Lighthouse News Zimbabwe

12/31/2024

Christmas Messages from ARTUZ Secretary General Cde Robson Nikita Chere

As we approach the end of 2024, fellow educators, comrades and progressive citizens, we can't help but look back to a grueling year. Such was 2024 from January to date.

In our short history as a nation state since 1980, 2024 probably rivals year 2008 in terms of being economically tough coupled with the unfortunate shrinking of the democratic space. This is the year that saw the unjustified continued decrease of real disposable income of teachers, civil servants and the majority of citizens due to low nominal salaries, inflation and an anti-poor tax regime. The ZiG strange currency completed our collective economic demise and ushered us into a gloomy and sorrowful supposedly festive season.

This is a festive season in terms of the calendar dates and it ends there. The majority of citizens can not afford basics hence find themselves without means nor cause to celebrate. All hardworking honest citizens can not financially breath. The festive season of 2017 had more real disposable income than 2024 for all civil servants. Talking of moving backwards!

We are ushered into the festive season with gifts of low salaries and staggered bonuses from the government. What a curse! Those of us going for retirement are going out to pasture with virtually no savings. A pasture of dry land and destitution is beckoning. Such is our time.

Comrades, it is normal to approach a new year with hope, vigour and revived vision. We however shudder to take a look into the new year of 2025. What with school fees and academic requirements for our children beckoning? Such is our times. The anxiety and depressing prospects of 2025 are glaring and it's frightening.

Fellow citizens, 2024 saw the escalation of lawfare against labour leaders and general persecution of human rights defenders. It has been a year that marked the intensification of closure of the democratic space in our country. It's a year that saw myself being incarcerated for 35 days without bail on fictitious frivolous charges. The State's intention and resolve to silence all genuine progressive voices has never been clearer than 2024.

Fellow compatriots, 2024 marked the growth of some strange voices calling for butchering of the constitution to enable the incumbent state President to rule us post 2028. The 2013 constitution, imperfect as it is, had one of its redemption on Presidential term limits. It is unthinkable that sane citizens would even dream about descrating on such a progressive clause.

In a circus at a funeral, comrades, 2024 marked the normalisation of cars being handed out to selected citizens by a funny self proclaimed businessman in the person of Wicknell Chivhayo. Ordinary citizens like me and you have never seen anything produced by Chivhayo. We only know something about a regrettable solar project somewhere in Gwanda that left us poorer. We saw expensive cars being dished out to some few citizens and we wonder if this is not our money that is being recklessly thrown around for whatever weird reasons.

Comrades, 2024 saw the drug abuse scourge among our youths in particular and citizens in general exponentially increasing. The results are there for all to see. The causes are simple. Unemployment, idleness, laxed policing and stress are all combined enablers of drug and substance abuse. And the state just doesn't care. Why should they? Junkies and stoned citizens are manipulatable any day!

*Way forward.*
Fellow educators, comrades and progressive citizens, when we embarked on the struggle of labour and citizens emancipation decades back, we were not under any illusions. We knew that it was going to be hard, grueling and deadly. We knew that our own defenses had to be bull strong, horse high and pig tight. We were aware that we were going to be harassed, maligned, arrested, abducted, tortured or even killed. Nothing has changed. We stand where we stood.

Comrades, we are that there is no night so long that it does not end with dawn. As usual, the people will eventually win. Against all odds. That is certain. This is the time that we need to find one another more than ever before. For our sake and for our children's sake, 2025 is the year of joining forces and march forward to reclaim our collective dignity.

On our part as leaders, we make no apology for demanding what rightfully belong to workers and citizens. We can only continue to fight. That is our uncompromising pledge. Comrades, for your solidarity and support throughout this difficult year of 2024, we are running short of the most appropriate jargon to express our sincere gratitude. Thank you.

2025 will mark a more united aggressive agitation for the betterment of our collective lot. We are clear on that.

Zimbabwe, our motherland, may she survive till eternity through the sheer courage and commitment of her sons and daughters.

Merry Christmas and happy new year.

We fight on!

Cde Robson Nikita Chere.
ARTUZ SECRETARY GENERAL

10/27/2024

Rundu Branch in Namibia bids farewell to its organic cadre!

27 October 2024

By Robson Ruhanya

The vibrant branch did not ignore the long journey it has travelled alongside a committed and dedicated cadre who has been instrumental in mobilising funds for both internal and external use. Rundu branch held a mouth-watering and saliva-drooling Farewell Party for its leader at Vhungu Vhungu Lodge, yesterday.

