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JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023     ZW$3 000

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Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Highlights January 19, 2023
Market gainers Market losers Major currencies exchange rates

Markets Name
Seed Co
HIPPO
MSHL.
Price (ZW$)
118.4490
322.0500
96.6500
% Change
+15.00
+15.00
+14.99
Name
ASUN
Econet
OK Zim
Price (ZW$)
30.1519
136.0471
39.1772
% Change
-5.95
-1.58
-1.10
Symbol
USD/ZW$
Euro/ZW$
GBP/ZW$
Price

778.34
Change
721.02(bid) 742.98(ask)
802.12
889.02 916.69
%Change
738.41(ave)
790.23
902.86
ART. 18.0000 +12.50 TANG. 126.0004 -0.74 ZAR/ZW$ 0.02 0.0237 0.02335

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5 investors vie
for StanChart
TINASHE MAKICHI/SYDNEY KAWADZA

THE proposed takeover of Standard Char-

tered Bank Zimbabwe (StanChart), the
country’s oldest financial institution, has
moved a gear up after five prospective in-
vestors including local and regional entities
submitted their bids, the Zimbabwe Independ-
ent can reveal.
The London-headquartered bank an-
nounced on April 14 last year, that it would
leave Angola, Cameroon, Gambia, Sierra
Leone and Zimbabwe, as well as Jordan
and Lebanon in the Middle East.
In Tanzania and Ivory Coast, the group
announced that it would cut its business
back to just the corporate, commercial and
institutional banking (CCIB) functions.
The reason for the complete departure
(and scaling back) from these markets,
according to reports, was that StanChart
made up only 1% of its total income for
2021.
Standard Bank chief executive Bill Win-
ters in April last year said the financial
institution was sharpening its focus on the
most significant opportunities for growth
while also simplifying its business.
StanChart’s departure ends a 130-year
presence in Zimbabwe.
The development follows the 2017
Barclays Bank’s decision to pull out of
markets, including Zimbabwe, in which it
had operated for decades.
Meanwhile, the withdrawal, according to
StanChart, was intended to refocus its re-
sources in jurisdictions “where it can have
To Page 2

EU extends US$500m windfall to Zim

TINASHE KAIRIZA
THE EUROPEAN Investment Bank (EIB)
has channelled over US$500 million (€500
million) to fund Zimbabwe’s capital pro-
jects spelt out in the National Development
Strategy (NDS) while the bloc is committed
to boosting trade volumes if the southern
African country holds credible elections
this year.
This unfolds as President Emmerson
Mnangagwa’s administration is gearing up
to mend relations with the European Union
(EU) which largely turned frosty as a re-
sult of ruinous policies pursued by the late
long-time ruler, Robert Mugabe.
Over two decades ago, the EU slapped
Zimbabwe with sanctions in response to a
Council decision that Mugabe’s adminis-
tration was grossly violating human rights.
However, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe
Jobst von Kirchmann told the Independent
in a wide-ranging interview that the bloc’s
bank, which is the largest multilateral
lender in the world, is currently support-
ing the country’s capital-starved private
sector.
“In Europe, Zimbabwean companies
can easily sell any product fulfilling its in-
ternal market rules. In addition, as also
mentioned, together with the EU Member
States and the European Investment Bank
as “Team Europe”, we are currently ac-
companying the National Development
Strategy (NDS) with over €500 million in
ongoing projects.
“Finally, our bank is directly lending
to the private sector in this country, in
particular in the area of agriculture, and
To Page 2

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2 Zimbabwe independent JANUARY 20 to 26, 2023
Gun crime rattles security sector
FREEMAN MAKOPA
THE sudden spike in gun crimes across
the country has pushed the security sector
into panic with indications that police have
since flooded the streets with detectives
expected to sniff out menacing criminals.
The gruesome murder of a senior police
officer and two others in Hwedza recently
sent shockwaves across the security sector.
To punctuate the gravity of the shock,
panicky security chiefs deployed a mili-
tary chopper in rural Hwedza in search of
the menacing murder-accused ex-detec-
tive, Jaison Muvevi who allegedly shot and
killed three people before his foiled escape
into neighbouring Mozambique.
The death of a senior police officer trig-
gered Police Commissioner General God-
win Matanga to send a chilling warning that
the security and law enforcement agencies
were not going to hesitate to shoot to kill
in the event of a confrontation by deadly
criminals.
A spike in these gun crimes has also
implicated members of the police force,
military and other security agencies. Re-
cently, a policeman, Central Intelligence
Organisation(CIO) officer, an Air Force
member and seven other civilians were
arrested over a spate of robberies in which
they targeted truck drivers across the
country.
In the quest to sanitise the force inter-
nally, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
towards the end of last year instituted an
aggressive transfer of details across the
country following reports of rising indis-
cipline, incompetence and allegations of
EU extends US$500m
windfall to Zimbabwe
From Page 1
therefore contributing to the Zimbabwean
economy,” Kirchmann said.
With Zimbabwe holding a trade sway
with the bloc which ended with a surplus
of about US$290 million last year, the dip-
lomat said immense opportunities to boost
economic relations between Brussels and
Harare abound. Kirchmann highlighted
that Zimbabwe’s ability to stage free and
fair polls this year would unlock more eco-
nomic opportunities for the southern Afri-
can country’s fragile economy.
“Zimbabwe benefits from duty-free and
quota-free access to the market of the 27
countries of the European Union. We can
proudly acknowledge a total trade value
of almost US$700 million per year. This
places the European Union as the 4th over-
all trading partner with Zimbabwe. We are
the fourth biggest buyer from Zimbabwe
US$500 million and the third biggest seller
to the country (US$210 million),” he told
the Independent this week.
“We sincerely hope that the Zimbabwean
2023 elections will be peaceful, credible
and inclusive. Such a scenario would pro-
vide us with favourable conditions to fur-
ther advance in our bilateral cooperation,
and in particular to step up the Zimbabwe-
EU economic relations based on the trade
agreements…”
Kirchmann, who presented his creden-
tials to Mnangagwa in October last year
emphasised that a violent-free poll would
also foster stability, key towards attracting
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The EU envoy stressed that the bloc stood
“ready” to observe next year’s elections if
Harare extends an invitation to Brussels.
In that regard, Kirchmann added that the
27-member grouping has availed US$4,86
million (€4,5 million) to capacitate the
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) as it
prepares to hold this year’s watershed polls.
“Since last year, we have stated that the
EU is ready to deploy an Electoral Observa-
tion Mission (EOM) for the 2023 elections.
However, Zimbabwe is a sovereign country
and the EU will only deploy the mission if
the government officially invites us to do
so,” Kirchmann said.
LOCAL NEWS
Murder suspect ex-detective Jaison Muvevi
corruption within the force.
As part of measures to curb the ris-
ing gun crimes in the country, the police
have set up a team of detectives that will
descend on armed robberies reportedly
masterminded by soldiers and security
officers.
The year 2022 and a part of 2023 saw a
rising number of security forces (serving
and retired) being arraigned before the
courts charged with several criminal cases
some of which are of an aggravated nature.
National police spokesperson Assistant
Commissioner Paul Nyathi told the Inde-
pendent that they have intensified efforts
to crack down on armed robbers who are
wreaking havoc in various parts of the
“The EU has agreed with the government
on a Euro 4,5 Million support to Zec through
our partner the United Nations Develop-
ment Programme (UNDP). This will con-
tribute to providing the technical assistance
requested by ZEC to allow them to carry
out their Constitutional mandate in the best
possible way.”
Zimbabwe’s elections this year are wide-
ly expected to be a two-horse race pit-
ting Mnangagwa and Citizens Coalition for
Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa.
Mnangagwa’s contested razor-thin vic-
tory against Chamisa in 2018 was upheld
by the country’s Constitutional Court (Con-
court). As Harare and Brussels work to-
wards resetting relations, Kirchmann said
the EU was committed to building solid ties
with Zimbabwe.
“This interest in good relations is mutual.
I have only experienced a positive relation-
ship with Zimbabwe and we work closely
together daily. The EU would like to have a
constructive relationship with Zimbabwe.
“For the years to come, the EU would like
to enhance its relationship with Zimbabwe
as the respectful, honest partner we are.
This, of course, includes discussing areas
where we can easily reach an agreement
and implement action, as well as those ar-
eas on which we differ and we can hold rich
discussions, as real friends can do so,” the
envoy said.
Commenting on the fierce debate which
has erupted over the delimitation report
recently tabled in the House of Assembly
culminating in Parliamentarians urging Zec
to amend the document, Kirchmann indi-
cated: “The Zimbabwean Constitution regu-
lates the report…”
“I do not think it is for the EU to assess
our satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the
report.
“The Zimbabwean Constitution regulates
this report and I understand it is currently
under discussion among the national ac-
tors, as required,” he said.
Following his ascendancy to power in
2017 through a military-assisted transition
that ousted Mugabe, Mnangagwa’s admin-
istration has been frantically trying to mend
fractured relations with the EU.
country.
“We have teams of substantial officers
on the ground who are working to end rob-
beries and so far we have recovered stolen
loot and also vehicles which were bought
using proceeds from the stolen loot.
“We are working with security compa-
nies to install security devices and also the
judiciary to ensure that some of the cases
are dealt with and that the offenders will
not repeat offences. The law should take its
course and everyone needs to know that,”
Nyathi said.
In November last year, police deputy
commissioner Learn Ncube told a Security
Association of Zimbabwe breakfast meet-
ing that armed robbery cases had become
Five investors vie for StanChart
From Page 1
the greatest scale and growth potential”.
This saw the bank putting its Zimbabwean
banking operations for sale.
The Independent is reliably informed that
five investors have since submitted their
bids and the list will be whittled down to
three before a determination is made.
Other sources close to the developments
claimed that the number of bidders has
since been reduced to three.
Zimbabwe’s biggest bank on the bal-
ance sheet CBZ Holdings and FBC Holdings
are said to be among those that expressed
interest while FNB of South Africa also re-
portedly expressed interest. Another South
African bank Nedbank through its share-
holder, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, is also re-
portedly eyeing a piece of the cake, accord-
ing to sources.
A consortium representing Zimbabwean
entrepreneurs (names supplied) is on the
list of bidders.
In a brief response to inquiries from the
Independent, ShanChart Zimbabwe spokes-
person Lillian Hapanyengwi said the pro-
cess to identify potential buyers is ongoing.
“The process to identify potential buy-
ers is progressing well. We will update our
stakeholders once the process is conclud-
ed,” she said.
However, a well-placed source told the
Independent that the finalisation of the trans-
action could be delayed by the upcoming
general elections but confirmed bids from
the five bidders.
“Five investors submitted their bids and
they will eventually be shortlisted to three
before a winner is announced. Among the
five is a combination of two regional banks,
two local banks and then a consortium
led by former Old Mutual executives,” the
source said.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe chief executive
Sam Matsekete said the group will always
seek ways to serve its customers better and
create mutual futures for all stakeholders
“Old Mutual Zimbabwe as a business is
always seeking ways to serve our custom-
ers better and create mutual futures for all
our stakeholders. This includes seeking the
best investment opportunities in our local
market.
“We are however currently not engaged
in the negotiations you specifically refer to.
Any relevant developments in the Old Mu-
tual business are announced to stakehold-
a thorn in the flesh of the law enforcement
organ.
According to Ncube, cases of armed rob-
beries where firearms were used went up
by 15% to 1 043 between January and Oc-
tober 2022 compared to the same period in
2021.
He said cases of armed robbery where
other weapons were used went up 35 to 3
566 while plain robbery cases grew by 12%
to 3 933 during the period under review.
Armed robberies have been on the rise
amid indications some of the cases in-
volved serving and ex-members of the se-
curity forces.
In 2022, four armed robbers, including
a serving member of the Zimbabwe Re-
public Police, were killed in a shoot-out
after they robbed a Harare businessman of
US$10 000.
Members of the military were also ar-
rested in connection with the US$2,5 mil-
lion cash-in-transit heist near the Gwebi
River Bridge, which occurred early last
year.
In another incident, a serving police of-
ficer and an ex-member of the force were
part of the suspected notorious robber
Musa Taj Abdul’s gang. They were arrested
over a spate of high-profile robberies com-
mitted across the country.
Home Affairs minister Kazembe Ka-
zembe has since admitted before the Sen-
ate that serving and former police officers
and soldiers were involved in the majority
of armed robberies recorded throughout
the country.
He, however, said the cases had de-
creased as the suspects were being appre-
hended with some of them shot dead.
ers through the appropriate channels from
time to time,” Matsekete said.
CBZ denied having submitted a bid.
“We have not tendered a bid for Stan-
chart,” the bank said.
Questions sent to FBC and Old Mutual
were not responded to by the time of going
for print. The proposed exit by StanChart
from Zimbabwe has caused economic earth
tremors and thrown fiscal and monetary
authorities off-balance as the shocking
move signals the end of an era for corre-
spondent banking.
The implications, according to market
analysts, are overarching beyond job car-
nages and waning confidence in Zimba-
bwe’s systems. It has a ripple effect on the
clearance of United States dollar (USD)
transactions.
While there are other banks handling
correspondent banking for US dollar trans-
actions, Stanchart clears over 60% of forex
payments. Over the years, international
banks have been “de-risking” correspond-
ent banking relationships with local banks,
posing a significant risk to efforts to access
foreign lines of credit. Last year, bankers
complained about the impact of Western
sanctions on Zimbabwe, which has led to
the loss of more than 100 correspondent
banking relationships since the restrictions
were imposed at the turn of the century.
Zimbabwe Banks and Allied Workers
Union (Zibawu) assistant secretary-general
Shepherd Ngandu told the Independent there
were meetings lined up to have a clear un-
derstanding of the current situation with
regards to the takeover of Stanchart.
He said the trade union was also in the
process of engaging critical stakeholders
like the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)
and the Finance ministry to make sure the
interests of the employees are protected.
“We have meetings that are lined up
with the stakeholders. We were supposed
to have a meeting today (Thursday) with
the management of Stanchart. So far we
don’t know the position that is there until
we have that particular meeting.
“We are also going to meet the Finance
ministry and the RBZ to make sure the in-
terests of the employees are safeguarded.
We are also looking if there are possibili-
ties of having employee share ownership
schemes. As a trade union we are fully
seized with that particular matter,” Ngandu
said.
 Zimbabwe independent January 20 to 26, 2023 3

LOCAL NEWS

New portfolios spawn

SYDNEY KAWADZA

NEW battle lines have been drawn in

the ruling Zanu PF as factions within the
party start jostling for new portfolios an-

fresh Zanu PF fissures

nounced during politburo appointments
in December last year, the Zimbabwe Inde-
pendent can reveal.
Party leader President Emmerson
Mnangagwa tweaked politburo portfolios
while appointing members and creating
new positions.
The new portfolios announced by Contacted for comment, Mliswa dis- gible and if you are cautioned or repri- function.
Mnangagwa in December include eco- missed reports of a tiff with Masenda, manded, you must accept and agree that I “We should show the world that our
nomic affairs, business development, lo- including victimisation due to factional was wrong,” Mliswa said. systems — judiciary, security and laws
cal government and economic develop- fights within structures in the province. The provincial minister said she will not — are intact and they protect everyone in
ment and empowerment. “Should we be ignoring these issues or turn a blind eye to such serious allegations Zimbabwe,” she said.
The positions will cascade to all organs are we not supposed to reprimand youths as she protects the party. Masenda referred all inquiries to the
of the party with the latest battle fron- when they do something wrong? We ex- “People should see the good in Zanu ruling party leadership.
tiers reportedly fanning divisions within pect them to acknowledge when they are PF. But when such cases emerge, it is not Contacted for comment, Munyonga said
structures. wrong and seek forgiveness. good for the party. We should be seen tak- her portfolio did not allow her to discuss
Zanu PF has also been afflicted by “We are guided by the party constitu- ing the necessary measures and showing party issues with the media.
gross indiscipline among its structures, tion, principles and regulations. When people that we do not tolerate such activi- Chinamasa, who is the acting Zanu PF
especially in the youth league and party such issues arise, we do not work on friv- ties,” she said. national secretary for administration, re-
affiliates. olous allegations,” Mliswa said. Mliswa acknowledged receiving com- cently cautioned youths against abusing
A flurry of affiliates has emerged since She said politicians face a lot of allega- plaints against youth leaders. the party’s name.
the announcement of such groups as Eco- tions but the provincial leadership had “When foreigners are assaulted by our He was addressing a national youth
nomic Empowerment Group (EEG), Men- evidence against the duo. youths and we do not act then they might league executive council induction work-
BelievED, YoungWomen4ED, Nurses4ED, “We use evidence and when it’s tan- feel that our systems as a country do not shop held in Harare recently.
Teachers4ED and CivilServants4ED,
among hundreds of others.
The affiliates and other structures are
allegedly on a rampage due to severe in-
discipline and soiling the party’s name.
Secretary for finance Patrick China-
masa recently cautioned youths against
bringing the party’s name into disrepute. NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS
Meanwhile, factional fights and in-
discipline reportedly cost Mashonaland
West youth league chairperson Tapiwa No ce is hereby given that the 77th annual general mee ng of the members of CAFCA Limited will be at 12.00 noon on
Masenda who was suspended after a pro- Thursday 23 February 2023. The Company will hold a virtual mee ng, details of which will be communicated in due course.
vincial executive committee meeting last The agenda of the mee ng is set out below:-
weekend.
Masenda was barred from the party to- Ordinary Business
gether with provincial youth secretary for
administration Rudo Munyonga.
In a statement, the party’s provincial 1. To receive and consider the directors' report, audited financial statements and the report of the auditors for the
spokesperson Nigel Murambiwa said pro- year ended 30 September 2022.
hibition orders against Masenda and Mu- 2. To appoint Messrs Grant Thornton as auditors for the ensuing year. They have served as auditors for the Company
nyonga were issued “following several for 1 year.
allegations of misconduct levelled against
them”. 3. To approve the audit fees for the year.
“His actions as described by the pro- 4. To sanc on dividend of ZWL23.00 per share declared on 29 September 2022.
vincial secretary for security do not have 5. To approve the directors fees for the year.
a place in Zanu PF under the new dispen- 6. To re-elect as director Mr H.P Mkushi
sation,” Murambiwa said. 7. To re-elect as director Mr G.J.H Steyn
The youth leaders would be dragged
before a disciplinary hearing within a 8. To re-elect as director Mr T.Chigumbu
fortnight.
However, party sources within the pro- Notes:
vincial structures said Masunda’s suspen-
sion and possible ouster was part of un- 1. A member en tled to vote at the above mee ng may appoint one or more proxies as alterna ve or alternates to
ending factional battles.
“It’s a scheme to sideline him during a end the mee ng, to vote and speak in the member's stead.
the impending co-option of members
who will fill the newly created posts in all A proxy need not be a member.
Zanu PF organs. These new posts will cas-
cade down the structures, including prov- 2. Proxy forms must be lodged with the company secretary at least 48 hours before the commencement of the
inces, districts, cells and branches, so bat-
tle lines formed during the restructuring mee ng.
exercises have re-emerged,” the sources
said. 3. Details of the Virtual AGM will be sent by our transfer secretaries, First Transfer Secretaries (Pvt) Ltd through email
The factional battles, party sources said, to shareholders. Shareholders are advised to update their contact details with the transfer secretaries on the
were happening across Zimbabwe. following contacts:
Masenda is also reportedly not in good
books with provincial chairperson Mary
Mliswa and is associated with a faction First Transfer Secretaries (Private) Limited
that was opposed to her election to the
powerful provincial position. 1 Armagh Avenue,Eastlea,Harare :Telephone:+263 242 782 869/7 Email:info��s-net.com
“He is linked to a faction led by a po-
litburo member and a deputy minis-
ter (names supplied) who were against Shareholders are encouraged to preregister on the online portal that will be provided by the transfer secretaries and
Mliswa’s ascendance to the chairman- submit proxy form 48 hours before the mee ng. In order to ensure full considera ons and shareholders par cipa on, all
ship,” the sources added. queries/ques ons must be submi ed to theCompany and/or transfer secretaries at least 48 hours before the mee ng. All
Masenda was also reportedly leading the submi ed ques ons will be read out and answered during the mee ng by the Chairman and the Directors.
a rebellion against Mliswa using youth
league structures and some newly ap-
pointed Central Committee members. Please be advised that the 2022 Annual Report can be accessed on the company's website:www.cafca.co.zw.
However, other sources in the pro- Electronic copies of the 2022 Annual Report (which includes financial statements, Directors' and Auditors' Report)
vincial youth league said Masenda and shall be emailed to those shareholders whose email addresses are on record.
his “lieutenant” Munyonga were causing
havoc in the province. By order of board
Masenda has since been reported to the
police for assaulting a Chinese national in
Mhangura. C.Kangara
“Masenda is facing various criminal
cases including some reported in Harare.
He is facing several allegations including
extortion,” the sources said.
Masenda is also accused of using blue
lights and sirens on his vehicles. Company Secretary
“He is also notorious for refusing to pay 13 January 2022
toll fees although his party vehicle is not
exempted like government cars. He was Directors:
H.P . Mkushi (Chairman) R.N Webster (Managing) E.T.Z. Chidzonga T.Chigumbu
claiming benefits of government officials
or even ministers who are exempted from A.Mabena S.E Mangwengwende G.J.H Steyn T.A. Taylor
paying toll fees,” the sources said.
4 Zimbabwe independent January 20 to 26, 2023
Zec report: Mliswa blasts
parly ad hoc committee
SYDNEY KAWADZA
OUTSPOKEN independent Norton leg-
islator Temba Mliswa this week attacked
the composition of the Parliament ad hoc
committee analysing the preliminary de-
limitation exercise report cautioning on
possible legal pitfalls in the process.
He raised the query on Tuesday this
week shortly before the National Assem-
bly debated the ad hoc committee on the
Analysis of the Zimbabwe Electoral Com-
mission 2022 Preliminary Report on the
Delimitation Exercise.
The members of the committee include
Pupurai Togarepi (chair), Dexter Nduna,
Kenneth Musanhi, Tsitsi Muzenda, Chi-
do Madiwa, David Parirenyatwa, Musa
Ncube, Cuthbert Mpame, Chief Siatabwa
Siansali, Prince Sibanda, David Tekeshe,
Douglas Mwonzora and Anele Ndebele.
Togarepi lost his Gutu South constitu-
ency according to the delimitation re-
port, a situation that could have motivated
Mliswa’s concerns.
The committee said Zec had failed to
follow procedures including delimiting
ward boundaries below the maximum and
minimum thresholds.
Mliswa described the composition of
the Delimitation Committee as “quite dis-
appointing” as most of the members were
conflicted.
“Their constituencies are part of the
problem. So how can they represent the
nation when their constituencies are af-
fected?” Mliswa said.
He further argued that most Members
of Parliament were represented by their
chief whips who had the final say on
agreements.
“I am an independent member. So am
I supposed to agree to what they all agree
on without my input? If the law says so,
then I respect that.
“These are some of the issues Mr Speak-
er, Sir. We are fortunate that we have a
Speaker who is quite learned; a Speaker
who recently has been appointed to be the
legal secretary for the ruling party, which
is important, an advocate of note. In terms
of all these issues that I have spoken about,
from a legal point of view, is it proper to
continuously ignore that very same per-
son?” Mliswa questioned.
He further urged Parliament to make le-
gal consultations on the issue.
Speaker Jacob Mudenda dismissed
Mliswa’s argument saying he had resigned
from the Mines and Mineral Development
committee he once chaired.
“The Hon. Member should have predi-
Ema exonerates Chinese brick maker
ELMA ZHOYA
CHINESE brick manufacturer ZZBP has
brought cheer to communities around
Hwange following the commissioning of
its operations which have to date trans-
formed the area by providing employ-
ment and other benefits.
The company in a statement noted that
it was working in accordance with the
community and environmental manage-
ment regulations. This is in stark con-
trast to accusations that have been raised
against Chinese investments in the coun-
try. The brick manufacturer said besides
working with the community, they have
also addressed employment problems in
the community through creating 200 jobs
for the villagers.
“ZZBP is a joint-stock brick factory
which introduced Chinese equipment
and technology. After the plant was com-
pleted and put into production, it started
production in strict accordance with the
requirements of the community and en-
vironmental management departments.
“This has improved the people's stand-
ards of living and general well-being. The
LOCAL NEWS
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda
cated his observation on the historical
fact that at one point, material time, he
was chosen to be a chairman of a portfo-
lio committee where he excelled until he
found himself out of that chairmanship for
reasons best known to himself.
“So that historical fact must be taken
into account that it has been like this au-
gust House to extend the inclusivity of
Members of Parliament, including the
Independent and not only that but also
when we were discussing the welfare of
Members of Parliament,” Mudenda said.
“In the past, this House has taken into
account his potential for leading in the
committees of this House. Therefore, his
observation must be tainted with gra-
ciousness in terms of the historical fac-
tor. I am happy that in his presentation,
he indicated that in the future, a member
who is independent should be considered.
employment problem of 200 villagers has
been effectively solved. It has raised their
income and improved the living standards
of villagers,” ZZBP said.
Villagers, according to the company,
have also benefited from getting bricks in
their proximity at affordable prices.
“The plant also provides bricks for the
surrounding villagers for building their
houses. At the same time the produc-
tion process takes the semi-dry process,
eliminates the external discharge water
source, and effectively protects the over-
all environment,” ZZBP said.
The brick manufacturer further noted
that brick manufacturing facilities do not
use chemicals and their operations are
environmentally friendly.
Brick moulding regulations in Zimba-
bwe are governed by Statutory Instru-
ment 7 of 2007 (Environmental Impact
Assessment and Ecosystems Protection)
which states that clay brick moulding ac-
tivities require a licence.
Part of the licensing process is that the
client has to submit an Environmental
Management Plan (EMP) which compels
the client to rehabilitate the clay extrac-
Indeed, in the future, the member will
be considered as the member has been
considered in the past. So this House has
a very good track record in that regard,”
Mudenda said.
The Speaker said whatever a select
committee presents to Parliament is not a
fait accompli because it is open to debate.
“So there is no prejudice in terms of de-
bate on a report of a given committee in-
cluding the ad hoc committee. I am sure
the Hon. Member will have the opportu-
nity to debate accordingly in this House,”
he said.
Zec chairperson, Priscilla Chigumba in
December last year presented the pre-
liminary delimitation report to President
Mnangagwa. Parliament on Wednesday
this week adopted the ad hoc report com-
mittee which will be submitted to Mnan-
gagwa who will then send it back to Zec.
tion site before decommissioning the
project.
The Environmental Management Agen-
cy (Ema) in a written statement to the
Zimbabwe Independent exonerated ZZBP cit-
ing that the brick manufacturer was op-
erating within the confines of all environ-
mental guidelines.
“The company has rehabilitated all pre-
viously mined pits and currently has only
one active pit. The Agency inspects for
billing every quarter for every client or
project.
“Also, the Agency carries out inspec-
tions as and when a need arises, to keep
project development in check and ensure
implementation is done sustainably and
the environment is protected.
“The Agency is also calling on all project
developers to implement their projects as
per the guidelines of their Environmen-
tal and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
certification, and it remains a punishable
offence to implement a prescribed project
without an ESIA certificate. Every project
development should mainstream envi-
ronmental protection as a basis for sus-
tainable development,” Ema said.
Seed Co
chair's
US$2,3m
case finally
goes to trial
THE money laundering case where
prominent businessman and Seed Co
Zimbabwe chairperson Shongwe Michael
Ndoro is accusing his ex-co-director Star
Precious Ndoro of laundering US$2,3 mil-
lion has finally been given a trial date.
This comes after the businessman this
year raised a complaint against senior
public prosecutor Michael Reza over fail-
ure to furnish him with a trial date, in a
situation that triggered a conflict of inter-
est allegations against the top prosecutor.
In a letter dated January 4 2023, Ndoro
who is managing director of Interfruit
(Pvt) Ltd is accusing Star Precious Ndoro
of laundering US$2,3 million and also
facing 632 counts of theft of trust prop-
erty belonging to the company.
In a meeting recently, the prosecution
team indicated that the trial date had now
been set for January 30 2023.
“I have lost confidence in the pros-
ecutor’s office at Rotten Row Magistrate
Courts as they appear to be partisan in
their conduct and I believe that Reza’s
office is no longer independent. I kindly
request for a transfer of this matter to
any other independent and impartial
prosecutor at a similar level who can
deliberate on the matter without fear or
favour or any further delays.
“I find it inappropriate that Reza would
take a lackadaisical approach. This matter
has been sitting on his desk for at least
3 weeks now with NO action on his part
and now he is indicating he needs a fur-
ther week before any appropriate action
is taken, whilst the investigating officers
have completed their investigations,” the
letter by Ndoro against Reza reads.
Ndoro alleges that he reported the
matter in April 2019 and Reza requested
that a Forensic External Audit be carried
out.
According to the letter, this was com-
pleted in November 2022. On December
15 2022, Reza received the docket with all
the required documents.
On January 4 2023, Ndoro alleges that
Reza was still in possession of the docket
despite having promised earlier on that
he would assign his details to handle the
case.
Ndoro further claimed that he had not
seen the prosecutor to which his case has
been assigned because Reza indicated
that the assigned prosecutor has multiple
deaths in the family and will not be avail-
able for another week.
“This concerns us as it appears that the
assigned Prosecutor is the only individual
in the whole prosecutor’s office who can
work on this particular case,” reads the
letter.
In another case, Shongwe Ndoro who
is the founder and shareholder of Zo-
roro Energy Group is facing allegations of
forging the company’s registration docu-
ments in a bid to elbow out Star Precious
Ndoro from the directorship of the com-
pany and a trial date has been set for
February 1 2022.
Ndoro is expected to jointly appear
with Tunika Phaenah Mkhahanana, who
is facing similar accusations.
According to court documents, the
State claims that Star Precious Ndoro
is not the accuser in this case but the
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority
(Zera). However, there was no signed af-
fidavit from the energy regulator.
In fact, Star Precious Ndoro is the one
who reported the matter at Avondale po-
lice in February 2022 CR150/02/22 and
not Zera.
In addition, according to documents
seen by the Independent, Zororo Energy
physical records shows Ndoro and Mka-
hanana are directors and shareholders.
— Staff Writer.
 Zimbabwe independent JANUARY 20 to 26, 2023 5

