*Morning News: Wednesday 28 May 2025* *Headlines* *Teachers' Union Calls For Urgent Reforms* *...As Teachers Abandon Captured ZIMTA* *High Court Of Zimbabwe Says No Violation Of Rights, As "Patriotic Act" Remains Law* *Chimombe, Mpofu Trial Kicks Off* *Baby's Nose, Cheek Cut Off In Suspected Ritual Killing* *Comedian Kapfupi Begs For Another Vehicle From Wicknell Chivayo* *US Weighing Future Of Military Command In Africa, Top General Says* *US Halts Student Visa Appointments & Plans Expanded Social Media Vetting* *I Can Play Until I'm 40: Salah* *Yamal Signs New Six-year Barcelona Contract* *Chelsea Eye European History In Conference League Final Tonight* *Portugal Forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 40 To Leave Saudi Pro League Side Al-Nassr In Quest To Play in the Club World Cup In The United States* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Teachers' Union Calls For Urgent Reforms* The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has lamented the worsening conditions in the country’s education sector amid calls for urgent government intervention. In an interview with 263chat, ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure called for a substantial salary adjustment in response to the rising cost of living and economic hardships facing educators. "We are demanding a review of our salaries to a minimum of $1,260," Masaraure said. Beyond salaries, Masaraure urged the government to prioritise state-funded education to ensure no child is left behind. "There are enough resources to cater to each and every learner to be in school. It is unacceptable to have 50,000 learners dropping out every year; it is unacceptable to have almost 3 million of our learners drop out of school because they can’t afford education," he said. Masaraure said his organisation is committed to ensuring every child has access to education. In addition to financial concerns, Masaraure highlighted the poor state of infrastructure in schools and a shortage of essential teaching and learning materials. "There must be improved budgetary support for our education. We have seen infrastructure decay in schools and how the curriculum is underfunded," he said. Masaraure also appealed to the government to open dialogue with educators in a bid to address these pressing issues. "We are actually calling for an education conference to discuss these fundamental issues so that we can find solutions," he said. Last week, teachers under the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU) notified the government of their intention to embark on an indefinite strike starting this week, citing unresolved grievances and demanding improved working conditions and a salary increment. *263chat* *...As Teachers Abandon Captured ZIMTA* The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), the country’s oldest and once most influential teachers’ union, is facing growing dissatisfaction from educators who accuse it of being aligned with the ruling regime and failing to champion their plight. Across the education sector, many teachers are reportedly cutting ties with the union, citing its perceived failure to fight for fair salaries and better working conditions, despite consistently deducting monthly union dues from their salaries. Educators argue that ZIMTA has grown increasingly detached from the realities faced by its members, accusing its leadership of living comfortably off union subscriptions while ordinary teachers remain trapped in poverty. The growing sentiment is that the union has lost its independence and is no longer a credible voice for the teaching profession. Many teachers are now encouraging one another to terminate their membership and halt salary deductions to the union, using publicly available links shared via social media platforms to opt out. They say it’s no longer viable to continue funding an organisation they believe has become ineffective and compromised. “We’re tired of feeding a system that doesn’t serve us,” said one teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We are better off using that money to buy basics rather than funding leaders who are silent while we starve.” While ZIMTA has publicly denied the allegations of being captured or losing members en masse, insisting that any claims of mass resignations are driven by social media misinformation, the mood among teachers tells a different story. Educators are also expressing mounting frustration over their stagnant salaries, which remain far below the pre-2018 levels when they were earning around US$540 per month. With current earnings severely eroded by inflation and the depreciating local currency, many teachers now say industrial action is inevitable. Plans for a large-scale strike are reportedly gaining traction, with teachers threatening to paralyse the education sector until their demands are addressed. “If nothing changes soon, we are ready to shut down schools. This is no longer just about salaries—it’s about restoring dignity to the teaching profession,” said another teacher. Should the planned job action proceed, it could cause major disruptions to the school calendar and negatively affect student performance and national exam pass rates, further deepening the crisis in Zimbabwe’s education system. *High Court Of Zimbabwe Says No Violation Of Rights, As "Patriotic Act" Remains Law* The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed an application by Freeman Chari, a biomedical scientist and software engineer, challenging the constitutionality of Section 22A(2)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, popularly known as the Patriotic Act. In 2023, President Emmerson Mnangagwa enacted the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, introducing provisions related to wilfully injuring Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and national interest. Represented by the Shava Law Chambers, Chari had argued that the section was unconstitutionally vague and violated his rights to freedom of expression and political rights enshrined in Sections 61 and 67 of the Constitution, respectively. Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s office, represented first (Minister of Justice) and second ( Attorney-General of Zimbabwe) respondents. The court found that the section was sufficiently clear and did not infringe on Chari’s constitutional rights. Justice Dembure held that the words "subverting", "upsetting", "overthrowing", or "overturning" the constitutional government, although not defined in the statute, were not inherently vague and could be given their ordinary grammatical meaning. The court further found that the section did not criminalise critical behavior acceptable in a democratic society, such as criticizing the government or seeking to democratically challenge the government. "On the political rights enshrined under s 67, the applicant argued that s 22A (2)(b) penalises peaceful activities to influence, challenge or support the policies of the government or any political cause. "Clearly, pursuing peaceful means for a constitutional change of government cannot constitute overthrowing a constitutional government," the judge stated. "The applicant is misreading the meaning of the words ‘subverting, upsetting, overthrowing or overturning the constitutional government’ as read in the context of the whole provision. "Participation in lawful activities meant to influence policy making, or an alternative system of governance or hold the government to account for its policies, does not fall within the conduct proscribed under s 22A(2)(b). "The provision does not violate in any way the constitutionally protected political rights set out in s 67. The applicant cannot claim to have a right to do any of the four activities proscribed by the provisions of s 22A (2)(b)." The court cited the importance of interpreting statutes in a manner that gives effect to the intention of the legislature and promotes the purpose of the law. The court also reiterated the principle that the Constitution is a living document that must be interpreted in a way that breathes life into its provisions. The application was dismissed with no order as to costs. "The applicant has failed to discharge the onus to show that the provisions of s 22A (2)(b) of the Act are unconstitutionally vague and violate the applicant’s fundamental rights or freedoms under ss 61 and 67 of the Constitution. The application is without merit and cannot succeed," the judge ruled. "In their opposing papers, the respondents moved for the dismissal of the application with costs. However, at the hearing, Mr Chimombe submitted that the application must be dismissed with no order as to costs. The settled position of the law is that the courts generally do not award costs in constitutional matters unless there is conduct warranting such costs. This principle was restated in Bere v JSC & Ors CCZ 10/22, where the Court said: ‘The respondents appear to have disregarded r 55 of the Rules which, in keeping with the established practice of this Court, provides that generally no costs are awarded in constitutional matters "This practice was recently reaffirmed in Mbatha v Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries & Anor CCZ 05-2021, at p. 11. In my view, there is no basis or justification in this case to depart from the norm of not awarding costs in a constitutional matter’. Justice Dembure stated: "The remarks in the above judgment apply with equal force in this case. There is no reason or justification to depart from the same principle and mulct the applicant with an order for costs. "Accordingly, it is hereby ordered as follows: The application is dismissed with no order as to costs." *Nehanda radio* *Chimombe, Mpofu Trial Kicks Off* THE trial of Harare businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, who are accused of defrauding over US$7 million from the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, kicked off at the High Court this Tuesday. The trial kicked off with the State leading evidence from a key witness from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. The witness submitted that the documents used by Chimombe and Mpofu were forged. The charges against the two arose after they allegedly forged a ZIMRA tax clearance certificate and a NSSA compliance certificate in the name of Blackdeck Private Limited, which they attached to a bidding document submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development for a tender to supply and deliver goats under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme. Acting on misrepresentation, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development was allegedly defrauded more than US$7 million. The trial continues this Thursday. *zbc* *Baby's Nose, Cheek Cut Off In Suspected Ritual Killing* A Filabusi family is reeling from the suspected ritual murder of their eight-week-old son, whose body was found with the nose and right cheek ripped off. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the horrific incident. "Police in Filabusi are investigating the circumstances surrounding a case of murder in which a baby boy (eight weeks) was found dead at Ukuzwisisa Village, Marubamba area on May 25, 2025," said Nyathi. "The nose and right cheek were cut off. The mother of the victim had left the baby sleeping in the spare bedroom while she was having breakfast in a kitchen hut." ZRP appealed to anyone with information that might result in the arrest of culprit to report at any nearest police station. In an unrelated incident, police in Gokwe arrested Janet Mudzingwa (20) on Saturday in connection with concealing the birth of a child. Investigations by the police established that the suspect allegedly gave birth to a baby on May 22, 2025, at Chiwashira village, Chireya and threw the baby in a disused toilet pit. Police attended the scene and retrieved the lifeless body from the pit. *NewZW* *Comedian Kapfupi Begs For Another Vehicle From Wicknell Chivayo* Comedian and musician Freddy Manjalima, better known as Kapfupi Comedian and musician Freddy Manjalima, better known as Kapfupi, has taken to social media to ask for another vehicle from free-spending tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo after the previous one he was given crashed in December. The comedian was one of those who benefited from Wicknell’s seemingly endless generosity in 2024, as the controversial entrepreneur gifted him a Toyota Aqua vehicle. In a post on Facebook, Kapfupi said the vehicle was essential to him, as he used it for day to day activities that benefited his family. "Dear Sir Wicknell chekutanga ndinotenda Mwarii akatipa imii pasi pano ndini mwana wenyu Freddy Manjalima Kapfupi ndinotenda nemudziyo wamakandipa baba makabatsira zvikuru uye raiwa badza rekuti ndiwane kusakura uye ndiwane kufambisa kuenda kumabasa kuti mhuri dzirarame asi mhepowo dzekumusha kwatinobva dzisingade kuona chakanaka pamwana washe dzakapindira ndikasangana netsaona Mota ikadhumwa ikaita beyond repair musiwa 23 December last year," he wrote. As he waxed lyrical about Wicknell’s generosity, Kapfupi said another vehicle would help relieve the pressure that had been mounting on him ever since the last vehicle crashed. "BABA zvinonzi mwana asingacheme anofira mumbereko ini ndachemawo kwamuri zvakare Baba kuti handisisina chekufambisa Baba mwana wenyu ndinga kwirawo makombi futi muripo here Baba ndinowimba message yangu inosvika kwamuri Baba wicknell chivhayo ndatenda." *nehandaradio* *US Weighing Future Of Military Command In Africa, Top General Says* The United States is assessing the future of its military command for Africa, its top general for the continent said on Tuesday, and called on African governments to make their views on its possible elimination known in Washington. President Donald Trump's administration is considering merging AFRICOM, which became a distinct geographical command in 2008, with the U.S. command in Europe to cut bureaucracy, American media outlets reported in March. Speaking to reporters before a conference of African defence chiefs in Kenya, AFRICOM's commander, General Michael Langley, said he had discussed the issue with officials on the continent. "I've talked to a number of ministers of defence and a few presidents and told them we were assessing," Langley said. He said governments should make their views about AFRICOM's future known through their ambassadors in the U.S. "That's what I tell them. I said: 'okay, if we're that important to (you), you need to communicate that and we'll see'." Before 2008, U.S. military activities in Africa were handled by commands from other regions. AFRICOM's creation reflected rising U.S. national security interests on the continent, including Islamist insurgencies and competition with China and Russia. In West Africa, where groups with ties to al Qaeda and Islamic State have grown in recent years, U.S. security influence has waned following a series of military coups. The putsches forced Washington to pull back on security support and brought to power juntas that have turned to Russia for assistance. Last year, the ruling junta in Niger ordered the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country and vacate a $100 million drone base. Langley said the U.S. had nevertheless maintained some intelligence sharing with the military regimes in the Sahel region and was looking for "other ways to continue to stay engaged". *Reuters* *US Halts Student Visa Appointments & Plans Expanded Social Media Vetting* US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered embassies to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. In a copy of a memo sent to diplomatic posts, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the pause would last "until further guidance is issued". The message said social media vetting would be stepped up for student and foreign exchange visas, which would have "significant implications" for embassies and consulates. It comes amid Trump's feud with some of America's most elite colleges, which he believes are too left-wing. He says some of them have enabled antisemitism on campus and uphold discriminatory admissions policies. The state department memo, viewed by the BBC's US partner CBS News, directed US embassies on Tuesday to remove any unfilled appointments from their calendars for students seeking visas, but said those with appointments already scheduled could go ahead. The diplomatic cable also said the state department was preparing for an "expansion of required social media screening and vetting" applicable to all student visa applications. Foreign students who want to study in the US are usually required to schedule interviews at an American embassy in their home country before approval. Many institutions rely on foreign students for a significant chunk of their funding, as they often pay higher tuition fees. When asked about student visas, state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday: "We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we're going to continue to do that." The Trump administration has frozen hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for universities and moved to deport students, while revoking thousands of visas for others. Many of these actions have been blocked by the courts. The White House has accused some US universities of allowing pro-Palestinian activism on campus to be hijacked by antisemitism. Colleges have accused the Trump administration of trying to infringe upon free speech rights. Harvard University has been the focal point of President Donald Trump's ire. Last week, the Trump administration revoked Harvard's ability to enrol international students or host foreign researchers. A federal judge blocked the policy. If the measure is allowed, it could deliver a devastating blow to the university, where more one-fourth of students are foreign. *BBC* *I Can Play Until I'm 40: Salah* Mohamed Salah says he can play until he is 40 years old and is still in talks about a possible future move to the Saudi Pro League. The Liverpool forward, 32, had a superb season, scoring 29 goals and delivering 18 assists as the Reds won the Premier League title. Sources told BBC Sport that Salah was in line to earn at least £500m in Saudi Arabia before he decided to sign a new contract at Anfield last month after a season of speculation. Speaking to Egyptian television channel ON Sports, external before supporters were injured when a car ploughed into crowds at the club's trophy parade on Monday, Salah said: "I will stop playing when I have that feeling. "If you ask me for my opinion, I think I can play until the age of 39 or 40 but if I felt before that I wanted to stop, I would quit. I have achieved a lot of things. "My contract was up at Liverpool and I would have gone to Saudi but we finalised the deal with Liverpool." Salah has scored 186 Premier League goals for Liverpool and Chelsea and sits fifth on the all-time list - one goal behind former Newcastle and Manchester United striker Andrew Cole. The Egypt international has indicated he could still play in the Middle East after his contract at Anfield expires in 2027. "I still have a good relationship with them and I always stay in contact with them. Yes, we were talking to each other," he added, with reference to clubs in Saudi. "I don't know what is going to happen but I am happy here in Liverpool and I am staying here for the next two years. Then I will see what I will do next." *BBC* *Yamal Signs New Six-year Barcelona Contract* Lamine Yamal has signed a new six-year Barcelona contract following a breakout season in which he helped the Catalan club win a domestic treble. The 17-year-old Spain winger's existing deal was set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season but his new contract keeps him with Barca until 2031. Yamal, who made his Barca debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, scored 18 goals and made 25 assists in 55 appearances as Barca won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup in Hansi Flick's first season as manager. Barca said Yamal signed the new contract on Tuesday in the presence of club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. "Yamal's renewal is a demonstration of the solidity of Barca's project. His emergence on to the world football scene is like few others," the club said. "The lad from Mataro near Barcelona has exploded on to the stage that is world football with performances that are already part of Barcelona history." Yamal has scored 25 goals in 115 games for the club, becoming the youngest scorer in the history of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. Yamal, who will turn 18 in July, is also the youngest player to reach 100 appearances for Barca. He has also earned 19 caps for Spain and was part of the side that won Euro 2024, beating England 2-1 in the final in Berlin. The youngster has drawn comparisons with Barca legend Lionel Messi, having also come through the club's famed La Masia academy. Barca have also extended contracts of their manager Flick and Brazil forward Raphinha in recent weeks. *BBC* *Chelsea Eye European History In Conference League Final Tonight* Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Wednesday's Conference League final against Real Betis is a chance to make history, reinforce a winning mentality and prove his young side belong at the top. Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League on Sunday to qualify for the Champions League, which they have won twice along with two Europa League trophies, raising questions about where the Conference League stands in their list of priorities. But, having also twice won the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, Chelsea's chance to become the first team to win all four major UEFA club competitions should be a key motivator for his side, Maresca said. "Probably the most complicated thing this season about the Conference [League] has been to convince the players that for us it's the best competition in the world and the reason why was because it's the competition that we were in," Maresca told reporters on Tuesday. "I'm happy if we win, but I'm especially happy for the club, for the fans. And also because Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions. "If we are able to win, I think it's a good thing because we continue to build the winning mentality." Maresca added that his side have proved themselves this season, with a final victory set to confirm their progress. "Every game is a chance to show we have improved and that we want to win titles," he said. "We are the youngest squad in the history of the Premier League, but also they are men. We are mature enough, and we can compete." Chelsea have had little time to prepare for the final but Maresca insisted their focus had never slipped. "The message in the last 48 hours has been, we did something important [by qualifying for the Champions League]. But if we want to confirm we're becoming an important club, we need to show the desire to win the title and to win the game," he added. *Portugal Forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 40 To Leave Saudi Pro League Side Al-Nassr In Quest To Play in the Club World Cup In The United States*