Monday, June 01

Sandra Ndebele Muimbi Oitwa Mayor We Zanupf Pasina Akamuvhotera

Council on Thursday swore into office councillors who were elected in the December 9 by-elections.

 

The new councillors replaced eight that were recalled by opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu two months ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the by-elections, the party lost three of the seats to the ruling Zanu PF party, which reduced its majority in the Bulawayo City Council.

Zanu PF won in ward 1 where Josiah Mutangi defeated Shepherd Sithole of the CCC, in ward 21 where songstress Sandra Ndebele Sibindi thumped Simbarashe Dube, and in ward 24 where CCC`s Arnold Batirai lost to Tavengwa Zidya.

The new CCC councillors are Nkosinathi Mpofu (ward 6), Donald Mabuto (ward 9), Felix Takunda Madzana (ward 18), Tinevimbo Maphosa (ward 21) and Ward Mmeli Moyo (ward 22).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They all took oath of office on Thursday.

But council is yet to be furnished with new names for proportional representatives by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to replace those who were recalled.

Speaking after the ceremony, city mayor, David Coltart urged the councillors to bury their political differences and work for the good of Bulawayo.

He said the by-elections were hugely disruptive to the running of the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The process has been hugely disruptive, we had to change our deputy mayor, we have had to change heads of committees. Even on this ceremony, we have heads of our departments, the town clerk and chamber secretary having to be here when the city faces major crisis,” he said.

“Now we need to work together to address this. To the new councillors, who have not worked with me before I say two things must guide us. The first is that we must together adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. That’s the policy of this council. Secondly, this council must be marked by non-partisanship. We have two parties that have been elected today but both of those parties represent in their wards all the citizens of our great city irrespective of how they voted and we have these major issues,” he said.

Coltart said the city is confronted by serious challenges which require a collective approach to solve them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The reason why I am so serious today is because we have serious issues facing our city. Water is neither Zanu PF nor CCC in colour, it is needed by everyone and it is only through a collective approach that we can address these issues,” he said.

Bulawayo is currently facing a myriad of service delivery challenges, ranging from clean water and sewer reticulation, health care services and waste management.

New Ziana

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Divorce Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

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Divorce Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney

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Divorce is not just a legal process. It can affect your home, children, money, retirement, business, credit, emotions, and future.

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That is why many people search for a divorce lawyer near me when they realize the marriage may be ending.

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A divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, prepare documents, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court if needed.

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The American Bar Association’s Family Law Section covers legal issues connected to divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence, marital property, military law, and other family relationship matters.

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What Does a Divorce Lawyer Do?

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A divorce lawyer helps people handle the legal issues involved in ending a marriage.

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Common issues include:

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Child custody
rnParenting time
rnChild support
rnSpousal support
rnProperty division
rnDebt division
rnRetirement accounts
rnBusiness ownership
rnReal estate
rnProtective orders
rnTemporary orders
rnMediation
rnCourt hearings
rnSettlement agreements

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A lawyer’s job is not only to file paperwork. A good divorce attorney helps you make smart decisions during a stressful time.

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When Should You Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

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You may want to speak with a divorce lawyer if:

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You have children
rnYou own a home
rnYou or your spouse owns a business
rnThere are retirement accounts
rnThere is significant debt
rnYou are worried about hidden assets
rnYour spouse already hired a lawyer
rnThere are abuse or safety concerns
rnYou disagree about custody
rnYou need spousal support
rnYou expect a contested divorce
rnYou do not understand your rights

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Even if you hope for an uncontested divorce, legal advice can help you avoid costly mistakes.

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Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

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Uncontested Divorce

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An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on the major terms. This may include property division, custody, support, and debt.

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Uncontested cases are often faster and less expensive, but the agreement still needs to be prepared correctly.

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Contested Divorce

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A contested divorce means the spouses disagree on one or more major issues.

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Common disputes include:

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Who gets the house
rnHow custody is divided
rnHow much child support is owed
rnWhether alimony should be paid
rnHow retirement is divided
rnWho pays marital debt
rnWhether assets were hidden

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A contested divorce may require negotiation, mediation, hearings, or trial.

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How to Choose the Best Divorce Lawyer

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1. Look for Family Law Experience

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Divorce law is different from criminal law, personal injury, or business law.

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Ask:

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How much of your practice is family law?
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rnDo you handle high-asset divorce?
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2. Choose the Right Style

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Some divorce lawyers are aggressive litigators. Others focus on settlement and mediation.

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You need the right style for your situation.

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If your spouse is cooperative, a settlement-focused lawyer may help reduce conflict. If your spouse is hiding assets or using intimidation, you may need a stronger litigation approach.

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3. Ask About Communication

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Divorce cases can take time. You need a lawyer who communicates clearly.

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Ask:

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Who will handle my case?
rnHow often will I receive updates?
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rnHow quickly do you respond?
rnWill I speak with you or mostly with staff?

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4. Understand the Fees

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Divorce lawyers often charge hourly fees and require a retainer. Some simple cases may qualify for flat fees.

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Ask:

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What is your hourly rate?
rnWhat is the retainer?
rnHow are court costs billed?
rnDo you charge for emails and phone calls?
rnWhat happens if the retainer runs out?
rnCan you estimate total cost?

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What to Bring to a Divorce Consultation

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Bring as much information as possible, including:

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Marriage date
rnSeparation date
rnChildren’s information
rnIncome records
rnTax returns
rnBank statements
rnRetirement accounts
rnMortgage documents
rnCredit card debt
rnCar loans
rnBusiness records
rnPrenuptial agreement
rnCourt papers, if already filed

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The more complete your documents, the better the attorney can evaluate your case.

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Red Flags to Avoid

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Be careful if a lawyer:

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Guarantees you will get everything
rnEncourages unnecessary fighting
rnDoes not explain fees
rnRefuses to discuss risks
rnDoes not listen
rnPromises exact custody results
rnPressures you to file immediately without review
rnHas little family law experience

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No ethical lawyer can guarantee the exact outcome of a divorce.

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Final Thoughts

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Choosing the right divorce lawyer can shape your financial future and your family life.

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Look for experience, communication, strategy, honesty, and a fee structure you understand.

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A good divorce lawyer should help you protect your rights without making an already painful situation harder than necessary.

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

Why High-Yield Savings Accounts Are Popular

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Key Features to Compare

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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.

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Building Strong Savings Habits

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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.

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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.

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Final Thoughts

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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.

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

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