Top stories for December 6-10

MDC expels Mutare mayor- The Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai today expelled Mutare mayor Tatenda Nhemarare and nine councillors from Mutare, Redcliff and Victoria Falls for subverting the will of the electorate and disobeying the party’s directives. The mayor and the councillors are accused of conniving with Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front councillors in electing mayors. The party also recalled Gweru mayor Hamutendi Kombayi. The councillors who were expelled in Mutare are Pamela Mutasa, Richard Bhiza and Farai Mupfura. In Redcliff the party expelled ; Clr Chikwiri, Clr Duro and Clr Majaji and in Victoria Falls: Morris Nyathi, Robson Salimu and Rich Muguni.

Mugabe pays tribute to Mandela
President Robert Mugabe today described former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died last night, as a champion of the oppressed. “On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, ZANU-PF and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to extend deep condolences to you and, through you to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, on the death of the great icon of African liberation, freedom fighter and the first President of a free, independent and democratic South Africa, Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on 5th December 2013. Mr Nelson Mandela’s renowned and illustrious political life will forever remain a beacon of excellence. Not only was he a great champion of the emancipation of the oppressed, but he also was a humble and compassionate leader who showed selfless dedication to the service of his people,” Mugabe said.

Mugabe and small houses again
President Robert Mugabe once again teased his ministers about small houses and said if he knew these small houses he would go and destroy them. Speaking at the wedding of former central bank governor Gideon Gono’s daughter, Praise’s wedding, Mugabe said: “If only we knew, those small houses perhaps we would go and destroy them. That should not be allowed. What do you want a small house for? What happened to your big house? You are married to one person and one person alone and if you had wanted you would not enter this type of union but have tried a traditional wedding….It is our concern that the youngsters of today, you do not consult with your leaders widely. Talk to the elders so that they give you an address before you do anything.”

Mugabe says no exception to indigenisation law
President Robert Mugabe today said there will be no exception to the 51 -49 percent indigenisation rule with locals controlling 51 percent of the stake of any business venture. Speaking at Heroes Acre at the burial of Brigadier Misheck Tanyanyiwa, Mugabe said there will be no going back on the promises that his Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front made to the electorate in the run-up to the 31 July elections. Mugabe and his party romped to victory on the promises of consolidated land reform and empowering the people through indigenisation. People voted for ZANU-PF because they wanted their issues to be addressed, Mugabe said and for the legislators to become chiefs. “Let us not spoil the vote of July 31. It was a people’s vote for their country they did not vote for us to be MPs or because they wanted you to be more important than them. Aiwa. They voted for us as MPs so that you could go and fight for them in Parliament, fight for their rights, fight for their country, fight against sanctions, fight for the defence of their country that is why they voted for you not for you to wear a big hat and say aah ndavashe zvino, no,” Mugabe said. “You must remain a humble beggar who went to the people to beg for their vote and the people said yes we will make you an MP provided you are going to fight for us. Here are the things that you should fight for, there is a Zim-Asset, there are ideas, the principles you should fight for first and foremost Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans. It is a liberated country, it is your country and we must defend it. Take the resources that we have in Zimbabwe which lie under the earth or above the earth, they belong to us and they must not be exploited by outsiders. We will invite our friends provided they come to assist not to be masters over us. No, that is why we say 51 and 49 (percent) hapana exception.” There have been increasing media reports that Mugabe might soften on indigenisation to attract investment. Mugabe’s statement also scuttled Mines Minister Walter Chidakwa’s sentiment that the government might review the rules if platinum companies built a refinery in the country.

Suspended ZBC boss was earning $39 000 a month
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation chief executive Happison Muchechetere who was sent on leave last month pending an audit of the bankrupt national broadcaster was earning $39 000 a month, including allowances. Figures released by Deputy Minister of Information Supa Mandiwanzira today showed that Muchechetere was earning a salary of $27 000 a month. He was also paid a housing allowance of $3 500 a month, an allowance for domestic workers’ salaries of $2 500, an entertainment allowance of $3 000 a month and a general allowance of $3 000 a month. Muchechetere, who became the ZBC’s chief executive officer in 2009, was also entitled to unlimited fuel, five business tickets a year and unlimited local air travel. The ZBC, which was making only $275 000 a month, also serviced his mortgage. Workers at the ZBC had not been paid for six months.

Standing ovation for Mugabe at Mandela’s memorial service

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe sprang a surprise today when he received a standing ovation at former South African President Nelson Mandela’s memorial service at FNB Stadium in Soweto after his presence was acknowledged by African National Congress deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa. The media has been on Mugabe’s case since Mandela died on 5 December. Mugabe has been described as the exact opposite of Mandela who has been hailed the world over for his reconciliatory stance. Mugabe was reportedly jealousy of Mandela’s popularity. One Zimbabwean online publication even said he had gone to the memorial service reluctantly. But Mugabe has always been popular with the ordinary South Africans. This is not the first time that he has received a standing ovation in South Africa. He outshone Mandela at the inauguration of Jacob Zuma as South Africa’s third president in 2009.

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