HOT TOPICS ONLINE ........... *Zimbabwe Court kicks out Chinese company from villagers' land* *Shock as Minister Mavetera takes Fadzayi Mahere; Chin'ono head on over PhD Fraud Claims* *Zimbabwe Government Plans To Import Fuel Directly To Lower Costs* *Zimbabwe ranks highest corrupt country in SADC for 2024 by TI* *Blow for regime change tool USAid* *Zanu PF Activists on Third Term for Mnangagwa* *Manicaland declared landmine-free* *Chivayo Gifts Four Cars To Late Music Icon Leonard Dembo's Family* *Mnangagwa's monthly salary revealed, what he takes home will leave you in shock* ----- ©Zoomic Media https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 *Zimbabwe Court kicks out Chinese company from villagers' land* The High Court in Chinhoyi has issued an interdict against Labenmon, a Chinese mining company, barring it from expanding its operations into a grazing area owned by two villages in Magunje, Hurungwe. Justice Philda Muzofa granted the provisional order two weeks ago following an urgent application by local villagers—Gift Kapere, Godfrey Chasara, Jonathan Chimufombo, Cornelius Murisa, Esther Chasara, Lister Bepura, and Member Manzweru. The villagers sought to stop Labenmon from setting up a cement plant on 135 hectares of farming and grazing land. Despite the court order, Labenmon has allegedly continued with its operations, defying the directive. Labenmon representative Thomas Chidzomba, who identified himself as a Zanu-PF provincial member, reportedly threatened a Mirror journalist for interviewing Chief Nematombo (real name Takudzwa Karengesha) about the issue. "I will come to see you at your offices and deal with you for calling and threatening Chief Nematombo," Chidzomba allegedly said. The affected villagers argue that Labenmon has not compensated or relocated them from their land, and they have raised concerns over pending Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) investigations by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), which is cited as the second respondent in the case. "The first respondent's conduct of commencing works in respect of the Wih-Zim Construction Material Investments Cement Manufacturing in Magunje, Hurungwe without compensating and or relocating the applicants is hereby declared unlawful," reads part of the court order. It further prohibits Labenmon from continuing operations pending the outcome of EMA's investigations into possible breaches of special conditions on its EIA certificate. In addition to the contested cement plant site, Labenmon has allegedly occupied another area 30km away, where it is mining limestone. Village head Kapere confirmed the villagers' concerns in a telephone interview. Chief Nematombo accused Chief Chanetsa of illegally allocating the land to the Chinese company, leading to pollution concerns at Kemureza Dam. "Chanetsa grabbed villagers' land and allocated it to the Chinese company. There is a lot of pollution taking place in Kemureza Dam. We had hopes that the company would employ our subjects," said Chief Nematombo. Chief Chanetsa was unavailable for comment. However, Chief Dendera stated that he welcomed development as long as it was done with the consent of local communities and environmental safeguards were put in place to prevent pollution. The villagers, represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, allege that Labenmon forcefully occupied the land in June 2024 with the assistance of armed police officers. According to sources, villagers who attempted to investigate the company's movements at night were detained and taken to Magunje Police Station. The situation remains tense as villagers await further legal action to enforce the court order against Labenmon's continued operations. Source - The Mirror -------- *Shock as Minister Mavetera takes Fadzayi Mahere; Chin'ono head on over PhD Fraud Claims* by Nkululeko Nkomo In a dramatic public showdown on X (formerly Twitter), Honourable Tatenda Anastacia Mavetera, ZANU PF Minister of ICT and founder of Young Women for Economic Development, boldly challenged opposition figures over allegations that her PhD studies were mired in academic fraud. The heated exchange, which has since captivated Zimbabwe's political and academic circles, underscored Mavetera's unyielding commitment to transparency and continuous learning. The controversy ignited when opposition figure Fadzayi Mahere took to Twitter with a lengthy critique of Mavetera's academic timeline. Mahere questioned how the minister, who allegedly began her Doctorate in Business Leadership at Midlands State University in May 2019 with a projected completion in November 2025, had remained at the “proposal stage” for six years. Mahere's barrage of questions ranged from the legitimacy of the timeline on Mavetera's LinkedIn profile to the purported lack of progress in her research work. Addressing these claims head-on, Mavetera explained that initial delays were largely due to the disruptions caused by Covid-19 and teething problems inherent in launching a new course at MSU. “We started with two years of taught courses. The proposal presentation began effectively last year. I did my part by presenting my proposal and now await the Higher Degrees Committee's decision,” she stated. This clarification not only provided context but