RUSAPE: The last time white Zimbabwean farmer Rob Smart left his land it was at gunpoint, forced out in June by riot police armed with tear gas and AK-47 assault rifles.

He returned on Thursday to ululations and tears of joy from former workers and their families who were also kicked out - a jubilant return and the first sign that the president who has replaced Robert Mugabe is making good on a vow to stop illegal land seizures and restore property rights.

Scores of jubilant black Zimbabweans nearly knocked the 71-year-old off his feet as he and his two children stepped out of their car and onto their land for the first time in six months.

Smart’s case was taken up by Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s then vice-president who heard of Smart’s violent eviction while at an investment conference in Johannesburg.

Mnangagwa became president last month following a de facto coup that ended 93-year-old Mugabe’s rule. In the latter half of his 37 years in power, Zimbabwe’s economy collapsed, especially after the seizure of thousands of white-owned commercial farms under the banner of post-colonial land reform.

Land ownership is one of Zimbabwe’s most sensitive political topics. Colonialists seized some of the best agricultural land and much of it remained in the hands of white farmers after independence in 1980 leaving many blacks effectively landless.

Twenty years later, Mugabe authorized the violent invasion of many white-owned farms and justified it on the grounds that it was redressing imbalances from the colonial era.

White farmers complained that well connected people used state security forces to force them off their farms, sometimes in the middle of harvesting, even after the Mugabe government indicated, some four years ago, that land seizures were over.

“We are overjoyed, over the moon. We thought we would never see this day coming,” Smart’s son, Darryn, told Reuters.

“Getting back to the farm has given not just us, but the whole community hope that it’s a new Zimbabwe, a new country.”

Rob Smart, whose father said he started the farm from “virgin bush” in 1932, expressed confidence in the new government’s pledge to protect the commercial farming sector, a mainstay of the struggling economy.

“It’s early days but so far what they (the new government) said they are going to do they are doing,” he told Reuters.

“We just hope this whole incident will give hope to other farmers, who’ve had the same situation.”

“NO CONFUSION”

Mnangagwa, who is under pressure to revive the economy ahead of elections next year, said on Thursday that he was resolute about the changes he was introducing. [L8N1OD5C4]

“There is no business as usual. Things have changed, it’s a new era,” he said at a meeting with business leaders in South Africa.

“I‘m from the military. If it’s ‘left turn’ then it’s ‘left turn’. If it’s ‘right turn’ it’s ‘right turn’. No confusion.”

Mnangagwa’s new agriculture minister, Perrance Shiri, last week ordered illegal occupiers of farms to vacate the land immediately, a move that could ultimately see some white farmers who say they were unfairly evicted return to farming.

Shiri, a military hardliner who was head of the air force before being picked for the crucial ministry this month, called for “unquestionable sanity on the farms”.

For 83-year-old Anna Matemani, whose late husband worked on the farm, Smart’s return was long overdue.

“I‘m so happy he is finally back. He always helped us and the farm provides jobs for many of our young people,” said the grandmother of 15, who grew up and raised her children on the farm and witnessed Rob’s birth, wiping away tears.

Some of the Smarts’ joy subsided as they walked into their ransacked farmhouses.

The occupiers had looted property, including clothes, the children’s toys, three guns, bottles of 100-year-old wine and Smart’s late father Roy’s medals from when he served with the Police Reserve Air Wing in the former Rhodesia.

“I‘m sad about my grandfather’s medals,” Darryn Smart said, surveying a ransacked room.

“You can buy tables and chairs, you can’t buy that family history. But thank goodness we’re here.”

A nurse has been struck off for "sexually motivated conduct" towards a patient, including telling her "if you could twerk, I'd take you to Zimbabwe".

Rodwell Ndoro was working for the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust.

He also administered a suppository without the 29-year-old's consent, and kissed her on the lips in March 2016.

A professional misconduct panel found "serious breaches of trust" and that he "took advantage of her vulnerability".

The Nursing an Midwifery Council (NMC) also found he had failed to declare a serious health condition for six years, and that he continued to work after being suspended.

The patient was on a ward in Torbay hospital between in March 2016 with a painful hip condition.

She told the NMC in her witness statement that at one occasion she was "wiggling (her) bottom" as she was in a lot of pain.

Ndoro said to her: "If you could twerk, I'd take you to Zimbabwe with me."

