances and torture and provide means to seek redress internationally.
He said the respondents cited in his application, who are Hon. Ziyambi, President Mnangagwa, Parliament and ZHRC, are bound by customary international law, which is part of international law of Zimbabwe to take measures to ensure the enactment of a law criminalising torture and stated that there is no reason why Hon. Ziyambi, President Mnangagwa, Parliament and ZHRC should fail to accede to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Shava submitted that Zimbabwe is out of step with the rest of Africa and the world as 162 out of 193 members of the UN have become state parties to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
He contended that out of 55 African countries, only four namely, Zimbabwe, Angola, Tanzania and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic have neither signed nor ratified the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment while of the 15 SADC countries, 12 are state parties and only two, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, have neither signed nor ratified the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The human rights lawyer argued that by standing out and refusing to accede to and ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Zimbabwe is putting itself in the disrespectable category of pariah states.
As a decent country bound by the rule of law and constitutionalism, Zimbabwe, Shava said, should sign and ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to ensure protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms and the rule of law.
</blockquote>
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President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe is going to court for not stopping torture. A human rights lawyer named Obey Shava is suing him for not following the rules against torture. Shava wants the court to force Mnangagwa to agree to a worldwide rule against torture. Shava says torture is happening a lot in Zimbabwe and no one helps. He wants Zimbabwe to follow the rules that most other countries are following to stop torture. Shava says Zimbabwe is not a good country if it doesn't follow these rules. The court case will start on September 23.

High Court To Hear Case Against Mnangagwa Over Failure To Combat Torture

A 31-year-old Harare man who was arrested during the ongoing blitz against illegal money changers has challenged his prosecution arguing that no offence was committed as the US dollar is legal tender in Zimbabwe.
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/article/dealing-in-foreign-currency-does-not-break-any-law-biti-tells-court/">ZimLive</a>, Albert Dzikamai Chekure, a father of two, was milling around at the corner of Angwa Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue in Harare on April 18 when he was approached by an undercover female police detective who wanted mobile phone airtime for ZiG130, Zimbabwe’s new currency, in exchange for US$10.
He used his phone to purchase airtime from his bank and received a US$10 note from the police officer.
Chekure, who is employed by the Harare City Council as a meter reader, was promptly arrested and charged with the crime of contravening exchange control regulations which prohibit the purchasing or selling of foreign currency without approval.
He is now among over 400 people held without bail in prisons across the country for the same crime after bail was denied by Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera.
Chekure appealed for bail at the High Court after his initial bail request was turned down by the magistrate who ruled that he faces a very serious offence and the possibility of a lengthy custodial sentence.
Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, a human rights lawyer, has taken up Chekure’s appeal at the High Court.
Chekure argues that he and hundreds of others are being held on an invalid charge. He maintains that the United States dollar is legal tender in Zimbabwe until 2030 and therefore cannot be regarded as foreign currency.
In the bail application filed on May 16, Biti argues that Chekure should not have been denied bail as the charge is “non-existent.
Biti, in a 37-page court application, said foreign currency means a legal tender of another country and USD is a legal tender in Zimbabwe so no offence was committed. He said:
<blockquote>
Put in simple terms, foreign currency simply refers to legal tender of another country. Thus, it is unlawful for any Zimbabwean to transact and deal in foreign currency defined to mean the legal tender of another country without exchange approval.
However, the US dollar that the appellant (Chekure) dealt with is not a foreign currency in Zimbabwe rather it is legal tender in Zimbabwe…
Once it is accepted that the US dollar is a currency and is legal tender in Zimbabwe, it is not foreign currency for the purposes of use in Zimbabwe by way of Section 44A of the Reserve Bank Act as read together with Section 2 of the Exchange Control Regulations.
</blockquote>
Biti submitted that innocent citizens are being criminalised as a result of the mismanagement and mishandling of the economy by the authorities. He said:
<blockquote>
Chekure is fully and gainfully employed at the City of Harare… his entire salary is paid in RTGS or ZiG yet his obligations are monetised in US dollars.
For instance, he rents a house in Glenview 7 where he has to pay rent in the sum of US$ 120.00.
The school fees of his child are required in US dollars.
He does not own a car and riding an omnibus to and from home requires payment in US dollars in the sum of US$ 3.00 per day.
The accused therefore transacted to obtain US dollars for his survival.
The State and the country’s laws are thus criminalising the innocent activities of the accused and millions of other Zimbabweans who are in exactly his position.
</blockquote>
Biti also argued that USD was not readily available in banks, with only a few privileged powerful people able to purchase US dollars at the Dutch Auction system until recently. He said:
<blockquote>
There was no provision for ordinary citizens such as the appellant to purchase US dollars.
It is thus ridiculous that the Government creates a situation where the economy is dollarized, businesses and the Government itself demand payment in US dollars yet citizens are paid in a local currency that Government itself and businesses refuse.
The appellant is not a criminal and should therefore be released on bail.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Suspected Money Changer Challenges Prosecution, Argues USD Is Not Foreign Currency In Zimbabwe

Former Harare East Member of Parliament, Tendai Biti, has announced that he is temporarily stepping away from politics, despite earlier reports indicating that he was expected to assume the role of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president in rotation with the current leader, Welshman Ncube and Lynette Karenyi Kore.
Speaking on HSTV’s #FreeTalk show recently, Biti, said he had withdrawn from politics to focus on other spaces but will remain driven to attain democratic change in Zimbabwe. He said (<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025449/biti-dumps-welshmans-ccc">via NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
Everyone has a constitutional right to control his own affairs, at the present moment and time as Tendai Biti, I have taken a time out in certain spaces and political spaces.
</blockquote>
Following Nelson Chamisa’s announcement that he had quit CCC, Jacob Mafume, who claims to be CCC’s spokesperson, announced that they had held a meeting which agreed to make Biti, Ncube and Kore rotational leaders.
However, Biti said he was not aware of the meeting referred to by Mafume. He said:
<blockquote>
I am not sure of the meeting you are referring to, I am not aware of the meeting that made me a rotational president.
</blockquote>
Biti also denied accusations that he had betrayed “the struggle” and was working with ZANU PF to undermine the opposition.
The accusations arose after he failed to condemn Sengezo Tshabangu, who recalled several CCC legislators and councillors after the general elections held in August 2023. Biti said:
<blockquote>
As an individual, I occupy spaces, I am a lawyer, and I am doing what I have been doing in the courts, with my strategic litigation.
I am busy writing, I think we are going to produce a book before the end of the year on unpacking liberation movements and so forth.
But as an individual I am also entitled to rest, to have a sabbatical and so forth. So I am in that mode of complete, I don’t want to say isolation, complete time out if you like, but I still remain driven, by the fact that we must have democratic change in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
The former Finance Minister urged Zimbabweans to collectively stand up for their rights and stop the entrenchment of authoritarian rule and corruption by the ruling party. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t see agency and urgency, we have normalised the abnormal. We accept madness; they come up with a new currency it’s business as usual.
They come up with a mad budget it’s business as usual. They distribute vehicles like confetti, it’s business as usual. They speak of a third term, it’s business as usual. It’s not good enough so I don’t see urgency, I don’t see agency.
Collectively, I don’t want to speak about political parties or individuals, I want to speak about our collective responsibility as citizens, we must provide the agency and the urgency.
</blockquote>
Biti, however, promised to make a comeback before 2028 when Zimbabwean is scheduled to hold its next general elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tendai Biti Temporarily Stepping Away From Politics

