The chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Chalton Hwende, said that they will summon the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, George Guvamatanga, over his criticism of the Auditor-General’s report.
The 2023 report presented to Parliament by Auditor-General Rhea Kujinga exposed how the government had paid substantial sums of money for a range of items, including 97 vehicles and medical and ICT equipment, but the suppliers had failed to deliver these goods to various government ministries and departments.
In response, Guvamatanga criticised the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), saying the findings were misleading and suggesting that the report should have clarified that the government was taking action on the matter.
However, speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200030201/guvamatanga-faces-censure-over-outburst">The Standard</a>, Hwende characterised Guvamatanga’s comments as an attempt to “intimidate and undermine the Auditor General.” Said Hwende:
<blockquote>
The attack on the OAG’s report by the permanent secretary is rather unfortunate and as a public accounts committee, we view it as an attempt to intimidate and interfere with the constitutional responsibility bestowed on the Office of the Auditor General.
We will soon be summoning him to Parliament so that he can appear before the committee. Parliament through our committee is seized with the 2023 Office of the Auditor General’s report and we must be allowed to perform our oversight role and ensure that public resources are properly accounted for.
</blockquote>
Transparency International Zimbabwe executive director Tafadzwa Chikumbu said:
<blockquote>
The secretary of Finance should respect the role of the auditor general as established by Section 310 of the constitution of Zimbabwe and the Audit Office Act [Chapter 22:18] which mandates the Office of the Auditor General to provide oversight and ensure accountability within the three arms of government, state-owned enterprises and local authorities.
As Transparency International, we value the role of supreme audit institutions in identifying corruption risks in the public sector.
Instead, the permanent secretary should work closely with the OAGs office to ensure that financial management systems are in place and being adhered to.
His utterances are quite concerning and worrying in view of the damning findings of the 2023 reports…
I concur that the public accounts commit to summon the secretary in there as Parliament to protect the constitution and safeguard public resources for the common good.
</blockquote>
Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the Finance Ministry by the Budget and Finance Parliamentary Committee on Monday last week, Guvamatanga said the Auditor General’s office “misdirected itself” in its report. He said:
<blockquote>
l can safely say that the auditor general misdirected themselves because, within the three pillars of control, those are regarded as issues known to management so l am not saying they should not have highlighted them but they should have mentioned them and say, government has discovered that there were undelivered vehicles.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Parliament is angry with a man named George for criticizing a report about the government wasting money. The report said the government paid for things like cars and equipment, but never got them. George said the report was wrong and the government was fixing the problem. But Parliament thinks George is trying to stop the report from showing the truth. They want him to explain himself in front of them. Another group called Transparency International also thinks George should respect the report and help make sure money is spent correctly. Everyone is arguing about who is right.

Parliament Set To Summon Guvamatanga For "Undermining" Auditor General

Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has summoned the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for questioning later this week over an alleged multi-million dollar tender involving convicted criminal and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s associate Wicknell Chivayo, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029083/zec-gate-poll-body-faces-probe">NewsDay</a>.
Chalton Hwende, the chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, confirmed inviting ZEC to the National Assembly on Friday, July 5, adding that the meeting would be open to the public. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
This week, as we continue with our oversight role @ZECzim will appear before the Public Accounts Committee on Friday 5 July at 10 AM at the Parliament of Zimbabwe. This meeting is open to the public and the media.
</blockquote>
A leaked recording of a conversation between Chivayo and his former business partners Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe suggests that the trio was involved in a deal with a South African company, Ren-Form CC, worth over US$40 million, for the supply of election material to ZEC ahead of the 23 August 2023 general elections.
Acting as agents on ZEC’s behalf, the three allegedly inflated invoices but later fell out over a disagreement on the sharing of the loot.
Chimombe is a ZANU PF central committee member and president of the Economic Empowerment Group which is aligned with the ruling party.
ZEC recently issued a statement refuting any involvement with Chivayo and his former associates in procuring election materials, asserting that all their procurement processes were conducted transparently.
However, leaked Treasury documents, including invoices, reveal that Ren-Form CC had engaged Betterbrands, owned by ZANU PF legislator Pedzisayi “Scott” Sakupwanya, which subsequently partnered with Chivayo and his associates.
Mpofu and Chimombe have accused Chivayo of unlawfully altering their contract with Ren-Form and Betterbrands for supplying election materials to ZEC, allegedly profiting from corruption alone in the process.
Reports are indicating that some of these electoral materials have yet to be delivered, despite payments being made by the Treasury.
Last week in the Senate, CCC Senator Sengezo Tshabangu raised concerns about why the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion settled invoices for portable toilets and translucent light boxes that were never received. Said Tshabangu:
<blockquote>
There is an allegation that ZEC, which is a product of Chapter 12 of our Constitution, engaged a South African company to deliver materials for the 2023 elections, but the company has not delivered the materials to date.
The invoice which amounts to US$9 million was authorised by the Ministry of Finance after the elections.
My question is: why did the Ministry of Finance settle the full invoice amounting to over US$9 million, which went through its banker CBZ on September 7, 2023, for the procurement of portable toilets, V11 forms and translucent light boxes that were never delivered?
</blockquote>
Senate Deputy President Mike Nyambuya advised Tshabangu to formalize the query in writing.
He also directed the question to Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Deputy Minister Nobert Mazungunye, who requested additional time to thoroughly investigate and verify the allegations before responding. Said Mazungunye:
<blockquote>
As far as I am concerned, I feel that question is a specific one which might require time to go back and research more on it and maybe if we do our findings, then we can properly respond to that matter.
At the moment, there are still allegations which are not substantiated as has been said already but we may need to go and verify again.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Chimombe and Chivayo are currently held in remand prison following their arrest on charges related to defrauding the government in an $88 million Presidential Goat Pass-on scheme.
On June 24, Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, accompanied by their legal representatives, voluntarily presented themselves to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to cooperate with investigations into the alleged ZEC tender scandal.
However, they left the ZACC offices without being interviewed. According to reports, the investigating officer, Henry Chapwanya, indicated he was occupied with another case and would schedule interviews when available.
Critics argue that the arrests of Mpofu and Chimombe concerning the goat scheme are a diversion aimed at shielding Chivayo and the high-ranking government officials allegedly implicated in the ZEC deal.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Parliament Summons ZEC Over Alleged Multi-Million Dollar Tender Scandal

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Chalton Hwende says Zimbabweans should forget about the Southern African Development Community (SADC) intervening in the disputed 2023 harmonised elections.
Hwende’s remarks contradict CCC’s former leader Nelson Chamisa who recently claimed he was in contact with SADC leaders to intervene and “resolve the governance crisis” in Zimbabwe.
Speaking in an X space, Hwende, a former close ally of Chamisa, said that no intervention would come from SADC, adding that the matter is a closed chapter. Said Hwende (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/sadc-will-not-intervene-in-zimbabwes-electoral-dispute-says-hwende-vows-to-resign-if-regional-body-ever-helps-opposition/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We met the executive secretary of SADC. We went to meet the executive secretary in Botswana and during the same meeting, I then raised the issue of Zimbabwe to say we are waiting for you in Zimbabwe because we think according to your report the elections were a sham, it was rigged and you need to come and help the country to resolve that issue and they all laughed including the executive secretary.
A whole country can not wait for a SADC that is not coming. They said that the case is closed and we are not coming to Zimbabwe.
At that time they were claiming they had not received a letter and I knew advocate Chamisa had written them a letter but this is the contempt these bodies have for opposition politics.
There is no SADC that is going to come. I am willing to put my head on the chopping block. If you ever see SADC can force an election in Zimbabwe I will resign as a politician.
</blockquote>
Since the SADC Elections Observer Mission (SEOM) delivered its final report on Zimbabwe’s election, there has been a deafening silence from the regional body as far as resolving the dispute is concerned.
SADC is set to hold its 44th Head of State summit which will be hosted by Zimbabwe with President Mnangagwa assuming the chairmanship of the regional bloc.
Hwende said SADC did its part and the onus is now on Zimbabweans to implement the recommendations that were made by SEOM. He said:
<blockquote>
SADC spoke very well. Their report is very clear that the elections did not meet the expected standards that are expected.
That to me is as far as what SADC can do. It is now up to Zimbabweans to organise ourselves and enforce that resolution from SADC.
SADC has no history of ever ordering fresh elections anywhere else it will have to start in Zimbabwe but the preparations that they are doing to install Mr Mnangagwa to be a chairperson of SADC clearly shows you that there is no appetite in SADC to go beyond their report.
To them, their work is done. The biggest challenge we have is we are afraid of organising ourselves and demanding our own rights that are enshrined in the constitution that is why everyone is hiding behind SADC.
There is no SADC that is going to come. I am willing to put my head on the chopping block. If you ever see SADC can force an election in Zimbabwe I will resign as a politician.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC Will Not Intervene In Zimbabwe's Electoral Dispute - Hwende

