Bulawayo24 News - Skyes! "it makes perfect sense"

Will 'vendorisation' be Mugabe's lasting legacy?

Does Robert Mugabe accept that by allowing over 9,000 workers to lose their jobs since the 17 July Supreme Court ruling, this 'vendorisation' of Zimbabwe will be his lasting legacy?I couldn't believe it when I read that industry and commer…

Published: 01 Aug 2015 at 18:11hrs | 1 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Is FIFA a victim of its own success?

Despite comfortably garnering 133 votes against his opponent's 73 votes in Geneva last week, Mr Sepp Blatter, FIFA president has not been spared the wrath of some sections of the Western media which are fiercely campaigning for his ouster …

Published: 31 May 2015 at 16:20hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Is the Mugabe regime smuggling diamonds via diplomatic bags?

With the Mugabe regime owing its diplomats at 47 missions nearly US$7million in salary arrears as at 31st December 2014, could it be smuggling diamonds via diplomatic bags to get them going? According to the U.S. Department of State, a dip…

Published: 30 Mar 2015 at 14:06hrs | 2 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Open Letter from the diaspora to the EU HoM to Zimbabwe

H.E. Mr Philippe Van DammeYour Excellency,  I refer to the story "US$270M Development Assistance Fund,"  The Zimbabwean, 16/02/15.May I crave your indulgence with two humble requests as a member of the Zimbabwean Diaspora.Given t…

Published: 16 Feb 2015 at 18:52hrs | 2 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Mugabe must be stopped from rigging from the red carpet

Unless civil society and opposition parties take immediate action to get to the bottom of the matter, Mugabe will forge ahead with the sham by-elections in March.I refer to the story " Zec must explain itself", The  Zimbabwean, 12 Feb…

Published: 12 Feb 2015 at 09:22hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Is Robert Mugabe now a persona-non-grata in SADC?

Robert Gabriel Mugabe of Zimbabwe yesterday had the tables turned against him just across the border when huge crowds of Zambians chanted "Mugabe must go!" at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.This was a complete opposite to the rented crow…

Published: 25 Jan 2015 at 19:25hrs | 2 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

What the independent press should ask expelled Zanu-PF chefs

Seeing that Zanu-PF officials who were deposed and/ or expelled from the ruling party for allegedly being aligned with former vice president Joice Mujuru are forming a beeline to the privately owned and independent press they used to despi…

Published: 18 Jan 2015 at 11:58hrs | 1 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

No Fresh Polls Before Diaspora Vote is Restored

The story, 'Fresh poll looms as Zanu- PF, MDC-T push to recall MPs," Newsday, 30/12/14, should be a matter of great concern for every serious-thinking Zimbabwean.What fresh polls are they talking about without a clear roadmap? We have seen…

Published: 30 Dec 2014 at 11:51hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zimbabwe Diaspora Vote sacrificed for business by Britain and the EU

Despite admitting that Zimbabwe remains a country of concern, the UK has arguably sacrificed Zimbabwe's Diaspora Vote for business by sponsoring the first official trade delegation to Zimbabwe at the end of October since a decade ago. The …

Published: 27 Oct 2014 at 08:29hrs | 2 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Grace Mugabe's hate-filled witch hunting is worse than Ebola

When Ebola strikes, Zimbabwe will be unprepared and without the necessary resources which are being daily squandered by Mr Mugabe's wife, Grace Marufu's stage-managed so-called 'Thank You' rallies. Whereas, the spread of Ebola can be preve…

Published: 18 Oct 2014 at 16:38hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Should Jonathan Moyo resign now?

The recent unprecedented but predictable summoning or should we say 'arrest' of Prof Jonathan Moyo by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) over the Baba Jukwa saga raises the question if the minister of media and information should resign.Of…

Published: 03 Aug 2014 at 10:43hrs | 14 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Does the EU still have a foreign policy on Zimbabwe?

The fallout from statements by EU's Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Aldo Dell'Ariccia suggesting there is no leadership crisis in Zimbabwe and criticising civil society for being allegedly "anchored in the past" raises questions whether the EU s…

Published: 08 Jul 2014 at 13:26hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Reply to Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa #RestoreZimDiasporaVote

You don't have to be a robotics professor to know that something is seriously wrong in Zimbabwe especially as  the regime resists Diaspora Vote and pledges â€˜Mugabe for life' when he is already 90 years old and has been in power sinc…

Published: 01 Jun 2014 at 07:56hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Is Zanu-PF reading too much into London visit?