Prominent Zimbabwean opposition politician Tendai Biti warned South Africans to use their votes wisely on May 29 to prevent South Africa from going the same way as other regional countries ruled by liberation movements, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/biti-urges-sa-voters-to-stop-slide-towards-a-zimbabwe-style-failed-state/">reported ZimLive</a>.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, Angola, Botswana, and Mozambique, are governed by former liberation movements.
Speaking at the Daily Maverick’s Gathering Twenty 2024 in Cape Town on Thursday, Biti, a former MP for Harare East, asserted that all six former liberation movements in Southern Africa share a common ethos: an unwavering focus on power rather than the development of their nations and citizens.
He warned that unless the governing party in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) transformed itself, it was in danger of dying the way the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the independence movement of Zambia and KANU, the independence movement of Kenya, had died. Biti said:
<blockquote>
The liberation movement that fails to transform, the liberation movement that fails to democratise itself… atrophies, it disappears.
And I think you are seeing slowly here in South Africa the withering of the liberation movement.
</blockquote>
Biti noted the decline in ANC electoral support from the high levels under Mandela to May 2024, when “if they get 40% or 44%, they would have done very well.” He added:
<blockquote>
So the acceleration of South Africa towards a state of state failure is beholding and bewildering to many Africans who live north of the Limpopo because of the huge vast resources that your country has.
But the story of South Africa is a story that has been narrated and lived in much of Africa, where it’s been characteristic of state failure, of pseudo-elections, the ritual of elections that are held every five years.
</blockquote>
Biti said liberation movements were concerned with power for power’s sake instead of power to develop the economy.
He said due to their failure to enact meaningful transformation and create employment opportunities, these former liberation movements have fallen into a regressive pattern of entitlement.
They now adhere to a culture that asserts, “We deserve tenders and substantial contracts because we were the liberators.”
Biti claimed that in Zimbabwe, one could not get a job or a contract in the public service unless one had participated in the liberation struggle.
In all these countries, there was a rule of law for others and a rule by law — or impunity — for the leaders. He said:
<blockquote>
Firstly is the weaponisation of poverty, the weaponisation of harm.
Sixty-nine per cent of the poorest people in South Africa vote for the ANC.
In Zimbabwe, where I come from, the ruling party finds dominance in the rural areas where poverty is the order of the day.
So poverty is weaponised. Ignorance is weaponised.
</blockquote>
Biti said in Zimbabwe the constitution was no more than a worthless piece of paper.
In contrast, he commended South Africa’s judiciary for upholding its constitution, saying the courts in South Africa have played a crucial role in safeguarding constitutional principles and rights.
The CCC official noted that in regional countries where liberation movements were in control, citizens bear some responsibility for state failure.
However, in South Africa, he emphasized that citizens still have hope, but they must actively participate to reclaim control of their future.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Biti Urges South African Voters To Prevent A Zimbabwe-style Failed State

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) vice president Tendai Biti has filed an appeal at the High Court challenging his recent conviction and sentence, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/former-finance-minister-biti-appeals-against-assault-conviction-sentencing/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Biti was recently convicted of verbally assaulting a Russian national, Tatiana Aleshina by Harare magistrate, Vongai Guwuriro Muchuchuti after a full trial.
He was given a wholly suspended six-month prison sentence and also ordered to pay a US$300 fine.
Biti also apologised to Aleshina stating that he never meant to hurt her.
He, however, insisted on his innocence arguing that allegations against him were not criminal and should have been warned and cautioned. Reads part of his notice of appeal:
<blockquote>
The court a quo grossly misdirected itself in convicting the appellant on a charge which was invalid regard being had to the definition of assault in section 88 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) more particularly in that a charge of assault by word or gesture had been outlawed by Section 88 of the Act.
The court a quo also grossly erred and misdirected itself in convicting the appellant of assault as defined in section 89(1) (b) of the Act when the section is unlawful and invalid it being couched in too wide, vague and unclear and impressible language and there being no limits to what words or gestures are prohibited so as to constitute an offence…
The court a quo erred and misdirected itself in imposing on the appellant a fine of US$300 in a matter that was de minimus and in which the appellant should have been cautioned and discharged.
In the circumstances, the sentence ought to be quashed and set aside.
Second alternative; the accused be and is hereby found not guilty and acquitted.
</blockquote>
Biti is also asking that should his conviction be upheld, the High Court should order him to pay a fine of US$100 or Zimbabwe dollar equivalent.
The matter is yet to be heard.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Biti Appeals Against Verbal Assault Conviction, Sentencing

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti was on Tuesday given a wholly suspended six-month prison sentence and also ordered to pay a US$300 fine by Harare magistrate Vongai Guwuriro Muchuchuti following his conviction the previous day for verbal assault.
Biti (56), was on trial for calling a Russian national, Tatiana Aleshina “stupid” while leaving court in November 2020.
The former Harare East MP made the jibe after Aleshina had stood up from the public gallery to object to Biti’s line of argument in a criminal matter involving her boss Ken Sharpe, a controversial property tycoon.
Biti’s lawyer Alec Muchadehama told reporters they were “extremely disappointed but not surprised” with the court’s verdict. He said:
<blockquote>
We are going to appeal both the conviction and sentence. By tomorrow (Wednesday) the appeal will have been filed.
</blockquote>
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed Biti’s sentencing in a statement. It said:
<blockquote>
Tendai Luxton Biti who was convicted at the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon has been sentenced.
The court has ordered him to pay a fine of USD300 forthwith. If he fails to pay the fine he will serve 6 months imprisonment.
A further 6 months have been wholly suspended on condition that the accused person does not commit a similar offence within 5 years.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/tendai-biti-escapes-jail-over-stupid-jibe-at-woman-who-interrupted-court-hearing/">ZimLive</a>, Aleshina arrived in Zimbabwe in 1997. Her sister, Joanna, is married to Ken Sharpe.
Sharpe sparred with Biti in court in 2020 after the lawyer accused him of corruption in his acquisitions of vast tracts of land in Harare.
Commenting on Biti’s conviction and sentence, opposition politician David Coltart, who is also Bulawayo Mayor, said:
<blockquote>
Let us be clear about one thing – the conviction and sentencing of Tendai Biti is not an indication that gender-based violence is being adequately addressed in Zimbabwe.
This was a political trial against a senior opposition politician accused of verbally assaulting a woman. Other senior government politicians have never been tried for far worse allegations.
Some have allegedly been responsible for women suffering major physical injuries including the loss of limbs.
Nothing has ever been done to bring those politicians to justice – indeed the courts have even facilitated some of these gross violations of rights.
</blockquote>
Journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono accused the ZANU PF-led government of abusing courts to persecute political opponents. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
The ridiculous conviction of Tendai Biti in the magistrate’s court by Vongai Guwuriro shows how far the ZANU PF regime is prepared to embarrassingly go in punishing its political adversaries using captured courts.
Unfortunately, this won’t end with Tendai Biti alone, anyone who is perceived to be a critic or political opponent of the regime will be punished using these political courts when the chance arises.
As Tendai Biti is sentenced today after FOUR years of going to court for this case, he should be prepared for anything because this regime hates him deeply, he could be sent to jail for supposedly calling someone stupid.
That is how low the bar has sunk in Zimbabwe after this regime took away any pretence of having a professional judiciary which rules based on the law, instead of being used as a persecution chamber for those opposed to ZANU PF corrupt rule and ZANU PF surrogates!
The use of the judiciary for political purposes undermines the rule of law and democracy.
Today it is Tendai, tomorrow it could be you!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Biti Fined US$300 For Calling A Russian Woman "Stupid Idiot"

