The Zimbabwe Situation

http://af.reuters.com

Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:38pm GMT

By Nelson Banya

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe could be barred from
running for another term, according to the first draft of a new constitution
that also seeks to trim presidential powers.

However, Mugabe, who has been accused by the West of using death squads and
violence to intimidate voters, will probably muster his political might to
sink the proposal, analysts said.

Mugabe, who has ruled the southern African country since independence from
Britain in 1980, was forced into a power-sharing deal in 2008 after a
disputed election and compelled to draft a new constitution.

"A person is disqualified for election as President if he or she has already
held office for one or more periods, whether continuous or not, amounting to
10 years," according to the draft seen by Reuters.

Mugabe has been nominated as his ZANU-PF party's candidate and intends to
run in an election he wants held in 2012. Under the power-sharing deal with
his rival and now prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, elections must be held
by next year with a new constitution drawn up ahead of the poll.

A referendum on the new constitution is expected to be held later this year.

Presidential powers, including the right to make senior appointments in
government and the military, would be significantly curtailed, according to
the draft.

Douglas Mwonzora, a co-chairman of the parliamentary committee driving the
constitutional reforms representing Tsvangirai's MDC party, said the draft
was the first of several that would be produced before the referendum.

The state-owned Herald newspaper, whose views often echo those of Mugabe's
ZANU-PF party, denounced the proposal.

"The draft is personalised to attack President Mugabe. Here is a
constitution being drafted...to disqualify the leader of one of the
parties," it quoted an unnamed source as saying.

Constitution Committee Denies Setting Presidential Age Limit

http://www.voanews.com/

09 February 2012

Recent media reports said the new constitution will bar those over 70 and
those who have served two terms from seeking the office of president, which
of course would disqualify incumbent President Robert Mugabe, 87

Jonga Kandemiiri

The parliamentary select committee which will soon deliver a draft of a new
constitution for Zimbabwe has dismissed reports the document will set an age
limit of 70 years for the presidency and a limit of two terms in office for
the post.

Select Committee Co-Chairman Edward Mkhosi of the Movement for Democratic
Change formation of Industry Minister Welshman Ncube said his panel has not
yet deliberated on that question but will make sure the will of the
Zimbabwean people is respected.

Recent media reports said the new constitution will bar those over 70 and
those who have served two terms from seeking the office of president, which
of course would disqualify incumbent President Robert Mugabe, 87, from
seeking another five-year term.

Mr. Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister
Arthur Mutambara met on Wednesday and agreed that they would now monitor the
constitution-making process closely. Presentation of a final draft, expected
in the next week or two, would set in motion planning for review by
parliament and a referendum.

Mkhosi told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri that drafters have now completed work
on 18 out of 19 chapters of the new constitution and the committee is now
reviewing the draft.

Reports that Tsvangirai wants early election are ‘hogwash’ says spokesman

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Lance Guma
10 February 2012

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has dismissed claims that South African
President Jacob Zuma had to intervene and stop the MDC-T president from
calling for an early election, with or without a new constitution.

Speaking to SW Radio Africa on Friday Tsvangirai’s spokesperson, Luke
Tamborinyoka, said: “I can tell you that is hogwash. It is a figment of the
imagination of whoever wrote that story.”

Tamborinyoka added: “Tsvangirai was robbed of an outright victory in 2008.
It is him and him alone, more than anyone in Zimbabwe and in SADC, who knows
the importance of putting in place mechanisms and key reforms to vaccinate
the next election against the vagaries of what happened in 2008.”

In March 2008 Tsvangirai and his MDC-T party won the harmonized
parliamentary and presidential elections. But results for the presidential
poll were withheld for weeks by an electoral commission packed with Mugabe
sympathizers.
In the end it’s alleged that doctored results were released and a run-off
election called. The Joint Operations Command, a grouping of state security
agencies in the army, air force, police, and Central Intelligence
Organisation, supervised a murderous retribution campaign, which forced
Tsvangirai to boycott the run-off.
“The PM has never been an advocate for either an early or a late election.
He has always been an advocate for a free and fair election with proper
conditions. It is the PM himself who has always been insistent about making
sure that we institute and implement key reforms that are necessary,”
Tamborinyoka said.
A news report said that Zuma called Tsvangirai after hearing that he was
lobbying the standing committee of his party to push for early elections.
The report said Zuma had warned Tsvangirai that “SADC would give him a deaf
ear if he complained over the outcome of polls held without the agreed
reforms.”

Tamborinyoka told SW Radio Africa that no such phone call took place.
“On Friday, before the meeting of the standing committee took place on
Monday, the Prime Minister wrote to the President and if you are aware of
the contents of that letter he was talking about implementing key reforms.”
Tamborinyoka questioned how the PM could then make a u-turn three days
later.
Asked why such a story surfaced Tamborinyoka said: “All I can say Lance is
that Tsvangirai sells and sometimes people resort to speculation and
imagination. But I can tell you that phone call never took place and the PM
does not need convincing from anyone because he was personally robbed.”

Charamba blasted for undermining Tsvangirai and Mutambara

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
10 February 2012

Robert Mugabe’s spin doctor, George Charamba, was on Friday criticised by
the MDC-T for being ‘wholly to blame’ for the deterioration in relations
between coalition partners in the unity government.

Charamba sparked the backlash when he claimed President Robert Mugabe had
extended Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri’s term of office to
2014. This is in contrast to Wednesday’s events were the ZANU PF leader was
part of a principals meeting that reportedly agreed Chihuri would remain in
his position in an acting capacity only.

Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur
Mutambara also agreed during the two and half meeting at State House that
the Police Services Commission must be regularised so that it makes
recommendations of potential candidates to Mugabe.

Luke Tamborinyoka, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson, told SW Radio Africa that
Charamba was just waffling, adding: ‘Like I have said before, his position
is at variance with common sense, with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and with
the position of the Principals as agreed on Wednesday.’

Commenting on Charamba’s statements, Mutambara said despite his
pronouncements they will stick to the content of their press conference on
Wednesday. He added that they had documented records of the meeting from the
chief secretary to cabinet, Dr Mischeck Sibanda, to prove their point.

The MDC-T legislator for Mbizvo in KweKwe, Settlement Chikwinya, branded
Charamba a fraudster and accused him of leaking Tsvangirai’s letter to
Mugabe last week to the state media. Tsvangirai had written to Mugabe
calling on the principals in the inclusive government to address outstanding
issues ahead of their Wednesday meeting

‘He received the letter but opted to first show it to their factional
principals before showing it to Mugabe. It’s a pity Mugabe has long lost
control of both the state and ZANU PF,’ Chikwinya said.

Senator Obert Gutu, the MDC-T deputy Justice Minister and party spokesman
for Harare province, told us Charamba was trying to seek relevance by
desperately clinging to the old order.

‘Nothing lasts forever. Change is inevitable. If people fail to adapt and
engage into change mode, they will become extinct like the dinosaur or the
dodo of Mauritius,’ Gutu said.

Former diplomat and political analyst Clifford Mashiri said Mugabe remains
defiant as ever and has also become a master at treating his partners with
contempt.

‘Mugabe is not worried about the welfare of his countrymen; his only
concerns are that of his security and that of his family and the interests
of the ruling elite. He retains people like Chihuri in their positions as he
knows they will keep him power,’ Mashiri added.

‘Disaster’ on the cards as farm invasions continue

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
10 February 2012

The Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) has again warned of a potential ‘disaster’
for the coming cropping season, saying ongoing land seizures are destroying
the country’s future.

