LOCAL NEWS

Political Reporter

In a powerful and assertive address at the 78^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Emmerson Mnangagwa called upon the global community to recognize the detrimental effects of using sanctions as a foreign policy instrument.

The President condemned the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and said they hampered global solidarity.

"We further condemn the use of unilateral and illegal sanctions as a foreign policy tool at the disposal of some powerful nations, such as those sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and countries like Cuba. Such actions hamper the trust, global solidarity, and multilateralism we desire," President Mnangagwa emphasized.

The President pointed out that these punitive measures have undermined global unity and hampered international cooperation. He urged nations to move beyond such divisive tactics and work collaboratively for a better world.

"Zimbabwe has been under illegal, unilateral economic sanctions for 23 years, imposed by some Western countries. These sanctions were designed to subjugate the sovereign will of the Zimbabwean people. We, therefore, demand that the unjustified unilateral sanctions be unconditionally lifted, including those imposed on countries like Cuba. We remain grateful for the support and solidarity of progressive countries in the community of nations," added President Mnangagwa.

While acknowledging the challenges brought about by these sanctions, President Mnangagwa proudly remarked on the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Zimbabwean people.

"In spite of these debilitating sanctions, the people of Zimbabwe have become masters of their own destiny," he declared.

Concluding his address, President Mnangagwa extended an invitation to global partners and investors to collaborate with Zimbabwe, albeit on the country's terms.

"Partners and investors are welcome, guided by our own vision and national priority areas," he stated.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa affirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to fostering international cooperation while ensuring that the nation's sovereignty and priorities are respected.

As the President's address echoed through the hall, it became clear that Zimbabwe, while seeking global collaboration, remains steadfast in its demand for the recognition of its rights, autonomy, and the immediate removal of unjust sanctions.

Political Reporter

Addressing delegates at the 78^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Emmerson Mnangagwa made an impassioned plea for global peace.

In a high-level dialogue focused on the pressing challenges of financing for development, President Mnangagwa expressed concern over the surging public debt witnessed in recent years. He attributed this rise to a myriad of global shocks including the devastating effects of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, various conflicts, and the fluctuation in commodity prices, to name a few.

Speaking to this publication political analyst, Eldred Masunungure, commended President Mnangagwa for raising awareness on these critical issues at the UNGA.

"President Mnangagwa has rightly highlighted the pressing challenges raising awareness on critical issues. He highlighted pressing issues of financing for development, especially in light of the global economic shocks we are currently facing. It is important for us to have a global dialogue on these issues and to find innovative solutions to address them,” said Masunungure.

Another political analyst, Richard Mahomva praised President Mnangagwa for his commitment to sound debt management practices.

"President Mnangagwa has made it clear that his administration is committed to managing Zimbabwe's debt responsibly. This is a welcome development, as it is essential for the country to achieve long-term economic growth and prosperity,” said Mahomva.

Mahomva also commended President Mnangagwa for his efforts to engage with international financial institutions and development partners.

"President Mnangagwa is taking the right steps to secure the necessary financing to support Zimbabwe's development agenda. It is important for the country to have a strong relationship with international financial institutions and development partners, as they can play a vital role in supporting Zimbabwe's economic recovery," said Mahomva.

Additionally, in addition to the issues of debt sustainability and strengthening the global financial safety net, President Mnangagwa also spoke about the need to lift illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and other countries. Political analyst, Terrence Chipwanya, echoed President Mnangagwa's call for the lifting of illegal sanctions and also commended him for his participation at the UNGA.

"President Mnangagwa's participation at the UNGA is an important opportunity for Zimbabwe to raise its voice on the imposed illegal sanctions on the global stage and to engage with other countries on issues of mutual interest. I am confident that President Mnangagwa's participation will be beneficial to Zimbabwe," said Chipwanya.

According to a source who confided in this publication, a number of Kasukuwere sympathisers are now in the process of writing apology letters for the possibility of readmission into the ZANU PF Party.

“Kasukuwere sympathisers such as Jim Kunaka and Cadwell Katandika have resolved to write letters of apology to ZANU PF and seek readmission. They have come to a conclusion that it is difficult to fight ZANU PF, referring it to an elephant, which is impossible to push. Hence, they have decided to re-join ZANU PF and work under the ruling Party,” said the source.

The source added that besides letters of apology, Cadwell and Kunaka were also drafting congratulatory messages to President Mnangagwa on his 23 August 2023 electoral victory.

“Cadwell and Kunaka, are also in the process of writing congratulatory letters to President Mnangagwa on his recent electoral victory so that they can be forgiven and pardoned and allowed back into the system,” said the source.

The same source added that Kasukuwere is also being urged to desist from criticising Government and President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his X social media account so that he can also be pardoned and return back home.

