Reserve Bank assets to be auctioned

http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=27932

March 13, 2010

By Our Correspondent

HARARE - In a dramatic turn of events Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) assets
will be auctioned countrywide starting next Friday in a bid to recover debts
owed to a local company.

The amount owed to Farmtec Spares and Implements was not immediately
established by Friday night, but sources said it is linked to the values of
farm equipment supplied to farmers before the formation of the inclusive
government last year.

A notice by Harare auctioneers- Ruby Auctions- on Friday indicated that the
action has been sanctioned by the High Court in a matter registered as
Farmtec Spares and Implements P/L vs RBZ that first went to court yesterday.

To go under the hammer first are assets at the RBZ Sports Club situated in
Harare on March 19. There would be three other auctions in Harare and others
in Masvingo, Gweru, Mutare, Chinhoyi, Kariba and Nyanga.

"The Deputy Sheriff of Harare sale in sale- situ- duly instructed by the
deputy sheriff of Harare, we shall sell by public auction the following
vehicles to the highest bidder on Friday, 19th March 2010 at the RBZ Sports
Club," reads one of the Ruby Auctions notices.

Other assets to be auctioned countrywide include refrigerators, microwaves,
televisions, radios, beds, lawn mowers, dining suites, tables, chairs,
generators, washing machines, and many more.

Last year, Finance Minister Tendai Biti said the central bank owed creditors
more than US$1 billion. The debts were incurred as a result of the financial
institution's quasi-fiscal activities that were aimed at propping President
Robert Mugabe's collapsing regime

On Tuesday, the Senate passed the RBZ Amendment Bill, which is aimed at
stopping the bank's non-core activities and reducing the central bank chief's
powers. The proposed law now awaits Mugabe's assent to become law.

The minister gave the bank US$10 million for recapitalization in the 2010
budget.

Zimbabwe GNU Talks To Resume Sunday

http://news.radiovop.com

13/03/2010 14:37:00

Harare, March 13, 2010 - SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma's facilitation
team is scheduled to jet into Harare on Sunday to prepare for their
principal's visit two days later, on March 16 in an attempt to break the
political logjam, which might see the confirmation of a date for fresh
elections.

Impeccable sources confirmed to Radio VOP on Saturday that Zuma's three
member facilitation team of Lindiwe Zulu, Charles Nqakula and Mac Maharaj
will arrive in Harare on Sunday and immediately hold meetings with the three
negotiating teams from Zanu PF and the two Movement for Democratic Change
(MDC) formations.

On Monday, the three principals in the inclusive government - President
Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy Arthur
Mutambara will also meet to come up with a common position to be presented
to Zuma the following day. Coming up with a common position, said sources,
is however likely to be a mammoth task in the light of current disputes
around the stripping of powers of some MDC ministers, and the unilateral
implementation of indigenisation regulations.

The South African leader is however still expected to hold separate meetings
with each of the party leaders.

"Since it is obvious there is no movement towards resolution of the issues
that have caused a deadlock, President Zuma wants to impress upon the
parties that they should shelve some of the issues and prepare for the
holding of elections next year," said a source close to the proceedings.

According to the source, Zuma will also encourage the parties to speed up
the writing of a new constitution and hold elections next year.

"The facilitators will kick start the process with a meeting with the
negotiators, and come up with a briefing paper to be presented to Zuma. This
position will then guide his engagement with the three principals. But the
general feeling is that these talks should be concluded and elections held,
as stipulated in the global political agreement (GPA)," added the source.

Also to feature prominently on the agenda, said the source, is Mugabe's
recent stripping of MDC ministers of their powers, leaving some of them with
no Acts of Parliament to administer. Among those affected is the party's
spokesperson, Nelson Chamisa who saw all his powers as Information
Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa being allocated to ZANU PF's
Nicholas Goche, while another Act under his administration, the Interception
of Communications Act, was allocated to the President's Office.

Other MDC ministers left with no Acts administer are Science and Technology
Development Minister, Heneri Dzinotyiwei, Regional Integration and
International Co-operation Minister, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, State
Enterprises and Parastatals Minister, Gabuza Joel Gabbuza.

Ambassador: German investors "scared" by new Zimbabwe business laws

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/

Mar 13, 2010, 14:24 GMT

Harare - Germany's ambassador to Zimbabwe Albrecht Conze said Saturday that
new indigenization laws requiring medium-sized and large companies to be
majority-owned by black Zimbabweans had 'scared' German investors.