Last week Chief Chiweshe from Mashonaland Central invaded Heyshott Farm in
Mazowe, owned by John Sole.

Sole, one of the few remaining commercial farmers in the country was
reportedly evicted by the police on Sunday evening.

In a separate incident army officer Eric Matotova is reported to have
invaded Ndire Farm and has ignored a High Court order to leave the property.

Meanwhile it has also been reported that about a hundred families have been
forcibly evicted by the police from two farms in Mazowe West, to pave the
way for the expansion of a game park and cattle ranch run by Robert Mugabe’s
wife Grace.

Charles Taffs, the President of the Commercial Farmers Union (CFU), told SW
Radio Africa that “things are very serious across the country.”

“Without a doubt things are intensifying. With all this talk of elections,
we are not that surprised, because land is used as a political tool,” Taffs
said.

He added: “The problem is, while land remains in turmoil like this, there
will always be invasions. And it’s not just whites being targeted; this is
everybody and anybody who falls out of political favour, who is not on
side.”

Taffs explained that as a consequence Zimbabwe is once again facing a
disaster situation in terms of agricultural production, which has a critical
affect on the country’s economic state.

“We are a nation of consumers of imported product, and our national deficit
is 50% of our GDP. We urgently need an investor friendly climate to turn
things around, but with land still a political tool, that is not going to
happen,” Taffs said.

Zimbabwe is still said to be facing more than 90% unemployment and for every
farm invasion, these figures continue to rise. Taffs explained that until
government puts aside its political bickering and sorts out these issues,
the country cannot recover.

But he said the government has not engaged with them or anybody else on the
land issue.

“There has been no effort from government to end this situation. In fact,
government isn’t even listening. The government is too focused on political
survival on both sides,” Taffs said.

He however warned that if nothing is done soon, “we are going to be facing a
regional crisis in terms of food. In Zimbabwe, it’s a disaster and where do
we turn when there is no more food?”

Mugabe Outfoxes Tsvangirai Again, Extends Service Chiefs' Terms to 2014

http://www.radiovop.com

Harare, February 10, 2012 – President Robert Mugabe has outfoxed his fellow
principals to the Global Political Agreement (GPA) again by unilaterally
extending the terms of office of the country’s service chiefs by another two
years, something that is certain to plunge the shaky unity administration
into fresh turmoil.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba told state controlled media that
Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, together with four other
service chiefs, Defence Forces commander General Constantine Chiwenga,
Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda (Zimbabwe National Army), Air
Marshal Perrance Shiri (Air Force of Zimbabwe) and Retired Major General
Paradzai Zimondi (Commissioner of Prisons) will now enjoy fresh terms up to
2014.

In reappointing Chihuri, Charamba insisted Mugabe was exercising his
constitutional powers adding that this he did after consulting the Police
Service Commission as is required by the law.

"It is that opinion, which guided the President in arriving at a decision,”
Charamba said.

"It is on that basis that the President extended the (Police)
Commissioner-General's term of office to 2014."

The clandestine appointments will shock Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai who
on Wednesday told the media they had agreed as GPA principals meeting to
withhold Chihuri’s reappointment until the Police Service Commission and
other commissions have been reconstituted to give them the legal base to
make the recommendations.

“A Commissioner of Police and the commander of the armed forces cannot be
appointed without the recommendation of the commission and the commission
for the police has not been regularised," Tsvangirai told journalists during
a surprise joint press briefing with Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara
at his Strathaven low density suburb house.

The MDC-T leader stood adamant he will have a say in the appointment of a
new police boss insisting the GPA grants him those powers.

"Once that process has been finalised, we then have to discuss with the
President about recommendations from the commission."

Tsvangirai said Chihuri was there merely in an acting capacity.

But Charamba shot this down saying Chihuri was now substantive police boss.

"The law has been fulfilled and the decision taken is irrevocable," he said,
adding that this applied to all the other appointments.

"Their terms of office have been extended. This is a unique service, one
area of public service where things must happen to law and to book.

"The chain of command is not based on half assumptions and tentative
decision.

"There is no room for ambiguity. Disturbing and destabilising the chain of
command never bodes well for the security of the State.

"There is finality and closure to the whole debate."

Mugabe has also defended his controversial promotion of talkative army chief
Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba.

"His promotion was based on seniority. His political utterances are a matter
for the Defence Minister. His appointment is valid," Charamba said.

Anti-Corruption Commission Probes Abuse of Farming Inputs

http://www.voanews.com/

09 February 2012

At least seven GMB officials, including Hwange depot manager Magugu Ndebele,
were arrested recently in Matabeleland region following the looting of 30
tonnes of agricultural inputs and 81 tonnes of processed grain in Bulawayo
and Binga, Matabeleland North

Gibbs Dube | Washington

Zimbabwe's Anti-Corruption Commission has deployed investigators to Grain
Marketing Board depots in Masvingo province following the unearthing of
massive looting of farming inputs by the loss-control department of the
state enterprise.

Parliamentarians and government officials said the commission will hand over
names of suspects including GMB officials and ZANU-PF party provincial
officials to the police after completing its investigations within the next
few days.

Commission officials were tight-lipped over the issue. But Deputy
Agriculture Minister Seiso Moyo said police should arrest anyone linked to
the theft of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and maize seed intended to go to
struggling farmers earlier this year.

At least seven GMB officials, including Hwange depot manager Magugu Ndebele,
were arrested recently in Matabeleland region following the looting of 30
tonnes of agricultural inputs and 81 tonnes of processed grain in Bulawayo
and Binga, Matabeleland North.

Moyo said the government is worried about the high rate of corruption at
GMB, which is linked to some officials of ZANU-PF, party of President Robert
Mugabe.

“I hope everyone involved in this scam will be arrested because it has
derailed most if not all of our agricultural targets this year,” Moyo said.

Development worker Liberty Bhebhe said the Anti-Corruption Commission should
arrest any politicians linked to the abuse of the state-backed GMB farming
input scheme.

GMB Acting Chief Executive Albert Mandizha, who appeared last week before
the agriculture parliamentary committee which interrogated him over the
abuse of the farming inputs and grain loan programs, did not rule out
rampant corruption in the state entity largely controlled by ZANU-PF
functionaries.

The GMB is among 10 loss-making state-controlled enterprises targeted for
privatization by the cash-strapped Zimbabwean government.

Wrangle Intensifies Between Zimbabwe Local Gov't Minister & MDC Councils

http://www.voanews.com/

09 February 2012

The MDC formation led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has accused Chombo
of meddling in council business in many municipalities, and of attempting to
replace elected councilors with ZANU-PF officials

Violet Gonda | Washington

Tensions are mounting between Zimbabwean Local Government Minister Ignatius
Chombo and municipal councils controlled by the former opposition Movement
for Democratic Change as tightening budgets lead to reduced public services.

Deteriorating infrastructure, disintegrating roads and broken-down water and
sewer systems are increasingly hampering normal municipal operations.

The MDC formation led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has accused Chombo
of meddling in council business in many municipalities, and of attempting to
replace elected councilors with ZANU-PF officials under the guise of special
interest advocates.

Chombo says he is doing his job by firing errant councilors from the former
MDC, citing alleged poor performance and corruption.

He suspended scores of councilors last year including mayors of Bindura and
Chinhoyi. In January he suspended one of his most outspoken adversaries,
Mutare Mayor Brian James, alleging misconduct, an accusation that James has
rejected.