also highlighted the challenges faced by many academic institutions during unprecedented times. Taking the confrontation a step further, Mavetera issued a daring challenge to her critics. “If anyone wrote a thesis for me as alleged, let them send it to you and please post it. Bring receipts and let MSU verify,” she declared, firmly placing the burden of proof on her detractors. In doing so, she effectively turned the tables on her accusers, demanding substantiated evidence rather than unverified claims. Even as Hopewell Chin'ono joined the chorus of criticism, accusing Mavetera of using an honorary doctorate from a discredited institution, the minister remained undeterred. “IPP indeed was discredited. Was IWU also discredited? I have never claimed an academic qualification from such,” she retorted. Mavetera's response was not only a robust defense of her academic integrity but also a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning and setting a positive example for Zimbabwean youth. Mavetera's resolute stand marks a significant moment, as she becomes the first ZANU PF politician to publicly confront such allegations from figures considered untouchable on Zimbabwe's social media landscape. Source - Byo24News ......... *Zimbabwe Government Plans To Import Fuel Directly To Lower Costs* Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has said the government plans to buy fuel directly for its own use and for key industries. This will help lower fuel costs and make businesses more competitive. Speaking at the National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) inaugural competitiveness summit in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Moyo said that fuel prices in Zimbabwe are influenced by factors like the cost of raw fuel, transportation, exchange rates, taxes, and distributor fees. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) considers all these when setting the price. He also said Zimbabwe’s fuel prices are much higher than in neighbouring countries, making local products more expensive and less competitive. Moyo said the government wants to provide more affordable and stable fuel prices to help businesses run more efficiently. He said: We analyse and say, are we as competitive as Zimbabwe among those who we trade with? When we look at ourselves here in the region, I think we are very expensive. So, the Government is looking at all this, and as I said, we applaud those who are delivering fuel to our country. But as Government, we have made some strides now…both the Minister of Finance (Professor Mthuli Ncube) and I have been directed to make sure that we buy fuel for Government use and for other enablers of the economy because Government is there to enable the economy… to do well. We have been directed to make sure that on the Government side and in any way, we should buy our fuel competitively because we used to do that so that we don’t buy spot purchases on the international market, as the other 10 (traders) are doing. The other 10, we think they are doing very well, but as Government.. to compete, we should discuss with them. Moyo said that countries like Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania have developed successful models where fuel traders work with their governments to achieve competitive pricing. He explained that, unlike these countries, Zimbabwe’s current approach focuses on direct government procurement of fuel to reduce costs. Said Moyo (via The Herald): Mozambique has fuel traders, Zambia has fuel traders, and Tanzania has fuel traders, but working with the Government, they have found a way of buying competitively. But for now, we want the Government (to) directly buy competitively, so that we can reduce the cost of fuel in the country, which impacts on your competitiveness. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has set the maximum fuel prices for February at US$1.58 (or ZiG 41.58) per litre for diesel, and US$1.53 (or ZiG 40.50) per litre for blended petrol (E15). In comparison, Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has set the price of petrol at US$1.24 per litre and diesel at US$1.16 per litre for February. Pindula .... *Zimbabwe ranks highest corrupt country in SADC for 2024 by TI* Zimbabwe has come out as the worst corrupt country in SADC in 2024, according to the latest data from discredited Transparency International coming only ahead of a war-torn DRC. This was also the worst performance since 2015 when it recorded the same score, the year when US$15 billion in diamond revenues was announced to be missing. In Africa, the country was in the top 10 of the worst corrupt nations, aligned with war-torn countries like Sudan, Somalia and Lybia. This is very concerning given the Second Republic's promise to end corruption decisively without making any cow sacred. Africa also headlined the bottom 20 most corrupt nations. This articles at the later paragraphs will explain why Africa remains highly corrupt. Zimbabwe has a score of 21 this year, with a change of -3 since last year, meaning it ranks 158 out of 180 countries. A country's score is the perceived level of public sector corruption on a scale of 0-100, where 0 means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean. The data sources used to compile the CPI specifically