President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, said that the proposal supported by some within ZANU PF to extend the President’s second and final term by two years to 2030, or to amend the constitution to allow him to seek a third term, is “dead and buried.”
Charamba was responding to the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), which had expressed concern over the focus on extending Mnangagwa’s term, rather than addressing “bread and butter issues.”
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/government-slams-latest-zcbc-pastoral-letter/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday, Charamba said President Mnangagwa has “made it very clear and in plain language” that he has no intention of seeking an extension of his term beyond what is allowed by the constitution. He said:
<blockquote>
The bishops raised the issue of the debate around the Presidential term of office. Whilst this is really within their remit to proffer views and ideas on the matter, what Government found a bit disturbing is the fact that the Bishops conference is pronouncing itself on a matter which is in fact dead and buried.
The President, some two or so weeks ago, met with editors and made it very clear and in plain language that he has no intention whatsoever of pushing for an extension of his term beyond what is constitutionally provided for.
It is therefore rather surprising that the eminent bishops decided to revisit what in fact is now a closed matter.
When the party or any citizens express a desire to change the Constitution to accommodate an extra term for the President, that wish does not and cannot close the matter.
The nominee for that extension has to want to have that term extended, isn’t it? This is why we talk about what we call an acceptance speech or a statement.
The President has made it clear that he has no intention of accepting that proposal which is coming from the party and from society.
And once the nominee has turned down the proposal, then it means the debate on the matter, whilst it may continue in society, cannot have any serious executive implication, in which case one does not expect the Holy fathers and Bishops to continue to harp on a matter which in fact stands closed.
</blockquote>
Charamba also addressed the Catholic bishops’ complaint that Zimbabweans are being overtaxed by the government. The bishops said that those fortunate enough to still be employed are bearing a heavy tax burden. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
Secondly, we also could not understand why, especially after the inaugural Cabinet meeting statement by the President, why the issue of the burden of taxation, which is receiving attention from Government, why it continues to exercise the minds of the Bishops.
If the statement by the President at the commencement of the 2025 Cabinet Year did not bring comfort to the Bishops, one wonders what would.
I think it is very important that far from raising a matter which is already receiving executive attention, it would actually be a lot more helpful if the bishops can actually take the message of hope to society that indeed something is being done by way of rationalising our tax system to lighten the burden on the citizen.
</blockquote>
Charamba argued that tax reforms cannot be implemented overnight, as doing so would have significant implications for the economy as a whole. He said:
<blockquote>
You want to make sure that you are very deliberate and calculated in the way you reform the tax system so that you do not affect the revenue streams which are so needful when it comes to public investments and social development. We are talking about lives here.
We are talking about key basic services which cannot be dispensed with and which have to be funded from the revenues that come from the tax structure that we have in the country.
So really our message to the bishops is to please bear with us, bear with Government as it reforms the tax structure with the ultimate objective of lightening the burden on the citizenry which is in fact the goal that we are all working towards.
Yes, that also holds with respect to institutional reforms. I think all institutions remain candidates for reforms if we are going to run institutions that are a living tissue for the common good.
</blockquote>
The Catholic bishops also criticised the unpunished corruption, claiming that those responsible are not only uncensored but are often rewarded while draining the nation’s resources. In response, Charamba said:
<blockquote>
Reform in changing institutions is one challenge that all living institutions face and it does not exclude any one institution. 
Yes, there is an appreciation of the sentiments expressed by the Bishop with respect to fighting corruption, which by the way, is something that Government considers as a priority area.
We need everyone to come to the table; Government which means the Executive arm of the State, Parliament, the Judiciary, the churches themselves, civil societies and above all the citizens because ultimately corruption occurs and happens within society. 
Once a society says no to corruption then necessarily we defeat it because what corruption levies on the citizens is always very high and creates conditions of poverty which the Bishops are worried about.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

President Mnangagwa's spokesperson, George Charamba, says extending the President's term is not happening. The Catholic bishops are concerned about this idea. Charamba also says tax reforms take time and need to be done carefully. He argues that fighting corruption is a priority. All institutions need to work together to fight corruption. Charamba says corruption hurts people and creates poverty. The President has made it clear he will not seek an extension of his term. Tax reforms are needed to lighten the burden on citizens.

Mnangagwa’s Spokesperson Dismisses Term Extension Proposal As "Dead and Buried"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially returned from his month-long leave, according to George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications) in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-back-from-leave-to-focus-on-economic-growth/">The Herald</a> on Tuesday, Charamba confirmed that Mnangagwa is back from his annual vacation, with a primary focus on addressing the country’s ongoing economic challenges. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
The President is now officially back from his leave and as you may know there (have been) certain economic developments in the past few weeks, remember he had to break his leave last week to chair a meeting that focused on the economic developments in the country, so his major focus will be on the economy. Some major decisions will be made regarding the economy.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa is also set to lead a Southern African Development Community (SADC) delegation to Tanzania later this week for an extraordinary joint meeting with the East African Community (EAC) to discuss the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is back from his vacation and is focusing on fixing the country's economic problems. He had to end his leave early last week to deal with economic issues. Now, his main priority is to make important decisions to improve the economy. He will also be going to Tanzania with a group from SADC to talk about security in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mnangagwa is ready to work on making things better for the people of Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa Back From Annual Leave

The shortage of consumer goods from formal wholesalers and retailers is partly due to ongoing anti-smuggling operations by a multi-sectoral taskforce, a senior official has stated.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is leading the taskforce, which includes ZIMRA, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the Consumer Protection Commission, and other law-enforcement agencies.
George Charamba, spokesperson for the Presidency, commented on the recently promulgated Customs and Excise (Designated Deemed Smuggled Goods) Regulations, 2025.
These regulations require manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to provide proof that customs duty has been paid for goods in their possession.
Charamba revealed that ZIMRA is currently holding 30-tonne loads of consumer goods sourced from South Africa, intended for smuggling into Zimbabwe. Charamba posted on X:
<blockquote>
What you may not know is that ZIMRA is holding 30-tonne loads upon loads of consumer goods sourced in SA and meant to be smuggled into Zimbabwe. These trucks belonged to different wholesalers and retailers.
The low stock levels we see in the formal market are partly related to management issues and partly to impounded contraband from the ongoing anti-smuggling operations. We know where we are going; there will be order in the market. Trust us!
</blockquote>
Over the weekend, ZIMRA Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa said that ZIMRA impounded goods valued at approximately US$2.4 million and state warehouses are at full capacity with recovered goods.

ZIMRA is stopping people from smuggling goods into Zimbabwe, which is causing a shortage of items in stores. The taskforce includes different agencies working together to stop smuggling. The government is requiring businesses to show proof that they paid customs duty for their goods. ZIMRA has impounded a lot of goods from South Africa that were meant to be smuggled. The market will become more organized once the smuggling is stopped. ZIMRA has impounded goods worth $2.4 million and their warehouses are full. The government is working to fix the problem.

ZIMRA’s Smuggling Crackdown Blamed For Empty Shop Shelves

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has dismissed reports claiming he was fired from his job at the end of 2024. Some reports suggested that Charamba was not fired but was on leave.
In a recent interview with ZBC News, Mnangagwa hinted that he would fire some non-performing government officials in the new year.
Subsequently, he retired Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and replaced him with Stephen Mutamba.
He also removed Central Intelligence Organisation Director-General Isaac Moyo, appointing former Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Director-General Fulton Mangwanya in his place.
Mnangagwa also reassigned ministers July Moyo to the Energy Ministry and Edgar Moyo to the Labour and Public Service portfolio.
Following these changes, speculation arose that Charamba had been fired due to rumours of his involvement in ZANU PF factionalism.
One report claimed Charamba had been forcibly retired and was now at his farm after the Mnangagwa family, including his wife Auxillia and sons, convinced the 82-year-old ZANU PF leader to remove him.
However, Charamba took to X on Monday to clarify that he had not been fired and was not on leave. Wrote Charamba:
<blockquote>
I am not only holiday, has never been in the last decade or so. Currently I am the Acting Chief Secretary until 10th January when I pass on the acting baton to Reverend Damasane. In view of developments in the Region, I am unlikely to go on leave at all. All it takes is asking, guys. That, in essence, is the pith of news gathering.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa's spokesperson, George Charamba, said he was not fired from his job. Some government officials were removed and replaced by new ones. There were rumors that Charamba was forced to retire, but he clarified that he was not on leave. Charamba also mentioned that he is currently the Acting Chief Secretary. People speculated that Charamba was fired due to factionalism in ZANU PF, but he denied this. The changes made in the government led to rumors about Charamba's fate, but he said he is still in his position.

