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ZERA announces new fuel prices effective September 17.

Chadzamira has no dog in chiefs’ fight

STAFF Reporter

MASVINGO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira has no stake in the internal leadership battles involving traditional leaders and would have no reason to bankroll efforts to remove chiefs from their positions, sources have said.

The sources dismissed allegations that Chadzamira provided US$10 000 to support moves targeting Senate President Chief Fortune Charumbira and Chief Nhema, describing the claims as unfounded.

They said Chadzamira’s involvement in the affairs of traditional leaders was part of his official responsibilities as the minister responsible for provincial administration and should not be interpreted as evidence that he was funding factions within the chiefs’ structures.

“Chadzamira has no dog in this fight. He has absolutely nothing to gain from the removal of Charumbira, Nhema or any other chief. Why would he spend US$10 000 on a fight from which he stands to benefit nothing?**” one source said.

Another source said the allegations appeared to be an attempt to drag the minister into a dispute that should be resolved through the structures governing traditional leaders.

“The chiefs have their own structures and processes. Chadzamira does not need to buy support for one chief against another. There is simply no logical benefit for him in financing such a campaign.”

A third source said Chadzamira’s attendance at the September 14 meeting where 42 of 45 chiefs reportedly voted to recommend the recall of Charumbira, Nhema and Chief Chitanga should not be confused with directing or funding the proceedings.

“Being present at a meeting does not mean that you sponsored what happened there. The chiefs debated and made their own decisions. There is no evidence that Chadzamira paid anyone to vote in a particular way.”

The source added that the US$10 000 allegation needed to be backed by evidence rather than speculation.

“**If somebody is saying US$10 000 changed hands, then they must produce evidence. It is unfair to simply attach a figure to the minister’s name and expect people to accept it as fact.**”

The allegations also include claims that Chadzamira wants Chief Chitanga replaced as chairperson of the Masvingo Provincial Assembly of Chiefs by Chief Serima.

However, the sources said the succession and leadership questions among chiefs should not automatically be attributed to the provincial minister.

“The chiefs are adults who can make their own decisions. They do not need Chadzamira to tell them whom to support. These are matters within their structures and should be allowed to follow the proper process.”

Togarepi urges MPs to emulate Machakaire’s youth empowerment model

GOVERNMENT Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi has challenged legislators across the country to emulate Youth Minister Tino Machakaire by investing in initiatives that empower young people and shield them from the scourge of drug and substance abuse.

This comes after Machakaire unveiled a US$100 000 package during the eighth edition of the Tinmac Foundation programme in Wedza South, as part of efforts to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse, which authorities say is threatening the future of the country’s young generation.

Addressing thousands of youths who gathered for the event, Togarepi described Machakaire’s initiative as a model of practical leadership that should be replicated by all public representatives.

“Leadership is not just about holding a position; it is about using that position to create opportunities and transform people's lives.

“What this minister is doing is an investment in the future. He is putting his own resources towards building a generation that will carry this country forward.

"I therefore challenge all MPs and senators to emulate this initiative and leave a lasting footprint in their constituencies.

“30, 50 or even 100 years from now, when we are gone, our people should be able to look back and say there was an MP who stood with them, invested in their children and changed the trajectory of their community. That is the kind of legacy that matters,” he said.

Togarepi said youth empowerment initiatives should become a collective undertaking among legislators as part of wider efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse.

“I believe this should become a broader movement among legislators.

"We should establish a caucus that encourages MPs and senators to invest in youth empowerment initiatives and complement the President's efforts to combat the drug scourge.

"If we genuinely want to protect our young people from drugs and other destructive vices, we must give them alternatives — skills, opportunities, facilities and hope for a better future,” he said.

He commended Machakaire for translating youth empowerment policies into practical interventions that create opportunities for young people.

“I came here at the invitation of the minister and the leader of the youth in our country to witness the launch of this foundation, and I am extremely excited by what I have seen.

"This is the kind of practical leadership our young people need — leadership that does not simply talk about youth empowerment but creates real opportunities for young people to build their lives.

“I am proud of the minister because he is committing his time, energy and resources to protecting and developing our youth.

"At a time when drugs and other social vices are threatening to destroy the future of our young people, initiatives such as this provide an alternative and give our youth something positive to believe in and build towards,” he said.

Togarepi also welcomed the involvement of government institutions and financial entities in supporting programmes aimed at empowering young people.

“It is also encouraging to see government institutions, including the Empower Bank, coming together to support youth development.

"Government cannot do this alone. Leaders, institutions and communities must work together to ensure that our young people are protected, empowered and given opportunities to become productive citizens.

“This has inspired me to do the same in Gutu South. I believe every MP and every leader who is worth their salt should be asking themselves what they are leaving behind for the communities they represent,” he said.

