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- may peace, truth and justice prevail.

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JUSTICE FOR AGRICULTURE

PR COMMUNIQUÉ - November 11, 2003

Email: justice@telco.co.zw; justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
Internet: www.justiceforagriculture.com

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Monday 10 November 2003
THIS DAY NEWSPAPER : FRONT PAGE EDITORIAL

Editorial:

We South Africans owe it to our neighbours to break our shameful silence.
We did not lightly decide to devote this editorial to Zimbabwe.  But we are
outraged by Africa's lethargy and silence.

Here is Zimbabwe, a nation in ruins.  In these pages are accounts of a
country that has entered a Kafkaesque realm, whose dreams and hopes,
celebrated across the world in 1980, at its independence, have turned into
nightmare.

Since Bob Marley so optimistically sang of a free Zimbabwe at Harare's
Independence celebrations we have seen a mountain of ruined lives and a
country devastated.

Zimbabwe's rich land lies fallow, the army dispenses a brutal form of law
and order, the press is gagged, educational institutions have become
propaganda houses, the economy is ruined and death and disease stalk the
land.

Robert Mugabe's oligarchy holds a death grip on power and exercises it with
the blessing of an emasculated judiciary, a lame parliament and a brutal
army.

The youth militias, Zanu-PF's Tontons Macoute, ensure by violence and
threat that food aid is handed only to the party faithful.

Mugabe, a statesman who many lauded when he came to power, is loathed in
his country and viewed with revulsion and embarrassment by his neighbours
and the world.

We all know how the beautiful land of Monomotapa got to this tragedy,
crushed under the boot of megalomania.  It is a long story, meandering from
hope and pride in freedom to the spectre of starvation in a country that
naturally fits the cliché "breadbasket of Africa".

We all should have heard the alarm bells when thousands disappeared in the
Gukurahundi, the army's mass slaughter of opposition Zapu members and their
supporters in the early 1980s.  We should have known the consolidation of
power in Mugabe's executive presidency in 1990 was another step to
dictatorship.

We should have warned that land reform was too slow and unstructured where
a small white minority held large swaths of the country while the vast
majority lived in penury in squashed townships.

The past eight years in Zimbabwe have displayed all the classic signs of
desperate megalomania: disregard for the rule of law, disregard for human
rights, disregard for the international community, disregard for the
people.  We have witnessed a spectacular intolerance of free speech and a
devotion to hate speech, an obsession with personal enrichment, the rise of
a coterie of henchmen who obey the rules unquestioningly.

The results are predictable and devastating.

A recent study by the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria says
Zimbabwe's economy has shrunk more than 19 percent in the past year.  The
gulf widens daily between the official exchange rate (US$1 to Z$824) and
the parallel market (US$1 to Z$6 000).
Economic output has declined by 19,3 percent in the past three years and
11,9 percent last year.  The manufacturing sector declined by 17,2 percent
last year, mining shrank by 7,1 percent and gold production plunged by 18
percent.

Officially, inflation is running at 455,5 percent, a figure derided as far
too low by independent economists, and is expected to surge towards 1 000
percent by year-end.

This stands in stark contrast to Africa's average yearly inflation of 12,6
percent.

The health sector has collapsed and opportunistic diseases fuelled by
rampant HIV-Aids infections run free.  At embassies such as South Africa
and Britain's queues are even longer than those for fuel.

Millions of Zimbabweans, black and white have fled.  For a Zimbabwean
doctor, life sweeping the streets in London is better than the harassment,
pain and helplessness of watching patients die in a Harare hospital.

Unemployment hovers near 70 percent.

The Daily News, the only independent daily newspaper, has been shut down,
its staffers arrested and harassed mercilessly.  Zimbabwe's people exist in
an information blanket so effective that they do not know what is happening
in their country except the propaganda and denials they hear from the
state-owned media.

All that is left of Zimbabwe of 1980 is the indomitable spirit of its
people.  In the face of unimaginable odds, they circumvent the brutality
and kleptomania of Mugabe's regime and hold the country together.

They have been abandoned by the world, which continues to talk of a quiet
diplomacy or shouts from afar while wringing its hands.

This unbending spirit must now ease Mugabe of his burden.  He should be
freed of the burden of rule.

Only the people of Zimbabwe can show him the door.  But we can help.

Removing Mugabe is a first step.  The international community should press
for free and fair elections, monitored without hindrance.  It should
agitate for a neutral international body to oversee these elections.  And
it should do so loudly, consistently, resolutely.

We did not lightly decide to devote a front-page editorial to this matter,
but we are outraged by Africa's lethargy and silence.  South Africans are a
beneficiary of the voices of the world who spoke up and instituted
hard-hitting sanctions against the apartheid government.

We hope this special edition of THISDAY will help break the silence on the
tragedy of Zimbabwe.  To its people we can only say we feel your pain, we
want it to end.

After Zimbabwe's free election the world should stand ready to pour
resources into rebuilding and normalising the country.

But before that, Mugabe must free himself of power.  Zimbabweans of all
classes, allegiances and hues should help him out.

ENDS
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JAG OPEN LETTER FORUM
Email: justice@telco.co.zw; justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
Internet: www.justiceforagriculture.com

Please send any material for publication in the Open Letter Forum to
justice@telco.co.zw with "For Open Letter Forum" in the subject line.

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Letter 1: Sophia Janssen's Letter

WOW!!  What a healthy dose of common sense from Sophia Janssen!! Plenty of
food for thought here!  Any chance she will offer her services when the
'new dawn' arrives?  Zim will need as many people of her mettle as it can
possibly muster!!

Well said Sophia! A woman after my own heart!  You GO girl!!

Colleen Henderson.  kayancee@mweb.co.za

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Letter 2:

Sirs

I am not an ex-farmer but am a born Zimbabwean, still living here and
operating my own business, which I have been doing for the past 14 years. I
subscribe to the JAG page as a person very deeply committed to the politics
of this country and it has been enlightening to read the many points of
view that have been aired regarding not only farming but the fallout of the
decimation of commercial farming. This fallout has deeply affected every
one us and is now causing the perpetrators of this policy considerable
problems themselves. The revolution has consumed itself and a new day is
slowly dawning, a day which will see many sectors having to restructure
themselves and it will not necessarily be easy, though the opportunities
will be there for those who want to utilise them.

I am motivated to comment on Mr. Freeth's reply to Simon Spooner's letter
regarding the MDC policy on commercial agriculture because it appears to me
that several important points have been made and missed. The most important
one is that the MDC Land Policy was clearly spelt out in their policy
document which was freely handed out at their meetings in the run up to the
2000 Parliamentary Elections. By and large, what Simon has said was
contained in that document, so it really surprises me that there is
ignorance of this framework. The concept is also touched on in the
comprehensive BRIDGE economic policy formulated by the party and this still
remains the only way forward in the new era as far as I am concerned.

The second issue is that land utilisation will be open to everyone,
including those currently settled in one form or another. The issue of the
legality of this will have to be subjugated to the actual reality of the
situation on the ground. Everyone will need assistance and this has to be
done equitably without allowing for another form of displacement which will
only cause tensions elsewhere in the whole effort to restore normality of
life and production. The proposed Land Commission will be there to
restructure land allocations, financing and restore productivity; it is
envisaged as an independent body and this will be of fundamental
importance. The best and fairest minds in the land will be required for
this task.

For those who were dispossessed, the new government will make provision for
compensation through the courts and this will be a dependable system backed
up by a new constitution. The importance of completing the Loss Claim
document available through JAG will be of paramount importance when this
recourse is open to everyone. I believe that donor countries will even fund
these claims as the local economy will not be able to. Money that was
originally intended for buying land from willing sellers will, ironically,
come back into the hands of those who lost their land anyway. The bulk of
money that was also supposed to assist new farming ventures will probably
be sucked up in this process as the scale of compensation will have
exceeded even the wildest forecasts of those who were happy to fund the
transfer of land ownership in the first place. New money will be needed to
re-start the entire process from scratch and I believe this will be
forthcoming in the form of loans to those who want them and can meet the
criteria set. I think, with respect, that this point is missed by Mr.
Freeth. There is a separation of issues here : yes, obtain compensation for
your losses but note Mr. Spooner's condition that LOANS will be there for
re-building and additional investment. This will be just the same as
starting from the beginning with a bank loan. Compensation money can also
be used; after all that is just what it's for if someone wants to re-invest
in farming.

Here I want to very clear that looking at getting re-started in anything,
especially after being compensated for losses, for free, on the basis of
grants, is just not on anywhere in the world.

I think there is a perception that farmers have had it good for many years
in the form of tax concessions and other financial benefits from the state
and from banks and that they have been a indulged to the point of taking
assistance for granted over the years, whilst living very comfortably and
even managing to acquire external assets the rest of us can only dream of.
I believe that there will not be much sympathy for those who would want
their cake and eat it for the second time and this is how I perceive Mr.
Freeth's comment about grants.

As for there being a maximum of 10% ex-farmers who would come back and
re-start, I don't think this really is the point. Farming - and other vital
economic activities - will be invested in and re-built by others anyway, as
the opportunity will be there for everyone.  As an example, I was told by
someone in the diplomatic community that many of his fellow nationals are
just itching to get out here and start up, once everything's been sorted
out. This is from a nation that many Zimbabweans have fled to - wouldn't
that be a bitter irony??

The past way of farming has gone. The future lies in doing things
differently for the good of the nation and the investors themselves. I
believe that one solution will be for the new government to avoid locking
itself into land ownership issues - which will always be thorny in
post-colonial Africa - and adopt a lease only policy, as is done in many
parts of the world. It can work very well and provides better guarantees
for security of tenure than anything else in this situation. If the lease
is structured properly, it can be used as collateral as well. A rock-solid
lease partnership between the State and the lessee will ensure that the
primary objectives of production and wealth generation are achieved. This
will probably see the formation, in the case of farming, of large
commercial entities which are vertically integrated and very powerful
because a great deal of what they will have to do will be in replacing the
defunct parastatals - an example being the CSC and , soon, the DMB. As is
the case elsewhere, a fresh start to tobacco production will probably come
from those requiring the product : they will make the lease agreements,
fund the production and employ those skilled enough to do the work. Once
more, communities will re-build but the point I am stressing is that I feel
the past way of doing things, whilst it worked very well, will be
impossible to revert to.

I hope these thoughts are of some interest, if only to stimulate some more
multi-lateral thinking about an issue and a nation in desperate need of
sensible people to get it going again. This country has been cursed by
terrible governance for the past five generations (at least) and it now
deserves a chance to be taken forward in the interests of everybody. I
believe that the MDC's political philosophy of social democracy will be the
best way forward and if they don't come to form the next administration, I
sincerely hope that this political philosophy will guide those who are in
charge.

Bill Annandale.

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All letters published on the open Letter Forum are the views and opinions
of the submitters, and do not represent the official viewpoint of Justice
for Agriculture.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Updated November 11, 2003

Please send any job opportunities for publication in this newsletter to:
JAG Job Opportunities <justice@telco.co.zw>

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NATIONAL
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HARARE
(ad inserted 10 November 2003)

GENERAL MANAGER

The Harare SPCA needs an active general manager who has a good knowledge of
animal care procedures and is a good administrator, organizer and planner.

Applicants must be able to deal with potential corporate donors at all
levels.  The ability to motivate staff is essential.  The opportunity
exists for a creative person to formulate a new image for the society.  The
post is reasonably paid but the successful applicant should also view the
post as a vocation.  Please email your CV to easthill-rw@laws.co.zw

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HARARE
(ad inserted 10 November 2003)

VACANCY.

We are looking for a switched on Technician who can repair Multimeters &
timing Lights and similar instrumentation!

Our e-mail address is constell@mweb.co.zw

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HARARE
(ad inserted 05 November 2003)

PA to CEO of property development company.  Centre of town.  A
self-starter, age not important, but someone who "knows their way around".
Includes minutes and statutory work.  Competitive package.  To start as
soon as possible.  Short CV in the first instance to
cff@zimstocksales.co.zw or telephone Ann on 756855-9 (keep trying!) or
752742-4.

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HARARE
(ad inserted 05 November 2003)

Reliable drivers with traceable references, clean class
and 4 licences and at least 5 years experience required for a FMCG
distribution company.  Send detailed CV's to Box AY 132, Amby.

Warehouse assistants required for distribution company.  Traceable
references.  Send CV's to Box AY 132, Amby

 Many thanks

Jennifer Van Wyk (nee Kriedemann)
Financial and Administration Manager
Hotelserve Distribution
P O Box AY 132, Amby, Msasa, Harare
Tel 480073-5, Fax 480076 Cell 011 607218

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HARARE
(ad inserted 30 October 2003)

Bookkeeper / Accounts Administrator Required:

A small but growing manufacturing / retailing / investment group of
companies, seeks the services of a Bookkeeper/ Accounts Administrator.

The person should have very good knowledge of practical business
bookkeeping, up to Trial Balance. A reasonable knowledge of Balance Sheets
is required. The person should be a self-starter, motivated, and
outgoing. The chosen candidate will have all the direction needed for
him/her to perform their tasks. The following description with regard to
the position is needed:

1) Cashbooks, Debtors, Creditors, Bank Reconciliation's, Wages,

2) Must be computer literate with regard to Microsoft Office, i.e. MS Excel
and Windows and MS Word.

3) Must be computer literate with regard to Our Accounting Software,
such as QuickBooks Accounting, Sage, or Pastel

4) Must be able to handle Monthly Returns, such as, Sales Tax (Shortly
VAT), PAYE, NEC, NSSA, Manpower and Standards Development Levy.

5) Basic understanding on implementation and the administration of company
flow charts (paper work trail) and the correct manner in storing and filing
company records.

6) Basic knowledge on compiling accounting records for External Auditors.

Interested candidates, please e-mail a copy of your CV to vb@hms.co.zw or
phone 091 253 991

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HARARE
(ad inserted 30 October 2003)

We are looking to recruit an assistant restaurant manager for our St.
Elmo's location in Harare.  The successful candidate should be highly
motivated, and preferably have good food service experience.  A competitive
package will be offered.

The St. Elmo's franchisee in Zimbabwe/ Zambia is expanding and this job
will almost certainly lead to promotion.

The successful candidate will be sent to Cape Town for Training with the
Franchiser.

Please respond to:

ted@houses.africaonline.co.zw and copy all responses to:
elmos@pc2000.co.zw

(Bus: 263-4-702412
(Home: 263-4-861930
ÈCell: 263-91-210-203
ÊFax: 263-4-790584
ted@houses.africaonline.co.zw
* Snail Mail: Private Bag 604E, Harare, Zimbabwe
*Physical (i.e. courier) Address: No 2 Denmark Road, Milton Park, Harare,
Zimbabwe

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HARARE
(ad inserted 30 October 2003)

We are a steel products manufacturing company looking for a temporary
supervisor to oversee the manufacture and erection of sheds inside and
outside the country. Position immediately available. Please contact us at:
mtemwa@zol.co.zw, or phone 011409229 or 744207.

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HARARE
(ad inserted 15 October 2003)

I am looking for an experienced driver.  Ideally, the successful applicant
will be able to double as a gardener and live on the property.

Alternatively, is there anyone in the Highlands area who has a driver whom
they would be prepared to share?

Replies to gailc@zol.co.zw or phone 498266/091-354079

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HARARE
(ad inserted 13 October 2003)

We are looking to recruit a candidate from Zimbabwe to be our
Zimbabwe Liaison Officer - based in Harare, Zimbabwe
Salary between £490 - £600 Sterling per month (depending on skills and
experience), full time, Contract - from November 2003 until March 2005

Reporting to the Southern Africa Programme Manager (SAPM), the Zimbabwe
Liaison Officer (ZLO) will work to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency
of CIIR / ICD's programme in Zimbabwe. The postholder will be supporting
CIIR / ICD's skillshare and advocacy work in the country. She/he will also
be expected to help the SAPM to maintain a broader perspective of the
Southern Africa Region. The ZLO will provide supervision and support to
CIIR / ICDs Development Workers (DWs) and maintain and build key
partnerships with local partner organisations in response to CIIR / ICD's
HIV & AIDS and disability strategies for Zimbabwe.

The postholder should have degree or appropriate qualification in social
sciences or related field and three to five years of relevant work
experience, preferably within a non-governmental organisation, preferably
with senior responsibility.

You should have excellent administration skills and sound book keeping and
financial management experience. Competent IT skills, excellent
self-organising, and prioritising skills, as well as experience of
providing support to and of monitoring personnel is essential. Due to the
nature of the post experience of being able to work effectively within the
current social/economic and political environment in Zimbabwe is essential.

Good interpersonal and communication skills to liaise effectively with
people at various levels and good oral and written communication skills in
English and in Shona and/or Ndebele are important. It is essential to have
a proven ability to think and act strategically in response to HIV & AIDS
as a development issue and a good grasp of gender analysis and dynamics in
southern Africa. Last but not least you must have a valid full driving
licence and willingness to travel extensively by car within Zimbabwe.

Closing date 31 October 2003
Interviews Early November

 For further information and an application form visit
http://www.ciir.org/ciir.asp?section=jobs or email icd@iway.na
alternatively fax ++264 61 232317.

CIIR / ICD are committed to equal opportunities
Charity No. 294 329

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HARARE
(ad inserted 07 October 2003)

We have a vacancy coming up in at the end of November for an Administrator
who will perform various BASIC functions in our Harare office.

It is not too demanding and would suit a semi-retired farmer.

Salary modest but has the use of a car to and from work, fuel provided.

The primary role is to "keep and eye on" warehousing and general office
situation.  Please contact JAG offices for contact details.

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HARARE
(ad inserted 02 October 2003)

The Trading Company in Msasa is looking for a mornings only bookkeeper who
is able to work up to trial balance.

Please contact 486596, 011 217 841 or email tradeco@icon.co.zw for further
details.

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HARARE
(ad inserted 02 October 2003)

RESCUE Sheltered Workshop for 43 mentally and physically disabled invite
application for the following posts:

1. Administrator/Director
2. Workshop Manager
3. Bookkeeper

The disabled persons have been trained to carry out various semi-skilled
work in the manufacture of wheelchairs in a well-equipped and spacious
workshop in Harare.

Applications with CV to be sent to Chairman Executive Committee, P O Box
A381, Avondale, Harare.
Tel: (w) 304575, cell 011 405 046

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HARARE
(ad inserted 01 October 2003)

We are looking for someone to work on our till in the Art Mart, please
contact Lindy Rowlands at 485514 for more details.

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HARARE
(ad inserted 19 September 2003)

VACANCY FOR CLASS 2 DRIVER
Applicant, who should be 30 years of age or over, would ideally have:

Minimum 5 years experience
Good references
Competitive salary offered.

Contact: Ms Bassett
KDB HOLDINGS (PVT) LIMITED, Harare
Telephone: 758921

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HARARE
(ad inserted 19 September 2003)

Retired farmer/handyman required overseeing a clothing and fabric factory
in Msasa.  No special qualifications needed.  Work hours are from 7am - 5
pm on Mon-Thurs and 7am - 1pm on Friday.  Please contact 011 217 841 for
further details.

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HARARE - Avondale area
(ad inserted 19 September 2003)

We are looking for someone to work a 2-3-morning week.  Must be computer
literate and have knowledge of Data input, Excel and Graphs.

Please contact 04 794478 for further details.

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HARARE
(ad inserted 16 September 2003)

We have a vacancy for a receptionist.
Applicant must be MS Word/ Excel/ e-mail literate and of a cheerful manner.
Salary on application.
Phone Carol Livingston 305613/4 Harare

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HARARE (Glen Lorne)
(ad inserted 04 September 2003)

Position for a 5-day week mornings only handyman at Imba Matombo Hotel will
be available from 14 September 2003. Please contact Julie Webb 499013.

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BULAWAYO]
(ad inserted 11 November 2003)

A small and congenial club is looking for a couple who would take over day
to day management.

Modest salary, free house and lights and water. Opportunity for profit on
catering. Lovely surroundings.

Please contact JAG office for further details

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BULAWAYO
(ad inserted 10 October 2003)

We are looking for someone who has:

1. Loads of common sense
2. Patience
3. Sense of humour and an ability to communicate at all levels
4. Self-motivation
5. Prepared to work hands on (mostly feet on!)
6. Perseverance
7. A touch of stubbornness would be an advantage
8. ENERGY (that should perhaps have been listed first!)

That is the basic mindset.

Then:
Experience in sewing most important. Designing and pattern making an
advantage but not essential.
The working environment is in an export orientated clothing factory - we
are unquestionably competitive in the world market and have uncompromising
quality standards to support this.

The work is hard, the job is rewarding. If you are interested, please
contact me on email: judepete@mweb.co.zw

Judith Clark

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GWERU
(ad inserted 11 November 2003)

Vacancy exists for a highly motivated, capable person or couple to manage a
safari camp near Gweru.  Must be able to take full control of all aspects
of a large camp and staff.  Previous experience in the tourist, hospitality
and wildlife industry and a farming background would be an advantage.
Position available immediately.  Reply to aconolly@ecoweb.co.zw or write to
The Manager, PO Box 1218, Gweru.

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GWERU
(ad inserted 30 October 2003)

Vacancies exist at a safari camp near Gweru for Hotel School trained staff
with at least 2 years experience in the Hotel and Catering industry.
Positions offered include Food & Beverage manager, reception staff, chefs,
cooks, housekeepers, laundry staff, general cleaners and ground staff.
Send CV with application to The Manager, Box 1218, Gweru.

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GWERU
(ad inserted 18 September 2003)

SITUATION VACANT / EMPLOYMENT

A very exciting and challenging opportunity for a financial controller /
accountant in the tourism industry

IDEALLY: We require: A couple who can both become involved in the
business and who do not still have children at school.

Either the husband or wife should have extensive accounting experience and
be able to manage the accounting staff.

The company is also involved in Christian mission and overseas student
tours throughout Africa, conducting hunting safaris and has an export
orientated weavery business.

The company offices, homesteads, extensive workshops and very busy Safari
lodge/camp are based on a game park 10 kms out of Gweru.

Enthusiastic and committed couples interested in joining us should please
forward details to or phone me directly on 091-205956

The position is available immediately and really is an exiting one.

We offer:

· Company vehicle
· Company house on the game park
· Competitive salary
· Lots of perks
ANDREW CONOLLY
ANTELOPE PARK / AFRICAN ENCOUNTER SAFARIS
P O Box 1218, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Phone/Fax: +(263 54) 52172, 50919
E-Mail: antelope@mweb.co.zw
Web-site: antelopepark.co.zw

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HEADLANDS
(ad inserted 30 October 2003)

Position suitable for retired man or couple to help with cattle operation.
Large house and garden.
Negotiable job description and remuneration.
Phone 04 - 882978
Email: fertylin@zambezi.net

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KARIBA
(ad inserted 20 October 2003)

Do you love the bush, enjoy gardening, and have the personality to make
guests feel welcome? Are you mechanically minded?  Interested in catering?
We are looking for a mature fit couple to run our resort at Kariba.  If you
feel this is for you, please email us on conquest@mweb.co.zw.

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KARIBA - TIGER BAY
(ad inserted 16 September 2003)

Lake Fresh Fisheries in Kariba has a vacancy for the position of General
Manager with the core business being Kapenta Fishing. Ideal for successful
farmer - minimum age 30 years. The company offers a very attractive Salary,
free vehicle for company use, plus free house, lights and water, with 21
working days leave p/a. Genuine applications only please
Phone 011 608 782 or 308960, or email conquest@mweb.co.zw
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KARIBA
(ad inserted 09 September 2003)

A General Manager is wanted in Chalala, Kariba to start work immediately.
Skills to include:

1. diesel mechanic,
2. must be a hard worker,
3. is familiar with boats and equipment,
4. good at labour relations,
5. preferably married as social life is limited.

A 3-bedroomed cottage is offered for accommodation.

Salary is substantial but negotiable.

Please contact 061 2523 or 011 715 425 for further information.

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MASVINGO
(ad inserted 16 September 2003)

Wanted:

A farm manager / assistant for a horticultural project situated 25 km from
Masvingo.
Please contact Mr. P. Buchan on Buflower@zol.co.zw

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MVURWI
(ad inserted 10 November 2003)

Position available for a section manager on Forrester Estate, 70 hectares
tobacco (35irr + 35dry), 250 hectares of row crops, competitive package
with bonus, med exec, house, etc. To start as soon as possible.  Please
contact JAG office for further details.

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MUTARE
(ad inserted 03 November 2003)

Management position available on an expanding horticultural project a half
hour outside Mutare.

Please contact: dalyn@mutare.icon.co.zw
telephone - 020 4 2207 / 011 210 668 / 020 64065.

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NKAI (MATABELELAND NORTH)
(ad inserted 08 October 2003)

We have a job offer as a manager of a large Timber Milling operation in
Nkai.  We are looking for:

1.  A decision maker with good managerial skills, able to control and
discipline a large work force.  Integrity and honesty are vital.

2.  Because Nkai is in the middle of the bush and far away from any towns,
it is important that the applicants are personalities that are not
interested in social life or likely to turn to alcohol.  A more introverted
type of person would be more suitable.  Preferably without children at
school.

3.  Duties will involve the running of a very large hardwood sawmill, hire
and fire of labourers, maintenance of all machinery and vehicles and
dealing with customers.  Work will often take up weekends.  Any mechanical
knowledge will be greatly advantageous.

4.  Accommodation at the moment consists of a Bungalow.  However when the
right person is found for the position we intend building.

5.  Salary although not fully decided at this point will be very high.  We
will work out a scheme based on percentage of profits as well as a basic.
Salary although paid in Zim Dollars will be based on the Rand.

Regards

Glen Wiseman
Cell phone: 011 208 329

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ODZI
(ad inserted 10 November 2003)

FRESH EXPORT VEGETABLE PACKHOUSE PRODUCTION MANAGER.
Key attributes are: -

3 - 5 years experience in fresh vegetable packing.

Able to manage a large labor force.

Be in possession of "O" or "A" certificates with at least five passes.

A clean class 4 Drivers license.

Be in a position to work flexible hours at times.

Be able to deal with Suppliers/Customers on a one on one basis.

Have a sound knowledge of the requirements of the export market and
customer requirements.

All C.V`S to be sent to email kondozi@zol.co.zw
Address to
The Packhouse Manager
P.O.Box 102,
Odzi
Zimbabwe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

RAFFINGORA
(ad inserted 20 October 2003)

Wanted:

Someone to assist on farm; any retired farmer or displaced couple looking
for somewhere to live or something to do.

Contact Doreen for more information on e-mail: sylviadu@ecoweb.co.zw

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST NICHOLSON
(ad inserted 04 November 2003)

There is a vacancy for man and wife team running a service station in West
Nicholson, modest salary with substantial perks.

Please contact JAG office for contact details.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERNATIONAL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANGOLA
(ad inserted 05 November 2003)

ANGOLA

1) Eucalyptus Plantation - Lubango Southern Angola
2) Hardwood Plantation - Tomboco Northern Angola
Adventurous people with forestry knowledge required for these projects.

Reply cabiffen@mweb.co.zw

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOTSWANA
(ad inserted 29 September 2003)

AMEECHI INVESTMENTS SEEK A SUITABLY QUALIFIED MECHANIC FOR A RANCHING
OPERATION IN BOTSWANA. THE POST IS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.  APPLICANTS WITH
EXPERIENCE WITH HEAVY EARTH-MOVING EQUIPMENT WILL HAVE AN ADDED ADVANTAGE.
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACTABLE REFERENCES ARE REQUIRED.
APPLICATIONS WITH CVs TO BE POSTED ASAP TO THE FARM MANAGER, AMEECHI
INVESTMENTS, PO BOX 602195, GABERONE, BOTSWANA.

Please contact: kok@zta.co.zw for further details

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

MALAWI - TOBACCO MANAGERS

Tobacco managers wanted in Malawi: 2003/4 seasons 100ha Flue cured 100ha
Maize African tobacco managers of Malawian extraction wanting to relocate
with costs paid and paper work facilities. Malawian Passport Holders will
obviously be given preference. Respond to JAG's email address and we will
forward.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

NIGERIA
(ad inserted 10 November 2003)

PARTNERS NEEDED

RECENTLY, NIGERIAN GOVT. IS INVITING WHITE FARMERS TO NIGERIA FOR BUSINESS.

WE ARE USING THIS MEDIUM TO ANY GOOD ZIMBABWEANS TO JOIN HAND WITH US TO
DEVELOP OUR POULTRY FARM WITH EQUIPMENT AND CASH.

WE HAVE OVER 12 -15ACRES OF LAND WITH OPPORTUNITY TO BUT MORE AND ABOUT
2,000 CHICKS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:-

SYLVESTER EWEJE, TEL:(H) 020 - 86502783 (W) 020 - 86769200 email
Admin@zawt.org

WE ARE BASED IN ENGLAND AS A BRITISH CITIZEN BUT WITH NIGERIAN ROOT.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

NIGERIA
(ad inserted 16 October 2003)

I work for a US based Consulting firm - GoodWorks
International LLC, engaged in amongst other things, promoting investment in
Africa.

Some of our clients in Nigeria, in this respect, Northern State Governors
have asked that we enquire into the possibility of attracting farmers
seeking to divest or diversify their knowledge, expertise or investments
from Zimbabwe and the Southern African region into the northern part of
Nigeria.

The northern part of Nigeria is seeking to boost its economic activity and
develop its communities by promoting the only viable assets it has - its
agriculturally viable land and traditional farming communities. Riding on
the back of an "agricultural boost" would be the development of tourism in
the area, largely renowned for a rich culture, colorful festivals, an
erstwhile beautiful game reserve and numerous other historically valuable
sites which have suffered neglect.

The northern part of Nigeria has a traditionally farming community, notable
for the production of maize, sorghum, cowpeas, groundnuts, rice, sugar cane
etc., cattle rearing and poultry farming.

The idea would be to have these farmers, enter into joint
venture/working/concession/management agreements for farms or land either
owned and/or controlled by the state governments.

Similarly, I am also seeking game park operators who might be interested in
considering a similar working arrangement for a game reserve located in
Bauchi state (Yankari game reserve).

I would appreciate your putting me in touch with members of the farming
community interested in exploring this opportunity further and I would be
happy to provide additional information and arrange working
visits/conference calls.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Regards.

Aisha Rimi
GWI Consulting
1900 K Street, Suite 1050
Washington DC, 20006
www.gwiconsulting.com

Tel: 202 736 2152
Fax: 202 736 2213

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOUTH AFRICA
(ad inserted 07 October 2003)

There is a vacancy for a vegetable production manager in SA. The project is
involved in the production of baby vegetables and peas (Mange Tout) for the
local market (Woolworths) and the European markets.

The applicant must be able to work in SA. The project is based in the
Southern Cape region of George.

Good experience in all aspects of farming are essential - I am looking for
a particularly dedicated person.

Please contact me - CHRIS CHARTER
info@1910fruitbox.co.za
+27 82 880-1351

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

UGANDA
(ad inserted 09 October 2003)

Ugandan Forest Resource Management and Conservation Programme

PLANTATION SPECIALIST: TERMS OF REFERENCE

Qualifications:
Degree or Diploma in Forestry or Forest Engineering

Essential Experience:
· Minimum 8 years practical experience of establishing, management and
harvesting of large-scale, commercial, tropical or sub-tropical timber
plantations - particularly pines and eucalypts.
· Proven experience of modern weed control techniques - including the safe
use of herbicides.
· A thorough understanding of modern tree nursery techniques.
· Demonstrable experience of working with chain saws.
· Experience with skidding logs using a 4WD tractor and double-drum winch.
· Organising and supervising private Contractors to carry out work.
· Drawing up and implementing fire protection plans for forests.

Desirable Experience:
· Knowledge of Health and Safety issues in forestry operations.
· Experience in training in various aspects of plantation silviculture and
harvesting.
· Forest Certification experience.
· Knowledge of marketing roundwood.
· Competence in computer use - especially MS Office applications.

Duration:
A 12-month contract initially but with a likelihood of extension

Location:
The successful applicant will be based in Kampala.  The work will involve
frequent travel around Uganda which will necessitate frequent overnight
stays up-country. Kampala is a thriving, cosmopolitan city with excellent
facilities for shopping, schooling and general R&R.

Start Date:
ASAP from 1st October 2003.

Support:
The post-holder will have the use of a good 4WD vehicle to carry out his or
her duties and a driver will be assigned to the vehicle.

Salary and Conditions:
To be discussed with Agrisystems Ltd. (UK).

Background:
The activities of the FRMCP places considerable emphasis on the development
of new plantations and the sustainable management of the remaining mature
plantations.
Despite the excellent growth conditions available for tree plantations in
Uganda, the forest plantation sector still remains under developed and a
serious shortfall of timber is predicted in the near future.

The FRMCP has already started establishing some demonstration plantations
in Forest Reserves in strategic places around the country and has also
recently launched a Sawlog Production Grant Scheme to act as an incentive
to the private sector to plant commercial timber crops.

The lack of practical skills (following years of poor management and
general unrest in the country) is severely affecting the FRMCP's plantation
development plans hence the need to recruit a suitable person who can pass
skills to the Programme's management team, private sector & other
stakeholders to meet its plantation development targets.

Other Info:
The post-holder will join the Agrisystems Technical Advisory (TA) team -
reporting directly to the FRMCP's Chief Technical Advisor.

Please contact: david@agrisystems.co.ke for further information.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

UGANDA
(ad inserted 08 September 2003)

I have been in Uganda for the last six weeks. Whilst there, I met a Ugandan
who is a lawyer by profession, who owns three pieces of land and who is
looking for someone to run farming operations for him. He has 800 acres
between Entebbe and Kampala, where he is doing maize and cattle and two
other properties of 10 square miles and two square miles respectively, both
with potential for irrigation if necessary.

Should you know of anyone who might be interested, I would ask that they
send responses to the Ugandan email address for more information:
marcr@spacenet.co.ug
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZAMBIA
(ad inserted 05 November 2003)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Technical Supervisor / Administrator / Site Clerk
MINING / FARMING BACKGROUND

The company is constructing a major mining plant, with associated
facilities, and is seeking someone with experience in resolving a host of
practical issues commonly arising in projects of this size.  This will
include refurbishment and construction of houses, purchasing other
buildings, resolving matters with community and government authorities and
helping with supervision of personnel and labour matters. Appropriate
qualifications and experience are important, but identical experience is
not essential.

We are looking for a well-organized person who can help sort out these
varied issues for the Construction Manager.  Someone with a mining or
farming management background, experience in Southern Africa and with
practical ability are our main requirements.  Ability to improvise,
flexibility and commercial nous are essential.  The position is a
short-term assignment and the successful applicant would live on site with
regular returns to home.  A long-term position may become available in
which case accommodation will be provided for someone to take up a support
and administration role.

Applications along with CV should be sent, for the attention of the MINE
SECRETARY, with subject stated as TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR, to -
brevalan@connectit.co.za

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ZAMBIA
(ad inserted 01 October 2003)

HORTICULTURE MANAGER REQUIRED IN ZAMBIA ON THE COPPERBELT
VEGETABLES AND FRUIT
Vegetable and fruit grower supplying large supermarket chain from
developing irrigated Copperbelt Farm requires a suitably qualified hands-on
Assistant.  Married or single.  Wife could assist in office.  Some
experience with seeding growing an advantage.
Excellent free housing and services paid, and vehicle provided.  Salary
negotiable.
Please reply email simmonds@zamnet.zm
Fax: Zambia +260 2 210468
Tel: Zambia +260 96 990096

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ZAMBIA
(ad inserted 09 September 2003)

Mechanical Engineer required for a large engineering firm in Lusaka.  All
enquiries contact Diego Casilli in Lusaka on dcasilli@amanita.com.zm or
+2601286452.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the latest listings of accommodation available for farmers, contact
justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw (updated 11 November 2003)

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Back to Index

Business Day

IDC says Zimbabwe off limits' for investment

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

THE Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is implementing an investment
ban against Zimbabwe, according to its chief economist Lumkile Mondi.

This suggests that while President Thabo Mbeki is operating a policy of
quiet diplomacy with SA's troubled northern neighbour, government's major
investment promotion agency is adopting a more cautious approach.

Referring to the IDC's investment in the two Mozal aluminium smelter
projects in Mozambique, Mondi said yesterday the IDC, which at one stage
operated only within SA, was expanding its activities throughout Africa.

"The IDC has a lot of potential joint ventures, particularly in tourism and
telecommunications," he said.

"There are huge opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola
for tourism."

However, Zimbabwe was not a part of the IDC's expansion equation. "Zimbabwe
is the only country we are not looking at in southern Africa," he said,
pointing to problems with "risk management" and a "not very attractive
investment climate".

Clive Robertson, the GM of export reinsurance group Credit Guarantee, agreed
it was becoming almost impossible to do business with Zimbabwe.

"Zimbabwe's biggest problem is that it does not have sufficient foreign
currency to externalise its debt," he said.

"It can't pay in dollars or pounds or euros or yen because there are no
foreign reserves."

Reg Rumney of Business Map said it was "pretty damning" that the IDC had
declared Zimbabwe off limits.
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England given all clear to skip Zimbabwe tour

Paul Weaver in Dhaka
Wednesday November 12, 2003
The Guardian

England's already remote chances of touring Zimbabwe next November faded
further yesterday when it became clear that the International Cricket
Council would not impose sanctions for failure to fulfil the contractual
obligation.
Ehsan Mani, the president of the ICC, said: "This is very much a bilateral
issue between England and Zimbabwe. There are no sanctions the ICC would
impose on anyone."

His words were echoed by Malcolm Speed, the ICC's chief executive, who said:
"The ICC is very keen for all scheduled tours to take place and I hope this
situation doesn't arise.

"But tours between countries are different from an ICC event such as the
World Cup or the ICC Champions Trophy. They are based on a contract that
exists between the two national boards."

The Champions Trophy, or mini-World Cup, will be held in England in
September and there had been speculation that the tournament might be
jeopardised if England refused to tour Zimbabwe.

But Mani, who like Speed was in Dhaka to launch the Under-19 World Cup,
which will be played here in February, added: "This won't be an issue. The
two are totally unconnected."

England could still face a financial penalty for not touring if a panel of
approved security consultants declares Zimbabwe a safe destination. Speed
added: "If England don't tour there is a process in place whereby the ZCU
[Zimbabwe Cricket Union] could ask the ICC to set up a disputes resolutions
committee.

"If the committee deemed it safe to tour Zimbabwe, and England didn't,
damages could follow. But we can only set up the mechanism to determine the
dispute. We sit outside it."

After the World Cup debacle, in which the England and Wales Cricket Board -
among other bodies - was damaged by its dithering and accusations of
amorality, the rulers of the domestic game are under pressure to make an
early call on Zimbabwe. It will still take months to resolve. Hopes that
President Robert Mugabe might go away have so far proved forlorn.

Two months ago Lord MacLaurin spoke out against any connection with the
Mugabe regime. MacLaurin may have lost credibility in cricket circles since
his shambolic reign as chairman of the ECB but he is still chairman of
Vodafone, England's major sponsor, which pours £3m into the game each year.

This is the vital money that underpins the ECB's investment in central
contracts and its crusade to become the world's leading cricket nation by
2007. A "moral stance" could yet be taken over Zimbabwe.

The ECB did confirm one set of fixtures yesterday, announcing that England
will play India in a three-match NatWest Challenge one-day series in the
build-up to the Champions Trophy. Matches will be held at Trent Bridge, The
Oval and Lord's.

Meanwhile, the ICC has defended its decision to grant Bangladesh Test
status. Bangladesh have lost 25 of their 26 Tests, most of them heavily, and
have not won a one-day game against a major nation since beating Pakistan in
the 1999 World Cup.

Mani said: "They've certainly struggled. But they are members of the ICC and
the only way we can take this forward is by helping them improve so they can
compete at the highest level."

Speed added: "I don't think it was a mistake to give them Test status,
though with hindsight we could have had them playing more at home than away
and kept the ICC development programme more active. I think they have
enormous potential."

Javagal Srinath, the Indian fast bowler, yesterday announced his retirement
following a prolonged knee injury. He had announced his retirement from Test
cricket in June last year, but was persuaded by the captain Sourav Ganguly
to return to the team.

"I have made an irrevocable decision," he said. Srinath, 34, is India's
highest one-day wicket-taker with 315 wickets and his 236 Test victims are
the second best for an Indian fast bowler behind Kapil Dev's 434.

Meanwhile, Derbyshire have signed the Tasmanian all-rounder Damien Wright as
 their second overseas player. He will help fill the gap left by Dominic
Cork's departure for Lancashire. The former Yorkshire seamer Ryan Sidebottom
has moved to Nottinghamshire on a three-year deal.

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mmegi

      Wednesday 12 November 2003

    Opinion/Letters
            Zimbabwe’s lawyers on the frontline

            11/12/2003 12:31:08 AM (GMT +2)

            ZIMBABWEAN lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa was only trying to do her job
when she was pushed by police and thrown out the Harare Central Charge
Office with three other lawyers recently.

            The lawyers were trying to assist more than 100 trade union
members who had been arrested at a recent peaceful demonstration. The police
did not want the lawyers to have any access to the arrested demonstrators,
although it was their legal right. Instead of being allowed to consult with
their lawyers, the arrested trade unionists were beaten and tortured and
held illegally.

            The rule of law in Zimbabwe has broken down to such an extent
that lawyers find it impossible to carry out the basic duties of their
profession. And they are finding it dangerous too.

            It is a measure of the courage and professional determination of
Mtetwa that she went into the police station at all. Just two weeks before
she was badly beaten by officers at the Borrowdale police station. The
police had been called to help her because a gang of thieves was trying to
steal her car. But when the police realised they had come to the rescue of
one of Zimbabwe’s best-known defenders of human rights and press freedom,
they decided to arrest and beat her.

            “The tables have turned,” said one policeman. “You are no longer
a lawyer, you are going to see what it’s like to be our prisoner.” The
police announced they were arresting her for drunk driving, although she was
no longer driving her vehicle and had not been drinking. When Mtetwa stood
up for her legal rights by demanding a breathalyser test to prove she was
not drunk, she was punched, socked and strangled by a police officer. The
abuse continued when she was taken to the Borrowdale police station where
she was thrown to the ground and repeatedly kicked. One officer carried out
the violent attack, but several others watched and made no attempt to
restrain him.

            Mtetwa has filed assault charges against the police officer but
at this point there is little hope that he will be brought to justice.
Police are not arresting people for assault. They are assaulting them.

            Mtetwa’s case is not an isolated incident. In May this year,
lawyer Gugulethu Moyo went to a police station to represent a photographer
for the Daily News who had been arrested. As the legal secretary for the
Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe, the company that owns the Daily News,
Moyo has had to represent many reporters, photographers and editors who have
been arrested. But this time she found that the wife of the army’s
commander, who has no official position whatsoever, ordered the police to
arrest her and to beat her, which they did. Moyo was held in jail overnight
before being released without charges. Moyo is pressing charges of wrongful
arrest and assault.

            Sternford Moyo, partner of a top Harare law firm and president
of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, was arrested and taken out of town to a
remote game park. Police and other state agents threatened him with a gun.
He, too, was released without charges and has pressed charges against the
authorities.

            These are three of Zimbabwe’s leading lawyers, well respected
for maintaining high levels of professionalism in all their work. But their
prominence has not protected them from these egregious assaults and abuses
of their legal rights. These are just three examples of the distressing
trend of police and other government officials abusing lawyers as they
attempt to practice their profession in Zimbabwe. By trying to uphold the
rule of the law in Zimbabwe, lawyers are putting themselves at grave risk of
physical injury and incarceration.

            These lawyers have not been intimidated by their ordeals and
remain committed to their profession. But even when they are not physically
attacked, they are routinely prevented from carrying out their duties.
Police do not allow them access to clients who have been arrested. Court
officials do not give them access to documents and do not schedule their
cases within a reasonable period.

            There are many other lawyers in Zimbabwe who are similarly
battling to carry on upholding the legal rights of all citizens of Zimbabwe,
including opposition supporters, journalists, trade unionists and leaders of
civic organisations.

            Sadly, there is a small minority of Zimbabwean lawyers who have
elected to turn a blind eye to injustice and to pander to the Mugabe
government’s illegal intents and as a result, are party to the destruction
of the very principles of law that they have pledged to uphold. But these
are just a handful.

            The vast majority of Zimbabwe’s lawyers are now on the frontline
of the battle to sustain as much legal protection to all Zimbabweans as is
possible. They are aware that their charges of assault and other court cases
may not get fair hearings now. But they are confident that in the long run
the rule of law will be restored in Zimbabwe and that those police, lawyers
and judges who have abused the rights of thousands of ordinary citizens,
will be held accountable.

            * The International Bar Association (IBA). IBA represents the
Law Societies and Bar Associations around the world, and works to uphold the
rule of law.

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The Herald

Thieves vandalise Zesa transformers

Herald Reporter
Some thieves are reportedly draining oil from Zimbabwe Electricity Supply
Authority (Zesa) transformers, which they later sell as fuel to unsuspecting
motorists.

The vandalism of the transformers has resulted in power cuts in some areas
in Harare such as Belvedere where residents have gone for days without
electricity.

"Some unscrupulous elements in our society are pumping out oil from our
transformers, which they use as fuel or sell to unsuspecting motorists,"
said Zesa senior public relations officer Mr Shepherd Mandizvidza.

He said it was unfortunate that when power cuts occur due to vandalism,
customers misconstrue it as inefficiency on the part of Zesa.

Mr Mandizvidza dismissed rumours that Zesa had re-introduced load shedding.

"We do not introduce load shedding haphazardly. We take the necessary steps
to sensitise our customers should need arise to take power rationing
strategies."

Mr Mandizvidza urged members of the public to report anyone they see
tampering with electricity infrastructure.

Zesa has been hit by acts of vandalism in the past with thieves targeting
mainly electrical cables.

In August this year, police recovered stolen electrical cables and other
electrical gadgets worth $20 billion belonging to Zesa in Mbare.
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The Herald

Home seekers lose millions to bogus agents

Herald Reporter
DESPERATE home seekers are losing millions of dollars to bogus accommodation
agents.

A survey by The Herald has shown that hundreds of people have lost
substantial amounts of money to such con artists.

The Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe has warned people against dealing with
agents that are not registered with them.

Prospective home seekers are advised to check whether the agents they are
dealing with are registered to avoid losing their money to bogus people.

The bogus agents use several tactics to hoodwink would-be customers with the
most common being the placing of advertisements in newspapers.

People looking for houses, flats or cottages to rent or buy who respond to
these advertisements are asked to pay registration fees before they can get
a list of addresses for viewing purposes.

To register, one has to part with between $10 000 and $25 000 as
registration fee.

Once the registration fee has been paid, the home seeker gets the addresses
only to find that half the homes on the list given are unsuitable or are not
even on offer.

Some people who have lost money this way said they gave up without getting
any accommodation after realising that the agents never deliver.

"If you complain, they simply give you another list of addresses. You begin
to realise you have been tricked after a long time has lapsed without any
progress.

"Can you imagine how much these agents are making in a day with the way
everyone is looking for accommodation these days?" said Ms Tsitsi Mamvura of
Harare.

The registration fees are non-refundable.

Others said the bogus agents were so daring that they would take people to
view houses that were not on sale.

The prospective buyers would then go ahead with the deal only to find out
later that the owner was not selling their property.

A couple was lucky last week when upon viewing a house in Glen View, they
found the owner at home.

The owner expressed ignorance of the impending sale and demanded to see the
agents who were selling his house.

However, as soon as the agents realised that the owner was at home, they ran
away.

The couple said they had almost lost $45 million in that deal.

However, others are not so lucky and actually go ahead with such deals
without suspecting that anything could be amiss.

A legal expert who spoke on condition of anonymity advised people to engage
lawyers when buying property.

He said lawyers were in a better position to safeguard the interests of the
buyers, as there was a growing crop of bogus estate agents.

"They are mushrooming everywhere, not just here in the capital. In
Chitungwiza at Guzha and Makoni Shopping Centre, there are so many dubious
agents and everyday, people are being tricked.

"I am actually dealing with a case like that right now and advise people to
always consult their lawyers as well as the Real Estate Council so as to
avoid losing hard earned money to tricksters," said the legal expert.

Hundreds of home seekers have fallen victim to bogus and unscrupulous estate
agents and land developers who are out to make a killing from desperate home
seekers.

In Bulawayo, numerous home seekers have lost millions of dollars to land
developers and building material suppliers, some of whom disappear after
receiving cash payments.
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The Herald

Cuban doctors help out in rural areas

From Midlands Bureau
CUBAN doctors are playing an important role in the health delivery system by
working in rural areas shunned by local medical personnel, the Midlands
provincial medical director, Dr Charles Wijarajah said yesterday.

He said expatriates now constituted the majority of doctors at hospitals in
the province as local doctors had left the country for greener pastures.

Midlands has 40 doctors, 25 of them expatriates.

"Our Zimbabwean doctors are reluctant to serve the rural districts. Four of
our six rural districts are served by (Cuban) expatriates," he said, during
a tour of the Gweru provincial hospital by the Cuban Deputy Foreign Affairs
Minister Cde Jose Guerra Mechero.

Dr Wijarajah said the province now had nine specialists, five of them
Cubans, which means there was no longer need to transfer complicated cases
to hospitals in Bulawayo.

Midlands Governor Cde Cephas Msipa said the deployment of the Cuban health
personnel, who comprise five specialists, one dentist, 10 government medical
officers and three other health professionals was not a mean achievement.

"There was really a severe shortage of health professionals, especially
medical practitioners in the districts, but due to the arrival of these
Cuban doctors, our people are now enjoying a lot of medical assistance. Such
assistance can only be rendered by a true friend," he said.

The Governor said the Government was proud of the co-operation between
Zimbabwe and Cuba especially in the medical field as the country had lost a
number of doctors and specialists who left for greener pastures .
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IOL

Mugabe tells irate doctors to go back to work

      November 12 2003 at 01:30PM

Harare - The government in Zimbabwe has ordered police to arrest all
striking state hospital doctors for defying last week's court order to
return to work.

Mariyawanda Nzuwah, head of the the government human resources agency, the
Public Services Commission (PSC), said the doctors face contempt of court
charges for ignoring a labour tribunal order that they should end their
strike because it was illegal.

Quoted by the official ZIANA news agency, Nzuwah said the PSC "has requested
the commissioner of police to bring before the courts of law all those
doctors who have violated the law and the attorney general to prosecute them
forthwith".

Doctors at government run hospitals, whose monthly salaries can barely pay
for basics such as rent, bills and groceries, have been on strike for a
month demanding pay hikes of up to 8 000 percent.

Nzuwah said the doctors' demands were "ridiculous and unacceptable" and that
even President Robert Mugabe did not earn the kind of salary they have asked
for.

A labour tribunal last Thursday ruled that the doctors' strike, then two
weeks old, was illegal, but the doctors vowed not to return to work until
they had a written undertaking from government to deal with their demands.

Nzuwa said the doctors were in breach of labour laws that prohibit workers
in essential services such as the medical field and the uniformed forces
from striking.

He said the doctors had "deliberately and intentionally violated the law and
therefore committed a criminal offence".

He added that the doctors were being contemptuous of parliament which
promulgated the labour laws and President Mugabe who enacted them.

The labour court declared the doctors' strike illegal because, it said, the
doctors did not follow legal procedures of channelling their grievances when
they embarked on the strike.

The court gave the government authority, as the doctors' employer, to take
disciplinary action against any doctor who defied the order.

Military doctors and consultant medical staff brought in from Cuba and the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been attending to serious and
emergency cases at hospitals affected by the strike.

Nurses who went on strike days after the doctors, have since returned to
work after government promised to address their grievances. - Sapa-AFP

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Business Day

Food a political tool in Zimbabwe

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

ONLY one-quarter of the funding needed to feed southern Africa in the coming
year has been received by the World Food Programme . The need for food aid
in Zimbabwe is so great that it alone will absorb twothirds of these funds.
But even if the organisation's southern African programme eventually
receives full funding, hunger in Zimbabwe will persist. Zimbabwe's food
crisis is not simply a consequence of grain shortages. In Zimbabwe, people
are hungry because food is a political weapon.

Human Rights Watch fielded a research mission in Zimbabwe in February to
investigate food distribution by both the government and international
relief agencies. Despite the closed political environment and the pervasive
reluctance of Zimbabweans to speak about food and land issues, Human Rights
Watch found evidence that both the government's subsidised food programme
and international relief efforts were biased by political manipulation.

Perceived political adversaries of the ruling Zanu (PF) or the government
encounter obstacles in gaining access to food. Members of the main
opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), top the list of
perceived enemies. But this category also encompasses teachers, former
commercial farm workers and urban residents groups generally considered to
favour the MDC. In effect, without a Zanu (PF) party card one cannot
register for or receive governmentsubsidised grain.

Local authorities are also able to manipulate the international relief
efforts. In some cases international agencies must rely on local
authorities' information to determine beneficiary status and register aid
recipients.

According to insiders of the international aid regime, political concerns of
donor governments also affect distribution. These sources indicated that
some international donors oppose funding food relief for those resettled on
the former commercial farms, which were redistributed under Zimbabwe's land
reform program. International aid agencies deny that political opposition to
land reform is a factor, explaining that they cannot distribute relief food
in these areas until the government completes an overall needs assessment.
Yet both the former farm workers and the resettled farmers are hungry and
cannot gain access to food.

The government should instruct authorities in charge of beneficiary lists to
abide by nondiscrimination laws. The government should impress upon the
leadership of all political parties that it is prohibited for politicians
and party supporters either to use food to influence or reward constituents
and voters, or to withhold access to food as reprisal for perceived
political opposition. Punitive action should be taken against those who
flout this prohibition.

International relief agencies have made considerable efforts to fight
politicisation of relief food through tight controls on food distribution
and to implement all aspects of relief efforts directly or through local
nongovernmental organisations .

The international aid community and the donor countries that fund its
programmes should not be influenced by any factor other than need. They must
expand operations into the resettled commercial farm areas where some of
Zimbabwe's most vulnerable people are in dire need. Donors that have
withdrawn support for humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe should reconsider
their duty to assist the countless people plagued by hunger.

Takirambudde is executive director of the Africa division of Human Rights
Watch.

Nov 12 2003 08:05:06:000AM Peter Takirambudde Business Day 1st Edition

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Nurses, Striking Docs Meet Parliamentary Committee

The Herald (Harare)

November 12, 2003
Posted to the web November 12, 2003

Harare

Parliament yesterday said it would facilitate dialogue between the
Government and striking health personnel.

The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Health Mr Blessing Chebundo
said this when the committee met nurses, striking junior, middle level and
casualty doctors at Parliament yesterday.

"The Parliamentary Committee on Health will facilitate dialogue between
striking, non-striking health personnel and the Public Service Commission to
avoid further loss of lives at hospitals.

"We are also meeting the Minister of Health and Child Welfare Dr David
Parirenyatwa here at Parliament tomorrow (today) so that the committee gets
the ministry's view on the grievances of health personnel," he said.

Mr Chebundo assured doctors and nurses that they would get feedback from the
committee after making necessary consultations with relevant stakeholders.

At yesterday's meeting, doctors were represented by the Hospital Doctors
Association while the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) represented nurses.

Zina vice provincial chairperson for Harare Mrs Loice Mukudu said the PSC
was still to respond to their proposals for a salary review.

Nurses earn between $138 446 and $222 967 per month and briefly went on
strike last month but returned to work after three days following assurance
from Government that their grievances were being looked into.

"When we met the minister, we agreed that the entry point for a junior nurse
would be $1,6 million and he assured us that a response would be available
on November 7 so we saw no reason to continue with the strike.

"So far we have not received a response from PSC on the decision it has made
on our salaries, which has become a cause for worry," said Mrs Mukudu.

She said nurses also wanted their transport, uniform and standby allowances
reviewed.

"Considering the country's hyperinflation, we urgently require a review of
our allowances including the revival of the night duty and risk allowance as
we sometimes operate without protective clothing," said Mrs Mukudu.

Zina said it was ready to negotiate with Government on improving salaries to
retain nurses in the country.

HDA president Dr Phibion Manyanga also complained of delays by the PSC in
addressing their grievances.

"Doctors are concerned by the lack of feedback from PSC as this will not
only prolong the time that we are away from work but would also result in
more losses of lives," said Dr Manyanga.

Junior and middle level doctors who earn between $4 545 564 and $5 740 884
per year went on strike last month pressing for a monthly salary of $30
million.

Casualty doctors who earn between $263 305 and $807 735 per month also went
on strike demanding a review of their salaries.

The doctors said they also wanted risk and retention allowances as they face
the danger of contracting diseases while on duty.

The PSC has said it is reviewing the salaries and allowances of the entire
civil service.

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