ED Spokesperson, George Charamba, Refutes Rumours Of Forced Retirement

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has urged the Mozambican government to take a firm stance against opposition politician Venancio Mondlane and his supporters for rejecting the results of the October 9 elections.
The country’s Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling party FRELIMO’s victory on December 23, leading to massive protests by opposition groups who claim the vote was rigged.
Western observers have said the election was not free and fair, resulting in the largest protests against FRELIMO in Mozambique’s history.
However, Charamba believes that once the top court has made a decision, everyone should accept it and move on. Posted Charamba on X:
<blockquote>
HE CAN’T BURN DOWN A WHOLE NATION IN THE NAME OF SOME MEASLY 24% SUPPORT, SURELY!!!!!!!! The Mozambican Govt must show its firm hand, now that the courts have spoken!!!!!!
</blockquote>
At least 130 people have been killed in clashes with police, according to the civil society group Plataforma Decide.
The Constitutional Council announced that FRELIMO presidential candidate Daniel Chapo secured about 65% of the vote, lower than the 70% reported by the electoral commission in late October.
The Constitutional Council also gave FRELIMO fewer seats in parliament without explaining the changes.
FRELIMO has been accused of rigging votes since 1994, though it denies these claims.
A representative of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who came second with about 24% of the vote, rejected the results announced on Monday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa's spokesperson wants Mozambique to stop opposition from protesting election results. The ruling party won, but many say the election was not fair. The spokesperson says everyone should accept the court's decision. There have been big protests and clashes with police. The ruling party has been accused of cheating in elections before. The opposition leader's representative doesn't accept the results. The ruling party got fewer seats in parliament than expected. The situation is tense in Mozambique.

Mnangagwa's Spokesperson Demands Mozambique Crush Opposition For Rejecting Election Results

George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), has suggested that the recent fire at Mbare Musika presents an opportunity to reorganise Zimbabwe’s largest informal market.
The fire, which occurred on Tuesday night, destroyed numerous stalls and goods, leaving hundreds of traders devastated.
The scene was a haunting mix of broken pottery, partly burnt bags of sugar beans, remains of kapenta fish, and fragments of solar panels.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and as of yesterday, authorities were still investigating how the inferno started.
<a href="https://x.com/Jamwanda2/status/1844283775716397113">Posting on X</a> (formerly Twitter) this Thursday, Charamba proposed that Mbare Musika should be reorganised to ensure that traders are properly housed.
He suggested implementing point-of-sale (POS) systems linked to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) at each selling booth to integrate Mbare Musika into the national tax system, ensuring that informal traders contribute to the country’s revenue.
Charamba also called for the introduction of proper lighting throughout the market to improve safety and security, as well as to create new opportunities for tax collection by extending trading hours and attracting more customers.
According to Charamba, reorganising Mbare Musika for better access will significantly benefit its vast clientele.
He added that authorities could consider enlisting the military to assist in building new condominiums around the market, pending the demolition of Matapi flats, to pave the way for a new, decent housing programme.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A big fire destroyed Mbare Musika market in Zimbabwe. Many traders lost their stalls and goods. The cause of the fire is still unknown. George Charamba thinks this is a chance to make the market better. He suggests using technology to link traders to the tax system. Charamba also wants better lighting and security. He thinks reorganizing the market will help many people. Maybe the military can help build new homes for traders. This could lead to a new and improved market for everyone.

Fire Presents An Opportunity To Reorganise Mbare Musika, Says ED Spokesman

The presidential spokesperson, George Charamba, has commended the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) for working to maintain a mutual relationship between the government and the media.
Charamba, who is the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications in the Office of the President and Cabinet, made these remarks following a production error by the Financial Gazette on Thursday.
This error incorrectly suggested that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had passed away, leading to controversy and an apology from Modus Group, the newspaper’s parent company.
The mistake occurred in an advertorial wishing the President a happy birthday, which included misplaced words in the message: “May His Soul Rest in Eternal.” Posting on X, Charamba wrote:
<blockquote>
A TURNING POINT ON GOVERNMENT-MEDIA RELATIONS: This year alone, I have handled two issues of concern in the National Media: one to do with AMH on Zimbabwe-Zambia relations, and another to do with the Modus Group in respect of a mishap in the Group’s marketing arm.
The first was an editorial problem, the second a production error. Both related to His Excellency the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, and thus fell within my purview.
In respect of the first problem, while the editorial team at AMH decided against an outright apology as requested, ZMC moved in by way of a retreat at the Rainbow towers which broadened discussions to cover the whole industry and issues bedevilling it.
I addressed this broad-based gathering tikawonesana tikayanana. The second problem, while quite emotive and potentially explosive, got resolved in a remarkably short space of time.
Two key elements set this matter apart and poignant: the Modus Group contritely took the initiative to suture the hurt through both a public apology and a formal apology to the Ministry of Defence.
It went further to despatch a delegation to the offended Head of State to personally tender a profuse apology. Again, I was not only in attendance but also involved in the behind-the-scene contacts.
Key lessons were drawn for the future. More critically, the President not only accepted the apology; he also made it a lot lighter by making a joke of the whole matter.
The Modus Group, wryly suggested the President, needed to send a wreath to State House; and since he was already dead, he suggested the wreath be given to his Principal Private Secretary, Amai Msindo!! All of us – offenders and defenders – roared with laughter!!
It was remarkable to see the Modus Team, the President, the Minister of Defence, the Director-General of CIO and myself united in raucous laughter.
The President was not yet done: did the Modus Group know that he had powers in the Constitution which allowed him to detain suspects for seven-long days without the Courts asking? Or that he had instructed the CIO to collect them and deposit them in detention?
To which the DG, added: My guys are actually waiting by the gates of State House to effect an arrest as directed! Again the whole group was in stitches, after which the President cut in: THE ORDER IS HEREBY RESCINDED! We laughed even more.
Reflecting on both cases and falling back on my many years in Government, Government-Media Relations rest on the temperament of the Leadership and all of us as functionaries.
Especially we the functionaries who should understand how a newspaper is produced and what conditions. That allows us to provide the first line of explanation to our Principals who might have cause to be upset or even angry.
We must resist the temptation to seek to be in the good graces of our Principals through stoking tensions and inventing conspiracies. Mistakes do happen in the media, as in any other sector including Government.
On their part, the media must quickly acknowledge mistakes and atone for them in ways provided for by the Code of their profession.
Apologies do not presage weakness; quite the contrary, they are the hallmark of great publications, and do build reader trust.
They also assure politicians on the availability of timeous repair in the event of injury. Such confidence makes interaction, not conflict, the weapon of first instance, as behoves a democratic and self-assured order.
Critically and last, our Organs – voluntary and statutory – must function. This goes a long way in assuring and pacifying all parties.
On that score, I want to pay tribute to ZMC for discharging its mandate admirably; above all for seeing both the trees and the woods. Each mistake/error is a learning opportunity for the Industry.
I pay unstinting tribute to the Modus Group for showing unchallenged leadership in the Industry. Thank you guys!!! The future is bright, very bright!!!!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The spokesperson of the president of Zimbabwe, George Charamba, praised the Zimbabwe Media Commission for building a good relationship between the government and the media. The praise came after a mistake by the Financial Gazette that wrongly said the President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, had died. Charamba said the mistake was quickly resolved and the media apologized. He also mentioned the importance of the government and media working together, and how both sides need to acknowledge mistakes and make amends. Charamba thanked the media commission and the Modus Group for handling the situation well. The future of government-media relations looks positive.

Mnangagwa Spokesperson Says Government-Media Relations Are Strong

George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), said that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has closed the door to any dialogue with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
Charamba’s remarks came in response to an appeal by economist Gift Mugano, who had called on Zimbabweans across the political divide to engage in dialogue to resolve the country’s pressing problems. 
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mugano argued that Zimbabweans have overcome their challenges in the past when they united. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Fellow Zimbabweans, we have it on record that when we sit down and dialogue as Zimbabweans, we make progress as a country.
Striking examples of what dialogue can do are the talks between ZANU and ZAPU; and ZANU PF and MDC which produced the 1987 Unity Accord and GNU, respectively.
Likewise, we have it on record that when we unite, we move mountains. We united as one people against the Smith Regime and defeated them during our hard-won armed struggle.
Demonstrations will not help us to resolve our differences/challenges. Likewise, crackdown on citizens will not help us to resolve our challenges/differences…
I appeal to our leaders from the business community, churches, civil society, political parties, GOZ, academics, labour, etc to rise to the challenge and provide leadership towards the establishment of an inclusive dialogue aimed at providing permanent solutions to our differences/challenges.
</blockquote>
Doubling down on his rejection of dialogue with opposition Chamisa, Charamba dismissed the prospect, saying the ship has already sailed for dialogue.
Charamba accused Mugano and human rights lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu of “misleading” Chamisa, which Charamba claimed ultimately drove the opposition figure into the political “wilderness.” Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
Professor, here is my honest view from inside: Nguva yataida nhaurirano yakapfuura. That’s the truth. Those keen on talks took up the chance and are communicating with the State.
Those who chose to stay out of dialogue because of cheap advice from you naAdvocate Fulcrum, will remain outside the circuit of dialogue.
What you are harvesting are the disutilities of your amateurish political exuberance in the run-up to elections.
You fortified Chamisa on the wrong; today he is the wilderness you created, and you want to sound constructive, reasonable and level-headed.
You are part of the cabal of pseudo-intellectuals who misled the young man. Today you seek to salve your conscience by abortively appearing to re-negotiate for his Second Coming. IT CAN’T!
</blockquote>
Chamisa has been without a political home since January of this year when he abruptly announced that he had quit the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party – the same organisation he had helped form in 2022 – alleging that it had been infiltrated by the ruling ZANU PF party.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa doesn't want to talk to Chamisa. Some people want everyone to talk and work together to fix problems. But Mnangagwa says it's too late for that. He thinks Chamisa's supporters gave him bad advice. Chamisa left his political party because he thought it was controlled by the ruling party. Chamisa doesn't have a political home right now.