The NMC found the comments to be inappropriate and they crossed professional boundaries.

The offences included putting his phone number into the patient's phone without her permission, and inappropriately touching her lower back and bottom.

A total of 17 charges were proved.

Ndoro has 28 days to appeal.

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a former military commander who helped oust former leader Robert Mugabe to a top position in the ruling party, a step toward appointing him as state vice president.

The announcement on state radio Saturday reflects close ties between President Mnangagwa and the military, whose takeover over last month led to Mugabe's downfall after 37 years in power.

State media say Mnangagwa appointed Constantino Chiwenga, who retired as military commander Monday, and Kembo Mohadi, former state security minister, as vice presidents in the ruling ZANU-PF party.

Traditionally, ruling party deputies are appointed as state vice presidents, although it is not legally required. Currently, the president can have two deputies.

After Mugabe's resignation, Mnangagwa became president with the backing of the military and the ruling party.

AUSTRALIA: The father of a Melbourne woman killed in a car accident with her 18-month-old daughter in Zimbabwe this week has spoken of the family's devastation.

Claire Penno, 33, from Bellfield, and her daughter Anaishe died when the van her husband Emmanual Ngoni Mpofu was driving hit a trough on the edge off a road and rolled several times near Victoria Falls.

The family, including Mr Mpofu's 14-year-old son, were holidaying in Zimbabwe when the crash occurred.

"We're distraught - Claire was an enormous character," her father Brad told Fairfax Media on Sunday night.

"Claire was so permanent; it's like the pyramids have disappeared."

The trip had been arranged so that Anaishe could meet her Zimbabwean grandmother for the first time.

Penno described his granddaughter as a "delightful little girl" who loved music and the water.

He said Mpofu and his son had been discharged from hospital, but that Mpofu was struggling. "He's not going too well, he's absolutely devastated."

Mpofu told Claire's father that after struggling to find a nearby ATM that would dispense cash, the family had been forced to organise the hire of a Toyota Tarago through a hotel porter - and drive about 70 kilometres over the border to Zambia. They were believed to have been about five kilometres from the end of their journey when the accident occurred.

"The vehicle was pretty dodgy and the roads weren't too good," Penno said.

Police suspect that Mpofu was speeding when he lost control of his vehicle at around 6pm on Thursday local time.

However Mpofu told Mr Penno that "he was driving at a normal speed, but the vehicle was suspect and the wheels have slipped off the bitumen".

Ms Penno was the operations manager for Victoria with the Guardian Early Learning Group, and tributes have poured in from colleagues describing her warm-hearted and caring nature.

Her father said she had been like a second mother to her three younger brothers growing up, and had always wanted to work in childcare. Along with her daughter and stepson, she was a foster mother to a young boy aged 8.

"She loved to talk, her talk was all about how you were, how things were going. It was all about the welfare of others," Mr Penno said. "She was a huge character in terms of her concern and empathy for others, and really her love of children."

At the time of the crash, Ms Penno and her daughter had been sitting in the back seat of the Tarago. There was no child restraint seat because the family hadn't expected to be driving at that stage of their trip, Mr Penno said.

"Claire didn't have her seatbelt on apparently. She took it off for a moment to feed the baby or attend to the baby," he said.

Ms Penno's friends and former colleagues at the Guardian Early Learning Group have created a GoFundMe page to raise money to help bring Ms Penno and her daughter's body back home to Australia and pay for a funeral.

Creator of the GoFundMe page Bhekizulu Zwangobani said both Claire and Ngoni “had touched so many lives”.

“They have always valued the relationships they have had with people and were not only good together, they also made someone special in Anaishe,” he wrote.

“Claire was just an innately good and wonderful person, passionate about welfare of all people, and compassionate beyond measure.

“She loved and centred her life on the welfare of children, their education and expanding their potential.

“She was amazing, she was beautiful inside and out and she was loved.”

Zwangobani said their 18-month-old daughter was “her parents and grandparents' world” and was truly loved.

“Anaishe was just starting her life, full of character, personality and such intelligence. She had so much potential to bring to the world.”

A private Facebook group was created by the Guardian Early Learning Group, where Ms Penno had worked for a decade, as a tribute to her and a forum for her former colleagues to support one another and share stories of her life.

By Sunday it had more than 470 members from Australia, Africa and Europe and many heartfelt messages and pictures from people who remembered her as an inspiring and caring figure.

