Wednesday 19 February 2025 *EVENING 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_ New members who wish to receive detailed local, regional and international news from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should "follow" our channel on the link below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaASRLX6mYPM2XphWy2n *For advertising inquiries call, text or Whatsapp us on +263 778 242 692* *THE HEADLINES* *Nothing to worry about says gvt as ’21’ military tanks roll into Harare: Govt says it is “testing equipment”* *Zanu-PF tightens grip, starts mandating authorisation of WhatsApp groups as fight over Mnangagwa’s 2030 rule intensifies* *President Mnangagwa “To Be Forced” to Rule Until 2030, “Against His Will” as Faction Says NO to Chiwenga* *Health Ministry Reports Spike In Malaria And Diarrhoea Cases* *”Kombi Driver Ignored Warning Horn Before Mahatshula Train Collision”* *Civil Registry Department Warns Of Temporary Delays Due To System Upgrade* *LAM Mozambique Airlines Cuts Flights To Lisbon, Harare, And Lusaka Due To Losses* *US$20k stolen at lodge from married small house makes Detective Kedha Tafadzwa Chidawa cry uncontrollably in court, his Police ID was found ‘at crime scene’* *Harare woman bashes hubby’s small house of 7 years in Harare CBD: She keeps infecting my man with STIs* *Government Suspends Bus Operators’ Licence Over Fatal Masvingo-Beitbridge Crash* *BREAKING: SA 2025 Budget cancelled until further notice, over lack of agreement* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Nothing to worry about says gvt as ’21’ military tanks roll into Harare: Govt says it is “testing equipment”*_ Military tanks have reportedly rolled into Harare, as political situation in the country and within ZANU PF seemingly remains tense. This reminds many of the 2017 coup that toppled late former President Robert Mugabe. Meanwhile, according to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, there is nothing to worry about as the military is just testing its equipment. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Former Citizens Coalition for Change legislator Fadzayi Mahere asked: “Dear @nickmangwana “Why are there military tanks on Harare’s roads today? “In light of the constitutional parameters of military deployment, the public have a right to know. “We need new leaders” Commenting on the development, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Walter Mzembi said: “Mind games.” Stay tuned…. _*Zanu-PF tightens grip, starts mandating authorisation of WhatsApp groups as fight over Mnangagwa’s 2030 rule intensifies*_ In a move aimed at curbing dissenting voices and tightening its control over internal communication, Zanu-PF has crafted a social media policy that mandates the authorisation of party WhatsApp groups by the leadership. This development comes amid growing opposition within the party to a push for a two-year extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term, potentially keeping him in power until 2030. While President Mnangagwa himself has dismissed the term extension proposal, stating he will not be persuaded to prolong his stay, Zanu-PF is reportedly seeking to control the spread of dissenting opinions by regulating WhatsApp groups, which have become a key platform for internal discussions. The new policy emerged from the party’s policy and co-ordinating meeting held at Zanu-PF headquarters on Monday. The meeting, chaired by secretary-general Obert Mpofu and attended by politburo members, directors, and deputy directors, covered a range of issues, including the social media policy, the state of the party, the cell verification process, and people-oriented programmes for 2025. Insiders revealed that the policy was driven by increased concerns over party members participating in social media groups that challenge the bid by Mnangagwa’s allies to extend his term limit. “This concern has prompted the party to take drastic measures to regulate social media activities and prevent further dissent,” a senior Zanu-PF member, speaking anonymously, disclosed. “The party’s WhatsApp groups have turned out to be a ‘war zone’ as members clash over party issues.” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The source added that “the main issue at the centre of the discussion is the term extension. Those who are against it are freely expressing their thoughts, but there is fear that they might influence others who are pro the idea.” The issue of WhatsApp group conduct has already caused friction within the party. Local Government and Public Works minister Daniel Garwe, who also serves as Zanu-PF’s Mashonaland East provincial chairperson, recently voiced his concern over insults directed at him by party youths on WhatsApp groups. Garwe has been targeted for his strong support of the term extension proposal. Under the new policy, Zanu-PF director of Information Farai Marapira stated that the party’s secretaries would be the only authorised social media group administrators. “The party will need to be in control and ensure that our members are in legitimate party groups because we need to protect our membership from having bogus groups created for them, which will be disseminating anti-party messaging,” Marapira explained. He clarified that while the policy is new, the intent to control and monitor party communications has always been present. “So it is not a policy that has been promulgated, but this has always been something that we as a party have always been intent on and have always been doing.” Marapira