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has denied claims made by Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament (MP) Chalton Hwende that Nelson Chamisa, the party’s former President, fired the communication team responsible for managing the party’s social media accounts. In a post seen by Pindula News, Hwende alleged that the CCC’s social media accounts were now being operated by individuals who were fired by Chamisa but had refused to hand over the passwords. He said:
<blockquote>
The CCC X handle is now being operated by people who were fired by the President (Chamisa) but refused to hand over the passwords. We will now start talking!!
</blockquote>
However, the CCC, through their Twitter account, denied the allegations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party aid:
<blockquote>
Dear Hon @hwendec
We would like to clarify some information that appears to be misleading. President @nelsonchamisa did not fire anyone in the communication department, including those who manage the social media platforms. The team will continue to fulfill their duties as instructed. Thank you
</blockquote>
The dispute over the control of the party comes after Chamisa resigned from the CCC on January 24, 2024. Since then, different factions within the party have been contesting for power, each claiming to be in touch with Chamisa. Promise Mkwananzi, the party’s spokesperson, expressed his intention to bring Chamisa back into the party.
On the other hand, Hwende stated that he maintains regular contact with Chamisa and that the former Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has not yet revealed his future plans. Chamisa who resigned from CCC citing infiltration and hijacking by the ruling ZANU PF party and its allies within the CCC, has hinted at the possibility of forming a political movement rather than a political party. Now, some individuals claim that the movement is called “The Blue Movement”, but Hwende said Chamisa was not part of the said movement. He said:
<blockquote>
The President (Chamisa) said he will communicate his way forward. A lot of people who were imposing candidates, imposing mayors and deputy Mayors and lying abusing the President’s name are now championing the so-called blue movement. Let’s leave the President to rest and decide on the new step like he said.
</blockquote>
The conflicting statements and power struggles within the CCC highlight the internal divisions and uncertainties surrounding the party’s direction following Chamisa’s departure. Name-dropping has been the order of the day as factions wrestle for power.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

CCC Denies Hwende's Claims Of Chamisa Firing Communication Team; Power Struggles Continue

Kuwadzana East MP, Chalton Hwende (CCC) says he had a two-hour-long meeting with the party’s former president Nelson Chamisa on Tuesday following the latter’s abrupt resignation.
Posting on X this Thursday, Hwende said Chamisa categorically stated he will “never return to the CCC” and will announce his next move soon.
Hwende, who said he will soon consult his constituents on the way forward, reiterated that Chamisa remains the opposition’s “best foot forward” in ending ZANU PF’s grip on power. Said Hwende:
<blockquote>
On Tuesday I had a 2 hr conversation with President Nelson Chamisa and we discussed his resignation statement. He is clear that he will never return to the CCC and he will make an announcement on his next move soon. I agree with his decision. Tomorrow I will begin a series of consultations with the people of Kuwadzana East so that I can be guided on the next move. President Chamisa remains our best foot forward to bring change to this country.
</blockquote>
Hwende was considered a close ally of Chamisa in the MDC Alliance and won the secretary-general post at the party’s congress held in Gweru in 2019.
He, however, failed to condemn Sengezo Tshabangu when he embarked on the infamous recalls that will almost certainly allow ZANU PF to attain a parliamentary two-thirds majority when the next round of by-elections will be held on 03 February.
Hwende’s silence, in the face of Tshabangu’s destructive onslaught, was interpreted by analysts as a tacit approval of the recalls.
It remains to be seen whether Hwende will stick with CCC without Chamisa or join his longtime colleague in another political project.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa Tells Hwende He Will "Never Return To CCC"

Brighton Mutebuka, a Zimbabwean lawyer based in the UK, has provided an update on the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/30/mkwananzi-informs-parliament-hes-the-acting-president-in-ccc-hints-on-bringing-chamisa-back/">purported ascendancy of Promise Mkwananzi to the post of acting President</a> within Zimbabwe’s opposition movement. He stated that Mkwananzi denied being captured by the regime and stated that there were no genuine warrants against him. He said:
<blockquote>
Promise was in touch yesterday following my post. He protested against any insinuation that he might have been captured by the regime. These are his exact words: ” …. you could have just asked about the warrants and I would have gladly answered you. There was never a genuine warrant against me that time. It was just a way to derail my political activity.”
He also assured me that his ascendancy was above board and in the best interests of CCC in its unadulterated form while I also made it clear to him that I would seek corroboration from other parties as well.
</blockquote>
Mutebuka said he attempted to communicate with Promise but received no response. He said:
<blockquote>
When I later sought to afford him an opportunity to address the above issues, they were blue ticked meaning he read my messages but they went unanswered. I tried to call him but the call went unanswered. I finally sent him a text asking him to let me know when he would be free to have a chat. That was also blue ticked but not responded to.
</blockquote>
Mutebuka mentioned that he learned from Mkawananzi’s colleagues that when he declared himself as acting president of CCC, it was not his own idea. Others approached him to protect the interests of the remaining members of CCC. The situation changed during a recent CNA meeting, where Mr. Timba took over from Promise to safeguard those interests. They acknowledged that their current actions would involve engaging in strategic political moves with the regime. Mutebuka added: 
<blockquote>
Key Takeaways
i. Promise was not representing Chamisa’s interests yesterday. His ascendancy was in line with the fluidity of the situation.
ii. Credible reports suggest that there is now a 4-way tussle for the control of the CCC shell/carcass fronted by Timba, Hwende, Ncube and Tshabangu.
iii. Credible reports from his colleagues suggest that Promise indeed does have connections in the murky world of the regime’s security establishment.
iv. The reports further highlighted that, owing to those connections, he has created uncertainty in Hwende’s camp &amp; others that he could be empowered to wield recalls and by association have a shot at earning funding from the Political Parties’ Finance Act.
v. In short, all factions are rudderless, working at cross purposes and hopelessly at the mercy of the regime’s machinations. They hope to have a share of the assets but – that is the regime’s prerogative.
vi. It was telling that Promise was unable to either return my calls or provide a compelling account of how his warrants of arrest were overlooked by the regime. His explanation was as convenient as it was superficial/implausible. He was too eager to hush it up.
vii. He has thus failed the credibility/probity test. Warrants aren’t just cancelled, even when they are bogus, especially by a regime such as the Zim one. There is a legal/administrative process that is followed.
viii. Tshabangu’s reign of terror has effectively come to an end but not without wreaking havoc on Zim’s body politic unseen in generations and perhaps not to be seen in our lifetime.
ix. Via Tshabangu, ED has his two-thirds in sight while Nelson Chamisa has been forced out of office. It is Chamisa’s exit which has helped to smoothen/unlock/accelerate processes surrounding the release of the long-suffering Job “Wiwa” Sikhala.
x. CCC is dead. A new project is required which reflects on and addresses the cause of it’s demise. Those left in CCC now trying to resuscitate it are flogging a dead horse – regardless of the sincerity of their belief in how just they think their cause is.
</blockquote>
Mutebuka concludes that the regime has successfully manipulated the opposition, causing them to fight amongst themselves for power, similar to a polygamous marriage where attention is sought.
<h3>Sihkala’s Release</h3>
The impact of<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/30/job-sikhala-and-godfrey-sithole-handed-wholly-suspended-2-year-jail-sentences/"> Sikhala’s release</a> on the political landscape remains uncertain, as political figures like him are not typically released easily. Such a release can only happen with the approval of the political establishment, likely through a high-stakes arrangement on the political chessboard. Mutebuka believes that any such arrangement will not benefit the opposition, and the involvement of President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/31/tshabangu-negotiated-with-the-state-for-job-sikhalas-release/">Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lawyer and Tshabangu’s team signifies this.</a> Mutebuka says the timing and circumstances of Wiwa’s release are too conspicuous to be irrelevant, indicating a trade-off or political transaction behind the scenes. The nature of this trade-off will be revealed in due time.
Mutebuka suggests that Job’s release coinciding with Chamisa’s forced removal from CCC is too much of a political coincidence. The future will show whether their political paths will align or diverge. He says currently, the regime is moving closer to establishing a one-party state, gaining more control over the political landscape. Mutebuka urges Sikhala not to betray the people. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe Opposition Update: Promise Mkwananzi's Denial, Factional Struggles, And Sikhala's Release