LOCAL NEWS

Treasury owes ‘ID blitz’

TINASHE KAIRIZA

CASH-strapped Treasury has not yet paid

millions of dollars in allowances owed to
personnel engaged to carry out the intensive

staff millions of dollars

national documentation registration pro-
gramme last year, an important exercise to
the success of this year’s general elections,
the Zimbabwe Independent can reveal.
Battling to stave off mounting demands
to hike salaries by its restive workforce no-
tably teachers, nurses and doctors amid a ticipate in the polls. elections was equivalent to US$115 million. This publication also posed questions to
steep rise in the cost of living, Treasury last It (statement) further reads: “Civil Reg- At the end of the registration drive, the acting RG Henry Machiri which also drew
year also delayed disbursing allowances to istry conducted a national mobile registra- government department told the Independent blanks despite being read as evidenced
enumerators during the census conducted tion exercise where the department issued that it had issued 1 804 256 birth certificates by the double blue ticks on the social me-
by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency out vital civil registration documents across and 1 345 719 national identity cards. dia communication site Whatsapp. Machi-
(Zimstat). the country, this has enabled legible citi- Quizzed on the total cost of the registra- ri’s phone repeatedly rang without being
Last year’s nationwide exercise, under- zens to participate in the 2023 harmonised tion blitz, the amount of money owing to answered.
taken by the Civil Registration department elections.” personnel and measures put in place to set- Although Home Affairs and Cultural Her-
staff and external personnel recruited from Last year, Finance and Economic Devel- tle payments, the Civil Registry department itage minister Kazembe Kazembe commit-
government ministries was carried out from opment minister Mthuli Ncube allocated referred these questions to Treasury. ted to addressing questions asked by the In-
April to September resulting in Zimbabwe ZWL$76 billion for rolling out this year’s “I cannot respond to that as Treasury is dependent he had not done so at the time of
issuing over two national documents, mostly general elections which are widely expected doing payments for all the provinces and going to print.
identity cards. to be a two-horse race pitting President Em- that is an accounts issue,” said a staffer at the “I am coming from the constituency now,
Other national documents issued by the merson Mnangagwa and Citizens Coalition Civil Registry Department. let me respond to your questions when I am
Civil Registration Department during the for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa. The same questions sent to Treasury sec- settled,” Kazembe responded when the Inde-
costly government-funded exercise includ- When Mthuli announced the budget in retary George Guvamatanga and spokesper- pendent called him last week.
ed birth certificates and death certificates. November, US$1 was fetching ZW$659 son Clive Mphambela were not addressed at The Civil Registry department falls under
Broadly, the registration blitz, which saw meaning that the ZW$76 billion set aside for the time of going to print. Kazembe’s ministry.
staff from the Civil Registry department
working round the clock was necessitated
by the devastating impact of Covid-19.
However, multiple sources close to the
aggrieved personnel told the Independent that
they were not paid their dues which con-
tractually entitled workers deployed locally
to receive an equivalent of US$60 every day
for the eight month-long programme.
The amount, sources told this publica-
tion, was higher than US$60 for workers
deployed in far-flung areas such as Binga in
Matabeleland North.
The yet-to-be-paid amounts of money
were supposed to be paid in the local cur-
rency at the prevailing interbank exchange

NOTICE
rate. Owing to the currency volatility crisis
gripping Zimbabwe, which has resulted in
the Zimbabwean dollar losing value against
the greenback, US$1 was equivalent to
ZW$140 in April when the registration blitz
commenced but firmed to ZW$570 in Sep-
tember when the exercise closed.
This means that US$60 was equiva-
lent to ZW$8 400 in April but increased to
ZW$34,200 as the local currency continued
to tumble against the greenback. UPDATE ON ADULT AND EXTRA DEPENDANTS SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW
Efforts to contain runaway inflation,
which stormed into the three-digit red zone
(254%) and stabilising the depreciating local
currency have resulted in the US$1 margin-
ally increasing to ZW$712 this month. The Society wishes to advise its public sector members with adult/extra dependants to contact
“We worked from April to September and
we were only paid for three months. They
the Society by 20 January 2023 to make necessary adjustments following the recent review of
only paid for those three months after we adult/extra dependants subscriptions.
protested. For those who were stationed lo-
cally, they were paid US$60 every day each
month. Our customer service agents in all our outlets will be ready to assist you during this process. You
“For all that work, and the time we spent can also contact us via the following platforms:
away from our families they have not paid
us. We filled registers for the work we were
doing under the exercise which was sub- Contact Centre: 08688002635
mitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs,” a Email: contactus@psmas.co.zw
source who spoke on condition of anonym- WhatsApp: 0783 183 530
ity told the Independent last week.
As at December 31 2023, the source added,
“no formal communication had been given The new subscription rates will now be effected in February instead of January as previously
by the Civil Registry department to explain announced to allow members to make appropriate decisions.
delays in settling payments.”
This resultantly worsened the dire situa-
tion of the restive workers in an economic All biological children over 18 years with proof that they are still attending school under parental
environment characterised by soaring prices
of basic commodities.
guardianship will continue to contribute the same subscription as the principal member.
“Some of the workers were recruited from
other government ministries. This exercise Please note that monthly subscriptions for principal member, spouse and three biological
was conducted by 2 000 staffers from the
Registrar-General’s (RG) office and exter- children remain unchanged and subsidised by the employer.
nal personnel. At the end of December, we
had not yet been paid. If they had paid us PSMAS remains committed to providing access to affordable quality health care services to all
our money, we could have put it to good use
considering the inflationary environment its members, now and beyond.
we are in. They are ripping us off.”
Responding to questions posed by the
Independent, the Civil Registry department
noted that outstanding payments were being
processed.
“Payments are ongoing as the duration of
the exercise was longer and the staff com-
plement was higher as we outsourced staff PSMAS HOUSE
members from other ministries. No. 47 George Silundika Avenue
“The staff is being paid in the currency that +263-242-705186-8
the salary is paid out,” said the Civil Registry +263-242-702153-4
department in a statement prepared for this contactus@psmas.co.zw
publication. www.psmas.co.zw
The intensive national document registra- PSMAS Zimbabwe
tion exercise, a precursor to the forthcoming
elections likely to be held between July and
@PSMASZim
Committed to Care
August, would allow eligible citizens to par-
6 ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023
Villagers brace for displacement
The gravel road leading to Muchesu is being widened to facilitate heavier traffic. Inset shows map of mining-induced displacement.
Gamuchirai
Masiyiwa
JOURNALIST
WHEN Esther Musaka was a little girl, a
large lorry dropped her family off in the
middle of the wilderness. It was the late
1950s, and the construction of the Kariba
Dam was underway.
As the newly formed Lake Kariba — to
date, the world’s largest man-made reser-
voir — swallowed large tracts of fertile land,
it displaced an estimated 57 000 Tonga peo-
ple living on both sides of the Zambezi Riv-
er, including Musaka.
Now 72, she remembers her parents
piecing together temporary shelters of grass
and branches. It took them nearly a year to
settle.
Decades later, the trauma of that upheav-
al is being felt afresh as families in Muchesu,
a village in the country’s west, brace for an-
other displacement — this time, the result of
a coal mining project.
In 2010, Monaf Investments Private Ltd.,
a local firm, was granted a special permit
for coal exploration in the region; this year,
it is set to commence extraction. Mining ac-
counts for 60% of Zimbabwe’s annual ex-
ports and contributes roughly 16% to the
country’s gross domestic product; the gov-
ernment aims to build it into a US$12 billion
industry by this year..
Observers, however, warn that the rush
to exploit the country’s mineral resources
is leading to widespread upheaval. Accord-
ing to one 2019 report by a local watchdog,
mining projects were slated to displace at
least 30 000 families within five years.
Dust engulfs the road to Muchesu, the
gravel-laden trucks and bulldozers mov-
ing back and forth on it barely visible. The
mining company is widening the road to
facilitate heavier traffic. In Muchesu, vil-
lagers have been told not to build any new
structures.
Thirty-eight families are slated for relo-
cation in the first phase of the project, says
local councillor Mathias Mwinde. Another
105 will be displaced in the second phase.
No one knows for certain where they will
be relocated.
At her age, Musaka is racked with anxiety
at the prospect of starting anew.
“Who will clear the land for me?” she
asks sorrowfully, smoking a gourd pipe
outside her home. “I am no longer fit to do
all that.”
Nothando Mugande Mudimba, 37, was
born in Muchesu. When her grandparents
settled here decades ago, they struggled
with wild animals for years, and she wor-
FEATURE
Esther Musaka smokes from a gourd in Muchesu, the village where she grew up. At 72, she may
have to relocate.
ries she will have to, too.
“It will be hard to safeguard our livestock
if we are moved to the mountainous area
that we suspect they will take us to because
there are hyenas, elephants and lions in
those forests,” she says.
“I have three cows, five goats and more
than 20 chickens, which can become meals
for the wild animals there. We want them
to ensure that we are well protected be-
fore they move us and ensure we have ac-
cess to water, fencing and roads, clinics and
schools.”
Village headman Wilson Munkombwe
Siamulafu I, 71, worries about ready access
to water. Like many others, he grows toma-
toes, cabbage and rapeseed to sell locally.
His grandparents used to live in Muchesu,
he says and were chased away during the
colonial era — only to return in the 1950s,
when the construction of Kariba Dam dis-
placed them.
“My parents said that they walked to this
place because they knew it had fertile soil,”
he says. “Others were brought later, by
trucks.” A tall, slim man who squints when
he speaks, Munkombwe can’t help but feel
helpless. “I have nothing that I can do or say
because they have already chased us,” he
says. “We will only follow what they say.”
Shadreck Mwinde, 64, has already begun
to feel the effects of the project. In 2020,
the mine subsumed his field. The company
promised him one tonne of maize each year
until the households were relocated.
“I was given 1-tonne last year in Febru-
ary,” he says, “and this year nothing has
come.” (Monaf Investments did not re-
spond to requests for comment.)
This season, he cultivated a borrowed
piece of land — but it yielded only four 50 kg
bags of maize, not nearly enough to sustain
his family of 14 children, 10 of whom live
with him and his wife. He has already sold a
cow to cover their schooling costs.
Earlier this year, in March, construction
workers drilled two holes near his house,
destroying some trees in his compound.
The holes were left uncovered for a week,
Mwinde says, and treated with chemicals;
when it rained the holes filled with water.
“Four of my goats died,” he says. “I do
not know if it was because of those chemi-
cals.” In late June, about 50m away from
his house, there was a large open hole, 9m
deep, guarded by security personnel. “Even
though someone is manning this place, the
hole is dangerous for both our children and
animals,” Mwinde says, pointing toward it.
Alarmed by the rising trend in mining-
induced displacements, a coalition of non-
governmental organisations collectively
called Publish What You Pay has petitioned
the Zimbabwean government to protect the
rights of the affected.
“In Zimbabwe, mining companies often
fail to pay adequate and prompt compen-
sation, give people adequate notice and
follow due process before relocation,” its
petition notes, adding that any project that
necessitates displacement must require the
unreserved consent of affected communi-
ties, relocation with prompt and fair com-
pensation, resource sharing and adherence
to international best practices.
Effort Nkazimulo Dube, a fellow at the
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Associa-
tion, says mining-induced displacement is
a growing trend. “But it’s not widely talked
about, especially when communities are
not coming up to report the matter,” he
says, noting that there have been cases in
which people who oppose mining projects
are singled out.
“I am not aware of any laws that prohibit
double displacement,” he adds. “Mining is
given a top priority in our laws, so if miner-
als are discovered where people live, there
is a possibility of being displaced again.”
Mathias Mwinde says, “The eviction hap-
pening now is better than what happened
in the 1950s. We agreed that no one will be
moved before houses are built, there is ac-
cess to water and affected people are given
first preference for employment.”
But he notes that Monaf Investments has
not been clear on how much monetary
compensation each family will receive.
Meanwhile, Richard Moyo, minister of
state for provincial affairs and devolution
in Matabeleland North, says the villagers
are not being evicted — rather, it is a “ru-
ral organisation for rural development.” He
adds that “intensive and extensive consul-
tations are carried out to allow buy-in of the
community.”
Residents of Muchesu fear that they will
be displaced without proper compensa-
tion because of coal mining operations
near their village. “Government, under the
new dispensation, respects property rights
and upholds constitutionalism,” he says,
“hence the concerns of the affected com-
munity are taken on board to make what-
ever investment to give that community a
better livelihood.”
Indeed, the new development pleases
some in Muchesu. Chitondezyo Murisaka,
31, and a father of one, has worked at the
mine for the past five months and earns a
daily wage of US$7.
“Because of the job, I have managed to
pay part of my lobola [a bride price paid by
the husband to the wife’s family] for my
wife,” he says.
But Musaka and Mudimba worry that
what will be lost can never be compensated.
“My children’s ancestral spirits are here,”
says Mudimba. “Sometimes when a child
gets sick, prophets and traditional healers
tell you to visit the graves and do certain
things for the child to heal.”
Musaka says many of her relatives were
buried along the Zambezi where her family
used to live.
“Their graves were covered by the river,
and we have no trace of them anymore. This
is what is going to happen again,” she says.
In her old age, her one wish is to be buried
beside her husband. “If I am moved, that
will not happen.”
Masiyiwa is a Global Press Journal reporter based
in Harare, Zimbabwe.
 Zimbabwe independent january 20 to 26, 2023 7

LOCAL NEWS

Climate change stoking veld fires

SYDNEY KAWADZA/ELMA ZHOYA “The ingredients of fire are fuel. So if we of the Paris Agreement, said veld fires have take Statutory Instruments on veld fires
stack up a pile of wood in the cold noth- been a problem even in the past but their such as the SI7 of 2007 Environmental
BEFORE that fateful afternoon of October ing will happen unless there is fuel, which geographical spread is now linked to cli- Management (Environmental Impact As-
10 2022, Zimbabwe and the world at large might be grass or firewood and then oxy- mate change. sessment and Ecosystem Protection) Reg-
had never heard of 20-year-olds England gen is also needed. Temperature is also “In the past, streams, small rivers and ulations to the ordinary people.
Moyo and Menelisi Ngwenya, two farm high which makes veld fires a possibility. vlei used to hold water so that in cases of Meanwhile, Ema spokesperson, Amke-
workers who died while trying to extin- “In Zimbabwe, you can also attest to fire outbreak they would help. So, in Zim- la Sidange said the veld fires escalated in
guish a raging veld fire at Rodrose Farm in the fact that we are in October but we still babwe, due to extreme temperatures, it is September and October with most of them
Esigodini, Matabeleland South province. have windy conditions, which is unusual. possible that climate change is contribut- becoming a cause for concern.
As the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) This is a result of climate change and also ing to the incidents. “This time, we looked at veld fires as a
announced the victims of the inferno unprecedented high temperatures which “The human factor also becomes anoth- consequence of climate change because
the next morning, the whole world was make conditions ripe for fire,” Mashungu er cause for such through hunting activi- the heavy winds are usually prevalent
gripped by news of the tragic incident that said. ties, honey harvesting, uncontrolled crop during July and August but they stretched
claimed 10 lives in just a few minutes. Mashungu said Zimbabwe’s compliance residue burning, irresponsible behaviour up to October. This could also be an indica-
Jolted by the accident, the government document to the United Nations Frame- like throwing of cigarette butts, negligence tion of the shifting seasons.
announced a raft of measures to strongly work Convention on Climate Change for at household level where people can dump “That, again, should inform our fire pre-
and effectively reduce the risk of veld fires. Reducing Emissions categorically men- hot ashes in open pits, charcoal burning,” vention or rather our preparedness against
This followed an upsurge in uncontrolled tioned the reduction of fires as one of the Mhondera said. veld fires. Yes, we talk of starting fires
incidents of veld fires and rising deaths re- key climate change mitigation actions. He called for demonstrative awareness outside residential or business premises,
corded during the current fire season. Archieford Mhondera, a doctoral student for people to participate in fire prevention which we know is punishable by law, so
Addressing a post-Cabinet press brief- at the University of Zimbabwe focusing on activities. other than that we all need to look at how
ing, Information, Publicity and Broadcast- climate change governance in the context Mhondera also called for the need to it can be avoided,” Sidange said.
ing Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa
said the upsurge was threatening the gains
realised in the past.
At least 18 people died in the veld-fires
season observed from July 31 to October 31
each year. However, due to climate change
and global warming, this season is said to
have gone beyond the set period.
“As of October 12 2022, a total of 5 386
fire incidents were reported and burnt 1
244 227,34 hectares of land. The majority
of the fires were recorded in A1 and A2 re-
settlement areas, protected areas such as
safari areas, national parks and gazetted
forests.
“The area burnt increased by 58,6% from
the same period in 2021. The nation has lost
18 precious lives this year from these fires,”
Mutsvangwa said.
She added that the government would
establish fire coordination teams at dis-
trict, provincial and national levels while
also establishing rapid response teams in
villages and wards across Zimbabwe.
“The fire coordinating teams will work
with Agricultural Technical and Extension
Services (Agrites) to facilitate localised
training, education and awareness of fire
management,” she said.
Mutsvangwa said the Environmental
Management Agency (Ema) and the For-
estry Commission of Zimbabwe would also
conduct fire-fighting refresher courses in
Rural District Councils (RDCs).
Government, she said, would also intro-
duce stiffer penalties for offenders while
traditional leaders would play a prominent
role in the effort.
However, in an interview with the Zim-
babwe Independent, environmentalist and
Reyna Trust executive director Sydney
Chisi said the government should take note
of warm and dry climatic conditions pre-
vailing in the country.
The conditions, he said, made it more
susceptible for veld fires to break out, add-
ing that Zimbabweans were not well in-
formed of the situation.
“The challenge that we have within our
agricultural setup or our farming com-
munities is whether the farmers have got
enough information about that reality that
they are more susceptible to veld fires than
before because it’s getting hotter than we
anticipated,” Chisi said.
Chisi said there was a need for enhanced
agroecological capacity to assist farmers
in achieving sustainable food security to
avoid minimal experiments with fire when
hunting for protein.
“Zimbabwe has become hotter and dry-
er. This year has been signified by the ad-
dition of two agro-ecological regions, 2B
and 5B, which also speaks to the need for
communities to adapt to those changes,”
he said, adding that climate change was
becoming a global catastrophe.
“The phenomena is still the same even
at a global level. We have seen catastrophic
droughts in Madagascar, something which
has not been seen in the last 50 years; we
have seen occasional but now intense veld
fires in Australia and in California,” Chisi
added.
Climate Change Mitigation Expert in the
Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tour-
ism and Hospitality Industry Lawrence
Mashungu concurred with Chisi linking
veld fires to climate change.
8 Zimbabwe independent JANUARY 20 to 26, 2023

EDITORIAL & OPINION

Zimbabwe
Independent
JANUARY 20 to 26, 2023

Zinara board mustn’t be

trapped in bureaucracy

A
T the beginning of 2022, one of the highlights of Zimba-
bwe National Roads Administration (Zinara)’s engage-
ment with journalists was an important undertaking to
draft banks into funding crumbling roads.
A figure of up to ZW$5 billion (about US$7 million)
in potential loans was thrown onto the table, which was a significant
purse at the time.
With a new board and executive, the promise of a bigger cake to
bankroll roads rehabilitation was refreshing in many ways.
Perhaps Zinara bosses didn’t realise the gravity of their ambition
at the time.
But the deteriorating road network is one of the biggest factors be-
hind high death rates on Zimbabwe’s highways.
It is not only human error, as parroted by the police. The factors
driving human error can easily be traced to decaying infrastructure.
The scourge of political violence

P
Zimbabwe’s roads have become a huge threat to economic re-
rospects of a free and
covery, and human life. In remote locations, families walk through
dreadful forests for many kilometres to their nearest bus stations.
fair election are fading
by the day, yet Zimba-
Often, when families end up risking to walk long distances, trag-
edies like sickness would have affected them.
bwe’s very future de-
pends upon whatever
happens between now and the
Women have given birth on roadsides and in forests, due to trans-
day when the poll results will be
port shortages, for instance.
announced. Free and fair elec-
Examples of the devastation triggered by poor roads are many — tions are premised on the integ-
which is why Zinara’s plan to bolster its war chest was extraordinary. rity of all electoral processes that
It looks like Zinara’s new board and executive have fallen into red include a scientifically done de-
limitation process, an unbiased
tape mode following the trend in the rest of the government, and
electoral supervisory board, a
nothing is moving at all. ruling party that’s willing to face
As CEO Nkosinathi Ncube explains in our full interview this week, fair competition and an opposi-
the hunt for funding is still on, one year after what looked like the tion party that is not paranoid; but
most positive announcement by an institution that until last year, had most importantly, the absence of
political violence.
suffered high level abuse by its well-connected former executives.
The delimitation process has
For a change, the new board has acted on profligacy and looting, been chaotic. Rarely has this
but it has to do much more to assure the nation that it is ready to serve. process in the past been deni-
“We are looking at engaging financial institutions with a view to grated by both the ruling party
secure loan facilities to boost our disbursements to road authorities,” and the opposition.
Either the Zimbabwe Electoral
Ncube told the Zimbabwe Independent this week.
Commission has been totally re-
It is true that there are processes to be followed before crucial deals miss in its application of the for-
can be inked with funders. But for an institution like Zinara, which mulae that should be followed in
can secure crucial government guarantees to access funding, drag- executing this important process
ging the process to a full year could be stretching mediocrity too far. or there has been a Fifth Column
interfering in the process for its
This country has suffered for too long.
own devilish ends. The nation is
And many know that the revamp of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure in- aware of the factionalism that
cluding roads would be a key factor in the projected rebound. has always bedevilled the ruling
We are not saying Zinara is sitting on its laurels. Zanu PF party.
There has been so much positive work and effort that has taken This factionalism is something
that cannot be wished away by
place in funding road rehabilitation in the past year.
both its perpetrators and those
Over 355 km of the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway have affected by it. Those it affects
been given a facelift. are mainly the electorate itself
Progress has been achieved elsewhere. that will vote without informed
Still, Zimbabwe cannot wait any longer for a complete revamp of its choices and the country at large
that will continue to bear its in-
highways in order to grow the economy.
ternational pariah status.
Procrastination will not take this country anywhere. A divided political party is a
surefire recipe for violence.
Editor’s
Memo
Nevanji
Madanhire
nmadanhire@zimind.co.zw
Here we are taking this as a
universal truth that will affect
both the ruling party and the
opposition. We know for sure
that intraparty fighting has al-
ready begun across the political
divide and will heighten as po-
litical parties approach primary
elections.
Intraparty fighting might not
have the same devastating ef-
fect on the integrity of the elec-
toral process as interparty fight-
ing but it too has to be avoided at
all costs. Interparty fighting is
what’s generally defined as po-
litical violence.
A few weeks ago it manifested
itself in Murewa where elderly
people were severely assaulted
when they gathered, as is their
right, to support a political par-
ty of their choice. Although the
police reported that some of the
culprits had been apprehended,
they still haven’t appeared in
court to have charges preferred
against them. Now this is curi-
ous and debunks the loud deni-
als by ruling party apparatchiks
that their party was responsible
for the violence.
If those arrested by the police
had belonged to another party
we would have seen that justice
would have been applied swiftly.
Mid-last year a man was ar-
rested by the police for the cal-
lous murder of a political activist
in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza.
He still hasn’t appeared in
court as far as the public is aware.
There seems to be selective ap-
plication of the law. Ruling party
activists can gather when and
wherever they want but opposi-
tion members can’t do the same
without the police descending
upon them like a ton of bricks.
This is what happened over
the weekend in Budiriro where
25 people including parliamen-
tarians were raided by riot po-
lice and have been incarcerated
and brought before the courts
for simply gathering for a pri-
vate party meeting at the private
home of one of their own.
Many other incidents have
shown this blatant selective ap-
plication of the law which has
made Zimbabwe the world’s
laughing stock. Most worry-
ingly, this selective application
of the law encourages political
violence as perpetrators feel that
they are above the law and begin
to act with impunity.
President Mnangagwa, since
he took office nearly five years
ago, has gone on re-engage-
ment mission and most of those
he seeks to re-engage have said
they would only warm up to his
overtures if this year’s elections
are reasonably free and fair.
All his efforts are already com-
ing to nought.

