Gibson Sibanda dies

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

24 August, 2010 02:10:00    bY

NATIONAL Healing Minister and Movement for Democratic Change founding
president Gibson Jama Sibanda has died, his party announced on Tuesday.
He was 66.

Sibanda, who led the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions for more than a
decade, died at Bulawayo's Mater Dei hospital on Monday night, his party's
deputy secretary general Priscilla Misihairabwi said.
Misihairabwi said Sibanda had been in and out of hospital over the last year
quietly battling cancer.

"We have lost a gentle giant, a father figure and quiet spirit who was
hardly ruffled by many things," Misihairabwi told New Zimbabwe.com by
telephone from Harare.
Sibanda never re-married after his wife Ntombizodwa died in 2003 following
her own public battle with cancer.

Sibanda, a former welfare secretary of the liberation movement, the Zimbabwe
African People's Union (ZAPU), was detained without trial for three years by
the former white minority government alongside other nationalist leaders
between 1976 and 1979.

In 1984, he was elected president of five amalgamated railway trade unions.
He studied and obtained a Diploma in Industrial Labour Relations, and would
later become vice president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in
1988.

He became ZCTU president a year later - a position he held until 1999 when
he became the interim leader of a ZCTU-initiated political party, the
Movement for Democratic Change.

Sibanda led the party for close to six months leading up to its first
congress in February 2000. He was elected deputy president at the congress
as Morgan Tsvangirai, the former ZCTU secretary general, assumed leadership.
In parliamentary elections that year, Sibanda became an MP after defeating
Dumiso Dabengwa in Nkulumane.
In 2001, Sibanda was arrested on charges of inciting violence. The case was
withdrawn in January 2003 before plea.

In November of the same year, an attempt was made on his life and those of
MDC secretary general Welshman Ncube, elections director Paul Themba Nyathi
and treasurer Fletcher Dulini Ncube.

A gunman opened fire on them with a machine gun while they stood outside the
MDC's regional office in Bulawayo. No arrests were made.

Sibanda's convoy was also attacked in Kuwadzana, Harare, when he and other
MDC leaders went to address a rally during the presidential election
campaign in 2002.

On April 1, 2003, Sibanda was arrested once again, this time on charges of
seeking to overthrow President Robert Mugabe's government. The charges arose
from a nationwide job boycott supported by the MDC between March 18 and 19.

He was kept in police custody for seven days before being granted bail. He
was remanded four times in the ensuing year before the charges were
withdrawn before plea on February 16, 2004, because the State was unable to
produce any evidence.

Fissures began appearing in the MDC party in 2005 when leaders agonised over
whether to field candidates in a newly-established Senate. Sibanda, along
with the powerful secretary general Ncube and other leaders advocated
participation, arguing that the party could not give ground to Mugabe's Zanu
PF in constituencies where it had MPs - mostly in Matabeleland.

Tsvangirai, meanwhile, took the line that the Senate was an unnecessary
drain on the national fiscus and the party should boycott.

The party split that year and Sibanda briefly led a breakaway MDC before
standing down at the February 2006 congress which saw the entry of Arthur
Mutambara into local politics as president. Sibanda became his deputy.
He lost his parliamentary seat to Thamsanqa Mahlangu from the Tsvangirai-led
MDC formation in the 2008 general elections.

In August 2008, he stood for the post of President of the Senate with the
support of colleagues from the Tsvangirai-led MDC formation but lost to Zanu
PF's Edna Madzongwe.

Sibanda became a member of the Senate in 2009 following his appointment as a
Minister of State for National Healing in the new coalition government
formed between Mugabe, Tsvangirai and Mutambara.

Deputy min, four MDC MPs arrested in Masvingo

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Energy Bara
Monday, 23 August 2010 16:18

MASVINGO - MDC-T Deputy Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment Tongai
Matutu, three party legislators, Heya Shoko , Edmore Marima, Enerst
Mudavanhu and Senator Misheck Marava were yesterday arrested by police in
Masvingo on allegations of public violence.

The five had allegedly been on a police wanted list since last week after
the law enforcement agents claimed  that they were behind the recent Bikita
West constituency violence.

Matutu, who is the party's Masvingo Urban MP, Shoko ( Bikita West), Marima
(Bikita East), Mudavanhu ( Zaka North) and Zaka Senator Marava surrendered
themselves to the police and were detained for several hours before being
released.

Police in Masvingo yesterday confirmed the arrests adding that the
legislators had been on their wanted list since last week.

"I can confirm that the legislators were questioned for hours and later
released but investigations are continuing ", said a senior police officer
at Masvingo Central police station who requested anonymity . "We are
pressing charges of public violence against them following violent incidents
which happened in Bikita West constituency last week", added the officer.

"We only released them in order for them to continue with COPAC business but
we will summon them one day".

Matutu yesterday confirmed that they were questioned by Masvingo police and
later released.

According to Matutu, an entourage of MDC-T legislators went to Bikita West
constituency  last week after receiving word that a house belonging to one
of their supporters had been burnt.

While in Bikita West  they passed through a place where there was a Zanu-PF
meeting  .

"We just passed through and did nothing", said Matutu. "However it has come
as a surprise that those present at  the meeting were claiming that we were
involved in public violence''.

"We were summoned at the police station this morning and after recording
warned and cautioned statements from the two of us the whole process was
abandoned midway", said Matutu.

"Police later released us after several hours ostensibly on the
understanding that some of the legislators involved were actually team
leaders in the outreach programme ", said Matutu.

"They indicated to us that they will continue with the process of recording
statements when the legislators were free " the Deputy Minister added.

The arrests come  barely four days after another party legislator Tachiona
Mharadze (Masvingo West) was questioned for public violence and later
released.

Two MDC activists Muranganwa Chanyau, and Daniel Muchuchuti are currently on
remand after being arrested on public violence charges.

Meanwhile prison officers at Masvingo remand prison yesterday denied
relatives and friends from seeing the two jailed MDC-T  activists for what
they called were security reasons.

Scores of MDC -T activists and Masvingo Mayor Alderman Femias Chakabuda were
denied permission to see the two by prison officers .

MDC-T legislator blasts police for treating them like criminals

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Tichaona Sibanda
24 August 2010

MDC-T Senator for Zaka Misheck Marava, on Tuesday lashed out at the police
attitude towards his party's legislators, saying they are being treated like
'criminals' by the partisan police.

Marava is one of five legislators from the MDC-T who were summoned to the
police station in Masvingo on Monday, facing charges of disrupting a ZANU PF
meeting in Bikita recently.

The other four legislators who spent some time with the police giving
statements were Masvingo Urban MP and deputy Youth Minister Tongai Matutu,
Bikita West MP Heya Shoko, Bikita South legislator Jani Varandeni and Zaka
North MP Ernest Mudavanhu.

But police had to abandon taking statements from the legislators two hours
into the process, after they realized their unlawful detention had paralyzed
the constitution making process in the province.

Marava said the public was being let down by a justice system which treats
perpetrators of violence as if they were victims. The 54 year-old legislator
told SW Radio Africa that despite their party being in the inclusive
government, he believes the authorities in the security forces were out to
demolish the MDC.

'Since we joined this inclusive government, not a single week has gone by
without the police harassing, intimidating and persecuting MDC officials and
supporters. In many of the cases the police will be following orders of
corrupt politicians, who think they are above the law,' Marava said.

He added; 'The same police force treats us (legislators) with contempt,
disrespect and scorn, while showing favoritism and granting special
privileges to ZANU PF MPs and its supporters.
'Look, I am a 54 year-old honorable and law abiding member of the society.
How can I at this age, go and disrupt a ZANU PF meeting. Why, and for what
benefit?' He asked.

'If it was the other way round, say ZANU PF MPs purportedly disrupting an
MDC meeting, the police would have done nothing at all, not even take
statements from them like what they did to us.'
Marava added that ZANU PF officials and their supporters have a free pass to
do as they please and are never held accountable for any crimes against the
people of Zimbabwe.

'They are simply untouchable, despite public pronouncements by the police
that no one is above the law. Many perpetrators of violence walk freely in
Masvingo, while so many of their victims no longer can,' he said.

 

ZANU PF officials to be questioned in torture trial

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Alex Bell
24 August 2010

Top ZANU PF officials are set to face questioning in the High Court next
week, in connection with the torture of a Norton man in 2008.

Four Cabinet ministers and a number of service chiefs will face the court on
allegations of torture, unlawful detention and deprivation of liberty.

Mapfumo Garutsa was abducted in November 2008 and held incommunicado for 22
days, on claims that he committed acts of terrorism and banditry. His
captors accused him of bombing two bridges, police stations, and undergoing
training in Botswana.

Garutsa was eventually released into police custody in December 2008 and has
said he was subjected to serious torture and starvation during his 22 day
ordeal. He says he was repeatedly assaulted and denied food, and he is now
demanding close to $200,000 from the top government officials. The abductee's
lawyer, Alec Muchadehama, told SW Radio Africa on Tuesday that the
experience was "traumatic and is still haunting my client to date".

The ministers and service chiefs meanwhile have denied the allegations,
saying Garutsa and other suspects were kept in 'safe houses' and
'volunteered' information. Garutsa is one of many who were abducted and
tortured during the turbulent election period in 2008. Home Affairs
co-Minister's Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutsekwa, Justice Minister Patrick
Chinamasa and former State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa are now all set
to be hauled before the High Court in connection with these claims.

Garutsa is also claiming damages from police Commissioner General Augustine
Chihuri, Prisons Commissioner Paradzai Zimondi, Happyton Bonyongwe, Director
General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), Asher Walter
Tapfumaneyi (Assistant Director of the CIO) and senior police officers,
identified as Senior Assistant Commissioner Nyathi, Chief Superintendent
Makedenge, Detective Chief Inspector Mpofu, Chief Superintendent Magwenzi,
Superintendent Joel Shasha Tenderere and Superintendent Regis Takaitei.

Garutsa is demanding $50 000 in damages for unlawful assault and torture,
$50 000 in damages for unlawful abduction and enforced disappearance, $50
000 for malicious persecution and $40 000 for unlawful detention.

The trial gets under way next Monday and comes as another year has passed
without Zimbabwe signing the United Nations (UN) Convention against Torture.
147 nations have signed the Convention, including 47 African states. Of the
African states that have signed 12 are from the 15 member Southern African
Development Community (SADC). Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe are the only
three countries in the region that have not signed.

In 2001 Parliament passed a motion calling for Zimbabwe to ratify the UN
Convention, but Mugabe's government at the time unsurprisingly took no
follow-up action. In May last year, in answer to a question from an MDC-T MP
on why the Convention had not yet been ratified, former co-Minister of Home
Affairs Giles Mutsekwa explained that his Ministry was still looking into
the matter. He said the Ministry did not approve the use of torture to
extract confessions, and pointed out that such confessions are not
admissible in court. But this did not answer the question of why the
government was failing to act on a Parliamentary resolution. No further
action has been taken since.

Human rights lawyer Dewa Mavhinga, from the Crisis Zimbabwe Coalition, said
on Tuesday that ZANU PF's traditional use of torture was standing in the way
of ratifying the convention. He said the MDC needs to lead the way in
ensuring such Conventions are signed and ratified, if there is to be any
positive change.

"If they are really committed to change, as they say they are, then this
government must sign these conventions," Mavhinga said.
 

Mutambara refuses to deny links to controversial GPA letter

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Irene Madongo
24 August 2010

Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara is refusing to distance himself from
reports that he wrote a controversial letter, claiming the three principals
to the Global Political Agreement (GPA) had agreed to appoint provincial
governors, simultaneously with the removal of sanctions.

Despite the claims in the letter, Mugabe and Tsvangirai are reported to have
disagreed on the matter. ZANU PF maintains that the governors will be
appointed only when targeted sanctions against Mugabe and his close
associates are removed. But MDC-T spokesman Nelson Chamisa said; "Trying to
compare the two is unacceptable, it has never been agreed on, no-one would
agree to such a bizarre arrangement."

Of course the MDC do not have the power to have the targeted sanctions
removed, so it would appear to be quite illogical to expect this to happen.

But Mutambara's refusal to openly deny the reports linking him to the letter
will only further fuel claims that he is indeed the author. This comes at a
time when the leader of the MDC-M's position is considered to be precarious,
with several defections from his party to the Tsvangirai faction, and he
also faces a strong threat of being toppled by his Secretary General,
Welshman Ncube.