Mnangagwa Shuts Door On Dialogue With Chamisa, Says Charamba

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he is currently serving his second and final term as the President of Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa made these remarks on Thursday, July 4, while commissioning a Juice and Water production plant at the Mutare Teachers College.
According to George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), who posted on X with the handle dhonzamusoro007, Mnangagwa also asserted that ZANU PF will choose his successor when the time is appropriate. <a href="https://x.com/dhonzamusoro007/status/1808840537618727229">Wrote Charamba</a>:
<blockquote>
Speaking in Shona, the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, indicated that both the Party and National Constitutions provide for two-term limits.
In his case, he added, he is now working on his second and last term and was on his way to taking a deserved rest.
When the time comes, added the President, ZANU PF will congregate to elect a new leader. This is what provides for national stability.
He also stressed the need for adherence to Party line and Party discipline.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa’s remarks come amid speculation that he may seek a third term through a constitutional amendment.
There has been ongoing speculation in recent months suggesting his desire to extend his presidency beyond 2028.
A few years ago, Mnangagwa surprised the nation when he made a bold declaration, stating “2030 ndeendichipo,” which translates to “I will still be there in 2030.”
This statement sparked speculation and debate about his intentions regarding his political future and the possibility of extending his stay in power beyond the two-term limit.
His remarks today, where he stated that he is serving his second and final term as President, seem to indicate a shift in his stance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Says To Take "Well-Deserved Rest" After Second And Final Presidential Term

The Zambian government has taken issue with comments made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his recent visit to Russia.
The Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Zimbabwe’s ambassador, Charity Charamba, to express their misgivings over Mnangagwa’s remarks made during the trip last month.
During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Konstantinosky Palace in the Petrodvorets district of St. Petersburg, Strelna village, Mnangagwa said the West was using Zambia to isolate Zimbabwe.
According to a transcript of the meeting published by the Kremlin, Mnangagwa said Western countries were consolidating their power in Zambia “in terms of security and in terms of financial support” thereby isolating Zimbabwe.
Zambia’s Foreign Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, recently said Mnangagwa’s comments were an “unwarranted attack on Zambia’s sovereignty.”
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zambia-should-have-opted-for-engagement-presidents-remarks-were-clear">The Sunday Mail</a>, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) George Charamba said Zambia’s move was “surprising”. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
We are aware that following the bilateral talks between the President of Zimbabwe and his Russian counterpart, which details were placed in the public domain by the host President, the Zambians reacted by summoning our Ambassador, Ambassador Charamba, to the Foreign Office.
In that meeting, which took place at the Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zambia, there was quite some wide representation of various departments of the Zambian government.
</blockquote>
[George] Charamba said [Charity] Charamba heeded the summons by Zambia authorities and presented herself to the Zambian Foreign Office. He said:
<blockquote>
When she got to know about the misgivings of the Zambians, which she promptly delivered to the head office of the Zimbabwean Government, the Zimbabwean Government promptly responded to the issues which the Zambians actually raised with us.
What that means in diplomatic terms is that the matter is being handled at a bilateral level.
</blockquote>
Haimbe told the Zambian Parliament the government had lodged a formal complaint against Zimbabwe with SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi for regional intervention in the matter.
Charamba said this move by Zambia suggests that Lusaka may have “lost faith in bilateral interaction with the Republic of Zimbabwe”. He said:
<blockquote>
… if what we are getting is true, it suggests that the Zambians have lost faith in the bilateral interaction with the Republic of Zimbabwe, which will be so unfortunate and will not bode well for our bilateral relations.
It essentially means they are trying to escalate the matter to a sub-regional body, when in fact there is already interaction at a bilateral level and that interaction has not been exhausted nor has it hit an impasse.
We really regret that the Zambians would have taken such a course because that would be inappropriate given the relationship and also the fact that the two states are communicating.
</blockquote>
In a statement issued on Friday last week, Charamba said Mnangagwa stood by the remarks he made in Russia. He said:
<blockquote>
For the record and for the avoidance of any doubt, President Mnangagwa stands by his remarks in St Petersburg which raised well-founded fears for Zimbabwe regarding American intentions and activities in our region, and which voiced and defended Zimbabwe’s sacrosanct security interests, while echoing the collective position of Sadc and the African Union, AU, against any foreign military presence and/or activities on African soil.
</blockquote>
During the meeting with Putin at the Constantine Palace on 06 June 2024, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
You see, the West has just begun consolidating its power in Zambia, our next neighbour. You know, there was a time when Zambia and Zimbabwe were one; it was called Northern and Southern Rhodesia. It was made one by the British, but they are now separate. And the Americans are consolidating their power in that country, both in terms of security and in terms of financial support to Zambia to make sure that we feel lonely.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zambia Summons Zimbabwe Ambassador Over Mnangagwa Russia Remarks

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has demanded that local publication NewsDay retract a story published on June 28th, titled “US Scoffs at ED”.
The article was based on remarks made by Mnangagwa during a recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.
In the meeting, Mnangagwa claimed that the United States was consolidating its influence in neighbouring Zambia, both in terms of security and financial support, in order to isolate Zimbabwe.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba accused NewsDay of falsely asserting that the Zimbabwean president had stated that “Zambia posed a security threat to Zimbabwe” and that “Zambia had become an American client-state and was bent on destabilizing the region.”
Charamba warned that the Office of the President would take unspecified action against the newspaper if the story was not retracted. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
The Office of the President and Cabinet takes very strong exception to both misrepresentations cited above, which are intentionally malicious, and which are meant to drive a wedge between the two sister Republics of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
President Mnangagwa’s remarks were very clear and are in the public domain; they pointedly referred to, and abhorred America’s hostile activities in the Sadc [Southern African Development Community] region, which activities are calculated to isolate Zimbabwe, and to undermine peaceful inter-state relations, good neighbourliness and cohesion which all member states in our region are sworn to, continually cherish and jealously guard.
For the record and for the avoidance of any doubt, President Mnangagwa stands by his remarks in St Petersburg which raised well-founded fears for Zimbabwe regarding American intentions and activities in our region, and which voiced and defended Zimbabwe’s sacrosanct security interests, while echoing the collective position of Sadc and the African Union, AU, against any foreign military presence and/or activities on African soil.
At no point did the president of Zimbabwe describe the sister Republic of Zambia as posing a security threat to Zimbabwe or as a client state of any power, including America.
In view of the abundant malice and the sheer recklessness in the NewsDay story, the Office of the President and Cabinet demands that the Editor of the offending publication unconditionally retracts the misleading story without any delay.
Section 61 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides no refuge to publishers and vendors of falsehoods and malicious misrepresentations.
To that end, the Office of the President and Cabinet reserves the right to seek repair, and to ensure enforcement of professional standards in newsrooms and in publications where these fall short.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Threatens NewsDay Over "US Scoffs At ED" Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba, has dismissed allegations stemming from leaked audio recordings involving Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial “businessman”.
Chivayo claims his relationship with Mnangagwa enables him to get multi-million-dollar government contracts for self-enrichment.
However, using the pseudonym dhonzamusoro007, Charamba posted on X, questioning the authenticity of the recordings and suggesting that the entire affair was orchestrated to tarnish the President’s reputation.
In a statement, Charamba addressed several issues including Chivayo’s alleged US$40 million deal with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), why Mnangagwa announced Chivayo’s deal with Starlink, and name-dropping by certain individuals. He wrote:
<blockquote>
WHAT INSANITY: You have business partners who dribble one another. In the ensuing fallout, one of them allegedly name-drops in order to scare away the rest. I am supposed to be exercised by such a bald form of self-defence through name-dropping on the part of a party to the dispute?
The offensive name dropping automatically indicts the President and Government? Claims don’t become true because they have been made.
Or because some detractors of His Excellency the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, in chorus form wish them to be so.
ZEC is an independent Commission protected by the law. It enters into contracts as it sees fit, and in terms of the laws of the country.
Government may not interfere in its decisions, without raising fundamental questions on the Commission’s independence.
No one should incite Government into breaking the law by diminishing ZEC’s status as a legal persona. Besides, it cannot answer for itself.
No one has approached it for a comment, in the current mad stampede to self-interview, and to become a self-appointed jury.
As for Starlink, aaaah, nothing couldn’t be more absurd. At the risk of sounding stupid, let me remind everyone, including Trevor Ncube’s NewsDay, that Starlink is not a govt parastatal. Who it goes into partnership with is its business.
Unless one is beside oneself, one cannot cite CDE Chivhayo’s deal with Starlink – whatever it is or amounts to – as evidence that he is being favored in the award and issuance of Government tenders. There is no Government in Starlink; there is no Govt tender either!
His Excellency the President merely announced Government’s authorization of the service, after positive recommendations from a Cabinet Committee set up to advise Government on the prudence or otherwise of allowing the satellite service in the country.
On the whole, claims meant to intimidate others involved in a partnership so far away from the domain of Government, cannot be an issue for the President, his Office, or Government as a whole.
Is it not interesting that no one in the censorious formal or social media has taken the trouble to interview Wicknell Chivhayo, firstly to authenticate the voice clip; secondly to hear his side of the story?
Why does one get the sense there is a determination to sow and cultivate mere tall claims whose relationship to the media-accused is yet to be proven, hoping that such claims will one day attach to the President, grow and mature into some nonexistent scandal enormous enough to trip him? Nothing can be more insane!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Comments On Alleged Chivayo Audio Leak

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba on Sunday threatened Zambia with unspecified action, saying Zimbabwe’s northern neighbour should “look at the Russia-Ukraine conflict and extract valuable lessons before it’s too late.”
The Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, marking the largest attack on a European country since World War II. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians and military personnel have been affected.
Posting on X, Charamba said Zambia and Zimbabwe have been great neighbours “but as things change we will adjust accordingly for the sake of territorial integrity and national interest.”
His threats came barely three days after Mnangagwa told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Zambia posed a security threat to Zimbabwe, saying the United States government was consolidating its military presence in the country.
Details of Mnangagwa’s meeting with Putin were released by the Kremlin, with the Zimbabwean team unaware that the discussions would be released to the public according to Charamba.
Zambian political activist Joseph Kalimbwe castigated Mnangagwa for his remarks, adding they could create a diplomatic crisis, disturbing the peace between the two countries.
Cornelius Mweetwa, Zambia’s Information and Media minister told NewsDay on Sunday that the country’s Foreign Affairs ministry was engaging authorities in Harare.
In another post on X on Monday, Charamba under his pseudonym, Dhonzamusoro007, appeared to accuse Zambia of allowing a foreign power to establish a military base on its soil. He wrote:
<blockquote>
DID WE KNOW? That SADC has a standing resolution against foreign military influence, including setting up of foreign bases, in the Region????
And that Africa rejected the setting up of US Africa Command on its soil, which is why the USAFRICA COMMAND is based in STUTTGART, Germany?
That at the height of our stand-off with the West over our Land Reforms, the West approached South Africa and Namibia with the hope of persuading both or either countries to allow their territories to be used as BEACHHEADS for an invasion of Zimbabwe?
Of course, Presidents Mbeki and Nujoma flatly rejected that], in line with African solidarity, good neighbourliness and SADC and AU resolutions against foreign forces and activities on the Continent.
Do we know that it was Russia and China who vetoed the Security Council draft resolution to put Zimbabwe under the War Chapter, thus paving the way for an invasion, a fate which was to befall Libya? 
LEST WE FORGET in our shrill mindless condemnation of right, and equally mindless embrace of wrong!
</blockquote>
In 2022, there were reports that the US Africom was establishing an office at the US embassy in Lusaka.
However, Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema dismissed the reports, saying the issue was about a defence attaché, which was a normal diplomatic arrangement as most countries have that in their embassies.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200028131/mnangagwa-escalates-zim-zambia-tiff">NewsDay</a> reported Institute of Security Studies programmes head for southern Africa, Piers Pigou, as saying the allegations by Mnangagwa and his spokesperson were aimed at deflecting attention from their diplomatic failings. Said Pigou:
<blockquote>
In the wake of what is best described as a diplomatic faux pax by Mnangagwa in Moscow, a slew of ZANU PF apparatchiks have been very noisy on social media trying to justify their president’s utterances, fabricating security threats from thin air, making ridiculous claims about US military bases in Zambia and that the Hichilema government presents a security threat to Zimbabwe and Sadc.
</blockquote>
Sadly, and predictable, it is a dangerous and irresponsible narrative, not to mention fundamentally inaccurate.
The Zimbabwean government says nothing, but the messaging from the likes of George Charamba’s X account illustrates the intent; the best form of defence is attack; it is designed to deflect; there is nothing new here!
Professor of World Politics at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Stephen Chan said:
Mnangagwa was using this slur as a means of impressing President Putin. However, Putin’s Africa strategy is not built upon petty comparisons.
He would have been happy with Mnangagwa’s support but would not have been fully impressed by the way it was expressed.
This is a grown-up world where power politics is not concerned about quite modest acts of military assistance of the sort the US has conferred upon Zambia.
Zimbabwe and Zambia have a long history of good relations which span political, economic, social and cultural spheres.
Zambia played a key role in Zimbabwe’s liberation as it allowed freedom fighters to wage the war of independence from its territory despite the risk of escalating the war with Rhodesia and its allies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa's Spokesperson Escalates Zimbabwe, Zambia Quarrel

<h2>Full statement by the Deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications), Office of the President and Cabinet, George Charamba on U.S. sanctions on Zimbabwe issued on 06 March 2024:</h2>
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been under the United States of America’s formal illegal sanctions since 2001 when the so-called Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, ZDERA, was promulgated by America as part of a raft of reprisals for Zimbabwe’s legal Land Reform Programme, and as an open and frontal challenge to Zimbabwe’s sovereignty as a fully-fledged independent African Nation under the United Nations Charter.
That heinous Act which the United States of America passed unilaterally, and outside the confines and auspices of international law and the United Nations respectively, was given effect through a series of equally illegal Executive Orders by successive Presidents of the US, by which the US Government sought to make laws and punitive policies for a sovereign African State with which it shares neither common geography nor history, and against which it has no defensible legal case. All those measures were illegal and unjustified then; they remain so to this very day and until they are unconditionally dropped.
The announcement two days ago, on 4th March 2024, by US President Joseph R. Biden, purporting to rescind all illegal Executive Orders passed by his predecessors since March 6, 2003, some 21 years later after these debilitating sanctions against our Nation, can never atone for, let alone write off, heinous crimes committed against Zimbabwe and her people through these illegal, blanket country; sanctions.
Noteworthy, these arbitrary US coercive measures against Zimbabwe were condemned by the United Nations as illegal, vindictive and unjustified under any pretext. Until now, the United States Government remained obdurate and indifferent.
Today Zimbabwe cannot be expected to thank or be grateful to President Biden and the US for announcing palliative measures towards finally rescinding an illegality and an outrage, even then at its own pace, perpetrated for more than two decades, and in flagrant violation of international law.
Nothing short of some prompt, unconditional removal in toto of those illegal coercive measures, including the infamous ZDERA, is acceptable to Zimbabwe and her long-abused, innocent people.
Further, Zimbabwe takes great exception to gratuitous slander, and defamatory remarks by officials of the Biden Administration against the sanctioned Zimbabwean leadership and its nationals. This slander has been repeated here on Zimbabwean soil by local staff of the United States Embassy.
What adds to the outrage is that these bald and damaging accusations, coldly and mechanically made through a pre-drafted standard text of high-handed pillory by the US, are not backed by any iota of evidence; nor do they follow any internationally recognized show of due process in competent courts.
We condemn these malicious statements as completely uncalled for, defamatory, provocative, and a continuation of wanton hostilities against Zimbabwe by the US Government.
We demand that the Biden Administration provides evidence in support of these gratuitous accusations, failure which the Administration must, without any further delay, withdraw them unconditionally.
It cannot be right, let alone a healthy basis for conducting international relations or building friendship, for a country, however mightily it views itself, to slander innocent nationals of other Nations, while also maligning those same Nations for daring to be independent and sovereign, and for reversing a baneful legacy of settler colonialism, in line with the United Nations Charter.
Might can never be right, or trash rights of Nations, however small, which are recognised as full members, under the United Nations Charter.
Zimbabwe reiterates its deep gratitude to the Southern Africa Development Community, SADC, the African Union, AU, the progressive world and the United Nations, UN, for supporting her just struggle against these illegal coercive US measures.
Zimbabwe urges these organizations, and all men and women of goodwill worldwide, to maintain the momentum against the so-called targeted sanctions, which in reality are country sanctions, and which must be removed in toto, and unconditionally.
Further, Zimbabwe extends solidarity to all peoples and Nations similarly affected by such illegal sanctions from any quarter, outside the framework of the United Nations.
As a government leading a country with pretensions to global leadership, the Biden Administration must lead by example in showing the rest of the world how to act in accord with international law, rather than acting arbitrarily, both at bilateral and global levels.
On its part, Zimbabwe will stand firm in defence of her hard-won sovereignty, and in pursuit of her chosen destiny, consistent with its policy of being a friend to all, and an enemy to none. No amount of sanctions or hostilities will deter or detract her from her chosen path.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Responds To "Termination" Of Sanctions By United States Of America

