George Charamba, spokesperson for President Mnangagwa, was locked out of a meeting all day. He stood outside “like a fool” for hours while the meeting went on inside. Journalist Reuben Barwe was allowed in. After top officials, including Ramaphosa, left by helicopter, Charamba was told the meeting was over and to drive back to Harare. He drove back “with his head down in fear and shame.”
Kerina’s take:
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Charamba has served leaders for decades (Banana, Mugabe, Mnangagwa), yet he was humiliated like this.
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Is he still a real spokesperson, or is he too ashamed to report what happened?
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Real power lies with the “inner cabinet” (Tagwirei, Tungwarara, Sakupwanya, Chivhayo), who get special access.
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Reuben Barwe failed to report this breaking news—about the president’s own spokesperson being locked out.
Today’s key events:
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“Yahya good vibes” marriage trending in Zimbabwe.
Top trending news: Business, Africa.
Arthur Fraser vs. Cyril Ramaphosa:
Arthur Fraser, former head of South Africa’s State Security Agency (SSA), says President Ramaphosa offered him a R50 million bribe to drop a criminal case related to the Phala Phala scandal. Fraser claims the offer came 14 days after he filed the case (June 1, 2022) and included:
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R50 million
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Any government department of his choice
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Immunity from prosecution
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Even changes to negative findings against him by the Zondo Commission
But the Zondo Commission found Fraser guilty of “massive abuse” of SSA assets and diverting about R600 million to illegal projects. They recommended he face criminal investigation for acting as a “law unto himself.”
Key dates and claims:
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June 1, 2022 – Fraser files criminal complaint against Ramaphosa.
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June 15, 2022 – Fraser claims Mark Lifman (now deceased) offered him the deal on Ramaphosa’s behalf.
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June 2022 – Offers included government departments, immunity, and changing Zondo findings.
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June 2022 – Fraser says pressure turned to threats via a Ramaphosa associate on speakerphone.
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Later – Fraser says his case was shut down without prosecution, even though Ipid findings disagreed.