Since the 2018 stolen elections, champions in Rundu never rested when it comes to participatory democracy. Our champion mother has decided to leave the diaspora so that she can come and retire in the motherland after donkey years of xenophobic experiences. It should be clear that most citizens in the diaspora are political and economic refugees who ran away from gross misgovernance, corruption and looting by the Harare regime.

Dr. Simbarashe Ndoda, Rundu Branch champion and pro-Chamisa cadre confirmed the branch's commitment to continue giving the much-needed moral, material and financial support to the national democratic revolution as led by the astute leader, President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. He further encouraged the organic branch to soldier on with the democratic project regardless of the sideshows from Tshabangu and cabal, not forgetting ZANUPF, the author of our misery.

As jubilation continued at Vhungu Vhungu Lodge on Saturday, change champions such as, Obert Chesango pointed out the dire need to be consistent in our fight for socio-economic transfiguration. He went on to assure our departing diligent cadre that complete change for everyone was surely coming with our unwavering support to President Chamisa who has displayed consistency in fighting ZANUPF thugocracy and Satanism.

Moreover, members of the energetic Women Assembly expressed their emotions as they bid farewell to a hardworking cadre who has been instrumental in giving them hope. The former branch treasurer was and shall remain a source of inspiration for Namibia district. We shall forever miss and cherish the old woman's valour, nerve and mettle to partake in revolutionary business at that advanced age.

More importantly, Rundu branch took the opportunity to encourage all citizens in the diaspora to unite and give strong support to the footsoldiers at home. Ndoda made it point blank that the meddling of Mr Emerson Mnangagwa in the elections across SADC particularly in Namibia through the controversial, Chivayo, Mozambique supporting Frelimo, and Botswana supporting Masisi shall obviously generate or escalate xenophobic attacks on desperate innocent Zimbabweans. The only solution is to have genuine political and economic independence in our country.

Rundu branch calls for unity and strength of purpose among cadres castigating the belly politicians of plunder and self-aggrandizement. The revolutionary intellectuals in Rundu, Namibia pledge their constant allegiance to a selfless leader who warned legislators to stay away from the dirty 40k! A pragmatic leader who also advised the councillors and legislators to ignore perks and trinkets after the recent 2023 rigged elections but to no avail.

It is now imperative that we choose leaders who respect voters! We desire to be led by leaders who are ready to deliver for the people not the self. The struggle continues unabated!

Thank you Rundu branch for honouring the departing heroine in the diaspora discourse. We shall forever miss you "Mama Shereni", you are a paragon of virtue. Continue with the struggle when you reach the motherland.

Safe journeys our organic and pragmatic Treasurer General.

10/21/2024

*Greetings our highly esteemed parents and stakeholders at large* Hope i find you well in good health. I'm pleased to announce that Nzvikisa Group of Schools' 2025 form 1 and Grade 1 enrolment has been unrolled . While awaiting for the final Zimsec grade 7 results, just bring previous term report book & pay registration fee to secure place.
For more information don't hesitate to contact us on the following numbers: 0776111765/0774 417 768 /

09/24/2024

Choose perks in Parliament\Council or the oppressed poverty-stricken masses! CCC Namibia echoes!

03 September 2023

Citizens in Namibia urge elected members of parliament and councilors in recent flawed elections to avert the temptation to defy the clarion call by the organic party to campaign for a fresh plebiscite. It is public knowledge that taking part in Parliament and Councils is tantamount to endorsing the illegitimate president who subverted the will of the citizenry.

CCC Namibia emphasizes that the pragmatic party is pro-poor hence the dire need to embrace social liberation policies. MPs and Councillors should speak audibly pronouncing the illegitimacy of Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and his cabal. Citizens' members of parliament must not accept a swearing-in ceremony administered by an unconstitutional president based on the scientific findings of the SADC Observer Mission, AU, Carter, EU, ZESN, ERC, etc. The various observer missions noted intimidation of voters by FAZ, suppression of the vote in Harare, Bulawayo, and Manicaland, abuse of the Constitution and the electoral law as well as the SADC principles and guidelines on democratic elections.