Govt unwilling to solve fertiliser issues

T Candid
HE Russia-Ukraine war has had a
significant impact on the supply of
fertiliser raw materials, creating a
shortage and leading to all-time-
high price increases of over 100%.
Zimbabwe which imports 70% of the
three fertiliser types used for farming has
not been spared from this global fertiliser
supply glitch and the current farming sea-
son risks suffering a stillbirth due to con-
strained supply as well as exorbitant prices.
Farmers are already on the cusp of count-
ing losses due to the rising shortages on the
market coupled with a pricing that has seen
several farmers opting for organic means
like cattle manure.
Currently, a 50 kg bag of Ammonium
Nitrate (AN) fertiliser is selling for US$60
while compound D is selling for US$35. This
pricing structure looking at the maize pro-
ducer prices has proven to be out of reach
for many.
The government in December last year
announced pre-planting producer prices
for the present summer cropping season in
US dollars. Maize was set at US$335/tonne.
It is paramount to note that not all farm-
ers in the country are relying on govern-
ment agricultural schemes and in some
instances for those benefiting, there have
been delays in the delivery of the inputs.
This pushes farmers to look for alterna-
tive ways of securing inputs but the pricing
and sometimes subdued availability have
made farming in Zimbabwe an expensive
business.
If the situation is not urgently addressed
with a sustainable solution, the country is
once again headed for a poor harvest.
Lands and Agriculture minister Anxious
Masuka recently said the government was
expecting more deliveries of AN fertiliser.
Comment
TINASHE MAKICHI
tmakichi@zimind.co.zw
“Government is expecting 80 000 metric
tonnes of ammonium nitrate. We have so
far received 43 000 metric tonnes and we
are hurrying the importation of AN. We are
also activating the local supply, and so I ex-
pect that there will be an accelerated deliv-
ery of AN here in four or five days of the ad-
ditional AN that is required,” Masuka said.
The mere importation of fertiliser into
the country is not enough when the coun-
try boasts of facilities that can manufacture
fertilisers.
Kwekwe-based Sable Chemicals a man-
ufacturer of AN has been a recipient of
massive government support but the coun-
try has failed continuously to get the fruits
hence opting for imports.
On the other hand, Chemplex Corpora-
tion through its subsidiaries, Zimphos has
failed to satisfy the market despite invest-
ments made through the Reserve Bank of
Zimbabwe. Therefore, it is disastrous for the
country to continue on the import model in
terms of fertiliser considering that global
glitches like the Russia-Ukraine war are al-
ways possibilities.
The government needs to come up with
a proper plan to avert this fertiliser crisis by
opening up the sector for investors. Zimba-
bwe is an agriculture-based economy and
investors would rush to invest only if a con-
ducive environment is created.
Much needs to be done and the govern-
ment is sleeping on the wheel.
 Zimbabwe independent JANUARY 20 to 26, 2023 9

ECONOMY & FINANCE REVIEW

Zim sectoral outlook 2023 Value creation: The future

Tafara
Mtutu
Research analyst
Every economy is made up of differ-
ent, but very necessary, sectors that
work together to move an economy.
As we unpack the key themes in each
of Zimbabwe’s sectors, we highlight
that each sector has unique chal-
lenges and will, in turn, respond to
the changing macroeconomic envi-
ronment in different ways. We look at
eight key sectors in brief below.
Agriculture
The 2022/23 agriculture season is set
to benefit from the above-average
rainfall throughout the period. How-
ever, we identify three challenges that
the sector will contend with, namely
(i) energy, (ii) finance costs and (iii)
government interference.
Despite many dams at near-capacity
all over the country, power challenges
in the country are anticipated to wors-
en because of Kariba Dam’s histori-
cally low usable water levels and this
could extend to the sector’s irrigation
capacity, alternative energy sources
notwithstanding. Further, strong in-
terference in the pricing modalities of
agricultural produce vis-a-vis rising
input costs is likely to incentivise side-
marketing. We also reiterate that the
seasonality of the sector necessitates
debt capital whose cost currently bur-
dens players in the industry.
Mining
Statutory Instrument 5 of 2023 is likely
to stymie Zimbabwe’s mining sector
in 2023 before spurring growth in the
longer term in a J-curve trajectory.
The directive unequivocally banned
the export of all ores and under-pro-
cessed minerals, except where special
exemptions are obtained in limited
circumstances, in a bid to stimulate the
development of beneficiation plants
locally. We opine that this could drive
a resurgence in the smuggling of min-
erals such as lithium and nickel until
the beneficiation plants have been de-
veloped and commissioned, much to
the detriment of the sector.
The growing exchange rates dispar-
ity is also expected to add significant
downward pressures on miners’ profit
margins while gold deliveries by small
scale miners are likely to decline in
2023 given lax payments by Fidelity
and part-payment of gold in local cur-
rency since December 2022.
These artisanal miners were instru-
mental to gold’s record year in 2022
after accounting for 68% of total deliv-
eries and the expected lower volumes
is likely to offset the strong gold price
expectations. Other minerals’ prices
are largely expected to fall as the glob-
al economy braces for a recession.
Tourism
The sector has been one of the last to
recover post-Covid-19 and we have
Purpose of remittances. Source: Mbimba & Mupfumira
seen domestic tourism driving the
recovery. Average occupancy rates in
the 2022 festive season increased to
55%, up from 44% in 2021.
We also note the inherent poten-
tial in Zimbabwe being included in
Bloomberg’s top 24 tourist destina-
tions, but we also add that election-
related political violence will deter in-
ternational tourist arrivals as it has in
past election years.
Consumer goods
The consumer goods sector is likely to
remain resilient owing to its defensive
nature. However, we opine that top
beneficiaries in this sector will be in-
formal retailers who offer better terms
of payment to suppliers as well as more
competitive prices to consumers pay-
ing in USD. We also note quasi-formal
institutions such as wholesalers con-
tinuing to expand their footprint in the
country with a positive effect on the
sector overall.
Telecommunications
The sector is expected to struggle be-
cause of controlled tariff reviews that
are sub-inflationary. In addition, the
sector was one of the last sectors to
receive the greenlight to price their
products and services in multiple cur-
rencies and this underlines the rela-
tively low USD revenues contribution
of about 20% as a percentage of total
revenues.
The challenges in the sector are fur-
ther compounded by the power out-
ages which have affected service de-
livery because of extended downtime
in the players’ base infrastructure as
well as expensive energy alternatives.
Manufacturing
We observe that the sector is increas-
ingly preferring to conduct business
with informal and quasi-informal
businesses that are near-cash.
This has been key to the sector’s wan-
ing currency risks since 2021. Power
outages remain a concern in the in-
dustry, but we remark that more and
more players are adopting green en-
ergy alternatives that will stem the de-
cline in capacity utilisation.
Banking
The banking sector‘s deposits have
increasingly shifted to the greenback
and this has played a key role in the
dollarisation of the sector’s loan book.
Over 60% of issued loans are now
denominated in the US dollar. ZWL
loans remain in the picture but at high
interest rates of 200% which have
prompted many businesses to settle
their ZWL obligations in an effort to
avoid the punitive interest burden. We
anticipate that dynamics in the sector
will likely drive the percentage of non-
performing loans upwards in 2023.
Insurance
Constrained disposable incomes, un-
resolved compensation issues, and a
general low confidence in the formal
financial services sector have kept
insurance penetration levels in the
country at low levels of less than 4%.
In addition, a survey done by Mbimba
& Mupfumira (2022) reveals that over
30% of remittances into the country
are directed to health, medical, and
funeral costs and this has effectively
deprived the insurance sector of about
US$500 million in premiums each
year.
Mtutu is a research analyst at Mor-
gan & Co. — tafara@morganzim.com or
+263 774 795 854
of production in Africa
THE production of goods and
services in the global economy
Ceteris
is divided into three distinct Paribus
categories, namely primary,
secondary, and tertiary pro- tinashe duma
duction. Primary production
involves the extraction of raw materials from the environment,
such as farming and mining. Secondary production involves the
processing of raw materials into finished products. Tertiary pro-
duction involves the provision of services to consumers or busi-
nesses, such as banking or retailing.
The African continent is known to be the hub of natural re-
sources, rich in precious resources like minerals and cultivable
land. However, most African economies are still developing while
most western countries are already developed. Notably, devel-
oping economies are often characterized by the dominance of
primary production activities while developed economies heavily
rely on the tertiary sector. While Africa has the most expensive
natural resources, western countries have become global eco-
nomic giants despite lacking the venerated natural resources,
and this has been publicly attributed to exploitation of African
resources. Meanwhile, in recent years, there has been a shift in
global economic activities away from primary and secondary
production towards tertiary production in western countries. This
shift has been driven by a number of factors including technol-
ogy, globalization, and volatile consumer preferences. As a result,
the value generated from tertiary production in western countries
surpasses that of primary production in Africa.
One of the main reasons for this shift is technological advance-
ments that have enabled businesses to automate processes that
were previously done manually. This has allowed businesses to
reduce costs while increasing efficiency and productivity. As a re-
sult, businesses in western countries have been able to increase
their profits while reducing their reliance on primary resources
from Africa.
Globalisation has also played an important role in this shift to-
wards tertiary production in western countries. Globalization has
allowed businesses to access new markets around the world with
greater ease and this has enabled businesses to increase their
profits while reducing their reliance on primary resources from
Africa. The change in consumer preferences has also contrib-
uted to this shift towards tertiary production in western coun-
tries. Consumers are increasingly looking for convenience when
making purchases and are willing to pay more for it. This demand
for convenience has led many businesses to focus on providing
services rather than producing goods which require more manual
labor and resources from Africa.
The shift towards tertiary production in western countries has
had a significant impact on African economies which rely heavily
on primary resources for economic growth and development. The
decline in demand for African primary resources has resulted in
lower prices for these resources which have reduced revenues for
African governments who rely heavily on taxes generated from
international trade for public spending programs such as health
care and education initiatives.
A shift from primary production to secondary and tertiary
heavily relies on availability of capital. Africa, especially Zimba-
bwe has succumbed to depressed investments due to a number
of reasons that range from the need to develop home countries
by foreign investors, to poor policies by the African countries. In a
bid to force investment, Zimbabwe has introduced a ban on the
exportation of base mineral ores, while encouraging processing
of the minerals before exportation. Theoretically this may seem
like a breakthrough to shift from reliance on primary resource-
based economy to secondary and tertiary stages. However, to
remain economic giants, western countries have positioned such
moves for failure by restricting inter-country trades with Zimba-
bwe. This has seen most locally based companies exporting raw
products to a different country for processing in-order to ensure
smooth flow of the finished products on the international market.
This restriction has also worked in deterring investments in the
processing of goods locally due to a “controlled market”.
Duma is a financial analyst and accountant at Equity Axis, a
leading media and financial research firm in Zimbabwe. —
twdumah@gmail.com or tinashed@equityaxis.com, Twitter:
TWDuma_

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10 Zimbabwe independent JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023

INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK

There is more to life than just spirituality

Grace
Chirenje
LIFEZONE
„„Once upon a time I had a friend who
was very focused. She used to spend most
of her time thinking of how to improve her
life because hers was not an easy upbring-
ing. Her desire was to get herself out of the
misery that poverty seemed to unleash
upon her and the family she was born into.
True to her hardwork, good fortune and
the powers that be, she did become suc-
cessful and made it! In every family, there
is always that one person who seems to get
a thrill from accusing others of witchcraft
— my friend became a victim of her broth-
er’s who accused her of using witchcraft
and all hell broke loose. This story came
to mind this week as I was reading about
the ex-cop who was given some proph-
ecy about his wealth and went on a killing
rampage that saw him eventually flee and
get arrested in Mozambique. Oh what a life
we live as Zimbabweans.
Our collective spiritual narrative
I always joke and say that I acquired enough
knowledge and experience during my un-
dergraduate studies for me to masquerade
as a n’anga (witchdoctor/sangoma). Many
people nowadays who claim to be gifted
are very questionable and could have fall-
en into temptation of using their education
and experience to make money from des-
perate humans seeking spiritual guidance.
Judging from what I seem to witness with
those who consult the cult, sooner or later
we shall end up in such a dysfunctional
state of affairs as individuals, families,
communities and the nation at large.
It seems we are constantly seeking to
consult some higher power of some sort
and that’s when we get all sorts of “rem-
edies” to our situations. Shall I hasten to
say yes, some things may be caused by
some spiritual influence — seeing that as
Africans we believe in the causative theory
that is confident in alluding to the notion;
behind every experience in life there is a
cause. I mean just look at how many peo-
ple consult various spiritualists around
their lives! There are also moments in life
when the things we experience are caused
by bad decisions that we each have to own
up to and just make things right. Let us take
a quick look at our beloved motherland
Zimbabwe — no amount of statue erect-
ing or consultations for example will fix the
Zimbabwean economy! Yes, let us honour
our ancestors as we sing in our wonderful
national anthem. However, we may also
need to explore what we are doing wrong
and resolve that. Shall we pay very close
attention to the corrupt means by which
we do business, our policy environment,
cronyism or explore other ways outside
spirituality? It is almost like my friend’s
brother — yes, there could be some spir-
itual influence around his life but shall we
also explore what would happen if he stud-
ied, got an education or sharpened a skill so
that he exerts himself to make a living. Yes,
there is the spirit but there is also the physi-
cal. That man who shot the prophet and a
couple of other people ended up making
more poor decisions to cover up the first
choices so he makes things work out for
him. The end is quite depressing.
I remember one day when I was young
and my mother bought cooking oil we
wanted to use to cook. It was an expen-
sive buy in our household and when I used
more than was necessary, my young mind
told me that adding water would be a great
solution so the quantity of cooking oil in-
creases. If you have ever mixed cooking oil
and water you know that it never works. So
after discovering my “sin” I took the mix-
ture and hid it.
My mum, being a wise and prayerful
woman, after trying to find out from all
of us what had happened to that bottle of
cooking oil to no avail, then announced
that she was going to pray and whoever was
the guilty one would grow a tail. What!!!!!
At seven, I was not about to let that hap-
pen so I confessed and I learnt my lesson. I
had many options to explore but to my very
young and naïve mind, water was the best
bet. How about just telling the truth? Well,
that is most of us today, the truth is hard to
tell and that is why we find ourselves strug-
gling at many levels and then we resort to
spiritual support. It is almost like having
bad breath and looking for the witch or
wizard – how about you just brushing your
teeth? Food for thought.
We can become better
My friend did not hate her brother for ac-
cusing her of witchcraft — she showed
him love and understanding instead. My
mother did not beat me up but gave me a
stern warning — that served as a very im-
portant learning point in my life. Am sure
from Mozambique, that guy is reflecting
on how his life has just changed. I will also
hasten and say that even as we lead Zimba-
bwe from our various corners, we are also
reflecting and learning that there is more to
what we experience in life than spirituali-
ties.
Stop, reflect and make the necessary
changes. I am super confident that we will
prevail and become better as a people and
don’t cause spirituality to be our downfall.
As we go through the tides of our own life
experiences from whatever space we find
ourselves today, may we all keep seeking
ways to make life count for us and others
at all costs. Until then, we live, laugh and
love louder in a bid to show the world that
we were here, becoming better, making
our mark, and leaving our footprint as we
make the world a better place!
Chirenje writes in her personal
capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe.
Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook:
Grace Chirenje; Instagram: @
graceruvimbo

Davos agenda becoming increasingly questionable

Heena shape the future of our planet.
A future that has been severely marred
Joshi by the Covid-19 pandemic and its several
LAWYER fatal variants, a planet that is running out
of time on its climate change agenda, with
the peoples of the world battling starva-
tion, an energy crisis that has thrown most
„„The theme of the WEF 2023 is “Coop- nations into diminishing capacity scenar-
eration in a fragmented world”. As far ios, catapulted inflation and propelled the
This week President Ramaphosa of
South Africa, pulled out of Davos as this
valued or valid, the world has already dis-
integrated into the haves and have nots,
southern African nation faces its worst and that unjustifiable discrimination has
power crisis ever. no hope of correction at Davos 2023.
One of the headlines of the local me-
dia papers said it all: “Ramaphosa skips Joshi is a consultant at Titan Law
Davos to sit in the dark with the rest of
South Africa”.
It has often been thought that Davos

SEND YOUR COMMENTS

as themes go, this one instantly spells
out its prophecy almost as a forewarning
to the divided nations of this world that
the planet's future will disintegrate with
patchy commitment to cooperation.
I often forget the purpose of the WEF.
The international media sensational-
ises the gathering of celebrity politicians
mingling closely with financial pundits,
discussing vital topics in closed sessions
and then being publicly applauded for
their authoritative voices on economic
forecasting.
Every journalist spins around the pub-
lic figures attempting to interview and
rising cost of living, not forgetting that the
World Bank only two days ago forecast a
global recession.
The pillars of cooperation are more di-
vided now than before, and it will take a
giant leap of faith for key players to pull
together through this disintegration.
Last year Ukrainian President Volody-
myr Zelensky opened the forum virtually
and reminded the audience that the world
had split from its fundamental value sys-
tem.
Since that time there has been no
change in the Russian-Ukraine war. Mi-
gration which is still unresolved sees
attendance would enhance or attract for-
eign direct investment into the country
and attendance is often promoted by the
senior advisors of many presidents.
Indeed, President Emmerson Mnan-
gagwa is attending Davos with his
Minister of Finance, Mthuli Ncube.
I wonder if their mantra “Zimbabwe is
open for business” will be met with ac-
tual interest at all as investment requires
Send your feedback to the Zimbabwe
stability of key elements; the lights need
to be on for starters. Independent.
Comments should be short and concise.
Ramaphosa ought to have advised his
neighbours to sit at home too with the
rest of us.

Send letters to: newsdesk@zimind.co.zw

crucially extract key insights into the im- people fleeing such conflict-zones under The pontification that will take place
pending outlook for the peoples of the the grimmest circumstances. in Davos is unlikely to assist the world’s
planet, while incidental data shows that Populist nationalism is rising and as poorest economies, they remain at the

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the level of world poverty is at its stagger- Jane Fraser of Citigroup aptly stated in her bottom of the food chain.
ing highest point (According to a newly address last year, the “Three R’s: Russia, We know the lowest income economies
released Credit Suisse Report). The WEF of- Rates and Recession” are still in play. I produce one tenth of carbon emissions

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fers “cooperation” hypothetically on the find it difficult to trust the outcome of the affecting climate change, but they are
Swiss mountain tops while “captains of high rollers to reestablish trust under the most affected by it.
industry” and selectively invited CEOs of current environment. They suffer the damaging impact of

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multinational companies debate policies
and the values of capitalism.
The WEF is supposedly an independent
organisation committed to “improving the
state of the world by engaging business,
political, academic and other leaders of
society to shape global, regional and in-
dustry agendas”.
It engages with leading representatives
of business society and financial elitists to
Davos and its agenda are becoming in-
creasingly questionable in a world where
energy security, food security and avail-
ability of resources under threatening
climatic conditions is not being tackled
seriously enough.
There is no shortage of troubles, and the
discussions on the table are hardly likely
to change anything for the eight billion
people on our planet.
health, food, water and education.
The multiple challenges they are
confronted with, against the fewest re-
sources will remain unresolved, and
universal health care initiatives will fail
millions that absolutely need it, and it is
Facebook and Twitter pages Zimbabwe
the three H’s that will dominate our Af-
rican continent: Hunger, Homelessness
and Hardship.
Independent.
Forums such as the WEF are no longer

Why flogg a dead horse?
A
fter spending years tell-
ing the masses that the
CCC has no structures and
it's finished, the authorities have
over recent weeks decided to of-
fer their publicity services, un-
solicited, to the opposition party
to show that this was all a lie.
First, they sent their people to
Murewa to show the world that,
indeed, the CCC has support on
the ground among the ordinary
people in rural areas. We had
been told that none of them had
ever heard of this CCC party.
Then, just as the world was
still adjusting to this fact, the
authorities displayed even more
political generosity. They sent
their publicity goons, disguised
as police officers, to mess with
a meeting of the opposition in
Budiriro.
Yet again, they succeeded in
revealing to the world that the
opposition was indeed organis-
ing on the ground, contrary to
previous claims.
We fully expect Nelson
Chamisa to send a letter of grati-
tude to Zanu PF in due course,
for yet another round of free
campaigning for his cause. Who
needs campaigning when your
opponent can be trusted to do
this for you?
Watch out
F
ollowing the arrest of doz-
ens of opposition miscre-
ants, we can only hope
that people are paying attention
to the criminal charges brought
against them. This is important,
lest some of you fall into the
temptation of committing the
same dastardly crimes.
According to The Herald, the
national paper of record, “the
25, who were allegedly clad in
CCC regalia that include caps,
helmets and T-shirts gathered
at house number 9239, Vhum-
ba Crescent Budiriro SB, Harare
pursuant to the alleged invita-
tion on social media platforms”.
The paper further reported:
“While at the gathering, they
allegedly chanted CCC political
party slogan ‘Ngaapinde hake
Mukomana, 2023 Chamisa chete
chete’ meaning ‘let the boy get
in, 2023 Chamisa only’, accord-
ing to the State.”
The masses are urged to look
past the almost comical trans-
lations to take a serious look at
what constitutes a crime in the
New Dispensary. You cannot
wear clothes of a certain col-
our — especially helmets — and
expect to keep walking our lib-
erated streets freely. Secondly,
Zimbabwean opposition activists appear in court after a police raid in Harare.
you cannot be talking about a
“boy” getting into power. Has
the country run out of elders?
Petty thief
I
n Chinhoyi, leaders of the
reeling Zanu PF party have
suspended the head of the al-
leged youth wing.
It is alleged that Tapiwa
Masenda, the chairman of the
Zanu PF youth wing in Masho-
naland West, ganged up with
fellow party rabble rousers
and set upon a foreign national
who is running a mine over in
Mhangura.
“The accused in the company
of three others, are said to have
requested for keys to the fuel
tank where they filled a BMW X5
with diesel. They also filled two
containers with 60 litres of die-
sel,” we are told.
According to the party,
Masenda is accused of bring-
ing “shame to the name of the
M
party by engaging in violence”,
and “using the name of the party
and his position to commit the
offences.”
This must be a shock to all up-
standing members of the party
that such acts of violence and
theft now bring “shame” to their
column
MUCKRAKER
Twitter: @MuckrakerZim
party. Since when? And, also,
since when did using the name
of the party to commit crimes
become a crime? You are start-
ing to confuse party members
now.
Not-for-profit circle
ore and more confusion
is coming from party
headquarters. Over
the past year, we have all seen
“4ED” groups sprouting around
the nation in solidarity with
our great leader. From Men be-
lievED, Miners for ED, Teachers
Zimbabwe independent january 20 to 26, 2023 11
“If they kept their
promises, then
surely they would
no longer be real
Zanu PF leaders.”
for ED, Health workers for ED,
Councillors for ED and Driving
Schools for ED, Opposition for
ED, Robbers for ED, and so forth.
But Mike Bimha, the Zanu PF
commissar, seems to be tell-
ing us that his party is not too
chaffed with some of these pa-
triotic groups. “We welcome
the proliferation of these or-
ganisations which are to support
the party, there to support the
president, support our objective
of achieving five million plus
voters for the president and the
party,” Bimha told journalists.
His worry, he says, is that
some of these groups are just in
it for the money.
Computer To Plate
Imaging
A3 GTO Plates ( 400 x 510)
A2 KORD Plates ( 550 x 650)
A2 Somz Plates (615 x 724)
“Affiliates are not formed to
get loans from the party. The
party does not give any loan for
projects,” Bimha said.
The masses are puzzled to hear
this from you, Cde Bimha. Do
you mean to tell us that people
join Zanu PF for any other rea-
son other than to make a quick
buck?
Surely, what other reason
could there be to join the party?
Weird training
I
t was reported recently that
police officers have been
made to sit through “Zanu PF
ideology classes”. We are told
that the junior cops are being
taught about the reeling party
and being told to vote for it.
The police deny this, natural-
ly, with their spokesman telling
the press that this is just “civic
education”.
Of course, some unpatriotic
cops are whining about the is-
sue. They even complain that
they are poorly paid and hun-
gry as if that is important to the
owners of the country.
One unpatriotic cop was quot-
ed as whining: “But it is not only
the junior cops who are discon-
tented over the training and oth-
er issues.
Even some high-ranking of-
ficials are not happy about how
police work has been reduced
to mere politicking. Behind the
scenes, everything is not well.
The officers are disgruntled.”
Muckraker is sure that it is a
lie that the cops are being taught
“Zanu PF ideology”.
This would suggest that the
party has any ideology to teach.
The Zanu PF we know and love
has none of that useless stuff.
Free education?
M
uckraker commiser-
ates with those among
us who are shocked that
they had to pay school fees at the
start of the new term, when our
owners promised free education
in 2022. We are now told that we
were never promised free edu-
cation in 2022 and that free edu-
cation will only be gradual.
“We are expecting that the
number will increase gradually
as we move towards a complete
basic state-funded education,”
the Ministry of Primary and Sec-
ondary Education said.
What is shocking is that peo-
ple were expecting our owners
to honour their promises. If they
kept their promises, then surely
they would no longer be real
Zanu PF leaders.
12 Zimbabwe independent january 20 to 26, 2022

IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW

A highlight of Zimbabwe’s
crumbling public infrastructure is the
rapid deterioration of the country’s
road network. It is the result of many
Vehicle licensing truancy
stifling road rehabilitation
years of neglect by the government,
which responded about two years ago
by launching the emergency roads
rehabilitation programme (ERRP)
to repair the extensive damage. At
the centre of the mammoth task
is the Zimbabwe National Roads
Administration (Zinara), whose role is
to collect toll fees from motorists and
deploy funding towards the network’s
upkeep. Zinara chief executive officer
Nkosinathi Ncube (NN, pictured) this
week opened up to our business
reporter, Freeman Makopa (FM) in a
discussion that reveals how motorists,
evading from licensing their cars,
have become the biggest hurdle to
road rehabilitation. Below is how their
discussion turned out …

FM: We note that most of Zimbabwe’s

roads are extremely bad. How much did
Zinara disburse to local authorities in 2022
towards the rehabilitation of roads?
NN: In 2022 we disbursed ZW$33, 97 bil-
lion (about US$47 million) to all the 93 road
authorities that we have in the country.
The funds were for road maintenance and
rehabilitation.
FM: Were all the funds accounted for?
What measures have you put in place to
avoid mismanagement?
NN: As Zinara, we value proper utilisa-
tion of the funds that we disburse to road
authorities. At the beginning of every year,
we train roads authorities on procurement
issues, contract management and acquittal
processes. After disbursing the funds, we
then make follow ups through our inter-
nal audit department to ensure that they
are used for the purposes for which they
were disbursed. Upon completion of works
by road authorities, they must acquit the
funds. Road authorities that fail to acquit
funds disbursed to them will not qualify for

Fact file: Nkosinathi Ncube

the next disbursement. forensic audit to this effect was carried out.
FM: How much are you expecting to dis- What strategies have you put in place to
burse towards road rehabilitation this year? address corruption?
NN: In 2023 we have set a budget of NN: As an organisation we have scaled
ZW$93,9 billion (about US$130 million) up our efforts in fighting corruption. We
for disbursements to road related works, l Ncube is an experienced banking and tel- service solutions in Africa, EcoCash have come up with multiple interventions
including toll infrastructure and road au- ecommunications executive l Ncube is a well-known expert in mobile fi- to fight this scourge. Firstly, we introduced
thorities’ capacitation. l He started his career at Standard Char- nancial services after taking a lead role as the a fully-fledged risk and loss control de-
FM: In terms of collections, how much tered Bank as an Africa graduate trainee, later financial services director across three mobile partment to deal with all cases of corrup-
revenue is Zinara expecting this year? worked for various banks focusing on product money providers in Zimbabwe tion and fraud within the organisation. We
NN: From all the revenue streams that we development and innovations. l He is a former acting CEO of Zimbabwe’s sec- have also installed CCTV cameras at the toll
have as Zinara, we are targeting to collect l He left banking to be the founding executive ond largest mobile network operator NetOne gates to monitor all activities at the sites in
close to ZW$103,7 billion (about US$143 of one of the most successful mobile financial l He is currently the CEO at Zinara real time. Further, we have also intensi-
million). fied our audit spot checks and revenue as-
FM: Is this amount enough to fund the surance reviews. All monies collected are
rehabilitation and repair of Zimbabwe’s ance by some motorists on vehicle licens- And how much do you require in order to banked in line with laid down standard
roads, given the bad state of affairs? ing. This has got a direct impact on the final achieve this? operating procedures.
NN: The collections that we do are not disbursements that we do to road authori- NN: The tender for the designs was suc- In addition, as an institution we are one
enough to cover the rehabilitation and ties. We urge motorists to comply with the cessfully completed in 2022 and the tender of the first organisations to set up integrity
maintenance costs that our road infra- provisions of the law for us to fully finance for the construction of toll gates should be committees, which is an initiative by the
structure now requires. It is important to a world-class road network in line with done in the first quarter of 2023 after which Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission
note that our road infrastructure was ne- Vision 2030 and the National Development the construction is expected to commence whose main purpose is to encourage em-
glected for a long time and now requires a Strategy 1. in the second quarter. ployees to desist from corrupt tendencies
huge investment. Our objective always is to FM: How far have you gone with your FM: Before you came into office, reports by educating them on the risk and conse-
make meaningful and significant disburse- plan to upgrade toll gates to toll plazas? of corruption were rampant at Zinara. A quences of corruption.
ments to road authorities. In pursuit of this
objective, this year we are looking at en-
gaging financial institutions with a view to
secure loan facilities to boost our disburse-
ments to road authorities.
FM: As we noted in the beginning, the
national road network is dilapidated and in
dire need of urgent attention. Please share
with us your strategy for 2023
NN: As Zinara, our legislative mandate
is limited to funding of road authorities
for road rehabilitation and maintenance.
As such, we kindly request you to refer
this inquiry to our parent, the Ministry of
Transport and Infrastructural Develop-
ment. But our key objective is to success-
fully fund the emergency road rehabilita-
tion programme (ERRP 2). In line with our
rebranding journey that we started in 2022,
we are looking at the full transformation of
Zinara into a reputable state entity. We are
building this on the strong success founda-
tion that we laid in 2022.
FM: What challenges does Zinara face as
it executes these operations?
NN: In any business there are operational
challenges that you face. In our case as Zi-
nara, our biggest challenge is non-compli-
 ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023 13

ANALYSIS

Forceful headwinds
SYDNEY KAWADZA

NORTON Independent legislator Temba

Mliswa remains a comical character but he
is one you cannot afford to ignore.
A rabble-rouser of note, he has been a

ahead for Zanu PF

thorn in the flesh of Zanu PF ever since he
went rogue.
He has been a source of hell and restless-
ness for the ruling elites.
Mliswa was a Zanu PF functionary for
years and became the provincial chairman
for Mashonaland West before ditching the
party and going independent.
As an independent legislator, Mliswa has have been embroiled in corruption of one
poked holes into Zanu PF and government kind or the other, have been elected into
policies to the chagrin of the revolutionary power. In some cases, it is individuals who
party. are elected despite perceptions that they
The Independent recently approached the are corrupt.
firebrand politician to give his insight into “In fact in many cases, these parties and
the forthcoming elections. individuals have been able to successfully
And like many political and economic spin the corruption issues to their advan-
analysts, the Independent engaged Mliswa tage. It would also appear to me that vot-
who predicted a tough time for President ers fail to draw the connection between
Emmerson Mnangagwa and his acolytes. corruption and their government's failure
According to Mliswa, Zimbabwean to deliver public goods and services,” Mu-
youths and everyone, in general, has been konza said.
left frustrated by the economic look of the He said Zanu PF will be judged harsh-
country. ly for its failure to deliver quality public
Corruption, a free-falling economy and goods and services like health care and
dubious policies would also be against education among others.
Zanu PF, according to Mliswa adding that “Because of this failure, the quality
the corruption scourge gripping Zimbabwe of life in Zimbabwe has drastically gone
will cost Zanu PF. down and this is likely to influence vot-
“Young people are frustrated, a lot of ers against voting for the party. Failure to
things are not happening. At the same manage the economy is also another nega-
time, the President is trying to work as tive on the part of Zanu PF.
hard as he can but he has people around “This is particularly so among the
him that people don’t like. Decisions have youths, a majority of whom have no hope
to be made. At times it’s about collateral of getting economic opportunities under
damage at the end because you can suffer the Zanu PF government,” Mukonza said.
from that,” Mliswa said. Norton Independent legislator Temba Mliswa He said the power crisis threatening
He believes Mnangagwa has done the country would also be a major fac-
great but failed dismally in dealing with back US$225 million owed for fuel where- Political analyst Ricky Mukonza, how- tor against the ruling party come election
corruption. in the total debt as of 2022 was US$10 ever, noted that while corruption should time.
“It’s one of the issues that they (peo- billion. be a deciding issue in any election, Zimba- With all said and done, it remains to be
ple) wanted to be addressed. I don’t know “The country has continued to wreck up bwe did not seem to hold so much weight seen whether Zanu PF would continue to
how they are going to come right on that. debt for other infrastructure projects that on it. dominate elections and whether opposi-
But when people ask them what they have haven’t delivered yet the debt owed is due “I am saying this because there are tion parties are prepared to take advantage
done about corruption, it becomes a prob- for repayment of Hwange and Deka pro- many instances where either a party in- of the lethargy on the part of the ruling
lem,” Mliswa added. jects to name a few,” Mutambasere said. fested with well-known individuals who party to upstage it in this year’s plebiscite .
In an interview, United Kingdom-based
economist and social commentator Che-
nayimoyo Mutambasere also concurred
with Mliswa’s views saying Mnangagwa
promised a lot but nothing much has been
done on delivery.
“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)
has failed to create a monetary policy
that stimulates supply to rescue the coun-
try from liquidity crisis and subsequent
hyper-inflation.
“Zimbabwe has the worst inflation in the
world and a runaway currency exchange
between the local currency and the United
States dollar. Persistence of a multicur-
rency system and the bond introduction in
2016, there has been no benefits of the sys-
tem other than arbitrage,” Mutambasere
said.
She said allowing the Central Bank to
undertake quasi-fiscal activity in failed at-
tempts to manipulate the market was a big
let-down for the government.
“While a lot of large corporations con-
tinue to benefit from the discounted ex-
change, the benefits have not been reflect-
ed in the economy,” she added.
The last five years, she further argued,
had seen an unprecedented level of policy
announcements that interfered with busi-
ness operations.
“This has exacerbated Zimbabwe’s risk
profile which reduces investment and
makes existing investors take a more cau-
tious approach as they counter policy
unpredictability.
“While Fidelity Printers remained the
central gold buyer, a combination of low
price offers and poor mining infrastructure
failed to stimulate the sector to its full ca-
pacity,” she said.
“The collapse of collective bargaining
resulting in industrial action in critical
sectors such as health and education was
a typical scenario of the last five years. If
civil servants are underpaid automatically
you have a very weak domestic market so
the services industry that can only rely on
local consumers suffers.”
Mutambasere said the government had,
in the last five years, failed to manage the
public debt with the economy suffering
from this failure.
“Key highlights include the Trafigu-
ra debt which saw the country’s mining
(nickel and gold ) assets being seized to pay
14 Zimbabwe independent january 20 to 26, 2023
What do Zimbabweans want?
Tendai
Murisa
policy analyst
There is a raging debate on social media
platforms surrounding Winky D and Holy
Ten’s song Ibotso. In the song the musi-
cian raises issues to do with social injus-
tices that perpetuate inequality, where the
tall (strong) ones forcibly grab resources
from the short (weak) ones. It’s a song that
can be played in almost any country and
it would resonate with the plight of the
downtrodden. The conditions of poverty
and growing inequality aptly described
in the song are not a figment of the musi-
cians’ imagination.
Evidence from field surveys carried out
over a period of three years demonstrates
that socio-economic conditions have
worsened in the past three years or so due
to several factors such as Covid-19-related
lockdown measures, droughts, contrac-
tion of the economy (also partly due to
Covid-19). Findings from our nationwide
surveys carried out in 2018, 2019 and 2021
indicate that there has been a gradual de-
crease in average incomes and a conse-
quent increase in the number of those who
are employed in the informal sector.
The trends described above paint a pic-
ture of growing conditions of poverty. Yet
officeholders in government make claims
of progress. Some of the claims cannot be
contested.
Indeed, the government under President
Mnangagwa has pushed an infrastructure-
led approach to transformation. The in-
frastructure projects include dams (one in
every province), refurbishments of major
roads (near completion of the Beitbridge to
Harare highway), building houses, resus-
citation of irrigation schemes and driving
modernisation of agriculture. The govern-
ment revised downwards its target of one
million houses to 250 000 and as of August
2022 the Minister of National Housing and
Social Amenities outlines that significant
progress has been made on 140 housing
units and eight blocks of flats (Post Cabinet
Press Briefing – August 2022). Despite all
these notable achievements there is still a
strong feeling that the government has not
delivered on its electoral promises of rapid
and inclusive economic recovery.
The general conditions of poverty, acute
food insecurity, lack of employment and
increasing cost of living remain the order
of the day. There is general despondency
about livelihoods in the country. Assump-
tions within government were that the
benefits from the infrastructure driven de-
velopment model would “trickle down” to
benefit the majority. However, evidence
from other regions has already demon-
strated the ineffectiveness of the “trickle
down” theory.
Rather, the infrastructure-led approach
has contributed towards growing inequal-
ity through the emergence of a new state-
linked business class. It is this business
class that has benefited the most from
government’s spending on infrastructure
and explains how young businesses such
as Fossil are able to successfully bid for a
large company such as the cement maker
Lafarge.
In the process the government has ne-
glected spending on social service deliv-
ery, despite growing evidence that in-
creased allocations for the social sector
(especially education, health, and hous-
ing) contribute towards equitable devel-
opment. Education still provides the most
reliable pathway out of poverty in other
stable environments. Conditions of em-
ployment in the health and education sec-
tor continue to worsen.
Hospitals are understaffed with an acute
shortage of essential drugs and function-
ing equipment. Teachers, like their coun-
terparts in the health sector, are poorly
remunerated. There is a real fear that the
country will experience an exodus of
teachers to the United Kingdom (UK). Re-
cently the UK announced that it would
OPINION
be recruiting teachers from Ghana and
Zimbabwe to deal with its own shortages.
There are no incentives to keep teachers in
the country.
However, if the government had both-
ered to listen to citizens (the electorate),it
could have done things better. Since 2018
we (www.sivioinstitute.org), have been con-
ducting surveys across the country asking
citizens to identify issues that they expect
their government to prioritise. We found
in 2021 that on average citizens are mostly
concerned about; creation of employment
(44%), effective resolution of the problem
of corruption (40%), resuscitating indus-
try (33%) and stable prices (32%). Outside
of these major concerns, citizens expect
the government to focus also on improved
local government service provision (11%),
improved provision of education (11%)
and affordable housing (9%). In other
words, the electorate expects the govern-
ment to be seized with devising economic
strategies that ensure equitable develop-
ment and deal with other vices such as
corruption. The table below provides a list
of issues, in order of priority, that citizens
expect the government to focus on. There
is no doubt that the modernisation of in-
frastructure is important, but it does not
rank highly amongst citizens. In 2018 and
2021 it ranked 8th whilst in 2019 it ranked
9th.
Furthermore, the citizens have an idea
of factors that are impeding progress or
achievement of a better socio-economic
order. These include corruption (61%), in-
effective leadership (42%), incompetence
(37%). These were the top three factors
limiting government performance iden-
tified by citizens across all the three sur-
veys. Sanctions do feature on the list of
factors constraining government perfor-
mance but are ranked 6th.
While 22% do consider limited financial
resources to be a constraint to government
performance, the majority (67%) of the
respondents in 2021 (figure 3) also think
Citizens top 3 expectations of central government. Source: Citizens Expectations and Perceptions Survey, SIVIO Institute.
that the government has sufficient re-
sources to affect a more equitable frame-
work for development.
Finally, success for citizens means the
re-opening of industries (55%), function-
al clinics and hospitals (48%), arresting of
those engaged in corruption (46%), well-
paying jobs (28%), re-engagement with
the international community (18%) and
food security (11%). Perhaps the question
to be asked is the extent to which the gov-
ernment has fared in terms of achieving
the above-listed milestones of progress.
For many there is little that has changed.
Could it be that the government has be-
come its own worst enemy. At the begin-
ning of his term the current President as-
sured citizens that he would be a listening
president.
The divergence between policy and citi-
zen expectations suggests otherwise.
Government is operating as a silo with-
out a feedback loop. Unfortunately, the
era of top-down and expert-led policy
making without widespread consultations
is over. There is a need to consider new
approaches to governance which include
co-creation and co-production. Govern-
ment’s approach has been to “surprise”
people with important policies starting
with the transitional stabilisation pro-
gramme of 2018. At the time of its launch
there was no record of any consultations
with important stakeholders including
business. In many instances policies are
rejected not necessarily because they are
bad but most often because they are be-
ing imposed on the people. Government
needs to embrace co-creation of policies
and strategies as a value.
Furthermore, it is widely recognised that
the government does not have the where-
withal to fix every public problem within
the country. Practice elsewhere suggests
the need to view citizens not only as vot-
ers but as co-producers of public goods.
Citizens, in their individual and corporate
capacities, have amply demonstrated their
capacities to contribute to national devel-
opment through multiple strategies that
entail providing for or supporting govern-
ment’s efforts in service provision.
However, currently bureaucratic red
tape has only served to frustrate citizens’
collective agency. Is it not ironic that a
country struggling to provide adequate
healthcare and other social goods is ac-
tively pursuing efforts of limiting citizens
agency through various measures includ-
ing passing a draconian law on private
voluntary organisations. NGOs, Unions,
Associations, community-based organi-
sations have made immense contributions
towards creating social safety nets for the
vulnerable.
Yet today their future is uncertain. There
are very few instances where a “govern-
ment alone’ approach has ever adequately
contributed towards inclusive and equi-
table development. Government needs
other partners to make a dent on growing
poverty and growing inequality.
The forthcoming battle for office will
largely be about livelihoods. It is our hope
that would-be officeholders will spend
more time trying to understand what citi-
zens want.
The response to Winky D and Holy Ten’s
song demonstrates the contestations that
exist between on the one hand the small
band of those benefiting from the status
quo and are seeking to defend their privi-
lege and on the other hand those who are
genuinely feel left behind and excluded
from the state led neo-liberal model cur-
rently at play in the country.
The musicians have only captured the
mood in society. People are concerned
about abuse of power, increasing levels of
corruption, improved access, ineffective-
ness of the preferred development mod-
el and declining quality of social goods.
These are part of everyday discussions.
Let’s remember Queen Marie Antoinette
in 1789 who in the face of bread riots asked
if the rioters cannot be given cake instead.
It is our hope that in 2023 our leaders are
not so distant from the social and econom-
ic realities of Zimbabwe not to recognise
the major crisis that we are dealing with.
Ibotso!
Murisa is the current executive director of SIVIO
Institute (www.sivioinstitute.org). He has over
20 years of institution building and policy analy-
sis experience, spanning three universities and
multiple local and international organisations.
He is the author of several books, essays, and
journal articles on African Philanthropy, Citi-
zens’ agency & solidarity, public policy, land
and agrarian reforms in Zimbabwe and across
Africa. He is active in building communities of
practice and nurturing institutions that aim to
enhance giving by Africans.
 Zimbabwe independent JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023 15

opinion

Jacob
Mutisi
Online visibility will make it
ICT EXPERT
easy to market Zim’s produce
Zimbabwean-produced mangetout,
green beans, chillies, lettuce and fish are
common in European supermarkets. Zim-
babwe is also a producer of flue-cured to-
bacco, poultry, rice, maize, cotton, wheat,
soya beans, sorghum, groundnuts, seed
maize and burley tobacco grown under
dry land production as well as with sup-
plementary irrigation in the dry months.
Agriculture in Zimbabwe is on an up-
swing and young people are the driving
force. Do they know how to market their
produce to the international market? Do
we have the structures to market their pro-
duce? There are now over 250 000 black
African farmers with very limited distri-
bution channels and are now looking for
overseas markets.
Zimbabwe now needs to market its pro-
duce to the International community and
Zimbabwean farmers now need to have
cyber presence by developing websites.
International consumers are becoming
aware of foods containing synthetic pesti-
cides and fertilisers and are now switching
to organic foods. This is driving the market
growth of organic farming that is devoid
of chemicals used in crops. Zimbabwe is
on the forefront of this kind of agricultural
production.
With Zimbabwean farmers focusing on
organic produce, there is potential for the
nation’s horticulture sector to increase its
contribution to national exports, riding
on improved production by smallholder Zimbabwean fresh produce in a German market.
farmers and rural communities. The world
market does not know about this develop- and that's a story that the world needs pansion, the deteriorating ecological status is expected to provide livelihoods for about
ment and it is time for Zimbabwe’s farming to hear. The story does not need to come of the environment due to the heavy use of half the rural population, despite ongoing
community to embrace the use of technol- from the government; it is a story that has fertilisers and pesticides, and the issue of urbanisation in the country. Most farmers
ogy and have websites and social media to come from the farmers themselves. The food security. are engaged in low-scale subsistence farm-
presence to showcase their produce and same effort the government is putting in, There is also much room to improve in ing and have a hard time accessing credit
market it effectively. An agricultural Web- should be the same effort that it is putting terms of increasing the use of machinery and paying it back.
site helps to convey transparency, provide out, to push the farmers to market their and advanced technologies in the agricul- With this projected continuous growth
a place to spotlight customers and prod- products online with Zimtrade and the tural sector. The government of Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sectors, every
ucts, and for customers to advocate for Zimbabwe Investment and Development and its partners, has made significant ef- producer, farmer and stakeholder should
their produce. Authority playing a significant role to mar- forts to integrate the latest and new agricul- be playing their role in creating marketing
Zimbabwe has a history of high-quality ket Zimbabwe’s farmers and their produce. tural technologies to improve the sector’s opportunities for this potential agricultural
agricultural products that it has to offer International agriculturalists and commod- efficiency and increase land productivity, powerhouse. Zimbabwe is now a digital
that are in huge demand all over the world. ity traders are looking for partners and sup- with the latest being Pfumvudza. Some economy and the government should be
Zimbabwe should take advantage of con- pliers and most people do not trust farmers, major product categories, including soya tapping into the experts of ICT profession-
sumer behaviour that is changing every- businesses and institutions without a web beans and dairy foods, have been heav- als to use the new and existing ICT struc-
where. The international community wants presence and good website. ily dependent on imports for many years. tures to tell the success story of the agricul-
to consume food products that are healthi- A clean, modern webpage that is regu- Other inhibitors to the sector's growth in- tural sector and to build ICT infrastructure
er, natural, organic, ethically sourced, fair- larly updated and pops up in search engines clude the ageing workforce with a low level that will help each and every Zimbabwean
ly traded, fresh and original, gluten-free, creates an instant credibility boost. For lo- of education and the underdeveloped rural to market their agriculture products with
sourced from single destinations; products cal farmers, potential partners, customers financial services system. ease. ICT and agriculture is the link that
that tell a story or that help consumers and distributors will trust a local farmer The government has adopted a number will make Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector
make a positive impact in someone else’s who has all their information in one place, of multi-year policies, such as a pledge to great again.
life. Zimbabwe has all of that to offer and online. double farmer incomes and become self-
more, this is where our nation can find a Despite the rapid development of Zimba- sufficient in pulses over an unspecified Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt)
very attractive competitive advantage. By bwe’s agricultural sector, problems emerge short-term period. However, reform needs Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe
having websites and social media presence in relation to a variety of aspects, including to go much deeper, especially considering Information & Communication Technology, a di-
Zimbabwe’s farmers and producers have the shrinking arable land due to urban ex- the fact that in the years to 2050, agriculture vision of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers.
everything to gain because it helps them to
build partnerships and an increase in sales,
broader market access, less time spent
finding new markets, and more profits at
the end of the year in the long term.
To the government of Zimbabwe, agri-
culture has always been of great impor-
tance, as it has realised that there is a great
demand for food by the world's growing
population. The Zimbabwe government
has been supporting the agricultural sec-
tor and has been introducing a number of
policies, trying to stabilise the output and
seeking ways to ensure the sector is grow-
ing healthily and sustainably. The Govern-
ment of Zimbabwe has been supportive of
the nation’s agricultural sector since in-
dependence in 1980, and there is broader
political consensus as to the need for land,
labour and tax reform to help the sector
reach its potential.
Due to supportive policies, the agri-
cultural sector’s performance has been
continuously improving steadily over the
years. Zimbabwe keeps its first rank in the
world in terms of farming output, produc-
ing large quantities of rice, wheat, cotton,
meat, poultry, eggs and fishery products.
The new strategy calls for more efforts to
ensure the supply of key farm products,
promoting the supply-side structural re-
form and, more importantly, enhancing
environmental protection as well as pollu-
tion prevention and waste treatment.
Zimbabwe’s farmers are telling a story Zimbabwe has a history of high-quality agricultural products that it has to offer that are in huge demand all over the world.
16 Zimbabwe independent january 20 to 26, 2023
2023 Ford Everest will win your heart
Specifications
Claimed fuel economy: 8.5L/100km
Drive type: Full-time 4WD
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel
Fuel tank: 80L
Power: 184kW
Torque: 600Nm
Towing capacity: 3500kg
Transmission: 10AT
Andrew
Muzamhindo
Analyst
Ford stated that consumer feedback was
very important not only in the new Ever-
est's design but also in its technology as
the maker included more cutting-edge, in-
novative technologies on board. The SUV's
maker spent time learning about what cus-
tomers wanted and needed from an SUV.
Therefore, this SUV was created with your
input, which is unusual in the automotive
industry.
At first sight, you can notice many of its
Raptor sister traits on the front, which are
now squarer and “boxier” and have re-
placed the Everest's previous roundness in
the design.
The Everest makes claims of strength
and capability on the outside, and let us
tell you, it certainly lived up to those claims
both on and off-road, but we will get to that
in a moment.
For the time being, it will make the ri-
vals' vehicles appear dated, and these
are stunning cars. The stylish Isuzu MUX,
which was introduced last year, is a beau-
ty. Although The Fortuner has good looks, it
needs to catch up. The market also needs a
brand new Pajero Sport.
The engine
A fantastic 3.0 V6 turbo diesel engine and
a 10-speed automatic transmission work
well to propel the Everest. The drive is
nothing short of spectacular, producing
an amazing 184kW and 600Nm. An un-
matched driving experience is produced by
power that is constant across the rev range
MOTORING
with no lag and incredibly smooth gear
changes.
Stylish interior
The Everest's Platinum-spec interior has
soft-touch materials upholstered in sump-
tuous leather and accented with grey faux
wood panelling. However, the seating is
covered with the same plush leather and
has a quilted design embroidered into it.
Additionally, mood lighting is installed
throughout the cabin to create the ideal
ambiance for stargazing.
Haul/tow mode
Even though the Everest has a variety of
drive mode options, the Tow/Haul feature
stands out.
This mode prepares the vehicle to tow
up to 3500 tons braked, activates trailer
sway control, enables camera functionality
such as reverse indicators to line up the tow
hitch as well as deactivating BLIS and other
features related to the load being towed. It
also permits you to perform a trailer light
check.
Interior space
The Everest has three complete rows of
seating and ample storage to meet the
needs of a growing family. However, if you
opt to fold the seats flat, you'll gain just
about 2000 litres of room, which is eas-
ily big enough to fit the contents of a small
house.
Camera in 360 degrees
The Everest's 360-degree camera aids in
parking, which is really helpful with a ve-
hicle this size.
When the 4x4 is active, it will even show
you a brief animation of the tire tracks on
the video signal to let you know where
your wheels are heading.
Environment control
With its automatic zonal climate control,
the Everest allows everyone to discov-
er their happy place. Front seats that are
heated and ventilated, seats in the second
row that are heated, and a heated steering
wheel for the driver all come standard.
Superb performance and handling
The Everest is a dream to drive on the road;
the velvety, soft suspension smooths out
the bumps in the pavement, and the ride
is incredibly quiet thanks to the 21-inch
wheels and road-biassed tyres. The Everest
won't be subjected to high-speed corner-
ing, but if you do, it will withstand what-
ever you can throw at it, and it will even
surprise you off-road.
Both cars feature linear power delivery
from 0 to 100 km/h, with the Platinum ob-
viously performing better at higher speeds.
Obstacles will be eliminated with ease. The
torque underneath will make passing other
vehicles a breeze.
The new model maintains the same rep-
utation as the old one for being extremely
capable off the beaten road.
Even with the road-biassed tyre layout,
the AWD system with low range and diff
lock will make the obstacles seem easy.
The Everest has truly been hit with the
equipment checklist by Tech Ford. The list
of amenities is so extensive that we could
spend all day looking through it, but the
standout features—the 12-speaker Bang &
Olufsen audio system, Active Park Assist,
Adaptive Cruise Control, and One-touch
tailgate—really pleased us.
Terrain management
The Everest performs admirably on the
highway, but since it is an Everest, it re-
ally shines in challenging conditions. The
Everest uses a wide range of off-road drive
modes and can handle some rather chal-
lenging off-roading. You may select be-
tween Sand, Mud, Ruts, and even Snow,
and you can turn on diff locks as you navi-
gate difficulties that a vehicle of this level
shouldn't have to cross.
The cost
I anticipate the Everest will cost more
than the Fortuner until a new Fortuner is
released given the company it currently
keeps.
It should cost anything between US$70K
to US$100K. This range should cover from
the entry level Ford Everest to platinum
which is top of the range. When you con-
sider everything, the Everest has to offer,
the pricing is extremely reasonable.
My decision
Simply put, you will adore having the Ever-
est in your garage. It has earned its stripes
as an urban mover and but most of all it will
carry you off-road without hesitation and
hiccups.
My view is The Everest is now encroach-
ing into the Land Rover Defender 110, Jeep
Grand Cherokee L and Toyota Prado cat-
egory. While it is equally equipped and
powerful, it is also far less expensive.
When it finally reaches Zimbabwe,
you must check it out. It was introduced
in South Africa around two months ago,
therefore I predict that by the end of this
month or so it will be in Zimbabwe. For in-
dividuals looking to purchase a high-end
7-seater in 2023, the all new Everest will be
part of the purchasing debate.
andrew@muzamhindo.com.

World
View
GWYNnE DYER
Alliances are as old as civilisation. Older,
actually: almost every hunter-gathererer
band that anthropologists have studied,
from the New Guinea highlanders to the
Yanomamo in the Amazon, made alli-
ances with other groups to try to protect
themselves.
But they often also ended up fighting peo-
ple they had no quarrel with.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend”
is the usual logic that the alliances are built
on, but people tend to overlook the fact that
alliances also mean that “the enemy of my
ally is my enemy too”.
Right now, the various regional alliances
that already exist seem to be consolidating
into a single all-embracing alliance system.
It was that kind of system that made the
First World War happen and we probably
don’t want to see that happen again.
Only three years ago, there was only one
big alliance in the world: the North Atlan-
tic Treaty Organisation (Nato), founded in
1949, victorious in the Cold War and, more
recently, an alliance in search of a new role.
Almost everybody in Europe and North
America belonged to it.
Apart from that, the United States had
bilateral alliances or alliance-like arrange-
ments with a number of countries in the
Middle East (Israel), East Asia (Japan, South
Korea and perhaps Taiwan) and Oceania
(Australia and New Zealand).
Three of the world’s biggest countries,
China, India and Russia, had no military alli-
ances worth talking about. Unless you think
that the China-North Korea, India-Bhutan
and Russia-Armenia alliances count.
It was, in other words, a loosely-coupled
world: something could go really bad in one
part of the planet and countries in other re-
gions would not necessarily be dragged into
it.
The shift began with rising concern in the
Asia-Pacific countries and the US about the
irresistible rise of president-for-life Xi Jin-
ping to supreme power in China. The re-
sponse to that was the Quad, formally the
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: the US, In-
dia, Australia and Japan.
Founded in 2017, it began as just a talking
shop, but after bitter clashes between In-
dian and Chinese troops on the Himalayan
frontier in 2019, India came fully on board,
participating in the first joint naval exercises
with the other three Quad members in 2020.
Then came AUKUS, an alliance uniting
the US, the United Kingdom and Australia,
with the initial task of arranging for Austral-
ia to get a fleet of nuclear-powered attack
submarines. It was transparently designed
to challenge China’s territorial ambitions in
the South China Sea.
This pretty well completed the archi-
tecture for an “Indo-Pacific Nato” whose
members would account for about a third of
the world’s GDP. The original Nato members
account for about 45% of global GDP (al-
though the US and the UK are being double-
counted in this reckoning).
While China’s more belligerent style un-
der Xi certainly accounts for the speed at
which a counter-balancing alliance took
shape in the region, the equal and oppo-
site reaction to this enterprise was the an-
nouncement of a “no limits” partnership by
Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in
early 2022.
All this happened before Russia invaded
Ukraine again in February of last year (hav-
ing done it once already in 2014).
You can see how everybody was reacting
in large part to moves by the other “side”,
and why Xi backed off quickly from his “no
limits” partnership with Russia once he
realised how obsessed Putin was with his
Ukraine legacy project.
Nevertheless, the game is now afoot and
it will be hard to stop. Germany announced
that it was doubling its defence budget last
February; Japan said it would do the same
last month. China is rapidly expanding its
armed forces despite a failing economy, and
Russia’s growing derangement is hard to
ignore.
All the planners and the analysts in-
sist that they have it under control. We
shouldn’t worry that we are living through a
high-speed replay of the creation of the en-
Zimbabwe independent January 20 to 26, 2023 17
COLUMN
Return of the alliances
Nuclear fusion: In and out
Nuclear fusion, the “holy large amounts of electricity
grail” that would finally end all at an affordable price, we can
the world’s energy problems, stop burning fossil fuels en-
has been receding into the fu- tirely. Unless there are further
ture at the rate of about one dramatic improvements in bat-
year per year all my adult life tery weight and storage capac-
— it was always “about 30 years ity, we will probably need hy-
away” — but suddenly we are drogen for aircraft and ships,
catching up. Unfortunately, the but you just use the abundant
change of pace comes too late electricity to split water for the
to save us from an acute global hydrogen.
climate emergency. Wind and solar power will
The good news came recently probably remain competitive in
from the National Ignition Fa- cost, but if you are a supersti-
cility at Lawrence Livermore tious peasant, you can also re-
National Laboratory in Califor- tire your existing fission-based
nia, United States. They have nuclear plants. So what’s not to
finally achieved “ignition”: like about fusion? Only the de-
that is, they have managed to Nuclear fusion ... The “holy grail” that would finally end all the livery date.
get more energy out of fusing world’s energy problems. It is highly unlikely that there
hydrogen molecules together will be even a single prototype
to make helium than they had then an implosion — that pro- Half a dozen smaller and fusion reactor producing com-
to put in to make the fusion duced 3,15mj of energy. That’s more recent private start-ups mercially relevant amounts of
happen. “ignition”: 54% more energy are exploring alternative ways electricity before 2030. Green-
Theoretically, that reaction out than in. to the same goal and several house gas emissions may have
should release a huge amount In scientific language, that’s promising ones hope to have stopped rising by then, but they
of energy from a relatively tiny “proof of concept”. Nobody re- demonstration reactors up and probably won’t be falling yet.
amount of hydrogen. That’s ally doubted that fusion could running within this decade. The So current forecasts say that we
the whole reason for working eventually be made to produce front runners are Common- will be irrevocably committed
on the problem and the phys- useful energy one way or an- wealth Fusion Systems in Mas- to +1,5°C higher average global
ics works just fine. But it’s the other, but it still needed to be sachusetts and General Fusion, temperature by 2029.
engineering problem from Hell, demonstrated in practice. Now a Vancouver-based Canadian- By 2040, we could be see-
and in more than 50 years of it has been. United Kingdom partnership. ing a major roll-out of fusion
experiments they have always In terms of the actual energy The “Skunk Works” at Lock- power plants if we are lucky,
had to put more energy in than output, however, it’s pathetic: heed Martin is also still in the accounting for as much as 5%
they got out. about enough to boil one ket- game, working its way through of global energy use, but any
Indeed, a long-running joke tle. The heavy lifting of making progressively more advanced faster would require implau-
in the field has been that re- fusion energy work on a huge models of a compact fusion sible changes in the way the
search on getting useful energy scale at a commercially viable reactor at the rate of one every world works. By then we will
out of nuclear fusion is subject cost has still to be done, and the couple of years. One way or an- be staring +2,0°C in the face —
to the “Law of the Conservation Livermore lab isn’t even work- other, the job will get done. or already experiencing it, if
of Difficulty”: whenever one ing on those issues. The long-term promise of some of the big feedbacks are
problem is solved, a new one of Other people are, however, fusion power is dazzling. It of- starting to kick in.
equal difficulty emerges to take and the signs are promising. The fers effectively limitless energy Fusion power may give us
its place. But those days may biggest project is the 35-coun- from an inexhaustible fuel: iso- a long, happy future if we get
now be over. try International Thermonu- topes of hydrogen that are de- through the next 20-30 years
The big news from the Liv- clear Experimental Reactor rived from water (deuterium) without a civilisational col-
ermore lab is that they focused (ITER) in France, a huge under- and from enriched lithium lapse, but it won’t be the
2,05 megajoules (mj) of laser ground magnetic fusion device (tritium). The process can- magical vehicle that carries us
light onto a tiny capsule of hy- that broke ground in 2010, will not result in melt-down, pro- through the crisis unharmed.
drogen fuel for a few nanosec- go active in 2025, and should be duces no radioactive waste and We will have to figure that one
onds and triggered an explo- producing really interesting re- doesn’t take up much land. out on our own. — This piece is
sion — well, first an explosion, sults by the mid-2030s. Once fusion can produce also from Gwynne Dyer.
tangling alliances that dragged everybody ning to destroy or subjugate any of the oth- As it did, in 1914, once all the alliances
into the First World War. This is a different ers. (Ukraine is not a great power, so that were in place.
time. doesn’t count.) The next great war may come out of some
My problem is that I can’t see what is so Count Otto von Bismarck, first Chancel- damned foolish thing in the South China
different about it this time. Outside the spe- lor of the newly united German Empire, re- Sea. Or the East China Sea, for that matter.
cific and well-contained war in Ukraine, marked in 1878 that “One day the great Eu-
there are no great issues of principle at ropean War will come out of some damned Dyer is a London-based independent journalist.
stake and none of the great powers is plan- foolish thing in the Balkans”. His new book is titled The Shortest History of War.
18 Zimbabwe independent JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023
Respect
Gwenzi
Financial ANALYST
The local unit continued on a freefall into
the new year, completing two straight
weeks of sharp losses after easing by
3,63% this week to settle at ZW$732 per
US dollar.
The losing trend is a carry over from
2022, over which it lost value against the
US in all but one auction session out of 48
conducted during the year. So far in 2023,
the Zimdollar has shed 8% under two ses-
sions, its quickest and deepest loss since
the reintroduction of the Zimdollar in
2019.
On a cumulative basis the Zimdollar lost
85% against the USD in 2022, again, its
worst outturn since 2019. In 2021 the local
unit recorded its most improved position
against the greenback, easing by only 28%
. In 2019 and 2020, the Zimdollar eased by
82% apiece triggering massive inflation
which spiralled into hyperinflation before
a reconfiguration of the auction market.
The RBZ has made efforts to continu-
ously drive the currency market towards
full liberalisation.
Auction market overview
A total of US$14,5 million was traded on
the auction market this week, up from
US$10,8 million in the prior week. The av-
erage weekly value traded has been trend-
ing down since 2022.
From an average of US$40 million a week
in 2021, trades eased to an average of
US$23 million a week in 2022, a 43% de-
cline. In the final quarter of 2022, aver-
age weekly trades eased to US$12 million
a week reflecting a sharp loss in trades on
the respective market.
Key driver of low auction trades
Data from 2022 foreign payments sched-
ule shows a diminishing contribution from
auction market trades against foreign cur-
rency accounts.
Out of a total US$8,6 billion traded in
2022, the auction market handled only
13% of the volumes.
The contribution is a decline from 18%
in the prior year.
As auction flows fell in both contribu-
tion and absolute value terms, payments
through FCAs went up, in respective terms.
In our analysis in the final quarter of the
year, we deduced that the decline in auc-
FOREX AUCTION MARKET WEEKLY REVIEW
Weak trading data shows RBZ is
in control of the exchange rate
tion flows represented a shift towards in-
terbank, given the Reserve Bank’s adjust-
ment in trading limits for the later.
We also assumed since the interbank
will now be trading higher volumes, it
will effectively drive the market to price
discovery.
Assuming so would mean a shift in who
gets to dictate the effective formal ex-
change rate and this would a shift from
RBZ to the public (market).
We hailed the move as sincere and com-
mitment towards the free market and en-
visaged that through this mechanism, the
exchange rate could stabilise.
However, from the data made available
by the RBZ, it shows that the interbank re-
mains a dormant and therefore ineffective
market for price discovery.
Data shows that in 2022, the interbank
traded only US$200 million, which is less
than a percent of the total foreign pay-
ments for the year.
The outturn was even lower than the
US$300 million traded on the respective
market in 2021.
This means its allure for price discovery
is diminished and rendered ineffective.
The auction market thus remains the
market maker and by virtue of its manip-
ulation by authorities equally represents a
variance to pure market position.
This defines why Zimbabwe is always
battling a worse off premium between the
parallel market and the auction, the later
is not liberal.
The diminishing trades on the auc-
tion market is largely a demonstration
of increased US dollar transacting in the
economy.
This means most companies are equally
able to earn forex even without having to
export.
Our study shows that at least 70% of
transactions by value in the economy
are being settled directly in forex across
parties.
Another factor why the auction market
contribution has been diminishing is a
fairly narrow variance between the auc-
tion and parallel market for the greater
part of 2022, particularly in the second half
following an introduction of a raft of both
fiscal and monetary measures intended at
stemming the currency spiral.
This would encourage ZWL transacting,
reduce speculative demand of forex and
utilisation of forex deposits by holders in
settling local dues.
Gwenzi is a financial analyst and MD of Equity
Axis, a financial media firm offering business
intelligence, economic and equity research. —
respect@equityaxis.net

IndependentXtra
Danai Gurira hints at ‘Black
Panther’ spin-off series
Black Panther star Danai Gurira (pictured)
had a promising response to rumours of a
spin-off series centred on Okoye.
The actress and playwright hinted at the
possibility of a Disney+ series about her
fan-favourite warrior and loyal protector
of Wakanda Forever during an appearance on
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert last Friday.
“I have been told ... that I can gently al-
lude to this possibility,” Gurira said care-
fully when probed by host Stephen Col-
bert about the rumours. “So I am gently
alluding.”
A stunned Colbert quipped, “You gen-
tly alluding is the Marvel version of a full
monty. I can’t believe I got anything out of
you.”
In 2021, a Hollywood Reporter profile on top
Hollywood attorneys spotlighted Gurira’s
attorney Jamie Mandelbaum and noted
that he helped broker a deal on an Okoye
origin spin-off series for Disney+.
Deadline later reported that Black Panther
director Ryan Coogler was developing the
series.
Reps for Disney didn’t immediately re-
spond to Entertainment Weekly (EW)’s re-
quest for comment about the spin-off.
Gurira first appeared as Okoye, a gen-
eral of the all-female special force group
Dora Milaje, in the first Black Panther film in
2018. She reprised the role in 2018’s Aveng-
ers: Infinity War, 2019’s Endgame, and most
recently, the 2022 Black Panther sequel Wa-
kanda Forever, which follows Wakandians as
they deal with the loss of leader T’Challa
(the late Chadwick Boseman).
Coogler and the cast — including Gurira,
Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston
Duke, Angela Bassett, and Tenoch Huerta
— spoke about the movie’s themes of loss
in an EW cover story last year following
the passing of Boseman, who died in 2020
at 43 from colon cancer.
“There is that idea of grief and intense
emotion feeling like it comes in waves,”
Coogler said. “Sometimes a wave can take
you away where you lose control of it. You
think you are in control, but the water
can always remind you that you are not.”
— EW.
DStv’s Pick of the Week
DStv welcomes the launch of Quincy Jones’ TV
l Featuring jazz, soul, blues, hip-hop, RnB,
Afrobeats and dance.
l Available to DStv Compact Plus and Pre-
mium customers.
l Open to Compact Customers from 20 Janu-
ary 20 to February 19.
With exclusive access to high-end music,
great concerts, documentaries and never-
seen archived interviews, the global music
streaming platform Qwest TV will officially be
on channel 330. The channel will be open to
DStv Compact Plus and Premium customers,
with an open window from January 20 to Feb-
ruary 19 for Compact customers.
The channel will be available in over 40
countries across the continent.
Available exclusively to DStv customers, the
channels offering includes:
l Exclusive concerts from legendary artists as
well as rising stars from across the globe;
l Premium music documentaries;
l Archived artist footage; and
l Unreleased interviews with music icons,
including Erykah Badu, Questlove, Salif Keita,
Gregory Porter, Marcus Miller, Seun Kuti, Ka-
masi Washington and Fatoumata Diawara.
Zimbabwe
Founded in 2017 by musical genius, the leg-
endary Quincy Jones, alongside TV and music
producer and programmer Reza Ackbaraly,
Qwest TV plans to bring genre-agnostic mu-
sical content to the African continent.
“From African legends proudly proclaiming
their heritage to jazz, classical, electronic and
amazing deep-dive music documentaries,
Africa is the source of music’s heartbeat and
the cradle of modern music. I’m looking for-
ward to celebrating diverse sounds with y’all!”
explains Quincy Jones, Qwest TV co-founder
and music producer.
For more information visit dstv.com.
ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT January 20 to 26, 2023 X1
Independent
Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ becomes UK’s
fastest-selling non-fiction book
Prince Harry’s Spare has sold almost half a mil-
lion copies in the United Kingdom in its first week
on sale, making it the fastest-selling nonfiction
book since records began.
According to Nielsen, Spare sold a total of
467 183 print copies through UK retailers in its
first week of release, making it No. 1 on the book
charts. This does not include ebook sales or au-
diobook copies.
The book’s publisher Penguin Random House
(PRH) UK said the book had sold 750 000 cop-
ies in the UK across all formats — hardbacks,
ebooks and audiobooks — in its first week. Of
these, 400 000 copies were on its first day on
sale in the UK.
Larry Finlay, managing director of Transworld,
the PRH division which published the book in the
UK, said Guinness World Records had confirmed
that Spare was the fastest-selling nonfiction
book ever on its first day of publication.
Finlay said as well as being the fastest selling,
“we now know that it is also the biggest selling
memoir ever in its first week of publication”.
In second place in this week’s UK chart is
Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slow Cooker Book
by Nathan Anthony, which sold 31 928 copies.
Spare is the fastest-selling non-fiction book in
the UK since Nielsen BookData’s official printed
book sales records began in 1998. The previous
AI art generators
spark multiple
copyright lawsuits
A group of artists in United States are suing
AI (artificial intelligence) art generators Sta-
bility AI, Midjourney and DeviantArt for using
their work to train AI tools.
The first-of-its-kind suit accuses the com-
panies of copyright infringement for using
billions of images downloaded from the inter-
net without artists’ consent.
“Until now, when a purchaser seeks a new
image ‘in the style’ of a given artist, they must
pay to commission or licence an original image
from that artist,” reads the proposed class ac-
tion filed last Friday in California federal court.
“Now, those purchasers can use the artist’s
works along with the artist’s name to generate
new works in the artist’s style without com-
pensating the artist at all.”
Stability’s AI’s Stable Diffusion, which cre-
ates images in response to text prompts, is
incorporated into the company’s AI image
system DreamStudio, DeviantArt’s DreamUp
and Midjourney. They allow users to create
images based off of the artists whose works
were used to train the art generators’ algo-
rithms. Getty Images on Monday sued Stability
AI in the UK for illegally copying and processing
millions of its copyrighted images.
“Getty Images provided licenses to lead-
ing technology innovators for purposes related
to training artificial intelligence systems in a
manner that respects personal and intellec-
tual property rights,” said the company, which
prohibits the sale of AI generated art, in a
statement.
“Stability AI did not seek any such licence
from Getty Images and instead, we believe,
chose to ignore viable licensing options and
long-standing legal protections in pursuit of
their stand-alone commercial interests.”
Stability AI countered in statement that:
“Anyone that believes that this isn’t fair use
does not understand the technology and mis-
understands the law.”
Whether AI programmes, built on mod-
els that analyse the patterns of copyrighted
works, violate the intellectual property rights
of artists is up in the air. Engineers build AI art
generators by feeding algorithms large data-
bases of images downloaded from the internet
without licences.
Midjourney and DeviantArt didn’t respond
to requests for comment. — The Hollywood
Reporter.
record was held by the first Pinch of Nom cook-
book by Kay Allinson, which sold 210 506 copies
in its first three days of release in 2019.
Waterstones said the pre-orders for Spare,
which are counted in the first official week of
sales, were “the largest on record for a nonfiction
title” for the retailer, with nonfiction category
manager John Cotterill saying they were “de-
lighted with the first week’s performance”.
“Waterstones’ sales of Spare have been
exceptional,” Cotterill said. “Seven days after
publication, Spare is one of Waterstones’ fast-
est-selling books in a decade.”
The book also remains No. 1 on the Amazon
bestsellers chart, and is the site’s bestselling
non-fiction title.
Spare sold a combined 1,4 million copies on
its first day on sale in the United States, Canada
and the UK, according to PRH, overtaking Barack
Obama’s A Promised Land, which had previ-
ously recorded the biggest first-day sales for
the publisher.
The US had originally printed two million cop-
ies, and the publisher is now reprinting.
Harry’s controversial memoir Spare made
headlines ahead of publication. The Guardian
was first to report of a passage in the book which
described a physical fight between Harry and his
brother Prince William. — The Guardian.
X2 Zimbabwe independent Xtra january 20 to 26, 2023

