By A Correspondent

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s diplomatic maneuvering took an intriguing turn as he introduced controversial businessman and Zanu PF affiliate Wicknell Chivayo to visiting Kenyan President William Ruto during bilateral talks at Bulawayo Statehouse.

The unexpected introduction of Chivayo to President Ruto adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions between Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Chivayo, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and entanglement in legal controversies, has raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally.

His presence alongside President Mnangagwa in a diplomatic setting underscores the intricate interplay between politics, business, and influence in Zimbabwean society.

Chivayo’s purported affiliation with Zanu PF has fueled speculation about his rising stature within the political establishment. His ability to garner attention and proximity to key figures like Mnangagwa suggests a degree of influence that extends beyond the realm of business.

However, the extent of his power remains a subject of debate among observers.

The introduction of Chivayo to President Ruto raises questions about the message Mnangagwa seeks to convey. Is it a signal of support for Chivayo, or perhaps a strategic move to leverage his connections for diplomatic ends?

Alternatively, it could be interpreted as a display of confidence in Zimbabwe’s business community and a gesture of inclusivity towards local entrepreneurs.

While Chivayo’s prominence may be undeniable, his controversial reputation also casts a shadow over his public image.

Legal troubles and allegations of corruption have dogged him for years, drawing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.

His association with Zanu PF adds another layer of complexity, raising concerns about the nexus between business and politics in Zimbabwe.

In the broader context of Zimbabwean politics, Chivayo’s rise to prominence reflects the evolving landscape of power and influence.

As traditional power structures undergo transformation, figures like Chivayo navigate a terrain shaped by shifting alliances and competing interests.

Whether his influence will endure or wane remains uncertain, but his presence on the political stage signals a departure from conventional norms.

As President Mnangagwa engages in diplomatic overtures with his Kenyan counterpart, the introduction of Chivayo adds an intriguing subplot to the proceedings. Whether it represents a calculated move or a mere coincidence, it underscores the intricate dynamics at play within Zimbabwean politics.

As the nation grapples with economic challenges and political uncertainty, the role of figures like Chivayo continues to provoke debate and speculation.

In the corridors of power at Bulawayo Statehouse, where deals are brokered and alliances forged, Chivayo’s presence serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

As the saga unfolds, Zimbabweans watch with keen interest, mindful of the implications for their nation’s future.

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By Showbiz Reporter- Sungura maestro Alik Macheso has pardoned his band dancer, Selemane “Majuice” Mpochi, and returned him to work after a four-week suspension.

Majuice was suspended for reporting late for duty.

Orchestra Mberikwazvo publicist, Tich Makahamadze, confirmed Majuice’s return.

“I can confirm that Majuice is back at work.

“We have given him a final warning.

“This is the second time that we have have suspended him. You will see him on stage at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.

“If he repeats the same behaviour, we won’t tolerate him,” he said.

-H-Metro

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SpaceX will tie its rocket-reuse record tonight (April 27), if all goes according to plan.

A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the European Commission’s Galileo L12 mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida today at 8:34 p.m. EDT (0034 GMT on April 28).

It will be the 20th launch for this Falcon 9’s first stage, according to a SpaceX mission description. That will tie a mark set earlier this month by a different Falcon 9 booster, on a launch of SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites.

SpaceX will livestream tonight’s action via its X account; coverage will start about 10 minutes before liftoff.

Related: 8 ways that SpaceX has transformed spaceflight

Tonight’s launch will add to the Galileo constellation, Europe’s equivalent of the United States’ Global Positioning System (GPS). Twenty-eight Galileo satellites have launched to date, all of them atop Russian-built Soyuz rockets or Europe’s Ariane 5.

But the Ariane 5 retired last summer without a ready successor, and Europe cut most of its space ties with Russia following the latter’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. So, late last year, the European Space Agency inked a deal with SpaceX to launch up to four Galileo craft over two launches in 2024. Tonight’s mission is presumably the first of those two liftoffs.

The Galileo satellites reside in medium Earth orbit, 14,430 miles (23,222 kilometers) above our planet, which means there will be no rocket landing tonight — a rarity these days for a SpaceX flight.

“Due to the additional performance required to deliver the payload to medium Earth orbit, this mission marks the 20th and final launch for this Falcon 9 first stage booster,” SpaceX wrote in the mission description.

The Falcon 9 stage that already has 20 launches under its belt, by contrast, landed safely after its record flight on April 12. Starlink satellites fly in low Earth orbit, so the booster had enough fuel left over to return to Earth.

Tonight’s launch is part of a busy weekend for SpaceX; the company also plans to launch yet another Starlink batch on Sunday evening (April 28) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is next door to KSC.

And the weekend is part of a very busy year. SpaceX has already launched 41 orbital missions in 2024, 28 of which have been devoted to building out the Starlink megaconstellation.