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has hit back at online criticism and derision after a tractor imported from Belarus failed to start at Mushagashe Youth Vocational Training Centre during the Robert Mugabe National Youth Day commemorations on Wednesday.
Mnangagwa, who donated the tractor to Mushagashe Youth Vocational Training Centre, was behind the wheel when the vehicle failed to start, much to the embarrassment of his aides.
Charamba, who is the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), hit out at people who mocked the Belarusian-made tractors, which some critics say are second-hand. He posted on X:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe bought over 3 000 tractors of varying power from the sister Republic of Belarus. Apart from units which were given to communities and interest groups, the rest are being sold to farmers on a commercial basis by a company called BISON.
Farmers secure credit lines from banks, principally CBZ and AFC. They pay over three years. The deal is purely commercial, which means a good number of units are still available – have been – since the shipment of the units some two or so years ago.
The launch was done publicly, with the media participating. Equally, the tractors are being kept at the Hatcliffe workshop yard of the Ministry of Agriculture.
You easily see them as you drive in whichever direction. Until a unit is bought, it is kept in this yard, meaning consumables, including batteries, expectedly need attention ahead of collection.
This is basic to any buying farmer or, more easily, to anyone who has purchased a vehicle from any garage.
It is thus amateurish to suggest that a tractor whose ignition fails to kick in amounts to a mechanical failure or sub-standard purchase.
I am a proud owner of a 130hp Belarusian tractor which I secured at the beginning of the season.
</blockquote>
Critics say Zimbabwe has become a dumping ground for substandard products not only from Belarus but also from the East European country’s close ally and neighbour, Russia.
In 2022 Zimbabwe’s honorary consul and Mnangagwa’s close associate Alexander Zingman reportedly got a US$62 million deal to supply fire tenders to local authorities.
Zimbabwe bought eighteen (18) medical emergency helicopters from Russia about nine months ago but the planes are still grounded.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Responds To Online Criticism After Belarusian Tractor "Embarrasses" Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has warned the media to treat matters to do with the country’s security structures with “care and sensitivity”, saying failure to do so may invite responses that “may not be palatable”.
This comes after online news publication, The NewsHawks, published an article on 12 February which claimed that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) had fired three army commanders after they were allegedly implicated in a multi-million dollar housing scandal.
In an editorial on Tuesday, 20 February, The NewsHawks said they will not publish follow-up stories on the issue following subtle threats and direct pressure from state security agents.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/media-urged-to-be-cautious-on-national-security-issues/">The Herald</a> on Tuesday, Charamba, who is the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), said:
<blockquote>
We continue to urge the media fraternity to treat stories to do with the security structures of this country with utmost care and sensitivity.
The ZDF has got its internal processes to investigate any allegation against any of its members and it is always prudent for the media to follow, rather than seek to lead such a process.
Leading through advocacy muddies the water and may invite some responses, which may not be that palatable.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has since condemned the intimidation of The NewsHawks by State actors saying “such criminal acts meant [are meant] to cow and gag journalists”.
In a statement, ZUJ urged the security services to approach the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) for redress rather than resorting to threats and intimidation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

George Charamba Warns Media Over "Sensitive" State Security Matters

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has said the State should take over the municipal administration of Harare following the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) dominated council’s failure to perform its duties.
The Harare City Council is struggling to collect garbage and to provide clean water to residents, amid a cholera outbreak in the city which has killed scores.
As a result, the central government had to step in and collect garbage, clean city environments, and drill boreholes to provide supplementary water to residents.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Charamba said infighting within CCC has paralysed the local authority, therefore, the State should step in. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
With the paralysis which CCC infighting has wrought on the City of Harare, and given the raging cholera pandemic, it is about time (the) Local Government Minister approached His Excellency the President with the proposal to use Presidential Powers to bring Harare Municipality under direct State administration.
There is a good case now using the public health argument. The State is doing much of the work anyway!
</blockquote>
CCC’s disputed interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu has recalled Harare city mayor Ian Makone, his successor Lovejoy Chitengu, and several other councillors, claiming that they have ceased to be members of the party.
Reports indicate that Jacob Mafume, who took over from Chitengu, was recalled by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Tshabangu is, however, resisting Mafume’s recall, and the matter awaits determination by either the courts or the central government.
In previous cases, the court and the central government have consistently sided with Tshabangu.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Calls For State Takeover Of Harare Municipal Administration

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has suggested that the Local Government Minister proposed using presidential powers to bring the Harare Municipality under direct state administration. Charamba believes this is necessary to address crises such as cholera and water shortages in the capital.
Charamba argues that the infighting within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party which runs the City of Harare, coupled with the ongoing cholera pandemic, calls for a direct state administration. He believes that the state is already doing much of the work in addressing these issues, so it makes sense to take full control. He even suggests reappointing Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume to lead the new rescue initiative created under presidential powers. He said:
<blockquote>
WITH THE PARALYSIS WHICH TRIPLE C INFIGHTING HAS WROUGHT ON CITY OF HARARE, AND GIVEN THE RAGING CHOLERA PANDEMIC, IT IS ABOUT TIME LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER APPROACHED HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT WITH THE PROPOSAL TO USE PRESIDENTIAL POWERS TO BRING HARARE MUNICIPALITY UNDER DIRECT STATE ADMINISTRATION. THERE IS A GOOD CASE NOW USING PUBLIC HEALTH ARGUMENT. THE STATE IS DOING MUCH OF THE WORK ANYWAY!!!!!
EVEN BETTER POLITICS WOULD BE TO REAPPOINT DOINK – MAFUME – TO LEAD THE NEW RESCUE CREATURE CREATED UNDER PRESIDENTIAL POWERS.
</blockquote>
However, some commentators have pushed back against this proposal. They point out that even in areas where local authorities are already under state administration, there has been no tangible development or even worse conditions than in Harare. They question the effectiveness of presidential powers in bringing about real change and argue that those powers could be better utilised to address other pressing issues, such as the country’s economic collapse, abolishing the Zimbabwe dollar, increasing civil servants’ salaries, and combating corruption.
Critics also argue that the state of Harare is a reflection of the country’s overall economic situation. They emphasise that managing a city with a large informal trading sector is challenging. They place responsibility for the current problems in Harare and other cities on the government, particularly the ruling party, ZANU PF, attributing the issues to their governance and economic policies.
Since the early 2000s, the opposition has been in charge of managing major cities in Zimbabwe. However, these cities have struggled to provide essential public goods and services like clean water, sewage systems, garbage collection, road maintenance, and street lighting. The opposition blames this failure on insufficient funds and interference from the central government. They argue that the central government does not allocate the necessary resources to local authorities as required by the constitution. They also believe that the central government, through the local government ministry, intentionally undermines development efforts by local authorities to weaken the opposition’s hold on power.
On the other hand, the central government denies these allegations. They claim that they have a responsibility to oversee the operations of local governments. When local authorities are unable to fulfil their obligations, the central government argues that it must intervene to protect the interests of the general public. They deny purposely sabotaging development to influence electoral outcomes.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

It's Time To Bring Harare Municipality Under Direct State Administration - Presidential Spokesperson

