February 2025 *NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$25.69_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 30:USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ *THE HEADLINES* *Leaked whatsApp messages expose Zanu-PF’s desperate attempts to salvage Mnangagwa’s 2030 plan as former CIO agents drops truth bomb* *Mnangagwa unknowingly resuscitates G40 from the dead, says a prominent murakashi urges him to drop 2030 idea* *ZANU PF Members Resist ED's Unpopular, Controversial And Unconstitutional Push For 2030* *Corruption is killing more people in Zimbabwe than disease and hunger: Mbofana* *RBZ Hires Dormant Company With Empty-Bank-Account To Audit Nation’s Gold Reserves* *Zimbabwe’s shocking electricity crisis: Corrupt officials count profits, leaving hospitals in the dark and patients dying!* *Harare City Council Urges Residents Not To Panic Over Discoloured Tap Water* *Riot Cops Pounce On CCC Meeting* *M23 Rebels Advance Into Eastern DRC’s Strategic City Of Bukavu* *Former Miss SA contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina’s mother ARRESTED in Cape Town for FRAUD* *Thabo Mbeki says Zuma was a counter-revolutionary agent, questions his Robben Island imprisonment: “He was a spy planted in ANC”* *Mnangagwa Revives Rigged Mozambique Election Memories* *Mnangagwa, Hichilema come face to face* *Mphoko's son moves to block Choppies sale to Raji Modi* *Zanu-PF returns Zimbabwe to the stone age* *Liverpool scrape 2:1 past Wolves as Mohamed Salah strikes again* *Tottenham currently leading Man United 1 nil in the second half* *THE DETAILS* _*Leaked whatsApp messages expose Zanu-PF’s desperate attempts to salvage Mnangagwa’s 2030 plan as former CIO agents drops truth bomb*_ Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party is grappling with escalating internal turmoil as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s loyalists push for an extension of his term of office, a move that flies in the face of the national constitution. This has sparked open defiance and growing disaffection within the party, particularly amongst its traditional support base at the grassroots level. This is an Ignite Media news production. The most critical and powerful constituency of the party, the war veterans, have openly demanded Mnangagwa’s immediate resignation. Led by respected veteran Blessed Geza, the ex-combatants have levelled serious accusations against Mnangagwa, including gross corruption, nepotism, and a betrayal of the values of the liberation struggle. Geza’s declaration, known as “Bombshell”, appears to have resonated with a significant number of party members who are increasingly disillusioned with Mnangagwa’s leadership. Many party members are now aligning with the war veterans in their opposition to the “2030 project,” the name given to the alleged term extension plan. However, Mnangagwa’s loyalists, including ministers Ziyambi Ziyambi, Owen “Muda” Ncube, and Tatenda Mavetera, have resisted the war veterans’ demands and continue to rally support for the 2030 agenda. Over the weekend, Zanu-PF initiated a cell verification programme in Harare province, ostensibly aimed at gauging party loyalty. However, the programme was poorly attended, forcing its abandonment in some districts where as few as 20 members were present. This lacklustre response has been attributed to the deepening divisions within the party over the 2030 plan. “We did not attend the meeting because we do not want to be forced to support the 2030 project,” said a party member from Ward 6 in Churu constituency. “Most people think what Blessed Geza is saying makes sense.” In an attempt to revive the flagging 2030 project, Zanu-PF Chief Whip Togarepi issued instructions to all Members of Parliament (MPs) via party WhatsApp groups. “Here is a challenge honourable members,” Togarepi said in the message. “Let’s do programmes totumira pano tichiona varikushanda (and send them here so that everyone can see). Maresolutions anoda kunoudzwa vanhu kumusha totumira mavideo (we should tell people of the resolutions and send videos of our work here.)” This is an Ignite Media news production. Following Togarepi’s instruction, the party rolled out several meetings in various parts of the country over the weekend in a desperate attempt to revive the 2030 project, which now seems dead in the water owing to an avalanche of vicious opposition. “The decision to force MPs to do something about 2030 was mulled by the youths and taken over by Togarepi, who then gave the instruction through party WhatsApp groups,” said a party MP, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It appears that attempts to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office have ripped the party apart,” another Zanu-PF MP stated. A warrant of arrest has reportedly been issued for Blessed Geza, but a week later, there has been no announcement from the police regarding his arrest or any information about his whereabouts. Efforts to obtain official comment from the police regarding the warrant of arrest have been unsuccessful. Former Zanu-PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, a former CIO operative who also saved at Minister of Local Government in President Mugabe’s government, in an interview with HSTV last week, said Mnangagwa’s attempt to extend his term was tantamount to kicking himself out of power. He asserted that once war veterans call for his departure, his fate is sealed. _*Mnangagwa unknowingly resuscitates G40 from the dead, says a prominent murakashi urges him to drop 2030 idea*_ Prominent ZANU PF foot-soldier Kudzai Mutisi says President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has created and resurrected a lot of enemies for himself. This is an Ignite Media news production. Mutisi says Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda has breathed the breath of life to his enemies who had died and got buried politically. “The 2030 thing has unwittingly resurrected a lot of Political Corpses, that’s how politically dumb this whole thing is. “The opposition was literally nonexistent, & the G40 group was totally annihilated… “Now they all have a new lease of life, lots of political oxygen