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has been found guilty of verbally assaulting a Russian national and investor Tatiana Aleshina in 2020.
Biti, who is a lawyer by profession and an opposition politician, was convicted after a full trial.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/former-finance-minister-biti-convicted-for-assaulting-foreign-investor/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Biti denied the allegations arguing that the charge against him did not form a criminal offence.
Biti’s prosecution followed an incident at the Harare Magistrates Court, where there was an exchange of words between him and Aleshina.
Aleshina said she was about to leave the court gallery after the court session where she was one of the witnesses in criminal cases when she was assaulted by Biti. In her complaint, Aleshina said:
<blockquote>
While attending to these matters at Harare Magistrates’ Court, I and my colleague at Pokugara Properties (Private) Limited have been victims of Mr Biti’s unsolicited verbal abuse and assaults which amount to gross professional misconduct.
It was clear to all people who were in the court gallery that Mr Biti took delight not only in verbally abusing me but in trying to intimidate me and felt that, as a woman and foreigner of Russian origins, I was a nonentity to him and that he would use every extrajudicial means to crush me or harm or destroy me for daring to be a witness in the criminal matter against his client.
I strongly feel Mr Biti also violated my rights as a woman by trying to show his man power over me by swearing and shouting at me in a way which clearly made me less human thereby humiliating me. His conduct in pointing against my face was a clear act of verbal assault.
</blockquote>
In convicting Biti, Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti said that people cannot be allowed to call each other “idiots” and go scot-free. She said:
<blockquote>
What remains critical is that she went to receive medication. She was prescribed some medication although she refused to be admitted.
It is not in dispute that the accused and complainant had a verbal altercation on the day in question and the accused called the complainant a stupid idiot.
All the witnesses except the doctor have confirmed that the incident occurred.
The evidence that clearly stands out is that the accused pointed a finger at the complainant.
The State has managed to prove that the accused uttered the words which the accused confirmed himself.
All the witnesses are credible witnesses and the court has no reason to doubt their testimonies.
The evidence of all the state witnesses cannot be said to be worthless as alleged by the accused.
For those reasons, I find the accused person guilty.
</blockquote>
Biti is set to be sentenced at 10 AM on Tuesday and could be sentenced to a fine or up to 10 years or both.
His lawyer, Alec Muchadehama, said that they will appeal his conviction.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Biti Found Guilty Of Assault, He Called A Russian Citizen "Stupid Idiot"

Senior officials of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) held a meeting on Sunday 28 January 2024 to address the leadership crisis that has worsened since the departure of Nelson Chamisa, the former leader. According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022432/ccc-to-name-chamisa-replacement-tuesday">NewsDay</a>, the party is set to announce Chamisa’s replacement on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. During the crisis meeting, Nqobizitha Mlilo was appointed as the new party spokesperson, with Caston Matewu and Discent Bajila as his deputies.

<ul>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/29/nelson-chamisa-wont-form-a-new-political-party-after-leaving-ccc/">Nelson Chamisa Won’t Form A New Political Party After Leaving CCC</a></li>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/25/chamisa-i-no-longer-have-anything-to-do-with-ccc/">Chamisa: I No Longer Have Anything To Do With CCC</a></li>
</ul>
Chamisa left the main opposition in Zimbabwe, alleging that the party had been infiltrated and hijacked by the ruling ZANU PF and its allies within the CCC. Some CCC Members of Parliament and councillors have also left in support of Chamisa, who is reportedly establishing a new political group.
<h3>Rumours and more rumours</h3>
Karenyi Kore, Tendai Biti, and Welshman Ncube are considered the top contenders for the leadership position in the CCC. They were all elected as VPs by the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/27/mdc-congress-results-the-winners/">Gweru Congress of 2019.</a>
Meanwhile, there are reports that the party’s disputed interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, has reactivated the 2019 MDC Gweru Congress structures. However, Promise Mkwananzi, who has been the party’s spokesperson since August 2023, dismissed these reports and stated that the party would provide an official announcement.
Additionally, an unverified letter suggests that the party has decided to appoint Mkwananzi as the acting president until an elective congress is held within the CCC. The letter read:
<blockquote>
<h3>RE: NOTIFICATION OF ACTING PRESIDENT AND CHANNEL OF CORRESPONDENCE</h3>
Following the resignation of our President Advocate Nelson Chamisa, this letter serves to notify you that the party has resolved that party spokesperson Mr Promise Mkwananzi takes charge of the party on an acting capacity until the conduction of congress in due course. This is a position agreed to by all key organs of the party. Accordingly, your esteemed offices are kindly requested to make all correspondence with and from the party through Mr Promise Mkwananzi. Looking forward to a cordial working relationship.
Yours faithfully
Promise Mkwananzi
National Spokesperson &amp; A/President“
</blockquote>
Mkwananzi has not dissociated himself from the letter.
Former Information Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo commented on the situation, stating that the circus surrounding Mkwananzi’s claim as Chamisa’s successor reflects more on Chamisa himself and his attempts to create political distractions. Mkwananzi is known to be a close and trusted ally of Chamisa. He previously held the position of President of the Zimbabwe National Student Union (ZINASU) from 2006 to 2007. However, during his time as a student leader, Mkwananzi was expelled from the University of Zimbabwe. Mkwananzi greatly admires Nelson Chamisa whom he idolises.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Leadership Crisis: CCC Officials Meet To Address Chamisa's Departure, Set To Announce Replacement

