*HOT TOPICS ONLINE* ............... *Important notice for all the war veterans, see Details* (feed news.com) *After ignoring council regulations in property renovations, Mafume’s Belvedere hostel now faces demolition* (newzimbabwe) *To hell with you: blessed Geza issues chilling threat to Mnangagwa , vows to take him down* (feednews.com) *Armed Robbers Captured After One Of Them Dropped A wallet At Crime Scene* (Pindula) *ED2030 sloganeering resurfaces, as ZANU-PF recruits more spies* (Byo24News) *Govt pledges transparency as Mbare Musika beneficiary verification wraps up* (Zbc) *6kg tumour successfully removed at Bindura Provincial Hospital* (Zbc) *Indian Company To Build Four New Units At Hwange Power Station* (Pindula) *Over 70 health practitioners deregistered for misconduct* (Zbc) *Space barons warned over corruption in market stall allocation* (Chronicle) *School feeding scheme boosts attendance and nutrition urban, rural areas* (Chronicles) *Harare lost over US$250m in 6 years: Mayor* (Herald) ------- ©Zoomic Media https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 ..... *Important notice for all the war veterans, see Details* The Council of Zimbabwe War Veterans Associations (COZWVA) Intelligence Unit has gathered information suggesting that a faction of war veterans led by Cde Blessed Bombshell Geza is preparing to hold another press conference either on Monday or Tuesday. This anticipated address is expected to shed light on the group position regarding key national issues and their next course of action. The announcement has sparked widespread interest, with many Zimbabweans eagerly awaiting the war veterans message. However, there is also a growing sense of impatience, as citizens speculate on when concrete action will follow the repeated media briefings. Cde Blessed Bombshell Geza and his faction have been vocal in recent months, challenging certain political and economic decisions while positioning themselves as key stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s future. Their previous press conferences have raised critical concerns, but the absence of decisive action has left the public questioning what their ultimate intentions are. Analysts believe that this upcoming briefing could be a defining moment for the war veterans movement, particularly as tensions continue to rise over governance, economic instability and political realignments. Observers are also keen to see if any new strategies or alliances will be unveiled. As the nation waits for the official announcement, speculation remains high about what direction the war veterans will take next. Will this be another call for dialogue, or will it signal a shift towards more assertive action? Only time will tell. https://x.com/cozwva/status/1888665543441625202?t=0iGOHjmWedhWrd5AgdLkTw&s=19 --- *After ignoring council regulations in property renovations, Mafume’s Belvedere hostel now faces demolition* Having presided over the City of Harare’s demolition of homes in Belvedere last year, insisting they bypassed due process, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is about to find the boot on the other foot. A City of Harare inspector, David Wadarwa, Monday told the Commission of Inquiry, led by retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda, that he will recommend the demolition – of unauthorised renovations to Mafume’s own Belvedere property. It could be a classic case of hoist by his own petard. Mafume, it seems, has transformed his residential pad into a hostel, a commercial venture that blatantly ignores council rules. He has admitted the foul play – neglecting to apply for a “change of use” permit. During his commission testimony, Wadarwa appeared like a rabbit caught in the headlights, completely floundering when quizzed about his inspection of Mafume’s property. The commission grilled Wadarwa relentlessly, demanding an explanation for how he greenlighted the inspection on a building that did not match the plans. “Why were you signing for developments which are not in accordance with the plan?” lead evidence Tapiwa Fresh Godzi pressed. Wadarwa replied, “To me, it’s normal that I sign and then recommend that changes are made.” When pushed further, he stammered, “It was an error on my part, Sir.” An error repeated six times, apparently, each one carefully signed off on – queried Justice Cheda. Wadarwa claims he was pressured by his boss and dashed through the process, forging dates as he signed off on all six approvals in a single day. The commission then inquired about Wadarwa’s remedy to his mistakes. “I will advise the owner of the property to demolish the alterations made to his property and revert to the original approved plan. I will write a letter to my seniors informing them about this,” he said. Mafume, despite admitting to bending the rules, is clinging to the hope of “regularisation” – relying on a loophole in the by-laws. But City of Harare Urban Planning Acting Director Samuel Nyabeza said it is not possible. He branded the inspection signatures on Mafume’s property plan as highly suspicious, noting the impossibility of such frequent inspections. Nyabeza also insisted that Mafume must rectify his error by returning the property to its original residential status. Mafume is understood to have jetted out of the country but will be back next week to face the commission. Source: newzimbabwe ----- *To hell with you: blessed Geza issues chilling threat to Mnangagwa , vows to take him down* (feednews.com) War veterans have issued a stern warning to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, making it clear that they are prepared to take drastic action if their interests are threatened. In a scathing statement, the