Additionally according to source, Godfrey Tsenengamu who was Kasukuwere’s the national coordinator during the latter’s failed Presidential bid, has also toned down on his criticism of President Mnangagwa on X, which the source interpreted as a sign that he may also be considering re-joining the party.

Efforts to contact Kasukuwere spokesperson, Jacqueline Sande were futile as she was not reachable.

Speaking to this publication today, a close ally of Chamisa revealed that the latter expressed concern over the direct confrontation he was being subjected to by some of his party members who are questioning the selection process of mayors and local Government committee members.

“All is not well in the CCC party, as Chamisa fears en masse defections from his party to Zanu PF.  This follows his direct involvement with the selection of mayors and local Government committee members. His continued imposition of candidates has made him very unpopular and he is aware of that. Last week Chamisa called me and indicated that he might lose a sizeable number his party members to defection.

“He highlighted that some party members were confronting him over the mayoral selection process. He said party members are questioning his decision to personally pinpoint mayoral candidates.” said Chamisa`s ally.

Meanwhile, political analyst, James Mapfumo has condemned Chamisa for his dictatorial tendencies indicating that CCC members are more likely to defect to Zanu PF, a party that is identified for its strong internal democracy.

“I understand CCC members who want to defect to Zanu PF, Chamisa has done nothing, but reveal his dictatorial tendencies at the beginning of the just ended Harmonised General Elections, something that has irked the CCC members. The pull factor to Zanu PF is because the ruling Party continues to exhibit firm democratic processes in all its endeavors. It held primaries to select its candidates unlike the one man band that was seen in the CCC camp. This managed to gives Zanu PF members a say on who would represents them. People want their voices to be heard.

“In contrast, CCC has no formal system of internal democracy. Chamisa is running the party in an authoritarian manner, with little consultation with other party members. His decision to impose mayors and local government committee members without consulting the party's rank and file has further reinforced this perception,” said Mapfumo.

Mapfumo further highlighted that the CCC mayoral candidate selection process has already started fermenting divisions within that party.  

“Chamisa's decisions to single handedly pick Mayoral candidates is undemocratic and will only serve to further divide that party. That move will cost him dearly, as it is likely to alienate some members of the party causing them to defect to Zanu PF,” said the Mapfumo.

Meanwhile, the CCC election of the Victoria Falls Mayor and Deputy failed to take place on Tuesday afternoon after a group of local residents disrupted the process. The incensed residents accused Chamisa of imposing candidates. Chamisa preferred councillor, Ephias Mambume of Ward 1, which was against the will of the Victoria Falls residents.

Staff Reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa now fears losing his party members to Zanu PF, as a result of leadership wrangles within that party, Harare Post has learnt.

Speaking to this publication today, a close ally of Chamisa revealed that the latter expressed concern over the direct confrontation he was being subjected to by some of his party members who are questioning the selection process of mayors and local Government committee members.

“All is not well in the CCC party, as Chamisa fears en masse defections from his party to Zanu PF.  This follows his direct involvement with the selection of mayors and local Government committee members. His continued imposition of candidates has made him very unpopular and he is aware of that. Last week Chamisa called me and indicated that he might lose a sizeable number his party members to defection.

“He highlighted that some party members were confronting him over the mayoral selection process. He said party members are questioning his decision to personally pinpoint mayoral candidates.” said Chamisa`s ally.

Meanwhile, political analyst, James Mapfumo has condemned Chamisa for his dictatorial tendencies indicating that CCC members are more likely to defect to Zanu PF, a party that is identified for its strong internal democracy.

“I understand CCC members who want to defect to Zanu PF, Chamisa has done nothing, but reveal his dictatorial tendencies at the beginning of the just ended Harmonised General Elections, something that has irked the CCC members. The pull factor to Zanu PF is because the ruling Party continues to exhibit firm democratic processes in all its endeavors. It held primaries to select its candidates unlike the one man band that was seen in the CCC camp. This managed to gives Zanu PF members a say on who would represents them. People want their voices to be heard.

“In contrast, CCC has no formal system of internal democracy. Chamisa is running the party in an authoritarian manner, with little consultation with other party members. His decision to impose mayors and local government committee members without consulting the party's rank and file has further reinforced this perception,” said Mapfumo.

Mapfumo further highlighted that the CCC mayoral candidate selection process has already started fermenting divisions within that party.  

“Chamisa's decisions to single handedly pick Mayoral candidates is undemocratic and will only serve to further divide that party. That move will cost him dearly, as it is likely to alienate some members of the party causing them to defect to Zanu PF,” said the Mapfumo.