Ms Penno's selflessness was a theme echoed by many who took to social media to express their grief.

Fybian Fyablo Chakaodza said Ms Penno always put others before herself.

"I’m still in shock and can’t believe something like this could happen to such a loving and kind family," he wrote on Facebook. 

"Claire was a beautiful and caring soul who was making a difference in the early childhood space."

Mr Penno said his daughter and her future husband met in Melbourne when she was 19. They were keen travellers, he said.

Mr Mopfu remains in Zimbabwe. Both he and Ms Penno's eldest brother are organising the repatriation of the bodies back to Australia.

JOHANNESBURG: The South African Home Affairs Department says that the delays at the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo are not immigration related, saying that traffic volumes out of South Africa to Zimbabwe are the cause.

The port of entry between Zimbabwe and South Africa has been jam-packed with traffic over the past few days leading to Christmas.

Spokesperson Mava Scott says that the department has been prepared for the festive season for the past month and that personnel are hard at work to ensure that those going into Zimbabwe are screened as soon as possible.

"There is no problem on the South Afican side. What you see in terms of the volume of traffic, is because of the festive season."

Harare – Zimbabwean First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa reportedly visited and distributed some goodies to female inmates and their children at Chikurubi prison in Harare on Christmas Day.

Unlike her predecessor Grace Mugabe, who always chose to go on holiday with her husband Robert Mugabe and family during this time of the year, Auxillia spent some time touring the "female prison facilities, including ablution facilities, the kitchen and bedrooms for mothers and children".

According to the national broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Co-operation (ZBC), Auxillia advised the female inmates to be responsible and desist from committing crimes.

She also visited Harare Children’s Home where at least 30 children’s homes in and around Harare gathered to receive Christmas goodies. 

As her trade mark, the first fed the children before playing with them, said the report. 

Auxillia said that the welfare of vulnerable children is one of her top priorities.

On Sunday, Auxillia and her husband President Emmerson Mnangagwa surprised worshippers when they attended a Christmas Eve church service at Mabelreign Methodist Church in the capital. The two arrived at the church at around 11:00 and stayed for the whole service lasting more than two hours, said a Herald report. 

Zimbabwe's First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa visits Chikurubi female prison on Christmas Day

Where do you think Grace Mugabe would be if she was still first lady?#Zimbabwe#Mnangagwa#GraceMugabepic.twitter.com/2T8yxUYp58

— Povo Zim (@povozim) December 25, 2017

I have never seen Gucci Grace kneeling for anyone. First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa visited Chikurubi female prison on Christmas Day and presented Christmas goodies to inmates and their children. What a humbling scene. pic.twitter.com/bM3pYb82Ck

— Tertaks21 (@tertaks21) December 25, 2017

Harare, Zimbabwe - Since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe's military has played a key role in cementing Robert Mugabe's rule.

That was until last month when the army turned on the 93-year-old president.

Under military house arrest, he was first fired as leader of the ruling ZANU-PF party, then caved to mounting pressure from parliament and announced his resignation.

After 37 years at the helm, Mugabe was replaced by a former close ally, Emmerson Mnangagwa, a protege of the veteran leader and an ex-intelligence and defence chief.

Observers say Mnangagwa, much like his predecessor, appears to be consolidating his power by rewarding the key military generals who supported his rise to power with important party and state cabinet positions.

Most recently, Constantino Chiwenga, the army chief who led the operation resulting in Mugabe's resignation, was appointed as a ZANU-PF deputy. He is also tipped to become one of the two national vice presidents.

Other key military personnel around Mnangagwa include Retired Major-General Sibusiso Moyo, the current minister of foreign affairs who announced Mugabe's detention on state television; and Chief Air Marshall Perence Shiri who participated in negotiations for Mugabe to step down and now serves as Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Rural Resettlement.

Al Jazeera spoke to Piers Pigou, senior consultant for southern Africa for the International Crisis Group (ICG), to discuss the possible role Zimbabwe's security elite could play in the country's post-Mugabe future.

ICG recently published a report on Zimbabwe's "military-assisted transition" and its prospects for governance reform and economic recovery.

Al Jazeera: Why do Zimbabwe's leaders - previously Mugabe and now Mnangagwa - appear to depend on the army's support to cement their rule?

Piers Pigou: This is largely a product of an entrenched historical relationship. ZANU-PF's political trajectory into an independent Zimbabwe was predicated on its armed struggle.

Although not a homogenous entity, the military and war veterans have been key mobilisers and enforcers of political hegemony and central in internal and factional dynamics within the party.

Al Jazeera: Could the military's role in Zimbabwe's post-Mugabe transition be a help or hindrance to Mnangagwa's inaugural promises of "a new democratic era"?

Pigou: On the one hand, the military can bring command management and discipline into a corrupt and venal political and economic environment, although numerous unanswered questions and unresolved allegations remain about the involvement of senior military and other security sector figures in corruption, self-enrichment and other violations.

The jury is out on whether the new political configuration can deepen or further deviate from the democratic project.

Comparative experience does not inspire confidence, and the blatant partisanship of Zimbabwe's military has yet to be addressed by the new leadership.

 

Mnangagwa and the new administration should take an unambiguous public position on ensuring the security sector is excised from the political playing field.

It is, however, difficult to see how this will happen given that the new power configuration is predicated on an attempt to legitimise military interference. 

Al Jazeera: Does Mnangagwa risk being beholden to those who helped him to rise to power, like Chiwenga, at the expense of creating a more democratic environment in Zimbabwe?

Pigou: This is an important question. Where does power really lie, especially with the shift of military leaders into the politics hierarchy under the rubric of defending Zimbabwe's revolution? Why did Chiwenga's appointment as vice president [of ZANU-PF] take so long to finalise?

It raises all sorts of questions about the content of backroom deals and internal power dynamics within the new administration that remain shrouded in mystery.

How do these developments strengthen prospects for constitutionalism and the rule of law which appear to remain elastic and selectively engaged concepts, a hallmark of the Mugabe dispensation?

Al Jazeera: In the past, the military's partisanship and Mnangagwa's role as a ZANU-PF chief campaign election agent have been accused of compromising the outcome of elections, especially in the 2000s. If former military figures continue to play a role within ZANU-PF and the government's electoral structures, what hope is there that Zimbabwe can hold credible elections in 2018? 

Pigou: Credible elections are possible with the implementation of appropriate electoral reforms, a more even political playing field and a thorough and impartial election observer process.

An independent verification of Zimbabwe's new biometric voters roll is critical, and an extension of the vote to the diaspora, underwritten by international support, would help ensure a solid and credible outcome.

Al Jazeera: Is there a risk that overthrown figures linked to the pro-Mugabe G40 faction in the security services could pose a threat to Mnangagwa's presidency?

Pigou: He's called for no vengeful retribution, but there may be those who feel bitter about how the Lacoste [pro-Mnangagwa] faction came to power, so what threat, if any, could they pose to the transitional administration now or in future?

Their removal from the levers of power and resource manipulation reduces any ability to pose a serious risk to the new government.

Their efforts to delegitimise the new order, arguing it is the product of a coup, rightly or wrongly, is struggling to gain traction.

The African Union (AU) and South African Development Community (SADC) have accepted the new order, as have the international community.

 

The 2018 elections will determine the extent of its domestic credibility. The old order may well be able to expose complicity in past violations, but as with others purged from ZANU-PF in the past, they will not be able to do so convincingly without taking their share of responsibility.

In terms of immediate electoral politics, they are likely to complicate an already messy oppositional political environment.

Al Jazeera: What role could the political opposition, as well as SADC and the AU, play in monitoring the post-Mugabe transition to ensure Zimbabwe does not end up being a country run by and for the security elites?

Pigou: Their role is an essential component for the building of a solid foundation for a credible, accountable and inclusive political dispensation, critical for facilitation of a sustainable and broad-based economic recovery.

Al Jazeera: Apart from avoiding labelling the military operation a "coup", has the greater international community shown willingness to be patient and start anew with Mnangagwa as he has asked?

Pigou: The international community is not a homogenous entity. In general, there is significant goodwill, and there will be patience with the Mnangagwa government.

Expectations vary, as do approaches to calibrating further support.

Mnangagwa's administration must be seen to deliver - determining how and for who in a flexible and transparent way would provide a helpful framework for assessment and augment the credibility of such constructive engagement. 

HARARE - Morgan Tsvangirai will become Zimbabwe's next president, according to the country's main opposition party, the MDC Alliance.

This comes amid calls for him to step down due to ill health.

But, the party insists Tsvangirai is an experienced politician, who will defeat the ruling Zanu-PF at the polls in 2018.