emphasised the party’s desire to protect its members and ensure they receive accurate information. “I think, like any organisation, we would like to protect our members and keep them connected to true party messages,” he said. He further warned that unauthorised individuals who run social media groups using the party name risk legal action. “We cannot have a party where we have structures, but our communication methodology is unstructured,” Marapira stated. “That is irregular. We have got secretaries for information from the cell, going up to our national secretary for information.” Marapira confirmed that all party groups will be regularised and brought under the control of the secretaries for information. “These secretaries need to be substantial and substantive so that we move away from a situation where anyone who is not even a party member can open a group.” While the party will not force existing unauthorised groups to close, Marapira said, “We cannot force people to close, but we can seek legal remedy for people who use the party name without the right to do so, which I believe is just procedural.” The move to control WhatsApp groups highlights the growing importance of social media in Zimbabwean politics and the efforts by Zanu-PF to manage its internal narrative and prevent the spread of dissenting opinions, particularly concerning sensitive issues such as the presidential term limit. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. _*President Mnangagwa “To Be Forced” to Rule Until 2030, “Against His Will” as Faction Says NO to Chiwenga*_ A faction within ZANU-PF is reportedly determined to keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in power until 2030, even if it means going against his stated intentions and potentially violating the constitution. This comes amidst swirling rumours of a succession battle with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. ZANU-PF War Veterans League secretary, Douglas Mahiya, has publicly stated that veterans of the liberation struggle will lobby for Mnangagwa to reconsider his decision to step down after the expiry of his second term in 2028. Mahiya made these remarks during the launch of the War Veterans Welfare Fund in Mashonaland West yesterday, an initiative aimed at improving the welfare of former liberation fighters which is being spearheaded by presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara. In his address during the launch, Mahiya argued that Mnangagwa’s leadership is crucial for the country’s continued development and stability. “We, as war veterans, believe that President Mnangagwa’s vision and leadership are indispensable to Zimbabwe’s progress. We will engage with the President and persuade him to continue leading the nation beyond 2028,” he said. Mahiya’s utterances came just a day after Mnangagwa said he would adhere to the constitutionally-mandated two terms. This apparent defiance of the President’s stated intentions highlights the deep divisions within ZANU-PF regarding the succession issue. Sources within Mnangagwa’s camp claim that the President is legally bound to continue serving as the first secretary of the party and that no further succession will take place outside the resolutions made at last year’s conference in Bulawayo. “Comrade this is politics and we will stick to conference resolution number 1 which is an expression that the masses wanted President Mnangagwa to continue at the helm until or beyond 2030. We will stick to that resolution and anything outside that will be as good as tampering with our constitutional resolutions,” a defiant source and loyalist said. The source added, “We are not going to succumb to pressure from a small pressure group with its purported act to overturn the will of the people. We will use any means possible to force the President to adhere to the conference resolution which endorsed him as the sole candidate until and beyond 2030.” The source further stated that Mnangagwa’s withdrawal would be “the greatest betrayal to ZANU-PF structures and violation of our party constitution.” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Meanwhile, when contacted by a news crew on the way forward in making sure that they will adhere to conference resolution number 1 versus recent pronouncement and clarity by Mnangagwa towards staying beyond 2030, the party’s Secretary-General, Obert Mpofu was evasive to answer but claimed that the party will follow what the President said. “Yes the resolution for him to stay beyond 2030 was made before, during and after our conference held in Bulawayo. My brother, let me tell you the truth, we will only listen to what the President has said. We cannot change or overturn what he said, we just follow,” Obert Mpofu said. The situation is further complicated by reports of a power struggle between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga. Claims are that the two had a secret and well-planned succession agreement which would first enable Mnangagwa to lead and leave the baton to Chiwenga if he served his constitutional terms. However, facing pressure from war veterans and other circles backing Chiwenga to takeover, Mnangagwa summoned state and few selected privately-owned media editors to announce that he would not seek to serve beyond the maximum limit. ZANU-PF spokesman, Christopher Mutsvangwa (then) claimed that succession into the party’s helm is done through the ballot not the bullet system. Addressing the media during a press briefing then, Mutsvangwa said the party will only follow