The President of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a>, has reportedly fired the Mayor of Harare, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume/">Jacob Mafume</a>, and six other councillors. They have been expelled from the party because they aligned themselves with disputed party interim Secretary General <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> and caused chaos within the party.
Mafume’s removal comes shortly after he was re-elected as Harare Mayor. There were allegations that he convinced Tshabangu to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/09/tshabangu-strikes-again-recalls-harare-mayor-ian-makone-deputy-7-more-councillors/">recall the previous mayors</a> – Ian Makone, and Lovejoy Chitegu – so that he could regain his position. Mafume reportedly demanded that councillors vote for him, claiming that he had control over their continued stay in office.
It is alleged that Mafume was hurt by Chamisa’s decision not to support <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/21/jacob-mafume-bounces-back-as-harare-mayor/">Mafume’s re-election</a>. Mafume had hoped for a second term as mayor after completing the term of former Harare Mayor, Herbert Gomba. An anonymous source told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chamisa-fires-harare-mayor-mafume-six-other-councillors-for-scheming-with-tshabangu/">The NewsHawks</a>:
<blockquote>
Mafume has been fired for his role in destabilising the party.
He has been fired alongside six other Councillors from across the country. Expect more of these decisions as the party has been observing and now knows those against its agenda.
</blockquote>
The other six councillors who were allegedly fired are Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu from Bulawayo, Mayor Sophia Gwasira and Deputy Mayor Cloud Nengomasha from Mutare, and two unnamed councillors from Marondera and Harare.
Tshabangu, a former MDC provincial youth chairperson and member of the MDC-N, has been causing turmoil within the CCC by recalling Members of Parliament and councillors. He claims the recalls are necessary to address irregularities and disrespect for party processes. He claims that the recalled individuals ceased to be CCC members and that they had been imposed on the electorate by Nelson Chamisa.
Some believe that CCC’s former deputy president, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti/">Tendai Biti,</a> has been influencing these expulsions due to his resentment towards Chamisa. Biti reportedly wants to ensure the downfall of the CCC. Mafume has a history of supporting Biti, as he previously joined Biti’s People Democratic Party after a disagreement with the late Morgan Tsvangirai, a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">Biti denied the allegations</a> saying although he differs with Chamisa’s way of doing things, he would never go as far as giving ZANU PF an advantage on any platform.
It remains to be seen whether the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission will recognize these expulsions, as previous letters signed by Chamisa were ignored by Parliament, despite being acknowledged.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Chamisa Has Reportedly Fired Harare Mayor Mafume And 6 Others

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is alleging that two of its councillors, Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu, were recalled by the ruling party, ZANU PF, with the assistance of imposters within the CCC. The recalls were orchestrated by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the CCC’s interim secretary general. However, senior party leaders, including Nelson Chamisa, dispute Tshabangu’s claims stating that the secretary general position does not exist. They believe Tshabangu is colluding with ZANU PF to weaken the CCC and remove elected officials aligned with Chamisa.
Tshabangu has denied these allegations, asserting that the recalled individuals had ceased to be members of the party and were imposed on the electorate by Chamisa during the August 2023 general election. He also dared recalled MPs to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/22/prove-i-am-not-ccc-interim-secretary-general-tshabangu-dares-recalled-mps/">prove that he was not the party’s interim secretary general.</a> He claims to have an <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/22/tshabangu-declares-chamisa-is-not-allowed-to-use-his-face-outside-ccc-even-if-he-forms-a-new-party/">affidavit which proves that he was appointed the interim secretary general</a> of the party. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the CCC party said:
<blockquote>
Zanu PF and its imposters, who show no regard for the will of the citizens and their struggles under the Harare regime, unlawfully recalled Councilors Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu. This was done because they had been elected as mayors of the city of Harare.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/09/ccc-says-recall-of-harare-mayor-ian-makone-city-councillors-invalid/">The recall of Makone</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/14/tshabangu-recalls-harare-mayor-lovejoy-chitengu/">Chitengu</a> has resulted in Jacob Mafume, a member of the CCC, being elected as the new mayor of Harare. But the party did not congratulate him suggesting its disapproval of Mafume’s election. Some CCC officials claim that Mafume has been collaborating with Tshabangu to destabilize the party. They allege that since Tshabangu and Mafume previously worked together in the Tendai Biti-led PDP party before it merged with other parties to form the MDC Alliance, Tshabangu is recalling CCC officials in an endeavour to reinstate former PDP members to influential positions within the CCC.
They say the alleged alliance between Tshabangu and ZANU PF will result in the ruling party gaining a majority in Parliament and influence in local government authorities. Tshabangu has denied all of these allegations.
Divisions within the CCC began before the August elections when the party implemented a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">strategy called “strategic ambiguity”</a>, which <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/22/ccc-constitution-proves-that-has-never-been-the-interim-secretary-general-lawyer/">concentrated power in the hands of Nelson Chamisa</a>, the party’s president. This strategy faced opposition from some senior party officials such as Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, and Chalton Hwende. The party claimed that this strategy was adopted to prevent infiltration by ZANU PF and security service agents.
In response to a follower’s comment about sellouts within the CCC, Chamisa stated that they deliberately delayed allocating positions to sift out the greedy individuals. He expressed a desire for genuine and committed members, adding that the power-hungry will be exposed in the long run. He said:
<blockquote>
Regai (nyoka) dzibude pachena, tisvike takachena! Ndizvo muchiona takanonoka kuti tipanane zvigaro. Taida venyota yesimba nemakaro ezvigaro vabude pachena. Masiriri anonetsa kuchengetedza unoona pasi patota nehavi!!! 
</blockquote>
The only publicly known positions within the party are President and Spokesperson. Biti and Ncube used to hold interim vice president positions, but it appears that these positions were abolished before the elections. Chalton Hwende served as the secretary general, but that position was also abolished.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZANU PF And Its Imposters Recalled Councilors Makone And Chitengu - CCC

Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament (MP), Chalton Hwende, has urged Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the main opposition in Zimbabwe, to engage in a conversation with Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, and Job Sikhala, senior officials of the party.
This comes amidst reports of tensions between Chamisa and the rest, who are dissatisfied with his leadership style. They claim he disregards constitutionalism, the rule of law, transparency, openness, and collective leadership. Furthermore, they accuse him of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/28/biti-accuses-chamisa-of-creating-a-parody-account-to-attack-him/">employing social media trolls to spread false narratives about them</a>, aiming to oust them from the party.