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) held its <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2019/05/27/mdc-congress-results-the-winners/">5th elective congress in Gweru in May 2019</a> where Nelson Chamisa emerged as the president of the party. The election results have gained attention lately because there are rumours that the disputed interim secretary general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Sengezo Tshabangu, is reactivating the structures that were established during the MDC congress.
This comes after Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the CCC, resigned from the party, alleging infiltration and hijacking of the CCC by the ruling ZANU PF and its allies. The departure of Chamisa has created a leadership vacuum in the party, and the CCC is now working to fill that void.
This information is being reposted here due to the high interest in the matter. It provides an overview of the election results from the MDC congress and highlights the ongoing developments within the CCC. We present the results below:
<h4>President:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Nelson Chamisa (unopposed)</li>
</ul>
<h4>Vice Presidents:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Welshman Ncube,</li>
<li>Tendai Biti,</li>
<li>Lynette Karenyi-Kore</li>
</ul>
<h4>Treasurer-General:</h4>
<ul>
<li>David Coltart</li>
</ul>
<h4>National Party Chairperson &amp; Deputy in that order:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Thabitha Khumalo</li>
<li>Job Sikhala</li>
</ul>
<h4>Secretary-General:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Charlton Hwende (defeated Douglas Mwonzora)</li>
</ul>
<h3>MDC WOMEN’s ASSEMBLY:</h3>
Chair &amp; Deputy in that order:
<ul>
<li>Paurina Mpariwa</li>
<li>Philis Ndhlovu</li>
</ul>
Secretary-General &amp; Deputy in that order:
<div class="in_article">
<div>
<ul>
<li>Vimbai Tsvangirai</li>
<li>Regnat Mangava</li>
</ul>
Organising Secretary &amp; Deputy in that order:
<ul>
<li>Base Ngoma</li>
<li>Virginia Mafuta</li>
</ul>
Treasurer and Vice in that order: 
<ul>
<li>Margret Matiyenga</li>
<li>Monica Ncube</li>
</ul>
Information and Vice in that order: 
<ul>
<li>Meliwe Phuti</li>
<li>Martha Muronzi (Mash Central)</li>
</ul>
<h3>YOUTH ASSEMBLY:</h3>
Chair &amp; Deputy in that order:
<ul>
<li>Obey Sithole</li>
<li>Cecilia Chimbiri</li>
</ul>
Secretary General Deputy Sec Gen in that order: 
<ul>
<li>Gift Siziba</li>
<li>Babra Nyagomo</li>
</ul>
Treasurer General Deputy in that order:
<ul>
<li>Vimbai Mavherudze</li>
<li> Judith Tobaiwa</li>
</ul>
Organizer and Deputy in that order:
<ul>
<li>Gift Kurauone</li>
<li> Netsai Marova</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>
</div>

MDC 2019 Gweru Congress: Winners And Losers

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere/">Fadzayi Mahere</a>, a Member of Parliament for Mt Pleasant Constituency, has expressed her support for Nelson Chamisa’s decision to leave the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). She believes that the CCC cannot be legitimate without Chamisa. She said:
<blockquote>
There’s no legitimate CCC without our Change Champion in Chief. There’s no legitimate Parliament without respect for the will of the people. I stand by Adv @nelsonchamisa ’s decision and join him in leaving the charade. I remain committed to fighting for true democracy and better lives for all Zimbabweans. To those who believed, voted and supported, I owe you my deepest gratitude. I will be communicating with you directly soon to map a way forward.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/25/chamisa-i-no-longer-have-anything-to-do-with-ccc/">Chamisa announced his departure from the CCC</a> on January 24, 2024, and there are rumours that he plans to form a new party. If Mahere joins him, she may have to give up her position in Parliament.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takudzwa_Ngadziore/">Takudzwa Ngadziore</a>, the CCC’s Harare Youth Quota Representative in Parliament, echoed Mahere’s sentiments. He believes that without Chamisa, the CCC would become a smaller version of the ruling ZANU PF party. The former ZINASU president said:
<blockquote>
You’ aptly stated my position. We were not born in Parliament. Being there is only necessitated by the desire to serve. A CCC without @nelsonchamisa is a ZANU-PF lite. The masses are waiting for our leadership. Freedom or Death, the way to go! A New Great Zimbabwe is possible!
</blockquote>
<h3>What Comes Next?</h3>
The likely scenarios following Chamisa’s departure involve CCC Members of Parliament and councillors potentially withdrawing and joining Chamisa’s new party. If this happens, the nation will likely face additional by-elections, which can cost a significant amount of money. The ongoing by-elections have already consumed $11 million. Alternatively, the CCC may choose not to recall the members who align with Chamisa to maintain its status as the main opposition party in terms of the number of MPs. According to the Political Parties (Finance) Act in Zimbabwe, political parties without parliamentary representation are not eligible to receive funding from the Political Parties Fund. The Act specifies that only parties with parliamentary representation can receive financial assistance. Therefore, if a party loses its parliamentary seats, it will no longer receive financial support from the fund.
The question remains as to which individuals will join Chamisa in his new party. Many are curious about the choices that specifically Tendai Biti, Chalton Hwende, and Welshman Ncube will make. These senior officials in the CCC had disagreements with Chamisa before the August 2023 elections. After the elections, tensions heightened, with Chamisa’s camp accusing Biti and others of working with the disputed CCC interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, to destabilise the party. Biti and Ncube have denied these allegations and have stated their commitment to the opposition cause and not giving an advantage to ZANU PF. The recalls by Tshabangu have resulted in ZANU PF gaining more MPs and councillors after the by-elections.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Mahere And Ngadziore Fearlessly Stand With Chamisa, Despite Potential Loss Of Parliamentary Posts

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Chalton_Hwende">Chalton Hwende</a> has challenged the opposition party to ditch the legal route and instead, devise a political strategy to save the party from disintegration.
Last week, the CCC led by Nelson Chamisa lost another court battle to disputed interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu after his High Court application seeking an order to bar Members of Parliament he recalled from contesting in the 03 February by-election was granted.
The High Court ruled that Gift Siziba, Amos Chibaya and other candidates cannot stand as CCC candidates in the upcoming by-elections.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Hwende called on his colleagues in CCC to devise a political strategy to save the party from imploding. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The Judgement barring our 23 Candidates from participating in the upcoming by-election is wrong and very unfortunate. Democracy and the rule of law are under attack. This is the time we need a political solution. Let’s ditch the courts and go political to save the people’s movement. Our leader is Nelson Chamisa and the party which you voted for is the only authentic people’s movement, united we can win Zimbabwe for change. Let’s save democracy, let’s save Zimbabwe!
</blockquote>
CCC spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi said the recalled MPs are being punished for supporting Chamisa. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
Their (Siziba and Chibaya) crime: loyalty to Chamisa and faithfulness to the struggle. Other than Chamisa himself, they worked the hardest, traversing every corner of the country and introducing the new party: the Citizens Coalition For Change to the masses of the people of Zimbabwe from the new party name, the new slogan, the new structure to the new strategy and many more.
Explaining why we had to form a new party and convincing the sceptics that it was the best way to go.
Even in the face of illegal recalls they stood firm and chose to go with what is right no matter the consequences and the price at a personal level.
These are the calibre of people’s representatives that this country needs. We salute and commend them. We shall continue to fight for the people’s voice to be respected in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
CCC is now in a precarious position after Parliament, the courts and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works allowed Tshabangu to recall the party’s MPs and councillors with reckless abandon.
As a result, ZANU PF claimed more seats in the 09 December by-elections and is now on the verge of attaining a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hwende Says Legal Route Will Not Save CCC

Former MDC Alliance Secretary General Chalton Hwende has suggested that Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has fallen out with his former deputies Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti and vice chairman Job Sikhala.
Chamisa’s loyalists who are active on social media platforms accuse Ncube and Biti of working with Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be Interim Secretary General, to recall CCC MPs, Senators and councillors.
Reports suggest that there is friction between Chamisa and his former colleagues who all believe he deliberately shut them out of the party and replaced their experience with student activists.
Posting on X, Hwende urged Chamisa to work together with Biti, Sikhala and Ncube as well as civil society leaders. He wrote:
<blockquote>
President Chamisa is the best foot forward to remove ZANU PF. Anyone who thinks otherwise is making a mistake, he represents the millions who have a national grievance with ZANU PF.
He needs a conversation with Biti, Sikhala and Ncube. They must work together and jointly broaden their alliance to include key opposition and civic society leaders.
We need a broad-based democratic movement behind Chamisa to win against ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
Ncube recently stated that the MDC Alliance was rebranded to CCC in January 2022 and its structures should be kept.
However, Chamisa who is the only figure in CCC with a position as “Change Champion in Chief”, together with party spokespersons Promise Mkhwananzi and Gif Siziva, insists the movement is a new party with no links with the MDC Alliance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hwende "Confirms" Fallout Between Chamisa And Biti, Ncube, Sikhala

