The Zimbabwe Situation

Hours after talking to The Times about the persecution of Anglicans in Zimbabwe and the arrest of one of his priests, the Bishop of Harare was threatened with death, his laptop and mobile phones stolen and his house trashed by robbers.

In a letter to friends this morning, Dr Chad Gandiya described what happened in the aftermath of the release from prison of his priest, the Rev Julius Zimbudzana, without charge.

It is the latest development after years of persecution of legitimate Anglicans by a breakaway church led by Nolbert Kunonga, the excommunicated bishop, who is an ally of Robert Mugabe, Mr Zimudzana was arrested on suspicion of stealing nearly £1 million worth of property.

He was released without charge yesterday after Dr Gandiya told The Times of the arrest and of his hopes that a pending visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, who hopes to meet President Mugabe, would bring respite to the Anglicans.

Dr Gandiya said: “Four robbers [thugs] entered our house and commanded us to lie on the floor face down and demanded money from us.

“My wife had just come in. In all there were five in the house. We gave them all the money we had between us all which came to $600-$800 [£376-£501].

“They threatened to kill us if we did not give them money. They searched my son’s bedroom and ours for money and any valuables they could get. They literally trashed our bedroom.

“They took my laptop and my son’s two laptops and all our cell phones. They shoved us all into the bathroom and tried to lock us in but it did not work. They threatened to load all our property in cars and take it all away. We rejoice and thank God that none of us were hurt. We simply did what they told us to do.

“I am, however, very suspicious of this robbery. It seems what they were after were just the laptops and phones. I am a little challenged in as far as communication is concerned at the moment. Although we are afflicted in every way, we are not crushed and we do not lose hope.”

However, Bishop Julius Makoni, Bishop of Manicaland, a diocese that has come under repeated attack from police answering to Kunonga, told The Times that he was hesitant to point the finger at Mr Kunonga for the attack on Dr Gandiya.

“This is something that could happen to anybody — robberies happen in Zimbabwe every day. That’s not to belittle what’s happened to Chad, but that’s the situation. I don’t think we should try to say that Nolbert Kunonga has done this until we know more.”

Rev Useni Sibanda, of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, told TheTimes that he thought the state could be behind the robbery.

“It looks suspicious. The whole dispute between Bishop Gandiya and Mr Kunonga has involved a lot of violence so you cannot rule out that this same violence would be used against Bishop Gandiya at home. The police must have been frustrated by the release of Re Zimbudzana. They won’t investigate a case like this — they won’t show the same zeal as if it was someone from the Government.”

Precious Shumba, spokesman for the Harare diocese, said: “This raises suspicion that they took laptops as means of communication and no other valuables were taken away. This might suggest that it could be a further act of intimidation.”

Mr Kunonga, backed by a recent Supreme Court judgment which the Anglicans of the Anglican Communion’s Province of Central Africa are appealing, has now taken control of more than 40 per cent of Anglican property in Zimbabwe and is reported to be extending his ambitions to Zambia, Botswana and Malawi. He aims to take control of up to 3,000 Anglican churches, hospitals and schools.

Dr Williams is visiting the Church in Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe next month, and will celebrate 150 years of the foundation of the Malawi diocese at a special service there at the start of the visit.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Harare said: “We thank God that Rev Julius Zimbudzana was this afternoon released from police custody without any charges laid against him. The Attorney-General’s office said the police should investigate their case before making arrests.

“Although we are afflicted in every way, we are not crushed and we do not lose hope,” he added.

Today The Herald, the Zimbabwe Government-backed newspaper, revealed that the latest victims of Mr Kunonga’s eviction campaign are the Rev Muyengwa Murombedzi, the headmaster of Daramombe Mission near Chivu, Denford Javangwe, the head teacher of Daramombe primary school, and senior nursing staff at the Daramombe Mission.

In addition, a 48-hour notice to quit has been served on occupants of an Anglican orphanage in Murerwa.

In a notice of ejectment dated 6 September 2011, the Deputy Sheriff for Murewa, identified as Mzingwina, gave tenants at St Johns Anglican Church Mission in Chikwaka, including administrators at Shearley Cripps Home, an orphanage housing more than 100 orphans and located about 100 kilometers outside Harare, 48 hours to vacate the premises.

In seizing Anglican properties, Kunonga and his followers are relying on the judgment issued last month by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku of the Supreme Court in their favour.

The Anglican Province of Central Africa, one of 38 provinces worldwide under the spiritual leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury, has appealed against the Supreme Court ruling.