But critics want Tsvangirai to allow his deputy to lead the party to victory.

“President Tsvangirai is our candidate, we collectively as seven members of the alliance agreed without any equivocation that he is our best foot forward... None of us human beings has the power to decide who be unwell tomorrow or unwell next week," said the MDC Alliance's spokesperson, Welshman Ncube.

Current President Emmerson Mnangagwa is ruling party's candidate. But opposition leaders say Zanu-PF stand no chance against Tsvangirai at the polls.

“We are not only confident, we don’t only believe that we will form next government, we know it, and Mr Mnangagwa knows it. We are going to be the next government this is why there are panicking.

"But we are saying even if we form the next government it's going to be good dispensation for Mr Mnangagwa and his team because will be very inclusive and tolerant of the opposition that is the difference,” said the MDC-T party's vice president, Nelson Chamisa.

While some in Harare question Mnangagwa's legitimacy, opposition alliance leaders said they respect him as the country's leader.

“The constitution does not say the process has to be democratic. The constitution simple says the party from whom the old president came from submits a name and we have no doubt that Zanu-PF submitted a name. So to that extent formalising was respected,” said PDP president Tendai Biti. 

Zimbabwe is racing towards the 2018 polls.

The electoral body said over 4.7 million Zimbabweans have registered to vote, in the past two months.

It is asking for $7.9-million to fund the extended registration period.

THAILAND: A Zimbabwean family of four are spending the holidays in the departure lounge of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where they have been living for the past three months.

The family’s plight has been winning sympathy online since an airport employee posted a photo with a young girl identified as “Mashia.” The image of the employee giving the girl a Christmas present drew an outpouring of appreciation – and concern – since it was posted Tuesday night.

“The little girl Mashia from Zimbabwe has been stuck at the airport with her older brother and family for almost three months now because of instability in their home country,” Kanaruj “Artt” Pornspolt wrote in Thai in his post.

“They’re staying strong. Sometimes they’re playful like children are, but they’re not naughty or crybabies. I promised to bring her a Christmas present today.”

Details of how the family ended up stuck in the airport were not immediately available.

Maj. Gen. Pruettipong Prayoonsiri of the immigration police confirmed the family had been residing at the airport for three months.

“It’s just a normal family, they didn’t do anything,” Pruettipong said Wednesday.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Srirote Duangrat could not immediately be reached for comment. Messages sent to Kanaruj went unanswered as of Wednesday.

“Merry Christmas to Mashia, Milan, Eton and Tanaka. To hope all of you back to your sweet home as soon [sic]. Nice to meet all of you guys,” Kanaruj wrote in English.

In comments under the viral post, Kanaruj explained that airport staff give snacks, food and other items to the family. He wrote that the family is unable to leave the airport and sleeps on sofas in the departure lounge.

Many comments compared the situation to 2004 film “The Terminal,” in which Tom Hanks plays an eastern European man stuck inside New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Most expressed empathy for the unknown circumstances of their situation.

“If they entered Thailand, they would be illegal immigrants, and Thailand would have to deport them back to Zimbabwe. But staying in the airport like this, they can’t go back home because of instability.

"Oh! It feels like torture! And how do they pay for things? Airport prices are really high,” Facebooker user Somyod Mall wrote.

HARARE: First class air travel on four foreign trips per year; private houses and a veritable army of aides and domestic staff – these are some of the benefits Robert Mugabe will enjoy after he was forced to resign last month.

No tightening of the belt for the 93-year-old jetsetter whose unpopular wife was known as Gucci Grace: Mugabe gets a diplomatic passport and three vehicles, including a Mercedes limousine.

There’ll also be a four-wheel drive station wagon and a pick-up. What if they wear out? No worries Your Ex-Excellency – they’ll be replaced every five years.

The benefits are laid out in an official government notice just published by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reports the state-run Herald.

And Grace certainly won’t be watering her vegetable garden herself.

The notice says: “There shall be employed in connection with the residence of the former President (i) three domestic employees, and (ii) two gardeners, and (iii) two cooks and two waiters and (iv) two laundry persons.”

“The ex-president will also get security staff, office workers and aide de camp officers,” said the Herald. 

The regulations state that any president who has served at least one full term since 1987 shall be eligible for the benefits. Mugabe, a former prime minister, became executive president in 1987.

Zimbabweans on social media were on Thursday incredulous.