Zimbabwe has no pilots and technicians to fly the eighteen (18) medical emergency helicopters that were acquired from Russia in May 2023, it has emerged.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa received the helicopters from the Russian State Corporation (Rostec) at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on 19 May 2023.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zim-acquires-18-copters-for-emergency-services/">The Herald</a> the following day said that the country would have received at least 32 helicopters from Rostec under a public-private sector partnership agreement before the end of 2023.
However, eight months down the line, the helicopters are still grounded because the country doesn’t have trained pilots and technicians to fly them.
Responding to one Peter Mupondi who had asked why the helicopters were not airlifting patients to hospitals from accident scenes during the festive season, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman <a href="https://x.com/dhonzamusoro007/status/1746847149038440543?s=20">George Charamba, said</a>:
<blockquote>
How would you see them when you cannot see far, higher????? Helicopters are not bought together with PILOTS!!! Aya amunoti madhiraivha pamotokari, to bring the discussion to your level. Each copter needs a technician. Wazvinzwa here muzapu??? Madhiraivha ari kuVID as you tweet!
</blockquote>
Charamba’s comments raise serious questions about how public procurement is done in Zimbabwe. ZimLive editor Mduduzi Matutu asked:
<blockquote>
So you literally bought mapatapata (slippers) without the toes. A good planner first creates the conditions, not to buy things they can’t put to use. Whose tender was it anyway?
</blockquote>
The procurement of the helicopters was lauded as a game changer in the provision of emergency air medical services, as well as air policing, and rescue missions in case of disasters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Pilots For Zimbabwe's Air Ambulances

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will this week be taking his annual month-long official leave and plans to stay in the country for the duration of the leave. In a statement seen by Pindula News, George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, said the two Vice Presidents will alternate in acting as the President while he is on leave. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
His Excellency the President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, this week begins his traditional annual month-long official leave. He intends to spend the break in the country, and will interrupt it now and then to fulfil certain fixtures requiring his personal attention. The two Vice Presidents, Gen (Retod) Dr C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, and Col (Retd) K.C.D. Mohadi, will take turns to act while the President is on leave.
As we wish His Excellency the President a restful break after what has been another hectic yet fulfilling year, we wish him, the First Lady and the First Family a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024!
</blockquote>
President Mnangagwa usually spends most of his time during his leave at his Sherwood farm in Kwekwe located in the Midlands province.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

President Mnangagwa Takes Annual Month-long Leave

Nelson Chamisa, the president of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is scheduled to address a rally in Chitungwiza on Sunday. He will discuss various topics, including the recent elections and court rulings on political matters.
In a statement seen by Oindula News, the party invited “all citizens” to join them at Chibuku Stadium to hear the former ICT Minister’s speech. Said the party:
<blockquote>
President Nelson Chamisa will be addressing the citizens this Sunday at Chibuku Stadium in Chitungwiza. Join us to hear about the party’s direction amidst Zanu PF’s attempts to undermine the genuine alternative party through the courts, ZEC, imposters, and other state institutions. The Citizens Movement is resilient and unstoppable. Come and listen to him speak as he shares the vision of the movement.
<img alt="Nelson Chamisa Chitungwiza Rally" class="alignnone wp-image-268237" decoding="async" height="413" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamisa-Chitungwiza-Rally-300x212.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamisa-Chitungwiza-Rally-300x212.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamisa-Chitungwiza-Rally-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamisa-Chitungwiza-Rally-768x543.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamisa-Chitungwiza-Rally-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamisa-Chitungwiza-Rally-1320x933.jpg 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Chamisa-Chitungwiza-Rally.jpg 1600w" width="584"/>
</blockquote>
The impasse between ZANU PF and the CCC began after the August 2023 elections, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner. The CCC rejected the election results, alleging that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) colluded with ZANU PF to rig the elections in Mnangagwa’s favour. They pointed out various irregularities observed by local and international monitors, including voter intimidation and delays in ballot paper distribution.
The situation worsened when Sengezo Tshabangu, claiming to be the interim Secretary-General of the CCC, recalled numerous CCC MPs and councillors, claiming they no longer belonged to the party. Chamisa and other CCC officials accused Tshabangu of working with ZANU PF to weaken the opposition and consolidate ZANU PF’s grip on power.
The CCC called for fresh elections to be conducted by an impartial body like SADC, the African Union, or the United Nations. However, SADC advised the CCC to seek legal recourse through local courts, which the CCC claims are biased towards ZANU PF.
Amidst this standoff, President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/14/charamba-warns-chamisa-mass-action-will-have-dire-consequences/">warned the CCC against resorting to mass protests</a>, cautioning that it could have dire consequences for the party and its leader. He said:
<blockquote>
I have been reading stories on Chamisa’s so-called CNA meeting which took place yesterday. Among statements, which purport to be resolutions, released after the meeting, coupled with subsequent interviews with the media, Triple C, it would appear, is toying with the idea of mass action, ostensibly to “force ZANU PF to the negotiating table”!
… A key principle in politics is understanding your customer; there is no clue anyone in Triple C, least of all Chamisa, works with this elementary political principle which informs what does and cannot do. Politics is the art of the possible.
</blockquote>
Charamba’s statement implied that the government’s security forces would forcefully suppress any mass protests organized by the CCC. In the past, soldiers and police officers were deployed to prevent opposition rallies and disperse peaceful demonstrators. This has led some people to believe that demonstrations are effectively prohibited in Zimbabwe, even though they are a constitutional right.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Chamisa Scheduled To Address Citizens In Chitungwiza On Sunday

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has warned the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa against mass action to force ZANU PF to the negotiating table, saying such a move will have dire consequences for the party and its leader.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Charamba urged Chamisa to negotiate with Sengezo Tshabangu claiming the latter is willing to be engaged “at least for now”.
Tshabangu is a CCC activist who declared himself the party’s interim secretary general in October this year and has since recalled scores of CCC representing thereby whittling down opposition numbers in Parliament.
Charamba warned that if Chamisa believes that “mass protests will have takers, will last and will soften ZANU PF to the table, he needs to be reminded who he is dealing with”.
He seemed to be suggesting that the State’s security establishment will ruthlessly crush any mass protests organised by CCC. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
I have been reading stories on Chamisa’s so-called CNA meeting which took place yesterday. Among statements, which purport to be resolutions, released after the meeting, coupled with subsequent interviews with the media, Triple C, it would appear, is toying with the idea of mass action, ostensibly to “force ZANU PF to the negotiating table”!
… A key principle in politics is understanding your customer; there is no clue anyone in Triple C, least of all Chamisa, works with this elementary political principle which informs what does and cannot do. Politics is the art of the possible.
</blockquote>
The Government deployed the military in central Harare on 1 August 2018 to crush suspected MDC Alliance supporters who were protesting against an alleged delay in releasing election results. At least six people were shot dead whilst fleeing from the soldiers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Warns Chamisa Mass Action Will Have Dire Consequences

Presidential spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Charamba/">George Charamba</a>, has accused <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takudzwa_Ngadziore/">Takudzwa Ngadziore</a>, a legislator from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), of faking his own abduction and forging a ZANU PF signature. Ngadziore was reportedly abducted, tortured, and then abandoned in Christon Bank in Mazowe.
The alleged abductors, who were captured on camera, are believed to be connected to the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and operating from Harare Central Police Station. Charamba dismissed Ngadziore’s abduction as a distraction after it was revealed that he was involved in forging the signatures of Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda and ZANU PF. The forged signatures were used in a letter to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/17/man-claiming-to-be-zanu-pf-secretary-recalls-70-mps/">recall 70 ZANU PF legislators</a>. Charamba said the letter was forged by Ngadziore as well as CCC interim organising secretary <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amos_Chibaya/">Amos Chibaya</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
Many have already rubbished the false chase of Ngadziore by some person wielding an assault rifle. I am still trying to understand why the Triple C script needed the prop of an AK assault rifle, as if the puffing and blowing fat Ngadziore needed dire interventions. Ngadziore, alongside Chibaya and Farai Chinobva, are on the wanted list in respect of allegations of forging two signatures.
Drama or no drama, the long arm of the law will collect them eventually! Their next false drama is targeting the attention of the European Union (EU) and America when heads of election observer teams for the EU and Carter Center return to present and submit their final reports.
</blockquote>
According to Charamba, Ngadziore and Chinobva, who reportedly works in Chamisa’s office, were directed by Chibaya to forge a letter recalling ZANU PF MPs. They wrote the letter on ZANU PF letterhead and signed it with the name of a made-up person named Manyika. Ngadziore was supposed to deliver the recall letters to Mudenda, but he was stopped by Parliament security because the CCC had announced that they were not participating in Parliament.
Unable to deliver the letters, Ngadziore, Chibaya, and Chinobva decided to release the letters and a forged receipt with a fake signature. They felt pressure to make these documents public before Tshabangu’s case was heard, Charamba argued.
CCC spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi, responded to Charamba’s accusations by stating that Charamba is not the police and that the recalls happening in ZANU PF are not their concern.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a>

Charamba Accuses Ngadziore Of Faking His Own Abduction, Forging ZANU PF Signatures