blowing their way…,” he says. Posting on his X handle, Mutisi said ZANU PF was positioned for a huge win come 2028, due to a nonexistent opposition and a delivering ruling party. “ZANU PF was en route to a MASSIVE VICTORY in 2028 on the basis of defunct opposition & a delivering ZANU PF… “All that has been thrown into disarray as ZANU PF is divided & those opposing this silly project are gaining undeserved political mileage. “It’s EASY to oppose an unpopular idea. Geza, who was unknown to man until he came out opposing the 2030ist agenda, is now a hero to many. “Remove the insults and some outright dumb statements from Geza’s group, what they are saying & standing against resonates with A LOT OF PEOPLE… “An overstaying President ain’t welcome at this point especially one that took over from a man who ruled for 37 years… the memory of an overstaying president is still fresh, no amount of propaganda or slogans will erase that. This is an Ignite Media news production. “A referendum if held on that issue will deliver a MASSIVE blow to this idea, it has no majority support within ZANU PF itself. “Add to that, there are no EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS/DELIVERABLES to talk about, it’s getting worse with this new distraction… “No sane person is interested in this conversation at this point, it’s an unnecessary and unproductive issue. “I pray that the President moves to strategically abort this whole campaign,” he says. _*ZANU PF Members Resist ED's Unpopular, Controversial And Unconstitutional Push For 2030*_ There has been a poor response to Zanu PF’s cell verification exercise in Harare as bigwigs scramble to test support base following war vet, Blessed Geza’s attacks on President Mnangagwa. But the Standard reports that the programme was poorly attended, forcing the process to be abandoned in some districts where reporting was as few as 20 members present. This lacklustre response to the cell registration process has been attributed to the deepening divisions within the party over the 2030 plan. “We did not attend the meeting because we do not want to be forced to support the 2030 project,” said a party member from Ward 6 in Churu constituency. ” “Most people think what Blessed Geza is saying makes sense and they in their respective constituencies towards the 2030 project. Here is a challenge honourable members,” Togarepi said in a message to all MPs. “Let's do programmes totumira pano tichiona varikushanda (and send them here so that everyone can see). Maresolutions anoda kunoudzwa vanhu kumusha totumira mavideo (we should tell people of the resolutions and send videos of our work here.)” Following Togarepi’s instruction, the party rolled out several meetings in various parts of the country for this weekend in a desperate move to revive the 2030 project, which now seems dead in the water owing to an avalanche of vicious opposition. “The decision to force MPs to do something about 2030 was mulled by the youths and taken over by Togarepi, who then gave the instruction through party whatsapp groups,” a party MP said while requesting anonymity. Togarepi is the Zanu PF chief Whip. “It appears that attempts to extent Mnangagwa’s term of office have ripped the party apart,” said another Zanu PF MP. Standard _*Corruption is killing more people in Zimbabwe than disease and hunger: Mbofana*_ This pervasive malfeasance, predominantly orchestrated by the political elite, has systematically eroded essential public services, leaving the populace vulnerable and unprotected. A recent tragic event starkly illuminated the lethal consequences of this endemic corruption. A catastrophic head-on collision between a bus and a truck near Beitbridge resulted in the loss of 24 lives. This is an Ignite Media news production. Preliminary investigations indicated that the bus, carrying 65 passengers, was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided with the oncoming truck. Seventeen individuals perished at the scene, while seven others succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital. This incident underscores the dire state of Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure and the systemic issues plaguing public safety. The aftermath of such accidents often reveals the deplorable conditions of the nation’s healthcare facilities. Survivors frequently find themselves in hospitals lacking basic medical supplies. Reports have surfaced of patients with fractures having their limbs immobilized using makeshift materials like cardboard due to the unavailability of plaster of Paris. Such improvisations not only compromise the quality of care but also highlight the systemic neglect resulting from the misappropriation of public funds. Personal experiences further attest to the healthcare system’s collapse. Patients are often required to procure their own medications, pay for diagnostic tests, and even supply basic necessities such as bedding. For instance, a simple stool test can cost $30, an ambulance transfer $10, and a scan approximately $50. These expenses are prohibitive for the majority of Zimbabweans, especially when considering that pensioners receive a meager $50, others even less, monthly from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA). Such financial burdens render essential healthcare services inaccessible to those most in need. Zimbabwe is a nation endowed with vast mineral wealth, boasting approximately 60 precious minerals, including gold, platinum, diamonds, lithium, black granite, and chromium. It holds the largest lithium reserves in Africa, the second-largest platinum deposits globally, ranks seventh in diamond production, and possesses the second-largest gold reserves per square kilometer. Despite these abundant resources, the nation grapples with pervasive poverty, soaring unemployment rates, and one of the highest inflation rates worldwide. Infrastructure across sectors—be it healthcare, education, transportation, or energy—is in a state of disrepair. The paradox of a resource-rich country plagued by poverty can be attributed to systemic corruption. This is an Ignite Media news production. The political elite and their affiliates have siphoned off national wealth, leading to the decay of public services. Lavish lifestyles of individuals with dubious business ventures starkly contrast with the destitution faced by the general populace. Government contracts are frequently awarded to cronies at inflated prices or for projects that remain unfulfilled. A glaring example is the case of Wicknell Chivayo, who received a $5 million advance payment from the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) for a 100 MW solar power project in Gwanda. To date, the site remains undeveloped, epitomizing the misallocation of resources that could have been invested in critical sectors like healthcare and infrastructure. The nation reportedly loses an estimated $3 billion annually to corruption, illicit financial activities, and the smuggling of mineral resources. In one instance, Chivayo’s brother was apprehended in South Africa for smuggling over R15 million worth of gold. Such incidents raise pressing questions about the efficacy of border controls and the complicity of officials in facilitating these illicit activities. The ramifications of corruption extend beyond economic losses; they manifest in the erosion of public trust and the deterioration of essential services. The healthcare sector, in particular, has been severely compromised. Hospitals are understaffed, under-resourced, and ill-equipped to handle the patient load. The absence of basic medical supplies, such as plaster of Paris for treating fractures, is indicative of deeper systemic issues. Patients often have to wait for ambulances that are primarily designated for obstetric emergencies, further delaying critical care. According to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, over 2,000 women succumb to this disease annually because the government has failed to procure sufficient cancer machines. Similarly, an estimated 2,500 pregnant women die year during childbirth, primarily due to the absence of proper maternal healthcare. Corruption has also infiltrated the procurement processes within the healthcare system. Tenders for medical supplies and infrastructure development are frequently awarded based on nepotism and kickbacks rather than merit and necessity. This results in substandard or incomplete projects, further endangering public health. The diversion of funds meant for healthcare has led to a situation where hospitals lack even the most basic necessities, forcing patients to seek services from private entities at exorbitant costs. The education sector has not been spared either. Schools suffer from inadequate funding, leading to a shortage of learning materials and dilapidated infrastructure. Teachers are underpaid and overburdened, resulting in a decline in the quality of education. This educational deficit perpetuates a cycle of poverty, as the youth are ill-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Many families cannot afford three decent meals a day, and hunger has become a norm for countless Zimbabweans. Moreover, chronic malnutrition afflicts 23.5% of children, with over half a million suffering from stunted growth. This is an Ignite Media news production. Infrastructure, a critical component for economic development, is in a deplorable state. Roads are riddled with potholes, and many are virtually impassable, contributing to the high rate of traffic accidents. The energy sector is plagued by frequent power outages, adversely affecting both households and industries. These infrastructural deficiencies can be traced back to the misappropriation of funds and the awarding of contracts to incompetent entities with political connections. The cumulative effect of corruption is a populace that is disillusioned and despondent. Public trust in governmental institutions has eroded, leading to a sense of helplessness and apathy. The social contract between the government and its citizens has been breached, as those in power prioritize personal enrichment over public service. Addressing this pervasive corruption requires a multifaceted approach. There is a need for robust legal frameworks that not only deter corrupt practices but also ensure swift and decisive action against perpetrators. We must demand answers from those in power as to how a nation so abundantly blessed with resources remains trapped in poverty. It is undeniable that our suffering stems from leaders who prioritize their own wealth over the well-being of the country. Had the government tackled corruption with the urgency and resolve it requires, countless lives could have been saved. It is now an undeniable truth that corruption is claiming more lives in Zimbabwe than any other crisis. - Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 _*RBZ Hires Dormant Company With Empty-Bank-Account To Audit Nation’s Gold Reserves*_ The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has hired BDO International Limited, a company registered as dormant with zero bank balance, to audit the country’s gold reserves—a move that raises serious concerns about transparency, credibility, and accountability in light of the recent Gold Mafia documentary revelations. This is an Ignite Media news production. Documents obtained by ZimEye reveal that BDO International Limited, the firm tasked with auditing Zimbabwe’s gold reserves, is listed as a dormant company with no assets or reserves. According to its financial filings for the year ending December 2023, the company has been inactive and has no financial activity—raising the question: Why would the RBZ entrust a multi-billion-dollar gold reserve audit to a company with no financial standing? The BDO Zimbabwe auditor’s report, dated December 31, 2024, states that the bank held 85,843.38 ounces (2.67 tonnes) of gold valued at US$223,784,913.34 (ZWL$ 773,315,086.82). However, the fact that this audit was conducted by a firm with no financial track record raises suspicions about the integrity of the report. A Government Attempt to Cover Up Gold Looting? This revelation comes in the wake of the Gold Mafia documentary, which exposed the looting and smuggling of billions in gold reserves to the UAE and other illicit channels. The hiring of a financially inactive firm suggests that the Zimbabwean government may be using a weak or compromised auditor to rubber-stamp figures and restore credibility after the corruption scandal. Key Questions That Demand Answers 1. Why did the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe hire a dormant company with no financial activity to audit the nation’s gold reserves? 