Conze was speaking in Harare during a visit by the president of the
Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB), Michael Sommer.

'I hope positive signals will prevail over the negative signals (from
Zimbabwe),' he said. 'Unfortunately, that is not the situation at the
moment.'

The indigenization laws give companies with assets of over 500,000 US
dollars 45 days from March 1 to explain they will transfer 51 per cent of
their assets to black Zimbabweans.

The law was passed in 2008 before President Robert Mugabe formed a coalition
government with his arch-rival and now Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, but
regulations to give it effect were only published last month by a minister
from Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

Since then, a faction of Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
has said the laws will be reviewed.

Conze said Germany had been 'encouraged' by that announcement.

'Otherwise, if they (the laws) remain, German investment will go elsewhere,'
he said.

Sommer, winding up a four-day visit, expressed his disapproval of the
government's disregard for workers' rights.

'I'm deeply concerned that the situation has shown significant deterioration
over the past few weeks,' he said.

Sommer said he had impressed upon Tsvangirai, himself a former trade union
leader, the need for government to respect trade unions.

His remarks follow reports that the secretary-general of the General
Agricultural and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe, Gertrude Hambira, had
fled the country after being harassed by state security agents.

GAPWUZ gives a voice to the tens of thousands of farmworkers who have been
forced off the land since Mugabe gave the nod for new black farmers to begin
seizing white-owned farms in 2000.

'This is unacceptable. Freedom of association and trade union action are
basic rights which must be respected by every decent society,' said Sommer,
who is also vice president of the International Trade Union (ILO).

The ILO would discuss Zimbabwe's situation at a meeting later this month, he
said.

Zimbabwe desperately needs foreign investment to turn around the economy,
which hit rock bottom in 2008 as a result of Mugabe's populist policies.

But Western donors and investors have balked at ploughing money into the
country, saying the government first needs to implement more human rights
and economic reforms.

 

Zimbabwe Moves To Calm Investors Over Corporate Indigenization Program

http://www1.voanews.com

Political sources said the latest initiative was intended to bolster
investor confidence after the publication of rules to put the controversial
Indigenization and Empowerment Act of 2007 into practice

Blessing Zulu 12 March 2010

Facing widespread investor concern over indigenization of private
enterprises in Zimbabwe, Harare has moved to solicit public comment and
review regulations for the implementation of a law putting a controlling
stake in large companies in the hands of black citizens.

Political sources said the latest initiative was intended to bolster
investor confidence after the publication of rules to put the controversial
Indigenization and Empowerment Act of 2007 into practice.

Economists and political analysts have dismissed the indigenization push as
a bid by the ZANU-PF party of President Robert Mugabe to rally supporters
ahead of possible national elections in 2011.

The regulations establish a mechanism for transferring a 51% controlling
stake in all companies worth more than US$50,000 to indigenous blacks,
though there may be some exceptions depending on the economic sector.

ZANU-PF Indigenization Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has sweeping powers under
the regulations to determine who is eligible to become an indigenous partner
of a white-owned enterprise and allocate share stakes. It is not clear how
share transfers will be financed.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai told a symposium on public and private
partnerships this week that the indigenization program aims to promote
broader-based economic participation, not discourage investment.

"Sometimes investors get alarmed when a policy is announced without
clarification, but I want to assure you that the policy is in the best
interests of the people of Zimbabwe," Tsvangirai said.

He had earlier criticized the implementation regulations because the Cabinet
had not approved them.

The Cabinet meanwhile has asked Parliament's Committee on the Budget,
Finance and Investment Promotion to hold public hearings on the
indigenization rules. Those began in Bulawayo on Friday and were to continue
in Harare, the capital, on Monday.

Participants in Bulawayo told the committee that the rules will spark
investor flight from Zimbabwe.

Sources in Mr. Tsvangirai's formation of the Movement for Democratic Change
told VOA that the oversight board appointed by Kasukuwere is partisan, and
should be reconstituted on more of a consensus basis.

Kasukuwere denied in an interview with VOA Studio 7 reporter Blessing Zulu
that the board is partisan - but added that he would not appoint a panel
that would constantly be at loggerheads with him.

Political analyst Philip Pasirayi said that with elections on the horizon
ZANU-PF is pushing indigenization for political reasons. "My concern is that
there is no consensus on this indigenization law," he said, noting that few
stakeholders were consulted.

So, "it raises eyebrows as to ZANU-PF's intentions in coming up with the
indigenization law which we know is going to be used for political
purposes." he said.

Law violates trade ideals: UN official

http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=27921

March 13, 2010

By Our Correspondent

HARARE - A top United Nations anti-poverty campaigner says Zimbabwe's
indigenisation and empowerment law was enacted in violation of international
trade ideals.

Charles Abugre, Deputy Director UN Millennium Campaign Africa, said the
controversial law could be a way of entrenching President Robert Mugabe's
rule.

"This could be another case of a regime trying to entrench itself," said the
Ghanaian national, who boasts over 20 years of anti-poverty campaigning.
"That may well be the case."

Abugre was addressing guests at a round table discussion on the Millennium
Development Goals in Harare Thursday.

He said the indigenisation policy fell far short of any sincere attempt by
government to eradicate poverty and massive unemployment in the country as
espoused in the universal benchmarks.

Abugre said the controversial law also violated the 1992 World Trade
Organisations (WTO) principles which call for equal treatment for both
foreign and local traders by governments.

"The indigenisation programme directly confronts the WTO trade related
investment measures," said Abugre.

Zimbabwe is a signatory to the WTO convention.

"The trade investment measures have a provision that says governments are
not allowed to do two things; you cannot require foreign companies to source
some of their inputs from your country. That is denying them national
treatment.

"International companies have the right to set up business with100 equity
and source their inputs from intermediate to capital 100 percent from
outside their economies," he said.

Abugre has been active in international development for over two decades; as
a researcher and lecturer (University of Wales, Swansea); as an NGO activist
and development professional, working in several parts of the world.

He said the principle was feasible only when applied by governments with a
developmental mentality.

"That developmental state mental is hard to function when the people who are
in government are at the same time business people," said Abugre.

"If you are in government, you have the opportunity to capture every
flotation; it is called rent seeking and rent capture. You cannot regulate
the private market in an objective way.

"You have to make a choice; you can choose to be in the public service to
serve the people or go into private sector in which you work in the market.
You cannot be two things at the same time.

"You cannot eradicate corruption when you are at the same time private
sector and government sector.

"You cannot make the market efficient and competitive when you collect both.
Regulation is impossible."

Zimbabwe's indigenisation and empowerment law compels foreign owned firms
operating in Zimbabwe to surrender 51 percent of their equity to locals
within the set grace period of five years.

The government says the law is intended to empower the perennially
disadvantaged indigenous black population through running a controlling
stake in the companies.

The law has divided the unity government with Prime Minister Morgan
Tsvangirai's MDC saying it is a harsh law that will scare away foreign
direct investment and a Zanu-PF electioneering strategy.

Tsvangirai was, however, quoted recently apparently supporting the law.

Mixed signals over state of Zimbabwe food security 

http://www.sabcnews.com

March 13 2010 , 7:23:00

Thulasizwe Simelane, Harare
The Zimbabwean government appears confused over the assessment of the
country's food security situation. Following a tour of the countryside a few
weeks ago, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai declared the situation
catastrophic.

However, the Agriculture Minister Joseph Made now says it is too early to
conclude that the harvest has failed, as the farming season is not yet over.
He blames western sanctions for the collapse of irrigation infrastructure on
small-scale farms.

"Those communities where the British and Americans have pretended that the
sanctions have no impact - that is where the sanctions have an impact and
indeed when the prime minister was visiting around he saw the state of
irrigation schemes and they are only in that state because of the
sanctions," says Made.

The Red Cross says while $33 million is needed for emergency food
assistance, donors have only pledged $7 million.

A unity government formed by bitter adversaries President Robert Mugabe and
Prime Tsvangirai last year said it needs at least $10 billion to fix an
economy emerging from a decade-long slump.But key Western donors have
withheld aid and demanded broad political reforms and assurances that Mugabe
is ready to genuinely share power.

Supporters Urge Tsvangirai To Pull Out Of Inclusive Government

http://news.radiovop.com

13/03/2010 14:30:00

Masvingo, March 13, 2010 - Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters
want their leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai out of the shaky
coalition government.

The supporters told Tsvangirai at a meeting that they wanted him out of the
fragile unity, saying the Zanu PF leader President Robert Mugabe was acting
in bad faith.

"The problem is that in the coalition government, you are strange
bed-fellows. Zanu PF is pulling in the different direction-backwards, while
you are forward looking," said an ardent MDC supporter and headmaster of a
local school in Masvingo.

"That man (Mugabe) is evil; he is a cheat, a hypocrite and is not genuine. I
wonder why Tsvangirai would treat him with kid gloves, he should pull out,"
said another party supporter.

Another party supporter concurred, saying Mugabe had proved that he is
negotiating in bad faith.

Tsvangirai who is on a drought assessment tour of Chivi and Chiredzi,
stopped briefly in Masvingo to address thousands of desperate supporters who
had just gathered at the civic centre on hearing that he was going to pass
through.

Tsvangirai called for a stop to violence by both his supporters and Zanu
PF's saying him and Mugabe were in good relationship and were "eating
together evey Monday".

Villagers in Chivi had on Friday night received threats from soldiers and
Zanu PF youths who said they risked unspecified action if they went ahead
and attended Tsvangira's meeting.

The MDC claims more than 200 supporters were killed during the 2008
violence, while at least 5 000 where either injured or displaced.

Tsvangirai however said that he was caught between a rock and a hard
surface.

"We have to try to soldier on under such a bad combination," he told the
supporters. "That is the option we got, but we are not going back, and we
know we will get there. You should also remember how we got into government,
Mugabe did not like it, but was under pressure."

Mugabe recently stripped some MDC Ministers of powers in a move that has
also angered party supporters.
 

Villagers Warned Against Attending Tsvangirai’s Rally

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com/zimbabwe/4771.html

Sunday March 14, 2010

Chivi, - Villagers from Chivi have been threatened with un-specified action
by the army and youth militia if they go ahead and attend Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai's rally scheduled to be held at Mhandamahwe and Mashava on
Sarturday afternoon.

“We were surprised to see youths who used to campaign for Huruva (Zanu PF MP
for Chivi North) coming to our houses on Friday night telling us that
Tsvangirai is already campaigning. They said anyone who attends the rally
will risk to be severely punished because Chivi is not for MDC (Movement for
Democratic Change).

“They said that some Zanu PF youths are going to be planted at the rally
from each ward so that they jot down all names of individuals from each ward
who attends the rally. Though there is no specific action to be taken
against those who will attend, we are now afraid to go there,” said an MDC
supporter in ward three of Chivi.

Private radio station RadioVOP said they were informed that soldiers clad in
army regalia who were at Mhandahwe shopping center on Friday openly declared
that villagers who go to Tsvangirai’s rally will face a severe ‘disciplinary
action’.

“Soldiers were also threatening people on Friday night, we are not sure of
what to do. We were very eager to meet Prime Minister but because of these
threats, we are likely to remain at home. We are afraid the punishment may
come in the form of being denied food aid,” said a Mr Munodawafa.

Masvingo West legislator Tichaona Mharadze said villagers in his
constituency were threatened and informed not to attend the rally.

“That's what Zanu PF does when it senses danger. My supporters ...were told
not to attend the rally at Mashava but I know they will come in their
numbers. ... we are however afraid because they might be beaten for
attending the rally later,” said Mharadze.

MDC-T provincial chairman Wilstaff Sitemere complained saying Zanu PF has
gone too far to block freedom of assembly and association.

“Zanu PF has gone too far in blocking democracy. They are now threatening
our supporters but the Prime Minister wishes to get the clear picture of
what is happening in the rural areas. He is hear to assess drought but
everything has been politicised ,” said Sitimere.

In Masvingo Zanu PF youth militia was reportedly forcing villagers to buy
the party cards after being chided by the national Zanu PF leadership for
failing to raise funds for the broke party.

The militias have since been causing terror, in hunger-stricken districts of
Zaka, Bikita and Gutu where they are forcing villagers to buy the party
cards for US$2 each or risk not being registered to recieve food assistance
from government.

In Bindura a magistrate has gone in hiding after receiving death threats
from youth militia who accused him of selling out the party by jailing five
Zanu PF youths who were convicted of participating in violence in 2008.
Radio VOP

Stop Violence, "Mugabe and I Eat Together" - Tsvangirai

http://news.radiovop.com

13/03/2010 13:47:00

Masvingo, March 13, 2010 - The Prime Minister and Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai said on Saturday he is pained by the
serious fights between MDC and Zanu PF supporters when he and President
Robert Mugabe have a good relationship.

"Do you know that Mugabe and I eat together every Monday? We have a very
good relationship now, why do you fight here? MPs must not be seen fueling
violence here, we want to promote peace in the country," said Tsvangirai.

"We have seen that everyone needs food. Everyone here needs support but it
becomes painful when some people are denied food on party affiliations
basis. This is  wrong, everyone must be fed first then politics later," he
said.

Although Tsvangirai and Mugabe have expressed optimism for the shaky
coalition government brokered with the help of South Africa in 2009, there
have been several reports about violence by Zanu PF particularly in the
rural areas. Tsvangirai has already indicated that he wants to appeal to the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene in the talks
deadlock with Zanu PF on the outstanding issues stalling the full
implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA).

People in Chivi had expressed fear to attend Tsvangirai's meeting due to
threats they received from the army and Zanu PF youth militia on Friday
night. They were warned they risked un-specified action if they attended.

On Saturday Chief Madamombe in Chivi blasted Zanu PF and said he had
summoned Chivi North Member of Parliament (MP) and war veteran Tranos Huruva
(Zanu PF) to a meeting with him to discuss the allegations of violence.

Chief Madamombe who attended Tsvangirai's meeting, told RadioVOP that he did
not not condone violence.

"It was just this morning (Saturday) when I received reports that some
people were warned against attending Prime Minister's rallies here," said
the chief. "I was informed Zanu PF youths and the army were following orders
from MP Huruva so I have invited him to get the clear picture. Huruva has
since refused and he is now part of Prime Minister's delegation as you see
him seated next to him Tsvangirai)," said Chief Madamombe.

Huruva, who has been accused of fuelling violence in Chivi, refused to talk
to RadioVOP on Saturday about the violence.

"I am busy now, I am going to be with Prime Minister from here (Mhandamahwe)
up to Chiredzi," said Huruva.

From Chivi, Tsvangirai addressed mine workers at Mashava where he assured
them that the government will come up with a plan to-re-open the mine so
that the workers can get back to work.

Mashava is on the verge of collapse with over 1 500 workers on indefinite
forced leave.

Tsvangirai had to divert his tour to stop in Masvingo urban as thousands of
people had already gathered at civic center when they heard of his visit to
Chivi. The supporters had pleaded with party provincial  leadership that
they wanted to meet the Prime Minister.

"I just heard that you are already gathered here, I wanted to go to Bikita
straight from Mashava, anyway I can't ignore your call. I am
just here to say how you are and proceed with my journey," said Tsvangirai
before leaving the cheering crowd.
 

Switzerland renews Zimbabwe sanctions by another year

http://www.apanews.net

APA-Harare (Zimbabwe) Switzerland on Saturday extended travel restrictions
on senior Zimbabwean officials as part of efforts by the West to force
hardline members of President Robert Mugabe's ZANU PF party to agree to
political reforms in the country.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry said it was renewing a set of targeted sanctions
slapped on senior officials of Mugabe's previous regime in March 2002.

"The measures include a prohibition on supply of military equipment and
materials which might be used for internal repression and targeted financial
sanctions such as freezing of assets owned by the 160-plus individuals in
Switzerland.

Individuals on the sanctions list are also prohibited from entering
Switzerland or transit through the country.

The EU as well as the United States, Australia and New Zealand have
maintained visa and financial sanctions against Mugabe's government since
2002.

The EU and the US last month also renewed the targeted sanctions against the
ZANU PF officials and some companies linked to the party.

Mugabe has however used the targeted sanctions as an excuse to slow down
implementation of a power-sharing pact he signed with Prime Minister Morgan
Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara in 2008.

He wants Tsvangirai to call for the removal of the visa restrictions before
agreeing to the political reforms stated in the power-sharing agreement.

JN/daj/APA
2010-03-13

Massive circumcision campaign planned

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

13/03/2010 00:00:00

HEALTH officials say they are planning a massive circumcision campaign
targeting at least 1,2 million men over the next two years in a bid to stem
the rise in new HIV infections across the country.

A health ministry official Sinokuthemba Xaba told a meeting in Bulawayo that
government is committed to funding the programme with the assistance of
partner organisations such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"For the programme to reach the intended target we (will ensure that) people
are given as much information as possible on male circumcision to enable
them to make informed decisions.

"We would also work closely with centres that will provide male circumcision
service such as district and provincial hospitals so that the project would
be widespread. By the end of April we expect the team tasked with coming up
with the cost of the programme to be through as this will help in the
planning process," Xaba said.

A pilot project launched last year said to have been successful with 3000
males, a thousand of them from Bulawayo, having been circumcised.

"When the pilot project was launched we had set a target of circumcising 2
000 males but by December last year 3 000 had gone through (the process)
which proves beyond any doubt that it was a huge success," Dr Getrude Ncube,
the national HIV Prevention Coordinator said.

Studies suggest that male circumcision reduces the risk of men contracting
HIV during heterosexual intercourse by about 60 percent but health experts
warn that this should not replace other more effective prevention methods.

Zimbabwe, one of the countries worst hit by HIV, joined a regional
initiative to use voluntary circumcision to help combat the spread of the
virus.

The scheme was last year introduced in the army with plans drawn up to roll
it out to civilians and new-born babies.

IMF concludes Article IV consultations

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

by Own Correspondent Saturday 13 March 2010

HARARE - A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday
concluded Article IV consultations with Zimbabwean government officials,
business and labour leaders.

The IMF team that has been in Harare since the first week of this month is
expected to release a report on Zimbabwe's economic outlook, as the country
battles to emerge from a decade of political strife and acute recession
blamed on the controversial policies of longtime ruler, President Robert
Mugabe.

The visit by the IMF is the first by the group to Zimbabwe this year and
coincided with a government announcement of contentious black economic
empowerment laws under which foreign-owned firms are required to transfer
majority stake to indigenous Zimbabweans by 2015.

Analysts say the laws will scare away potential investors while there are
also fears of another chaotic and violent orgy to seize businesses similar
to Mugabe's violent land seizure that destroyed commercial agriculture.

Officials close to the delegation said the IMF team also reviewed the
disbursement of the US$100 million which the government converted from the
410 million Special Drawing Rights availed by the fund in September last
year.

Minister of Finance Tendai Biti last Thursday said the money will be used to
rehabilitate Zimbabwe's dilapidated infrastructure including major roads,
airports and the archaic Hwange thermal power station.

However, Biti said the government should not expect any foreign funding this
year.

Zimbabwe had its IMF voting rights restored this year but the country
remains ineligible for loans because of long outstanding debts.

IMF boss Dominic Strauss-Khan on Wednesday said the Bretton Woods
institution was ready to help Zimbabwe but was not able to immediately
resume lending to the country because of its uncertain political
situation. - ZimOnline

No funds for diaspora outreach: Reforms body

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

by Lizwe Sebatha Saturday 13 March 2010

BULAWAYO - Zimbabweans living outside the country will be excluded from the
constitutional reform process due to funding constraints, a top member of
the Constitutional Parliamentary Committee (COPAC) leading the reforms said
on Friday.

About three million skilled and unskilled Zimbabweans have fled the country
to neighbouring nations like South Africa and Botswana and to overseas
nations over the past decade in search of better paying jobs and living
conditions.

COPAC co-chairperson Edward Mkhosi told ZimOnline that the committee does
not have financial resources to visit Zimbabweans in the diaspora to gather
their views on the new constitution.

"Diasporans cannot be ignored but in as much as we would want to gather
their views, the fact is that there is no money to do that, we do not have
funds for example to visit Zimbabweans in neighbouring South Africa and
Botswana," said Mkhosi.

"They (diasporans) are difficult to reach, how do we reach out to people in
the diaspora when we are failing to reach out to Zimbabweans here due to
lack of funds."

Under a September 2008 power-sharing deal that led to formation of the
country's unity government between President Robert Mugabe and Prime
Minister Morgan Tsvangirai the country is supposed to craft a new
constitution paving the way for new elections.

But funding constraints and reports of alleged intimidation by soldiers and
supporters of Mugabe's ZANU PF party campaigning for the adoption of the
controversial Kariba draft constitution as the basis for the proposed new
charter have tainted the credibility of the reform exercise.

Mkhosi however said international donors have poured in funds to pave way
for the gathering of views of Zimbabweans for the draft constitution, noting
that the process will begin in the first week of April despite the low
enthusiasm from Zimbabweans who are now fed up with the delays.

"According to our survey, the enthusiasm that people had about the
constitution making process has been tempered with by the continued delays
due to funding constraints. There is no enthusiasm any more because of that.
Otherwise, we are confident that the process will begin in the first week of
April since donors have pledged about US$21 million for the process," he
added.

ZANU PF and the two MDC formations of Tsvangirai and Deputy Premier Arthur
Mutambara secretly authored the Kariba draft in 2007 but critics say the
document should be discarded because it leaves Mugabe's immense powers
untouched.

The coalition government is expected to call fresh elections after enactment
of a new constitution although the administration can choose to wait until
expiry of its term in 2013 to call elections.

Zimbabweans hope a new constitution will strengthen the role of Parliament
and curtail the president's powers, as well as guarantee basic civil,
political and media freedoms. - ZimOnline

Lack of funding threatens humanitarian efforts in Zimbabwe, says UN

Zimbabwean children use sticks and dirt as pens and paper in an outdoor classroom near the Mozambique border

12 March 2010 - Aid agencies in Zimbabwe are appealing to donors to support the $378 million appeal launched last December to support humanitarian and early recovery efforts in the country, the United Nations humanitarian wing reported today.

"Lack of funding at this crucial time could derail progress made between the latter part of 2009 and now," warned the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which noted that the 2010 Consolidated Appeal is just over 2 per cent funded.

Zimbabwe has been plagued by widespread humanitarian suffering in recent years, driven in part by long-running political strife.

When the appeal was launched in December 2009, some 6 million people in the country did not have access to safe water and sanitation due to the erosion of basic services. Livelihoods were also threatened by the prolonged economic downturn.

"There is need for vigilance as the humanitarian situation is still precarious and prone to sudden shocks," OCHA said, adding that the available funding is insufficient to address the country's humanitarian needs.

The Office reported that the dry spell in parts of the Southern African nation from mid-December 2009 to last month has raised concerns for food security.

Meanwhile, over 70 cases of cholera, including one death, have been reported in a new outbreak that began in early February. During the same period in 2009, there were nearly 75,790 cases and 3,612 deaths in the outbreak that started in August 2008.

In addition, the number of deaths related to a measles outbreak more than doubled, rising to 110 by the end of February, compared to 50 at the end of January.

West Indies grind out series victory over Zimbabwe

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

20:56 GMT, Friday, 12 March 2010

Fourth one-day international, St Vincent:
West Indies 142-6 (34.3 overs) bt Zimbabwe 141 (48.2 overs) by four wickets

Narsingh Deonarine's composed 32 not out saw the West Indies home after they
were made to work hard wrapping up a series victory over Zimbabwe.

Elton Chigumbura top-scored with 42 in a flimsy Zimbabwe batting display as
Dwayne Bravo claimed figures of 4-21.

After Chris Gayle crashed 32 runs off 21 balls the hosts looked poised to
comfortably chase down their target.

But the middle order wobbled as the tourist's attack slowed the scoring,
before Deonarine sealed victory.

Skipper Gayle had no hesitation sending Zimbabwe into bat after winning the
toss on a pitch that offered zip and movement.

Ravi Rampaul struck early as a lifter hurried Hamilton Masakadza into edging
behind for a duck, but Vusi Sibanda and Timycen Maruma pushed the total on
to 37 before the Zimbabwe innings disintegrated.

Maruma mistimed a shot to gulley off Bravo on nine before Brendan Taylor saw
his off stump pegged back while trying to drive at Rampaul.

Sibanda fell to a run-out for 11 after a mix-up in the middle and Stuart
Matsikenyeris and Tatenda Taibu provided Bravo with his second and third
victims shortly after.

At 62-6 and with five wickets falling for just 25 runs, Elton Chigumbura
salvaged at least a modest score with a defiant display that featured three
sixes.

Gayle's trademark swift scoring seemed to bring the total in sight, but,
with Ramnaresh Sarwan missing from their line-up, the hosts faltered after
their captain fell to Greg Lamb.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul followed for only two before Adrian Barath was
trapped in front by Graeme Cremer to introduce some doubt into the Kingstown
crowd.

The frugal spin of Cremer and Ray Price tied down the batsmen, but Deonarine
shared watchful partnerships of 31 and 38 with Denesh Ramdin and Kieron
Pollard to haul his side over the line.

In Zimbabwe, the Voice of the Worker

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Imagine being one of only five opposition voices in a country of thirteen million people, where all radio, print and television is strictly controlled by the government. That's Ben Madzimure's uphill battle everyday as editor of "The Worker," the voice of the labor movement, in Zimbabwe--especially because his newspaper is only printed once a month, with only 5,000 copies distributed throughout the country.

"Zimbabwe used to have such a vibrant and independent media but most of the press was shut down," said Madzimure. Today many of the print reporters across the country bite their tongues and print the government's viewpoint. Madzimure, on the other hand, actively seeks out stories the government doesn't want mentioned, such as worker discontent and political corruption, and provides an unfiltered analysis of current events. 

While President Mugabe lost the presidential election of 2008 (despite employing voter suppression strategies), he refused to relinquish power to the victor, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai. Today, under a "power sharing" agreement between the parties of Mugabe and Tsvangirai, the government continues to control all forms of media and mass-communication.

Given that Zimbabwe is one of the most literate countries in Africa, around 90 percent literacy rate, print media is a critical tool in moving a message. Madzimure says that after the newspaper is read, it's passed on to at least nine other people and it remains a  "permanent marker," because people use it to "wrap things or to fill holes."

With a population spread out over hundreds of miles in rural areas, "The Worker" is the main way for the trade union federation, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), to disseminate news and inspire activity. "When ZCTU calls for national actions, the media doesn't report on it at all, "The Worker" is a main vehicle giving directions to people on how to participate in strikes, elections and public actions," said Madzimure.

Yet, despite financial support from the ZCTU, the Solidarity Center in the United States, the Canadian Labour Congress, and others -- the $1 USD price tag to purchase the paper is too expensive for most Zimbabweans. With 80 percent job informalization in the country , according to a recent United Nations report, the labor movement relies on its local networks to make sure the message filters throughout the country. Union members at every district are providing reporting as "volunteer correspondents" and several unemployed  reporters are also lending a hand.

Madzimure's dream is to eventually turn "The Worker" into a daily publication, offering investigative reporting and political analysis. In the meantime, while most Zimbabweans have no access to the computer, this does not stop Ben from promoting widely via every medium at his disposal including a news blog, a fan page on Facebook (it has 3,800 fans), and on Twitter (12,000 followers). 

Ten years to practice

Dear Family and Friends,

As we come towards the end of our rainy season we hear the news that
one in four Zimbabweans are in urgent need of food aid.

We are not surprised.

Since the start of the season 6 months ago, everyone has been
commenting on the dramatic absence of crops on farms. Travel in any
direction, towards any of our country's borders and you see grass,
weeds and derelict farms. The best crops are those planted on
roadsides and little squares of vacant land in urban areas. There has
been so little growing on our farms this season that even before
Christmas the farming organisations were warning that this year was
going to be the worst ever recorded. Now we know that they were
right.

The Red Cross are quoted as saying that the hunger situation in some
parts of the country is as bad as they have ever seen it.

Erratic rain, too little rain and too much rain are the three reasons
being publicly given by the Red Cross. They do not, perhaps dare not,
say anything about the fact that on the few farms that were growing
food this season, continuous

invasions by Zanu PF officials and army personnel destroyed what
little production was going on. The few people who were actually
trying to grow food were stopped because their skin is white. They
were harassed, intimidated, threatened, evicted and even arrested. In
one shocking case the Chipinge Magistrate ordering the eviction of
farmers was himself lined up to be a beneficiary of the seized farm.
It is almost beyond belief that for 10 years in a row this has been
going on. The greed of a very few highly placed and already rich
people, continues to result in the suffering of so many.

The continuing lawless situation on the farms is one of many issues
that has not changed or been tackled by the unity government running
Zimbabwe. Every year that it continues, it is getting harder and
harder for anyone to produce anything. Men and women who used to
crowd at the farm gates for jobs have gone. They are scared to work
on farms knowing that at any time an arbitrary bod with a fancy
government double cab or an army uniform might come down the driveway
and evict them all. Others won't work on farms because the wages they
receive amount to less than 50 US dollars a month. Even being given a
free house, water and food rations simply isn't enough because there
are school fees to pay, clothes to buy and the basic needs of
everyday life. And then there are the people who don't even try and
work but rather wait to be given handouts.

The beneficiaries of Zimbabwe's land seizures have had ten years to
practice how to grow food. They've had free land, free buildings and
infrastructure, free seed and fertilizer, free tractors and diesel
and yet one in 4 people in the country are hungry. No one is fooled
anymore, not even the most radical of radicals whose silence is
leaving people going to bed hungry tonight.

Until next week, thanks for reading, love cathy� Copyright cathy
buckle 13 March 2010. www.cathybuckle.com
 

Bill Watch Special - 13th March 2010 [Parliamentary Legal Committeeto Consider Indigenisation Regulations]

Bill Watch Special of 13th March 2010 [Parliamentary Committee Meetings 15th to 18th March]