Kasukuwere fingered as being behind Harare violence

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
8 February 2011

Saviour Kasukuwere, the ZANU PF Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and
Empowerment, was on Tuesday fingered as the man behind the mob that engulfed
the city in chaos and nearly brought the capital to a standstill.

SW Radio Africa has received reports from multiple sources showing that the
almost month long stint of violence in Harare is state-sponsored.

Several MDC Ministers, including party secretary-general Tendai Biti, have
raised questions about the failure of the government to respond promptly and
effectively to the escalation of violence. All security related ministries
are under ZANU PF ministers, except Home Affairs which is co-shared between
the MDC and ZANU PF.

The inept and slow response to the scenes of destruction and violent attacks
on MDC activists have also raised disturbing questions about the police
approach in dealing with the violence.

A Harare based source told us that a meeting was hosted at Kasukuwere’s
residence where the plan was hatched to send party youths, to demand total
empowerment. Instead of sticking to their plans, the mob got greedy and,
with the help of a police escort, went on the rampage, looting and pillaging
downtown Harare.

Another source told us there also appeared to be a clear design behind all
the ‘senseless’ violence, going by the targets they had chosen - shops,
houses and flea markets - all owned by known MDC supporters.

Kasukuwere, whose business interests range from oil to transport and
banking, is reportedly in charge of the group that is leading this mayhem in
Harare. SW Radio Africa can reveal that this group includes Moses Tawanda
from block 4 Matapi flats and Susan Mapurisa and Violet Mandenda from block
7 Matapi flats.

Others named are Martin Matinyanya, Eddie Manjovu, Riot Gift, and someone
called Hurudza, who refers to himself as Osama bin Laden. The member in
charge of Mbare Matapi police station, identified as Mabwe, is also
allegedly part of this group.

ZANU PF critics said elite members in the party are determined to do
whatever it takes to keep the former ruling party in power.

MDC’s deputy Minister of Justice, Obert Gutu, said he was appalled by the
horrible acts of violence directed against members and leaders of his party
in Zimbabwe.

‘We are under siege from state-sponsored and state-orchestrated violence.
The dictatorship realises this is the end game and it has now openly
declared war against innocent, unarmed and law-abiding citizens. Evil will
never succeed over good,’ Gutu said.

Leading pro-democracy activist and lawyer, Dewa Mavhinga, said the violence
instigated by ZANU PF vindicated the position of civil society
organisations, that without reforms there can never be a free and fair
election in Zimbabwe.

‘A government which cannot provide safety to its people is incapable of
holding free and fair elections. It was obvious with this violent machinery
that has not been dismantled, and a partisan police force that does not
impartially apply the law, it was only a matter of time before state
sanctioned violence visited us again,’ Mavhinga said.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition regional director said in terms of the
necessary reforms (legislative, institutional and constitutional) Zimbabwe
has not arrived at a situation to have elections.

‘We still don’t have institutions and mechanisms to prevent state sponsored
violence to ensure that perpetrators are brought to account. This remains
the key challenge to Zimbabwe.

‘If Robert Mugabe and his junta fail to deal with the violence, it will be
time to knock on the doors of the AU and SADC and tell them they cannot
support any process to an election without reforms that guarantees the
safety and freedom of the electorate,’ Mavhinga added.

Police Raid and Detain Internally Displaced Persons

Hundreds of MDC members displaced in Harare

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
08 February 2011

Hundreds of MDC members were on Tuesday seeking refuge at the party’s
Harvest House headquarters, after fleeing ZANU PF attacks in Mbare and
Epworth.

SW Radio Africa correspondent Simon Muchemwa reported that the MDC members,
including scores of women and young children, had been seeking refuge at a
church in Glen Norah. But police officials rounded the group up on Monday
evening, only releasing the women and children. The MDC was still trying to
find out the whereabouts of the arrested men on Tuesday, although police
officials have denied making any arrests.

The MDC members had fled to the church in Glen Norah after a mob of ZANU PF
youths ran riot in Mbare and other areas last week, looting homes and
intimidating MDC supporters. Mbare has been the target of ZANU PF violence
in recent weeks, with youth militia groups launching unprovoked attacks on
MDC supporters. The police meanwhile have continued their partisan display
of force, only arresting MDC members and ignoring the ZANU PF perpetrators
of the violence.

SW Radio Africa’s Muchemwa also reported that a group of ZANU PF youths, who
were arrested following looting in Harare on Monday, have now been branded
as MDC members. The ZANU PF youths ran riot through the city yesterday,
looting business mainly belonging to foreigners, and attacking newspaper
vendors. Police were seen standing by, allowing the chaos to engulf the
city, before finally arresting some of the youths.

Muchemwa reported that ZANU PF has now distanced itself from the youths,
reporting to the state broadcaster that they are MDC members, who had
“sabotaged” a ZANU PF demonstration.