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

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

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

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) official Chalton Hwende, who is also Kuwadzana East MP, has appealed for unity among the party’s rank-and-file and allow designated spokespersons to speak on behalf of the party.
Promise Mkwananzi is the party’s spokesperson and is deputised by Gift Siziba.
<a href="https://x.com/hwendec/status/1733201809198534960?s=20">Posting on X</a> on Friday night, Hwende said the removal of CCC candidates sponsored by party leader Nelson Chamisa from the ballot papers in today’s by-elections shows that ZANU PF is bent on grabbing absolute power at all costs.
Hwende was elected MDC Alliance secretary-general in 2019 before the party morphed into CCC in early 2022.
He has been keeping a low profile even as the party’s self-proclaimed interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu was decimating the party by recalling its MPs and councillors,
Pro-Chamisa bloggers have accused him of working with Tshabangu in a bid to wrestle control of the party.
Hwende said the way forward for the opposition is political action rather than resorting to “captured” courts. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The court’s decision to remove our candidates from the ballot in tomorrow’s election confirms that ZANU PF is after political power at all costs. We all have known this fact about ZANU since 2000.
We also know that the majority of the people know that President @nelsonchamisa is the leader of the democratic struggle and is the best foot forward.
We also know that Courts are captured and NO decision that will benefit the people will be delivered in those Courts.
We also know that the only way forward is Political action, mass action by the people. We must stop trying to push other leaders out of the democratic movement. We need unity of purpose to confront ZANU.
We need more ground action and less X (Twitter). We must also leave our communication department to comment and deal with the current issues.
Hwende’s comment is unhelpful we have people who are entrusted with the responsibility of communicating for the Party.
Trolls must stop pushing other leaders out of the movement we need unity and more unity!
</blockquote>
Hwende also denied claims that he signed papers for a parallel CCC candidate in Masvingo Urban Ward 2 for the by-elections. He said:
<blockquote>
Someone has alerted me to a claim by a dubious parallel candidate in Masvingo Urban Ward 2 that I signed for him or her. This is the CIO at play trying to divide our people. I never signed for any candidate in the last Elections in 2023. This is a fact that can be confirmed ku @ZECzim. Stop believing nonsense by regime enablers.
</blockquote>
An X user suggested that Hwende and his colleagues were back on the social media platform after accomplishing their plan and looking for sympathy so that they could survive in 2028. Hwende responded:
<blockquote>
I have a company that employs 24 people in Zimbabwe, 53 in Namibia and 17 in Angola. Parliament pays $300 and RTGS equivalent of $200. My receptionist in Namibia gets paid N$14000 which is equivalent to $750 so I am in parliament to serve the good people of Kuwadzana East.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa Is CCC's "Best Foot Foward" - Chalton Hwende

Chalton Hwende, a Member of Parliament for Kuwadzana East constituency, has expressed concern that implementing a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/01/zimbabwe-2024-national-budget-passport-vehicle-registration-toll-fees-raised-tax-for-soft-drinks/">tax on soft drinks</a> would lead to increased smuggling. The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, recently proposed introducing this tax in the 2024 National Budget. He said the aim is to generate revenue and discourage the consumption of high-sugar beverages.
However, Hwende who is also a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), believes that due to the country’s porous borders, traders will turn to informal imports from countries like South Africa. As these imported products would be cheaper than locally produced ones, it may harm local businesses. He said:
<blockquote>
A levy on the sugar content of beverages is going to lead to many job losses from Manufacturers to sugar cane farmers. Consumers will also be affected as most companies are likely to pass the burden to the already overtaxed citizens The proposed levy is US$0.02 per gram of sugar in beverages, excluding water.
If we don’t fight it next week during the budget debate the levy will take effect from January 1, 2024. As a country do not have an obesity issue but malnutrition is our biggest problem with many families struggling to have two meals. The tax level of US2c\g is very heavy. It will affect the current sales volumes of Beverages manufacturing companies. Using the 300ml Coca-Cola bottle as an example (which has 35g of sugar content) the proposed tax levy will lead to a total tax of US 70c – a ridiculous level of tax for a product selling for US25c, implying the consumer will pay US95-US110c per 300ml bottle after factoring VAT and retail margins.
Traders will resort to informal import from countries like SA given the porous borders because such products will be cheaper than the local produce, pushing out local businesses. Sugar companies will be forced to scale down threatening thousands of jobs and even sugarcane farmers. Producers will most likely move to artificial sweeteners in place of sugar.
</blockquote>
The budget has received criticism, especially for the higher taxes and new taxes that have been introduced. Some experts, like Professor Gideon Zhou from the University of Zimbabwe, who specializes in Governance and Public Management, have expressed concerns that the budget could have significant negative effects. He said:
<blockquote>
Indeed, a very extractive budget informed by the canons of austerity. However, extracting revenue from an already over-taxed and poverty-ridden citizenry looks like a recipe for far-reaching worse-off livelihood future scenarios. We are at risk of compromising the concerns of Vision 2030 which envisages not only a HEALTHY ECONOMY but a HEALTHY SOCIETY as well. The 2024 Budget seems to be leaving society behind in its efforts to steer the economy towards a middle-income ranking.
</blockquote>
The public has been urging Members of Parliament to reject the Budget, but some senior government officials have publicly supported it. Dr. John Mangudya, the governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, has stated that raising revenue through taxes is necessary because Zimbabwe’s access to credit from international institutions is decreasing. He believes that this is the only viable option for the country to fulfil its financial responsibilities.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Tax On Soft Drinks Will Worsen Smuggling - Hwende

With less than two months to go before the August 23 general elections, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has adopted a ward-to-ward campaign approach. This involves CCC representatives visiting each ward in their constituencies to engage with residents, understand their concerns, and discuss potential solutions.
A senior official of CCC, Felix Mafa, stated that the approach would provide the opposition party with a nuanced understanding of the issues faced by different communities, enabling them to tailor the party’s policies accordingly. Mafa said:
<blockquote>
We believe in the power of local communities and the importance of understanding their unique challenges and opportunities. Our ward-to-ward campaign strategy is a reflection of this belief.
We want to ensure that every voice is heard and that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the people we serve. We are confident that our ward-to-ward campaign will enable us to build connections with our constituents and deliver policies that reflect their needs and aspirations.
</blockquote>
Kuwadzana East legislator, Chalton Hwende, stated that the move was also aimed at drumming up support for the opposition. Hwende said:
<blockquote>
Just finished our door-to-door exercise in Kuwadzana East. We visited over 200 households. Our target is to ensure that we visit every household in the constituency so that we allow every potential voter to meet face-to-face with our candidates.
</blockquote>
Some Political analysts believe that the ward-to-ward campaign could potentially strengthen CCC’s position in the upcoming elections by focusing on local issues and engaging directly with voters, building stronger relationships with communities, and gaining a better understanding of the issues that matter most to them. CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, has also been on a whirlwind countrywide tour, meeting cluster leaders in rural areas.
This approach comes as the party’s national campaign launch which was scheduled for the 9th of July in Bindura was not sanctioned by police over the CCC’s alleged failure to meet minimum requirements.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

CCC Adopts Ward-to-Ward Campaign Approach For August 23 General Elections

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) recently published the names of its parliamentary candidates who have filed their nominations across the country on Wednesday. Notably, the final list excluded several veterans, ensuring new faces in the upcoming parliament following the general elections on August 23.
According to the leader of CCC, Nelson Chamisa, the party has selected the most competent individuals to lead the country’s recovery. The CCC initiated the process of selecting their candidates in April but faced criticism for delaying the announcement of the winners until the sitting of the nomination courts. Chamisa has explained that the party was concerned that their candidates could be subjected to arrest and harassment. We present the list below:
HARARE PROVINCE 
<ol>
<li>Budiriro North – Matsunga Susan</li>
<li>Budiriro South – Chigumbu Darlington</li>
<li>Chitungwiza North – Sithole Godfrey</li>
<li>Chitungwiza South – Mavhunga Maxwell</li>
<li>Churu – Chikomo Traswell</li>
<li>Dzivarasekwa – Mushoriwa Edwin</li>
<li>Epworth North – Mhetu Zivai</li>
<li>Epworth South – Chatambudza Kudakwashe</li>
<li>Glenorah – Chikombo Wellington</li>
<li>Glenview North – Chidziva Happymore</li>
<li>Glenview South – Hakata Grandmore</li>
<li>Harare Central – Jimu Lovemore</li>
<li>Harare East – Markham Allan</li>
<li>Harare South – Musonza Dorothy</li>
<li>Harare West – Mamombe Joana</li>
<li>Hatcliffe – Gumbo Agency</li>
<li>Hatfield – Nyamuronda Revai</li>
<li>Highfield – Mavhudzi Donald</li>
<li>Hunyani – Chinoputsa Lovemore</li>
<li>Kuwadzana East – Hwende Charlton</li>
<li>Kuwadzana West – Matambo Johnson</li>
<li>Mabvuku Tafara – Munyaradzi Kupahakuzizwe</li>
<li>Mbare – Chamisa Starman</li>
<li>Mount Pleasant – Mahere Fadzai</li>
<li>Southerton – Nyandoro Bridget</li>
<li>St Marys – Mazhinda Brighton</li>
<li>Sunningdale – Maureen Kademanange</li>
<li>Warren Park – Hamauswa Shakespear</li>
<li>Zengeza East – Chimbaira Godrich</li>
<li>Zengeza West – Zvaipa Innocent</li>
</ol>
MIDLANDS PROVINCE 
<ol>
<li>Chirumanzu – South Cheza Patrick</li>
<li>Chirumanzu–Zibagwe – Manyere Orbert</li>
<li>Chiwundura – Murondiwa Blessing</li>
<li>Gokwe Central – Shava Hope</li>
<li>Gokwe–Chireya – Gumbo Joseph</li>
<li>Gokwe–Gumunyu – Chabata Misheck</li>
<li>Gokwe–Kabuyuni – Tshuma Givemore</li>
<li>Gokwe–Kana – Eng. Tsikadzashe Nemato</li>
<li>Gokwe–Mapfungautsi – Kulambone Tawanda</li>
<li>Gokwe–Nembudziya – Bangure Daniel</li>
<li>Gokwe–Sasame – Manyika Diamond</li>
<li>Gokwe–Sengwa – Nhamo Padzakashamba</li>
<li>Gweru Urban – Mhishi Blessing</li>
<li>Kwekwe Central – Tobaiwa Judith</li>
<li>Mberengwa Central – Zhou Takavafira</li>
<li>Mberengwa East – Shoko Davies</li>
<li>Mberengwa West – Moyo Onias</li>
<li>Mkoba North – Chibaya Amos</li>
<li>Mkoba South – Kuka John</li>
<li>Mbizo – Madzivanyika Corban</li>
<li>Redcliff – Mukapiko Dzikamai Lloyd</li>
<li>Shurugwi North – Mhindu Phillip</li>
<li>Shurugwi South – Mhlanga Michael</li>
<li>Silobela – Ndlovu Ephraim</li>
<li>Vungu – Ndlovu Lawrence</li>
<li>Zhombe – Ntini Beniseni</li>
<li>Zvishavane Runde – Muchengwa Gift</li>
<li>Zvishavane Ngezi – Mudisi Leopold</li>
</ol>
Matabeleland South Province 
<ol>
<li>Beitbridge East – Ndou Renatho</li>
<li>Beitbridge West – Morgan Ncube</li>
<li>Bulilima – Bekezela Maplanka</li>
<li>Gwanda North – Nkala Desire</li>
<li>Gwanda-Tshitaudze – Mazhale Jastone</li>
<li>Gwanda South – Dube Patrick</li>
<li>Insiza North – Masuku David</li>
<li>Insiza South – Moyo Sifanjani</li>
<li>Mangwe-  Sihlabo Vincent</li>
<li>Matobo – Ngwenya Collen</li>
<li>Matobo-Mangwe – Ndebele Madalaboy</li>
<li>Umzingwane – Ndlovu Mcebisi</li>
</ol>
Matabeleland North Province 
<ol>
<li>Binga North – Sibanda Prince D</li>
<li>Binga South – Chumanzala Fanuel</li>
<li>Bubi – Mabena Bhekithemba</li>
<li>Hwange Central – Molokele F Daniel</li>
<li>Hwange West – Moyo Vusumuzi</li>
<li>Hwange East – Bonda Joseph</li>
<li>Lupane East – Moyo Vanya Bright</li>
<li>Lupane West – Mxolisi C Sibanda</li>
<li>Nkayi North – Ndlovu Mandla</li>
<li>Nkayi South – Hadebe Jabulani</li>
<li>Tsholotsho North – Sibanda Libion</li>
<li>Tsholotsho South – Sibanda Nganunu Tapson</li>
<li>Umguza – Queen Maligwa</li>
</ol>
Masvingo Province 
<ol>
<li>Bikita East – Mudzingwa Bonface</li>
<li>Bikita South – Nyika Barney</li>
<li>Bikita West – Gutuza Pikirai</li>
<li>Chiredzi Central – Makumire Ropafadzo</li>
<li>Chiredzi East – Godfrey Maluleke</li>
<li>Chiredzi North – Chamisa Fungai</li>
<li>Chiredzi South – Dr Douglas Gumbo</li>
<li>Chiredzi West – Nhamoinesu Machigiri</li>
<li>Chivi Central – Makotose Peter Alexious</li>
<li>Chivi North – Chidaushe Emmanuel</li>
<li>Chivi South – Chikondera Danisani</li>
<li>Gutu Central – Takaona Matthew</li>
<li>Gutu East – Gonesse Gift</li>
<li>Gutu South – Gobvu Hamandishe</li>
<li>Gutu West – Murudu Ephraim</li>
<li>Masvingo Central – Mavhaire Moses</li>
<li>Masvingo North – Madzivire Enock</li>
<li>Masvingo South – Mabvuure Knowledge</li>
<li>Masvingo Urban – Mureri Murai</li>
<li>Masvingo West – Gasva Pedzisai</li>
<li>Mwenezi East – Taruona Taruwana</li>
<li>Mwenezi North – Mapfumo Patrick</li>
<li>Mwenezi West – Chifumuro Brilliant</li>
<li>Zaka Central – Imbayarwo Peter</li>
<li>Zaka North – Zanga Munyaradzi</li>
<li>Zaka South – Manjengwa Trust Saphisio</li>
</ol>
Mashonaland West Province 
<ol>
<li>Chakari – Tembo Solomon</li>
<li>Chegutu East – Mandere Gabrial</li>
<li>Chegutu West – Chivero Admore</li>
<li>Chinhoyi – Mhangwa Leslie</li>
<li>Hurungwe Central – Musochi Christopher</li>
<li>Hurungwe East – Mandava Blessing</li>
<li>Hurungwe North – Mangwaira Stanford</li>
<li>Hurungwe West – Zvarevashe Innocent</li>
<li>Kadoma Central – Mambipiri Gift</li>
<li>Kariba – Gwangwava Shine</li>
<li>Magunje – Muriwo Tonderai Kusema</li>
<li>Makonde – Tigere Noel</li>
<li>Mhangura – Zungura David</li>
<li>Mhondoro-Mubaira – Chivaura Vengai</li>
<li>Mhondoro-Ngezi – Chikudo Tapera Simon</li>
<li>Muzvezve – Marufu Nicholas</li>
<li>Norton – Tsvangirai Richard</li>
<li>Sanyati – Tafirei Vaida</li>
<li>Zvimba South – Shayamano Nelson</li>
<li>Zvimba East – Mutasa Oliver</li>
<li>Zvimba North – Jemaniss Willard</li>
<li>Zvimba West – Tanyanyiwa Mechia</li>
</ol>
Mashonaland East Province 
<ol>
<li>Chikomba East – Muchengeti Chinembiri</li>
<li>Chikomba West – Punungwe Emmanuel</li>
<li>Goromonzi North – Muchuwa Chenesai</li>
<li>Goromonzi South – Chagwiza Stephan</li>
<li>Goromonzi West – Munetsi Tinei</li>
<li>Marondera Central – Matewu Caston</li>
<li>Marondera East – Kizito Zhuwarara</li>
<li>Marondera West – Magwenzi Wellington</li>
<li>Murewa North – Nyabinde Kennnedy</li>
<li>Murewa South – Bume Timothy</li>
<li>Murewa West – Mukurazhizha Lesley</li>
<li>Mutoko East – Kaseke Yeukai</li>
<li>Mutoko North – Mavhoko Taurai</li>
<li>Mutoko South – Mapango Mapengo</li>
<li>Mudzi North – Mututa Paradzai</li>
<li>Mudzi South – Nyambo Tichafa</li>
<li>Mudzi West – Maja T</li>
<li>Ruwa – Muwodzeri Thomas</li>
<li>Seke – Madzimbamuto Willard</li>
<li>Maramba Pfungwe – Chimunhu Chiratidzo</li>
<li>Wedza North – Mapfumo Katsaya</li>
<li>Wedza South – Zinhumwe Valentine</li>
<li>Uzumba – Konono Cosmas</li>
</ol>
Mashonaland Central Province 
<ol>
<li>Bindura North – Zvidzai Kajokoto</li>
<li>Bindura South – Gwarada Geaorge</li>
<li>Guruve North – Tsikwa Benson</li>
<li>Guruve South – Basa Shupiko Tawanda</li>
<li>Mazowe Central – Mushonga Shepherd</li>
<li>Mazowe North – Manyika Eric</li>
<li>Mazowe South – Rangarirai Charles</li>
<li>Mazowe West – Mutaranyika Elijah</li>
<li>Mbire – Karembra Blessing</li>
<li>Mt Darwin East – Manyika Pius</li>
<li>Mt Darwin North – Mavhura Fungai</li>
<li>Mt Darwin South – Gura Reason</li>
<li>Mt Darwin West – Utete Mativenga</li>
<li>Muzarabani North – Kagura Agreement</li>
<li>Muzarabani South – Gweru Wellington</li>
<li>Rushinga – Mutero Cutberth</li>
<li>Shamva North – Maringisanwa Mavis</li>
<li>Shamva South – Mugwambi Patrick</li>
</ol>
Manicaland Province MP
<ol>
<li>Buhera Central – Kandenga Timothy</li>
<li>Buhera North – Magarangoma Julias</li>
<li>Buhera South – Hodhera Solomon</li>
<li>Buhera West – Mangwanya Herbert</li>
<li>Chikanga – Mukwada Monica</li>
<li>Chimanimani East – Dube Innocent</li>
<li>Chimanimani West – Matiashe Canaan</li>
<li>Chipinge Central – Livingstone Dhlumo</li>
<li>Chipinge East – Mlambo Mathias</li>
<li>Chipinge South – Hlatshwayo Clifford</li>
<li>Mutema-Musikavanhu – Sibogile Nyamudeza</li>
<li>Dangamvura – Mutseyami Prosper</li>
<li>Headlands Tinodyanazvo – Ziswa Valentine</li>
<li>Makoni Central – Sagandira Patrick</li>
<li>Makoni North – Chitena Shepherd</li>
<li>Makoni South – Chenai Danny</li>
<li>Makoni West – Govha Godfree</li>
<li>Mutare Central – James Brian Leslie</li>
<li>Mutare North – Takabika Tendai</li>
<li>Mutare South – Mckenzie Fungai Saunyama</li>
<li>Mutare West – Nemasasi Prayer</li>
<li>Mutasa Central – Chekecheke Dickson</li>
<li>Mutasa North – Chitsara Godfree</li>
<li>Mutasa South – Tsunga Revai</li>
<li>Nyanga North – Chifodya Nyahabo L</li>
<li>Nyanga South – McCormick Ruxandra</li>
</ol>
Bulawayo Province 
<ol>
<li>Bulawayo Central – Sarenda Kapoikulu</li>
<li>Bulawayo North – Minehle Gumede</li>
<li>Bulawayo South – Nicky Brown</li>
<li>Cowdray Park – Pasho Sibanda</li>
<li>Emakhandeni – Bajila Descent</li>
<li>Entumbane-Njube – Dube Prince</li>
<li>Lobengula-Magwegwe – Gono Eric</li>
<li>Mpopoma-Mzilikazi – Desmond Makaza</li>
<li>Nketa – Manduna Obert</li>
<li>Nkulumane – Desire Moyo</li>
<li>Pelandaba-Tshabalala – Gift Ostallos Sibiza</li>
<li>Pumula – Sichelasile Mahlangu</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a>

FULL LIST: CCC Parliamentary Candidates For 2023 Elections

Members of the National Assembly in Zimbabwe have demanded answers from Finance and Economic Development Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube/">Mthuli Ncube</a> over the country’s escalating inflation and collapsing local currency. They claim that these issues have eroded the salaries of government workers. This comes as soldiers and police officers received salaries this month ranging from $25,000 to $68,000, which is insufficient even to purchase a dozen loaves of bread.
Legislators have been demanding a ministerial statement from Ncube for the past few weeks. They accuse Ncube of focusing on his political campaigns in the Cowdray Park constituency in Bulawayo, where he hopes to secure a seat in Parliament. Lawmakers have called for the suspension of parliamentary sessions until Ncube addresses the issue of civil servants’ salaries and price increases.
In his submissions in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Kuwadzana East legislator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chalton_Hwende/">Chalton Hwende</a> (Citizens Coalition for Change) said:
<blockquote>
Last week, we appealed for Ncube to come here and speak about the issue of civil servants salaries and increases of prices in shops.
You asked that we show how salaries are pegged. When we talked last week, people had not yet started receiving their salaries.
(On Monday) soldiers and police officers started getting their money and some are still receiving it now.
</blockquote>
He presented payslips revealing that police officers and soldiers received salaries from May indicating that their salaries had been eroded by the depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar to the extent that they can only buy one full chicken and 1kg of meat at OK supermarket in Kuwadzana.
Kambuzuma legislator Willias Madzimure said that they have the right to ask the Executive to answer important national issues. He added that it has been three weeks since Minister Ncube was asked to address the National Assembly. Madzimure explained that when a minister is asked to speak, they must ask for permission, but Ncube did not do that last week, which means he is not in a position to respond.
Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has demanded that Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube be summoned to Parliament to explain how he paid unbudgeted US$400,000 to each of the country’s judges. Mliswa expressed concern about the lack of information surrounding the controversial windfall, which he said portrayed the current Zimbabwe administration as a bunch of looters. The judges, who are expected to play a significant role in determining election-related disputes in the coming months, were awarded the unsolicited fortune by the Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government as housing loans. Mliswa also questioned similar payments made to CIO directors, Cabinet ministers, deputies, and MPs.
Zimbabwe’s economy has been deteriorating rapidly, with prices of goods and services soaring beyond the reach of most public and private sector workers. The salaries paid to these workers in the local currency have remained largely unchanged, exacerbating the situation.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwean MPs Demand Answers From Finance Minister As Inflation Rises

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators expressed concerns about the biased coverage of State-controlled media, particularly the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), during general elections.
During a meeting to discuss the Electoral Amendment Bill, the CCC MPs suggested that the bill should further bind State media to be impartial in the pre-and post-election periods. However, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi argued that ZBC should not be constrained by laws and should be allowed to operate freely, like any other media house. He claimed that the issue of ZBC being singled out for impartial coverage had fallen away due to the advent of technology and the presence of several media houses. He said:
<blockquote>
I also agree that the issue of ZBC being singled out to be impartial, we now have several media houses. I think that has fallen away because of technology and the times that we are in, it is not necessary to single out the State media during elections.
There are several media houses and because of the advent of technology, there is no prejudice whatsoever. ZBC should be allowed to behave like any other media house according to their way of working. They should not be constrained to the rules set up by ZEC.
</blockquote>
Charlton Hwende responded to Ziyambi saying ZBC is funded by taxpayers’ money and should, therefore, provide fair coverage to all political parties. He said:
<blockquote>
On journalists, we are happy that you are also agreeing but the issue of ZBC, I do not understand your logic because the reason why ZBC is being singled out is because it is funded by taxpayers’ money.
The reason why it is funded by taxpayers’ money is precisely for them to cover all political parties, kwete zvenyu zvamunoita zvekuti (not what you are saying that) ZBC is only covering ZANU PF. They are not covering all other political parties and so forth.
</blockquote>
According to the Electoral Act, ZBC and other public broadcasters and state-controlled media houses are required to provide equal coverage to participating political parties. However, State media has been accused of failing to comply with the Electoral Act during past elections.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

CCC MPs Express Concern Over Biased State-controlled Media Coverage During Elections

The Government has rejected calls by the opposition to pay farmers for their produce exclusively in United States dollars.
Speaking during a Question and Answer session on Wednesday, Kuwadzana East MP Chalton Hwende (CCC) asked the Government to consider paying farmers in USD to enable them to buy inputs for next season. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011744/dump-the-failed-zimdollar-mps">Said Hwende</a>:
<blockquote>
The RTGS will not enable these farmers to buy inputs for the next cropping season.
Why is the government not considering paying them in United States dollars for all their produce just like what is being done beyond the borders?
Right now, the government is paying farmers RTGS and expects them to go to shops where prices are being inflated.
</blockquote>
In response, Justice, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the leader of Government business in Parliament, said the Government will not abandon the Zimbabwe dollar. He said:
<blockquote>
Honourable Hwende is in other words encouraging government not to pay in RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), but in US dollars. The truth is that we cannot stop paying farmers in RTGS.
We cannot, therefore, say we are no longer paying in RTGS. We cannot dump the RTGS because it has lost value and we adopt another currency.
That is not possible. We have to promote our own currency if we want to control our own economy.
We can only put measures to control and stabilise the inflation rate on the parallel market.
If you look at all the countries around the world, Zambia for example, has once done it, but eventually moved away from that decision and opted for its own currency, the Kwacha.
</blockquote>
Last month, the Government announced that grain farmers will be paid at US$368 per metric tonne.
US$200 will be in foreign currency and the remaining US$168 in Zimbabwe dollars at the interbank rate.
When the local currency was reintroduced in June 2019, it was trading at 1:1 with the US dollar but has since fallen to $1 407 on the official auction market and more than $3 000 on the black market.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Rejects Legislators' Call To Pay Farmers Exclusively In US Dollars

CCC interim secretary-general Chalton Hwende has condemned the continued detention of the party’s interim vice chairman Job Sikhala who has been in jail since June this year. He has been denied bail several times.
Sikhala appealed against the dismissal of his bail application at the High Court in a case where he is accused of inciting public violence.
But High Court Judge Justice Samuel Deme said he needs time to study previous judgments made against Sikhala.
According to Hwende, Sikhala’s bail application ruling was suspended indefinitely. Said Hwende:
<blockquote>
Hon Job Sikhala’s bail application ruling was suspended indefinitely. Sadly our Judiciary is captured. Bail is a Constitutional right and Job is being punished by his political rivals who have captured the State and judiciary. This is no longer a legal matter but a political matter.
To expect a legal solution to a political problem in my view is wrong. We must examine the political options that we have as a people and exercise our rights to protect ourselves as citizens. This judiciary stole our victory they must not be allowed to steal our FREEDOM.
</blockquote>
Sikhala’s co-accused, Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole (CCC) has since been granted bail.
Sikhala also faces a charge of obstructing the course of justice.

Sikhala's Bail Application Ruling Suspended Indefinitely

Kuwadzana East legislator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chalton_Hwende">Chalton Hwende</a> (Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)) has withdrawn from the party’s rural mobilisation exercise, citing hostile social media comments from colleagues in the party.
He said he would now concentrate on other arms of the party, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004608/hwende-dumps-ccc-rural-campaign">NewsDay</a>. He is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
 My withdrawal from rural mobilisation is strictly attributed to people who are hostile on social media platforms; not any other reason.
</blockquote>
Earlier, Hwende had tweeted: 
<blockquote>
Yesterday I addressed a ward meeting of @CCCZimbabwe volunteers in Mhondoro. We prefer smaller meetings to counter victimisation. This is probably my last meeting. I have noticed the negative comments from our CCC citizens on Twitter whenever I go to mugwazo in Mhondoro. I have also considered the stress and anguish which most of the comments cause to my teenage kids.
The reason I agreed to help in Mhondoro was to assist in growing the rural vote. I did 38-weekend meetings this year, funding myself and abandoning my work at my logistics company.
As a leader in the movement, I have a responsibility to take into account the negative comments on Twitter and also introspect. I will use the December holiday to do exactly that. I love my citizens’ movement the @CCCZimbabwe and will continue contributing in other areas.
</blockquote>
CCC has been engaged in the mugwazo rural mobilisation programme to lure the rural vote ahead of next year’s polls.
The campaign is meant to encourage citizens to register to vote in numbers for the 2023 polls.
In his own words, CCC deputy national spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gift_Ostallos_Siziba">Gift Ostallos Siziba</a> said, “Rural mobilization is our key focus… Together we can win Zimbabwe for Total Transformation.“
<h2>More Pindula News</h2>

Hwende Withdraws From CCC’s Rural Mobilisation Exercise Citing Hostile Colleagues

Opposition Members of Parliament have expressed frustration over Vice President and Health Minister, Constantino Chiwenga and other Cabinet Ministers’ absence from Parliament.
During the question and answer session on Wednesday, the MPs said various issues have not been addressed due to the absences.
CCC secretary-general Charlton Hwende (Kuwadzana East) told the National Assembly that he was yet to see Chiwenga in the August House since March. He said:
<blockquote>
I need clarity regarding the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga, since I was elected as a Member of Parliament in March, I have never seen him in this House.
We have a lot of issues that we want to ask him concerning the health of the nation.
Since March, now we are in October, our term of office is going to expire before we even meet him.
My question is: is he still the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care or he is now out of office?
</blockquote>
In response, Deputy National Assembly Speaker, Tsitsi Gezi said Chiwenga still held both his posts. She said:
<blockquote>
I would like to inform you that the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care is still in office.
</blockquote>
Rusty Markham (Harare North), also expressed his disappointment over Cabinet Ministers’ failure to attend Wednesday’s session. He said:
<blockquote>
Only a handful of apologies were read out but I can only see one Honourable Minister in this House and I would like to make that point of clarity for the people on Zoom that the only Honourable Minister attending is the Minister of Transport and the media as well should understand that on the apologies that have come in, there is an assumption that they are in the House, but there is only one Honourable Minister in the House today.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi came for Parliament business.
Only a few Cabinet ministers excused themselves, but still, the rest did not turn up. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chiwengas-absence-from-parly-irks-opposition-mps-demand-answers-to-critical-health-matters/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

VP Chiwenga's Absence Infuriates Opposition MPs

Senior CCC official, Chalton Hwende, has called for mass protests or political engagement to force the immediate release of Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, along with 14 other CCC political activists who have been in pre-trial detention for almost three months.
Hwende, who is the former secretary-general of the disbanded MDC Alliance, said if the “Nyatsime 16” are not released from prison soon, they may die. He posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>
The situation of our MPs Hon Job Sikhala &amp; Godfrey Sithole, plus the Nyatsime Cdes is very depressing.
If we don’t act, these Cdes will not be released soon and some might even die in detention.
Political prisoners require either mass action or political engagement to be released.
</blockquote>
Last week, Sikhala fell sick in his D Class detention cell reserved for dangerous criminals, amid unconfirmed reports he was poisoned.
Meanwhile, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku, has called for political dialogue between CCC and ZANU PF to ensure the release of the Nyatsime 16.
The two MPS, Sikhala (Zengeza West) and Sithole (Chitungwiza North) and the other 14 CCC activists, were arrested in June after violence broke out in Nyatsime following the abduction and murder of Moreblessing Ali, a local CCC activist.
They face charges of inciting violence and obstructing the course of justice. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/let-us-stage-mass-protest-to-force-sikhalas-release-from-remand-prison-says-cccs-hwende/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Hwende Calls For Mass Protests, Political Engagement To Secure Sikhala's Release

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Kuwadzana East, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chalton_Hwende">Chalton Hwende</a> has claimed that anti-riot police disrupted the party’s citizens’ engagement meeting this Saturday.
Hwende who is the party secretary-general sought to also celebrate his triumph at the March 26 by-elections.
He said some party members were arrested even though police had been notified of the meeting.
The move follows similar incidents in Gokwe, Marondera and Chegutu before the by-elections in which CCC dominated. He said:
<blockquote>
Today we came with a proper feedback meeting, properly applied for with notices required in terms of the law given but as you can see we have been stopped.
Police has disrupted our Constituency feedback meeting in Kuwadzana east today. This after we had been given authorization to proceed. Elected Representatives must be allowed to meet residents and report back. This is the whole essence of democracy.
</blockquote>
Watch the video below for more:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="353" id="video-239036-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HWENDE.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HWENDE.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HWENDE.mp4</a></video></div>
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

WATCH: Hwende Says Anti-riot Police Disrupted Residents' Engagement Meeting

Opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> for Kuwadzana East <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chalton_Hwende">Charlton Hwende</a> was Wednesday ejected from the August house after insisting that more time should be allocated to debate the US$344 million Pomona Waste to Energy deal.
Hwende and his colleagues in the opposition were demanding to know why the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/11/minister-directs-hcc-to-immediately-rescind-resolutions-seeking-to-suspend-pomona-waste-project/">minister was acting like a debt collector</a> on behalf of a private company.
The opposition-controlled Harare City Council has rejected the US$344 million contract awarded to a Netherlands-based company fronted in Zimbabwe by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dilesh_Nguwaya">Dilesh Nguwaya</a> who is said to have close relations with the first family.
The deal requires the council to pay Geogenix B.V US$22 000 per day and the bill has already reached US$780 000 with the local government minister recently writing to the council, directing payment to the company.
<h2>Below are some of Hwende’s exchanges with the Speaker as posted by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/pomona-row-in-parliament-cccs-hwende-booted-out-after-telling-speaker-why-are-you-protecting-thieves/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>;</h2>
<blockquote>
HON. HWENDE:  Thank you very much, Hon. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. M. KHUMALO):  The ten minutes extended time has lapsed.
HON. HWENDE:  Do not protect thieves.  Why are you protecting thieves?  No, no, no.  This is a very important matter.  We must discuss it.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, the ten minutes have expired.
HON. HWENDE:  No, you cannot protect corruption.  This matter must be discussed.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  You are now challenging the Chair.
HON. HWENDE:  I am not challenging you. I am just asking you to allow us to debate because money is being stolen in this country and you are sitting there protecting people who are looting.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  You are now challenging the Chair.
HON. HWENDE:  I am not challenging you but do not protect people who are corrupt and are looting in this country.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, it is nothing about corruption.  I am saying the ten minutes extension time has expired.
HON. HWENDE:  This is a very important matter.  The City of Harare is being forced to pay $22.000 per day.  It is a very important matter.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, procedure has to be followed.
HON. HWENDE:  No, there is no procedure.  Why are you protecting thieves?  What kind of procedure is that?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Can we proceed?
HON. HWENDE:  We are not going to proceed.  This matter must be discussed here.  Why should we proceed?  We are not going to any other question.  We must discuss this matter today.  Why are you protecting thieves?  This is Parliament. You cannot allow thieves to be protected by Parliament.  We are exercising our oversight role.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, can you sit down.
HON. HWENDE:  I am not going to sit down.  Why should I sit down?  You want me to sit down so that Harare can be forced to pay $22.000 per day?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, whatever you are going to say, the procedure will not allow that.
HON. HWENDE:  What procedure?  Your procedure is allowing thieves to go scot-free.  What kind of procedure is that?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  We are following procedure here.  Sit down Hon. Member.
HON. HWENDE:  What kind of procedure are you talking about?  I am not going to sit down.  Why should I sit down?  You want me to sit down so that you can allow Harare to be looted?  We are not going to allow looting here.  This looting must stop today.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, I will ask you to go out.
HON. HWENDE:  I am not going out.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  You are challenging the Chair.  Can you go out?
HON. HWENDE:  What I am saying is,  can you allow this debate to go ahead?  This is a very important matter.  Can you allow the debate to continue?  People are looting and you are allowing people to loot. What kind of Speaker are you?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Hon. Member, can you go out!
HON. HWENDE:  No, no, no.  Let us debate this matter today. “Ungadzingire munhu nyaya yecorruption. Mari yacho kwairi kudyiwa imi hamusi kukuona?” You are trying to protect thieves then you are chasing me out.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

CCC MP Ejected From Parliament In Row Over Pomona Waste Project

The Secretary-General of the newly-formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Chalton Hwende has dismissed reports saying he was abducted on Saturday, February 2022.
A message circulating on social media suggested that Hwende was abducted by 3 suspected state security agents with AK47 rifles at Makoni Shopping Center where he was conducting a voter registration mobilization campaign. Pindula News presents the message posted by one Malvern Dengu @HumanRights112:
<blockquote>
BREAKING NEWS @hwendec Citizens Coalition for Change Secretary General Charlton Hwende has been abducted by 3 suspected state security agents with AK47 rifles at Makoni shopping Center where he was conducting a voter registration mobilization campaign.
</blockquote>
Responding to the message, Hwende said it was a fake distress call. He said:
<blockquote>
My daughter has just informed me that there is a message circulating alleging that I have been abducted. This is false l have been freely moving around constituencies in Harare monitoring voter registration. The focus is on getting 6 million votes for Nelson Chamisa.
</blockquote>
This comes as there are unresolved cases in which some opposition leaders and some human rights activists claimed that they were abducted by suspected state security agents.
The state denies any involvement and argues that the said kidnappings are staged to soil the image of the government.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

CCC SG Chalton Hwende Denies Abductions Reports

The newly-formed Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa on Wednesday submitted double candidates to stand in at least two municipal by-elections in Bulawayo, exposing differences in the party’s top echelons.
The four candidates were accepted by the nomination court sitting in Bulawayo in Wards 9 and 26 ahead of the by-elections set for March 26.
Norman Hlabani, who was a councillor for ward 26 before being recalled by the MDC-T, successfully filed his papers but Mpumelelo Moyo was also accepted.
In ward 9, Donaldson Mabutho – recalled as councillor in September 2020 – was accepted as a candidate for the CCC as was Bekithemba Nyathi.
Hlabani and Mabutho had their paperwork signed by the party’s deputy national chairman Job Sikhala and secretary-general Charlton Hwende, while vice president Professor Welshman Ncube and Siphiwe Ncube reportedly approved Moyo and Nyathi.
While Hwende said he was “trying to find out exactly what happened,” Professor Ncube said: 
<blockquote>
The question you should ask is: who signed for the candidate who was overwhelmingly rejected by the people? It wasn’t me. You keep asking the wrong question.
</blockquote>
Hlabani claimed there was an uneasy “power-sharing” arrangement in the party which was causing confusion. 
Hlabani said he was concerned that the development will affect the party leadership’s chances of succeeding in elections.
Mabutho, meanwhile, accused Professor Ncube of saying he signed for the other candidates when Hwende and Sikhala had sigh=ned for the other two. 
The CCC did not hold primary elections. Instead, the party’s leadership came up with a new mechanism where candidates are selected through “stakeholder engagement.” Candidates who held the seats before their recalls, meanwhile, felt they deserved another shot to reclaim the seats – creating conflict with the new candidate selection process.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/01/26/citizens-coalition-for-change-fields-double-candidates-in-bulawayo/">ZimLive</a>

Chamisa-led CCC Fields Double Candidates In Bulawayo

Opposition MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has said armed riot police disrupted the party’s community consultation process in Kuwadzana, Harare this Sunday.
The party accused the police of double standards after the ruling ZANU PF was allowed the ruling ZANU PF to congregate. Pindula News presents a statement by the MDC Alliance:
<blockquote>
Armed Riot Police have disrupted community consultation process for our candidate selection in Kuwadzana. Our leaders were made to sit on muddy grass. Incidentally, Zanu PF was allowed to carry out primaries and violent elections without interference. 
</blockquote>
The party said more details on the matter will follow.
Recalled MDC Alliance legislator for Kuwadzana, Chalton Hwende who is also the party’s Secretary-General, said the disruptions will not dampen the opposition’s spirit. He said:
<blockquote>
Police disrupted our candidate confirmation exercise in <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="MdcKuwadzana" href="https://twitter.com/MdcKuwadzana/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@MdcKuwadzana</a> today. We are aware that the regime desperately want to win in Kuwadzana but takavamirira [we’re waiting for them].
</blockquote>
Pedzisai Ruhanya said over 100 armed riot police officers stormed the Kuwadzana venue of a meeting that was intended to confirm the party’s candidate in the 26 March 2022 by-elections. 
In recent years, armed police officers have violently dispersed MDC Alliance gatherings while some of the intended meetings were blocked. 
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"Armed Riot Police Disrupted Our Community Consultation Process In Kuwadzana" - MDC Alliance's

Self-exiled former ZANU PF politburo member Jonathan Moyo has withdrawn an offer to train MDC Alliance polling agents ahead of general elections scheduled for 2023.
Moyo told NewsDay that he had revoked the offer after the MDC Alliance leadership failed to state its position following allegations that the offer had divided the opposition party.
In September, Moyo offered to support MDC Alliance polling agents at all polling stations in the Tsholotsho constituency and to train 44 000 polling agents.
In an emailed response to NewsDay, Moyo revealed that he wrote to MDC Alliance secretary-general Chalton Hwende on 11 October withdrawing the offer. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
When neither the mentioned senior MDC Alliance officials nor the party clarified the situation, on the back of growing messages on various social media platforms that were sharing the article coupled with direct messages that were asking for my position, I wrote to the MDC Alliance secretary-general (Chalton Hwende) on October 11, 2021, withdrawing my offer to train MDC Alliance polling agents in Tsholotsho and to train the party’s 44 000 polling agents for the 2023 elections, citing the party’s silence.
</blockquote>
The MDC Alliance failed to field polling agents in several polling stations in the 2018 elections and the party had no data from a fifth of the nearly 11 000 polling stations. Added Moyo:
<blockquote>
My offer was based on having previously trained polling agents in particular, but generally, after having been directly involved in six elections — four of them as a candidate in 2005, 2008, 2013 and 2015 — and three of them as ZANU PF’s publicity campaign manager in 2000, 2002 and 2013.
I also managed and coordinated the publicity campaign of the “Yes Vote” in the referendum of the 2000 draft constitution.
Besides this direct participation in elections, I have run seminars and given numerous lectures and written articles and two books on elections in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
In a telephone interview with NewsDay, Hwende said the MDC Alliance was still considering Moyo’s offer and will reach out to him and other Zimbabweans that have offered assistance.
Moyo has warned the opposition that without trained polling agents, it was difficult to back claims of vote-rigging.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/12/moyo-revokes-offer-to-train-mdc-a-poll-agents/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Jonathan Moyo Withdraws Offer To Train 44 000 MDC Alliance Polling Agents

Opposition MDC Alliance has vowed to proceed with its 22nd-anniversary celebrations pencilled for the 28th of this month despite reports that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said it will not allow the event to proceed.
The party’s secretary-general, Chalton Hwende posted on Twitter notifying members that they will continue with the program as initially planned. He said:
<blockquote>
I have just been informed by Police that they will not allow my @MdcKuwadzana MDC Alliance 22nd Anniversary Celebrations on the 28th of November. The @cohsunshinecity a council-controlled by CIO and ED’s wife tried everything to deny me the chance to hire The local Hall
On the 17th of November, I sent someone to book the Hall since we wanted to ensure that we meet the Covid requirement of 100 participants. We were initially quoted USD$192 but 2 hrs later my guy was called and given a new Quote of $1069.50apparently following orders from above
<img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEpBULhXMAY2o3C?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
This is a clear case of the capture of the local authorities by the Deep State. The @mdczimbabwe is effectively a banned organization @nelsonchamisa a banned politician. As the MDC we are not going to accept this and we are fighting on starting with November 28. Meeting proceeding
We are clear about the agenda to liberate our motherland we are prepared to be arrested, jailed and killed fighting for the freedom and liberation of Zimbabweans. We must all continue organizing the party via Operation ZEVE ZEVE for the majority and The Streets for the Minority
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News </a></h2>

MDC Alliance Vow To Hold 22nd Anniversary Celebrations Despite Police Not Sanctioning Them

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has said <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/15/police-arrest-mdc-alliance-members-at-a-blocked-rally/">16 members of the opposition MDC Alliance who were arrested Sunday</a> at a rally to celebrate the party’s 22nd anniversary have been released.
The activists were arrested in Mabuvku while the police also blocked the rally. 
MDC Alliance described the move as “effectively banning the opposition” by the regime. 
ZLHR who assisted the MDC Alliance activists issued the following update on the case:
<blockquote>
Case alert The Forum attended to 16 @mdczimbabwe supporters who were arrested and detained in Mabvuku while holding an executive party meeting. On arrest, about 30 @PoliceZimbabwe officers confiscated a cellphone and two microphones belonging to the arrested persons.
The arrested persons were released from Mabvuku Police Station. However, the confiscated items were not recovered. The officer in charge claimed that no items were confiscated.
</blockquote>
Some criticised the police for the selective application of the law since the governing ZANU PF has been holding rallies across the country. 
Some analysts expressed concern over the incident saying that it shows that the political landscape was uneven when the country is gearing for the 2023 elections.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

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