cover the manifestations of public sector corruption through bribery, diversion of public funds, officials using their public office for private gain without facing consequences and the ability of governments to contain corruption in the public sector. It also takes into account excessive red tape in the public sector which may increase opportunities for corruption, nepotistic appointments in the civil service, laws ensuring that public officials must disclose their finances and potential conflicts of interest, legal protection for people who report cases of bribery and corruption, state capture by narrow vested interests and access to information on public affairs or government activities After the country notched its worst CPI ranking in 2015 , it then improved to 22 out of 100 before reaching the best performances in 2019, 2020 and 2023 with a score of 24 out of 100. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world. It measures how corrupt each country's public sector is perceived to be, according to experts and businesspeople. Each country's score is a combination of at least 3 data sources drawn from 13 different corruption surveys and assessments. These data sources are collected by a variety of reputable institutions, including the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. CPI scores do not reflect the views of Transparency International or its staff. Anti-corruption efforts continue to tilt towards the developed countries of Europe, while Russia and China, Zimbabwe's iron-clad revolutionary allies also recorded worrisome results. For the seventh year in a row, Denmark heads the ranking, with a score of 90. Finland and Singapore took the second and third spots, with scores of 88 and 84, respectively. Scoring 83, New Zealand was outside the top three positions for the first time since 2012, but remained in the top 10, together with Luxembourg , Norway, Switzerland , Sweden , the Netherlands, Australia, Iceland and Ireland. Source - zimlive ..... *Blow for regime change tool USAid* A federal judge on Friday cleared the way for one of the Trump administration's remaining steps in its dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, allowing it to move forward with pulling thousands of USAID staffers off the job in the United States and around the world. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols rejected pleas to keep his temporary stay on the government's plan to remove all but a small fraction of USAID staffers from their posts. His ruling also allows the administration to start the clock ticking on its planned 30-day deadline for USAID workers abroad to move back to the U.S. at government expense. His ruling comes in a broad lawsuit filed by unions on behalf of the agency staff, especially those at risk of being stranded abroad. The suit describes the Trump administration stalling needed medical evacuations for USAID staffers and spouses overseas, cutting some contractors off from emergency communications, and leaving staffers to flee political violence in Congo without support or funding. The lawsuit more broadly challenges the constitutionality of the administration's dismantling of USAID, saying eliminating an agency would require congressional approval. "At present, the agency is still standing," Nichols wrote in his ruling. "And so, the alleged injuries on which plaintiffs rely in seeking injunctive relief flow essentially from their members' existing employment relationships with USAID." Nichols found that the unions' challenge must be dealt with under federal employment laws rather than in district court. President Donald Trump and the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency tied to billionaire Elon Musk have moved swiftly to shutter USAID, calling its programs out of line with the president's agenda and asserting without evidence that its work is wasteful. The case is one of multiple lawsuits from groups representing USAID workers and nonprofits and businesses that are challenging the administration's sudden shutdown of the agency, including its placing of agency leadership on administrative leave. A judge in another suit has ordered the administration to temporarily lift a freeze on funding that has shut down USAID programs and operations worldwide. Nichols, a Trump appointee, said he had been "very concerned" about workers in high-risk areas left overseas without access to emergency communications. But he has since been reassured by the Trump administration that they would still have access to two-way radios that allow 24–7 communications in emergencies, as well as a phone app with a "panic button." He said the government's statements persuaded him "that the risk posed to USAID employees who are placed on administrative leave while stationed abroad — if there is any — is far more minimal than it initially appeared." The judge also said he was satisfied by assurances from USAID deputy administrator Pete Marocco that workers abroad would be allowed to stay in their jobs beyond the 30 days even if they stayed overseas. Workers point to expected deep staffing cuts coming at their agency and others, saying they fear they could soon be stranded abroad without jobs, visas or U.S. protection. Pregnant women fear over their care The court battle over the government plans to bring the majority of foreign staffers home has highlighted the difficulties many face in the agency shutdown. That includes allegations that the Trump administration is stalling medical evacuations for as many as 25 USAID staffers and spouses in the later stages of high-risk pregnancies, according to testimony and a person familiar with the cases. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. In a statement Friday, the State Department said it "has approved all medevac requests that meet the required criteria and would not deny a request for an emergency medevac." The State Department works with individuals needing medical evacuation to "identify a clinically appropriate location that can meet their medical needs consistent with the U.S. government's legal and fiscal requirements," it added. The administration says it is taking all required care of staffers as it terminates USAID programs and aims to recall thousands of workers and their families abroad. The American women and their spouses, however, say they have been left in substandard medical care in posts in unstable countries, fearing for their lives. "Everyone says I need to wait and see what happens" with Trump administration decisions, a USAID staffer, whose pregnancy is complicated by high-blood pressure, said in a court filing from her posting in an undisclosed country in Africa. The woman's affidavit and others from staffers were filed with courts anonymously because of repeated warnings from the Trump administration that USAID staffers risk dismissal if they speak publicly. "I have a due date that does not allow me to just wait and see what happens," the USAID staffer wrote. "If I cannot medevac as planned, I will be in a life-threatening situation." In another case, a pregnant spouse of a USAID worker was left hemorrhaging in a foreign hospital bed to await delivery, her husband said in another affidavit. The intervention of a U.S. senator, who was not identified in the affidavit, secured the government's agreement to pay for a medical evacuation. But doctors say the approval came too late in her pregnancy for her to safely take a long series of flights back to the U.S., even with medical escort. The State Department did not respond to requests for comment on workers' allegations that the government was stalling or refusing medical evacuations. Source - Associated Press ---- *Zanu PF Activists on Third Term for Mnangagwa* Some Zanu PF activists who attended National Youth Day in Bulawayo urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to seek a third term in 2028. Mnangagwa recently told editors of various news organizations that he is not intending to stay in office when his two-five year term ends. VOA ... *Manicaland declared landmine-free* Story by Peter Chivhima THE government has declared Manicaland Province landmine-free, and, the cleared land is set to be handed over to the communities for development in April this year. This significant achievement, which follows years of dedicated efforts, was announced by the Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, during the recently concluded three-day National Stakeholders Dialogue on Humanitarian Demining and Mine Victim Assistance held in Harare. “In Mashonaland Central, demining in Mt Darwin District was completed by the HALO Trust,” she said. “Mine clearance is nearing completion in Rushinga District, giving hope that the province will soon be mine-free. Similarly, Manicaland Province is now mine-free following the completion of mine clearance in the four Districts, Chipinge, Mutasa, Mutare Urban, and Mutare Rural. “The Norwegian People’s Aid was working in this province and post-clearance control through quality control was done by December 15, 2024. A handover-takeover ceremony of the cleared land will take place in April 2025.” The defence minister also revealed that Zimbabwe is on the cusp of achieving a major milestone becoming a landmine-free nation with a staggering 96 percent of land cleared. “Since independence, significant progress has been registered towards making Zimbabwe a mine-free zone,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said. “To date, all except 12 km² of the mine-infested area has been cleared and handed back to communities for economic exploitation. This represents four percent of the total minefields inherited at independence. A phenomenal achievement indeed! “The Zimbabwe National Army’s National Mine Clearance Unit has completed the main minefield in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North up to Mlibizi, leaving a small portion at Lusulu. In Mashonaland West, the minefield around the Kariba Power Station was again cleared by the National Mine Clearance Unit thereby making the Province mine-free.” Through collaborative efforts with development partners, the Second Republic is implementing various initiatives to support landmine victims and is undertaking a review of the War Victims Compensation Act of 1980. Zbc ..... *Chivayo Gifts Four Cars To Late Music Icon Leonard Dembo's Family* Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gifted a brand-new 2024 Toyota Fortuner to Eunice Dembo, the widow of Zimbabwean music legend Leonard Dembo. Chivayo decided to make the generous gesture after Eunice made a public appeal for financial help. Along with the car, he also gave her a US$50,000 cash gift to help her start a business. In a recent interview, Eunice shared her feelings of being neglected by the music industry, which had gained so much from her late husband’s work. She also revealed that she is now in a wheelchair and struggles to manage everyday tasks like going for medical check-ups. Responding to her situation at the time, Chivayo, who is a fan of Dembo’s music, joked that Eunice should have simply asked him for a car. Latest Samsung A06 128GB, 4GB now available: $106 To order, WhatsApp: wa.me/263715068543 On February 21, National Youth Day in Zimbabwe, Chivayo posted on X (formerly Twitter) that it broke his heart to see Dembo’s family living in hardship despite his remarkable musical legacy. Wrote Chivayo: In the spirit of EMPOWERMENT, I have been deeply moved by the online PLEA from Mrs. Eunice Dembo, the widow of the legendary Zimbabwean music icon, LEONARD DEMBO, for financial support. Despite the distinguished musical genius that DEMBO was, selling more than 100,000 copies of his album and music played at the Miss World Pageant in 1994, It breaks my heart that his family has NOT benefited from his LEGACY and his wife now lives in destitution. Dembo is actually one of my best yesteryear musician and some of my personal favourites include Chitekete, Shamwari Yangu Warova, Venenziya and Ruva Rashe, which are themselves ANTHEMS at weddings and various events in Zimbabwe and across the GLOBE. This National Youth Day reminds us of the need to EMPOWER and support one another, and on that account, I say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs. Dembo. Please go to EXQUISITE CAR SALE tomorrow, Saturday 22 February 2025, and collect a BRAND SPANKING NEW 2024 Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Automatic that has been FULLY paid for. In addition, please collect US$50,000 in CASH to start a BUSINESS of your choice that will provide financial stability for your family. For your SAFETY and peace of mind, a HEAVILY ARMED and adequately prepared security team will be assigned to escort you, whether to the Bank to deposit the money or to make any purchases to establish your BUSINESS. Your security is of UTMOST importance and will not be compromised. It is our duty as the youth, to PRESERVE LEGACIES and uplift those in need. Chivayo also gifted a Toyota Aqua to each of Dembo’s three children: Tendai, Morgan, and Fenistia. He wrote: National Youth Day is about SECURING THE FUTURE for all YOUNG Zimbabweans and no young person who carries the legacy of our HEROES should be left behind. It is in this spirit that I also want to recognize TENDAI, MORGAN and FENISTIA DEMBO, the children of the Late MUSIC ICON, who like many Zimbabwean youth, are working hard to uphold their father’s legacy. You represent the next generation of artists, leaders and entrepreneurs, and it is only fitting that on such a day which celebrates youth empowerment you also get something. Please go to ENTERPRISE CAR SALE and see Madzibaba Chipaga and get a TOYOTA AQUA each. Source: Pindula ..... *Mnangagwa's monthly salary revealed, what he takes home will leave you in shock* Reports revealing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s salary have ignited fresh debate over income inequality and government spending, as the country continues to grapple with economic hardships. According to recent disclosures, Mnangagwa earns an annual salary of ZAR2,717,496.00, which translates to a monthly income of ZAR226,458.00. His earnings reportedly break down to ZAR52,259.54 per week and ZAR10,451.91 per day. The figures have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from civil servants who have long complained about stagnant wages that fail to keep up with inflation. The salary revelations come at a time when Zimbabwe is battling severe economic instability, rising inflation, and deteriorating living conditions for ordinary citizens. Civil servants, including teachers and healthcare workers, continue to demand better pay and working conditions, arguing that their wages are insufficient to cover basic necessities. Mnangagwa, who took power in 2017 through a military-backed intervention and secured re-election in 2023 with 52.6% of the vote, has faced ongoing scrutiny over his administration’s handling of the economy. Critics argue that while top government officials enjoy significant perks, the majority of Zimbabweans struggle with skyrocketing costs of living and a rapidly declining currency. Opposition leaders and civil society organizations have seized on the salary reports to demand greater transparency regarding government spending. Many have urged authorities to reallocate resources toward improving the welfare of struggling citizens and to consider salary reductions for top officials in light of the economic crisis. While presidential earnings in Zimbabwe are typically classified as state secrets, the newly surfaced figures have reignited calls for reforms and accountability. With inflation continuing to erode incomes and essential goods becoming increasingly unaffordable, public frustration is mounting. As Zimbabweans push for economic justice, the debate over government salaries and financial priorities is far from over. Source: feednews.com