SA Envoy Ignores Chamisa

By Staff Reporter
|
26823
|
August 11, 2020

SPECIAL envoys appointed by African Union chairperson, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe reports of gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe jetted out of the country yesterday after aborting their proposed meetings with the opposition and civic society groups under unclear circumstances.

Baleka Mbete, Sydney Mufamadi and advocate Ngoako Abel Ramatlhodi met President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House and were expected to meet main opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa and civic society organisations.

The trio arrived on a fact-finding mission "following recent reports of difficulties that the Republic of Zimbabwe is experiencing", according to a statement by Ramaphosa's office last week.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said they had been formally requested to attend a meeting yesterday with the special envoys, but were surprised after being advised that the envoys were returning to South Africa without meeting them.

"Our delegation remained on standby from 10am, but only to be advised at the end of the day that the special envoys would be returning to South Africa without meeting the MDC Alliance delegation in order to brief President Ramaphosa on the outcomes of their meeting with Mnangagwa," she said in a statement.

"We can only assume that the failure to meet the MDC Alliance delegation was as a result of demands made by the Zanu-PF delegation."

The MDC Alliance said they had reiterated that Zimbabwe was in a state of crisis that was characterised by a de facto state of emergency, a crackdown on citizens, abductions, and arbitrary arrests of government critics and the political persecution of journalists.

"The government in Harare is incapable of resolving these challenges because it lacks legitimacy. We are of the firm view that any solution to the ongoing socio-economic challenges lies in resolving the political crisis and answering the outstanding legitimacy question," Mahere said.

The MDC Alliance spokesperson said it was clear that Mnangagwa was not ready to resolve the national crisis through genuine dialogue.

"However, the deteriorating plight of the Zimbabwean people means that a political settlement is more urgent than before," she said.

However, a reliable source said the envoys were denied access to opposition politicians and civic society, with Mnangagwa insisting that there was no crisis in the country despite the blatant human rights violations since the run-up to the July 31 anti-corruption protests.

Addressing journalists after meeting Mnangagwa, Mufamadi yesterday said the envoys were reading the situation in Zimbabwe.

"We were listening to the reading of the situation, what is being done or the intention to do what strategy. I know you will not ask us to report to our President through the media. We will be reporting to the President who will interact with the public," he said.
Mnangagwa called the allegations "divisive falsehoods" in his Heroes Day speech, repeating his claim that he was under renewed attack from domestic and foreign opponents.

The development comes as African Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urged the Zimbabwean government to uphold the rule of law "allowing for freedom of the media, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and the right to information".

"The African Union is following closely political developments in Zimbabwe as the country mounts concerted efforts in response to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," Mahamat said.

"The chairperson is concerned about reports of disproportionate use of force by security forces in enforcing COViD-19 emergency measures. He implores the authorities to exercise restraint in their response to peaceful protests."

The statement added: "The chairperson further encourages the government of Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law allowing for freedom of the media, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and the right to information. Violations of these rights are a breach of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance."

MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Job Sikhala in a statement said: "We will not accept an elite pact that will serve only the interests of politicians, but does not address fundamental structural issues related to accountability, democracy, and the rule of law. We deserve a people-centred government answerable to the people and by the people."

Opposition National Patriotic Front spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire said Ramaphosa's envoys should engage the military as part of their fact-finding mission saying the security sector was embedded in politics and Zanu-PF factional wars.

Mawarire said engaging only the ruling party and Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) would be skirting around the real cause of the challenges facing Zimbabwe.

"Hopefully, the ANC will understand that we need to dialogue with the army which took over Zanu-PF, the State and government. If we don't, a worse situation will explode, especially now that there are two militarised factions in Zanu-PF dabbling in politics.

"If we turn a blind eye to the fact that the military involvement in our national politics is the elephant in the room, we are likely to go back to 1983-87, albeit, on a national scale. It is clear the military factions in Zanu-PF are fighting to control the country and this fight will surely turn bloody if not addressed now," he said.

MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said: "Our approach in the impending discussion is to find a lasting solution to Zimbabwe's problems. In this regard we will be guided by what is in the best interests of Zimbabwe's long-suffering masses."

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) endorsed Ramaphosa's mediation efforts saying a plethora of challenges faced by the country needed to be brought to an end through dialogue.

"The arrest and persecution of the journalists and the civil activists who amplified and detailed the depth of corruption is worrying. The continued persecution of activists, some of whom have been tortured and treated inhumanely while others are still in hiding for fear of similar treatment is a cause of serious concern. The violent presence and involvement of the army in the sphere that must be taken care of by the police is also a worrying development since the beginning of the new dispensation in November 2017," the ZHOCD statement read.

Category:
News
Politics

Info News

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts for Long-Term Financial Growth

Why High-Yield Savings Accounts Are Popular

rnrn

High-yield savings accounts have become one of the most attractive banking products for consumers seeking safe and reliable ways to grow their money. Unlike traditional savings accounts that often offer very low interest rates, high-yield accounts provide significantly better annual percentage yields, helping savers build wealth more efficiently.

rnrn

Online banks have played a major role in increasing the popularity of high-yield savings accounts. Because online financial institutions operate with lower overhead costs than traditional banks, they can often provide more competitive interest rates and reduced fees.

rnrn

In uncertain economic conditions, many consumers prioritize financial stability and emergency savings. High-yield accounts offer both accessibility and growth potential, making them ideal for emergency funds, short-term savings goals, and financial planning.

rnrn

Key Features to Compare

rnrn

Consumers should carefully compare account features before choosing a high-yield savings account. Interest rates are important, but they should not be the only factor considered.

rnrn

Monthly maintenance fees can reduce earnings significantly over time. Savers should look for accounts with low or no monthly fees whenever possible. Minimum balance requirements should also be reviewed carefully to avoid penalties or reduced interest rates.

rnrn

FDIC insurance protection is another critical consideration. Accounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation protect deposits up to legal limits, providing additional peace of mind for consumers.

rnrn

Building Strong Savings Habits

rnrn

Consistent deposits are one of the best ways to maximize savings growth. Many financial experts recommend setting up automatic transfers from checking accounts into savings accounts each month.

rnrn

Combining high-yield savings accounts with strong budgeting practices can help consumers improve financial security and prepare for unexpected expenses. Emergency funds covering three to six months of living expenses remain a common financial recommendation.

rnrn

Final Thoughts

rnrn

High-yield savings accounts provide an effective and low-risk way to grow savings while maintaining easy access to funds. Competitive interest rates, strong security protections, and flexible banking features make these accounts valuable tools for modern financial planning.

rnrn

Consumers who compare options carefully and maintain consistent saving habits can significantly improve long-term financial stability and wealth-building potential.

Best Business Liability Insurance Plans for Small Companies in 2026

Why Business Liability Insurance Is Essential for Modern Businesses

rnrn

Running a successful business in today’s economy requires more than just excellent products and customer service. Every company, whether small or large, faces financial risks that can appear unexpectedly. From customer injuries to lawsuits and property damage claims, one legal issue can create major financial problems for a business that lacks proper insurance coverage. This is why business liability insurance has become one of the most important investments for entrepreneurs and growing companies in 2026.

rnrn

Business liability insurance protects companies against legal costs, medical expenses, settlements, and damages that may arise during normal operations. Many small business owners mistakenly believe lawsuits only happen to large corporations, but statistics show that small businesses are frequently targeted because they often have fewer legal protections and financial reserves. Even a simple customer accident inside a retail store or office can lead to thousands of dollars in legal expenses.

rnrn

Today’s business environment is also becoming more complex due to cybersecurity threats, online transactions, and remote work operations. Companies now need broader protection that covers both physical and digital risks. Modern insurance providers are responding by offering customized commercial insurance solutions designed specifically for different industries such as healthcare, construction, eCommerce, consulting, and technology services.

rnrn

Understanding the Different Types of Business Liability Insurance

rnrn

One of the most important steps when selecting coverage is understanding the different types of liability insurance available. Many companies require multiple forms of protection to reduce overall business risk effectively.

rnrn

General Liability Insurance

rnrn

General liability insurance is considered the foundation of business protection. It covers common risks including bodily injury claims, customer accidents, property damage, and advertising-related disputes. For example, if a customer slips and falls inside a business location, general liability insurance can help cover medical expenses and legal fees.

rnrn

This type of insurance is especially important for retail stores, restaurants, contractors, and businesses that interact directly with the public. Without adequate coverage, a single lawsuit could severely damage a company financially.

rnrn

Professional Liability Insurance

rnrn

Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, protects businesses that provide professional services or advice. Consultants, accountants, real estate agents, healthcare providers, and marketing agencies commonly use this type of coverage.

rnrn

If a client claims that poor advice, negligence, or mistakes caused financial losses, professional liability insurance helps cover legal defense costs and settlements. In today’s highly competitive environment, even minor misunderstandings can result in expensive legal disputes.

rnrn

Cyber Liability Insurance

rnrn

Cybersecurity threats continue increasing globally, making cyber liability insurance one of the fastest-growing insurance sectors. Businesses now store large amounts of customer data online, including payment details, personal information, and confidential business records.

rnrn

Cyber liability coverage helps businesses recover from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and hacking incidents. Coverage often includes legal support, customer notification expenses, forensic investigations, and reputation management services. As cybercrime becomes more advanced, many businesses now consider cyber insurance just as important as traditional liability protection.

rnrn

Factors Businesses Should Consider Before Choosing a Policy

rnrn

Selecting the right insurance policy requires careful comparison and planning. Many business owners focus only on monthly premium costs, but several other factors are equally important when evaluating coverage options.

rnrn

Coverage Limits

rnrn

Coverage limits determine the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a claim. Businesses should ensure their limits are high enough to protect against worst-case scenarios. Companies operating in high-risk industries may require larger coverage amounts to avoid financial exposure.

rnrn

Deductibles

rnrn

Deductibles represent the amount a business must pay before insurance coverage begins. Policies with lower deductibles often have higher monthly premiums, while higher deductibles reduce monthly costs but increase out-of-pocket expenses during claims.

rnrn

Industry-Specific Risks

rnrn

Every industry faces different risks. A construction company may need strong worker injury and property damage protection, while an online business may prioritize cybersecurity and data protection coverage. Understanding industry-specific risks helps companies select the most effective insurance plan.

rnrn

Insurance Provider Reputation

rnrn

Businesses should research insurance providers carefully before purchasing coverage. Reading customer reviews, evaluating claim response times, and checking financial strength ratings can help companies avoid unreliable insurers. Fast claims processing and excellent customer support are extremely important during emergencies.

rnrn

Benefits of Bundled Commercial Insurance Packages

rnrn

Many insurance providers now offer bundled commercial insurance packages designed to simplify business protection. These packages combine multiple policies into one plan, often reducing overall costs while improving convenience.

rnrn

For example, a business owner may combine:

rnrn

General liability insurance
Commercial property insurance
Workers compensation coverage
Cyber liability insurance
Commercial auto insurance

rnrn

Bundled packages allow businesses to manage all insurance needs under one provider while reducing administrative complexity. Some insurers also offer discounts for businesses that bundle multiple policies together.

rnrn

How Insurance Helps Businesses Grow Safely

rnrn

Strong insurance protection does more than reduce financial risk. It also helps businesses grow confidently. Investors, lenders, and business partners often prefer working with insured companies because proper coverage demonstrates professionalism and responsible management.

rnrn

Some clients and government contracts even require businesses to carry minimum liability insurance before agreements can be signed. Having proper coverage can therefore create additional growth opportunities and improve business credibility.

rnrn

Insurance also provides peace of mind for business owners and employees. Knowing the company has financial protection during unexpected situations allows management teams to focus more on innovation, customer service, and long-term expansion strategies.

rnrn

Final Thoughts

rnrn

Business liability insurance remains one of the smartest investments companies can make in 2026. With legal risks, cybersecurity threats, and financial uncertainties continuing to rise, businesses must take proactive steps to protect their operations and future growth.

rnrn

Choosing the right combination of general liability, professional liability, and cyber liability insurance can help businesses avoid devastating financial losses while building long-term stability. By carefully comparing providers, understanding coverage options, and reviewing policies regularly, companies can create strong protection strategies that support both security and business success.