2. How was this auditor selected, and was there a transparent bidding process? 3. Is this part of a wider attempt to sanitize and manipulate financial reports following the damning corruption allegations? 4. How credible are the gold reserve figures, given the auditor’s lack of operational capacity? 5. Will the Zimbabwean government allow an independent, internationally recognized auditing firm to verify the nation’s gold holdings? Implications for Zimbabwe’s Financial Credibility The RBZ’s decision to use a questionable auditing firm could have severe consequences for Zimbabwe’s already fragile economy. With widespread corruption, hyperinflation, and dwindling investor confidence, any hint of financial misrepresentation could further isolate Zimbabwe from global financial institutions and deter potential investors. Economists and financial analysts warn that if Zimbabwe is found to be manipulating its gold reserves, it could face sanctions, trade restrictions, and exclusion from international financial markets. Public Outrage and Calls for Independent Oversight Civil society groups and opposition leaders have already expressed outrage, calling for an independent forensic audit of Zimbabwe’s gold reserves by internationally recognized firms such as Deloitte, PwC, or KPMG. “This is yet another blatant attempt by the Zimbabwean government to manipulate financial data and cover up corruption,” said an opposition spokesperson. “If the government has nothing to hide, why not bring in a credible international auditing firm?” Conclusion: Another Scandal in the Making? This is an Ignite Media news production. With Zimbabwe’s economy at a critical juncture, the hiring of a dormant company with zero bank balance to audit multi-billion-dollar gold reserves reeks of a deliberate cover-up. As calls for transparency grow louder, the government must either justify its decision or submit to a truly independent audit—or risk further damage to Zimbabwe’s already battered reputation. The RBZ was reached for comment. For now, questions remain unanswered, and Zimbabweans deserve the truth about their nation’s gold reserves. _*Zimbabwe’s shocking electricity crisis: Corrupt officials count profits, leaving hospitals in the dark and patients dying!*_ Zimbabwe is teetering on the brink of a severe energy crisis that could cripple its already fragile economy if urgent action is not taken, a recent parliamentary report has warned. The report, tabled by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development, paints a grim picture of the nation’s electricity woes, highlighting the significant challenges faced by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and the resulting critically low levels of electricity production. The committee’s findings reveal a stark disparity between Zimbabwe’s installed power generation capacity and its actual output. While the country’s main power sources have a combined capacity of 2,570 megawatts (MW), they are currently producing a mere 1,079 MW, leaving a staggering deficit of 1,560 MW. To bridge this substantial gap, the national utility, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), has been forced to rely on costly electricity imports from neighbouring countries. The portfolio committee cautioned that the situation could deteriorate even further if medium and long-term solutions are not implemented with urgency. “However, in as much as the transmission and distribution lines are functioning well, ZESA management highlighted that Zimbabwe is still facing serious power outages because the distribution supply of electricity is not meeting the nations demand,” the report stated. “The committee noted that the major challenge is of all power plants are not producing their optimum capacity.” The committee further emphasised the severity of the situation, stating: “The committee cited that considering the state we are in as a country, if there are no strategies that are going to be implemented sooner to boost generation, the nation will be suffering for a long haul.” ZESA has attributed the shortfall to a confluence of factors, including outdated power infrastructure, the adverse impacts of climate change, and the persistent theft and vandalism of power lines and substations. This is an Ignite Media news production. The consequences of this low power generation are already being felt across the country, with widespread load-shedding becoming a daily reality for many Zimbabweans. Residential areas are routinely subjected to power cuts lasting more than 12 hours, disrupting daily life and hindering economic activity. The electricity crisis is not merely an inconvenience; it has far-reaching implications for key sectors of the economy, particularly healthcare. Speaking in Parliament recently, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament, Ropafadzo Makumire, highlighted the critical impact on healthcare services. “In the health sector, you find that there are machines like ventilators which use electricity. It means that in the district hospitals where there are no dedicated lines, there will be no electricity,” Makumire explained. “So, major surgical operations cannot go ahead in this state. It means that people die because of lack of electricity and people who will be forced to walk for long distances are brought here in Harare.” Makumire further emphasised the strain on healthcare facilities, stating: “This then increases the number of people being assisted. If you look at the mortuaries where these bodies are placed, you find that it is not accessible because the bodies will be in a decomposing state. This matter should be looked at with urgency so that we do not continue with this predicament.” The parliamentary report and Makumire’s impassioned plea underscore the urgent need for the government to prioritise addressing Zimbabwe’s energy crisis. Failure