*FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES* *_Join our Group:_* https://chat.whatsapp.com/CmpnkkokGOsIjQZdSBo5N1 *TO ADVERTISE WITH WAZO ADVERTS* *_WhatsApp:_* wa.me/263776804293 *_We have a market reach of over 400,000 Zimbabweans._* — — — — — — — — — — — — *_AFTERNOON NEWS | 17 FEBRUARY 2025_* *1.* ‘There’s nothing unusual about amending Constitution to push Mnangagwa’s presidency until 2030’ – says Information minister *2.* Failure to arrest Cde Geza indicates Mnangagwa’s weakening power – says political analyst *3.* Extending Mnangagwa's term will ensure consistency and continuity – says tenderprenuer Wicknell Chivayo *4.* Zimsec opens registration for 2025 O and A Level exams *5.* ‘Garai kumba nevakadzi venyu’ – Minister responds to condom shortage plea *6.* I’m not in South Africa on Mnangagwa’s mission to kill Mzembi and Kasukuwere – says Temba Mliswa *7.* Mild conditions and scattered thunderstorms expected across Zimbabwe *8.* “Munyai” killed for bringing US$30 as lobola, in-laws felt insulted *_FULL ARTICLES BELOW_* _[Note: These News Articles were Compiled and Distributed by Wazo Adverts. Source is Credited at the End of Each Article.]_ 1. *‘THERE’S NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT AMENDING CONSTITUTION TO PUSH MNANGAGWA’S PRESIDENCY UNTIL 2030’ – SAYS INFORMATION MINISTER* Information Minister Jenfan Muswere says Zanu PF will push Parliament to make constitutional amendments to enable President Emmerson Mnangagwa to retain power arguing legislators are legally mandated to effect such alterations. At the Zanu PF’s Annual National People’s Conference last October in Bulawayo, the ruling party passed Resolution # 1 to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office until 2030, or possibly beyond that timeline. Although the 82-year-old leader has publicly declined the offer arguing he is a constitutionalist, who will stick to a provision of the two five-year term limits, his backers are plotting he remains at State House. Speaking at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, Presidential War Veterans Rural Home and Borehole Drilling Scheme at Dewedzo High School in Makoni West constituency Saturday, Muswere said Zanu PF was ananimous about implementing Resolution #1 and nothing was unusual about amending the Constitution citing a provision allowing for the changes. “To those who think there are divisions at the top, listen, there is no noise in the cockpit. There is unity. Do you think there is anyone who loves the President more than those in the Presidium? Those people are united. Our leaders are truly united. There is no disharmony, we are driving the boat towards 2030,” said Muswere. “There is nothing unconstitutional about amending the constitution. The role of Parliament is multifaceted, encompassing oversight, representation, and legislative responsibilities, which include amending the Constitution. “Notably, our current Constitution is not the first we have had. We began with the Lancaster House Constitution and in 1999, a new Constitution was proposed, which went to a referendum where the majority voted against it. “In 2013, under the inclusive Government, we adopted our present Constitution. Parliament’s duty is to enact laws, including delegating legislative authority to other legally and properly constituted institutions. “Therefore, it’s untrue to claim that a Constitution cannot be amended; after all, the Constitution is made for the people,” he told Zanu PF supporters in his Makoni West constituency. Muswere said the party, from districts to the Central Committee, passed the resolution to amend the Constitution to allow the party leadership to continue beyond 2028. He added that extending President Mnangagwa’s leadership was an opportunity to consolidate the ongoing economic, infrastructural and social transformation programmes, guaranteeing continuity in policies aimed at achieving Vision 2030. Stability and consistency in leadership, he said, are crucial for realising the country’s long-term goals. The information minister added that Zanu PF is a collosal and well-oiled institution with grassroots support, capable of annihilating the opposition even if the constitutional amendment goes to a referendum. “We have massive grassroots support as Zanu PF, and with the collective resolution we have passed, it is a foregone conclusion – we have already won, regardless of whether we proceed to a referendum or plebiscite. “We must dispel the misconception that amending the Constitution is unconstitutional. Our Constitution has democratic processes in place for amendments,” he said. In apparent reference to controversial war veteran