Freedom for Anglican priest clears path for Archbishop to meet Mugabe

Reverend Zimbudzana, taken shortly after he was released from prison Patrice Makova

An Anglican priest arrested in Zimbabwe after being accused of stealing church property worth nearly £1 million has been released without charge.

The Rev Julius Zimbudzana, vicar of St Mary’s in northern Harare, was set free hours after The Times disclosed yesterday that the Archbishop of Canterbury planned to go ahead with plans to seek a meeting with President Robert Mugabe during a visit to Africa next month to discuss the plight of persecuted Anglicans.

Dr Chad Gandiya, the Bishop of Harare, who spoke to Mr Zimbudzana on the priest’s release from jail in the Zimbabwean capital, said that the police had been told by prosecutors to do their investigations “properly” in future. “There was no case to answer,” he told The Times. “We are grateful that he has been released and is now with his family.”

Lambeth Palace, the London office of Dr Rowan Williams, also welcomed the release of Mr Zimbudzana. The priest was the latest casualty of a dispute that has traumatised Anglicans in Zimbabwe, a devoutly religious country where the Christian faith plays a central role in the life of more than 80 per cent of the population.

The legitimate Anglican church has been the victim of a coup by a breakaway church set up by a staunch supporter of Mr Mugabe, the former Bishop of Harare, Nolbert Kunonga. He was excommunicated by Dr Rowan Williams after he attempted to remove his diocese from the Anglican Province of Central Africa.

Mr Kunonga claimed that his actions were in protest at liberal mores on homosexuality but has subsequently, with the help of police, seized control of 40 per cent of church property in Zimbabwe, including churches, rectories and church halls, evicting worshippers and priests. Congregations now worship on grass verges, in fields and in borrowed halls while one of their former churches has become a brothel and others have been turned into business premises.

When Dr Williams is welcomed at a special service in Harare on October 9, the Anglicans will not meet in the cathedral, which is now under Mr Kunonga’s control, but in a sports centre.

Dr Williams, whose visit to Zimbabwe will be the first by a prominent public UK figure in a decade, will not seek a meeting with Mr Kunonga but will attempt to see President Mugabe. The Archbishop has been a prominent critic of the Zimbabwean leader. In January, he wrote an open letter urging him to “put an end to these abuses”.

The trip will begin on October 5 in Malawi, with a celebration of 150 years of the Anglican church there. After Zimbabwe, Dr Williams will visit Zambia, returning to Britain on October 13.

“The Archbishop’s visit will be to show solidarity with Anglicans and bishops in Zimbabwe, and with the laity as well,” his spokeswoman told The Times. “Generally when he travels he will meet the head of state.”

Peter Tatchell, the human rights activist who has attempted several citizen’s arrests of Mr Mugabe, told The Times that he was surprised that Dr Williams should seek a meeting with the Zimbabwean President.

“This dictator has always been impervious to appeals to his conscience,” he said. “Unless the Archbishop makes a clear public condemnation of Mugabe’s human rights abuses, this meeting will turn into a propaganda exercise for the regime.”

Mission to Harare

Dr Rowan Williams will travel to Zimbabwe next month to ask President Mugabe to end the persecution of the country’s Anglicans. While the Archbishop of Canterbury’s concern for persecuted Christians is characteristic and inspiring, the novelty of his visit risks handing a propaganda tool to tyranny.

It is an indication that the meeting is ill conceived that Mr Mugabe volubly welcomes it. To mitigate the risks and achieve the humanitarian ends that Dr Williams seeks, Lambeth Palace must take a grip on proceedings. For all his formidable qualities as a Christian leader and scholar, Dr Williams lacks the guile to anticipate and defuse the opportunities for demagoguery that Mr Mugabe will predictably exploit.

No prominent figure in British public life has visited Harare for a decade. Ostracism has not restrained Mr Mugabe. A despot of sufficient brutality will not be dissuaded from repression by sanctions. A strategy of political engagement will not moderate his behaviour either. All that is open to democratic governments is to aid Zimbabwe’s captive and suffering population as best they can, and describe Mr Mugabe for what he is. His rule is defined by state-sponsored torture and murder, corruption, disease, penury, starvation and terror.

Conditions within Zimbabwe have lately taken a turn for the even worse. That is the reason for Dr Williams’s visit. The Anglican Church in Zimbabwe suffered a schism in 2007, when Nolbert Kunonga, the Bishop of Harare and an ally of Mr Mugabe, denounced the ordination of homosexual priests. Though excommunicated, he retains control of the Anglican cathedral in Harare. Mr Mugabe’s regime has in effect expropriated all Anglican properties in the diocese. Congregrations have been evicted from their churches. Priests and parishioners are being subjected to a campaign of violence, intimidation and murder.

Dr Williams appealed to Mr Mugabe in January to “stop these abuses forthwith”. The Archbishop’s motivation in visiting Zimbabwe is laudable: he wants to repeat the plea and help to secure the safety and religious liberty of his flock. But the dismal truth is that Mr Mugabe has ignored the initial appeal, which did not in any case adequately characterise the plight of Anglicans in Zimbabwe. The regime’s attacks are not merely abuses of power: they exemplify Mr Mugabe’s capricious and unyielding thuggery.

The Anglican Communion firmly stood against the racist regime of what was then Rhodesia. Michael Ramsey, the Archbishop of Canterbury, even urged the British Government to deploy troops against its unilateral declaration of independence in 1965. Dr Williams has nothing to be defensive about in his relations with Mr Mugabe.

Yet there are dispiriting precedents for interventions in politics by Dr Williams. He said in 2008 that adoption of some aspects of Sharia in the UK was unavoidable. In the New Statesman in June, he criticised the policies of the Lib-Con coalition in terms that showed scant awareness of political reality or economic constraints.

Statements as naive as these within British politics do little damage. In dealings with a tyrant who threatens and casually dispenses with human lives, the stakes are higher. The British Government does not do deals with Mr Mugabe. Dr Williams is right to tend to the needs of his flock, but he should likewise not be meeting Mr Mugabe.

Police gagged over Mujuru

http://www.financialgazette.co.zw/

Friday, 02 September 2011 14:36

Levi Mukarati, Senior Political Reporter

POLICE this week imposed a moratorium on press updates on investigations
into the death of retired army general Solomon Mujuru, whose demise in an
inferno at his farmhouse in Beatrice triggered speculation of foul play.
Police spokesperson, Wayne Bvudzijena, said the police would no longer issue
public comments on their probe of circumstances surrounding the death of
Mujuru, saying they were now focused on preparing a report from the
investigations.
"For now, we are not discussing anything that has come up," Bvudzijena told
The Financial Gazette.
"Our teams have decided not to talk about these investigations until we have
compiled our report. I can't say when (the report) will be out," he added.
It was not immediately clear if the police had made any headway in their
investigations, whose outcome is eagerly awaited by both the public and the
Mujuru family.
The late retired army general's wife, Vice President Joice Mujuru, demanded
soon after her husband's burial that a thorough investigation into the
circumstances leading to the mysterious death of the country's first black
army commander should be made, paying particular attention to the time
between his arrival at their Beatrice farm in the evening of the fateful day
and the morning people at the farm were alerted of the fire that killed him.
Vice President Mujuru had questioned how her husband, a well-trained
soldier, failed to escape the inferno that gutted the farmhouse whose
bedroom had three exit points and low lying windows without buglar bars.
"We are waiting to hear from those who are conducting investigations. They
have invited all the experts that they could round up to investigate what
could have happened," Vice President Mujuru said last week.
"The problem is that we just hear it's a fire. But what happened from 8:30pm
when the fire was seen? That is where the story is. I was called around 2:13
in the morning that the house was on fire and that the roof had collapsed."
"We can't just start when the roof collapsed or something because when I got
there the fire was still on."
She explained: "The set up that we had is that (on) the western part of the
bedroom, there are two large windows from my side and from his side, but if
you want to go out for an emergency, you don't have to jump out but you just
lift your leg and you are out."
Vice President Mujuru said the windows were in such a low position that even
her little grandchildren would at times use them to enter or exit the
bedroom.
The late retired army commander, who was interred at the national shrine two
weeks ago, was burnt beyond recognition inside the farmhouse in Beatrice,
about 60 kilometres outside the capital.
The incident has led to various conspiracy theories with some quarters
suspecting the death could have been politically or commercially linked.
The late Mujuru was the power behind his wife and the main pillar for a
leading faction in ZANU-PF that was pitted against that of Defense Minister
Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The camps are fighting to influence President Robert Mugabe's succession in
the party.
It is the conspiracy theories around Mujuru's death that have created
pressure on the police to unravel the mystery around his death and make its
findings public.
It has been suggested by conspiracy peddlers that the retired army general
would have been eliminated by his rivals or burglars who could have broken
into his farmhouse or that he was dumped in his house before it was set on
fire in order to destroy evidence.
Preliminary investigations showed that the fire was ignited by a candle that
was left burning following a power outage that was reported the previous
night between 1700hrs and 2055, despite the fact that the house was equipped
with a stand-by generator.
Mujuru's body was discovered far from the bedroom and it took about three
hours for the police and fire brigade, whose fire tenders were empty, to
arrive at the scene at about 03:00am.
The death of the retired commander could cause divisions in ZANU-PF with
reports that some heavyweights linked to his camp wanted a thorough
investigation whose findings should be made public.

EU deliberates on Zim ultimatum

http://www.financialgazette.co.zw

Friday, 09 September 2011 13:47

Njabulo Ncube, Assistant Editor

THE European Union (EU) said ye-sterday it was assessing a letter from
Zimbabwe's Attorney General (AG) demanding "a statement of reasons" for
slamming President Robert Mugabe and members of his inner circle with
targeted sanctions.
AG Johannes Tomana last week wrote to the President of the Council of the
EU, Van Rompuy, asking for a "statement of reasons" for applying restrictive
measures on natural and legal persons and entities. He gave the EU 14 days
to respond to his letter.
The EU imposed the so-called targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2001, citing
alleged human rights abuses and a flawed electoral process by President
Mugabe and his then ruling ZANU-PF party.
The measures have been reviewed every year since then although some of the
people on the sanctions list were de-listed following the formation of an
inclusive government in 2009.
The EU has also periodically removed dead people from its list as well as
spouses of ZANU-PF officials and other senior government executives.
Ambassador Aldo Dell'Aric-cia, the head of the EU Delegation in Zimbabwe,
exclusively told The Financial Gazette that Tomana's letter had been
forwarded to Brussels.
"The EU competent services are assessing it. For the time being, there is no
position taken on its content," said Dell'Ariccia.
He stated that the reasons for applying restrictive measures on persons and
entities in Zimbabwe were laid down in the annex to the EU Council Decision
2011/101/C-FSP of February 15 2011, which reports the names of the natural
and legal persons and the entities submitted to the measures; the
identifying information; and the grounds for designation.
The last Council decision was published in the Official Journal of the
European Union of 16.02.2011 (L 42 9-23) together with a notice informing
the persons and entities concerned of their rights. He added that the EU
notice allowed persons, entities and bodies concerned by the measures, to
submit a request to the Council, together with supporting documentation,
that the decision to include them on the lists annexed to the Council
Decision be reconsidered.
President Mugabe and ZANU-PF blame the sanctions on the country's myriad
political and economic woes. The issue of sanctions is one of the
contentious issues in the government of national unity.
President Mugabe has publicly stated that he would not appoint provincial
governors from the two MDC formations as per an agreed formula in the
power-sharing pact unless the EU and its allies in the West, including the
United States of America, unconditionally remo-ved the travel and financial
sanctions.
But the two formations of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), who
ZANU-PF accuses of masterminding the sanctions, have been adamant that they
have no power to cause removal of the sanctions.
In his 14-day ultimatum to the EU, Tomana warned that failure to respond
within the time frame would compel him to sue the EU at the General Court of
the European Court.
ZANU-PF maintains that the EU imposed the sanctions in opposition to
President Mugabe's controversial land reforms.

Harare Tense Ahead of Anniversary Rally Organised by Prime Minister's Party

http://www.voanews.com/

09 September 2011

The party said it has enaged security personnel, and police say they are
going on high alert. Analysts say relations between the police and the
public have deteriorated with many turning to the Joint Monitoring and
Implementation Committee to report political violence, by-passing the
national police

Blessing Zulu | Washington

Tensions were reportedly high in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, Friday on
the eve of a rally by the Movement for Democratic Change formation led by
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to mark its 12th anniversary.

Police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena charged that the Tsvangirai MDC had
hired “thugs” as security personnel following statements by party leaders
raising concern about possible disruptions and violence by mlitants of
President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF.

Analysts say relations between the police and the public have deteriorated
with many turning to the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee to
report political violence, by-passing the national police.

The Implementation Committe for its part has called on the police to crack
down on violence.

JOMIC co-chair and ZANU-PF representative Oppah Muchinguri told the state
controlled but ZANU-PF leaning Herald newspaper that the committe will work
hard to ensure violence in Harare does not continue.

ZANU-PF supporters are being accused of causing violence at Tuesday’s
re-opening of Parliament and attacks in Highfield and Chitungwiza on
Wednesday, sparking fears of more clashes.

Tsvangirai MDC organizing secretary Nelson Chamisa said police spokesperson
Bvudzijena’s remarks were ill-informed.

Political analyst Pedzisayi Ruhanya urged police to handle political
violence professionally.

Youth Minister and ZANU-PF Secretary for Youth Saviour Kasukuwere dismissed
the charges by the MDC that militants of his party are planning to disrupt
the rally and sow chaos in Harare.

Zimbabwe Sets November Deadline For Zimplats to Revise Equity Quotas for Blacks

http://www.voanews.com/

09 September 2011

The state-controlled Herald newspaper said the corporation’s Zimbabwe
operating unit, Zimbabwe Platinum Holdings, will be appraised by independent
firms before the company submits a new indigenization plan within two
months.

Gibbs Dube | Washington

The government has given Impala Platinum Holdings of South Africa until
November to draft acceptable indigenization plans after extended
negotiations.

The government has threatened to revoke its licence if it does not transfer
a controlling equity stake to blacks.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper said the corporation’s Zimbabwe
operating unit, Zimbabwe Platinum Holdings (Zimplats), will be appraised by
independent firms before the company submits a new indigenization plan
within two months.

Quoting government sources, the paper said Zimplats asked for more time to
prepare the plan. Zimplats offered to transfer a 25 percent stake to
indigenous investors with another 26 percent equivalent made up in community
programs.

Indigenization Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Zimplats spokeswoman Busi
Chindove were not available for comment.

Economist Tony Hawkins said the face-off between Harare and mining companies
is driving away much-needed investment. “This program is causing a lot of
problems for the country which stands to lose a lot in terms of investment
opportunities,” said Hawkins.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that while Zimbabwe’s
loan arrears have slightly decreased, it is feared further payments may be
derailed by serious policy setbacks including the country’s aggressive
indigenization program.

An IMF statement said cooperation on payments remains poor – but it notes
improvements in 2010 before policy shifts this year cast significant
uncertainty over the economic outlook.

The lender of last resort notes major gains in improving Reserve Bank
governance and tackling structural impediments to growth. But gains like
these could be reversed by government moves to take control of the critical
mines sector.

The IMF said Zimbabwe made payments on arrears in 2010 totaling US$4.1
million, following which Harare made a commitment to pay US$100,000 each
quarter to the institution.

“These payments exceeded Zimbabwe’s new obligations falling due for the
period and the authorities’ commitment to quarterly payments to the fund,”
said the IMF, adding that the country “has made no payment to the fund so
far in 2011.”

It further said renewed efforts to strengthen policies and favorable
external shocks had contributed to the improvements in macroeconomic
performance.

Economist Eric Bloch commends Harare for such payments – but warns that they
could come to a halt very soon due to political uncertainty.

Panic over Mugabe backlash

http://www.financialgazette.co.zw

Friday, 09 September 2011 14:21

Clemence Manyukwe, Political Editor

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe appeared isolated and in a tricky dilemma this week
after most of his trusted lieutenants were exposed following revelations by
a whistleblower website that they were hobnobbing with his Western opponents
and wanted him to exit the political stage.
The diplomatic cables being published by WikiLeaks in dribs and drabs
suggest that some of those around the veteran nationalist no longer want him
to remain at the helm of the party he has led since 1977, but are afraid of
asking him to retire him from both ZANU-PF and government.
The cables named Vice-President, Joice Mujuru, her late husband, Retired
General Solomon Mujuru; Youth Development and Indigenisation Minister,
Saviour Kasukuwere; Tourism Minister, Walter Mzembi; former information
minister, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu; ZANU-PF Women's League boss, Olivia Muchena;
former legislator, David Butau; and senior party member Tirivanhu Mudariki,
among other named and unnamed heavyweights within the party, as having held
secret meetings with American diplomats stationed in Harare.
Ironically, Ndlovu told the State media in December last year that those
named in WikiLeaks disclosures had committed treason. Treason can be
punishable by death in Zimbabwe.
Ndlovu's comments were made barely six years after four ZANU-PF officials,
including the party's former external affairs director, Itai Marchi, were
arraigned before the courts charged with selling official State secrets to
foreign agents.
Even army generals have also been caught up in the latest political storm,
which suggests that ZANU-PF and its main rival, the Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC-T), now leak like sieves.
Some of the meetings by ZANU-PF officials appear to have been driven mainly
by the desire to succeed the incumbent as well as attempts to wriggle out of
the sanctions dragnet imposed by European Union member states and the US.
For example, one cable said the late Retired General Mujuru said he "and
others felt like they were in a cage looking out, while the West was looking
at them through a window. The sanctions also hurt financially; Mujuru said
he had a relative that had over US$7 million frozen in the US. With the
removal of sanctions, Mujuru said, anything could be discussed".
The late retired general is also said to have predicted in March 2008 that
MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, would outpoll President Mugabe in that
year's election.
Indeed, President Mugabe went on to lose the first round of the election in
March 2008 before winning the Presidential election run-off after the
premier failed to garner sufficient votes required to be declared the
winner.
President Mugabe's victory was roundly condemned as a sham after the MDC-T
leader pulled out of the race citing systematic violence against his
supporters.
The late general is also said to have held a meeting with then US
ambassador, James McGee, in April 2008 where exit plans for President Mugabe
were discussed.
The late commander allegedly said President Mugabe, for his ego, would not
step down.
One cable dated December 16 2009, said Vice-President Mujuru even
circumvented Ministry of Foreign Affairs protocol in order to meet with US
diplomats.
The cables alleged that the Vice-President insisted that the ZANU-PF old
guard was giving way to "young blood".
"Mujuru, who is acting president while (President) Mugabe is in Copenhagen
for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, wanted to ensure that the
meeting with the US ambassador was private and undisclosed.
". . . the Vice-President had managed to shed all of her (presumably Central
Intelligence Organisation-infiltrated) security," reads part of the cables.
Another cable says that Vice-President Mujuru had said the land reform
process had been haphazard and added that she supported a land audit.
The cables also show that in July 2009, Mzembi held a meeting with McGee
where he divulged details of his briefing to President Mugabe following the
minister's trip to the US that year.
Mzembi is said to have also revealed that President Mugabe had asked him to
address the party's supreme decision-making body, the Politburo, on the need
for political reform.
Most of the ZANU-PF and MDC-T officials named in the cables have denied ever
meeting the US diplomats that implicated them in the leaks.
The international whistleblower exposes the double dealings and double-speak
among ZANU-PF bigwigs from across the party's main factions in their
succession battles.
While agreeing with their leader in public, the officials have been unmasked
for opposing President Mugabe's political direction in their discussions
with American diplomats.
The latest cables also reveal the backbiting in ZANU-PF, the extent of army
loyalty to the ZANU-PF leader and attempts by the US to probe President
Mugabe's wealth, with one international company being named for that job.
ZANU-PF insiders said President Mugabe was caught between two delicate
options: To accept the WikiLeaks revelations as gospel truth or to dismiss
the cables outrightly.
On one hand, accepting the cables as truthful would mean that he follows
that up with action, which might cause havoc within the party. On the other
hand, dismissing the cables would be akin to accepting to sleep with the
enemy at a time when ZANU-PF has just dismissed Tracy Mutinhiri, the
legislator for Marondera East, for being too close to Prime Minister
Tsvangirai's MDC-T faction, which ZANU-PF labels a stooge of the US.
Speculation has therefore been rife that the incumbent might be forced to
strike against his lieutenants now or at the appropriate time.
President Mugabe has, to all intents and purposes, not forgiven Washington
after it sided with Britain by imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe in what
ZANU-PF maintains was a bilateral matter between Harare and Number 10
Downing Street over land.
In an interview with the State broadcaster in 2004 ahead of his 80th
birthday, President Mugabe described engaging Western countries as supping
with the devil saying: "The devil is the devil . . . we have no idea of
supping with the devil."
Indications are therefore that President Mugabe views the backstabbing by
those he wines and dines with as a big letdown.
The Financial Gazette can reveal that a cache of the latest US classified
cables have been sent to a panel appointed by Attorney-General (AG),
Johannes Tomana, earlier this year to determine whether or not treasonous
acts have been committed by locals through their meetings with the American
envoys.
In its interim report, Tomana's WikiLeaks panel recommended that it would be
impossible to successfully prosecute cases based on the files. It left the
window open for further action by saying the AG can direct the police to dig
deeper into some cases for proof if he so wishes.
So far, the AG has directed the police to investigate claims that Energy
Minister, Elton Mangoma, had hatched a plan to bribe service chiefs as part
of the MDC-T's moves to claim power.
ZANU-PF sources, however, said President Mugabe was the biggest beneficiary
of the leaks as they afforded him the opportunity to read the mood in the
party and gauge loyalty for possible realignments.
"WikiLeaks has done for President Mugabe what the entire government
machinery has failed to do: Providing accurate information about the mood of
his lieutenants," said the source.
"He is the biggest beneficiary of the leaks. He can avoid the Muammar
Gaddafi scenario where the latter suddenly saw half of his cabinet defecting
when the ship started to sink. If it had not been for the leaks, the
President would have been carrying on with business as usual. Those affected
are staring into the wilderness."
Bekithemba Mpofu, a United Kingdom-based analyst, said the leaks exposed the
duplicity in ZANU-PF.
Mpofu said the leaks would strengthen President Mugabe's resolve to stay in
power, adding that the Mujuru camp has been badly bruised by the WikiLeaks
cables.
Another analyst, Innocent Chofamba-Sithole, said the WikiLeaks cables could
raise uncomfortable conversations within ZANU-PF, although it's possible
that a great deal of the revelations might not come as news to the party.
He added that he does not see any arrests being made.
"Given that those who briefed the Americans aren't confined to one faction
of the party, it may not be in any of the factions' interests to push for
retribution against those who have been exposed by the leaks. If anything,
the revelations may strengthen President Mugabe's hand in the party against
those who may still desire his exit before the next elections.
"I don't see any arrests being made, and with this latest revelations Tomana
will be forced to eat his threats from the last round of leaks,"
Chofamba-Sithole said.
ZANU-PF activist, Gabriel Chaibva, said there are parallels between
conversations made by members of his party and those by MDC-T officials.
"Conversations about the MDC-T are about puppetry and those by ZANU-PF show
expected societal interactions by organisations in Zimbabwe," Chaibva said.
Asked to explain further Chaibva said the MDC-T had asked for funding,
whereas no one in their party had done so.

Makoni party funded by UK: WikiLeaks

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

09/09/2011 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

SIMBA Makoni’s 2008 presidential bid was in part funded by the UK
government, leaked United States diplomatic cables reveal.

The former Finance Minister quit Zanu PF to run as an independent, the
result of growing disenchantment within the party over President Robert
Mugabe’s reluctance to give up power.

Makoni ran against Mugabe and the MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, finishing
third in the first round vote with 8,3 percent behind Mugabe (43,2 percent)
and Tsvangirai (47.9 percent).

Former United States ambassador James McGee, in a March 13, 2008, diplomatic
cable leaked by whistleblower website, WikiLeaks, admitted his country had
also offered Makoni financial support.

“The negative impression of the U.S. as a supporter of regime change had
made it difficult for Makoni to accept Western support without becoming
tainted.
“Therefore, Makoni did not want our financial support,” McGee said.

But McGee found this position slightly inconsistent, adding: “British
ambassador to Zimbabwe Andrew Pocock told the Ambassador on March 12 that
the UK has provided financial assistance to the Makoni campaign.
“We have also received reports that South African businessmen are supporting
Makoni.”

The Political Parties (Finance) Act prohibits political parties and
candidates for public office from receiving funds from foreign donors,
whether channelled directly or indirectly, and Poccok’s claims would seem to
suggest Makoni broke the law.

While the law exists, few are under the illusion that any of Zimbabwe’s
political parties are supported only by internal donors.

In a February 2010 cable, current US ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray said
MDC-T treasurer Roy Bennett had admitted that his party was bankrolled by
the United States and some unnamed European countries.

Ray said in the memo: “According to Bennett, Western aid (primarily EU and
U.S.) has had a strong focus on the MDC as a party. While this has been
appreciated, it has not done enough to build the party's capacity to provide
government services or manage the bureaucracy.”

Bill Watch 36/2011 of 9th September [Opening of Fourth Session of Parliament]

BILL WATCH 36/2011

[9th September 2011]

The President opened the Fourth Session of Parliament on Tuesday 6th September

Both Houses adjourned until 20th September

Opening of New Session

At midday on 6th September the President opened the Fourth Session of the Seventh Parliament of Zimbabwe at a gathering of legislators and invited guests in the chamber of the House of Assembly. As is customary, both Houses adjourned after the opening for two weeks to allow MPs to study the President’s speech and prepare for the debate on the traditional motion of thanks to the President for his speech. [Note: in the normal life of a Parliament there are five Sessions. If there are no early elections this Session will end about this time next year and the Fifth Session will run into 2013. According to the Constitution, under the harmonised election system the 5-year life of this Parliament started on the date the President was sworn in, 29th June 2008. If there are no early elections before 29th June 2013 Parliament must be dissolved on that date. The maximum gap after Parliament is dissolved before the next elections is four months, so harmonised elections must take place before 29th October.2013.]

Violence outside Parliament during Ceremonies Undermines President’s Call for Reconciliation

There was violent, rowdy behaviour outside Parliament while the crowd waited for the President’s arrival and during the ensuing ceremonies. Youths chanted ZANU-PF campaign songs with anti-Tsvangirai content and assaulted a police officer, a journalist and bystanders. Inside Parliament the President’s speech to legislators and assembled dignitaries included an exhortation to MPs to preach the message of national healing and reconciliation and a call to say NO to violence in all its manifestations [see below].

The President’s Speech

In his 35-minute speech President Mugabe covered various topics, including the Bills the Government intends to present during the Session and other Bills being prepared. [Electronic version of full text of speech available.] Selected extracts and highlights are:

GPA, Elections Roadmap, Constitution-making Process and Next Elections

“Significant progress has continued to be made in respect of issues germane to the Global Political Agreement. The Parties to the GPA have now agreed on key milestones and timelines in preparation for the holding of national elections......The Constitution-making process, which should see us emerge with a people-driven Constitution, is now heading for the Drafting Stage. As part of preparations for the elections to be held thereafter, the Referendum Bill, together with the amendments to the Electoral Act agreed to by the negotiating teams from the three political parties in the Global Political Agreement and adopted by Cabinet, will be tabled before this Parliament.”

National Healing

“As we forge ahead, let us continue to exert our energy in fostering unity, peace, development and equality of opportunity for all our people. Rather than amplify our differences, let us find strength in diversity, guided by the firm conviction that we are the sole guardians of our independence and sovereignty. I, therefore, wish to urge you as Members of Parliament and leaders in your own right, to preach the message of national healing and reconciliation amongst our people. Let us, therefore, in unison, say NO! to violence in all its manifestations.”

Indigenisation

“Government looks forward to full cooperation by all relevant corporate stakeholders in order to achieve win-win outcomes. I wish to assure investors that their investments in the country remain safe and to urge them to maintain compliance with the country's laws.”

Land Reform

Land Audit “The draft implementation framework and terms of reference for the National Land Audit Commission already crafted will be subjected to further refinement and necessary approval processes, following which the Audit shall commence.”

Collateral Value for 99-year leases and resettlement permits “99-year leases are being reviewed with a view to according them collateral value. This should enable A2 farmers to secure funding for their operations using the lease document. A similar process is also underway with regard to the A1 land resettlement permit.”

Juvenile Criminal Offenders & Prisons “Government is mobilising resources for a pilot project under which juvenile offenders for non-serious offences can be diverted from the criminal justice system and dealt with less formally. Serious consideration is being given to the possibility of introducing an open prison system for all local female offenders.”

Bills to be presented this Session

· Referendums Bill

· Electoral Amendment Bill

· Zimbabwe Investment Authority Amendment Bill to give legal effect to the One-Stop-Shop Investment Centre

· Income Tax Amendment Bill

· Micro-finance Bill

· Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Debt Restructuring Bill

· A Bill to coordinate the activities of registered organisations promoting the rights of women

· Public Health Act Amendment Bill

· Food Control Bill, to establish a Food Control Authority to ensure that food products are safe for human consumption

· Land Developers Bill, to streamline the roles of players in the construction sector

· Older Persons Bill

· Civil Aviation Authority Bill, to split the CAAZ into a Regulator and an Operator

· Railways Bill, to restructure the railways sector to establish a Railways Regulatory Authority, create an Infrastructure Company for the railways and a Railways Operation Company.

· State Enterprises Restructuring Agency Bill

Noteworthy omissions

Bills to enhance freedom of expression and freedom of association and assembly, e.g. to amend/repeal the Access to Information and Privacy Act, the Public Order and Security Act, the Criminal Law Code and the Broadcasting Services Act, were not listed.

Neither was there a mention of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, which has featured on the Government’s lists of Bills in previous sessions but has never been gazetted.

Government will be Working on

· Diamond Mining Policy and a Diamond Bill, to provide the necessary framework for the efficient and effective operation of this promising sub-sector.

· Securities Amendment Bill – the Securities Act is to be reviewed to strengthen the regulatory framework for the financial sector

· Border Posts Infrastructure – Government is also working on legislation to create an authority that will provide and maintain physical infrastructure at all Zimbabwe’s border posts.

International Conventions to be Presented for Parliamentary approval

· Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

· (AU) Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa

· Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children. [The President said Government wishes to domesticate this protocol, i.e., incorporate it into Zimbabwean law by Act of Parliament.]

· Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area Treaty

· Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area Treaty

· Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area Treaty

· Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses

· Statutes of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Portfolio Committees and Thematic Committees for the New Session

After the opening ceremony both Houses met separately for a few minutes. In the House of Assembly the Speaker announced that the Portfolio Committees of the last Session would be retained until new appointments are made by the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. In the Senate, the President of the Senate made a similar announcement about the Senate’s Thematic Committees. In fact, it has become customary to maintain committee membership from one session to the next during the life of a Parliament, with occasional modifications to allow for changes in MPs’ commitments and in the membership of the House.

Next week committees will hold their inaugural meetings to draw up their work-plans for the Session. None of these meetings will be open to the public.

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

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