to do so risks plunging the nation into a deeper economic abyss, with dire consequences for its citizens and its future prospects. _*Harare City Council Urges Residents Not To Panic Over Discoloured Tap Water*_ The Harare City Council has urged residents not to panic over discoloured water coming out of the tapes, particularly in Highfields. In a public notice issued on Sunday afternoon, the Council assured the public that the water is not harmful. The discolouration is due to sludge being pushed from reservoirs that have not been supplied with water for the past two days. The council said that the system is being flushed, and the reservoir cleaning process will begin immediately. In the meantime, residents are advised to use the water for non-potable purposes, such as watering gardens. The notice reads as follows: The City of Harare has been notified of incidences of discoloured water from tapes particularly in the Highfields area in Harare. This has been caused by sludge being pushed from our reservoirs which has not been receiving water for the past two days due to a major fault at our Warren Control water distribution centre. The discoloured water is a result of low levels at the reservoirs and the sludge is an accumulation of water chemicals we use in the tanks over time. As there was very little water in the reservoirs, the sludge was forced out leading to the challenge being faced by residents. This is an Ignite Media news production. This is not harmful and we urge residents not to panic. Our engineers have since rectified the problem at Warren Control and the water will clear once we start pumping early tomorrow morning (16/02/25). Our treated water from Morton Jaffray Water Works near Norton is pumped to Warren Control and Lochinver reservoirs which then supply reservoirs in all our areas before being released to our homes. We urge residents in Highfields to be patient while we wait to resume pumping of water in the area and ultimately the water will clear. The system is being flushed and reservoir cleaning process will start immediately. For now, residents may use the water for other purposes such as garden watering. Any inconveniences caused are sincerely regretted. _*Riot Cops Pounce On CCC Meeting*_ Riot cops have disrupted a Jameson timba-led Citizen Coalition for Change provincial executive meeting in Chinhoyi on Friday. Two truckloads of riot police descended at a house in Mzari low density area and disrupted the meeting being chaired by Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Ralph Magunje. About 55 CC provincial members were in attendance at the time of the disruptions. Party provincial leadership tried to reason with the police officers on the ground but during the negotiations, an opposition official Justine Munyaradzi was arrested for “public disorder.” “As usual the partisan police officers disrupted our provincial executive meeting at a private residence,” Magunje told The Standard. “And in the process of trying to knock sense into their heads they arrested one of our members Justine Munyaradzi for behaving disorderly in a public place." He was later released after paying a fine. Magunje said one Supt Kugara, Makonde Operations, wanted a list of the party's structures “which was not any of the police business.” Standard _*M23 Rebels Advance Into Eastern DRC’s Strategic City Of Bukavu*_ Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advanced into the heart of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday. Witnesses and the armed group said the rebels encountered minimal resistance from government forces, reported Reuters. The M23 rebels have been aiming to capture Bukavu since taking Goma in late January. If Bukavu’s fall is confirmed, it would mark the group’s most significant gain since reviving a decade-old insurgency in eastern Congo in 2022. Late on Saturday, the Congolese presidency said the provincial capital remained under the control of its troops and allied forces. However, early on Sunday, the rebels had advanced into central Bukavu, according to residents and a local official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma confirmed the group’s presence in Bukavu and posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing fighters in the city’s central Independence Square. Residents reported seeing M23 troops moving through central Bukavu since early morning, with no signs of resistance. Gunshots were intermittently heard from Camp Saio, the city’s main military base, according to two people living nearby. This is an Ignite Media news production. _*Former Miss SA contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina’s mother ARRESTED in Cape Town for FRAUD*_ CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Miss Universe Africa and Oceania Chidimma Adetshina’s mother was detained on Saturday after being found at a property in Cape Town despite her South African documents being confiscated last year. Anabela Rungo was rendered ineligible to continue living in the country in September last year after she was found to have allegedly committed identity fraud to obtain citizenship. “In an apparent act of brazen disregard for the legal consequences of her conduct, it appears that Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status through her Mozambican passport. Investigations are ongoing into further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct,” home affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza said. Adetshina’s small child was also found living with Rungo. “After being processed by home affairs over her apparent illegal continued residence in South Africa, Rungo will be handed over to the SA Police Service as she is also the subject of an ongoing investigation by the [Hawks],” Qoza said. The department was liaising with social development and the SAPS child protection unit to protect the interests of the minor child. “The department will provide further updates at opportune moments. No interviews will be taken on this matter at this stage,” said Qoza. Adetshina’s citizenship came under the spotlight when she made it to the top ten of the Miss South Africa pageant, with many questioning her nationality due to her name. The beauty queen explained that she was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent. However, an investigation by home affairs found evidence of possible identity fraud allegedly committed by her mother. Adetshina pulled out of the pageant but took up an offer to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria where she was crowned the winner, and was also crowned the first runner-up in the 2024 Miss Universe Pageant while also winning the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title. _*Thabo Mbeki says Zuma was a counter-revolutionary agent, questions his Robben Island imprisonment: “He was a spy planted in ANC”*_ Johannesburg – Former South African president Thabo Mbeki has ignited a firestorm within the African National Congress (ANC) by launching a scathing attack on his successor, Jacob Zuma, questioning the legitimacy of his Robben Island imprisonment and suggesting he was a counter-revolutionary agent planted within the party. The explosive allegations were made during a recent ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. The meeting was convened to address the ANC’s disappointing electoral performance in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This is an Ignite Media news production. According to multiple NEC members present, Mbeki stunned the room into silence when he cast doubt on the trial that led to Zuma’s conviction and subsequent 10-year imprisonment on Robben Island during the apartheid era. Mbeki reportedly stated that there were “unanswered questions” and “suspicious circumstances” surrounding the trial. Mbeki allegedly claimed that no verifiable records exist to prove that Zuma ever attended a trial, fueling speculation that Zuma was strategically placed on Robben Island as an operative of the enemy from the moment he joined the ANC. The former president urged NEC members to confront the uncomfortable questions surrounding Zuma’s actions, particularly his formation of the MK Party, which is widely seen as undermining the ANC. “He was saying we must ask ourselves who does Zuma work for exactly because it is not the ANC,” said one NEC member, summarising Mbeki’s sentiments. Mbeki went on to describe Zuma as a “mascot of a counter-revolution” throughout his years in the ANC, a characterisation that reportedly left the NEC members in stunned silence. Mbeki’s remarks were prompted by the widespread belief within the ANC that Zuma, through his MK Party, was directly responsible for the ANC losing its outright majority in the recent elections and nearly decimating the party’s presence in KZN. Another long-serving NEC member corroborated Mbeki’s claims, stating, “In the last NEC, president Mbeki attacked Zuma, saying his imprisonment was not recorded for the 10 years he served on Robben Island. He was saying nobody knows about the trial Zuma allegedly attended and records thereof do not exist.” Mbeki’s allegations gained further traction due to Zuma’s recent public statement outside a Durban court during the appearance of his daughter, Duduzile. Zuma told his supporters, “I was arrested by oppressors and sentenced to 10 years and six months. I was sentenced without setting foot in court.” According to another NEC member, Mbeki argued that the absence of a legitimate trial and conviction pointed to Zuma being “planted by the enemy forces to infiltrate the ANC and compromise its leaders,” adding that “hence his rise in various structures of the ANC, before and after 1994 is highly questionable.” However, some NEC leaders have dismissed Mbeki’s claims as the product of bitterness stemming from his defeat to Zuma at the 2007 ANC Polokwane conference. “President Mbeki is a conspiracy theorist who has a problem with president Zuma. His argument about missing records is narrow because there are a lot of missing records for things that happened during apartheid,” said an NEC member sympathetic to Zuma. This is an Ignite Media news production. This NEC member questioned the timing of Mbeki’s accusations, asking, “When did Zuma become an agent of counter-revolution and when did he [Mbeki] know this because they were best friends in exile in Swaziland, sleeping in the same bed? What is obvious is that Mbeki has never recovered from the Polokwane conference defeat inflicted by Zuma. That is his main gripe.” The Zuma-aligned NEC member further criticised Mbeki, stating, “He talks of Zuma being a collaborator of the counter-revolutionary forces and claims that elements of this counter-revolution were carrying guns in Polokwane and if Zuma did not win there was going to be blood on the floor. With that statement, he is undermining branches and members of the ANC. In his head, he is the only genuine ANC member.” Another NEC member pointed out that Mbeki’s current claims contradict previous statements in which he claimed that he and Zuma jointly identified apartheid spies within the ANC. Despite the criticism, another NEC member, an avid critic of Zuma, suggested that Mbeki’s comments implied that Zuma was recruited as a spy and “sneaked into Robben Island” to inform on ANC leaders. “We understand that TM (Mbeki) was essentially saying that Zuma was always a spy,” said the NEC member. This leader defended the timing of Mbeki’s revelations, arguing that many secrets about ANC leaders were deliberately kept hidden for strategic reasons. A leader sympathetic to Mbeki noted that no NEC member disputed Mbeki’s version of events during the meeting, suggesting that his characterisation of Zuma may be accurate. “There was silence in the meeting because president Mbeki was stating what he believed were facts. President Mbeki went to town with the information characterising Zuma as a counter-revolutionary,” said the leader. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-motsiri declined to comment on the matter, stating that the party does not comment on internal and confidential meetings. Mbeki could not be reached for comment, and Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi stated that they do not comment on ANC gossip. _*Mnangagwa Revives Rigged Mozambique Election Memories*_ Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in Addis Ababa over the weekend, a meeting that has reignited discussions about Zimbabwe’s role in Mozambique’s disputed October 9 elections. The meeting, described as a courtesy call, comes amid growing concerns over Mnangagwa’s involvement in assisting Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party in what opposition groups and observers have called a “blatantly rigged” electoral process. The October elections, which saw Frelimo maintain its grip on power, were marred by allegations of voter suppression, ballot stuffing, and intimidation of opposition candidates and activists. This is an Ignite Media news production. A Rigged Election? Mozambique’s October 9 elections saw President Daniel Chapo’s Frelimo party retain control in a manner reminiscent of past elections, where opposition parties have struggled against state-sponsored repression. Reports from independent observers, opposition parties, and international watchdogs detailed widespread electoral fraud, including irregularities invoter registration, restricted access for opposition campaigns, and vote tally manipulation in favor of Frelimo. Opposition party Renamo accused the government of deploying state security forces to intimidate voters and suppress dissenting voices, with some polling stations in opposition strongholds reportedly being shut down or manipulated to ensure a Frelimo victory. Mnangagwa’s Hand in Mozambique’s Electoral Manipulations President Mnangagwa’s involvement in Mozambique’s electoral process has been a subject of intense scrutiny.Zimbabwe, under Mnangagwa, has become a key player in sustaining autocratic regimes across Southern Africa, using tactics refined over decades under Zanu PF rule. In the lead-up to Mozambique’s elections, intelligence sources reported that Mnangagwa’s government provided strategic support to Frelimo, drawing from Zimbabwe’s own playbook of electoral manipulation. This included: Security and Intelligence Support: Zimbabwe’s security apparatus reportedly provided tactical guidance to Frelimo’s election strategy, including crowd control measures and suppression tactics to weaken opposition movements. Media and Propaganda Assistance: Zimbabwean state media operatives were allegedly involved in providing training to Mozambican state broadcasters, ensuring that pro-Frelimo narratives dominated the airwaves while opposition parties were sidelined. Electoral Commission Manipulation: Just as in Zimbabwe’s own elections, Mnangagwa’s administration reportedly advised on how to infiltrate and control Mozambique’s electoral commission, ensuring a favorableoutcome for Frelimo. SADC’s Complicity in Electoral Fraud Mnangagwa’s role as SADC Chairperson has added another layer of complexity to the region’s political dynamics. His leadership has been marked by a reluctance to condemn fraudulent elections, instead working to legitimize disputed electoral processes to protect the status quo. During Zimbabwe’s own disputed 2023 elections, Mnangagwa faced allegations of rigging and suppressing opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Despite reports of electoral malpractice from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Mnangagwa dismissed the concerns and continued his rule unchallenged. This is an Ignite Media news production. The same approach appears to be unfolding in Mozambique, with Mnangagwa using his influence as SADC Chair to shield Frelimo from scrutiny. SADC’s official reports on the Mozambican elections have been notably muted, avoiding strong condemnation despite overwhelming evidence of fraud. Regional Implications and the Future of Democracy The meeting between Mnangagwa and Chapo in Addis Ababa symbolizes the deepening alliance between autocratic leaders in Southern Africa. By backing each other in rigged elections, leaders like Mnangagwa and Chapo are effectively eroding democratic processes in the region, making it increasingly difficult for opposition parties to compete on a level playing field. For Mozambique, the aftermath of the October 9 elections remains uncertain, with opposition groups vowing to challenge the results through legal and political means. However, with Mnangagwa and SADC’s backing, Frelimo’s grip on power appears secure for now. As Zimbabwe continues to play a pivotal role in propping up authoritarian regimes across the region, the question remains: How long can the people of Southern Africa endure a cycle of rigged elections, state repression, and democratic backsliding before a real change takes place? For now, Mnangagwa’s meeting with Chapo in Addis Ababa serves as yet another reminder that the region’s leaders are more invested in preserving their power than upholding the democratic values they claim to represent. _*Mnangagwa, Hichilema come face to face*_ President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema had an uneasy public interaction in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday, as their strained diplomatic relations played out during a press conference. The event, also attended by Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye, focused on rallying support for Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Zambia's candidate for the upcoming African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency. The briefing was convened to endorse Maimbo ahead of the AfDB elections scheduled for 29 May. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have thrown their weight behind him, seeking regional unity in backing his candidacy. However, South Africa broke ranks with SADC by supporting Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, a move seen as weakening the regional consensus. Mnangagwa attended the event in his capacity as SADC chairman, while Hichilema participated as Zambia's leader, given Maimbo's nationality. Ndayishimiye, the Comesa chairperson, has pledged full support for Maimbo, who previously served as the World Bank's Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning. Maimbo brings nearly three decades of experience in financial markets, resource mobilization, and development. Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between Zimbabwe and Zambia—heightened by Hichilema's criticism of Zimbabwe's disputed 2023 elections—Mnangagwa expressed confidence in Maimbo's leadership abilities. Maimbo, in turn, thanked both SADC and Comesa for their endorsement, outlining his vision for the AfDB, which includes prioritizing investment in Africa's youth, agriculture, and infrastructure. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening intra-African trade. This is an Ignite Media news production. The press conference was part of a broader African Union (AU) summit, which began yesterday and concludes today. The meeting brings together leaders from all 55 AU member states, alongside representatives from international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. This year's theme, "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," highlights efforts to address historical injustices stemming from slavery. The AfDB, a key financial institution for Africa's development, is majority-owned by African shareholders (60%), while non-African entities hold the remaining 40%. Maimbo aims to succeed the outgoing AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, who has led the bank since 2015. Adesina, re-elected in 2020, is set to complete his final term in September 2025. Hichilema lauded Maimbo as a strong candidate, emphasizing that his leadership would place the AfDB and the continent in a promising position. While regional leaders have largely united in backing Maimbo, the tense exchanges between Mnangagwa and Hichilema at the event underscored lingering diplomatic friction between their two nations. _*Mphoko's son moves to block Choppies sale to Raji Modi*_ Siqokoqela Mphoko, son of the late former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, has filed an urgent chamber application seeking to prevent the sale of Choppies Zimbabwe to Bulawayo businessman and Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raji Modi. The legal battle over the ownership and valuation of Choppies Zimbabwe has taken a new turn as Mphoko fights to secure what he claims is his rightful stake in the supermarket chain. The application, submitted on February 14, 2025, names several respondents, including Nanavac Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Choppies Enterprises Limited, Choppies Distribution Centre (Proprietary), Pintrail Trading (Pvt) Ltd, and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). Choppies Enterprises, a Botswana-based multinational supermarket retailer, owns Choppies Zimbabwe, while Pintrail, a company linked to Modi, is involved in the acquisition process. At the heart of the dispute is the Mphokos' 2020 High Court claim, in which they sought US$22.6 million as the fair value of their shares in Nanavac, the holding company of Choppies Zimbabwe. The Mphokos were initially 51% shareholders in Nanavac, while Choppies Enterprises held the remaining 49%. Siqokoqela is seeking an anti-dissipation interdict, a legal measure that prevents a party from disposing of assets that could be subject to a pending court ruling. He argues that selling Choppies at this stage would undermine the Mphokos' claim and render it impossible for them to recover what they believe they are owed. Siqokoqela also alleges that his exit from Nanavac was not voluntary, claiming that he signed a deed of settlement under duress. He says he was pressured into the agreement after being arrested on fraud charges involving US$80,000, while his wife, Nomagugu, was also accused of forcing Choppies managers in Bulawayo to unlawfully dispense over US$30,000 in cash. As part of the settlement, the charges against him were withdrawn, but he now argues that the circumstances of his exit were unfair and should be reviewed by the court. This is an Ignite Media news production. There is ongoing confusion regarding whether Modi and Pintrail have already completed the purchase of Choppies Zimbabwe. Some sources claim that payment has been made, while others insist that no final transaction has taken place. The primary focus, according to various reports, has been on preserving jobs at the supermarket chain rather than finalizing the sale. In his court application, Siqokoqela questions the legitimacy of the process, particularly the announcement by Motswedi Securities in November 2024 that Choppies Enterprises was exiting the Zimbabwean market and seeking Botswana Stock Exchange approval for the sale. He argues that the issuance of a creditor circular before regulatory approval was sought suggests that the sale was already being treated as a done deal, raising concerns over compliance and transparency. _*Zanu-PF returns Zimbabwe to the stone age*_ That Zimbabwe's health sector is broken is a public secret, but the alarming decline under Zanu-PF's 45-year rule has reached new depths of crisis. A widely circulated photo showing a patient at a local hospital "plastered" with pieces of a cardboard box and tape has become emblematic of the collapse of the healthcare system. The country's health sector, much like other essential services, is now in a chronic state of emergency due to government mismanagement, underfunding, lack of equipment, and a massive brain drain of healthcare professionals. The exodus of skilled medical workers in search of better opportunities abroad has left the nation severely short of specialists and trained personnel. Public hospitals and clinics, often described as places where patients go to die, lack essential medicines, basic equipment, and proper maintenance. Even basic necessities like bandages and painkillers are often unavailable. Zimbabwe's health crisis is not new. In 2008, a devastating cholera outbreak claimed 4,288 lives between August 2008 and July 2009. More recently, between 2023 and 2024, another cholera outbreak resulted in 700 deaths, highlighting the continued failure of the healthcare system to manage preventable diseases. The sector remains severely underfunded and relies heavily on foreign aid to sustain operations. The primary donors funding Zimbabwe's health system include European Union member states such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden, which contribute through the Health Development Fund managed by UNICEF. Thi