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Yesterday's Castle Challenge Cup Final between Zimbabwe's most successful football club Dynamos and reigning Premier Soccer League champions Scottland at Rufaro Stadium in Harare was attended by high-profile dignitaries and figures, including Acting Sports minister Tino Machakaire, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, club owner Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya, Zifa President Nqobile...

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American rapper Rick Ross is currently in Zimbabwe yesterday headlined the Hustle and Heritage Concert, which also served as a high-profile birthday celebration for prominent businessman and Member of Parliament, Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya. Ross arrived at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Friday, 27 February 2026, where he was personally welcomed by Sakupwanya. The main event, the Hustle and Heritage Concert, was held on Saturday at the Hippodrome in Harare. Prior that, Ross attended and gave an impromptu performance at the 2026 season kit unveiling for Scottland FC, a football team owned by Sakupwanya.
0:21

American rapper Rick Ross is currently in Zimbabwe yesterday headlined the Hustle and Heritage Concert, which also served as a high-profile birthday celebration for prominent businessman and Member of Parliament, Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya. Ross arrived at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Friday, 27 February 2026, where he was personally welcomed by Sakupwanya. The main event, the Hustle and Heritage Concert, was held on Saturday at the Hippodrome in Harare. Prior that, Ross attended and gave an impromptu performance at the 2026 season kit unveiling for Scottland FC, a football team owned by Sakupwanya.

TheNewsHawks

12,345 views • 5 months ago

🚨🚨$5000 FOR 1ST PLACE AFTER MD17 🔥🔥 Scottland FC players will get US$5000 EACH if the team is top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings after the first round of the 2026 season. The team is currently in second place, on inferior goal difference, with two more Castle Lager PSL ZW matches to come against Herentals (away) and Triangle (home). Today the players got MORE THAN the windfall they had been promised by club president, Honourable Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya for beating Caps United (2-0) at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. The players got US$2000 each for the win ($1500) and the dominant display ($500) in the victory over the former league leaders. #Mabviravira
3:45

🚨🚨$5000 FOR 1ST PLACE AFTER MD17 🔥🔥 Scottland FC players will get US$5000 EACH if the team is top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League standings after the first round of the 2026 season. The team is currently in second place, on inferior goal difference, with two more Castle Lager PSL ZW matches to come against Herentals (away) and Triangle (home). Today the players got MORE THAN the windfall they had been promised by club president, Honourable Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya for beating Caps United (2-0) at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. The players got US$2000 each for the win ($1500) and the dominant display ($500) in the victory over the former league leaders. #Mabviravira

Scottland Football Club

20,463 views • 2 months ago

#ZimCelebritiesEnjoyDirtyLucre #FootballLegendJoinsTheFray Zimbabwean football legend Peter Ndlovu - the best player in local football history - seen here receiving a 2024 BMW X6M Sport in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, donated by controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo who makes his money from overpriced state tenders and contracts, some of them corrupt and a drain on the fiscus; thus a burden on taxpayers. Chivayo is going around throwing cash and cars to people who conveniently ignore the cloud of corruption under which they are given, a sign of a rotten society and moral collapse. Ndlovu is the first African player to play in the English Premier League and Team Manager at South Africa's leading club Mamelodi Sundowns. Zimbabwean public figures, church leaders, washed-out celebrities, also-rans in various endeavours of life, musicians, football stars, professionals, socialites and influencers are falling on each to receive Chivayo's largesse, potential proceeds of corruption and dirty lucre. Chivayo is donating for his personal image laundering and to wins the hearts and minds on behalf of Zanu PF and its leaders.
1:43

#ZimCelebritiesEnjoyDirtyLucre #FootballLegendJoinsTheFray Zimbabwean football legend Peter Ndlovu - the best player in local football history - seen here receiving a 2024 BMW X6M Sport in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, donated by controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo who makes his money from overpriced state tenders and contracts, some of them corrupt and a drain on the fiscus; thus a burden on taxpayers. Chivayo is going around throwing cash and cars to people who conveniently ignore the cloud of corruption under which they are given, a sign of a rotten society and moral collapse. Ndlovu is the first African player to play in the English Premier League and Team Manager at South Africa's leading club Mamelodi Sundowns. Zimbabwean public figures, church leaders, washed-out celebrities, also-rans in various endeavours of life, musicians, football stars, professionals, socialites and influencers are falling on each to receive Chivayo's largesse, potential proceeds of corruption and dirty lucre. Chivayo is donating for his personal image laundering and to wins the hearts and minds on behalf of Zanu PF and its leaders.

TheNewsHawks

162,439 views • 1 year ago

This evening, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Adv. F.T. Mhona, delivered the Keynote Address at the Welcome Dinner held in honour of Air Zimbabwe's Harare–London Gatwick Flights Celebration, at The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London, marking the national carrier's return to direct flights between the two cities after a 16-year hiatus. Addressing guests, Hon. Mhona described the milestone as the most visible expression of Zimbabwe's re-engagement agenda, manifested in the skies, noting that the restored route will strengthen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties between Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and Europe. The Minister said the flight, which touched down at Gatwick Airport at 08:10AM, carried more than passengers, but renewed friendship, restored confidence and reciprocal opportunity. Hon. Mhona paid tribute to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority for the thorough and equitable process that culminated in the granting of the Foreign Operator Permit to Air Zimbabwe, stressing that the permit was earned on merit and would be kept on merit. He urged Zimbabweans in the diaspora, British investors and the broader business community to embrace the route as it reconnects Zimbabwe with the world. Speaking at the event, the Zimbabwean Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Col. (Rtd) C.M. Katsande, welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening, while the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. T. Mnangagwa (MP), delivered the closing remarks, underscoring the significance of the route for Zimbabwe's tourism sector. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. T. Mnangagwa (MP); Mutapa Investment Fund, represented by Deputy Chief Investment Officer Mr E. Denhere; the Acting UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe, represented by Dr Jo Abbot; Air Zimbabwe Board Chairperson Dr. S. Gwarinda and Board Members; Air Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Mr E. Makona and Management; the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents; tour operators; members of the aviation business community; and the Zimbabwe Diaspora living in the UK. #DirectFlightEndlessConnections #ConnectZimbabwe #TransportDevelopment #AirZimbabwe #HarareLondon 🇿🇼🇬🇧
0:49

This evening, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Adv. F.T. Mhona, delivered the Keynote Address at the Welcome Dinner held in honour of Air Zimbabwe's Harare–London Gatwick Flights Celebration, at The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London, marking the national carrier's return to direct flights between the two cities after a 16-year hiatus. Addressing guests, Hon. Mhona described the milestone as the most visible expression of Zimbabwe's re-engagement agenda, manifested in the skies, noting that the restored route will strengthen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties between Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and Europe. The Minister said the flight, which touched down at Gatwick Airport at 08:10AM, carried more than passengers, but renewed friendship, restored confidence and reciprocal opportunity. Hon. Mhona paid tribute to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority for the thorough and equitable process that culminated in the granting of the Foreign Operator Permit to Air Zimbabwe, stressing that the permit was earned on merit and would be kept on merit. He urged Zimbabweans in the diaspora, British investors and the broader business community to embrace the route as it reconnects Zimbabwe with the world. Speaking at the event, the Zimbabwean Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Col. (Rtd) C.M. Katsande, welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening, while the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. T. Mnangagwa (MP), delivered the closing remarks, underscoring the significance of the route for Zimbabwe's tourism sector. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. T. Mnangagwa (MP); Mutapa Investment Fund, represented by Deputy Chief Investment Officer Mr E. Denhere; the Acting UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe, represented by Dr Jo Abbot; Air Zimbabwe Board Chairperson Dr. S. Gwarinda and Board Members; Air Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Mr E. Makona and Management; the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents; tour operators; members of the aviation business community; and the Zimbabwe Diaspora living in the UK. #DirectFlightEndlessConnections #ConnectZimbabwe #TransportDevelopment #AirZimbabwe #HarareLondon 🇿🇼🇬🇧

Ministry of Transport - Zimbabwe

11,609 views • 1 month ago

Didier Drogba at Chelsea was a goal-scoring machine, blud. 🥶 Drogba was a legendary Ivorian striker, best known as a "big-game player" for Chelsea, noted for his immense physical strength, powerful heading, and clutch performances in finals. His career was marked by significant club success, individual accolades, and humanitarian impact. Career Summary:👇 ✔️Drogba started his career in France with Le Mans, Guingamp, and Olympique de Marseille before joining Chelsea in 2004 for a club-record fee. ✔️ It was at Chelsea that he achieved global fame, becoming the club's fourth-highest goalscorer of all time with 164 goals in 381 appearances. ✔️He also captained the Ivory Coast national team, becoming their all-time top goalscorer with 65 goals in 105 appearances and leading them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. ✔️ Drogba is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time and a Chelsea icon. 🔵 Former Chelsea manager José Mourinho hailed him as probably the "best value" Chelsea player ever. 🔵 He is remembered as a leader and a symbol of resilience and inspiration for aspiring footballers, particularly in Africa. ✅ Beyond football, his most notable achievement off the pitch was his powerful plea for peace during the Ivorian civil war in 2005, which is widely credited with helping to bring about a ceasefire. He established the Didier Drogba Foundation to support health and education in Côte d'Ivoire and was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010. Achievements and Awards:👇 🔵 Team Achievements (with Chelsea): 🥶 UEFA Champions League (1): 2011–12 🥶 Premier League (4): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15 🥶 FA Cup (4): 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12 🥶 League Cup (3): 2004–05, 2006–07, 2014–15 Individual Awards:👇 🥶 African Footballer of the Year (2): 2006, 2009 🥶 Premier League Golden Boot (2): 2006–07, 2009–10 🥶 Premier League Hall of Fame inductee: 2022 🥶 Chelsea's greatest ever player as voted by fans in a 2012 poll UEFA President's Award recipient
0:55

