*Morning News: Monday 27 January 2025* *Headlines* *War Veterans Demand Mnangagwa ‘Must Go Now’* *Acting President Chiwenga To Lead National Hero Cde Mupamhanga’s Burial Today* *Court Dismisses Claim Of Alleged Secret Son Of Late President Mugabe* *Cloud Of Uncertainty For 40 Knowstics Academy Students As Lower Sixth Classes Begin* *‘I’m Even Embarrasses’: Actor Luthuli Dlamini Opens Up On His Return To Zimbabwe* *Sudan Army Chief Visits Khartoum Headquarters, Vows To Defeat RSF Paramilitary* *Trump Administration Memo Tells USAID To Put "America First" In Reviewing Foreign Aid* *Amorim Says He'd Rather Pick 63-year-old Coach Over Rashford* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *War Veterans Demand Mnangagwa ‘Must Go Now’* A group of war veterans on Sunday demanded that President Emmerson Mnangagwa must leave office “peacefully or otherwise” while describing him as “not fit to run this country.” Led by Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, the liberation fighters convened a news conference in Harare where they launched an extraordinary attack on Mnangagwa’s regime, triggering speculation that they were stalking horses for the military faction in the ruling party. Flanked by five other men he introduced as commanders from both ZPRA and ZANLA “who fought in the trenches to liberate this country,” Geza said: “It is clear to us that Mnangagwa has failed, he is not fit to run this country and his time to go is now! “We ask him to go peacefully. If he refuses to take heed of this advice, we have no option but to ask the no people of Zimbabwe to deal with a rogue president in line with the constitution.” War veteran Knox Chivero, who spoke after Geza, went further as he declared that “it is his time to leave peacefully or otherwise.” Mnangagwa is currently on his annual leave and his ambitious deputy Constantino Chiwenga, tipped to succeed him when his second and final term ends in 2028, is acting president. The press conference could spook Mnangagwa, whose supporters have launched a campaign to amend the constitution to remove term limits. The war veterans vowed to oppose any tinkering with the constitution. They poo-pooed Mnangagwa’s public claims that he has no ambition to stay in power beyond 2028. Geza warned that the plan would “throw the country into disquiet.” He added: “How do you claim not to be involved when your ministers appointed under your hand issue statements in support of this illegal and treacherous 2030 agenda?” The war veterans, in language similar to that used by Chiwenga, then commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces days before a military coup ousted Robert Mugabe in 2017, claimed Mnangagwa had “embraced thieves, conmen and heartless killers in his government.” “Emmerson Mnangagwa on assumption of power showed that he was a man who had learned nothing… instead of correcting the mistakes of Robert Mugabe, he went about proving to all of us that Mugabe was actually a saint,” Geza charged. Mnangagwa had “systematically targeted and purged war veterans in various arms of government and replaced them with crooks.” The president’s cabinet was stuffed with ministers “who either belong to his clan or are benefactors to his family through his childen,” Geza fumed. He added: “Since assuming power, Mnangagwa has neglected civil servants who are now earning slave wages. Our men and women in uniform have lost their dignity even in the eyes of the public due to state sponsored poverty.” Geza claimed that the rising frequency of deaths of ex-generals were suspicious, adding further that they believe the deaths are “linked to Mnangagwa’s blue-eyed boy Owen Mudha Ncube,” the former state security minister. Exiled former Zanu PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, reacting to the prese conference, tweeted: “Mgagao Declaration 3.” The Mgagao Declaration was a communique written by young military officers at the main ZANLA training camp in Tanzania at the height of the liberation struggle in November 1975. It laid the foundation for the removal of Ndabaningi Sithole as leader of ZANU and the elevation of Robert Mugabe at a special congress at Chimoio two years later in 1977. *ZimLive* *Acting President Chiwenga To Lead National Hero Cde Mupamhanga’s Burial Today* Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga will preside over the burial of national hero Cde Justin Mupamhanga at the National Heroes Acre in Harare this morning. The Acting President will stand in for President Mnangagwa who is on his annual leave. Mourners will be able to get into the national shrine as early as 6 am and they are expected to be seated by 7am. Cde Mupamhanga, a former Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, passed away last Wednesday at a Harare hospital, leaving behind a legacy of forthright public service and dedication to duty. A church service in his honour was held yesterday at Mabelreign Revelation-Methodist Church, with mourners describing him as a God-fearing man. Cde Mupamhanga abandoned his university studies at the then-University of Rhodesia in 1975 to join ZANLA forces fighting to liberate the country. Following his military training, he was permitted to complete his university education. He subsequently held key positions within the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), serving in the commissariat and education departments. After Zimbabwe’s independence, he embarked on a distinguished career in the public service. He commenced his Government service in 1983 within the Economics Division of the President’s Department. *Court Dismisses Claim Of Alleged Secret Son Of Late President Mugabe* An attempt by Tonderai Mugabe, a man claiming to be the secret son of the late President Robert Mugabe, to be included in the former President’s estate was dismissed by the High Court in Harare last week. Tonderai had sought a court declaration to reopen Mugabe’s estate, naming the late President’s daughter and executor, Bona Mugabe, as the respondent. However, under the