“When I grow up I want to be a retired President!” tweeted @denvern3.

Media watchdog, ZimMediaReview commented: “One day we’ll have many former presidents :) It will be costly.”

Here are the perks allocated to Mugabe:

--- A fully furnished official residence in Harare

--- Housing allowance or a private residence anywhere in Zimbabwe with five bedrooms and three guestrooms or lump sum of money equivalent to the cost of building a private residence

--- At least six security staff‚ which can be increased at the current head of government's request

--- Two drivers

--- Two private secretaries‚ two office assistants and two personal assistants

--- At the residence Mugabe is able to employ: two gardeners‚ two cooks‚ two waiters‚ two laundry staff and three domestic workers

--- An office with computers‚ cellphone‚ landline

--- Vehicles and petrol costs for all staff serving the president. The cars must be replaced every five years.

The current president has the discretion to increase the number of security personal and decide on Mugabe's entertainment allowance.

The private residence‚ described in the gazette as "a reasonably sized house"‚ is allowed to have five bedrooms‚ a guest wing with three guest rooms‚ a study‚ swimming pool‚ two guardrooms and two garages.

The benefits also include medical aid contributions for the president‚ his spouse and children under age of 21.

Mugabe and his wife will have diplomatic passports‚ first class air and train transport four times a year inside the country. The pair are also entitled to four international private air trips and the use of a Mercedes Benz 500 series or equivalent vehicle in a foreign country.

Mugabe's electricity and water bills will also be paid.

HARARE: Recently retired army chief Constantino Chiwenga, who led a de facto coup last month that ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule, was installed as Zimbabwe’s vice president in Harare on Thursday.

General Chiwenga, 61, took the oath of office in Harare, pledging to be "faithful" to Zimbabwe and to "obey, uphold and defend the constitution", said an AFP journalist who witnessed the ceremony.

"I will discharge my duties with all my strength and to the best of my knowledge and ability," said Chiwenga dressed in a black suit.

Chiwenga retired from the military last week, slightly over a month after the military temporarily took control of the country on November 15, culminating in Mugabe's resignation six days later.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had a few weeks earlier been sacked from his job as vice president by Mugabe, then took over as the head of state.

Kembo Mohadi, a veteran politician and long-serving state security minister, was also sworn-in Thursday as the second vice president to Mnangagwa.

Mugabe, 93, was ousted from power after the military stepped in following internal feuding and factionalism that had escalated in the ruling Zanu-PF party over who would succeed him.

HARARE: A top opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) official says President Emmerson Mnangagwa should not be underestimated, and is capable of turning around Zimbabwe’s fortunes.

Opinion is divided among opposition and rights activists over whether Mnangagwa can stabilise the economy, and safeguard civil liberties and democracy in the wake of Robert Mugabe's ouster in November.

“The one thing I know about this man is that he is an operator and should not be underestimated,” MDC MP Eddie Cross wrote in the latest post on his blog. 

Cross, who is also a MDC national executive member, said that one key element in Mnangagwa’s strategy was his knowledge that “the opposition is in shambles”.

“The other thing he knows full well is that only a democratically elected government will be recognised by the international community and recovery and reconstruction of the Zimbabwe state and economy is not possible without that.”

Added Cross: “Time alone will tell, but the early indications are that we will see very significant changes in 2018 and that our economy and maybe our country, will begin the long road back to where we should have been, but for the Mugabe era.”

Not everyone is convinced, even within the MDC. Writing on Twitter, the party’s secretary general Douglas Mwonzora criticised Mnangagwa for “fiscal indiscipline” and for appointing ex-army chief, Constantino Chiwenga as one of the two vice presidents.

“The appointment of Chiwenga as VP completes the militarisation of key state institutions by (Mnangagwa). Democracy is in the intensive care unit,” said Mwonzora.

NEW details have emerged about the Zimbabwean family stranded at a Thailand airport for three months and refusing to return home fearing despite the ouster of former President Robert Mugabe’s regime.

According to the Thai immigration bureau, the four children under 11 and four adults arrived in Bangkok in May, taking advantage of the country’s visa-on-arrival policy.

Thailand Immigration bureau spokesman Pol Col Cherngron Rimphadee told the BBC the family initially arrived in Thailand as tourists. They attempted to fly out of Bangkok in October to the Spanish city of Barcelona via Kiev in Ukraine.

But they were denied boarding because they did not have visas to enter Spain.

However, they were also unable to re-enter Thailand as they had overstayed their initial tourist visas by five months and had to pay a hefty fine.

They later made arrangements with Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) to fly via Kiev to Dubai instead - and then on to a third country - bypassing European immigration.

However, according to a UIA spokesperson, the family cancelled their tickets for the final leg of their journey, leading them to be sent back from Dubai to Bangkok.

The family have refused to be sent back to Zimbabwe, saying they feared "persecution" after the November unrest which saw the removal of 37-year leader Robert Mugabe.

However, there is currently no open instability in Zimbabwe, so some in the country have cast doubts on the family's claim of persecution.

I'm tweeting from Zimbabwe. There is no instability to speak of. Economic challenges - yes. The country is calm, & as we head for elections, politicians are campaigning in a peaceful atmosphere. Zimbabweans do their country a disservice when they lie about its circumstances

— Elijah Minana (@ElijahMinana) December 28, 2017

Col Rimphahdee confirmed the family had applied to the UN for asylum, but for now were living in Suvarnabhumi airport and being looked after and fed by airport staff.

He told the BBC's Thai Service that the UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, had "requested" that the family remain in Thailand as it was "working on a process... to send them to a third country".

A UNCHR spokesperson said they were "currently exploring solutions" but could not provide any further details or confirmation. 

Thailand does not provide legal status to refugees and asylum seekers.

The family's situation has been likened to the film The Terminal, in which actor Tom Hanks plays a man who is trapped in a New York airport.

The film is based on the real life story of Iranian Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris for 18 years when he found himself caught in diplomatic limbo. 

But Col Rimphadee said: "Please try not to compare this to the movie. Their situation is not as dramatic... actually they have plenty of options."

"They could travel to other countries that are willing to take them... We also offered to relocate them to our holding centre where there is childcare. But they refused. They are happy to stay here."

There’s been an outpouring of sympathy and hospitality for the family. Airlines have apparently brought the family food, and one set of Thai travelers purchased a Christmas gift for the children.  

As for the family’s plans for the future? They are hoping to achieve refugee status with the United Nations and find a place to go so they can get out of the airport without having to return to Zimbabwe.

On the surface, the scenario this family is living is heartbreaking, but the airport community of employees and travelers who have offered support to them demonstrates how strong the power of humanity can be when people spread love instead of hate.   

HARARE: He is a man on a mission, one of transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous nation where citizens thrive and enjoy a better life.

To achieve that, the new President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed to resuscitate the comatose economy through stamping out corruption, open the country to foreign investment and inculcate a new culture of hard work among Zimbabweans.

He has also promised to be frugal with public finances, ensuring that more money is channeled into production as opposed to consumption.

In the one month he has been in office, he has already taken some corrective measures to position the economy for a quick takeoff.

Mnangagwa, 75, took over last month from former President Robert Mugabe who resigned after military and public pressure.

Mugabe's departure after a 37-year reign ushered in Mnangagwa's administration which has raised the hopes of many Zimbabweans who had endured two decades of economic hardships under Mugabe's rule.

"We are hoping for a better life under Mnangagwa's leadership. He must remove all polices that scared away foreign investors. He must prioritize revamping the agriculture sector because our economy is agriculture-based. Once this sector booms, the economy will also boom," said Harare vendor Cleopas Chirumuuta.

In his inaugural address on Nov. 24, Mnangagwa exhorted the nation to put differences aside and expend energies towards national building.

He said his government would strive to create a conducive environment for investors and ensure economic growth.

"Our economic policy will be predicated on our agriculture which is the mainstay, and on creating conditions for an investment-led economic recovery that puts premium on job creation," the president said in his inaugural speech.

Economic revival and job creation have become his mantra, as the president reckons the mammoth task his government faces, including jobs for the unemployed youths, housing, better health and education services.

Economist Takunda Mugaga of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce said Mnangagwa had the enormous task of rising above factional party politics and steering the nation out of its present quagmire to growth and prosperity.

"The president must rise above factional politics. We expect him to deliver and put Zimbabwe first. He must tackle economic challenges and the liquidity crisis head on, fight corruption even in his inner circle and create jobs. Unemployment is a big challenge in this country and he must address it," Mugaga said.

Through the 2018 national budget presented early this month, Mnangagwa scrapped the controversial indigenization and economic empowerment law which had alienated investors.

The 2008 law, which limited foreign shareholding to 49 percent, now only applies to two minerals: diamond and platinum.

"The 51/49 threshold will not apply to the rest of the extractive sector, nor will it apply to the other sectors of the economy, which will be open to any investor regardless of nationality," finance minister Patrick Chinamasa said in the 2018 budget statement.

The bold move by Mnangagwa's administration to amend the legislation has been applauded by Zimbabweans who feel it is the right move to help the country build public confidence and lure foreign investment.

Political commentator Godfrey Kanyenze said the president needed to build confidence among all stakeholders in the country given the polarization in the country.

"The president needs to deal with the issue of confidence among all stakeholders given a lot of disagreements, suspicion and lack of trust in terms of what he can deliver.

"The president needs to reach out to all stakeholders including business, labor and civil society. He must bring all these stakeholders to a discussion table, a national dialogue so that they come to a consensus on the need to subordinate sectoral interests to greater national interest." Kanyenze said.

As a country that has had a bad record in terms of respect for private property rights, Mnangagwa in his inaugural speech has promised to compensate former white farmers whose land was taken by government during the land reform program for redistribution to the landless blacks.

"My government is committed to compensating those white farmers from whom land was taken, in terms of the laws of the land," Mnangagwa said, even though he said the principle of land repossession was irreversible.

Mnangagwa's administration has made it clear that it will not countenance illegal occupation of farms and has ordered illegal settlers to vacate.

Lands Minister Perence Shiri last week issued a warning to illegal settlers, emphasizing the need for stability on farms to ensure the success of agriculture.

One white farmer who had been evicted from his farm in June returned to his farm last Thursday in jubilant scenes after his case was initially taken up by Mnangagwa when he was still the Vice President of Zimbabwe.

The president has also talked tough on fighting corruption, and has vowed that "there will be no sacred cows" in the fight against the vice.

Several high ranking officials have been arrested on corruption charges, including ex-government ministers Ignatius Chombo, Walter Chidhakwa, Joseph Made and Jason Machaya. It is reported that many more public and private officials will be brought to book over their involvement in corrupt activities.

The country's police that had become unpopular for its corrupt tendencies, especially asking for bribes from motorists, have also been ordered to reform to regain public trust and confidence.

Godwin Matanga, acting commissioner general of Zimbabwe Republic Police, said the police will reform their policing including reducing the number of road blocks and work to become people centered.

"Indeed, we are going to roll out a battery of measures to improve our ways of doing business in order to connect with the people. As a disciplined police service, we know our limits and the need to strictly abide by the police code of conduct," Matanga said recently.

The president is also intent on implementing vast reforms in government including cutting government expenditure to address the issue of unsustainable budget deficits.

His administration has already fired some 4,000 redundant youths and will from 2018 retire all civil servants above the age of 65 and maintain a freeze on recruitment of non-critical staff.

The government said these and other cost cutting measures would reduce its wage bill from the current 86 percent of total revenue to 70 percent in 2018.

Some of the austerity measures announced in the 2018 budget include a slash on official foreign travel, ban on first class travel for officials except the presidium, reduction of benefits to senior government officials, among them fuel allocation.

The new president is also introducing a new work ethic in government with the hallmarks of diligence, honesty and discipline.

He has been exemplary so far, reporting for duty earlier than usual and even working during weekends and holidays. This is contrary to his predecessor Mugabe who had slowed down in his later years of the presidency due to advanced age. 

Mnangagwa has so far undertaken a single foreign trip to neighboring South Africa to woo investors and many Zimbabweans are hoping he will not have a penchant for excessive travel like his predecessor.

With a full cabinet now assembled, Zimbabweans have high expectations that the government will address the cash crisis gripping the nation as a matter of urgency.

"One of the most critical issues that the president must address is the cash crisis. We have struggled for too long with this challenge and he must resolve this problem urgently," said Amos Shumba, an office cleaner.

Shylet Mukonyo, a 70-year-old grandmother in rural Mahusekwa, said she wanted the president to fix the economy and create jobs.

"It has been sad for me watching my grandchildren loaf around in the village without anything to do. The president must create jobs for the young people so they can have their own lives," she said.

HARARE: His wife is a beauty queen, his troops unseated Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, and his motorcade is fit for a president. General Constantino Chiwenga, head of the armed forces until earlier this month, is on a roll.