When asked on Tuesday by SW Radio Africa to comment on claims he penned the
letter, Mutambara said: "Our communication from the principals to the
facilitator is confidential. We don't discuss our communication between the
principals and the facilitator."

He refused to discuss the matter further and declined to take any more phone
calls. On Monday Mutambara also told a newspaper that he won't say whether
he wrote the letter or not, saying communication between the principals is
confidential and is not shared with journalists. This is despite the other
principals having openly discussed their stance.

In June the principals met to finalise outstanding issues in the GPA, as the
region geared up for the Southern African Development Community meeting.
Mutambara is reported to have then written the letter 'on behalf' of the
principals,' to South African President Jacob Zuma, the SADC facilitator on
inter-party negotiations, outlining areas of agreement and disagreement,
including the provincial governors and sanctions.

Political analyst John Makumbe says Mutambara's reaction to the letter saga
is to be expected, because commenting on it could get him into hot water
with his supporters, at a time when his leadership is shaky. "He is likely
to be on the wrong side of the MDC-T and it effectively places him on the
same side with ZANU PF, and he will then be seen in a bad light by
Zimbabweans in general, but mainly by his own political party," Makumbe
said.

"In the first place, he shouldn't have written the letter, but if he wrote
the letter he should be man enough to defend the letter," Makumbe said,
adding: "To deny that he wrote that letter is unfortunate because that is
confirmed by people in Zuma's office."

Mutambara's refusal to give information to journalists or the public, once
again raises the question of the right of Zimbabweans to be given the facts
and the information about these serious issues, that affect their lives and
their future.

Zim's Foreign Affairs Minister Clashes With Diplomats

http://news.radiovop.com/

24/08/2010 06:13:00

Harare, August 24, 2010 - Zimbabwe Foreign Affair Minister, Simbarashe
Mumbengegwi clashed with foreign diplomats on Monday over sanctions and the
implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) in the capital
Harare.

Mumbengegwi was addressing foreign ambassadors on the just ended Southern
African Development Community (SADC) heads of state meeting in Windhoek,
Namibia. What began as a normal brief to diplomats ended with Mumbengegwi
shouting at German ambassador, Albrecht Conze over sanctions after being
told they were 'only restrictions' targeted on a few people.

"For the past three years those that have put restrictive measures on about
200 people in this country regarding travel and assets has helped this
country with between 600 to 800 million US dollars per year," Germany
Ambassador to Zimbabwe Albrecht Conze told Mumbengegwi.

"I fail to understand how travel restrictions and restrictions on personal
assets for a small number of people can be considered a threat to SADC
integration and to the economic revival of this country."

In reply Mumbengegwi in a loud voice challenged Conze saying the European
Union and its allies imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe and not only on President
Robert Mugabe and his close allies.

"I am sure you know the instruments that were evoced to Zimbabwe. The travel
restrictions are the least harmful to the poorest of the poor in
Zimbabwe.The EU in its sanctions suspended development assistance to
Zimbabwe," Mumbengegwi said.

"And development assistance has never been directed to 200 people who are
under sanctions, development assistance is directed to the poorest of the
poor."

"So tell me in my face what you tell those in Europe. We wonder why the
sanctions don't get lifted if the ambassadors are going to tell their
capitals that the sanctions are for a few people, the rest of the people are
okay when they are not," Mumbengegwi said.

Mumbengegwi said ZImbabwe unity deal will be fully implemented once all the
sanctions are removed adding that they expect the sanctions to be removed in
the next 30 days.

Mumbengegwi said they have not heard from the EU despite sending a
ministerial delegation over the removal of sanctions on Mugabe and his
cronies and the restoration of ties between Harare and Brussels.

Zimbabwe parties to the GPA are haggling over the resolution of outstanding
issues which includes the appointment of senior government officials.

Mugabe recently told his central committee that the he will only give
concessions to his partner Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai once sanctions
are removed.

Tsvangirai's party has said they have no role in the removal of sanctions as
they are not the ones who imposed them in the first place.
 

Zim Human Rights Campaigner Sues Four Ministers

http://news.radiovop.com/

24/08/2010 14:49:00

Harare, August 24, 2010 - Zimbabwe's state security agents who were fingered
for playing major roles in abducting several political and human rights
activists two years ago have denied any involvement in the kidnappings.

The denial is contained in an application filed by lawyers representing
state security agents and four ministers who are being sued by human rights
campaigner Jestina Mukoko.

Mukoko, the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) is demanding more
than US$200 000 in damages which she suffered as a result of her abduction,
wrongful arrest and torture when she was abducted from her home in Norton in
December 2008.

In a defendant's plea to Mukoko's application for damages whose hearing is
yet to be set the four ministers Co-Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi,
former co-Home Affairs Minister Giles Mutsekwa, Defence Minister Emmerson
Mnangagwa and former State Security, Lands, Land Reform and Resettlement
Minister Didymus Mutasa and the three state security chiefs namely Police
Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Chief Superintendent Peter Magwenzi
and Brigadier-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi deny the torture allegations.

"The defendants deny that the plaintiff (Mukoko) was tortured and put the
plaintiff to strict proof of claim," reads part of the ministers and
security agents' response to Mukoko's summons. The ministers and the
security agents are all represented by Harare law firm Mutamangira and
Associates who assumed agency last October after the Attorney General who is
also being sued by the ZPP director renounced agency."

The ministers' lawyers claim that Mukoko was "arrested by law enforcement
agents who had reasonable suspicion that she was involved in a conspiracy to
recruit and engage in acts of terrorism, banditry and sabotage."

The lawyers say Mukoko was arrested in order to "protect the public good"
and "prevent attacks on public infrastructure and police stations."

Mukoko sued the four ministers and the police chiefs after Chief Justice
Godfrey Chidyausiku granted her a permanent stay of prosecution after ruling
that her constitutional rights were violated as a result of the abduction
and torture.

The former ZBC news anchor was abducted by state security agents in December
2008 from her Norton residence and held incommunicado in secret detention
centres until the end of December when she was produced at a police station
and subsequently in court.

She was accused of recruiting persons to commit terrorism and banditry,
including the recruitment of insurgents to train in Botswana for an alleged
armed uprising against the then government of President Robert Mugabe.

Abductors: Mtetwa demands identities

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Written by The Zimbabwean
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 15:04

HARARE-Crusading human rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko has asked lawyers
representing four ministers and senior police chiefs to reveal the identity
of people who abducted her two  years ago.

Mukoko's lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa asked the lawyers from Mutamangira and
Associates who are representing the four ministers and the top police
officers to reveal the names of the law enforcement agents who abducted her
after the lawyers challenged her abduction report and justified it as an
arrest.The ministers include former State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa,
Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, Co-Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi
and former co-Home Affairs Minister Giles Mutsekwa.The police chiefs are
Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Chief Superintendent Peter
Magwenzi and Brigadier-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi. Attorney General
Johannes Tomana is also being sued by the pro-democracy campaigner.In their
response to summons served on them by Mukoko in which she is demanding more
than $200 000 in damages which she suffered as a result of her abduction,
wrongful arrest and torture the lawyers deny the torture allegations and
claim that her abduction was an act of arrest."The defendants aver that the
plaintiff was arrested by law enforcement agents who had reasonable
suspicion that she was involved in a conspiracy to recruit and engage in
acts of terrorism, banditry and sabotage,.The defendants deny that the
plaintiff was tortured and put the plaintiff to strict proof of claim," read
part of the lawyers' response to the summons served on the ministers.But in
responding to the denial by the ministers and the police chiefs Mtetwa is
now demanding Abductors: Mtetwa demands identitiesthe identities of the law
enforcements agents whom they claim arrested Mukoko. Mtetwa wants the
ministers and the police bosses to furnish her with the "full particulars of
each law enforcement agent involved in the alleged arrest of the plaintiff
(Mukoko), including the name, rank, address and organisation to which he/she
is attached."The human rights lawyer also want the ministers and the police
chiefs to mention the "lawful holding facility" where Mukoko was "taken to
after her alleged arrest."Mtetwa also wants the ministers and the senior
police officers to disclose "under whose custody" was the human rights
campaigner during the period 3 December, 2008 to 22 December 2008.Mukoko,
the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) was abducted by state
security agents in December 2008 from her Norton residence and held
incommunicado in secret detention centres until the end of December when she
was produced at a police station and subsequently in court.She was accused
of recruiting persons to commit terrorism and banditry, including the
recruitment of insurgents to train in Botswana for an alleged armed uprising
against President Robert Mugabe's previous government.Mukoko sued the
ministers and the police bosses after the Supreme Court granted her a
permanent stay of prosecution after ruling that her constitutional rights
were violated as a result of the abduction, torture and  incommunicado
detention."

Attorney General’s office launches fresh attack on Muchadehama under the nose of the Inclusive Government

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Written by The Zimbabwean
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 14:54

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) expresses its shock and outrage at
the malicious actions of the Attorney General (AG), through his
subordinates, in appealing against the acquittal of prominent human rights
lawyer Alec Muchadehama, more than eight months after he was freed by the
Magistrates’ Court on 10 December 2009.

On Friday 13 August 2010, Roderick Tokwe, a senior law officer in the AG’s
Office, filed a Chamber Application seeking leave to appeal against the
acquittal of Muchadehama, a partner at Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal
Practitioners and a dedicated senior member of ZLHR.In his Notice and
Grounds of Appeal Tokwe argues that Magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni erred and
misdirected herself in acquitting Muchadehama and Constance Gambara, the
clerk of High Court Judge, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu, with whom he was
jointly charged, at the close of the State’s case last December.He claims
that Muchadehama and Gambara “brought the administration of justice into
contempt (sic)” by allegedly disobeying Justice Bhunu’s order granting the
AG leave to appeal against bail awarded to three victims of State sponsored
abduction namely Gandhi Mudzingwa, Kisimusi Dhlamini and Andrison Manyere,
who were represented by the human rights lawyer. Tokwe now wants the human
rights lawyer and Justice Bhunu’s clerk to be placed before the trial court
for a continuation of the trial.17 August 2010Press StatementIn an attempt
to recommence the trial of Muchadehama and Gambara, Austin Muziwi, the
Principal Law Officer in the AG’s Office states in an affidavit that the
late filing of the Chamber Application for Review, though regretted, was as
a result of “problems” encountered by the Chief Transcriber in preparing the
transcript. Muziwi claims that there is no time limit laid down within
which, as the trial prosecutor, he can file the application for leave to
appeal and thus he is seeking the condonation of the High Court.Muchadehama,
a crusading human rights lawyer, had been on trial for contempt of court for
allegedly facilitating the illegal release from Chikurubi Maximum Prison of
two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) officials, Mudzingwa and Dhlamini,
and Manyere - a freelance photo-journalist, who had been granted bail by
High Court Judge, Justice Charles Hungwe.  He was acquitted on Thursday 10
December 2009 together with Gambara at the close of the State’s case when
the court found that the prosecutors had failed to prove the essential
elements of the alleged crime and ruled that there was no prima facie case
warranting the two being put to their defence.It is not surprising that this
frivolous appeal conveniently comes at the same time that the High Court has
finally set trial dates for civil claims for damages filed by various
political and civil society activists who were victims of state-sponsored
abduction against the Co-Ministers of Home Affairs, the Commissioner-General
of Police, and named state security agents and senior police officers. The
abductees are represented by Muchadehama and other lawyers at his firm.At
the very least, a reasonable perception has been created by these actions
that this is an act of blatant malice by an office whose leaders’
appointment is still considered an outstanding issue, which is yet to be
fully dealt with by the three principals to the Interparty Political
Agreement.It is solely calculated to distract Muchadehama from his core
business in representing human rights defenders and hamper his ability to
deal with other cases as he will be forced to spend time and energy
defending himself against continuing frivolous charges.Persecuting lawyers
for simply carrying out their lawful duties and ensuring the fundamental
right to legal representation for countless repressed human rights defenders
in Zimbabwe is an act calculated to harass and intimidate an independent
legal profession and break the existing legal safety net for human  rights
defenders.Such actions cannot be tolerated or condoned in a democratic
society. They only validate charges that there is pursuit to fulfill a
political agenda of certain parties and individuals against perceived
opponents through convictions at all costs.What is saddening and shocking is
that this ongoing persecution and harassment of an upstanding member of the
human rights legal profession is going on right under the nose of an
Inclusive Government that claims to be making much progress in resolving the
country’s political crisis, and at a time when SADC Heads of States and
Government are meeting at a Summit in Namibia to review developments in
Zimbabwe.ZLHR is of the strong belief that progressive elements from the
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) within the Inclusive Government are not
doing enough to resolve the outstanding issue of a partisan Attorney General
and a clique of law officers who are intent on fighting political battles
rather than ensuring the swift and effective prosecution of perpetrators of
murder and violence to fight the pervasive culture of impunity within our
society. As the greatest current threat to the restoration of the Rule of
Law in Zimbabwe, action is needed to resolve this outstanding issue, and it
is  needed now. Instead of playing to the gallery and focusing on
ineffective diplomacy, these representatives should be pursuing the
outstanding matters without fear or favour to prove to Zimbabweans that
there are no sacred cows being shielded from prosecution; to conserve scarce
state resources which are being misdirected towards attacking the
independence of the legal profession; and to ensure that sanity and
professionalism are restored in the Office of the Attorney General.  There
are countless law officers therein who are committed to professionalism and
the restoration of pride in this abused state institution, and the failure
by the Inclusive Government to act is a betrayal of their hopes and
aspirations-as well as those of the broader legal profession and the public
at large-for the early transformation of this critical institution.

Harare says no response yet from EU

http://www.zimonline.co.za/

by Tobias Manyuchi Tuesday 24 August 2010

HARARE - The European Union (EU) is yet to respond to overtures from
Zimbabwe more than a month ago to restore full relations, Foreign Minister
Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said on Monday.

Both the EU and the US have refused to lift sanctions against President
Robert Mugabe and his inner circle or to provide direct financial support to
the Zimbabwean leader's coalition government with Prime Minister Morgan
Tsvangirai demanding that the administration first quickens democratic
reforms and do more to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

An apparently frustrated Mumbengegwi accused Brussels of stalling on
resumption of full relations, insisting Harare was keen to revive full ties
with the EU that despite withdrawal of development assistance and lines of
credit to Zimbabwe remains one of the biggest providers of humanitarian
assistance to the African nation.

"We did send a delegation to Europe but they did not get any response from
the EU side," said Mumbengegwi, during a briefing to foreign diplomats in
Harare on the outcome of the just ended Southern African Development
Community (SADC) summit.

"We are still waiting. We don't know how long we will wait to have them
respond. We really want to make progress on this matter," he said.

The SADC summit called on the EU, US and other western countries that have
imposed visa and financial sanctions on top members of his ZANU PF party to
lift them to help the political transition in Zimbabwe.

Mugabe blames Zimbabwe's economic meltdown on the sanctions and says the
measures were put in place to help Tsvangirai's MDC party oust him from
power as punishment for his seizure of white-owned farmland for
redistribution to blacks.

The veteran President -- whose chaotic and often violent land reforms are
seen by many neutral observers as a chief cause of the dramatic collapse of
Zimbabwe's economy -- refuses to fully implement his power-sharing agreement
with Tsvangirai until the punitive measures are scrapped.

Meanwhile, Mumbengegwi and Germany ambassador to Zimbabwe Albrecht Conze,
clashed over the issue of sanctions with the latter saying the visa and
financial bans were only targeted at Mugabe and his top allies and could not
be seen as a stumbling block to efforts to rebuild the African country's
shattered economy.

Conze told Mumbengegwi: "For the past three years those that have put
restrictive measures on about 200 people in this country regarding travel
and assets has helped this country with between 600 to 800 million US
dollars per year.

"I fail to understand how travel restrictions and restrictions on personal
assets for a small number of people can be considered a threat to the
economic revival of this country."

But Mumbengegwi insisted - as his boss Mugabe always has - that the impact
of the measures went beyond the targeted individuals.

"Please, it is insulting to tell the victim of your withdrawal of
development assistance and lines of credit (that) they are no sanctions it
is just a few restrictions on 200 people. Who are you trying to fool, you
can fool other people in Europe and not here in Zimbabwe because we are the
victims," Mumbengegwi said.

The EU first imposed sanctions against Mugabe in 2002 following the holding
of a violence-marred presidential poll won by the veteran President.

The European bloc has renewed sanctions several times over the past few
years but has maintained humanitarian support to Zimbabwe. - ZimOnline

SADC: Supervise Zimbabwe’s next election To prevent state-sponsored violence

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Written by The Zimbabwean
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 17:48

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls upon the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) leaders to put in place an elections supervisory mechanism
for Zimbabwe’s next vote to prevent state-sponsored violence, which has
characterised previous elections.

SADC leaders met recently in Windhoek, Namibia but failed to come up with a
clear roadmap towards the next Zimbabwe election to ensure it is radically
different from the violent 2008 sham election.
Owing to superficial reforms, Zimbabwe’s institutions remain too weak and
compromised to prevent state-sponsored violence or to deliver a democratic
election. SADC must be the midwife to help deliver democracy in Zimbabwe.
Without that, it will be another stillbirth for democracy in Zimbabwe.
We therefore demand that SADC and the African Union by extension;
•    Supervise Zimbabwe elections to ensure full compliance with SADC
Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections – including
impartiality of electoral institutions, prevention of state-sponsored
violence and non-interference in electoral processes by the state security
sector;
•    Facilitate technical support to the newly appointed Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission by more experienced regional electoral bodies such as the South
African Electoral Commission and;
•    Guarantee the democratic transfer of power to the eventual winner of
the proposed elections.  In tandem with this, SADC must also use political
and diplomatic pressure to ensure that that the Inclusive government
prioritises security sector-reform in Zimbabwe to ensure that security
forces are non-partisan in the execution of their duties;
•    Deploy monitors in Zimbabwe to closely assess the ongoing
constitution-making process and to investigate reports of widespread
violence, intimidation and the setting up of militia bases across the
country.
The chaos, violence and intimidation authored predominantly by president
Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party around the constitutional outreach program
clearly indicate that instruments of repression remain active and that they
are likely to be used again in future elections.
The only lasting solution to the continuing political crisis in Zimbabwe is
a fresh election that is supervised by SADC and monitored by the
international community, which adheres to set standards of conducting
democratic elections, in order to prevent violence and other electoral
malpractices.

Update on land invasion of Grasslands Farm Somabhula

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Written by Lauren Nixon
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 11:36

On Sunday 22 August 2010, my sister Debbie, her husband Russell, myself and
my husband Rob, arrived at the farm house to find my parents and their staff
in a terrible state.  My mum was sobbing uncontrollably and was
inconsolable.
Mr Mangena had come to the farmhouse just before we got there.  When he
realised that my parents would not come to speak to him, he accosted the
domestic worker and told him he was aware that my parents were going to try
and evict him the following day.
He advised that he had just come from President Mugabes Office and the
President told him Grasslands Farm belonged to him.  He advised if any of
the staff are seen to be helping in the eviction, he would come back and
either beat or kill the staff and my parents.  He also said if the herd boys
try to use the horses to round up his cattle, he would slash the legs of the
horses.
On Monday 23rd of August, with Permanent Interdict in hand, we went to see
the Gweru Sheriff of the Court as he advised he would carry out the eviction
on that day.  The Sheriff openly told us that Mr Mangena had threatened his
life should he evict him.  Nevertheless, he agreed to do his duty as long as
the Gweru Rural Police would send a details with him to protect him.
We went to Gweru Rural Police with the Sheriff and spoke to Inspector
Sithole.  He flatly refused to help the Sheriff carry out the eviction
stating that the Permanent Interdict was addressed to the Sheriff and not to
the Police.  He said this was a high profile case and he was not mandated to
interfere.  He told us to go back to our lawyer.
What Mr Sithole fails to realise is that the Permanent Interdict is
confirmation of the Order issued with the temporary interdict on the 25 June
2010 and signed by Hon. Mr Justice N Mathonsi.
This Order clearly states, "The Officer In-Charge Zimbabwe Republic Police,
Gweru Rural" as the third respondent.  Under "Terms of Final Order
Sought"paragraph 3,  It again clearly states :
"that in the event that the appropriate officer of Court is unable to affect
the terms  of this order on the fourth respondent, then the third respondent
is ordered to render all such necessary assistance to the appropriate
officer of court in executing such order.
Inspector Sithole is in contempt of Court by refusing to help the Sheriff
who is terrified of Mr Mangena.  We fully understand why he would feel this
way.   It is alleged that Mr Mangena was personally involved in 13 instances
of violence and intimidation during elections, accompanied by fully armed
CIO men.  Having witnessed Mr Mangena's behaviour we feel that the Sheriff
has good cause to be afraid and we most certainly belive he is capable of
carrying out his threats.

Eight Student Activist Appear Before an Harare Magistrate

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Written by The Zimbabwean
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 16:12

In a series of continuing persecution against student activists in the
country, eight University of Zimbabwe student activists yesterday once again
appeared before a Harare magistrate on charges of participating in an
illegal gathering after a ZINASU demonstration in March.

The state had promised to give them a trial date on the 4th of August when
they appeared for routine remand hearing. The student activists Joshua
Chinyere, James Katso, Temptation Tazviinga, Tinashe Hlatshwayo, Tinashe
Chisaira, Culvern Mungiri, Sydney Chisuko and Chikomborero Mukwaturi have
been on remand since March when they were arrested at Parliament Building
demonstrating against the abuse of human rights in the country. The eight
student activists have since been remanded to the 7th of September.

Meanwhile Five Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) leaders also
appeared before a Harare magistrate on charges of participating in an
illegal gathering, they have been informed that the state will proceed by
way of summons as the state witnesses once again failed to appear to give
evidence. The five, Obert Masaraure, Tafadzwa Kutya, Gamuchirai Mukura,
Archford Mudzengi and Tryvin Musokere were arrested on 16 June after
addressing students at the University of Zimbabwe as part of the "Day of the
African Child" Commemorations. The student leaders were assaulted by
University of Zimbabwe security guards and members of the Zimbabwe Republic
Police (ZRP) when they were arrested over a month ago.

The Student Solidarity Trust continues to reiterate the importance of a
fully functional and effective Justice system that takes into cognizance the
importance of respecting human rights and that is independent from
manipulation.

Judge Chiweshe faces impartiality test

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Staff Reporter
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 18:34

HARARE - The impartiality of Zimbabwe's controversial High Court Judge
President George Chiweshe comes under test next week when he presides over
the trial of four ministers and police chiefs who are being sued for damages
suffered due to torture by a Norton resident.

Chiweshe, who was appointed to the position of Judge President in May by
President Robert Mugabe to replace Rita Makarau who was elevated to the
Supreme Court bench, held back the result of the 2008 presidential ballot
for more than a month.

When Chiweshe, who is a former Brigadier in the national army who has also
previously been a judge of the High Court, eventually released the poll
results it showed Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan
Tsvangirai was ahead of Mugabe but with fewer votes than required to avoid a
second round poll.

Mugabe's supporters then unleashed a ruthless campaign of violence to force
Tsvangirai to withdraw from the second round presidential poll that analysts
had strongly tipped the former trade unionist to win.

Chiweshe will on Monday 30 August, 2010 preside over the trial of four
government ministers in a case in which Mapfumo Garutsa, a victim of
abduction is claiming US$190 000 as damages suffered from torture at the
hands of state security agents who abducted him in November 2008 until the
end of December when he was produced at a police station and subsequently in
court.

The four ministers include co-Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi, former
co-Home Affairs Minister Giles Mutsekwa, Justice and Legal Affairs Minister
Giles Mutsekwa, and former State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa.

Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Paradzai Zimondi, the
Commissioner of Prisons, Happyton Bonyongwe, the head of the country's spy
agency, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) have also been cited in
the case.

Seven top police officers who include Senior Assistant Commissioner Nyathi,
Chief Superintendent Chrispen Makedenge, Detective Chief Inspector Mpofu,
Chief Superintendent Peter Magwenzi, Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi,
Superintendent Joel Shasha Tenderere and Superintendent Regis Takaitei will
also stand trial.

Garutsa was abducted from Norton, about 25 kilometres outside Harare in
November 2008 by state security agents who accused him of carrying out
terrorist activities such as bombing police stations and bridges together
with some MDC activists.

He was kept incommunicado until the end of December 2008 when he was taken
to Mbare Police Station.

He says his abductors subjected him to torture during his detention and was
denied food, medication and access to his lawyers, which he says all
violated his rights.

 

Zimbabwe's Election Watchdog Backs Proposed Police Voting Reforms

http://www1.voanews.com

Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri is said to be resisting the
reforms, demanding that the status quo be maintained with police in polling
stations and voting 30 days before ordinary citizens

Ntungamili Nkomo | Washington 23 August 2010

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network has thrown its support behind
electoral reforms proposed by the three parties in the national unity
government which would bar police from being stationed inside polling
stations and abolish mass postal voting for police officers.

Government sources told VOA that the proposals are in an electoral law
amendment bill being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General soon to
be tabled in parliament.

Parties in the inclusive government want police to cast ballots a day or two
before other citizens.

But Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri is said to be resisting
the reforms, demanding instead that law enforcement agents be allowed inside
polling booths.

Postal voting by police has been criticized by observers in previous
elections who say members of were compelled to cast ballots for ZANU-PF
under heavy pressure from supervisors.

The Zimbabwe Independent newspaper said Chihuri has protested the proposed
changes in writing to the Home Affairs Ministry, demanding police be allowed
to vote 30 days before election day.

VOA could not reach Chihuri or one of the the two co-ministers of Home
Affairs for comment.

Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairman Tinoziva Bere told VOA Studio 7
reporter Ntungamili Nkomo the amendments are appropriate because they will
restore transparency in police voting.

Weighing in on the debate, Bulawayo-based political analyst Mandlenkosi
Gatsheni said the police commissioner's objections should not be heeded.

Is age taking its toll on Mugabe's health?

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Own Correspondent
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 18:14

HARARE - The recent death of President Robert Mugabe's sister, Sabina, and
the subsequent illness of his other sister Bridgette has cast the spotlight
on the Zimbabwean leader's own health which has for a long time been a
subject of many public discussions.

At 86, one would expect his health to be failing him, what with the enormous
task of leading a country blighted by numerous problems of a varied nature
on his shoulders.

Mugabe's health has always been a closely guarded secret but a favourite
subject among many Zimbabweans who wonder just how he is managing to soldier
on at his advanced age.

Mugabe is now Africa's oldest leader. Many of his ilk have since died or
vacated office.

The death of Sabina has elicited  questions from ordinary Zimbabweans about
the octogenarian leader's own health and just how many more years he is
likely to effectively remain at the helm of the country and in charge of his
own faculties.

Off course, in a largely Christian and conservative society like Zimbabwe
such a debate might never come out in public for fear of being accused of
wishing the president dead.

But the issue has always been on people's minds.

"At 86 I would guess he has more business tending his cattle at his farm and
watching his children grow than cracking his head for solutions to the
country's problems," said Cletus Makani, a student at a Harare college in a
muted discussion with friends at one of Harare's downtown drinking hole.

At his age, Mugabe's health would ordinarily be of concern to Zimbabweans
although there might be others who may not have entirely innocent concerns
about the old man, given the way he has run the country.

Many of these people routinely speculate about his death.

But in his 86 years, he has packed in more of these rumours than any other
Zimbabwean.
While many people argue that his age is catching up with his ability to
rule, others are of a different opinion.

"His physical condition might just be failing him but he largely remains in
charge of his mind. He still has the mental presence although he appears to
be slowing down. I think he still has significant strength in him," said a
journalist who works for an international news organisation in Harare.

Recently during a visit to Uganda, the physical demands became just too much
for him that he needed the assistance of his aides to negotiate his walking
path.

On Heroes Day, Mugabe could be seen getting a helping hand from his wife
Grace while going down the stairs. However, he went up the stairs on his
own.

When he travelled to China soon after  the Heroes Day, Mugabe was pictured
being helped down the stairs by Chinese security agents.

At public events, Mugabe is now increasingly addressing crowds leaning onto
the pulpit and has in recent times shortened his speeches despite having a
reputation for long speeches.

But with Mugabe you cannot always be sure.
At a SADC summit in Namibia last week, he rediscovered his former self,
giving out a long speech which was full of animation.

Analysts however believe his failing health is now his greatest enemy.
"He is now over the hill. He is no longer running the country through the
required faculties but by his old habits. He is now past the age of
comprehending issues affecting the country," said Harare based
political analyst and Mugabe critic John Makumbe.

"For the sake of his health, he must retire. He has become senile and that's
why he was happy to throw tirades at his sister's funeral."

However Ernest Mudzengi, a Harare based political analyst said, "Mugabe is
an old man who can still grasp issues. He might be old but at his age he is
still in a good state of health."

He added, "The only fear is that Zanu PF is hanging by him and his exit
might mean the end of the party. It will however be in his best interests
and that of the country for him to retire before his health
starts failing him. Whatever will happen after that night be catastrophic
for the country because there is no guarantee that there will be a peaceful
transition of power and anarchy will  not occur."

There are others who think that although Mugabe has controlled Zimbabwe with
an iron grip, his exit from the political scene now or later should be
handled delicately otherwise it could -
if not handled well - plunge first, ZANU-PF , and  the country into violence
and anarchy.

"We are in an inevitable path because we are stuck with Mugabe and if
anything happens that might remove him from power then the country might be
plunged into anarchy because the Joint Operations Command (JOC) would want
to take over," said Makumbe.

For now, talk of his health remains a closely guarded secret but physical
changes such as greying hair and its subsequent loss make it difficult to
keep away the signs from the public eye.
His doctor is rumoured to be always on duty as he keeps an almost 24-hour
watch over the old man.

Harare Needs Sprucing Up

http://news.radiovop.com

24/08/2010 14:38:00

Harare, August 24, 2010 - There is need to spruce up the city of Harare by
demolishing unauthorised structures mushrooming in the Central Business
District (CBD) and cleaning up its diry streets, the Affirmative Action
Group (AAG), a Zimbabwe business pressure group said on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the executive director, Dr Davison Todson Gomo, the
AAG said: "Harare was and has always been reputed and respected for its good
architecture supported by carefully developed city plans. What we are seeing
and witnessing today is a process that is slowly killing our city and at the
very least turning it into a massive squalor and dirty city."

"The beauty that always characterised our city is now buried in streets
permanently littered with waste paper, plastics and all kind of dirty throw
aways you don't expect to see in the country's capital city.

"Harare City Council needs to understand that the city belongs to its
residents and not to the city fathers who appear to be pursuing an agenda
totally unconnected to the public."