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

NGZ makes calls Newton’s daughter

for new entries shines in HBO series
Khumbulani Muleya
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ)
has called on women creatives to submit
new artworks in all media for the upcom-
ing exhibition in recognition of Interna-
tional Women's Day.
Selected artworks will be included in
the annual women’s exhibition to be for-
mally inaugurated at the NGZ on March 8.
Entries are open to artists who are wom-
en above the age of 18 and are residents
of Zimbabwe. The theme for this year’s
global event is “Embrace Equity”.
The deadline for submission of all en-
tries is March 3.
According to the public gallery, the
campaign theme for 2023’s International
Women’s Day will serve as a basis for the
annual women’s exhibition. Artists are
being encouraged to create work that best
envelopes the thematic guidelines. The
theme aims to focus on creating a fair and
equal world for women and girls.
“The National Gallery of Zimbabwe re-
mains committed to giving a platform to
artists who are women and will continue
to promote talent with an inclusive ap-
proach. Women’s perspectives on perti-
nent issues such as the ‘glass ceiling’ are
needed, and the matter of equity in all
sectors of life often times become muf-
fled by stigma and perpetuation of ar-
chaic paternalist thought,” NGZ spokes-
person Zvikomborero Mandangu told
IndependentXtra.
Submission of artworks is free. Artists
are requested to send pdf attachments
that include a biography, curriculum vi-
tae and artist statement to exhibitions@
nationalgallery.co.zw with the subject Em-
brace Equity.
International Women’s Day, which was
first observed in 1911, is a day dedicated to
honouring the social, economic, cultural
and political achievements of women.
It still remains a significant occasion for
furthering women’s equality. The day
also marks a call to action for accelerating
women’s equality.
Last year, in celebrating the achieve-
ments of women and women artists, the
NGZ, through the support of the Irish
embassy,curated an exhibition themed
#BreakTheBias.
The showcase featurednew works from
10 women artists whose mixed media,
paintings and digital illustrations were
displayed alongside the NGZ’s perma-
nent collection done by painters who
established reputations in the pre and
post-Independence era such as Natasha
Jobst,Bennet Noelle, Brown Philipa and
Wesseik Dulcie in addition to a dozen
other paintings like Batigelli Pauline’s
Lushi (1968) and War Bird (1978) by Ler-
ois Helen.
Tarisai Gweje, Sebata Ska, Lin Barrie,
Sibanda Vongai, Raath Eva and Somers
Xanthewere some of the women artists
from across the country whofeatured in
last year’s exhibition.
Nico Parker (pictured), the daughter of
Thandiwe Newton and Ol Parker is starring
in HBO’s The Last of Us which premiered last
Sunday night, and her performance has
left fans captivated.
At 18 years old, the actress proved she
is a force to be reckoned with, showcas-
ing her talent in moving scenes opposite
Pedro Pascal, who plays her father. So
who is the young woman?
Her famous family
Parker was born on December 9, 2004,
and is from Kensal Rise, North West Lon-
don. As the daughter of Newton and film
director and screenwriter Parker, she is
well aware of the privileges she has as
their daughter.
She told Glamour magazine:“I’m aware
of who my parents are. I’m aware of how
their wonderful careers have impacted
me, and me being able to have a career,
know the right people, and be in contact
with the right people.”
In the end, Nico wants to make a name
for herself, and it’s clear in The Last of Us,
she is doing just that.
“I think it’s more so that your name
isn’t for your entire life associated with
your parents,” she told the outlet.
Nico told Seth Meyers, on Late Night with set her mother offered advice: “Be nice
Seth Meyers, that her dad helps her with and remember everyone’s name.”
her self-tapes. After gaining worldwide recognition
“Which is great, ‘cause it’s just like for her role, she starred alongside Naomie
cheating’,” she told the host. “They are Harris and Jude Law in the HBO minise-
both very good at kind of being the sup- ries The Third Day (2020). Nico then had
portive parents then also giving profes- the opportunity to work with her mother
sional criticism and praise and all of that.” in the 2021 film Reminiscence, where she
Newton was born in London to a white played Zoe.
British father, Nick, and a Zimbabwean Who she looks up to in the industry
mother, Nyasha.
Her family settled in Penzance, Corn- Aside from her parents, Nico said she
wall, when Newton was three years old. looks up to Zendaya, who recently fol-
Nico’s parents split in 2022 after 24 lowed her on Instagram.
years of marriage, and she also has an “For any mixed-race kid, that’s amaz-
older sister named Ripley, 22, and a little ing. For an entire generation of young
brother named Booker, 8. kids, when she was on Disney, I always
Her prior roles thought, ‘wow, she’s someone that kind
of looks like me!’” she said.
Nico made her film debut as Milly Far- She also looks up to Beyoncé, “I don’t
rier in 2019 in Walt Disney’s,Dumbo.She told think I could meet her because I think I
Interview magazine before her first day on would faint,” she said. — Hola!

C R OSS WO R D P U Z Z L E & Q U I Z Z E S

Crossword Puzzle SUDOKU

Across
2. Categories (5)
8. Clergyman ministering to an institu-
tion (8)
9. Rope or canvas headgear for a horse
(6)
10. The USA’s Prairie State (8)
11. Great coolness and composure (6)
12. News report (8)
16. Psychological suffering (8)
18. House of worship (6)
21. Revenge (8)
23. Put into cipher (6)
24. Showing careful forethought (8)
25. Formed (6)

Down
2. Skin covering the top of the head (5)
3. Proportion (5) SOLUTIONS
4. Write carelessly (8)
5. Release after a security has been
paid (4)
6. Bed covering (7)
7. Woman’s two piece bathing suit (6)
11. Zealous (4)
13. Lacking zest or vivacity (8)
14. Body of a church (4)
15. Repeat (7)
© Spencer Mkoki 17. Item applied to a sprain in order to
reduce swelling (3, 3)
19. Birthplace of Mohammed (5)
20. Narrow shelf (5)
22. Native of Edinburg, for example (4)

The 2023 African bucket list
Sarah
Kingdom
Travel
Blogger
I’m not suggesting that you should write
off going on safari to South Africa, Kenya,
or Tanzania, nor that you should erase the
Egyptian pyramids or the Moroccan medi-
nas from your bucket list. But there are
many great countries on the African con-
tinent that don’t get the attention they de-
serve, and it is these unique gems that de-
serve a place on your bucket list.
Here are my suggestions for five unique
African countries that should be on your
radar.
Zambia
This magnificent African country sitting
right in the heart of the African continent
has been my adopted home for the last 30
years. Zambia is well off the beaten path
when it comes to safaris and tourism. There
are many people out there — members of
my extended family included — who have
no idea exactly where it is and would strug-
gle to point Zambia out on a map. Indeed,
somewhere around 50 percent of the visi-
tors who set foot in the country, only come
to visit the famous Victoria Falls — but there
is so much more to discover here.
Around 30 percent of Zambia is part of
a national park or protected game reserve,
and there’s an abundance of wildlife here.
You definitely don’t have to worry about
it being crowded — unlike elsewhere on
the continent. Plan a sensational safari in
I t ’ s a w e i r d wo r l d
„„PhD from Heaven
In a bizarre twist, self-proclaimed South
African prophet and doctor Tebogo Mak-
ena (pictured) — who made headlines
for his more than hefty consultation fees
as high as R25 000 to R50 000 (US$1 475)
to US$2 950) — said he did get a PhD in
Sports Science from the University of Pre-
toria, but it was supposedly given to him
by a heavenly body.
“I have freedom of expression so I
choose to say whatever university I want
because I am an oracle. I have obtained the
degree or diploma or PhD from the Uni-
versity of Pretoria, but it’s from heaven,’’
he said. The director of institutional ad-
vancement at the University of Pretoria,
Rikus Delport, stated that Makena never
attended this institution.
Despite this, the “Oracle Under The
Sun’’ added that he does not care what
the institution has to say and that he is not
shaken at all. The man, who has a flashy
social media profile, emphasised that he is
above attorneys and is not afraid.
Makena said his social media platforms
are a form of expression for him and who-
ever comes to his profiles and has issues
with what he posts, does not bother him.
“The haters will talk and nothing will
happen. I am not hurt by words, com-
ments or retorts. I am a man of capacity
FOOD & TRAVEL
South Luangwa or Kafue National Parks to
see herds of elephants, packs of wild dogs,
prides of lions, and much more. Go down
the Zambezi River in a canoe in the Lower
Zambezi National Park. Visit Victoria Falls,
known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The
Smoke That Thunders) plunging a misty 590
feet into the narrow Batoka Gorge below.
Zambia is named after the Zambezi River,
the fourth biggest in Africa, and is a com-
pletely landlocked nation. The country is
renowned for its copper and emeralds, as
well as the famous Victoria Falls, which at
5,600 feet wide is double the height of Nia-
gara Falls, and the largest curtain of falling
water in the world. All of Africa’s Big Five
(lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buf-
falo) can be found here, as well as an array
of adventure activities, including white wa-
ter rafting, canoeing, helicopter flights, and
bungee jumping, just to name a few.
Zambia is also home to a couple of really
special “orphanages.” Chimfunshi Wild-
life Orphanage is a chimpanzee sanctu-
ary home to around 130 adult and young
chimps, and the Game Rangers Interna-
tional Elephant Orphanage rescues, reha-
bilitates, and releases orphaned elephant
calves. Both are worth a visit if you have the
opportunity.
Malawi
Malawi is often referred to as “The Warm
Heart of Africa” because of the friendliness
of its people. This sub-Saharan landlocked
country is nestled between Zambia, Tanza-
nia, and Mozambique.
Lake Malawi, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, is the second largest lake in Africa (the
largest is Lake Tanganyika in neighboring
Zambia). The lake is surrounded by sandy
and integrity. What I don’t like is when
people tamper with my fundamental phi-
losophy,’’ Makena said.
His infamous consultation fees as an
“oracle or prophet” came as a shock to
many South Africans. He said as a “proph-
et” he is above Christianity’s Jesus Christ
which accounts for his fees. He claimed
Zimbabwe independent XTRA january 20 to 26, 2023
FOOD & TRAVEL
tropical beaches and boasts countless bays
and islands. Its crystal clear waters are home
to over 600 rare species of fish — making it
perfect for snorkeling, boating, and scuba
diving. But Malawi is more than its diverse
natural landscapes. Travelers could spend
weeks here exploring.
Travelers often skip African cities for
the wilderness, but Malawi’s capital has a
number of activities and attractions to keep
you occupied. Shoppers will love the many
local markets. Alternatively, a hike up Nk-
homa Mountain will earn you panoramic
views over the city. A visit to the Lilongwe
Wildlife Centre, the country’s only animal
sanctuary, is a must. The tropical waters of
Lake Malawi are teeming with colorful fish,
sandy beaches, and rocky islands.
This is a great place to spot the Big Five
and at the same time support a conserva-
tion success story. Poachers and human
encroachment had destroyed the wildlife
in the park, but in 2003, the non-profit
conservation group African Parks part-
nered with the Malawi Department of Na-
tional Parks and Wildlife and reintroduced
black rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more. Al-
most two decades later, flourishing wildlife
brings visitors to the park.
Visit southern Malawi where farmers
grow tea and coffee. First cultivated here by
the British in the 1900s, tea plants thrive in
the elevation of the Shire Highlands thanks
to its cooler climate. Tour Satemwa Tea and
Coffee Estate and relax with a cup of earthy
oolong or natural-processed arabica.
Fit and adventurous travelers can organ-
ize 4-day treks 9,824 feet up the slopes of
Mt. Mulanje with local guides.Here you’ll
find hippos and crocodiles in the Shire Riv-
er, and elephants, zebras, kudus, leopards,
that he exclusively provides his services to
a clientele includes a high calibre of indi-
viduals who are super wealthy.
“I don’t just help anyone. My target
market are people from Sandton, Water-
fall and more. I want people who drive
McLarens, Ferraris and who own flights
(planes), trucks and tenders.’’ — iol.
X3
Santiago Island in
Cape Verde
and lions on the nearby plains.
Cape Verde
A stunning volcanic island chain, Cape
Verde (also called Cabo Verde) comprises
10 islands and 5 islets 310 miles off the coast
of West Africa, of which Sal and Boa Vista
are the most known to tourists — predomi-
nantly for their beaches. Besides Sal and
Boa Vista, there are eight other islands: San-
tiago, Fogo, São Vicente, Santo Antão, Maio,
Brava, Luzia, and São Nicolau. Cape Verde
is famous for its warm tropical climate, vol-
canic islands, wonderful musicians, and
delicious cuisine. Americans may not have
heard much about Cape Verde, but for many
Europeans, the islands are a popular winter
escape that’s relatively close to home.
The Cape Verde islands have no shortage
of activities: driving tours of the sand dunes,
hiking, water sports that include kite surf-
ing and diving, and of course, lovely seclud-
ed white sand and black sand beaches. The
Cape Verde islands are also rich in culture
and festivals. Each of the islands has its own
charm. Santo Antão is home to stunning na-
ture, mountains, and lush vegetation, Fogo
is known for its volcano, and São Vicente is
the cultural heart of the archipelago. Maio,
Brava, and São Nicolau are hardly visited
and are great places to discover authentic
Cape Verdean culture. Santa Luzia is unin-
habited, and Santiago, the main island, has
a bit of everything. Island hopping is a great
way to experience the Republic of Cabo
Verde. — Travel Awaits.
• To be continued next week.
Kingdom – born and raised in Sydney, Australia
– is a mountain climber and guide, traveller, yoga
teacher, trail runner and mother of two.
„ „Time traveller reveals chaos
A person claiming to have travelled
back in time from more than 800 years
in the future says this year will see hu-
mans at war with extra-terrestrials.
The TikTok user took to the platform to
warn people of natural disasters and al-
ien encounters on the horizon in 2023,
claiming of an "inter-dimensional"
which will break out before the year is
up.
Named only as "beyondtimetravel-
ler" and purporting to be from the year
2869, the mystery user gave a list of
dates to be aware of this year with the
first just two months away, Daily Star
reports.
Predicting a major disaster for the US,
the user prophesised: "Remember these
dates, humans may reconsider the ex-
istence of us, time traveller [sic]. March
18th, 2023: A 8.1 earthquake on the
Richter scale hit in Wisiller in Alaska.
"June 26, 2023: A new creature bigger
than the blue whale is discovered in the
Pacific Ocean, it measure 350 feet.
"October 1st, 2023: First sighting of
the "Goloth" a far more intelligent spe-
cies than humans."
"This will later lead to an interdimen-
sional war," they posted, adding: "They
are coming." — Mirror.Co.Uk.
X4 Zimbabwe independent Xtra JANUARY 20 to 26, 2023
January is cervical cancer
awareness month. Cervical can-
cer is of particular concern in
Zimbabwe, where the incidence
is five times the global average.
It is the commonest cancer in
women in Zimbabwe.
Globally it is the fourth
commonest.
More than 2 000 women in
Zimbabwe die each year from
cervical cancer, although it is
preventable and curable if de-
tected in time.
Cervical cancer is a type of
cancer that occurs in the cells of
the cervix, the lower part of the
uterus.
The theme of this year’s cer-
vical cancer awareness month
is seeking to end this form of
cancer within a few generations.
In 2020, the World Health Or-
ganisation (WHO) set a goal of
eliminating cervical cancer as a
public health problem globally
by 2120.
In pursuit of this goal, targets,
known as the 90-70-90 targets,
were set for nations to strive to
achieve by 2030.
These are: ensuring 90 % of
all girls are vaccinated against
the human papillomavirus
(HPV) by age 15, screening 70
percent of women using a high
performance test at the ages of
35 and 45 and ensuring that 90
% of women with pre-cancer
are treated and 90 % of women
with invasive cancer have their
illness managed.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cervical cancer
include vaginal bleeding after
intercourse, between periods
SOURCE
Agency
Direct
Cervical cancer preventable
and curable if detected early
or after menopause, a watery,
bloody vaginal discharge that
may be heavy and have a foul
odour and pelvic pain or pain
during intercourse.
BOOKING
DEADLINES
1600 hours
Wednesday
1600 hours
Wednesday
HEALTH PAGE
Causes uncontrolled fashion.
Cervical cancer begins when Healthy cells grow and multi-
healthy cells in the cervix de- ply at a set rate, eventually dying
velop changes in their DNA that as they are replaced by others.
result in them multiplying in an When cells continue to multiply
beyond the normal rate and do
not die, this results in the accu-
mulating abnormal cells form-
ing a mass known as a tumour.
Cancer cells invade nearby tis-
sues. They can break off from a
tumour to spread elsewhere in
the body.
It is not clear what causes the
changes in the cells’ DNA that
results in cervical cancer but the
human papillomavirus (HPV)
plays a role.
HPV is a common virus. Most
women who have this virus
never develop cervical cancer.
Why it leads to cervical can-
cer in some women is unknown.
However, it would seem likely
that other factors such as the en-
vironment and lifestyle choices
may influence whether or not
MATERIAL
you develop cervical cancer.
DEADLINES Failing to have routine cervi-
cal cancer screening tests can
12 noon mean pre cancers are not found
Thursday in time to prevent cancer of the
cervix.
1630 hours
Risk factors
Wednesday Risk factors for cervical can-
cer include having many sexual
partners. The greater your num-
ber of sexual partners, the great-
er your chance of acquiring HPV.
Having sex at an early age also
increases your risk of HPV.
Other sexually transmitted
infections such as chlamydia,
gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV or
AIDS increase your risk of HPV.
A weakened immune system
also increases your risk. You
may be more likely to develop
cervical cancer if your immune
system is weakened by another
health condition and you have
HPV.
Smoking is also a risk factor.
Treatment
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemo-
therapy or a combination of the
three may be used to treat cervi-
cal cancer depending on factors
such as the stage of the cancer,
other health problems you may
have and your preferences. Oth-
er treatments are targeted ther-
apy, immunotherapy and sup-
portive or palliative care.
Surgery is usually performed
to treat early-stage cervical can-
cer. The operation best for you
depends on the size of your can-
cer, its stage and whether you
would like to become pregnant
in future.
Radiation therapy uses high-
powered radiation to kill cancer
cells or shrink tumours.
It is often combined with
chemotherapy as the primary
treatment for locally advanced
cervical cancer. It can also be
used after surgery if there is a
substantial risk the cancer will
come back.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to
kill cancer cells. It can be given
intravenously or in pill form.
Sometimes both methods are
used.
Targeted therapy involves
drug treatments that target spe-
cific weaknesses within cancer
cells. It is usually combined with
chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy is a drug
treatment that helps your im-
mune system fight cancer. Your
body's disease-fighting immune
system might not attack cancer
because the cancer cells pro-
duce proteins that make them
undetectable by the immune
system cells.
Immunotherapy works by in-
terfering with that process. For
cervical cancer, immunother-
apy might be considered when
the cancer is advanced and other
treatments are not working.
Supportive or palliative care
is specialised medical care that
focuses on providing relief from
pain and other symptoms of a
serious illness.
Palliative care specialists work
with you, your family and other
doctors to provide an extra layer
of support that complements
your ongoing care.
When palliative care is used
along with other appropriate
treatments, people with cancer
may feel better and live longer.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of cervi-
cal cancer consult your doctor
about the HPV vaccine. Receiv-
ing a vaccination to prevent HPV
infection may reduce your risk
of cervical cancer and other
HPV related cancers.
Routine pap tests can detect
pre-cancerous conditions of the
cervix so they can be monitored
or treated in order to prevent
cervical cancer.
Practise safe sex. The best way
to ensure this is to remain faith-
ful to a single sexual partner. If
you are unsure whether or not
your partner could have a sexu-
ally transmitted infection, using
a condom may reduce your risk
of sexually transmitted diseases
and HPV infection.
Quit smoking cigarettes. If you
do not smoke, make sure you
don’t start!
The information in this article is
provided as a public service by the
Cimas iGo Wellness programme,
which is designed to promote good
health. It is provided for general
information only and should not
be construed as medical advice.
Readers should consult their doc-
tor or clinic on any matter related to
their health or the treatment of any
health problem. — igo@cimas.co.zw
or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone
024-2773 0663

Nadal ‘destroyed mentally’ after early exit
Rafael Nadal admitted to feeling "de-
stroyed mentally" after a straight sets de-
feat to American Mackenzie McDonald
in the Australian Open second round on
Wednesday.
At the tail-end of the second set, the
Spaniard injured his left hip. The injury
significantly impaired his movement and
he admitted "to being in a lot of pain".
Nadal described "not wanting to retire
during the match as the defending cham-
pion of the tournament".
"I couldn't hit my backhand or run, but
Jones vows to make Wallabies I am not
super-fit and more aggressive quitting,
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones
Incoming Wallabies boss Eddie Jones
has vowed to make the team super-fit
leading into the Rugby World Cup this
year while reverting to a more attacking
style of rugby.
The former England coach was sensa-
tionally handed a five-year contract by
Australia this week when Dave Rennie
was sacked.
It will be the veteran's second stint in
charge after his 2001-2005 spell during
which he took the Wallabies to the 2003
World Cup final, where they lost on home
soil to England, thanks to a last-minute
drop-goal from Jonny Wilkinson.
The 62-year-old is due to officially start
on 29 January on a deal that will take him
through to the 2027 World Cup in Aus-
tralia and he said there was unfinished
business.
"To be honest, I never really thought
about getting the opportunity to coach
Australia again. The first time in 2005, that
was a difficult time," Jones, who was axed
by England in December, told reporters.
SPORTS NEWS
I was committed to trying my best until
the end," he told reporters.
Nadal, who rallied from two sets down
to beat Daniil Medvedev in last year's fi-
nal, cut a dejected figure during his post-
match press conference.
"I've been out for a majority of seven
months to recover from my previous in-
juries and be ready for this tournament.
"So, I really hope that [the injury
doesn't] put me out of the court for a long
time, because then it's tough to make all
the recovery again. It's not only the re-
"You're coaching your country and it
gets taken away from you, but you move
on and just get on with it, then re-focus
on what you're doing.
"It's been 18 years since I've coached
Australia and, in that time, I've coached
South Africa (as a technical consultant
in 2007), Japan and England. I've won a
World Cup final, lost a World Cup final,
and now I get a chance to coach my own
country so it's quite humbling," he added.
New Zealander Rennie, who took over
from Michael Cheika at the end of 2019,
was fired after only five wins from 14
Tests last year.
Jones, a renowned hard taskmaster,
said he was determined to turn things
around, with clear ideas on where his side
can improve.
"This (Australia) team is not too far
away. Dave Rennie has done a great job
under difficult circumstances, as they
were probably affected more by Covid
than most countries," he said.
"We'll need to find a point of difference.
Zimbabwe independent january 20 to 26, 2023 19
covery... it's all the amount of work that
you need to put together to come back at
a decent level.
"I don't know how long this injury will
keep me from playing again."
When asked how he might have per-
formed if the injury did not occur, he
was adamant: "I don't like the word 'if' in
sport or in life."
Nadal revealed the motivation that
keeps him going despite all of his injury
setbacks.
"It's a very simple thing: I like what I
That might be going back to that more ag-
gressive, attacking Australian style of
rugby, with a more aggressive defence.
Really playing like a traditional Austral-
ian side did.
"We want to get super fit," he added.
"There are parts of the modern game
where you have to play the way it is now,
but there are other parts where you can
go back to tradition.
"Australia were traditionally flat at the
line, numbers at the line, asking ques-
tions of the opposition, and making good
decisions. That's what we want to do."
While the Wallabies is Jones' main
focus, he will be back at Twickenham
in May to lead the Barbarians against a
World XV, a task he is savouring.
"I can't wait to coach the Barbarians
again this year — I had that commitment
written into my new contract. It'll be a
great challenge," he said.
Jones previously coached the Bar-
barians in a 33-31 defeat by Fiji in 2019.
— AFP.
do. I like playing tennis. I know it's not
forever. I like to feel myself competitive. I
like to fight for the things that I have been
fighting for almost half of my life or even
more."
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was
able to put a positive spin on his situation.
"You know, in the end, I can't complain
about my life at all. So just in terms of
sports and in terms of injuries and tough
moments, I mean, that's another one.
[I] just can't say that I am not destroyed
mentally at the moment." — Sport24.
says Klopp
Jurgen Klopp says he will not leave
Liverpool unless he is told to go, hinting
at a major overhaul of his ageing squad
at the end of the season.
A sixth Premier League defeat of the
campaign at the weekend means the
2020 champions are 10 points outside
the top four with just over half the sea-
son remaining.
Klopp last year signed a contract ex-
tension until 2026 and the 55-year-old
stressed only the sack would prevent
him seeing that through.
"Either the manager's position chang-
es or a lot of other things change," he
said.
"So as far as I am concerned unless
someone tells me I will not go.
"So that means maybe there is a point
where we have to change other stuff. We
will see that, but that is something for
the future. Like summer or whatever.
Not now. I have space and time to think
about it, we have to play better football
now." — AFP.
Bolt’s US$13m
vanishes from
his account
Olympic champion Usain Bolt is seek-
ing to recover more than US$12.7 million
that disappeared from his account with a
Jamaican investment firm and is willing to
take the case to court if necessary, Bolt's
attorney said.
Bolt last week was informed that his ac-
count balance at Kingston-based Stocks
and Securities Ltd (SSL) had inexplicably
dwindled to just $12,000, lawyer Linton
Gordon told Reuters late on Tuesday.
"We will be going to court with the mat-
ter" if the company does not return the
funds, Gordon said.
"It is a grave disappointment, and we are
hoping that the matter will be resolved in
a way that Mr. Bolt will recover his money
and be able to live in peace."
SSL said in a Jan. 12 statement that it
had become aware of fraudulent activ-
ity by a former employee and has referred
the matter to law enforcement, adding
that it had taken steps to secure assets and
strengthen protocols.
SSL did not immediately respond to an
email or phone calls seeking further com-
ment. The Jamaica Constabulary Force said
on Monday that its fraud and financial in-
vestigation teams were probing "alleged
fraudulent activities at (SSL) which are
said to have affected the accounts of Mr.
Usain Bolt among other individuals."
Finance Minister Nigel Clarke said on
Tuesday night that SSL had allegedly com-
mitted "alarming and evil fraud" and that
authorities would "bring all perpetrators to
justice." — Reuters.
 RUGBY Jones to make Wallabies super fit/19

9 7 7 1 5 6 4 0 6 9 0 0 0
INDEPENDENT

SPORT
ISSN 1564 - 0698

ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023

Brilliant Burl a
KEVIN MAPASURE

ZIMBABWE national cricket team all-

rounder Ryan Burl (pictured) is pleased
with his form after putting up another
man-of-the-match performance to help
the Chevrons defeat their guests Ireland

bundle of joy
in the first of three One Day Internation-
als at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Burl, who helped Zimbabwe clinch the
T20 series after a brilliant display with
both ball and bat, scored 53 runs as the
hosts took the lead in the series.
The second match will be played at the
same venue tomorrow.
About his rich vein of form, Burl said
that he has been working hard behind
the scenes and he has also benefited
from playing a lot of cricket over the last
12 months.
"It's a lot of hard work going on behind
the scenes. We have been playing a lot of
cricket in the last 12 to 18 months. So it's
just a combination of putting my head
down, doing the right things and I am
just trying to put in some performances
to help Zimbabwe win games," the right-
hand batsman said.
"I am ecstatic about my form. I am just
grateful for my coaches; you know just
ensuring that we keep up the workload
and just reminding me that I keep up
performances to win games for Zimba-
bwe. You know that is my job coming in
at five, six or seven. It is a difficult role
to play; it is a selfless role where you are
expected to score a lot of runs quickly
without facing that many balls. It might
come off in one series and not come off in
the next but I relish the opportunity that
I have."
Burl also expressed delight at see-
ing young wicket-keeper batsman Clive
Madande coming in to win the game for
Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe needed four runs from the
last ball and Madande delivered by clob-
bering the ball to the fence sparking wild
celebrations from the team pavilion as
well as among the few fans that had
stayed on following rains.
"Ecstatic for Clive, I just kept remind-
ing him that he can be the guy who wins
the game for your country and he did
it. He is quick between the wickets. It's
nice to play with him. He is a good player
who is coming out of his shell perform-
ing well."
Zimbabwe will be hoping to seal their
second home series win under coach
Dave Houghton in tomorrow's match.
"As the home team you want to win
every game. We have put our foot for-
ward by winning the first game; it's cru-
cial going into the second ODI. We only
need one win to win the series but we
would like to win all three," Burl said.

