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You will have to take a bow to 2011 because it was the year when our beloved domestic Premiership discovered its soul
Mutambara loses case
By Leonard Ncube
DEPUTY Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara yesterday lost the case
Diamond firms unfazed by sanctions
From Mkhululi Sibanda in Chiadzwa and Makhosi Sibanda in Bulawayo
THE two Zimbabwean diamond mining companies, Marange Resources and Mbada Diamond Mining that have been added on the United States sanctions list, have said they are not perturbed by the development and will continue with their operations as usual.
According to the latest US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Affairs Control, the two firms have been added onto the “specially designated” updated nationals list.
Officials from the two companies told local and foreign journalists during a tour of the Marange Diamond Fields organised by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) on Wednesday that the sanctions would not in anyway stop them from carrying out their operations.
The move has been viewed as a ruse to frustrate efforts to improve the country’s economy through diamond sales as it came shortly after the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme granted Zimbabwe the nod to unconditionally export its gemstones from the Marange fields.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu is on record as saying Zimbabwe was geared to become an economic giant after the KP approval.
Prime Minister Tsvangirai insists we will sell our gems
Harare Bureau
PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday said civil servants will get a salary increase next year only if revenue from diamonds increases.
Speaking in Parliament while making an end of year address, PM Tsvangirai said even the good performance of the Government would be hinged on the diamond industry.
PM Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe would be able to sell its gems despite sanctions imposed on diamond producing companies by the United States.
This was a major shift by the PM whose MDC-T party has been siding with non-governmental organisations to prevent the country from getting an international clearance to sell diamonds from Marange.
Zimbabwe was given the green light to trade in the precious gems by the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme last month.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti budgeted $600 million, which he said was expected to come from diamonds in the 2012 fiscal year.
“We expect that with increased inflows from diamond sales revenue, we must be able to make meaningful adjustment to civil servants’ salaries and conditions of service,” said PM Tsvangirai.
“While there is no provision for an increase in the current budget, the only hope is that diamond revenues will exceed the budgeted $600 million, with surplus being put to improving conditions of service for civil servants.”
Anjin now world largest diamond producer
By Mkhululi Sibanda in Chiadzwa
ANJIN Investments, one of the four companies that are carrying out diamond mining operations in Chiadzwa, Marange District, has diamond carats worth US$3 million which are ready for sale, an official said.
ABUZ honours 29 founding members
Business Reporter
THE Association for Business in Zimbabwe (ABUZ) recently honoured its 29 founding members with certificates at a resort place as a way of appreciating their loyalty and service to the organisation.
Villa injury blow as Barca reach final
Barcelona sauntered into the final of the Club World Cup to face South American champions Santos but their 4-0 victory over Al-Sadd in Yokohama was overshadowed by a broken leg suffered by forward David Villa.
Mourinho targets top spot in Barca’s absence
MADRID — Jose Mourinho can return the faith shown in him by club president Florentino Perez by taking Real Madrid back to the top of La Liga for the winter break with a victory at Sevilla tomorrow.
Last weekend’s 3-1 “Clasico” defeat at home to Barcelona came as a psychological jolt to the world’s richest club by revenue, who thought they had finally reached a point where they could land a blow on their arch-rivals.
Torres not for sale for any price: Villas-Boas
Spanish striker Fernando Torres is “not for sale at any price”, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said yesterday.
Arsenal out to test Manchester City’s resolve
Having had their armour pierced for the first time this season leaders Manchester City face a big test of their resolve when Arsenal come gunning for them in the Premier League on Sunday.
Until Monday’s 2-1 defeat by Chelsea Roberto Mancini’s side appeared all but untouchable at the top but that first reverse has provided a reality check for City and fuelled the belief of the side’s trying to keep pace with their lightning start.