Meanwhile, the CCC election of the Victoria Falls Mayor and Deputy failed to take place on Tuesday afternoon after a group of local residents disrupted the process. The incensed residents accused Chamisa of imposing candidates. Chamisa preferred councillor, Ephias Mambume of Ward 1, which was against the will of the Victoria Falls residents.

Staff Reporter

Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa participated in a high-level dialogue focused on the pressing challenges of financing for development.

Following the notification by the European Union (EU) over its suspension of support to the ZEC based on the preliminary reports that were given by SADC and EU Election Observer Mission (EUEEOM), political analyst, Terrence Chapwanya stated that the suspension is an indication of strings attached to the donor funds which seek to control an independent constitutional body.

“ZEC is an independent constitutional body and should never accept foreign funding as this is an inadmissible use of donors to indirectly influence the country’s electoral outcome.” Chapwanya said.

Another political analyst, Kudakwashe Sachi said that ZEC is an independent body which is guided on the concept of independence and in a nutshell the constitution stipulates that ZEC shall not be under the direction or control of anyone.

“ZEC should stop accepting funding from donors since the funding is conditional and one-sided, the EU is now pulling out their funding because they failed to control the electoral dynamics in Zimbabwe.  The independence of ZEC as a constitutional body hit the EU like a ton of bricks, as their donation failed to skew ZEC to their desired outcome,” said Sachi.

Sachi went on to say that ZEC must be fully funded by the country’s treasury to avoid indirect attempts of influence from foreign funding.

“The EU’s action is tantamount to using the power of the Euro or the Dollar to compromise ZEC’s independence. Whether a constitutional or statutory body has not acted in accordance with the Constitution is a case for the country’s competent courts of law to determine; and not for anyone else, let alone a donor agency,” he said

Other analysts added that, for ZEC to secure their constitutional independence, and to safeguard Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, chapter 12 of the country’s Constitution, states that constitutional bodies must not accept any foreign funding in whatsoever form from any foreign source because, “ he who pays the piper calls the tune.”

Maria Makuvana, a resident from Budiriro hailed the development stating that the councils have been doing injustice to the urban dwellers by failing to deliver services.

"I am very happy to hear that the Government is taking action to deal with failing local authorities. Our urban councils have been doing a terrible job. They have not been collecting garbage, and water supply is erratic, we drive on potholed roads everyday incurring unnecessary suspension costs to our vehicles.

“I am hopeful that a commission will be able to improve our conditions," said Makuvana.

Another citizen Tracy Maphosa who is a resident in Kuwadzana highlighted that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party has failed to run its urban councils because it was more interested in playing politics than in delivering service to the people.

"The CCC has been running our councils to the ground. They are more interested in playing politics than in serving the people. The Government decision is the correct one if we are going to witness any form of development within the urban areas, and I am convinced that a commission will be able to do a better job," said Maphosa.

The move to replace incompetent councils with a commission was echoed by Harare Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Tafadzwa Muguti this week while he was superintending over mayoral elections at the Chitungwiza Municipality.  In his remarks Muguti said that the Government was concerned with the poor performance of some local authorities, particularly those controlled by the CCC. He said that these councils had failed to provide basic services to residents, such as water, sanitation, and refuse collection.

According to an inside source, CCC MPs are adamant about engaging with ZANU PF to secure roles in the new Government. The source revealed that the CCC representatives argue that there is no valid reason to exclude themselves from Government affairs, as ZANU PF is slated to rule for the next five years.

“CCC legislators and councillors believe that collaboration with ZANU PF is the key to effective governance during the next five years. To them, it seems counter-productive not to engage with the ruling party as they would also need to advocate for their constituents' interests from the same Government.

“They argue that isolating themselves from the ruling party is counter-productive. CCC representatives say there is no reason to exclude themselves from the new Government, they insist that their best foot forward would be to work with Zanu PF towards nation building,” revealed the source.

The source further disclosed that CCC MPs are actively pressuring Tendai Biti to engage with CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa to get an endorsement to their proposal. However, according to the source Biti expressed skepticism in engaging Chamisa due to his selective listening habit that makes him to listen more to western funders than to his close lieutenants.

“CCC Legislators and MPs are pressurizing Biti to convince Chamisa to engage ZANU PF as this can ensure their inclusion in the Government projects. While acknowledging the demand, Biti expressed concerns about the challenges of dealing with Chamisa. He pointed out that Chamisa often listens to external voices, primarily his financial backers, which can complicate decision-making. Nevertheless, Biti assured his fellow CCC members that he would do his best to persuade Chamisa to consider collaborating with ZANU PF,” said the source.

Meanwhile, leaked information within CCC suggest that Biti is contemplating a leadership change within that party.  Sources further indicated that Biti views Chamisa's leadership as weak and believes that a change in leadership may be necessary.

Innocent Mujeri

In a landmark address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the immediate lifting of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and Western nations.