At this juncture, we anticipate that elected MPs and Councillors should brace for participatory democracy demanding fresh elections conducted by an independent electoral commission since Zec has dismally failed to pass integrity, accountability, and transparency tests. We can't continue with coercion, intimidation, politically motivated violence, banning of political rallies, and voter suppression that breed illegitimacy. As a party, we should avoid elements of political greed as a way of amplifying our voices demanding fresh free, fair, credible, and unfettered elections in Zimbabwe.

After the rigged 2018 elections, the people's MPs tried in vain to confront the illegitimacy of Mr. Mnangagwa but were marred by the Supreme Court judgment of March 2020. It was unfortunate that ZANU-PF-controlled Mwonzora began to illegally recall our MPs one by one. This time around the party should make sure that the gold mafia president does not swear in any CCC member of parliament. All duly declared MPs and councilors must resist belly politics reflecting their commitment and dedication to prosecuting the national democratic revolution to its logical conclusion.

Elected legislators should reject endorsing this coup on the ballot by Zec and their ZANU-PF handlers. Advocates of Social Democracy must choose the side of the victimized people of Zimbabwe who were denied their constitutional right to vote for various leaders of their choice without coercion. One-Man One-Vote was the main reason why the Chitepos and Tongogaras launched the protracted war of liberation. It is now imperative to learn from Mwonzora and the cabal who are enduring the cold. They chose their stomachs ahead of the electorate. CCC Namibia pledges to stand with principled legislators and councilors.

The temptation of diplomatic passports, cars, loans, and other perks should not derail our struggle for socio-economic transfiguration in a New Great Zimbabwe led by none other than the change champion in chief, President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Change champions should bear in mind that this is the only opportunity for us to win Zimbabwe for a complete change with the assistance of SADC and AU. The decision by SADC and AU not to endorse and sign shambolic elections must be applauded. We salute Dr. Nevers Mumba and his great team of varlour for resisting ZANU-PF bullying.

Choose perks in Parliament or the oppressed people who endure abject poverty due to the legitimacy crisis in Zimbabwe! So far Hon Fadzayi Mahere, Hon Happymore Chidziva only to mention a few have already indicated their preparedness to set aside their resounding victories against all odds in solidarity with the rigged legislators in Manicaland, Harare, and the countryside where command voting was prevalent perpetrated by FAZ and traditional leaders.




,Fair, CredibleElections


CCC Namibia Rundu Branch
Interim Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

09/22/2024

Dear revolutionary intellectuals! It is with great grief that we continue to search for our beloved sister, Benedict Rungano who went missing for more than 8 years. Benedict came from South Africa and arrived well in Zaka, Zibwowa in Masvingo. She is mentally disturbed! Please help! We went missing upon her arrival and we are deeply concerned about her whereabouts.

Please, if you happen to meet her anywhere may you kindly contact 0775 981 508/0775420450 WhatsApp.

Thank you for cooperating!

08/20/2024

God Is In It

08/06/2024

President Chamisa:
ZIMBABWE MUST HAVE PROPER ELECTIONS AND FIX BROKEN POLITICS

Following the discredited, illegal and disputed 2023 General Elections, Zimbabweans have not known normalcy or peace.

As of now, 78 families and a one-year old child are without their loved ones. This is because the 78 political prisoners hold different political views and dared to express themselves and exercise their freedom of association. On the 16th of June 2024, these political prisoners were celebrating Africa Youth Day before being forcibly taken to prison where they remain 45 days later.

In addition, the families of Namatai Kwekeza (a human rights defender), Samuel Gwenzi (Civil society), Robson Chere (trade unionist), Promise Munkuli and Vusimuzi Moyo are without their loved ones for no reason other than their association with wanting a better Zimbabwe, advocating for women, young people, workers and speaking out against injustices.

Robson Chere’s family and friends are faced with the additional burden of fearing for his health given the injuries sustained during his arrest. Robson only wants better for the workers who sustain Zimbabwe.

The family of Bruce Moyo, a young Councillor from Bulawayo is without him because of exercising his political freedom of association as a young citizen and council representative.

Many other people (young and old) are spending nights in the prison cells after being taken abruptly and brazenly for no crime but being targets for simply exercising their constitutional freedom of association.

In Zimbabwe, being an active conscious citizen and being young has become a crime. The citizens, especially the young people, are persecuted for their beliefs and for wanting better lives.
In Zimbabwe, it has been turned criminal to be young.
This assault and onslaught on the citizens is a clarion call for unity across political divide to condemn and rebuke these violations, violence and injustice.

