The ZIMBABWE Situation Our thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe
- may peace, truth and justice prevail.
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International Crisis Group
 
Post-Election Zimbabwe: What Next?
Africa Report N°93
7 June 2005

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The 31 March 2005 parliamentary elections that confirmed the full control of President Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF government were neither free nor fair and disappointed those who hoped they might mark a turn away from the crisis that has dominated Zimbabwe's political life for the past five years. The post-election situation looks deceptively familiar. In fact, Mugabe's era is coming to an end, both the ruling party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) face existential challenges, and the international community needs to urgently rethink strategies and find new ways to maintain pressure for a peaceful democratic transition.

Mugabe and the ZANU-PF party used more sophisticated methods than previously but they manipulated the electoral process through a range of legal and extra-legal means to ensure that the election was basically decided well before the first voters reached the polls. With the addition of the 30 representatives Mugabe has the right to appoint, his party now holds 108 of the 150 parliamentary seats, comfortably above the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution at will. ZANU-PF is expected to use that power to prepare a safe and honourable retirement for its 81-year-old leader, who has said he does not want to stand for re-election in 2008.

However, ZANU-PF is beset with factionalism, spurred by the desire of powerful figures to position themselves for the succession fight. A taste of the blood-letting was provided by a bitter party congress in December 2004, but the fact that the main factions substantially represent still unreconciled ethnic interests suggests that holding the party together may be difficult.

In the wake of another stolen election, the MDC must decide fundamental questions, including whether to adopt a more confrontational and extra-parliamentary opposition despite the prospect that any street action risks calling down the full repressive power of the security services. Leadership and party program issues are as much under review as tactics, and some old supporters are asking whether the party can and should survive in its present form.

The "quiet diplomacy" of South Africa, the single state with potentially the greatest influence on Zimbabwe, has failed, at least to the extent it sought to mediate a compromise end to the political stalemate, and the Zimbabwe opposition has indicated it no longer accepts Pretoria as an honest broker. The U.S. and the EU have not hesitated to speak frankly about the quality of the election -- unlike the African states and organisations that have praised it out of apparent reluctance to break solidarity with a one-time revolutionary hero -- but they are no nearer to finding a way to do more than symbolically protest the situation.

The one point on which broad consensus may be possible is that Mugabe needs to go, and quickly, in the interests of his country. That is probably the single most important step, though far from a sufficient one, that can begin to create conditions for a peaceful transition back to democracy and a functioning economy. He cannot be taken at his word that he will leave in 2008, and that is a very long time to wait for a country suffering as much as Zimbabwe is. Regional and other international actors should push for a credible earlier date.

Mugabe's would-be successors within ZANU-PF know their country cannot afford indefinite isolation. In particular, the U.S., the EU and the international financial institutions should make it clear that there will be no end to targeted sanctions, no prospect of substantial aid, and no resumption of normal relations unless there are real changes, not only in the names at the top of government structures but in governance. Indeed, they should signal that in the absence of such changes, ZANU-PF leaders run the risk of stronger measures that may grow out of closer investigation of such policies as their misuse of food aid for political purposes and the general looting of the economy.

ZANU-PF is calling the just concluded election a fresh beginning. It is not. Economic meltdown, food insecurity, political repression and tensions over land and ethnicity are all ongoing facts of life that the election has not changed for the better in any way. But Zimbabwe's crisis is not frozen. In recent weeks, the government has arrested more than 30,000 small, informal traders in the major cities, allegedly to fight the black market but probably at least as much to head off a growing risk of spontaneous protests against economic privation. The ageing of the old and the conflicting ambitions of the would-be new ZANU-PF chieftains, as well as the growing frustration of what until now has been a remarkably non-violent opposition, ensure that change of some kind is coming soon. Unless Zimbabwe's friends get busy and get together, it is all too possible it will be violent and chaotic.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To the Zimbabwe Government and ZANU-PF:

1.  Issue an immediate appeal for food aid, and allow the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, including by NGOs, with transparent distribution mechanisms.

2.  Set a date for the president's retirement before 2008 and initiate discussions with the international community and the opposition as to the parameters of an orderly transition, including the holding of new and joint presidential and parliamentary elections monitored by the UN.

3.  Demonstrate restraint in the exercise of the two-thirds parliamentary majority and the concomitant power to amend the constitution without regard to opposition views and launch a process of legislative revision or repeal designed to dismantle the restrictions on fundamental freedoms contained in such laws as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), and the Private Voluntary Organisations Act (PVO).