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has dismissed CCC MP Takudzwa Ngadziore’s alleged abduction and torture by suspected State security agents on Wednesday morning as “little drama”.
Posting on X using his <a href="https://twitter.com/dhonzamusoro007">@dhonzamusoro007</a> handle, Charamba said the alleged abduction is part of “the Triple C election-related histrionics meant to catch the attention of SADC”.
SADC is set to hold an Extraordinary Summit on Saturday, 04 November in Luanda, Angola. Wrote Charamba:
<blockquote>
Triple C thought Zimbabwe was on the agenda, which was not true, and thus went into some propaganda overdrive, using one Takudzwa Ngadziore as the key antagonist (a protagonist plays and affirms positive roles and values; not this one!!!
… Many have already rubbished the false chase of Ngadziore by some person wielding an assault rifle. I am still to understand why the Triple C script needed the prop of an AK assault rifle as if the puffing and blowing fat Ngadziore needed dire interventions!!!🤣🤣🤣
The commentators also recalled this habitual Triple C ruse of creating drama ahead of Summits. But a lot remained unsaid. I intend to fill in the gaps, using this thread.
TAKUDZWA NGADZIORE, alongside CHIBAYA and FARAI CHINOBVA, are on WANTED LIST in respect of allegations of FORGING TWO SIGNATURES: that of ZANU PF and that of PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE/SPEAKER.
The circumstances are that NGADZIORE and CHINOBVA who is a Director in Chamisa’s buffeted office, under the alleged direction of AMOS CHIBAYA, formulated a not-so-brainy response to TSHABANGU recalls, which would take the form of equivalent recalls that would target ZANU PF MPs and Parliamentarians this time.
They allegedly did a letter for that contrivance which was on Zanu PF letterhead and signed by one MANYIKA – a phantom character created for the purpose.
Ngadziore was tasked to deliver the recall letters to the Speaker of Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, which he abortively did on two occasions.
On both occasions, Ngadziore was intercepted by Parliament security, easily because Triple C had announced a disengagement from Parliament, thus subsequently inviting a ban for six sittings by the Speaker.
They were thus not expected at Parliament, which is why Ngadziore’s materialising at the said building raised the eyebrows of security personnel.
With his plans to deliver the “recall” letters frustrated, Ngadziore, Chibaya and Chinobva jointly decided to release their letters plus a “signed” acknowledgment of receipt, ostensibly by staffers at Parliament.
Of course, the signature was a forged one. There was pressure to put the documents in the public domain ahead of the hearing of the case against Tshabangu.
Triple C hoped to mobilise for rolling street action starting Thursday, to coincide with the Court Hearing, and leading to Saturday’s SADC Summit.
Monies for that rolling action were secured from SOROS’ OSISA through one Sipho Malunga who is a serial opponent of Zanu PF sympathetic to Chamisa.
Meanwhile, Ngadziore and several of his ex-ZINASU peers are also benefitting from some externally funded NGOs that place and fund all ex-ZINASU activists in select Universities in South Africa and in Europe.
That organisation is looking after the fugitive Netsai Marowa. Ngadziore is angling for admission into some University in South Africa.
The little drama thus had triple objectives: personally to ripen Ngadziore for enrolment and funding in SA; personally to obviate the dragnet which was closing on him following allegations of forging signatures; third and last to aid and abet the street action mulled by Triple C for purposes of catching SADC eye. Drama or no drama, the long arm of the law will collect them, eventually!
Their next false drama is targeting the attention of the EU and America when Heads of ELECTION OBSERVER TEAMS FOR EU AND CARTER CENTRE RETURN TO PRESENT AND SUBMIT THEIR FINAL REPORTS. Enjoy your Day, Zimbabwe!!!!!
 
</blockquote>

Mnangagwa's Spokesperson Dismisses Ngadziore's Alleged Abduction As "Little Drama"

President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charambahas has rejected claims by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa that his principal ever sought dialogue with the opposition leader or his party.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chamisas-blatant-lies-on-talks-exposed/">State media</a>, Charamba claimed that between 2018 and 2023, Chamisa sent various envoys who included journalists, businessmen and church leaders to open talks with Mnangagwa.
Charamba said all of Chamisa’s missions collapsed because they were based on deceit, dishonesty and double standards. He said:
<blockquote>
There is absolute consternation and disgust each time Chamisa repeats what he knows to be false, none of his initiatives came to fruition, and it is patently false and obscene grandstanding for him to claim that the President ever sought dialogue with him or his party.
The closest that the President got to doing that was after the 2018 harmonised elections when he invited Chamisa to put national interests above personal interests, the second was not by way of direct invitation but through the creation of POLAD, beyond that, I as the President’s spokesperson I am unaware of any overtures, and I can assure you, I am not ignorant.
</blockquote>
POLAD stands for Political Actors Dialogue, a platform established by Mnangagwa in 2019 to facilitate dialogue and engagement among different political parties in the country.
According to Charamba, the intermediaries approached by Chamisa include Rev Kenneth Mtata, the secretary general of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church, and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
Charamba also claimed that when Chamisa’s strategy failed, he tried yet again to reach the President through Vice President Chiwenga. He said:
<blockquote>
Naively, Chamisa believed that he could play a divide-and-negotiate approach, the VP then briefed the President, and to test his sincerity, the President gave the overtures the green light to tag along and see how far Chamisa would go.
Chamisa soon realised that the Vice President was not going to be his interlocutor, he was told in clear terms that he should come up with a team that would meet with ZANU PF representatives.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF reportedly appointed its Treasurer-General Patrick Chinamasa as its representative, while Chamisa appointed one Utsiwegota and lawyer Innocent Chagonda.
Charamba said when Chinamasa asked for a position paper from the opposition, instead of coming from the two interlocutors, it came from former Minister of State Enterprises and Parastatals Gordon Moyo. He said:
<blockquote>
Gordon Moyo indicated that he was just helping out and was not an emissary of Chamisa, there was no way of establishing the authenticity of the paper and so that idea withered on the vine.
Another approach was made directly by Chamisa himself directly to yours truly, we are related, he expressed his desire to reach the President through the VP and I advised him that in my experience, talking from experiences of the Unity Accord, I said he was overreaching by expecting to meet the President, I told him to organise a team to initiate the negotiations, beyond the discussions, which we had, nothing materialised.
A few months after that, he shifted tact and enlisted some businessman in the food industry, who he thought was close to the First Family, and guess who was his envoy, Hopewell Chin’ono, who was entertained.
However, it turned out that Chin’ono was more interested in his own welfare than in carrying the message of Chamisa. As in previous instances, the interactions died before conception.
</blockquote>
Chamisa reportedly adopted another approach where former Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume was the interlocutor.
Mafume reportedly approached Bishop Mutendi who taught with his father, and a request for dialogue was made through Bishop Mutendi but nothing came out of it. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
When we sat down to collate and assess these multitudes of approaches, they were distinct features that emerged.
Foremost, it was clear Chamisa deeply mistrusted fellow members of CCC. He never wanted anyone within CCC to know that he was making overtures, which is why all his overtures were drawn from outside elected party officials in his party.
Chamisa consistently and persistently stayed clear of officials in the CCC. He did not even mind meeting very junior people from ZANU PF personally.
I said to him but you are a whole leader of the opposition why don’t you come up with a team, and he said whoever the President appoints he was willing to talk to them personally.
He wanted everything to be held under the veil of secrecy even proposing night meetings. On reflection, it was clear he did not want his party to know he was interested in personal interests over broader notions of national stability, taking a stand against sanctions, engaging financial institutions, and re-engaging hostile nations.
Those issues were not just incidental but peripheral to the theme of the opposition leader.
</blockquote>
On Saturday, a prominent opposition figure, Freeman Chari said Chamisa’s “strategic ambiguity”, that is, failure to have structures (party positions occupied by members elected at a congress), a constitution, and an ideology, has been CCC’s weakness.
Chari warned Chamisa that he risks finding himself in the political dustbin if he continues to centralise and personalise the party while excluding other senior party members.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chin'ono, Rev Mtata, Bishop Mutendi Among Chamisa's Intermediaries In Bid To Meet Mnangagwa, Says Charamba

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 204 A[1] of the Constitution of Zimbabwe appointed five deputy secretaries in the Office of the President and Cabinet. These are:
<ol>
<li>Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, Administration and Human Resources in the Office of the President and Cabinet  – Zvinechimwe Churu</li>
<li>Deputy Chief Secretary – Presidential Communications in the Office of the President and Cabinet – George Charamba</li>
<li>Deputy Chief Secretary – Policy Analysis, Coordination and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet – William L. Manungo.</li>
<li>Deputy Chief Secretary – Social Services in the Office of the President and Cabinet – Rev. Paul Damasane</li>
<li>Deputy Chief Secretary – Coordination of National Programmes and Projects in the Office of the President and Cabinet – Amos Marawa</li>
</ol>
Churu was previously the Local Government and Public Works permanent secretary, while Charamba, Manungo, Damasane and Marawa have been retained in their posts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Appoints Deputy Chief Secretaries