In Parliament, a motion has been tabled proposing to amend the Urban
Councils Act to reduce the powers of the controversial minister.

Deputy Local Government Minister Cecil Zvidzai of the MDC told VOA’s Violet
Gonda that local government has improved greatly since the MDC came to power
in most cities, while Chombo of ZANU-PF has abused his executive powers in
harassing them.

Zvidzai accused his boss of having an “agenda to cause the councils to fail
so that he can blame the problems on the MDC.”

But Gerry Gotora, a former president of the Association of Rural District
Councils of Zimbabwe, said the biggest problem is that corruption is surging
with elected officials focused on amassing wealth instead of delivering
services to their citizens.

“The councilors need guidance so that they can perform better,” Gotora said.

But Zvidzai disagreed that corruption is rampant in municipal councils,
saying only 20 percent of councilors may be corrupt, which he called “fairly
normal.”

The deputy minister said Chombo uses the “unfairest measures against these
councilors and to date he has suspended 12 out of 800 MDC councilors.”

Zvidzai noted that the High Court only convicted six of those 12.

But Gotora rejected Zvidzai's acceptance of a 20 percent corruption rate.

"I don't know which world he lives in," Gotora said. "As Zimbabweans we don’t
even entertain 0.02 percent of corrupt practices.”

Mutare mayor physically ejected from Council meeting

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Tererai Karimakwenda
10 February, 2012

The suspended Mutare Mayor, Brian James, and Makoni South MP Pishai
Muchauraya, were physically forced out of a full council meeting on Tuesday,
by ZANU PF youths who had crowded the public gallery.

There have been divisions and chaos in the Mutare Council since Mayor Brian
James called for an audit of the Council’s finances, which was resisted by
councilors from his own party, the MDC-T. James was subsequently suspended
by Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo.

As a result of the divisions, Muchauraya said the MDC-T councilors
participating in the meeting did not support him or the suspended Mayor
James.

Muchauraya explained that Deputy Mayor, George Jerison, who is currently the
Acting Mayor and also from the MDC-T, moved a motion that Council go into
committee stages, which require the public be removed from the gallery.
According to Muchauraya ZANU PF youths immediately “pushed” Mayor James.
Journalists who were in the gallery also received the same treatment. “It
would be considered assault by the police and our own councilors did not
support us,” the legislator said.

Contacted for comment the suspended Mayor James denied that he was roughed
up and physically forced out of the council meeting. James said reports of
the incident had been “embellished”.

He told SW Radio Africa that he left the gallery after a police chief
explained that Chombo’s suspension order forbids him from attending council
meetings in any capacity.

“Although I did not agree with him I left because I did not want to cause
any problems, especially since there were ZANU PF militia wearing party
regalia, hanging around,” James said.

Muchauraya said he believes that James is being diplomatic and trying not to
fuel further divisions. The MDC-T provincial spokesman said the party will
hold a crisis meeting over the weekend to decide what to do about the
situation in Mutare, particularly in regards to the councilors who appear to
be supporting a ZANU PF agenda.

Not yet ready for elections: PM

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Media reports indicating that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai wrote to
President Robert Mugabe asking him to allow the nation to hold elections
this year are mischievous and untrue.
08.02.1201:25pm
by John Makumbe

The PM rightly stated that the inclusive government had become increasingly
dysfunctional and gridlocked. He said the holding of national polls as soon
as possible could eliminate this problem as people would be able to “freely
and fairly” choose a national leadership of their choice. The PM is
painfully aware of the consequences of holding national elections when the
political environment is as polarised as it is. Nowhere in his letter does
the PM state that elections should be held this year.

On the contrary, he outlined some of the numerous reforms that have since
been agreed upon by the political leadership - but not implemented.
Tsvangirai is emphatic that these reforms must addressed prior to the
holding of elections. Indeed, it would be foolhardy for any political party
to advocate elections before the reforms have been implemented.

Most Zimbabweans do not wish to participate in elections that will result in
the thwarting of the choice of the people as happened in June 2008. Most of
the reforms seek to prevent this. For example, there has not been any
meaningful restoration of peace and stability since the dark days of June
2008. The reason for this is that law enforcement agents have deliberately
shied away from investigating, arresting and prosecuting the known
perpetrators of the 2008 violence and human rights violations.

The PM courageously reminded the President of some of his own shortcomings
regarding the implementation of the Global Political Agreement. Matters
pertaining to the appointment of senior personnel in government after
consultations between the principals are a case in point. The terms of
office of both the Commissioner-General of ZRP and the commander of the
Zimbabwe Defence Forces have expired or are about to expire. Mugabe is very
likely to single-handedly re-appoint both these officials in defiant
violation of the GPA.

This will only make matters worse for the inclusive government, and may
cause further delays in the holding of elections. The PM was also irked by
Mugabe’s promotion of Brigadier General Douglas Nyikayaramba to the rank of
Major General after he had labelled the PM a security risk. It is common
cause that Nyikayaramba was being rewarded by Mugabe for his unprofessional
conduct.

Tsvangirai therefore underlined the need for the reform of the security
sector before elections can be held. We all know Mugabe is unlikely to
accept this, and can therefore safely conclude that elections are not likely
to be held this year.

In his long letter to Mugabe, Tsvangirai decries the lack of progress in
such matters as the constitutional reform process, media reforms, and
electoral reforms. These are all matters that have a serious bearing on
whether or not the next elections will be free and fair.

Chipangano disrupts project

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Gift Phiri, Senior Writer
Friday, 10 February 2012 14:54

HARARE - Dozens of the dreaded Zanu PF-aligned Chipangano officials wielding
stones and clubs attacked workers building a service station and food court
in Mbare yesterday, looting property and leaving a trail of destruction.

They were allegedly protesting against the construction of the filling
station on space they want to allocate each other for flea markets.

The feared Chipangano group, who style themselves as the guardians of
Harare’s oldest ghetto, have been moving to purge the township of all MDC
influence.

They allege, the service station project will not benefit the people of
Mbare and that Alex Mashamhanda, the proprietor for Mashwede Diesel which is
building the service station, is an MDC official.

Mashamhanda strenuously denies this and insists he is not a card-carrying
member of any political party in Zimbabwe but a businessman keen to address
the record unemployment in the country.

Attracting large numbers of jobless teenagers, the Zanu PF-aligned
Chipangano militia has become an underground youth wing for politicians, who
use it to unleash terror on their opponents.

Mashamhanda alleged that a Zanu PF politburo member (name supplied) who is
known to fund and prop up the violent Chipangano and the party’s Harare
province youth chairman Jim Kunaka were behind the attack on his $1,2
million investment in the poor suburb.

“This is not the first time that he has had a dispute with me. This again
happened in 2005 when there were allegations that my company MT and A
distributors is owned by some other people other than me and was being used
as a channel to fund the MDC party."

“It’s completely false, there is no justification.”

Efforts to obtain comment from the politburo member were futile up to the
time of going to print as his mobile remained unavailable.

The Daily News crew arrived just after the violence had convulsed the
Mbare-based filling station around 11am yesterday.

Hired thugs descended on the premises in a T35 truck and congregated the
workers, before suddenly attacking them with stones and clubs.

Injured workers rushed to the adjacent Matapi Police Station, seeking
protection.

But police did not arrest anyone. They later recorded statements from the
injured.

Later Kunaka was seen entering the Matapi Police Station where injured
workers were cowering in fear waiting to be transported to the hospital.

The Daily News heard that eight workers had been rushed to Harare Hospital
for urgent medical attention.

Most of the workers sustained bruises and soft-tissue injuries. The
62-year-old businessman Mashamhanda was not spared either, and had to be
rescued by the cops as the thugs pounced on him.

“For the record I engaged Jim Kunaka last week and he told me he is going to
stop my construction,” a roughed-up Mashamhanda told the Daily News.

“He told me this in no uncertain terms at Carter House. He claims the
community is not benefiting and I don’t come from Mbare and he is the
elected leader of Mbare, that’s what he told me. So he says he is
representing the people. But I don’t know which people.”

Kunaka yesterday denied the allegations saying he was not a gangster and had
not dispatched thugs to cause problems at the service station.

“That is false,” he said. “As long as the community is going to benefit from
it there is no problem. But if it’s benefitting one person it’s unfair.”

Asked about the employment opportunities that the service station and food
court would create, Kunaka retorted: “It’s not a matter of employing people,
that Mashwede is building a small service station. It’s just a service
station, how many people are being employed by a service station?

“As residents of Mbare we are clear, the issue is; the ground belongs to us
as residents. We were supposed to be consulted by the city of Harare. We
cannot allow the situation whereby people come and make money out of Mbare
and go. They must plough back to the community and the community must
benefit.”

Mashamhanda said the community stands to benefit immensely from the project.

Asked what the next step was for him, Mashamhanda said: “I can’t say we will
continue or we will not continue. But it will be sad if we are to give in to
lawlessness.”

The Chipangano militants, allegedly encouraged by Kunaka and the Zanu PF
politburo member, have been purging Mbare of all known MDC supporters,
attacking vendors selling independent newspapers and targeting anyone
regarded as members of the MDC.

The thugs have looted the MDC offices in Mbare while police escorts watched
passively.

The whole retail and wholesale Mbare Musika market has been purged of MDC
supporters and their stalls doled out to Zanu PF loyalists.

They have even stalled the refurbishment of the Matapi flats by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation saying the $5 million project will give the MDC a
political advantage.

The crackdown on the MDC in Mbare is increasing as the country moves closer
to elections.

MDC activist murdered by Zanu PF thugs in Zaka

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

Friday, 10 February 2012
MDC Information & Publicity Department

Sharukai Mukwena, an MDC activist of Ward 22, Zaka East in Masvingo was on
Tuesday grisly murdered by Zanu PF thugs at his home.

The MDC has expressed shock at the gruesome murder.

Confirming the incident, the MDC provincial spokesperson, Hon. Harrison
Mudzuri said, the party activist was murdered by Zanu PF supporters and this
has left the entire community shell shocked.

“I can confirm that our supporter Sharukai Mukwena was killed on Tuesday
night after an attack by Zanu PF supporters. Mukwena woke up to discover
that his granary had been set ablaze and in trying to investigate what was
transpiring, he was confronted by Zanu PF youths who attacked him,” said
Hon. Mudzuri.

“They chopped off Mukwena’s hands and it was a truly gruesome murder
incident,” said Hon. Mudzuri.

Hon. Mudzuri said the MDC was shocked at the gruesome murder of its party
activist.

He said the escalating incidents of political violence against MDC members
by Zanu PF supporters in the province was a cause for concern since it could
point to yet another violent campaign trail ahead of both the referendum and
the national polls.

“We are worried about the reports of fresh cases of political violence
across the province. The latest murder incident is atrocious and shocking,”
said Hon. Mudzuri.

“Mukwena was a strong party supporter and he was killed following several
altercations with known Zanu PF supporters in the area. Another worrying
factor is that the police are deeply reluctant to speed up investigations
into the murder,” he said.

Hon. Mudzuri, however, urged party supporters to remain calm in the face of
continued persecution by Zanu PF.

“We have to remain calm and patient because Zanu PF is trying to destabilise
our party ahead of the referendum. We know that it is painful and
disheartening to lose a party member in a callous act but we have to be
vigilant. Zanu PF is trying to intimidate the people ahead of anticipated
polls. That is the typical Zanu PF mentality,” said Hon. Mudzuri.

The people’s struggle for real change – Lets finish it!!!

–
MDC Information & Publicity Department

WOZA members released but face immediate trial

Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) Press Statement

TEN members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and four bystanders
arrested on 7th February 2012 were finally released. The 4 bystanders
including a 16 year old girl, pregnant 18year old woman and a vendor were
released at the court. The ten members including WOZA leader Jenni Williams
went on to be formally charged when they appeared in Court One. They were
granted free bail with no conditions but the state insisted on setting a
provisional Trial date of Monday 13th February 2012.

Although detained for ‘failing to notify the police of a demonstration’ a
section of the notorious Public Order Security Act
(POSA) they were finally charged under a lesser charge.

Criminal law (codification and reform) Act [chapter 9:23] Act 23/2004
Section 46 Criminal nuisance’ Any person who does any of the acts specified
in the Third Schedule shall be guilty of criminal nuisance and liable to a
fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six
months or both. Acts constituting criminal nuisance – 2. Any person who –
(v) employs any means whatsoever which are likely materially to interfere
with the ordinary comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of the public or any
section of the public, or does any act which is likely to create a nuisance
or obstruction; shall be guilty of criminal nuisance.

All fourteen are suffering from Flu like symptoms and 2 had to be taken to
hospital. This was a result of the fourteen being kept in the filthy
cockroach infested open fenced area of the police cells 3 hours from 11pm to
2am on the first night. This was during a 5 hour meeting by police bosses
debating on how to proceed. Most junior police officers were refusing to
process the activist saying they should be released. Sanity did not prevail
as at 2am, the order came for detention and the docket disappeared for
48hours stalling any process to prepare the activists for court.

The members were represented by Godfrey Nyoni and Nikiwe Ncube deployed by
the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. The state was represented by Jeremiah
Mutsindikwa and Magistrate Rosemary Dube.

Four members who were arrested were beaten upon arrest and handcuffed and
dragged to Central police station.

Two out of four processions managed to arrive at the Joint Operations,
Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JoMIC) office in Prosperity House
along Leopold Takawira Street, Between Jason Moyo/Main Street but police
swooped and viciously beat members to disperse them, arresting four members.

Members then made efforts to regroup and smaller groups marched to The
Chronicle where once again police officers swooped arresting another 2.
Other members were arrested at different parts of the city.

10th February 2012

For more information, please call Jenni Williams +263 772 898 110 or
+263 712 213 885 or Magodonga Mahlangu +263 772 362 668 or email
info@wozazimbabwe.org or wozazimbabwe@yahoo.com or
wozazimbabwe@googlemail.com. Visit our website at www.wozazimbabwe.org. You
can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wozazimbabwe or find us on
Facebook.

Please note Valentine’s Day demands to the Parliamentary Select Committee
(COPAC): Stop delaying the release of our draft constitution and pay
attention to our minimum standards as follows:
1. The principle that all legal and political authority of the state derives
from the people. That is what Democracy is all about.
2. Universal adult suffrage, a multi party system of democratic government
and free, fair and regular elections to ensure accountability, openness and
justice.
3. The inherent dignity and worth of each human being and the equal status
of all human beings’ right to life. We demand gender sensitivity, promotion
of affirmative action to correct past injustices and promote women’s
participation in all spheres of life.
4. The devolution of government functions and powers to the people at
provincial and appropriate local levels.
5. The right to state-funded education from preschool to the end of primary
education and affordable secondary and tertiary education.
6. Independent courts and equality before the law and the right to full
protection and benefit from the law.
7. Right to affordable and decent basic living needs (shelter, water, food
and health facilities.) 8. Respect for fundamental human rights- we demand a
Bill of rights that shall be guaranteed and fully protected (Justiciable).
9. Transparency and accountability on Public Finance.
10. Limitation of presidential powers, 2 terms of no more than 5years each,
and an age limit of 75years for the President.
11. No to arbitrarily deprivation of citizenship

Rights Body To Assist Prosecution Of Zim Human Rights Violators

http://www.radiovop.com

Bulawayo, February 10, 2012- A South African based human rights organisation
has launched a programme encouraging Zimbabweans to document human rights
violations by forwarding the names of the perpetrators to their lawyers for
prosecution.

The programme by the Zimbabwe Justice Project (ZJP) calls on victims to fill
its forms stating where and when the violation occurred, name of the
perpetrator and injuries sustained before forwarding the document to its
Cape Town based lawyers Matthew Walton and Associates via email or fax for
prosecution.

“We must make the people who commit violence accountable for their actions.
Those who commit crimes must go to prison. In Zimbabwe, we have signed the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We must stand up for our rights and
we must stand up for the rights of others,” read in part the ZJP’s statement
about its programme entitled Stop the Violence: Stand Up For Your Rights.

“Do not accept political violence. Take positive action to create a violence
free country. Report it NOW. You can make a difference. Together we can
protect our children’s future.”

Human rights organisaitons have said state sponsored violence and malicious
prosecutions of perceived opponents of President Robert Mugabe remain a
major concern in the country.

The human rights bodies say this is because there is an upsurge in the
clampdown by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, with arbitrary arrest, detention
and torture occurring with alarming frequency across the country.

In rural areas, the situation is worse as villagers live in fear of the
security forces because of their involvement in the 2008 election violence
and continuing failure to hold perpetrators to account.

Cholera scare shuts down Harare courts

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

10/02/2012 00:00:00
by Phyllis Mbanje

OFFICIALS scrambled to clear the Harare Magistrates’ Courts Friday following
a typhoid and cholera scare.

Several people started vomiting while others complained of severe stomach
pain, triggering scenes of panic at the courts.

Police details ordered everyone out of the building just after 11AM saying
the courts had been shut down due to a suspected cholera and typhoid
outbreak.

A burly officer literally shooed away those who tried to gain entry into the
building shouting: “Maita cholera muno; dzokerai kwamabva mozouya neMonday
(There’s cholera in the building, go home and come back on Monday)."
Court officials did not comment on the development although other employees
could also be seen making a bee-line for the exits.

Prisoners were quickly shunted back onto their vehicles and driven away
while other people who had court appearances scheduled for the day
complained about the inconvenience.
"This is unfair I had asked for some time off at work now it has all been a
waste,” said one young man.

Sources at the court said the building, located along Harare’s Rotten Row
Road, had been without running water supplies over the past three days and
there was a pungent stink emanating from the toilets.

Harare has been battling a typhoid outbreak blamed on collapsed water and
sanitation facilities with more than 1,500 people so far treated for the
disease.

Health Services Director, Dr Prosper Chonzi, recently warned that the city
faced a cholera outbreak as the water crisis continues to deteriorate.

Health and Child Welfare Minister Henry Madzorera said the government must
immediately make available funds to refurbish long neglected water,
sanitation and sewerage infrastructure.
Four years ago over 4,000 people died of cholera in an outbreak which
affected nearly 100,000 people across the country.

Goche: Air Zim must reduce bloated workforce

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

10/02/2012 00:00:00
by Business Reporter

THE government will take over Air Zimbabwe’s US$149 million debt but the
struggling airline must drastically reduce its 1,400-strong workforce in
order to return to viability, Transport Minister Nicholas Goche has said.

Air Zimbabwe teeters on the brink of collapse, hamstrung by massive debts,
unsustainable staffing levels and ageing aircraft at a time the government
lacks the resources to recapitalise its operations.

But in an interview with the weekly Zimbabwe Independent newspaper Friday,
Goche said Treasury would “warehouse” the airline’s debt as part of a rescue
plan for the stricken company.

Air Zimbabwe owes foreign creditors about US$30 million and another US$119
million to various local institutions including the Zimbabwe Revenue
Authority (ZIMRA) and state pensions entity, Nssa.

Goche said the government would take over the debts but insisted that Air
Zimbabwe needs to carry out an extensive retrenchment exercise.

“Air Zimbabwe has a bloated workforce of about 1,400 employees against an
ageing equipment and operational assets. The equipment is old and faces
breakdown, revenue earned through this equipment does not match the
expenditure levels of Air Zimbabwe,” the minister said.

“Therefore, there is a compelling need for retrenchment since Air Zimbabwe
is always having a huge deficit. There is need for a retrenchment exercise,
starting with those that have agreed to be retrenched.

“These now stand at 94 employees requiring almost $4,2 million. A total
retrenchment for phase 1 is estimated at $11.5 million.”

Goche also dismissed speculation that President Robert Mugabe’s numerous
foreign trips for which he uses Air Zimbabwe aircraft were also responsible
for the company’s problems.

“There is no government minister or official that owes Air Zimbabwe
anything. There is nothing like that; all government officials were paying
for their flights,” he said.

“Those who allege that ministers or other officials owe Air Zimbabwe are
using that as a euphemism to try to refer to the office of the President and
Cabinet.

“However, it should be noted that the chartered flights by the president
have always been fully paid for in advance, thereby contributing
significantly to Air Zimbabwe’s revenue.”

Goche said talks to secure a technical partner for Air Zimbabwe are
continuing despite recent reports that negotiations with a Chinese airline
had collapsed.

He said the prospective partner would help reequip the airline replacing the
three aged Boeing 737-200 planes used on domestic and regional routes as
well as add to Air Zimbabwe’s long-haul complement of two Boeing 767-200
aircraft.

Madhuku Urges Zimbabweans To Take To The Streets

http://www.radiovop.com

Harare, February 10, 2012 - Constitutional law expert and National
constitutional Assembly (NCA) Chairman Dr Lovemore Madhuku has urged
Zimbabweans to turn their anger towards bad governance into “Libya Style”
street protests.

Madhuku said this while speaking at the fourth anniversary of People’s
Charter organised by the Committee of the People's Charter in Harare on
Thursday.

The Committee of the People’s Charter is a grouping of like minded
Zimbabweans who subscribe to the principles of the People’s Charter which
was adopted by the country’s civic society organisations on 9 February 2008.

The charter outlines the virtues by which the country should be governed.

"I wonder why as Zimbabweans we are not doing what other people in other
countries are doing. They have done it in several countries and they are
doing it in Senegal right now but we are quiet as if everything is ok. We
should demonstrate our displeasure,” said Madhuku who himself has organised
several street protests for more than a decade fighting for a new democratic
constitution of the country.

Madhuku also told the meeting that there was nothing to fear because
Zimbabweans just like citizens of other countries where government business
is being mismanaged must take the fight to the rulers.

He dismissed the notion that the coalition government between President
Robert Mugabe and his former ally Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has
turned around the country for the better.

“There should be no comparison, this country, our lives must be judged on
the basis of what it should be, and our lives must be ok not what we have.
That’s what is giving us problems here in Africa. The lives of Zimbabweans
must be well and the People’s Charter is about how people’s life should be
and how we should live,” said Madhuku adding that the coalition government
“must be fought.

A representative of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), Jorum
Chikwati also urged Zimbabweans to take to the streets and demand their
rights.

“Its nice to have these meetings in these hotels but we also have to get
onto the streets and fight. if they fight back thats an inch of a victory.
we should continue going back into the streets until they stop fighting us
back and arresting us like they did in other countries,” said Chikwati.

Speaking at the same meeting Takura Zhangazha took a swipe at the coalition
government for ignoring submissions on the People’s Charter which were
brought before it.

“We have submitted the charter to the political parties but they have not
taken heed of it,” he said.

The People’s Charter which was signed by a host of the country’s civic
society groups call for a violence free political environment, a people
driven democratic constitution, free and fair elections, an economy that
responds to the needs of the people, a society that is caring to the needs
of the youth and recognise gender equality.

Cabinet is too big: PM

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Everson Mushava, Staff Writer
Friday, 10 February 2012 09:12

HARARE - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says the country’s cabinet is too
big for his liking. The Premier whose party believes in a leaner and more
efficient government says a huge government unnecessarily puts pressure on
the country’s fiscal space to respond to pressing needs.

“The question is how do we share the national cake? Thirty eight cabinet
ministers, it’s not sustainable. This is the reason why the resources were
being spread thinly across ministries,” said Tsvangirai
while addressing a Government Work Programme (GWP) 2012 ministerial workshop
in Harare yesterday.

“We cannot do anything about the size of the cabinet now because this is the
circumstance.”

He added that the current cabinet line-up was bloated and has become
unsustainable for the country.

Zimbabwe is currently run by an inclusive government through a Sadc
initiated Global Political Agreement (GPA), a transitional solution to the
country’s political crisis which followed a disputed presidential poll in
2008.

In the inclusive government, ministries were shared between Zanu PF and the
two MDC formations led by Tsvangirai and Welshman Ncube.

Most ministries say their activities are affected by lack of funding,
delayed disbursement of funds from treasury and a laborious tendering
procedure.

“Priorities are only priorities until they are funded. The treasury is
taking long to release money. Two years ago, we proposed to conduct a land
audit but up to now, funds have not been released by treasury to that
cause,” said Hebert Murerwa, minister of Lands and Resettlement.

Tsvangirai said the financial crisis the country was facing was a result of
a bloated compromise cabinet, lack of accountability and coordination among
ministries that traditionally used to depend on each other to fulfill their
mandate.

Also speaking at the same event, Finance Minister Tendai Biti said his
ministry only releases money when it has funds available.

Biti said the country’s financial performance was a direct response to
political instability.

“We are not farming and manufacturing enough yet we have breached the
fundamental principle of eating more than we produce. We kill a rat and
consume an elephant,” Biti said.

He lambasted the National Procurement Board (NPB) for sabotaging the
government projects that go through tender.

“There are delays at the NPB and whenever the tender is awarded, it will be
given to the wrong people for the wrong prices,” he said.

Biti said diamond revenue which is supposed to fund infrastructural
development is not finding its way to the national coffers leaving him to
scourge for cash from taxes to fund government work.

Marange Moves Towards Normalcy

http://diamondworld.net

Friday,February 10 2012 [ Issue 3 February/ 2012 ]

Quietly and without the hype and hoopla that has surrounded everything
connected to Marange, Zimbabwe’s Diamond Mining Corporation, went around
preparing for its first diamond auction after being given a clean chit by
the KP Monitoring Team of Mark Van Bockstael and Abbey Chikane. While DMC
was under scrutiny, its 50 per cent owner ZMDC was on the list of companies
against which the US has placed sanctions, thus bringing DMC and its
products under sanction as well.

However the fact that KP Monitors have cleared the auction – and it must be
noted that the US has already taken the KP chair – seems to indicate that
the process of normalization is underway for the Marange Mines.

This is evident in the pronouncements of KP Chair, Ambassador Gillian A.
Milovanovic to the media. She is reported to have said: “We have an
ambitious agenda. The KP decided that it would be looking at reviewing its
own goals, its own successes and weaknesses, and that is being done by an ad
hoc committee chaired by Botswana. I look forward to working with
Botswana …on shepherding the conclusions of that committee through."

If this spirit prevails, and constructive changes made and solutions are
arrived at, one can hope that impasses of the kind that plagued Marange can
be avoided in the future.

Tourists Arrivals Affected By Indigenisation

http://www.radiovop.com

Victoria Falls, February 12, 2012 - Victoria Falls deputy mayor and
Councillor for Ward One, Bernard Nyamambi said threats by President Robert
Mugabe and Zanu (PF) to take over foreign companies has affected tourists
arrivals in the resort town, as most of them now prefer to view the falls
from the Zambian side.

Speaking to Radio VOP in the resort town on Thursday, Nyamambi said there is
a rapid decrease of foreign tourist arrivals in the Victoria Falls since
Zanu (PF) started threats of taking over foreign companies last year.

“When the inclusive government was formed in 2009 tourist’s arrivals
improved, but since Zanu (PF) started threats of violently grabbing foreign
companies last year, we have seen a rapid decrease in foreign tourists’
arrivals here. Tourists are very sensitive people they don’t want to go
where they don’t feel safe, so most of them now prefer to view the falls
from Zambian side,” said Nyamambi.

Nyamambi who belongs to MDC-T added: “Zanu (PF) never learns when they
violently grab land in 2000, Zimbabwe was left with almost zero tourists and
now they want the same situation to happen.”

Under a controversial economic indigenisation and empowerment law that came
into force in 2010 foreign-owned firms must sell at least 51 percent shares
to indigenous black Zimbabweans or face a host of punitive measures
including fines or withdrawal of operating licences.

Mugabe’s previous government used its majority in Parliament in 2007 to pass
the indigenisation law requiring all foreign-owned companies to cede at
least 51 percent of their shares to black Zimbabweans.

Critics say the empowerment campaign is a ploy by Mugabe to seize thriving
businesses and hand them over to his allies as a reward for support much in
the same way that the veteran leader’s land reforms were executed in the
name of the people but benefited his top lieutenants the most.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who says he is for genuine indigenisation
of the economy that benefits ordinary Zimbabweans, has castigated Mugabe’s
empowerment drive as “looting by a greedy elite”.

New Tourism Initiative ready to tackle Africa´s tourism problems

The African Tourism Promotion Initiative (ATPI)-Destination Africa held a meeting at Fitur on 20 January 2012 and all members were clear that the initiative must now be formalised into an institution with a proper constitutional framework.

Currently the President of the Initiative is Nigeria's Tourism Director General, Mr. Otunba Segun Runsewe and Zimbabwe's own Tourism Chief Executive, Mr. Karikoga Kaseke is the Senior Vice President.

ZTA Chief Executive Mr. Karikoga Kaseke

Two regions have since appointed Vice Presidents to the Initiative, South Africa being the Vice President of Southern Africa region while Ghana is the Vice President of Western Africa region.

ZTA Chief Executive, Mr. Karikoga Kaseke North Africa as a region is expected to appoint its Vice President to ATPI at a meeting to be held in Nigeria in March 2012 and the same applies to the Eastern and Central Africa region.

The meeting mainly concentrated on how Africa is performing in the global tourism arena.

Every member felt that Africa's market share of global tourism at 4% is very low and the AITP should doeverything within or without its power to raise the market share for Africa to 6% by 2015.

The meeting scheduled for Nigeria in March this year is the first in a series of such meetings to be held by AITP within this year.

Kaseke took the opportunity of the meeting to announce the hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly by Zimbabwe and Zambia and a lot of the members appeared presently shocked that Zimbabwe and Zambia have won the bid to host the assembly in 2013 because most countries in Africa knew that the 2013 General assembly was slotted by the UNWTO to be hosted by the Middle-East.

"Awarding of the bid against the pre-determined venue which is the Middle East is a coup not only for Zimbabwe and Zambia but Africa as a whole and we encourage every African State and their affiliates and associates in tourism to attend the General Assembly," said Ghana Tourism Authority Executive Director, Mr. Julius Debrah Ibrahim.

The ZTA boss further announced that Zimbabwe is again hosting the Africa Travel Association (ATA) Congress in May and invited every African member state to attend.

The AITP welcomed the hosting of ATA and resolved to have a side meeting during the Congress where they are expected to approve the institutional and constitutional framework of this new Initiative

Deportations rob vulnerable of remittances

Finance ministry website still down after hacking

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
10 February 2012

The website for the Zimbabwe Finance Ministry was still down on Friday, a
day after the site was hacked and a joke article published as a news story.

The site (www.zimtreasury.org) was taken down on Thursday after it was
hacked, but not fast enough for the news article to be shared on social
networking websites like Facebook and Twitter.

The article, “Robert Mugabe & Morgan Tsvangirai reportedly dead after being
attacked by mole people”, said that: “At approximately 3pm the two
presidential candidates were set upon by a gang of vicious mole people. It
is unknown from where these mole people originated from, Some say they came
from neighboring Zambia or Botswana, Others say they came from outerspace,
Wherever they came from they certainly came for a reason.”

The website was apparently hacked by a group of hackers calling themselves
Abs0lution

The site is now down, with a message telling users that “our website is
currently under maintenance.”

This is the second time the finance ministry’s website has been hacked after
the international hackers group, Anonymous, targeted it in 2010. Back then,
the site was hacked in the middle of an international row over revelations
made by the whistle blowing website, WikiLeaks. Anonymous’ work on the
Finance Ministry site led to it being shut down for several weeks.

What the principals agreed on

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/

By Staff Writer
Friday, 10 February 2012 12:47

HARARE - President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and
Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara on Wednesday met in Harare to discuss
the state of the nation and how to resolve their power-sharing differences.

The Daily News saw a summary of the meeting’s major points. We publish them
below;

Meeting of the principals to review the performance of the inclusive
government, State House

THE ECONOMY

While acknowledging some progress made in the restoration of economic
stability, peace and political stability, the principals agreed that more
attention should now be placed on growing the economy and promoting
sustainable development, with more focus being given to the development of
the Mining and Agricultural sectors.

The principals emphasised the need to provide necessary input support to the
farmers to guarantee food self-sufficiency and export production.

SANCTIONS AND MEASURES TO END SANCTIONS

The principals noted the little progress made in the anti-sanctions campaign
spearheaded by the Inclusive Government and Sadc.

They agreed to intensify the campaign through the Cabinet Re-Engagement
Committee and the articulation of a unified position by all the political
parties to the GPA on the sanctions issue.

THE CABINET SYSTEM AND COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

While acknowledging that on the whole the cabinet system has worked well and
with a unity of purpose, the Principals decried the non-attendance by some
Ministers of Meetings of the Council of Ministers.

The Principals re-affirmed the central role of Cabinet as the country’s
highest policy-making body and the Council of Ministers’ principal role as
the implementation organ of government.

The Principals further agreed that the Council of Ministers should meet
every Thursday, and that Political Parties should desist from organising
Party meetings when there are meetings of the Council of Ministers’
Meetings.

Just like Cabinet, attendance at Council of Ministers is mandatory. It was
agreed that there should be a register or record of attendance at such
meetings.

At each meeting, three Ministers will be expected to present progress
reports on the implementation of Cabinet Decisions.

On his part, the Hon Prime Minister is expected to brief His Excellency the
President on the implementation of Cabinet decisions and to regularly brief
Cabinet on progress in the implementation of Government Work Programmes.

MONITORING OF GOVERNMENT WORK PROGRAMMES

The principals agreed that Hon Prime Minister should be supported in the
supervision and monitoring of the implementation of Government policies and
programmes throughout the country.

It was stressed in particular, that civil servants as the implementers of
Government policies and programmes should be in attendance during the Prime
Minister’s monitoring tours in the provinces.

LAND REFORM

The principals re-affirmed their support for the irreversibility of the Land
Reform Programme and that land be productively utilised.

To this end, it was agreed that mechanisms be put in place to support the
Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement under the supervision of His
Excellency the President to ensure that land is productively utilised as
well as resolving any outstanding issues on the Land Reform front.

Teams will be put in place to monitor land utilisation by land reform
beneficiaries on a regular basis.
There will be farm utilisation assessment in each province and an overall
land audit.

Issues of collateral value of land and security of tenure must be addressed.

INCIDENCES OF MULTI-PARTY VIOLENCE

The principals condemned all forms of violence wherever they occur.

They re-affirmed their commitment to intensifying the anti-violence campaign
at inter-party levels.

To this end, they agreed that this process be cascaded to the Provinces by
the Chairpersons and Secretary Generals of Political Parties, and that this
exercise be completed within a month.

It is a strong view of the Principals that all State Actors must protect and
enhance free political activity.

ARREST OF MINISTERS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

While not condoning any persons who commit offences, the Principals decried
the dehumanising treatment given to Ministers and Senior Government
officials arrested for any alleged offence.

They emphasised the need to treat accused Ministers and Senior Government
Official in a humane and dignified manner.

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE BILL

The principals while noting the process underway to amend the bill to
conform with the provisions of the country’s constitution, they stressed the
need to finalise the process as soon as possible in order to gazette the
bill.

The principals took this decision on the basis that the bill had already
been passed by both houses of Parliament.

APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTION OF SERVICE CHIEFS AND OTHER SECURITY PERSONNEL

The Principals agreed that the re-appointment of service chiefs whenever
their contracts of employment expired will be handled in the usual manner
(i.e. the appropriate service commissions making the necessary
recommendations to His Excellency the President who will make appropriate
consultations with the other principals).

In cases where the term (s) of office of commissioner (s) has expired, the
affected service commission must be regularised before it carries out its
mandate.

With reference to the promotion of Brigadier-General Douglas Nyikayaramba to
Major General, the principals noted the fact that this was based on
seniority and in accordance with the dictates of the military conditions of
service.

However, they regretted his negative utterances with respect to the person
of the Hon. Prime Minister, but accepted the assurance from the Minister of
Defence that he would attend to the conduct of the officer in this respect.

CONSTITUTION-MAKING PROCESS

The principal lamented the slow progress in the constitution-making process
and agreed to take immediate measures to quicken the process in order to
proceed to holding a referendum in the shortest period of time.

To this end, the principals agreed to receive a report from the Management
Committee of Copac, deliberate on the report and then convene a meeting with
the same committee.

The objective is to quickly agree on all the constitutional processes
leading to the adoption of the new constitution.

Thereafter, the task is to be put clear time frames to each process, thus
establishing a clear roadmap to the next elections.

The principals seek to take charge of the constitution-making exercise.

This intervention by the principals will also be linked to their review of
the overall roadmap to elections which has been developed by the GPA
negotiators.

The objective is to work out a roadmap towards the finalisation of the
constitution-making process with clear-cut benchmarks, time frames and
milestones.

MEDIA REFORMS

The principals agreed that any outstanding issues in the Media Reform
Sector, particularly with respect to the appointment of Mass Media Trustees
and Broadcasting Authority Board (Baz) members as per relevant statutes to
be expedited as directed by the principals’ meeting of July 7, 2011.

The principals also agreed that Media Reform in the form of the promulgation
of the Media Practitioners Bill and the freedom of information Bill be
expedited as agreed in the GWP framework.

The principals agreed to organise a get-together function with the public
and private media representatives to discuss pertinent issues of concern as
soon as possible.

This is meant to address the issue of rampant hate speech in both state and
private media.

ELECTORAL REFORMS

The principals discussed the stalemate on the Electoral Reforms,
particularly on polling station based voters roll, and agreed that the
existing system of the ward based voters roll be maintained.

However, the principals directed that a mechanism be put in place to prevent
any possible manipulation and cheating in the implementation of this voting
system in particular mitigation of multiple voting.

This decision by the Principals will enable The Electoral Bill to be
speedily passed in both Houses.

POSSA PRIVATE MEMBERS BILL

The principals agreed that the issue of the POSSA Private Members Bill be
looked into by the Negotiators with a view to making appropriate
recommendations for the Principals’ consideration.

The objective is to see whether any ideas in this Bill can be adopted by
negotiations so that reform of POSSA is a collective GNU effort.

ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

The Principals agreed to meet members of Zec in order to appreciate the
challenges faced by the Commission in undertaking its mandate as soon as
possible.

The Principals welcomed the technical and financial support from the UNDP,
but underlined their hope that such support is without strings.

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE ACT

The Principals agreed that the application of Section 121 of the Criminal
Procedure and Evidence Act be revisited with appropriate recommendations
(including possible amendments) for consideration by the Principals.

These changes must be developed by the minister of Justice and Legal
Affairs, Attorney General and Commissioner-General of Police.

Key political risks to watch in Zimbabwe

http://af.reuters.com

Thu Feb 9, 2012 1:30pm GMT

By Cris Chinaka

HARARE Feb 9 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, one of Africa's
longest serving leaders, turns 88 this month and looks set to stand in
elections despite reports of failing health and policies that critics say
have impoverished his country.

The run-up to the polls, required to be held by next year under a
power-sharing deal, could lead to more violence in the country with a
history of political killings.

There could also be increased pressure on foreign firms to give up more of
their holdings under a local ownership drive, with analysts saying the cash
will be funneled to Mugabe's ZANU-PF party to fill its coffers for the
polls.

Some of his close officials say Mugabe has quietly worked on a succession
plan, but many party members fear ZANU-PF could implode in a fierce battle
over who takes over power if he died in office.

Mugabe, who celebrates his birthday on Feb. 21, was endorsed by his party as
its presidential candidate for a poll he wants before the end of this year
despite opposition from his major political rivals.

MUGABE SUCCESSION

Mugabe will face a tough battle convincing voters to extend his rule after a
devastating economic crisis many blame on his government, analysts said.

He has over the years refused to discuss specifics of his succession plan,
insisting that ZANU-PF would elect his successor at the right time.

Although ZANU-PF officials rally behind Mugabe in public, in private many
want him to retire and pass the baton to a younger heir due to fears his age
may cost the party victory.

The pressure has intensified since reports, based on a June 2008 U.S.
diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks, that Mugabe is suffering from
prostate cancer. [ID: NL5E7K50UP]

ZANU-PF still controls most of the security apparatus and will likely use
violence and political killings to intimidate voters ahead of any election,
analysts said.

While some ZANU-PF members now see Mugabe as a political liability, they
remain unsure whether his potential successors can defeat Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai in a free election.

The death of retired general Solomon Mujuru in a fire last August has also
changed the party dynamics. Local media reports say Mujuru, husband of Vice
President Joice Mujuru, was pressing Mugabe to step down and that his
ZANU-PF faction had courted the MDC.

What to watch:

- Mugabe trying to heal party rifts or anoint a successor.

- How Mujuru's camp regroups, and how ZANU-PF rivals position themselves for
power after Mugabe.

INTER-PARTY VIOLENCE

Mugabe has been accused by the West, rights groups and opposition
politicians of using police and former troops in campaigns of murder, rape
and violence to fix elections.

He and ZANU-PF leaders are under international sanctions for suspected human
rights violations and vote rigging.

Mugabe was forced into a power-sharing government with Tsvangirai after a
2008 race marred by violence.

That government has brought a measure of stability to an economy crushed by
hyperinflation about three years ago with worries growing the nascent
recovery would be erased by a new round of election violence.

Analysts say Mugabe is pressing for polls a year ahead of schedule because
of his failing health.

The acid test for the anti-violence campaign is likely to come closer to the
election date, when ZANU-PF tends to mobilise its forces in the form of
independence war veterans and youth brigades known as "green bombers".

What to watch:

- Public response to calls for joint peace rallies planned by ZANU-PF and
the MDC.

- Investors shelving or slowing down plans due fears of instability.

TSVANGIRAI

Tsvangirai, who is 28 years younger than Mugabe, believes he will win any
free and fair poll, after ZANU-PF intimidation forced him to drop out of a
presidential runoff against Mugabe in June 2008.

That said, Tsvangirai is facing allegations about his private life that have
damaged his reputation as leader of the Movement for Democratic Change
(MDC).

Local media reports in the past year said Tsvangirai has made two women
pregnant and he tried to pay them off. He has so far not denied the charges.

The allegations have provided fodder for his enemies and led some to
question his leadership credentials.

What to watch:

- Any MDC rifts caused by the controversies.

MINING AND LOCAL OWNERSHIP

Economic Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere says mining firms have
mostly met deadlines for submitting plans on how to transfer a 51 percent
stake in their operations to locals.

Some foreign mines with operations in Zimbabwe include Impala Platinum,
Aquarius and Rio Tinto , while British banks Barclays and Standard Chartered
Bank operate locally.

The heavily criticised law is aimed mainly at mining firms and banks
operating in a resource-rich state.

Some analysts have called the law an "extortion scheme" but mining firms in
the country with the world's second-largest platinum reserves risk losing
their mining rights if they do not comply.

Many are waiting for a future government more amenable to international
investment before they ramp up production, analysts have said.

In addition, the government unveiled a $4 billion budget for 2012, which
included an increase in gold and platinum royalties for gold, and banked on
$600 million in diamond revenues.

What to watch:

- Details of deals struck between government and miners.

- What the government will do to non-complying companies.

CONSTITUTION

Mugabe and Tsvangirai's parties are quarreling over drafting of a new
constitution, with ZANU-PF accusing the MDC of trying to sneak in a law
giving unfettered voting rights to Zimbabweans living abroad, most of whom
are MDC supporters.

The final charter is likely to be a compromise between ZANU-PF and MDC, who
both lack the two-thirds majority in parliament needed to pass the new
supreme law on their own.

A referendum on a draft not backed by either party would likely trigger
violence.

Many Zimbabweans want the charter to strengthen the role of parliament,
curtail presidential powers and guarantee civil, political and media
liberties.

What to watch:

- ZANU-PF reaction to prolonged delays in charter's crafting.

New Zimbabwe constitution could bar Mugabe candidacy