COP CHARGED WITH MURDER

A police officer based in Mwenezi, Masvingo province  has appeared before a Karoi magistrate facing murder charges after he allegedly killed a fellow patron at a bar following a dispute.

Farai Simudzirai appeared before magistrate Blessing Makati who did not ask him to plead.

Simudzirai was remanded in custody to May 8.

Prosecutors said Simudzirai was drinking beer with fellow officers including the now deceased Privilege Hove and Mirirai Chiveza at Kutepa Ultra City Night Club on April 21 around midnight.

“Accused person had a misunderstanding with fellow patrons and Constable Chiveza, who is stationed at ZRP Karoi Urban, came to restrain Simudzirai and dragged him outside the nightclub,” state prosecutor Progress Muponde told the court.

“Hove, who was part of the patrons, came to the rescue.

“Simudzirai produced an Okapi knife and stabbed Hove on the stomach resulting in protruding of the intestines.”

Hove was transferred to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital and later Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare where he died on arrival. Standard

 

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SUSPENDED ZBC PRESENTER BACK AT WORK

NATIONAL broadcaster ZBC has retained Farai Magada, who was suspended together with Victoria Manase over their jibe at King Lobengula.

Victoria Manase, blamed colonial-era abuses on black people by whites on 1800s Ndebele King Lobengula whom she claims was enticed by sugar.

Manase said this live on national television while presenting Good Morning Zimbabwe (GMZ).

Co-host Farai Magada sensationally added that colonialism, despite its ‘ills’ was a necessary evil as they could now ‘sit in front of cameras and wear proper clothes not nhembe.’

Manase's comments perpetuated a harmful stereotype about King Lobengula. This stereotype blames him for signing the Rudd Concession, which ultimately led to Zimbabwe's colonisation.

A local media house recently caused outrage by merging an image of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu with King Lobengula, both holding a packet of sugar.

A source, who spoke to the Standard Style, revealed that Magada had been retained, but moved to Classic 263 radio station.

“Magada is back, but she has been reassigned to Classic 263, while Manase has left the organisation since she was a part time presenter,” said the source.

“Magada went for a disciplinary hearing and was given a written warning."

Political analyst Effie Ncube said the media should serve to unite and strengthen the nation, rather than inciting hatred and division among each other.

“While I do not know what happened behind the scenes and whether or not the presenter was given history lessons first, as a country we should not embrace hate speech and ignore the pain it causes in others,” Ncube said.

“The media should be used for uniting and building the nation and not for fanning the flames of hate that will turn us against each other.

“The remarks the presenters made on national television were demeaning and provocative and in clear violation of the laws of the country.”

He said returning the presenter back so soon should have been accompanied by a statement from the government and the ZBC clarifying the circumstances of her return.

“Whether or not she has successfully been rehabilitated, and what has happened in the case she was implicated in,” Ncube said.

“Silence may be wrongly interpreted leading to the deepening of social polarisation. This is a serious matter that should be handled with greatest care.”

Matabeleland-based human rights watchdog, Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said he was not surprised with her comeback.

“I am not surprised she is back at work. The government is the culprit because they go to Pupu and build a plaque for General Mtshana, little is said about the king. The putting, unveiling of the plaque is the missed opportunity to correct the misinformation,” he said.

“She publicly said what they say in private, and it's a long held belief. They always make fun about the Ndebele kingdom, the creation of non-existent kings is a counter or reactionary response to the Ndebele monarchy.”

late last year Magada was involved in a sexual harassment scandal pitting herself and senior broadcaster Robson Mhandu.

Mhandu was suspended following allegations that he demanded sexual favours from Magada, as a condition for approving her transfer request from Bulawayo to Harare.

In a leaked audio recording of their meeting at his office, Mhandu told Magada that she needed to “motivate me by work and number two, the obvious… it’s a combination of the two.” He further threatened to send her back to Bulawayo if she refused.

Mhandu persistently referred to Magada as “honey,” “darling,” and “sweetheart” in WhatsApp messages as he continued to pressure her for sexual favours.

In response to Magada’s question about whether her transfer depended on sex, Mhandu stated, “It’s one million percent guaranteed… Remember you moved from Khulumani FM to Classic 263 on my signature MaMoyo. Your talk of guarantees is purely a sign of disrespect from a typical Zimbabwean woman.” Standard

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EMBARRASSING, SAYS BITI AS ED HOBNOBS WITH CHIVAYO

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s links with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo have been questioned after the ex-convict was seen playing a key rule during the state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto.

Ruto jetted into the country on Friday to officially open the Zimbabwe International

The businessman, whose source of wealth is being questioned after splashing thousands of dollars of luxury cars for Zanu PF aligned influencers and artists, overshadowed top government officials when Mnangagwa received his Kenyan counterpart at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on Friday.

He later appeared in several pictures with Mnangagwa and Ruto at State House in Bulawayo.

Earlier that day Chivayo hogged the limelight as he relegate ministers to the sidelines, including Industry minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu who was presiding over the annual trade showcase during Mnangagwa’s tour of the ZITF stands in Bulawayo.

Chivayo, Mnangagwa’s sons and dozens of security personnel were seen moving around touring ZITF stands. Ministers and top Zanu PF officials were pushed to the periphery during the tour.

Former Finance minis­ter Tendai Biti said Mnangagwa has put the country’s international relations into disrepute, and it was not acceptable.

“Anyone can be a friend to any­one, but for a whole presid­ent to accommodate his cronies on state business, it’s embarrassing,” Biti said. Standard

“He has put our inter­na­tional relations into disrepute and it’s not acceptable and embarrass­ing.”

 Standard

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ZANU PF WINS MT PLEASANT

 

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O AND A LEVELS EXAMS CAPPED

THE Government has put a cap on the number of subjects that learners will be writing at Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations as part of the key highlights of the new heritage-based curriculum.

The new curriculum is set to commence at the beginning of the second term in May with the Government saying learners should write not more than four A-level subjects and eight O-level subjects.

The cap is, however, likely to be effected next year as most learners have already registered for this year’s examinations.

Speaking to Sunday News, the Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro said the new curriculum was strict on the number of subjects that learners could sit for at both O and A-level.

“This is a subsequent curriculum that buttresses the previous competence-based curriculum. Now we have the heritage-based curriculum and we have put in place modalities for the operationalisation of this curriculum.

“One of the key highlights is the issue of five compulsory learning areas and also the capping of subjects that learners can write. Learners should write a maximum of eight subjects at O-level and a maximum of four A-level subjects, nothing more than four,” said Mr Ndoro.

He emphasised the need for parents and guardians to be aware of the disadvantages of allowing their children to register more subjects than are necessary.

“Our message is very clear, it is key that your child specialises in the areas in which they are competent. We have five compulsory learning areas or subjects at O-level, one can then take three elective subjects to make them eight. That makes a normal O-level candidate, who can progress to A-level and university. It is the same with A-level, a minimum of three and a maximum of four subjects. Normally we just want three because when students go to university, they just consider the best three subjects, the rest are not considered,” emphasised Mr Ndoro.

He said students must focus their strengths on those subjects that need to be specialised in rather than writing multiple subjects that are not going to assist them as they proceed with their education.

“We do not want an education system where learners write 15 subjects at O-level and 10 at A-level. It becomes unnecessary and meaningless. What we want is to streamline and get the best value out of our heritage-based curriculum,” said Mr Ndoro.

He said the ministry is going to be visiting schools to observe how the new curriculum is implemented.

“As schools open in May, the ministry is going to monitor the implementation process of the heritage-based curriculum. We are very excited that it is being embraced by a lot of our schools and teachers, unlike the previous curriculum where there was the component of Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) which was a bit unpopular, this one seems popular and acceptable by all stakeholders,” said Mr Ndoro.

Of late, the media has been profiling learners who sit and pass multiple subjects at both levels of secondary education.

Mr Ndoro, however, said the streamlining of examination subjects under the heritage-based curriculum also speaks to Government subsidy on examination fees for those in public schools where a 55 percent subsidy applies to a maximum of seven O-level subjects and four A-level subjects including Communication Skills.

Students who wish to go above the stipulated subjects under the subsidy will have to pay for the extra subjects at the full fee cost.

The full examination fees, minus the subsidy according to Zimsec have been pegged at US$24 for O-level candidates while A-levels pay US$48. Sunday Mail

 

 

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ZiG DAILY WITHDRAWAL LIMITS SET

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) will begin distributing the new Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) banknotes and coins to commercial banks tomorrow, with the public set to start withdrawing cash from their accounts on Tuesday morning.

The central bank has since set weekly cash withdrawal limits at ZiG3 000 for individuals and ZiG30 000 for corporates to manage the initial rollout.

The new currency — backed by a combination of gold, precious minerals, and foreign currency reserves — will start circulating in the market on Tuesday. Notably, all ZiG banknotes and coins were produced locally.

In an interview with our Harare Bureau yesterday, RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said everything was in place for the seamless distribution of the new currency.

“All banks will start collecting cash from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on Monday (tomorrow),” said Dr Mushayavanhu.

“We have since communicated with them, including giving them a communiqué on the cash withdrawal limits.

“Banks have already been advised on the maximum limits for withdrawal by individuals, corporates, schools and Government.”

In a directive to local banks dated 10 April, the RBZ’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) indicated the cash withdrawal limits.

“In view of the introduction of the new structured currency, ZiG, through the Reserve Bank Governor’s Monetary Policy Statement on April 5, 2024, the following ZiG cash withdrawal limits shall apply,” reads the directive.

“Individuals: ZiG3 000; corporates: ZiG30 000; schools, hospitals, clinics, and local authorities: ZiG250 000 (monthly); Government ministries and departments ZiG300 000 (monthly).”

The directive places no limits on cash withdrawals by Parliament, courts and international organisations.

It states that withdrawal limits for United States dollar accounts remain unchanged.

“Banks are required to undertake due diligence when processing cash requests for customers to ensure the facility is not used for criminal activities,” it continues.

“Where a customer has a valid need to withdraw cash above the stipulated limit, the bank shall continue to submit such an application to the FIU, clearly setting out the special grounds for the request.

“The FIU will not grant any such requests unless satisfied that no other forms of payment are reasonably available to the customer.”

Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Lawrence Nyazema said financial institutions were ready for the rollout.

“We are on course to provide the new notes and coins to our customers and clients on the date that was announced,” he said.

“The RBZ and banks have been conducting publicity campaigns in preparation for the launch.

“We are now in the final stages of operational readiness for the exercise.”

The ZiG notes and coins will be drip-fed into the market in denominations ranging from ZiG1 to ZiG200.

The new currency replaced the Zimbabwe dollar, which has been rapidly depreciating against major currencies since the beginning of the year. The RBZ has in its reserves US$100 million in foreign currency, and 2,5 tonnes of gold valued at US$185 million. Sunday News

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KENYA DONATES MAIZE TO ZIM

KENYA has pledged to donate US$1 million worth of maize to Zimbabwe, which will be delivered within the next few weeks to complement the Government’s drought mitigation efforts in the face of a prolonged El Nino-induced drought.

In his remarks during the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Kenya and Zimbabwe under the 4th Zimbabwe/Kenya Joint Permanent Commission on Co-operation, at State House in Bulawayo yesterday, President William Ruto called on the international community to respond to the declaration made on a State of Disaster in Zimbabwe.

“The effects of climate change threaten the lives and livelihoods globally, in particular, in the African continent. We are now increasingly witnessing devastating weather events such as droughts and floods whose frequency and severity are increasing,” he said.

“It is imperative that all countries, and especially the developed world, meet their obligations and commitments under the Paris Agreement and other multilateral environment agreements.”

President Ruto implored the community of nations to join efforts to combat climate change and to promote sustainable management of natural resources and the ecosystem.

“On this note, I wish to express Kenya’s solidarity with Zimbabwe in the face of the prolonged El Nino-induced drought that has left a severe food and humanitarian crisis in the Southern African region.

“We call upon the international community to respond to the declaration you made on the State of Disaster in Zimbabwe following the El Nino-induced drought. On its part, Kenya is committing to deliver US$1 million worth of food items, particularly maize to the people of Zimbabwe in the next few weeks,” he said.

Zimbabwe requires over US$2 billion for various interventions envisaged in the spectrum of the national response.

The current agricultural season of 2023 to 2024 has not performed according to expectations due to the El Nino-induced drought. As a result, more than 80 percent of the country received below-normal rainfall.

The country had put 1 728 897 hectares under maize crop and other cereals, which ordinarily would have guaranteed a bountiful harvest. Further worsening the situation characterised by poor rainfall was the outbreak of fall armyworm across the country.

President Ruto also slammed the Western countries for imposing illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe and called for their immediate removal.

“Your Excellency, we both share a strong commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based multilateral system. It is for this reason that we have always maintained a principled position against unilateral coercive measures,” he said.

“Kenya regards the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe as illegal. We will continue to support the call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of these illegal sanctions.”

 

President Ruto also thanked the Government of Zimbabwe for gifting his country with 100 tonnes of medical oxygen in 2022 at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Your gift is a demonstration of the true spirit of African solidarity that informed Africa’s liberation movement. More importantly, the fact that Zimbabwe has been able to develop local capacity to produce high-quality medical oxygen speaks to the vast innovative potential in Africa, that we need to nurture and promote,” he said.

President Ruto also wished President Mnangagwa success as he assumes the chair of the Sadc in August when the country hosts the regional bloc summit in Harare.

“Your Excellency, I am also aware that you will be hosting the Sadc Summit in Zimbabwe in August this year and taking over the chairmanship of the Summit. May I wish you at this very earliest opportunity a very successful Sadc Summit and chairmanship tenure,” he said.

“I was appointed the Champion of the African Union Institutional Reforms during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government. I seek your support as we strive to restructure the AU organs, conclude the division of labour between the Africa Union Commission Organs, Specialised Agencies, and Regional Economic Communities, and to streamline the Agenda of the assembly to cover strategic issues.”

President Ruto also requested Zimbabwe to Kenya in its bid to chair the Africa Union Commission between 2025-2028.

This was after the African Union Executive Council, on 15 March, unanimously adopted the decision that the Eastern Africa region should submit candidates for the AU chairperson.

Earlier speaking during the banquet hosted in honour of President Ruto on Friday night at the State House in Bulawayo, President Mnangagwa thanked his Kenyan counterpart for the maize donation.

“Over the past four decades, Zimbabwe and Kenya have fostered synergies across various sectors of the economy. I was briefing my younger brother (President Ruto) about the drought situation here, and by the way, they have no drought in Kenya because they are near the Equator.”

“When I told my dear brother that we have drought he donated 30 000 tonnes of maize to Zimbabwe. Thank you, and that is what brothers do to each other.”

Early this month, President Mnangagwa declared the drought a State of Disaster, saying adequate resources will be mobilised and re-directed towards boosting national food security, including through supplementary grain imports as part of mitigation measures.

Humanitarian agencies including the World Food Programme, which fed 270 000 people between January and March in four districts, have described the hunger situation as “dire”, calling on donors to provide more aid. Sunday News

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LOW VOTER TURNOUT FOR BY-ELECTIONS

 

A PEACEFUL environment and low voter turnout marked National Assembly by-elections in Harare East and Mt Pleasant constituencies yesterday, as ZANU PF candidates faced off against independent contenders for both seats.

The seats fell vacant after former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators Fadzayi Mahere (Mt Pleasant) and Allan Rusty Markham (Harare East) resigned from Parliament early this year.

In Harare East, ZANU PF’s Cde Kevin Mutimbanyoka contested Ms Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza.

The ruling party’s Cde George Mashavave was pitted against Mr Nason Mamuse and Mr Brian Ticky — both independent candidates — in the Mt Pleasant Constituency.

Results from the polling stations were expected last night after voting at most polling stations ended at the stipulated 7pm.

The Sunday Mail visited several polling stations, and despite the fact that voting began early, voter turnout was low.

At Chikurubi, which is in Harare East, scores of people cast their ballots in the morning.

However, by mid-afternoon, few people were going to the polling stations.

In Mt Pleasant, people were trickling in to vote.

Speaking to The Sunday Mail last night, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer Mr Utloile Silaigwana said the elections went on smoothly, but lamented the low numbers.

“ZEC made sure that it facilitated voting to proceed smoothly in the two constituencies by putting in place all the logistics, material and human resources. By 7am, all the polling stations had opened right on the dot. I visited several polling stations during opening time, and there were no queues. By mid-morning, a few voters had trickled in to vote.

“As at 4pm, the percentage voter turnout in Mt Pleasant was at 10,4 percent, 11,2 percent in Harare. I hope by the time polls had closed at 7pm, the numbers had increased.”

He added: “As the elections management body, we encourage voters to turn up for these by-elections; it’s for their interests as it is their constitutional right to choose their representatives.

“But overall, I am happy that the process has gone on smoothly and peacefully.” Sunday Mail

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SIX MINORS KILLED IN BEATRICE CRASH

SIX minors were among the 16 accident victims who died in an accident that occurred in Beatrice, at the 52-kilometre peg along the Harare-Masvingo highway, on Friday.

Fifteen people died on the spot on Friday, while another, who was admitted to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, passed away yesterday.

The accident occurred when a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter commuter omnibus, carrying 44 passengers who were all members of the Angels Family Apostolic Church, collided head-on with a haulage truck.

Yesterday, police released the names of the deceased minors.

They are Elisha Jack (6), Elija Jack (5), Ezra Jack (1), Leeroy Kido (8), Lloyd Kido (4) and Kelly Kwenda (3), all from Epworth.

The deceased adults are Joyce Mudzinzwa (44), Prudence Mahachi (31), Talent Rangwa (23), Elmod Ncube (18), all from Overspill in Epworth; and Decision Maizivei (26) from Madheu village, Buhera.

Police say the remaining victims are yet to be identified by their next of kin.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “Police investigations have established that the accident occurred after an Adolph haulage truck with no passengers on board, which was travelling towards Harare, hit a VW Polo vehicle from behind.

“The VW Polo vehicle was travelling towards Harare with no passengers. As a result, the haulage truck veered off the road to the oncoming lane and was involved in a head-on collision with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter travelling towards Chivhu with 44 passengers on board.

“The passengers were members of Angels Family Apostolic Church, who were on their way to Makumumavi Shrine, Chivhu,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi urged motorists to be vigilant on the roads and observe stipulated speed limits.

“Above all, drivers are implored to abide by the road rules and regulations to safeguard human lives.”

Bodies of the victims were sent to Chivhu General Hospital for post-mortem. Sunday Mail

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BLACK MARKET IS MONEY LAUNDERING, SAYS GOVT

THE government wants to classify foreign currency transactions on the parallel market as money laundering which is considered one of the most serious financial crimes worldwide, the Zimbabwe Independent can reveal.

This move is part of efforts to safe­guard the newly introduced gold-backed currency, known as Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG).

“We should call it what it is Honourable minister (Mthuli Ncube). It is an illegality, and that is money laundering. We are going to deal with these activities that you are calling money-changing, accordingly,” the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion permanent secretary, George Guvamatanga said during a press briefing at the recently ended International Monetary Fund/world Bank Spring meetings held in Washington DC, United States.

“Whoever is trading on the alternative market is doing money laun­dering and it is a serious global offence.

“There will be severe implications for anyone, who is going to manipulate the currency. If you want to pay for anything in US dollars, be it school or medical fees, you should go to your bank with the invoice and they will pay.”

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WE STOLE IN EXCHANGE FOR MBANJE FOR GUARDS : EX PRISONER

A Gwanda prisoner just released on Presidential Amnesty has accused prison guards of giving prisoners assignments to go out and steal in exchange for mbanje.

In a video that has gone viral, Ganzani Mwanza who was in jail said guards tasked prisoners to steal from companies or individuals who hire prisoners for piece jobs.

Mwanza spoke to a Ngoma Shops representative on camera and confessed that he and his colleagues stole from the shop after they were hired to offload delivered goods.

Matabeleland South media liaison officer for Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), Terrence Tikiti said he was at ZITF and the matter will be investigated when he returns to the office.

Mwanza demonstrated to Ngoma’s staff how they stole the goods and where they hid them behind the shops before the loot was taken to prison.

He said that they stole tinned foods, drinks and decoders among others.

Mwanza also named a senior prison officer and his colleague who he alleges stole vegetables from prison gardens and sold them in Gwanda.

“I am currently at the ZITF in Bulawayo, l am not aware of the details of the matter but l will investigate,” said Tikiti.

“Today I want to tell the truth. We stole at Ngoma Shop regularly. We were a gang of prisoners. Prison guards sent us to steal, we stole tinned stuff and cans and the loot would be taken to prison and we would be given mbanje. “

The shop usually hires prisoners to offload their goods under the watch of armed prison officers.

Mwanza added that last Saturday the senior officer ordered them to steal a box full of Openview decoders.

“Last Saturday a box full of five decoders disappeared, they were four boxes but here at the shop we offloaded three, even if you check your stock now you will find they are three boxes, the other one was taken by Bhekimpilo Dube and l can go and show you where the box was finally delivered, this shop has been firing workers because of us stealing and taking goods to prison, “said Mwanza.

In another video Mwanza then leads the shop crew to a caravan behind the shop where he says they hid their loot.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week granted amnesty to over 4 000 inmates across the country and also commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment to all inmates who have been on death row for over a decade. Masvingo Mirror

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GOVT TURNS TO WAR VETS CHILDREN FOR NATIONAL SERVICE

GOVERNMENT has courted children of war veterans and their dependents to enlist for the National Youth Service (NYS) programme scheduled to begin in June this year.

The youth training programme which has struggled to gain traction over the years has been re-introduced with government saying it plans to recruit at least 10 000 young people for the programme, but starting with about 700 youths when it begins in over a months’ time.

The NYS programme, initially launched by the late Zanu PF political commissar, Border Gezi in 2001, was introduced with the aim of imparting revolutionary and patriotic ideologies into the country’s youths.

And to kick start the renewed programme, the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs has approached war vets dependents in a statement signed by the ministry’s secretary Major General (Rtd) Everisto Dzihwema who said the dependents should honour war veterans, both living and deceased, for scarifying their lives for Zimbabwe’s independence by enrolling.

“Dependents of categories of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle who are aged between 18 and 35 years are encouraged to enrol for the youth training programme,” Dzihwema said.

“They should approach the nearest provincial and district offices of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training throughout the country.”

The applicants have been requested to indicate that they are children or dependents of veterans of the liberation struggle when enlisting.

“After registering, they should also submit their names to the nearest provincial or district offices of our Minisry,” Dzihwema added.

Some youth leaders have accused the government of misplacing its priorities.

They said funds earmarked for the programme should instead be diverted to fund important projects such as the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) or to develop industries for employment.

Former Zimbabwe National Students Union leader Tapiwanashe Chiriga said Zimbabwe was facing drought and the focus should be towards the national disaster.

“The reintroduction of the youth service is case of wrong priorities at the wrong time for the wrong reasons. The nation could use the resources meant for this programme  in more productive and life-saving ways,” said Chiriga.

“Zimbabwe is facing a devastating drought that has since been declared a national disaster. The focus of the nation right now should be towards ensuring food security for the 2,7 million people facing acute food shortages.

“The money the government intends to use for this vehicle of violence could be used to better our education systems, particularly financing the BEAM programme which could improve access to education.”

Chiriga said youths in Zimbabwe need jobs, equal opportunities to succeed and basic social services.

“The youth service is not a solution to the problems any young person is facing. There’s no benefit to be gained by our country from the reintroduction of the National Youth Service. It is waste of resources with a huge potential to replicate its violent past,” he said.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure accused the Zanu PF government of prioritising its power retention agenda as a national project, saying the youth service has no benefit to the youths.

“Zanu PF strangely confuses the party’s power retention agenda as a national project,” he said. “Zanufication of ecology of thought of young people should not be confused for youth service.

“The youth should be absorbed into the productive sectors of the economy not to spend valuable time assimilating fiction of Zanu PF’s supposed heroics. The nation is in a crisis because our young people are idle. The State should be seized with planning ways of absorbing all young people into the economy.”

The government is, however, arguing that youth service would equip youth through various skills training to create employment for themselves and others.

It says the training would emphasise on alleviating poverty by funding youth empowerment projects. Newsday

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