Didier Drogba at Chelsea was a goal-scoring machine, blud. 🥶 Drogba was a legendary Ivorian striker, best known as a "big-game player" for Chelsea, noted for his immense physical strength, powerful heading, and clutch performances in finals. His career was marked by significant club success, individual accolades, and humanitarian impact. Career Summary:👇 ✔️Drogba started his career in France with Le Mans, Guingamp, and Olympique de Marseille before joining Chelsea in 2004 for a club-record fee. ✔️ It was at Chelsea that he achieved global fame, becoming the club's fourth-highest goalscorer of all time with 164 goals in 381 appearances. ✔️He also captained the Ivory Coast national team, becoming their all-time top goalscorer with 65 goals in 105 appearances and leading them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. ✔️ Drogba is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time and a Chelsea icon. 🔵 Former Chelsea manager José Mourinho hailed him as probably the "best value" Chelsea player ever. 🔵 He is remembered as a leader and a symbol of resilience and inspiration for aspiring footballers, particularly in Africa. ✅ Beyond football, his most notable achievement off the pitch was his powerful plea for peace during the Ivorian civil war in 2005, which is widely credited with helping to bring about a ceasefire. He established the Didier Drogba Foundation to support health and education in Côte d'Ivoire and was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010. Achievements and Awards:👇 🔵 Team Achievements (with Chelsea): 🥶 UEFA Champions League (1): 2011–12 🥶 Premier League (4): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15 🥶 FA Cup (4): 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12 🥶 League Cup (3): 2004–05, 2006–07, 2014–15 Individual Awards:👇 🥶 African Footballer of the Year (2): 2006, 2009 🥶 Premier League Golden Boot (2): 2006–07, 2009–10 🥶 Premier League Hall of Fame inductee: 2022 🥶 Chelsea's greatest ever player as voted by fans in a 2012 poll UEFA President's Award recipient

Mahmoud Rassim𓃭🏌️‍♂️

381,022 views • 8 months ago

🚨 JURGEN KLOPP EXPOSES GIANNI INFANTINO: "What is happening at the top of FIFA right now is a complete and utter disgrace to football. Sepp Blatter was a strange animal, but compared to what Infantino is doing, those old tricks look like petty games." The former Liverpool boss reportedly went nuclear in a leaked interview when asked about the explosive investigation demands by European Parliament lawmakers into FIFA's financial transactions and political favoritism: "We all saw what happened during the 2026 World Cup. A player gets a blatant red card, Donald Trump makes three personal phone calls to the FIFA President, and suddenly the automatic suspension is completely erased under Article 27. Since when do world leaders hand out presidential pardons on professional football pitches? It’s absolute madness. Discussions regarding FIFA governance and the influence of major political and financial figures on football have been a frequent topic of debate among fans and officials. Concerns often center on transparency, the commercialization of the World Cup, and the balance of power between international organizations and national associations. Recent years have seen various calls for reform from legislative bodies and football stakeholders. The complexity of managing a global sport involves navigating diverse political interests and massive financial stakes, leading to ongoing scrutiny of leadership decisions. What are the most important changes needed to ensure the integrity of the sport for future generations? Share your perspective on the role of transparency in global football. ⚽️🌍
1:04

🚨 JURGEN KLOPP EXPOSES GIANNI INFANTINO: "What is happening at the top of FIFA right now is a complete and utter disgrace to football. Sepp Blatter was a strange animal, but compared to what Infantino is doing, those old tricks look like petty games." The former Liverpool boss reportedly went nuclear in a leaked interview when asked about the explosive investigation demands by European Parliament lawmakers into FIFA's financial transactions and political favoritism: "We all saw what happened during the 2026 World Cup. A player gets a blatant red card, Donald Trump makes three personal phone calls to the FIFA President, and suddenly the automatic suspension is completely erased under Article 27. Since when do world leaders hand out presidential pardons on professional football pitches? It’s absolute madness. Discussions regarding FIFA governance and the influence of major political and financial figures on football have been a frequent topic of debate among fans and officials. Concerns often center on transparency, the commercialization of the World Cup, and the balance of power between international organizations and national associations. Recent years have seen various calls for reform from legislative bodies and football stakeholders. The complexity of managing a global sport involves navigating diverse political interests and massive financial stakes, leading to ongoing scrutiny of leadership decisions. What are the most important changes needed to ensure the integrity of the sport for future generations? Share your perspective on the role of transparency in global football. ⚽️🌍

Temitayo

119,115 views • 22 days ago

#ChivayoInStateHouseMeetingScandal #BarredFromSeeingNigerianBillionaire Prominent and flamboyant ex-convict tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo gatecrashed State House in Harare yesterday in a desperate bid to attend the meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to sign a US$1 billion investment deal, but was barred from the event. The incident left Mnangagwa's security and protocol teams fretting, and those attending the event bewildered. Chivayo had lied to his hangers-on that he was going to meet Dangote to sign a mega deal and officials were waiting for him at State House. His social media hacks started posting false stories about the issue, with the narrative that he had an appointment with Mnangagwa and Dangote. Chivayo used that false claim to worm his way into State House to try to gatecrash the meeting for a photo opportunity as there was no business deal between him and Dangote. Before that, Chivayo had begged state officials and organisers to attend the event, but was rebuffed. Apart from Mnangagwa and Dangote, the meeting was attended by cabinet ministers, government officials and business executives. Chivayo, who has expressed public ambitions to be a billionaire and always hobnobs with Presidents in Africa and rich people whenever he gets a chance, stormed State House - uninvited - and tried to gatecrash the meeting, but was stopped dead in his tracks by Mnangagwa's aides, including his son Sean, who is part of the close security unit, and turned away. "It was drama; a spectacle. Chivayo was not invited to the meeting. He had spent some time trying to convince the President's protocol and security teams that he should be allowed to attend the Dangote meeting. He begged them for days, but all in vain. He badly wanted to see Dangote and pitch his quick-buck schemes, but, as usual, he had also seen a big photo opportunity for himself. So he contrived to deceive or scam his hangers-on and state officials. All he wanted was to get a photo with Dangote to enhance his status and in the process scam people that he is signing deals with the richest man in Africa, wealthiest black person in the world. Chivayo likes Dangote, but for his own interests. Yes, he truly admires him, but the difference is that one is a genuine businessman, while the other is a tenderpreneur. Their business models, values and ambitions are so different, and not aligned at all. One is building generational wealth, while the other one is looking for tenders, fame and flamboyance for temporary gratification," a senior government official who attended the meeting told The NewsHawks. "Chivayo's plan this time failed. He had plotted this after failing to get invited to the meeting. Under false pretences, he then negotiated his way at the gate into State House, which is a security breach I'm told, and tried to force his way into the meeting, but he was stopped. He was told it was not possible to attend because he was not invited. His attempt to name-drop the President was promptly and curtly rejected. He was told to go away, so he was embarrassed and humiliated." Journalists covering the event say they saw Chivayo walking towards State House offices after parking his car. "I saw him walking from his car coming to State House offices where we were, carrying a brown envelope and thought he had been invited last minute, but it soon became clear he was trying to gatecrash the meeting. This reminds me of the way he manoeuvred to take a photo with Kenyan President William Ruto at Trade Fair in Bulawayo last year. Out of that deft move, he has now become Ruto's friend and has got business opportunities in Kenya. That is his business model - infleunce-peddling; hence he has met many Presidents in the region, among them those from Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Malawi, among others. But this time it failed. It was really embarrassing. After the drama, he walked away with his tail between his legs."
0:31

#ChivayoInStateHouseMeetingScandal #BarredFromSeeingNigerianBillionaire Prominent and flamboyant ex-convict tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo gatecrashed State House in Harare yesterday in a desperate bid to attend the meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to sign a US$1 billion investment deal, but was barred from the event. The incident left Mnangagwa's security and protocol teams fretting, and those attending the event bewildered. Chivayo had lied to his hangers-on that he was going to meet Dangote to sign a mega deal and officials were waiting for him at State House. His social media hacks started posting false stories about the issue, with the narrative that he had an appointment with Mnangagwa and Dangote. Chivayo used that false claim to worm his way into State House to try to gatecrash the meeting for a photo opportunity as there was no business deal between him and Dangote. Before that, Chivayo had begged state officials and organisers to attend the event, but was rebuffed. Apart from Mnangagwa and Dangote, the meeting was attended by cabinet ministers, government officials and business executives. Chivayo, who has expressed public ambitions to be a billionaire and always hobnobs with Presidents in Africa and rich people whenever he gets a chance, stormed State House - uninvited - and tried to gatecrash the meeting, but was stopped dead in his tracks by Mnangagwa's aides, including his son Sean, who is part of the close security unit, and turned away. "It was drama; a spectacle. Chivayo was not invited to the meeting. He had spent some time trying to convince the President's protocol and security teams that he should be allowed to attend the Dangote meeting. He begged them for days, but all in vain. He badly wanted to see Dangote and pitch his quick-buck schemes, but, as usual, he had also seen a big photo opportunity for himself. So he contrived to deceive or scam his hangers-on and state officials. All he wanted was to get a photo with Dangote to enhance his status and in the process scam people that he is signing deals with the richest man in Africa, wealthiest black person in the world. Chivayo likes Dangote, but for his own interests. Yes, he truly admires him, but the difference is that one is a genuine businessman, while the other is a tenderpreneur. Their business models, values and ambitions are so different, and not aligned at all. One is building generational wealth, while the other one is looking for tenders, fame and flamboyance for temporary gratification," a senior government official who attended the meeting told The NewsHawks. "Chivayo's plan this time failed. He had plotted this after failing to get invited to the meeting. Under false pretences, he then negotiated his way at the gate into State House, which is a security breach I'm told, and tried to force his way into the meeting, but he was stopped. He was told it was not possible to attend because he was not invited. His attempt to name-drop the President was promptly and curtly rejected. He was told to go away, so he was embarrassed and humiliated." Journalists covering the event say they saw Chivayo walking towards State House offices after parking his car. "I saw him walking from his car coming to State House offices where we were, carrying a brown envelope and thought he had been invited last minute, but it soon became clear he was trying to gatecrash the meeting. This reminds me of the way he manoeuvred to take a photo with Kenyan President William Ruto at Trade Fair in Bulawayo last year. Out of that deft move, he has now become Ruto's friend and has got business opportunities in Kenya. That is his business model - infleunce-peddling; hence he has met many Presidents in the region, among them those from Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Malawi, among others. But this time it failed. It was really embarrassing. After the drama, he walked away with his tail between his legs."

TheNewsHawks

297,116 views • 9 months ago

Some former Zanla commanders and senior army officers within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) are grumbling behind the scenes that another ex-Zipra commander General Emmanuel Matatu has been put at the helm of the army following the retirement of General Philip Valerio Sibanda, another Zipra heavyweight. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also commander-in-chief, presided over Matatu's investiture at State House in Harare on Monday. Sibanda retired on November 21. A military source told The NewsHawks: "Some Zanu PF leaders and government officials wanted a former Zanla commander, not Matatu, to take over because an ex-Zipra commander, Sibanda, had been in charge. They were raising issues of the need for equality, equity and rotation which they argue must now be enforced in the ZDF. The unified ZDF command was introduced when the late former Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander retired General Solomon Mujuru retired in 1992. The late retired General Vitalis Zvinavashe was the first commander of the unified ZDF structure. He was succeeded by retired General Constantino Chiwenga, now one of the two Vice-Presidents. Chiwenga was succeeded by Sibanda. So the argument was Matatu cannot replace Sibanda since they were both Zipra. However, Mnangagwa rejected that and appointed Matatu for ethnic, regional and political reasons. Mnangagwa preferred Matatu as a former Zipra commander to counter Chiwenga's residual influence in the army. Matatu is also from the Midlands and is viewed as a Karanga, just like Sibanda, making them Mnangagwa's homeboys. While Sibanda has a Ndebele surname and Matatu speaks Ndebele, they are viewed as Karanga. Ethnicity and regionalism still play a huge and influential role in local politics, especially in Mnangagwa's power calculus and administration." Another source said the issue has fueled tensions as Mnangagwa uses the military to protect himself, keep Chiwenga at bay and manage Zanu PF succession politics. Chiwenga, who helped Mnangagwa to seize power through a coup in November 2017, had the military leverage to become the next President, but his ambition has been thwarted, at least for now. Mnangagwa has taken control of the army by putting his own loyalists in charge to block Chiwenga, ignoring the Zanla and Zipra dynamics. Zanla was the military wing of Zanu during the liberation struggle, while Zipra was Zapu's armed fighting force. Zipra and Zanla spearheaded the liberation struggle mainly from Zambia and Mozambique, respectively. In 1980, ZNA was formed by integrating the three main armed forces of the war: the Rhodesian Army, Zanla and Zipra. This was a key priority for the new government under the late former president Robert Mugabe to create a single, unified military force after independence in 1980. The integration process was difficult and complex, involving disbandment of the old army and formation of new units with a mix of personnel from all three groups, overseen by British Military Advisory and Training Team whose role was to mediate between the three forces, as well as to train ZNA officer corps. A Joint High Command (JHC), the old Ceasefire Commission, chaired by Mnangagwa, was in charge of the process. Rhodesian army commander Lieutenant-General Peter Walls was appointed JHC commander. He was charged with the responsibility of implementing the new defence policy, and managing the integration and conventional training process, while defending the new vulnerable government. He worked with Mujuru and Zvinavashe from Zanla and the late Zipra commander Lookout Masuku and intelligence supremo Dumiso Dabengwa who were later arrested and detained on false charges of a coup plot, together with Zapu leaders and other Zipra commanders. Masuku eventually died in chains at the behest of Mugabe. It was key to show unity at the top echelons of military command to facilitate the same process in the middle levels of the army hierarchy, as well as among the rank-and-file during integration.
2:26

Some former Zanla commanders and senior army officers within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) are grumbling behind the scenes that another ex-Zipra commander General Emmanuel Matatu has been put at the helm of the army following the retirement of General Philip Valerio Sibanda, another Zipra heavyweight. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also commander-in-chief, presided over Matatu's investiture at State House in Harare on Monday. Sibanda retired on November 21. A military source told The NewsHawks: "Some Zanu PF leaders and government officials wanted a former Zanla commander, not Matatu, to take over because an ex-Zipra commander, Sibanda, had been in charge. They were raising issues of the need for equality, equity and rotation which they argue must now be enforced in the ZDF. The unified ZDF command was introduced when the late former Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander retired General Solomon Mujuru retired in 1992. The late retired General Vitalis Zvinavashe was the first commander of the unified ZDF structure. He was succeeded by retired General Constantino Chiwenga, now one of the two Vice-Presidents. Chiwenga was succeeded by Sibanda. So the argument was Matatu cannot replace Sibanda since they were both Zipra. However, Mnangagwa rejected that and appointed Matatu for ethnic, regional and political reasons. Mnangagwa preferred Matatu as a former Zipra commander to counter Chiwenga's residual influence in the army. Matatu is also from the Midlands and is viewed as a Karanga, just like Sibanda, making them Mnangagwa's homeboys. While Sibanda has a Ndebele surname and Matatu speaks Ndebele, they are viewed as Karanga. Ethnicity and regionalism still play a huge and influential role in local politics, especially in Mnangagwa's power calculus and administration." Another source said the issue has fueled tensions as Mnangagwa uses the military to protect himself, keep Chiwenga at bay and manage Zanu PF succession politics. Chiwenga, who helped Mnangagwa to seize power through a coup in November 2017, had the military leverage to become the next President, but his ambition has been thwarted, at least for now. Mnangagwa has taken control of the army by putting his own loyalists in charge to block Chiwenga, ignoring the Zanla and Zipra dynamics. Zanla was the military wing of Zanu during the liberation struggle, while Zipra was Zapu's armed fighting force. Zipra and Zanla spearheaded the liberation struggle mainly from Zambia and Mozambique, respectively. In 1980, ZNA was formed by integrating the three main armed forces of the war: the Rhodesian Army, Zanla and Zipra. This was a key priority for the new government under the late former president Robert Mugabe to create a single, unified military force after independence in 1980. The integration process was difficult and complex, involving disbandment of the old army and formation of new units with a mix of personnel from all three groups, overseen by British Military Advisory and Training Team whose role was to mediate between the three forces, as well as to train ZNA officer corps. A Joint High Command (JHC), the old Ceasefire Commission, chaired by Mnangagwa, was in charge of the process. Rhodesian army commander Lieutenant-General Peter Walls was appointed JHC commander. He was charged with the responsibility of implementing the new defence policy, and managing the integration and conventional training process, while defending the new vulnerable government. He worked with Mujuru and Zvinavashe from Zanla and the late Zipra commander Lookout Masuku and intelligence supremo Dumiso Dabengwa who were later arrested and detained on false charges of a coup plot, together with Zapu leaders and other Zipra commanders. Masuku eventually died in chains at the behest of Mugabe. It was key to show unity at the top echelons of military command to facilitate the same process in the middle levels of the army hierarchy, as well as among the rank-and-file during integration.

TheNewsHawks

31,708 views • 8 months ago

🚨Luis de la Fuente was asked on the Ballon d’Or race between Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Rodri. 🎙️ Reporter: “Luis, there’s growing debate about the Ballon d’Or. Some believe Lionel Messi deserves it after leading Argentina at the World Cup, while others believe Lamine Yamal or Rodri should win. What’s your view?” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente: “For me, giving the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi based only on the World Cup would be unfair to what other players have achieved over the entire season. “Messi has had an outstanding World Cup, and nobody can deny his influence for Argentina. But the Ballon d’Or has always been about evaluating a player’s performances across the season, not just one tournament. “When I look at Lamine Yamal, I see a player who has performed consistently at the highest level. He competed in the Champions League, won La Liga, lifted multiple trophies with his club, and also won the European Championship. That is an exceptional season. “Then you have Rodri, who has been one of the most complete and consistent midfielders in world football. His influence every week for club and country has been enormous. “If you ask me who deserves the Ballon d’Or, I believe the discussion should be between Lamine Yamal and Rodri. They have delivered across an entire campaign in different competitions. “Lionel Messi will always be one of the greatest players in football history, and what he’s doing at his age deserves enormous respect. But if we’re judging this award on the full season, my opinion is that Lamine Yamal and Rodri have stronger cases.”
0:55

🚨Luis de la Fuente was asked on the Ballon d’Or race between Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Rodri. 🎙️ Reporter: “Luis, there’s growing debate about the Ballon d’Or. Some believe Lionel Messi deserves it after leading Argentina at the World Cup, while others believe Lamine Yamal or Rodri should win. What’s your view?” 🗣️ Luis de la Fuente: “For me, giving the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi based only on the World Cup would be unfair to what other players have achieved over the entire season. “Messi has had an outstanding World Cup, and nobody can deny his influence for Argentina. But the Ballon d’Or has always been about evaluating a player’s performances across the season, not just one tournament. “When I look at Lamine Yamal, I see a player who has performed consistently at the highest level. He competed in the Champions League, won La Liga, lifted multiple trophies with his club, and also won the European Championship. That is an exceptional season. “Then you have Rodri, who has been one of the most complete and consistent midfielders in world football. His influence every week for club and country has been enormous. “If you ask me who deserves the Ballon d’Or, I believe the discussion should be between Lamine Yamal and Rodri. They have delivered across an entire campaign in different competitions. “Lionel Messi will always be one of the greatest players in football history, and what he’s doing at his age deserves enormous respect. But if we’re judging this award on the full season, my opinion is that Lamine Yamal and Rodri have stronger cases.”