Blessed Runesu Geza, now wanted by police for allegedly undermining Mnangagwa among other charges, Muswere said some Central Committee members bypass internal remedies and platforms to discuss party issues in the media. “When a decision is made, they are part of it. When asked if anyone opposes it, they don’t raise objections. Instead, they want to discuss conference business in newspapers. “We must be principled. If given the opportunity to express concerns, we should do so promptly,” he said. *_-NewZimbabwe_* 2. *FAILURE TO ARREST CDE GEZA INDICATES MNANGAGWA’S WEAKENING POWER – SAYS POLITICAL ANALYST* Renowned political commentator Brighton Mutebuka says the failure by the regime to arrest war veteran Blessed Geza shows that President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is slowly loosing power. Geza is on fire calling on Mnangagwa to resign saying he has failed the nation dismally. The Zimbabwe Republic Police recently announced its intentions to arrest Geza accusing him of a number of crimes. And Mutebuka says the fundamentals on the ground suggest that ED is finished. “He appears to be in that denial stage. Geza not getting arrested suggests a dramatic decline in ED’s power,” he says. He adds that in totalitarian regimes such as Zimbabwe’s, the longer a political threat is at large, the bigger the risk of a perception of a catastrophic loss of power, real or imagined. “In short, the longer Geza remains at large, the more likely many will believe that ED will be toppled. “Each day that passes without his arrest = ED’s power dwindling/evaporating by a similar margin. We saw that with Bob in ’17!,” he says. *_-ZwNews_* 3. *EXTENDING MNANGAGWA'S TERM WILL ENSURE CONSISTENCY AND CONTINUITY – SAYS TENDERPRENUER WICKNELL CHIVAYO* Wicknell Chivayo has weighed in on the recent proposal in the USA to allow President Donald Trump to serve a third term. He argued that exceptional leadership should be allowed to extend beyond term limits if it serves the best interests of the people. In a post on his social media, Chivayo drew a parallel to Zimbabwe, where he believes President Emmerson Mnangagwa has shown remarkable leadership. He called for the possibility of extending Mnangagwa’s presidency, arguing that such a move would align with the will of the people. Chivayo said that, in a functioning democracy, the pursuit of progress should take precedence over rigid constitutional constraints. He further stated that he doesn’t mind if critics claim he supports an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency for personal gain, asserting that he is willing to speak out on the issue regardless of any perceived self-interest. Said Chivayo: _I personally believe that PROGRESS must take precedence over PROCEDURAL CONSTRAINTS created by a Constitution._ _Most will say I’m singing for my supper and yes indeed, without a shadow of a doubt, I will also sing for breakfast and lunch too._ Chivayo stressed the importance of policy continuity, pointing to leadership changes in the U.S. that have caused inconsistencies, and argued for a similar approach in Zimbabwe to ensure stability and foster economic growth. He said: _In my view, a performing President like PRESIDENT E.D. must be allowed to COMPLETE his vision for the nation. The WILL OF THE PEOPLE should always be at the core of democracy._ _As we have seen in the U.S.A, policy inconsistencies caused by frequent leadership changes DISRUPT national progress._ _For example, most of former President Biden’s policies implemented since 2020 and the recent banning of TikTok and were all SWIFTLY undone by President Trump on his first day in office, despite there being a Supreme Court order banning TikTok in USA._ _By contrast, Zimbabwe is a CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY and even the President abides with Court judgments._ _We cannot however afford policy INCONSISTENCIES, such as what is being experienced in the USA, especially considering PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’s strong foundation for ECONOMIC GROWTH and stability._ _Extending his leadership will certainly ensure CONSISTENCY and CONTINUITY, which are critical for achieving Zimbabwe’s long-term goals and VISION 2030 !!!!