For more than 10 years, no senior Zanu-pf official has had the privilege of being hosted by the UK Government until this week's visit by justice minister Mr Patrick Chinamasa. He is a co-guest of the Friends of Zimbabwe in London alongside…

Published: 25 Mar 2013 at 16:07hrs | 1 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Is China funding Zimbabwe's referendum and elections?

All of a sudden Zimbabwe's cash-strapped coalition government has funds for polls despite making an appeal for help from the United Nations to foot its US$250m election bill only a fortnight ago. Ironically, in April 2011, Zanu-pf turned d…

Published: 24 Feb 2013 at 17:48hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zimbabwe: Constitution and Electoral laws are not cast in stone

The reported âˆšÂ¢â€šÃ‡Â¨Ã€Ãºplan' by Zanu-pf  to âˆšÂ¢â€šÃ‡Â¨Ã€Ãºtorpedo'  Eric Knight and Eric Sibanda's intentions to run for parliament (NewZimbabwe.com, 11/02/13) deserves comment.News that Zanu-pf activist Jonathan Moyo sug…

Published: 12 Feb 2013 at 09:09hrs | 3 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zim Human Rights - To say that I am shocked is an understatement

I could not believe the news that despite heated debate, Zimbabwe's Parliament voted for the Human Rights Commission Bill in its defective form.This means that The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission will not have power to investigate any of …

Published: 12 Jul 2012 at 17:26hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zimbabwe's debt problem - a ticking time bomb

Zimbabwe's ever growing debt problem, if left unresolved soon, is arguably a ticking time bomb that could trigger civil strife and instability in the not so distant future.While RBZ Governor Gideon Gono commented in May that Zimbabwe's ext…

Published: 04 Jul 2012 at 08:22hrs | 1 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Before President Jacob Zuma leaves for Zimbabwe

Before President Jacob Zuma leaves for Zimbabwe, he should pose a few questions to his advisers: "Is it worth it?", "Where are we getting it wrong?"; "How can we make a difference this time?", and so on.Answers to these questions should ar…

Published: 24 Jun 2012 at 18:08hrs | 2 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

The Zimbabwean conundrum: A critical test for SADC

When ECOWAS swiftly and effectively intervened in the Ivory Coast crisis, analysts said SADC leaders should have turned green with envy, in view of the ongoing problem in Zimbabwe.In a brilliant editor's memo titled, "SADC can't hold a can…

Published: 07 Jun 2012 at 05:21hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

UN's Navi Pillay failed to press Mugabe on key issues

UN's Navi Pillay failed to press Mugabe on key issues Clifford Chitupa Mashiri, 27 May 2012One would be excused for feeling short-changed by the UN human rights chief Ms Navi Pillay after she âˆšÃ‰Â¬Â¢âˆšÂ¢â€šÃ„Ã¶Â¬Â¨âˆšÃ£â‰ˆÃ¬failed' to p…

Published: 28 May 2012 at 13:35hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

What progress has EU's Catherine Ashton 'seen' in Zimbabwe

It is mind-boggling that the EU's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton reportedly said she had "seen" progress in Zimbabwe, which some of us have hardly noticed.Amid coup threats, a deadlock on the New Constitution, sickening dithering o…

Published: 14 May 2012 at 10:44hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

UN rights chief should press Mugabe on rights abuses

Zimbabweans hope that the planned visit to Zimbabwe by the UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay will help put the country's human rights record under the spotlight. During her five-day visit starting on 20 May, Ms Pillay is expected to…

Published: 09 May 2012 at 10:00hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Will John Nkomo be the next president of Zimbabwe!

With so much speculation rife about Robert Mugabe's poor health in the wake of his supposedly unscheduled flight to Singapore on Friday night, Zimbabweans are wondering who will be their next president if he dies in office.While spin docto…

Published: 03 Apr 2012 at 20:57hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Wade's early admission of defeat - what lessons for Mugabe!

President Abdoulaye Wade's early admission of defeat âˆšÃ‰Â¬Â¢âˆšÂ¢â€šÃ„Ã¶Â¬Â¨âˆšÂ¢â€šÃ‡Â¨â‰ˆÃ¬ less than three hours after election results began being announced in Senegal contrasts sharply with Mugabe's 5-week delay in announcing 'docto…

Published: 29 Mar 2012 at 12:24hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zimbabwe in no hurry to reform the media before elections

As Zimbabwe's 'media reform ultimatum' draws near, there is nothing to show that Media Minister Webster Shamu will implement key media reforms, which could bring the long awaited freedom in the country's media space.There is nothing to sho…

Published: 02 Mar 2012 at 11:15hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Tighten targeted sanctions to make Mugabe reform

