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- may peace, truth and justice prevail.

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FinGaz

      ZANU PF probe turns ugly

      Hama Saburi
      8/13/2004 7:14:40 AM (GMT +2)

      THE committee tasked to investigate a swathe of ZANU PF companies has
predictably stirred up discord within the various camps in the
faction-riddled party, which threatens to blow up former alliances and
blocs.

      Impeccable inside sources yesterday said what started off as a noble
fight against deep-seated graft has taken an ugly turn that might split the
ruling party right through the middle.

      According to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the
twisty investigations have touched off a drama of political gamesmanship,
intrigue, hate, deception and possible blackmail. Fears of the probe-induced
fissures have been more than a whispered "concern" in the ruling ZANU PF's
corridors of power.

      While the high-powered probe team painted a rosier-than-real picture
of the reception of its findings by the ZANU PF supreme decision-making
Politburo, which were expected to be discussed on Wednesday last week, all
was not well, they said.

      They said the five-member committee's findings suffered a serious
crisis of confidence after former Finance Minister Simba Makoni, who is seen
as a possible successor to President Robert Mugabe, reportedly clashed with
the other members over the presentation of the final report. The unassuming
Makoni was also "not happy" with an unspecified part of the findings which
he felt was not factual.

      The unpredictable politician, who became one of Zimbabwe's youngest
ministers in 1981 when he landed the top post at the then Ministry of
Industry and Energy Development, not only protested against the actions of
his colleagues, the sources said, but went further and produced his own
report.

      They said Makoni, known to speak his mind regardless of the popular
view, produced his own report that seemed to contradict certain aspects
captured in the main report. This added a new twist to the rocky
investigations.

      Makoni's stance seemed to give credence to earlier sentiments by
retired army general and ZANU PF kingmaker, Solomon Mujuru, who is also part
of the committee.

      Mujuru, widely seen as the conscience of ZANU PF politics, is
understood to have raised suspicion that the former finance chief, who
offered to resign from President Mugabe's Cabinet in August 2002 following
differences between him and other Cabinet members over economic reforms, had
sided with senior ruling party officials implicated in allegations of
corruption. The investigations were over four months.

      The split in opinions adds a fresh dimension to the succession
struggle within ZANU PF where the investigations were seen as an extension
of the war of attrition against President Mugabe's possible successors.

      Sources said, as predicted, the main report implicated the Speaker of
Parliament Emmerson Mnangagwa, the immediate past finance chief for the
party, in 31 cases. The nature of the cases against Mnangagwa, seen as the
quiet man of ZANU PF politics, could not, however, immediately be
ascertained. Mnangagwa twice appeared before the committee to explain his
role in ZANU PF's octopus like investments.

      Mnangagwa, the current ZANU PF secretary for administration was, up
until his political fortunes started to falter for as yet unexplained
reasons, considered as President Mugabe's heir apparent although he has
denied any interest in the high-pressure job at State House.

      While the report on the investigations was presented before the
Politburo on Wednesday last week, it could not be tackled as the Politburo
discussion is understood to have centred on the behaviour of Information
Minister Jonathan Moyo. The minister is accused of attacking senior party
members in the public media.

      Contacted this week for comment, Makoni referred all inquiries to
David Karimanzira, the chairman of the investigating committee who doubles
up as the ZANU PF secretary for finance. The Mashonaland East Provincial
Governor professed ignorance on the Makoni issue, but confirmed that the
findings were handed over to the Politburo. He also declined to shed light
on the contents of the report.

      "I cannot comment on the report now because it is now in the hands of
the Politburo. It is now up to the Politburo to disclose our findings," said
Karimanzira.

      In March this year, the Politburo took the decision to investigate the
goings on in ZANU PF companies, namely M & S Syndicate, Zidco Holdings,
Treger Holdings, Catercraft, Ottawa, Zidlee Enterprises, First Banking
Corporation and Southern Africa Reinsurance.

      A committee comprising Karimanzira, Mujuru, Obert Mpofu (Matabeleland
North Governor) and Thoko Mathuthu (ZANU PF deputy secretary for transport
and welfare) was set up to investigate the companies.

      As the probe gained momentum, three directors of ZANU PF companies -
Jayant Joshi, his brother Manharlal and Dipak Pandya - fled the country and
sought refuge in the United Kingdom. Attempts to extradite the directors
have hit a brick wall.

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FinGaz

      Inflation decline persists

      8/13/2004 7:15:22 AM (GMT +2)

      THE decline in the rate of inflation has continued, with the all items
Consumer Price Index (CPI) being recorded at 362.9 percent in July, down a
further 31.7 percentage points from the June rate of 394.6 percent.

      Figures released by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) show that
increases in food prices accounted for 142.8 percentage points, while
non-food items weighed in with 220.1 percentage points.

      The month-on-month inflation rate, which has been ticking up since
April virtually stagnated and, at 9.5 percent, was a marginal 0.3 percentage
points higher than the June rate.

      Monthly inflation rose by 3.2 percentage points between May and June.

      The marginal increase has been attributed to increases in the prices
of beverages, cereals, and meat as well as communication tariffs.

      Monthly inflation stood at 17 percent in July 2003 and has almost
halved this year, a situation reflected in the annualised inflation rate. -
Staff Reporter

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FinGaz

      Far-reaching changes to parliament planned

      Njabulo Ncube
      8/13/2004 7:15:54 AM (GMT +2)

      THE ruling ZANU PF, which is four seats shy of the two-thirds majority
needed to effect constitutional reforms, is considering plans to split
Parliament into two legislative chambers and increase the number of elected
legislators to 150.

      Highly places sources told The Financial Gazette this week that ZANU
PF stalwarts executing the task were confident of capitalising on the well
of disenchantment within the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
to secure endorsements from at least four opposition party legislators.

      They said the ruling party, under whose stewardship the once-robust
economy has collapsed into a recessionary heap, is tinkering with a proposal
to introduce a bicameral parliament that would have 150 elected legislators,
up from the current 120, and 60 members of the senate.

      A bicameral parliamentary system provides for two parliamentary
chambers. Although it prevents the enactment of ill-considered laws by
providing checks and balances, critics argue that it makes political reforms
more difficult to achieve and increases the risk of deadlock, particularly
in cases where both chambers have similar powers.

      Fifty seats would be reserved for women to be brought to parliament
through proportional representation from all the country's 10 political
provinces.

      Of the proposed 60 senators, 40 would also be brought to the House
through proportional representation per province. President Robert Mugabe
would have the prerogative to appoint 10 governors and 10 traditional chiefs
for the senate, bringing the total number of senators to 60.

      The same sources said a draft of the proposals had been passed to the
executive for perusal and would, in the next two weeks, be presented to
Parliament.

      "There are only two people with the draft, but the ruling ZANU PF
party will need the support of the MDC in parliament to effect the
constitutional changes," said a source privy to the proposed changes.

      The ruling party needs a two-thirds majority in parliament to further
alter the constitution, a practice the ruling party used to carry out
without any difficulty before 2000, when the MDC almost stole victory in the
parliamentary polls.

      Patrick Chinamasa, leader of the House and Minister of Justice, Legal
and Parliamentary Affairs, was not available for comment.

      However, MDC officials and some parliamentarians who spoke to this
newspaper this week said they were aware of the proposed overhaul of
parliament, but said nothing official had been communicated to the main
opposition.

      David Coltart, the MDC's secretary for legal affairs, said his party
had heard of the proposed Bill through unofficial sources. Coltart said the
party welcomed the empowerment of women through the proposed 50 special
seats but was not impressed by attempts at piecemeal constitutional reform
by the ruling party.

      "We have heard of the proposals but our position is that they are not
acceptable as they are piecemeal," said Coltart. "Our position remains
unchanged as we believe the country needs a comprehensive constitutional
reform, which must be done in conjunction with all stakeholders, including
the civic society. If we (parliamentarians) are to overhaul parliament
without amending the constitution and consulting all the stakeholders, the
constitutional amendments will not enjoy the support of the people," said
Coltart, who is the MDC legislator for Bulawayo South.

      The sources said the proposed introduction of a bicameral parliament
in Zimbabwe tallied with the findings of both the government-appointed
Constitutional Commission headed by Godfrey Chidyausiku and the National
Constitutional Assembly (NCA) led by University of Zimbabwe constitutional
lawyer Lovemore Madhuku.

      The drafts produced by both bodies advocated for the establishment of
a bicameral parliament but differed on the election process of members.

      Coltart added: "As the MDC, we want and we are for constitutional
reform but this process has to be an all-embracing affair. The issues of the
Presidency, the devolution of power to the provinces and other issues that
we have mentioned before need to be tackled as well if we are to entertain
any ideas of constitutional reform. I repeat, the proposals being suggested
are not acceptable and cannot enjoy the support of the MDC in parliament."

      Madhuku, whose NCA has, for the past four years, been lobbying for
constitutional reform, said the proposals were worthless as long as they
were not people-driven.

      "The proposed constitutional reforms have no value as long as they
come from ZANU PF alone. The proposals should come from the hearts of the
people of Zimbabwe and not one party. It is the process of bringing them
(constitutional changes) about that matters. We, as Zimbabweans, want a real
and comprehensive constitutional reform. This is unacceptable," said
Madhuku.

      Madhuku added that he doubted the MDC MPs would rally behind their
ZANU PF colleagues when the proposed Bill is brought before parliament

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FinGaz

      Most chiefs yet to get promised cars

      Thomas Madondoro
      8/13/2004 7:16:50 AM (GMT +2)

      ONLY 15 out of the 226 chiefs in Zimbabwe have taken delivery of the
vehicles offered by the government in May this year, The Financial Gazette
can reveal.

      Most of the chiefs are still to access the controversial car loan
scheme, seen as a ZANU PF campaign tool because the allowances they receive
from the government are too low to meet the expected monthly repayments.

