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Barring of Auxillia
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- Written by: Thomas Machingauta
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The Barring of Auxillia Mnangagwa: A Diaspora Victory and the Weight of Symbolism
The recent announcement that Zimbabwean First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was barred from attending the FLAIR Summit in the United Kingdom, hailed by protesting diaspora groups as "Mission Accomplished," represents far more than a simple travel hiccup or diplomatic snub. It is a potent symbol of shifting dynamics in international engagement, the growing power of diaspora activism, and the inescapable weight of political baggage carried by representatives of contested regimes. This exclusion, secured through persistent protest, underscores a refusal to grant legitimacy on the global stage without accountability.
The FLAIR Summit, dedicated to fostering female leadership, inclusion, and sisterhood, presented an opportunity for Auxillia Mnangagwa to project an image of benevolent statesmanship and humanitarian concern - an image carefully cultivated through domestic philanthropic initiatives. Yet, for the Zimbabwean diaspora protesters who mobilized swiftly and effectively in the UK, this potential platform was anathema. They argued that her presence would be a profound contradiction to the summit's stated ideals. Their core contention rested on the First Lady's inextricable link to the regime of her husband, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a regime consistently accused by international bodies, human rights organizations, and Zimbabwean citizens of systematic corruption, electoral manipulation, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement that has plunged the nation into crisis.
The protesters' "mission" was clear: to prevent the whitewashing of this record. They leveraged allegations not just against the government broadly, but specifically highlighted controversies surrounding the First Lady herself. These included her perceived role in the extravagant lifestyle of the ruling elite amidst crippling national poverty, her alleged involvement in opaque business dealings (notably referenced in investigations like "Gold Mafia"), and her position as a beneficiary and symbol of a system protesters view as fundamentally predatory. Their strategy was multifaceted: vocal demonstrations outside potential venues, targeted lobbying of summit organizers, and appeals to UK authorities regarding the suitability of granting entry to such a figure.
The success of this campaign – the "accomplishment" – lies in its tangible outcome. While the precise mechanism (visa denial, disinvitation by organizers, or pressure-induced withdrawal) remains diplomatically opaque, the result is unambiguous: Mnangagwa will not attend. This outcome validates the protesters' core argument. It demonstrates that the international community, or at least specific actors within it, can be swayed by evidence of misgovernance and mobilized public pressure. It signifies that the carefully curated domestic image of a philanthropic First Lady can be pierced on the international stage by the harsh realities of her association with a deeply controversial administration.
Ambassdor Katsande - BS at Flair Today
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- Written by: John C Burke
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REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR COL. (RTD) C.M. KATSANDE
AT THE FIRST LADIES OF AFRICA IMPACT & RESILIENCE (FLAIR) SUMMIT: 18 JUNE 2025
Esteemed Excellencies, First Ladies,Board Members and Organisers of the FLAIR Summit,• Dr. Yvonne Thompson,
• Dr Nero Ughwujabo;
• Mr. Charlie Stuart Gay;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me take this opportunity to thank the Organisers and Co-Founders of the First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Summit. This Summit comes at an opportune time as the world is facing complex challenges that require women to be the leading voices for sustainable solutions. As men, we must humbly acknowledge that we have not always done a good job of safeguarding the future for the next generations. It is time to listen, support, and elevate women's leadership.Allow me to thank the organisers of FLAIR for extending an invitation to the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. Unfortunately, she was unable to be with us due to clashing engagements.
However, she sends her most sincere apologies and warmest regards and full support for the objectives of this Summit.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I have already mentioned, this Summit is timely and necessary. It is more important than ever to empower and amplify the voices of Africa’s First Ladies. These are voices that deeply understand the realities on the ground. They connect directly with ordinary citizens, especially women and youth, and are uniquely placed to advocate for inclusive development with the powers that be.
Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her interactions with communities across Zimbabwe, founded the Angel of Hope Foundation. This foundation is committed to improving health, empowering women and youth, and preserving cultural heritage. It has made a significant impact in both rural and urban areas, empowering girls to dream big, including becoming leading entrepreneurs and scientists, and strengthening Zimbabwean identity and pride. Her efforts in preserving and promoting cultural values earned her the title Patron of Culture and Heritage in Zimbabwe.
Clandestine Deals
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- Written by: Reuben Gift Waretsa
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Clandestine Deals in the Country's Natural Resources
Fuelling Corruption in Zimbabwe
The arrogant and garrulous Zanu PF spokesman, Chris Mutsvangwa surprised many when he bragged at a Business conference at the Victoria Falls, that him and a few clever ones, where making big profits from investments at Manhize. He was mocking opposition politicians that they were busy calling for international sanctions against the Mnangagwa regime whilst he, Mutsvangwa and others are making easy money.
The truth of the matter is not many Zimbabweans know where Manhize is located let alone what business goes on there.
This alone raises many unanswered questions from who owns Manhize, what happens at Manhize and why it appears this is a secret place where only the privileged elite continue to loot and plunder the national resources without accountability.
My first question is who owns Manhize? From my limited knowledge on Manhize, it is a steel plant run by the Chinese Tsingshan Group. I understand this Group has various other projects in Zimbabwe where they have invested billions.
The cause for concern with Manhize is there seems to be really serious business going on there but without visible or tangible direct benefits to the impoverished nation let alone the locals.
This is where the many questions don't seem to get answers.
It would be assumed the Manhize operations are above board when it comes to compliance with state regulations like tax and labour laws. Fair enough. It would also be expected that such a Mammoth project would be so popular enough to eclipse the likes of the legendary Zisco when it comes to the provision of jobs in a country where over 90% of the population is unemployed.
So why is Manhize so concealed?
When the Zanu PF spokesman claims that they are making big profits at Manhize, who does he really refer to here? Could it be the Zimbabwean ‘government’ “regime” or those fat cats again who are notorious at stealing our minerals from the time of Chiyadzwa Diamonds? As always, one never gets answers to these questions. It was very interesting to note that Tendai Biti, a leader of the opposition was part of the panellists on the stage and he was so embarrassed by Mutsvangwa's remarks that he even failed to expose these secretive lucrative deals taking place in the mining sector.
If Manhize is such a big deal, obviously with government having a stake, why is it that the nation is not officially informed about the ongoings there?
After the Chiyadzwa fiasco, Zimbabweans can no longer tolerate further looting of our minerals.
I therefore call for an extensive and comprehensive audit of all the mining operations in Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa needs to be reminded that Land and all resources don't belong to him as a President. The land and all the resources on it are the Heritage of the people of Zimbabwe, both present and future. The President needs to fire all nonperforming ministers especially the Ministers of Roads and Road Traffic, Health and Mines.
The minerals must benefit "Vene" (the citizenry). like what is happening in Burkina Faso. There is need to forge smart partnerships where local people collaborate with foreign investors. This will go a long way in creating the much-needed jobs and the Gross Domestic Product.
Shrinking the Democratic Space
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- Written by: Panyika Anselm Karimanzira
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"Shrinking the Democratic Space: The Dictator, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Is at It Again"
This week, kleptocrat and dictator Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled the Zimbabwe Media Policy.
Cloaked in colourful language and lofty rhetoric, the policy might appear progressive at first glance. But a closer, more critical examination reveals a different reality.
To the discerning citizen, this policy is yet another addition to the regime’s ever-expanding arsenal of repressive tools. Far from promoting transparency or freedom of expression, it resurrects the spirit of the long-repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). It now joins the ranks of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act of 2023—infamously dubbed the “Patriotic Act”—and the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
Collectively, these laws constitute a systematic erosion of Zimbabwe’s democratic space.
The Zimbabwe Media Policy is a framework designed to curtail free speech and media independence. It grants the state sweeping powers—not only over traditional media but also over social media—thus extending its surveillance and control into the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Central to this policy is a requirement for licensing under a centralised, government-controlled system. In the hands of a dictator, such a mechanism becomes a potent weapon. Media outlets and journalists operate at the mercy of the state. Those who refuse to conform, or who dare to expose corruption and abuses of power, face harsh reprisals.
Journalists are particularly vulnerable. Recent pre-trial detention cases—such as that of Blessing Mhlanga and, before him, Hopewell Chin’ono—demonstrate the real consequences of exposing the corruption and shenanigans of the ruling elite, as well as speaking truth to power. Under this policy, reporters who shine a light on government failures or corruption risk imprisonment.
Foreign journalists are also targeted. They must obtain security clearance from the intelligence services, pay hefty fees, and surrender copies of any documentaries produced during their stay in Zimbabwe. This not only discourages external scrutiny but also tightens the regime’s grip on its international image.
Clause 4.8 (Page 31) of the policy outlines a chilling array of penalties: loss of licenses or accreditation, forced content removal or blocking, mandatory apologies and corrections, disqualification from media awards, and potential legal action.
Big Brother is not just watching us —he is silencing us.
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