📰 Sunday 9 February 2025 https://chat.whatsapp.com/ByaUqWcvaJc2HV53RXYZVx *EVENING ZIM NEWS HUB NEWS UPDATES* *THE HEADLINES* *RBZ Confirms Plan To Phase Out USD, Have ZiG As Zimbabwe’s Only Currency* *“It’s Not a New Currency” – RBZ Speaks On Redesigned High-Quality ZiG Notes Coming Soon* *War Veterans reject US$1.5 million ‘bribe money’ as their call for President Mnangagwa to step down gets hot* *Police arrest Job Sikhala and 39 others over war vets push for Mnangagwa resignation… threaten to shoot activists, later released without charge after hours of detention* *Chitungwiza, Epworth, And Southlea Park Title Deeds Ready For Issuance”: Government* *Namibia’s ‘founding father’ Sam Nujoma dies aged 95* *Minister and senior govt officials reveal real reasons why Trump is punishing South Africa: Elon Musk puts Ramaphosa on checkmate over Starlink* *FIFA Bans Highlanders From Signing New Players, Club Owes Former Coaches Over US$26,000* *Trump says white South Africans are oppressed and could be resettled in US. They say no thanks* *THE DETAILS WITH STANDARD NEWS ZIMBABWE* _*RBZ Confirms Plan To Phase Out USD, Have ZiG As Zimbabwe’s Only Currency*_ Zimbabwe is pressing ahead with its plan to phase out the US dollar and make Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) the sole legal tender by 2030. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to the transition, urging businesses and citizens to embrace the shift. RBZ Deputy Governor, Dr Innocent Matshe, made it clear that there was “no going back” on the move towards a full domestic currency regime. He stated: This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “If we are going to progress, we need to put our shoulders to the wheel and get it moving. We cannot develop using another country’s currency. That is something that we need to understand and we need to internalise.” He emphasised that the shift was not a sudden event but a gradual process aimed at stabilising the economy. The government had initially set 2025 as the deadline for the multi-currency system. However, this was later extended to 2030 through Statutory Instrument 218 of 2023. Despite this extension, the RBZ remains firm in its vision to make ZiG the sole currency. Dr Matshe stressed: “There is no going back on the targets set by His Excellency for 2030. The Governor (Dr Mushayavanhu) has said we do not want 2030 to be an event, he means it, it has to be a process and we do not want to feel it when we get there.” He assured that administrative measures would be taken to ensure a smooth transition, driven by market forces rather than abrupt government intervention. Strategic Measures In Place RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu stated that the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) aligns with the bank’s Strategic Plan (2025-2029), focusing on economic stability. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “I did tell you in my maiden monetary policy that it is not my job to do other people’s jobs. We are going to do only that which is expected of the Reserve Bank in the Reserve Bank Act.” To support the transition, the RBZ has already started reducing the forex retention threshold for exporters, cutting it from 75% to 70%, with plans to further decrease it. The goal is to increase ZiG’s circulation while building reserves, which have grown from US$200 million to over half a billion US dollars. Additionally, all businesses will be required to report their financials in ZiG and ensure they have point-of-sale (POS) machines to facilitate transactions using the currency. _*”It’s Not a New Currency” – RBZ Speaks On Redesigned High-Quality ZiG Notes Coming Soon*_ The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has confirmed that redesigned ZiG banknotes will soon be introduced to improve their durability and security. RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu made it clear that this does not mean a new currency is being introduced. “The redesign of the ZiG notes incorporates valuable feedback received from stakeholders during the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement and Reserve Bank 2025-2029 strategy formulation stakeholder consultations,” said Dr Mushayavanhu. “Stakeholders noted that the ZiG had been generally accepted by consumers and businesses, and it was crucial to improve the quality and durability of the current notes, in line with international standards.” Enhanced Durability And Security The current ZiG notes, introduced in April last year, have been found to wear out quickly. Many users have complained that they fade, fray, and become difficult to handle. Merchants and banks have also raised concerns over the usability of damaged notes. Dr Mushayavanhu explained that periodic redesigns are a standard practice worldwide to combat counterfeiting and improve durability. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “For clarity, the public is advised that the redesign of ZiG notes does not signify re-denomination or any form of currency reform. This initiative is solely focused on enhancing the quality of the notes,” he stated. “Instead, the Reserve Bank is merely redesigning the current banknotes to enhance quality, in line with international standards. The rollout of the improved high-quality ZiG notes will be communicated to the public in due course.” The new notes will retain the same denominations as before, including ZiG1, ZiG2, ZiG5, ZiG10, ZiG20, ZiG50, ZiG100, and ZiG200. Higher Denominations Depend On Demand The RBZ Governor also addressed the possibility of issuing higher denomination notes, stating that this would be determined by market needs. “The issuance of higher denominations is normally assessed in line with the developments of the purchasing power of the notes with the view to enhance the transactional convenience of the public,” he said. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “Currently, given that we are in a multi-currency system, higher-value transactions are mainly undertaken in US dollars. As such, higher denominations of ZiG notes issuance will be determined in line with the increased role of ZiG cash in the market and developments on macroeconomic fundamentals.” The rollout date for the redesigned ZiG notes will be announced in due course. _*War Veterans reject US$1.5 million ‘bribe money’ as their call for President Mnangagwa to step down gets hot*_ A faction within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) is urging its members to reject financial inducements, branding them a ploy to secure support for extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, The Standard reports. This comes amid growing tensions within Zanu-PF over the President’s future and potential successors. The move follows the launch of a US$1.5 million presidential empowerment scheme aimed at providing seed capital to ex-combatants. Last Friday, special presidential investment advisor Paul Tungwarara unveiled the initiative, promising each province US$150,000 in interest-free loans for war veterans. However, the ZNLWVA faction led by Andrease Mathibela views the scheme with deep suspicion, alleging it is a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent and quell resistance to the so-called “2030 agenda” – a perceived effort to prolong Mnangagwa’s rule beyond his constitutional term. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Mathibela minced no words in his criticism, stating, “First of all, this latest offer to war veterans is an attempt to divide, or to dislodge us from an excellent relationship we have with the public.” He questioned the timing and motivation behind the scheme, asking, “Why target war vets when all Zimbabweans are struggling? They want to make us look bad, selfish and greedy in the eyes of the suffering public.” He further accused the government of attempting to manipulate the veterans, saying, “They are creating all these suspicious schemes to appease veterans so that we don’t keep on mounting pressure on the government while also trying to contain us, and create bad relations for us with the masses.” Mathibela was adamant that his faction would not be swayed by such tactics. “We refuse that kind of bribery and hoodwinking,” he declared, before raising concerns about the source of the funds. “You ask yourself about the origins of the money because ordinarily it has to come via the line ministry of war veterans or Social Welfare ministry not from someone’s pocket.” He also asserted that it was too late to buy the veterans’ silence. “It is no longer about war veterans but about the people,” Mathibela added. “They should not bother themselves because when we reached out to them to speak on the welfare of war veterans they shut the door on us. We are now seeing a panicking government, which is trying to silence war veterans by giving us peanuts.” His sentiments were echoed by Andrew Ndlovu, a former Regional Zone Commander for the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zpra), who labelled the war veterans fund “bogus” and designed to sow division among former fighters. “In the first place, the money was not given to those who are vocal, but to the Zanu PF war veterans league,” he said. “At the end of the day, the fund would leave veterans of the liberation struggle more divided than ever.” A simple calculation reveals the paltry sum each veteran would receive. With a conservative estimate of 20,000 war veterans, each would receive less than US$100 – a sum Mathibela deemed an “insult” and insufficient to start any meaningful project. “It is an insult… why can’t they give us the special grants?” he questioned. He reiterated his faction’s call for Mnangagwa to step down, stating, “They have failed and we call upon ordinary people that put them into office to remove them.” This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. The pushback from some war veterans comes as Mnangagwa’s loyalists are reportedly campaigning to extend his term by two years from 2028, when he is legally obligated to retire. Outspoken war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member, Blessed Geza and ZNWLVA leader Andrease Mathibela ruffled feathers of Mnangagwa’s loyalists when they recently called on the 82-year-old ruler to step down. Mnangagwa’s loyalists have reacted angrily to the war veterans, with Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi threatening to have Geza arrested over some murder case despite that he was cleared by the courts. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Ziyambi, a politician who has been doing all the bidding for the 2030 agenda, lost the party’s primary elections ahead of the August 2023 elections to Mercy Dinha. He proceeded to contest the elections and lost again but was, however, appointed minister. Observers suggest the extension campaign is an attempt to sideline Vice President Constatine Chiwenga in the succession race and protect the interests of the incumbent’s allies and family. Cephas Ncube, leader of a ZNLWVA faction supporting the 2030 agenda, defended the presidential war veterans fund. “We will develop a plan for those with bigger projects,” Ncube said. “If our funds are depleted, we will request additional funding from our funder, highlighting the project proposals that require funding. Those who are not interested in participating should not come seeking funds, but they will regret missing this opportunity.” Tungwarara, who launched the project, remained tight-lipped when questioned about the fund’s details. However, he was seen in Bulawayo distributing US$200 and hampers to war veterans who attended the fund’s launch in the city. He also promised more funding, stating, “If people are disciplined by June every province will get us US$1 million. President Mnangagwa said we must prioritise war veterans, the presidential drilling scheme, each war vet will receive a personal borehole at his or her home.” The growing dissent among war veterans highlights the complex political landscape in Zimbabwe and the intensifying struggle for power within Zanu-PF as the country approaches the next election cycle. The battle for the soul of the liberation movement, and the future of the nation, is clearly far from over _*Police arrest Job Sikhala and 39 others over war vets push for Mnangagwa resignation… threaten to shoot activists, later released without charge after hours of detention*_ FORMER St Mary’s Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala and 39 other members of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) were yesterday rounded up in Mutare before being released hours later. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Mutare reportedly raided NDWG executive members Saturday afternoon while holding a meeting at a private resort, assaulted and detained them for hours before their release without charge. The group was initially charged with Section 7 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) upon arrest. According to Sikhala, the raid was like a scene from a dodgy movie, after what he described as several visits by members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and CID, Law and Order police officers. It appears the group was under watch from State officials. After being released, Sikhala wrote on X Sunday morning that the police were off the mark, because MOPA does not apply to private places and private meetings. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “MOPA does not sanction the notification of executive meetings. It’s like Zanu PF seeking police clearance to hold its Politburo meetings,” he said. “The law only talks of holding public meetings, processions or demonstrations in public places. The meeting we held was in a bush at Beats of Forest and wondered how it turned out to be a public place. “Secondly, they are mistaking the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), to be a political party which it is not,” he said. Sikhala narrated episodic visits to their meeting by police officers and those from the President’s Office before being raided and heavily assaulted, including one unnamed officer, who reportedly pointed a gun at top official Wurayi Zembe. “Initially, a Toyota Hilux double cab with dark windows arrived with 5 members of the CIO led by Muvhangeri, whose home area is Buhera. They arrived and parked at the premises and engaged with the NDWG Chief National Organiser Democrat Engineer Joelson Mugari. “After about 5 minutes they left. A few minutes later, another vehicle, a Toyota Hilux without number plates arrived with members of the Police Intelligence (PI) formerly PISI & members of the CID Law and Order led by Ngweme.” According to Sikhala, his group, through one Engineer Joelson Mugari, engaged the police in vain. “While he was engaging them, 3 truckloads of riot Police and AK47 wielding police officers descended on the venue led by a plain clothed officer called Shonhiwa. “The other AK47-wielding police officer pointed his gun at Dr. Zembe screaming ‘I am going to shoot you’. Dr Zembe remained calm and watched the drama. This happened right next to me,” he said. Sikhala further complained of being commandeered into waiting pick-up trucks during heavy and torrential rains. “Rains pounded on us from Beats of Forest to Penhalonga Police Station around 12 noon. We all got so wet that we looked like drowned rats when we finally arrived at Penhalonga Police Station which was a distance away. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. “All our phones were switched off and we were asked to sit down on some dirty floor. Recording of each individual’s details took about 3 hours. We were suddenly told that we are no longer handling your case and you must be taken to Mutare Central CID Law and Order. “At the CID Law and Order we were not asked to plead to any charge but they took Engineer Joelson Mugari, Dr. Wurayayi Zembe, Nyabeze and myself for interviews.” Sikhala’s group arrest rekindles memories of the arrest of Senator Jameson Timba and other 78 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists. These were arrested in June last year for gathering to commemorate the Day of the African Child, which the police said was illegal. They spent six months behind bars before being released. _*Chitungwiza, Epworth, And Southlea Park Title Deeds Ready For Issuance”: Government*_ About 65,000 residents in Chitungwiza, Southlea Park, and Epworth will soon receive their long-awaited title deeds under the Kwangu/Ngakwami Presidential Title Deeds Programme, a government official has said. In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Mail, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tavengwa said that over 4,500 title deeds are expected to be issued to beneficiaries in Epworth as early as this month. He said in Chitungwiza and