Meet the frontrunners

Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75:

• Known as "the crocodile" because of his political shrewdness - his Zanu-PF faction is "Lacoste"

• Accused of masterminding attacks on opposition supporters after 2008 election

• Says he will deliver jobs, and seen as open to economic reforms

• Survived several alleged assassination attempts, blamed on Mugabe supporters

Nelson Chamisa, 40:

• His skull was fractured when beaten up by state security agents in 2007

• Became an MP at 25, a cabinet minister at 31 and could be the youngest president at 40

• A recently qualified pastor, he has been using the hashtag #GodIsInIt for his campaign

• Witty and humorous orator - his rallies and news conferences are accompanied by much laughter

Brothers sentenced to 29 years for raping 11 year old girl.

By Nqobile Mafu

A PAIR of twins have been jailed after repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl over a period of months.

Steven and Stanley Muchemwa, aged 31, were given 14 and 15 year sentences respectively at Bolton Crown Court after a judge branded the abuse "particularly shocking".

The offences occurred at the twins' home in Dunsop Drive, Bolton, where both men raped her, usually in their bedroom and sometimes when other children were also sleeping in the same room.

Giving evidence during the trial, the girl said that, when Steven first raped her in 20016, his brother Stanley had walked into the room while it was happening but had taken no action to stop it.

Prosecuting, Kathryn Johnson said: "Stanley had seen what his brother was doing. It was following that, that Stanley started to rape her.

"He would tell her he was teaching her what to do for when she had a boyfriend."

The girl confided in her head teacher in October 2016, in what the judge described as a "brave decision".

The girl's teacher said she was in an "extremely distressed state" when she began to explain her experiences.

Stanley had told the girl she would get into trouble if she told anyone about what had been happening.

Following a trial earlier this year, Stanley was found guilty of one count of sexual assault of a child under 13 and four counts of rape of a child under 13.

His brother Steven was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and seven counts of rape, both of a girl under 13.

He was also found guilty of one count of assault on a female, and a further count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

10 Questions with Nkululeko Nkala “MP Pumula Constituency Candidate

By Nqobile Mafu

Bulawayo musician and arts administrator Nkululeko Nkala (38), popularly known as Khuliyo in the arts sector, has thrown his hat into politics and will contest for the Pumula constituency parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in this year’s elections.

Nkala, will go head-to-head with other contestants in Pumula. He vowed that he would use his knowledge of the arts industry to develop the constituency.

“I am advocating for the development of Pumula and, most importantly, in the arts, culture and sports sector,” he said.

Nkululeko Nkala 

1. Ngiyesabanews. What can you tell me about yourself ?Nkululeko Nkala: I am a Creative by birth and life. I live and love the arts. I love football especially Arsenal and Highlanders FC. I am a doer. I am a young proudly Bulawayo Dude

2. Ngiyesabanews. Who are your biggest influences?

Nkululeko Nkala: My influences are everywhere and everyday. Its people living and some passed. Its sad moments and happy moments. Its falling down and being able to get up. There are many people doing amazing things from our communities to our work spheres

3.Ngiyesabanews. What other careers have you taken interest in and why?

Nkululeko Nkala: For me its always been art,but media interests me as well. I have done Visual arts,music,writing and arts administration.

4.Ngiyesabanews. When did you become interested in politics?

Nkululeko Nkala: We are all involved in Politics;my drive is the arts. We have always said that, the arts needs help with no luck. I think its time for young people to stand up and start doing things. I hope myself and many other young people can help change the mentality that some one has to decide for us.

5.Ngiyesabanews. Why is this job right for you at this time?

Nkululeko Nkala: They say there is no time like now. And nothing beats the heart of a volunteer. I am volunteering myself to be the voice of the voice less. To be the servant that will work for the people. I first wanted to enter the race in 2013 and I was discouraged. Now is the time for change,I know now its perfect time.

6.Ngiyesabanews. If you become an MP, what are the first changes you would implement?

Nkululeko Nkala: Being MP is really legislative, representative and oversight. I obviously will debate issues around arts and sport investment. Creation of employment will also be a priority. But we also need to craft laws that will encourage both domestic and foreign tourists. We need employment Quota laws amongst other things. Also I want to help my constituency,we have most of things what we need. According to my point of view, we just lack the creativity to work around it.

7.Ngiyesabanews. Can you describe yourself in 3 words?

Nkululeko Nkala: Dreamer,go-getter, fun loving kkkkk (Ngihlakaniphile hanti)

8.Ngiyesabanews.  Ngiyakubona ukuthi ungunsoyenyoni umahlakanipheni,so tell me how do you plan on tackling issues such as unemployment, healthcare and education?

Nkululeko Nkala: Pumula already has industry behind shops and in the area. We have panel beaters, mechanics, welders etc. We just need a polytechnic in Pumula and deliberate formalisation and injection of the industry's then we are done. Education is important but most of it is teaching us to be dependent on systems. We need to invest more on the technical and skills side.

I believe we need help when it comes to health. The whole City is saved by Mpilo Central and Matadei. We need more clinics with advanced technology in Pumula and Nkulumane. Talking from my experience I am a diabetic person and the medication is expensive. I always ask myself, how do people with no income survive.

9. Ngiyesabanews. How confident are you about winning this election?

Nkululeko Nkala: I have done my ground work. It will not be easy as an independent. But I am leaving the rest to the voters and God. If we win hooray! will work hard. If I lose tough luck will work even harder for Pumula

10.Ngiyesabanews.  Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

 Nkululeko Nkala: I see my name in buildings. Working and helping communities.

10 Questions with Ghetto Diva

By Nqobile Mafu

Meet Revonia Ndaba the diva, former dancer and backing singer for Chase Skuza since 2011 up to mid-May 2018. She told ngiyesabanews brief about their feud with Chase Skuza early this year. “When we went to South Africa (Chase) promised to pay $30 per show but he failed to pay me after spending a month with him doing shows.'’When I asked when would I get my pay, he failed to give me a straight answer and he did that for several days,” said Revonia. Also what triggers her was that they slept in a one room with band members

1. Ngiyesabanews: Pliz can you tell me a bit about yourself/background
Ghetto Diva: I grew up and still stay at the ghetto of talented people Makokoba constituency at Mzilikazi.

2. Ngiyesabanews: How did you get into the arts industry?
Ghetto Diva: I was invited by Mandla Dungeni after he heard me singing while I was sweeping outside my mum's house, by that time I was just singing traditional songs; then I started meeting other big artists.

 3. Ngiyesabanews: What was your most challenging dance routine?
Ghetto Diva: Tswana traditional dance

4. Ngiyesabanews: Have you taught anyone this dance? If so, to whom?
Ghetto Diva:  No it’s still a big challenge to me I am still trying to learn, but I know one day I will be a pro.

5. Ngiyesabanews: Which category do you prefer most acting, singing or dancing and why?
 Ghetto Diva: hahahaha I can go for singing and dancing because that’s where my passion is. 

 6. Ngiyesabanews: What is something that keeps you strong when things get difficult?

Ghetto Diva: I always believe in myself that's why I work so hard to archive my goals.

7. Ngiyesabanews: I understand you got a new single so what do you want to tell your fans?
Ghetto Diva: Just wanna say I was playing and working with wrong people, but the moment I met Tribal Elements. They made it real for me and I can see that I am on the right track, one day I will rich my destiny and to my fans keep on watching the space there's a lot to come. 

8. Ngiyesabanews: How do you balance your artistic career with other obligations, such as socialising with friends and family?

Ghetto Diva: The most thing I like about my family is that, they respect and appreciate what I am doing. So when we have free time we try to make ourselves happy. That’s the same when I am with my friends we just enjoy our companion. 

9. Ngiyesabanews: Who are your biggest influences?

Ghetto Diva: Sandra Ndebele she’s my biggest influence I like her attitude and music, and the other person was the  late Beater Mangethe she used to give me words of wisdom. So I just want to pay her respect and  continue where she left. also I would like to play some of her music during my live performances. 

10. Ngiyesabanews: What advice do you have for young upcoming female artist?

Ghetto Diva: Straight to the point girls out there don't be used by these so  called producers who take advantages, just raise money and record no matter how many years it takes for you to be in this industry, my advice is. don’t rush things, ask for advice and always pray and one day God will answer your prayers.   

Zim Rugby players slep on streets

Tunisia rugby chiefs have accused Zimbabwe’s delegation of “unethical actions” after players slept on streets prior to a World Cup qualifier.

Pictures posted on social media showed Zimbabwe players on the pavements in Tunisia prior to Saturday’s match against their hosts in Beja.

The Zimbabwe party were left furious at what they felt was a poor standard of hotel accommodation, while also claiming they had experienced a six-hour airport delay over visa issues after arriving in Tunisia.