Up close with Ryan Burl

RYAN Burl liked playing squash when
he was at school, but his love of cricket
— specifically, the team game's camara-
derie — made him want to be an inter-
national cricketer.
A left-hand lower-middle-order bat-
ter and occasional leg spinner, Burl
broke into the Zimbabwe side in 2017,
and has also played in the BPL and Af-
ghanistan's Shpageeza Cricket League.
Sports-mad Burl studied at Peter-
house Boys School outside of Harare,
which has produced internationals Gary
Ballance and the Currans, Sam and Tom;
Italian rugby star Sebastian Negri; and
Olympic rower Peter Purcell-Gilpin.
Burl made his Zimbabwe U-17 and
U-19 debuts within a month of each
other in 2010-11, and his first-class de-
but, for Mashonaland Eagles, in 2014; in
his second match of the Logan Cup that
season, he made 92 and 66.
A century and two fifties against Af-
ghanistan A in January 2017 paved the
way for his ODI debut the following
month, against the senior Afghanistan
side. By the end of that year, he would
also make his Test debut against South
Africa. The following year there came
another batting high in the Logan Cup:
134 and 72 not out in a match against
Mashonaland Eagles, which capped a
run that started in April that year, dur-
ing which he produced six scores of over
50 in five games, two of them hundreds.
In mid-2019, Burl's batting in interna-
tional white-ball cricket seemed to kick
into a higher, more consistent, gear. He
hit a 28-ball 54 in a T20I series-winning
effort against Bangladesh in 2022.
A month later, Burl, a part-time leg
spinner, starred in Zimbabwe's first win
in any format in Australia, taking five for
10 in three overs in an ODI in Towns-
ville. — Cricinfo.
 BusinessDigest
Zimbabwe INDEPENDENT

January 20 to 26, 2023 www.theindependent.co.zw

African Markets FTSE/JSE Indices Other indices

World
Name Price (US$) % Change Name Price (US$) % Change Name Price (US$) % Change
JSE ASI 79,865.50 +0.61 S&P 100 1,744.77 -1.60 FTSE All World (Exc US)
NGX 52,615.51 -0.16 S&P 500 3,928.86 -1.56 Russell 1000 2,160.68 -1.54

Markets
NSE ASI 119.37 -1.08 Nasdaq 100 11,410.29 -1.27 Russell 2000 1.854.36 -1.59
EGX 30 15,987.15 +0.03 DJIA 33,296.96 -1.81
Date Turnover Volume No. of Trades Market Cap.
Jan 13-19 US$ 75 452,19 184 111 21 US$658,76m

Govt turns to banks

FREEMAN MAKOPA

ZIMBABWE’S roads administrator said this

week it had kicked off processes to draft in
banks to bolster its capacity to fund reha-
bilitation of the country’s crumbling road

to fund roads rehab

network.
In an interview with businessdigest, Zinara
chief executive officer Nkosinathi Ncube,
said negotiations with lenders had been
lined up, but he was not at liberty to dis-
close which banks were under his radar.
Zinara has been collecting a fraction of
its annual requirements to bankroll road
rehabilitations, according to officials, who
blame budgetary constraints for the failure
to respond to urgent road face-lifts.
It funds its operations through vehi-
cle licensing fees and revenues collected
through a network of toll gates across the
country.
Since last year, the strategy to seek ex-
ternal funding has been gaining traction,
with officials telling reporters that up to
ZW$5 billion (about US$7 million) would
be injected from lenders.
The domestic unit has been battered
extensively in the past year, surrender-
ing 70% of its value during the first nine
months of 2022.
This means Zinara’s bank loan require-
ments would be much higher than the
ZW$5 billion.
Ncube said Zinara’s plan was to realise
enough funding to road authorities to re-
habilitate the road network.
“Our objective always is to make mean-
ingful and significant disbursements to
road authorities,” Ncube told businessdigest.
“In pursuit of this objective, this year
we are looking at engaging financial in-
stitutions with a view to secure loan fa-
cilities to boost our disbursements to road
authorities.”
About two years ago, the government
launched the emergency road rehabilita-
tion programme (ERRP), placing Zinara at
the heart of a crucial operation meant to
do a complete makeover of thousands of
kilometres of a network that had been ne-
glected for about four decades.
But the funding crisis has compounded
a dire situation, which has been escalating
due to heavy rains in the past two seasons
Crumbling road network ... The second phase of the emergency road rehabilitation programme
has been allocated US$97 million for implementation of major roads across the country.
and a growing vehicle population.
But shocking levels of poor workman-
ship have hit Zimbabwe roads rehabilita-
tion programmes.
Zinara itself does not repair roads, but
provides funding to road authorities.
But swathes of arteries repaired under
two phases of the ERRP have crumbled
again within two years, bringing into ques-
tion the capacity of firms that have been
given tenders for the vital work.
Ncube acknowledged the gravity of the
task at hand this week, as he announced
the planned new funding strategy.
“It is important to note that our road in-
frastructure was neglected for a long time
and now requires a huge investment,” he
said.
In November, Finance minister Mhuli
Ncube said road rehabilitation would be
among interventions at the centre of his
spending this year.
“In the road sector, priority is on up-
grading and rehabilitation of the road net-
work, with emphasis on completion of on-
going rehabilitation works of major roads
and re-gravelling of feeder roads,” Ncube
said when he presented the 2023 national
budget.
“The upgrading of the 580-kilometre
Harare-Beitbridge Highway, a strategic
transport route is a critical section of the
north-south corridor, will be prioritised
for completion during 2023. As at the end
of October 2022, a total of 355km had been
opened to traffic, whilst the remaining
sections are under construction.
“To facilitate work towards comple-
tion of the project, a total of ZW$43 billion
(about US$60 million) has been set aside
under this budget,” he added.
“The emergency road rehabilitation pro-
gramme II has been allocated ZW$70,5
billion (about US$97 million) for imple-
mentation of priority trunk and tertiary
road projects in provinces and districts, as
well as major arteries in urban areas.”
He said in addition to these resources,
the road fund will be supporting the main-
tenance of roads under road authorities.
ZW$41 billion was (about US$57 million)
deployed towards various road projects.
A further ZW$43,5 billion being allo-
cated for other road infrastructure assets,
covering tollgate infrastructure develop-
ment and Vehicle Inspectorate Depart-
ment weighbridges.

Industry decries forex auction for inflation pain

TATIRA ZWINOIRA
LOCAL industries this week blamed the
country’s foreign currency auction system
for stoking inflationary fires, as they called
for stronger measures to defend volatile
markets.
In a paper sent to members last week,
the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries
(CZI) said along with the pain inflicted by
continuing resilience of annual inflation,
money supply growth during the period
sparked off currency depreciation, with a
build-up in inflationary pressures.
Following aggressive surges, which saw
the annual inflation rate hit a high of 285%
in August, from 60% in January, the pace of
deterioration from September slowed.
But the respite did little to stem the dam-
age to an economy that was already strug-
gling to forestall a sea of troubles including
high costs of the greenback and its shortage.
The month-on-month inflation rate in-
creased in the final quarter of 2022.
On the black market, the local unit
has tumbled in the past month to about
US$1:ZW$1 200, from about US$1:ZW$750
in September last year.
In its note to members, Zimbabwe’s larg-
est industrial body appeared to warn that
the deceleration in year-on-year could be
transitory.
The CZI said much of last year’s troubles
stemmed from the auction system, which it
blamed for inflaming the black market.
“The year 2022 opened when the foreign
currency auction market was the only of-
ficial foreign currency exchange platform,
before the introduction of the willing-buy-
er, willing-seller platform (WBWS), which
is now the official exchange rate determi-
nation platform,” CZI said.
“The auction suffered massive settlement
delays, which increased traffic to the alter-
native sources of foreign currency, result-
ing in further depreciation of the Zimbabwe
dollar, hence the inflationary pressure,”
CZI said.
In August, the Reserve Bank of Zimba-
bwe (RBZ) introduced the WBWS platform
to help industries raise foreign currency, as
it became clear that the auction system was
struggling.
But the CZI said still, this platform was
held back by the government's continued
grip, which stifled its liberalisation.
“The WBWS platform is yet to operate as
a fully market-based exchange rate deter-
mination system, with authorities trying to
manage the depreciation of the rate,” the
report said.
“The emergence of a parallel market pre-
mium causes distortions; limiting the abil-
ity of formal businesses to get foreign cur-
rency through sales, while also seeing the
parallel market rate becoming the price de-
termination tool. The emerging inflation-
ary pressures in December 2022 can also
be explained by the rigid WBWS rate. It is
important that the market develops confi-
dence with the WBWS rate in 2023, which
can be done if the rigidities are eliminated,”
the report noted.
“According to the Reserve Bank of Zim-
babwe, broad money increased by 350,4%
from October 2021 to October to 2022. An
increase in money supply causes demand-
pull inflation, when it creates an increase in
demand which exceeds an economy’s pro-
duction capacity,” the CZI added.
It said the increase in money supply had
resulted in the depreciation of the exchange
rate as holders tried to convert their hold-
ings into foreign currency.
The flood to the black market fuelled in-
flation, the CZI noted.
The foreign currency auction system was
introduced in 2020 to act as a price discov-
ery mechanism after the rate ran riot on the
black market.
Rioting rates ended up with rocketing
prices in supermarkets, which last year
forced the government to respond with
tougher policies that sparked a national
outcry.
Some of the measures announced in May
would be reversed as the government came
under pressure to act.
Industries’ latest concern over its op-
erations paints a black patch on a plat-
form that had until now been credited for
halting extensive currency battering and
helped companies access cheaper foreign
currency.
2 Zimbabwe independent BUSINESS DIGEST JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023
‘Forex-earning companies to
withstand market storms’
MTHANDAZO NYONI
OLD Mutual Securities has predicted that
listed companies with strong financial
positions and foreign currency genera-
tion would withstand the equities market
storm and do well in the coming year.
In a report titled Portfolio Manager’s Digest
Q3 2022, Old Mutual Securities said while
the second quarter of 2022 was positive,
the gains were reversed by the stock mar-
ket's poor performance during the review
period.
Among factors driving bearish market
sentiment was the central bank’s decision
to hike its policy rates to 200%.
The ZSE appears to be materially un-
dervalued, according to Old Mutual Se-
curities, with a dollar market valuation
of around US$2,61 billion at the official
exchange rate, compared to an average of
US$4 billion during the dollarisation pe-
riod between 2009 and 2013.
"Fundamentals of underlying compa-
nies on the market are generally solid,
registering double digit volumes growth,”
the report said.
“The long-term outlook for equities
remains bullish. In the short term, share
prices may continue to move sideways
to reflect the Zimbabwe dollar liquidity
challenges. Companies that have strong
financial positions and foreign currency
generation are expected to weather the
storm better and perform admirably in the
outlook.
"Investors are expected to continue fo-
cusing on counters that have solid funda-
mentals such as strong foreign currency
generation capability, dominate market
position and strong balance sheets," it
said.
The ZSE’s primary All Share Index
(ALSI) fell by 25,37% in the third quarter.
Losses were caused by a strict stance on
monetary policy, which has caused the
market's supply of Zimbabwe dollar li-
GDP growth will be lower than projected: Report
MTHANDAZO NYONI
RESEARCHERS at Morgan & Co have es-
timated that Zimbabwe's gross domestic
product (GDP) growth for 2023 will be
2,5% due to severe productivity challenges
brought on by capital limits, policy chang-
es and electricity shortages.
According to government predictions,
the economy will expand by 3,8% this year,
driven mostly by the mining, construction,
agricultural and lodging industries.
Key presumptions such as favourable
international commodity prices, normal-
to-above-average precipitation, a reliable
electricity supply, strict monetary and fis-
cal policies, and ongoing usage of the mul-
ti-currency system serve as the foundation
for the estimates.
The International Monetary Fund antici-
pates 3,6% growth.
But in their latest research paper titled:
Zimbabwe Economic Outlook 2023: Battle to be
Lion King, the researchers said the local
economy will be constrained.
“As Morgan & Co Research, we foresee
significant productivity constraints as-
sociated with capital constraints, policy
shifts and electricity shortages. As a result,
we estimate GDP growth in 2023 to be at
2,5%” the research note reads in part.
“Zimbabwe has been experiencing se-
vere electricity load shedding averaging
12 hours a day. This level of power out-
ages was last witnessed in 2019 during the
height of acute foreign currency shortages
amid repeated breakdowns of thermal
plants, a back-to-back drought causing
dam levels to plummet, austerity meas-
ures, and abrupt re-introduction of the
Zimbabwe dollar.”
According to the report, the longer load-
shedding periods were caused by techni-
cal difficulties at thermal power facilities,
LOCAL NEWS
quidity to dry up.
To a lesser extent, the introduction of
gold coins in July helped the policy stance.
Despite the period's highly inflating en-
vironment, returns on the listed equities
market were notably low, the report said.
It said the total value of shares traded
on the ZSE in Q3 2022 was ZW$33,2 bil-
lion (about US$45 million), compared to
Q2 2022 trades of ZW$34,55 billion (about
US$47 million).
According to the research paper, foreign
investors made up 22,54% of all trades and
net sold $2,24 billion worth of shares on
the stock exchange. Liquidity on the ZSE
fell precipitously, from 8,3% in the sec-
ond quarter of 2022 to 1,8% in the third
quarter.
The All Share Index of the Victoria Falls
Stock Exchange increased by 24,07% in
the third quarter of 2016.
In comparison to the second quarter,
Zimbabwe will hold general elections this year.
as well as declining dam levels and import
restrictions.
Due to high repair and maintenance ex-
penses, the majority of Zimbabwe's ther-
mal power plants, like Munyati, which
were commissioned between 1946 and
1957, have outlived their useful lives and
are now too expensive to operate.
The 1 050 MW Kariba Hydropower
Plant's production is being constrained by
the dropping dam levels.
“In our view, energy supply constraints
will cripple productivity and capacity uti-
lisation across Zimbabwean industries,”
they said.
“Limited supply of electricity implies
there are technological inefficiencies in the
country, and this will have an adverse ef-
fect on total output,” it added.
Morgan & Co also said a bloody runup to
this year’s polls could be among factors to
undermine crucial foreign direct invest-
ment inflows and hammer Zimbabwe’s
growth prospects.
when 23,99 million shares were traded for
US$3,19 million, trading during the third
quarter totalled just 8,43 million shares,
worth US$0,60 million.
The ZSE bear market, according to Old
Mutual Securities, also affected exchange
traded funds (ETFs).
In the third quarter, the returns of four
of the five listed ETFs were under 5%.
The Cass Saddle Agriculture ETF re-
turned 107% during the quarter it was
offered.
The Old Mutual ZSE Top 10 ETF (OMTT),
which had a negative third-quarter return
of 47,07%, had the worst performance.
The OMTT, which was trading at a dis-
count of 7% at the end of the third quarter,
was the most alluring ETF in terms of Net
Asset Value (NAV) tracking.
The trading premiums for the other ETFs
over their individual NAVs ranged from
70% to 200%.
It is the latest of a series of downbeat pro-
jections by Zimbabwe’s leading advisors,
who have given graphic illustrations of
how bloody polls can affect the economy.
The report said should key political par-
ties stick to their traditional resentments
and confrontations, positive market sen-
timent will taper and bears will camp on
stock exchanges, as terrified investors
scamper for the exits.
The latest such confrontations hit Zimba-
bwe following the 2018 polls when soldiers
fired shots in Harare as discontentment
swelled over poll results.
Six people died as a result.
It was a repeat of many such dark phases
of Zimbabwe’s polling seasons since 2000.
In its frank report, Morgan & Co said
ramifications of a return to violence would
be dire.
“An analysis of past events in Zimbabwe
indicates that it is very likely to experience
some level of political violence in 2023,”
Morgan & Co said.
Briefly
Ghana Airlines to begin flights
GHANA Airlines, a new national carrier,
is expected to begin operating in the third
quarter of 2023. This is after the govern-
ment of Ghana awarded Ashanti Airlines,
and its operational and financial Partners
the Zotus Group the tender to operate
Ghana Airlines out of Accra. The airline
has also obtained its air carrier licence
and is in the final stages of obtaining the
air operator certificate. Ashanti Airlines
was shortlisted among others through a
competitive process and subsequently
received Cabinet approval for the Strate-
gic Partnership on February 24 2022. —
African Markets News.
SA businesses turn to diesel, solar
SOUTH Africa’s rolling blackouts have
ruined a hot summer for Soweto Cream-
ery, a gourmet ice cream business in Jo-
hannesburg’s largest township praised
by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a start-
up forged in the pandemic. Despite high
demand for sweet treats such as the
Chocolate Overload and Caramel Can-
yon, owner Thando Makhubu has burnt
cash running a diesel generator for up
to 10 hours a day. It is needed to replace
the power lost when Eskom, the stricken
electricity monopoly, cuts off swathes of
demand to prevent a total grid collapse,
a process known as load-shedding. “Our
overheads have grown, we need to spend
a lot on petrol. . . it’s killing profitability,”
said Makhubu, who must decide wheth-
er he can afford solar panels and batter-
ies to better withstand the outages. — Fi-
nancial Times.
Zambia in US$2bn solar projects
ON Tuesday, Zambia's state-owned
power company Zesco signed an agree-
ment with the United Arab Emirates'
renewable energy company Masdar to
develop solar projects worth US$2bn.
The two countries signed a Joint Devel-
opment Agreement marking a signifi-
cant move towards sustainable energy
for Zambia. The venture will create a
joint project to facilitate investment in
Zambia’s renewable energy, President
Hakainde Hichilema announced in a
statement. — The Africa Report.
Rwanda aims to attract investors
THE travel and tourism industry has been
greatly impacted by the Covid-19 pan-
demic, leading to severe consequences
for companies and economies depend-
ent on tourism. However, some coun-
tries are beginning to see recovery in the
travel and tourism sector and various ar-
eas of their economy. Rwanda is one such
country. According to Clare Akamanzi,
the Chief Executive of the Rwanda De-
velopment Board (RDB), Rwanda is ex-
periencing a recovery from various sec-
tors of the economy, including travel and
tourism, despite the challenges caused by
the Covid-19 pandemic. Akamanzi made
this pitch at the World Economic Forum
(WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January
17 2023, where she addressed investors
and business leaders. Rwanda's delega-
tion at the WEF also included the Minis-
ter of ICT and Innovation the Minister of
Environment and the Minister of State at
the Ministry of Agriculture, The New Times
reported. — Business Insider Africa.
Microsoft to cut 10 000 jobs
TECH titan Microsoft said on Wednesday
it planned to cut 10 000 jobs, or about 5%
of its workforce, in 2023, taking steps to
cope with an increasingly bleak outlook
that has now bruised many of the tech-
nology industry’s biggest companies. The
company will take a US$1, 2 billion charge
in the second quarter related to the move,
it said in a blog post on Wednesday. The
layoffs come as the software giant said it
was seeing customers exercise caution,
with some parts of the world in reces-
sion. Microsoft is scheduled to report fis-
cal second-quarter earnings on January
24. — Bloomberg.
 ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT BUSINESS DIGEST JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023 3
BUSINESS OPINION

Distracted generation a distracted workforce

Brian
Makwara
ACCOUNTANT
A BOARD meeting was in session, and I
turned to my right and could see the gen-
tleman next to me was scrolling his iPad.
Immediately what came to mind was that
my leader was looking at his notes so that
he was ready to answer any questions
raised by other members of the board. As
the meeting progressed, he seemed more
situations, why would we think that we can
do our work, check our phones send an-
other text, without the same damage to our
ability to concentrate?
According to brain researchers, true
multitasking does not actually exist. Si-
mon Sinek describes what most of us do as
simply mental juggling or toggling between
tasks, merely switching back and forth
between tasks which he addresses in his
writing that this is normally not smooth.
Neither does it make us faster or more ef-
ficient, it actually slows us down. He fur-
ther retorts that this constant switching
between tasks even leads to more mistakes
and worse at analytical reasoning.
multitasking, we know that multitaskers
do less and miss information. It takes time
(an average of 15 minutes) to reorient to a
primary task after a distraction such as an
email. Efficiency can drop by as much as
40%. Long-term memory suffers and crea-
tivity — a skill associated with keeping in
mind multiple, less common, associations
— is reduced.” Professor Paul Artchley said.
Causes of distraction at workplaces
Today’s upbringing especially among mil-
lennials and Gen Z is that kids grow up with
too many things they necessarily do not
need. Many toys while the TV and PlaySta-
tion are on, at the same time doing home-
force. The employees do not take care of
themselves mentally hence they come to
work very stressed and just cannot con-
centrate and they try to find solace and
validation in scrolling through social media
which makes them even more frustrated
as they are not mentally okay. One psy-
chologist challenged senior executives in a
meeting I was in attendance: “Why is it we
never hear of someone filling a leave form
for ‘mental leave’”, and he goes on to say
that “an individual will be victimised if not
laughed at by his boss if he asks for mental
leave”.
• Read full text on www.theindependent.co.zw

and more entrenched onto his iPad, at the “The true gift of a surgeon is the ability to work, so these kids are addicted to distrac- Makwara is a chartered accountant with both
same time occasionally interjecting the single-mindedly focus on one person and tions and when they come to the work- local and international experience in finance, ac-
meeting giving his views. What then set me complete a series of tasks over the course place, those traits follow them. counting, auditing and business strategy. He is
off was his iPad somehow leaned towards of many hours, “says neuropsychologist part of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in
my side of the table and to the shock of my Cynthia Kubu, PHD.
Stress Zimbabwe and the views expressed in this article
life, there was a half-naked woman danc- “Based on over a half-century of cog- Employers are not spending time dealing are his personal views based on his professional
ing on the screen. It was clear to me that nitive science and more recent studies on with the mental health state of their work- experiences.
this older chap was fully distracted in this
meeting.
To avoid myself getting distracted by
what I had seen on his iPad, I turned my
attention to the other side of the table.
Throughout the meeting, from time-to-
time members were either checking their
cell phones or scrolling their iPads.
INSTITUTE OF CORPORATE DIRECTORS ZIMBABWE
Attention spans are getting shorter and Better Corporate Directors, Better Boards, Better Business

shorter, and people tend to get easily dis-

tracted. The dictionary defines distracted
as being unable to concentrate because
one is preoccupied by something worry-
ing or unpleasant. I add that it is not only
unpleasant or worrying matters that can
absorb one’s attention, funny enough bor-
rowing from my experience above, my es-
teemed leader was distracted by something
which seemed not to worry him at all and
unpleasant is the least of the emotions he
felt at that time.
During our 2022 Icaz Winter School held
in Victoria Falls I found myself with lots of
distractions as we were in the middle of