SethOfficial

62,256 views • 1 month ago

This elegant piece of American automotive history is a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan - The most luxurious car in the world... This Duesenberg Powered by a 420cid Straight-Eight producing 265hp, the Model J delivered strong performance for its time despite it weighing more than 5,500lbs. The Convertible Sedan body was built by Walter M. Murphy Company to sit atop Duesenberg J chassis and it became one of the most popular coachbuilt designs for the model. The beautiful body matched with its unique, two-tone turquoise color makes it stand out amongst even most distinguished of automobiles. The Duesenberg was one of the most popular luxury cars as well as a status symbol in the United States and Europe, and was driven by the nobility, the rich and the famous, including Al Capone, Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, Mae West, Clark Gable, Bill "Bojangles'' Robinson, William Randolph Hearst and the Duke of Windsor. Throughout the golden age, classic cars were seen as a luxury item that only the most rich and famous could afford. A huge part of living a successful life was driving something that looks the part, so alongside Hollywood stars came their cars. Few coachbuilders on Duesenberg Model J are more highly regarded than LeBaron, and fewer still were capable of such an astonishing breadth of work. LeBaron produced everything from famed “sweep panel” and “barrelside” phaetons, to the occasional limousine with their own special tailored style. Among their most successful works on the Model J was the Convertible Berline, as catalogued by Duesenberg and featured in the company’s catalogue. Six examples of LeBaron Convertible Berline were eventually built. Of those, body number LB 4100, mated to engine J-362 and chassis 2380, was the first of four to this design, outfitted for occasional formal use with folding jump seats and a division window. Three remain extant as part of long-term private collections. In 1874, Chicago merchant Ernst J. Lehmann established a new business, The Fair Store, named for both its attitude towards customers and its carnival-like atmosphere, created by selling virtually every imaginable item at discount prices. Predating modern big-box retailers’ stock-high-and-sell-low practices by over a century, “The Fair” was known for dealing vast quantities of merchandise on a cash-only basis, for unusual prices that almost never ended in a 0 or 5—emphasizing that buyers were saving then-valuable pennies because the merchant was not rounding up his numbers. Such was the success of Chicago’s first department store that it eventually occupied a 12-story building on the corner of State and Adams Streets, built in 1897 at a cost of $3 million and advertised as being twice the size of the Bon Marché in Paris. By 1910 it offered nearly 800,000 square feet of retail space and, with 5,500 workers, qualified as one of Chicago’s largest employers! The family firm was finally sold by its founder’s heirs in 1925 to a group headed by dime store tycoon S.S. Kresge. Those same heirs lived quite well thereafter, largely in palatial estates in the suburban community of Lake Villa, which Ernst Lehmann had played a major role in developing. Two of the family farms there eventually became large subdivisions in their own right, and following the sale of the store, the Lehmanns continued to invest in Chicago-area property and to grow their not-inconsiderable fortune. © Cars & Motorbikes Stars of the Golden Era #archaeohistories
1:00

This elegant piece of American automotive history is a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan - The most luxurious car in the world... This Duesenberg Powered by a 420cid Straight-Eight producing 265hp, the Model J delivered strong performance for its time despite it weighing more than 5,500lbs. The Convertible Sedan body was built by Walter M. Murphy Company to sit atop Duesenberg J chassis and it became one of the most popular coachbuilt designs for the model. The beautiful body matched with its unique, two-tone turquoise color makes it stand out amongst even most distinguished of automobiles. The Duesenberg was one of the most popular luxury cars as well as a status symbol in the United States and Europe, and was driven by the nobility, the rich and the famous, including Al Capone, Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, Mae West, Clark Gable, Bill "Bojangles'' Robinson, William Randolph Hearst and the Duke of Windsor. Throughout the golden age, classic cars were seen as a luxury item that only the most rich and famous could afford. A huge part of living a successful life was driving something that looks the part, so alongside Hollywood stars came their cars. Few coachbuilders on Duesenberg Model J are more highly regarded than LeBaron, and fewer still were capable of such an astonishing breadth of work. LeBaron produced everything from famed “sweep panel” and “barrelside” phaetons, to the occasional limousine with their own special tailored style. Among their most successful works on the Model J was the Convertible Berline, as catalogued by Duesenberg and featured in the company’s catalogue. Six examples of LeBaron Convertible Berline were eventually built. Of those, body number LB 4100, mated to engine J-362 and chassis 2380, was the first of four to this design, outfitted for occasional formal use with folding jump seats and a division window. Three remain extant as part of long-term private collections. In 1874, Chicago merchant Ernst J. Lehmann established a new business, The Fair Store, named for both its attitude towards customers and its carnival-like atmosphere, created by selling virtually every imaginable item at discount prices. Predating modern big-box retailers’ stock-high-and-sell-low practices by over a century, “The Fair” was known for dealing vast quantities of merchandise on a cash-only basis, for unusual prices that almost never ended in a 0 or 5—emphasizing that buyers were saving then-valuable pennies because the merchant was not rounding up his numbers. Such was the success of Chicago’s first department store that it eventually occupied a 12-story building on the corner of State and Adams Streets, built in 1897 at a cost of $3 million and advertised as being twice the size of the Bon Marché in Paris. By 1910 it offered nearly 800,000 square feet of retail space and, with 5,500 workers, qualified as one of Chicago’s largest employers! The family firm was finally sold by its founder’s heirs in 1925 to a group headed by dime store tycoon S.S. Kresge. Those same heirs lived quite well thereafter, largely in palatial estates in the suburban community of Lake Villa, which Ernst Lehmann had played a major role in developing. Two of the family farms there eventually became large subdivisions in their own right, and following the sale of the store, the Lehmanns continued to invest in Chicago-area property and to grow their not-inconsiderable fortune. © Cars & Motorbikes Stars of the Golden Era #archaeohistories

Archaeo - Histories

21,437 views • 1 year ago

CHARAMBA - MLISWA CLASH SIGNALS DEEPENING RIFT IN ZIMBABWE'S POWER DYNAMICS : AS AFFILIATES 4ED PARALLEL POWER PROBLEM UNDERMINE STATE AUTHORITY : YET SPOKESPERSONS MUST SPEAK : SECURITY ORGANS MUST SECURE : PROTOCOL OFFICERS MUST CONTROL PROTOCOL : MINISTERS MUST MINISTER : PARTY STRUCTURES MUST LEAD PARTY AFFAIRS. BY RTD DIO MPESWE SHEPHERD The recent exchange between George Charamba & Temba Mliswa has once again exposed the rise of parallel power centres that operate outside formal party and state structures, yet increasingly appear to wield greater influence than the offices they shadow. What should be a matter of institutional authority has become a contest of personalities, patronage and informal command. Charamba, a veteran spokesperson known for his sharp defence of government positions, recently shared an old video of South African EFF leader Julius Malema warning President Cyril Ramaphosa against ignoring critics & Chapter 9 institutions while favouring unelected capitalists. The post was interpreted by Mliswa as a veiled critique of President Emmerson Mnangagwa & his inner circle. Mliswa then accused Charamba of disloyalty, called for his immediate dismissal & also threatened to expose a broader "cartel" that, according to him, is undermining President ED. However, George Charamba’s long public service record cannot be erased by the noise of political opportunists. Personally & of recent, I have publicly clashed with George Charamba several times on X over the handling and substance of CAB3 by Government however it is difficult to deny that he represents a class of seasoned state professionals who understand the machinery of government, the discipline of protocol and the importance of institutional memory. It is sad when such high profile figures are treated as disposable whenever they become inconvenient to the ambitions of informal power brokers. This is not new. Zimbabwe has seen this pattern before. In the last years of Robert Mugabe’s rule, the state was increasingly hijacked by a parallel political ecosystem in which the formal Presidency coexisted with a louder & more reckless inner circle. The result was disorder, quietly deepening factionalism and eventual collapse. Today, echoes of that same disease are visible again. The difference is that this time the parallel structure is more oiled in state loot & more polished in adamancy. However the real danger lies in the erosion of clear lines of authority. When party structures are bypassed, when government offices are undermined by freelance political enforcers and when loyalty to the centre is measured not by competence but by proximity then the state begins to malfunction. Decisions are no longer made through formal processes but through informal whispers, patronage networks and the approval of individuals who hold no official mandate. That is why the rise of figures like Temba Mliswa who is the apparent de facto spokesperson of the Precabe Politburo is so destructive. They create confusion about who speaks for the state, who advises the President and who actually governs. More seriously, they intimidate institutions into silence. Professionals are harassed into submission, while those who thrive on chaos are rewarded with access, influence and impunity. It is very worrisome to hear that during the recent private visit by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa's to ED's Precabe farm, Charamba reportedly arrived in his official capacity but was denied access to the meeting. This incident alone is indicative of the now rampant protocol and vetting failures which have since normalised convicted figures like Wicknell Chivayo to mingle freely with President ED & other dignitaries. 1 of 2 Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 mawarire mbizvo jealousy Simba Chikanza TENDAI BITI Ibbo D Mandaza In Conversation with Trevor Sophie Mokoena kerina mujati LynneM 💕💝💎 Rutendo Matinyarare Change Radio TheNewsHawks
2:27