_ Chivayo argued that the constitution should evolve to reflect the will of the people, and although President Mnangagwa has pledged not to seek a third term, Chivayo believes his leadership deserves an extension for the benefit of the nation and the success of Vision 2030. He wrote: _The CONSTITUTION is a LIVING DOCUMENT, made BY THE PEOPLE and FOR THE PEOPLE. I believe that it must evolve to reflect the aspirations of the majority._ _As a CONSTITUTIONALIST, President Mnangagwa is on record indicating that he will NOT run for a third term._ _However, the PRESIDENT has earned the trust of the people, who recognize his EXCEPTIONAL leadership and the progress achieved under the SECOND REPUBLIC._ _With the GRACE OF GOD an extension of time in office for this WONDERFUL LEADER will certainly benefit the nation and ensure the success of Vision 2030 and beyond._ Chivayo has faced criticism from his detractors, who often label him a “tenderpreneur” — a term used to describe individuals who secure government contracts through political connections rather than fair competition. His critics allege that his success is more about political ties than business acumen. Chivayo made inflammatory statements in leaked audio recordings, where he claimed to have a strong influence over President Mnangagwa and the political system. In one recording, he allegedly boasted about being the president’s “blue-eyed boy” and suggested that his lucrative contracts were a result of his close relationship with Mnangagwa. “Ndakachibata kuti dzvii,” he reportedly said, implying that the President is under his control. *_-Pindula_* 4. *ZIMSEC OPENS REGISTRATION FOR 2025 O AND A LEVEL EXAMS* The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has officially opened registration for the 2025 June and November O and A Level examinations. Candidates are urged to visit their respective schools or examination centres to complete the registration process before the deadlines. In a statement, ZIMSEC announced that examination fees will be charged in US dollars, with a Government subsidy available for students in public, local authority, and non-profit mission schools. Private candidates, students in private schools, and those retaking exams must pay the full amount without subsidies. For O Level candidates, the fee per subject is US$24, with the Government covering US$13, leaving eligible students to pay only US$11 per subject. A-level candidates will pay US$48 per subject, with a US$26 government subsidy reducing the cost to US$22 for qualifying students. Payments can be made in US dollars, South African Rand, or Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) at the prevailing interbank rate as of March 10, 2024, for the June session and March 24, 2024, for the November session. The Government will subsidize a maximum of seven O Level subjects and four A Level subjects, including Communication Skills. However, students retaking any subjects will not be eligible for the subsidy. Additionally, the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) will not cover repeat exams. Parents and guardians have been advised to consult their schools or examination centres for specific registration deadlines. ZIMSEC emphasized the importance of early registration to avoid last-minute complications. “Stakeholders are encouraged to contact their respective centres for registration closing dates to avoid any inconvenience,” ZIMSEC said. With exam preparations in full swing, students are encouraged to take advantage of the Government subsidy and register early to ensure a smooth examination process. *_-iHarare_* 5. *‘GARAI KUMBA NEVAKADZI VENYU’ – MINISTER RESPONDS TO CONDOM SHORTAGE PLEA* In a recent parliamentary session, a Zimbabwean minister responded to question about condoms and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) pleas. When asked about their distribution timeline, she retorted, “Condoms for what? Stay home with your wives.” This response has ignited debates about public health priorities and the government’s role in HIV prevention.She responded in Shona and she said “Macondom eyi, garai kumba nevakadzi venyu”. The minister’s remarks come against a backdrop of significant challenges in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. In early 2025, the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump’s administration, implemented a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, including funds designated for health programs in Africa. This suspension has disrupted essential services, particularly those related to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Zimbabwe, heavily reliant on international aid for its health initiatives, has been profoundly affected. The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) had been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s HIV response, providing over $200 million annually. The sudden cessation of this support has led to concerns about the continuity of HIV prevention programs, including the supply of condoms and ARVs. Health facilities have reported shortages, and many non-governmental organizations have scaled back operations due to funding constraints. The National AIDS Council (NAC) has assured the public of sufficient ARV stocks for the immediate future. However, the long-term sustainability of these programs remains uncertain without renewed funding or alternative resources. During the parliamentary session, the minister’s suggestion that citizens should “stay home with your wives” instead of seeking condoms has been met with criticism. Public health advocates argue that such statements overlook the complexities of HIV transmission. They emphasize that access to condoms is vital not only for preventing HIV but also other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Moreover, the minister’s remarks may inadvertently stigmatize condom use, potentially deterring individuals from practicing safe sex. In a country where cultural and social dynamics influence sexual behavior, promoting abstinence or fidelity alone may not be sufficient. Comprehensive strategies that include condom distribution, education, and accessible healthcare services are essential to curb the HIV epidemic. The current situation underscores the need for Zimbabwe to develop sustainable, locally funded health programs. Reliance on international aid has exposed vulnerabilities in the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has highlighted the urgency of increasing domestic funding for health initiatives. Proposed measures include reallocating taxes, such as those on sugary beverages and fast foods, to support health services. Additionally, there are calls to strengthen public-private partnerships and explore innovative financing models to ensure the continuity of essential health programs. Building resilient healthcare systems that can withstand global funding fluctuations is crucial for Zimbabwe’s long-term health security. In conclusion, while the minister’s remarks have sparked controversy, they also highlight the pressing challenges Zimbabwe faces in maintaining its HIV prevention and treatment programs amid shifting international support. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that combines government commitment, community engagement, and sustainable funding strategies. *_-iHarare_* 6. *I’M NOT IN SOUTH AFRICA ON MNANGAGWA’S MISSION TO KILL MZEMBI AND KASUKUWERE – SAYS TEMBA MLISWA* Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has rubbished allegations that he visited South Africa on an assignment to kill Generation 40 leaders Saviour Kasukuwere and Walter Mzembi. Mliswa who has been accused of being Presidential Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s hitman, says he is in SA to see his sick mother. “I have no blood in my hands. I went to SA to attend to my mother, who is in hospitality. “The attacks on my person is are coming from desperate pple who are surviving on assembly application. “They speak bad abt the country to keep themselves relevant for asslyem approval,” said Mliswa. Ali Naka had taken shot at Mliswa saying he is Mnangagwa’s hitman: “Dear @TembaMliswa. “Geza raised the issue of Exiled Party members. And wena chi poppy cha Emerson find yourself in South Africa with a whole list of people you are calling? “Temba we are not stupid. What did you promise Emerson and that New DG of CIO who got promoted from National Parks after killing lions for sacrifices,” Naka charged. Responding to Solomon Harudzibwi’s sentiments on the subject of him being Mnangagwa’s hitman, Mliswa said: “In all fairness, if I were to be one, there is nothing wrong with being an emissary for peace and progress as I did in the frenetic rush of 2017. “What I refuse is the connotation of being some Sicario as that is blatantly false. Again, the age of a lie doesn’t validate it.” Mliswa’s former girlfriend Susan Mutami at one time claimed that he was indeed Mnangagwa’s hitman. It yet to be established if that was a case of sour grapes. Apparently, it was recently reported that Mnangagwa dispatched members of the Central Intelligence to SA kill Mzembi and Kasukuwere. Mzembi responded to the alleged plot saying he is not afraid of being killed. “I am not afraid of those despatched to “kill” me as reported elsewhere on these platforms, for the why would you want to kill your mother’s former boyfriend? “You are too young to accept such inglorious missions, step aside we will fix it at our level. Happy Valentine!,” he said. Mzembi’s sentiments comes after former military intelligence officer Never Maswerasei made sensational claims that there has been state agents sent to kill Mzembi and Saviour Kasukuwere, the G40 leaders. Zimbabwe Exclusive 2 🇿🇼 | Fresh intelligence detail received says 6 highly trained Zimbabwean Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) assassins have been deployed to South Africa on a Must Win mission to eliminate @Hon_Kasukuwere and @waltermzembi. The extra-territorial assignment comes hot on the heels of pressers by respected senior war veterans led by Blessed Geza who have detailed Emmerson Mnangagwa’s failures and called on him to resign. The contingent of assassins includes five men and one woman whereby some travelled by Airlink which departed Harare Thursday morning while others drove to South Africa in a Zim registered double cab. The embattled Mnangagwa believes Kasukuwere and Mzembi are working with the vocal war veterans and Vice President Constantine Chiwenga in trying to oust him from power. The covert operation includes a directive to proceed to Namibia where they will trail and assassinate prominent political activist @CdeNMaswerasei who has been at the centre of exposing intricate security-related information on Mnangagwa’s administration since June 2020. Renowned for his accuracy in predicting and reporting events, Maswerasei has become a person of interest to Mnangagwa’s administration. *_-ZwNews_* 7. *MILD CONDITIONS AND SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED ACROSS ZIMBABWE* The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecasted partly cloudy and mild conditions across all Mashonaland provinces, Harare Metropolitan, Midlands, northern Manicaland, and Matabeleland North on Monday, 17 February, with isolated light rain expected in the morning. By the afternoon, the weather is predicted to turn mostly cloudy and warm, with scattered thunderstorms and the likelihood of heavy rain in some areas. Other provinces are expected to experience mild conditions in the morning, becoming partly cloudy and warm in the afternoon, with isolated, potentially thundery showers. For Tuesday, 18 February, the weather in areas along the main watershed — Matabeleland North, Midlands, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Manicaland — will start partly cloudy and mild in the morning, turning mostly cloudy and warm in the afternoon with scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain likely. Other provinces will also see mild morning conditions, which will gradually become warm in the afternoon with isolated thundershowers possible. On Saturday,15 February, scattered thunderstorms were experienced across much of the country, attributed to the high moisture levels in the atmosphere. *Said the MSD:* Significant rainfall amounts were recorded in Agritex Nyamweda (70mm), Lusulu Tsetse Control (55mm), Mhondoro (55mm), Gwanda (47mm), Kotwa Ardas Mudz i(47mm), Chibero (40mm), Binga (38mm), Masvingo (36mm), Tsunga Seke Ward 17 (35mm), Parkison Secondary School Shurugwi (47mm), Lupane (28mm), Chisumbanje (27mm), and Matopos (21mm). Over the southern areas (Masvingo, and the southern parts of Manicaland provinces), light showers were experienced due to a cool, moist airflow. This morning, much of the country’s western half was mostly cloudy, with mild morning conditions and isolated light rains and showers caused by moisture entering from Botswana. By the afternoon, much of the country was partly cloudy and warm, with scattered thundershowers in some areas. *_-Pindula_* 8. *“MUNYAI” KILLED FOR BRINGING US$30 AS LOBOLA, IN-LAWS FELT INSULTED* A 47-year-old Mwenezi man has been arrested, while his accomplices remain at large, following the brutal attack and killing of a lobola middleman. The incident stemmed from a dispute over what the family deemed an “insulting” bride price. The now-deceased Alex Sibanda (35) reportedly presented an initial bride price of US$30 for the suspect’s daughter, a sum that incited anger within the family. In a fit of rage, Farisai Zhou, Simbarashe Zhou, Inzwaishe Majaya and Isaac Majaya, assaulted Sibanda, resulting in his death. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the incident which occurred on February 11 in Madzvaruse Village, under the jurisdiction of Chief Mazhetese. *Police said:* Police in Mwenezi arrested, Farisai Zhou (47) in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Madzvaruse Village, Mazetese on 11/02/25 in which Alex Sibanda (35) died. The suspect and his accomplices, Simbarashe Zhou, Inzwaishe Majaya and Isaac Majaya, took turns repeatedly assaulting the victim with a catapult and logs all over the body after a dispute. The incident occurred after the victim, who was acting as an intermediary, had been sent with an initial bride price of USD 30.00 for Farisai Zhou’s daughter who had eloped. The other suspects are on the run. *_-Pindula_*