adminTaylor to play second test
Herald CorrespondentZIMBABWE Tourism Authority boss Mr Karikoga Kaseke has criticised Air Zimbabwe for failing to take advantage of the monopoly it enjoyed in the aviation sector. Speaking at the launch of the latest G7 buses by Pathfinder Luxurious tours in Harare last week he said the national airliner had been
Infants receiving pneumonia vaccine
Paidamoyo Chipunza Health Reporter
CHILDREN below four months started receiving the new pneumoccocal vaccine against
Zesa set to clear US$76m debt
Felex Share Herald Reporter
Zesa Holdings is expected to clear its US$76 million Hydro Cahora Bassa debt by the end of the year after having paid US$40 million.
Tribunal deregisters three corrupt lawyers
Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Court Reporter
THREE lawyers were deregistered by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal last Friday over reports of abusing trust funds and tarnishing the profession’s image. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Chinembiri Bhunu, deleted the names of Edmond Chivhinge of Chivhinge and Associates, Pfungwa
Depressed economy hits taxman
Herald Reporter
A depressed economy in the first half of the year has had a negative impact on the collection of revenue by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority although figures showed collections almost tallied with set targets.
Civil servants decide to go on full-scale strike
Herald Reporter
CIVIL servants have resolved to embark on a full-scale strike and will meet in Harare today to map out the modalities. This comes after Finance Minister Tendai Biti last week rebuked them for demonstrating against poor salaries and working conditions.
Today’s meeting is also expected to end internal squabbles that have hit civil servants unions over the appointment of a new Apex Council chairperson.
The civil servants’ unions yesterday said they will start the strike at the beginning of the next school term.
Schools close on Thursday and the unions’ leaders said they will take advantage of the holidays to start mobilising their members.
Teachers make up the bulk of the civil servants.
The Apex Council brings together the Public Service Association, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, the Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and the College Lecturers Association of Zimbabwe.
Zimta chief executive Mr Sifiso Ndlovu said at today’s meeting they will strategise on how to pressure Government into acceding to their demands.
“Tomorrow (today) is a day for strategising. We are going to mobilise our people such that we open schools geared up for the strike,” he said.
New law to nail MPs over CDF
Felex Share Herald Reporter
Legislators who looted Constituency Development Funds face a jail term of up to five years if a Bill being concluded by the Government to punish the offenders sails through.
Those who assist the legislators to misappropriate the funds will also be held accountable and face a similar jail term.
The new law will also establish a board that will govern the CDF.
Government has been failing to nail Members of Parliament who abused the funds as there was no law spelling out penalties.
Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs permanent secretary Mrs Virginia Mabhiza said in an interview last week that they were making final consultations with other stakeholders on the new law.
The stakeholders being consulted include the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Mrs Mabhiza said the new law would guide the administration of the CDF.
“We have stepped up our efforts and the Bill will soon go to Parliament before it becomes an Act,” she said.
“We are having final discussions with stakeholders, but the Bill now has a penalty section that is going to nail looters of the funds.
‘Principals have final say on draft constitution’
Tendai Mugabe Senior Reporter
Principals in the inclusive Government will have the final say on the draft constitution to be tabled at the second all stakeholders conference scheduled for next month.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo said in an interview yesterday that recommendations on amendments would be brought to the principals for a final draft.
The three political parties to the GPA are already meeting separately to come up with their positions on the new charter.
Already the Zanu-PF Politburo, which met on Friday and is scheduled to hold another meeting on Wednesday, has said there should be some amendments on certain clauses of the draft.
The MDC formations also had a look at the document and recommended its adoption.
The MDC-T national executive is expected to forward the recommendation to the national council set to meet on Friday.
But MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora said political parties should not be allowed to open new issues on the draft constitution.
He said any objections should be brought to the second all stakeholders conference.
Cde Gumbo said the suggetion seemed to indicate that Mr Mwonzora was not aware of the process.