veterans vowed to engage in a fierce battle against the president and his loyalists, emphasizing that they have their own unique ways of dealing with them. The statement, attributed to Blessed Geza, was laced with venom and hostility, underscoring the deep-seated tensions between the war veterans and the Mnangagwa administration. The veterans' reference to weapons not being a significant concern for them serves as a chilling reminder of their role in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. The war veterans' warning to President Mnangagwa is a clear indication of the escalating tensions within the ruling Zanu PF party. The party has been plagued by infighting and factionalism, with various groups vying for power and influence. The veterans' statement is a clear indication that they are dissatisfied with the party's current leadership and are prepared to take drastic action to protect their interests. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how President Mnangagwa and his allies will respond to the war veterans' warning. One thing is certain, however: the situation in Zimbabwe is becoming increasingly volatile, and the potential for conflict is escalating. With the war veterans' warning serving as a clear indication of their intentions, the international community is watching with bated breath as the situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate. feednews.com Source: https://x.com/blessedrgeza1/status/1888469741024502204?t=JUNmGrR-snOzrpxPN8915g&s=19 ----- *Armed Robbers Captured After One Of Them Dropped A wallet At Crime Scene* (Pindula) Three suspected armed robbers were arrested in Bulawayo after one of their accomplices accidentally left behind his wallet at the crime scene. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident which occurred at Bambanani Shopping Centre in Gumtree on February 2, 2025, around 8 AM. The suspects—Hopewell Ndlovu (32) of Pelandaba West, Emmanuel Masuku (29), also known as Mayibongwe, and Israel Zikhali (26) of Pumula South—were taken into custody. However, a fourth suspect, Mpumelelo Mafu, is still on the run. Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele (pictured) told CITE that the wallet found at the scene led officers to Ndlovu. His arrest led to the recovery of weapons used in the robbery, and he later provided information that implicated his accomplices. She said: We recovered an Okapi knife, the clothing he wore during the robbery, and some of the stolen cellphones. He then identified his accomplices, leading to their arrests and the recovery of a .303 rifle without a butt, a pistol with no magazine or rounds, and additional stolen cellphones. Msebele further revealed that the suspects were armed with a pistol and threatened the shopkeeper and her colleagues, ordering them to remain still. One of the suspects then approached the counter and stole approximately US$700 in cash, along with US$200 worth of NetOne and Econet airtime. She added: They also made off with several cellphones, including an Itel P38 (black), an iPhone 11 (silver-black), two small black Itel phones, and four unidentified cellphones belonging to customers that were charging in the shop before fleeing along Old Esigodini Road. Source: Pindula ------ *ED2030 sloganeering resurfaces, as ZANU-PF recruits more spies* (Byo24News) by Gideon Madzikatidze The Mavetera-led Women for Economic Development (Women4ED), a ZANU-PF affiliate faction aligned to President Emmerson Mnangagwa remained defiant in pushing for his long stay in power, while the party also intensified recruitment of more spies masquerading as accredited journalists during national events. An observation by Bulawayo24News during the burial of late comrade Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu witnessed the grouping singing and reciting songs signaling full support for Mnangagwa to unconstitutionally further extend his rule beyond maximum limit. Donning in their organisation's national colour (pink), the 'Pinky Girls' denounced any possibility of succession within the party. "Chekutanga tarira pananiko, heh pana Baba Mnangagwa. Chechipiri tarira pananiko heh pana Chiwenga, chimbotongayi makadaro, tongayi makadaro (Mnangagwa is still at the helm, Chiwenga is second in command and nothing should change, just lead/rule us as it is," they recited then Mbare Chimurenga choir song. "2030 muri chocolate, 2030 Baba muri chocolate. Tongayi Shumba muri chocolate, tongayi Shumba Baba muri chocolate (Until 2030, you will still be chocolate, lead us till 2030," they sing while referring Mnangagwa to sweet chocolate. ZANU-PF has for long used music as a means to communicate with masses, evoke memories and stimulant tools for effecting successional war dominance. Meanwhile, the burial witnessed several ladies and gentlemen doning in khaki sleeveless jacket inscribed with ZANU-PF logo with a motto, ED PFEE, roaming and mingling around the media section with smartphones and small tablet phones. During the burial of then late national heroes when Mnangagwa was on annual leave, no one was seen chanting 2030 slogans when most feared ZANU-PF number two, Constantino Chiwenga presided. Today's burial, which is the first for Mnangagwa to preside from his annual leave witness more 2030ists sloganeering from the bays. In a post circulated over the weekend in one of ZANU-PF social media grouping, the party's foot soldiers announced its recruitment drive for cyber-team commissars who will also act as digital spies. "ZANU PF DCC 6 NOTICE TO ALL DISTRICTS (RECRUITMENT OF DIGITAL AMBASSADORS). All District Chairpersons to make sure that lists of names for members with a minimum qualification of a Bachelor's Degree in ICT, who will be