The passing of General Chiwenga has brought shock waves in both Zanu PF & MDC. Which has lead to panic and strategy planning between both parties. The delay on the announcement of the generals passing a giving time for Zanu PF leader for have a plan to move forward. There has been in fighting in the ranks of Zanu PF and with supporters of the General left without a leader fear and panic is gripping them .
As announced General Chiwenga passed away at 4am on the 15th of October 2019 in China at his hospital. Government officials are waiting to announce his passing which should be expected Before the weekend.
General Chiwenga has been sick for almost 2 years since they took over from the late Robert Mugabe.
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga, who was airlifted to China from South Africa in July — sparking intense jostling for his position — underwent a life-saving yet risky operation at a top Beijing hospital over the weekend amid revelations by his close associates that he could have been poisoned.
Top government and security officials told the Zimbabwe Independent this week Chiwenga underwent an operation to clear part of his oesophagus which was blocked, although he remains in a stable, but critical condition.
The oesophagus is a muscular tube which connects the mouth to the stomach. When swallowing food, the walls of the oesophagus contract, enabling food to be move down to the stomach.
Because of the blockage, officials revealed, Chiwenga was unable to eat, resulting in him becoming emaciated due to illness and lack of food.
He was flown to Beijing in a bad condition and was rushed to hospital on landing. Chiwenga was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of a state-of-the-art hospital in a high security area before being moved to a private ward, security sources said.
Officials said that after intensive tests and intensive intravenous feeding — getting nutrition into the body through veins — Chiwenga was deemed strong enough to undergo an initial operation to clear his oesophagus.
“He has improved a lot, but because he is still critical, the medical team had to delay the operation. The operation was done over the weekend and it was successful. He is now recovering from the procedure,” a security official said
“He is still scheduled to go undergo more operations, but this will be done after he has fully recovered from the first operation. He is still in a serious condition, but the fact that he had an operation is an indication that he is improving. He was initially too weak and vulnerable for the procedure, so it’s encouraging that it was finally done.”
Officials said by the time Chiwenga underwent the operation he was able to walk, having been bed-ridden when he was flown to China.
Chiwenga’s close associates say he was poisoned by his political rivals, although the vice-president has not himself revealed the cause of his ailment.
However, in May last year, while speaking at the burial of his sister, Margaret Machekabuwe in Marondera, Chiwenga said he fell ill during Operation Restore Legacy.
Operation Restore Legacy was the code name for the military coup which toppled former president Robert Mugabe from power in November 2017, resulting in President Emmerson Mnangagwa rising to the presidency.
In its initial stages, the illness caused Chiwenga’s skin to turn lighter in complexion, resulting in speculation that he was using skin-lightening creams and might have skin cancer.
Chiwenga, however, said his new light complexion was a result of a rare disease that attacked him.
“Let me say this since the media are here. During Operation Restore Legacy, I was with General (Phillip Valerio) Sibanda (Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander), he is a great man as you see him, I also called (Police Commissioner-General Godwin) Matanga (to the meeting). Unfortunately, I fell very sick, while in their company,” he said. “This is what caused my sickness to the extent of having a light skin. I was affected all over the body, and the papers said I am applying a skin-lightening cream.”
Chiwenga was flown to China at the request of the Government of Zimbabwe. He was accompanied by some aides and members of his security team.
The Chinese government is regularly updating the government of Zimbabwe through direct communication between President Xi Jinping and President Mnangagwa as well as through the Chinese embassy.
Officials say the Chinese government has told Mnangagwa that Beijing will do its best to ensure Chiwenga recovers, without giving any assurances.
Zanu PF insiders told the Independent a fortnight ago that Chiwenga’s health woes have ignited frenzied jostling for his seat, with Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri emerging as the front-runner. Muchinguri-Kashiri appears to be the overwhelming favourite for the position as she reportedly enjoys support from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa wanted to appoint Muchinguri-Kashiri as one of his deputies soon after the coup which ended Mugabe’s 37-year rule, but the military demanded that the position be given to Chiwenga, who also at the time insisted on being in charge of the influential Defence and War Veterans portfolios.
Info News
Cybersecurity Threats Continue Rising as More Businesses Move Online
Cybersecurity has become one of the most important priorities for businesses, governments, and individuals in the digital age. As more organizations rely on online systems, cloud computing, and digital communication, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attacks. Data breaches, ransomware incidents, phishing scams, and identity theft cases are rising worldwide, causing billions of dollars in financial losses each year.