4.  Conduct a comprehensive review of the electoral law in light of the experiences of the recent parliamentary election and specifically initiate a series of confidence building measures, including:

(a) elimination of the presidential power to appoint 30 non-elected parliamentarians;

(b) wider and fairer use of absentee ballots; and

(c) clarification of responsibilities and removal of overlaps with respect to such bodies as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Election Supervisory Commission.

5.  Withdraw the NGO bill from parliamentary consideration in its current form.

To the MDC:

6.  Establish a clear party position on next steps and the best way to exert pressure on the government to speed a political transition, and specifically:

(a) revitalise strategic alliances and partnerships with civil society and other stakeholders;

(b) hold party elections in order to refresh leadership and renew party structures;

(c) concentrate on developing practical alternative programs on crucial issues affecting the daily lives of Zimbabweans including the deteriorating economy, food insecurity and human rights abuses; and

(d) rebuild external relations, especially with Southern African governments and the African Union.

To the South African Government:

7.  Acknowledge the insufficiency of its existing policy toward Zimbabwe and conduct a comprehensive review that:

(a) takes into account diverse views from the left, right and centre inside South Africa;

(b) includes clear estimates of the overall costs of the Zimbabwe situation to South Africa's economy and regional stature and democracy in the region; and

(c) is directed at finding a more effective way to resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis and counteract its economic implosion.

8.  Give particular consideration in the course of this policy review to the following not mutually exclusive options:

(a) working with the Commonwealth, especially its secretariat and office of the chairperson (currently held by Nigeria's President Obasanjo) to support comprehensive democratic reforms and to assess progress on governance and restoration of the rule of law; and

(b) encouraging the G8 member countries to use their 6-8 July 2005 summit to send a clear message to Zimbabwe that neither major donors nor international financial organisations will give funds unless there is evident progress in re-instituting a regime based on the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights.

9.  Use the chairmanships of the African Union's Peace and Security Council and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ on politics, defense and security to press President Mugabe to set a date for his early retirement, and the Zimbabwe government to undertake credible measures to ease the political crisis and facilitate economic recovery.

To the Southern African Development Community (SADC):

10.  Review its principles and guidelines governing democratic elections so that observation teams are independent, depoliticised and empowered to study all the elements required to ensure a free and fair election, including the absence of control of the media, selective and politically motivated prosecutions and law enforcement, intimidation, corruption, gerrymandering and control of voter rolls.

11.  Reach out to democratic forces in the region, including the opposition in Zimbabwe.

To the Nigerian Government:

12.  Use the chairmanships of the Commonwealth and the African Union to intensify pressure on the Zimbabwe government to embark on democratic reform and economic recovery.

To the African Union:

13.  Pursue implementation of the January 2005 Report of the Executive Council of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights calling for Zimbabwe to restore an impartial judiciary and security forces, cease arbitrary arrests of political opponents and revise restrictive media and security legislation.

To the Wider International Community, Especially the United Nations, European Union and the United States:

14.  Seek unrestricted access for humanitarian aid in Zimbabwe and examine in a coordinated fashion whether the continued use of food as a political weapon in that country is sufficiently systematic, widespread, and focused on opposition supporters to warrant referral to the UN Security Council.

15.  Press President Mugabe to set a date for his retirement sooner than 2008 and initiate discussions with MDC and ZANU-PF officials about a credible transition process and the contours of a post-Mugabe government.

16.  Expand assistance to the democratic forces in Zimbabwe looking to promote a peaceful and speedy transition, and explore expanding the scope of targeted sanctions against senior individuals in and around the Zimbabwe government and ZANU-PF and the numbers and categories of persons affected.

Pretoria/Brussels, 7 June 2005

 
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----- Original Message -----
From: "egcross"

Action

Please note that the stay away on Thursday and Friday is official - it has
the support of all major civic bodies in the country. They are calling for a
solid two-day stay away from work to protest in a manner that will not
expose people to the violence and intimidation of the Police and the Army.

Just stay at home - do your buying on Wednesday and then take a 4-day break.
Do not go out if you can avoid it as there may be trouble and the safest
place for you is at home.

Please note that this is not the only action being taken - there are several
initiatives being run at the same time. Further action is planned for next
week and you will be informed of this as decisions are taken and the
relevant information can be released to the public.

We are not prepared to take this nonsense anymore. The country is collapsing
and with it our companies and jobs are in serious jeopardy. The Police and
the Army are just as fed up but they want to see what you feel about this
situation. The Stay Away is your first shot at this. Lets act together as we
did before.

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EU urges Zimbabwe government to end demolition campaigns
Brussels, June 7, IRNA
EU-Zimbabwe-Protest
The European Union condemned Tuesday the actions undertaken by the
Zimbabwean Government in the framework of 'Operations Clean Sweep and
Restore Order.'
"The brutal actions which have led to over 20 000 arrests and to the massive
and arbitrary destruction of the dwellings and means of existence of the
neediest urban populations are a blatant proof of the Zimbabwean
Government's lack of concern for the well-being of the civilian population,"
said a statement issued by the current Luxembourg EU Presidency.

The government in Zimbabwe says the campaign, which began in May, is aimed
at cleaning up cities and curbing the black market in staple goods.

The European Union appealed to the Zimbabwean government to put an immediate
end to this operation and to respect human rights and the rule of law.

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http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php4?article_id=6659
Work stoppage and riots in Harare, Zimbabwe
by MUNYARADZI GWISAI

Zimbabwe's trade union leaders called a two-day stayaway for this week in
protest at president Robert Mugabe's latest assault.

Over 20,000 people have been arrested and dozens shot as the government
unleashed its attack on workers and the poor. Around 200,000 people were
made homeless.

As winter sets in thousands of cabins, fleamarkets and houses were razed to
the ground nationwide.

With 80 percent unemployment, mainly because of IMF-inspired policies, the
livelihoods of millions were destroyed.

President Mugabe, after some hesitation while testing the waters, came out
in support of this Operation Murambasvina (Restore Order).

This operation goes beyond the claim by leaders of the opposition Movement
for Democratic Change (MDC) that this is punishment of their supporters.

Some of the biggest victims have been war veterans, gold-panners and
informal traders in areas known for their fanatical support for the ruling
Zanu-PF party, such as Whitecliff, Hatcliff and the Chimoi and Nyadzonio
camps.

Where are the Western governments denouncing Mugabe as millions suffer - as
they did with the invasion of the white farms?

Mugabe and his coterie have declared 2005 "the year to attract investment".
With the elections over they have started their war on the poor to
facilitate this.

Through Operation Restore Order they are intent on sending a clear and
unambiguous message to their capitalist paymasters in the world that the
country has turned a new leaf.

They are saying they are now ready to do everything it takes to advance and
protect the private property and wealth of the capitalists and the rich.

What is happening now is one of the most brutal and ferocious assaults since
the end of white rule.

It has been met by street battles in the townships of St Marys, Glen View,
Budiriro and Glen Norah, shaming all those who believe that Zimbabweans are
docile.

The masses are already charting the way forward, in riots that have united
the poor of both Zanu-PF and MDC. Only such action can stop these
barbarians.

We need to build these into national action, into indefinite general strikes
that shut down the entire country.

There is turmoil in the streets, but workers and trade unions must now join
the action because, despite the government's fake promise of wage rises, the
next big target is organised workers.

Our rulers know that workers have the potential to mobilise all the other
poor and paralyse the economy, as they did in 1997-8.

Munyaradzi Gwisai is a leading member of the International Socialist
Organisation, Zimbabwe

© Copyright Socialist Worker (unless otherwise stated). You may republish if
you include an active link to the original and leave this notice in place.

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ZEDC Introduces Load-Shedding

The Herald (Harare)

June 7, 2005
Posted to the web June 7, 2005

Harare

THE Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company (ZEDC), a subsidiary of Zesa
Holdings, has introduced load-shedding in different urban areas to deal with
increased demand for power during the winter period.

The affected areas are Harare, Chinhoyi, Kadoma and Marondera and power will
be cut during peak hours from 6am and 10am and 5pm and 9pm.

In a statement yesterday, ZEDC said the load-shedding was a result of the
precarious nature of electricity supplies in the country over the winter
peak period.

Load-shedding, which has also been worsened by the loss of two generators at
Hwange Power Station due to a critical shortage of spares for maintenance
and overhauls, is likely to be in force throughout the winter period.

The power utility said it might also have to curtail demand in order to
maintain supply and demand balance particularly during the peak-load times.

People have been urged to treat mains as live during the load-shedding
periods as supplies could be restored before the expiry of the peak period.

"In the event of severe supply deficiencies, the released programme may not
necessarily be followed," the company said.
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'Over 20 000 Stands for Allocation'

The Herald (Harare)

June 7, 2005
Posted to the web June 7, 2005

Harare

GOVERNMENT is committed to ensuring the speedy allocation of residential and
vending stands to people displaced by Operation Murambatsvina-Restore Order,
a Cabinet minister has said.

At least 20 000 residential stands and several thousands of vending stalls
would be allocated in Harare alone this week with civil servants among the
biggest beneficiaries.

A total of 9 960 housing stands would be allocated at Whitecliff Farm while
another 10 040 would be allocated at Hopley, Glaudina and Oda farms.

At least 2 000 stands at Whitecliff would be allocated to civil servants,
with the army, police and prison services getting 600 stands each. The Air
Force of Zimbabwe will receive 400 and the Central Intelligence Organisation
200.

This comes at a time when police said the clean-up operation was continuing,
and that they were targeting all illegal structures that were built at
houses in Mabvuku and Glen View today.

Harare spokesperson Inspector Whisper Bondai said all tuck shops and illegal
cottages that were built at most houses in these areas would be demolished.

"We are also going to carry out this exercise in all suburbs (high and low
density) in Harare and we will leave no stone unturned. We are going to make
sure that all illegal extensions at most houses are brought down," he said.

He urged the people to co-operate with the police and to remove any illegal
structures at their houses.

"As the police, we would also like to applaud some of the people who are
complying with the order and destroying their illegal structures," said Insp
Bondai.

Yesterday the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and Urban
Development, Cde Ignatius Chombo, said the Government would ensure the
completion of all residential flats around the city with beneficiaries of
the flat schemes expected to take occupancy before the end of the month.

The Minister toured Annex Flats near Rufaro Stadium in Mbare to assess
progress.

Cde Chombo, who was accompanied by acting Harare Commission chairperson Cde
Tendai Savanhu, said 36 families would be allocated the two-bedroomed flats
within the next two weeks.

He said other properties ready for occupation within the same period were in
Tafara, Prospect, Tynwald and along Willowvale Road. Cde Chombo said
construction of sample houses at Whitecliff Farm would start this week.
Beneficiaries would choose the type of house depending on the affordability
of the building materials.

The Minister also toured a section of Willowvale Road in Glen View 8 where
informal furniture manufacturers would be housed.

He said 400 small to medium enterprises would get business stands. A
caterpillar from Harare City Council was yesterday levelling the ground in
preparation for construction.

Brick manufacturers who have been operating on the site have been promised
space adjacent to the business units.

The Minister said some of the brick moulders would be given space at
Whitecliff where demand for building materials is expected to be high.

Displaced Mupedzanhamo and Siyaso vendors were still registering with Harare
City Council to be allocated stalls.

Director of housing and community services Mr Numero Mubayiwa said
registration was being done at no cost. He said 1 192 stalls would be
allocated at Mupedzanhamo and another 307 at Siyaso.

Allocation at the retail market at Mbare Musika will follow after the
completion of the two. Registration was expected to end yesterday with
allocation expected to begin this morning.

During the registration exercise people with outstanding bills with council
were asked to clear them.

Mr Mubayiwa said it was important for council to have an inventory of all
the informal traders, as this would allow for planning.

Police were yesterday informing and distributing flyers to Mabvuku
residents, urging them to destroy their illegal structures.

The flyers urged the people to destroy their "shacks, tuck shops and illegal
structures" at their houses.

"The City Council is appealing to the people to destroy all their illegal
structures," reads part of the flyer.

A survey carried out by The Herald also revealed that most people in
Highfield, Glen Norah, Glen View, Budiriro, Kambuzuma and Mufakose suburbs
were removing the illegal structures at their homes.

Most of them could be seen removing roofing sheets while their property was
scattered around the yards, while several trucks and lorries were ferrying
property and people to their respective destinations.

In some areas along the Seke Road, which were demolished by the police, some
people built plastic shacks as they alleged that they had nowhere to go.

At Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Heights near Kambuzuma, police with the aid of a
bulldozer continued to demolish illegal structures, and by evening most of
them had been mangled. Rubbles and property could be seen scattered around
the area.

One of the residents, Ms Farirayi Kwaramba said since Friday their family
has been living in the open because they had nowhere to go.

Their 13-roomed house was demolished yesterday morning.

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STATEMENT BY ROY JANKIELSOHN MP
MEMBER OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ZIMBABWE OBSERVER MISSION

DA CALLS FOR DEBATE ON ZIMBABWEAN ELECTION REPORT

Release: Immediate

Today the DA will call for a debate on the SA parliamentary observer
mission's Zimbabwe election report. It has been two months since the mission
returned from Zimbabwe. It is time that the head of the observer mission,
ANC chief whip Mr Mbulelo Goniwe, substantiates his verdict that the
election was "credible, legitimate, free and fair".

The DA disagrees with this verdict, and substantiated its views that the
election was neither free nor fair with a minority report that assessed the
elections in terms of SADC guidelines. Since Mr Goniwe would not accommodate
minority views, the DA released this report weeks ago.