      Chiefs are paid non-taxable monthly allowances of $1 million each,
which can hardly cover the repayments.

      A brand new Mazda B2500 long wheel base currently costs about $92
million, while a Mazda double-cab is going for as much as $164 million.

      "To date, 15 Mazda vehicles have been made available to the chiefs,"
said Fortune Charumbira, the secretary-general of the Council of Chiefs.

      President Robert Mugabe, whose ruling ZANU PF has kept a strong grip
on rural areas, promised to give the traditional leaders Mazda B1800 trucks
in May this year. President Mugabe, 80, has described chiefs as paragons of
virtue.

      The offer caused disgruntlement within the opposition Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC), which alleged vote-buying ahead of next year's
parliamentary polls.

      The MDC warned traditional leaders that they risked alienating
themselves from the people if they aligned themselves with political
parties.

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FinGaz

      UN itches to tighten screws on Zim

      Njabulo Ncube
      8/13/2004 7:17:25 AM (GMT +2)

      CRUSADING United Nations (UN) secretary general, Kofi Annan is
expected in Harare before the end of the year to gauge the political
temperature amid revelations the world policing body is on the verge of
toughening its stance against Harare, which stands accused of gross human
rights abuses.

      Diplomatic sources said September had been pencilled as the tentative
month for Annan's visit but the actual details hinged on a fresh report on
the country's political climate being prepared at the UN headquarters.

      The sources said the UN, whose powerful members, notably the United
States and Britain are itching to severely punish Harare for alleged human
rights abuses, wanted to "hear it from the horse's mouth (the Zimbabwean
government)".

      The UN has twice stifled attempts by London and Washington to have
severe sanctions imposed on Harare.

      "His (Annan) next visit to Southern Africa is to Zimbabwe.

      "His top envoy has been there, so everything will then follow," said a
diplomatic source yesterday, adding that the UN chief would meet all major
stakeholders, among them President Robert Mugabe, the opposition and even
the displaced white commercial farmers.

      The scheduled visit by the UN secretary general comes on the back of a
secret sojourn a week ago by one of his top special envoys who quietly
jetted into the country on what diplomatic sources said was a "spying"
mission on Zimbabwe.

      They said Tuliameni Kalomoh, the UN assistant secretary-general
(political affairs), who left Harare last Saturday after a six-day secret
mission, had come into the country to assess the country's volatile
political climate on behalf of his boss. Diplomatic sources said this week
the visit by Annan was a result of the findings of his special envoy
Kalomoh, who came into the country as a guest of the Centre for Peace
Initiatives in Africa.

      Both the UN and Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs Ministry were tight-lipped
on Annan's diplomatic mission to Harare.

      Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs spokesperson said the government had not
received a request from any of the UN agencies in the country.

      But the diplomatic sources were adamant Annan would visit the country,
which has emerged as southern Africa's problem child for nearly five years
now.

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FinGaz

      Manyika files papers to defend Zengeza murder allegations

      8/13/2004 7:18:25 AM (GMT +2)

      ELLIOT Manyika, the former Youth Development Minister, has filed an
appearance to defend himself in the High Court against allegations that he
shot dead a Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activist and injured
another during the Zengeza by-election held in March this year.

      Through his lawyers MV Chizodza-Chineunye, Manyika, now a Minister
Without Portfolio in the President's Office, responded to the claims
amounting to $135 million in connection with the death of 22-year-old
Francis Chinozvina and severe injuries to Arthur Gunzvezve, both MDC
supporters.

      "Defendant hereby enters an appearance to defend this action. The
defendant's address for service is c/o the legal practitioners of record."

      Since, Manyika's representatives had not furnished the plaintiffs'
lawyers Magwaliba, Matutu and Kwirira Legal Practitioners with details of
their client's plea, the latter replied: "We acknowledge receiving your
notice of appearance to defend on July 30 2004.

      "We kindly request that you provide us with the details of your client
's plea or answer to the plaintiff's claim within the period specified in
the rules, failing which we may be constrained to file and serve a notice of
intention to bar."

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FinGaz

      Flip flopping govt exposed over Zimplats

      Nelson Banya
      8/13/2004 7:19:38 AM (GMT +2)

      NEWS that platinum minerals developer Anglo Platinum (Angloplat) is
undaunted by the empowerment rhetoric emanating from the corridors of power
illustrates a commonly held but scarcely voiced assurance that the
government rarely goes beyond talk.

      A policy draft indicating the government's plans to compel mining
companies to localise their majority shareholding, which was leaked and
circulated to mining barons earlier this year barely caused any ripples in
the sector.

      Industry players and market watchers alike had seen the government
failing to place a 15 percent empowerment stake in the Australian Stock
Exchange (ASX) listed Zimbabwe Platinum Mines Limited (Zimplats).

      When the government finally did announce the candidate for the long
stalled placement, the action was nowhere near decisive.

      In typical fashion, the government once again flip flopped on the
issue, blessing the unheralded Nkululeko Rusununguko Mining Company's (NRMC)
bid ahead of the Needgate Consortium which, apparently was awaiting
"regulatory approvals" having been designated as the preferred investor in
the lucrative white metal company.

      Indeed, as far back as September 2003, Zimplats had announced that it
had finally found an empowerment partner in Needgate.

      Controversy has replaced months of uncertainty, amid allegations of
back stabbing, flagrant disregard of confidentiality and non-circumvention
agreements signed between some of the parties.

      The development has also made a mockery of the intricate funding
structure that had been put in place by Absa Corporate and Merchant Bank of
South Africa.

      The funding structure, which would see the South African bank
injecting US$31 million into the project, would also entail the registration
of a special purpose vehicle in the Isle of Man to warehouse the 15 percent
Zimplats stake.

      Needgate and its Grassroots partners would take up 90 percent of the
IsleCo, with Absa taking up 10 percent.

      Government sources said exchange control approval for the deal was
guaranteed by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and government officials who
met Zimplats, Absa and Grassroots officials late last year at a local hotel.

      In addition, Absa would hold a put option on the Zimplats shares
acquired by the consortium, which would give the bank the right, but no
obligation, to put the shares to Impala Holdings Limited, ultimate
shareholder in Zimplats, for any outstanding funds owed to Absa.

      As the controversy surrounding how NMRC pulled the rug from under
Needgate continues to unfold, the government's ability to superintend the
transfer of significant interests in the mining industry from foreign,
multinational investors to local empowerment consortia has been put under
question.

      However, NMRC has reported progress as it moves towards taking its
position among Zimplats investors, since the government's announcement late
last month.

      Priscilla Mupfumira, who chairs the NMRC board, revealed this week
that her consortium finally met with Zimplats officials, led by chief
executive officer Mike Houston and further meetings have been scheduled.

      Mupfumira also indicated that NMRC's legal and financial advisors were
working frantically to sew up a financial package.

      The consortium is reported to be courting another South African bank,
Stanbic, in its capital-raising project.

      It has taken no less than four years to find Zimplats' empowerment
partner, during which time the government's preferred investor, the
state-run National Investment Trust (NIT), failed to raise the requisite
funds to take up the equity.

      Angloplats has set aside a 20 percent shareholding in the
multi-billion-dollar Unki project for local participation, with 15 percent
going to as yet unidentified investors and five percent being earmarked for
management, but the Zimplats experience does not inspire confidence that the
matter will be dealt with efficiently.

      The government signed a framework agreement with Zimplats in December
2000 as the two parties hammered out a fiscal regime prior to the opening up
of the Ngezi/ Selous Metallurgical Complex project.

      While Section 5.2 of the agreement provides for the setting aside of
15 percent of Zimplats' issued share capital for local participation, it
also states that the selected investors must be acceptable to Zimplats
shareholders.

      The company has insisted that: "The transaction should be transparent
and sustainable. We need to review and be satisfied with the terms and
conditions of any financing packages offered to the Zimbabwe consortium in
our absolute discretion."

      It does remain to be seen, however, if the latest placement meets
these basic requirements, particularly in the likely event that the spurned
suitors take up the cudgels to fight for what they, until very recently,
thought was theirs.

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FinGaz

      Zim threatened with regional censure

      Brian Mangwende
      8/13/2004 7:20:06 AM (GMT +2)

      PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe and other defiant regional leaders who may
fail to institute sweeping electoral reforms could be hauled before a
tribunal to whip them in line to conform with regional electoral norms and
standards.

      Namibia, a key ally of Zimbabwe, made the surprise call for the
establishment of the tribunal to punish errant member states at a two-day
Southern African Development Community (SADC) conference on electoral
reforms held in the resort town of Victoria Falls a fortnight ago.

      The Zimbabwean leader, who has ruled the country since independence in
1980, is under pressure to level the electoral playing field, which favours
his ruling ZANU PF, before crucial parliamentary elections, slated for March
next year.

      Faced with a chorus of disapproval against the current electoral laws,
Zimbabwe has proposed a number of amendments that seem to have done very
little to appease SADC parliamentarians, opposition political parties and
civic groupings.

      Some of the proposed changes include the setting up of an independent
electoral commission, whose key members are appointed by President Mugabe.

      "Let me be controversial here. There must be an enforcement mechanism
to make sure that member states adhere to SADC norms and standards," said
Namibia's Electoral Commissioner, Shafimana Uietele. "SADC has to adopt a
tribunal that will look into any given member of SADC that would have
flouted the norms and standards and bring it to book. The call for adherence
to the SADC norms and standards should no longer be just lip service, but
translated into reality."

      The latest development comes in the wake of a damning report on the
Zimbabwe government's human rights abuses by the African Union's Commission
on Human and People's Rights circulated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as well as
a chorus of bitter voices from opposition political parties and civic groups
over the country's flawed electoral laws. It also comes ahead of the SADC
summit, which kicked off in Mauritius on Monday.

      Critics argued at the meeting that as long as there was widespread and
systematic bullying, intimidation, violence and torture to suppress
democratic activities, free and fair elections would be impossible in
Zimbabwe.

      SADC parliamentarians also heard that the government had promulgated
repressive laws such as the draconian Access to Information and Protection
of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) to
stifle dissenting voices and deny people their constitutional right to
freedom of expression and association.

      AIPPA and POSA, the delegates were told, were being enforced
selectively, making it difficult if not impossible for opposition political
parties to interact with their supporters, while the ruling ZANU PF could
hold rallies without hindrance.

      Legislators from the country's main opposition party - the Movement
for Democratic Change (MDC) - said the proposed appointment by the President
of members of the electoral body and the reluctance by the government to
amend offensive provisions of AIPPA and POSA made the electoral reforms a
futile exercise.

      Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, the MDC legislator for Glen Norah,
said: "The electoral body has to be totally independent. It must be done
through public invitation for nominations. The names should then be
submitted to parliament for scrutiny and then approved by the President. No
one in public office or a political animal should be allowed to sit in that
body."

      Her sentiments were shared by South African Judge Johann Kriegler, a
former justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and
ex-chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of that country.

      Kriegler said: "Electoral reform is not a matter of changing laws, but
a change in attitude. Without a change of heart, reforms will remain
meaningless. A change of the laws without a change of the mind is deception.
Elections are about credibility, truth, integrity and transparency."

      The conference also noted that the levels of tolerance of contesting
views were still low in the region as well as the empowerment of women to
participate in decision-making processes in government.

      According to recommendations adopted by the SADC Parliamentary Forum
Plenary Assembly on March 25 2001 in Windhoek, Namibia, a lot still remains
to be done to improve the political environment under which elections are
conducted and ensure that the existing legal and institutional frameworks
work independently and impartially.

      "There is still need to address issues relating to levelling the
playing field for all players contesting elections, inequality in the
funding of political parties, inadequate access to state-owned media and
election related violence," the report said.

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FinGaz

      Minister fiddles while economy burns

      Felix Njini
      8/13/2004 7:20:34 AM (GMT +2)

      VICTORIA FALLS - Controvesial and clownish Minister of Industry and
International Trade, Samuel Mumbengegwi, last week clashed with industry
leaders over Zimbabwe's increased isolation from the international
community.

      Irritated by business leaders' belief that no country is an island and
their call for relations with the international community to be restored at
all costs, Mumbengegwi scornfully accused industry chiefs of having an
"obscure notion of what consist of the international community".

      The captains of industry who attended the Confederation of Zimbabwe
Industries congress said they were taken aback by Mumbengegwi's tragi-comic
posturing at a time when the economy continues to lurch from one crisis to
another. They said that it was "unfortunate" that such utterances could come
from someone who should, as the head of the all-important Ministry of
Industry and International Trade, be the symbol of Zimbabwean economic
pre-eminence.

      Mumbengegwi, who maintained that he had evaded European sanctions to
travel to Brussels and Geneva "at will" argued that Zimbabwe was still part
of the international community despite drying up of foreign direct
investment into Zimbabwe (FDI) and poor credit ratings.

      Statistics indicate that FDI has declined by 95 percent from US$98
million in 1995 to US$4.5 million in 2003. Portfolio investment has also
shrunk by 83 percent from US$64 million in 1995 to US$10.8 million in 2003.
Grants have also shrivelled by 78 percent from US$167 million in 1995 to
only US$36.1 million last year.

      Matters came to a head when Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
chief executive Mike Ndudzo said that Zimbabwe needed to restore its
credibility in the eyes of international financiers to meet its growth
targets.

      "Inflation target will have to be met by a very huge supply side
response from the productive sector. The target also requires a shift from
speculative economy, balance of payments (BOP) support, which is stable. We
also need to re-engage the international community," Ndudzo said.

      "Where we owe people money, let us not default. Let us re-engage and
re-negotiate payment agreements where we have debts to avoid credit
ratings," Ndudzo said.

      Mumbengegwi, who found himself at varying terms with business leaders
almost every time, took to the floor to rant and rave on how many times he
has travelled to Brussels and Geneva despite Zimbabwe's continued isolation.

      "You refer to European Union (EU) and United States as the
international community. I am always in Brussels discussing trade with
Europeans," Mumbengegwi fumed.

      He argued that the Zimbabwean economy, despite the high inflation,
biting foreign currency shortages, over 70 percent unemployment rate, was
doing well.

      "Maybe what you are saying is 'let us go back to the conditionalities
of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank', no, we are doing
well without those conditionalities. We are no longer subject to adverse
conditionalities," Mumbengegwi maintained.

      Zimbabwe's exports have continued to decline and lag behind imports
since 2001, when Zimbabwe's isolation from the international community
started.

      Exports declined by 38.6 percent from US$2.2 billion in 2000 to US$1.4
billion in 2003.

      Notwithstanding this, Zimbabwe's import bill has increased by 10
percent from US$1.9 billion in 2000 to US$2.1 billion in 2003.

      Zimbabwe's trade deficit has shot up by 72 percent from a negative
US$218 million in 2001 to a negative US$768 million last year.

      "They would first tie your eyes, gag your mouth, throw you into a
corner and run your economy. To that we say no. We are going to get friendly
finance from our new Asian friends," Mumbengegwi said. The look-east policy
has however not brought much for the country.

      He maintained that Zimbabwe was still a member of the IMF, whose team
paid Zimbabwe a normal assessment progress.

      "Last year our President was there together with Bush and Blair. We
are a member of World Trade Organisation (WTO). We were there in Cancun. If
we disagreed with the EU, we disagreed as equals," Mumbengegwi said.

      Unmoved by the minister's tirade, industry leaders maintained that
Zimbabwe needs to re-engage its old markets and correct the perception
surrounding its situation.

      "This was a matter of perceptions, now people know the truth. Let us
go back to our old partners. We must start serious negotiations for
re-engagement," said one business leader.

      "There is no economy without the support of the international
community. Zimbabwe is not an island. Let's re-engage our friends, clearly
engage them and spell out our economic strategy. It is important to engage
all our international partners, even the traditional ones," said Shingi
Munyeza, chief executive of Zimbabwe Sun Hotels.

      "Zimbabwe's main sources of foreign currency have been exports, FDI,
balance of payments support from international finance institutions such as
IMF and World Bank," said Christian Katsande, permanent secretary in the
Ministry of Industry and International Trade.

      "In view of the siege under which the economy is, Zimbabwe has not
been able to tap into some of these sources, we have not, in the past few
years, received any meaningful FDI and BOP support that Zimbabwe used to
receive," Katsande said.

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FinGaz

      Ambitious turnaround plan for Mat

      By Charles Rukuni
      8/13/2004 7:21:06 AM (GMT +2)

      BULAWAYO - Botswana was one of the poorest countries in Africa when it
attained independence in 1966. Its per capita income was about P60 (US$80 at
the time). Its gross domestic product, or total output, was only P36.9
million.

      Today, the country is one of the richest in the world, thanks to the
discovery of diamonds, which now account for 90 percent of its exports, as
well, of course, as sound economic management.

      Its gross domestic product was estimated at US$13.9 billion last year
with per capita income at US$8 800, a staggering Z$49.3 million at the
diaspora rate.

      The country can literally shut down everything and survive for two
years. Its foreign currency reserves stood at US$5.3 billion at the end of
December with import cover at 26 months.

      The Matabeleland Development Foundation (MDF), a non-government
organisation established in 1988 shortly after the unity accord that brought
together the ruling ZANU PF and the then opposition PF-ZAPU, plans to have a
similar transformation for the dry, arid region of Matabeleland, which
borders Botswana, and comprises Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and
Matabeleland South.

      The organisation, which aims to be the engine driver for growth in the
region, intends to turn Matabeleland into "the most developed region in
Zimbabwe as measured by the standard of living, industrialisation and
infrastructural development by the year 2008".

      It plans to attract investment of not less than six large companies
every year and to reduce unemployment in the region by 50 percent every
year.

      This looks like an impossible task for an organisation which has
nothing to show for the 16 years it has been in existence. But Phineas
Makhurane, former vice-chancellor of the National University of Science and
Technology (NUST), who comes from Gwanda in Matabelelend South, said while
the region might not be able to attain the goal of becoming the most
developed region in the country by 2008, what was important was that the
people of the region had the heart to come up with that goal.

      "Life is a continuous story of shattered dreams," he told members of
the MDF, who had come to Bulawayo from as far as Binga and Beitbridge to
attend the organisation's first annual general meeting in four years.

      "What matters is that we must have dreams. We must have hearts in
which to put the dreams. And we must try never to say the dreams cannot be
achieved. We must have the passion, the conviction and the sense of wanting
to do something important and to make a difference."

      Though the situation on the ground appeared hopeless for the region,
the spirit of self-reliance, hope and a re-awakening was evident throughout
the day-long meeting, with speaker after speaker echoing the organisation's
stated goal of self-reliance which is displayed on all the organisation's
documents in six local languages: Zenzele (Ndebele) Zushingile (Tonga),
Libelekele (Nambya), Zwitile (Kalanga), Dzietele (Venda), Diyele (Sotho).

      A closer look at the region shows that though it falls mainly in
natural regions four and five, which experience frequent droughts, it has
vast natural resources which if fully exploited can catapult it to the top.

      John Nkomo, one of the most senior government ministers from the
region, said the region was one of the richest in the country because it had
the largest game sanctuary in the country, Hwange National Park.

      It had the foremost tourist attraction not only in the country but in
the world, the Victoria Falls. It also had Matopos and Khami Ruins. It had
the largest coal mine in the country at Hwange as well as the largest
internal power generation plant, also at Hwange.

      It had vast methane gas reserves, plenty of gold and timber, and could
soon be turned into a greenbelt with the commissioning of the Matabeleland
Zambezi Water Project (MZWP).