Southlea Park, dedicated field offices have been established to facilitate the processing of residents’ applications. Residents can start their application process by reaching out via a WhatsApp chatbot at the number 0787 590 569. Said Tavengwa: Chitungwiza’s title deeds programme has transitioned from just being set up to implementation and rollout. There are over 55 000 longstanding municipal tenants in Chitungwiza, and issuance of their title deeds will commence this month. Phase One of the programme in Southlea Park is targeting 9 600 beneficiaries and has been officially activated. In Epworth, over 2 000 title deeds are in production and slated for issuance this month, while another 2 500 documents will soon be issued in Glenwood and Glenwood Extension (also in Epworth). Since the launch of the programme, a lot of challenges had to be addressed. In most informal settlements, such as Epworth, authorities had to deal with issues of double allocations, outstanding surveys, inaccurate records and disinformation from land barons. Southlea Park is managed by the Order Housing Consortium, which is made up of 56 companies from both the public and private sectors. According to the report, recently, the engineering designs for critical infrastructure, including water and sewerage reticulation, roads, and stormwater drainage, were completed. Elijah Chifamba, an engineer who is overseeing the design process for Southlea Park, revealed that residents will soon have access to municipal water through the Water Demand Management Programme. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Under this initiative, designated water storage sites will be replenished weekly, ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply for the community. Added Chifamba: Engineering designs have been completed and are now awaiting submission to and approval by the City of Harare. A new sewage treatment plant will be constructed at a site on the northern banks of the Manyame River, approximately eight kilometres from Southlea Park. Engineering designs for a state-of-the-art plant that will use advanced wastewater treatment technology have been made and drawings are ready for submission. The drawings of a major trunk sewer . . . that will be constructed in a planned trunk sewer corridor are also complete. He added that plans are also in progress to supply bulk water from the City of Harare’s existing water network. This will be achieved through a 13km gravity-fed water main, which will channel water from the Lochinvar reservoirs to twin reservoirs in Hopley. _*Namibia’s ‘founding father’ Sam Nujoma dies aged 95*_ Sam Nujoma, the revolutionary leader who guided Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, has died at 95. Hailed as Namibia’s “founding father”, Nujoma passed away on Saturday night following a three-week hospitalisation in the capital, Windhoek, according to the Namibian presidency. “The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken,” the presidency said in a Facebook post announcing his death. There will be a period of “national mourning”, it added. Nujoma was revered in his homeland as a charismatic father figure who steered his country to democracy and stability after long colonial rule by Germany and a bitter war of independence from South Africa. _*Minister and senior govt officials reveal real reasons why Trump is punishing South Africa: Elon Musk puts Ramaphosa on checkmate over Starlink*_ Johannesburg – The South African government, opposition parties, and leading business figures are in a frantic race against time to resolve a rapidly escalating diplomatic crisis with the United States, following a week of high-stakes developments. The Sunday Times has learned that a series of meetings have been held this week, resulting in several proposals being put forward to the government in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. These proposals reportedly include making compromises on key issues raised by the US and its close ally, Israel. The crisis was triggered by an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on Friday, citing the Expropriation Act, South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and its close ties with Iran as reasons for halting all aid and assistance to the country. Sources within the government believe that Trump’s actions are designed to force South Africa to: withdraw its case against Israel at the ICJ; reverse its decision regarding the Taiwanese liaison office; reconsider its relationship with Iran; reconsider its role in the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); and allow Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service to operate in the country without complying with Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly planning to dispatch envoys to Washington in an attempt to persuade Trump to reconsider his decision. Business leaders are also expected to engage with their US counterparts, particularly those with connections to Musk, who has emerged as a powerful figure in Washington. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. A high-level meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to formulate a comprehensive strategy before the government delegation departs for Washington. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a partner in the government of national unity, will also send its own delegation to engage with US decision-makers. The DA has previously sent multiple delegations to the US as relations between Pretoria and Washington deteriorated, fueled by threats to exclude South Africa from the Africa Growth & Opportunity Act (Agoa) over its relationships with Iran, China, and Russia, as well as its stance on Israel. Concerns are mounting within the government and business community that sustained hostility from the Trump administration could trigger a collapse of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the rand, plunging the economy into a severe downturn. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated yesterday that the government would engage with the Trump administration while maintaining its sovereignty. “It is now abundantly clear that the issues in dispute are no longer confined to the signing of the Expropriation Act,” he said. “Other issues have since emerged. Our stance against the genocidal state of Israel and subsequent action taken at the ICJ, our G20 theme of equality, solidarity and sustainability, seem to have angered some in Washington.” Magwenya also pointed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent announcement that he would boycott the G20 foreign ministers meeting in South Africa later this month, citing the agenda’s conflict with Trump’s rejection of “diversity, equality and inclusion”. He added that “the imminent relocation of the Taiwanese liaison office has also been flagged. All of the issues have also been laced with complete lies and distortions about our country.” The South African government has requested that the liaison office move out of Pretoria by the end of March. “The G20 theme, for example, reflects both who we are as a country as well as our aspirations for our continent Africa, the Global South and the world as a whole,” Magwenya said. “The G20 is not only South Africa’s G20, it’s for all participating member states and the world at large. We will ensure its success and trust that all members will work together with us to deliver a successful and long-lasting, impactful G20.” Magwenya emphasised that South Africa is an independent, sovereign constitutional democracy with policies aligned with its founding values and constitution. “Even in the face of disagreements, they must at the very least be respected as such. As the president stated during his state of the nation address, we are not going to be deterred or bullied. We are also not going to lose focus from what we have to do and achieve as a country.” Compromises are reportedly being considered, particularly regarding Israel, with suggestions that South Africa could tone down its criticism of the Jewish State. However, senior government officials believe that only a complete withdrawal of the ICJ case would satisfy Israel and the US. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. Regarding Starlink, the government is exploring alternatives to the 30% BEE stake requirement. Senior government insiders suggested that appeasing Musk might mean compromising “on certain key fundamentals and principled; legal, legislative, some may even touch on the character of who we are as a nation”.The government insiders believe Musk is using his influence and close ties with Trump to force South Africa’s hand on the issue. They said Musk’s powerful position helped to explain why South Africa had been in Trump’s crosshairs since he began his second term. One government official said attempts so far to explain South African policy and clear away misconceptions – as the president tried to do in his phone call with Musk – had not worked and it was time to negotiate compromises. The official said Trump and Musk were transactional businessmen who saw issues in terms of deals to be negotiated. “That deal of [Musk’s] that has collapsed because of the BEE component… is one of the biggest triggers for him,” said the source. “Until South Africa relents and allows him to bring Starlink here without satisfying the BEE component, he’s determined to show us who’s boss. And that means using Trump to hit us daily with nonsense based on things that he knows for a fact are not happening here.” A cabinet minister who asked not to be identified agreed with this view, stating, “Elon would do anything to exert political pressure to get Starlink in South Africa while maintaining his current ownership structure. He has become emboldened since Trump came into office because of his proximity to Trump.” Musk recently tweeted at the Presidency, asking, “Why do you have openly racist ownership laws?” Starlink recently withdrew from Icasa regulatory hearings concerning its proposed satellite services licensing framework. One possible compromise being considered is that Starlink commits to local manufacturing of its equipment, using locally sourced products, instead of giving away a 30% BEE stake. Another trade-off could involve Starlink providing free internet connections at thousands of schools across the country. “Icasa can impose as many conditions as it wants to make up for circumventing the 30% local ownership element,” said the minister. “Icasa can say, ‘connect 20,000 schools to the internet, connect this number of police stations, hospitals, and all of that. It can say train so many young people, appoint so many young women, youth, people with disabilities in business’.” Regarding the Taiwan issue, South Africa has reportedly given Taipei a deadline of the end of March to move its de facto embassy out of Pretoria, with the Taiwanese foreign ministry blaming Chinese pressure for the move. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. The situation remains highly fluid, with South Africa facing a delicate balancing act between defending its sovereignty and addressing the concerns of a powerful US administration. _*FIFA Bans Highlanders From Signing New Players, Club Owes Former Coaches Over US$26,000*_ FIFA Bans Highlanders From Signing New Players, Club Owes Former Coaches Over US$26,000 The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Highlanders FC from signing new players both internationally and domestically due to the club’s failure to pay former coach Baltemar Brito his outstanding salaries. According to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Highlanders owes Brito a total of US$14,778, with an additional US$237.71 in interest as of October 17, 2024. The club also owes his assistant, Antonio Joao Torres, US$11,788 plus $193.74 in interest, as of the same date. FIFA has stipulated that the debts will continue to accrue interest at a rate of 5 per cent per annum until the payments are settled. The dispute has been ongoing since last year after the coaches’ efforts to resolve the issue with Highlanders were unsuccessful. Following this, the matter was taken to FIFA. The club was given a 45-day deadline to settle the debts, but they failed to meet the deadline, leading to the ban. Highlanders had been hoping to strengthen their squad after the departures of key players such as Lynoth Chikuhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Peter Muduhwa, and Marvelous Chigumira. FIFA formally communicated the ban to Highlanders in a letter from their disciplinary committee, with copies sent to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), ZIFA, and the coaches’ representatives. On January 29, Americo Espallargas, FIFA’s head of disciplinary, urged ZIFA to enforce the ban, as Highlanders had still not made the required payments to Brito. Wrote Espallargas to Highlanders: We refer to the above-mentioned matter, as well as the decision passed by FIFA in the matter ref. no. FPSD-16612 (the Decision). In this context, it appears that despite the decision, Highlanders FC (the respondent) has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Baltemar Jose de Oliveira Brito. In this regard, we wish to inform the parties that a ban from registering new players internationally has been implemented by FIFA on the respondent. The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods. Lastly, the Zimbabwe Football Association is requested to immediately implement on the respondent a ban from registering new players at national level, if not done yet. We thank you for your kind attention to the above and for your valuable cooperation.’ Before taking the drastic step through their disciplinary committee, FIFA had issued a warning to Highlanders last year regarding the payment of their coaches. However, the club failed to take timely action to avoid the penalty. This is a Standard News Zimbabwe news production. On Saturday, Highlanders CEO Brian Moyo acknowledged the FIFA-imposed ban but said the club was making efforts to settle the debt before the domestic transfer window closes, ahead of the start of the 2025 Castle Lager Premiership season. Moyo said: Yes, it is true the club owes the foreign coaches. Efforts are underway to remedy the situation as soon as possible in time to not lose out on the transfer window. We are working round the clock with our partners and in full consultation with the Reserve Bank in order to remain inside of funds transfer (regulations). Meanwhile, another local Premiership club, Yadah FC, is also under a FIFA-imposed ban from registering players for three transfer windows. _*Trump says white South Africans are oppressed and could be resettled in US. They say no thanks*_ Groups representing some of South Africa’s white minority responded Saturday to a plan by President Donald Trump to offer them refugee status and resettlement in the United States by saying: thanks, but no thanks. The plan was detailed in an executive order Trump signed Friday that stopped all aid and financial assistance to South Africa as punishment for what the Trump administration said were “rights violations” by the government against some of its white citizens. The Trump administration accused the South African government of allowing violent attacks on white Afrikaner farmers and introducing a land expropriation law that enables it to “seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation.” The South African government has denied there are any concerted attacks on white farmers and has said that Trump’s description of the new land law is full of misinformation and distortions. Afrikaners are descended from mainly Dutch, but also French and German colonial settlers who first arrived in South Africa more than 300 years ago. They speak Afrikaans, a language derived from Dutch that developed in South Africa, and are distinct from other white South Africans who come from British or other backgrounds. Together, whites make up around 7% of South Africa’s population of 62 million. ‘We are not going anywhere’ On Saturday, two of the most prominent groups representing Afrikaners said they would not be taking up Trump’s offer of resettlement in the U.S. “Our members work here, and want to stay here, and they are going to stay here,” said Dirk Hermann, chief executive of the Afrikaner trade union Solidarity, which says it represents around 2 million people. “We are committed to build a future here. We are not going anywhere.” At the same press conference, Kallie Kriel, the CEO of the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, said: “We have to state categorically: We don’t want to move elsewhere.” production.... Have a nice week 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Valentine is around the corner .🙏🏻 .👀 .🔥 rudo kuvanhu