<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/28/biti-accuses-chamisa-of-creating-a-parody-account-to-attack-him/">Biti Accuses Chamisa Of Creating A Parody Account To Attack Him</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/16/welshman-ncube-suggests-chamisa-is-pushing-others-out-of-the-party/">Welshman Ncube Suggests Chamisa Is Pushing “Others Out Of The Party”</a></li>
</ol>
On the other hand, these officials are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">accused of collaborating with the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general</a> of the party, Sengezo Tshabangu, to recall CCC Members of Parliament and councillors. However, they deny these allegations. Hwende, who is also accused of working with Tshabangu, emphasises the importance of unity within the party, acknowledging that while Chamisa is the best candidate to challenge the ruling ZANU PF party, cohesion is crucial. He said:
<blockquote>
President Chamisa is the best foot forward to remove ZANU PF. Anyone who thinks otherwise is making a mistake. He represents the millions who have a national grievance with ZANU PF. He needs a conversation with Hon Biti , Hon Job Sikhala and Hon Ncube. They must work together and jointly must broaden their alliance to include key opposition and civic society leaders. We need a broad based democratic movement behind Nelson Chamisa to win against ZANU.
</blockquote>
Hwende is not the first senior official in the CCC to express concern over the divisions between Chamisa, Biti, and Ncube. Recently, former Education minister David Coltart also <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/17/biti-chamisa-ncube-have-shown-over-decades-their-commitment-to-a-democratic-zimbabwe-coltart/">voiced disappointment in the reported disagreements</a> among these “trusted friends”. Coltart believes that despite facing challenges, these individuals have consistently shown their commitment to a free and democratic Zimbabwe. He emphasised that the only ones benefiting from the current divisions are the ruling ZANU PF party and corrupt leaders. Coltart called for remembrance of their dedicated work and hoped it would restore their relationships, enabling them to work together towards their shared goals since the formation of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MDC/">MDC in September 1999.</a>
Tensions arose before the August 23-24, 2023 elections in Zimbabwe. Some leaders, including Biti, were unhappy with the “Bereka Mwana” process used to select the party’s candidates for the elections. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">They had concerns about the party’s identity, structure, strategy, and procedures.</a> Chamisa, in an attempt to outsmart the ruling ZANU PF party, adopted a strategy of “Strategic Ambiguity” that involved keeping things secret. However, this strategy resulted in a lack of clear structures within the party, with more power centralised around Chamisa.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Hwende: Chamisa Needs A Conversation With Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala, Welshman Ncube

David Coltart, a former Minister of Education in Zimbabwe, has expressed his disappointment at the reported divisions among Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti, and Welshman Ncube. Coltart believes that these three individuals, whom he refers to as “trusted friends”, have consistently demonstrated their commitment to a free and democratic Zimbabwe throughout the years, despite facing numerous challenges. In a recent post seen by Pindula News, Coltart, who now serves as the Mayor of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, stated that he firmly believes that his colleagues still possess a burning desire to liberate Zimbabwe from tyranny. He said on X:
<blockquote>
It is disheartening, to say the least, witnessing the debate swirling around my friends @nelsonchamisa @Tbiti_campaign @Welshman_Ncube. Each one of these fine men is a trusted friend who has shown over decades his individual commitment to a free and democratic #Zimbabwe. The only ones benefiting from the current rancour are ZANU PF and corrupt tyrants. Inevitably after many years of struggle against a brutal, cunning regime, which is not bound by truth or common decency, emotions become frayed. That is further exacerbated by agent provocateurs whose role is to sow division. 
</blockquote>
Coltart called upon everyone to remember the dedicated work that each of these men has contributed. He expressed his belief that none of them have changed their desire to rid Zimbabwe of tyranny. Coltart hopes that this remembrance will serve as the seed that restores relationships between Chamisa, Biti, and Ncube, enabling them to work together to accomplish the goals they set in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MDC/">September 1999 when MDC was formed.</a>
<h3>Some Context:</h3>
There have been reports circulating on social media that Biti and Ncube, who have openly expressed their disagreement with Chamisa’s methods, are behind the recalls of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs and councillors. These recalls were initiated by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary general. Tshabangu argues that the recalled members no longer belong to the party and were imposed on the electorate by Chamisa.
Both Biti and Ncube have vehemently denied these allegations. Biti stated that although he disagrees with Chamisa, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">he will not act in a way that advantages ZANU PF</a>. He said recently:
<blockquote>
I am a democrat who believes in constitutionalism, the rule of law, transparency, openness and collective leadership.
I can never compromise on these core values.
However, no dispute nor differences is ever sufficient to place one at the service of Zanu PF.
</blockquote>
Some speculate that Tshabangu has formed an alliance with ZANU PF, and the recalls are a deliberate attempt to secure a two-thirds majority for the ruling party in Parliament. Ncube believes the “cyberbullying” he and others are getting is one of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/16/welshman-ncube-suggests-chamisa-is-pushing-others-out-of-the-party/">Chamisa’s methods of pushing other party members out.</a>
The disagreements in the opposition party became clear in the runup to the 23-24 August 2023 harmonised elections. Biti and others were against Chamisa’s “strategic ambiguity”, and party’s identity, structural, strategic and procedural polity.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

"Biti, Chamisa, Ncube Have Shown Over Decades Their Commitment To A Democratic Zimbabwe" - Coltart

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, says the 2024 National Budget shows that the Government oblivious to the structural challenges facing the economy. <a href="https://x.com/BitiTendai/status/1730466254387822823?s=20">Biti posted on X</a>:
<blockquote>
The just presented 2024 Budget is a shocking parody of fascism, extraction, dishonesty, incompetence &amp; downright narcissism.
The 2024 Budget reflects a regime totally oblivious to the structural challenges facing the economy, the plight of the ordinary citizen, and the myriad issues affecting business.
The Budget betrays a lack of respect for economic fundamentals &amp; as a result, its prescriptions are a disastrous panoply of cruel extractive illegal if not unconstitutional measures.
This a budget that reflects a regime with total contempt for its subjects. The imposition of a massive array of taxes on a population mulcted by poverty and social challenges is reflective of this anti-citizen polity.
The increase in toll gate charges, passport fees, duty on soft drinks, vehicle registration, and fuel levy is narcissistic &amp; unnecessary.
The proposed Government takeover of Third Party insurance is clearly unconstitutional &amp; zany. The massive removal of VAT zero rating on all goods except exports &amp; medicines will hurt the poor &amp; elderly as will the removal of duty suspension on basic goods.
The powers given to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority of temporarily shutting down businesses, seizing storage devices, raiding custody vaults at Banks, seizure of goods, and seizure of digital data, without due process are fascist &amp; unconstitutional. These measures can’t stand legal scrutiny.
The introduction of a 1 % tax on people’s homes above $100 000 is another ill-thought measure that will hurt innocent homeowners &amp; struggling working people. After all, capital gains, rates &amp; stamp duties are already being paid by homeowners.
Structurally, the Budget is technically unsound. Failure to express the same in USD makes the same lose any decency or credibility.
Further, the budget grossly hides the huge budget deficit created in 2023 which will be reflected in a condonation Bill that will come 2 years from now.
The Budget fails to address the exchange rate mess thus guaranteeing the continued existence of exchange rate arbitrage &amp; hyperinflation.
It fails to give relief to working people &amp; punishes the same through a vast array of punitive revenue measures. It will be a long winter of suffering.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"A Long Winter Of Suffering", Tendai Biti Comments On 2024 National Budget

Tendai Biti, the vice president of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), accused party president Nelson Chamisa of creating fake social media accounts to attack him.
This comes after a parody account linked him to Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general. There are allegations of internal division within the opposition party, with some senior officials including Biti, Welshman Ncube, and Chalton Hwende being accused of being “sell-outs.”
Biti spoke exclusively to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020183/biti-in-rare-chamisa-attack">NewsDay</a> after a post by a parody account in Sengezo Tshabangu’s name claimed that he and Tshabangu had met to discuss important matters concerning the party. The former Finance Minister is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
I’m not interested. That account must be parody account that was created by Chamisa and his team. Just check it. I have not met Tshabangu and let me repeat that I am not interested.
</blockquote>
Biti also told <a href="https://x.com/NewsHawksLive/status/1729125438457307172?s=20">The NewsHawks</a> that he hasn’t met Tshabangu in a long time and has not had a meal at Monomotapa Hotel in 20 years. Said Biti:
<blockquote>
That’s false and malicious. I haven’t seen Tshabangu for a long time and haven’t eaten at Crowne Plaza for 20 years now!
</blockquote>
Biti reiterated that he has nothing to do with the issue of recalls which have resulted in the expulsion of scores of CCC elected representatives in parliament and municipalities.
The tweet by the parody account claimed that Tshabangu had met Biti at a top hotel in Harare. The account claimed:
<blockquote>
Just after my interview on ZBC, I had dinner with one of our decorated change champions and learned man Hon Biti at Crowne Plaza, as he is a victim of dictatorship, we deliberated on pertinent issues that will add value to our struggle for democracy, transparency and constitutionalism.
</blockquote>
Tshabangu’s spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni also disowned the account saying it was fake. Phugeni said:
<blockquote>
I would think it’s a fake account.
</blockquote>
The recent development occurred when Harare councillor Denford Ngadziore prevented former mayor Jacob Mafume from attending a councillors’ caucus meeting at the Town House. This happened before the election of Lovejoy Chitengu as mayor, following the recall of Ian Makone by Sengezo Tshabangu.
Mafume who is considered Biti’s ally is reportedly concerned for his safety after receiving threats. He stated that he did nothing wrong and expressed regret over the events that took place during the caucus meetings. Mafume added:
<blockquote>
We are ready for service delivery of the residents and council if asked to do so. So, my conscience is clear even during the period when l was mayor.
I wronged no one except those who want to take Harare. What happened at caucus meeting stays at the caucus meeting.
</blockquote>
According to reports, Eric Murai, the provincial taskforce chairperson for Harare, and Matsunga Machuma forced their way into the chambers to ensure that councillors voted as directed by Nelson Chamisa. Murai and Machuma allegedly asked the councillors to show their ballots before casting their votes. When asked for comment, Denford Ngadziore could not confirm or deny the scuffle that took place. He spoke to NewsDay:
<blockquote>
l do not want to comment because it was an internal issue.
</blockquote>
Chitengu stated that he cannot comment on the matter at this time.
The divisions within the party became apparent just before the August 2023 elections when there were accusations that Chamisa was imposing candidates in certain areas. These divisions became more noticeable after the elections when Sengezo Tshabangu began recalling CCC Parliamentarians and councillors whom he believed were imposed on the voters and were no longer party members. Some party leaders, including Chamisa, suspect that Tshabangu is not acting alone, leading to speculation that Biti may be involved due to his opposition to Chamisa’s strategies.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Biti Accuses Chamisa Of Creating A Parody Account To Attack Him

Tendai Biti, a senior official in the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has responded to allegations of colluding with the ZANU PF regime and Sengezo Tshabangu to recall CCC officials from Parliament and local authorities.
The former Finance Minister expressed shock and sadness at “false” labels and recalls of elected representatives. Biti emphasised his commitment to the struggle for democracy and stated that he would never be part of weakening it. Biti affirmed his dedication to democratic values and transparency. His statement reads:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe at a crossroads
Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. The weight of a stolen election, unprecedented corruption and the looting of public assets sits heavy on the shoulders of Zimbabweans who want and deserve better.
The environment in the world right now is toxic. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have pushed Zimbabwe to the bottom of the world’s attention calendar. This has allowed the vampire state here to carry out brazen election fraud. Not satisfied, the regime is now engaged in a malicious push to weaken our struggle, the progressive movement, through the illegal recall of elected public representatives. 
It is therefore shocking to hear, and read, a daily stream of abusive, malicious and defamatory claims that Professor Welshman Ncube and I, are colluding with the regime and its proxies to append a struggle that have occupied and consumed all our adult lives.
I do not speak for Prof Ncube, an honest and decent comrade who buried his dear mother on Friday, but as someone who has been in this struggle for as long as I have, one who has endured Zanu PF’s jails and physical attacks by the same, it is heartbreaking, if not tragic, that many Cdes that have been with us on this journey are now given false labels and badges, Zanu PF wish they had coined first.
I don’t believe in recalls. I have never been part of recalls. I will never be part of recalls.
In my life, I have been recalled twice in 2015 and in 2021 through the pernicious use of section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. I know the pain of a recall. My family knows the pain of a recall. The people of Harare East know the pain a recall. With other MPs, such as Temba Mliswa, we unsuccessfully fought for the removal and repeal of section 129(1)(k).
Like most Zimbabweans, I only get to read about the patently illegal recalls by Mr. Tshabangu in the newspapers.
Given what I and my family have given to this struggle, it saddens me that I have to state publicly that I will never be part of a project to weaken the democratic struggle in Zimbabwe. I have been imprisoned and tortured for the change we all seek, and I have stood firm. I have never worked for Zanu PF, and I will die before I lend my hand to the illegitimate Zanu PF regime.
I had hoped to be a Member of Parliament. I have my reservations about the process that prevented this happening. I have my challenges and reservations about our identity, structural, strategic and procedural polity.
I am a democrat who believes in constitutionalism, the rule of law, transparency, openness and collective leadership.
I can never compromise on these core values.
However, no dispute nor differences is ever sufficient to place one at the service of Zanu PF.
I have a daily job at my law practice and that’s where I have retreated to fight for Zimbabweans in that sphere of my influence. Additionally, I have progressive international engagements that require my full attention.
Fellow Zimbabweans, all this chatter and actions by the illegitimate regime and its proxies are an engineered distraction from the main prize: to free ourselves from this rapacious dictatorship. It has been a long and tortuous road; and victory is closer than the distance back to where we started.
Tendai Biti
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Biti Speaks On Strategic Ambiguity, Recalls And Failure To Be In Parliament

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has denied rumours of divisions within the party after some of its Members of Parliament and councillors were recalled.
The self-proclaimed party’s interim secretary general, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, recalled 15 MPs, councillors, and senators, amid claims that some senior party officials were behind the move. Names mentioned include <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti/">Tendai Biti</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Welshman_Ncube/">Welshman Ncube</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chalton_Hwende/">Chalton Hwende</a>. However, during a press conference, CCC’s deputy spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gift_Ostallos_Siziba/">Gift Ostallos Siziba</a>, along with the remaining MPs, downplayed any signs of disagreement within the opposition party. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ccc-downplays-chamisa-biti-fallout-says-contradictions-are-common-in-organisations/">NewZimbabwe</a> quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
There is no organisation without contradictions in this world. We have had debates in the party on which colour we should use. If you report that a certain leader had a different view on the colour which to use then you want to say there are fissures.
There are no fissures, there are no contradictions, we are a democratic party, we have discourse and we defeat each other at the level of superior logic. Our difference with our opponents is that we do not criminalise holding a different view.
</blockquote>
There are signs of internal conflict within CCC following the disputed August elections, with reports of senior members expressing dissatisfaction. Tshabangu has suggested returning to the leadership structure from 2019 when the party was known as MDC Alliance, which would restore some senior members. Hwende, Biti, and Ncube held positions such as Secretary General and Vice President at that time but lost their roles after the 2023 elections, becoming “ordinary” party members. Siziba added:
<blockquote>
This thing you are seeing is a Zanu PF issue, Zanu PF attacking the authentic opposition. All signs are clear CCC defeated Zanu PF in this election. We reject the election results because we are very clear that it’s not only a CCC issue.
</blockquote>
Siziba claimed that CCC is being targeted and punished because they defeated ZANU PF in the 23-24 August harmonised elections. The party claims that its leader, Nelson Chamisa, defeated ZANU PF presidential candidate, President Emmerson Mnangagwa but the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) connived with ZANU PF to overturn the CCC victory.
Siziba believes that the recalls are part of a deliberate plan by ZANU PF to destroy the genuine opposition in the country. He, however, emphasised that CCC will not accept this and will stay focused on its goal of attaining political power and governing in a different way. He believes that those in power do not want leaders who bring about positive change.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a>

There Are No Fissures, No Contradictions In CCC - Siziba

Former Harare East MP Tendai Biti (CCC) has distanced himself from an announcement by the party’s self-proclaimed Interim Secretary General <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> that he (Biti) has taken over as co-president of the party alongside Welshman Ncube.
Tshabangu on Tuesday, 10 October issued a statement in which he said CCC president Nelson Chamisa has been expelled from the party.
He said Chamisa had been dismissed from the party for embezzlement of party funds, personalisation of the party, collaboration with ZANU PF and former ZANU PF members, and the imposition of candidates resulting in the loss of some constituencies and wards throughout the country, among other charges. Tshabangu added:
<blockquote>
With Immediate effect, Professor Welshman Ncube and Advocate Tendai Biti are acting presidents until the party convenes an Extraordinary Congress on the dates to be advised and all official communication will be coming from the interim Secretary General’s Office.
</blockquote>
However, posting on X, Biti said he was not the president of any party and demanded that his privacy and dignity should be respected. He said:
<blockquote>
I am not the President of any political party. I refuse to be drawn into this mess. May my privacy and dignity be respected.
</blockquote>
Biti and Tshabangu were among MDC members who broke away from the party after the 2014 elective congress to form the <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/People%27s_Democratic_Party">People’s Democratic Party (PDP)</a>.
PDP was officially launched on 11 September 2015 at its first congress. In 2017 the party joined the MDC-Alliance to form a united front to contest the 2018 elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"I'm Not President Of Any Political Party", Biti Responds To Tshabangu

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti said that Zimbabweans now face another five years of “frightening” grinding poverty, corruption and underdevelopment after ZANU PF won the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
ZANU PF candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa won 52.6% of the votes cast thereby avoiding a run-off.
Biti has implored SADC to ensure that it finds lasting solutions to Zimbabwe’s perennial problems after the regional body condemned the manner in which the 23 to 24 August elections were conducted. <a href="https://twitter.com/BitiTendai/status/1695740830063993324?s=20">Said Biti</a>:
<blockquote>
It’s “de javu” once more. Another contested and bitter election. A ritualistic process rejected even by the pro-status regional body SADC.
To Zimbabweans, it is a prospect of a further 5 years of attrition, poverty, extraction, corruption and underdevelopment that is most frightening.
Zimbabweans deserve better. They deserve a time-out from 44 years of banditry. The hope now is for the regional body to accept its report and realize that the Zimbabwean crisis requires external agency in pursuit of a lasting solution. Flawed processes produce illegitimate outcomes.
</blockquote>
The country’s main opposition party, CCC, has rejected the presidential election results, insisting that it won but its victory was “stolen”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans Face Another Five Years Of "Frightening" Poverty, Corruption - Biti

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime is even more detrimental to political freedoms than that of former leader Robert Mugabe. Biti’s comments come after the tragic murder of Tinashe Edson Chitsunge, a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), by supporters of the ruling ZANU PF party in Glen Norah on August 4, 2023.
Biti, who is currently an MP for the CCC, claimed that his party has faced significant restrictions in conducting its election campaign. He stated that since January 2023, 63 of their rallies have been banned, and they have been unable to hold any meetings or rallies this year. Even attempts to hold meetings in private residences have resulted in arrests. While some level of mobilization is possible in urban areas, rural areas present significant challenges. Reflecting on the political situation in Zimbabwe, Biti said:
<blockquote>
At least 63 of our rallies have been banned from January 2023 to now. We have not been able to hold any single rally or meeting this year. Even those who have attempted to hold meetings in their houses have been arrested. In urban areas we can mobilise to some extent but in rural areas we cannot.
 We lived during Mugabe’s time, and we thought it was bad, but I think I owe him an apology. This regime is worse.
</blockquote>
Under Mnangagwa’s rule, concerns regarding political repression and corruption have persisted. Mnangagwa, who was once a close associate of Mugabe, has been accused of violating the law and undermining independent institutions to maintain his hold on power.
According to the CCC deputy spokesperson, Ostallos Siziba, the opposition party is currently unable to hold meetings in urban areas or rural areas due to restrictions imposed by the ruling ZANU-PF party. He said ZANU-PF has declared rural areas as off-limits for the opposition. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa had intended to campaign in rural areas to gain support from ZANU-PF strongholds. the party has a rally at Sakubva, Mutare this Sunday.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Biti Says Mnangagwa's Regime Is Worse Than Mugabe's

Harare East MP, Tendai Biti (CCC), has described the voters’ roll availed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as a “crime scene” demanding an urgent national audit by all political parties.
Biti said the current voters’ roll cannot be used to conduct a credible election.
He was commenting on a tweet by Team Pachedu, who had alleged that there are more than 10 000 national identity numbers (IDs) on the 2023 voters’ roll that were previously used by completely different people during the 2002-2008 elections. <a href="https://twitter.com/BitiTendai/status/1683481144547844096?s=20">Said Biti</a>:
<blockquote>
The current voters’ roll is not fit for a burial society election. It is a crime scene.
There must be an urgent national audit of this roll signed off by all political parties.
Zimbabwe cannot be led into an occult travesty masquerading as an election. 23 August must be a real election.
</blockquote>
Some CCC candidates recently claimed that the voters’ roll is not searchable nor analysable saying it is in small font and in PDF format which does not allow a comprehensive search.
However, ZEC chief elections officer Utloile Silaigwana said that the voters’ roll met the provision of the Electoral Act and was searchable and analysable.
He said the Electoral Act “permits the commission to format the voters’ roll to prevent it from being altered or tampered with”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Current Voters' Roll A "Crime Scene", Says Biti

Tinashe Muyambo, the group chief executive at Masawara, one of Zimbabwe’s largest insurance industry players, has called for measures to be put in place to protect pensions and prevent a repeat of the losses experienced a decade ago, as 356 055 policies lapsed in late 2022.
Speaking at the 2023 Zimbabwe Independent Insurance Survey and Awards, Muyambo stressed the need for insurers and pension funds to “ring-fence” savings and protect them from shocks that could potentially harm the volatile economy. This would involve protecting savings from losses incurred by riskier operations. Muyambo emphasised the urgency of implementing such measures to regain confidence in the sector, which has been dented by policyholders sitting on the fence. He said:
<blockquote>
 If we are serious (about) the insurance industry underpinning growth in this market, how can we ring-fence this industry from fluctuations?
How can you do it in a manner that is actionable? . This conversation not only needs to happen, but needs to be executed as quickly as possible because 2030 is not far and if we want to get there, we need to start picking up the pace on some of these matters.
</blockquote>
Tinashe Muyambo was referring to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 roadmap, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
Following the loss of savings in 2009, the government commissioned a commission of inquiry, led by Justice George Smith, which found that US$5.86 billion worth of pensions had been lost. The commission recommended that the sector compensate victims, but insurers and pension funds have struggled with compensation. Last year, the government called on parliament to pass legislation to put the recommendations into action.
Former finance minister Tendai Biti, who oversaw Treasury during the insurance policy conversions in 2009, has criticized insurers for being reluctant to redeem pensioners. He urged the Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, to urgently enact a law that puts into effect the recommendations of the Justice Smith Commission of Inquiry and compensates pensioners who lost their US dollar savings. Biti emphasised that the recommendations need to be implemented immediately to restore confidence in Zimbabwe’s insurance and pensions sectors. Muyambo, in turn, stressed the urgency of implementing measures to protect pensions and build investor confidence in the sector. He added:
<blockquote>
A stable political and economic environment that fosters investor confidence and encourages growth; efficient regulation and supervision to ensure financial stability and protect consumers and innovative products and services that meet the needs of consumers and businesses.
</blockquote>
According to the survey, the insurance and pensions industry in Zimbabwe requires greater support for its development, given the expected continuation of the depreciation of the local currency. The survey predicts that the country will continue to experience foreign inflation spill-overs throughout 2023, with a sharp increase in food prices already feeding into domestic consumer prices. Unplanned government expenditures as the country moves into electioneering mode are also expected to drive an increase in the Zimbabwean dollar money supply, which may lead to a rapid deterioration of the exchange rate in 2023. It further reads:
<blockquote>
Waning confidence in the local unit will also trigger full dollarisation as the general population will regard monetary amounts not in terms of the local currency but in terms of a more stable foreign currency. There is also evidence that most prices are being quoted in US dollars while most households and individuals prefer to keep wealth in non-monetary assets (real estate and commodities) or in a relatively stable foreign currency.
</blockquote>
In April, an Insurance and Pensions Commission report said 356 055 policies lapsed during the final quarter of last year, as markets struggled to keep pace with a deteriorating economic crisis.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Increased Calls For Safeguarding Pensions In Insurance Industry As 356k Policies Lapse

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe owes more than $4 billion to banks and companies, including commodities giant Trafigura Group and South African Airways, for fuel, corn, and other goods and services.
Private credit has saved Zimbabwe’s economy from total collapse, according to John Mangudya, the central bank’s governor. He told Bloomberg:
<blockquote>
The creditors were supplying Zimbabwe in good faith, supplying things like fuel in advance, which was consumed by Zimbabweans. It’s only right that the country repays.
</blockquote>
Trafigura is Zimbabwe’s second-largest private creditor, owed $66 million, behind Holbud, which is owed $85 million. SAA is owed $61 million for airline services. Mangudya expects the recent appreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar against the greenback to continue, which should alleviate pricing pressures.
John Mangudya expects the recent appreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar against the US dollar to continue, which he believes will alleviate pricing pressures. He also expects to see negative month-on-month inflation in July.
The central bank’s quasi-fiscal activities have been criticised by the International Monetary Fund, which has urged authorities to end them. Zimbabwe cannot access credit from international financial institutions as it is already $17 billion in arrears. Zimbabwe’s Treasury plans to seek lawmaker approval to assume the central bank’s external obligations.
Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti is also on record criticising the central government for off-budget spending such as subsidies, loan guarantees, and tax exemptions, as well as the accumulation of off-budget debts or other financial obligations and sidelining of Parliament in key economic policy decisions. Biti argues that laws affecting the economy have mostly been made through Statutory Instruments and the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act, bypassing the role of Parliament. He argues that Parliament should take back its powers to act on policies that affect the economy to prevent negative consequences for millions of people, particularly pensioners. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindul News</a></h3>

Reserve Bank Of Zimbabwe Owes Over $4bn For Goods And Services

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti says the move by the decision by Treasury to withdraw operating licences from 17 pharmacies that were caught red-handed using exorbitant exchange rates is illegal and irrational.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development issued a statement saying 17 pharmacies across the country that were using exchange rates ranging from ZWL$8 500 to ZWL$11 000 will lose their licences.
Posting on Twitter, Biti it is unlawful for the Government to take such drastic action without following due process. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The attack on retailers, including the withdrawal of some pharmacy licenses is blatantly illegal, puerile, and irrational.
For starters, as a question of law, no adverse decision can be taken against any party without due process and respect for the right to be heard.  What lawyers call the audi alteram principle codified in section 68 of the Zim constitution.
As an economic measure, we have always argued that “ginyanomics “ does not and can not work. Retailers are subject to market exigencies and in a cash economy, they will always possess huge amounts of cash.
That on its own is no basis for their criminalization. In dominated social formations such as Zim, a rogue State enacts laws &amp; policies that invariably criminalize innocent rational behavior.
This regime is rogue &amp; clueless. It is currently intoxicated by the myth that the Zim $ is holding. The truth of the matter is that cleaning up all RTGS$ in the economy and thus starving the economy of liquidity is not sustainable.
It is an ephemeral measure that will be exposed once the printing press begins to run to finance insatiable fiscal demands.
We have been here before. This economy can not be turned around by patchwork or kick-and-hope economics.
Real structural reform is required, which includes enacting laws to limit government borrowing, central bank reform, dollarization, scrapping the auction, and gold coins, scrapping export surrender requirements, addressing corruption and illicit financial flows, paying pensioners &amp; civil servants in US$, floating the Zim$.
The truth is these reforms are beyond #ZANU. An exhausted ruling elite bereft of desire or capacity to transform Zim.
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The Zimbabwe dollar has been on a positive trajectory on both the official foreign exchange market as well as the black market over the past few weeks.
On Friday, 14 July, the local currency moved to ZWL$4883.8208 per US$1 on the Wholesale Foreign Exchange Auction.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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