      It hosted the country's busiest border towns: Beitbridge, Plumtree and
Victoria Falls. And it had vast human resources waiting to be exploited.

      Bulawayo, the country's second largest city, was the hub of Zimbabwe's
industry though it had slumped over the years. No one knows the level of
de-industrialisation but the central bank has commissioned a study to look
into this.

      The same applies to unemployment. Though the MDF intends to reduce
unemployment by 50 percent a year, no one knows the number of unemployed in
the region. It is, however, estimated that up to 80 percent of the
employable population is without jobs.

      On the way forward, Nkomo said: "The only problem holding us back is
that we have kept aloof. We still want to do things as individuals."

      He said people in the region were not taking advantage of key
officials in the government who came from the region.

      These included Nkomo himself, who was responsible for land and could
therefore chip in if people formed consortiums to go into agriculture.

      Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi could grant them licences if they
wanted to organise casinos to raise funds.

      They could also use people like Nicholas Ncube who is at the central
bank and is in charge of development, Sam Malaba who is at Agribank which
gives loans for agricultural purposes, and, though he does not come from the
region, Environment and Tourism Minister Francis Nhema, the region's
son-in-law, to get licences to operate safaris and tourism related projects.

      Matabeleland South governor Angeline Masuku blamed the slow growth in
Matabeleland to lack of motivation and the will to improve the region.

      "Before you blame anybody for lack of development, ask yourself what
you have done for the region," she said. "Development means developing
yourself and improving your standard of living, not being propped up by
someone else."

      Mohadi, who comes from Beitbridge was more forthright. "He who does
not work, shall not eat," he said, quoting from the Bible.

      The people of Matabeleland had to realise, therefore, that no one was
going to bail them out. They had to strengthen district associations that
formed the MDF, identify the priorities of the people and come up with
projects that could be implemented in the region.

      He said the MDF, with the help of the district associations, had to
ensure that companies and institutions that were doing business in the
region ploughed something back into the community.

      He queried why, for example, the region did not have ready access to
foreign currency when most of the currency was coming through Beitbridge,
Plumtree and Victoria Falls. Why was it not possible for the region to get a
small percentage of all the foreign currency that went through these border
posts?

      Citing a story in the Herald in which the Mhondoro Development
Association had raised millions of dollars using company executives and
government employees from the district, MDF chairman Tshinga Dube, said if a
district could organise something that big, how about a region which
comprised three provinces.

      Dube, who has been instrumental in resuscitating the MDF and was asked
to steer the organisation until the end of the year to enable district
structures to be properly organised, said all that was required was unity of
purpose.

      MDF patron Dumiso Dabengwa, who is the chairman of the Matabeleland
Zambezi Water Project, said the region was losing out because of lack of
commitment from the people. He said the MWZP had secured a $25 billion loan
from the central bank for the project and construction of the Gwayi-Shangani
Dam had already started.

      Dabengwa said he had been shocked when Water Resources Minister Joyce
Mujuru asked him whether they had already sold out businesses along the
shorelines of the proposed dam.

      He urged delegates to take up this challenge because businesses along
the shorelines such as fishing camps, chalets and boating facilities could
be grabbed by people from outside the region if the people of the region did
not move fast enough.

      Makhurane, who gave the keynote address, said there were three
fundamental dimensions of development: individual development, technological
development and organisational development.

      "The first dimension is the development and transformation that occurs
in individuals when they improve their knowledge, their skills and their
attitudes and begin to take pride in their work, in their relationships, in
their environment, in their appearances and in themselves," Makhurane said.

      He said individual development led to higher productivity, greater
responsibility and resourcefulness. It also made one aware of the difference
between dependence, independence and interdependence.

      "The dependency syndrome would tend to make the people of Matabeleland
blame other people or their environment for all their miseries. Independence
would make them take the responsibility for their situation. The highest
level of maturity, interdependence, would make us realise that in life we
need our own efforts and the cooperation of others in order to get what we
want- including development in our region," he said.

      Makhurane said technological development was necessary for greater
productivity while organisational development led to both higher
productivity and democratic governance.

      Though it seems to have an insurmountable task ahead of it, the MDF
already seems to have broken ground. While it had been limping along with
deficits up to last year, it had a surplus of $6.3 million in the first half
of this year. It raised the money on its own.

      And while a lot of work has still to be done to realise its goals, all
the region needs is commitment. After all, it has more resources than
Botswana. It even has the diamonds, that catapulted Botswana to prosperity,
at River Ranch in Beitbridge.

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FinGaz

Comment

      Enough is enough

      8/13/2004 7:55:55 AM (GMT +2)

      ZIMBABWE'S education system has been the envy of many a country across
continents. Standards however plummeted over the years and it was rapidly
losing its creme de la creme status, but Education Minister Aeneas
Chigwedere, whose actions even this country's best brains have failed to
understand, now threatens to destroy what was left of it with a single swing
of a political blade!

      Indeed, thanks to the Minister's arrogance and conceit, the country's
education system has been plunged into an unprecedented crisis which could
see it terrifyingly deteriorate into a disastrous condition as did the
health delivery system before it. Notwithstanding that the ruins must not
obstruct the prospects, it goes without saying that in the short term,
Zimbabwe will find it difficult to restore integrity and credibility in the
education system to return it to its pre-crisis levels.

      First, it was the bungling in the country's discredited public
examination system administered by the much-maligned Zimbabwe Schools
Examinations Council (ZIMSEC). Who would forget that embarrassing debacle
where pupils reportedly studied wrong set books or syllabi and received
results for subjects they did not sit for? Then came the scapegoating
Ministry's specious and spurious but self-evidently absurd and ludicrous
claims that they delayed registering candidates for this year's "O" and "A"
level examinations because of the drought of all things! Unbelievable? Well
this was how it was matter-of-factly "explained" to Parliament by one Isaiah
Mushayamwando Shumba, Chigwedere's deputy, without any tinge of irony!

      As if that was not enough, Chigwedere, who many had been hoping
against hope to return the education system back onto the rails and peace
back to our souls, sought to destroy private schools, the odd shaft of light
amidst the ruins of what was once a quality system of education. Admittedly,
expensive does not mean discerning but these schools had a critical
stabilising influence in the troubled education sector given that there are
no functional libraries, laboratories, recreational facilities and not to
mention the debilitating acute shortage of teachers at most of the public
schools. Of course, this obvious fact was conveniently lost on Chigwedere
who, in his ruinous "wisdom", believes that the schools are a bastion of
capitalistic privilege and racial discrimination. Nothing could, however, be
further from the truth because the majority of pupils at the schools are
black. And the evidence is there for all to see.

      Chigwedere started off by instilling the fear of God in private school
heads who had been targets of much unjustified rhetoric after they refused
to yield to the Minister's arm-twisting tactics to reduce fees to ostensibly
cushion hard-pressed parents against exorbitant fees. Unfortunately, there
is no obvious merit in the altruistic-sounding Minister's destructive
actions which do not create even a remote semblance of a false impression of
novelty. "Reducing fees to cushion the parents", who have the passion to
sacrifice for their children's life-time meal-ticket, is a big lie. It is an
old, worn-out, threadbare platitudinous cliche, which dovetails with
populist policies of a government for whom there is a credibility gap
between election pledges and policies implemented but is now desperate to
appease a sceptical and disenchanted populace.

      What seems lost on Chigwedere, who cuts the image of a control freak,
and those of his ilk is that while the magic influence of populist
phraseology - the opium of Zimbabwean politicians - can be strong and
irresistible, the voice of reason and influence of realities should not be
ignored except when making politically expedient decisions.

      But typical of some of Zimbabwe's misguided ruling clique who think
that they monopolise patriotism, common sense, reason and objectivity, he
ignored this and the fate of private schools is hanging by a thread. These
schools are haemorrhaging and they face the spectre of bankruptcy
proceedings as creditors could soon be scrambling for their assets. And if
they do not get a stay of execution, which is very likely, this could have
far-reaching consequences for scores of pupils on whose scholastic
development, the salvation of this great nation is dependent.

      Chigwedere's frontal attack on private schools has left many with
purely psychological questions. Does Chigwedere who has the knack for
turning everything he touches into dust (Remember how President Mugabe had
to order him to back off matters football?) - understand the scale of
catastrophe that could befall the education system? Does he have a strategy
as regards the future of these schools? Highly unlikely! Forget about his
constant hollow assurances that government would take over the schools. This
cannot mislead even the common ruck of folk who previously would swallow
hook, line and sinker, government's empty declarations.

      The capacity just isn't there. In any case, the cash-strapped
government has since scaled down on its services to the public as can be
exemplified by the appalling state of affairs at institutions such as
Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare Hospital, Mpilo Hospital, the
University of Zimbabwe, Harare Polytechnic and scores of government schools
dotted around the country - the list is endless. How then can Chigwedere
pretend that government has the financial wherewithal to take-over the
troubled schools? Please! Or if government has the financial resources as
Chigwedere would like us to believe, why can't it channel those resources
towards propping up collapsing government schools throughout the country?
Why was the situation allowed to deteriorate to those desperate levels? Is
Chigwedere implying that it was just a question of upside-down priorities?
The mind boggles! We wonder what the fractious and irascible all-knowing
individuals whose duty it is to defend the government will have to say about
the state of complete disorder and confusion wrought on education by
Chigwedere!

      We have said this before and we will say it again. With Ministers like
Chigwedere, who do not seem to know that government has pledged that
education is at the centre of its social development agenda, what government
needs saboteurs? True we have had this strange policy called collective
responsibility in government which tends to mask the gross incompetence and
ineptitude of a number of government officials. But this one should be
blamed squarely on the shoulders of the bungling Ministry of Education. And
heads must roll starting with Chigwedere - who remains in Cabinet simply
because government does not have quality control. That is why we said in our
editorial of November 21 2003 that Chigwedere must go: As has been said
before, a fish rots from the head! He will not be missed. It will be good
riddance.

