National

Chamisa hits back at critics, defends approach to fighting Zimbabwe’s ruling party

Published

7 months ago

August 22, 2024

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has responded to criticism that he has failed to take decisive action against Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF government.

In a social media post, Chamisa defended his approach, emphasizing that the fight for change in Zimbabwe is a marathon, not a sprint.

Chamisa acknowledged the struggles and fatigue that come with fighting for justice, saying, “It has not been easy to stand for right, truth, and the authentic alternative. I can understand the struggle fatigue. It has been a long, rough, and tough journey.”

He also addressed criticisms that he has been too quiet on key issues, saying, “Some get genuinely tired, exhausted, and or get too old, yet can’t let go. Some are disappointed, depressed, and frustrated at the delay in quick results.”

Chamisa emphasized that the struggle for change is not a solo effort, saying, “Some are pretenders, infiltrators, and establishment collaborators who play for the other team. And they often shout and caricature the loudest.”

He concluded by affirming his commitment to the fight for a better Zimbabwe, saying, “Some fight to the bitter end! These few are in it for the long haul, for service and for Zimbabwe and its people. AND I am proud to belong to this category.”

Direct Quotes:

1. “It has not been easy to stand for right, truth, and the authentic alternative. I can understand the struggle fatigue. It has been a long, rough, and tough journey.”
2. “Some fall by the wayside, some go offside yet very few remain onside and inside!!”
3. “Some get genuinely tired, exhausted, and or get too old, yet can’t let go.”
4. “Some are disappointed, depressed, and frustrated at the delay in quick results.”
5. “Some may resort to finger-pointing and blame game as a post-election dissonance and frustration coping mechanism.”
6. “Some are pretenders, infiltrators, and establishment collaborators who play for the other team. And they often shout and caricature the loudest.”
7. “Some admire the opportunities offered by occupying office and being in government-as President, Minister, MPs, Councillors or public service.”
8. “Some are content with benefits and privileges of power and position as opposition for life.”
9. “Some are in it for survival and employment escaping poverty and never for service, change, and leaving a legacy.”
10. “Some seek short cuts decide that if we can’t beat them join them-so joining the gravy train becomes the easy answer!”
11. “Some choose to disengage and pursue personal goals, interests, and business as private citizens.”
12. “Some are perennial skeptics and perpetual cynics and armchair critics. The naysayers and doomsayers. These are a mortal danger to a people struggle for a better world.”
13. “Some fight to the bitter end! These few are in it for the long haul, for service and for Zimbabwe and its people. AND I am proud to belong to this category.”

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

2 weeks ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.

National

Retailers send Mnangagwa SOS as shops continue shutting down over operational woes

Published

2 months ago

January 27, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY ZIMLIVE

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has implored President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and save the sector which has seen various formal retail and wholesale businesses closing shop countrywide due to operational challenges.

In a statement on Sunday, CZR president Denford Mutashu said the continued closure of formal retail and wholesale businesses is a direct consequence of the tough economic environment that has consistently failed to support formalised sector players who face stiff competition from informal businesses and vendors the majority of whom have no tax obligations to deal with.

Mutashu said his association was concerned that authorities continue to downplay the crisis.

“The recent closure of several outlets under the N. Richards Group, coupled with Spar Zimbabwe’s painful decision to shut down Queensdale Spar, Choppies Zimbabwe’s exit from the market, and Mahommed Mussa’s significant reduction of shop space by 60%, highlights the growing crisis.

“As the representative association for these and other brands, CZR is alarmed that while formal businesses face enormous challenges, the authorities continue to present a different picture of the operating environment,” he said.

Given the situation, Mutashu said, only President Mnangagwa can rescue the troubled sector.

“CZR therefore calls for urgent intervention from His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to rescue what remains of the formalized retail and wholesale sector,” said Mutashu.

He said the sector was in urgent need of rescue.

“While CZR acknowledges the continued support from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, it is clear that the root causes of these challenges are fiscal and monetary in nature. These require urgent and decisive action to ensure the survival of formal businesses.

“CZR therefore appeals to the Presidium to prioritize interventions aimed at saving jobs and mitigating the ongoing wave of shop closures and retrenchments,” he said.