The ZIMBABWE Situation Our thoughts and prayers are with Zimbabwe
- may peace, truth and justice prevail.
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Zim Online

Chinese to take over former white-owned farms
Wed 18 May 2005

      HARARE - The Zimbabwe government is planning to offer former white
farms for free to Chinese state-owned firms in a desperate bid to revive the
key agricultural sector, ZimOnline has learnt.

      Details of the planned land-for-investment scheme are still sketchy.
But sources said Harare, vigorously pursuing a new "look-East" policy after
falling out with the West because of its poor human rights record, was
looking for a government to government deal.

      Officials of state-owned agro-firm, China State Farms Agribusiness
Corporation (CSFAC), were expected in Harare "soon" for talks with
government officials on the modalities of the proposed farming partnership,
according to the sources.

      "Details of the deal are not yet clear as the actual talks are yet to
be done. But both Zimbabwe and China seem keen to embark on the deal. The
government is desperate to have agriculture back on the tracks," said the
source, who spoke on condition he was not named.

      Intelligence Minister Dydmus Mutasa, ordered by President Robert
Mugabe last week to also oversee land reform, has been tasked to repossess
all underutilised land and hand it over to the Chinese once the deal is in
place.

      The government is targeting unproductive land owned by blacks
apparently because there was no longer enough land in white hands, after
close to 90 percent of the former white commercial farmers were stripped off
land under the government's chaotic and often violent land reforms.

      "There is no longer enough land to grab from white farmers. So what
will happen is that Mutasa will have to find land from blacks who are seen
to have failed to productively farm. This is the land that will be given to
the Chinese," the source said.

      Mutasa refused to take questions on the matter accusing ZimOnline of
seeking to upset relations the government was trying to build with the
Chinese.

      "You seem bent on destroying whatever good the government is doing.
You don't want us to build any relations," Mutasa fumed.

      It was also not possible to get comment from the Chinese embassy in
Harare.

      This is not the first time that the government has attempted to give
land taken from white Zimbabwean farmers to foreigners.

      At the height of fuel shortages three years ago, the government signed
a similar deal with Libya under which Tripoli was to take large swathes of
land in exchange for fuel. The deal collapsed as the Libyans preferred cash
at that time.

      Apart from seeking help from the Chinese, the government is also
secretly approaching some of the expelled white farmers enticing them to
return to the land with promises of compensation for equipment lost during
the farm seizures and security from evictions in future.

      Zimbabwe has since 2002 virtually survived on food handouts from
international donors because of severe food shortages after a 60 percent
drop in food production because black families resettled by the government
on former white-owned farms lack skills and resources. - ZimOnline

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Zim Online

Failure to devalue dollar may deliver knock out punch to export sector:
analysts
Wed 18 May 2005
  HARARE - Zimbabwe business leaders and economic analysts say the country's
troubled export sector could totally collapse if Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
governor, Gideon Gono, does not significantly devalue the local dollar when
he announces his monetary policy review statement tomorrow.

      Gono belatedly announces his monetary policy review statement for the
first quarter tomorrow amid reports President Robert Mugabe and his ruling
ZANU PF party are leaning heavily on him not to drastically lower the value
of the Zimbabwe dollar against the American unit.

      Mugabe and his party, still wary of tension gripping Zimbabwe after
their disputed victory in a general election last March, fear the political
fallout once prices start spiralling up while inflation balloons in the
aftermath of a readjustment of the Zimbabwe dollar to its true market value.

      But Harare-based economic analyst John Robertson warned that failure
by Gono to devalue the dollar tomorrow could deal the knock-out punch to
several exporting firms, already weighed down by severe shortages of foreign
currency, fuel, electricity and raw materials.

      He told ZimOnline yesterday: "If Gono is under instruction not to move
the exchange rate, we will see the collapse of the exporting companies . . .
exporters expect an exchange rate of around Z$12 000 to the American dollar,
which may just be able to cover costs."

      Exporters are currently fetching at most $6 200 to one American unit
at the government's foreign currency auction floors, which is way below the
$23 000 the greenback fetches on the illegal but thriving black-market.

      As a result, most foreign currency is being diverted to the parallel
market leaving companies deprived of a legitimate source of hard cash to
import raw materials, machine spares and equipment.

      Several manufacturing firms that require more foreign currency for
their operations are on the verge of collapse with some having already
reduced work shifts and hours to stay afloat, Confederation of Zimbabwe
Industry (CZI) leaders disclosed at a meeting of business executives and
government officials last week.

      "For business, foreign currency is its lifeblood . . . many businesses
are on the verge of closing down because of inability to source foreign
exchange," CZI president Patterson Sithole told the meeting.

      But insiders yesterday said Gono will not go for wholesale devaluation
tomorrow indicating he was most likely to offer special exchange rates -
almost equal to black-market rates - for the key export earning gold,
horticultural and tobacco industries to keep them afloat.

      Other sectors of the economy and ordinary citizens would continue to
trade their hard cash at the semi-fixed auction floor rate, the sources
said.

      Zimbabwe has grappled severe currency shortages since the
International Monetary Fund cut balance-of-payments support six years ago
after disagreeing with Harare over fiscal policy, human and property rights
and other governance issues.

      Mugabe's chaotic and often violent land reforms that destabilised the
tobacco sector, which generated the bulk of Zimbabwe's hard cash earnings,
only helped exacerbate foreign currency crisis. - ZimOnline

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Zim Online

Pressure group defiantly distributes protest album
Wed 18 May 2005
  HARARE - Zimbabwean civic groups have begun distributing an album of
protest music calling for a new and democratic constitution in open defiance
of police orders not to release the music to the public.

      The police earlier last week banned the civic group coalition,
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), from launching or distributing the
music album until the government's Censorship Board had listened to it and
determined whether it should be released to the public.

      But NCA chairman Lovemore Madhuku yesterday said his group had last
weekend distributed copies of the album for free to operators of rural and
urban public transport buses to play to passengers.

      "The police have not succeeded and cannot succeed in preventing the
distribution of this musical album," Madhuku said in a statement to the
Press.

      Apart from calling for democratic and constitutional reforms some of
the music on the album also castigates police brutality against political
opponents of the government.

      Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena could not be reached yesterday for
comment on the matter.

      The government has resorted to the 1967 Censorship and Entertainment
Act to ban music and literature it considers too critical of its rule.