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FinGaz

      ...and now to the NOTEBOOK

      8/13/2004 7:53:34 AM (GMT +2)

      So for the whole long week, the ZANU PF politburo could not make any
decision on the hero status of the late former Matabeleland South governor
Mark Dube, simply because one person, the Great Uncle, was on a trip to the
Far East?

      Because he was away, no decision could be made.

      But surprisingly, when he arrived to announce the decision that Dube
be accorded national hero status, we started hearing how unanimous the party
had been in reaching the decision. So if only one man was away, why did the
party not go ahead and confer the former ZANLA instructor national hero
status? It was not going to change anything at all if the party is half as
democratic as we are made to believe.

      All this goes to show that this country's life revolves around just
one man - the Great Uncle!

      Suppose he had arrived from Malaysia to bellow a big NO as he did on
Ndabaningi Sithole, what were these full-blown adults going to say they had
been waiting for the whole week?

      The truth is that all those men who make up what is called "the
politburo" are there to merely rubber-stamp what the Great Uncle
single-handedly decides. There is no unanimity at all in the decision-making
process; maybe only in rubber-stamping his decisions.

      It is even curious that the decisions are made at a political party
level, not government. So when ZANU finally ceases to exist, who will assume
the duty of dishing out this coveted status?

      So if the courts are not convinced that it is the "violent" MDC that
murdered national hero Cde Cain Nkala, who then are the culprits? Surely
Nkala did not murder himself, just as his own ZANU PF will aver that it
knows nothing about his death.

      For nearly three years, we held our breath anticipating the court to
unriddle the mystery surrounding the war veterans leader's death, but last
week's ruling by High Court judge Justice Sandra Mungwira acquitting MDC MP
for Lobengula-Magwegwe Fletcher Dulini-Ncube and five others has made the
conundrum even more mysterious.

      Our leaders and the official media had almost convinced us that the
MDC was a murderous party and that Nkala's death was a result of no one else
but the opposition. But the courts have refused to buy this hare-and-baboon
story. So where is the real story?

      Can the "inside job" theory lead us somewhere? CZ wonders.

      Maybe the court misdirected itself in not inviting Cde Reuben Barwe to
testify. From the way he covered the case "live", it looked like he was a
rich mine of invaluable information. Hopefully, when the state appeals
against the ruling, it will cite Cde Barwe's absence as the point whence the
learned judge erred!

      And the judge should be advised to start looking around the region for
another job because with these types of judgments, we don't see her lasting
another summer on that indigenised bench! It is not the done thing to hand
down judgments that offend the owners of the land!

      After reading this week's invective Sunday Mail column, a colleague
sent CZ a short message: "Huni Dzatsva." And this message did not make any
sense until CZ himself got hold of the country's "most widely read
newspaper".

      CZ could not believe it. Lowani Ndlovu, aka Prof, aka SaNtuthuko, was
at Cde Munyaradzi Huni's throat . . . yes, Huni's of all the throats in this
long and wide world!

      His sin? That partisan column Constituency Watch in which he brazenly
campaigns for some ZANU PF MPs while decampaigning opposition MPs and some
hapless ruling party MPs who are deemed to be less politically correct.

      Lowani, who has attacked several senior ZANU PF officials including
its chairman John Nkomo, Joseph Msika, and Nathan Shamuyarira, this week
thought Huni, one of the most hard-working party cadres, was going too far,
so he had to check him in his pastoral wanderings.

      And throughout the whole column, he was taking the "disk editor" to
the cleaners. The language used in the column was just unbelievable . . . a
tourist in a hotel room in Victoria Falls would swear that the following
morning, the paper in question would have joined The Daily News and The
Tribune!

      At least it is an inside job. Had it been said by CZ or other
"sellouts", they would have been lent an agenda.

      Fears are rife in the media fraternity that maybe it is time Cde
Huni - who is credited for taking "disk journalism" to dizzy heights - moved
back into the newsroom, otherwise a fall from the sixth floor could be a bit
nasty!

      After a lot of noise about the "Heroesplush" at Rudhaka Stadium in
Marondera, someone has to carry out some investigations on these two things:

      lWho was behind the pesky power-cuts that nearly threw the whole
"national" event into sex orgy?

      lWho are the people who are benefiting most from these now regular
musical galas by awarding themselves tenders to supply this and or that?
Beer, food . . !

      cznotebook@yahoo.co.uk

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FinGaz

      Govt dithering blamed for ZESA woes

      Felix Njini
      8/13/2004 7:23:50 AM (GMT +2)

      VICTORIA FALLS - International power sector investors casting a keen
eye on Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)'s two power plants,
Hwange and Kariba South Power stations are demanding coal concessions in
return for US$600 million capital outlay.

      Sydney Gata, ZESA executive chairman, cast a pall of doubt on Zimbabwe
's power supply situation when he blamed government for dithering on the
awarding of coal concessions to international firms, which have shown strong
inclinations towards investing in ZESA.

      ZESA has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China
's National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), which
gives it rights over Zimbabwe's prime power generation plants.

      The Chinese firm last year undertook to provide a US$70 million loan
for coal mining, rehabilitation and expansion works at Wankie Colliery
Company (WCC) to boost coal supplies to Hwange Power Station (HPS).

      Once the coal supply situation improves, another agreement was also in
the offing for the Chinese firm to supply equipment and machinery valued at
US$400 million for the expansion of HPS.

      CATIC, it was then envisaged, would provide a detailed analysis and
feasibility study on the expansion of HPS by additional units of 350 MW each
under a build-operate-and-transfer (BOT) arrangement.

      ZESA has also signed MOUs with Iran and India power investors.

      Gata said the deals have come unstuck. He told a business gathering in
Victoria Falls last week that the investors, whom he refused to name but
said were from China, Iran and India were demanding coal concessions. "We
are sitting on a US$600 million investment because of lack of action on the
part of policy makers," Gata said.

      To Gata and management, government is seemingly not worried about the
impending power supply gap arising from upgrading of plants by some of
Zimbabwe's regional suppliers in the next two years.

      Government's little interest in the deals brokered by Gata was likely
to scupper any meaningful investment in the debt- ridden and poorly
performing power utility. "HPS has not been able to operate at full capacity
for two years.

      "The equipment is now obsolete. No investor will come in under HPS's
current state," Gata said.

      "Those interested, and we have signed MOUs to that effect, want to
invest in a mining operation in return for fresh capital injection," Gata
said.

      He said it was "embarrassing that government was dithering on awarding
the investors just a simple mining concession".

      "It is very embarrassing how policy makers' delays sometimes impact on
operations of some firms.

      "We have met some of these investors, sealed deals in under two hours
on three occasions but nothing has come out. Government is sitting on the
agreements," Gata lamented.

      "Giving a coal concession to an investor who is willing to build a
power station for the country is government's problem but I am told there
are nine coal deposits scattered around the country," Gata said.

      Business leaders have also wondered to what extent government fully
appreciates power supply problems in the country and operational constraints
at ZESA.

      Gata's near hysteria comes from threats of a power supply gap likely
to face the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) in 2007.

      He said regional suppliers, Eskom of South Africa, HCB of Mozambique
and Snel of the DRC might fail to have surplus power to export by 2007.

      So far, Gata said, the power utility had only managed to secure one
firm contract with Snel of DRC for 150 MW.

      "There is a looming supply threat. None of the regional suppliers will
be able to meet Zimbabwe's power needs."

      Local power generation meets about 35 percent of local demand, with
the balance being met from imports.

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FinGaz

      Prospects of good cropping season bleak

      Zhean Gwaze
      8/13/2004 7:47:46 AM (GMT +2)

      PROSPECTS of a good cropping season next year appear imperilled due to
the failure by major seed companies to timeously access cheap funding under
the productive sector facility (PSF).

      Leading seed production firm SeedCo, which produces the bulk of the
country's seed last week revealed that it was failing to access the cheap
funds, a situation which, if not addressed, would lead to a steep rise in
prices as the high cost of production would be passed on to farmers. The
firm's management indicated last week that it could not rule out the
anticipated seed hikes if it failed to access the $105 billion applied for
from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to purchase 28 000 tonnes of seed for
resale. Industry sources, however, said although the producer needed to be
cushioned against high production costs, the full effects of the threat
would impact negatively on the country's 2005-grain output.

      Both Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) president Douglas Taylor-Freeme
and Davidson Mugabe, president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union
(ZCFU) reckoned that although SeedCo had delivered the intended blow to an
already ailing food basket country, government's timely intervention was
necessary.

      Zimbabwe, once the breadbasket of Africa producing more than two
million tonnes has become a basket case due to perennial droughts, shortage
of foreign currency to buy seeds and the unavailability of seeds.

      The country requires at least 300 000 tonnes of seed to produce 2.1
million tonnes of maize grain required annually, of which 1.8 million tonnes
is meant for consumption and livestock and the remainder for strategic
reserves. The USAID Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) has
warned that the country produced only 900 000 metric tonnes of grain,
leaving a shortfall of at least half the country's requirement.

      "Agriculture is currently under big pressure. Seed producers undergo
an intensive process to produce seeds and at the same time they have to sell
at low prices. On the other hand, a bank does not want to release cheap
funds to them and if they hike prices to meet production costs, the farmer
will not be able to produce," remarked Taylor-Freeme.

      Mugabe also added: "The chain has to work from the producer of the
seed, supplier to the farmer to make farming viable. The government should
cushion producers by providing cheap funds and this will not have a negative
impact on the farmers."

      The government has frozen seed houses prices under statutory
Instrument 125 of 2003 from the six-fold increment of up to $130 000 for a
10 kg bag to last year's price of $21 000.

