*Monday 16 June 2025* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaatWAaBadmi3bUGfI3K *Headlines* *Iran-Israel War: Palestinian Communities In Israel Left Vulnerable Without Adequate Bomb Shelters* *ZiG In Theory, Not In Hand: Cash Elusive Despite RBZ Claims* *Sanyatwe’s Praise For Tagwirei Raises Political Eyebrows* *EMBARRASSMENT: UK MP Butler Distances Herself From Summit With Zimbabwe’s First Lady* *Delta Beverages Cashier Burns Money To Cover Up US$30 000 Theft* *PSG Thump 10-man Atletico Madrid In Searing Heat* *Stories in Detail:* *Iran-Israel War: Palestinian Communities In Israel Left Vulnerable Without Adequate Bomb Shelters* Towns inhabited by Palestinian citizens face bomb shelter shortages, showing the glaring inequality that exists throughout their communities. Tamra was left shaken after an Iranian missile struck a residential building late Saturday evening, killing four civilians, Israel’s national emergency service Magen David Adom reported. Over the last 20 months of war, rockets have occasionally been launched from across Lebanon’s border into northern Israel. But Tamra has never taken a hit like this – until hostilities with Iran erupted into direct strikes between the two countries this week. The morning after, the mood in the Lower Galilee town was somber, compounded by anger over a lack of adequate bomb shelters, an issue that Palestinian citizens of Israel have long warned was a glaring inequality that exists throughout their communities. *ZiG In Theory, Not In Hand: Cash Elusive Despite RBZ Claims* As public frustration grows over the scarcity of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) cash, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has assured the nation that measures are being implemented to ensure the widespread availability of the local currency across the country. In a press statement issued on 13 June 2025, RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens—especially those outside Harare—regarding limited access to ZiG in physical form. “The Reserve Bank has noted concerns coming from the transacting public relating to the availability of ZiG cash and its usage, particularly from areas outside Harare,” said Dr. Mushayavanhu. According to the RBZ, the usage of ZiG in the economy has improved significantly over the past year. Local currency settlements on the National Payment System jumped from ZiG7.86 billion (26%) in April 2024 to ZiG56.8 billion (43%) by 30 May 2025. Dr. Mushayavanhu emphasized that there is sufficient ZiG liquidity in the system to meet public demand. “As at 12 June 2025, the total ZiG deposits in the economy amounted to about ZiG16 billion, of which over ZiG207 million was cash held by banks,” he noted. “This meets optimal requirements and is sufficient to support daily deposits and withdrawals by the public.” In response to continued pressure over the absence of physical cash in many provinces, the RBZ revealed that it is working with financial institutions to increase the distribution of ZiG through banking halls and ATMs. Some banks have already started dispensing ZiG through ATMs, while others are said to be in the process of configuring their machines. “The Reserve Bank, in collaboration with banking institutions, has put in place measures to ensure the wider availability and distribution of ZiG cash,” the Governor stated. Despite public skepticism, the RBZ insists that the currency and exchange rate stability currently being experienced will support the broader use of ZiG both electronically and physically. “The Reserve Bank also remains strongly committed to maintaining the prevailing price and currency stability to safeguard the current and future ZiG purchasing power at all costs,” Dr. Mushayavanhu declared. However, the statement comes amid growing economic anxiety, with citizens and businesses alike expressing concern over the usability and reliability of the new currency. Long queues, limited ATM functionality, and continued dollarisation in informal markets have left many questioning the practicality of ZiG in everyday transactions. As the government pushes for wider adoption of the currency, all eyes remain on the RBZ’s ability to translate these assurances into tangible improvements on the ground. *Sanyatwe’s Praise For Tagwirei Raises Political Eyebrows* A recent speech by former Army General and now Sports Minister, Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, publicly praising businessman Kuda Tagwirei has ignited a fresh wave of speculation and critical analysis regarding the ongoing power dynamics within ZANU PF and the party’s succession matrix. Political commentator Brighton Mutebuka suggests the comments carry significant weight, particularly concerning Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s presidential ambitions. Sanyatwe’s remarks, delivered at an unspecified public event, unmistakably lauded Tagwirei for his alleged pivotal role during the period of debilitating Western sanctions imposed on Robert Mugabe’s regime due to alleged human rights violations and controversial land expropriations. The Sports Minister’s speech also credited Tagwirei with funding the contentious "Command Agriculture" programme, which Mutebuka says is "renowned for facilitating grand looting of government funds by high ranking government, ZANU PF & military officials amongst other things." Furthermore, Sanyatwe’s address shed light on Tagwirei’s previously undisclosed financial contributions to other government functions, effectively casting the businessman as a "saviour" during a time when the state was reportedly "practically bankrupt." Crucially, Sanyatwe also declared that Tagwirei "respects" the military, a statement Mutebuka deems "highly significant" in the current political climate. Mutebuka argues that despite Sanyatwe’s reassignment from the powerful post of Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, widely perceived as a demotion, he is still considered Vice President Chiwenga’s "right-hand man." With Chiwenga currently embroiled in a "vicious power struggle for the presidency with the incumbent," President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mutebuka posits that Tagwirei is being "conveniently & strategically catapulted into prime position to scuttle Chiwenga’s own presidential ambitions." The commentator suggests that Sanyatwe’s "fawning adoration" of Tagwirei has set "tongues wagging," leaving many to question whether this represents an "unlikely betrayal of Chiwenga by Sanyatwe" or merely "high stakes elite political poker gamesmanship / manoeuvring to wrongfoot ED." Should it be a betrayal, Mutebuka believes it would be a "monumental setback for Chiwenga," who is currently employing a "hear-no-evil-see-no-evil-respond-to-no evil strategy" in the power struggle. Conversely, if it is a strategic manoeuvre, he contends it has been "deftly deployed" due to its capacity to "confuse and confound many across the political spectrum." While acknowledging the complexity of the question, Mutebuka believes it is "unlikely that he can overhaul Chiwenga in the home straight to claim the highly coveted ‘prize’." He describes the "Tagwirei phenomenon" as akin to "political ‘overreaching’," appearing "too little too late" and borne out of "political desperation." Mutebuka asserts that Tagwirei seemingly "lacks the required political minerals for his wretched assignment," contrasting "formalistic perfunctory ‘respect'" with the "hard knuckle, hard iron, aura coated ‘respect'" vital in African politics. Mutebuka forecasts that despite Tagwirei and President Mnangagwa commanding a "huge war chest," the "battle will go right down to the wire & will be fraught with danger." He suggests Tagwirei suffers from an "irredeemably suffocating deficit" in this high-stakes environment. The commentator says the current "choreography" involving Tagwirei exhibits a "decided whiff of being unhinged, garrulous, pantomime villain vibes," creating a "yawning gap between that and what’s required to run the affairs of the state." Mutebuka expresses a "foreboding & ominous feeling that a time, a moment shall arrive when all the faffing about we are witnessing now will end – and the real final battle will then commence in earnest." Beyond the internal power struggles, Mutebuka reiterates Zimbabwe’s fundamental need for "a competent, democratic, legitimate & credible government elected in free and fair elections that focus on good governance and is steeped in the rule of law," a goal he sadly deems a "pipe dream." He warns that the country is "caught between a rock and a hard place – a potential dynasty and another suffocating dictatorship," unless Chiwenga, if triumphant, undergoes a "damascene moment and embraces democracy," or champions a government of national unity. Mutebuka argues that President Mnangagwa’s government remains "illegitimate," born from "sham elections" as per SADC’s SEOM Final Report, and consequently, any succeeding government will also require "curing" from this inherent illegitimacy. *pindula* *EMBARRASSMENT: UK MP Butler Distances Herself From Summit With Zimbabwe’s First Lady* Labour MP Dawn Butler has withdrawn from an international summit in London after learning she was advertised as a speaker alongside Auxillia Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s First Lady, who is under US sanctions for alleged corruption and gold smuggling. The decision follows fierce backlash from Zimbabwean activists, who accuse Mnangagwa of hypocrisy and have pledged to disrupt the event with protests. The First Ladies of African Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Summit, due to take place on 17-18 June at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, aims to spotlight female leadership and investment in Africa. But Mnangagwa’s inclusion has ignited controversy, prompting Butler’s exit and raising questions about the participation of two other British politicians, Labour MP Diane Abbott and Conservative peer Baroness Sandip Verma. In a statement, Butler’s office said: “We have never agreed to speaking at this event, so are rightly concerned that Dawn is being advertised as a speaker at this summit. We have contacted the organisers and asked them to remove her name from their programme immediately.” The move came after Zimbabwean diaspora activists delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street, calling for Mnangagwa to be barred from the UK. *A Controversial Guest* Auxillia Mnangagwa, married to Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was sanctioned by the US in 2023 under the Global Magnitsky Act. An Al Jazeera investigation, Gold Mafia, alleged she played a key role in smuggling gold and diamonds, funnelling profits to the ruling elite while Zimbabwe’s economy crumbled. Over 80% of Zimbabweans are unemployed, and 5.6 million face food insecurity, according to the World Food Programme. Last year’s elections, widely criticised as fraudulent by the EU, SADC and others, further entrenched the regime’s grip on power. Despite this, Mnangagwa has cast herself as an advocate for women’s empowerment—a claim activists dismiss as a sham. On 4 June, campaigner Josephine Jenje-Mudimbu led a protest outside Downing Street, delivering a petition to block Mnangagwa’s entry. In a video on X, she said: “Charity begins at home. Auxillia should clean up the mess she and her husband are creating in Zimbabwe. There is no room for Auxillia to come to the UK to present herself at FLAIR.” The outrage has spilled onto social media. X user @MilMillaz wrote: “Auxillia Mnangagwa must not be given a platform at the #flairsummit. She represents a brutal regime responsible for abductions, mass corruption, and human rights abuses.” *Political Fallout* Butler’s withdrawal has turned the spotlight on Abbott and Verma, both still listed as speakers. Abbott, a veteran Labour MP, and Verma, the UK’s Ministerial Champion for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Overseas, have yet to clarify their stances. For Verma, the stakes are high: her role puts her at odds with sharing a stage with the spouse of a leader linked to state violence. Neither responded to inquiries emailed to their offices last week. The silence has fuelled criticism. “Would these MPs sit with the spouse of a Russian oligarch?” asked @ChirevoChamisa on X. “If not, what makes Zimbabwe different?” Activists argue that hosting Mnangagwa undermines the summit’s stated mission and sends a dangerous signal to Zimbabwean women enduring repression. The FLAIR Summit’s organisers have remained tight-lipped, though sources suggest Mnangagwa’s participation could be reconsidered as protests mount. With just days until the event, the row exposes a broader dilemma: how to balance diplomatic engagement with accountability for human rights abuses. As activists prepare to “shut it down,” the summit’s future hangs in the balance. *Delta Beverages Cashier Burns Money To Cover Up US$30 000 Theft* A Kadoma woman has been convicted and sentenced for theft after stealing nearly US$30 000 from her employer, Delta Beverages, and attempting to destroy part of the evidence by setting it on fire. Evelyn Mkwananzi (38), who worked as a cashier for the beverage company, was sentenced by the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court to 38 months in prison following the theft of US$29,896 in beverage sales revenue. The incident occurred on May 4, 2023, when instead of depositing the previous day’s takings, Mkwananzi absconded with the funds. To cover her tracks, Mkwananzi attempted to burn some of the cash before fleeing the scene. However, CCTV footage captured her fleeing after starting the fire. Thanks to the swift response of the security team on site, US$12,500 of the stolen money was salvaged. However, US$470 and ZWL$900 were partially burnt in the blaze. Mkwananzi’s sentence includes 38 months of imprisonment, with several conditions for suspension. Ten months were suspended for five years, 12 months were suspended upon repayment of US$29,860, and a further 16 months were suspended on condition that she completes 560 hours of community service at Rutendo Primary School in Kwekwe. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stressed the importance of integrity in professional conduct. The NPA said: This case serves as a reminder that integrity is paramount, as attempts to conceal wrongdoing only deepen the repercussions, with the justice system ensuring accountability. *PSG Thump 10-man Atletico Madrid In Searing Heat* Newly crowned European champions Paris St-Germain cruised past Atletico Madrid for a winning start to their first ever Fifa Club World Cup campaign. The French side dominated the early stages in searing heat in front of an 80,619-strong crowd at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, enjoying 82.6% possession in the first 15 minutes. They led when Fabian Ruiz rifled a low strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos missed the target with three attempts, before Vitinha drifted through the middle of the Atletico defence just before half-time and slotted past Jan Oblak to put his side in firm control. Oblak kept his side in the game by tipping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's bending strike on to the crossbar minutes after the restart, before Julian Alvarez had a goal disallowed for a foul by Koke on Desire Doue in the build-up. Atletico were reduced to 10 men in bizarre circumstances in the 78th minute when Clement Lenglet was shown a second yellow card for dissent after referee Istvan Kovacs failed to act when Oblak was impeded while attempting to roll the ball out. Diego Simeone's side should have pulled a goal back eight minutes from time, but substitute Alexander Sorloth missed an open goal from a few yards when a low cross found him at the far post. Substitute Senny Mayulu followed up his goalscoring cameo in last month's Champions League final by firing into the bottom corner in the 87th minute. There was drama in added time as Ibrahim Mbaye hit the post for PSG, before Atleti defender Robin le Normand was punished for handball by the video assistant referee (VAR) and Lee Kang-in slotted home the penalty for his side's fourth goal. With the match kicking off at midday local time, players and fans were subjected to blazing sunshine as the temperature reached 31C in Pasadena. Fifa's decision to schedule 35 of the 63 games earlier than 17:00 local time has raised eyebrows, not least from world players' union Fifpro. It believes Fifa's guidelines on cooling breaks "do not do enough to protect the health and performance of players". One cooling break is permitted in each half if the 'wet bulb globe temperature' (WBGT) - a measure of heat stress combining heat and humidity - reaches 32C. Sunday's match contained two cooling breaks, which many of the players spent with towels covering their heads. After the match PSG midfielder and player of the match Vitinha described the playing conditions as "difficult", while manager Luis Enrique said the heat "had an impact on the game." With the 2026 World Cup held in the US, Canada and Mexico a year from now, the issue of playing in potentially dangerous temperatures will continue to cause concern. Vitinha continued his career-best campaign with another excellent performance at the heart of the PSG midfield. The 25-year-old took his goal well too, showing great awareness and ambition to spot the hole in the Atleti defence, drive forward and calmly place the ball past the outstretched Oblak. While Kvaratskhelia did register two assists, both were simple passes that preceded brilliance from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. The Georgian winger struggled to make more of an impact, with his only real moment of quality denied a goal by Oblak. Julian Alvarez was his usual lively self for Atletico, but the Argentine striker lacked service to cause more problems. With minimal fuss he took the main chance that fell his way, only to see VAR rule it out because of Koke's foul. PSG face Botafogo in their second Group B game in Pasadena on Friday, 20 June (02:00 BST), a few hours after Atletico take on Seattle Sounders in Seattle on Thursday, 19 June (23:00 BST) *BBC*