The taxpayers spent a substantial amount of money on the mission and the
South African public therefore has a right to hear the views of the various
parties who participated in this mission. It is time that the Zimbabwe
elections are debated in parliament. The DA will move a motion in the
National Assembly next week requesting the issue of the Zimbabwe elections
to be placed on the order paper for debate.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
ROY JANKIELSOHN MP 082 562 4120
MEDIA LIAISON:
ROBERT MACDONALD 072 638 7710

[NOTICE OF MOTION]

NOTICE OF MOTION BY ROY JANKIELSOHN DA MP

National Assembly - 1 June 2005

Release: Embargoed against delivery

I hereby give notice on behalf of the Democratic Alliance that I shall move
that the House:

Debates the report of the parliamentary observer mission to Zimbabwe which
is already two months overdue.

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Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 6:46 PM
Subject: Update and Delivery of Donations for Hatcliffe Extension

Thank you VERY MUCH all of you have responded so generously to my appeal for
the people sleeping in the open in Hatcliffe Extension.  As a matter of
interest, I had grossly underestimated the number of people affected in the
new stands.  We did a count yesterday and realised that there are 3000
stands there, each with an average of 6 people, so that is 18000 people plus
the people at the old holding camp 300-400 houses = around 2400 people =
over 20 000 people affected in Hatcliffe Extension alone.

On another point, it is NOT TRUE that the police have burned and destroyed
the donations of blankets, food etc for Hatcliffe Extension - this is a
rumour spread by CIO to discourage people from helping the victims!

For donations, we have now improved the system a bit.  Northside Community
Church was overwhelmed last week, and requests that you only leave small
donations there for their own church members in Hatcliffe.  For the major
exercise, the Catholic Church has agreed to handle collection and
distribution, since they have a large church, St Augustines, in Hatcliffe
One.  Father William Duri of St Gerrards will coordinate this (in the
absence of Fr Webster who is on leave) - so you can leave donations for his
attention at St Gerrards (Stonechat Lane, Borrowdale), also Phillip Milner -
Nazareth House - is helping with distribution so you can also drop off there
for his attention.

If this side of town, you can still drop at my house - 4 Ashbrittle
Crescent - but please be aware that my intercom doesn't work and my husband
doesn't usually hear the hooter, so try just pushing the gate open - it is
no longer automatic (!) and during the day we leave it unlocked.  Jim will
probably be in his study at the back, watching cricket or sth!  You can also
drop at Our Lady of the Wayside crnr The Chase/Pendennis Road, Fr Hackitt
has also agreed to take collections and help distribute if required.

I anticipate that most victims will remain in Hatcliffe Extension for
several more weeks if not months, so please continue to assist  and spread
the word.

Many thanks.
Trudy Stevenson MP
Harare North Constituency
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IOL

Now Zimbabwe targets the tourism sector
          June 07 2005 at 03:04PM

      By MacDonald Dzirutwe

      Hararer - Zimbabwe's campaign to prosecute dozens of hotels for
breaching foreign exchange rules could dent a recovery in a tourism sector
already hurt by years of bad publicity abroad, analysts said on Tuesday.

      At its peak in 1998, tourism brought in 11 percent of the country's
foreign currency inflows but today, hit hard by a plunge in tourist
arrivals, it makes up only 3,5 percent.

      Zimbabwe's hotels charge foreign visitors in foreign currency but due
to low tourist arrivals some hotels have been forced to charge in local
currency or lower their fees just to keep their rooms occupied.

      On Tuesday police said they had begun prosecuting some hotels, game
lodges and tour operators for undercharging foreign visitors or for charging
them in local Zimbabwe dollars instead of hard currency.

      "Investigations are in progress and one hotel has already been
prosecute," said Assistant Police Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena. "It's only
a matter of time before we prosecute each and every operator who breached
the Exchange Control Act."

      The clampdown on hotels coincides with the government's two-week-old
"Operation Restore Order" which has seen tens of thousands of people driven
from their homes in an effort to clear illegal buildings and shanty towns -
mainly in the capital Harare and the tourist resort of Victoria Falls.

      Zimbabwe's economic crisis, blamed by government critics on
mismanagement but blamed by President Robert Mugabe on international
opponents, has seen severe shortages of foreign currency, which has
triggered shortages of fuel and food.

      The country's jobless rate of over 70 percent continues to hit the
country's poor.

      Zimbabwe's Reserve Bank has warned that it would not hesitate to shut
down hotels for breaking forex laws.

      The bank says tourist arrivals rose 30 percent to 452 000 visitors
between January and March this year compared with the same period in 2004,
but this was not matched by an increase in foreign currency inflows.

      It says 26 operators had not collected foreign currency from foreign
tourists while 23, including five-star hotels, had charged "ridiculously low
figures" such as $20 (about R120) a night which could have deprived the
state of more than $200-million.

      Economic analysts said the foreign currency crackdown could worsen the
plight of hotels, some of which were battling to stay afloat with occupancy
levels as low as 15 percent.

      "It is not surprising that some hotels are taking people on terms that
would not be considered ideal N but then they have no choice because they
want to remain in business," leading Harare economist John Robertson told
Reuters.

      "These prosecutions show an unfriendly attitude for an industry that
should operate in a friendly environment and it will only seek to portray a
bad image of Zimbabwe," he said.

      Bourse-listed Meikles Africa Limited , one of the country's premier
hotel groups, said last week in its 2004 full year results there was a
mismatch between inflation and the exchange rate and that hotel occupancy
levels were likely to remain low.

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Sunday Times (SA)

Zimbabwe police brace for strike

Tuesday June 07, 2005 14:14 - (SA)

HARARE - Zimbabwe's security forces were bracing for a mass strike this week
against a highly controversial urban clean-up campaign that has left
thousands destitute and led to the detention of at least 22,000 in Harare, a
police spokesman said.

"We are geared to ensure safety and security for all," said police spokesman
Wayne Bvudzijena, referring to a planned two-day protest due to start on
Thursday.

"We already have information that some individuals and motorists want to
disturb the flow of traffic by blocking roads. Police will impound any cars
used in such activities."

Bvudzijena said the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change and some
non-governmental organisations wanted "to engage in illegal mass action."

A coalition of opposition, labour, students and rights groups calling
themselves the Broad Alliance has called for "a two-day nation-wide stay
away from June 9 to 10 to protest against the insensitivity of this
government."

"It (the government) has destroyed people's homes, it has destroyed the
livelihood of millions of innocent people in the informal sector," the group
said.

"It continues to inflict misery on the people through economic mismanagement
which has led to shortages of fuel, unemployment and transport problems."

Military helicopters hovered over Harare's central business district and
residential areas at several points yesterday in what was interpreted by
many as a fear-instilling tactic.

Baton-wielding police patrolled central Harare last night, dispersing
commuters lining the streets for transport to take them home.

Bands of armed police have gone on the rampage in the last two weeks in
major towns across Zimbabwe, demolishing and torching backyard shacks and
makeshift shop stalls in a campaign that has drawn widespread condemnation.

Affected families have been sleeping in the open in several townships and
slums on the outskirts of Harare while others are battling to find transport
to take them to their rural homes.

Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition party, last week called for
protests against the clean-up campaign and called for foreign intervention
to pressure President Robert Mugabe's government to end the controversial
drive in major towns and cities.

A UN expert last week accused Harare of "a gross violation of human rights"
and of creating a "new kind of apartheid."

AFP

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IOL

American freed from Zimbabwean prison
          June 07 2005 at 12:52PM

      Harare - An American found filming the ongoing crackdown on illegal
structures and businesses across Zimbabwe was released on Monday after
paying a fine for breaching the country's immigration and censorship laws.

      A court official who requested anonymity said Howard Smith Gillman was
fined 400 000 Zimbabwe dollars (R296) by a magistrate in the eastern
Zimbabwean town of Mutare.

      "He was released after paying the fine but it is not yet clear when he
will be deported," the court official said.

      Gillman was reportedly arrested on Monday last week for flouting the
country's media laws by operating as journalist without accreditation.

      He was also charged under immigration laws as he had overstayed his
visa and the censorship act after police said they found pornographic
material at his house.

      Bands of armed police have gone on the rampage in the past two weeks
in major towns across Zimbabwe, demolishing and torching shacks and
makeshift shop stalls in a crackdown that has attracted widespread
condemnation.

      The exercise has left thousands of people destitute and has led to the
arrest of some 22 000 people in Harare. - Sapa-AFP

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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

People speak on stayaway

The Daily Mirror Reporter
issue date :2005-Jun-08

HARARE and Bulawayo residents and political commentators have expressed
varied feelings about the planned job action against the government's clean
up programme being initiated by the Broad Alliance - a loose grouping of
civic bodies and the MDC.
A snap survey by The Daily Mirror showed that although there was no
consensus on the issue, the need to go to work outweighed the call to stay
at home.
Some analysts questioned the rationale behind the planned demonstration,
which they said could plunge the country into further political and
socio-economic turmoil.
Broad Alliance convener Lovemore Madhuku on Monday called for a nationwide
two-day stayaway tomorrow and Friday against the current onslaught on
illegal structures and criminal activities.
The survey conducted yesterday in Harare and Bulawayo showed contrasting
views on whether or not to join the alliance's call, with victims of the
clean-up in agreement while those supporting the government's blitz were
against the mass action.
Residents in Bulawayo said they would not heed the call for a stayaway this
week, arguing they may lose their jobs unnecessarily.
They also said a stayaway would not resolve the current economic problems
dogging the country, but would only worsen the situation.
Albert Charumbira of Sizinda suburb said there was no logic behind the
stayaway as there was always the option of dialogue between the concerned
parties instead of costly confrontation.
"As it has been witnessed over the years, stayaways have failed the nation
and instead of being the solution, they have bled the economy to its current
state.
"If other stakeholders have a problem with the way Zanu PF is ruling this
country, let them resort to dialogue. Stayaways do not help, but destroy the
country, something that we will rue at the end of the day," said Charumbira.

Clever Rukasha echoed the same sentiment, adding there was nothing that the
nation would benefit from the job action and urged the aggrieved to engage
the government in debate over their grievances.
Said Rukasha: "I am not happy about these calls for stayaways. We, as a
nation, should seek and find solutions to our problems through discussion.
There are a lot of ways in which solutions could be reached and not through
stayaways.
"I urge the nation to reject this call as it will derail the national
economic recovery path we are on."
However, Maxwell Chuma said the police action had adversely affected him and
gave thumbs up to the job action.
"I agree with those calling for the stayaway. This is the only way we can
show the government  our anger over the clean-up exercise.
"We have been left jobless. I will certainly join those that are calling for
the stayaway if they call for demonstrations," he said.
In Harare, where two operations - Murambatsvina and Restore Order - kicked
off three weeks ago, University of Zimbabwe law student Thabani Mpofu also
supported the mass action.
A Mabvuku resident who only gave his name as Clayton blamed the government
for the manner in which it was executing the exercise.
"They should have considered our future and our feelings first. In Harare
some three to four families used to stay in one house sharing the little
accommodation available, but they were hastily forced out.
"They are sleeping out in the cold and the authorities are not moved by the
pathetic situation," Clayton said.
Stone sculptors based at the Harare Gardens were yesterday ordered to leave.
 One of them who refused to be named had this to say: "First, our homes were
destroyed and now it's our work place - the core of our livelihoods.
"How does government expect us to survive? We have to express our
displeasure one-way or the other. We are literally already on stayaway -
where do you think we will go from here?"
An ice cream vendor said the operation had forced him off Ardbennie where he
used to foot to and from work.
 "I am now staying far away from town sharing a room with a relative. Life
is no longer the same at all because of this operation. How did this all
come about?" he questioned.
An elderly woman in the Harare Gardens was rather reserved: "We are afraid
the police and soldiers will attack us if we respond positively. I am old
and would not want to be beaten up. If the government allows us to react to
Murambatsvina, I tell you we would choke the streets in protest. All is not
well mwanangu (my child). The people are angry."
Thomas Zigora, the chief executive of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals,
scoffed at the call for a stayaway.
"I will work on the assumption that there is no stayaway basing on the
assurance by the police that they will ensure that law and order prevails,"
he said.
Christopher Tapfumaneyi, the boss at Harare Central Hospital, said: "We do
not speculate. We know that people of Zimbabwe are reasonable enough not to
engage in stayaways.
"We all know there are attempts by the MDC to get into power through the
backdoor. Pamberi nebasa, vanhu ngavaende kubasa, (Forward with work. People
should go to work," said the former serviceman.
Political commentator and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Heneri Dzinotyiwei
asked: "Is that action going to bring bread on people's tables? There might
be a successful stayaway or demonstration on Thursday, but come the next
day, there will still be no bread on our tables.
"What we need now is to address the broader problems that are affecting this
nation. As for now, we are on a downward trend as a country as we continue
to focus on sensational issues instead of looking at the broader agenda."
Joseph Kurebwa, another UZ lecturer, said: "While the Broad Alliance would
want to raise their concerns over the operation, the question is, is it the
most appropriate? I personally believe that it is not.
"I think if they had focused on convincing government to have a longer
notice period for those whose houses are being destroyed or other ways of
ameliorating their suffering, they could make a meaningful social and
political impact."
He added: "I don't think people would want to be seen staying away given the
environment we are currently under. Most people are concerned about feeding
their families and staying away from work could jeopardise their careers as
they risk being fired."
Eldred Masungure, yet another UZ political commentator, said: "While there
is no doubt that such actions would damage the economy, previously the
government has not been moved an inch by these actions.
"From a policy point of view I don't think they would influence anything,
but if the other ways of expressing their anger had been exhausted or
exploited, then the action would be justified."
Masunungure said it should not be ignored that people have been facing a lot
of problems and had a right to express their anger through constitutional
means.

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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

'CIO accused me of supporting Mnangagwa'

Fortune Mbele
issue date :2005-Jun-08

DETAINED Zanu PF deputy director of security Kenny Karidza, on trial on
espionage charges, yesterday told the court that intelligence officers who
interrogated him after his arrest last December demanded to know his views
on the presidential succession issue and also accused him of supporting the
former Parliamentary Speaker Emmerson Mnangagwa and his colleagues.
President Robert Mugabe - in his last Cabinet reshuffle - appointed
Mnangagwa as the Minister of Rural Housing and Social Amenities.
Under cross-examination in the trial within a trial where he is supposed to
prove he was tortured and gave information under duress, Karidza added that
the officers demanded to know information he allegedly sold to a South
African spy agent.
"They asked me about the succession issues as you would recall that the vice
president (Simon Muzenda) had passed away. They also asked me about a white
man they said they had arrested. The other aspect was that they accused me
of supporting Mnangagwa and his colleagues," Karidza said without
elaborating who the ex-Speaker's colleagues were.
Karidza, who doubles up as a music promoter, claimed that after his arrest
he was detained in under ground cells for 14 days, before being blindfolded
and taken to 1 Commando, a military camp along Seke Road, where he was
detained for two more days until he was taken to court.
While at 1 Commando, Karidza averred, he was intermittently covered in
blankets and taken to a Central Intelligence Organisation office at Braeside
Police Station for interrogation.
When prosecutor Lawrence Phiri, persistently asked Karidza to tell the court
what his views were on the succession issue, the latter's lawyer George
Chikumbirike objected arguing that the line of questioning was not relevant
to the trial.
"The question will not help to prove the contention of torture, whether the
information was given freely and voluntarily. In terms of common law, the
issue at hand is the admissibility of the statement made by the witness,
whether he (Phiri) asked him about the succession, whether he (Karidza) gave
us his view, will not take us to the root of this trial. How will the
question of succession help? We are still to hear the relevant issues of the
trial," Chikumbirike said.
However, regional magistrate William Kasitomo overruled the objection before
the matter adjourned.
The trial was in open court for most of the morning, but was later held in
camera in the afternoon.
In a related matter, ambassador-designate to Mozambique, Godfrey Dzvairo was
sentenced to six years in prison while the ruling party's director of
external affairs, Itai Marchi and banker Tendai Matambanadzo were each
slapped with five-year jail terms.
Former Chinhoyi Member of Parliament and businessman Philip Chiyangwa was
removed from remand by the High Court after spending three months behind
bars.
Judge Charles Hungwe blasted the magistrate for being "overzealous" in
handling
the sensitive matter saying he should not have been swayed by media reports
in arriving at his conclusion to throw Chiyangwa behind bars.
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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

Manyika defers election

From Netsai Kembo
issue date :2005-Jun-08

ZANU PF national commissar Elliot Manyika at the weekend postponed
Manicaland provincial elections to Friday after attendance fall far short of
the required quorum.
Addressing party members in Mutare, Manyika - who is also a Minister Without
Portfolio - said holding the elections would have been in breach of the
ruling party's constitution, which stipulates that at least two thirds of
the expected electorate must take part in the voting.
"It seems the people were not informed about today's occasion, hence the low
turn up. And as such, we have no option but to postpone the elections to
next Friday as holding them under this scenario would still render them
unconstitutional," explained Manyika.
Local politburo members, central committee members, district members and 34
members from each organ- youth league, women's league and the main wing were
expected to vote, but only 50 cadres turned up, among them national
secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa, women's league boss Oppah
Muchinguri and politburo member Stanley Sakupwanya.
The elections were to choose the party's provincial chairperson, a post that
fell vacant following the ouster of Mike Madiro and also to elect
secretaries of transport, production, treasury and information and publicity
respectively.
Madiro was slapped with a five-year suspension after being found guilty of
participating in the controversial Tsholotsho meeting last November
reportedly to scuttle the nomination of Joyce Mujuru as second vice
president of Zanu PF.
Vying for the coveted provincial chairmanship are Mutare business mogul and
ruling party national consultative assembly member, Shadreck Beta, newly
appointed Manicaland Governor Tinaye Chigudu and acting chairman Shadreck
Chipanga.
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