      Analysts have said the government intends to bail out SeedCo and
increase seed availability as an electioneering tool ahead of the 2005
polls.

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FinGaz

      Firms importing nitrogen to ease fertiliser shortage

      Thomas Madondoro
      8/13/2004 7:48:37 AM (GMT +2)

      THE Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company (ZFC) and other industry players are
importing various forms of nitrogen to ease fertiliser shortage and if this
comes in on time, the negative impact on winter wheat is likely to be
minimal.

      Responding to questions raised by this paper, ZFC managing director,
Richard Dafana said if wheat was not top dressed, there would be yield
losses.

      "Our immediate plans are to operate at full capacity and to bring in
additional fertilisers as imports to make up for any shortfalls.

      "In the medium to long term we are looking at expanding our
manufacturing capacities," he said.

      Fertiliser prices have been relatively stable this year and ZFC
reduced prices in the first quarter of the year. Dafana said future prices
would be determined by raw material input costs. A 50kg bag of compound D
now costs $74 000 while that of ammonium nitrate costs $45 830.

      Fertilisers have been in short supply particularly the two years
before the last season due to foreign currency constraints.

      He said it was important to note that not all fertilisers have been in
short supply.

      Compound fertilisers such as D have always been available.

      Dafana said what has been in short supply is ammonium nitrate as Sable
Chemicals was operating at 67 percent capacity because of the shortage of
foreign currency. The firm has to import ammonia, a raw material in the
manufacture of ammonium nitrate.

      Sable Chemicals produces only two thirds of its ammonia requirements.
The remaining third has to be imported.

      ZFC is currently operating at full capacity and forecasts to produce
about 200 000 tonnes of fertiliser this year.

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FinGaz

      How many will die in next year's polls?

      8/13/2004 7:51:37 AM (GMT +2)

      Adlai Stevenson, who was the American Democratic party's candidate for
the presidency in 1952 and 1956, once vividly described the exhaustion and
exhilaration of campaigning to win the people's confidence and votes.

      He described an average day on the campaign trail as follows:

      "You must emerge, bright and bubbling with wisdom and well being,
every morning at 8 o' clock, just in time for a charming and a profound
breakfast talk - shake hands with hundreds, often literally thousands of
people, make several inspiring, newsworthy speeches during the day, confer
with political leaders along the way and with your staff . . . Write at
every chance, think if possible, read mail and newspapers, talk on the
telephone, talk to everybody, ride through city after city, smiling until
your mouth is dehydrated by the wind, waving until the blood runs out of
your arm and then bounce gaily, confidently and masterfully into great
howling halls . . . "

      Stevenson, who made these observations about 50 years ago, said what
kept him motivated during this hard slog on the campaign trail was the
knowledge that "somehow the people sustain you, the people and a constant,
sobering reminder that you are asking them to entrust to you the most
awesome responsibility on earth."

      The ongoing campaign for the American presidential election to be held
in November shows that Stevenson's remarks still apply today.

      Anyone seeking elective office in the United States, whether it be at
state or national level, cannot afford the luxury of taking the electorate
for granted. Candidates hoping to be elected to the positions of governor,
congressman or senator have to sweat it out to convince the people they have
something to offer and are worthy to receive their votes.

      It has been gripping to follow the current US presidential campaign
and to watch the incumbent, George W Bush, and his challenger, John Kerry,
do their utmost best to convince the nation that they have what it takes to
lead the world's richest country and only superpower.

      I have to say how much I envy American voters. They live in a country
where it is accepted, as one author has put it, "that the crucial mechanism
in all genuinely popular governments is a system of free, fair and open
elections".

      And free and fair elections can only be possible in an atmosphere
where voters have access to the facts, competing ideas and views of all
candidates.

      In addition, citizens must have equal voting power and must be free to
organise for political purposes.

      It is no wonder that where these conducive conditions exist,
candidates cannot afford to be arrogant and ride roughshod over the very
people whose votes they are vying for. Aspirants to elective office have to
humble themselves and submit to microscopic scrutiny of themselves and their
ideas. They know that voters can embrace or reject them without fear of any
reprisals.

      In turn, voters know that they have the power to influence the outcome
of an election and that way control their own destiny. That is the whole
purpose of elections.

      But as the momentum builds towards our own parliamentary elections
next year, I have found it depressing to ponder the consequences. Based on
the violent and heavily skewed nature of past elections, the thought of next
year's polls fills me with foreboding.

      For a start, I know that unlike their American counterparts,
Zimbabwean voters will not have any candidates wooing them. They will not
have a significant choice at the polls because they will not have been
exposed to the ideas of various political parties competing equally for
support.

      The only "campaigning" they are likely to be exposed to will consist
of hate-filled propaganda or harangues from candidates of one party - the
ruling party. Only the ruling party can organise campaign rallies freely and
only it has access to the public electronic and print media.

      Under such flawed electoral conditions, it is obvious that the voter
is treated with contempt. It is the voter who has to do the sweating to
survive the ordeal of an election.

      Whereas a vast country like the United States, which has a population
of almost 300 million people, can conduct a national plebiscite without
recording a single election-related death, the loss of lives is inevitable
and even embraced as part of the participatory process in our country.

      Instead of being the most sought after and courted group, Zimbabwean
voters are usually the most endangered species in the run-up to and during
elections. Politicians have turned the tables on us. They now behave as
though it is the electorate that seeks approval to be governed rather than
that they must earn our support and endorsement to take care of our welfare
and interests.

      The question to ask is whether it is worthwhile to hold elections at
all when the electoral field is a terrain of terror and possible death for
the voter and a trap for certain defeat for all but the ruling party.

      What purpose do next year's parliamentary elections serve when the
questions plaguing my mind do not relate to the issues and ideas the
candidates will present but to the scale of violence likely to be
experienced and the death toll certain to be recorded.

      Who will die? Will it be me, my relative, friend, neighbour or a
fellow Zimbabwean? These questions show how we have all become prisoners of
our flawed electoral process. None of us is free if even one Zimbabwean in
any part of the country loses his life or is terrorised or tortured and
denied his God-given right to choose who should govern him, and how.

      I concur with Aristotle who argued that although an expert cook knows
better than the amateur how to bake a cake, the person who eats the cake is
the better judge of whether it tastes good.

      In Zimbabwe today, we urgently need politicians who care to find out
what the electorate thinks. We have no use for those who seek to impose
their will and themselves on us by decree and brute force.

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FinGaz

      Only return to legality will ensure development

      8/13/2004 7:50:47 AM (GMT +2)

      While an engine requires oil to run smoothly, a modern state needs an
efficient, properly funded and managed legal system because such a legal
system is the lubricant that ensures freedom, development and a smooth
operation of the state.

      The system must be based on sound principles of democracy or
constitutionalism, which concepts have universally applicable standards,
such that there is no democracy for "Africans" as distinguished from
Europeans and other races.

      The sterile and backward argument propagated by certain local
political analysts that Africans need their own home brewed democracy is
misleading, mischievous and backward.

      Democracy and constitutionalism are concepts that have evolved over
time, manifesting themselves in the various revolutions in Europe, further
afield as well as in Africa's own struggle to obliterate colonialism.

      It must be noted that the idea of having a constitution, alone is not
the answer to democracy or constitutionalism.

      A constitution that is not supported by an honest commitment to basic
principles of constitutionalism is a purposeless document.

      Only those states that have developed political maturity and
acknowledged the sanctity of the rule of law have religiously adhered to
provisions of their constitutions.

      On the contrary, politically immature individuals among most
developing states, including our own have abused their constitutions and the
broader legal process in a quest to consolidate their wilting political
careers.

      Driven by a desire to cling to power for as long as possible even in
circumstances of outrageous incompetence and corruption, such individuals
have in the name of the constitution practiced atrocious brutalities and
unbridled looting and plunder.

      To avert criticism they assume ultra defensive radicalism and justify
their malpractices in the name of "sovereignty", "state security" and
misguided anti-imperialist rhetoric.

      And yet sovereignty is a pre-Victorian concept that has since been
abandoned in contemporary international politics because states are
amalgamating into political and economic blocs.

      These political malcontents use the law when it suits them, and
disregards it when their interests are threatened.

      They see the law as existing to promote and protect them when they
practice plutocracy, kleptocracy, and other extreme vices.

      In constitutional law circles this class of political maniacs is said
to practice "democratic dictatorship". This is because they preach democracy
by day while in the dark they indulge in horrible despotism.

      The common denominator in authoritarian states is the use of force,
which force is supported by torrents of nauseating false propaganda to make
the nation docile and conformist.

      The ultimate result is the creation of an ultra-rich class of
individuals, who are corrupt to the core and give a demagoguery allegiance
to the leadership as a way of protecting themselves from scrutiny in view of
their corrupt syndicates.

      At the height of the corruption, and ensuing pandemonium which
pandemonium is contagious, the suffering majority also resorts to anarchy,
and looting of whatever they can.

      Because the poor become so drenched in destitution they vandalise
whatever they can including railway, postal and electrical infrastructure,
as their own last measure of corruption.

      In the result, railway accidents become the order of the day, random
electrical blackouts become acceptable, and telecommunication faults become
the norm.

      Again at the height of the pandemonium, the deluded politicians,
harangued by a plethora of problems demanding attention forget about
priorities.

      Valuable revenue is spent expanding and renovating youth training
centres when the justice ministries suffocate on their way to the intensive
care unit.

      Underpaid magistrates and prosecutors, fed up with political
harassment, overworked and exhausted resign en masse leaving few judicial
officers to man the courts.

      The clerks and other assistants follow suit leaving most court
buildings managed by often inexperienced and confused staff.

      In the process, the underpaid, overworked judicial staff join the
corruption bandwagon, and it becomes a free for all.

      The case backlog for both civil and criminal matters in the
Magistrates and High Court balloons to the point of almost emasculating the
already burdened courts.

      In the result, matters are postponed ad infinitum, until suspects are
freed, and litigants lose steam because their claims would have lost value
due to hyperinflation.

      At the higher courts, judicial officers spend valuable time dispensing
"justice" and when they deliver their judgments these are honoured
selectively.

      Only those judgments deemed favourable to the politicians are rushed
to be enforced, at times leaving newspapers effectively banned, and their
employees jobless.

      On the contrary, judgements not favourable to the esteemed political
maniacs are scoffed at as irrelevant and of no force or effect in the
process rendering a fatal blow to the honour and integrity of the courts.

      Contemptuous acts and utterances that in normal democracies would
invite severe sanctions go unpunished.

      Some of the venomous slander and libel targeted at the judicial
officers emanate from public newspapers and broadcasters, evidencing that
the class of contemptuous politicians and their band of apologists are
conveniently above the law.

      In one typical case, a critical look at the dying Ministry of Justice
will reveal that most of the problems emanate from the absence of the
Minister.

      The absentee spends most of his time in Parliament presenting and
debating patently unconstitutional and oppressive laws. A model example of
an authoritarian state will not be complete without the common economic
mismanagement that culminates in shortage of foreign currency.

      Due to the fact that chaos is allergic to legality, and no progress
can ensue under anarchy, the pace of development slackens to a near halt and
companies fold, some come under curatorship, unemployment skyrockets, and
the impoverished citizens take flight to the despised but envied imperialist
countries.

      Coincidentally, and controversially so, the politicians do a Damascan
U-turn and again outstretch their palms begging for the currency of the
hated and derided neo-colonial and imperialist countries.

      In the end, the only solution will be to pray for a return to
legality, accountability and transparency so that progress can flourish for
the betterment of the impoverished suffering majority.

      lVote Muza is a lawyer with Gutu and Chikowero Legal Practitioners.

      e-mail: gutulaw@mweb.co.zw

      website: www.gutulaw.co.zw

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FinGaz

      49% 'indigenisation quota' threat doesn't worry Angloplats

      Dumisani Ndlela
      8/13/2004 7:24:28 AM (GMT +2)

      JOHANNESBURG - Anglo Platinum (Angloplats) is unperturbed by recent
government threats to force mining companies to surrender 49 percent of
their equity to local black partners, and is going ahead with its US$92
million Unki Platinum Project under terms already agreed with the Zimbabwe
government, a spokesman told The Financial Gazette.

      Angloplats is to indigenise a 20 percent stake in Unki. While 15
percent is expected to go to unidentified local black partners, five percent
of the stake could be snapped up by a management consortium. As a
demonstration of its commitment to the Zimbabwean project, which was
launched in August 2003 after a lengthy period of hesitation over the
country's fiscal regime, Angloplats and its Zimbabwean partner, Anglo
American Zimbabwe, expect to have injected US$5 million into Unki Platinum
by the end of this year, the spokesman said.

      "Commitments made to the project to date total US$10 million," the
spokesman said, maintaining that the project was progressing well and
according to schedule. "Work on the Unki Platinum Project in the Shurugwi
area which was officially launched by the Anglo American Group in August
2003, is progressing well. In particular, the upgrading of an important road
leading to the site of the proposed mine is now 80 per cent complete.
Construction of a high level bridge over the Mtabekwana River was completed
recently," the spokesman said.

      "A dam which is to supply water to the mine that is also under
construction. Progress in the construction of both the road referred to
above and the dam was slowed down by the heavy rains in the area during the
summer."

      The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority was proceeding with
installation of temporary power to the mine site, he said. The design of the
underground mining method to be used by the mine was currently under review,
while a concentrator was also being designed, with civil engineering for
related infrastructure also under review.

      Unki will produce concentrate of about 58 000 ounces of refined
platinum and 40 000 ounces of refined palladium per annum at full capacity,
with first production expected in 2007.

      Zimbabwe's total platinum production doubled to 140 000 ounces last
year, making it the only buoyant economic sub sector in the country.
Zimplats, controlled by South Africa's Impala Platinum Holdings, has
experienced phenomenal production growth at its Ngezi Platinum Mine, and has
finalised a feasibility study of an expansion project encompassing
construction of an underground mine and a new concentrator.

      The Zimplats board has approved the expansion programme which will now
go to vote an a date still unannounced.

      Mimosa Mine, another key Zimbabwean platinum producer jointly owned by
Implats and Aquarius, is currently undertaking a major expansion project.
Production last year increased three-fold compared with the 2002 production
levels.

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FinGaz

      Massive loans for ABC directors

      Chris Muronzi
      8/13/2004 7:26:00 AM (GMT +2)

      African Banking Corporation (ABC), which recorded a net income of
Botswana pula (BWP) 3.8 million in 2003, down from BWP53.3 million in 2002,
has revealed that it awarded massive loans amounting to BWP9 million to its
directors.

      In its 2003 annual report, ABC, a pan-African banking concern,
indicated that during the past year, when a number of local banking
institutions were undone by non-performing insider loans as interest rates
surged, the group had been exposed to the tune of BWP9.236 million to its
directors, or close to seven percent of shareholder funds, through personal
loans.

      Group deputy chairman Oliver Chidawu and group chief executive officer
Douglas Munatsi, both major shareholders in ABC, got the lion's share of the
loans.

      The duo's combined shareholding of at least 18.9 percent in ABC, held
through various vehicles, supersedes that of Old Mutual Life (Zimbabwe),
which holds 15.6 percent and occupies pole position on the share register.

      An unspecified loan amounting to BWP 3.8 million was advanced to
Chidawu, while housing and personal loans to Munatsi amounting to BWP1.943
million were recorded.

      A combined loan to the chief executive and his deputy chairman and
business associate Chidawu to the tune of BWP117 000 was also recorded.
Other such loans were given to Modiri Mbaakanyi, who is listed among
independent directors, and an N Zhou (ABC Zimbabwe) and C Chileshe, who
chairs ABC Zambia.

      The combined funds awarded to Mbaakanyi, Zhou and Chileshe amount to
BWP 2.3 million.

      However, the banking group, which made a provision for bad and
doubtful debts of BWP15.7 million, down from the previous year's BWP17.8
million, stressed that "all loans bear interest and fee rates applicable to
similar exposures of third parties and have appropriate security.

      "The group assists officers and employees in respect of housing, motor
vehicles and personal loans at subsidised rates in some instances."

      In its full year results to December 2003, ABC registered a massive
drop in attributable profit - from BWP 53.3 million to a mere BWP 3.8
million - owing to non-recurrent items, which also saw headline earnings
coming down to BWP 21.9 million from BWP 70.3 million.

      The Botswana-incorporated banking group has in place solid corporate
governance structures and its remuneration committee is chaired by Rudolph
Hug, the group's Swiss independent non-executive chairman.

      It is this committee which fixes the remuneration packages of
individual directors within agreed terms of reference, in order to avoid
potential conflicts on interest, the group states in the annual report.

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FinGaz

      Billions trapped in DRC

      Felix Njini
      8/13/2004 7:27:00 AM (GMT +2)

      VICTORIA FALLS - Billions of dollars are locked up in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) because of failure by companies in that country
to pay for supplies from Zimbabwean firms.

      Business sources said the much-touted DRC foray had long gone sour,
with companies which undertook premature decisions to invest in the central
African country before a careful study of the investment climate returning
home empty-handed to face the wrath of shareholders.

      Some companies are said to be aborting deals midstream and writing
them off as losses after having their fingers burnt in the vast war-torn
country, perceived to possess immeasurable wealth.

      Government-controlled enterprises that include the National Railways
of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the Cold Storage Company (CSC), Air Zimbabwe and the
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) dominate the list of firms with
funds trapped in the DRC.

      The private sector, which also moved in to take advantage of the lull
in civil conflict in the DRC some three years ago, is said to be struggling
to salvage some of its investments in the central African economy.

      Business leaders attending last week's Confederation of Zimbabwe
Industries congress in Victoria Falls said Zimbabwean products were being
left to "rot" or were being sold at give-away prices, with some DRC
companies refusing to meet commitments or preferring to do business with
South Africa.

      First Banking Corporation of Zimbabwe (FBC), whose presence in the DRC
is reported to be increasingly tenuous, brokered some of the trade deals but
is now allegedly unable to facilitate payments on behalf of Zimbabwean
investors and companies.

      FBC, whose majority shareholders are ruling ZANU PF-related
businessmen, stormed into the vast DRC in 2000, facilitating trade between
Zimbabwe and the rest of the region.

      "Export proceeds are trapped in the DRC. We were exporting goods and
some of the deals were brokered by FBC but nothing has come out. We cannot
get our money and to start legal action is such a hassle," said a local
businessman.

      "Why are colleague countries discriminating against us? They are not
paying up on goods manufactured in Zimbabwe," he added.

      "There are no results in the DRC, Mozambique and Angola, which we have
assisted in a large measure in achieving stability," said another
businessman.

      "Why are these countries not user-friendly to Zimbabwe? Why are we
failing to penetrate the DRC market?" queried Ruth Labode, a local
businesswoman.

      Christian Katsande, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry
and International Trade, confirmed to The Financial Gazette that many
Zimbabwean companies were owed money by DRC companies.

      "The DRC market is challenging in terms of payments. NRZ, Air
Zimbabwe, CAAZ and CSC are owed money in the DRC for services rendered,"
Katsande said.

      Some of the parastatals were understood to have signed contracts in
the DRC for political reasons, sources said.

      "The situation is worse for the private sector. We are currently
exploring ways in which government could assist some of the companies to
recover their investments and the export proceeds," Katsande said.

      Industry and International Trade Minister Samuel Mumbengegwi said
Zimbabwe had not gone to the DRC in return for trade favours.

      Mumbengegwi accused the private sector of failing to follow up on
government initiatives in brokering trade in the region.

      "We did not support the DRC in return for trade. It was to protect our
own interests. Trade requires you and them. You have not followed links we
have been establishing. We have had several agreements with the DRC you have
not followed," Mumbengegwi said.

      Zimbabwe sent troops to the DRC in 1998 to quell an insurgency by
rebels sworn to topple the government of then President Laurent Kabila.

      After the cessation of hostilities in 2002, the Zimbabwe government
has been encouraging local firms to take advantage of the relative stability
in the mineral-rich country.

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JAG CLASSIFIED: Updated 12th August 2004

Please send any classified adverts for publication in this newsletter to:
JAG Job Opportunities jag@mango.zw
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Advert Received 1st August 2004

GAIREZI RIVER COTTAGES

Holiday cottages available

There are 2 x 4 bed self-catering cottages available on the Gairezi River,
17 km from Troutbeck. Fantastic scenery, great trout fishing, picnic sites,
walks, swimming and tubing. Solar lighting and hot water, gas and wood
stoves and gas freezer. Fantastic value - currently $75000/cottage/night ,
definitely worth a visit. For bookings and more details contact Wendy
Waddacor on wendyw@zol.co.zw tel .0298 370 091 320 676

_____________________________________________

2.  Advert Received 3rd August 2004

Terrier Rescue is desperately seeking good homes for 2 magnificent
staffordshire bull terrier dogs. "Paddy" superb 3 yr red staffy, owners
left. Wonderful protector, saved owner's life on 2 occasions. Excellent
with children. Very well behaved and loyal. Has always been a very much
loved only pet. If you can give him a home you will never regret it."Jocko"
brindle/white staffy, about 5-6 years. Owner recently died. Lovely nature,
adores being loved, gets on with a bitch. Needs a kind, loving home again.
If you can help save these 2 very special dogs from being put to sleep,
phone me on 04 884294 or e-mail gandami @ m web. co. zw. Neither of them to
go as outside guard dogs, must be family pets. Michelle Fuller

______________________________________________

3.  Advert Received 4th August 2004

1 stock saddle and 1 American Western saddle, hardly used. Highest cash
offers. Tel 884294 or 011 602 903 or 861825 week-days, Harare.
______________________________________________

4.  Advert Received 4th August 2004

Urgently wanted is a second hand computer that is priced resonable with a
printer: ph 091362043
_______________________________________________

5.  Advert Received 4th August 2004

I would like to sell a Kholer 60kva generator complete with changeover
switch. Done 800 hours total since new. Asking US$15,000.
Regards,
Alan Graham
Ph 661558/9
Cell 091 400397
E-mail alan@woodwise.co.zw
______________________________________________

6.  Advert Received 30th July 2004
PASTEL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS - Gold Dealer Award Winner since 2003

Are you looking for Pastel Accounting Partner, Xpress, Premier and
Evolution support?

We at Pastel Management Consultants are able to offer our clients the
following services:-
· Support (including telephonic support) in Pastel, from the small single
home user through to medium and large business concerns
· Managerial advice in the use of the Pastel range of software.
· Customising/Creating Managerial Reports.
· Development (Originators of Pastel Farmer) of Reports for Farmers,
PasTrans and PasSchools.
· Individualised and group Training in Pastel and software applications.
· Hardware servicing and networking.
· Sales in new and the Upgrading of the Pastel Accounting Partner software.

WE ARE CURRENTLY RUNNING A PROMOTION UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2004 FOR ALL CLIENTS
WISHING TO UPGRADE THEIR CURRENT OLDER VERSIONS (V3, V4, V5 AND V6) TO
PASTEL ACCOUNTING PARTNER 2004 (VERSION 7).

For further information please contact us on the following:

Tel No: (04) 851 742 / 3 / 4 / 5
Cell Phone No: 091 727 833 / 091 727 835
E-mail Address: support@pastelconsult.co.zw
_______________________________________________

7.  Advert Received 6th August 2004

FOR SALE

1. Coal
2. Washed Peas and Nuts
3. Diesel @ $2775 plus transport minimum order 5000 litres

For more information contact Johan Smit at 091 322 257
______________________________________________

8.  Advert Received 9th August 2004

Some ladies in and around Harare North are getting together in knitting and
sewing circles.  I am appealing on their behalf for beautiful wool and
knitting patterns, to create beautiful things and not just run-of-the-mill.
Also scraps of material (and backing material) that can be used for
quilting, rag-rugs etc.  Obviously any knitting & sewing/embroidery needles
& cottons, silks etc. also welcome.

Please clean out your cupboard and drop any offerings off at my office (Mt
Pleasant Hall - side entrance), my home (4 Ashbrittle Crescent (off The
Chase, Emerald Hill (just past Saveways Supermarket/Foodcourt, etc) or call
Corrine Lapham on 885176 or 885013.

Thank you!
______________________________________________

9.  Advert Received 10th August 2004

"What, !! You're Taking Stock! Summer, is here and you're in Shock!!
Shake!! Your body, its Party Time,!
We'll put that Sparkle! In your Eyes,
a Smile! on your face, a Spring! in your Stride and a Glow! from Within.
We'll Tweak! those old Bones, on a feast! of Good Health,
Up Grade! Old Skin and Unveil! and New One.
With Body Buffing! and Pimples Gone,! what more! can we do, to please you
today?
Lets, fragrant! the Air, with a Wiggle of Delight and Catch! those Glances!
you, once had.
We'll Distance! free Radicals and Endorse! good Health!
Let's Zap !! the fat!! and Lessen the Bulge!!
And Put!! thsat Cute Waist!! back where it once was!!
Pick up! the Phone! and give us a Call,! Invite us in,! We'll tell you
more!"
Liz 091-913-460
______________________________________________

10.  Advert Received 10th august 2004

HOUSE FOR SALE: EMERALD HILL

4 bedroom/2 bathroom.Pool. Excellent borehole. Spacious garden. Double
garage. Exceptional security. Lovely quiet neighbourhood. $550 million. No
transfer fees. Phone 091-334991
_______________________________________________

11.Advert Received 11th August 2004

Bed & Breakfast

In Greendale North, Harare, Zimbabwe

Twin bed cottage with

ensuite bathroom and kitchenette.

Meals on request

Reasonable rates.

Contact Mrs. Bown

Tel: (263)0 4-702402 or

(263) 0 23 316 739 (cell phone)

E-mail: zatso@mweb.co.zw
Also

Transit Traveller Care and Transfers

for International and South African visitors.
_______________________________________________

12 Advert Received 11th August 2004

Mature professional female from the UK requires upmarket 2 bedroomed garden
cottage/flat
to rent. Must be furnished and equipped to a high standard.
Must also be light, airy and quiet with good sized rooms.
Location - upmarket suburbs of Harare. Good security essential. Own
telephone line
also essential. Excellent references available on request.

If you you have a property you would like to let that suits this
description, please call:

Tel: 091 353 997
slb@bucs.co.uk
 ______________________________________________

13 Advert Received 11th August 2004

FOR SALE

1.  Nissan CPB 12,8 tone lorry, and
        6 tone trailer with steel cattle sides,
        very good condition Z$140,000,000/00
1.  Massey Ferguson 240 S tractor Z$25,000,000/00
1.  Open Sabare boat with 200hp
        Yamaha Z$17,500,000/00
1.  Boat shed at NAUZ Charara Z$7,500,000/00
1.  Two wheel all steel farm trailer
        with sides Z$3,500,000/00
1.  two wheel trailer, low bed Z$1,600,000/00
Single and double flourescent lights
                Single Z$150,000/00
                Double Z$250,000/00
1.  Steel, disc cutter with 3hp,
        3 phase motor Z$3,000,00/00
1.  Lazy man garage door Z$1,500,000/00
1.  Wacker electric M 3000 concrete
        vibrator complete with flexible
        shaft and 45mm probe Z$7,500,000/00
1.  Cast iron sewerage man-hole
        cover and frame Z$250,000/00
1.  Craster swimming pool filter Z$1,500,000/00
1.  Craster swimming pool filter
        with pump Z$2,200,000/00
2 Motorola multiple channel base sets
        with antenna's Z$2,500,000/00
1.  Motorola two channel base set with
        antenna
Z$2,000,000/00
4.  Motorola GP 300 hand held
        multi-channel radio's Z$1,500,000/00

Tel 04-335681, cell 011410118
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JAG JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Updated 12th August 2004

Please send any classified adverts for publication in this newsletter to:
JAG Job Opportunities jag@mango.zw
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Advert Received 9th august 2004

Diesel Mechanic Seeking Employment.
Contact: Robert Pearson
on 011 9073462, 083 246 1446, urinda@mweb.co.zw
_____________________________________________

2 Advert Received 12th August 2004

"Tobacco Farmer Wanted - Moçambique"
Stancom Tabacos & Serviços (Moç) Limitada, are looking for an experienced
tobacco farmer.

The farmer must be mature, dynamic and a complete hands on all-rounder.

He must have traceable references and be able to run an initial 60 hectares
increasing to 100 hectares over a 2 year period.

He must have the right attitude to operate successfully in Moçambique.

He must have a proven track record with one of the banks and be willing to
work under difficult circumstances.

Fluency in Portuguese or Shona is a requirement.

The position comes with a competitive salary, bonus, vehicle, medical aid,
a house and assistance with education - if applicable.

Please send your C.V.'s to fax 00-258-3-311945 or email;
carmstrong@stsmoz.com .

Interviews for short listed applicants may be arranged at nearest points,
i.e. Harare, Mutare or Chimoio.'
______________________________________________

3.  Advert Received 12th August 2004

A associate in Kenya is deperately looking for a Rose Manager to assist him
in running a 160 hectare farm in Naivasha.  If you are interested in
further details please contact Mr Kevin Boekestein on
kboekestein@promasidor-ke.com
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