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Businesses of all sizes are investing heavily in cybersecurity solutions to protect customer information and maintain operational security. Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption systems, and multi-factor authentication tools are now considered essential for modern organizations. Companies are also training employees to recognize suspicious emails and avoid common online scams.
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One of the biggest cybersecurity concerns is ransomware attacks. Hackers often target businesses, hospitals, schools, and government agencies by encrypting sensitive data and demanding payment to restore access. These attacks can disrupt operations for days or even weeks, creating serious financial and reputational damage.
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Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets because many lack advanced security systems. Experts recommend regular software updates, secure password management, and cloud backup solutions to reduce cyber risks. Consumers are also encouraged to protect personal information carefully while using online banking, shopping platforms, and social media networks.
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Artificial intelligence is now playing a major role in cybersecurity defense systems. AI-powered security tools can monitor network activity, detect unusual behavior, and respond to threats faster than traditional systems. However, cybercriminals are also using advanced technology to develop more complex attacks, creating an ongoing digital security battle.
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Governments around the world are introducing stricter data privacy regulations and cybersecurity laws to protect consumers and businesses. Experts believe cybersecurity careers will remain in high demand as digital threats continue evolving across industries globally.
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SEO Meta Title Debt Consolidation Loans: Pros, Cons, and Comparison Tips
Debt consolidation can sound like an easy solution: combine several debts into one payment and possibly lower the interest rate. For some borrowers, that can be helpful. For others, it only moves debt around while the balance continues to grow. The difference depends on the loan terms, fees, spending habits, income stability, and payoff discipline.
A debt consolidation loan is usually a personal loan used to pay off credit cards, medical bills, store cards, payday loans, or other unsecured debts. After the old balances are paid, the borrower makes one fixed monthly payment to the new lender. The main appeal is simplicity. One due date, one payment, and one payoff timeline can make budgeting easier.
The biggest potential benefit is a lower interest rate. Credit cards often charge variable rates that can rise over time. A fixed-rate personal loan may offer a predictable payment and a defined end date. If the new loan has a lower rate and you avoid new debt, consolidation can reduce interest costs and speed up payoff.
However, the monthly payment is not the only number to review. A longer repayment term can lower the monthly payment while increasing total interest paid. For example, stretching debt over several years may feel easier each month but cost more overall. Always compare total repayment, not just the payment amount.
Fees matter too. Some lenders charge origination fees, late fees, returned payment fees, or prepayment penalties. An origination fee may be deducted from the loan amount, which means you receive less money than expected. Compare the annual percentage rate because it includes certain finance charges and gives a better apples-to-apples view than the interest rate alone.
Credit score impact can go in different directions. Applying for a loan may create a hard inquiry. Opening a new account can reduce the average age of credit. However, paying down credit card balances may improve credit utilization, which can help some borrowers over time. The biggest factor remains making on-time payments.
The main risk is running up the old credit cards again. If you consolidate balances and continue using cards without a budget, you may end up with the consolidation loan plus new credit card debt. Before taking a loan, create a spending plan and decide whether to close cards, lower limits, or keep cards open but unused.
Not everyone qualifies for a low rate. Lenders may review credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, employment history, payment history, and existing balances. Borrowers with stronger credit often receive better terms. If the offers are high-interest, consolidation may not save money.
Alternatives include a balance transfer credit card, nonprofit credit counseling, a debt management plan, negotiating with creditors, budgeting changes, side income, or a structured debt snowball or debt avalanche method. Balance transfers may offer promotional rates, but fees and deadlines matter. Missing the promotional payoff date can lead to higher interest.
Before choosing any offer, write down every debt: creditor, balance, interest rate, minimum payment, due date, and payoff priority. Then compare three scenarios: keeping current payments, using a consolidation loan, and using another strategy. A simple spreadsheet can reveal whether consolidation truly saves money.
Ask lenders these questions: Is the rate fixed or variable? What is the APR? Are there origination fees? Is there a prepayment penalty? What is the total repayment amount? When are funds sent? Can the lender pay creditors directly? What happens if I miss a payment? Are there hardship options?
Debt consolidation works best when it is part of a larger debt payoff plan. The loan should create a clear path out of debt, not a temporary break from the pressure. If the payment fits the budget, the rate is lower, and the borrower stops adding new balances, consolidation can be a useful tool. If not, it may delay the real problem.
