Education in Crisis as Mugabe, Tsvangirai Blows Over US $25 million on Globetrotting

http://www.radiovop.com

Harare ,February 22, 2012 –Zimbabwe’s coalition partners addiction with
globetrotting might see the country’s ailing education collapsing totally
the Education ,Sports and Culture Minister David Coltart warned.

Coltart on Monday warned government of an imminent dilapidation of the
country’s education sector if it continues to its current spending on
foreign travel which costs three times amount as it allocates to the
ministry of education.

Last year President Robert Mugabe’s trips alone chewed over $20.6 million,
way beyond his $15 million annual presidential travel budget.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputies by mid-2011 had used $4
million, almost three quarters of their annual budget allocation of $5
million.

Education Sport Arts and Culture ministry last wanted $60 million but was
given $16 million by government.

“It is shameful that as a government we spend three times more on foreign
travel than on education in this country and has to change and stop. We must
allocate more resources to this sector for we will be investing in the
future,” Coltart told delegates witnessing the signing ceremony of the $6.5
million for the second phase of the Education Transitional Fund (ETF) from
the European Union, facilitated by UNICEF.

The  US$6, 5 million availed by  EU to the country’s education sector will
be channeled towards the re-introduction of a national school grant
initiative, teacher training and second chance programmes for children
forced to dropout from school.

Minister Coltart said despite achievements the education sector gained three
years after the formation of the inclusive government which has seen
development partners extending their hand, the sector is still fragile.

“Education remains in a state of crisis. One has to go to a school and see
the infrastructure at the schools. The just ended strike by teachers also
revealed that the situation is still fragile,” said Coltart.

Coltart took the opportunity to announce the completion of the 5 year
Education Strategic Medium Plan which he has been crafting for the past
three years.

“I am glad to inform you that next week I am going to present the 5 year
Education Strategic Medium Plan to cabinet. I am not going to divulge what
the contents of the document are only to tell you that it has everything
which concerns teachers and plight of pupils, “he added.

EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Aldo Dell’Ariccia, “despite the restrictive
measures which the EU placed on certain individuals we are a very good
friend of Zimbabwe and we totally committed to assisting the wellbeing and
the development of the Zimbabwean people”.

Education Transition Fund (ETF) was introduced in 2009 by a 12 donor pooled
resource as a joint emergency response to the crisis which is expected to
lessen resource constraints being faced by the local education sector.

MDC-T to insist on media reforms before elections

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tererai Karimakwenda
22 February 2012

The deputy Minister for Information, Murisi Zwizwai, has insisted that the
MDC-T will not enter into any election without the media reforms that were
agreed to by the Principals, as they are the key to a free and fair
election.

Zwizwai was responding to contradictory comments made by Robert Mugabe’s
spokesperson George Charamba, who told the press this week that the
Principals had not agreed to reconstitute the boards of the Zimbabwe
Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Mass Media Trust and the Broadcasting
Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ).

Zwizwai dismissed Charamba’s comments, saying he does not speak for the
inclusive government or the Principals to the Global Political Agreement
(GPA). “Charamba is one of the hardliners within ZANU PF who are so
resistant to change,” Zwizwai insisted.

The deputy Minister added: “Media reform is one of the requirements for the
attainment of a free, fair and unquestionable election.”

After a meeting of the principals on Monday Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s
spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, had said orders had been given to the
Minister of Information, Webster Shamu, to oversee the reconstitution of the
media boards. “They have to comply with that directive,” Tamborinyoka was
quoted as saying.

But Mugabe’s mouthpiece George Charamba dismissed this, insisting no
directive had come from the Principals “because the boards in question are
in order”. Charamba also reportedly said: “There is no law that states that
staffing a board is based on a political formula, MDC must go for elections,
win and then appoint their board members.”

Zwizwai dismissed Charamba’s comments, saying the MDC-T will remain resolute
and adamant about media reforms before any election.

Asked what the party is doing about the two FM licenses granted to ZANU PF
allied organizations by the Broadcasting Authority, which is considered
“illegal”, he said: “We totally don’t agree with the adjudication and
licensing of players by BAZ. We demand a credible process.”

But adding to the confusion is the fact the MDC formation led by Welshman
Ncube dismissed any media reforms agreed to by the principals. Spokesman
Nhlanhla Dube told SW Radio Africa that agreements that include deputy Prime
Minister Arthur Mutambara are not recognized as binding because he does not
represent any party. A legal battle over who heads the smaller MDC formation
is still in the courts.

Many observers and media experts in Zimbabwe say the political crisis in the
country has become messy, chaotic and embarrassing. This gives ZANU PF more
time and space to continue their grip on power while everyone else bickers
over minor issues, instead of uniting against the powers that be.

Zanu PF Militia Slapped With 10 Year Sentence for Murdering MDC Activists

http://www.radiovop.com/

Masvingo, February 22, 2012 – High Court Judge Justice Tedious Karwi has
blasted Zanu PF terror militia Mupfiga Muchakata (40) for promoting
lawlessness and taking law into his hand by murdering two MDC-T activists in
the run-up to 2002 presidential election before slapping him with ten years
in jail at the close of the Masvingo High court circuit.

Muchakata’s two accomplices will be locked up for an effective four years
each after they were found guilty of culpable homicide.

Initially, Justice Karwi had sentenced Muchakata to 12 years, but suspended
two on condition of good behavior while his accomplices, Takudzwanashe
Mazhetese (41), Moses Binduko (42), had one year suspended on their initial
five year jail terms each for the murder of Peter Mabika (29 and Innocent
Muregi (57), whom they accused of stealing cattle from a Zanu PF base
commander in Zaka.

Two of the three’s accomplices, Briton Mutyiri and James Chisvosve, who all
constituted the disciplinary committee of the base established at Jichidza
business centre in the Chief Nyakunuhwa area, are now deceased.

The five burnt their victims’ backs and then assaulted them with bricks and
sticks until they died.

Muchakata, who is the Zanu PF political commissar in the district, was found
guilty of all two counts of murder, while Mazhetese and Binduko were found
guilty of a lesser charge of culpable homicide for one count after they
stated that they were forced to assault one of the MDC-T activists by their
late base commander, Alfred Madzimati, a soldier who died before the
commencement of the trial.

Appearing for the State, Elison Chabarika told the court that on March 10,
2002, the Zanu PF militia captured Mabika from his home and took him to
their campaign base and assaulted him with knobkerries and sticks, accusing
him of having stolen some cattle from the late Madzimati.

They undressed him, burnt his back with plastic and struck him on the head
with bricks until he died.

The court also heard Muregi was interrogated in the same way three days
later until he could not talk and died two days later.

In passing sentence, Justice Karwi blasted the Zanu PF militia for creating
lawlessness in the area and said that they usurped the powers of the police
and acted outside the purpose of the reason why the base was created.

Justice Karwi also stressed the need for party activists to accept diversity
of political ideologies, especially at a time when the country may go to
polls either this year or in 2013. Nickel Mushangwe of Mushangwe and company
represented the Zanu PF murderers.

Arrest of MDC-T director blamed on infighting

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Lance Guma
22 February 2012

MDC-T Director General, Toendepi Shonhe, was reportedly arrested on Sunday
over sensational allegations that he plotted the assassination of Smart
Mesa, a member of the party’s security department.

Shonhe was arrested soon after his arrival from South Africa where,
according to police, he allegedly fled when the plot was uncovered in
January. MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the arrest and said
Shonhe is the one who went to the police station after hearing that they
were looking for him.

It’s claimed that Shonhe hired three bouncers, identified as Skipper, Tiger
and Diva, who were led by Moffat Aliseni, to kill Mesa together with Prime
Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s personal aide, Dennis Murira. It’s further
claimed that another official in the security department, hired to help in
the plot, tipped off Mesa.

But members of the party who spoke to SW Radio Africa said there was more to
this case than appeared on the surface. It was pointed out that Mesa, the
alleged victim of the assassination plot, was in 2009 accused of being a CIO
agent by a commission of inquiry into the assault of former MP Trudy
Stevenson.

A copy of the report sent to the party hierarchy reads: “Indeed, the
Commission’s attention was drawn to one member, Smart Mesa, who in its
enquiry appeared to be an informer or an operative of the Central
Intelligence Organization. The member stated that he is a retired officer of
the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

“The Commission believes that he was more than just an officer of the
Zimbabwe Republic Police. He has made his way into the Party structures, to
the highest levels of the Harare Province Security Department, yet nobody
could explain to this Commission how he had gone from being an ordinary
member of the security structures for the province, to heading it almost
overnight.”