CHARAMBA - MLISWA CLASH SIGNALS DEEPENING RIFT IN ZIMBABWE'S POWER DYNAMICS : AS AFFILIATES 4ED PARALLEL POWER PROBLEM UNDERMINE STATE AUTHORITY : YET SPOKESPERSONS MUST SPEAK : SECURITY ORGANS MUST SECURE : PROTOCOL OFFICERS MUST CONTROL PROTOCOL : MINISTERS MUST MINISTER : PARTY STRUCTURES MUST LEAD PARTY AFFAIRS. BY RTD DIO MPESWE SHEPHERD The recent exchange between George Charamba & Temba Mliswa has once again exposed the rise of parallel power centres that operate outside formal party and state structures, yet increasingly appear to wield greater influence than the offices they shadow. What should be a matter of institutional authority has become a contest of personalities, patronage and informal command. Charamba, a veteran spokesperson known for his sharp defence of government positions, recently shared an old video of South African EFF leader Julius Malema warning President Cyril Ramaphosa against ignoring critics & Chapter 9 institutions while favouring unelected capitalists. The post was interpreted by Mliswa as a veiled critique of President Emmerson Mnangagwa & his inner circle. Mliswa then accused Charamba of disloyalty, called for his immediate dismissal & also threatened to expose a broader "cartel" that, according to him, is undermining President ED. However, George Charamba’s long public service record cannot be erased by the noise of political opportunists. Personally & of recent, I have publicly clashed with George Charamba several times on X over the handling and substance of CAB3 by Government however it is difficult to deny that he represents a class of seasoned state professionals who understand the machinery of government, the discipline of protocol and the importance of institutional memory. It is sad when such high profile figures are treated as disposable whenever they become inconvenient to the ambitions of informal power brokers. This is not new. Zimbabwe has seen this pattern before. In the last years of Robert Mugabe’s rule, the state was increasingly hijacked by a parallel political ecosystem in which the formal Presidency coexisted with a louder & more reckless inner circle. The result was disorder, quietly deepening factionalism and eventual collapse. Today, echoes of that same disease are visible again. The difference is that this time the parallel structure is more oiled in state loot & more polished in adamancy. However the real danger lies in the erosion of clear lines of authority. When party structures are bypassed, when government offices are undermined by freelance political enforcers and when loyalty to the centre is measured not by competence but by proximity then the state begins to malfunction. Decisions are no longer made through formal processes but through informal whispers, patronage networks and the approval of individuals who hold no official mandate. That is why the rise of figures like Temba Mliswa who is the apparent de facto spokesperson of the Precabe Politburo is so destructive. They create confusion about who speaks for the state, who advises the President and who actually governs. More seriously, they intimidate institutions into silence. Professionals are harassed into submission, while those who thrive on chaos are rewarded with access, influence and impunity. It is very worrisome to hear that during the recent private visit by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa's to ED's Precabe farm, Charamba reportedly arrived in his official capacity but was denied access to the meeting. This incident alone is indicative of the now rampant protocol and vetting failures which have since normalised convicted figures like Wicknell Chivayo to mingle freely with President ED & other dignitaries. 1 of 2 Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 mawarire mbizvo jealousy Simba Chikanza TENDAI BITI Ibbo D Mandaza In Conversation with Trevor Sophie Mokoena kerina mujati LynneM 💕💝💎 Rutendo Matinyarare Change Radio TheNewsHawks

Chirenje Mzukuru WeTongwe

88,894 views • 3 months ago

This man stole a country from his own father and spent the next 18 years buying the West with gas money. - He deposed his own dad in a palace coup and left him in exile for nearly a decade - He founded the news network that aired Osama bin Laden's tapes - He built America's largest military base in the Middle East and charges no rent for it - He bought Harrods, the Shard, Canary Wharf, Paris Saint-Germain and 17% of Volkswagen - He won the 2022 World Cup for a country with no football history Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died this morning at 74. Here's how bought the world: In June 1995, he waited for his father to leave the country, then took the throne. The coup was bloodless. His father spent nearly a decade in exile. Qatar is about one third the size of Belgium, and its population was barely two million, most of them foreign workers. But it was sitting on one of the LARGEST natural gas reserves on Earth. He bet everything on liquefied natural gas. Qatar became the world's biggest LNG exporter and one of the richest countries alive per person. Then he hit the problem every commodity business hits: Gas is gas, anyone with a tanker can sell it, and a tiny country with no army and that much money is a snack for its neighbours. So he bought two things nobody else in the Gulf thought to buy... The first was the world's attention. In 1996 he issued a decree and Al Jazeera was born. Within a few years it was the most influential news network in the Arab world. He owned the loudest microphone in the region and never had to speak into it himself. The second was the American military. In 1996, Qatar spent over a billion dollars building an air base at Al Udeid, outside Doha. It got the longest runway in the Gulf and shelters for nearly a hundred aircraft. Qatar's air force only had about a dozen fighter jets. In 1999 he reportedly told US officials he wanted 10,000 American servicemen stationed there permanently. Then 9/11 happened, and they came. The genius part: Al Udeid is now the forward headquarters of US Central Command and the largest American base in the Middle East, with roughly 10,000 troops. Qatar charges no rent. He built the asset before the customer existed, handed it over free, and bought the one thing cash cannot: The US military parked permanently between his gas and everyone who wanted it. The network broadcasting bin Laden and the runway flying America's war sat in the same tiny country, paid for by the same man. Then he went shopping... He set up the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005: - Harrods - The Shard - Canary Wharf, London's largest property owner, bought with Brookfield for 2.6 billion pounds - 17% of Volkswagen - Paris Saint-Germain All his. In 2017 the Telegraph ran the headline "Qataris own more of London than the Queen." Then 2008 arrived. Barclays needed billions or the British government was going to own it. Qatar wrote the cheque and its stake climbed to 12.7%. Barclays was later charged over how it disclosed that Qatari money. In 2010, FIFA handed the 2022 World Cup to a desert country with NO football history. Corruption allegations shadowed the bid for over a decade, and the treatment of the migrant workers who built it drew brutal criticism. Yet he walked into the opening match in 2022 and the stadium gave him a standing ovation. Every other Gulf state was selling the same molecule at the same price. Hamad spent his money on a newsroom, a runway, a football club and half of London. A country of two million now brokers hostage deals and hosts American presidents. He built all of it in 18 years, and he took the throne from his own father to start. Truly an unmatched legacy.
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This man stole a country from his own father and spent the next 18 years buying the West with gas money. - He deposed his own dad in a palace coup and left him in exile for nearly a decade - He founded the news network that aired Osama bin Laden's tapes - He built America's largest military base in the Middle East and charges no rent for it - He bought Harrods, the Shard, Canary Wharf, Paris Saint-Germain and 17% of Volkswagen - He won the 2022 World Cup for a country with no football history Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died this morning at 74. Here's how bought the world: In June 1995, he waited for his father to leave the country, then took the throne. The coup was bloodless. His father spent nearly a decade in exile. Qatar is about one third the size of Belgium, and its population was barely two million, most of them foreign workers. But it was sitting on one of the LARGEST natural gas reserves on Earth. He bet everything on liquefied natural gas. Qatar became the world's biggest LNG exporter and one of the richest countries alive per person. Then he hit the problem every commodity business hits: Gas is gas, anyone with a tanker can sell it, and a tiny country with no army and that much money is a snack for its neighbours. So he bought two things nobody else in the Gulf thought to buy... The first was the world's attention. In 1996 he issued a decree and Al Jazeera was born. Within a few years it was the most influential news network in the Arab world. He owned the loudest microphone in the region and never had to speak into it himself. The second was the American military. In 1996, Qatar spent over a billion dollars building an air base at Al Udeid, outside Doha. It got the longest runway in the Gulf and shelters for nearly a hundred aircraft. Qatar's air force only had about a dozen fighter jets. In 1999 he reportedly told US officials he wanted 10,000 American servicemen stationed there permanently. Then 9/11 happened, and they came. The genius part: Al Udeid is now the forward headquarters of US Central Command and the largest American base in the Middle East, with roughly 10,000 troops. Qatar charges no rent. He built the asset before the customer existed, handed it over free, and bought the one thing cash cannot: The US military parked permanently between his gas and everyone who wanted it. The network broadcasting bin Laden and the runway flying America's war sat in the same tiny country, paid for by the same man. Then he went shopping... He set up the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005: - Harrods - The Shard - Canary Wharf, London's largest property owner, bought with Brookfield for 2.6 billion pounds - 17% of Volkswagen - Paris Saint-Germain All his. In 2017 the Telegraph ran the headline "Qataris own more of London than the Queen." Then 2008 arrived. Barclays needed billions or the British government was going to own it. Qatar wrote the cheque and its stake climbed to 12.7%. Barclays was later charged over how it disclosed that Qatari money. In 2010, FIFA handed the 2022 World Cup to a desert country with NO football history. Corruption allegations shadowed the bid for over a decade, and the treatment of the migrant workers who built it drew brutal criticism. Yet he walked into the opening match in 2022 and the stadium gave him a standing ovation. Every other Gulf state was selling the same molecule at the same price. Hamad spent his money on a newsroom, a runway, a football club and half of London. A country of two million now brokers hostage deals and hosts American presidents. He built all of it in 18 years, and he took the throne from his own father to start. Truly an unmatched legacy.

