The Zimbabwe Situation

The unilateral decision by the 14 Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state in May 2011 to close down the respected regional court of the SADC Tribunal will come under the scrutiny of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) early this year.

A comprehensive submission contesting the Tribunal’s permanent ouster, presented on behalf of two dispossessed Zimbabwean commercial farmers, will be filed with the ACHPR by the applicants’ legal team, this week.

The Commission overruled procedural objections to the case, and directed in November 2012 that the claim be admitted for consideration by the Commission.

This ground-breaking initiative was the precursor of a campaign to reinstate the SADC Tribunal for the benefit of victims of injustice and the abuse of power throughout southern Africa and for the restoration of the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

The first applicant is Luke Tembani (75), formerly a successful black commercial farmer, who lost the title to his farm in November 2000 when it was unilaterally auctioned by the Agricultural Bank of Zimbabwe (ABZ) to cover a loan. This was despite his proposal to sell off a section of the farm to cover the debt.

Although the Zimbabwe High Court ruled in his favour, the ABZ appealed to the Supreme Court and in November 2007 the sale was upheld. Tembani’s case was heard by the SADC Tribunal in June 2009 and the judges ruled in his favour.

The second applicant is Ben Freeth, son-in-law of the late Mike Campbell, an elderly white commercial farmer and Zimbabwean citizen.

After years of harassment and violence, Campbell’s Mount Carmel farm was taken over by an octogenarian former cabinet minister, Nathan Shamuyarira.

Campbell died in April 2011 as a result of injuries sustained during his abduction and torture after the violence-ridden Presidential run-off election in June 2008. His captors were the state-sponsored militia who insisted he withdraw his case underway before the SADC Tribunal.

The applicants have contested the ouster of domestic courts’ jurisdiction to hear cases concerning the Mugabe government’s expropriation of white-owned property without compensation, and the validity of ouster-clauses entitling State-owned financial institutions to execute on agricultural land, denying an aggrieved party all access to court.

The Tribunal’s decisions against the Zimbabwe government – which included contempt of court judgments – have been repudiated by Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, who claimed the court had no legal force in Zimbabwe.

The communication forwarded to the ACHPR on behalf of Tembani and Freeth submits that the suspension and permanent ouster of the SADC Tribunal is unlawful for the following reasons:

The legal team notes that many of the material facts presented in the communication are not only uncontested but are also derived from official SADC documents.

For example, with respect to rights entrenched by Articles 7 and 26 of the African Charter, the document notes that the Charter is explicit about State Parties’ obligations to ‘guarantee the independence of the Courts and …. allow the establishment and improvement of appropriate national institutions entrusted with the promotion and protection of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the present Charter.’

Foreclosing access to the SADC Tribunal to individuals is described as a clear violation of Articles 7 and 26 of the Charter, while the termination of an extant or existing claim is a serious violation of Articles 3(2) and 7(1) of the African Charter, Article 2(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 27 of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

Commenting on the violation of the rule by the SADC heads of state, the legal team quotes Judge President Mzikamanda of Malawi, who wrote in the context of the suspension of the Tribunal:

“Rulers have an even greater obligation to observe the rule of law at all times in order to reinforce the rule of law and eliminate the possibility of the emergence of the rule of men…. This will ensure enjoyment by the individual of the rights and liberties guaranteed by the constitution. Thus an independent judiciary is a critical element to the rule of law.”

The legal team concludes that because the impugned decisions are “contrary to the essence of justice” in that they purport to oust the Tribunal’s jurisdiction in defiance of the rule of law, they are invalid and should be annulled and their effects remedied.

Chief Justice lambasts corruption

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

14.01.13

by Edgar Gweshe

Zimbabwe’s Chief Justice, Godfrey Chidyausiku, has decried high level
corruption in the judiciary, police and prison services and urged combined
efforts to weed out the malaise.

Chidyausiku was speaking at the official opening of the 2013 legal year at
the High Court in the capital today (Monday).

He said there was need for concerted efforts among stakeholders in the
justice system to fight corruption, rather than pointing fingers at each
other.

“Members of the Law Society should not point fingers at us, laugh or shake
their heads at the judiciary on account of our corrupt officials. Neither
should the Police nor the Prison Service.

“In turn, it does not assist anyone if we in the judiciary were to compare
the levels of corruption within the judiciary against those in the police,
prison or Attorney General’s office and boast that ours is much better,”
said Chidyausiku.

Chidyausiku bemoaned that corruption in the justice delivery system had
compromised the performance of the courts.

“One corrupt official in the justice delivery chain taints the entire
system," said Chidyausiku.

He said, as part of efforts to curb corruption, the High Court introduced an
electronic case-tracking system in the Civil Registry department.

“This must be sad news to all those unethical lawyers and litigants who used
to request our officers to backdate pleadings, for a fee of course,” said
Chidyausiku.

He blamed the Executive for turning a blind eye on the poor working
conditions for judges of the Supreme and High Courts and presidents of the
Labour Court.

He said the Executive had failed to fulfill its promise of providing them
with motor vehicles since 2009. “The constitution of Zimbabwe prohibits the
diminution of the conditions of service of a judge during his or her tenure
of office.

“The breach of the constitution by the Executive has been brought to the
attention of the authorities on more than one occasion and it must be a very
grave compelling force that compels the Executive to perpetuate this state
of affairs,” said Chidyausiku.

On another note, Chidyausiku bemoaned the shortage of personnel at the
Labour Court which he said had resulted in an increased workload.

“The unmanageable volume of work in the Labour Court is in my view directly
linked to the faulty structure of that court.

“The court is a one stop shop, catering for all labour disputes without a
mechanism of separating the serious ones from those that may not be so
serious,” he said.

He said there was need to restructure the Labour Court in a way that will
enhance justice delivery in the settlement of labour disputes.

“Disputes that threaten the livelihood of a manufacturing concern for
instance or the possible liquidation of a bank cannot be placed on the same
footing with the termination of the employment of a single domestic employee
for instance,” said Chidyausiku.

He added that despite the appointments of four judges to the High Court
bench in December last year, the number of judges and support staff still
remained low.

Recent surveys indicate that Zimbabwe is one of the most corrupt countries
in Africa.

Zimbabwe judge calls for free vote in upcoming elections

http://www.timeslive.co.za/

Sapa-AFP | 14 January, 2013 14:36

Zimbabwe's top judge on Monday called for elections slated for later this
year to be violence-free, as ill-preparedness raised fears of a repeat of
previously bloody polls.

"We add our voice to those who are calling for free and fair elections that
are held in a violence-free atmosphere," chief justice Godfrey Chidyausiku
said.

The vote is expected to take place later this year and would replace a shaky
unity government lead by President Robert Mugabe and his political foe
Morgan Tsvangirai.

Elections in 2008 left around 200 people dead and hundreds of thousands of
others sought refuge in neighbouring South Africa and overseas.

Chidyausiku expressed the hope that the courts will have fewer
election-related cases to handle this time around.

"Whilst the courts stand ready to hear cases relating to the forthcoming
elections, it is my fervent hope that litigation if any, relating to the
running of and the results emerging from the polls, will be very little."

But there have been warnings that the legal framework for the vote is not
ready.

Human Rights Watch last week warned that the country is well behind schedule
with vital reforms needed to ensure a credible and violence-free election.

The global rights body said repressive legislation had yet to be struck off
the books and the power-sharing government has drafted but not passed a new
constitution.

Both Mugabe and Tsvangirai have called for a peaceful vote.

No date has been fixed yet, but the constitution requires that elections be
held not later than four months after the end of a presidential term.

Mugabe's mandate expires on June 29 and in theory, it means the latest date
polling can take place is October 29

MDC Seeks Justice As High Court Opens

http://www.radiovop.com/

MDC expecting closure in the case in which five of its activists are being
accused of killing a Harare cop.
Harare, January 14, 2013 - The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is
expecting justice to prevail when the High Court session opens on Monday in
the case of five party activists who were denied bail last year for
allegedly taking part in killing a Harare cop.

The MDC Youth Assembly said in a statement:" The MDC family has hopes that
justice will finally prevail as the High court re-opens."

The case had been postponed to the new term after the state asked to seek
clearance of one of the witnesses who is a Cuban National.

"Our hearts at the moment are with the five who were last year denied bail
by Justice Chinembiri Bhunu on the grounds that they are flight risks, a
claim which is baseless since these five were on bail before their
indictment last year."

The five were automatically forced to illegally spend the festive season
behind bars.

For three of these, Glenview councilor Tungamirai Madzokere, Rebecca
Mafikeni and Yvonne Musarurwa, it was their second Christmas in Chikurubi
Maximum Prison.

The three together with the Youth Assembly President Solomon “Mandela”
Madzore spend 2011’s most celebrated day on the land by the Christian
community in illegal detention.

The Glen View 31 are falsely accused of murdering a police Inspector on May
29 2011 at a popular beer outlet in a high density suburb of Glenview.

Details from all witnesses testified before the court so far including that
from chief investigating officer in the matter Ntini;the deceased’s brother
and father continuously weaken the state’s case.

In giving bail to Madzore, Bhunu questioned the reason why he was arrested
in the first place since there was no any sign of him being implicated or
being seen anywhere near the crime scene.

"This clearly shows that this is a case of political persecution of the
innocent cadres of the struggle for real transformation. The MDC Youth
Assembly has been calling for their unconditional release since the accused
persons are victims of conscience who deserve freedom."

"The YA will continue doing activities to amplify their voice calling for
the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining five: Tamai Last
Maengahama, Rebecca Mafikeni, Tungamirai Madzokere, Simon Mapanzure and
Yvonne Musarurwa.

"We know it is Zanu (PF), which is trying to disturb, disrupt, and divert
attention of the MDC mobilisation engine, the Youth Assembly ahead of the
make or break watershed elections which President Tsvangirai is going to win
outright.

"Zanu (PF) is in a state of panic and confusion as they are approaching
their end of 32 years period of serious looting, mis-governance and mass
destruction of the country’s resources including humans. Dirty tactics have
since become their last card," noted the statement.

ZimRights director Machisa arrested by police

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
14 January 2013

ZimRights director Okay Machisa was on Monday arrested and charged by the
police in Harare for allegedly conspiring to ‘commit voter registration
fraud and publishing or communicating falsehoods.’

McDonald Lewanika, the director of Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe, confirmed
to SW Radio Africa that Machisa presented himself to the police in the
presence of his lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa.

Machisa becomes the second person from ZimRights to face similar charges
after his deputy Leo Chamahwinya was arrested last year and is still being
held in remand prison.

Lewanika said Machisa was arrested together with his personal assistant
Faith Mwamutse.

‘They’ve laid the same fraudulent and unfounded charges against Machisa,
just like what they did with Chamahwinya. This action by the police was not
only unexpected but unjustified as well.

‘This is a clear plot by the authorities to stop Zimbabwean voters being
enlightened on voter registration and it’s a clear attack on the people
spearheading this campaign,’ Lewanika added.

Jameson Timba, the Minister of State in Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s
office, went on Facebook to make known his views on the latest crackdown.

‘The continued harassment of civil society leaders in Zimbabwe who are going
about their work, is an affront to democracy and a threat to a free and fair
electoral environment. It must stop,’ he said.

Zanu PF blocking voter registration: Makone

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

14/01/2013 00:00:00
by NewsDay

HOME Affairs co-minister Theresa Makone has claimed that Zanu PF was
refusing to release funds to kick-start the electoral process because party
strategists believe any voters registering now would likely vote for its
rivals.

Zimbabwe is preparing to go for elections later this year to end the
four-year-old fragile inclusive government between President Robert Mugabe’s
Zanu PF party and the two MDCs led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and
Welshman Ncube.

The parties are bickering over the US$21 million needed to finance voter
registration which was supposed to begin early this month but now hangs in
the balance due to unavailability of funds.

Makone, who is also acting Finance Minister said having registered its
supporters for the vote, Zanu PF had taken the position that aspiring to
register now are from other parties, MDC-T in particular.

Makone said she had tried to get money from the Ministry of Mines for the
electoral process without success, alleging this was because Zanu PF wanted
to frustrate the voter registration process as an election strategy because
it had already registered its supporters for voting.

“Anyone who registers now is regarded as an MDC-T supporter,” Makone said at
her home in Domboshava on Saturday while addressing MDC-T activists on bail
for the alleged murder of a police officer Petros Mutedza in Glen View,
Harare, in May 2011.

“At its just-ended National People’s Conference in Gweru in December last
year, Zanu PF claimed it had registered one million new voters. This is a
huge number, enough to secure someone an electoral victory. It would look to
us that they are saying we no longer need any new registration,” Makone
said.

However, Zanu PF secretary for administration, Didymus Mutasa hit back
saying his party had nothing to do with the release of funds which fell
under the armpit of MDC-T.

“Where were they when Zanu PF registered its supporters as voters?” Mutasa
charged.
“Did anyone prevent them from registering their supporters? You can tell her
(Makone) to think properly. It is Biti (Tendai Biti – Finance minister) who
should release funds, and he is MDC-T, not Mpofu (Obert – Mines minister).
The MDC-T should leave Mpofu alone.”

Mutasa added: “It’s money that we need to do voter registration which Biti
has failed to avail, not minerals. How does Mpofu come in? Since when have
minerals been used to register voters? Makone should think straight.”

Makone also said Zanu PF’s refusal to release diamond funds was a delaying
tactic because Mugabe’s party wanted elections to be held after the United
Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly to be co-hosted by
Zimbabwe and Zambia, when the world focus would have shifted off Zimbabwe.

She said Zanu PF was planning to use violence to win the next elections.
“That is why they are delaying the constitution-making process. It is clear
they want elections after the tourism conference. But we will not allow
that. We want elections now, even if it means to go to polls before security
sector reforms.”

She said the MDC-T was ready to go for polls now and would win in a free and
fair election even without campaigning.
“I know security sector reforms will not happen now. We can shriek, do
whatever, but it will not happen now. Only new governments can institute
reforms.

"So for now, we can only hope for a violent-free election before the tourism
event,” she said.

Zimbabwe staggers towards polls

Sunday Independent, January 14, 2013

By Peta Thornycroft

The tortured journey towards Zimbabwe's new constitution lurched forward
during the Christmas break.
Negotiators from the three parties in Zimbabwe's coalition government made
sufficient progress towards a new constitution to revive hope that Zimbabwe
could have a draft charter by the end of this month. That would then be
tested at a national referendum in March or April, paving the way for
elections soon afterwards.
Negotiators from President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF and the two Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) parties agreed on a draft constitution last July.
But Zanu-PF hawks then rejected large chunks of it, mainly clauses which
devolved power away from the president.
Mugabe, 89, whom Zanu-PF has confirmed as its presidential candidate,
renewed his threats to call new presidential and parliamentary elections in
March this year, using the existing independence constitution.
He complained that the inclusive government, in which Zanu-PF still retains
real power, was "useless" or had expired.
But Mugabe found out once again from a Southern African Development
Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam in December that his election
threats were inappropriate and that the region would not support new
Zimbabwe elections without a new constitution and substantial political
reform.
That insistence on a new constitution before elections could go ahead was
reaffirmed at another SADC summit in Dar es Salaam which ended on Friday.
Eric Matinenga of the MDC, Zimbabwe's constitutional affairs minister, said
on Friday of the new round of constitutional negotiations: "There has been
some progress. I believe there is a good chance we will have a draft end
January, and then perhaps a referendum in early April."
Sources close to the small committee formed to negotiate a way out of the
latest blockage towards a new constitution said on Friday: "It looks as if
it is really about to happen. When the document is released and examined,
people will ask why Zanu-PF stopped the draft of July last year, as there
are very few differences in the new draft."
Mugabe returned early from his annual holiday in Asia on Thursday as he and
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, prime minister in the inclusive government,
and Welshman Ncube, president of the small MDC, have to approve the new
draft.
If and when the three party leaders approve of the draft, it then has to be
put to parliament for its approval, which should take about a month.
MDC finance minister Tendai Biti has said repeatedly in the past few months
that he does not have sufficient money in the Treasury to fund a referendum
and elections in 2013.
Voter registration was suspended last week because of insufficient funds.
But on Friday Matinenga was upbeat about funding.
"I think money will be found for the referendum," he said.
"There are so many who want the new constitution."
After the referendum Zimbabwe must gear up for simultaneous parliamentary,
presidential, senate and local government elections to be held before the
end of September. - Independent Foreign Service

Calls for elections before the UN Tourism Conference

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tererai Karimakwenda
14 January, 2013

The United Nations’ World Tourism Conference is due at Victoria Falls in
August. It has now become a key factor in determining a date for elections,
as there will be a global spotlight on the country in the period leading up
to the conference.

Many voices are beginning to speak out on a date for the elections, with the
majority appearing to want them held before the conference.

Their major argument is that elections have always brought violence from
ZANU PF and having a global spotlight on Zimbabwe in the lead up to the
conference would help expose any abuses perpetrated ahead of the elections.

This view was expressed in online comments by the MDC-T legislator Theresa
Makone, the editor of the Standard newspaper Nevanji Madanhire and political
analyst Clifford Mashiri. They all advocated holding elections before the
conference for the same reason, global attention on Zimbabwe.

Speaking on SW Radio Africa’s Behind the Headlines program, Mashiri said if
elections are held after the tourism conference, violence would be unleashed
by ZANU PF because the delegates, who would be observers, would be gone.

“Civic society should start now making noises about holding elections before
the conference. ZANU PF has been raiding civic organisations like Zimrights
trying to intimidate, scare and make them silent so that they don’t speak on
behalf of ordinary Zimbabweans about these elections,” Mashiri explained.

Mashiri added that the period leading up to the conference would be
monitored by the UN and other stakeholders, including the African Union,
SADC and European Union, whose officials would have an opportunity to assess
the political climate.

Germany recently threatened to pull out of the conference if their
investments are not protected, following the seizure of several farms that
were covered by Bilateral Investment and Property Protection Agreements
(BIPPAs).

Mashiri said holding the elections after the conference presents a different
set of problems, as that scenario would give ZANU PF the opportunity to do
what they know best; bully their way through another election and deny the
electorate a fair chance to decide who should govern them.

He added that the usual violence that has always preceded and followed
elections would defeat the whole purpose of the conference, which is to
present Zimbabwe as an attractive destination for tourists and potential
business investors.

Madzore engages lawyers to fight UZ ban

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
14 January 2013

MDC-T Youth Assembly President Solomon Madzore has engaged the services of
lawyers to fight the University of Zimbabwe’s ban that is stopping him
resuming his undergraduate studies.

The youth leader is being prevented from going back to complete his Bachelor
of Science degree in social work, after spending a year in remand prison at
Chikurubi. The UZ authorities argue that Madzore has a pending criminal
case.

Madzore and 30 other MDC-T activists are facing charges of murdering police
inspector Petros Mutedza, in Harare’s Glen View suburb in 2011. They all
deny the charges.

Last week Madzore said he received a one-paragraph reply to his application
to resume his studies at the UZ. The deputy registrar for academic studies
wrote: “I regret to inform you that your application for resumption of
studies was unsuccessful.”

A furious Madzore said the UZ’s actions were tantamount to an extension of
persecution led by the former ruling ZANU PF party. He said he’s since
engaged lawyers to fight the ban.

‘Convicted criminals are allowed to study in prison; even Robert Mugabe did
many of his degrees inside Chikurubi prison. Why is my case any different
from the many others?’ asked Madzore.

High density suburbs without water for months

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Tererai Karimakwenda
14 January, 2013

The Harare city council has continued to fail residents by not providing
basic daily needs like water and electricity, with residents in some areas
now complaining that they have not had water or power for two months.

Reports said the most recently affected areas include parts of Glen View and
Glen Norah, where residents say that they have not had water for two months
and no-one appears to be in charge of the whole system. They fear that water
borne diseases will again become a serious problem.

But Phillip Pasirayi, director of the Centre for Community Development
Zimbabwe (CCDZ), said the problem is more widespread than has been
acknowledged in the press, because many parts of the northern suburbs have
also gone without water for months.

“I was also in Chitungwiza over the weekend and they too don’t have any
water or power. So it’s not just Glen View and Glen Norah. Even the low
density areas have been affected. Our leadership has basically failed us,”
Pasirayi explained.

He said the problem is also getting worse due to the city council not
repairing the infrastructure that has deteriorated. Some of the boreholes
were donated by charity groups like Christian Care, who turned them over to
the council. But council has taken no responsibility for maintaining the
boreholes.

According to Glen View and Glen Norah residents, many of the boreholes that
served the area are currently not working and there appears to be no plans
to repair them, even though the council has been notified.

Residents say when the water does come, it is noticeably brown and contains
sediment that looks like rust from pipes. It is often not safe for drinking.

Pasirayi said the heavy rains that have fallen recently have made the
situation even worse, as the floods are mixing uncollected rubbish with
sewage and other toxins flowing through the streets.

“Water is a basic human right and it is interconntected with other rights.
Everything revolves around water. We have a serious governance crisis,”
Pasirayi said.

Chief Negomo demands US$1,1m from Tavydale Farm owner

http://www.herald.co.zw

Monday, 14 January 2013 00:00

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter

Mashonaland Central province traditional leader, Chief Negomo (Luscious
Chitsinde), is demanding US$1,1 million from a commercial farmer at Tavydale
Farm, Mr Pip Mattison, as compensation for 50 A1 farmers whose maize crop he
destroyed in a land dispute.

In determining the figure at a traditional court on Saturday, Chief Negomo
calculated the costs of inputs that the 50 farmers incurred and multiplied
it by 300 hectares.

Some of the costs considered were seed maize , fertilizer, tillage and
herbicides, among others.
The matter was heard as a default case as Mr Matison failed to turn up at
Chief Negomo’s court. Mr Mattison was also ordered to pay two herds of
cattle, three goats, two sheep, a cock and a 10-metre piece cloth to cleanse
the area which he said was now defiled.

Chief Negomo gave Mr Mattison up to February 23 this year to pay up and
asked the farmers to come on that day to collect their compensation money.

Mr Mattison’s lawyers, Mr Tich Muhonde of Muhonde Attorneys, had earlier
written to Chief Negomo that his client would not come arguing that the
traditional leader had no jurisdiction to hear the case. Most of the 50
farmers attended the traditional court session where they gave evidence.

The farmers complained that most of their belongings were still locked up at
the farm as they had been barred from the farm. In their evidence, the
farmers said they were convinced that Mr Mattison was riding on the support
of some influential politicians and some Government officials in the
province.

“Our cattle, chickens, clothes and other belongings are still locked up at
the farm. We are staying with well-wishers who are giving us clothes to
wear,” said Ms Cecilia Chivhunga.

“Where is the white farmer deriving this power to destroy our crops? Dzvinyu
kuzambira zuva huona mwena,” said Mr Andrew Negomo.

Another farmer, Mr Vengesai Majaji, said they were issued with offer letters
by District Administrator, Mrs Shelter Nyakudya, and last year and Mr
Mattison would actually lend them his tractor to plough.

“Some of the farmers were arrested by police and charged with trespassing.
How can we trespass on an area we have offer letters and where we have been
farming for one year,” he said.

Air Zimbabwe targets TB Joshua pilgrims

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

14/01/2013 00:00:00
by NewsDay

AIR Zimbabwe will soon exploit the flocking of several Zimbabweans to
Nigeria on religious missions by introducing flights to the West African
country.

Sources at the airline told NewsDay that the airline was set to introduce
flights from Harare to Lagos by March this year.

The new route is likely to be serviced by one of the airline’s two airbuses,
according to the sources.
“Our assessment is that quite a significant number of Zimbabweans are
travelling to Nigeria and so we are taking advantage of this development,”
said one of the sources.

Air Zimbabwe acquired two airbuses under unclear circumstances and at one
time the airline management professed ignorance over the acquisition of the
planes.

The flights to Nigeria will be introduced at the same time the airline will
start flying to Ghana, another West African country.

Several Zimbabweans, among them Zanu PF leaders and senior officials in
MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s party, are frequently travelling to Nigeria
to attend church and healing services offered by Prophet Temitope Balogun
Joshua.

The airline is also expected to re-introduce the Harare-London route.

Air Zimbabwe stopped flying to London in December 2011 after fears its
planes would be seized over a $2,8 million debt.
The national flag carrier resumed servicing the Harare–Johannesburg route in
November last year, having suspended operations 10 months earlier.

The airline is also set to re-introduce the Bulawayo-Johannesburg route.
Company spokesperson Shingai Taruvinga was, however, not willing to divulge
the new routes the airline would service, but confirmed Air Zimbabwe would
expand its operations soon.

“We are not yet clear on which routes we will take,” he said.
“We are still finalising a few things, but we have plans to introduce
regional and international flights sometime in March, so once we finalise we
will give you the information.”

Mujuru criticised for saying God anointed Mugabe

http://www.swradioafrica.com

Staff Writer
14 Janaury 2013

Vice-President Joice Mujuru has been strongly condemned for saying that
President Robert Mugabe was anointed by God to lead Zimbabwe.

While speaking at the official opening of an Apostolic Faith Church building
in Mhondoro on Saturday, Mujuru said Mugabe was anointed at the age of 10
and that those fighting to replace him are wasting their time.

She added: ‘Leaders are anointed by God, making them irreplaceable. People
are wasting their time by opposing President Mugabe. It was prophesied way
back in 1934, when he was only 10 years old, that he was going to lead this
country. How can a normal person challenge such a leader,’ Mujuru queried.

But Mujuru’s remarks have sparked a deluge of reactions on social media
sites like Facebook, with one user spearheading the assault and posing the
question: ‘If he was anointed to rule was he also anointed to ruin our
country?’

Another user followed up the attack saying: ‘It’s frightening when we have
such scandalous, blasphemous statement from people like Mujuru.’

Pedzisai Ruhanya, a political analyst and director with the Zimbabwe
Democracy Institute, told SW Radio Africa on Monday that Mujuru’s utterances
were politically bankrupt and mischievous.

‘What she said is shocking considering that her party stands accused of
violating human rights on a massive scale. When she says Mugabe was
anointed, anointed by who, maybe by Satan,’ he said.

Mujuru’s statement on Mugabe comes at a time when politicians in the country
are chasing the religious vote, with only a few months before a crucial
poll.

They are taking the battle to the open-air spaces and sports arenas where
the more charismatic church leaders are drawing crowds as big as 50,000.
Mugabe has on occasion appeared at an open-air mass gathering of the large
apostolic sect, complete in the white gown and staff that is the trademark
of sect’s worshippers.

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has also been attending a series of “prayer
for peace” rallies – mass prayer meetings organised by the Zimbabwe National
Pastors’ Conference, a grouping of mostly Pentecostal church leaders.

He has professed his faith and told the gatherings that Zimbabwe’s problems
would be eased by prayer.

Political analyst Blessing Vava said: “It is nothing new. ZANU PF has been
using every platform to gain political mileage. They have been into music,
soccer, churches and, of late, clothing to try to lure as many followers as
possible.

PM Transforms Rural Communities

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff Reporter 5 hours 23 minutes ago

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai plans to roll-out the drip irrigation maize
project countrywide to promote rural development.
The drip irrigation project he launched last year at his Humanikwa Village
in Buhera late last year has shown that with more Government focus, rural
transformation can change communities.
The pilot project seeks to demonstrate a link between a smallholder farmer,
technology, and agriculture and food security.
The crop, planted in October last year is now ready for harvesting. The PM
expects to harvest about 15 tonnes per hectare and if land was set aside in
the 1 958 wards total yield could go a long way to alleviate Zimbabwe's
annual maize requirements.
Co-manager of the project Komborero Tsvangirai urged authorities to
nationalize the project to end hunger.
"This kind of project is very useful in ending hunger in the country. After
harvesting the maize the PM has said that he would give families that fail
to harvest since leadership is shown by giving to others."
The Premier has reiterated the need to invest in science and technology in
the agricultural sector to improve productivity and transform rural lives.
During the official launch of the project Tsvangirai said: "I intend to make
the project a model that could be applied on national level to fight food
insecurity in the country, ending hunger and poverty."
Eric Munanga (35) the co-manager of the project commended the concept behind
the drip irrigation project.
"This kind of a project is viable in alleviating food challenges that are as
a result of poor rainfall patterns that characterize Buhera. This will end
poverty and hunger in many families and the advantage with drip irrigation
is that it doesn't require a lot of labor," he said.
"We expect to harvest about 15 tonnes of maize since 75% of the maize plant
carries an average of two cobs," added Munanga.
Buhera district is located in Manicaland Province were poor rainfall
patterns occur perennially. If successfully implemented, drip irrigation may
end the country's food shortages.

Ivory dealers nabbed

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff Reporter 2 hours 11 minutes ago

HARARE - Three people have been arrested at the Africa Unity Square in
Harare after they were found in possession of 18 elephant tusks.
The suspected dealers - Simon Simon (44), Joseph Madziwa (47), and Godfrey
Mashafunga (29), were arrested following a tip-off by the public.

The three are expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police Border Control and Minerals Unit, Harare
provincial spokesperson, Detective Inspector Douglas Shoko, said the tusks
were wrapped in a nylon sack and stashed behind the seat of a pick up truck
they were travelling in.

Detective Inspector Shoko warned people to be properly registered as dealers
as the unit is working tirelessly to curb cases of rampant poaching which is
costing the state millions of dollars monthly.

Chinese scholars to study Shona

http://www.herald.co.zw

Monday, 14 January 2013 00:00

Herald Reporters

CHINESE scholars at Remin University may soon study Shona as a foreign
language, Confucius Institute (CI) director Professor Pedzisai Mashiri has
revealed. Speaking at the Confucius Institute of the Year awards ceremony in
Harare last week, Prof Mashiri said 14 Zimbabwean students were currently
studying for Masters Degrees in Chinese at Remin.

Seven local lecturers received full one-year scholarships from the Chinese
government and will graduate in July.

“In promoting cultural exchange, we aim to introduce Shona as a second
language in China.
“The CI is in the process of engaging Government to incorporate Chinese in
school syllabi,” he said.

Prof Mashiri implored Government to put in place policies that would provide
short-term Chinese courses to critical departments such as the army, police,
courts and agricultural sectors to improve industry and commerce through
communication and trade.

The CI at the UZ, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in November last
year, received the Confucius Institute of the Year award at the Annual
International Confucius Institute Conference in Beijing, China, in December
in recognition of outstanding performance in teaching the Chinese language
and culture and promoting student exchange.

The award is given to 20 excellent Confucius Institutes from African, Asian,
European, Australian, Oceanic and North and South American regions. Chinese
Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Lin Lin said the CI at the UZ opened with only two
teachers and 30 students.

“The CI at UZ now has five classrooms, nine teachers and 700 students.
“This award recognises the institution’s outstanding performance in teaching
Chinese language, spreading Chinese culture, training local Chinese teachers
and promoting student exchange,” he said.

Mt Darwin Villagers dismiss Makandiwa

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff Reporter 10 hours 33 minutes ago

VILLAGERS in Mukumbura, Mt Darwin, have dismissed claims that there were
pockets of gold in Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s home area, saying the claims
were baseless and challenged the popular United Family Interdenominational
Church (UFIC) founder to personally come and show them the precious mineral.
This followed a prophecy by Makandiwa on New Year’s eve and claims by a
senior member of his church Prime Kufakunesu that gold was appearing
everywhere in the area and villagers were picking it up in their yards when
wind blows.
NewsDay visited the area at the weekend where villagers, including a
headman, councillor, businesspeople and mostly unemployed youths, dismissed
the claims and the prophecy.
Michael Ndarade, the local councillor for the area, said the only “good”
thing that was happening in Mukumbura and surrounding areas was the donation
of foodstuffs by government.
“I am hearing this for the first time. Other than the wheat and rice we got
from the President, that we were giving out today, there is nothing else and
the claims are unfounded,” he said.
Businessman Maxwell Katiza said: “The prophet must be open on what he is
saying. There is nothing like that here. In fact it is common knowledge that
whenever rain falls, there will be a lot of panning going on along the river
and it has always been there. To say gold is coming with the wind is just
not true. Maybe if he is telling us what will happen.
“These days there is no panning going on as most people are busy in the
fields. We will wait for gold to start raining if Makandiwa prophesied
correctly.”
Another villager Shumi Chinzodzi said: “That’s his (Makandiwa’s) home area
and probably he knew that this time around, there is gold. We have received
calls from relatives and friends asking us about the gold rush and we were
surprised. If there is rain there is gold in areas like Mukumbura, Kaitano
Chiswiti, Tsenga and Mutasa, it’s known.”
Headman Phillip Dzikarura said maybe Makandiwa was picking gold in his
Muzarabani area as people in his village in Mukumbura where surviving on
menial jobs.
“Maybe he is picking up gold in his Muzarabani area. There is nothing here
and those who are surviving on gold get at least a point from the rivers,”
said Dzikarura.
Makandiwa prophesied that there will be divine intervention to end the
country’s economic woes. He said gold would be picked up from the ground
across the country.
“The Lord told me: ‘Tell Zimbabweans to change their focus.’ Everyone is
saying diamonds, diamonds, but I see another precious mineral for Zimbabwe .
. . gold will be picked up from the ground,” he prophesied.
“Mysteriously, gold will be appearing everywhere. As I was praying, I saw a
wind blowing and I saw gold coming to the surface. People are going to be
picking up gold without any drilling,” he said.
Last week, Kufa told more than 10 000 worshippers at the City Sports Centre
in Harare that “gold grains” had been found in a village in Mukumbura,
claiming that he made the discovery when he attended a funeral at the
village where he saw villagers picking up “gold” in their yards.
“The old lady said: ‘What is happening here is very strange as each time a
heavy wind blows villagers are picking grains of gold in their yards’,” he
said.
The claims by Kufakunesu forced government to dispatch a team to investigate
whether indeed there was gold in the area with villagers saying they were
witnessing several people who appear to be State agents and potential buyers
lining up to pocket the miracle mineral.
Efforts to get a comment from Makandiwa’s spokesperson Kufakunesu were in
vain last night. -newsDay

Veteran broadcaster Sam Sibanda dies

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

Staff reporter
14 January 2013

State media reported this weekend that veteran Radio 2 broadcaster Sam
Sibanda died early Sunday morning at his home in Chitungwiza.

Sam is one of those broadcasters who could truly be described as a veteran,
having joined Rhodesia Broadcasting in 1975. After independence in 1980 he
became popular for his early morning show which highlighted his sense of
humour.

Mourners are gathered at Number 12585, Unit N in Chitungwiza and Sam will be
buried in Zvishavane, his rural home, on Tuesday.

He is survived by his wife, two children and two grand children.

Implats Zimbabwe deal in balance

Sunday Independent, January 14, 2013

By Peta Thornycroft

The decision by South Africa's Implats on Friday to sell a majority of its
Zimbabwe platinum assets to Zimbabwe comes with many strings attached.
The deal would not go ahead until the Zimbabwe government settled its R1
billion debt for land it bought from Implats in 2006, mining sources said.
Implats agreed to sell the government a portion of its platinum-rich land in
central Zimbabwe at a huge discount, hoping to secure some empowerment
credits.
But the Zimbabwe government did not give Implats any empowerment credits,
nor did it pay for the land. So it now owes Implats about R1.23bn.
Implats owns about 84 percent of Zimplats, its operation in Zimbabwe. Under
the deal agreed last week, 20 percent of shares in Zimplats will go to
Zimbabwe trusts. But it is not clear what those trusts will earn as Zimplats
has never paid a dividend, because its profits have always been reinvested
in expansion.
The 31 percent shareholding which Zimplats made available for sale to the
largely bankrupt Zimbabwe government will be valued independently. But
insiders predict the shares will cost between R2.4bn and R3.2bn.
"So many people in South Africa and beyond seem to be under the impression
that Zimbabwe's indigenisation process means shares are being handed out for
free," said a senior mining consultant who has monitored the deal for
several years.
"That is not the case. The shares have to be bought and paid for."
There are several unanswered questions about how the Zimplats shares will be
paid for as local investors appear to have no money to purchase them, and
certainly the government can't pay for them unless it cancels all financial
support for health, education, the military and more.
"The shares could not be bought by loans from dividends as Zimplats has
never paid any dividends. At a propaganda level it looks great for Zanu-PF
and the indigenisation ministry, but the reality is different," the
consultant said yesterday.
Who is going to pay the debt for that land and who is going to pay for the
shares?
The existing management of the mining operations will remain where it is,
dependent largely on expatriate expertise.
And the complex minerals extracted from the Zimbabwe sites will continue to
be processed in South Africa, as there is no refinery in Zimbabwe. -
Independent Foreign Service

Eric Knight speaks on political ambitions

http://nehandaradio.com/

on January 14, 2013 at 7:00 am

POPULAR radio personality Eric Knight recently came in the open and said he
would be contesting in the next elections. Life and Style Reporter Silence
Charumbira (SC) managed to secure an interview with Knight (EK) and below
are some of the excerpts from the interview.

SC: I am informed that you will be contesting in the next elections, have
you always harboured political ambitions?

EK: Yes, it’s true I am eyeing a parliamentary seat, but do not forget at
the end of the day it is the people of Mbare who decide, it depends on one’s
understanding of politics. To me a simplistic definition of politics is
“People”. So in that sense I have always been a person who advocates for
freedom, justice and truth. A human being was created to be free, that is
why even God never imposes Himself on anyone. He asks you to invite Him. I
have always been a PEOPLE’S man even at ZBC. That is one of the reasons I
had to leave (ZBC) because I stood for the truth.

SC: Which party and constituency?

EK: MDC T and Mbare. I was born in the humble streets of Mbare, educated in
Mbare, grew up in Mbare and worked at Mbare Studios. So brand Eric Knight
was manufactured in Mbare, I owe a lot to the people of Mbare and before I
leave planet Earth I want to live a legacy in the area. I joined

MDC-T because their principles match mine. It is a party formed from a
workers union remember, their policy has been always the rights of the
people. For me MDC-T is a movement, more than a party so any movement that
promotes democracy is in line with my dreams for Zimbabwe.

SC: When did you start having political ambitions?

EK: It was in 2002 when I was conscientised about the party by a good friend
of mine who was equally committed to democracy and had people at heart, the
late Learnmore Jongwe whom I describe as an intelligent comrade, combatant,
colleague and brother; may his soul rest in peace.

SC: Did you ever try to join the new radio stations?

EK: I never tried to join these new radio stations. In fact, my friend Ezra
Tshisa Sibanda and myself started a vibrant radio in the UK, Visionsradio
which is the most popular online Zimbabwean radio station since inception
two years ago.

We applied for a radio licence alongside all these news stations. But I am
very sure the moment it was discovered that the station is owned by Ezra and
myself the application was chucked into the bin.

Not even once did they mention that Eric and Ezra had also submitted an
application because they know the people of Zimbabwe would be interested and
we would be a huge threat to ZBC and the other stations.

Yes, one of the new stations wanted me to come aboard, but I put my
conditions, one of which I demanded total freedom in my programmes, but as
you know they want a “Yes Man”.

SC: Are you quitting broadcasting forever?

EK: No, I am not quitting broadcasting, but I want to take broadcasting to
another level.

I was listening to all stations in Zimbabwe and watched ZTV while I was in
the country. My heart bled on seeing how badly the standards have fallen.

It is shocking to say the least. This is one of the reasons I want to get
into government. The airwaves need a total metamorphosis at all levels.

SC: What do you promise to do differently if you are elected an MP?

EK: As a Member of Parliament I do not believe in promises, but I believe in
openness and transparency. Listen, people are tired of promises. We have
been independent for more than 32 years, but do we look like a country that
has been free for that long? I was in Mbare recently, it is shocking the
kind of houses that people live in, totally unfit for human inhabitancy.
Roads all over the country are appalling. The youths are all “dealers”.

Honestly, where is the country going? Some of our leaders must be ashamed of
themselves. Surprising they still want to cling to power after all after
these years of leadership, what is it that they can change now that they
could not in 32 years?

Honestly, it is a disgrace. It is time to stop blaming the West for our own
problems. We need to work as Zimbabweans and it starts with a committed,
people-driven government. The main problem is that our leaders forget that
leadership is not a post, it is a responsibility.

And one other thing, we need a new generation of God-fearing leadership.
Righteousness exalts a nation.

SC: What do you miss most about Zimbabwe?

EK: Well, of course I do miss Zimbabwe, the people, the food, the
environment and all about it.

SC: Are you bitter about being sacked from ZBC?

EK: No, in fact I thank them for giving me an opportunity to show case my
God-given talent. When God takes something out of your hand, he is only
freeing it to receive something better. Imagine if I had remained at ZBC
under those conditions, I would in fact be ashamed to be part of that setup.

Do not get me wrong, I am not lambasting any individuals, it is the system
that I am against. ZBC programme content is simply not representative of the
majority. I am not surprised at the number of households who now watch DSTV
in Zimbabwe. That should tell you something. It has to change.

SC: Are you working together with Ezra Tshisa Sibanda? If yes, on what
level?

EK: I work with Ezra because we are such a formidable combination, I am
told. But tell you what, his decision to venture into politics has nothing
to do with mine. It was not discussed. It was a coincidence that he also has
political ambitions. Maybe it is simply because we have the same beliefs.

SC: Tell me about your life in the UK, family?

EK: My kids are doing wonders in the United Kingdom. I thank God for giving
me a lovely family and believe me they are going to do greater things than
myself because they knew God at a very tender age.

SC: What is the relationship that you have now with your former workmates,
politicians and musicians in Zimbabwe and abroad?

EK: Yes, I have cordial relationships with former workmates at ZBC. Most of
them are always saying Eric we are here not because we like it but ibasa (we
are working). Yes, I liaise with politicians from different parties.

I am always online with some very senior government officials, questioning
some of their decisions and of course I do give praise where it is due.

It is not all politicians who are not competent. Yes, I still have a very
good relationship with musicians. I am always in touch with people like
Tuku, Thomas Mapfumo, Albert Nyathi and many others.

SC: Your last words.

EK: My last word to fans and all Zimbabweans is let us seek divine
intervention and pray for our country more. Yes, the country is bedevilled
with problems, but there is no problem that is a problem to God. I love you
all. NewsDay

Army worm outbreak threatens Zimbabwe’s food security

http://www.irinnews.org

Photo: Agrillifetoday/Flickr

Army worms develop into moths that can migrate thousands of kilometres

HARARE, 14 January 2013 (IRIN) - An army worm outbreak threatens to worsen food security in Zimbabwe, where close to 1.6 million people already face food shortages ahead of the March harvest.

According to the Plant Protection Research Institute, the crop-eating caterpillar could spread further as "moist winds blowing into Zimbabwe from the north may bring more moths that will develop into army worm and trigger fresh outbreaks of the pest".

Godfrey Chikwenhere, who heads the institute and is the government’s chief entomologist, said the rapid spread of army worm moths has made it difficult to contain the outbreak. “They originate in countries such as Zambia, Uganda and even Tanzania and are blown into the country when strong, moist winds bring rain. More rainfall brings more moths and, ultimately, fresh outbreaks.”

The outbreak has so far hit five of the country’s eight farming provinces. It is reported to have destroyed hundreds of hectares of the staple maize crop in Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland, the country’s top food-producing provinces. Midlands and Matabeleland North provinces have also been affected.

Chikwenhere says the government has enough carbaryl, the chemical used to contain the pest. But a senior official in the agricultural ministry, who wishes to remain anonymous, says there is a shortage of the pesticide.

This year’s yield was already expected to be significantly reduced due to the late onset of rains.

Widespread army worm outbreaks were reported in December in Zambia, where they affected nearly 60,000 farmers before being brought under control by spraying, according to the International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA). Smaller outbreaks have also been reported in Botswana and Malawi.

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

Statement by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Morgan Tsvangirai on first principals’ meeting of 2013

http://www.mdc.co.zw

Monday, 14 January 2013

Principals met in Harare today, for the first time in 2013, to review ways
of attending to the national needs of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
(ZEC) and to discuss progress made by the special Cabinet committee on the
Constitution-making process.

The Ministry of Finance has already committed to immediately disburse $2
million to ZEC as government intensifies efforts to mobilise addition
resources.

On the Constitution-making process, the leaders acknowledged the progress
made by the special Cabinet committee, including the Copac co-chairpersons.
In this regard, the political leaders will be meeting on Thursday to receive
a report from the committee.

Meanwhile, the committee is expected to meet tomorrow, Tuesday, and if
necessary on Wednesday to complete their work and submit a report to the
political leaders.

The leaders are keen to have the process expedited so that the 18 July 2012
draft constitution can be taken to referendum as soon as practicable.

T. W. Bango
Acting Spokesperson
Prime Minister’s office, Harare, Zimbabwe.

African Commission receives historic submission for reinstatement of SADC Tribunal