Political commentator Phillan Zamchiya blamed infighting for the whole saga.
He told SW Radio Africa: “I think there are deep seated divisions within the
party. I don’t know the merits of the charges at the moment but what I can
say politically is that there are deep seated divisions within the party.”

“Most of them (divisions) emanate from the pre-congress conflict and it is
up to the party at the moment to come up with a clear post congress,
conflict management strategy, otherwise these cases will keep on recurring.”
Zamchiya said: “Knowing both Shonhe and Murira as democrats” it was
difficult to believe they could plot to kill each other.

“It’s quite unfortunate that the aggrieved parties are also rushing to lay
charges to the police. It’s their legal right, its their constitutional
right but Zimbabwe is an exception in that we all know the police, members
of the security and the judiciary are highly partisan and are infiltrated by
the intelligence and there is no official of high standing in the MDC who
will get a fair trial.”

Zamchiya also had a warning for those in the MDC-T, telling them: “If ZANU
PF sees that you are into women, they will corrupt you through women. If
they see that you like money, they will corrupt you through money. If they
see that you are into plots, they will corrupt you through those plots.”

Zamchiya meanwhile has told Tsvangirai, Thokozani Khupe and Tendai Biti, as
the top leaders of the party, that they must help in healing the rifts. If
they don’t “there will be attempts to manipulate these cases to the
advantage of the ZANU PF and to the detriment of the MDC-T,” he warned.

Joseph Mwale part of ‘security’ during PM Chiadzwa tour

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By Alex Bell
22 February 2012

It has emerged that the Prime Minister’s long awaited tour of the
controversial Chiadzwa diamond fields included an appearance by the equally
controversial ZANU PF villain, Joseph Mwale.

Mwale, a state security agent who has Robert Mugabe’s protection, is said to
have been part of the security entourage during the tour last Thursday,
which saw Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and other government officials
visit the diamond firms mining the area.

Although the tour was also witnessed by several reporters from both the
private and state media, Mwale’s appearance as part of the tour has not yet
been reported on.

But SW Radio Africa was informed this week that he did make up part of the
security delegation during Tsvangirai’s tour.

Some observers have said this inclusion of Mwale in the security detail was
intended as an insult to the MDC-T, because he is responsible for the deaths
of activists from Tsvangirai’s party.

Mwale was implicated almost 12 years ago in the brutal murder of MDC
activists Talent Mabika and Tichaona Chiminya. But he continues to enjoy
high level protection from the Mugabe regime, including avoiding arrest on
murder charges, despite at least three different directives.

In the run up to parliamentary elections in 2000 Chiminya, and fellow
activist Mabika who worked as campaign aides to Tsvangirai, were brutally
murdered when Mwale, Kainos ‘Kitsiyatota’ Zimunya, and two others petrol
bombed their vehicle during an ambush in Buhera.

Witnesses to the attack have told SW Radio Africa that Zimunya and Mwale
threw petrol into the car and set it alight. Mabika and Chiminya were seen
fleeing the car and running away “burning like balls of flames.”

In 2004 the regime charged Mwale’s co-accused, Webster Gwama, Bernard Makuwe
and Morris Kainos (alias Kitsiyatota). The three were indicted on two counts
of murder. Tsvangirai at the time expressed reservations over what he saw as
a “token prosecution” since gang leader Mwale was being left out. He said
the move was calculated to “confer future impunity by facilitating
acquittals rather than ensure justice”.

In 2006 police were reportedly too scared to enforce a written order from
the Attorney General’s office to arrest Mwale. That same year High Court
Judge James Devitte ordered Mwale to be brought to trial for the murders.
But instead of being brought to justice, he was instead promoted within the
Central Intelligence Organization (CIO).

In 2009 the then co-Home Affairs Minister from the MDC-T, Giles Mutsekwa,
announced that: “We have directed that all people with criminal cases should
be arrested, Joseph Mwale included.” But SW Radio Africa understands that
the docket relating to the Mwale case has vanished.

Meanwhile journalists who joined the Chiadzwa tour have denied receiving a
US$300 dollar ‘allowance’ pay out from the Zimbabwe Mining and Development
Corporation (ZMDC) which organised the event last week. SW Radio Africa was
told this week that private and state media reporters all signed for and
received the cash payout. But sources in the journalist community have
denied that this happened.

To contact this reporter email alex@swradioafrica.com

Zim public ‘paying the price’ of rising corruption

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
22 February 2012

A leading economist has warned that the public will continue to pay the
price for worsening corruption, which has been steadily rising across all
sectors of Zimbabwe in recent years.

The scale of Zimbabwe’s corruption problem has featured strongly across news
headlines in recent weeks, with everything from MPs being caught out in
fraud, to allegations that Zimbabwe’s foreign aid dependency is fuelling
high level corruption.

Most recently, an MDC-T MP who has been accused of theft of council funds
was arrested this week. St Mary’s MDC-T legislator Marvellous Khumalo stands
accused of squandering US$50,000 allocated under the government’s
Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Government set aside a budget of US$8 million for the CDF in 2010 and the
money was to be used for development projects by the legislators. Each
constituency received US$50,000, but some have failed to account for it.

Other MPs also facing arrest for failing to account for the CDF allocations
are Peter Chanetsa (ZANU PF Hurungwe North), Franco Ndambakuwa (ZANU PF
Magunje) and Cleopas Machacha (MDC-T Kariba).

Also implicated were the Minister of State for National Healing,
Reconciliation and Integration, Sekai Holland, Public Service Minister Lucia
Matibenga and Health and Child Welfare Deputy Minister Douglas Mombeshora.

More corruption was then unveiled this week when a Chitungwiza Town Clerk
was placed under house arrest over fraud charges. Godfrey Tanyanyiwa is
facing charges of defrauding the council of over US$700 000.

Meanwhile, a detailed report on the unity government’s spending has also
provided a clear picture of the level of legalised corruption in the
country. The report published by the UK’s Daily Telegraph newspaper accused
that country’s foreign aid spend in Zimbabwe for allowing corruption to run
rampant.

The report, titled ‘How we aid profligacy’ shines a light on Zimbabwe’s
national budget for 2012, saying that it shows the “grotesque sense of
priorities of the two men (Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai) who run one
of the poorest countries in the world.” This includes US$45 million on
travel, and hundreds of millions for their separate offices.

“Meanwhile, ‘capital expenditure’ for secondary education in 2011 was, well,
a blank. If page 207 of the national accounts is correct, Zimbabwe’s
government spent precisely nothing on capital assets for secondary schools
last year, an omission that was probably unique in the world,” the report
reads.

The report accuses the UK International Development department, DFID, and
other Western donors of filling in the gaps and funding the areas government
is not putting money into, such as health and education. The report blasts
this behaviour for enforcing corruption, and not actually benefiting
Zimbabwe.

“By covering the cost of basic essentials that the government chooses not to
fund, we risk underwriting — albeit indirectly — the monstrous way in which
Zimbabwe’s leaders spend their country’s resources,” the report says.

Economist John Robertson told SW Radio Africa on Wednesday that Zimbabwe’s
corruption is linked to senior officials “claiming entitlement to get their
hands on whatever they want.”

“They behave like its legitimate conduct and that they are just exercising
the rights that come with their authority,” Robertson said.

He added: “This corruption just adds to the costs everyone else has to
 bear.”

Robertson said that with barely any sector free from corruption, inflation
is driven higher and higher because the cost of doing basic business “always
comes with another price.” He warned that the people who bear the brunt of
this are ordinary Zimbabweans.

To contact this reporter email alex@swradioafrica.com

Churches and shops forced to close for ZPF rally

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tererai Karimakwenda
22 February 2012

Senior officials within ZANU PF forced several churches and all businesses
in Biriri district of Chimanimani West, Manicaland to shut down last Sunday,
and forced everyone in the area to attend a political rally they had
organized.

Local activist Peter Chogura told SW Radio Africa that ZANU PF’s secretary
for administration, Didymus Mutasa, Mutare Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, and
Central Committee member Munacho Mutezo, addressed an estimated 400 people
at the rally, telling them to victimize anyone who supports theMDCand to
deny them state funded benefits.

“All the churches such as the Methodists, United Baptists and even the
African Apostolic Church were closed for the rally. And all the shops at
Biriri Business Center and nearby were also shut down,” Chogura explained.

