South Africa's Zuma Due in Zimbabwe to Mediate Unity Government Disputes

http://www.voanews.com

By Blessing Zulu & Ntungamili Nkomo
Washington
12 August 2009

South African President Jacob Zuma, who remains chairman of the Southern
African Development Community until a SADC summit in September, is expected
in Harare late this month to try to resolve the simmering disputes within
the unity government.

Sources in the government and in the ZANU-PF party of President Robert
Mugabe say Mr. Mugabe on Wednesday called for an urgent meeting with his
fellow principals, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime
Minister Arthur Mutambara, to discuss the agenda of the meeting with Mr.
Zuma which has tentatively been set for August 27.

But Zuma spokesman Vincent Mangwenya professed ignorance about the meeting
saying the details will be released in due course.

Not only is Mr. Zuma the SADC chairman, but his predecessors in Pretoria -
Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, now his deputy president- were
instrumental in bringing about the formation six months ago of the so-called
inclusive government in Harare.

Mr Tsvangirai sought Mr. Zuma's help early this month in unblocking the
political logjam in Harare over issues such as the leadership of the Reserve
Bank of Zimbabwe and the Office of the Attorney General. Following that
meeting with Mr. Tsvangirai, Mr. Zuma reached out to President Mugabe and
Mutambara to bring them into the process.

Mr. Tsvangirai's formation of the Movement for Democratic Change - Mutambara
is the head of a smaller MDC grouping - is also up in arms about the number
of its lawmakers who face criminal charges or or in some cases have been
convicted and sentenced to prison terms longer than six months, potentially
costing them their seats in parliament.

The MDC accuses ZANU-PF of manipulating the judicial system to dilute the
majority that the former opposition party secured in the general election
held in March 2008.

The meeting between Mr. Zuma and the three Harare principals could provide
an indication as to how firmly the South African leader will tread on
Zimbabwe.

But London based international affairs expert Innocent Sithole told reporter
Blessing Zulu of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that it is early days to reach
any conclusions.

Lutah Shaba, executive director of the Women's Trust, told reporter
Ntungamili Nkomo that Mr. Zuma must take a firm line with Mr. Mugabe if he
is to make progress in the talks.

More infighting after Zimbabwe vice-president's death

http://www.businessday.co.za


DUMISANI MULEYA  Published: 2009/08/13 06:55:23 AM

THE competition to replace Zimbabwe's vice-president, the late Joseph Msika,
has intensified in President Robert Mugabe's deeply divided Zanu (PF) which
faces an uncertain future if the problem remains unresolved.

The urgent need to find a suitable candidate to replace Msika has caused
another wave of political infighting in Zanu (PF), guaranteeing a fresh
power struggle likely to weaken further the already unstable former
liberation movement, sources said.

Msika's death had fuelled a succession battle between party chairman John
Nkomo, politburo member Obert Mpofu and Bulawayo governor Cain Mathema,
sources said. Zimbabwe's ambassador to SA Simon Khaya Moyo is also in the
running

. There are also behind-the-scenes efforts in Zanu (PF) to bring back former
senior politburo member Dumiso Dabengwa, who quit the party last year, in
protest against Mugabe's overstaying his time in power and his failed
29-year rule.

Mugabe, 85, has been at the helm of his party for 32 years and is poised to
extend his leadership by another five years at the party's elective congress
in December. Calls for Mugabe to quit have resurfaced.

But Zanu (PF) is unlikely to survive Mugabe's departure.

Sources said Nkomo, a key member of the Zanu (PF) praesidium, was the
frontrunner to replace Msika. Mpofu and Mathema were relative lightweights
and Moyo is seen as a long shot. Dabengwa would have been the frontrunner
had he not left the party, but he could bounce back if continuing talks
succeed.

Campaigns for Msika's position and the chairmanship, which could become
vacant if Nkomo moves up, were evident at the weekend.

Nkomo and Mpofu featured in media interviews where they clearly advertised
their credentials, while Mathema and Moyo wrote newspaper articles in
self-praise.

Dabengwa, now interim opposition (PF) Zapu leader, has been
characteristically quiet, but senior Zanu (PF) officials have approached him
to return as vice-president.

The sources said while there was fierce competition for the posts, Nkomo was
likely to eventually become vice-president, while Moyo would be the
chairman.

The vacancies are supposed to be open to former (PF) Zapu members who are
now part of Zanu (PF). (PF) Zapu and Zanu (PF) merged in 1987.

However, Dabengwa has been agitating for the dissolution of the pact,
accusing Mugabe of clinging to power and failing to fulfil development needs
in Dabengwa's Matabeleland home province.

Most former (PF) Zapu members are opposed to Dabengwa's bid to revive the
party but want him to return to Zanu (PF) as vice-president.

Sources said Nkomo, Mpofu, Mathema and Moyo had been lobbying party
stalwarts and war veterans to boost their bids. Dabengwa has taken a
wait-and-see stance.

Six years on, residents have no water or toilets

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

11 August 2009

By ZWANAI SITHOLE

BULAWAYO - A health time-bomb is ticking in Cowdray Park high-density
suburb.
Residents of the government's controversial Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle housing
scheme are living in filthy conditions almost six years after the programme
was launched.
Close to 300 people were allocated houses in the suburb without proper
toilet and washing facilities, due to bickering between the city council and
the government over the implementation of the programme.
The city council argued that under existing bylaws, the houses could not be
occupied without proper sanitation, but the government was determined to
fast-track the scheme.
Almost six years later, the council has not yet provided water, sewage
services or roads.
"We do not understand why the council is failing to provide these essential
services to us. We are paying our monthly instalments, but right now we do
not have water, proper toilets as well sewage facilities. We feel someone is
out to sabotage this programme." Said resident Machel Ncube.
Misheck Dube said most of the residents in the area had now resorted to bush
toilets and fetching water from unprotected water sources because there was
no running water.
At the inception of the programme, the minister of local government and
national housing, Ignatius Chombo, openly clashed with the then Bulawayo
executive mayor, Japhet Ndabeni Ncube, over the criteria used in allocating
stands in the suburb.
Go-slow at border affects business
MUSINA - A go-slow by South Africa's disgruntled home affairs officers at
the Limpopo border-post has caused chaos for travellers.
Traffic jams and long, winding queues mean crossing the border can take as
long as 24 hours - a situation that traders say is losing their businesses
millions of US dollars.
The problems started last Wednesday, but have spilled over to this week as
more and more cross-border buses and commercial haulage trucks join the
queues. Some have been there for three days.
"What matters most is the fact that travellers are forced to incur lots of
unnecessary expenses in food purchasing. This untimely go-slow has brought
lots of suffering and we demand some respect," said Munaye Virimayi of
Hatfield, Harare.
Virimayi claimed that he has been at the Musina/Beitbridge border-post for
two days and had already lost his clients, who travelled from Lumbumbashi in
the Democratic Republic of Congo to buy water treatment chemicals from him.
Judith Muzokomba also said she had been made to stay at the South African
border side for more than 24 hours.
"On the Zimbabwean side, business is quite normal and the Zimra officers are
very efficient. We only get worried when we are on the other side of the
border, which is the South African part. Sometimes you see only two
immigration officers attending to a queue of more than 3,000 people," said
Muzokomba.
Home Affairs officials said their action was a way of sending a clear
message that hey wanted better salaries and working conditions.
"We are doing this in order to have food on our tables. Our government is
insensitive to our plight," said one immigration officer. - CAJ News

No Water, Just a Bill

http://www.ipsnews.net

By Ntandoyenkosi Ncube

HARARE, Aug 12 (IPS) - City council turns off the water. National minister
in charge says turn it back on. Domestic and commercial users alike dispute
their unpaid bills. The shadow of a cholera epidemic looms over it all. Must
be Harare.

"We are not going to pay. We will boycott paying." Netsai Mutongi has a
letter from the council demanding 230 dollars for unpaid water bills, just
part of the 22 million dollars Harare City Council says it is owed in
outstanding water bills.

But she says she's not paying because she never even saw the water. "Our
argument is that the amount of money being ordered by the City of Harare is
inflated and we are paying for leaking water. The money (that the council
is) demanding is not proportionate to the value and amount of water that is
being supplied to us."

The water crisis in Harare's high density suburbs and satellite cities is
getting worse. Harare requires 1,200 megalitres per day for domestic and
industrial consumption; the Morton Jeffrey treatment plant has a maximum
production capacity of 614 megalitres, and is actually pumping out between
400 and 500 megalitres per day.

Engineers say Harare is losing more than 40 percent of the water pumped out
into the system due to pipe leakages.

"Pipes and equipment at the Morton Jeffrey are outlived; conveyor belts have
since stopped working. We are losing hundreds of megalitres per day through
incessant pipe leakages in our dilapidated infrastructure," says water
engineer Albert Nhongomhema.

Residents say they have been forced to share water with "donkeys and wild
animals," resorting to fetching water from open sources, possibly exposing
themselves to water-borne diseases. Others buy water from neighbours with
back yard wells.

"You can't drill a borehole in high-density suburbs unless it is on church
or school grounds. Churches usually sell or supply water to their members.
We can only get water from those with illegal wells in their back yards,"
Roslyn Matarutse told IPS. "A bucket of water costs two dollars U.S.,
sometimes three dollars."

People note that boreholes have been drilled at the official residences of
vice presidents, ministers and permanent secretaries and other senior
government officials - and the president's residence.

Residents in Harare's humbler homes fear continued disconnections will
result in disease. Water shortages last year contributed to a cholera
epidemic in Zimbabwe, that the World Health Organisation labelled the worst
outbreak of the disease in Africa in 15 years. A hundred thousand people
fell sick across the country; four thousand died.

The national minister for water resources and development, Sam Sipepa Nkomo,
is concerned. "Water is life, because everything that we do revolves around
water. If clean water is cut off, then it will force residents to look for
alternative sources, which will obviously be dirty. Disconnecting water is
like cutting off life," Nkomo told IPS.

"The residents cannot be expected to pay for water which they did not
receive or use. Instead of disconnecting water supplies to residents and
commercial interests with genuine outstanding bills, the Harare authorities
should negotiate easy payment methods; otherwise we will have another
cholera disaster."

According to Nkomo, government recently disbursed 17 million dollars for
repairs to Harare's dilapidated water and sewage infrastructure, but
admitted that fully addressing the problems is beyond government's
capabilities at present.

(END/2009)

Zim security chiefs split over Tsvangirai

http://www.zimonline.co.za/

by Cuthbert Nzou Thursday 13 August 2009

HARARE - The move by the commanders of Zimbabwe's army and air force to
salute Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has brought to the fore divisions
among the country's powerful security chiefs on how to handle the former
opposition leader who they had previously vowed not to salute, analysts
said.

Air Force commander Perence Shiri and National Army commander Phillip
Sibanda on Tuesday broke ranks with fellow top commanders to salute
Tsvangirai during the Defence Forces Day ceremony, in what analysts said was
proof that there was never agreement within the security establishment not
to recognise the Premier -- despite public perceptions to the contrary.

"There was never a common position on Tsvangirai in the security forces of
the country," University of Zimbabwe political scientist Eldred Masunungure
told ZimOnline Wednesday.

General Constantine Chiwenga, who as commander of the Zimbabwe Defence
Forces is overall in charge of the army and air force, last year led senior
military and security commanders in pledging allegiance to President Robert
Mugabe and vowing never to salute Tsvangirai should he win power because he
was a "stooge of the West".

Army chief of staff Martin Chedondo, police commissioner general Augustine
Chihuri, Central Intelligence Organisation deputy director general Maynard
Muzariri all promised never to salute Tsvangirai.

Prisons commissioner Paradzai Zimondi declared he would quit his job to take
up arms to "defend the revolution" should Tsvangirai win a second round
presidential election held in June last year and that the former trade union
leader had looked poised to take after defeating Mugabe in the first round
ballot.

The MDC leader later pulled out of the election because of violence against
his supporters allegedly masterminded by top army and police officers.

Masunungure said it was important to note that when Chiwenga and other top
commanders publicly voiced their dislike of the MDC leader, Shiri and
Sibanda had not done so.

He said: "When Chiwenga and Chedondo vowed never to salute Tsvangirai, Shiri
never made a public statement, while Sibanda went on record to say the army
should remain apolitical."

The respected Masunungure said it was also likely that Shiri and Sibanda
could have been nudged to finally break ranks with their fellow commanders
out of a realisation that Zimbabwe needed to move forward and that the only
platform to do so was the inclusive government between Tsvangirai and
Mugabe.

"This might also be out of pressure they are getting from their juniors in
the army and the air force who want a change in the country's socio-economic
affairs. The two commanders operate on the ground and could have gauged the
mood of the soldiers," he added.

But whatever may have been the motive of Shiri and Sibanda in saluting
Tsvangirai, clearly they did not share it with their top commander,
Chiwenga.

The ZDF chief saluted Mugabe and other top government leaders as they
departed Gwanzura stadium at the end of the ceremony. But he did not salute
Tsvangirai.

Chihuru and Zimondi also did not salute the Premier, with state protocol
officials saying the two were not obliged to do so because they were in
civillian attire.

But army and government insiders insisted that there were widening divisions
within the military and security establishment over whether to support the
unity government and recognise Tsvangirai's authority as Prime Minister.

Shiri, Sibanda and CIO director general Happyton Bonyongwe were in support
of the inclusive government, while Chiwenga, Chihuri, Muzariri and Zimondi
remained firmly opposed to it, according to sources.

The divisions in the security forces, the sources said, were the reason
behind the delay in the inaugural convention of the National Security
Council (NSC).

The council, which replaced the Joint Military Command (JOC), met for the
first time only a fortnight ago. The NSC is the new security think tank of
the country. JOC was allegedly behind the bloody run-off election campaign
last year to retain Mugabe.

John Makumbe, a political scientist and long time critic of Mugabe's regime,
said the move by Shiri and Sibanda to salute Mugabe was positive although it
was a "shame" that they did it six months after formation of the inclusive
government.

"It is a shame they have only done this six months after the inauguration of
the inclusive government. But he (Tsvangirai) has respected them by showing
up at the Heroes celebrations and the burial of Vice President Msika, and
today at the Defence Forces Day and so they should reciprocate," Makumbe
said.

Zimbabwe's coalition government -- that Mugabe and Tsvangirai agreed to form
only because of pressure from southern African leaders -- has done well to
stabilize the economy and end inflation that private economists at one time
estimated at more than a trillion percent at the height of the country's
economic meltdown last year.

But analysts remain skeptical about the government's long-term
effectiveness, citing unending squabbles between ZANU PF and the MDC,
refusal by rich Western countries to provide financial support and the
administration's failure to win full backing from all security commanders
who are critical to its ability to run the country. - ZimOnline.

Zimbabwe food basket goes up

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

12 August 2009

By Zimbabwe Mail

HARARE - A monthly cost of a food basket in Zimbabwe for a family of six has
increased owing to the shortage of foreign cash and distortions over the
international exchange rates.

A food basket for a family of six went up to US$148.30 from last month's
figure of US$138.05, a quick reminder that the country's ten year economic
nightmares are still not out of the woods despite a unity government formed
February. This also highlights that the majority of Zimbabweans are still
going hungry and cannot afford food basics since they earn less than US$200.

The firming rand means food basics imported from S A become expensive for
local consumers since most shops and supermarkets would be pegging their
goods using various US$ to rand exchange rates.
"In June, the food section for a family of six was US$138, 05 and in July it
rose to US$148, 30, owing to the firming of the South African rand and
distortions that characterized the fuel market," said Consumer Council of
Zimbabwe (CCZ) Executive Director, Rosemary Siyachitema.

The rent, water, education, clothing and footwear basket experienced a
reduction from $349 to $344 as a result of the introduction of actual usage
bills and continued supply of imports on clothing and footwear, bringing
competition resulting in low prices.
Siyachitema applauded service providers for re-introducing actual usage
bills.
Meanwhile, CCZ has begun conducting surveys in major retail outlets to help
consumers make rational decisions when buying products.

Zanu thugs in gruesome murder

By Taurai Bande

 

Arnold Mosterd (16) was gruesomely murdered, allegedly by Zanu (PF) thugs in Macheke two weeks ago, after he had asked for his outstanding wages from a Zanu (PF) chairman, Harry Munetsi. (Pictured: Stab wounds were just some of the appalling injuries inflicted on this 16-year-old boy)
According to sources in his village, Mosterd who previously had been accused of supporting the MDC, was attacked and killed by seven suspects (names supplied) in the early hours of July 30.
Minister Didymus Mutasa reportedly ordered the release of the suspects last Friday after three days in Marondera remand prison. They paid $50 bail each. Minister Mutasa also allegedly told villagers of ward 19 two days after the murder to “deal with” strangers who visited the area enquiring about the murder, as they would be MDC supporters.
“The deceased arrived at Munetsi’s home around 2am to collect his outstanding wages since he had left employment early this year without being paid,” narrated a shocked villager. “He knocked at the doors and proceeded to sleep in the kitchen after receiving no response. Munetsi’s wife went to the kitchen reportedly to fetch drinking water. She spent a couple of minutes with the deceased only to shout ‘thief’ when the husband followed to investigate why she was taking so long to return. The deceased was subsequently attacked with logs. Neighbours teamed up, shouting ‘MDC killed Mosterd’.”

The villager said the assailants tied up Mosterd with ropes, cut his chin with a knife and pierced his stomach with redhot iron bars before carrying the dead body in a wheelbarrow. They dumped it on the Harare-Mutare road where they hoped it would be run over and the murder covered up. The bloodstained barrow and ropes are being held as evidence. The body was spotted by a school child a day later.

Police advised Mosterd’s relatives not to visit the village. as they could be attacked by the thugs. Police officers revealed that Mosterd was the fifth person to be murdered at village 19 since the outbreak of violence in June 2008. Two months ago, an unidentified body was found in the Mucheke River. The body had an iron rod pierced through the stomach.

Following Deadly Bus Crashes, Zimbabwe Eyes Tolls to Fund Highway Safety

http://www.voanews.com



By Patience Rusere
Washington
12 August 2009

Following two deadly bus crashes on Zimbabwean highways that claimed the
lives of nearly 60 people in recent weeks, the Harare government is moving
ahead to introduce toll roads that will generate the revenue needed to make
the country's roadways safer.

Sesio Moyo, transport secretary for the Movement for Democratic Change
formation of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, said measures are in place to
set up toll gates very soon.

Forty people died after a bus collided with a truck on the road from Harare
to Masvingo Aug. 2, and another 17 were killed in another bus crash the
following Sunday.

Following the latest highway tragedy, Transport Minister Nicholas Goche told
the state-run Herald newspaper that the government is opening an
investigation into transport operators which will focus among other points
on whether they are hiring qualified bus drivers.

But MDC Transport Secretary Moyo told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's
Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that the underlying cause is the decade-long collapse
of the economy.

A World Health Organization report on road safety based on 2007 data shows
Zimbabwe with some 27.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 population, compared with
33.2 in neighboring South Africa but just 13.9 in the United States and 5.4
in Britain.

Consumer Council of Zimbabwe Matabeleland Regional Officer Comfort Muchekeza
said most major accidents involve public transport operators on the
highways, suggesting that such accidents could be attributed to poor working
conditions.

Invasions will further harm economy - CFU

http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=21066

August 13, 2009

By Our Correspondent

HARARE - The new President of the Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) says
Zimbabwe's economy will not recover until the government puts a hold to
continuing farm invasions.

Deon Theron who took over the reigns at the CFU at the just ended CFU annual
general meeting told The Zimbabwe Times in an interview Wednesday that
sanity in the agricultural sector remains key to the recovery of the
economy.

"There is need to try and put a stop to the continuing evictions because
they are threatening the economic recovery of the country, there is no way
the economy is going to improve without stability in the agricultural
sector," said Theron.

"This sector remains absolutely critical to attracting investor's
confidence. There is need to urgently find a way to solve the problems
because if we don't do it is the economy which will continue to suffer."

He chronicled the continuing disturbances on the farms, citing a case in
which a senior army officer, one Justin Mujaji, is making attempts to take
over tobacco farmer, Charles Lock's Karori Farm in Headlands.

Theron said there was a group of armed soldiers camped on the farm and
intimidating Lock to leave his farm.

"The disturbances at the farm are continuing," said Theron. "The soldiers
have stopped production at the farm and are preventing Lock from taking his
produce to the market. They say he should leave the farm first before he can
sell his produce."

CFU's immediate past President Trevor Gifford said the organisation was
pushing for a face to face meeting with President Robert Mugabe to ask him
to put a stop to farm invasions.

"We are trying to push for a meeting with the President but he has agreed to
one but we are using various channels through different offices to get this
meeting, "said Gifford.

Gifford last month took the opportunity to ask Mugabe a question at an
investment conference held in Harare. Gifford asked the President if the
government was going to compensate farmers for the loss of property. Mugabe
said that responsibility should be shouldered by the British government.

Members of the CFU have taken their case to the SADC Tribunal court which
ruled that the government's chaotic and often violent land reform programme
violated the SADC treaty. The ruling provided immunity for the farmers from
the further acquisition of their farms.

But the government has largely ignored the ruling. A full SADC summit which
is supposed to act on the matter is yet to do so.

The Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) blames the government of folding its
hands while farm disruptions continue.

Last Minister Deputy Prime Minister, Arthur Mutambara, said the two MDC
parties in coalition with Zanu-PF in a coalition government have no power to
stop these disruptions.

The CFU has now resorted to compiling a blacklist of known land invaders as
part of an effort to force justice through the national healing process.

The list was revealed in a CFU report unveiled at the group's annual general
meeting in Harare last week. The report follows the government's continued
refusal to protect farmers from ongoing attacks and harassment by powerful
army generals, government officials and Zanu-PF loyalists.

The CFU says it has recorded more than 1 800 incidents on farms between
August 2008 and June this year, including violent attacks, vandalism and
looting of property, assaults on farm workers, burning of crops and other
incidents in which the police have flatly refused to assist farmers.

According to the CFU, only 400 white commercial farmers remain on the farms,
and of these, up to 170 are currently facing prosecution for defying
government's order to vacate their farms, which have been designated for
reallocation. A total of 66 farmers have been convicted and these include
their workers.

ZBC ignores more than half population

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

11 August 2009

By The Zimbabwean

EDITOR - Many Zimbabweans do not want to renew their listeners' licences for
the following reasons: ZBC/ZTV have acknowledged that they serve the
interests of their major shareholder, Zanu (PF). ZBC/ZTV refused to flight
campaign messages from the MDC during the recent presidential run-off
elections. ZBC/ZTV acts as a propaganda tool for Zanu (PF) and presents
biased and untruthful programmes.

The quality of services to outlying areas such as Marondera is extremely
poor.
Zimbabweans demand a democratic broadcasting service. The election results
confirmed that more than half the people of Zimbabwe support change in this
country and have a different point of view from that expressed by ZBC/ZTV.
They cannot afford to ignore more than half the population.
We demand that ZBC/ZTV agrees to allow all political parties and social
justice organisations free, equal and fair access to the broadcasting media,
thereby encouraging open political debate in Zimbabwe.
We demand that news programmes are presented in an unbiased manner, and that
comment is sought from all representative voices of the population in
documentaries and current affairs programmes.
We demand an immediate investigation into the poor service currently being
experienced by viewers outside of capital cities
We hope that they will treat these concerns with the importance that they
deserve and that they will work with us to develop a broadcasting service
that serves the people rather than an unpopular and incompetent party.
ANON, by email

New airline to start next month

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

11 August 2009

By STAFF REPORTER

BULAWAYO - Struggling state-owned airline, Air Zimbabwe, is to face stiff
competition from a privately-owned airline to be launched next month.
Reeling from decades of government abuse and corruption, the airline has
been struggling for survival and recently retrenched 420 workers.

A new local airline, Fly Kumba, is to be launched in September. The new
airline says its thrust will be on ensuring that flying is both affordable
and convenient and is geared to cater for the burgeoning travelling
population plying the Harare-Johannesburg and Bulawayo-Johannesburg routes.

Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Muchaka, said the airline's vision and
mission was centred on ensuring that flying was affordable to everyone. "We
intend to become Zimbabwe's preferred low-cost airline, delivering the
cheapest air fares with the highest consumer value and offering world-class
service to the price sensitive consumer. Fly Kumba intends to fulfil
everyone's dream of flying based on very low fares," said Machaka.

He added: "The new airline seeks to complement the tourist sector and sees
ongoing efforts to rebrand the country as an opportunity for the airline to
play its part in enhancing the image of the country to the outside world."

Fly Kumba has acquired a new generation fleet of Boeing 737-200 backed by
cutting edge technology and infrastructure to ensure the highest standards
in operating efficiency.

Zim mine's gold output rises

http://www.zimonline.co.za/

by Cuthbert Nzou Thursday 13 August 2009

HARARE - One of Zimbabwe's leading gold producers, Turk Mine, has increased
production by 8.4 percent following the country's liberalisation of gold
trading and marketing early this year, a company executive has said.

The Bulawayo mine, which was re-opened in March, saw gold production in July
increasing to 1 016 ounces or 31.6kg compared to 937 ounces or 29.15kg
produced in June.

Gold sales for the month of July totalled US$1 037 000 compared to US$780
000 in June 2009, an increase of 32.9 percent.

In line with the liberalisation of the trading and marketing of gold, the
mine was paid in hard currency for all its gold sales.

"Production at the Turk Mine has increased steadily for the past four months
and we are well on our way to realising our first production target of 1 200
ounces of gold per month by October-November 2009," commented Ian Saunders,
the president and chief executive officer of the mine.

"We are also evaluating opportunities to realise cost efficiencies to reduce
overall cash costs where ever possible. New Dawn (the parent company of the
mine) is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in Zimbabwe,
with a highly competitive capital and operating cost structure and a team of
professionals focused on building shareholder value through internal and
external growth."

New Dawn owns and operates Turk and Angelus mines in the upper southwest
area of Zimbabwe that has the potential to produce an estimated 35 000 to 50
000 ounces of gold per annum.

Currently, a production facility capable of processing up to 400 tonnes per
day or 12 000 tonnes per month is in place and operating.

Zimbabwe's gold mining sector has witnessed a slide in production over the
years owing to shortages of foreign currency to import machinery and
chemicals, electricity cuts and lower prices paid by the RBZ.

The southern African country is reviewing a Bill forcing foreign companies
to sell controlling stake to local blacks in order to encourage companies to
start exploiting the country's mineral deposits and revive the country's
once vibrant mining sector which had fallen victim to an acute economic
meltdown over the last decade. - ZimOnline

Supermarket rakes in big profits

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

11 August 2009

By PAUL NDLOVU

HARARE - The supermarket business seems to be back on its feet, with the
news that retail giant OK Zimbabwe made US$31.2 million in the three months
up to June. Chairman Eric Kahari told shareholders that OK's revenue was in
line with the expectations of the company.

Chief executive Willard Zireva added that the group was forecasting a better
performance for July in terms of revenue, which was increasing monthly as
more stock became available. In the first two months of the group's
financial year, sales totalled US$19m.
The CEO said the company was aware of  competition from the small
independent retailers.
"We have a comprehensive brand with a fuller range when compared to the
other stores," he said.
Since the dollarisation of the economy last year, many new stores have
opened, some as a result of other businesses closing and then converting
into supermarkets.
Zireva said the group had 78,000 square metres in trading floor.
"We have more space than any other retailer, even though rival TM has got
more outlets," said Kahari.
A new store has opened in Chipinge and the group is looking at funding
options for the Masvingo store.
Zireva said the group would be moving on to advertising, as margins had now
stabilised.

Zimbabwe Business Watch : Week 33

http://www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/

August 12th, 2009

The political stalemate continues to frustrate business that hopes to tap
into the GDP growth forecast to be up to 3,7% this year.

Forex liquidity remains the primary concern and constraining factor and
again, media reports continue to make mention of the linkage between
stability and reform and promised funding for the financial sector and the
functions of government. Over 1800 farm attacks have been documented in the
last 12 months and 15 MDC MPS are either in jail or face incarceration.

In the meantime commerce and industry live on a pittance in a brave
endeavour to survive. Manufacturing, in particular, suffers from lack of
finance as a relatively large investment is required to restore operations
to viable levels. Interest rates have been excessive and almost prohibitive
although there are signs that they are beginning to drop.

At street level, cash change is becoming even more scarce because there are
no credit cards or cheque books and the Reserve Bank has no authority to
print money to support the growth that is taking place.

Forex cash can now be purchased for a premium so the cycle continues which
in itself is creating renewed inflation albeit in measurable figures.
Nevertheless this phenomenon is adversely affecting the competitive ability
of business either as exporters or as local traders. Stocks continue to be
traded at reduced levels but at higher values.

Inflation has seen it first rise in months as supply is not meeting demand
once more no matter what the product or service.

Tomana must go

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

11 August 2009

By The Editor

The horrific murder story on the front page of this week's issue is a clear
illustration of how Zanu (PF) has tragically perverted the course of justice
in our country. A well-known Zanu (PF) official has ordered the murder of a
16-year-old boy and his henchmen have carried it out in the most gruesome
fashion. The boy's crime was to demand wages for the work he had done for
the official. But he could not be murdered for that. So he was branded an
MDC supporter - and thereby became fair game for murderous thugs.

Although the police moved swiftly - and most uncharacteristically - to
apprehend the suspects, we understand they have now been released, on the
instructions of Didymus Mutasa, Zanu (PF) secretary for administration.
Even more alarmingly, the attorney general's office has simply turned a
blind eye to this miscarriage of justice. Yet we remember how quick the AG
was to invoke the all-powerful legislation at his command to refuse bail to
the deputy minister who had been arrested on a trumped-up charge of stealing
a cell phone from war veterans leader Joseph Chinotimba. The charge has
since been withdrawn and no evidence whatsoever has emerged to substantiate
the allegation.
Yet here we have a brutal murder case and named suspects. And nothing is
done about it. How utterly appalling.
If ever any evidence was needed to substantiate calls for the removal of
attorney general Johannes Tomana for his blatant bias and abrogation of his
constitutional duty - here it is.
Tomana must go.

C.G. Tracey's death marks the end of an era

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

10 August 2009

By TREVOR GRUNDY

LONDON - The distinguished Zimbabwean businessman, C.G. Tracey, died at the
home of one of his daughters on 22 July at the age of 86. The finest
obituary for this extraordinary man is his life's work, his love for his
family and fellow Zimbabweans and all of those great qualities is contained
in a new book, which the late great 'C.G.' saw published in his lifetime.
{Picture: Trevor Grundy (African Forum News Services)}

It is now on sale in paperback form in Africa, the UK and United States, All
for Nothing - My Life Remembered by C.G. Tracey (Weaver Press, Zimbabwe).
"His death marks the end of an era," said the Zimbabwean writer, historian
and businessman Lawrence Vambe when told of C.G's death. "He was such a
highly intelligent, clever and articulate man whose great interest and love
was Zimbabwe and the people of Zimbabwe."

A spokesperson for Weaver Press said:  "C.G.Tracey became a farmer at 16 at
the beginning of the Second World War.  Entrepreneur, businessman,
plant-breeder, sanctions-buster, chairman and director of many companies,
husband, father and gentleman, 'C.G.' was active and involved through the
many unsettled years of Zimbabwe's history."

Despite having been a strong supporter of Rhodesia before 1980 (he was the
Chairman of the Rhodesia Promotion Council in Salisbury), 'C.G.'
whole-heartedly welcomed and assisted the new Mugabe-led government and
became Chairman of the Zimbabwe Promotion Council.

Added the Weaver Press spokesperson: "Having had considerable influence in
the development of our still fledgling nation, in the closing years of his
long life he suffered the loss of his own farm in a period in which his
brother, sister and children were all tragically affected and his
sister-in-law was murdered."

Judge Paddington Garwe seized Mount Lothian farm in 2003. It was owned by
'C.G.' who was one of the first white farmers to embrace Zimbabwe's
Independence. Tracey was both heartbroken and confused about being forced
from his home and his life's work.

The "Sydney Morning Herald" reported in April 2003 that neighbours of 'C.G.'
said  he refused to discuss his eviction, fearing reprisals.  A neighbour
explained that  Tracey was forced off the farm by violent ruling party
members posing as "landless peasants".

Garwe was appointed Judge President in 2001 after Robert Mugabe purged the
judiciary which, until that time, had ruled against illegal land grabs and
evictions.

Professor Ray Roberts of the University of Zimbabwe said of the late C.G and
his book: "Tracey's career is remarkable if not unique in its diversity and
the many sidelights that it throws on the history of this country make it an
important document. When a more balanced view of our history comes to be
made, these memoirs will become a much quoted source." - ("All for Nothing -
My life Remembered" by C.G. Tracey will be reviewed by Trevor Grundy in a
forthcoming edition of The Zimbabwean.)