In view of Robert Mugabe's reluctance to reform ahead of elections, the only remaining effective option is for more targeted sanctions on him and his inner circle.More restrictive measures by the EU and the United States are urgently neede…

Published: 25 Feb 2012 at 14:45hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

De-listed Zanu-PF loyalists face big dilemma

Rather than celebrate at being removed from the EU 'sanctions' list, some Zanu-PF loyalists are arguably wishing they had been left on the list until everyone else was de-listed. At home, some of the de-listed Zanu-PF loyalists are being b…

Published: 21 Feb 2012 at 14:05hrs | 1 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Sanctions not stalling progress in critical Zim democratic reforms

Restrictive measures imposed on Robert Mugabe and his allies must NOT be removed as he is the one stalling critical democratic reforms in Zimbabwe.It is of critical importance to keep the measures in place because they have been successful…

Published: 13 Feb 2012 at 16:07hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Targeted sanctions should stay until key reforms are made

Contrary to recommendations by the International Crisis Group, (Africa Briefing No.86, 6 Feb 2012), targeted sanctions on Mugabe and his inner circle should stay.The travel ban and an asset freeze on Robert Mugabe, his wife and his allies …

Published: 07 Feb 2012 at 05:01hrs | 3 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zimbabwe's debt - a compelling case for an audit

The rejection by UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell of civil society calls to audit Zimbabwe's US$7 billion debt before relief under HIPC is regrettable. Whenever an audit is resisted, it inevitably raises eyebrows. Some suspect those…

Published: 25 Jan 2012 at 13:25hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Has Biti fallen into a Zanu-PF trap on sanctions!

Zanu-PF must be celebrating on the news that Finance Minister Tendai Biti has "blasted" the decision by the United States to ban Mbada and Marange diamond companies. Hardliners in the former ruling party should be counting themselves …

Published: 16 Jan 2012 at 15:53hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Will Mugabe heed Pyongyang's stay-away call to foreign leaders?

With Robert Mugabe already abroad, it is unclear if he will heed Pyongyang's appeal that foreign delegations would not be allowed to attend the funeral of the late North Korean "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il in Pyongyang, Wednesday 28 December …

Published: 28 Dec 2011 at 13:34hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

BAZ is better challenged through courts than via Mugabe

The concerns of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe over the recent granting of commercial radio licences to two organisations with Zanu-PF links are understandable but should be channelled through the courts than via Ro…

Published: 01 Dec 2011 at 10:14hrs | 2 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Marange Diamond Revenue: A Clueless Jigsaw Puzzle?

The statistics or estimates of proceeds from Marange diamonds are so mind-boggling in their discrepancies that at the end of the day, one is left with a clueless jigsaw puzzle, if not a headache. For instance, following the lifting of the …

Published: 29 Nov 2011 at 15:01hrs | 2 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Appeal for research information for a book

I desperately need some information for my book from the people in Zimbabwe or those with contacts with them. I promise to treat all submitted information in strictest confidence and will not disclose respondents' real names or contact det…

Published: 22 Nov 2011 at 06:02hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Why Zimbabwe should abolish criminal defamation laws

The order by Zimbabwean Police to Nevanji Madanhire, the Editor of The Standard newspaper and reporter Nqaba Matshazi to report at Harare Central on Friday over an alleged criminal defamation charge just two days after they were arrested a…

Published: 18 Nov 2011 at 18:13hrs | 1 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

I applaud Bulawayo residents for Zesa money clubs

I have been following with interest the hardships that ordinary Zimbabweans are facing with electricity bills that I am even writing a book which includes Zesa. But, please donâˆšÂ¢â€šÃ‡Â¨â€šÃ‘Â¢t rush me to finish it soon!!However, I was …

Published: 16 Nov 2011 at 12:51hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Will the KP green light increase remittances to Treasury?

The clearance of Marange diamonds for export by the Kimberley Process has understandably met with mixed reaction, with celebrations in Zanu-PF quarters and murmurs in civil society circles.The KP appears to have succumbed to Zanu-PF's high…

Published: 03 Nov 2011 at 12:31hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Is Zim's Attorney General A Square Peg in a Round Hole?

You don't have to be a lawyer to know that Zimbabwe's Attorney General Johannes Tomana does not inspire confidence as the country's Chief Law Officer, raising the question if he is not a square peg in a round hole.For instance, the AG has …

Published: 31 Oct 2011 at 21:08hrs | 5 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zanu-PF should learn from the Libyan experience

Zimbabwe's dictator Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party should draw lessons from the demise of Muammar Gaddafi of Libya who met his brutal death in a dramatic way in Sitre on Thursday 20 October 2011. There are many people in Libya and abr…

Published: 22 Oct 2011 at 18:17hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Zanu-PF's culture of intolerance regrettable

Reports that Zanu-PF MPs are allegedly making frantic moves to block further prosecutions of their party youths accused of killing political opponents in previous elections (The Standard, 16/10/11) are regrettable but come as no surprise.A…

Published: 18 Oct 2011 at 10:50hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

I disagree on lifting Zimbabwe sanctions for six months

It would be a huge blunder to suggest the lifting of targeted measures against Mugabe and his inner circle for six months under the pretext of election campaign in Western countries as suggested by Zimbabwe Diaspora Vote Campaign Committee…

Published: 03 Oct 2011 at 12:28hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Police should come clean on Chiadzwa murder case

The report about a Chiadzwa family demanding justice from Police over the alleged fatal assault of one of their members and serious injury to two others over suspected illegal diamond panning (NewsDay, 29/09/11) deserves urgent attention f…

Published: 29 Sep 2011 at 12:53hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Palestinians should be allowed UN membership

The time has come for the United Nations to allow the people of Palestine, full membership of the world body so that they can join UN agencies and sign international treaties enabling them to challenge occupation by Israel such as via the …

Published: 26 Sep 2011 at 05:10hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Congratulations to the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare

I wish to congratulate Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Welfare on the news that they have procured modern equipment for early detection of cancer because my aunt died of cancer last year. According to the state-owned Herald 21/09/1…

Published: 22 Sep 2011 at 17:50hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

No Excuse for Denying Expats Right to Vote

There is an urgent need for the clarification of confusion caused by contradictory statements by COPAC and the Prime Minister's Office on the subject of the Diaspora Vote.Recently, COPAC spokesperson, MDC-T's Jessie Majome reportedly said …

Published: 18 Sep 2011 at 16:14hrs | 1 | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Mugabe must account for the goings on at Marange

The reported ongoing shooting, beating and unleashing of attack dogs on poor local unlicensed miners in Marange exposes Zimbabwe's unashamed determination to disregard human rights and the rule of law. No sane person would wish that the la…

Published: 31 Aug 2011 at 13:05hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Conspiracy of silence on company grabs must end

It is very distressing to note the conspiracy of silence by the international community on ZimbabweâˆšÂ¢â€šÃ‡Â¨â€šÃ‘Â¢s company grabs supposedly for black economic empowerment. There is no difference between robbing a bank at gun point and…

Published: 25 Aug 2011 at 10:10hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Is the banks seizure threat, a Zanu-PF diversionary tactic!

Amid growing demands for answers to questions surrounding the sudden death of Retired General Solomon Tapfumaneyi Mujuru whose body was found burnt beyond recognition at Alamein Farm, Beatrice, is the banks seizure threat, a Zanu-PF divers…

Published: 23 Aug 2011 at 11:44hrs | | by Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Columnist / Clifford chitupa mashiri

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President Mnangagwa must respect the constitution

Background remover for corporate videos that impress clients

All is set for CGAIZ annual conference in Victoria Falls

US Senate tables second bill targeting South Africa

Mnangagwa confirms ZANU-PF corrupt, amid own schemes looting spree

You can leave the ghetto, but you can't remove the ghetto inside - Same with apartheid

Geza's worthlessness is no mystery

Mnangagwa appoints new ambassadors

Zanu-PF Politburo meets amid growing succession tensions

South African justice system faces 'total collapse'

Woman jailed for stabbing hubby's girlfriend

Charamba storms into World Championships 200m semi-finals

SA soldiers, Zimbabweans arrested over cigarette

ANC councillors reject Ramaphosa's call to follow DA

Irrigation schemes remain severely underutilised

Zanu-PF top brass trapped with cash, cars

Scott Sakupwanya gives Simba Bhora US$100,000

ZANU-PF official jailed for stealing

Maswerasei blasts Chamisa

Hwange Power Station's older units to undergo major rehab

Principal arrested for indecent assault of students

Zimra employees accused of US$6.3 million fraud

Ruwa aims for town status

Zanu-PF youths die en route to Mnangagwa's birthday bash

Zimbabwe clinches historic T20I series win

Harare suburb battles severe sewage crisis

Chirumanzu chieftainship dispute intensifies

Churches pray for Mnangagwa's continued rule

Church commits to partnering govt in anti-drugs, substances abuse

Ex-Bosso CEO found guilty of US$2,000 fraud