Fellow citizens of and all African countries, this can’t be civilized politics. This is bizarre, abnormal and must be condemned by all progressives across the world.

Zimbabwe must be free and democratic. We the citizens and Our will save us.

07/06/2024

Nick Mangwana humiliated, skipped over by Mnangagwa
ZimDaily

07/03/2024

In Hwange Chinese women give black women their bloody menstrual panties to wash with bare hands. After relieving themselves the Chinese walk away &tell black workers to go flash the toilet.A Chinese boss has a bed in his office 4 sexual harassment. Harrowing tales by workers 2day

06/21/2024

CSOs Demand Immediate Release of Detained Young Women Activists

Harare, Zimbabwe – June 21, 2024: A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has issued a strong condemnation of the arrest and detention of 29 young women political activists in Harare. The women were part of a larger group of 79 activists apprehended on June 16, 2024, during a private commemoration of the annual Day of the African Child.

The activists were subjected to a police raid and subsequent arrests under circumstances that have since drawn widespread criticism. Allegations of brutality, torture, and ill-treatment have surfaced following the activists' court appearance on June 18, 2024. Reports indicate that several women sustained serious injuries and are being denied necessary emergency medical treatment, a clear violation of both the Zimbabwean Constitution and international human rights standards.

Zimbabwe, a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, has committed to upholding the rights enshrined within the Charter, including protection from torture and cruel treatment, and the right to peaceful assembly. The CSOs emphasized that these arrests not only contravene these commitments but also undermine the civil and political rights guaranteed to Zimbabwean citizens.

“We strongly condemn the callous and illegal actions of the police,” the CSOs declared in a unified statement. “We urge the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold its responsibility to create a safe and enabling environment for women to participate in political activities without fear of persecution and violence.”

The CSOs highlighted the broader implications of such actions on Zimbabwe's democracy. They noted that the victimization of women activists discourages political engagement, erodes trust in democratic institutions, and fosters a culture of fear that silences dissenting voices. This, in turn, perpetuates gender inequality and limits the representation of women’s interests in political arenas. The 2023 elections, for instance, saw less than 5% of young women directly elected as MPs and Councillors, reflecting a significant gender disparity in political representation.

To address the situation, the CSOs have put forth several urgent recommendations:
- Immediate and unconditional release of the 29 detained women activists.
- An impartial investigation by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the Independent Complaints Commission into the arrests and treatment of the activists, ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
- Adherence by the Government of Zimbabwe to constitutional, regional, and international human rights obligations, ensuring the safety and protection of the activists and their families.
- Reforms in law enforcement practices and legislation concerning the rights to assembly, association, and expression.

The coalition's statement underscores a critical need for the Zimbabwean government to respect and protect human rights, and to take decisive steps towards ensuring equality, justice, and freedom within its democratic framework. The call to action serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in political activism and the urgent need for systemic change to foster a more inclusive and representative political environment.

06/14/2024

1. Fadzayi Mahere's departure from Parliament has debunked a lot of myths conviniently used by some colleagues in the broader struggle.

By following her own convictions, she's in total control of her political agency.
She importanly freed herself from having to prove allegiances1. Secondly, following her conviction and freeing herself from that mess didn't turn into political su***de.

She's probably more relevant and influential now than she was then.
The chap who represents her former constituency now is a legal reality yet politically inconsequential2. Thirdly, Fadzayi leaving Parliament has, in fact, not deprived Mount Pleasent constituency of representation

She remains regarded as their leader, attending & presiding over many community meetings.

More importantly, she has managed to transcend party & constituency politics3. Fourthly, disconnecting herself from an illegitimate Parliament hasn't muted Fadzayi's diplomatic voice nor deprived her of any diplomatic standing.

Fadzayi Mahere continues to be a factor and a figure in regional and international forums with her influence growing.4. Fifthly, Fadzi doesn't need any hansard full of rehearsed & regurgitated questions to confirm how she is effectively playing the watchdog role

She doesn't even need to "behave".
She asks pertinent questions, dragging the government to respond, kicking, screaming & scratching5. Sixthly, Fadzayi freed herself from daily confirming her political allegiances while clarifying many contradictions.

She doesn't need to co-exist with political blasphemy in the name of safeguarding zones of autonomy.

She belongs to no mortal.
She answers to her conscience.6. My heart sinks.

There are so many other well-intentioned, capable & honest women and men from the alternative, in Parliament & councils.