weight of legal scrutiny and procedural flaws, Tonderai withdrew his claim and accepted responsibility for wasted costs. The case, heard before Justice Tawanda Chitapi, unraveled due to Tonderai’s failure to challenge the Master of the High Court’s decision within the required six-week period. This statutory limitation rendered his claim legally time-barred. Tonderai, represented by Mr. T.M. Zenda, had also demanded Bona Mugabe produce the late President’s death certificate, threatening contempt of court if she failed to comply. However, this demand was dismissed as a desperate attempt to circumvent legal timeframes. Mr. Addington Chinake, representing Bona Mugabe, systematically dismantled Tonderai’s case, exposing its factual and legal deficiencies. He argued that Tonderai’s evidence, including a birth certificate and alleged DNA results, failed to meet the standards required under the Civil Evidence Act. Justice Chitapi concurred, describing the evidence as lacking credibility and probative value. During proceedings, Tonderai claimed he was born on April 20, 1977, at the Chimoio base in Mozambique, alleging his mother, Hilda Maeka—known by her liberation name, Cde Paidamoyo—had concealed his paternity due to fear of Sally Mugabe. However, the court found no substantiated evidence to support these claims. Justice Chitapi emphasized that a surname, even if self-assumed, does not confer legal status as a descendant. Furthermore, the court noted that President Mugabe’s estate had already been distributed, leaving no legal grounds to reopen it. *Cloud Of Uncertainty For 40 Knowstics Academy Students As Lower Sixth Classes Begin* As Lower Sixth classes commence today, 40 students from Knowstics Academy remain in limbo, awaiting their Cambridge O-Level results after school authorities allegedly misappropriated over US$40,000 in examination fees. While most private school students who sat for Cambridge examinations received their results on time, the British Council has withheld the results of these students, demanding payment of US$22,000 in outstanding fees. Efforts to resolve the matter have been hindered as both Knowstics Academy, currently under judicial management, and the Cambridge examination board are private entities, limiting government intervention. The school’s corporate rescue practitioner, Mr. Bhudhama Chikamhi, confirmed there had been no progress in releasing the results. However, he noted that some affected students who also sat for ZIMSEC O-Level exams could use those results to continue their education. The scandal comes shortly after the government ensured a seamless transition for ZIMSEC O-Level candidates, with results released just a week after schools reopened. This efficiency reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to maximizing face-to-face learning and minimizing idle time that could expose students to societal vices such as drug abuse. Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson, Mr. Taungana Ndoro, reassured the public that all preparations for Lower Sixth classes had been completed. “Those going to boarding schools are ready to start tomorrow,” he said, adding that tuition and boarding fees for new students would be pro-rated based on the remaining days of the term. The swift release of results aligns with the government’s heritage-based curriculum and a broader effort to reduce downtime between exams and the start of new academic levels. “We’ve ensured ZIMSEC results are released earlier to keep our learners engaged and focused,” said Mr. Ndoro. For the Knowstics students, however, their plight remains unresolved as discussions between the school and the British Council stall. *‘I’m Even Embarrasses’: Actor Luthuli Dlamini Opens Up On His Return To Zimbabwe* RENOWNED Zimbabwean-born actor Luthuli Dlamini, a household name in South Africa’s entertainment industry, has made headlines following his recent return to his home country. In an interview with The Chronicle, a Zimbabwean newspaper, Dlamini candidly admitted feeling embarrassed about how long he had been away but expressed excitement about reconnecting with his roots and rediscovering Zimbabwe’s creative scene. Dlamini returned to Zimbabwe after two decades. Fans of the charismatic actor have been eager to know if Dlamini plans to grace television screens in a soapie again. His response was characteristically playful: “Yes, no, definitely, well . . . look, I don’t know. The space I’m currently in and have always been in is that I will work until the day I die, doing what I love doing.” While he left his intentions ambiguous, his passion for acting remains undeniable. Although many fans associate Dlamini with his iconic portrayal of Stan Nyathi, he revealed that his most cherished role is one that might surprise many. “It would be the role of Christopher in a stage play I did at the Liberty Theatre on Mandela Square in Sandton. This is because the play was based on an award-winning book in London that I had never read before. “When I was offered the role, I was drawn to it because it was challenging and complex. It was a lovely piece for all of us. I understand why he won the award because it was a lovely piece,” he shared. Reflecting on his long absence from Zimbabwe, Dlamini admitted: “I’m even embarrassed that it’s been this long since I was away. I need to come back and reacquaint myself with the scene. There’s a lot I have to learn and see.” Dlamini, celebrated for his role as Stan Nyathi in the popular eTV soapie Scandal, expressed admiration for the untapped potential in Zimbabwe’s arts and film industries. “Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot of potential within the film sector and other facets of art. As I was watching a play at the Bulawayo Theatre, I could see how invested these young ones are. There’s so much more we could do to help them,” he told The Chronicle. The actor’s observations highlight a deep appreciation for the talent and dedication of local artists. Dlamini hinted at a personal desire to contribute to the industry’s growth, potentially signaling exciting collaborations and mentorship opportunities in the future. Dlamini’s return to Zimbabwe has not been without speculation. Reports of alleged hardships, including homelessness in Johannesburg, dominated headlines in recent months. Images of the actor with his family showcase moments of connection. Reports of his involvement in new projects highlight a sense of renewal and purpose. The actor’s return to Zimbabwe highlights the potential of the country’s creative industries. Whether through acting, mentorship, or advocacy, his influence is poised to leave an indelible mark. *The South African* *Sudan Army Chief Visits Khartoum Headquarters, Vows To Defeat RSF Paramilitary* Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited its strategic headquarters in central Khartoum on Sunday in his first appearance there since government forces claimed to have broken a months-long siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Accompanied by senior military leaders, Burhan praised the "resilience and sacrifices" of soldiers who defended the army's General Command for 20 months, vowing to "eradicate" the RSF and pursue its fighters "in every corner of Sudan." He also hailed the army's continued operations elsewhere in the country, including in Omdurman, Bahri, and El Fasher, where fierce clashes have been reported in recent days. The General Command in Khartoum had been under siege since the conflict erupted in April 2023. The army announced on Friday it had successfully lifted the RSF blockade and restored control over parts of the city, signalling a potential turning point in the nearly two-year war. The RSF has denied the army's claims as "propaganda" aimed at boosting morale. Also on Friday, an advisor to the head of the RSF announced his resignation, saying the paramilitary was targeting civilians in its operations. The war, triggered by a power struggle between the army and the RSF, has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis. Both sides have blamed the other for causing the crisis. The RSF accused the army of receiving foreign backing, particularly from Egypt, while the Sudanese government has alleged RSF ties to external supporters, including the United Arab Emirates—allegations both sides deny. International observers have been warning of escalating violence and its devastating impact on civilians. The head of the World Health Organization called on Saturday for an end to attacks on healthcare workers and facilities in Sudan. *Reuters* *Trump Administration Memo Tells USAID To Put "America First" In Reviewing Foreign Aid* The Trump administration urged U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) workers to join the effort to transform how Washington allocates aid around the world in line with Trump’s “America First” policy. It threatened "disciplinary action" for any staff ignoring the administration's orders. A sharply-worded memo sent on Saturday to more than 10,000 staff at USAID offered further guidance to Friday’s “stop-work” directive that effectively put a sweeping freeze on U.S. foreign aid worldwide. The memo, reviewed by Reuters, laid out expectations for the workforce on how to achieve Trump’s goals. "We have a responsibility to support the President in achieving his vision," Ken Jackson, assistant to the administrator for management and resources wrote in the internal memo, titled “Message and Expectation to the Workforce.” "The President has given us a tremendous opportunity to transform the way we approach foreign assistance for decades to come," the memo said. Reuters confirmed the authenticity of the memo with several sources. Since taking office last week, Trump has taken steps toward fulfilling his vow to remake a federal bureaucracy he believes was hostile to him during his 2017-2021 presidency. He has reassigned or fired hundreds of federal workers in simultaneous moves against a swath of agencies. Hours after taking office, Trump ordered a 90-day pause in foreign aid to review if it was aligned with his foreign policy priorities. On Friday, the State Department issued a stop-work order worldwide even for existing and appropriated assistance, calling into question billions of dollars of life-saving aid. The United States is the largest single donor of aid globally. In fiscal year 2023, it disbursed $72 billion in assistance. It provided 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024. USAID and the White House National Security Council (NSC) did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Friday’s memo shocked the humanitarian groups and communities conducting development aid across the globe. While the scope of the directive appears far-reaching, uncertainties linger over how it will be carried out. The memo on Saturday offered only partial clarity. The pause on foreign aid spending means “a complete halt,” it said. The only exceptions are for emergency humanitarian food assistance and for government officials returning to their duty stations. Waivers allowing delivery of emergency food during the review period will require “detailed information and justification.” The memo said further waivers would require two layers of approval – one from USAID leadership and another by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "Any waiver must be thoroughly justified to demonstrate that the specific assistance for which the waiver is sought is necessary for lifesaving purposes, cannot be performed by current U.S. direct hire staff, or would otherwise pose significant risks to national security," the memo said. All foreign assistance programs will undergo “comprehensive review” during the pause in spending, the memo says. “It is important to emphasize that it is no longer business as usual. Every program will be thoroughly scrutinized.” Saturday’s directive also banned any communications outside the agency, including between USAID and the State Department, unless they are approved by the former’s front office. "Failure to abide by this directive, or any of the directives sent out earlier this week and in the coming weeks, will result in disciplinary action," it said. USAID began sending a notice to contractors ordering them to “immediately issue stop-work orders” and to “amend, or suspend existing awards.” Humanitarian organizations and other donors are scrambling to understand how the directive will impact life-saving operations in countries across the globe. It is too soon to tell whether or what specific services will have to be paused, they said. Among the places the U.S. plays a crucial life-saving role is famine-stricken Sudan, where at least 24.6 million people urgently need food assistance, according to a December report from the Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC), a global food security watchdog. The U.S. provided 45% percent of humanitarian aid recorded by the U.N. for Sudan in 2024. "Any reduction in funding would inevitably affect the most vulnerable people relying on humanitarian operations in Sudan,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Even if the policy does allow emergency food assistance to continue, it does not mention other life-saving services required to treat people suffering the effects of acute malnutrition and starvation. “Hunger doesn’t just leave people with an empty stomach. It weakens the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases, making them so much more vulnerable to illness, which can lead to serious health problems or even death,” said Deepmala Mahla, chief humanitarian officer for the relief organization CARE. “This is not just about funding,” she said. “It is about the very survival of the most vulnerable in conflict zones.” *Reuters* *Amorim Says He'd Rather Pick 63-year-old Coach Over Rashford* Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has suggested he'd rather give a place on the bench to his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach instead of Marcus Rashford because of a perceived lack of effort. The England forward has not been involved in a matchday squad for United for six weeks and he was left out once again for Sunday's 1-0 win at Fulham in the Premier League. With the transfer window closing on 3 February, it is unclear what the future holds for Rashford, who Amorim criticised for not showing the attitude of someone "giving the maximum every day". "It's always the same reason - the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It's every day, every detail," said Amorim, when asked why Rashford was not available. "If things don't change, I will not change. It's the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player. "You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench, but I would put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn't give the maximum every day." Sources close to Rashford had been adamant the 27-year-old has no issue with Amorim and was willing to play for the club again. Hopes of a move to AC Milan have been dashed by the arrival of Kyle Walker as the Italian club can only sign one English player this month. A potential loan to Barcelona depends on the exit of a couple of players and neither Eric Garcia nor Ansu Fati have shown much inclination to leave the Nou Camp. Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Match of the Day: "The fans aren't stupid. They see it's not good enough from the players and Ruben Amorim is just being honest. "If you don't train hard and dedicate your life, you won't be in the team. You have to show your manager you deserve a place in the team." Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger added: "He wants to set an example but, if he does that, they will never be friends again. "Amorim is also under pressure, if he is very harsh with the players then his teams have to improve." Amorim has endured a testing start to life as Manchester United manager, having struggled to get his style of play to produce results. Sunday's game at Fulham looked to be heading towards a drab goalless draw before Lisandro Martinez's deflected strike in the closing stages secured victory. It was only Manchester United's fourth Premier League win since Amorim took over as manager in November. Amorim, who turns 40 on Monday, joked: "It's not 40... I'm 50. "After two months at Manchester United, it's 50. It's a privilege to spend my 40th birthday here." Amorim will have welcomed the chance to smile as there's not been too many opportunities to do so in his time at the club so far. The performance at Fulham was not convincing but they got the result, and means they have now won three of their past four games. "Today was not the best match but we managed to win," added Amorim. "The important thing is I have a clear idea of what I want to do. Sometimes I'm frustrated. "We want to play a different style and we are going to play different style in the future." With just over a week to go until the transfer window closes, Manchester United are yet to make a signing, with the focus having been very much on outgoings. Winger Antony, who joined Manchester United from Ajax in August 2022 for £81.3m, departed on Saturday to join Real Betis on loan for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Argentina forward Alejandro Garnacho has also been linked with a move away from the club, although Amorim started the 20-year-old at Fulham. Garnacho, like his team-mates, put in a largely flat display at Craven Cottage, but did play a part in the winner, with his cutback eventually finding its way to goalscorer Martinez. It has been said that selling Garnacho could help Manchester United to bring in funds to make purchases and avoid potentially breaching profit and sustainability rules. The Red Devils have been linked with potential moves for Lecce full-back Patrick Dorg and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku but for now Amorim is having to continue to work with what he has got. "We have to cautious," he added. "We did make mistakes in the past and we cannot do it now." *BBC*