employed as Digital Ambassadors be compiled and submitted to DCC 6 Office on Sunday 9 February 2025, at 2 pm," the post reads. "Thereafter, the listed members will report to ZANU PF Harare Province on Monday, 10 February 2025 at 10 am. Issued by Cde Joshua Gore, DCC 6 Coordinator," the announcement further reads. Source - Byo24News ------------ *Govt pledges transparency as Mbare Musika beneficiary verification wraps up* (Zbc) Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse The vendor verification exercise for beneficiaries of the temporary Mbare Musika market is almost complete, with government pledging transparency to ensure deserving beneficiaries get the opportunity to rebuild their businesses. Under phase 1 of the project, the first batch of traders will soon occupy the newly constructed Mbare Musika market with the verification exercise almost complete. The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, who toured the facility underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural value chain as the country moves towards the attainment of Vision 2030. “When we talk of transformation of value chains, we start from the primary industry that is the agricultural sector, which is based on the success of the Land Reform Programme which has ensured that millions of Zimbabweans benefit from the land, plus the Land Tenure System which has securitised the land in terms of ownership and in terms of contributing to the GDP. But of great importance is the ownership of land by Zimbabweans which is part of the revolution that was part of the second Chimurenga whose major thrust was the land question. Through the acquisition that took place in the 2000nds until now, the transfer of ownership of land from government to the citizens of our country will accelerate the direct economic empowerment of citizens, by securitising title deeds. That improves on productivity which is related and feeds into the small and medium scale enterprises there by ensuring tobacco farmers, horticultural experts, those involved in cereal production are part of an economy, and they are also part of the transformation of the value chain. “All the products that are being produced in the farms find their way into the markets and this engineering marvel that is Mbare Musika becomes a yardstick for us to measure our capacity as a people to produce, distribute and market. This becomes part of a platform which supports the economic empowerment efforts by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa by providing platforms for small and medium scale enterprises which is part of Vision 2030, which looks at an upper-middle-income society by the year 2030. We also thank Masimba Holdings for working with the government in the construction of such projects. We must keep on working together, for the responsibility to develop our country is a Zimbabwean responsibility, it is a collective responsibility,” he said. Government has also pledged transparency in the allocation of trading space. Minister of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said, “It is worth reminding each other that for an orderly allocation of space to traders, we need more not less cooperation, solidarity, honesty and transparency. Self-aggrandisement and enrichment at the cost of others will ruin the process of modernising Mbare Musika. The task ahead needs all hands on the deck and you can count on our cooperation and support to restore your businesses back to the original position. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises assures all traders whose businesses were affected that you are not alone.” “We want to ensure transparency. No one is allowed to impose beneficiaries. There are some who were demanding deposit fees, don’t be duped by criminals. You will work together with Masimba Holdings, and all your wares will be secured. When they say resolution number one, this is the implementation, we are now implementing it. We are doing the work now ,and the work is unstoppable. Development in this country is now unstoppable under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable Daniel Garwe said. Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tavengwa added, “This is one of the biggest projects being implemented in Harare under the Second Republic. We are happy with the work being done here, people are raring to go. They now wait for the official opening of the market. We all need to safeguard this place.” Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for government’s intervention. “We are happy our market has been mordenised. We appeal for government to assist all of us who were affected by the fire because we worked as a family and we should all find a place to restart our businesses,” a beneficiary said. Another added, “I am very happy because we now have a place to sell our wares, the market is up to standard, and they have erected sheds which is critical during the rainy season.” Following the fire which destroyed part of Mbare Musika traders market in October last year, the government is working on modernising the market in a phased approach, with the completion of the temporary site set to pave way for the construction of the main market. ZBC TV ........... *6kg tumour successfully removed at Bindura Provincial Hospital* (Zbc) Story by Tapiwa Machemedze A Bindura family is celebrating the removal of a 6-kilogramme tumour on their relative in a complex surgical operation at Bindura Provincial Hospital last month. The procedure has become a testament to decentralisation of specialised healthcare services to smaller towns by the Second Republic. For years, 54-year-old Batsirai Muzeziwa was unable to live a normal life because of a huge tumour that started developing as a blister on her back, until it grew to over six kilogrammes. She said, “It started as blister and shed didn’t think much of it. It continued growing and growing and it was painless. When it became large it became painful. I couldn’t do house chores, dig in the field, or fetch water anymore and I ended up just sitting.” Her health-seeking journey led her from Mberengwa to her sister’s place in Bindura, where she was taken to the provincial hospital on 15 January. Two days later, she underwent a life-changing surgical procedure. “I went to some Jewish doctors who come from Mberengwa and they referred me to Munene, they said my problem was too big. There they injected me and referred me to Bulawayo. The major challenge was cash, that’s when I came here. Now my life is transformed.” Her younger sister Nyembesi Muzeziwa recalls the anxiety of waiting for nearly five hours on the day of surgery but it was all worthwhile. She said, “We never thought this challenge would go away. It was so big even people at home couldn’t accept that it was gone. Those who are out there should seek treatment early and they shouldn’t keep problems.” Health practitioners at Bindura Provincial Hospital attributed the successful operation to teamwork and improved staffing of specialists at the facility. The hospital’s Medical Superintendent Dr. Budirai Gwagwa said, “Lipoma is a common soft tissue tumour that we encounter day to day, but what makes this one a bit different from others was the size. In terms of impact itself, it’s a testament of improved staffing of specialists at Bindura Provincial Hospital, which currently has 10 specialists covering eight specialists.” “This proves to the community that if they have such cases, they can be treated within our hospitals and we can attend. She had a huge mass that was starting to cause breathing problems and caused significant disfiguring of her body structure. Given its size, it was now a complex operation,” Specialist Neuro Surgeon Dr. Lawrence Hlatywayo said. The removal of a six-kilogramme tumour from Batsirai Muzeziwa in the small mining town of Bindura is testimony that the government is leaving no one and no place behind in its quest to achieve universal access to affordable health care. ......... *Indian Company To Build Four New Units At Hwange Power Station* (Pindula) India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bramha Kumar, says the repowering of six old units at Hwange Thermal Power Station, along with the construction of four new units, will be fast-tracked to boost the country’s power generation. Zimbabwean wildlife safaris The project, which is set to begin this year, has been entrusted to India’s Jindal Steel & Power, a leading power generation firm, as part of the Government’s efforts to improve the national grid. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Kumar revealed that the initiative will add a total of 2,000 megawatts (MW) to the grid—800MW will come from upgrading the old units, while the remaining 1,200MW will be generated from the four new 300MW units. He said: As per my discussion with senior authorities, the discussions are on track. We should be able to see the declaration this year. Most importantly, this project will be an example of fast-track implementation. Jindal Steel & Power signed agreements with Zesa Holdings in August 2024 for an increase of electricity production at Hwange Power Station by 2 000MW over the next few years. Latest Samsung A06 128GB, 4GB now available: $105 To order, WhatsApp: wa.me/263715068543 This means 800 megawatts will come from the refurbishment of Hwange Units 1 to 6 and 1 200 megawatts by adding four new units to Hwange Power Station. The six units (1 to 6) at Hwange Thermal Power Station were originally commissioned between 1983 and 1989. Over the years, these units have experienced technical faults as a result of ageing. The planned refurbishment is expected to extend the power plant’s operational life by an additional 15 to 20 years. ------- *Over 70 health practitioners deregistered for misconduct* (Zbc) Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor THE Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe deregistered more than 70 practitioners last year as part of efforts to protect the public and maintain high standards in the healthcare industry. The council’s registra Ms Farirai Maziriri revealed that the deregistrations were due to practitioners failing to meet minimum set standards and engaging in misconduct, emphasizing the importance of ensuring health practitioners are licenced to practice. “So in 2024, we had more than 70 practitioners that we deregistered from our registers, from the different professions, since we regulate 20 health professions in Zimbabwe, and some of the reasons is that they failed to meet the minimum set standards at a certain given time. So automatically they are deregistered because renewal is an annual thing and they’re supposed to renew annually. As you know, we are there to protect the public of Zimbabwe. So we make sure that if the practitioner is in good standing with the council, do they meet the minimum requirements? This could be your continuous professional development and so many things. Another reason, again, was misconduct. Practitioners purporting to be what they’re not out there. You purport to be a psychologist, you purport to be an ambulance technician, you purport to be a radiographer, yet you are not,” she said. The Council also implored parents to conduct due diligence when selecting universities or colleges for their children to study health-related programmes. “Due diligence is a must for all parents. Ensure that you’ve done due diligence on all the universities, colleges and different institutions. Is the program accredited by the professional board or by the regulatory council? Such that when they complete their training, they can be recognized as fully certified health practitioners. You might want to, but that program might not be registered. So it’s important that as parents, we conduct this due diligence exercise. This applies to international universities or international colleges,” said Ms Maziriri. “Make sure that they are accredited by the regulatory council or regulatory board. Such that when they complete their programs, when they come back to Zimbabwe, if they intend to practice locally, they will be accepted. I know we have different minimum requirements. Where someone can go for one year of professional examination or scrutiny, internship, etc. Some universities or some colleges out there might be difficult for these students, even when they come back to go under internship. So it’s also important for parents to carry out due diligence for international colleges, international universities, such that when these students complete their four years or five years, they will be absorbed by the local system,” she added. The deregistration of health practitioners is a significant step continuously taken by the council towards maintaining the integrity of the healthcare industry in Zimbabwe. Some of the professions regulated by the council include clinical social workers, counsellors, dieticians, psychologists, radiographers and health food services supervisors, among others. Zbc ...... *Space barons warned over corruption in market stall allocation* (Chronicle) Rumbidzayi Zinyuke and Obey Musiwa, Herald Reporters ALLOCATION of stalls in the temporary traders’ market at Mbare Musika will be done fairly to ensure that all traders who lost their wares in the inferno last year benefit. After the completion of the market, there have been allegations that space barons were charging US$10 per person to capture their names on beneficiaries’ lists. Speaking after a Ministers’ tour of the new market yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe assured traders that space barons would be dealt with accordingly. “Harare City Council working with other Government Departments has done a verification exercise that is being done accordingly and with transparency. We will never impose people on you to allocate tables, I can assure you that this will be done fairly. I am saying this because there are people who have been demanding $10 per person to verify a trader’s position. The verification is done officially and the names are released in newspapers only,” he said. President Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster after a fire destroyed stalls and wares at the old Mbare Musika last year leaving nearly 5 000 traders stranded. Minister Garwe said the construction of the temporary market and the main market which would be constructed under phase two of the development at Mbare Musika, was in line with national development goals. “This is following President ED Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which targets the attainment of an upper-middle income economic status. We are saying there shall be no one and no place left behind in this traders’ market, starting with small and medium enterprises. This modern market is being built in line with international standards so you will be able to see the same structure if you visit other countries,” he added. President Mnangagwa Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Government’s promise to traders was being fulfilled as the temporary market was almost complete to pave way for work on the main trader’s market. “I understand that the process is underway to finalise the selection of the first batch of beneficiaries to be housed in the market and I want to assure you that this process will be done in a transparent manner. It’s worth reminding each other that for an orderly allocation of space to traders, we need more cooperation, solidarity, honesty and transparency. Self-aggrandisement and enrichment at the cost of others will ruin the process of modernising Mbare Musika,” she said. Minister Mutsvangwa said the task ahead needed all hands on the deck to restore businesses back to their original position. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the construction of such traders’ markets was a concept that would spread to all provinces to ensure the transformation of value chains. “We are talking about the primary industry, that is the agricultural sector, which is based on the success of the land reform programme that has ensured that millions of Zimbabweans have benefitted from the land. The Mbare Musika market becomes a yardstick for us to measure our capacity as a people, to produce, distribute, and market. This becomes part of a platform, which supports the economic empowerment efforts, by President Mnangagwa, through providing platforms for small to medium scale enterprises, which is part of Vision 2030,” he said. Dr Jenfan Muswere Masimba Holdings chief executive officer Mr Fungai Matahwa said construction of the structure itself was 99 percent while works on the administration block, and ablution facilities have been completed. “In terms of the work around the structure itself, it took us about 210 tonnes of steel that we had to put together over a period of six weeks with a remarkable team that managed to do the work to make sure that the structure is up. It covers 7 000 square meters and will accommodate between 1 700 to 2 000 depending on the demarcations that will be put in place for the traders that are going to come in,” he said. Traders said they were happy that everything was now in place for them to start working and improve their livelihoods. Ms Martha Changainesu, a trader said: “As a vendor who was severely affected by the devastating fire in October 2024, I’m grateful for the swift response from the authorities. The new temporary market is a beacon of hope for us vendors, and I’m excited to see it taking shape.” Mr Ernest Kazingizi said youths were looking forward to getting their source of income back through the opening of the temporary market. “We are grateful that we will get our jobs back because the fire affected us, burning all our goods and source of livelihood. We hope we will be able to get loans to boost our businesses as we start working at the new market,” he said. Another trader Mrs Violet Makaedza said: “As women, we are very happy about this development and all services that will be offered here. To those people who are claiming to own tables at the new market, we hope that the law will deal with them accordingly. We are striving for a living and someone cannot just come along and steal from us.” © 2023 The Chronicle ..... *School feeding scheme boosts attendance and nutrition urban, rural areas* (Chronicles) Under the programme, Government supplies grain, while parents mobilise funds to purchase relish. This collaborative approach has ensured that children receive nutritious meals, which in turn has led to improved concentration, academic performance, and overall well-being. Ntalale Secondary School Development Committee chairperson, Ms Agnes Mathe, commended the programme, noting that both attendance and student morale have greatly improved. Chronicles ......... *Harare lost over US$250m in 6 years: Mayor* (Herald) Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has reported that the city has lost over US$250 million in the past six years, attributing this staggering figure to the lack of an effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. He alleged city executives had deliberately obstructed its implementation to facilitate the looting of municipal funds. Clr Mafume’s made the claims yesterday during his appearance before a Commission led by Retired High Court judge, Justice Maphios Cheda, which is investigating Harare City Council’s operations since 2017. He stated that the absence of an ERP system has resulted in a potential loss of US$200 million, as highlighted in the 2020 Auditor General’s report, suggesting that actual losses could be 25 percent higher than previously estimated. An ERP system is crucial for managing daily business activities, including accounting, procurement, project management, and compliance. Clr Mafume expressed frustration over the reluctance of the city council’s top executives and procurement department to revert to the previous ERP system implementer, Quill Associates. He estimated that losses could reach US$10 million per year, totalling US$50 million over five years, in addition to the already reported US$200 million loss. “My evidence is anecdotal because it frightens me that from 2019, for one reason or the other, management and procurement have failed. And I am beginning to think it’s deliberate that they have failed to procure an ERP. “And during the five years, the city has been bleeding. I am at the haemorrhage.” When asked if he and the councillors allowed this situation to persist, Clr Mafume defended himself. “I have tried everything to get an ERP installed at council. I end up being the one accused of interference, but I have tried everything humanly possible to get an ERP at council. We can’t function without an ERP.” He noted that many councillors lack an understanding of how an ERP system works, making them easy targets for executives who falsely claim the city can operate without one. Clr Mafume criticised the executives for ignoring Government recommendations to implement an ERP system. “Now, that is the deliberate act of our procurement department and management. They don’t want an ERP in place. Of all the people in any organisation, our executives are in what I call a management paradise. “No audits for five years. They will find a reason from pillar to post to not implement. We were given an order to implement this recommendation by the Ministry last year, about three months ago, it still has not been done. They are finding any and every reason. Now, the reason is me.” The absence of an ERP has led to a dysfunctional billing system, characterised by double billing and lost records, leaving residents facing a myriad of issues. The city council abandoned its high-end ERP system in March 2019, exacerbating the problems faced by both the administration and the community. Meanwhile, the commission has denied claims circulating on social media that it apologised to Clr Mafume, over allegations of receiving a US$200 000 kickback from Quill Associates of South Africa to secure a tender. Speaking at yesterday’s hearings, commission chairperson retired Justice Cheda issued a strong warning to members of the media, urging them to refrain from spreading false information about the ongoing inquiry into the affairs of the municipality. “We would like to put the record straight that this commission has not directly or indirectly made any apology to the mayor and to any other witness who has given evidence towards him. “The correct position is that the mayor is still giving evidence. The commission will not tolerate anyone who is trying to directly or indirectly peddle falsehoods, which are calculated to intimidate, threaten or influence persons who are charged with investigating this matter. “ Justice Cheda also warned the media that they risk litigation for spreading information meant to derail the ongoing probe. ..............