      Four newspapers including the country's largest circulating
non-government-owned daily, the Daily News, remain off the streets after
they were banned by the state as part of a vicious clampdown on divergent
voices and dissension in the last two years.

      Madhuku said: "it is a shame that the citizens of Zimbabwe continue to
be denied their right to freedom of expression through colonial and
undemocratic pieces of legislation such as the Censorship and Entertainment
Control Act of 1967." - ZimOnline

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Zim Online

Lawyers want charges against ex-minister quashed
Wed 18 May 2005
  HARARE - Lawyers representing jailed former finance minister Chris
Kuruneri, who is being charged with externalising huge sums of foreign
currency, yesterday asked the High Court to throw out the case against the
former minister.

      Advocate Julia Woods told the court that the charges against Kuruneri
must be dismissed as they were vaguely drafted and did not disclose any
offence.

      "The charges are mere speculation. The indictment does not say how the
offences were committed, where, the dates and what amounts were involved on
each of the occasions," said Woods.

      Kuruneri was arrested last year in April for allegedly externalising
US$500 000, 37 000 pounds, 30 000 euros and 1.2 million rand in breach of
the country's tight exchange regulations. He has been languishing in remand
prison since then after several attempts to secure bail failed.

      Woods said the charges against Kuruneri also implicated the then Jewel
Bank chief executive officer Gideon Gono, now the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
governor, who personally transferred some of the funds to South Africa. Gono
is scheduled to testify against Kuruneri in the high profile case.

      Kuruneri is also accused of possessing a Canadian passport in breach
of the Citizenship Act which bars Zimbabweans from holding dual citizenship.
He is denying all the charges.

      Justice Susan Mavangira, who is presiding over the case is expected to
make a ruling today on the defence's application to have the case quashed. -
ZimOnline

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Zim Online

Tsvangirai remanded to August in treason case
Wed 18 May 2005
  HARARE - Zimbabwe's main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
party leader Morgan Tsvangirai was yesterday remanded to August 2 when he
appeared in court for routine remand hearing in his second treason case.

      Tsvangirai is being charged with treason after calling mass
anti-government protests by supporters of his Movement for Democratic Change
party two years ago which the state alleges were an attempt to
unconstitutionally remove the government from power.

      The opposition leader's lawyer, Chris Mhike, told the court he will
apply for his client to be struck off remand at the next hearing because the
state was failing to bring the matter to trial.

      "We lodged our complaint that the state is delaying this matter. So we
gave notice that at the next appearance we will be making an application for
refusal of remand," said Mhike.

      Tsvangirai was last year acquitted by the High Court of plotting to
assassinate Mugabe in another high profile treason case.

      The international community accuses the government of using the law to
harass and incapacitate the opposition leader who has provided Mugabe with
the stiffest challenge to his 25-year grip on power. - ZimOnline

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The Times

            May 18, 2005

            Briton who led alleged coup plot faces slow death in African
jail
            By Daniel McGrory and David Lister

            SIMON MANN, the former SAS officer and alleged leader of a
botched mercenary coup, faces extradition to a notorious African prison.
            Ministers in Zimbabwe, where Mann is imprisoned, said yesterday
that they were ready to send the Old Etonian to Equatorial Guinea, where he
would be held in the brutal Black Beach jail.

            Amnesty International says that prisoners sent there are
condemned to "a slow, lingering death sentence". Investigators found that
inmates were tortured and starved. Even officials in Malobo, the capital,
say that Western prisoners cannot survive for long because of the appalling
health conditions.

            Equatorial Guinea is frustrated by what it sees as a reluctance
by Scotland Yard to investigate British businessmen alleged to have
bankrolled the failed coup in March last year.

            Mann, 51, and 66 mercenaries were arrested in Zimbabwe en route
to Equatorial Guinea. Officials have accused Mann of being the ringleader
and claim that he knows all those who funded the plot.

            Mann, a friend and former neighbour of Sir Mark Thatcher in Cape
Town, is accused of using a bank account in the Channel Islands to fund the
botched takeover.

            Sir Mark has been named in court by lawyers for Equatorial
Guinea as an alleged sponsor. The son of Baroness Thatcher, the former Prime
Minister, pleaded guilty in a South African court to unwittingly funding the
purchase of an aircraft to be used by the mercenaries.

            Jeffrey Archer is alleged to have provided $240,000 (£129,000).
The former Tory chairman denies involvement.An official in Equatorial Guinea
said: "We had a solemn pledge from the Foreign Office and the Yard that they
would investigate those we hold responsible. Nothing has been done so we
will take matters into our own hands."

            A delegation is heading for Harare today, where Mann was
convicted for illegally trying to buy weapons. It is asking President Mugabe's
regime to speed up the process of handing over Mann.

            Zobuza Gula-Ndebele, the Zimbabwean Attorney-General, said
yesterday that the Government was ready to extradite Mann to face charges of
high treason. Mr Mugabe is keen to co-operate with Equatorial Guinea because
President Obiang has promised to help Zimbabwe's ailing economy with loans
and oil.

            The authorities in Equatorial Guinea say that Mann will not face
the death penalty if he identifies his alleged co-conspirators; Mann's
lawyers say that they will fight any attempt to move him to Equatorial
Guinea. His family say that he is in poor health after 14 months in jail. An
official in Malobo said: "It is doubtful any Western prisoner could survive
for more than three years because of the health problems."

            Zimbabwe freed 62 alleged mercenaries at the weekend. They face
prosecution in South Africa under anti-mercenary laws. They are said to have
agreed to admit involvement in a coup plot in return for fines and suspended
sentences.