Ricardo

2,150,429 views • 1 month ago

ON THIS DAY in 1956, Yuri Vardanyan, the Armenian Weightlifting Legend Who Set 43 World Records & Broke 5 in a Single Olympic Day, Was Born. 🇦🇲 70 years ago today, on June 13, 1956, one of the greatest weightlifters in history was born in Leninakan, the city now known as Gyumri. Yuri Vardanyan would go on to become an Olympic Champion, a seven-time World Champion, and the Armenian titan who set 43 world records and stood atop the world of weightlifting through the late 1970s and early 1980s. Vardanyan began training in 1970 at the age of 14 under his uncle Sergey Vardanyan at the legendary Lokomotiv club, in a city already famous for producing some of the strongest men in the world. By 20, he had broken every world record in his division. By 21, he was a World Champion. By 24, he was an Olympic gold medalist. Moscow, 1980: Five World Records In A Single Day When Vardanyan stepped onto the platform at the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics, no one in the arena could have predicted what they were about to witness. Over the course of a single afternoon in the light heavyweight 82.5 kg category, he rewrote the record books five times. He broke through the 400-kilogram barrier in his class, a number long thought beyond human reach, and walked away with the gold medal around his neck. With it, he became the first Armenian ever to stand atop an Olympic weightlifting podium. Across a career that lasted barely a decade, he amassed 43 world records, claimed seven World Championship golds including five consecutive years from 1977 to 1981, won five European titles, and stood as the undisputed king of his division through the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Soviet Union named him Honoured Master of Sports in 1977 and awarded him the Order of Lenin in 1985. In 1994, the International Weightlifting Federation inducted him into its Hall of Fame. The Olympic Crown He Was Denied The full measure of Vardanyan's career carries a quiet tragedy: by the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics he was at his peak and the heavy favorite for a second gold, but the Soviet boycott denied him the stage. He competed at the Friendship Games instead, dominated, and retired the following year at 29. After his career, Vardanyan returned to public life in Armenia, serving as adviser to President Sargsyan, Minister of Sports in 2013, and later Armenia's Ambassador to Georgia. He passed away on November 1, 2018, at the age of 62 in the United States. The Pride Of Gyumri Yuri Vardanyan was a son of Gyumri, the city devastated by the 1988 Spitak earthquake and rebuilt in the decades that followed. Gyumri's weightlifters have long been a source of national pride, and Vardanyan stands at the front of that tradition, the man who lifted Armenian sport onto the world's highest podium and held it there. 70 years after his birth, his records remain landmarks, his Olympic gold a touchstone, and his name one of the most beloved in the history of Armenian sport. #YuriVardanyan #ArmenianOlympian #ArmenianWeightlifting #Gyumri #ArmenianSports
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ON THIS DAY in 1956, Yuri Vardanyan, the Armenian Weightlifting Legend Who Set 43 World Records & Broke 5 in a Single Olympic Day, Was Born. 🇦🇲 70 years ago today, on June 13, 1956, one of the greatest weightlifters in history was born in Leninakan, the city now known as Gyumri. Yuri Vardanyan would go on to become an Olympic Champion, a seven-time World Champion, and the Armenian titan who set 43 world records and stood atop the world of weightlifting through the late 1970s and early 1980s. Vardanyan began training in 1970 at the age of 14 under his uncle Sergey Vardanyan at the legendary Lokomotiv club, in a city already famous for producing some of the strongest men in the world. By 20, he had broken every world record in his division. By 21, he was a World Champion. By 24, he was an Olympic gold medalist. Moscow, 1980: Five World Records In A Single Day When Vardanyan stepped onto the platform at the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics, no one in the arena could have predicted what they were about to witness. Over the course of a single afternoon in the light heavyweight 82.5 kg category, he rewrote the record books five times. He broke through the 400-kilogram barrier in his class, a number long thought beyond human reach, and walked away with the gold medal around his neck. With it, he became the first Armenian ever to stand atop an Olympic weightlifting podium. Across a career that lasted barely a decade, he amassed 43 world records, claimed seven World Championship golds including five consecutive years from 1977 to 1981, won five European titles, and stood as the undisputed king of his division through the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Soviet Union named him Honoured Master of Sports in 1977 and awarded him the Order of Lenin in 1985. In 1994, the International Weightlifting Federation inducted him into its Hall of Fame. The Olympic Crown He Was Denied The full measure of Vardanyan's career carries a quiet tragedy: by the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics he was at his peak and the heavy favorite for a second gold, but the Soviet boycott denied him the stage. He competed at the Friendship Games instead, dominated, and retired the following year at 29. After his career, Vardanyan returned to public life in Armenia, serving as adviser to President Sargsyan, Minister of Sports in 2013, and later Armenia's Ambassador to Georgia. He passed away on November 1, 2018, at the age of 62 in the United States. The Pride Of Gyumri Yuri Vardanyan was a son of Gyumri, the city devastated by the 1988 Spitak earthquake and rebuilt in the decades that followed. Gyumri's weightlifters have long been a source of national pride, and Vardanyan stands at the front of that tradition, the man who lifted Armenian sport onto the world's highest podium and held it there. 70 years after his birth, his records remain landmarks, his Olympic gold a touchstone, and his name one of the most beloved in the history of Armenian sport. #YuriVardanyan #ArmenianOlympian #ArmenianWeightlifting #Gyumri #ArmenianSports

Zartonk Media

14,172 views • 2 months ago

YS Jagan demands CBI probe into DSC scam and alleged irregularities in Group 1 Group 1 raked up only to save Lokesh Nara Tadepalli, Aug 20: Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has demanded a CBI inquiry into irregularities of DSC 2025 and the alleged APPSC Group 1 exams and affirmed that the Group I issue is being raked up only to cover up the DSC issue. Speaking to media here on Thursday, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said, contrary to the allegations levelled by the coalition, APPSC 2018 exams were conducted in a transparent manner and as per Court directives, giving no room for any misappropriation. On the other hand, the conduct of DSC has been shady right from setting of question paper to the recruitment and the father and son had agreed to the irregularities in Assembly while they did not allow the topic to come up in the Council. Giving a detailed account on the irregularities, he said the setting of question paper and conduct of DSC was given to the same institution which has opened the flood gates for corruption and paper leakage. This is how the outsourcing employee Naveen had access to the question paper and had topped the marks list. Once the issue came into the open, his name was deleted in the second merit list and he moved court stating his details were deleted. In the sports quota, the government has issued two GOs exempting the job aspirants from writing the DSC exam. After the favoured people were taken in, the gates were closed by issuing two more GOs negating the earlier ones. In the process, 372 persons got jobs and the government has put up a meek defence by stating that as we have given a job to PV Sindhu, the same norms apply to others in sports quota, he said. None of the 372 persons recruited have played international tournaments and the one who won a gold medal in Archery in the National Games was denied jobs. There are audio clippings which went viral on the job trading but no action was taken. This is why the DSC needs to be probed by CBI and the Education Minister should resign. To save the skin of Lokesh they have raked up APPSC issue but the fact remains that it was conducted in the most transparent manner. The preliminary exams were held when Chandrababu was the Chief Minister. What we have done is the conduct of final exams to those who passed the preliminary exam. With the coalition raising the Group I issue, the future of 163 high-ranking officials is put in jeopardy. Due to Covid we planned to go for digital evaluation but on court direction we had done it by manual evaluation. It was done in the glare of CCTVs in the APPSC office and in Educational Institutions. It was done in a jumbling method and bar code was used and there is no scope of the evaluator knowing the aspirant. We have brought in reforms in the exam system and the allegation of tampering with the marks does not arise and it is done only to underplay the seriousness of DSC scam from leakage to appointments which deserve CBI inquiry and the resignation of Education Minister. Increase the scope of CBI inquiry and bring in Group I exams as well, he said. The Wire NDTV IndiaToday Akash Anand The Times Of India TIMES NOW ANI BBC News India Firstpost News18 BBC Breaking News ABP News News18 India ThePrintIndia The Hindu The Indian Express Deccan Chronicle Press Trust of India WION Rajdeep Sardesai Uma Sudhir Rohini Singh ravish ndtv barkha dutt Sagarika Ghose Rahul Kanwal Shekhar Gupta TheNewsMinute Republic South First Hindustan Times Dainik Jagran Scroll.in Zee News Economic Times The New Indian Express
11:43