It said residents did not want dirty streets, pot-holed roads, flowing
sewage and uncollected rubbish. This, it said, could be eliminated by
stopping the mushrooming of illegal small shops.

"These small shops have led to a lot of congestion both in terms of human
and motor traffic and leave the city vulnerable to serious disasters health
wise and in terms of general civil defense. All open spaces must be
developed in a way that does not compromise the quality of architecture and
buildings befitting a modern capital city. Money, connections and influence
must not be allowed to dictate or compromise policy. "

He said the fact that the CBD had been invaded by foreigners, mainly
Nigerians and Chinese, was immaterial.

"We need to keep our excellent tradition of good and responsible city
planning...we need action now."

It said the lack of pride of its city by local residents had caused
foreigners, who had no long term interest in the beauty of the city to turn
large shops into small cubicles.

"While we are happy that people see us as a country that offers business
opportunities, this has to be done in terms of existing regulations in order
to ensure that we maintain a balance between competing interests."

The AAG said street vending must be orderly and said those found littering
the streets should be arrested and fined.

"Council needs to think carefully about creating proper structures for
markets with good facilities where the public can buy all the goods that are
being sold on the streets. Those not keen to work from the structures must
simply be arrested and fined. We need to be responsible citizens who respect
law and order, otherwise the city becomes extremely difficult to run and
also to keep it clean. It is hard but there is no easy way out. The city is
growing but a lot of imagination is required to keep it clean and reasonably
functional."

It said the city should have more recreational parks and decent shopping
centres not tuck shops.
 

Zimbabwe Central Bank Said to Hold Many Defaulted Loans of ZANU-PF Officials

http://www1.voanews.com

Central bank sources said the ZANU-PF officials received loans between 2003
and 2008 that were disbursed through RBZ-controlled companies and other
financial institutions

Gibbs Dube | Washington 23 August 2010

Senior officials of the ZANU-PF party of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe
are reported to owe millions of dollars in loans and arrears to the Reserve
Bank of Zimbabwe as the institution is moving to retrench thousands of
staff - in many cases without severance packages.

Central bank sources said the ZANU-PF officials received loans between 2003
and 2008 that were disbursed through RBZ-controlled companies and other
financial institutions.

They said such loans could be obtained only by top officials linked to
Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono and senior central bank officials aligned
with the then-ruling ZANU-PF party.

The sources said virtually all of the ZANU-PF borrowers have defaulted on
such loans, which is now a sore point with the 1,500 RBZ employees expected
to lose their jobs as the bank downsizes.

Civic organizations have urged the government to commission an independent
audit of central bank books and loan portfolios so defaulting borrowers can
be forced to repay loans.

Vice Chairman Masimba Kuchera of the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and
Development told VOA reporter Gibbs Dube that only two people have
acknowledged receipt of RBZ loans.

Bulawayo-based economist Eric Bloch said it may be difficult to oblige such
ZANU-PF officials to repay loans whose principal value was dramatically
eroded by hyperinflation. Many such loans were issued in Zimbabwe dollars,
which by early 2009 had become practically worthless.

The Legal Monitor from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

Click here to read the latest edition of The Legal Monitor

Zimfest Connected: Connecting Zimbabwe to the World

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Written by The Zimbabwean
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 17:47

London is arguably the multicultural centre of the world where its renowned
tolerance and respect for people of all races and faiths are central to its
continued success and dynamism. The city has welcomed immigrants from around
the world resulting in an unrivalled cultural vibrancy of which the
Zimbabwean community has contributed to during the last decade.

While there is justifiable concern over London's population growth and loss
of cultural identity, there is no denying the positive social and economic
impact brought by these immigrants, many of whom have valuable skills to
contribute to their host society.

Over the last 9 years, this fledging Zimbabwean community in the UK has
gathered at the annual Zimfest one day event to celebrate their culture and
identity, sharing this with their hosts and local communities. The event has
taken the form of an outdoor festival of music and culture and is a joyful
day of carefree reverie.

Zimbabwe as a part of the global community
Amongst this backdrop of community building and cultural exchange, the
situation in Zimbabwe has been challenging. The thriving Zimbabwean
population in the diaspora needs to engage more seriously on issues
including how they can remain united while integrating into UK society; how
they can contribute to Zimbabwe whilst contributing effectively to life in
the UK and on how to strengthen the bonds between Zimbabweans and the rest
of the world.

Where governments often fail to find common ground the people often do.
Recognising this potential, the organisers of Zimfest have extended the
event format to include a networking event: Zimfest Connected:  "Connecting
Zimbabwe to the world" which will provide a platform for this discourse.

The inaugural event will feature a range of speakers including Zimfest
sponsor and CEO of Econet Wireless UK, Marco Signorini who will speak on the
recent launch of the Zimbabwean telecoms giant in the UK. Knox Chitiyo,
Nelson Mandela Fellow and Chairman of the Britain Zimbabwe Society (BZS)
will share the vision of the BZS and its work in improving links between
Zimbabwe and the UK. Cricketer Henry Olonga will present his new book
'Blood, Sweat and Treason' and also be available to sign copies.  London
Olympic hopeful and Beijing 2008 200m finalist, Brian Dzingai will also be
in attendance.

The event will be held at the elegant Pacific Oriental restaurant in London
on Friday 3rd September from 2pm to 5pm followed by a networking reception.
Admission is open to the public however there are limited spaces available.
Registration is priced at £10 and with all proceeds going to the Zimfest
London charities - WEZIMBABWE, Ndoro Children's Charities and Count on us.
Registration forms are available from www.zimfestlive.com

Zimfest presents Zimbabwe Rocks!
Registration for this event also allows access to Zimbabwe Rocks! a concert
on the same night to be held at the Clapham Grand which will feature some of
Zimbabwe's brightest musical talents. Featured performers include renowned
songwriter and mbira artist Chiwoniso, indie band Mann Friday, rising
Zimbabwean star by way of Hackney and Universal Records signee Tinashe,
dancehall ambassador and African Music Awards nominee Jusa Dementor, UK
based band Mashasha and Sam, hip hop duo BKay and Kazz, remixing duo
Cassetti, punk rockers Kamikaze Test Pilots and party hitmakers DJ Koichi
and DJ Simba.

News from Kubatana -24 August, 2010