“Witnesses to what happened know these are ZANU PF guys. But the ZBC is now
awash with stories about how this was caused by the MDC,” Muchemwa said.

The Harare based Centre for Community Development on Tuesday said the
violence in the city “is a well-orchestrated attempt by the ZANU PF regime
to cow people into submission ahead of the planned elections.” The group’s
director, Phillip Pasirayi, told SW Radio Africa that the situation is a
serious indictment of the unity government, and a clear indication that the
country is not ready for elections.

“There is a lot of impunity. War vets and youth militia are rampaging,
causing violence, but they are not being arrested. Victims of violence are
being arrested instead. You have to question the credibility of the
government,” Pasirayi said.

Meanwhile, the three bed room house of Amos Tsvekese, the MDC Bindura North
chairperson, was razed to the ground on Monday by known ZANU PF youths at
Selwood Farm. Tsvekese reported the incident at the Bindura Central police
station, but later that afternoon he was arrested and has been detained
without charge.

Police stand-by as ZANU PF youths seize Bulawayo flats

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

by Irene Madongo
08 February 2011

Police stood-by as ZANUP PF youths in Bulawayo temporarily took over an
apartment block, chanting indigenisation slogans, to prevent the Indian
owner from evicting tenants over unpaid rent.

Last Thursday the group of up to 40 ZANU PF supporters gathered outside
Elons Court at the corner of Third Avenue and Main Street, chanting party
slogans and waving placards written ‘51% Indigenisation.’

It’s understood the Indian owner wanted to evict tenants who had not been
paying their rent and also wanted to renovate the building, however, one of
the tenants allegedly notified ZANU PF and they set upon the building in the
name of indigenisation. ZANU PF has championed the controversial
Indigenisation Act, which will force foreign-owned businesses to surrender
at least 51% of their shares to locals.

The demonstration caused a disruption to traffic in the city as the building
is close to a busy taxi rank. Despite this, the police did nothing to stop
the disorder.

SW Radio Africa Bulawayo correspondent Lionel Saungweme, who witnessed the
drama unfold, said there were five policemen in uniform who were present and
a plain clothes police officer, who stood by idly.

“They simply stood by and watched. There was no restraint. Normally what
would happen is that the police would round-up those people for causing a
nuisance and [for] arbitrary entry into someones premises,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s police force, headed by ZANU PF’s Augustine Chihuri, is
well-known for its partisan stance. Instead of taking action against violent
ZANU PF militia and war vets, it openly supports them or arrests their
victims instead.

Acting ZANU PF secretary for security Joseph Tshuma, who reportedly led the
group, has denied taking over the property but confirmed blocking the owner
from evicting tenants.

The Bulawayo flat incident fits into the overall ZANU PF strategy of
violently taking over privately-owned property in the name of
indigenisation. More recently in January, a mob of up to 150 people invaded
property at the Lake Chivero resort, outside Harare. The invaders dressed in
ZANU PF regalia, started taking an “inventory” of the assets at the
recreational park, saying that under the Indigenisation Act, more than 50%
of the assets ‘belonged’ to them.

On Monday police in Harare were photographed accompanying ZANU PF youths as
they looted and damaged shops belonging to foreign nationals. The youths
also demanded a claim in the shops, under the government’s indigenisation
programme.

Deputy prime minister defies order to quit

http://www.zimonline.co.za

by Edward Jones     Tuesday 08 February 2011

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has rejected a
directive from his party to resign and pave way for Welshman Ncube, the
leader of the breakaway Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) faction,
further deepening a leadership struggle in the party.

Mutambara was deposed as party president by Ncube at a congress last month
and a subsequent top level meeting of the MDC faction recalled the deputy
prime minister and redeployed him to a lesser ministerial post.

But yesterday Mutambara fired a broadside at Ncube, questioning the
legitimacy of his leadership and vowed not to step aside for the minister of
industry and commerce.

"I have no intention whatsoever to leave the position of deputy prime
minister. I will not abdicate from my national responsibilities in order to
satisfy narrow political aspirations,” Mutambara told reporters. “In our
national constitution there is no facility for a political party to recall a
sitting DPM."

Ncube could not be reached for comment last night.

The fight within the splinter MDC is not expected to alter the balance of
power between the two main players in the unity government but it could
raise tension in the cabinet.

Ncube’s MDC is caught in a dilemma, whether to expel Mutambara from the
party without any guarantee that Mugabe will fire him or quit the unity
government altogether but analysts say the coalition could still limp along
without the smaller faction.

Mutambara, who entered a power-sharing agreement with President Robert
Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai two years ago, said he does not
recognise last month’s party congress that toppled him.

Ncube’s leadership of the smaller MDC group is being challenged by some
disgruntled members who have approached the High Court for relief and
Mutambara said there was not constitutional or legal basis for his
redeployment.

“Until the High Court makes a ruling on this matter, I …..will not recognise
Professor Welshman Ncube as the president of the party I belong to, the
 MDC,” said Mutambara.

Ncube has said he will meet Mugabe today to officially inform him of his
party’s decision to redeploy Mutambara.

Mugabe has previously said he could not swear-in Ncube as deputy prime
minister unless Mutambara resigns.

Officials in the breakaway MDC accuse Mutambara of not being in sink with
the party’s ideals and charge that the robotics professor is working with
Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party.

The leadership struggle is likely to further weaken a party that only
managed 10 seats in the 2008 parliamentary elections.

Mugabe is pushing for an election this year despite strong opposition from
his rivals, who say the political climate is not yet right for a free and
fair vote.

Mugabe, Tsvangirai and the splinter MDC group were forced into a coalition
government two years ago after a disputed 2008 poll which was marred by
violence and accelerated an economic crisis in the southern African nation
of 13 million.  -- ZimOnline

Mugabe defends Mutambara in meeting with Ncube

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Lance Guma
08 February 2011

It’s being dubbed the ‘Battle of the Professors,’ as Arthur Mutambara and
Welshman Ncube square up over who should be Deputy Prime Minister. The
political drama intensified on Monday after Mutambara issued a statement
saying he would not be resigning his post of deputy PM, to make way for
Ncube the new party leader.

On Tuesday Ncube met Mugabe for two and a half hours after the normal
cabinet meeting. According to MDC-N national spokesman, Nhlanhla Dube,
Mugabe defended Mutambara during the meeting. The ZANU PF leader said
Mutambara had told him that Ncube had hired delegates to the congress that
elected him as President. We were also told Ncube spent time disputing these
accusations.

At the end of the meeting Mugabe told Ncube that he would consult Prime
Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on the matter and get back to him within seven
days. Last month Mugabe had also appeared to side with Mutambara, saying
removing him creates legal complications and “it’s up to him if he wants to
resign, but if he refuses, well, we are stuck.” Other reports suggested ZANU
PF is courting Mutambara to join the party.

SW Radio Africa understands the MDC-N are already laying the groundwork to
expel Mutambara from the party, during a National Council meeting that will
be held in Harare on Thursday. They reportedly plan on charging him with
openly defying a party directive to step down as deputy Prime Minister to
make way for Ncube. They hope the expulsion will force Mugabe’s hand to
swear-in Ncube.

But with a group of rebels still challenging the validity of the congress
that elected Ncube, the legal minefield is growing. Mutambara on Monday said
he did not recognize Ncube as party leader and would wait for the High Court
to make a ruling on the matter. Those sponsoring the court challenge say
Mutambara is still their legitimate leader, showing that there are two
factions, of the faction.

Nhlanhla Dube accused Mutambara of being ‘ill-advised’ by forces bent on
seeing the destruction of the party. He said the u-turn by Mutambara to hang
on to the deputy premiership tempts them “to believe that notion which
claimed Mutambara was an MDC leader playing the chief striker’s position for
ZANU PF and President Mugabe.”

MDC-N Deputy Secretary for Information Kurauone Chihwayi issued a statement
saying;
“Mutambara attended the National council meeting of the 7th of January 2011
and also the congress on 8th and 9th January 2011 and formally stood down as
party President at that congress. We also wish to state that it is the party
that which nominated and seconded Mutambara to the position of Deputy Prime
Minister and hence find it strange in the extreme that he now thinks that he
can occupy the same position without the blessing of the party."

Mutambara however said he attended the controversial congress to use the
platform to stress the need for healing in the party and to have all the
grievances addressed.

“I was silent until today, because I was hoping that those claiming party
leadership would be creative and magnanimous, and follow through and heal
the Party as I had suggested. The opposite has happened. Those who are
claiming leadership started victimizing the aggrieved leaders and party
cadres (seizing party assets from them, removing them from national programs
such as COPAC, etc).”

There is intense speculation over Mugabe’s motive in defending Mutambara to
remain as deputy Prime Minister. The Financial Gazette reported last month
that ZANU PF was courting Mutambara to join the party and ZANU PF spokesman
Rugare Gumbo even said the robotics professor was welcome to ‘rejoin’ the
party.

Another motive could be to play on the perceived acrimony between Ncube and
Tsvangirai, with Mugabe reportedly saying he wants to consult the PM on the
matter.

Newspaper vendors attacked as Zimbabwe’s political violence escalates

http://www.apanews.net/

APA-Harare (Zimbabwe) The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) has
condemned the harassment of newspaper vendors and subsequent destruction of
copies of an independent daily (NewsDay) by supporters of President Robert
Mugabe’s ZANU PF party in the capital on Monday, APA learns in a statement
issued Tuesday.

The VMCZ said in a statement on Tuesday that it was disturbed by reports
that ZANU PF youths destroyed several copies of NewsDay and harassed
newspaper vendors from the stable in and around the city of Harare.

Marauding ZANU PF youths beat up NewsDay vendors and tore up a large number
of copies of the newspaper during skirmishes in the capital’s central
business district in which they also destroyed shops owned by foreigners and
suspected supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change led by Prime
Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

“The VMCZ notes with serious concern that this unwarranted intimidation of
NewsDay vendors is undemocratic and inimical to freedom of expression,” the
council said.

It said any individuals or organisations with grievances against particular
publications should seek recourse through the Council’s media complaints
committee.

NewsDay is the most successful private daily and is reportedly seen as a
threat to the state propaganda machinery led by The Herald newspaper.

Other private dailies which were licensed last year are yet to commence
operations.

Thousands of ZANU PF youths have embarked on a violence campaign in the
capital ahead of elections and a referendum scheduled for later this year.

JN/ad/APA
2011-02-08

Police arrest dozens of youths in Zimbabwe    

http://www.sabcnews.com

February 08 2011 , 12:02:00

Thulasizwe Simelane, Harare

Zimbabwe's MDC party has warned that the latest upsurge in political
violence risks plunging the country into lawlessness and chaos. The past
three weeks have seen intense clashes between supporters of president Robert
Mugabe and those of prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai across the country.

Townships around the capital Harare have been the epicentre of the latest
scourge, with hundreds of people now displaced from their homes. The MDC
accuses president Mugabe's ZANU-PF of adopting a strategy to exterminate
Tsvangirai's party from the political scene.

A return to the dark old days. In the Harare township of Mbare, families
fled their homes amid violent. The MDC blames Zanu-PF for the latest spate
of political violence, especially its militant youth and war veterans.
Zanu-PF points the finger right back at the MDC. But there is no disputing
who the real victims of these senseless acts are, and many of them carry no
political party card.

One victims says the Zanu-PF youths came in front of his house chanting: “We
want Chibanda's head, and those of his wife and his child. I saw a large
group charging towards me waving knobkerries rushing towards me to assault
me. I had to run for my life," said the victim. Police reportedly rounded up
the refugees, shortly after we took pictures of the scene.

The political blame game is well and truly on. MDC secretary general, Tendai
Biti, says this violence is being done to pursue an agenda that Zimbabwe can
be run irrespective and oblivious to the people's will, “oblivious to
elections, you can stuff your elections we can reproduce lawlessness in this
country”.

Zanu-PF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, says they know it's a strategy that they
(MDC) are using in order to attract international public opinion, but that
is not going to work because in the first instance they are they are the
provocateurs. Zanu-PF youths took to the streets yesterday, leading to the
closure of shops at this city centre market. There are growing fears that
the violent confrontations may escalate once the president declares a date
for the elections.

Economy Hurt by Uncertainty About Indigenization Law

http://www.voanews.com

Peta Thornycroft | Johannesburg  February 08, 2011

Protests this week in Zimbabwe's capital saw small Nigerian-owned shops
looted by President Robert Mugabe’s loyalists, who say their demonstrations
were in support of so-called indigenization laws. Politicians and economists
say the uncertainty about the laws is harming Zimbabwe's slow economic
recovery.

A year ago, new laws were published that said all companies valued at more
than $500,000 must surrender a 51-percent share to black Zimbabweans.

This sent shock waves through the business community at a time when many
were trying to revive the economy shattered by the former ZANU-PF
government.

The laws have since been revised, but President Robert Mugabe and other
ZANU-PF leaders regularly tell supporters they can help themselves to
majority shareholdings in white and foreign-owned companies.

Industry Minister Welshman Ncube of the smaller Movement for Democratic
Change, has been trying to manage the fallout from the indigenization law,
which he says, has several shortcomings.

"There is a law providing for a framework for indigenization, that law
leaves a lot to be desired in many areas, particularly in terms of clarity
and fairness, [but] unless and until it is changed, it is the law," Ncube
said.

He says the wording within the legislation allows for some flexibility and
discretion within the indigenization law.

"Remember it is not a directory law, it is an aspirational law,” he added.
“It says we shall aspire to have such and such percentage of ownership in
companies in Zimbabwe. It does not say we shall have, it says 'we shall
aspire,' which the government shall endeavour to achieve XYZ."

Earlier this month, a Mauritius company, Essar Africa, took over 55 percent
of Zimbabwe’s only iron and steel company, ZISCO, which was previously
state-owned and went bankrupt under the former ZANU-PF government.

Ncube said flexibility in the indigenization law allowed a foreign company a
majority shareholding of ZISCO.

"For us, what is important is to bring ZISCO back into line and for it to
contribute to the economy of the country, and not to quibble about
six-percent difference in equity," said Ncube.

Ncube says the uncertainty of the indigenization laws has frightened off
many foreign-owned companies from recapitalizing aging factories, such as
the only vehicle tire manufacturer, Dunlop, based in Bulawayo.

"There are many, many companies whose foreign shareholders were about to put
more money in them, say a company such as Dunlop,  and they immediately put
on hold some of those plans," he said.

ZANU-PF Youth Minister Saviour Kasukuwere told party members last month they
had a right to take over South African-owned sugar companies in southeastern
Zimbabwe.

Ncube said Kasukuwere and others who encourage people to take over companies
were inciting them to break the law.

"When Kasukuwere has said that, we have responded, instantly as part of the
government, that it is not government  policy, that it does not have any
foundation in law,  and therefore is unlawful," said Ncube.

Kasukuwere did not answer his mobile phone Tuesday when VOA sought a
response.

Ncube says the uncertainty of the indigenization laws and threats to take
over foreign companies are seriously affecting economic recovery.

While Zimbabwe previously manufactured much of what it consumed, most retail
goods are now imported from South Africa.

Most foreign companies in Zimbabwe are South African-owned.

Mugabe To Launch Anti-Zimbabwe Sanctions Petition

http://www.radiovop.com/

08/02/2011 14:55:00

Harare, February 08,2011 - Zanu (PF's) President Robert Mugabe is expected
to officially launch the anti-Zimbabwe sanctions soon which is aiming at
collecting two million signatures from Zimbabweans.

The campaign has sparked violence in several parts of the country with Zanu
(PF) youth forcing Zimbabweans to sign the petition.

Speaking at a training workshop of the Zanu (PF) politburo on Monday, the
party's chairperson Simon Khaya Moyo said Mugabe will officially launch the
'signature collection' drive to to push the United States, Britain and their
allies to remove sanctions on Mugabe and senior Zanu (PF) officials.

"Let us not start collecting signatures without knowing what to do with
them. We will wait for President Robert Mugabe to launch the programme,"
Moyo said addressing the politburo on the Zimbabwe broadcasting Corporation
(ZBC) main news bulletin.

Meanwhile, the European Union will later this month review sanctions on
Mugabe and his top allies.

Expelled MDC Legislators Speak Out On Mutambara Ouster

http://www.radiovop.com/

08/02/2011 16:20:00

Bulawayo, February 08 2011 - Former Movement of Democratic Change (MDC)
legislators who were expelled from the party in 2008 for challenging the
party’s leadership say they had earlier warned Professor Aurthur Mutambara
of the presidential ambitions of Professor Welshman Ncube.

Former president Arthur Mutambara is refusing to reisgn from his post of
deputy minister to take up an nferior post of Minister of Regional
Integration and Regional cooperation as demanded by his party.

Former Nkayi South legislator Adednico Bhebhe described Ncube, who took over
as president of the smaller faction of the MDC party recently, of being
power hungry and abusing hardworking party cadres to achieve his own selfish
and personal agendas.

“When I was still an MP (member of parliament) and a national council member
of the party, I personal warned Mutambara that he must be very careful when
dealing with Ncube. Mutambara thought I was joking but look where is now.
Ncube and company do not want progressive and elected people around
them.Mutambara has achieved what Ncube wanted him to achieve and he is being
flushed out just like a used toilet paper,” said Bhebhe.

Bhebhe urged Mutambara not to resign from the deputy prime minister’s post
insisting that doing so will be giving Ncube victory.

Bhebhe’s sentiments were also echoed by the former Lupane East, Njabuliso
Mguni who was also sacked from the party after questioning the party’s
parceling of posts in the inclusive government to unelected leaders.

“Welshman is testing is own medicine. In the first place why did he beg
Mutambara to lead party following the split if he is capable of leading the
party? Remember it was him again who master minded our dismissal from the
party. Some of us saw this happening. Its only that Mutambara did not want
to listen to our advice,” said Mguni.

Following Mutambara’s refusal to quit’s Deputy Prime Minister Post; Mguni
said the party was likely to fire him.

Mutambara said he will not step down from his post as deputy prime minister
because Ncube was improperly elected president.

Ncube said his party will meet Wednesday to discuss the matter.

Zim Villagers Tell Zanu (PF) Politburo Members To Go Hang<

http://www.radiovop.com/

BR>08/02/2011 13:05:00

Mwenezi February 8, 2011 – Villagers here openly told two Zanu (PF’s)
politburo members, Dzikamai Mavhaire and Kudakwashe Bhasikiti that they did
not support the illegal invasions of conservancies in the area.

“This not indigenisation, don’t fool us and instruct the people to destroy
their heritage in the name of indigenisation. There are a lot of things that
we can do rather than killing animals in our
conservancies for meat.

“We think someone is insane here. As the people of Mwenezi, we shall never
follow your commands on this one,” a villager who attended the meeting told
the two."

Mavhaire and Bhasikiti said the meeting was to consult with the villagers.

“We are not forcing anyone to invade any conservancy. If you remember very
well, it’s (Titus) Maluleke (Masvingo governor) and Minister of Higher
Education Stan Mudenge, who are after conservancies- not us. We just wanted
to see how people take it and now we have our answer – the
people are hesitant,” said Mavhaire.

Mudenge told the people who gathered at Masvingo Civic Center hall about
three weeks ago that they must immediately go and invade all conservancies
and kill animals for meat purposes.

However, no conservancy was invaded despite Mudenge’s call.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Animals (SPCA) provincial officer
John Chikomo has sent a stern warning saying they will arrest anyone who
will follow Mudenge’s call to invade and kill
animals.

“We are highly alert – assessing whether they have been people who have
since followed the minister’s call. We shall not hesitate to arrest and
prosecute anyone who shall be seen following these ‘mischievous’ calls to
invade conservancies due to insatiable interest for game meat,” said
Chikomo.

Govt loses US$5m in fuel scam

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/

By Chengetai Zvauya and Gugulethu Nyazema
Tuesday, 08 February 2011 17:56

HARARE - The government lost a staggering US$5 million in a dodgy fuel deal
after the country was hit by shortages of the commodity last month.

The shoddy deal was confirmed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of
Energy and Power Development Justin Mupamhanga during a parliamentary
portfolio committee public hearing on the ministry on Monday.

Presenting evidence on the fuel crisis that rocked the country, Mupamhanga
said after government realised that the country was going to faced with fuel
shortages, due to docking problems at Beira in Mozambique,it was decided to
import 4,5m litres through Noah, a South Africa based company, as a stop gap
measure.

“We were very desperate and we approached a company, Noah, to deliver the
commodity. They promised to do so in 48 hours but they never supplied the
fuel, worsening the problem," said Mupamhanga.

He said action was now being taken to recover the fuel and the money.

Zimbabwe was gripped by fuel shortages last month, sending fuel prices
skyrocketing and raising fears of protracted shortages as happened over the
past decade.

The country uses a cash-based system to procure fuel, supplied by 61
independent petroleum firms.

Large quantities are brought through the Beira-Feruka pipeline and the
railway line.

Zim Students Want Presidential Scholarship Scrapped

http://www.radiovop.com

08/02/2011 16:19:00

Harare -The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) is seeking for the
scrapping of the controversial presidential scholarship so that the
government can concentrate on uplifting local educational standards.

“We call upon the national treasury to halt funding of the notorious
Presidential Scholarship,” said ZINASU President Tinashe Mugwadi while
speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday.

The students said the scholarship programme was partisan and largely
benefited students of people with Zanu (PF) links.

“President Mugabe want the scheme to be given US$54 million from treasury
against the local funding of US$ 20 million,” said Mugwadi.

He added that his organisation got an assurance from Finance Minister Tendai
Biti that he will
not release any further funds towards the scholarship programme until
concerns of the student
union have been addressed.

The students held a meeting with both Biti and Higher Education minister
Stan Mudenge to express their disappointment with the scholarship programme
among other things.

At the meeting, Mudenge is said to have hinted that if Biti blocks funds to
the scholarship programme, Mugabe would continue running it using his own
funds like he did with the Presidential
Grain Scheme which has been distributing farm inputs exclusively to Zanu
(PF) supporters.

The presidential scholarship programme was launched by Mugabe to enable
children from disadvantaged backgrounds to get higher education. At its
inception Zimbabwean children from disadvantaged backgrounds were going to
Fort Hare University in South Africa where Mugabe was educated. It has since
been extended to other universities in South Africa and the Far East.

Close to 2 million still need food aid in Zim

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Alex Bell
08 February 2011

A new food assessment report says that close to two million Zimbabweans will
still need food aid in the coming months, despite “better economic
conditions.”

The US-funded Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) reported this
month that about 1.7 million Zimbabweans will be in need of food aid during
the next two months. Both FEWSNET and the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment
Committee (ZimVAC) last year estimated that about 1.3 million rural
households will be food insecure between January and March.

“The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Food Programme (WFP) Crop
and Food Supply Assessment Mission estimated that an additional 400 000
people in the urban areas will not be able to meet their food needs in the
2010/11 consumption year,” FEWSNET said, bringing the estimated number of
food insecure people in Zimbabwe to about 1.7 million.

The main areas of concern include Beitbridge, Gwanda, Matobo, Mangwe,
Bulilima, Hwange, Kariba, Binga, Chiredzi, Chivi, Zaka, Gutu, Bikita,
Buhera, Chimanimani, Nyanga, Rushinga, Mudzi, and Mberengwa.

“These areas also have projected low acute malnutrition levels over the
outlook period,” warned FEWSNET, adding that food assistance programme plans
for the January-March period would be sufficient to cover the assessed
needs. The assistance programmes aim to meet the needs of about 1.6 million
people by March.

Cross-Border Traders Shift From Cash to Safer Electronic Cards

http://www.voanews.com/

Cross Border Traders Association President Killer Zivhu said hundreds of
informal traders in Harare and Bulawayo have opened accounts at a bank
offering such a facility

Gibbs Dube | Washington  07 February 2011

Zimbabwean cross-border traders accustomed to carrying large sums of cash on
trips to South Africa and Botswana - and running the risk of armed robbery -
are shifting to the use of electronic cards that allow them to tap South
African rand while abroad.

Cross Border Traders Association President Killer Zivhu said hundreds of
informal traders have opened accounts at a bank offering such a facility.
Zivhu declined to name the bank, but other sources identified it as the
Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe.

Zivhu said that there are many benefits for account holders. “Cardholders
are eligible to get some kind of insurance cover in case of injuries or
death in accidents while travelling to and from many countries,” the traders
association president said.

But informal trader Jima Ririmba voiced skepticism about using electronic
bank cards.

“At one time we used to have bank accounts linked to foreign banks and when
we accessed cash in South Africa and Botswana, we used to be charged some
unexplained interests. This resulted in most of us to stop using those
accounts and as such we feel that the same is bound to happen [if we join]
this new scheme,” Ririmba said.

Economic commentator Masimba Kuchera however commended the traders
association for innovation on behalf of its members.

Bill Watch 3/2011 of 7h February [Senate to Resume Sitting on Tuesday 8th February]

BILL WATCH 3/2011

[7th February 2011]

The Senate will resume sitting on Tuesday the 8th February

The House of Assembly remains adjourned until the 15th February

Senate Agenda for This Week

Bills The Senate has five Bills on its Order Paper:

Public Order and Security Amendment Bill This Private Member’s Bill, introduced into the House of Assembly by MDC-T Chief Whip Innocent Gonese, will not come up this week.  There is a procedural issue to be resolved over whether Mr Gonese, a non-Senator, is entitled to pilot it through the Senate.  It is hoped that the Bill will not be long delayed, as it was first introduced into the House of Assembly on 2nd February 2010.

Zimbabwe National Security Council Amendment Bill  This is minor amendment, making provision for the Minister of Justice, in his capacity as Minister responsible for prisons, to be an ex officio member of the Council.

Attorney-General’s Office Bill  This will establish the AG’s Office as an entity outside the public service, under the control of new Board which will make staff appointments.  The Attorney-General and the Deputy Attorneys-General will continue to be appointed by the President under the Constitution.  The Bill does not affect the powers or duties of the Attorney-General. [Bill Watch 41/2010 of 7th October 2010 has a full discussion.]

Energy Regulatory Authority Bill This sets up an Authority with a governing board to regulate electricity and petroleum supplies and other energy resources.     

Criminal Laws Amendment (Protection of Power, Communication and Water Infrastructure) Bill  This provides for a tougher response by law enforcement agents and the courts to vandalism and theft of power, communication and water infrastructure material, including mandatory minimum sentences.  [Note these amendments relate to the Electricity Act, the Water Act and various Acts covering communications.  It is not an amendment of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.]    

All these Bills [electronic versions available –address requests to veritas@yoafrica.com] have already been passed by the House of Assembly and transmitted to the Senate, where they will go straight into the Second Reading stage, i.e. when the Minister responsible for the Bill will explain and Senators can debate its principles.  [When a Bill has been transmitted from the House to the Senate it does not have a first reading in the Senate.  This happens only when a Bill’s first introduction to Parliament is in the Senate – a Bill can be first introduced into either House.]

Other Business  Also on the Order Paper are two motions; one by Senator Georgias [ZANU-PF] deploring sanctions, the other the traditional motion of thanks for the President’s speech opening the Parliamentary session.

Update on Inclusive Government

MDC-M Leadership Changes  The changes in the MDC-M leadership made by the party’s congress and standing committee last month have not been translated into changes at inclusive government level.  The President has said he cannot replace Mr Mutambara as Deputy Prime Minister unless Mr Mutambara resigns the post, which Mr Mutambara has said he will not do.  Both the President and Mr Mutambara have also referred to the High Court case brought by a small group of party members to have the congress decisions nullified on the ground that the congress was not lawfully constituted. 

Meetings of Party Principals  The President and Mr Tsvangirai met on Wednesday 2nd February, following violent clashes between their party members in Harare in recent days; Mr Mutambara was not present, being out of the country.  The party principals did not meet at all during January.  The only December meeting was on the 21st – a somewhat delayed fulfilment of an undertaking to resume meetings given to President Zuma during his late November visit to Harare. 

Another Visit by SA facilitators  The South African facilitation team was in Harare from 17th to 20th January and met Constitution Parliamentary Select Committee [COPAC] representatives, the GPA party negotiators and other stakeholders in an effort to speed up the preparation of the “road map to free and fair elections” called for by the SADC Summit on 17th August 2010.

Next SADC Organ Troika Meeting  A Troika meeting is expected this month – the date still to be fixed.    

Next Cabinet meeting  The first Cabinet meeting of 2011 is scheduled for Tuesday 8th February.  Cabinet last met on 14th December.

President Zuma receives new Zimbabwe Ambassador  On 3rd February President Zuma accepted the credentials of Zimbabwe’s new ambassador to South Africa, Phelekezela Mphoko [ZANU PF].  This has raised tensions both between the parties, as MDC-T had hoped to have its nominee in this post, and between the Facilitator and MDC-T, who have accused him of not being impartial.  Mr Zuma has known since last October of MDC-T’s position that this and other recent ambassadorial appointments by President Mugabe are unconstitutional because made without consulting the Prime Minister and others as required by the GPA.   

Referendum Preparations

On 20th January the Zimbabwe Election Support Network [ZESN] released a comprehensive report detailing the defects in the present voters roll; it recommended the drawing-up of a new roll.  [The Report can be downloaded from www.zesn.org.zw - it is a 1.7Mb pdf document.]  On 27th January COPAC confirmed its intention to complete its work in time for the referendum on the new constitution to be held before the end of September.  On 31st January Zimbabwe Electoral Commission [ZEC] chairperson Judge Mtambanengwe said on State television: “In line with its mandate of conducting and supervising all elections and referendums in the country, ZEC has started working with the Registrar-General’s office to ensure that the voters roll is in order in time for the referendum expected later this year.”   The judge retired from the Namibian Supreme court in December and is now back in Zimbabwe to concentrate on his ZEC duties full-time. 

Update on Bills

Bills in Senate

See above under Senate Agenda.

Bills in House of Assembly

Awaiting Second Reading

Deposit Protection Corporation Bill

Awaiting Report by Parliamentary Legal Committee

Small Enterprises Development Corporation Amendment Bill

Bills Gazetted and Awaiting Introduction

General Laws Amendment Bill [gazetted 22nd October 2010] [Electronic version available –address requests to veritas@yoafrica.com] 

National Incomes and Pricing Commission Amendment Bill [gazetted 5th November 2010]

Bills being printed for presentation in Parliament

None.

Statutory Instruments

Fees for registration of journalists and media houses under AIPPA  New registration fees under AIPPA, some greatly increased, were purportedly fixed by regulations published in SI 186/2010, gazetted on 31st December.  The regulations were self-evidently invalid; the fatal legal defect was the statement that the regulations had been made by the Minister of Media, Information and Publicity, who has no power to make such regulations.  Regulations under AIPPA can only be made by the Zimbabwe Media Commission, albeit with the Minister’s approval.  SI 10/2011, gazetted on 4th February, attempts to “correct” this defect by substituting a statement that the regulations were in fact made by the Commission with the Minister’s approval.  [Electronic version of SI 186/2010 as corrected by SI 10/2011 available – email request to veritas@yoafrica.com]

Environmental Management Regulations

Plastic packaging – there have been claims that “Government regulations” are the reason for supermarkets starting to charge for plastic carrier bags, previously usually supplied free.  These charges are not required by law, although they may well be in accordance with official policy to reduce plastic waste.  The relevant regulations under the Environmental Management Act [SI 98/2010] date back to last May and merely prohibit the manufacture, distribution and importation of plastic packaging with a wall thickness of less than 30 micrometres; the only exceptions are packaging that is biodegradable and bread packaging or cling film with a thickness of at least 25 micrometres.

Ozone Depleting Substances and Ozone Depleting Substances Dependent Equipment – SI 7/2011 contains a new set of regulations, effective 1st March 2011, controlling the import and export of ozone-depleting substances and appliances or equipment that rely on those substances to function.  There is an outright ban for “prohibited substances” and related appliances, and a strict licensing system, to be managed by the Ozone Office, for “controlled substances” and related appliances. 

High Court – New Fees Tariff for Legal Practitioners  SI 12/2011, gazetted on 4th February and effective immediately, enacts a new tariff of fees for legal practitioners in High Court civil cases.  [Note this tariff does not control the fees legal practitioners actually charge clients; it is a guide for the calculation of legal expenses a successful litigant may seek to have reimbursed by a defeated opponent.]

Magistrates Courts – New Fees Tariff for Legal Practitioners and Messengers of Court  SI 2/2011, gazetted on 14th January and effective immediately, enacts a new tariff of fees for legal practitioners in magistrates court civil cases. [As with the new High Court tariff noted above, does not control the fees legal practitioners actually charge clients; it is a guide for the calculation of legal expenses a successful litigant may seek to have reimbursed by a defeated opponent..]  There is also a new tariff of fees for the services of messengers of court.

Mining  Regulations – new official fees  SIs 13 and 14/2011 fix new fees payable under the Mines and Minerals Act and regulations.

Veritas makes every effort to ensure reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied