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.
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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.
Divorce Attorney Near Me: How To Protect Yourself Before Filing
Divorce affects your money, home, children, retirement, and future. Searching for a divorce attorney near me can help you understand your rights before making major decisions.
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Before filing, gather financial records such as tax returns, bank statements, mortgage documents, retirement accounts, credit card bills, loan records, and pay stubs.
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If children are involved, custody and parenting time will be major issues. Courts usually focus on the child’s best interests. A lawyer can help create a parenting plan that addresses school, holidays, transportation, and decision-making.
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Property division depends on state law. Some states divide property equally, while others divide it fairly based on the circumstances.
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Avoid making emotional financial decisions during divorce. Do not empty accounts, hide assets, or ignore court orders.
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A divorce lawyer can explain your options, file paperwork, negotiate settlement terms, and represent you in court if needed.
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The earlier you get legal advice, the better prepared you may be.
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