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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

Fracas at MDC HQ

The Daily Mirror Reporter
issue date :2005-May-18

THE MDC has been rocked by infighting, amid reports that a number of
party-issued vehicles have been withdrawn from top officials, while youths
have assaulted some party leaders.
Highly placed sources said the squabbles were a result of some top officials
seeking to position themselves ahead of the party's belated congress, now
billed for next January.
One of the first casualties of the vehicle withdrawals targeted by the
youths was party secretary general Welshman Ncube, while an attempt was made
at his deputy Gift Chimanikire's two personal vehicles.
The youths who tried to confiscate Chimanikire's vehicles had allegedly done
so believing they were party vehicles.
Some provincial leaders also had their vehicles confiscated.
The withdrawals were allegedly instigated by members of the party's "Top
 Six", who are not happy with their colleagues' continued presence in the
top leadership.
The "Top Six" comprises Tsvangirai, his deputy Gibson Sibanda, national
chairman Isaac Matongo, Welshman Ncube, Fletcher Dulini Ncube and
Chimanikire.
At least two people were assaulted by the youths who were calling for the
expulsion of Ncube, national treasurer Dulini Ncube, Chimanikire and other
members of the national executive.
The party's national secretary for youth, Diamond Karanda, was severely
assaulted when about 50 youths besieged the party's headquarters, Harvest
House in Harare, on Monday.
Sources said he was rushed to hospital where he was recuperating. Efforts by
The Daily Mirror to visit him were futile yesterday.  An executive member
for Mashonaland East, identified only as Chamunorwa, who was found at Ncube's
house when the youths went to confiscate the party vehicle, also got a good
hiding. "Initially, the youths forcibly evacuated everyone from Harvest
House. They went on to occupy the whole of Harvest House and demanded an
overhaul of the party leadership, excluding Tsvangirai and Matongo," the
sources added.
"Chamunorwa, who was at Ncube's house, was severely assaulted by the thugs
that had gone there to tow the secretary general's vehicle," said the
source.
"Karanda is detained at the Avenues Clinic after the brutal attack from the
thugs at Harvest House yesterday," he added.
The assaults and confiscation of vehicles, dubbed "the war of attrition",
resulted in the "Top Six" holding an emergency meeting at Tsvangirai's house
at 11 am yesterday, the sources said.
MDC spokesperson Paul Themba Nyathi confirmed the disturbances yesterday
morning.
"That is what we hear as well. The leadership of the party received the
matter and is currently working on it."
He blamed Zanu PF for infiltrating the opposition party with the aim of
destabilising it.
"Zanu PF will do whatever is in its power to destroy us, like they did with
other opposition parties," Nyathi said.
Repeated efforts to get a comment from Welshman Ncube were fruitless
yesterday.
Tsvangirai confirmed the fracas.
"I am just arriving. We are dealing with the issue," was all he said.
Tsvangirai arrived back home on Monday night from Mauritius, where he had
gone to see the country's Prime Minister Paul Berenger, who is also the
current Sadc chairman.

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Harvest House is not the MDC

I have been contacted by quite a few people in the last few days, asking if
the skirmishes going on at Harvest House mean that the MDC is falling apart.

Absolutely not!  The entire National Executive met for a two-day retreat 10
days ago to analyse the election and chart the way forward.  We came out of
that retreat united and with one purpose in mind - to continue our struggle
for democratic change.  We resolved unanimously that the only way forward
for our nation is through a new, people-driven constitution, to return
sovereignty to the PEOPLE and to provide the conditions for a truly
democratic, free and fair election for a legitimate government which will
resolve the economic and social crisis afflicting every Zimbabwean.

This past weekend the top National Executive Management Committee met to
strategise on how to implement our resolution.  Once again the group emerged
more united than ever and determined to lead the struggle for change
together as a team.

Talk of division and split is therefore coming from outside, fuelled no
doubt by some of the $62 billion  that CIO was allocated in this year's
budget.  Unfortunately, in today's dire economic circumstances when most of
our members, especially our youth, are unemployed and struggling to survive,
it is easy to persuade them with a bit of money to create mayhem, especially
if they are made to believe that others - especially party leaders - are
getting huge sums while they get nothing. What better time to do so than
just after an election, when many are idle and possibly disillusioned, and
when the party is preparing to go to Congress?

Yes, it is essential to maintain discipline in the party, and yes, action
must be taken against anyone involved in activities which run counter to the
party's code of conduct and constitution.  That said, however, we are
certain that the happenings at Harvest House and possibly elsewhere are
driven by the regime's attempts to destroy the MDC.  They have been trying
to destroy the MDC ever since we began to form this party at the Working
People's Convention in February 1999.  It is to the immense credit of the
MDC that we have steadfastly resisted all such attempts, and that we remain
a strong, united party 6 years down the line.  Anyone who is found to be
working to destroy this party is certain to be dealt with severely by all
those who have poured life and soul into the MDC over the past 6 years, and
the relatives and friends of all those who have suffered and died for its
cause.

The MDC is not a building, or a particular group of people, a Province or
even the National Executive.  The MDC is made up of every single member.  We
exist in every corner of Zimbabwe and at every level of society.  We exist
even in the hearts and minds of those who dare not join us openly.  We are
the hope of this country for a new Zimbabwe and a better life for all.  We
will not allow a few misguided individuals to destroy that hope - so let the
regime and its agents be warned.

Harvest House is not the MDC!

Trudy Stevenson
Secretary for Policy and Research
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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

New twist to Chegutu saga

Brian Mangwende
issue date :2005-May-18

. . . acting Town Clerk the latest target
Yesterday, Zinyowera told this newspaper that he had been told to continue
with his duties, projects and programmes until further notice.

"After my letter, we had a meeting with
the deputy minister and permanent secretary where it was agreed that I
continue until further notice," he said. "I guess that means the termination
is no longer effective. I still remain the acting town clerk. I
am putting things on a normal footing. Tenders have since been floated, with
the latest for the rehabilitation and construction of new roads to open
tomorrow (today). We are now waiting for the delivery of goods and services
from those who won tenders.

"Everything is now under control and I am not in any way under pressure from
the ministry officials to resign anymore."

On 25 April this year, Local Government Minister Ignatious Chombo suspended,
without benefits, the deputy mayor Phineas Mariyapera and 10 other
councillors for alleged interference into the local authority's affairs -
two years after a government investigating team had recommended the move.