YS Jagan demands CBI probe into DSC scam and alleged irregularities in Group 1 Group 1 raked up only to save Lokesh Nara Tadepalli, Aug 20: Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has demanded a CBI inquiry into irregularities of DSC 2025 and the alleged APPSC Group 1 exams and affirmed that the Group I issue is being raked up only to cover up the DSC issue. Speaking to media here on Thursday, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said, contrary to the allegations levelled by the coalition, APPSC 2018 exams were conducted in a transparent manner and as per Court directives, giving no room for any misappropriation. On the other hand, the conduct of DSC has been shady right from setting of question paper to the recruitment and the father and son had agreed to the irregularities in Assembly while they did not allow the topic to come up in the Council. Giving a detailed account on the irregularities, he said the setting of question paper and conduct of DSC was given to the same institution which has opened the flood gates for corruption and paper leakage. This is how the outsourcing employee Naveen had access to the question paper and had topped the marks list. Once the issue came into the open, his name was deleted in the second merit list and he moved court stating his details were deleted. In the sports quota, the government has issued two GOs exempting the job aspirants from writing the DSC exam. After the favoured people were taken in, the gates were closed by issuing two more GOs negating the earlier ones. In the process, 372 persons got jobs and the government has put up a meek defence by stating that as we have given a job to PV Sindhu, the same norms apply to others in sports quota, he said. None of the 372 persons recruited have played international tournaments and the one who won a gold medal in Archery in the National Games was denied jobs. There are audio clippings which went viral on the job trading but no action was taken. This is why the DSC needs to be probed by CBI and the Education Minister should resign. To save the skin of Lokesh they have raked up APPSC issue but the fact remains that it was conducted in the most transparent manner. The preliminary exams were held when Chandrababu was the Chief Minister. What we have done is the conduct of final exams to those who passed the preliminary exam. With the coalition raising the Group I issue, the future of 163 high-ranking officials is put in jeopardy. Due to Covid we planned to go for digital evaluation but on court direction we had done it by manual evaluation. It was done in the glare of CCTVs in the APPSC office and in Educational Institutions. It was done in a jumbling method and bar code was used and there is no scope of the evaluator knowing the aspirant. We have brought in reforms in the exam system and the allegation of tampering with the marks does not arise and it is done only to underplay the seriousness of DSC scam from leakage to appointments which deserve CBI inquiry and the resignation of Education Minister. Increase the scope of CBI inquiry and bring in Group I exams as well, he said. The Wire NDTV IndiaToday Akash Anand The Times Of India TIMES NOW ANI BBC News India Firstpost News18 BBC Breaking News ABP News News18 India ThePrintIndia The Hindu The Indian Express Deccan Chronicle Press Trust of India WION Rajdeep Sardesai Uma Sudhir Rohini Singh ravish ndtv barkha dutt Sagarika Ghose Rahul Kanwal Shekhar Gupta TheNewsMinute Republic South First Hindustan Times Dainik Jagran Scroll.in Zee News Economic Times The New Indian Express

YSR Congress Party

12,934 views • 3 days ago

HOW GENERAL IBB KILLED HIS CHILDHOOD FRIEND, MAMMAN VATSA FOR AN ALLEGED COUP The execution of Major General Mamman Vatsa and others involved in the alleged 1985 coup attempt is one of the most controversial and emotionally charged events in Nigeria’s military and political history. Here's a detailed narration: On December 31, 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. However, on August 27, 1985, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) ousted Buhari in a palace coup and assumed power. Mamman Vatsa, a poet, writer, and senior army officer, was a childhood friend of IBB. They attended Government College Bida and joined the Nigerian Army together in 1962. Vatsa was also a member of the Supreme Military Council and served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under Buhari. The Alleged Coup Plot in December 1985, just a few months after Babangida became Head of State, military intelligence claimed to have uncovered a coup plot involving Vatsa and other senior officers. The coup was reportedly set to take place in December 1985, but the plot was said to have been foiled before it could be executed. Vatsa and others were arrested between December 17 and 23, 1985. After a secret military tribunal, chaired by Major General Charles Ndiomu, 17 officers were tried. Ten of them were sentenced to death and executed: 1. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa – Poet and former Minister of the FCT 2. Lieutenant Colonel Musa Bitiyong 3. Lieutenant Colonel Christian Oche 4. Lieutenant Colonel M.S. Bello 5. Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Aliyu 6. Major Daniel Bamidele 7. Major M. O. A. Akwashiki 8. Major John Bulus 9. Major Lawan Gwadabe (initially sentenced to death but later commuted) 10. Captain G. I. Bakut NB: Some of the names on the death list were later commuted, while others were executed. The executions took place by firing squad on March 5, 1986 at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos and other undisclosed locations. Despite appeals from prominent Nigerians and international communities, General Babangida upheld the verdicts. The trial and executions were shrouded in secrecy. Critics argued that the evidence presented was circumstantial and that the trial was rushed, with no option for appeal. Vatsa, especially, was seen as a victim of political paranoia, given his closeness to IBB. Many Nigerians believe that the coup may have been fabricated or exaggerated to eliminate perceived threats to Babangida’s rule. Some of the accused, like Major Daniel Bamidele, had earlier reported rumors of coup plans, only to be accused themselves. The killing of Mamman Vatsa remains a dark spot on Babangida’s legacy. Vatsa was not just a soldier; he was a celebrated literary figure and a man of intellect. His poetry and writings gained more attention after his death.
4:10

HOW GENERAL IBB KILLED HIS CHILDHOOD FRIEND, MAMMAN VATSA FOR AN ALLEGED COUP The execution of Major General Mamman Vatsa and others involved in the alleged 1985 coup attempt is one of the most controversial and emotionally charged events in Nigeria’s military and political history. Here's a detailed narration: On December 31, 1983, Major General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. However, on August 27, 1985, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) ousted Buhari in a palace coup and assumed power. Mamman Vatsa, a poet, writer, and senior army officer, was a childhood friend of IBB. They attended Government College Bida and joined the Nigerian Army together in 1962. Vatsa was also a member of the Supreme Military Council and served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under Buhari. The Alleged Coup Plot in December 1985, just a few months after Babangida became Head of State, military intelligence claimed to have uncovered a coup plot involving Vatsa and other senior officers. The coup was reportedly set to take place in December 1985, but the plot was said to have been foiled before it could be executed. Vatsa and others were arrested between December 17 and 23, 1985. After a secret military tribunal, chaired by Major General Charles Ndiomu, 17 officers were tried. Ten of them were sentenced to death and executed: 1. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa – Poet and former Minister of the FCT 2. Lieutenant Colonel Musa Bitiyong 3. Lieutenant Colonel Christian Oche 4. Lieutenant Colonel M.S. Bello 5. Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Aliyu 6. Major Daniel Bamidele 7. Major M. O. A. Akwashiki 8. Major John Bulus 9. Major Lawan Gwadabe (initially sentenced to death but later commuted) 10. Captain G. I. Bakut NB: Some of the names on the death list were later commuted, while others were executed. The executions took place by firing squad on March 5, 1986 at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos and other undisclosed locations. Despite appeals from prominent Nigerians and international communities, General Babangida upheld the verdicts. The trial and executions were shrouded in secrecy. Critics argued that the evidence presented was circumstantial and that the trial was rushed, with no option for appeal. Vatsa, especially, was seen as a victim of political paranoia, given his closeness to IBB. Many Nigerians believe that the coup may have been fabricated or exaggerated to eliminate perceived threats to Babangida’s rule. Some of the accused, like Major Daniel Bamidele, had earlier reported rumors of coup plans, only to be accused themselves. The killing of Mamman Vatsa remains a dark spot on Babangida’s legacy. Vatsa was not just a soldier; he was a celebrated literary figure and a man of intellect. His poetry and writings gained more attention after his death.

𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐚, 𝐏𝐡.𝐃.

18,804 views • 1 year ago

#ZimSARelationsSpoiledByZanuPFMisrule Despite the current tensions due to competition for job opportunities and social services - resources - South Africans and Zimbabweans have a long history of cross-border healthy cooperation and tensions, with Zimbabweans migrating to South Africa since colonial times, a trend that intensified after 2000; and prominent South Africans living in Zimbabwe. Before Zimbabwe's collapse after 2000, mainly due to leadership, governance and policy failures, the movement across the border was both ways, although the down south flow was heavier. People from the two countries worked and lived together in harmony for decades before the economic collapse north of the Limpopo River. The flow of labour has continued, particularly with the Zimbabwean crisis in the 2000s, leading to an influx of Zimbabwean migrants to South Africa, courtesy of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF's misrule. This is what has led to millions of Zimbabwean migrating into South Africa, the regional economic powerhouse. The economies of the two countries have been closely intertwined historically and structurally, with a history of both cooperation and tension. Besides, Zimbabwe has always had deep political; economic, military, ideological, and cultural relations since the 19th century. There were massive movements or migration across current borders since the Mfecane period, then by colonial settlers and later ordinary people, creating a relationship of cooperation and conflictual tensions. The migration of Ndebele King Mzilikazi Khumalo and later Cecil John Rhodes from South Africa into Zimbabwe being historic highlights. Later, there were many other prominent examples, including those of Rhodesian ministers, judges, nationalists, businesspersons, sportspeople and ordinary citizens moving across the border. Now even celebrities. It was not one way. South Africans have a history of living and working in Zimbabwe, as long-term residents, including the Afrikaner community and those who moved as exiles during apartheid, and as temporary migrants seeking work opportunities. But more recently, millions of Zimbabweans moved to South Africa due economic hardship. When it was Rhodesia, Zimbabwe attracted South Africans from all walks of life, including politicians, businesspersons, professionals, sportspeople, and artists, among others. For instance, Chief Albert Luthuli, a prominent ANC leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, was born in Solusi, near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, although he has South African roots. ANC Stalwart Thomas Nkobi was from Zimbabwe. Rivonia trialist Denis Goldberg married Edelgard Nkobi, the German-born widow of Zenzo Nkobi, son of ANC Treasurer-General, Thomas Nkobi. South Africans lived, fought and died in Zimbabwe. Among the recent 49 remains of South Africans to be repatriated from Zimbabwe and Zambia were Advocate Duma Nokwe, Edwin Letsholo Makoti, Florence Mophosho and Basil February. Other prominent South Africans who lived in Zimbabwe were Joe Gqabi, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Moeletso Mbeki, Jacob Zuma's twins Duduzane and Duduzile, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe (who is on this video). Similarly, there there were South African-born Afrikaners who served as cabinet ministers in Rhodesia, for instance Rowan Cronjé and P. K. van der Byl. Top Zimbabwean businessmen like the late John Bredenkamp and Billy Rautenbach had South African links. Even sportspeople moved across, for example Bruce Grobbelaar was born in Durban but moved to Zimbabwe, played for Highlanders and later Liverpool. He is the best and most successful goalkeeper Africa has ever producer. One area deserves attention, the judiciary. Several South African-born judges served in Rhodesia, including the first three judges of the High Court: Sir Murray Bisset, Vincent, and William Musgrave Hopley. Zimbabweans and South Africans worked well before. So what has changed now: Zimbabwe's collapse.
4:49

#ZimSARelationsSpoiledByZanuPFMisrule Despite the current tensions due to competition for job opportunities and social services - resources - South Africans and Zimbabweans have a long history of cross-border healthy cooperation and tensions, with Zimbabweans migrating to South Africa since colonial times, a trend that intensified after 2000; and prominent South Africans living in Zimbabwe. Before Zimbabwe's collapse after 2000, mainly due to leadership, governance and policy failures, the movement across the border was both ways, although the down south flow was heavier. People from the two countries worked and lived together in harmony for decades before the economic collapse north of the Limpopo River. The flow of labour has continued, particularly with the Zimbabwean crisis in the 2000s, leading to an influx of Zimbabwean migrants to South Africa, courtesy of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF's misrule. This is what has led to millions of Zimbabwean migrating into South Africa, the regional economic powerhouse. The economies of the two countries have been closely intertwined historically and structurally, with a history of both cooperation and tension. Besides, Zimbabwe has always had deep political; economic, military, ideological, and cultural relations since the 19th century. There were massive movements or migration across current borders since the Mfecane period, then by colonial settlers and later ordinary people, creating a relationship of cooperation and conflictual tensions. The migration of Ndebele King Mzilikazi Khumalo and later Cecil John Rhodes from South Africa into Zimbabwe being historic highlights. Later, there were many other prominent examples, including those of Rhodesian ministers, judges, nationalists, businesspersons, sportspeople and ordinary citizens moving across the border. Now even celebrities. It was not one way. South Africans have a history of living and working in Zimbabwe, as long-term residents, including the Afrikaner community and those who moved as exiles during apartheid, and as temporary migrants seeking work opportunities. But more recently, millions of Zimbabweans moved to South Africa due economic hardship. When it was Rhodesia, Zimbabwe attracted South Africans from all walks of life, including politicians, businesspersons, professionals, sportspeople, and artists, among others. For instance, Chief Albert Luthuli, a prominent ANC leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, was born in Solusi, near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, although he has South African roots. ANC Stalwart Thomas Nkobi was from Zimbabwe. Rivonia trialist Denis Goldberg married Edelgard Nkobi, the German-born widow of Zenzo Nkobi, son of ANC Treasurer-General, Thomas Nkobi. South Africans lived, fought and died in Zimbabwe. Among the recent 49 remains of South Africans to be repatriated from Zimbabwe and Zambia were Advocate Duma Nokwe, Edwin Letsholo Makoti, Florence Mophosho and Basil February. Other prominent South Africans who lived in Zimbabwe were Joe Gqabi, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Moeletso Mbeki, Jacob Zuma's twins Duduzane and Duduzile, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe (who is on this video). Similarly, there there were South African-born Afrikaners who served as cabinet ministers in Rhodesia, for instance Rowan Cronjé and P. K. van der Byl. Top Zimbabwean businessmen like the late John Bredenkamp and Billy Rautenbach had South African links. Even sportspeople moved across, for example Bruce Grobbelaar was born in Durban but moved to Zimbabwe, played for Highlanders and later Liverpool. He is the best and most successful goalkeeper Africa has ever producer. One area deserves attention, the judiciary. Several South African-born judges served in Rhodesia, including the first three judges of the High Court: Sir Murray Bisset, Vincent, and William Musgrave Hopley. Zimbabweans and South Africans worked well before. So what has changed now: Zimbabwe's collapse.

TheNewsHawks

44,170 views • 10 months ago

Iran in shutdown as protesters storm governor's office, crowds chant 'Death to Khamenei' | Emma Bussey, Fox News Iran ground to a near standstill Wednesday as businesses, universities and government offices closed under a government-ordered shutdown amid protests caused by a growing political and economic crisis. A 21-year-old volunteer member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed Wednesday in a western province, Iranian state media reported, marking the first death among security forces during the protests. The death was reported in Kouhdasht, a city in Iran’s Lorestan province roughly 250 miles west of Tehran. Saeed Pourali, a deputy governor in the Lorestan province, said the guard member "was martyred … at the hands of rioters during protests in this city in defense of public order," according to Iranian Student News Network. Video footage circulating online and shared by the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) shows intense clashes between protesters and security forces in cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Tehran. In the videos, protesters chant anti-regime slogans and confront security forces in crowded streets. Footage included scenes of screaming and apparent gunfire, with demonstrators throwing objects and shouting, "Death to the Dictator" and "Proud Arakis, support, support." Additional footage shared by MEK shows crowds chanting, "Death to Khamenei!" and "Shame on you, shame on you!" as anger appears to spread across the country, with a particular focus on bazaar-led protests in Tehran. Some of the most dramatic scenes were reported in the city of Fasa in south-central Iran. Video circulating online shows demonstrators hurling objects at the gates of a government complex and shaking them until they opened. Opposition groups also reported that protesters stormed the governor’s office, prompting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces to open fire, per Reuters. Military helicopters were seen flying over the city, apparently to intimidate residents and prevent the unrest from spreading. In Kermanshah, in western Iran, bazaar merchants were seen confronting security forces while chanting, "Dishonorable, dishonorable," according to video footage. The one-day shutdown affected 21 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including Tehran, as President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to contain mounting public anger fueled by inflation, currency instability and declining living standards. Demonstrations, strikes and clashes with security forces continued for a fourth consecutive day in cities across the country. The unrest has unfolded alongside a series of high-level leadership changes that have added to uncertainty. On Wednesday, Pezeshkian appointed Abdolnaser Hemmati, a former economy minister, as the new head of Iran’s central bank after the resignation of Mohammad Reza Farzin. State media quoted the president as acknowledging the role was "extremely difficult and complex," warning that the new central bank chief would face intense pressure and criticism amid ongoing economic turmoil, according to IRNA. Separately, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced the appointment of IRGC Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as deputy commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guards.
5:35

Iran in shutdown as protesters storm governor's office, crowds chant 'Death to Khamenei' | Emma Bussey, Fox News Iran ground to a near standstill Wednesday as businesses, universities and government offices closed under a government-ordered shutdown amid protests caused by a growing political and economic crisis. A 21-year-old volunteer member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed Wednesday in a western province, Iranian state media reported, marking the first death among security forces during the protests. The death was reported in Kouhdasht, a city in Iran’s Lorestan province roughly 250 miles west of Tehran. Saeed Pourali, a deputy governor in the Lorestan province, said the guard member "was martyred … at the hands of rioters during protests in this city in defense of public order," according to Iranian Student News Network. Video footage circulating online and shared by the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) shows intense clashes between protesters and security forces in cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Tehran. In the videos, protesters chant anti-regime slogans and confront security forces in crowded streets. Footage included scenes of screaming and apparent gunfire, with demonstrators throwing objects and shouting, "Death to the Dictator" and "Proud Arakis, support, support." Additional footage shared by MEK shows crowds chanting, "Death to Khamenei!" and "Shame on you, shame on you!" as anger appears to spread across the country, with a particular focus on bazaar-led protests in Tehran. Some of the most dramatic scenes were reported in the city of Fasa in south-central Iran. Video circulating online shows demonstrators hurling objects at the gates of a government complex and shaking them until they opened. Opposition groups also reported that protesters stormed the governor’s office, prompting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces to open fire, per Reuters. Military helicopters were seen flying over the city, apparently to intimidate residents and prevent the unrest from spreading. In Kermanshah, in western Iran, bazaar merchants were seen confronting security forces while chanting, "Dishonorable, dishonorable," according to video footage. The one-day shutdown affected 21 of Iran’s 31 provinces, including Tehran, as President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to contain mounting public anger fueled by inflation, currency instability and declining living standards. Demonstrations, strikes and clashes with security forces continued for a fourth consecutive day in cities across the country. The unrest has unfolded alongside a series of high-level leadership changes that have added to uncertainty. On Wednesday, Pezeshkian appointed Abdolnaser Hemmati, a former economy minister, as the new head of Iran’s central bank after the resignation of Mohammad Reza Farzin. State media quoted the president as acknowledging the role was "extremely difficult and complex," warning that the new central bank chief would face intense pressure and criticism amid ongoing economic turmoil, according to IRNA. Separately, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced the appointment of IRGC Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as deputy commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guards.

Owen Gregorian

72,302 views • 7 months ago