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<p>However, with access to finance remaining a key constraint to SME growth how vital is innovation to the survival of Africa&#8217;s SME&#8217;s? Lance Mambondiani, CEO of Steward Bank limited Zimbabwe joins CNBC Africa for more insight.</p>


Innovation vital for SMEs’ survival in Africa – CEO Steward Bank

<p>A Catholic priest is mediating a potential political exit for Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, although the 93-year-old is insisting he can only be removed via a party leadership vote, political and intelligence sources said on Thursday.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-41446 size-full" src="http://cnbc.africa/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/robert_mugabe__12th_au_summit__090202-n-0506a-259__1.jpg" alt="Brexit and the aftermath" width="800" height="489" /></p>
<p>Separately, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who has been receiving cancer treatment outside Zimbabwe, returned to Harare late on Wednesday, a party spokesman said, fuelling speculation about a post-Mugabe political settlement.</p>


Zimbabwe priest mediating potential Mugabe exit: sources

<p>Natasha Turak; Correspondent</p>
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<li>Mugabe is reportedly in detention following what the military claims is a &#8220;bloodless correction&#8221; targeting so-called &#8220;criminals&#8221; around the president</li>
<li>Witnesses have reported hearing explosions in the capital Harare as tanks block streets and long lines form at banks</li>
<li>The development follows days of tensions between Mugabe&#8217;s ruling Zanu-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party and military chief General Constantino Chiwenga</li>
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<p>Zimbabwe&#8217;s military seized control of the country Wednesday in a disturbance that one regional expert said renders the 93-year-old leader&#8217;s nearly 40-year hold on power &#8220;over&#8221;.</p>
<p>Mugabe is reportedly in detention following what the military claims is a &#8220;bloodless correction&#8221; targeting so-called &#8220;criminals&#8221; around the president. Witnesses have reported hearing explosions in the capital Harare as tanks block streets and long lines form at banks.</p>
<p>Regional expert Charles Laurie, head of country risk at Verisk Maplecrof, said Wednesday that while the extent to which the situation is a coup is unclear, the intervention certainly bears all the hallmarks of a military takeover.</p>
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<p>&#8220;The degree to which it is a coup remains to be seen, but there is no doubt at this stage it is a strong military intervention,&#8221; Laurie told CNBC.</p>
<p>The development follows days of tensions between Mugabe&#8217;s ruling Zanu-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party and military chief General Constantino Chiwenga. The latter announced in a rare press conference Monday that those behind the &#8220;purging&#8221; of ZANU-PF must stop, or the military will take action. ZANU-PF responded by accusing the general of &#8220;treacherous conduct.&#8221;</p>
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<p>Chiwenga is believed to have been referencing Mugabe&#8217;s sacking of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa a week prior. Mnangagwa then fled to South Africa but has reportedly already returned. Once seen as the president&#8217;s successor, he was caught in a power struggle with Mugabe&#8217;s wife Grace, who is currently viewed as favorite to succeed her husband, despite having little political experience.</p>
<p>&#8220;Its unlikely at this stage that the general is seeking to secure power for himself,&#8221; Laurie said. &#8220;The more likely scenario is that he is seeking to in effect wind back the clock and bring the former senior vice president back into the country and have him be in the key position to succeed.&#8221;</p>
<p>Laurie rejected suggestions that this could be the work of the South African government.</p>
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<div style="width: 540px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a class="enlargeThisImage" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/15/mugabes-absolute-hold-on-power-is-now-over-zimbabwe-expert-says.html#"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/img/editorial/2017/11/15/104844117-GettyImages-874340326.530x298.jpg?v=1510754413" alt="This screen grab taken early on November 15, 2017 from a television broadcast on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting corporation (ZBC) shows Zimbabwe Major General Sibusiso Moyo reading a statement at the ZBC broadcast studio in Harare. Zimbabwe's military appeared to be in control of the country on November 15 as generals denied staging a coup but used state television to vow to target 'criminals' close to President Robert Mugabe." width="530" height="298" data-enlarged-image="https://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/img/editorial/2017/11/15/104844117-GettyImages-874340326.1910x1000.jpg?v=1510754413" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">AFP | Getty Images</p></div>
<div class="caption">This screen grab taken early on November 15, 2017 from a television broadcast on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting corporation (ZBC) shows Zimbabwe Major General Sibusiso Moyo reading a statement at the ZBC broadcast studio in Harare. Zimbabwe&#8217;s military appeared to be in control of the country on November 15 as generals denied staging a coup but used state television to vow to target &#8216;criminals&#8217; close to President Robert Mugabe.</div>
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<p>Alisha Patel, Sub-Saharan Africa analyst at AKE, told CNBC in an email that: &#8220;Mugabe&#8217;s rule had long been despised, with the deep factionalism within the ruling ZANU-PF demonstrating this. However, up until now there had appeared to be no way to unseat the 93-year-old president.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;The military takeover is the latest development in an increasingly bitter and public succession battle for the presidency, and more importantly the vast patronage opportunities that come with it,&#8221; Patel said.</p>
<p>&#8220;Moreover, it is a tremendously significant development. For Mugabe, the end appears to be nigh after 37 years in power, and he looks set to be little more than a lame duck president. A Mugabe dynasty now appears to be equally unlikely.&#8221;</p>
<p>Regarded by some as an African revolutionary hero who rid Zimbabwe of minority white rule, Mugabe&#8217;s leadership since 1980 has been largely characterized as tyrannical, marked by severe economic mismanagement leading to famine and hyperinflation, violent suppression of opposition, corruption and human rights abuses.</p>
<p>International sanctions imposed on the country as a result have pushed it further into isolation and economic decline. By 2008, unemployment in Zimbabwe was at 94 percent and inflation had skyrocketed to more that 1000 percent.</p>
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<div style="width: 540px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a class="enlargeThisImage" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/15/mugabes-absolute-hold-on-power-is-now-over-zimbabwe-expert-says.html#"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/img/editorial/2017/11/15/104844149-GettyImages-874355048.530x298.jpg?v=1510754622" alt="A military tank seals off a main road to the presidential office within the military activities taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 15, 2017" width="530" height="298" data-enlarged-image="https://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/img/editorial/2017/11/15/104844149-GettyImages-874355048.1910x1000.jpg?v=1510754622" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Stringer | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images</p></div>
<div class="caption">A military tank seals off a main road to the presidential office within the military activities taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 15, 2017</div>
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<p>Now, Patel says, former vice president Mnagagwa could be on course to lead Zimbabwe. &#8220;Mnagagwa has much support for the West, and this could yet be an opportunity to mend broken relations. The mood on the streets appears calm. Indeed, many are excited about the end of an era.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Zimbabwe has for the last 10 to 15 years been in a state of suspended animation — economically and politically it&#8217;s been in a dire condition,&#8221; Laurie said. &#8220;As of today, the situation in Zimbabwe is dramatically different from what it was yesterday.</p>
<p>&#8220;The degree to which this is an improvement is far too premature to say. What we can definitely say is Mugabe&#8217;s absolute hold on power is now over, and we&#8217;re into a period of uncertain rule in the country.&#8221;</p>
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‘Mugabe’s absolute hold on power is now over,’ Zimbabwe expert says

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<p>Political turmoil in Zimbabwe continues as military takes the country. ZBC has previously operated as the mouth piece of the President. The Military also previously been used to purge those people who protested against President.</p>


“We’re not here to harm you, we’re here to protect you” – Zimbabwe Military

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<p>According to reports, China will continue to invest in Zimbabwe despite a military takeover of the African country’s government. But how do other investors feel?</p>


The time to invest in Zimbabwe is now – Brainworks CEO

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<p>President Jacob Zuma‚ on behalf of the Southern African Development Community‚ has &#8220;noted with great concern&#8221; the unfolding political situation in neighbouring Zimbabwe. Here&#8217;s more of what he had to say.</p>


President Zuma calls for calm in Zimbabwe

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<p>Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe effectively remains under House arrest with the army in control of Government. The Army says it is dealing with “criminals around President Robert Mugabe who were causing social and economic suffering in the country”.</p>


A transitional government in Zimbabwe won’t work – Busha

<p>Following are key figures in Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe’s ‘G40’ political faction, the target of an overnight coup by the military.</p>
<div id="attachment_281105" style="width: 692px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-281105" class="wp-image-281105 " src="http://cnbc.africa/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Robert-and-Mugabe_.jpeg" alt="" width="682" height="453" /><p id="caption-attachment-281105" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (L) and his wife Grace at a rally at Chubuku stadium in Chitungwiza town about 35km south of Harare, July 16, 2013. Zimbabwe goes to the polls on July 31.</em></p></div>
<p data-reactid="40">The whereabouts of all of them are unknown, although sources in Harare have said some are in detention.</p>
<p data-reactid="41">GRACE MUGABE &#8211; Mugabe’s 52-year-old wife rose from political obscurity to the top ranks of the ruling ZANU-PF party and, after the purge a week ago of Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, became the front-runner to succeed her husband.</p>
<p data-reactid="42">JONATHAN MOYO &#8211; A slick propagandist and former information minister, Moyo was G40’s brains and mouthpiece who never shied away from an acerbic comment or Tweet about his rivals. His Twitter feed has been uncharacteristically silent since the coup.</p>
<p data-reactid="43">SAVIOUR KASUKUWERE &#8211; A bruising former ZANU-PF Youth minister nicknamed “Tyson”, Kasukuwere ran Mugabe’s attempts to “indigenise” the economy, essentially forcing foreign investors to surrender large stakes in their businesses to locals.</p>
<p data-reactid="44">IGNATIUS CHOMBO &#8211; A former University lecturer and Mugabe’s homeboy, Chombo was promoted in an October cabinet reshuffle from the interior ministry to the finance portfolio, just as a severe domestic currency shortage tipped over into full-blown financial collapse.</p>
<p data-reactid="45">AUGUSTINE CHIHURI &#8211; As Commissioner General of the police, Chihuri was accused by rights groups of presiding over vicious crackdowns on dissent and popular protest in the last 18 months.</p>
<p data-reactid="46">KUDZAI CHIPANGA &#8211; The 35-year-old youth leader ingratiated himself to Mugabe and Grace and organised nationwide youth rallies that Grace Mugabe used to attack Mnangagwa and his allies.</p>
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<p class="Attribution_content_27_rw" data-reactid="48">Reporting by Ed Cropley; Editing by MacDonald Dzirutwe/James Macharia</p>
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FACT BOX: Key figures in Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe’s ‘G40’ faction

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<p>Many are waiting with baited breath to find out what’s next in the embattled country of Zimbabwe. Is a military coup unfolding in Zimbabwe? What does all of this mean for the many Zimbabweans who have taken refuge in neighbouring South Africa?</p>


Zimbabweans in SA react to military takeover

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<p>The Zimbabwean war veterans have just held a press conference where they have asked President Mugabe to go.</p>


Zim veterans call for Mugabe to step down

<p><em>By: The Presidency</em></p>
<p>President Jacob Zuma, in his capacity as Chair of SADC, is sending Special Envoys to Zimbabwe and Angola in light of the unfolding situation in the Republic of Zimbabwe.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-41653 size-full" src="http://cnbc.africa/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/mugabe.jpg" alt="Africa and West at odds over disputed Zimbabwe election" width="800" height="493" /></p>
<p>The President is sending the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the Minister of State Security, Adv Bongani Bongo to Zimbabwe to meet with President Robert Mugabe and the Zimbabwean Defence Force.</p>
<p>President Zuma spoke to President Robert Mugabe earlier today who indicated that he was confined to his home but said that he was fine. South Africa is also in contact with the Zimbabwean Defence Force (ZDF).</p>
<p>The Special Envoys will also be sent to the Republic of Angola to the Republic of Angola to see President Joao Lourenco, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security to brief him on the situation.</p>
<p>President Zuma has reiterated his call for calm and restraint and for the ZDF to ensure that peace and stability are not undermined in Zimbabwe.</p>
<p>SADC will continue to monitor the situation closely.</p>


Robert Mugabe confined to his home but he is fine: SA Presidency

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<p>The power struggle behind Zanu-PF explained</p>


The power struggle behind Zanu-PF explained

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<p>Joining CNBC Africa to track the political developments in Zimbabwe where the army has taken over power is Political Analyst, Simbarashe Madamombe.</p>


What a military takeover means for Zimbabwe’s opposition

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<p>Joining CNBC Africa to get an update on the latest developments in Zimbabwe is Ed Cropley, Africa Bureau Chief from Reuters.</p>


The significance of General Chiwenga’s visit to China

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<p>Mike Schussler, founder and owner of Economists.co.za had this to say about the impact President Mugabe&#8217;s rule has had on the economy.</p>


This is the destruction Mugabe’s rule caused Zimbabwe’s economy

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<p>What the defence forces have done is in line with the Zimbabwe constitution says Former Zanu PF Mashonaland West province &#038; Central Committee Member Temba Mliswa. He joins CNBC Africa for more.</p>


Zimbabwe military takeover in line with constitution – Temba Mliswa

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<p>Xhanti Payi, economist and head of research at Nascence Advisory discusses the role South Africa can play in Zimbabwe’s transition.</p>


Zimbabwe

Innovation vital for SMEs’ survival in Africa – CEO Steward Bank

Zimbabwe priest mediating potential Mugabe exit: sources

‘Mugabe’s absolute hold on power is now over,’ Zimbabwe expert says

“We’re not here to harm you, we’re here to protect you” – Zimbabwe Military

The time to invest in Zimbabwe is now – Brainworks CEO

President Zuma calls for calm in Zimbabwe

A transitional government in Zimbabwe won’t work – Busha

FACT BOX: Key figures in Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe’s ‘G40’ faction

Zimbabweans in SA react to military takeover

Zim veterans call for Mugabe to step down

Robert Mugabe confined to his home but he is fine: SA Presidency

The power struggle behind Zanu-PF explained

What a military takeover means for Zimbabwe’s opposition

The significance of General Chiwenga’s visit to China

This is the destruction Mugabe’s rule caused Zimbabwe’s economy

Zimbabwe military takeover in line with constitution – Temba Mliswa

What role should SA play in Zimbabwe’s power transition?

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Zimbabwe

Innovation vital for SMEs’ survival in Africa – CEO Steward Bank

Zimbabwe priest mediating potential Mugabe exit: sources

‘Mugabe’s absolute hold on power is now over,’ Zimbabwe expert says

“We’re not here to harm you, we’re here to protect you” – Zimbabwe Military

The time to invest in Zimbabwe is now – Brainworks CEO

President Zuma calls for calm in Zimbabwe

A transitional government in Zimbabwe won’t work – Busha

FACT BOX: Key figures in Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe’s ‘G40’ faction

Zimbabweans in SA react to military takeover

Zim veterans call for Mugabe to step down

Robert Mugabe confined to his home but he is fine: SA Presidency

The power struggle behind Zanu-PF explained

What a military takeover means for Zimbabwe’s opposition

The significance of General Chiwenga’s visit to China

This is the destruction Mugabe’s rule caused Zimbabwe’s economy

Zimbabwe military takeover in line with constitution – Temba Mliswa

What role should SA play in Zimbabwe’s power transition?

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