NEWS

Zimbabwe election 2018: Five things

Published

5 years ago

23/07/2018

More than five million Zimbabweans are going to the polls on 30 July to vote in historic Zimbabwe elections. But what makes it different from previous votes?

1) The first election without Mugabe

Since Zimbabwe’s birth in 1980, only one person has ever won an election to lead the country – Robert Mugabe. He was prime minister until a presidential system was introduced in 1987.

But the 94-year-old was ousted from power last year by the army and those in his own party who were angered at moves to allow his wife Grace Mugabe to succeed him.

A few weeks before the military takeover in November, Mr Mugabe had fired his deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and was manoeuvring for his wife to be appointed in his place.

But it ended in his downfall and Mr Mnangagwa became president. He is now the Zanu-PF’s presidential candidate.

And there is a change in the air when it comes to campaigning as all parties have been able to hold rallies and marches without hindrance or intimidation, unlike in previous polls.

International election observers from Europe and the US have been welcomed for the first time since 2002.

The media scene is also vibrant, with different views being expressed – though state media is still seen as the mouthpiece of the ruling party.

2) Longest ballot paper

Robert Mugabe’s exit from the scene has led to a flourishing of political ambitions – and 23 names will appear on the presidential ballot.

Fifty-five parties are also contesting the parliamentary election. Commentators say this shows how feared the former president had become during his 37-year rule.

Some of those trying their luck have returned from the diaspora to relaunch their careers. But the main presidential contenders are Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling Zanu-PF and Nelson Chamisa of the opposition MDC Alliance.

However, there is a controversy over the two-column design of the presidential ballot paper, which has Mr Mnangagwa appearing at the top of the second column.

The opposition says this is illegal, but electoral chief Priscilla Chigumba said if it was done as a single column when folded, a voter wouldn’t be able to post it into a ballot box as it would be too thick for the slot.

Evan Mawarire is not standing on the presidential ballot, though he is vying for a seat as a councillor in the capital, Harare.

The charismatic pastor became famous for his courageous criticism of Mr Mugabe’s rule. His viral #ThisFlag movement was sparked after he spontaneously posted a video expressing his frustration at the woeful state of the nation – and urged Zimbabweans to be proud of their flag and demand change.

He then organised a two-day shutdown in July 2016 – the biggest strike action in more than a decade – and was charged with trying to overthrow the government.

He was acquitted a week after Mr Mugabe resigned.

3) Ghost voters ‘banished’

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has introduced a fingerprint ID system to register voters, which it says has been able to identify when people register more than once.

It says the new system, which required everyone to re-register, means the voters’ roll is now “clean” and free from ghost voters.

In total 5,635,706 people are registered – 238,409 fewer than in 2013, despite an annual population growth of more than 2%.

In the past, one way in which people have allegedly rigged elections was by using the identities of dead people still on the voters’ roll.

The commission has denied recent allegations that 250,000 ghost voters have managed to get on to the new list.

It cited the example of a woman in Mutare, in the east of the country, who had registered three times, giving a different address in each case. But Zec said the ID system had spotted it was the same voter and her duplicate entries had been removed.

In total Zec says 92,000 people who initially registered have been excluded because of various anomalies.

4) ‘Witchcraft’ animals banned

The Zimbabwe election commission has banned a whole host of things from candidates’ logos, including some animals and weapons – though guns are allowed.

This is the full list of outlawed symbols, in the order it appears on the Zec website: Flame Lily, cheetah, elephant, secretary bird, flaming torch, leopard, lion, buffalo, griffon (mythical creature), owl, bird of prey, cobras, sword, rhino, laurel wreath and axe.

No official explanation has been given for why they are not allowed. Historian Pathisa Nyathi told Zimbabwe’s state-run Chronicle paper that witchcraft may have been a contributing factor in some cases: “From an African point of view, for example, an owl is associated with witchcraft. A snake can equally be associated with witchcraft. Also, depending on the type of snake, it could be related to ancestral spirits.

He added that plants and animals are seen as having “national significance” might also be a reason for the ban. The flame lily, for example, is Zimbabwe’s national flower.

The ruling Zanu-PF uses an image of Great Zimbabwe ruins as its emblem – an iconic stone tower from an ancient empire between two trees to symbolise unity; the opposition MDC has an open palm of a hand to depict openness.

5) The decline in anti-gay hate speech

The director of a gay rights group says there been “a sharp decline in the use of hate speech and harassment of the LGBT community” during campaigning in Zimbabwe, where homosexual acts and gay marriage are banned.

Mr Mugabe once infamously said gay people were “worse than pigs and dogs” and claimed homosexuality was unAfrican.

“LGBTI issues have been used as a tool to divert Zimbabweans from discussing other pressing issues affecting them and a convenient ploy for political leaders facing rampant unemployment, political unrest, and a downward economic spiral,” Chester Samba, from Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (Galz), told the BBC News website.