Government has identified drug and substance abuse as one of the major threats facing young people, with authorities, traditional leaders, churches and communities increasingly joining forces to provide skills development, employment opportunities and recreational facilities aimed at steering youths away from harmful substances.

Dyonne, sister to Kelsea, pictured with musician Stunner before her transformation into a striking, notable beauty — long before she and her sister Kelsea abused Collins Mnangagwa’s cash.

CAA3 Critics a ‘Small Group’,--Mabiza

STAFF REPORTER

ATTORNEY-General Virginia Mabiza has dismissed claims of widespread opposition to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), saying the narrative is being driven by a small group of recurring litigants rather than reflecting the views of the broader public.

Speaking to the media, Mabiza said the legal challenges being cited as evidence of mass resistance were limited in scope and largely repetitive.

"Claims suggesting widespread opposition to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026, popularly referred to as CAA3, are misleading and do not reflect the correct position on the ground," she said.

Mabiza said the Government was not overwhelmed by the court applications filed against the constitutional amendments, adding that the cases did not represent a surge in public opposition.

"The level of public outcry being suggested is far greater than the actual numbers involved. The narrative of extensive opposition is amplified beyond the facts and should not be mistaken for the true scale of engagement with CAA3," she said.

Her remarks come as she urged the Constitutional Court to dismiss an application filed by six former freedom fighters challenging CAA3.

In her court response, Mabiza argued that the applicants failed to identify the specific provisions of the amendment they were challenging or demonstrate how their constitutional rights had been violated.

She said constitutional litigation requires precision and that the application was fatally defective because it did not cite the exact sections being impugned.

Mabiza also rejected claims that CAA3 infringes political rights, saying Zimbabweans have never enjoyed an unrestricted right to elect any individual outside the constitutional and electoral framework.

She further objected to the citation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a respondent, arguing that no relief was being sought against him and that his actions in relation to the amendment were an exercise of constitutional executive authority.

Treasury clarifies OPC Budget utilisation

REPORTER

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion has dismissed claims of a spending spree by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), clarifying that the reported 143 percent budget utilisation reflected centrally managed national programmes rather than operational expenditure by the Office itself.

In a statement this Friday, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the figure, which appeared in the 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review Statement presented on Thursday, had attracted significant public attention and required clarification.

Authorities vow action, warn against CAA3 protests
..as security apparatus warns of crackdown on illegal protests

REPORTER

Government has heightened security across the country amid growing calls for protests against Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), with authorities warning they will act swiftly against any attempts to disrupt peace.

The move follows the emergence of a coalition made up of opposition parties, civil society organisations and church groups, which has signalled plans to stage demonstrations in protest over the constitutional changes.

Tensions are also rising online, where some opposition activists are urging citizens to participate in a nationwide shutdown planned for July 31.

Speaking in Gutu recently, State Security minister Lovemore Matuke said citizens should use formal platforms to air their concerns rather than resorting to street protests.

" His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa has put in place structured platforms and clearly defined channels for dialogue, and all citizens and stakeholders are expected to make full use of them.

"These mechanisms are there to ensure grievances are addressed in an organised and constructive way. Durable solutions cannot be found through disorder or confrontation in the streets; they come from engagement, dialogue and respectful, lawful interaction with Government or Zanu PF.

"We are aware that certain individuals and groups have been funded to organise protests against the government and are now seeking to satisfy those backing them. Such actions are not motivated by national interests but by outside influence and a desire to foment instability.

"Zimbabwe cannot be reduced to a testing ground for hidden agendas that undermine peace and development," he said.

Matuke warned that security forces were ready to act against any unlawful activity.

"As the security sector, we remain on high alert and fully prepared to take firm action against any elements seeking to create chaos, instability or lawlessness in the country.

"Let it be clearly understood that those inciting violence, organising unrest or attempting to disturb peace are known to us.

"We are closely watching developments, and those involved should not complain or claim victimhood when the law takes its course. The rule of law will be upheld impartially," he said.

He also said the legislative process leading to the adoption of CAA3 had been open and inclusive, adding that some critics had failed to participate.

"CAB3 is now law, having passed through all required constitutional and parliamentary stages. The process was transparent and inclusive, with all stakeholders given sufficient opportunity to present their views and submissions.

"It is therefore misleading for some to ignore the consultation process and later try to mobilise protests as though they were excluded. The opportunity was there, and those who chose not to engage cannot now seek to undermine a lawful outcome.

"Some may assume we are naïve or will ignore acts of provocation, but it must be clearly stated that we will not tolerate violence, disorder or any attempts to destabilise the country.

"Peace and stability are non-negotiable. Where there are genuine concerns, let us engage constructively as Zimbabweans with a shared future. Protests and confrontation will not deliver meaningful results.

"The opposition should move away from confrontational and destructive politics and instead adopt a culture of dialogue, responsibility, tolerance and nation-building. The country’s future depends on unity, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to progress rather than division and conflict."

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