Sunday, August 02

Khupe Attending Chamisa's Bulawayo Rally

MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe is set to make a surprise appearance at Citizens Coalition for Change's (CCC) Bulawayo rally on Saturday, according to sources.

An alliance is said to be a possibility, with reports Khupe is open to a reunion with former co-deputy in then united MDC-T Nelson Chamisa who now leads the CCC.

Despite having been a thorn in Chamisa's flesh for over two years as they fought over leadership of a party that is falling apart, Khupe is said to be confident her overtures will be positively received.

"The president could be at White City stadium on Saturday," said the source.

"If she does make it to the rally, this will be confirmation she is coming back, rejoining her former comrades in the opposition party."

Chamisa declared the party was open to all at a by-election launch rally at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare, emphasising however that anyone they had worked with in the past would only join the party on the basis they "move to the back of the bus."

"We know there are others who once left us and want to rejoin, we will direct that they seat at the back of this bus upon readmission," Chamisa said.

Contacted for comment Khupe's spokesperson Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu said a day in politics was too long hence he could only answer such inquiries on Saturday.

"We do not have any plans regarding the weekend CCC rally. In politics a day is too long for one to decide on what they are going to be doing over the weekend, we will let you know on Saturday," said Ndlovu.

The meeting between Khupe and CCC deputy president Welshman Ncube sent tongues wagging and set the tone for discussions and arguments on her readmission.

Her recent decisions to castigate violence meted on CCC supporters in Kwekwe by Zanu-PF youths and calls for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and police to investigate the matter have also fueled speculation.

Khupe has been hinting at a unified front at the 2023 harmonised elections, calling for "unity among opposition political parties" ahead of the polls.

"Unity among opposition political parties is of paramount importance to confront Zanu-PF. The formidable force must start to speak with one voice. It must start to vote with one voice. It's high time as opposition we combine and start to converge citizens together and fight for the common cause which is the new Zimbabwe," said Khupe at her Wednesday press conference.

  • Share:

Info News

IT Certifications & Tech Careers: Boosting Professional Skills

IT certifications help individuals advance their careers in technology. Certifications like AWS and cybersecurity are in high demand.

rnrn

Keywords such as “IT certification training” have strong CPC. Content should provide learning paths and career benefits.

rnrn

Educational content attracts motivated users and improves rankings. This niche performs well due to career-focused searches.

rn

Mortgage Refinance Guide: Costs, Rates, and Break-Even Math

 

A lower mortgage rate sounds attractive, but refinancing is not always a guaranteed win. A refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new loan, and that new loan usually comes with closing costs, a new term, new paperwork, and sometimes a reset payoff timeline. The right question is not simply, Can I get a lower rate? The better question is, Will this refinance improve my finances after all costs are included?

The most common reason to refinance is to lower the interest rate. A lower rate can reduce the monthly payment and total interest over time. However, closing costs can include lender fees, appraisal fees, title fees, recording fees, credit report fees, prepaid taxes, prepaid insurance, and points. Some lenders advertise no-closing-cost refinancing, but the costs may be rolled into the loan balance or covered through a higher rate.

The break-even point is one of the most important calculations. Divide the total refinance cost by the monthly savings. If closing costs are $4,000 and the refinance saves $200 per month, the break-even point is 20 months. If you plan to stay in the home longer than that, the refinance may make sense. If you expect to sell or move before then, the savings may never catch up.

Loan term matters. Refinancing from a 30-year mortgage into a new 30-year mortgage can lower the payment but may extend debt far into the future. That can increase total interest even with a lower rate. Some homeowners choose a 15-year or 20-year refinance to pay off the home faster, but the payment may be higher. Others choose a new 30-year term for cash-flow relief. The best choice depends on monthly budget, retirement timeline, and long-term goals.

A cash-out refinance allows a homeowner to borrow more than the current mortgage balance and receive the difference in cash. People use cash-out refinancing for home improvements, debt consolidation, education, or emergency reserves. This can be useful when the numbers work, but it also increases the mortgage balance and puts the home at risk if payments become unaffordable.

Refinancing from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage can also be smart when payment stability matters. Adjustable rates may start lower but can change later based on the loan terms. A fixed rate can provide predictability, especially for homeowners who plan to stay long term.

Credit score, home equity, income, debt-to-income ratio, property type, and appraisal value can all affect refinance options. A stronger credit profile and more equity may qualify for better rates. If the home value has increased, refinancing may also help remove private mortgage insurance if requirements are met.

Points deserve careful review. Discount points are upfront fees paid to reduce the interest rate. Buying points can make sense if you plan to keep the loan long enough to recover the cost through lower payments. If you may move, sell, or refinance again soon, paying points may not be worthwhile.

Before applying, gather the current mortgage statement, homeowners insurance details, property tax information, income documents, credit information, and an estimate of home value. Ask lenders for loan estimates using the same loan type and term so comparisons are fair.

Questions to ask include: What is the APR? What are total closing costs? Are costs paid upfront or rolled into the loan? What is the new loan balance? What is the break-even point? Are there prepayment penalties? How long will underwriting take? Does the rate lock have a fee? What happens if the appraisal comes in low?

Refinancing can be a powerful financial move when it lowers total costs, improves stability, removes mortgage insurance, shortens the term, or supports a smart cash-flow plan. It can be a mistake when it only lowers the payment by extending debt or adding costs that never pay off. Run the numbers before signing.