PERRENIAL problems dogging
Chegutu Municipality have taken an extra twist after it recently surfaced
that the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Housing was
now gunning
for the scalp of strident acting Town Clerk, Marufu Zinyowera, before he
completes his mandate.
He was mandated to put Chegutu back on its rails, but impeccable sources
said his affiliation to the Executive Mayor Francis Dhlakama of the
opposition MDC, could cost him his job.
Information at hand shows that on
March 14 this year, Zinyowera wrote a letter to the ministry's permanent
secretary
 David Munyoro, about his orchestrated termination of services by senior
ministry officials as the acting town clerk of the troubled local authority.
".I received a phone call from
Mr Munyaradzi, asking me to report
 to the Ministry of Local Government to discuss the termination of my
services as the acting Town Clerk of the Municipality of Chegutu.I am going
to facilitate a
signed clearance of existing assets and finances of the Municipality of
Chegutu.Such an exercise on my part is of the utmost urgency because I had
started putting on line finances and programmes for the rehabilitation of
Chegutu."
Munyaradzi is a senior official in the Local Government Ministry.
Zinyowera said he had sourced $1 billion from the Transport Ministry for the
rehabilitation of roads and $2,550 billion under the PSIP programme
earmarked for the rehabilitation and extension of the water and sewage
reticulation which was now at tender adjudication stage, but not utilized
to-date.
In the same letter, he further stated that he was in the process of opening
a $20 billion facility with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to address the
myriad of problems facing Chegutu residents.
Said Zinyowera: "I am apprehensive
about this money, taking into account the peculiar history of the Chegutu
council.  For what it's worth and my experiences in Chegutu, the ministry
has to monitor these funds and assess the prioritized projects from
inception through to completion.
This money could go a long way to transforming Chegutu."
The acting Town Clerk, who is still in
office, alluded to fact that there was an incredible culture of
non-performance with the majority of workers loitering around council
premises doing nothing - a situation he claims was witnessed by Mashonaland
West Governor and Resident Minister Nelson Samkange.
"As the acting town clerk," Zinyowera said, "I had gone half way in
recruiting staff (senior) at this level.Chegutu is overstaffed in terms of
numbers, but very understaffed in terms of skills, productivity and
commitment," he said.
However, as the saga unfolded, Zinyowera held a meeting between the deputy
minister and Munyoro, following his letter and it the ministry officials
made an about-turn and asked him to continue with his duties indefinitely.
The team had pinpointed Mariyapera, whose alleged interference has had
adverse ripple effects in service delivery, as one of the main sources of
the current problems plaguing Chegutu municipality.

Meanwhile, Chegutu Municipality
has about seven cases before the
courts, notably Mrs Kuchena vs Town Clerk; the non-completion/under
performance
in servicing of Chegutu residential stands by Forit; the repossession of
land purportedly bought by former Chinhoyi
MP Philip Chiyangwa and resold to NSSA, both cases referred to Honey and
Blackenburg law firm; and a claim of $400 million by suspended deputy mayor
Mariyapera.

Other cases are that of Marko Properties vs Chegutu Municipality in which
the company bought land - before Zinyowera joined council - to build a
shopping complex before they would be eligible to apply for title deeds.

However, they allegedly put up a tiny structure and are now demanding the
title deeds to secure loans from banks; the contentious question of double
allocation of stands and stolen council property.
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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

Prosecutor scared to handle

Court Reporter
issue date :2005-May-18

THE prosecutor in the treason case of MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai is afraid
to handle the matter because of its political nature, the opposition leader's
attorney alleged yesterday.

The lawyer, Chris Mhike, made the allegation at the Harare Magistrate Courts
soon after the prosecution had declined response to Tsvangirai's application
for refusal of further remand.
Mhike of prominent Harare law firm, Atherstone and Cook also accused the
State of dilly-dallying in concluding the case.
He told magistrate Priscilla Chigumba that Bright Pambwe was scared to
prosecute the case because it was hot to handle.
"You note that on our last remand date we made our intentions clear that
today we would make our application for refusal of remand. We, however, note
that the prosecutor on the bar is new on the matter and he would not be able
to respond to the application," Mhike said.
He went on: "Prosecution is gripped by fear because they perceive the matter
to be political. They should not be scared that the matter is political. On
our next remand, which will be supplied by the prosecution, we will make the
application."
Chigumba then directed the State to move faster so that justice can be done
as Tsvangirai had been on remand on this case for nearly two years now.
The former firebrand trade unionist leader who turned unionism for politics
is being charged with treason or alternatively Incitement of Public Violence
and also contravening the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).
The charges against Tsvangirai arose after he allegedly called for the
ouster of President Robert Mugabe - dubbed the "Final Push" after he lost
the 2002 presidential election to the current Head of State.
The State alleges that in March 2003, Tsvangirai plotted to overthrow the
government.
He did so by allegedly urging MDC supporters to engage in mass stay-aways
and held nation wide rallies to unseat the President through mass
demonstrations.
On May 31 2003 Tsvangirai allegedly announced through the media that the
"Final Push" to State House would take place on June 2 that year.
He defied a High Court order barring him from staging demonstrations and he
was arrested, the State alleged.
Clad in a scotch jacket, a black and maroon tie with a matching
chequered-shirt, Tsvangirai looked calm and kept smiling throughout. Soon
after proceedings  Tsvangirai declined to speak to the press referring all
questions to his attorney, Mhike.
Mhike said the State was punishing the MDC leader by continuously placing
him on further remand. He called on the State to press ahead with the
charges so that the case is done with once and for all.
"The magistrate also appreciates the matter has been on remand for too long
and my client feels that the matter should be finalised. Justice delayed is
justice denied," Mhike said.
Hearing for the application for refusal of remand is expected on August 2
this year.
The High Court acquitted Tsvangirai last year on allegations he attempted to
assassinate President Mugabe using a Canadian consultancy firm led by Ari
Ben Manashe who was the State's key witness in the trial

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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

Mutare residents, Zinwa clash

From Netsai Kembo in Mutare
issue date :2005-May-18

RESIDENTS of Zimunya Township, about 15 km south-east of Mutare city, are up
in arms against the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) for allegedly
billing them astronomical water charges.
Apart from unrealistic water rates, the people further complained that the
water they use was untreated and posed serious health hazards.
Contacted for comment, acting Manicaland provincial water engineer Vengesai
Mazambani could neither confirm nor deny the accusations and referred all
questions to the catchments manager, only identified as Murinye.
Murinye was said to be out of the country, when this newspaper made efforts
to contact him.
"Such accusations by consumers against service providers are common every
where.
"However, I have, on my finger tips, all the answers to your questions, but
I can't comment because I am out of office and driving. Murinye is in a
better position to comment since he is the catchments manager," Mazambani
said.
Nevertheless, residents insisted that since taking over direct
responsibility for water provision and billing from the Mutare Rural Distict
Council (MRDC) nearly a year ago, Zinwa had always provided poor services,
which did not justify high bills.
They also complained bitterly about what they said were gross inaccurate
meter recordings.
They said figures on the statements sometimes differed with the actual
amount of water consumed.
"There is never any justification for Zinwa to charge us money for untreated
water drawn directly from the Mupudzi River. Maybe their only expense is for
fuel used when machines are pumping because everything was already there
when they took over the water provision responsibility from council," said
residents spokesperson James Garabha.
 "One can actually see particles in the untreated water which is ample
evidence that the precious liquid was a danger to human life," said a
disgruntled resident.
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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