what the structures have said and nothing outside that will be entertained. A viral video has also surfaced where Mnangagwa loyalists (featuring War Veteran Douglas Mahiya, Presidential Advisor, Paul Tempter Tungwarara, among others) are vowing to persuade him to continue serving beyond 2030. Despite pressure from loyalists backing the most feared and powerful Army Commander, General (Retired) Chiwenga, Mnangagwa is caught in between conference resolution number 1 and pressure to pass the baton his deputy. The launch of the War Veterans Welfare Fund, which includes an initial allocation of US$150 000 from the War Veterans Fund to the province, is seen by some as a move to shore up support for Mnangagwa among this influential constituency. The fund is projected to grow to US$10 million by June 2025, with each province set to receive US$1 million. Tungwarara emphasised the importance of recognising the contribution of war veterans to the nation’s history and identity. “Together, let us forge a future where our war veterans are celebrated and their contributions are recognised as integral to our national identity,” he said. Veterans of the Liberation Struggle deputy minister Headman Moyo applauded the initiative, noting its potential to empower war veterans and their communities. “We are very happy about this Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme because it allows war veterans to undertake different income-generating projects and the surrounding community will also benefit,” he said. As part of the pilot project, eight solar-powered boreholes have been drilled at war veterans’ homes in Mashonaland West within 48 hours of the launch of the programme. _*Health Ministry Reports Spike In Malaria And Diarrhoea Cases*_ The Ministry of Health and Childcare has released its Weekly Disease Report for the week ending 02 February 2025, providing updates on various health concerns across the country. Influenza/Common Cold: A total of 3,912 suspected cases of influenza/common cold were reported this week, with no deaths. Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces recorded the highest number of cases, with 1,439 and 967 cases, respectively. The cumulative total stands at 13,471 suspected cases, with no reported deaths. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Measles: Seven new suspected cases of measles were reported, with no suspected deaths. Harare Province reported three cases, Mashonaland Central two, and Mashonaland East and Mashonaland each reported one. The cumulative number of suspected measles cases is now 34, with no deaths. Common Diarrhoea: A total of 8,464 cases of common diarrhoea were reported, with no deaths. Of these, 3,358 cases were from children under 5 years old. The provinces with the highest number of cases were Mashonaland Central (1,178) and Mashonaland East (1,157). Cumulatively, there have been 35,265 cases and 17 deaths. Malaria: There were 2,009 reported cases of malaria this week, along with six deaths. The highest number of cases were reported in Manicaland (824) and Mashonaland West (527). The provinces also saw several deaths, including two in Mutare District, one in Chimanimani, Buhera, Rushinga, and Makonde Districts. The cumulative figures for malaria cases are 5,710 with 17 deaths, and the cumulative case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 0.3%. Cholera: This week, 24 suspected cases of cholera and one suspected death were reported. The majority of suspected cases (23) were from Mazowe District. Cumulative figures for cholera now stand at 107 suspected cases, with one suspected death, but no confirmed cases or deaths. Dysentery: A total of 545 dysentery cases were reported, with no deaths. Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West provinces reported the highest numbers of cases, with 114 and 97, respectively. The cumulative total for dysentery cases is now 2,416, with one death. Typhoid: No suspected cases or deaths from typhoid were reported this week. The cumulative total for suspected typhoid cases remains at two, with no deaths, resulting in a cumulative CFR of 0%. _*”Kombi Driver Ignored Warning Horn Before Mahatshula Train Collision”*_ The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) said the driver of a kombi involved in a train collision at the Mahatshula level crossing in Bulawayo on Wednesday morning failed to stop, despite the train sounding its horn. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. In a statement released on Wednesday, 19 February, NRZ said that eyewitnesses confirmed the kombi driver sped past two vehicles that had already stopped to give way to the approaching train, which had been sounding its horn. As a result of the collision, three schoolchildren were injured and are currently recovering at a local hospital. Said NRZ: Earlier this morning, a commuter omnibus was struck by a train at the Mahatshula level crossing in Bulawayo. According to eyewitnesses, the driver sped past two vehicles that had stopped to give way to an approaching train, which was already sounding the horn. Three schoolchildren were injured and are recuperating at a local hospital. NRZ once again urges drivers to observe road/rail level crossing rules, which instruct drivers to always stop, look both ways and listen carefully before proceeding across the tracks; never attempt to beat a train at a crossing. An earlier report had said the three learners aboard the kombi had escaped unscathed. _*Civil Registry Department Warns Of Temporary Delays Due To System Upgrade*_ The Civil Registry Department has said members of the public may experience temporary delays in processing essential documents due to an ongoing upgrade of the civil registration system. In a public notice, the department, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, said that the upgrade is intended to enhance efficiency, security, and overall service delivery. It said: The Civil Registry Department wishes to advise its valued clients and stakeholders that the Department is currently upgrading the civil registration system. This upgrade is aimed at enhancing efficiency, security and service delivery.Feedback During this period, there may be temporary disruptions or delays in processing civil registration documents and members of the public are urged to bear with us during this period. _*LAM Mozambique Airlines Cuts Flights To Lisbon, Harare, And Lusaka Due To Losses*_ LAM Mozambique Airlines (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) has suspended its only intercontinental route to Lisbon and regional flights to Harare, Zimbabwe, and Lusaka, Zambia, citing accumulated losses of US$21.3 million on these routes, reported ch-aviation. At a press conference on February 18, airline spokesperson Alfredo Cossa said that the airline was also reconsidering the future of its Maputo-Cape Town International route. This route is currently operated with a CRJ900 aircraft leased from CemAir, a South African operator. Cossa revealed that the Lisbon route had been losing US$21 million since it was reinstated in December 2023 after a 13-year break. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The service, which had been operated using a B767-300ER and previously a B777-200ER, both leased from euroAtlantic Airways, has faced delays and cancellations recently, likely due to late lease payments. The Lisbon route had been relaunched with discounted fares under the temporary management of Fly Modern Ark, which took over the airline’s operations in April 2023. Said Cossa: We were feeding this route based on funds from the domestic market. We were producing and paying, and now we can no longer cope. LAM Mozambique Airlines has been losing US$307,000 on its flights to Lusaka and Harare. The route was operated by LAM’s subsidiary MEX – Mocambique Expresso, using its only active E145 aircraft, C9-MEH. The last flight on the Maputo-Lusaka-Harare-Maputo route took place on January 5, while another flight from Maputo to Quelimane and Lusaka was flown on January 12. Spokesman Alfredo Cossa explained that the decision to cancel these routes was part of the airline’s restructuring plan to improve profitability, as the routes were not financially sustainable. The airline plans to focus on more profitable domestic flights and improve its management. The Mozambican government is preparing to sell 91% of its shares in LAM to public companies to help strengthen its finances. The government has also launched a tender for international fleet renewal, inviting 14 companies to submit proposals by March 5 for three E190s and four B737-700s. _*US$20k stolen at lodge from married small house makes Detective Kedha Tafadzwa Chidawa cry uncontrollably in court, his Police ID was found ‘at crime scene’*_ Former police detective Tafadzwa “Kedha” Chidawa broke down in tears in court this week, leading to an adjournment in his trial for the alleged theft of US$20,000 from Melody Matanhire, a married woman who was reportedly in an adulterous relationship with one of Chidawa’s co-accused. Chidawa, who is currently locked up after his bail was cancelled for failing to appear in court for over a year, will remain in custody as his defence case continues to drag on. The State alleges that Chidawa and his accomplices, Paradza Passmore Matubu, Perseverance Chisango, Malvern Mutanda (who is still on the run), and Francis Takura (already serving a 36-year prison sentence for unrelated robberies), conspired to steal the money from Matanhire in 2020. The case centres around Matanhire, who allegedly took US$20,000 from her matrimonial home in Gen Lorne, Harare, after being convinced by her lover, Mutanda, that it was needed to “clean” US$100,000 of “soiled” money. Mutanda allegedly told her that the cleaning process required US$20,000 in clean notes. He promised that the person who supplied the US$20,000 would earn some interest or commission upon the successful completion of the process. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. According to State papers, on August 27, 2020, Matanhire and Mutanda proceeded to Blue Ridge Lodge, where they were supposedly going to clean the money. Unbeknownst to her, Mutanda had allegedly hatched a plan with Chidawa, Takura, Matubu, and Chisango to steal from her. The court heard that Matanhire handed over the money to Mutanda, who then put it in a cooler box for the cleaning process to commence. The other accomplices allegedly entered the lodge masquerading as police officers, manhandled Mutanda, and made off with the cooler box containing the US$20,000. The crime was discovered when Matanhire tried to fake a robbery to disguise the loss to her husband. During his testimony, Chidawa expressed shock and disbelief that his police identification card was found in Takura’s car, particularly as he had surrendered it to the administration at CID Highlands upon resigning from the police force. He told Chief Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guriro that he only knew Takura as a former colleague at ZRP. Takura, who is serving a 36-year jail term after being convicted of armed robbery, also took to the stand and denied ever being at the lodge. He exonerated Chidawa, accusing the police of planting the documents in his car. “I was arrested in the Central Business District but police drove my car to Highlands police station and I only signed a seizure for the vehicle because when they searched my car they did not find anything,” he said. Takura told the court that the police linked him to the offence because he was the friend of Mutanda, who is currently on the run. Chidawa was quizzed why he failed to give an alibi to show where he was on the day the crime was committed. He told the court that he was also surprised how the identity card had left the police station, where he had surrendered it upon resigning from the police force. Chidawa also told the court that Matanhire lied to her husband of 21 years that the money was stolen when she was spending the money with her boyfriend. He argued that the complainant ( Matanhire) was also tried for the same offence (theft) and she was sentenced. “I never took US$20,000 which belongs to Matanhire, I don’t know her and there is no proof to show that I met her,” he said. During cross-examination by prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu, the court heard that Chidawa produced a police identification card although he was no longer in service. Jambawu told the court that Chidawa’s police identity card was found in Takura’s vehicle, which was at a lodge in Murewa. The prosecutor further averred that the assertion that Chidawa was part of the syndicate as the driver was never challenged after Patrick Soroti testified before the court. Jambawu said guards at the lodge in Murewa positively identified Chidawa’s identity card, but the private investigator objected, arguing that the witnesses had been coached. The prosecutor also submitted that Chidawa was placed at the crime scene by the witness, who even identified the clothes he was wearing on the alleged date. Chidawa broke down into tears on Friday, prompting Chief Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro to adjourn the matter to today for continuation. The hearing continued today. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. _*Harare woman bashes hubby’s small house of 7 years in Harare CBD: She keeps infecting my man with STIs*_ A Harare woman, Batsirai Musendwa, has accused her husband’s alleged mistress, Praise Munaki, of repeatedly infecting him with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) whenever they enjoy unprotected sex in their seven-year affair. The accusation came to light after a Valentine’s Eve confrontation in the Harare CBD, leading Praise Munaki to seek a protection order against Batsirai at the Harare Civil Court. The two women appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga yesterday, where the details of the alleged affair and its impact on Batsirai’s marriage were laid bare. Batsirai told the court that Praise has been involved with her husband for seven years, a relationship she claims is the root cause of the problems in her marriage. “I attacked her because I am tired of my husband’s behaviour,” Batsirai admitted to the court. She further alleged that every time her husband contracts an STI, he unjustly blames her, despite the clear evidence pointing to Praise as the source. “Anonetsa Praise, she has infected my husband with STIs countless times and my husband blames me for it,” Batsirai stated. Batsirai revealed that she had previously confronted Praise about the affair at her workplace. During that encounter, Praise allegedly claimed she was involved with another co-worker, a claim Batsirai dismissed as a fabrication. Adding another layer to the complex situation, Batsirai alleged that Praise recently gave birth to a child and has convinced her husband that he is the father. However, Batsirai expressed her belief that the child is not her husband’s, stating, “I am aware that it’s not my husband’s child because she is in the habit of dating married men.” Praise, on the other hand, painted a picture of being a victim of harassment and violence. She claimed that Batsirai attacked her in the CBD on Thursday, accusing her of dating her husband. “Last Thursday, she saw me in town and attacked me, saying I should stop dating her husband,” Praise told the court. She further alleged that Batsirai’s actions extended beyond the physical attack, claiming that she has been subjected to threats. “She attacked and harassed me in public,” Praise stated. “She has been threatening to harm me and she finally got the chance to. I fear that she will end up hiring people to kill me.” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. In light of the conflicting accounts and the volatile situation, Magistrate Taruvinga granted a reciprocal protection order to both women. This means that both Batsirai and Praise are legally obligated to refrain from harassing, threatening, or engaging in any form of violence against each other. _*Government Suspends Bus Operators’ Licence Over Fatal Masvingo-Beitbridge Crash*_ The government has suspended all omnibus operations by Urban Connect Holdings (Pvt) Ltd following a tragic accident along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Road, which claimed 25 lives and left several passengers injured. In a statement released by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. F. T. Mhona (MP), the ministry established that Urban Connect Holdings was operating in violation of multiple road traffic and safety regulations. The bus involved in the fatal accident, registration number AGL2474, was found to be operating without a valid Passenger Insurance Policy, as required under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11]. Additionally, the vehicle lacked a valid Route Permit, in violation of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15]. The minister further stated that the bus driver did not comply with the mandatory re-test requirement, as per Statutory Instrument 168 of 2006. Citing these violations, Minister Mhona directed the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation to invoke Section 17(b)(i) of the Road Motor Transportation Act [Chapter 13:15], leading to the immediate suspension of Urban Connect’s omnibus operations for six months pending further investigation. “The above violations by the bus operator are a serious breach of the terms and conditions of the operator’s license issued to the company for it to operate in Zimbabwe,” said Minister Mhona. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, noting that most victims of the crash were breadwinners. “Our thoughts are with all the families of the people who were killed in the crash, and our prayers are with those injured as they continue to receive treatment and care. We wish them a speedy recovery,” he stated. The minister also emphasized the government’s firm stance on road safety enforcement to reduce fatal accidents. “Going forward, we shall build on this momentum of strict enforcement of road motor transportation and safety regulations for the safety and well-being of the people,” he said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Ahead of National Youth Day, Minister Mhona warned transport operators, associations, and motorists against violating traffic laws, stressing that authorities will not hesitate to suspend or cancel licenses of those who flout regulations. “The safety and security of all commuting public cannot be taken for granted,” he stated. “We urge all road traffic law enforcement agencies to be on high alert to enforce road traffic laws and ensure the safety and security of all road users.” The suspension of Urban Connect Holdings comes amid growing concerns over road safety and regulatory compliance in Zimbabwe, with authorities under pressure to curb increasing road fatalities. _*BREAKING: SA 2025 Budget cancelled until further notice, over lack of agreement*_ • Budget delay unprecedented in post-apartheid era • Rand and government bonds fall • Budget now expected on March 12 South Africa's national budget was postponed on Wednesday because the two biggest parties in the ruling coalition disagreed over raising value-added tax, an unprecedented delay that caused the rand and government bonds to fall. The speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, told lawmakers who had gathered to hear the finance minister deliver the budget that the speech would now happen on March 12. For the first time since the end of apartheid, the African National Congress (ANC) will need the support of other parties to pass the budget, since it lost its parliamentary majority in an election last year. Its main partner in the coalition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), said the budget had been postponed because of its opposition to a proposal to increase VAT by 2 percentage points to 17%. There have been disagreements between the ANC and DA since the coalition government was formed in June, including over education and health legislation, but the last-minute budget delay caught most off guard. Louw Nel, a political analyst at Oxford Economics, said the delay raised "serious questions about the coalition's ability to deal with major disagreements", and meant three weeks of uncertainty. It comes as South Africa has been in the spotlight after a series of attacks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suspended aid this month over the government's land reform policy and genocide case against Washington's ally Israel. The Business Day newspaper reported on Wednesday that the proposal to increase VAT was intended to plug a revenue shortfall of billions of rand and support social and education spending. The last time VAT was raised was in 2018. A broad swathe of political parties and labour unions have voiced strong opposition to rumours of a further increase, saying it would hit the poor disproportionately hard despite efforts to shield them through a list of "zero-rated" items. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said there would be further discussions in government over a new budget. The rand currency was last down about 1% against the dollar, while the government's 2052-dollar bond was trading roughly 1 cent lower to be bid at 89.20 cents on the dollar . Since the aftermath of the 2008-09 global financial crisis, the government of Africa's most industrialised nation has struggled to deliver economic growth rates high enough to make a dent in inequality and unemployment. Public debt has climbed to about 75% of gross domestic product because of revenue shortfalls and runaway spending. Economists polled by Reuters had predicted that Wednesday's budget would show wider budget deficit forecasts than in October estimates, and public debt stabilising at a higher level. David Omojomolo, an economist at Capital Economics, said the budget delay suggested it was in domestic rather than foreign policy that "the cracks in the coalition lie". This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.