Unfortunately, they've all lost their agency & control over the political narrative
The regime yakavabata kuti dzviii!

We watch..
enkosi!

Source : Davis Laque

06/11/2024

10 passengers, including Malawi’s vice president Saulos Chilima, are dead after the plane carrying them crashed.

06/11/2024

Wicknell Chivhayo leaked audio.

06/08/2024

06/05/2024

The People's President Nelson Chamisa Updates Zimbabweans on Resolution Efforts for Disputed August 2023 Elections

The People's President Nelson Chamisa issued a comprehensive update regarding ongoing efforts to resolve the disputed outcome of the August 2023 general elections in Zimbabwe.

Chamisa's address, delivered on May 27, 2024, outlined the steps taken to address electoral fraud and ensure the establishment of a credible and legitimate government.

In his statement, Chamisa reiterated the widespread consensus among Zimbabwean citizens regarding the irregularities and manipulation observed during the August 2023 elections.

He emphasized the urgency of resolving the governance crisis to restore faith in the electoral process and uphold democratic principles.

Chamisa highlighted engagements with regional and international bodies, particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC), seeking assistance in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the electoral dispute.

Despite efforts to engage with SADC and other stakeholders, Chamisa expressed frustration at the lack of progress in addressing the governance crisis.

The The People's President underscored the importance of a legitimate government in addressing the myriad challenges facing Zimbabwe, including economic instability, corruption, poverty, and unemployment.

He urged Zimbabwean citizens to remain engaged in the resolution process and emphasized the need for international support in condemning electoral malpractices.

Chamisa's address comes amid ongoing political uncertainty in Zimbabwe, with the country grappling with the fallout from the disputed elections and the absence of a credible government. The former opposition leader's commitment to transparency and accountability underscores the importance of resolving the electoral dispute to ensure a stable and prosperous future for Zimbabwe.

06/05/2024

Zimbabwe's Second Largest Supermarket Group Abandons Fixed Exchange Rate

In a significant move reflecting the economic upheaval in Zimbabwe, the country's second-largest supermarket chain has opted to depart from the official fixed exchange rate of US$1 to ZiG13.56. Instead, the retailer has implemented a rate of ZiG14.50 to the US Dollar, signaling a departure from conventional economic policies amidst hyperinflation woes.

The decision, announced by a senior retail director, underscores the challenges faced by businesses grappling with the repercussions of Zimbabwe's currency instability. Businesses have been granted a modest latitude of 10%, allowing for adjustments to mitigate losses incurred due to fluctuating exchange rates.

Hopewell Chin'ono, a prominent journalist, predicted such shifts, attributing them to the disconnect between the ZiG and genuine economic fundamentals. He highlighted the inevitable consequences of clinging to fixed rates, warning of empty shelves if businesses were forced to adhere strictly to ZiG13.56.

The move to ZiG14.50 serves as a strategic maneuver for supermarkets to navigate the economic landscape, alongside adjustments to US Dollar prices aimed at offsetting ZiG payment deficits. However, Chin'ono underscored the systemic challenges inherent in Zimbabwe's economic framework, pointing to the detrimental impact of command economic policies.

The limited usability of the ZiG for essential transactions exacerbates its decline, fueling demand for the US Dollar and accelerating the currency's depreciation. This trend echoes past failures of Zimbabwean currencies, such as the Bond Note and Bearer Cheque, further exacerbating hyperinflation concerns.

Zimbabwe's hyperinflation crisis persists unabated, cementing its status as the nation with the world's highest inflation rate. As the exchange rate deteriorates, inflationary pressures mount, exacerbating the cycle of economic instability.

In the face of mounting economic challenges, Zimbabwe finds itself at a crossroads, navigating the complexities of a depreciating currency and grappling with the enduring struggle to stabilize its financial landscape.

05/31/2024

BALLOT BOX MISSING IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Electoral Commission appeals to citizens in and around Ward 14 uMhlathuze, in KwaZulu-Natal, to be on the lookout for an IEC branded ballot box that went missing in transit from the voting station Matamzana Dube School in VD 43412767, KZN282, uMhlathuze, to the municipal electoral office for storage. The ballots in the box have been counted, reconciled and validated. The Electoral Commission is required, by law, to store ballots cast in general elections for a period of six months. Furthermore, the IEC appeals to anyone who finds the ballot box to return it to us. Citizens are reminded that anyone found to be in possession of ballots is liable to criminal prosecution.