Governor embroiled in farm controversy

The Daily Mirror Reporter
issue date :2005-May-18

MASHONALAND West Governor and Resident Minister Nelson Samkange is embroiled
in controversy following allegations by Zitac chief executive William
Nyabonda, that the governor confiscated 450 kgs of tobacco belonging to him.
Nyabonda said he reported the matter to the police at Banket (RRB No.
0720840) but The Daily Mirror could not verify that as Chief Superintendent
Oliver Mandipaka refused comment. However, last year Nyabonda said Samkange
had approached him, saying he was failing to utilise his Rukoba Farm in the
province. As a senior government official, the governor told Nyabonda, it
would put him in bad light, especially considering government calls for
newly resettled people to fully utilise their expropriated property or risk
losing it.
The Zitac boss said Samkange then offered him to grow tobacco; however, the
farm would remain the governor's.
" I then poured $4 billion on a tobacco project. Some of the bills went to
pay for electricity. I employed 98 workers, but from nowhere the governor
came and claimed that everything was his. The governor's sons assaulted
three of my guards. Some of my workers ran away as a result of the threats.
Everything was reported to Banket Police. Guards have been posted at the
farm and they are barring anyone entry," said Nyabonda.
He said he had managed to produce 240 kgs of tobacco while he had also moved
200 kg from elsewhere to the farm, and claimed that the governor had
confiscated everything. Contacted yesterday, the governor said the issue was
a long story and if The Daily Mirror wanted to cover the story, it should
come to his Chinhoyi offices for a "discussion".
" I am not going to say anything. I cannot discuss this on the phone. You
have to come here if you want to write that story," said Samkange. At one
stage the governor said the tobacco belonged to him, but pressed why he was
preventing Nyabonda from taking the golden leaf he said: "I did not prevent
him from taking his tobacco."
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Daily Mirror, Zimbabwe

Labour shortage hit new farmers

Farming Reporter
issue date :2005-May-18

ZIMBABWE'S newly resettled A2 farmers say the continual labour shortages
that have hit them is affecting their production targets as farm labourers,
formerly employed by white commercial farmers, are not willing to take up
jobs with them.
About 27 000 new farmers took up plots on farms owned by white commercial
farmers. The new farmers have come under pressure to reach output levels of
their predecessors.
However, some of the farmers last week said apart from several other
challenges that they been facing since taking up their plots, the acute
manpower shortages were weighing down heavily on their operations.
Most of the farmers said they offered the government prescribed $7 750 per
day salary scale that their neighbouring white farmers are paying but the
workers preferred working for the latter.
They said they also offer their workers other incentives not offered by
white farmers such as plots.
"They just do not want to work for us, even if you give them enough money.
The white farmers even fail to pay them in time but they still flock to
them," said Daniel Mbofana, an A2 farmer in Chegutu.
When The Daily Mirror toured the area last week, farm labourers at Fopojena
Farm had staged a brief job action protesting on what they said were low
salaries although the farmer insisted that he was paying them the government
rates.
However, some of the workers said they where not aware of the salaries that
the government had pegged. They felt insecure working for the new farmers
because their payments were erratic.
"The white farmers were more organised and we received our salaries in time.
Apart from the salaries, everything at the farms was well looked after and
you could feel a sense of security.
"Some of our new employers offer empty promises. It is better to work on
small packages that you get at the end of the day than to be promised huge
perks that you never receive," one of the workers said.
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JUSTICE FOR AGRICULTURE LEGAL COMMUNIQUE - May 17, 2005

Email: justice@telco.co.zw; justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
Internet: www.justiceforagriculture.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following email contains very useful legal advice regarding what to do
with the new wages for domestic workers that have been announced. In terms
of the law, these rates apply and anyone who employs a domestic worker
hasto abide by the new wages.

Noel Kututwa
Human Rights Trust Of Southern Africa1
2 Ceres Road
Avondale
HARARE

P. O. Box CY2448Causeway
HARARE
FAX: 263 4 339818 TEL: 263 4 339819, 333882, 332179
EMAIL: sahrit@sahrit.org.zw WEB:www.sahrit.org.

Advisory Note on Domestic Wages The recent announcement on the issue of
wages for Domestic workers has created near panic in many homes.

The Gazette Notice says that these new wages apply from the 1st of
March.However legal advice is that they cannot be applied retrospectively
and we suggest that you ignore this aspect and simply pay your domestic
workerstheir normal salaries and allowances for March at the old rates. As
regards the application of the new rates, it is clear that these are beyond
the ability of most people to pay.

We suggest that if these new rates exceed 20 per cent of your take home
income after tax, that you write to the following: -

The Permanent SecretaryThe Ministry of Public Service,
Labour and Social Welfare.
P Bag 7707
Causeway
Harare

In your letter you should state that your address is as shown on the
letter, you employ the following staff as domestic workers on the following
salaries and allowances. That your take home income after tax is as follows
and you simply cannot afford the salaries listed in the Statutory
InstrumentNumber 15 of 2005 published on the 25th March 2005.The actual
minimum wage agreed by the Board that deals with these matters was half the
salaries shown above. If you can afford this then you should state that in
your submission.

If not you should indicate what you can afford and state that with effect
from the 1st April 2005 you will pay your staff at this rate. You should
then tell the Secretary that you wish to formally apply for exemption from
the regulations on the grounds that you cannot afford the wages shown in
the Statutory Instrument. Written proof of your income after tax would be
essential and should be included as an attachment to the letter.Inform your
staff of what you have done and if you feel comfortable with this - give
them a copy of your letter.

Keep a copy of the letter and any attachments.If you are subsequently
visited by the Trade Unions do not discuss or debate this issue with them -
simply direct them to the Ministry where yourappeal will eventually be
heard. Please pass this on to your friends who might also be affected.

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JUSTICE FOR AGRICULTURE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, 17th April 2005.

Please send any adverts for publication in the JAG Job Opportunities
newsletter to: jag@mango.zw with subject line "Job Opportunities".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Employment OFFERED.
- Employment SOUGHT.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. EMPLOYMENT OFFERED.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.1 (advert entered 17/5/2005)

We are looking for someone to run a shop in the Borrowdale area. The
position would suit a more mature/retired person who would be happy to work
in a pleasant, quiet environment, for 3 days a week. Must be computer
literate (Pastel 6 Point of Sale).

Please contact Molley on 487223/4 or e-mail molley@africaonline.co.zw
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.2 Two Tobacco Managers positions to fill in Malawi

· Within 2 hours of Lilongwe on good roads
· Estate manager position growing 200ha of tobacco on four sections with
  good Malawi understudies
· Competitive salaries with school fees and medical
· Bonus on performance
· 2/3 year contracts subject to work permits
· start immediately

Applicants will be short listed, and interviewed by the 20th May
e mail CV to admin@adas.co.zw Attention Dave
Hard copies drop at 2 Dorest Road east, Mt Pleasant before 12 noon

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.3 Advert entered 17/05/2005).

Debtors and Salaries Clerk required for business in Msasa.  Must be
computer literate. Experience in BELINA PAYROLL an added advantage.

Please contact Mark on 486481/488815

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.4 Advert 17/05/2005.

Teaching Position at a small ACE learning centre in Highlands.

The successful candidate must be:
 A Committed Christian.
 Passionate about teaching.
 Available to put in "extra hours" if needed
 Be prepared to undergo Supervisor and or Monitor training
35 years of age (or there about's).

Interested? Please contact Mrs. Padmore at Siloam Academy. Tel:
496861/498522/495411.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 Advert 17/05/2005

Position available for maid / cook. Must have contactable references + be
prepared to live on the property. Experience in cooking a definite MUST -
no chancers please!.
Contact Mrs. Padmore. Tel: 496861/498522/495411. Mobile: +263 91 417 065
"mailto:neilp@frampol.co.zw"mailto:neilp@frampol.co.zw

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.1 EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 POSITION SOUGHT (advert 17/05/2005)

I am a divorced woman, ex farmer, aged 49 and am looking for a position in
Harare, will consider other areas and outside country, as an Assistant
Accountant/Bookkeeper or PA.  Am available immediately.

Contact: cell 023 408 647

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------

2.2 Advert 17/05/2005

Lady,aged 30 experience in sales repping, is computer literate, is looking
for a receptionist, girl friday job
Please contact Fern on 011732084

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3 Advert 17/05/2005.

  We are looking for somebody to start as soon as possible in the following
position:-

Title: General Manager

Job: To be responsible for all administration including the accounting (if
possible), personnel, marketing and sales, and maintenance of the vessel
"Southern Belle" based at Kariba. This vessel has 22 cabins of which 5 are
executive suites and can take up to 44 paying passengers on cruises on the
Matusadona game reserve shoreline. Guests are currently local, regional and
international but sales should be significantly expanded upon.

Experience: Experience in the hotel or catering industry with mechanical
understanding is essential. Previous experience in running a product in the
local and international tourism sector essential.

Age: Would suit a single male 30 - 40 or a married couple 45 - 55 who would
be based in Kariba.

Salary: To be negotiated with annual bonus.

Company vehicle: To be provided.

CV's would be appreciated.
Please contact company at our Harare office (11 Clarence Drive, Newlands,
Harare - tel. 776250 - Mrs Stephen or email interhol@mweb.co.zw) for
further enquiries. Please direct any CV's to myself personally if by email.

Thank you.

Peter Dobson

Chairman
Zambesi Paddle Steamer (Pvt) Ltd

----------------------------------------------------------------

2.5 Advert 17/05/2005.

Man aged 53, qualified Diesel mechanic. Since 1992 was employed in the
tobacco industry as a Manager and then from 1998 managed Kapenta Companies
at Caborra Bassa in Mozambique. Am seeking employment in any of the above
preferably tobacco. Would like positions in Malawi or Mozambique.
Portuguese speaking. Available immediately.

Please contact Carlos on 091261020 or email fmc@zol.co.zw

----------------------------------------------------------------

2.6 Advert 17/05/2005.

I am for placement as a Balance Sheet Bookkeeper / Salaries Administrator.I
have twenty years experience and am conversant with the following packages:

:Pastel Version 4 to 7
:Solution6 Accounting
:Fincon Accounting
:Excel
:Word
:Belina Payroll
:Paywell Payroll
:Payplus Payroll

I am contactable on 870738, 851304 or 883009 during business hours
Regards
Peter
----------------------------------------------------------------

2.8 Advert 17/05/2005

I am a 47 year old woman with a tertial background. I am seeking employment
in either shipping, sales and marketing, advertising, hospitality, computer
or related industries. My objective is to be part of a working environment
that will provide the opportunity for advancement and make use of my
experience, creativity, management skills and education.

I am also prepared to work outside of Zimbabwe. Please call Cheryl on
04 776 875 or 011 601143. Email : cowap@zol.co.zw

----------------------------------------------------------------

2.8 advert 17/05/2005

I Man, aged 41, experience in Production,Engineering, Security, and
Furniture, Seeks Position Please contact Rob Hardy on 091949625 or
305440(phone/fax). Available Immediately.

----------------------------------------------------------------

2.9 Advert 17/05/2005

Lady,aged 30 experience in sales reping, is computer literate, is looking
for a receptionist, girl friday job.

Please contact Fern on 011732084
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Christians Together

The prize has been won but the suffering continues and worsens daily. Find
strength in your beliefs and publically proclaim your concerns through
prayer in the company of other concerned citizens.

"The Task Is Not Finished"
.
BULAWAYO SOUTH COMBINED CHURCHES SERVICE
.

Praying for the Nation

Saturday 28th MAY at 8.30 a.m.

 Church of The Ascension, Hillside
(Cnr. Leander and Kent )

"The Race Is Not For The Swift But Those Who Can Endure"

Christians Together For Justice and Peace Bulwayo

Mission Statement

Who we are

We are an informal group of Church leaders, lay and ordained, drawn from a
variety of Christian traditions, and sharing a common concern about the
political, social and economic crisis confronting our nation at this time,
and its moral and spiritual implications.  We understand this
multi-dimensional crisis primarily as a radical challenge to our faith and
we seek to find appropriate ways and means of acting together in a faith
response.  As brothers and sisters in Christ we confess to a profound
disappointment that hitherto the Church in Zimbabwe has failed to respond to
this deepening crisis with any degree of urgency or unity, or with the
divine authority that is given when the Church acts in critical solidarity
with the poor and suffering.  Confessing our own part in this failure we
seek, by the grace of God,  to be a sign and symbol of what we believe the
Church is called to be.   Though at this point in time we are only
"Christians together" i.e. individuals acting out of personal conviction, we
look forward to that time when we shall be "Churches Together", our
different traditions and denominations having found a unity of mission in
the self-giving love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Our situation

The situation in which we find ourselves at this time is one of intense
suffering caused in large measure by bad governance and a crisis of
legitimacy. We interpret this chronic failure as a clear sign that our
rulers have lost their way morally and spiritually.  At the heart of the
current crisis we discern a radical failure by those entrusted with
leadership to serve in wisdom and humility.  Specifically we note on their
part a ruthless determination to perpetuate their own rule at any cost, and
a recklessness as to the consequences of so doing.

It is of the essence of leadership that those appointed to lead should have
a heart of compassion for their people, yet those who rule this land today
appear to have hearts of stone which are unmoved by the suffering of the
people.  It is of the very essence of democratic government that those
elected to positions of authority should be held accountable for their
actions and omissions, yet our rulers refuse to submit to public scrutiny or
to answer to any outside of their own ruling party.

The evidence is clear that their primary, and indeed only real, concern is
to serve their own selfish interests and to maintain their iron grip on
power and privilege. Yet they do so at a terrible cost to the nation as the
gulf between the over-privileged and the under-privileged continues to widen
to the point at which we have become not one nation but two.  And since the
people will not willingly accede to such an unjust and immoral system, our
rulers have resorted to state-sponsored violence in order to enforce it, and
to a vicious programme of lies and propaganda in order to hide the truth
from the people.  We are not surprised therefore at the ad hoc,
short-sighted and confused policies which spring from these evil motives,
nor at the division which they sow in the nation. These policies are
destructive of the peace, harmony and prosperity which God wills for all his
children.

Our calling

It is within such a situation of intense suffering and moral and spiritual
confusion that we have to interpret our calling to follow Christ in Zimbabwe
today, not as isolated individuals but rather as a community of believers,
on the pattern of the first disciples of our Lord.  Within this context we
understand our calling to be to follow our Lord in the way of the Cross,
working, witnessing and worshiping together as a sign and symbol of his
sovereign Kingdom.

The cost

The Kingdom of Christ which we are called to serve is a kingdom of love,
forgiveness, reconciliation and peace.  It is a kingdom of truth and justice
which gives the true measure of every earthly kingdom, including the godless
tyranny now holding sway in Zimbabwe.  We are aware that our allegiance to
the Kingdom of Christ may bring us into conflict with those who reject his
sovereign rule, yet we are ready to bear the cost of this allegiance.  So
long as we hold fast to Christ we know that we need not fear any earthly
ruler.

Our priorities

Against the selfish and destructive ideologies which hold sway in our nation
today, we assert that peace and harmony can only be achieved when the human
dignity of every individual Zimbabwean is affirmed, and when society is
built on justice, love and truth.

Only where there is justice will there be true peace and will harmony
prevail.

Our priorities are shaped by this understanding of the divine law.  We know
that what is required of us by our Sovereign Lord will only become clear as
we walk together in the way of the Cross and in specific acts of Christian
obedience. Nevertheless it is clear to us at the outset that we have certain
immediate objectives, including the following:

To promote the Kingdom principles of truth, justice and peace against all
the idolatrous policies and practices of the present regime
To enunciate clearly the Biblical principles of servant leadership and just
governance
To expose evil wherever we see it in the structures, policies and practices
that enslave our people, and to call the nation to repentance before the
truth which God reveals to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear
To demand that the basic human rights, which we understand to be God-given,
be respected by all. Specifically this includes the freedom of expression,
association and assembly
To promote a programme of education for all whereby each person comes to a
realization of his or her human dignity and God-given human and social
rights, and is encouraged to work towards the attainment of those rights
To assert the rule of law and to make a united stand against the violence
and lawlessness that are spiraling out of control and causing untold
suffering
To stand alongside the victims of violence, lawlessness and injustice in our
society as an act of Christian solidarity, and to offer succour where we can
To provide a space where the victims can tell their stories, and where
necessary to be a voice for those who cannot or dare not speak the truth
To demand an end to he present culture of impunity which benefits those
closely associated with the ruling party and encourages acts of  violence
and lawlessness. Against this growing trend we set ourselves to see that the
perpetrators, and those who sponsor them, are brought to justice
To express our Christian solidarity with those, including but not limited to
our own number, who are bravely witnessing to the Kingdom values in society
and who are being persecuted for that witness
To demand an end to the use of  food as a political weapon, and to use our
own best efforts, in conjunction with the relevant NGO's and donor agencies,
to lobby for the distribution of food aid on the basis of human need and
without regard to race, ethnic origin, political affiliation or other such
criteria
To lobby for the adoption of a just and equitable Constitution in which the
core values of the Kingdom are enshrined
To advocate for a re-run of the presidential election and for the holding of
the parliamentary elections in a fair and free environment, according to
democratic norms and standards and under effective international supervision

Summary

In a word, we find our mandate and authority in the great prophetic
tradition to which the Bible bears witness, and which is summarized in the
"manifesto" of our Lord himself when he said:  "The Spirit of the Lord is on
me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor.  He has
sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the
blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour".
(Luke 4/18-19)

We commit the outcome of all our endeavours into the hands of the One who
called us and to his praise and glory
 
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A Feudal Society

We watched a film the other night depicting life in a feudal society in
Central Europe about 1000 years ago. The film producers tried to depict life
as it was in those days based on what we know of the society from history
and fables.

I found it very interesting - partly because it was a part of European
history that I am not very familiar with and partly because I had a strange
feeling that something was awfully familiar. It has slowly dawned on me
since then that what we have witnessed in Zimbabwe in the past 25 years, has
been a rather rapid slide (in historical terms - very rapid) from a small,
modern settler State allowing all the trappings of life in modern Europe or
the USA, to a feudal State where a tiny elite totally dominate life and
power and extract tribute from the rest of society to maintain a life style
so far above the rest as to be totally immoral.

It was no different in feudal Europe. A tiny elite enjoyed huge wealth,
advanced education and a vice like grip on power that gave them absolute
control over the people they governed. Life was cheap and the taxes
(tribute) high. This elite built the largest dwelling places ever seen on
the earth - buildings that could not be replicated today because of the
massive cost.

The Church was corrupt, compliant, and in many cases simply part of the
system. Very often also extracting tribute from the same people and assuming
a secular power far beyond their real status, also building edifices that
could not be replicated today. Life under these tyrants (secular and holy)
was short and nasty, human and political rights were not imagined and few
dared to stand up to these tyrants of old. Those that did became legends in
their day - Robin Hood and William Tell are examples.

What we have seen after independence in 1980 has been five years of
reasonable government under a constitution drafted in London with the unholy
help of Whitehall. This creature of Westminster gave us all the trappings of
a modern society - Parliament, the vote, a certain disbursement of power
through the State and civil society. When drafted in London, none of the
parties to the process had any stake in what was being created - the British
just wanted to get out with their pants intact and clean, the Nationalist
leaders did not believe a word - just saw it as a pathway to power. The
Whites, defeated and tired after 15 years of sanctions and war, just wanted
to get on with their lives and protect what they had.

They each got what they wanted, but the Nationalists lost little time in
white anting the legal and political arrangements so neatly laid out in the
Lancaster Agreement. First order of business - wipe out your opposition, by
1988 this was achieved. Then neuter the whites and reduce them to the place
of serfs who pay tribute and have no say in anything to do with the way they
are governed and the country managed. This was achieved in very large
measure by 1990.

Then move from a modern, liberal, State to a one Party dominated political
system and then to rule by dictate from State House. This is exactly where
we were in 1995.

The state of affairs that has prevailed since 1995 strongly resembles a
feudal State - the government has destroyed the modern economy, largely
because independent business persons with assets and intellectuals with
education are a threat to feudal power. We all thought that Didymus Mutasa
was simply playing devils advocate when he said to a reporter "we would be
quite happy to have a population of 6 million people who supported Zanu PF."
The fact that at the time Zimbabwe should have had a population of close to
16 million was not an issue.

So the feudal elite who have ruled Zimbabwe since 1980, have systematically
driven out of the country any group who might threaten their hold on power -
the educated, the business elite, independent workers and private farmers -
just as the Kulaks were a major threat to Stalin's power in the Soviet
Union. Morgan Tsvangirai calls this the silent Pol Pot revolution.

I have just come back from walking my dogs to a development nearby. While
there I walked onto a building site where a Zanu connected family is
building - it looked a substantial structure from nearby but when I got
close I realized it was an absolutely massive home. The new house being
built for Mugabe in Harare covers 10 000 square metres, has two dams on site
filled with water from the city and sits on a large piece of ground that is
being landscaped. The Governor of the Reserve Bank - once a lowly worker in
a Bank, owns a house with over 100 rooms.

Obscene in a poor developing country where the majority live on les than
US$1 per day? Yes, but in feudal terms, even these palaces are rather modest
compared to what they did with our money in the middle Ages! Life for the
opposition in such an era was not pleasant; if you were caught your life
expectancy was rather short, if you were not caught you spent your life on
the run.

If this is a true analogy, then how do we live through such an era in our
history? Its quite clear that to survive you have to encapsulate your life
to protect your immediate interests and if you choose to try and defend the
principles that sustain a modern State and freedom with democracy, then you
must be prepared to fight with everything you have. The third alternative is
to simply pay tribute and plead for peace. Perhaps a fourth option is to
just cut and run to anywhere that has a reasonable government and will
respect your rights. We choose to stay and fight for the fundamental
principles we believe in.

Fortunately for Africa our feudal era will not last 500 or a 1000 years.
Recent history suggests that when this generation of leaders passes on - as
they are, one by one, new leaders who do not have the baggage their
predecessors brought to the seat of government, will come to power. How long
will this era last? Probably about 10 years and we are about halfway
through. Once this present nightmare is over then we can start to rebuild
our lives and our country.

Hopefully when we next sit down as a nation to draft our own constitution,
the resulting product will have our universal buy in based on our own
painful experience of what works and what does not work. Then we can bury
our feudal masters with all due ceremony (none) and open their mansions to
the public as tourist attractions.

Eddie Cross

Bulawayo 17th May 2005

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Response to an item published in  New Zimbabwe

 


 

Open Letter to Courage Shumba

 

The open letter by Courage Shumba to Morgan Tsvangirai cannot go unchallenged. I am not a registered member of either Zanu-PF or MDC but I really cannot make head or tail of his contribution. Can Courage please explain what he means by?

 

  1. African driven regime change. To my knowledge the MDC advocates a regime change effected by the people of Zimbabwe through a free and fair election. What is not African about that?
  2. As regards sanctions, my understanding is that MDC supports targeted sanctions against travel by the top Zanu-PF functionaries. I personally have no problem with those sanctions. In fact the net should be widened. To stop public funds  from a poor country such as Zim from being used to shop at Harrods is an act of service to the nation.
  3. As regards development aid, the west has decided that they will no longer give aid to regimes that do not respect good governance and human rights. This is now their position with or without MDC. So I do not see how the MDC has anything to do with it. In any event aid given to a corrupt regime such as ours will not get go the intended beneficiaries?
  4. Courage, you say you are a student in a Masters programme and yet you make a weird conclusion that because an MDC activist called for war on Zimbabwe, therefore the Party itself called for war on the country. The official MDC position has never been to call for military intervention in Zimbabwe. To my knowledge the MDC has always advocated for peaceful change through free and fair elections and dialogue. For post grad student your contribution has to many spelling errors.
  5. You also seem to suggest that the MDC should accept the results of a flawed election as free and fair. To me that would be a total and complete betrayal of the people of Zimbabwe. The elections in Zim cannot be accepted for the simple reason that the playing field was not even. Besides +/- 30 % of the electorate was deliberately denied the chance to vote. For that reason the MDC should not accept the results even if it will take another century to achieve freedom.
  6. I do not remember where and when the MDC ever said Zanu-Pf has no support at all. They do, but it’s not popular support.

 

     True Zimbawean

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