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has warned CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi and his deputy Gift “Ostallos” Siziba against what he calls “casting aspersions” on Roman Catholic Church priest Father Fidelis Mukonori.
Mkwananzi and Siziba criticised Mukonori for suggesting that CCC leader Nelson Chamisa should concede defeat in the 23 August 2023 presidential race and talk to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In response, Charamba said the two should show respect to Mukonori as he is a seasoned negotiator, saying they (in apparent reference to the “System”) know Chamisa more than Mkwananzi and Siziba. Wrote Charamba on Twitter:
<blockquote>
Anyone with some modicum of political understanding knows that good politics is founded on basic respect for the Church and its counselling and prophetic role in the affairs of our Nation.
To have little boys like the fugitive Mkwananzi and Ostallos casting aspersions on a cleric with the standing of Father Fidelis Mukonori, smacks of despicable pretentiousness and downright ignorance of our history and contemporary affairs.
Just a cursory reading of our Liberation Struggle would have cautioned these two impressionable and excitable youngsters against such gratuitous insults.
Father Mukonori’s role in our Liberation Struggle and in key peace initiatives before and after our Independence is a matter of public record.
These included missions to Liberation Movements at the height of our Struggle, well before these two youngsters were born.
It is that historical and historic role that earned him his brokering role during the 2017 Operation.
While these two youngsters, incited by their equally youngster leader may be forgiven for not living or reading history, they cannot be excused for miscomprehending times and events they lived through. Or for cheaply abusing them for political expediency.
However angry Father Mukonori’s advice may make them, Chamisa knows that, as before, he stands to rue his excitable response to poll defeat and, again as before, will spend the coming five long years desperately knocking on many doors for accommodation by the winner, Dr ED Mnangagwa! We happen to know a little more about him than ever does these two youngsters!
</blockquote>
Chamisa has rejected the outcome of the presidential election and demanded fresh polls supervised by SADC.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Warns Mkwananzi And Siziba Against Vilifying Father Fidelis Mukonori

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba, has hinted that there won’t be major changes in Cabinet as his principal begins his second and final term.
Charamba said Mnangagwa will announce a new Cabinet soon and the focus will be on completing “far-flung projects around infrastructure” that he started during his first term.
Mnangagwa has already named his two deputies, Constantino Chiwenga, and Kembo Mohadi, who resigned in shame early in 2021 over a sex scandal.
<a href="https://newzwire.live/cabinet-dont-expect-surprises-from-a-president-who-ran-on-a-continuity-platform/">newZWire</a> quoted Charamba as saying Mnangagwa will be announcing a Cabinet “with a sense of urgency” as he gets down to business. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
By the way, we shouldn’t forget that the President ran on the ticket of continuity. He started lots of far-flung projects around infrastructure, be it roads, rail, water, energy; the whole area is yet to be completed.
</blockquote>
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube lost his bid to be elected to Parliament after contesting in Cowdray Park in Bulawayo.
Observers say Ncube will likely continue despite losing after the Ministry of Finance released a statement on Thursday saying it would continue with current economic policies.
Ahead of ZANU PF primaries that were held in March this year, Mnangagwa said his Agriculture Minister, Anxious Masuka “will be a non-constituency Member of Parliament”, an indication that he will continue.
Ministers who lost their seats include Industry Minister Sekai Nzenza who lost her constituency in Chikomba to delimitation.
She then contested another seat in the party primary but lost to Felix Mhona, the Transport Minister who went on to win the seat in the election.
Tourism Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu also lost his seat after his Bulilima East was collapsed into a new constituency, Bulilima.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi lost party primaries in Zvimba West but is reported to be a Mnangagwa favourite and will most likely bounce back.
Mnangagwa is allowed to appoint five Cabinet Ministers from outside parliament.
In 2018, Mnangagwa’s non-constituency Cabinet Ministers were Ncube, Amon Murwira as Higher Education Minister, Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, Obadiah Moyo as Health Minister, and July Moyo at the Local Government Ministry.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

New Cabinet: Mnangagwa Spokesperson Hints At Continuity

Zimbabwe’s presidential spokesperson, George Charamba, has criticised Dr. Nevers Mumba, the head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission, for allegedly breaching SADC protocols in compiling the region’s report on Zimbabwe’s recent elections.
Several observer missions, including SADC, raised concerns about voter intimidation and irregularities during the August 23 polls, stating that they did not comply with the country’s constitution and regional and international principles.
Charamba argued that elections are a complex process that goes beyond a single day and suggested that key decisions regarding the SADC Observer Mission’s report should not be solely in the hands of one individual overseeing a subsidiary body. He said:
<blockquote>
We are seeing an enthusiastic chairman of a process which is in fact a SADC one. He does not report to the Zambian people. Which is why we all were flabbergasted to find him spending as much as more than 2 hours on a national television. Who is he reporting to? This is a SADC mission for goodness’ sake, appointed by the chairman of a SADC organ. Not SADC Summit, SADC Organ, right? What it means is, that the preliminary report still has to: 1. Become a final report and when it becomes a final report, it still has to be tabled before a council of ministers which is really a body which brings together foreign ministers of SADC. There is a council of ministers and is probably meeting around February, March. When that has happened and the foreign ministers must look at that report, they will then push it upwards to the SADC Troika. It still has to come to Summit and this will be about August next year (2024). It is only at Summit that that report is tabled, discussed, amended, endorsed or rejected.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Nelson Chamisa, leader of the main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), reiterated his party’s rejection of the election results. Chamisa expressed doubt about pursuing legal action within Zimbabwe’s courts and instead viewed the SADC as a court of public opinion that had already deemed the election a sham.
The situation in Zimbabwe remains contentious, with political stakeholders expressing differing opinions on the election’s legitimacy and the best approach to address their concerns.
SADC now has its final report, stating that the election in Zimbabwe lacked legitimacy. Dr. Mumba, the Chairperson of the SADC EOM, explained that the only difference between the preliminary and final reports is the inclusion of electoral developments. He said the report was written and approved by over 20 individuals, making it a conclusive SADC report.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Charamba Criticized Mumba For "Breaching" SADC Protocols In The Election Report Compilation

Twitter has suspended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba, for the second time, alleging that he issued threats against the head of the SADC election observer mission.
Charamba expressed his anger on Twitter after the observers criticised the recent polls for not meeting regional and international standards of democratic elections. Charamba seemed to threaten Nevers Mumba, former Zambian vice president and head of the observer mission, asserting that Mumba was a sellout who would have been killed during the liberation war.
Twitter users reported Charamba’s account (@tinoedzazwimwe1), following the threats towards Nevers Mumba. Twitter stated that Charamba broke their hateful conduct rule based on multiple reports. The platform banned Charamba from creating new accounts. Said the statement issued in response to a report by an unidentified user:
<blockquote>
We suspended @tinoedzazwimwe1’s account for breaking our hateful conduct rule. We found they broke our hateful conduct rule through different reports we received about their behaviour.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-262789 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="1362" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tinoedza.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tinoedza.jpeg 1278w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tinoedza-187x300.jpeg 187w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tinoedza-639x1024.jpeg 639w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tinoedza-768x1231.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tinoedza-959x1536.jpeg 959w" width="850"/>
</blockquote>
This is not the first time Charamba has faced repercussions on Twitter for engaging in bullying or exhibiting hateful language. Previously, he was banned under the username @jamwanda2 for cyberbullying and making sexist remarks towards a South African TV journalist. Charamba circumvented the ban by creating a new account as @tinoedzazwimwe1.
Charamba’s utterances towards Mumba came after the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), AU-COMESA, and the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC (ECF-SADC) Observer Missions issued a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/25/seom-au-comesa-and-ecf-sadc-observer-missions-joint-statement-on-zimbabwe-2023-elections/">joint statement</a> noting that Zimbabwe’s 2023 harmonised elections did not fully meet the requirements outlined in the country’s constitution.
The statement highlighted various concerns, including flaws in the delimitation process, delayed release of the Voters’ Roll by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), restrictive fees for accessing the Voters’ Roll, disruption of opposition rallies, the unconstitutionality of the Patriotic Bill, disqualification of a presidential aspirant, high nomination fees, inadequate progress in achieving gender parity, concerns about the independence of the Judiciary, allegations of voter intimidation, controversies surrounding postal voting, and bias of state-owned media favouring the ruling party.
The British Embassy in Harare concurred, stating that the identified issues, coupled with the lack of transparency by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), were adversely affecting the peaceful conduct of the election.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

George Charamba Latest News

Latest Jobs