“Elections in the past have been characterised by scapegoating a largely invisible and unpopular minority, creating a moral panic, which at times easily escalated into a witch-hunt.”

He admits that no party’s manifesto has anything specific on gay rights, though Zanu-PF did invite Galz for a meeting to gauge the challenges the LGBT community faces.

Gay people face widespread stigma in Zimbabwe – it has been too dangerous to live as openly homosexual and as a result, many have been too scared to go to hospitals for treatment when they get ill.

In another sign that attitudes may be changing, the body that coordinates the treatment of HIV and Aids in Zimbabwe has announced that it is opening up five drop-in centres nationwide for gay men.
BBC

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DIASPORA

Zimbabwean Drivers in the UK: Converting Your License? The Ministry of Transport Addresses Your Questions

Published

2 weeks ago

16/09/2023

Goddy Vunganai

Zimbabwean Drivers Licence to UK Licence

Recently, the Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport addressed the rising concerns about converting Zimbabwean driver’s licenses to British driver’s licenses. They shared an official statement on social media that provided answers to several crucial questions raised by Zimbabwean drivers.

Recognition of Zimbabwean Driver’s License by the British Government

One of the key questions addressed in the statement is whether the British Government still recognises the Zimbabwean driver’s license. The response was affirmative, confirming that Zimbabwean licenses are still recognised.

However, there have been unconfirmed reports of some Zimbabweans using counterfeit metal driver’s licenses in the UK. The drivers reportedly end up being involved or causing road traffic accidents

This has prompted the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK to require Certificates of Competency. These certificates are now part of the conversion process

Certificate of Competency Requirements

A question commonly asked by individuals who have lost their Certificate of Competency, which is now required for conversion, was also addressed.

The Ministry explained that the current system does not provide for duplicate Certificates of Competency due to their limited validity of 30 days.

The Ministry is actively engaging with the DVLA to reconsider this requirement.

Class Conversion and Downgrading

The statement addressed concerns from individuals who have class 2 driver’s licenses but wish to convert to classes 4 and 5, as opposed to being limited to class 2. The DVLA’s hesitation stems from doubts about the skills of many class 2 drivers who may not have undergone essential tests. To address this, the Ministry is facilitating testing for class four licenses, ensuring that drivers are competent for their desired class.

The Ministry has emphasised the importance of avoiding the use of fake Certificates of Competency. It strongly warns against presenting counterfeit certificates to the DVLA or any licensing authority as this may result in the revocation of valid driver’s licenses. The Ministry further urges applicants to follow the correct procedures for license conversion and avoid any illicit means.

Contacting CVR for License Verification

Concerns about the DVLA’s ability to contact the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) for license verification were also addressed. The Ministry assured the public that CVR maintains regular communication with DVLA.

To assist with license verification, citizens were provided with contact information for CVR via email addresses:

registrarcvr@gmail.com, ddcvrl@gmail.com, and ddcvr2@gmail.com.

Additionally, individuals were encouraged to seek assistance from their respective embassies if needed.

NEWS

Public Outcry Grows Over Mnangagwa’s Appointments of Family Members as Deputy Ministers

Published

3 weeks ago

12/09/2023

Goddy Vunganai

On Monday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa was accused of nepotism for appointing his son, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, as the deputy finance minister in his new cabinet, after a controversial re-election. David will be working under finance minister Mthuli Cube. Additionally, the president’s nephew, Tongai Mafidhi Mnangagwa, was named as the deputy minister of tourism and hospitality.

According to Fadzayi Mahere, a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the cabinet of Mnangagwa is unacceptable. Mahere stated that it is a combination of illegitimacy, corruption, violence, nepotism, incompetence, and sex scandals. She added that it lacks the ethical leadership that Zimbabweans need and deserve. It is no surprise that the national mood is dismal.

Mnangagwa appointed Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa as ministers. Christopher will lead the new ministry of Veterans of Liberation, while Monica will be the minister of Women’s Affairs and SMEs.

David Mnangagwa graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a law degree. He was elected to parliament through the youth quota system, listed on a Zanu PF party roster from the Midlands province. Mnangagwa is believed to have almost two dozen children.

Tongai, meanwhile, is the Zanu PF MP for Hunyani constituency. His late father, David, was Mnangagwa’s young brother.

On Monday, sources reported that Mnangagwa is contemplating bestowing an official role on his son, Emmerson Junior, in his office. According to the source, Junior has already attended some of the president’s meetings with foreign investors, which has been an uncomfortable situation. Mnangagwa aims to regularise this arrangement by giving Junior an official position, such as an adviser or director.

On August 23rd, the 80-year-old Mnangagwa was declared the winner of the election amidst opposition allegations that the vote was fraudulent. He is now serving his second and final term as president, becoming another addition to the list of African leaders who have established political dynasties.

In Congo-Brazzaville, President Denis Sassou-Nguesso appointed his son Denis-Christel as a cabinet minister, a move that revived media speculation that he had a dynastic succession in mind.

Teodoro Obiang, President of Equatorial Guinea, appointed his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, as Vice President. He has been in power since removing his uncle Francisco Macías Nguema in 1979.

The former President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, is the son of Omar Bongo who held the position from 1967 to 2009. Similarly, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila succeeded his father, Laurent-Désiré, after his assassination and remained as the head of state for 17 years.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has appointed his daughter Ange Kagame as the deputy executive director of the Strategy and Policy Unit in the Office of the President.

LONDON THEATRE

The Lion King Musical The Lion King Tickets Lyceum Theatre

Published

3 weeks ago

11/09/2023

Goddy Vunganai

The Lion King London Tickets

What’s on at the Lyceum Theatre box office London events, The Lion King London tickets. Book tickets with Disney’s The Lion King and enjoy the Lyceum Theatre Stalls view, Royal Circle, or Grand Circle view. Click here to book Lion tickets online now and save time

Now in its 24th year at London’s Lyceum Theatre, THE LION KING will blow you away.

The Lion King tickets in London can be purchased from different online booking agencies or from ticket booths in London that normally have different ticket offers.

Disney’s The Lion King London tickets can also be purchased directly from the Lyceum Theatre box office. Contact the Lyceum Theatre London to Book Lion King tickets online or by phone number 0207 492 0834.

Contact our dedicated theatre experts team for group booking requests, Lion King theatre break packages, or any other theatre booking inquiries.

The Lion King London tickets special deals and discounts at The Lyceum Theatre box office in London.

The Lion King musical is set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi-award-winning musical ‘The Lion King’ will redefine your expectations of theatre.

The Lion King musical score, with songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, was complemented by Garth Fagan’s choreography, drawing from African ritual dance.

Taymor worked with costume/puppet director Michael Curry to transform the actors into life-sized animal artworks through imaginative costume designs.

The Lion King’s plot follows Simba, who is convinced by his evil Uncle Scar that he is responsible for the death of his father, Mufasa, who is king. Little Simba flees Pride Rock and grows up in isolation, with the help of a flatulent hog and whiny meerkat.

Eventually, Simba returns home to fight his evil uncle and accepts his rightful role as heir to the throne.

PLEASE NOTE: strobe lighting is used several times during the performance of The Lion King.

For good seats at the Lyceum Theatre, it is advised to avoid restricted view seats in the Stalls, Dress/Royal Circle, and Upper Circle. The Stalls are split into centre blocks and two narrow blocks by aisles.

The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls in row R so it might be difficult to enjoy The Lion King from there.

To get an amazing view of the Lion King performance in the stalls, it is advisable to sit from rows D to P. In the Dress Circle, one can get an amazing view from rows A to L, and the centre block offers an absolutely fantastic view.

When buying last-minute Lion King tickets it is advisable to ask if they are clear-view tickets otherwise the wonderful Lion King experience will be spoiled.

The Lyceum Theatre is a 2,100-seat West End theatre located in the City of Westminster, on Wellington Street, just off the Strand. The origins of the theatre date to 1765.

More answers to these questions are below: The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre phone number, Lyceum Theatre seating plan, Lyceum Theatre nearest tube, Lyceum Theatre box office, Lyceum Theatre London address, Lyceum Theatre events, Lion King London tickets, Lyceum Theatre dress code. Lyceum Theatre box office contact number.

Lyceum Theatre Box Office FAQs

The Lyceum Theatre is a 2,100-seat West End theatre located in the City of Westminster, at 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ just off the Strand.

What is the Lion King London Lyceum running time?

The Lion King’s running time is 2 hours 30 minutes

Where is the Lion King Theatre in London?

The Lion King. Lyceum Theatre, London

Where is the Lyceum Theatre box office?

Lyceum Theatre’s box office is located inside the theatre building on Wellington Street and is open Monday 10 am – 6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 10 am-8 pm and Sunday 11 am-3 pm.

Can you buy Lion King tickets at the box office?

You may purchase tickets to THE LION KING at the box office, online, or by phone.

What is the Lyceum Theatre box office postcode?

WC2E 7RQ

What is the Lyceum Theatre box office contact phone number?
Buy tickets by phone. If you would like to buy tickets over the phone, the Lyceum Theatre box office can be reached on 0844 8717627.

Where can I find the Lion King London Lyceum Theatre seating plan?
– Click here to view the Lyceum Theatre seating plan

What restaurants are near the Lyceum Theatre, London?
-Sophie’s Steakhouse, Fire and Stone, Cafe des Amis and Christopher’s American Grill

What is the Lyceum Theatre London address?
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ

What are the best seats in the Lyceum Theatre?
The Stalls seats are quite close to the stage and they do have the best seats in the house.

The stall seats are quite wonderful, especially during the opening score ‘The Circle of Life.

The top seats are in the centre section from rows A to R.

The Royal Circle or Dress Circle is in the tier above the Stalls and also offers very good seats, especially from row A to E.The Grand Circle is above the Royal Circle and one can still get a fairly good view from row B.