CERTIFICATION
our year-end audit at my workplace, so as
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the school, payment authorisations were
coming onto my email and WhatsApp, au-
ditors chasing me and of course my supe-
riors were also requesting feedback on key 30 January - 03 February 2023 @ Management Training Bureau, Msasa
issues. All these competing demands were
easy distractions for me.
Are you distracted?
If you see yourself constantly checking
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gathering and even by yourself, it may be
a sign that you are distracted. Do you at
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cial platform after every few minutes, this
is a strong indicator that you are easily dis- MODULES
tracted. Do you find yourself texting while
driving or talking? Whenever a notification
beeps, do you immediately stop whatever Module 1: Governance and Strategy
you are doing just to check what it is? Module 2: Governance and Risk
When your kids are having a meal, do
you find yourself screaming at them to eat Module 3: Governance and People
because they are glancing at the TV? Can Module 4: Governance and Board Effectiveness
your kid survive a few minutes without
looking at their phone? These normally
Module 5: Governance and Resources
breed a culture of distraction. More and Module 6: Governance Culture and Behaviour
more kids are developing an addiction to Examination
distractions which then haunts them even
as adults in the workplace as they just can-
not concentrate on one thing at a time. I PHYSICAL CLASSES CERTIFICATION FEES BANKING DETAILS
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while on a conference call or catching up Supported By: Our Official Media Partners:
with a game of football, I am sure all of
us would be angered by such actions and
can agree that, it is not multitasking, some
would say this applies only to life and death
4 Zimbabwe independent BUSINESS DIGEST january 20 to 26, 2023

COLUMN

Courage
Masona
economist
Is Vision 2030 achievable
The multi-million dollar question that we
all asked ourselves at one time or another
in the face of energy crisis?
is, "Why are we here as a country?" And
where do we see ourselves in the next 10
years or beyond?
As a country, we have a specific pur-
pose, but what helps us move forward and
direct our purpose is a vision. Upon real-
ising that a country cannot succeed with-
out a vision, the government of Zimbabwe
in 2018 crafted an inspiring vision, the
much-talked-about "Vision 2030." The
dream is for Zimbabwe to be an upper-
middle-income economy by 2030. The vi-
sion addresses the aspirations contained
in the Sustainable Development Goals and
Agenda 2063 aimed at eradicating poverty
in Africa.
Currently, the World Bank (WB) has
classified Zimbabwe as a lower-middle-
income country for the current 2023 fiscal
year. The WB assigns the world’s econo-
mies to four income groups: low, lower-
middle, upper-middle and high income.
For the current 2023 fiscal year, low-in-
come economies are defined as those with
a GNI per capita, calculated using the World
Bank Atlas method, of US$1 085 or less in
2021; lower middle-income economies are
those with a GNI per capita between US$1
086 and US$4 255; upper middle-income
economies are those with a GNI per cap-
ita between US$4 256 and US$13 205; and
high-income economies are those with a
GNI per capita of US$13 205 or more.
GNP per capita for Zimbabwe stood at
around US$1 500 for the year 2021. These
statistics show Zimbabwe still has a mam-
moth task ahead of it to earn upper mid-
dle-income status.
Simulations show that Zimbabwe will
need to reach productivity growth rates
of 8-9% a year in the next seven years to
advance to UMIC status. Such growth rates
of 8-9% cannot be attained if the country’s
energy crisis is not resolved. Achieving
such unprecedented rates for Zimbabwe
will require a dramatic improvement in the
policy environment to address the binding
constraints on productivity growth.
Specifically, energy is an enabler and a
pathway towards addressing social, en-
vironmental, and economic challenges
through an integrated approach that in-
cludes providing equal energy access and
consumption levels, leapfrogging the dirty
fuels of the past with a future of clean re- energy crisis marked by rolling blackouts, of well-organised renewable energy re- the rollout of renewable power in Africa.
newable energy development; and balanc- Zimbabwe could find itself in a dark place source data. For strategies and best practices, the Zim-
ing the demand and supply of energy, no- for a much longer time. Inadequate and harmonised enabling babwean government can look to positive
tably through programmes such as energy Increasing productivity is essential for environment for accelerating the develop- experiences in leading markets such as
efficiency, to enhance economic growth. reaching upper middle-class status, rais- ment of biomass energy, such as sustain- South Africa and Kenya.
Under its renewable energy policy, the ing incomes, and improving livelihoods. able charcoal production and consumption In a nutshell, Zera must "level up" to
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority Countries that have transitioned to UMIC value chains, are another challenge faced meet the ambitious energy supply goals it
(Zera) has set out ambitious energy pro- status have seen an improvement in the by the country. has set for itself and address the challenges
duction targets of up to 1 100 megawatts economy, with extreme poverty falling, The government of Zimbabwe needs to in order to make Vision 2030 achievable.
of renewable energy by 2025. According more jobs being created, and easier access invest in liquid petroleum gas infrastruc- Authorities should be geared to tap the
to Zera, this will represent 16,5% of the to health, education, and social protection. ture, both upstream and downstream, to aforementioned opportunities, which will
country’s total energy production, and that If the energy crisis is not resolved, Zimba- ensure its sustainable availability, accessi- enable Zimbabwe to reach universal mod-
is expected to increase to 26,5% by 2030. bwe's path to upper middle-income status bility and affordability. ern energy access by 2030 in pursuit of the
Though I applaud Zera’s will, I doubt if will remain onerous and arduous. global agenda of the Sustainable Develop-
these targets can be met given the level of It cannot be overemphasised that energy
Opportunities ment Goals and Agenda 2063.
corruption and bad corporate governance is a key enabler and a pathway towards ad- In order to gain UMIC status, the country However, implementation of each para-
in these parastatals. The status quo is ex- dressing social, environmental and eco- must take advantage of falling technology digm service requires innovative solutions
acerbated by stalled foreign direct invest- nomic challenges that Zimbabwe is facing costs, its resource abundance and a pipe- in terms of enabling environment policy,
ment in the energy sector. Zimbabwe faces today. line of high-quality projects, such as the access to finance, capacity-building in
an enormous energy challenge owing to Gwanda solar project. terms of knowledge management and skill,
the significant growth in its urban popula-
Challenges and opportunities In addition, the country should also take and technology.
tion, which entails a much larger energy Zimbabwe has suffered acute power advantage of the existence of international Capacity should be developed in renewa-
demand and calls for a better-performing shortages for several years, as successive donor partners and financing mechanisms ble energy procurement programmes. Am-
energy sector. droughts have resulted in poor inflows into (Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme, bitious targets set by Zera are not enough.
Energy poverty remains a serious obsta- the Kariba Dam and as ageing coal-fired Climate Investment Facility, Green Climate Investors are also looking at whether the
cle to economic and human development power stations have repeatedly broken Fund, Global Environment Facility, African government has the technical capacity to
in most parts of the continent. As a region, down Development Fund, etc.) and emerging fi- deliver.
Africa continues to face critical challenges Though there have been improvements nanciers (e.g., Brics countries (Brazil, Rus-
related to its energy sector, which is char- and progress made in the last five years in sian Federation, India, China, and South Masona is an economist and economics lec-
acterised by a lack of access to modern terms of sustainable energy development, Africa). turer at the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University.
energy services (especially in rural areas), the speed of energy access and renew- Various global, continental, and regional — cmasona@zegu.ac.zw. These weekly New
poor infrastructure, low purchasing pow- able energy development falls far short of energy initiatives also exist (Sustainable Perspectives articles published in the Zimba-
er, low investments, and overdependence achieving universal energy access by 2030. Energy for All, PIDA, African Renewable bwe Independent are coordinated by Lovemore
on traditional biomass to meet basic en- This is due to major challenges, including Energy Initiative, Power Africa, Geother- Kadenge, an independent consultant, past pres-
ergy needs. lack of a clear and coherent policy, regu- mal Risk Mitigation Facility, etc.). Further, ident of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and
Zimbabwe, along with other countries latory, and institutional framework; inad- regional considerations in harmonising the past president of the Chartered Governance &
in the region, has, for years, imported equate information and technical capacity; common African position on Agenda 2063 Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zim-
electricity from South Africa, but with the inadequate financing and investment; lack of the African Union and the 2030 Agenda babwe). — kadenge.zes@gmail.com or mobile:
continent’s largest economy facing its own of technology transfer and skill; and a lack for Sustainable Development are driving +263 772 382 852.
 ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT BUSINESS DIGEST JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023 5

BUSINESS & INVESTMENT FORUM

Victor
Bhoroma
ANALYST
Why Zim persistently
FOR the fourth year running, Zimbabwe
recorded average annual inflation in triple
digits with 2022 monthly average at 184%.
Despite the significant fall from the eye-
ranks high on inflation
watering 838% (Recorded in July 2020) to that monthly or annual money supply from ZW$470 billion in January to over electricity, or any funding for the provi-
244% for the month of December 2022, growth far outweighs production of goods ZW$2 trillion as of December. The growth sion of goods or services provided for at
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) continues and services in the economy. in money supply also shows the loss of val- noncommercial rates or below the market
to increase marginally every month show- In the past 3 years, the central bank has ue for the Zimbabwean Dollar against the prices. Often, quasi fiscal activities are not
ing that economic fundamentals are not been involved in quantitive easing to credit greenback. provided for in the national budget.
stable and are not being addressed. exporters who are compelled to surrender Growth in broad money supply cre- Between 2005 and 2008, Zimbabwe’s
The Zimbabwean dollar was relaunched 40% of their export earnings to the central ates artificial demand for foreign currency central bank carried out a plethora of qua-
officially in February 2019 at a rate of bank at a pegged exchange rate. thereby weakening the Zimbabwean Dol- si fiscal operations that were key drivers of
US$1: ZW$2.5 but has consistently depre- The dilemma for the central bank is that lar and increasing consumer prices. hyperinflation in the economy.
ciated with current market rate at US$1: it needs cheap foreign currency to pay its Read full article on https://www.thein-
ZW$1100. The depreciating local currency debt and finance government foreign cur-
Quasi fiscal activities dependent.co.zw
has made life unbearable for labour and rency needs (especially offshore expendi- Quasi-fiscal activities are financing ac-
households as income adjustments from ture), while at the same time it must credit tivities undertaken by state-owned banks Bhoroma is an economic analyst. He holds an
salaries and other sources such as informal various exporters with the surrendered and state enterprises at the direction of the MBA from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
trade cannot match the price increases of portion of non-existent local currency. government. Examples include subsidized — vbhoroma@gmail.com or Twitter @VictorB-
basic goods and services. In 2022 alone, broad money supply grew bank loans, subsidized imports of fuel, horoma1
Similarly, businesses continue to lose
value and consistently make losses in-
duced by exchange rate differentials. The
unstable environment makes credit in lo-
cal currency a predictable loss. High lev-
els of inflation also create an incentive to
spend money while discouraging savings
in the economy. This fully explains the ex-
tremely high velocity of the Zimbabwean
dollar which works as a transitory curren-
cy which is quickly disposed off in favour
of foreign currency (artificial demand for
foreign currency). Inflation League
With annual inflation of 244% in De-
cember 2022, Zimbabwe maintained its
top stop on the globe beating war torn
countries such as Ukraine, Syria, Yemen,
Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Central African
Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) and Afghanistan.
Coming a distant second on the globe is
Venezuela which had inflation rate of 156%
in October 2022. In the SADC region, Ha-
rare has largely been a pace setter on high
inflation since 2018. In 2022, South Africa
had average monthly inflation of 7% while
neighbors also had relatively manageable
levels of inflation rate with Zambia aver-
aging 11%, Botswana (12%), Mozambique
(10%) and Namibia (6%).
Difficult past
Harare has already had to grapple with
record-breaking hyperinflation between
2007 to 2009 when month on month in-
flation reached 79.6 billion percent per
month in November 2008, with annual
inflation reaching an astounding 89.7 sex-
tillion in December 2008. The inflation run Presentation & Plenary Session
only stopped after the country adopted the
US Dollar in April 2009 to save the econo-
my from total collapse. Share your expertise on one of the
However, in November 2015 a local cur- following discussions
rency (bond botes) was introduced in the
market. The bond notes seemed to main-
tain value on paper for 3 years despite Ÿ Financing Ÿ Battery Storage,
massive foreign currency withdrawals Ÿ HydroPower, Ÿ Energy Efciency
and externalization that was happening in Ÿ Wind, Ÿ Technologies in
the economy. After the formal re-intro- Ÿ Solar, R e n e w a b l e
Ÿ Hydrogen, Energy
duction of the Zimbabwean dollar as the Ÿ Biogas, Ÿ Marketing Energy
RTGS currency in February 2019, inflation Ÿ Emobility, Transmission as a
increased from 57% in January 2019 to a Ÿ Geothermal way of increasing
record 838% in July 2020. The increase can Ÿ Net Metering trade
only be attributed to a cocktail of reasons Ÿ
where the central bank is at the core of
that instability. These should be curated to
Inflation has been persistently high in comprehensively cover the sustainability
Zimbabwe despite the country’s Gross agenda. Presentations should be 15-20
Domestic Product (GDP) being among the minutes long.
top 20 in Africa. Smaller economies in Af-
rica such as Eritrea, Gambia, Cape Verde,
Seychelles, Guinea-Bissau, and Comoros Green Innovation Stage
have consistently performed better than
Zimbabwe.
This begs the question on how cen- Join us on the Green Innovation Stage and
tral banks from very smaller economies showcase your innovative green product,
can manage to keep inflation very low
when Zimbabwe is consistently failing?
0773277599 / 0773417271 / 0772327981 / +263242773930-8
service or initiative that is helping us
Similarly, what are those countries doing January 31, 2023 events@alphamedia.co.zw www.renewable.amh.co.zw achieve a net zero future.
right that Zimbabwe is failing to copy and
paste? More importantly, why does Zim-
babwe persistently rank so high on infla-
tion in the world?
Money printing
The major cause of inflation in Zimbabwe
is pure money printing to finance quasi
fiscal activities, bail out state entities and
fund government programs. This entails
6 ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT BUSINESS DIGEST JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023
 ZIMBABWE INDEPENDENT BUSINESS DIGEST JANUARY 20 TO 26, 2023 7

Job evaluation committees:

MEMORY NGUWI

A JOB evaluation committee is selected to

evaluate jobs within an organisation. Job

How to make them effective

evaluation is a systematic process used
to assess and assign relative value to jobs
within an organisation. The fact that jobs
will be evaluated means someone will
have to do it.
Our local research shows that most or-
ganisations prefer to use job evaluation sensus approach. In this approach, each Some employers prefer a combination of evaluation.
committees when evaluating jobs. The member evaluates the job individually. the two approaches. My experience shows Please take note of the weaknesses
larger the organisation, the more likely it The Committee then discusses the evalua- that it can work as long as the consensus highlighted above and address them when
will use an internal job evaluation com- tions by members until a 100% consensus approach is used to agree on broader is- running a job evaluation project.
mittee. For smaller organisations, they of- is reached. sues as the Band of a particular job under
ten request a consultant to evaluate jobs. In this approach, those who are articu- the Patterson system. Nguwi is an occupational psychologist, data
When an organisation is introducing a late and charismatic tend to influence the The technical approach is the best as it scientist, speaker and managing consultant at
new job evaluation system, they often pre- direction of the grading. allows the committee to assess the reli- Industrial Psychology Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, a
fer that a consultant chairs an internally With this approach, members have to ability of their results. management and HR consulting firm. https://
trained job evaluation committee as part of agree at every stage through consensus. When the right procedure is followed www.linkedin.com/in/memorynguwi/ Phone
the knowledge transfer process. Those with different views from the ma- in setting up the committee, and after the +263 24 248 1 946-48/ 2290 0276, cell number
The advantage of using an internal job jority will often be asked to justify why the Committee has been trained, it should be +263 772 356 361 or e-mail: mnguwi@ipccon-
evaluation committee is that you will have rest of the group should follow their view. easier to use the internal committee for sultants.com or visit ipcconsultants.com.
internal skills to evaluate jobs as they
change and come for reevaluation instead
of relying on a consultant.
The other advantage is that it becomes
a participative process as employees are
likely to accept the outcome of the job
evaluation. The disadvantage is that com-
mittee members may bring biases to the
evaluation process.
My experience doing job evaluations
over the past 20 years shows that when
the internal committee is used, the evalu-
ators tend to grade the incumbents in-
stead of focusing on the job. Remember,
the job evaluation process has nothing to
do with the individual doing the job or the
performance.
While we train people to do this process
objectively, it's not easy to bring people
to the level where the focus is on the job
rather than the person doing it.
I have also noted that in organisations
with high unionisation levels, employ-
ers prefer to have internal job evaluation
committees.
The challenge, though, is that in such sit-
uations where you bring union members
based on being union members instead of
being a project team, the process tends to
be more adversarial as the approach tends
to take a more bargaining approach.
One of the challenges with the internal
job evaluation emanates from members
being selected.
Members must be appointed based on
their ability to understand and grade jobs.
In some instances, members are selected
through voting, which is wrong.
When selecting and appointing job eval-
uation committee members, ensure that
the committee covers a cross-section of
the organisation by level and department.
The Committee must be treated as a project
team rather than a bargaining committee.
From the beginning, when appointed,
members must be advised that the job
evaluation committee is not a bargaining
platform but a project team.
I have experienced situations where job
evaluation committee members promise
people they will stand up for them and
push their job into higher grades.
If the job evaluation committee mem-
bers have been selected properly and the
committee has the right terms of refer-
ence, no particular individual can influ-
ence the grade of any particular job.
To make your job evaluation committee
more effective, you need to have terms of
reference for thecommittee. They tend to www.renewable.amh.co.zw
guide the committee's processes from start
to finish when crafted well. events@alphamedia.co.zw
In grading jobs, various approaches can
+263773277599 / +263773417271
be used. One approach is a technical ap-
proach where each member evaluates the +263783917708 / +263733264915
job and submits their scores for tabulation
through the chairman.
The scores are aggregated using the
mean or the median. Using the mean can
be a challenge as the mean is more suscep-
tible to outliers.
Should you decide to take this approach,
use the median instead. Alternatively, you
can use the mean but agree that outli-
ers will be excluded from the calculations
based on the size of the variation from the
mean.
The other approach is to use the con-
8 Zimbabwe independent BUSINESS DIGEST january 20 to 26, 2023
Zim foreign policy under the spotlight
President Emmerson Mnangagwa meets members of the Political Actors Dialogue.
Makomborero
Muzenda
analyst
It’s time for Davos again. By the time this
is published, Davos would likely have
come and gone. The annual World Eco-
nomic Forum (WEF) meeting convenes
under the theme of “Cooperation in a
Fragmented World”.
Heads of state, business leaders and
academics, journalists, activists and even
a celebrity or two will mix and mingle to
figure out how best to map the road ahead
for a world grappling with political, envi-
ronmental and economic issues.
Davos (and the WEF by extension) has
been praised as a necessary space for
critical conversations, establishing global
connections and striking deals. It’s also
been criticised as an elitist space that ad-
vances the agenda of the privileged few.
Nevertheless, the meeting is a must on the
diplomatic calendar.
It’s a meeting that President Emmerson
Mnangagwa has attended before. His first
appearance was in 2018, fresh off his ap-
pointment as president and riding a wave
of international press coverage. He at-
tended Davos with a mission: to introduce
his vision for Zimbabwe’s foreign policy
on the global stage.
It’s a vision that he had given glimpses
of in his time as vice president. Wearing
his now trademark flag-inspired scarf,
Mnangagwa proclaimed that Zimbabwe
was “open for business.”
It’s a message he repeated at the 2022
edition of Davos, where he met with other
leaders such as Paul Kagame and Lazarus
Chakwera. Zimbabwe’s participation at
the WEF meeting - as well as attending
COP26 and COP27 - are part of a foreign
policy aimed at reestablishing the country
on the global stage. Catchphrases such as
“open for business” and “friend to all and
enemy to none” pop up in speeches, press
releases and interviews.
new horizon
With general elections coming up and
the voting public looking more critically
at what each party has to offer, it’s worth
looking at the government’s foreign poli-
cy and what’s come out of their efforts of
engagement and re-engagement.
Before delving into current approaches
and programmes, a quick history of Zim-
babwe’s foreign policy is in order. With
Independence in 1980, Zimbabwe estab-
lished a Ministry of Foreign Affairs with
Simon Muzenda as its first minister. The
first foreign policy outlook was similar in
strong ways to the current version: estab-
lish and maintain friendly relations with
other countries; be a strong advocate of
Pan-Africanism within organisations
such as the then Organisation of Afri-
can Unity (OAU); and most importantly,
translate good relations into opportunities
for development, trade and prestige.
A key difference is that post-Independ-
ence foreign policy focused more on po-
litical aspects.
After all, political lobbying and nego-
tiations from neighbouring African coun-
tries, the OAU and the international com-
munity were a benefit to the liberation
movement.
This politics-focused approach was
somewhat successful.
Zimbabwe was a founding member state
of the Southern African Development
Community in 1992. The government was
a vocal critic of the apartheid government
in South Africa, which resulted in two
bombing attacks in 1987 and 1988 tar-
geting ANC members and anti-apartheid
activists in Harare and Bulawayo respec-
tively. Mugabe’s administration also sup-
ported independence for Namibia.
The Zimbabwe National Army was part
of the Second Congo War in support of
Laurent Kabila and his government. How-
ever, Zimbabwe’s relations with the West
(in this case, the US, the UK, Canada and
Europe) have flipped from friendly, to
strained, to outright hostile.
Zimbabwean governments had a dif-
ficult time with Republican administra-
tions in America. Although relations with
the UK started off well in 1980, they grad-
ually deteriorated along with the Zimba-
bwean economy. Things came to a head
during the land reform programme in the
early 2000s.
In a paper for the Afro-Asian Journal of
Social Sciences, Jefferson Ndimande and
Knowledge Grey Moyo explain, foreign
relations with the West after the land pro-
gramme sharply deteriorated. The US, UK
and the European Union introduced tar-
geted sanctions against Zimbabwean in-
dividuals and companies. Zimbabwe was
suspended from the Commonwealth, and
formally withdrew from the organisation
in 2003.
The Second Republic of Zimbabwe has
chosen a different approach. Although
many positions and relationships have
stayed the same, there was also a signifi-
cant shift.
A name change for the ministry also in-
dicates the biggest change in the current
government’s foreign policy approach.
In 2017 it was renamed the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
shifting from political to an economic fo-
cus. Re-engagement with the West - spe-
cifically Britain and the US - was a top pri-
ority. It’s why Zimbabwe had a delegation
going to Davos in 2018 in the first place.
In an interview for the Financial Times in
January 2018, Mnangagwa reiterated his
new approach. As he put it: “Zimbabwe
wants to reintegrate with the international
community; Zimbabwe will accept those
who accept her.”
Is this new approach working?
It’s been a mixed bag so far.
The Commonwealth sent a Secretariat
mission in November 2022, indicating a
step towards Zimbabwe rejoining the or-
ganisation. The government granted land
for the African Export-Import Bank to es-
tablish a Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre
in Harare.
The Political Actors Dialogue was
launched in 2019 with the intention of
creating space for dialogue with political
parties, with the aim of showing a com-
mitment to political cooperation and
transparency.
At the heart of the government’s foreign
policy has been the issue of sanctions. Tar-
geted sanctions have been a thorn in the
side of successive governments since they
were introduced. Mnangagwa’s speeches
at the United Nations have balanced his
message of “open for business” with calls
for the lifting of sanctions. However, the
efforts to lift targeted sanctions have not
been successful.
The anti-sanctions campaign has sup-
port from the AU (with AU Commission
Chair Faki Mahamet issuing a statement
in 2022 calling for the end of sanctions)
and Cyril Ramaphosa used his state visit
to the United Kingdom to advocate for the
lifting of sanctions and Zimbabwe’s read-
mission into the Commonwealth. Despite
all this, the US, the UK and the EU have
maintained their lists of sanctioned citi-
zens and companies.
In 2022 the US Department of State
did remove 12 people from its Specially
Designated Nationals List. However, the
department added four people to the list
and two companies, Fossil Agro and Fos-
sil Contracting. While the list may shrink
and grow over time, the odds of it being
removed completely in the immediate fu-
ture are slim.
The theme of “Cooperation in a Frag-
mented World” highlights a simple truth:
no country can function in isolation from
others.
Maintaining good relations with foreign
countries has a range of economic, politi-
cal and even social benefits. It’s arguably a
position the government understands and
has tried to follow over the past six years.
With elections this year, whichever party
ascends to power will have to craft its own
approach to how to navigate diplomatic
terrain.
Muzenda is a writer and analyst. These weekly
New Horizon articles published in the Zimba-
bwe Independent are coordinated by Lovemore
Kadenge, an independent consultant, past pres-
ident of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and
past president of the Chartered Governance &
Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zim-
babwe). — kadenge.zes@gmail.com or mobile:
+263 772 382 852.
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