He added that anyone with a car or truck was ordered to transport people to
the venue. White farmers in the area were told to let all their workers go
and to use their cars for transport, or they would be evicted from their
farms if they refused.

According to Chogura, MDC supporters went to the rally and had to listen to
these threats. Many knew that if they had refused they would be put on a
list and denied inputs such as maize, seeds and fertilizer, although these
inputs are supposed to be given to everyone no matter what party they
support.

Chogura said ZANU PF used a gang of thugs that were bused in from Mutare to
go around the shops and churches gathering people.

Forcing people to attend rallies has been part of ZANU PF’s strategy around
the country for years. Unfortunately, the creation of a coalition government
over three years ago has not stopped the victimization of theMDC-T and its
supporters.

Open Letter To The Parishes In The Diocese Of Harare(CPCA)

‘Rights commission remains dead’

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Bridget Mananavire, Staff Writer
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 15:31

HARARE - Deputy minister of Justice Obert Gutu yesterday said the Zimbabwe
Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) remains dead until an act is passed to ensure
its effectiveness.

The commission was set up as part of the Global Political Agreement (GPA)
signposts which included the drafting of a new constitution and creation of
other democratic bodies such as the Media Commission and Anti-Corruption
Commission.

The commission was set up to investigate, promote, observe human rights and
freedoms at all levels of the Zimbabwean society.

The enactment of an act of Parliament will give the commission powers to
investigate human rights abuses including inspecting places of detention
such as refugee camps and prisons.

“Although the Human Rights Commissioners were sworn into office several
months ago, we still do not have an enabling Act of Parliament that makes it
possible for ZHRC to effectively become operational,” Gutu said at a public
meeting yesterday.

“It is pointless to have a figure headed Human Rights commission,” he said
calling on responsible parties to ensure the enactment of the Act.

Commissioners Dr Ellen Sithole, Dr Joseph Kurebwa, Professor Reginald
Austin, Jacob Mudenda, Ndabeni Ncube, Sheila Matindike, Elasto Mugwadi, Ona
Jirira and Norma Niseni were sworn in March 2010.

The ZHRC chairperson Professor Austin has in the past urged the enactment of
the Act arguing that it will help guide the commission’s work.

Australia gives $6.7 million for water

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/

Seven small towns in the country have been thrown a lifeline by the
Australian government through its International Development Assistance
Programme to the tune of US$6.7 million that will go towards improving water
and sanitation.
22.02.1211:28am
by Staff Reporter

The assistance which was given to Zimbabwe through United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday will see at least 260,000 people from Chiredzi,
Rusape, Bindura, Chipinge, Karoi, Shurugwi and Plumtree benefiting.

“The Emergency Rehabilitation and Risk Reduction Programme is making a
positive contribution to our strategic goal to reduce poverty, save lives
and promote opportunities for all regardless of gender, age or physical
attributes,” said Australia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Matthew Neuhaus in a
statement Wednesday.

The assistance will go a long way in intensifying efforts to reduce the
risks of cholera and other water borne diseases through the rehabilitation
of water and sanitation systems and hygiene promotion interventions.

It will also help revive institutional capacity by adding efficiencies to
the billing systems and customer service, aimed at sustaining operations in
the long term.

Recieving the grant on behalf of Zimbabwe UNICEF country Representative, Dr.
Peter Salama said “This support is critical for improving access to services
for the poorest women and children,”

“Investment in safe water and appropriate sanitation is critical to prevent
outbreaks of water borne diseases and will assist Zimbabwe to meet many of
the Millennium Development Goals”.

Zimbabwe’s water and sanitation situation remains in a critical state in
both urban and rural areas and the current typhoid outbreak in Harare
continues to underscore the vulnerability of the water and sanitation
infrastructure in urban areas. It's estimated that 27% of the nation’s
population do not access safe water and 40% do not have access to safe
sanitation.

UNICEF and other development partners in 2008, when Zimbabwe was hit by
Cholera outbreak, contributed immensely through the provision of water
treatment chemicals and borehole drilling.

Tomana determined to sue EU

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

By Staff Reporter 1 hour ago

Robert Mugabe's attorney General Johannes Tomana says Zimbabwe will not
reverse its decision to take the European Union to court over the issue of
what he called the illegal sanctions which were imposed on Zanu-PF in 2002.

Speaking to State media in Harare, Tomana said preparations for the filing
of the litigation papers in the courts of law in Europe are already at an
advanced stage.

The AG said the unilateral imposition of sanctions was and is illegal as the
country poses no threat to international peace.

He pointed out that the manner in which the sanctions were imposed was
inhuman and was in violation of the international statutes and the EU’s own
laws.

AG Tomana said the partial lifting of the embargo of certain individuals and
companies last week was a non-event which demonstrated the EU’s arrogance
and intransigence as Zimbabwe was expecting dialogue before the extending of
the illegal measures.

He said even those whose names were scrapped last week are still entitled to
seek redress in the courts.

AG Tomana added that Zimbabwe’s position is that the land reform programme
for which the country is being punished does not constitute a threat to
international peace and is therefore no reason for the illegal measures.

Chinamasa, Mumbengegwi still on EU sanctions list

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff 1 hour ago

Two Zanu PF Ministers, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Patrick Chinamasa are
still among the 112 individuals that are still on the EU sanctions list
contrary to reports that they have been removed from the illegal embargo.

Despite claims by the European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Aldo Dell’
Ariccia last Friday that Foreign Affairs Minister, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi
and Justice and Legal Affairs Minister, Patrick Chinamasa had been delisted
from the sanctions list, the two’s names still appear on that list.

Asked to clarify on the issue, Ambassador Dell’ Ariccia said the two’s visa
ban has been suspended while they remain on the list of “restrictive
measures.”

Last week, the EU announced the extension of the sanctions against Zimbabwe
and scrapped 51 individuals and 20 companies from the initial list.

112 individuals, including Robert Mugabe have been retained on the list.

Zanu-PF says the partial lift is a political gimmick and a smoke screen.

Zim's huge debt very worrying, says UNDP

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/

CASH-STRAPPED Zimbabwe's huge and soaring debt is extremely worrying and
must be dealt with for the Mid Term Development Programme (MTDP) to succeed,
says John Mahmoud, a Senior United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
official.
22.02.1209:38am
by Ngoni Chanakira Harare

The MTDP is scheduled to last for five years according to the Minister on
International Co-operation and Investment Promotion, Tapiwa Mashakada.

"Zimbabwe is highly indebted," Mahmoud said in Harare.

"There is serious need to deal with this huge debt. The debt issue around
our necks has to be solved and the Mid Term Development Plan will not take
us anywhere if we do not deal with it and deal with now.

"There is very serious need for the Government of National Unity (GNU) to
deal with debt and get it out of the way because it is a serious matter to
us at the UNDP too."

Analysts and economic commentators point out that the GNU desperately needs
$45 billion over the next 10 years to regain the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) levels it boasted back in 1997 when the economy was kicking.

Deprose Muchena, Deputy Director of the Open Society Initiative for Southern
Africa (OSISA) said if the GNU needs to find $8,3 billion in the short term
for its recovery programme on top of its current debt obligations, then
Zimbabwe somehow has to find $15 billion in the short term.

"Overall, following the cumulative economic contraction between 1998 and
2008, the country needs $45 billion over the next 10 years to regain the GDP
levels it boasted back in 1997," he said.

He said Zimbabwe's sovereign debt overhang had not improved since the
signing of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) or the inauguration of the
Inclusive Government of President Robert Mugabe of Zanu PF, Prime Minister,
Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC-T and Deputy Prime Minister, Arthur Mutambara
of the MDC.

Dr Washington Mbizvo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and
Tertiary Education said the country had a huge debt problem because it had
done lots for the education sector including building schools and sending
primary school children to school free of charge.

"We must not look at the debt issue blindly," Mbizvo said in response to
Mahmoud.

"Zimbabwe has done and spent a lot on its education sector and we have lots
to show for it."

Muchena, meanwhile, said the country's huge debt problem was not set to
improve in the "near future because the country still needed to battle to
finance its economic recovery and social development programmes".

Zimbabwe's exact debt is debatable as official figures vary.

Analysts say Zimbabwe faces a debt overhang conservatively estimated at $6,9
billion - including $5,2 billion in external debt.

Of the publicly guaranteed debt, $3,2 billion is in arrears - including $1,3
billion owed to multilateral creditors such as the Washington-based
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank as well as other
international institutions.

Zimbabwe owes $1,6 billion to bilateral creditors such as the prestigious
Paris Club and many other individual countries and $200 million to credit
suppliers.

Some, however, say the country's total extrnal debt stock stands in the
region of $7 billion.

"The first step is for Zimbabweans and the international community - to
publicly acknowledge the size of the debt problem and how it is acting as a
serious drag on the economic ship of State," Muchena said in his analysis of
the debt problem.

"While civil society orgnanisations in Zimbabwe have highlighted the issue,
some leements of the Inclusive Government continue to deny the shocking
reality of Zimbabwe's indebtedness.

"In particular, there has been fierce opposition to declaring Zimbabwe a
Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC), despite the fact that it is exactly
that. But the issue is not about whather to decalre the country a HIPC or
not.

"Zimbabwe has already been declared a crisis country, a fragie State, a
failed State, and a low income country under stress among others.

"These declarations do not resolve anything. Specific policy, legislative
and economic governance measures are seriously needed."

Zim near bottom in new UNDP report

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Zimbabwe is number 173 out of 187 in the United Nations Development
Programme’s Human Development Index Report for 2011.
22.02.1207:09am
by Staff Reporter

It trails several African countries including Libya at Number 64 - the
highest in Africa - Algeria at Number 96, Egypt (113), Botswana (118) and
Namibia (120).

There are four categories in the UNDP Report - Very High Human Development,
High Human Development, Medium Human Development, and Low Human Development.

Sub Saharan Africa ranks the lowest after South Asia and Latin America and
the Caribbean.

The highest in the HDI Report for 2011 is Norway (1), followed by Australia,
The Netherlands and the United States of America (USA).

In the lowest sector, the Solomon Islands lead at Number 142 followed by
Kenya, Sao Tome and Principe, and then Pakistan.

This region is anchored by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (187) and
includes Zimbabwe at Number 173.

“We were not told what is involved in compiling the Report,” said
JoiceKazembe a member from the Zimbabwe Election Commission who attended the
launch of the report.

The Minister of Investment and International Co-operation, TapiwaMashakada,
also attended the event and said: “Our economy is slowly picking up and you
all know where we are coming from - hyperinflation, low productivity as well
as unemployment. It has been a long way and we are getting there. Our
Mid-Term Development Programme will ensure that we get the intended
 results.”

Some economists blasted the Report saying it was done in haste and did not
take into account the situation on the ground in Zimbabwe right now.

9 months of hell inside Chikurubi prison

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
22 February 2012

Yvonne Musarurwa is an MDC-T Harare Youth Assembly member who has just spent
9 months in Chikurubi, which she said was a ‘nightmare.’

At one time Yvonne and her colleague Rebecca Mafukeni thought they were
Zimbabwe’s ‘most isolated women’ after they were held in an extreme form of
solitary confinement under a ‘no human contact’ order for months. The two
only got 20 minutes a day for laundry, bathing and exercise.

Speaking to SW Radio Africa’s Hidden Story program on Wednesday, Yvonne
opened up her heart and said when she looked in the mirror after her release
she gave thanks to God for keeping her and Rebecca alive.

‘During the first few weeks, we couldn’t cope with living in prison. Rebecca
and I broke down completely. We thought we were going to die. But slowly,
when we realized there were people who have been there many years before us,
the condemned prisoners, we thought okay, we might make it as well,’ she
said.

Yvonne and Rebecca were part of the Glen View 7 who were granted bail last
week Friday by the Supreme Court, after spending 9 months in remand prison,
‘for a crime I did not commit.’

The other five are Glen View Councillor Tungamirai Madzokere, brothers
Lazarus and Stanford Maengahama, Phineas Nhatarikwa, and Stanford Mangwiro.
The seven were among the first to be picked up by the police after Inspector
Petros Mutedza was murdered at a beer hall in Glen View.

The more the group spent time with the law and order officers, instead of
homicide who investigate murders, the more they realized police were
struggling to build a case against them.

‘This was a murder case but we were being interrogated by officers from the
Law and Order section and this looked weird,’ Yvonne said.

The group was denied bail on several occasions by the High Court, as the
judges claimed they were a flight risk.

‘That was the most shocking part, being denied bail for something you know
very well you were not part of. The day the police officer died, I wasn’t
even near Glen View and I only got to know how he looked like when I saw his
picture in the newspaper.’

According to witnesses, Mutedza was killed in a violent clash with unknown
assailants who had been drinking at a beer hall, although there had been an
MDC meeting nearby. Glen View residents described Mutedza as a violent thug
who would use his rank to confiscate goods from vendors.

‘The first weeks in police custody were the toughest. We were being
interrogated, beaten and tortured. I’ve never felt so much pain in life
before. I sustained a broken hand; lacerations all over the body and the
only thing I got for all that were a few tablets of paracetamol,’ Yvonne
said.

‘They said we were MDC and that there was every chance we would influence
the other prisoners and clash with others from ZANU PF. This is why they
kept us in solitary confinement. The conditions though were very bad. We
stayed in cells that had raw sewage passing through and we cleaned that up
using our bare hands. That was the most difficult part and I told myself the
day Zimbabwe is free from tyranny, I will personally go to the Minister of
Justice and those in charge of prisons to tell them exactly what needs to be
done.’

Zim's Crude Death Rate Declines To 15/1000

http://www.radiovop.com

HARARE, February 22, 2012 – Zimbabwe’s Crude Death Rate now stands at 15 per
1 000 people, according to the United Nations Children's Education Fund
(UNICEF).

The figure stood at 19 per 1 000 when the last survey was carried out in
2008.

The country's maternal mortality rate, on the other hand, stands at 790 per
100 0000 down from 800 per 100 000 during the same period.

Life expectancy stands at 51, 4 according to the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP).

"Rates for chronic and acute child malnutrition still stand at 34 percent
and 2, 4 percent respectively," UNICEF said in a Report.

"A third of rural Zimbabweans still drink from unprotected water sources and
are thus exposed to water-borne diseases. While cholera incidences
significantly decreased compared to past years however, local outbreaks
continued in 2011 due to poor infrastructure for water, sanitation, hygiene
and health."

The UNICEF Report said the low coverage of basic health care had led to
unpredictable maternal and child mortality and overall excess morbidity and
mortality.

Zimbabwe's HIV/Aids prevalence rate currently stands at 13, 7 percent and
substantially increases vulnerabilities, the UNICEF Report pointed out.

The rate stands at the third highest in the region after neighbours South
Africa and Botswana.

"There is very high HIV prevalence and high case of fatality rate for
cholera," UNICEF said.

"There is also lack of health workers and funding gaps in Zimbabwe,” UNICEF
added.

Mugabe Threatens to Arrest Tsvangirai

http://www.radiovop.com/

Cape Town, February 22, 2012 - Police should thoroughly investigate and
arrest Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for fraudulent activities involving
the construction of his official residence, Zimbabwean President Robert
Mugabe said on Monday during an interview on state radio on the eve of his
birthday.

According to The Zimbabwe Mail, the past fortnight has seen a flurry of
reports alleging the unearthing of evidence suggesting Tsvangirai was
involved in "double-dipping".

State media last week claimed Tsvangirai had used "$1,5m to buy items for
people far removed from the intended prime minister's residence as well as
undue enrichment programmes on the money market".

But the Movement for Democratic Change has denied the charges, saying that a
Zanu-PF faction was behind a negative publicity blitz aimed at nailing
Tsvangirai.

Mugabe, however, said police should not rush their investigations.

"What we don’t want is people getting arrested on the basis of evidence
which is not clear and on the basis of inadequate evidence," he said.

MDC spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said the "so-called double-dipping scandal
is nothing but part of a sting operation to collapse the GNU [Government of
National Unity] and rush for elections without agreeing on key reforms".

"There is a faction within Zanu-PF that is pushing for the collapse of the
GNU through criminalisation of key MDC leaders and disturbing the
constitution-making process.

"This is part of a well-choreographed sting operation and obviously the
Prime Minister is the key target."

Mwonzora said Tsvangirai has been staying at his Strathaven home after
Mugabe reportedly denied him the chance to move into Zimbabwe House upon
joining the inclusive government in 2009.

Tsvangirai has been dragged to the courts before, but the charges have never
stuck including those of plotting to kill Mugabe. - News24

Crisis Coalition ready for 2012: Watershed year for Zimbabwe

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

While hopes for democracy begin to dim for some people and entities, one
organisation that looks far from tiring is Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition.
22.02.1206:12am
by Mxolisi Ncube

Leading the assault is the organisation’s South African office, led by
lawyer and regional coordinator, Dewa Mavhinga. Taking stock of its
activities last year, Crisis can celebratemany achievements, notably strong
coordination and collaboration.

“We worked with several leading Zimbabwean civil society groups on regional
and international lobby and advocacy, which kept the political crisis firmly
in the limelight,” Mavhinga told The Zimbabwean this week.

The organisation’s relentless lobbying -attending every regional and
continental summit and countering Zanu (PF) propaganda with facts about what
is actually happening on the ground - saw President Robert Mugabe and his
party fail to implement their December 2010 resolution to hold elections in
2011 in the absence of credible reforms.

SADC leaders pulled the plug on that plan, openly rebuked Mugabe and placed
emphasis on the need to end violence and fully implement the Global
Political Agreement before elections can be held.

“Solidarity with regional civil society groups in various SADC states,
particularly in Botswana Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia,
strengthened in 2011. We aim to consolidate these excellent relations going
forward,” said Mavhinga.

A reference point for political analysis and a reliable alternative source
of accurate and objective information on the country’s political
conflict,Mavhinga’s office has distinguished itself, becoming sought after
by media houses, diplomats and other policymakers.

“During the course of 2011 the Regional Office struck a vital partnership
with The Zimbabwean to publish its weekly Zimbabwe Briefing newsletter. This
enables the Regional Office to reach a much wider audience weekly.

“We will however, not rest on these achievements. We approach 2012 with
renewed energy to strongly push for the democratisation of Zimbabwe
supported by an active SADC and African Union,” vowed Mavhinga. “Our focus
will be to ensure that all SADC states sustain the consensus that nothing
short of genuinely democratic, non-violent, free and fair elections will be
acceptable in Zimbabwe. SADC should ensure that the dysfunctional inclusive
government is pushed to implement necessary reforms to make elections
possible.”

The aim is not to for the inclusive government to continue in perpetuity,
but that elections under the 2008 conditions of violence and intimidation
would be futile. This is the message that the office and other civil society
groups will take to South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia – members of the SADC
Organ Troika on Defence, Politics and Security – charged with mediating the
peace process in Zimbabwe.

“A key message is that Zanu (PF) and Mugabe will no longer be able to
dictate terms in Zimbabwe,” added the Crisis coordinator.

“Elections will only take place when conditions are right, and when
pro-democracy political parties, civil society and SADC are satisfied.Any
attempts to push for elections will be resisted strongly.”

He believes 2012 carries greater challenges as “it is a watershed year for
Zimbabwe”, with a possible national referendum of the constitution within a
few months.

“We approach the year with renewed commitment and singular focus to push for
democratic elections that will give Zimbabweans a chance to pick up the
pieces and begin to genuinely rebuild their lives and their nation. Given
the high stakes, it is likely that persecution of civil society actors will
increase – but we also intend to keep the global spotlight on Zimbabwe. Our
aim is to end tyranny and restore peace and hope.”

House arrest for Chitungwiza town clerk

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

21/02/2012 00:00:00
    by Phyllis Mbanje

A HARARE magistrate ordered house arrest Monday for Chitungwiza town clerk,
Godfrey Tanyanyiwa, who faces corruption allegations involving more than
US$1 million.

Magistrate Anita Tshuma granted Tanyanyiwa US$1000 bail and ordered that he
remains at his Mt Pleasant home in Harare, only leaving to report to
Avondale police station pending trial on February 29.
"When going to Avondale police station please use the shortest distance
(possible)," Tshuma added.

However, Tanyanyiwa was returned to police custody after prosecutors invoked
sections of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act which allow the
detention of suspects for seven days while the state considers appealing the
magistrate’s decision.
Meanwhile, investigators claimed Tanyanyiwa was undermining their work by
interfering with witnesses.

"We are now in murky waters of corruption and I honestly have never
encountered such an extent of corruption in my whole career," said Servious
Kufandada an investigating officer with the Anti-Corruption Commission who
is leading the probe.

"We have unearthed more than what we currently have on record but the
progress is now being hampered by some 'agents' of corruption planted within
the municipality by the accused who wields enormous powers there."

"There are about 60 agents of corruption operating and this has made the
investigations difficult but we have uncovered fresh counts in addition to
the existing ones."
But defence lawyer, Admire Rubaya dismissed the claims and accused
investigators of wasting the court’s time.

"After the last court appearance you chose to go home and sleep, and dine
with your friends and now you want to be dramatic,” Rubaya charged insisting
there was no justification for denying his client bail.
"The accused has been in custody for close to 14 days and your team had
ample time to tie up the loose ends.

“The 'planted' agents you alluded to can still visit the accused at remand
and receive instructions from him so his remaining incarcerated will not
help in that regard."

Desperate farmers resort to substitutes

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Desperate farmers in Matabeleland, whose maize crop has wilted due to the
current dry spell, are now trying substitutes such as sunflowers and soya
beans.
21.02.1205:04pm
by Zwanai Sithole Harare

Maize in most parts of the region is now a write-off because of the
persistent dry conditions. Gwanda, Inyathi, Beitbridge, Nkayi and Binga are
badly in need of rain, not only to save the crops, but also to replenish low
soil moisture reserves, start rivers flowing and fill up the dams. “In some
instances farmers were forced to plant their maize crop three times.

They are now resorting to substitutes and other short varieties so as to try
and remain in business,” said he president of the Zimbabwe Commercial
Farmers Union, DonaldKhumalo.

The production cost of maize was very high compared to imported maize. “The
problem is that a ton of soya beans is currently being sold for between $500
and $600 while maize is going for $290, which isvery low considering the
inputs used,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Farmers Union reports that in some parts of Masvingo and
Midlands, the situation is also critical.

“Some good rains continued to be received in parts of Manicaland, Midlands
and Mashonaland provinces,” says its latest weekly market guide. But in the
rest of the country crops have permanently wilted - even if the rains were
to come now, most of the crops will not recover.

“The availability and quality of grazing has also been affected in these low
rainfall areas,” ZFU said, adding that the major challenge remains the
shortage of top dressing fertilizer.

“The first day of tobacco sales (Wednesday last week) performed, in most
respects, much better than the same day last year. The strict use of the
sales booking system seems to have helped to decongest the tobacco floors,”
said ZFU.

Late rain-fed tobacco is at varying stages with the majority at topping and
suckering stages. Generally the crop is said to be in good condition.

The cotton crop condition varies with region due to the varying rainfall
distribution, with the early cotton crop at boll formation while some is
still at vegetative stages. “Generally the crop is flourishing and thriving
well except in areas badly affected by the long dry spell. Planting of sugar
beans and sweet potato continued in high rainfall areas while most soya
beans, groundnuts and sunflower are at flowering stages. Some Irish potato
is being harvested and on the market,” said ZFU.

Chihuri, Zimondi, Chinese And Parastatals Shower Mugabe With Praise On Birthday

http://www.radiovop.com

Harare, February 21, 2012-Zimbabwe’s parastatals , ministries and corporates
on Tuesday feted President Robert Mugabe with birthday messages as the
octogenarian leader celebrated his 88th birthday.

The ministries, state-run enterprises and other private enterprises booked
full and half page adverts in the state-run Herald newspaper showering
Mugabe with birthday messages on his 88 birthday anniversary which he
celebrated on Tuesday.

The newspaper published a 16 page supplement with torrents of birthday
wishes for Mugabe.

The Zimbabwe Prison Service described Mugabe as an “icon” while the Ministry
of Justice and Legal Affairs equated the octogenarian leader to a “legendary
icon”.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police described Mugabe as an “astute revolutionary”.

State enterprises such as fixed telecommunications provider, TelOne, mobile
services provider, NetOne, Rural Electrification Agency, Grain Marketing
Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Water
Authority, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority and Zimbabwe Mining
Development Corporation stampeded to convey their congratulatory messages to
the ZANU PF leader despite the shoestring budgets they operate under.

Milk processor, Dairibord, Chamber of Mines, Greencard Medical Aid Society,
Freda Rebecca Mine and the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe were among private
enterprises that booked adverts congratulating the former freedom fighter.

Even ministerial portfolios controlled by the Movement for Democratic Change
(MDC) also showered Mugabe with birthday wishes.

Chinese owned Sino-Zim Development Group, Mbada Diamonds and universities
such as the University of Zimbabwe, Africa University, Zimbabwe Open
University and Bindura University of Science Education also joined in the
bandwagon of praising Mugabe.

Although the flurry of messages congratulating Mugabe could have come as a
boom to the Zimpapers run newspaper, it also provided useful insight into
how politics dictate business in Zimbabwe.

Mugabe Says Government Can't Meet Worker Demands

http://www.voanews.com

21 February 2012

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Takavafira Zhou said
representatives of state workers will continue pressing for increases
despite Mr. Mugabe's statement as to limited government resources

Jonga Kandemiiri | Washington

Though President Robert Mugabe in recent interviews said the government does
not have sufficient resources to meet the pay demands of civil servants,
representatives of public workers said they nonetheless look for him to use
his influence to push for raises.

Negotiators for civil servants are demanding an entry level salary of $538.
They met last week with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to demand a 'road
map' to higher pay.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Takavafira Zhou told
reporter Jonga Kandemiiri they will continue pressing for increases despite
Mr. Mugabe's statement.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Ndlovu, a
member of the Apex Council which negotiates on behalf of state employees,
said state workers applauded the president for acknowledging that they have
a genuine case.

Zapu man in trouble over Mugabe bash

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/

A Bulawayo man, Jackson Ndlovu is headed for a showdown with the local Zanu
(PF) leadership after he refused to allow his 11 year old son to travel to
Chipinge to attend President Robert Mugabe 's birthday celebrations.
22.02.1209:46am
by Zwanai Sithole Harare

Ndlovu's son (name supplied), who is a grade six pupil at a local primary
school, is one of the children sharing the same birthday with Mugabe who was
chosen by the local 21ST February Movement organising committee to represent
Bulawayo province at the annual birthday bash which will be held at Gaza
stadium in Chipinge on Saturday.

"My son was one of the children who was selected in the province to attend
Mugabe's birthday celebrations in Manic land. School authorities at his
school were asked by Zanu (PF officials to identify pupils who share the
same birthday with Mugabe. Since my son was born on 21 February, they
forwarded his name to the officials without my consent. I am a Zapu
supporter and there is no way my son can attend Mugabe's functions," said a
fuming Ndlovu.

Ndlovu said he has already informed the school authorities to remove his son
from the list of the children who will be travelling to Chipinge.

"I have already informed the school officials that my child is not going
anywhere. They tried to argue that the celebrations are a national event but
I told them to inform the organisers of the event that I do not want anyone
from my family to be associated with Mugabe and his Zanu (PF). They can do
whatever they want but I am not afraid," he said.

Last week the party's youth league said they had organised five buses to
ferry the youths to Mutare for the belated celebrations. Mugabe who has
ruled the country for the last 32 years turned 88 on Tuesday.

Hon. Khupe nominated for the African Achievers Award

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Hon. Thokozani Khupe, the MDC Vice President who is also Zimbabwe’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) has been nominated as one of the few Africans to be honoured with an African Achievers Award for service to Democracy and Women Empowerment.

Since her appointment as the DPM in February 2009, Hon. Khupe has set her focus on improving the quality of life of women and has been at the forefront of the 50/50 representation in Parliament.

It is her belief that unless women are represented in Parliament, their issues will remain unresolved.

Issues such as gender budgeting and access to equal opportunities can be addressed if women are equally represented in Parliament since this is where budgets are passed and laws are made.

DPM Khupe held the first ever Women’s Economic Development Summit that was supported by many non-governmental organizations such as SIDA, CIDA, USAID, DFID and Netherlands Embassy.

This women’s National Summit came up with a document known as the Women’s Economic Development Plan that identified the various sectors of our economy, namely tourism, mining, manufacturing and agriculture in which women can actively participate.

Through her “Meet the Deputy Prime Minister’s Forum”, the DPM has managed to create a link between her office and women from all walks of life. This has given her the opportunity to clearly understand women’s issues and work towards finding solutions.

In her capacity as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Campaign on the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality, the DPM has advocated for the removal of user fees for pregnant women.

Since the unveiling of the 450 million health sector fund by the developmental partners and the 10 million set aside by the Ministry of Finance for the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, it will not be long before Zimbabwe’s pregnant women access pre- and post-natal care without paying any money.
She has donated to orphanages, old people’s homes and at hospitals.

In September 2010, the DPM was elected the President of the Global Power Women Network Africa.

This is a network of women of influence in Africa that seek to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS prevalence among women and girls and also through programmes that give women economic emancipation.

Recently, the DPM went public about her breast cancer condition, thereby creating much awareness on the various cancers that affect women. The DPM still urges women to visit hospitals for mammogram tests, since early detection of cancer can save lives.

The African Achievers Award is an innovative project by CAASSUK.

The award recognises successful and confident Africans who unselfishly invest their time and talents towards building a stronger community.

The award categories range from; business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, community services and education, leadership and excellence, among others.

It is a recognition of those that have contributed in the rising of Africa.

The first recipient of this Prestigious Award was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Laureate and former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town in South Africa.

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


--
MDC Information & Publicity Department

Electricity Supply and Service Delivery

by the Hon. Minister of Energy and Power Development
Elton Mangoma

Preamble

The essence of this press conference is to acquaint you with the position of
the electricity supply situation, service delivery by the power utility,
setting the record straight on the disconnection of non-paying customers,
position of electricity imports and the general relationship with suppliers
of electricity imports.

There is a need for electricity consumers to pay for what they have consumed
so that Zesa has capacity to increase electricity availability to all
consumers. This is then done through more rigorous maintenance, increased
imports and installation of new capacity.

It is very disheartening to note that there are still customers who have not
paid at all since the advent of dollarisation in 2009, but yet these people
still expect to benefit from uninterrupted power supplies, part of which is
imported from the region.

This culture of non payment of bills will not be allowed to continue. I take
this opportunity to thank and applaud those customers paying their bills.

Zesa has intensified efforts to collect outstanding bills. The programme is
critical for sustaining operations i.e. carrying out maintenance, and
supporting the importation of electricity. There are prospects for
increasing imports from new stations being developed in the region.

Zesa is currently in discussions with the concerned developers and has to
position itself as a credit worthy off taker to be able to tap from these
sources. I therefore urge all our customers to pay their bills on time and
to bring all their accounts up to date.

We have to come out of the vicious circle where because bills are not paid,
supply reliability is compromised, and maintenance cannot be carried out and
imports cannot be paid for. Payment of bills is very important as we take
measures to build new power stations. We cannot raise funds to build new
power stations when the current of non payment prevails.
Zesa has availed to customers a facility to propose workable plans, and
regrettably some customers have chosen either to ignore this or not to
honour their payment plans, leaving Zesa with no option except to withdraw
supplies.

Disconnections of electricity

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has
intensified credit control to all defaulting customers so as to encourage
them to settle their outstanding amounts.

It is important to note that disconnection of electricity supplies should
always be undertaken as a last resort action after non-payment of bills and
failure to proffer credible payment plans.

Power connections are currently being applied wholesomely to ensure that all
customer categories meet their obligation of paying for service rendered.
ALL CUSTOMERS currently in arrears run the risk of disconnections. ZETDC is
owed over US$450 million by customers, revenue that could be used to pay for
electricity imports, purchasing of spares for infrastructural maintenance,
fund for coal deliveries, among other areas for the good of the nation.
However, disconnections in future will be done after providing a
disconnection notice for a period of at least five days.

Accuracy of bills

It has come to my attention that some of the bills are not accurate and in
some cases fraudulent. I have instructed Zesa to attend to all queries that
the customers have so that they are satisfied with the accuracy of their
bills. I have been assured that the bills do not include pre-dollarisation
consumption. Those not clear should have their bills verified.

Reconnections

For the avoidance of doubt, this is the policy that Zesa is going to
implement to address the debtors position.

To avoid disconnection, or for those who have been disconnected, so as to be
reconnected: -

- A minimum down payment of 25 percent of the total bill has to be paid.
- Balance to be paid in an approved payment plan with Zesa for a period not
exceeding six months.
- Any customer who breaches the payment plan will be disconnected
immediately without further notice.
- Current bills to be paid in full.

As a ministry, we have taken a position that all defaulting customers will
have their service withdrawn as an encouragement for them to pay up their
bills. This policy will be applied to all customers fairly, without fear or
favour. May I make it clear that the current disconnection exercise is not
sparing anyone.

Customer service issues:

The ministry has received calls of poor customer relations by some staff
members of the ZETDC wherein frontline are vindictive where disconnections
are being done without due processes being followed and where some employees
are conniving with customers to prejudice the power utility of its
much-needed revenue, among other unbecoming behaviour. May I make it clear
that such unbecoming behaviour and bad customer relations will lead to
severe reprimand, including immediate dismissals, as such elements have no
place in such a critical organisation to the socio-economic fabric of the
nation.

HCB Debt:

Zesa Holdings has always enjoyed cordial relations with Hydro Cahorra Basa
(HCB) for the provision of power imports. Plans have been put in place to
ensure that Zesa conforms to an agreed payment plan. Currently the debt
stands at about US$80 million, down from about US$100 million a few months
ago. A further payment of US$40 million is planned for in the near future
and arrangements for this are at an advanced stage. The HCB debt is to be
serviced well if we are to avoid disconnection. A delegation of HCB is
coming this Sunday for further negotiations with Zesa and we need to provide
a concrete payment plan.

Prepaid metering:

ZETDC recently concluded contract negotiations with successful bidders on
the prepaid metering project. The installation will be done by the meter
suppliers and this strategy is to ensure that the roll out takes place
within the shortest possible time and the plan is to have the meters
installed over a period of 18 months. The meters being procured will put to
rest the issue of customer complaints as regards billing bills perceived as
huge, and allow customers to manage their consumption. Zesa has since
exhausted the 10 000 prepaid meters it had in its inventory and is
concluding negotiations with four suppliers of meters over installation.

Expansion projects (Batoka Gorge)

At the 29th ZRA Council of Ministers Meeting (COM) the issues regarding the
ex-CAPCCO assets debt and the Batoka Hydro Power Project were discussed and
concluded as follows:

Zambia accepted the payment of the principal debt amount of US$70.8 million
by 31 March 2014. A Settlement Agreement for the ex-CAPCCO assets debt was
signed by the two governments. The COM agreed that a Committee led by the
Zambezi River Authority and including officials from the two ministries
responsible for energy immediately start taking steps to implement the
Batoka Gorge project. The ministry is setting up a project implementation of
the Batoka Hydro Power Project. The first objective is to set up agreed
timelines and terms for engaging Independent Power Producers to enable the
Authority to call for expressions of interest or going to international
tender as soon as possible. Batoka Gorge will produce 1600 to 2000 MW of
power, 50 percent of which will be for Zimbabwe.

I thank you.

–
MDC Information & Publicity Department

Pocock eager to make his mark off the field

http://uk.reuters.com

Wed Feb 22, 2012 3:02pm GMT

By Ian Ransom

Feb 22 (Reuters) - A child of evicted Zimbabwean farmers, David Pocock
arrived in Australia with a few suitcases and a broken dream to play rugby
for South Africa, a refugee from the violent and chaotic land grabs overseen
by president Robert Mugabe at the turn of the century.

A decade on, the curly-haired 23-year-old delights in returning to the
strife-torn country his family fled, where he helps develop poverty-stricken
communities in which his exploits as Australia flanker are virtually
unknown.

The charity EightyTwenty Vision he founded with his friend Luke O'Keefe in
2009 focuses on lifting living standards of two wards in Nkayi, a rural
centre of some 120,000 people in western Zimbabwe's Matabeleland North
province.

The communities, like many in landlocked Zimbabwe, have suffered under
Mugabe's tumultuous regime and remain vulnerable to food shortages,
malnutrition and the spread of HIV.

"In the grand scheme of things, our work is very small but the results we've
seen so far are very encouraging," Pocock told Reuters in an interview.

"On the ground things are beginning to improve for the community. Most
noticeably, there's a sense that things are starting to happen and there is
hope.

"The community is starting to use its own initiative, whereas in the past,
given the political and economic situation, it was very easy to feel there
was not too much light at the end of the tunnel."

Pocock, born in Gweru, capital of neighbouring Midlands province, remembers
the turmoil of his last years in Zimbabwe vividly.

The economic anarchy that saw white farmers evicted from their lands, often
by marauding mobs claiming to be civil war victims demanding compensation,
engulfed the Pocock family and led to the deaths of neighbours.

"Our land was acquired by the government," said Pocock, who arrived in
Brisbane at the age of 14, with his family, 10 or 12 suitcases and "not much
else".

"Once we moved off the farm we lived in town for about a year but really
farming was our livelihood and mum and dad didn't really want to do anything
else, so we decided to leave.

"There were a couple of farmers in the area that were killed and I guess
there was a lot of lawlessness, violence and intimidation. The vast majority
was directed toward farm workers but there were a few white farmers
targeted."

ROLE MODEL

His father worked odd jobs to get the family back on their feet in Brisbane
and Pocock was awarded a sports scholarship to Anglican Church Grammar, a
renowned breeding ground for elite rugby players, where he played in the
school's first 15 with Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper.

The softly-spoken Pocock, remains something of an anomaly among the richly
talented band of Wallabies youngsters, and keeps a lower profile than some
of his team mates who have struggled to balance responsibility with the
trappings of celebrity.

New Zealand-born Cooper was charged with burglary over the theft of laptops
from a residence in the Gold Coast in 2009, while fellow Wallabies backs
James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale have garnered media attention for off-field
indiscipline.

Pocock is no darling of the tabloid editors, however, and has felt compelled
to use his profile to make a difference.

"I think sport has a huge role to play in society in terms of trying to
break down stereotypes in a whole range of social issues," he said

"You hear people say: 'I never chose to be a role model, I just want to play
sport.' But just by being in the public and having a profile they are role
models. I think with playing sport at an elite level comes that
responsibility."

Pocock's bid to break down stereotypes has seen him take a stand on gay
marriage, which remains illegal in Australia, though same sex couples have
equal rights to heterosexuals under other areas of the law.

He and his wife Emma held a wedding ceremony in 2010 but have refused to
register it until same-sex couples are permitted to marry.

"I heard someone saying that marriage has become a bit like a country club
where they still don't accept blacks or Jews, it's sort of a fairly
exclusive club," he said.

Pocock's personal integrity, along with his ball-poaching prowess at the
breakdown, has seen him awarded the captaincy of Perth-based Super Rugby
franchise Western Force in the southern hemisphere's provincial competition
this year, taking over from long-serving lock Nathan Sharpe.

Pundits have touted the player as a future Wallabies captain, which would be
welcomed by local rugby fans who have delighted in his unfulfilled
Springboks dream.

"There's plenty to focus on before the Wallabies even get back together,"
said Pocock. "To captain your country is obviously a huge honour but there's
a lot of responsibility ... It's not something I think about too much, to be
honest."

Ballot Update Consolidated 2011

Please find attached a consolidated Ballot Update which is a creation of the findings from 210 long term observers deployed by the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) in 2011. The Update seeks to provide an analysis of the human rights situation in Zimbabwe and implications for free and fair elections.

We hope that you will find this report informative.

Regards,

ZESN Team

Gyrations of a geriatric: Robert Mugabe at 88

http://www.iol.co.za

February 22 2012 at 12:51pm
By Peta Thornycroft

Our infuriating neighbour, who cunningly clings to his cushy job after 32
years, despite losing the elections he violently subverted in 2008, has
vowed to lead his Zanu-PF into elections again this year, with or without a
new constitution and regardless of the views of President Jacob Zuma.

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe turned 88 yesterday, continuing to defy
all his enemies, real or imaginary, including the Grim Reaper.

“As of now I am fit as a fiddle,” he said in an interview on state-owned
Radio Zimbabwe, hinting at immortality.

Even his erstwhile allies in the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) are growing weary of him.

At the summit on Zimbabwe last June, Botswana’s vice-president Mompati
Merafhe, complained that Mugabe: “is keeping the region in crisis mode when
its presidents want to focus on economic development”.

And President Zuma changed the tone and pace of reforms in Zimbabwe last
year, directly criticising Zanu-PF for obstructing democratic reforms and
frustrating Mugabe’s plans to rush into elections in 2011, even if he did
not entirely stop his rhetoric to that effect.

Zuma and his tough chief negotiator, Lindiwe Zulu, frustrated Mugabe’s hopes
to fight elections last year by insisting that the Global Political
Agreement (GPA), which Mugabe’s Zanu-PF and the two Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC) factions signed in September 2008, had to be implemented.

That basically meant that the political playing field had to be levelled
before elections took place, which in turn meant that a constitution which
embodied the necessary reforms would have to be drafted and submitted for
public approval in a referendum.

But thick-skinned Mugabe carries on regardless, simply wearing down his
enemies with his stamina.

After tackling Mugabe, Zuma let the pressure ease as the ANC centenary drew
near and pressing domestic priorities – such as dealing with the ANC Youth
League’s Julius Malema and international commitments such as trying to get
the African Union involved in ending the Libyan civil war – crowded his
calendar.

The first draft of the new constitution – crafted by all three parties – is
nevertheless now complete. It effectively precludes Mugabe from standing
again for the presidency by setting retroactive presidential term limits and
so Zanu-PF flunkies have vowed to reject it.

Mugabe himself said, in an interview with the fawning Zimbabwe Broadcasting
Corporation on the eve of his birthday, that he hadn’t even read that draft.

But, he said, if he and Zanu-PF did not like it, or it was unduly delayed,
the old constitution could be used for fresh elections.

He also reserved the right to reject Zuma as SADC mediator – which of course
he won’t. He may choose to accuse the rest of the world of being
“imperialists”, but he can’t say that to the regional power bloc, which does
have some influence over him.

Zimbabwe itself somehow manages to muddle along, regardless of its poor
leadership.

There are short, sharp bursts of violence – the MDC claimed two of its
supporters were killed by Zanu-PF this month – and arrests of MDC MPs and
supporters still occur regularly.

Mugabe and Zanu-PF continue to abuse their monopoly of power in a host of
different ways every day. But, by and large, despite Zimbabwe still
suffering severely from the legacy of Mugabe’s disastrous management of the
economy, children still attend school, hospitals receive patients and there
is relatively little serious crime.

Yet Zimbabwe quite literally cannot afford Mugabe indefinitely. Apart from
the indirect costs of a protracted political crisis and the legacy of bad
economic policies, Mugabe’s direct spending is unaffordable.

Armies of state workers maintain his three-storey, privately-owned mansion
in Harare, and he continually abuses state funds by travelling with hordes
of aides wherever and whenever he chooses.

He visited Asia at least eight times last year, for treatment for his
prostate cancer and failing eyesight as well to allow his young wife, Grace,
to shop.

In a tiny economy like Zimbabwe’s, the travel budget for he and his
entourage in 2011 was greater than that for fixing and re-equipping
thousands of dilapidated schools.

Only 22 percent of the amount allocated to non-salary expenditure for
education in 2011 was disbursed, while Mugabe managed to get nearly 80
percent allocated to his budget in 2011.

At least, over his birthday, he conceded that MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai,
prime minister in the inclusive government, is no longer an ”enemy” but a
political “opponent.”

Uncharacteristically, he also said of the MDC: “We may differ politically,
religiously, even ethnically… But at the end of the day we are all
Zimbabweans and that is what counts much more than anything else.”

Tsvangirai must have heaved a sigh of relief at a time when he is getting
flak from his supporters for failing to counter Mugabe’s strategies to block
reforms – though he may also have winced a bit later when Mugabe suggested
Tsvangirai should come clean about allegations – widely punted in the
pro-Zanu-PF state media – that he has misappropriated state funds.

Mugabe has warned that his “presidential powers” allow him to dissolve
parliament and call elections whenever he wants.

He says he is still fit enough to fight the next elections and won’t retire
yet.

He also says it would be too divisive for Zanu-PF to choose a successor at
present as a successor needs to be “groomed.”

In the interview with Radio Zimbabwe he dismissed the wishful rumours about
his ill health by saying; “I have died many times. That’s where I have
beaten Christ. Christ died once and resurrected once. I have died and
resurrected and I don’t know how many times I will die and resurrect.”

Despite such delusions of immortality, he is really not physically fit
enough to lead Zimbabwe for another term, even if he were not disqualified
on other grounds.

He is tired. He cannot stay awake through cabinet and other important
meetings.

He is a geriatric, with a much younger wife who, with reckless abandon,
kicks people out of their houses to extend her already extensive land
holdings.

It is up to Zuma, when he goes to Zimbabwe next month to resume the
negotiations, to tell our neighbour to start acting his age. – Independent
Foreign Service

History will judge ageing Mugabe as people's oppressor

http://www.timeslive.co.za/

The Editor, The Times Newspaper | 22 February, 2012 00:31

The Times Editorial: President Robert Mugabe turned 88 yesterday, and it is
clear he is in no hurry to exit the centre stage of Zimbabwean politics.

His excuse - for someone who has desperately been clinging to power for the
past 32 years - is flimsy in the extreme.

In all of his time in office and as leader of Zanu-PF, Mugabe says he is yet
to find someone to succeed him.

In an interview published on Monday, Mugabe made light of his age, saying:
"As of now I am fit as a fiddle. I have died many times. That's where I have
beaten Christ. Christ died once and resurrected once. I have died and
resurrected and I don't know how many times I will die and resurrect."

Mugabe's boast is an affront to the millions of Zimbabweans whose lives have
been negatively affected over the three decades of his rule.

According to Finance Minister Tendai Biti, much of Zimbabwe's economic
problems are the direct result of Mugabe's policies and his party's delays
in adopting changes.

But neither the African Union nor the Southern African Development Community
appear to be too concerned about where Zimbabwe and its citizens are
heading.

Former president Thabo Mbeki's ineffectual policy of silent diplomacy did
nothing to sway Mugabe or his party.

Mugabe has recently said he would remove President Jacob Zuma as the
SADC-appointed facilitator after Zuma said elections could not be held in
Zimbabwe before the complete implementation of the power-sharing agreement.
This recalcitrance has been the hallmark of Mugabe's term in office and it
is doubtful whether Zuma, the SADC and the AU will manage to sway him.

Mugabe recently said he wanted to be remembered "just for what I am, a man,
lover of my people and a fighter of oppression".

History will not be that kind - instead, he will be remembered as the
"oppressor of his people".

Constitution Watch of 20th February 2012 [Drafting Process Developments]

Constitution Watch of 21st February 2012 [COPAC's List of Constitutional Principles]

CONSTITUTION WATCH 2012

[21st February 2012]

COPAC Releases List of Constitutional Principles

COPAC yesterday released a document, signed by all three COPAC co-chairs, setting out the 26 constitutional principles guiding the drafting of the new constitution.  This document is one of those produced by the pre-drafting workshop held by COPAC in November 2011.  The full text is as follows:

List of Constitutional Principles

The following are the constitutional principles guiding the drafting of the new constitution for Zimbabwe:

1.       Supremacy of the constitution

2.       Recognition of Zimbabwe’s liberation, democracy, sovereignty of the state and its people

3.       Recognition of the principle of separation of powers

4.       Recognition of land and natural resources as belonging to all Zimbabweans

5.       The constitution should contain mechanisms of redressing colonial imbalances in the distribution of natural resources including land

6.       The new constitution must ensure the maintenance of unity, in diversity, peace, stability, security and prosperity for all the people of Zimbabwe

7.       Recognition of the rule of law, good governance and democracy

8.       Recognition that power to rule and govern must be derived from the authority of the people

9.       The recognition of fundamental human rights

10.   All organs of the state to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights and freedoms spelt out in the Bill of Rights

11.   Recognition of the principle of decentralisation

12.   Recognition of the principle of devolution of power

13.   Recognition of gender equality and gender mainstreaming in all spheres of governance

14.   The recognition of the rights of children, the youth, the disabled, women, workers and vulnerable groups

15.   The recognition of universal adult suffrage

16.   The recognition of the importance of an electoral system that guarantees regular, free and fair and effective elections that ensure adequate representation of the electorate

17.   Recognition of the importance of Bill of Rights by entrenching it in the constitution and its justiciability

18.   Recognition of the principle of checks and balances among the levels of government and the Arms of the State

19.   Recognition of the need for equitable resource sharing mechanisms

20.   Recognition of the rights of racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious and political minorities

21.   That the management of public finances should be informed by transparency, responsiveness, accountability, responsibility, integrity and equity

22.   All arms of state must uphold the principles of democracy and good governance

23.   Recognition of the principle of constitutional transition and orderly transfer of power

24.   All Arms of State must uphold the constitution, respect human rights, be non-partisan and professional

25.   The constitution must recognise the diversity of languages, customary practices and traditions and must seek to protect and promote these

26.   The institution, status and role of traditional leadership, according to indigenous law, shall be spelt out and recognised in the constitution

Signed by Hon MP Mangwana, Co-chair; Hon DT Mwonzora, Co-chair; Hon ET Mkhosi, Co-chair

Veritas makes every effort to ensure reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied