TEXT only 26 August 2013

• Why does the West detest Mugabe but dine with Museveni?
• Known in Zimbabwe as “Dis Grace” – who is she? – Wikipedia
• Zim government withdraws Tsvangirai’s security
• Last man standing…ZANU (PF) leader… mugabe
• Dis-Grace’s unique fashion sense
• Zulu speaks out on elections roadmap
• Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 24th August 2013
• Do Zimbabweans Love Their Country?
• Zim to head African tourism commission
• Confusion continues at UNTWO
• Zanu (PF) a military entity – Mugabe
• Kumbirai Kangai Died After Leaking ZANU-PF Top Secrets
• Zanu PF factions fight over cabinet posts
• Mugabe to Die in Office
• Nation to Grapple With Power Cuts for the Next Five Years
• Deaths dampen Zanu PF
• Mugabe threatens ‘tit for tat’ retaliation against West
• Some leading options for Zimbabwe’s new cabinet

Why does the West detest Mugabe but dine with Museveni? by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via The Observer – Why does the West detest Mugabe but dine with Museveni?  BY PATIENCE AKUMU   Much of the world looked on with dismay as Zimbabwe held another disputed presidential election this month, handing 89-year-old Robert Mugabe a seventh term in office. Newspapers sent their correspondents to report allegations of ballot fraud and intimidation. Television reports around the world featured the angry face of Morgan Tsvangirai, Mugabe’s main opponent, as he denounced the election as a farce. In Uganda, liberals and politicians rolled their eyes and sighed wearily. Uganda has its own Mugabe figure, but no one seems to care. For the last decade, Ugandan activists have been trying to draw attention to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s brutal excesses, but the world won’t listen. In May, Museveni shut down independent media in Uganda, after they published a controversial memo written by Gen David Sejusa. The general has since fled to the UK, fearing to be “arrested like a cockroach”. Now, a law has been passed, in effect, giving police powers to proscribe open public debate. Under the Public Order Management Bill, more than two people are not allowed to meet in a public place to talk politics – unless they have secured police permission.  But the truth is that public debate was stifled long before the act. Parliament is also considering a law that will give the government power to shut down critical media. So where is the international outrage when it comes to Uganda? In 2009, the world successfully put pressure on Uganda to drop the Anti-homosexuality Bill that proposed the death penalty for certain homosexual acts. Why, as the voices of protest and democracy are silenced, do the leaders of the western world continue to wine and dine with Museveni? Why do they continue to hand over generous donations to Museveni’s government that the people never see, turning a blind eye to issues of human rights and democracy? Britain’s Department for International Development budget for Uganda is £60m (Shs 222 billion). Most of this money is supposedly intended for projects concerning democracy, health and human rights. Even with all that is happening in Uganda, the country is still masquerading as an African democracy. Of course it is not all bad. Millions of Ugandans still live on less than a dollar a day; Uganda has halved poverty that was at 56 per cent in the early 1990s. The country’s economy is said to be growing and literacy rates stand at 73 per cent with more people attaining secondary school education. But look at this tale of rigged elections, opponents in exile, mysterious disappearances and killings, torture, clampdown on the media – it is the Mugabe script but with a different cast. Inexorably consolidating his power, Museveni has built himself a mansion and stocked up on military jets. There is no sign he will step aside and he has promised he will be the one to usher the country into becoming a “middle income” state. This is a feat he has been having a go at for the last 27 years. The reality is that Ugandans have been beaten into docility by hunger, disease, poverty and sheer need. The unprecedented rise in the cost of living and the deplorable state of hospitals have put the people in the exact position that Museveni and his cronies want them to be – a place where many are too worried about their next meal to care about abstract political ideas and rights. Ugandans cannot help but question the integrity of countries that continue to accommodate one dictator, while condemning the other. Tyrants who have squeezed life out of the country now coo about the new African revolution. And the world nods, cheers and promises Africa that things will improve. They will not. Not until the root of all this evil is totally uprooted. Diplomacy may be the game, but what if it comes at too high a cost – more deaths, more disease and an eventual economic collapse? The argument often goes that Zimbabwe is an extreme case and Uganda still manages to function from day to day. Critics say this is nothing more than “western hypocrisy,” a necessary evasion of responsibility because Museveni is still the West’s “yes boy,” in various international bodies. The message is loud and clear to all dictators: you can arrest the opposition every other day, pass draconian laws and let your country wallow in poverty, as long as your troops are available for us when we need to go on a peace keeping mission in, say, Somalia. As long as you vote on our side when we sit on the [UN] Human Rights Council and sign as many human rights treaties as is required. Democracy? No, you do not have to be democratic. It is enough for you to appear democratic. Patience Akumu, a journalist with The Observer, won the 2013 David Astor journalism awards. A longer version of this article was published by the UK’s Sunday Observer.

Known in Zimbabwe as “Dis Grace” – who is she? by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via Grace Mugabe – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Grace Mugabe (née Marufu), (born 23 July 1965),[1] is the second wife of Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and the First Lady of Zimbabwe from her marriage to the leader in 1996.[2] Grace was previously married to Stanley Goreraza, an air force pilot, and now working in the Zimbabwe embassy in China.[3][4] As secretary to the president, she became his mistress while still married to Goreraza and together they had two children, Bona, named for Mugabe’s mother, and Robert Peter, Jr.[5] The couple were married in an extravagant Catholic Mass, titled the “Wedding of the Century” by the Zimbabwe press, after the death of Mr. Mugabe’s first wife, Sally Hayfron.[5][6] In 1997, Grace Mugabe gave birth to the couple’s third child, Chatunga.[7] Grace is popularly known in Zimbabwe as “Dis Grace”, a reference to her extravagant life-style while maintaining political responsibilities as first lady.[8]

Zim government withdraws Tsvangirai’s security by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via Govt withdraws Tsvangirai’s security — Nehanda Radio  By Xolisani Ncube Former Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai has been stripped of his police security privileges. Luke Tamborinyoka, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson yesterday said police who were assigned to the former PM were withdrawn yesterday. “To us it means nothing because he never expected anything good from Zanu PF especially that the inclusive government is gone,” he said. “The president (MDC leader) is not concerned about police officers not being there at his house. He has God on his side and his protection will never be compromised through and through,” Tamborinyoka said. Tsvangirai, who sat with Mugabe at State House mapping the country’s future as one of the executives for the past four years, was given a state convoy which was operated by security operatives, while his residence had round-the-clock armed police officers. Tsvangirai joined the inclusive government in 2009 following a disputed poll which saw Mugabe being trounced by the former trade unionist in a March 2008 election, before violence was unleashed on MDC supporters in the run-up to a June presidential run-off. The uneasy coalition government supervised by Mugabe, saw the production of a new constitution, which led to polls on July 31. Mugabe won the presidential vote by 61 percent amid allegations of vote fraud and massive irregularities. He was on Thursday sworn-in at the National Sports Stadium — a function attended by at least six serving presidents from Africa out of the 40 invited. Although it was not clear as to what was agreed as Tsvangirai’s exit package, the Daily News understands that he will most likely retain his official Mercedes Benz while hardliners in the ruling party are pushing for his ouster from the Highlands state house. The MDC leader moved into the official residence in Highlands purchased by government after Mugabe had denied him access to Zimbabwe House. Mugabe used the house when he was Prime Minister but has now moved to his mansion in the expensive Borrowdale Brooke. The Highlands house was purchased through a loan facility from treasury and according to information available, “Tsvangirai offered to buy the residence but negotiations on the pricing are still to be finalised. Even though talks regarding the disposal of the house are still underway, hardliners in Zanu PF want the former premier out of the house with immediate effect. Daily News

Deaths dampen Zanu PF by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via Deaths dampen Zanu PF – DailyNews Live by XOLISANI NCUBE AND CHENGETAI ZVAUYA Fresh from his inauguration, President Robert Mugabe has been shattered by the death of three veteran freedom fighters in a week following the death yesterday of Zanu PF politburo member Kumbirai Kangai. Kangai, 75, a former Cabinet minister, died at his Glen Forest home yesterday morning. Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo confirmed the death and said he collapsed at his home and was rushed to a Harare clinic where efforts to resuscitate him failed. Kangai’s death came a few days after the death of Mike Karakadzai — a freedom fighter and head of National Railways of Zimbabwe — in a car crash on Tuesday morning on his way to Bulawayo. The following day Enos Nkala — a founding member of Zanu PF, died at a private clinic in Harare. A day after declaring Karakadzai and Nkala national heroes, Mugabe was shattered yesterday by news of the death of Kangai, the first minister of Labour at independence in 1980. Mugabe was sworn in on Thursday at a colourful ceremony attended by six serving heads of state and retired presidents from African countries. The Zanu PF leader was expected to immediately tackle economic recovery through the setting up of a fresh Cabinet and swearing in of newly-elected legislators. The swearing in of lawmakers was set for Tuesday, but due to the death of Zanu PF members and other national programmes, it has been moved to next week. Gumbo, told the Daily News on Sunday yesterday that it was a trying time for the ruling party which was still celebrating their July 31 electoral victory. “It is difficult to accept but ndizvo zvaitika, rufu rwauya kune macomrades edu kuda kwaMwari, hapana zvatinogona kuita.” Gumbo said. “However, this is not going to affect us as we have to continue with the work these late comrades did,” he said adding that “Don’t read much into their deaths and think that this is the end of Zanu PF. “We still have members who are still alive to continue with our liberation legacy”. Kangai also served as Zanu PF secretary for external affairs. The Zanu PF heavyweight was a member of Parliament for Buhera South from 1980 to 2008 when Naison Nemadziwa of the MDC took over. He once served as minister of Lands and Agriculture, before being accused of defrauding the state grain reserve, Grain Marketing Board of ZW$228 million during the importation of 460 000 tonnes of maize in 1999. He was however, acquitted of the charges. Before his death, Kangai was due to take oath as a Senator for Manicaland Province after winning the recent harmonised polls. Nkala at independence in 1980 became the minister of Finance until 1983 before being moved to the ministry of National Supplies. In 1985, he became minister of Home Affairs, and then moved over to Defence after the 1985 elections. He resigned from government in 1989 at the height of the Willowgate scandal — which involved the acquisition of several vehicles from Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries by senior government officials who would resell for huge profits. Last year, Nkala said he was bitter about the way he was forced to leave politics in 1989, insisting that he chose to resign rather than appear before the Wilson Sandura Commission over the Willowgate Scandal insisting he did not commit any offence.

Last man standing…ZANU (PF) leader… mugabe by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via Mugabe, last man standing – DailyNews Live  by FUNGI KWARAMBA Mugabe’s inauguration was graced by only six heads of States and also six former presidents, who have since passed the baton to a generation of younger leaders — yet Zimbabwe’s strongman plods on. Mugabe, at 89 becomes Africa’s oldest president and the second oldest in the world. However, when he swore to serve the country for yet another five years on Thursday, among the onlookers were his peers who have since passed the reins to another generation of young and energetic leaders. After taking oath in 1980 to be the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Mugabe has soldiered on and when he cast his vote on July 31, he vowed to see through the arduous and gruelling five-year term as the occupant of the hot-seat. Analysts say the presence of former African leaders is an indictment on Mugabe’s 33-year-old rule that has been characterised by controversy. Of course the “wise men”, who have since retired from the highest and demanding office of presidency, did not come on their own but were invited by Mugabe, who must be missing the old days when nationalists like him were the face of Africa. Now he is alone rubbing shoulders with young statesmen like Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta who is 52 and Tanzanian leader Jakaya Kikwete (63). Indeed, time waits for no man and it has not stopped for Mugabe whose political survival is intricately linked to his shrewdness, good health and no doubt the balancing act he has successfully managed in his faction riddled Zanu PF. Former South African president Thabo Mbeki, who was also in attendance, in 2008 came up with the Government of National Unity (GNU) which saved Mugabe from political oblivion after his hiding in the presidential election by former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. As he was congratulated by African dignitaries Mugabe appeared nostalgic and he glowed when 71-year-old Mbeki greeted him. For a moment he posed for a photo, immortalising the moment and obviously grateful to the man who was haunted by his ANC after performing a miracle on him in September 2008. No doubt Mbeki’s presence was somewhat a symbolic closure to the “three headed creature” called the GNU that was undersigned by the South African second black president after the iconic Nelson Mandela who served for only one term. But when Mugabe sent his invitations cards he went beyond South Africa, reaching out to former presidents from Botswana, Kenya and Zambia. Among the club from the archives was former president of Tanzania Ali Hassan Mwinyi, 88, the second President of Tanzania who ruled the African country from 1985 to 1995. Another former president who graced Mugabe’s inauguration, again from Tanzania, was 78-year-old Benjamin Mkapa who ruled the country from 1995 to 2005 to be succeeded by Kikwete one of the few African presidents who attended Mugabe’s bash. Ketumile Masire (88), the second vice president of Botswana was also among dignitaries along with 74-year-old Festus Mogae who was president from 1998 to 2008. Apart from Kenneth Kaunda who ruled Zambia for 27 years the ex-presidents who attended Mugabe’s swearing-in were at the helm for no more than two terms. The Zanu PF leader is serving his seventh term. Mugabe will complete his current term at 94 and apart from Kaunda all the other ex-presidents are younger than him. From across Zambezi came Kaunda an age mate of Mugabe — Zambia’s first black president, who ruled Zimbabwe’s northern neighbour with a heavy hand from 1964 to 1991. During his reign, Kaunda was referred to as a dictator and ultimately removed from power by the late Fredrick Chiluba, who led the Movement for Multiple Democracy that ended Zambia’s one party state in 1991. But the presence of a host of former presidents, who at one point or another in their different terms in office rubbed shoulders with the octogenarian Zanu PF leader as fellow African leaders was a reminder that Mugabe belongs to an older generation and is no doubt the last man standing. Today the other leaders are retired, revered statesmen who are playing an advisory role to their nations and walk with honour among their former subjects.

Grace’s unique fashion sense by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via Grace’s unique fashion sense – DailyNews Live.She might not always dress in high end fashion from top designers, but First Lady Grace Mugabe has her own unique style and always manages to be spot-on in her dressing. At her husband’s inauguration for another term in office on Thursday, Grace was dressed in a blue dress, with two different shades of the colour. The shade combination of the outfit blended well together, showing off what she knows best, dressing up. Grace is her own stylist as she designs her own clothes, selects her own material, while her fellow first ladies prefer top designers. Always elegantly dressed, the First Lady says she does not rely on world renowned designers to dress her, but in fact, relies on her own tailors. This is despite the fact that she has been spotted shopping in Milan (Italy), home of the most elegant and powerful designers. On Thursday, the first family ditched its party regalia for the finer clothes after completing the campaign job a few weeks ago. In contrast with the First Lady of the US, Michelle Obama, both women dress well, but have different tastes. Michelle mostly dons outfits from Tracy Reese, Thakoon, Rachel Roy, Narciso Rodriguez, Michael Kors and many others. In an interview with People of the South’s Dali Tambo, Grace confessed that she likes her own designs, while her husband, President Robert Mugabe said he dressed himself. Upon being asked whether he lets his wife dress him, Mugabe said he preferred dressing himself, while coming to her defence of not being a shopaholic. “She doesn’t do that kind of shopping, she will buy fabrics and have them sown, she designs them herself. You can see they are quiet decorated she wants them very colourful. “ I dress myself, sometimes she says I like this I say no, no, no, you do not know anything about men’s clothes leave me to do my own. She likes to dress me but no I am an independent man, I make my own choices but she buys me suits and gifts from time to time,” he said. Grace was not the only one who was dressed pleasantly; her husband Mugabe was elegantly dressed as always. Mugabe is always on point with his tailor made suits and maybe it is something men should take a cue from, unlike some people who appear like they have been given hand me downs. The rest of the first family was there also, with Bona wearing a orange costume, Robert Junior wearing a grey suit and Chatunga donning a brown suit.

Zulu speaks out on elections roadmap by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via Zulu speaks out on elections roadmap | The Zimbabwe Independent   by Elias Mambo [important for the archive] SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma’s facilitation team spokesperson Lindiwe Zulu — who was in Harare yesterday with deputy president Kgalema Mothlante to attend President Robert Mugabe’s inauguration — says the MDC parties failed to use their leverage during the protracted talks to secure reforms from Zanu PF before elections. Speaking for the first time since she was gagged by Zuma after a barrage of attacks from Mugabe, who described her as a “stupid street woman” during his trailblazing campaigns ahead of the polls, Zulu told the Zimbabwe Independent on the sidelines of the Sadc summit in Lilongwe, Malawi: “We were really shocked by the MDC negotiators who failed to pin down Zanu PF to implement reforms.” “As facilitators, our duty was to bring the two warring teams to the negotiating table and each party had to push its own agenda,” she said. “We could not advise the MDCs on what to do, the ball was in their court, because we were supposed to be impartial in our conduct of duty. There was a well-stipulated Sadc initiated roadmap to be followed to the letter until elections were held, but the MDC negotiators decided not to push for its implementation.” Zulu also said she fell out of favour with Zanu PF because she pushed hard for the implementation of the roadmap and reforms. “We tried to push hard to level the playing field. That is when Mugabe felt I was doing more than the MDCs themselves,” she said. Mugabe attacked Zulu for speaking more than the MDCs when she insisted Sadc would only allow elections to take place once all agreed reforms were implemented. Soon after the Maputo summit, senior Sadc officials told the Independent that the MDCs were failing to ride on efforts by the regional bloc to push Mugabe to implement reforms before elections. “In those meetings we tried to make the MDCs talk, but they remained silent and allowed Zanu PF’s chief negotiator Patrick Chinamasa to overshadow them,” said a senior Sadc official privy to the negotiations. “We could not say anything more because during negotiations we were supposed to remain neutral, but one could feel the MDCs were playing underdogs when they were the ones who had been previously shortchanged.” On her sour relations with Mugabe before they kissed and made up in Lilongwe, Zulu said she did not take his attacks personal because “in our meetings, we used to communicate professionally and I knew he was just grandstanding when he attacked me”. “I had to stop being in the media because we felt we could lose the plot by creating an impression that the whole issue was about me and not the people of Zimbabwe,” she said. “So in order to keep our focus, I agreed to be restrained even if my president (Zuma) knew I had done nothing wrong.”

Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 24th August 2013 by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
It was ironic that Mugabe’s inaugural speech came as Americans were preparing to mark the 50^th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ address delivered at the memorial to President Lincoln who freed the slaves. Mugabe’s meanness of spirit and poverty of imagination, his hypocrisy and deceit, contrasted sharply with Dr King’s vision and generosity, faith and courage. ‘With the elections now behind us, we can focus on rebuilding our nation which has been ravaged by illegal sanctions’, Mugabe said. ‘If yesterday the pretext for imposing these sanctions was to do with the deficit of democracy here, today we ask these culprit nations what their excuse is now?’ Well Mr Mugabe the answer still is . . . ‘a deficit of democracy’. But it seems that democracy according to SADC is rather different to the unimaginative version in the West, which tends not to applaud let alone reward election thieves . . .  the departing SADC Executive Secretary Dr Tomaz Salamao is reported to have described the elections as a model that should be followed by other African countries! (see: http://www.herald.co.zw/salamao-commends-zimbabwe-polls/ – Salamao commends Zimbabwe polls). People at the inauguration were no doubt were thrilled to hear that – now free of the ‘internal contradictions’ imposed by the GNU partners – Mugabe would deliver ‘the economic miracle which must now happen’ (see: Transcript – Mugabe’s inauguration speech 22 August 2013 – http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/transcript-mugabes-inauguration-speech-22-august-2013/). The people, he said, had voted for ‘our hallowed policy of indigenization and economic empowerment’ and the future was bright. Agriculture would be supported, manufacturing revived, electricity stabilized, taps would run again, hospitals would be re-equipped and roads rehabilitated. Indeed a miracle – as no other explanation was provided as to how all this would be achieved. Mugabe concluded his speech with a tribute to President Zuma and former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. ‘I am sure today is a happy day for both men. They can walk tall in full knowledge that they have signed off a rare but glorious chapter on African solutions to African problems!’ Sheltering under our tarpaulin against a deluge, our thoughts were with our family and friends facing renewed slavery under Mugabe’s nightmare ‘solutions’. The horrific economic consequences are spelt out in an article by the MDC policy adviser Eddie Cross (see: http://www.zimvigil.co.uk/vigil-news/campaign-news/523-welcome-to-the-real-world). Other points

• ·         At our rain-drenched Vigil, as we struggled to keep the tarpaulin from collapsing under the torrent, we launched our new petition calling on the UK and the European Union to follow the lead of the United States and continue sanctions. The petition, addressed to European Union governments, reads: ‘Following the rigged elections in Zimbabwe, we urge the European Union to re-impose the targeted sanctions on Mugabe and his cronies. We further call on the EU to suspend government aid to all Southern African Development Community countries until they abide by their commitment to uphold human rights in Zimbabwe.’ Vigil founder member Ephraim Tapa said: ‘SADC has swallowed Mugabe’s propaganda that Zimbabwe’s economic woes are caused by sanctions and has demanded that they be lifted. We question why they are siding with Mugabe against the suffering people of Zimbabwe and the sanctions he has imposed on them: poverty, disease and violence. Why should the tax payers of Europe pay for these Mugabe puppets in SADC? The UK gives Zimbabwe alone about $100 million a year in government aid despite constant insults from Mugabe, as well as giving hundreds of millions more to the other members of SADC. Altogether the EU gives billions of dollars each year to pay for the misgovernment and corruption of Southern Africa. Why? Let them look East for aid.’
• ·         The Vigil is sorry to see that Botswana has toned down its criticism of the elections after bullying by other SADC members at the recent meeting in Malawi. We urge President Khama to continue his support of oppressed Zimbabweans.
• ·         A South Korean film crew came and interviewed several of us about the situation in Zimbabwe. We doubt our comments assisted Mugabe’s Look East policy.
• ·         Thanks to Patricia Masamba, Harmony Mbele, Rose Maponga and Ishmael Makina who arrived early to help set up. Thanks also to Daniel Nyoni who took down the rain-drenched tarpaulin at the end.

For latest Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website.   FOR THE RECORD: 27 signed the register.   EVENTS AND NOTICES:

• ·         ROHR Executive meeting. Saturday 7^th September at 11 am. Venue: Strand Continental Hotel (first floor lounge), 143 Strand, London WC2R 1JA.
• ·         Zimbabwe Action Forum (ZAF). Saturday 7^th September from 6.30 – 9.30 pm. Venue: Strand Continental Hotel (first floor lounge), 143 Strand, London WC2R 1JA. The Strand is the same road as the Vigil. From the Vigil it’s about a 10 minute walk, in the direction away from Trafalgar Square. The Strand Continental is situated on the south side of the Strand between Somerset House and the turn off onto Waterloo Bridge. The entrance is marked by a big sign high above and a sign for its famous Indian restaurant at street level. It’s next to a newsagent. Nearest underground: Temple (District and Circle lines) and Holborn.
• ·         Zimbabwe Yes We Can meeting. Saturday 21^st September from 12 noon. Venue: Strand Continental Hotel (first floor lounge), 143 Strand, London WC2R 1JA.
• ·         Zimbabwe Vigil Highlights 2012 can be viewed on this link: http://www.zimvigil.co.uk/the-vigil-diary/467-vigil-highlights-2012. Links to previous years’ highlights are listed on 2012 Highlights page.
• ·         The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents the views and opinions of ROHR.
• ·         Facebook pages:

–         Vigil: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8157345519&ref=ts –         ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515 –         ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ROHR-Zimbabwe-Restoration-of-Human-Rights/301811392835

• ·         Vigil Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/zimbabwevigil.
• ·         Useful websites: www.zanupfcrime.com which reports on Zanu PF abuses and www.ipaidabribe.org.zw where people can report corruption in Zimbabwe

Vigil co-ordinators The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London, takes place every Saturday from 14.00 to 18.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe. http://www.zimvigil.co.uk.

Do Zimbabweans Love Their Country? by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via AllAfrica.com – Zimbabwe: Do Zimbabweans Love Their Country? By Nevanji Madanhire, Opinion One of the most memorable book openings of all time was this by South African author Alan Paton in his classic novel Cry, the Beloved Country: “There is a lovely road which runs from Ixopo into the hills. These hills are grass covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it.” Zimbabwe is lovely beyond any singing of it! But do we love it? Yes, we Zimbabweans love our country very much in the nationalistic sense, that is why “we died for this country”, so to speak. To the uninitiated, when Zimbabweans say they died for their country, they are talking about the war of liberation that began with the first nationalist movements in the 1950s and ended with a bloody armed struggle in the 1970s, that ended with independence in 1980 ending colonialism. The exact number of people who perished during that struggle will never be known, in one way or another, we all died in that struggle. For that, we love our country, cherish its independence and are willing to die for its sovereignty hence, the jingoistic language of the past 13 years. But, what makes our country lovely beyond the singing of it? Tourist brochures talk about the lovely flora and fauna and about the climate which is about the best in the world; they also talk about the friendly, hard-working people. They talk about our rivers and mountains and our history whose main symbol is the Great Zimbabwe Monument. All these, as a collective, make our country beautiful. All these co-exist in the habitat called Zimbabwe literally eating each other but in a sustainable manner; the population of predators and prey always in such a ratio so as never to cause the extinction of the other. Put simply, it’s called the balance of nature. Unfortunately, people are at the top of the food chain and are, because of our human nature, exposed to the vagaries of the seven cardinal sins. Catholics say these sins are wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. It is because of these sins that we humans have a tendency to upset the natural equilibrium that exists in our environment. We should love our country not only in the nationalistic sense but also in the aesthetic sense. A young artist recently sang a song in which a beautiful woman is an image of Zimbabwe; the relationship between the young man and young woman is the metaphor for the love Zimbabweans should have for their country.

Zim to head African tourism commission by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via New Zimbabwe – Zim to head African Tourism Commission THE United Nations world tourism body said Sunday it has chosen Zimbabwe to lead its Commission for Africa, the continent-wide group for tourism development for the next two years. The UN World Tourism Organisation said that conflict-troubled Mali also joins the African tourism commission. Zimbabwe and Zambia are co-hosting the 155-nation tourism organisation’s summit, held every two years, at the Victoria Falls resort on the border between the two countries. The six-day general assembly was to be formally opened by the two countries’ presidents, Robert Mugabe and Michael Sata later Sunday. The United Nations said in a statement that July 31 elections in Zimbabwe, bitterly disputed over alleged rigging, “will be respected by the assembly.” Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States have condemned Zimbabwe’s July 31 elections for breaches of democratic rights, but they are not members of the U.N.’s tourism organization. Western governments are generally sceptical over the value of the biennial meeting attended mostly by developing nations with a poor record in tourism, conservation and political stability. The two host nations automatically take over the presidency of the U.N. tourism organisation during the summit, which is expected to be attended by about 1,200 delegates from governments and tourism enterprises worldwide. The last such gathering was held in South Korea in 2011. Cambodia and Colombia are on the short list to hold the next summit in 2015. The U.N.’s decision to give Zimbabwe co-host status was criticised as a “disgraceful show of support and a terribly timed award of false legitimacy” for Mugabe’s rule, by the independent U.N. Watch human rights group on Friday. “Amid reports of election rigging and continuing human rights abuses, Zimbabwe is the last country that should be legitimised by a U.N. summit of any kind,” said Hillel Neuer, head of the Geneva-based group founded to monitor adherence by the world body to its universal charter on democracy and human rights. He said Mugabe’s propagandists sought gloss over the collapse of the economy, years of political turmoil and the persecution of opponents to “use the event to rebrand the post-election period.” “The notion that the U.N. should spin this country as a lovely tourist destination is, frankly, sickening,” Neuer said.

Confusion continues at UNTWO by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via The Zimbabwean – Confusion Continues at UNWTO Confusion and chaos continued to reign supreme again today at the UNWTO General Assembly meeting as diplomats and delegates found difficulties in registering and accreditation processes. by Tony Saxon The diplomats and delegates from Zambia, Angola and Tanzania said they had to wait for more than three hours in long queues where they accused the security staff including police of intimidation. They blamed the security staff for failing to execute their duties as the diplomats and delegates were referred from one queue to another. Charity Chasukwa a diplomat from Tanzania said: “We do not deserve such kind of treatment and we were not expecting this from the Zimbabwean officials. We have been in the queue for long hours without being given necessary assistance. I do not know what is taking hem so long in accrediting us.” Kenneth Basilio from Kenya said confusion was the order of the day during the opening days that began from yesterday and today. “Yesterday, my colleagues failed to be accredited and again today it is the same situation. Everything is just boring here. We have been waiting for long in the queue and the security staff here is very overzealous. I think they did not do their home work properly,” said a visibly angry Basilio. Local and foreign journalists also expressed concerns over the accreditation process. Joseph Mwamba a Zambian journalist said: “Since yesterday and today it is confusion all over. The security staff is not co-operative at all. This is being worsened by some police officers who are harassing and intimidating the delegates instead of assisting them. “ Performing artistes to entertain guests were also caught in the web of confusion some of them failed to be accredited. “What was the reason for them to make us register on line? We registered online and they approved us now we are facing problems in registering here. We have been practicing a lot for this occasion and now we are facing difficulties in registering, “said Crispin Chongo leader of the Zambian ndongwe traditional dancing group. Asked to comment an overzealous member from the security staff only identified as Nhongo said: “This is what we were told to do and we are just following orders from our superiors. This is how the process goes you cannot tell me what to do. Just do your work and I will do mine.” Zimbabwe is taking the event to market its image in tourism, but with the chas and confusion that marked the opening stages delegates and diplomats from other countries might have a different picture of Zimbabwe altogether. Zimbabwe and Zambia are co-hosting the big event that will end next Friday.

Zanu (PF) a military entity – Mugabe by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via The Zimbabwean – Zanu (PF) a military entity President Robert Mugabe today said that Zanu (PF) is a military entity. by Farai Mabeza He was speaking at the National Heroes Acre at the burial of National Railways of Zimbabwe General Manager and Retired Air Commodore Mike Karakadzai, who was declared a national hero after his death in a car accident on his way from Harare to Bulawayo recently. Mugabe, defending the appointment of military personnel to run parastatals, said Zanu (PF) was militarised from the time of the liberation struggle. The 89 year old leader was at loggerheads with his former partner in the Government of National Unity, Morgan Tsvangirai over the dominance of military and security personnel in state entities. “The life of the party…came from the armed struggle. So one should not get alarmed that people are drawn from the army and the air force into the civil service,” he said. Mugabe said the civil service must reflect the character of Zanu (PF). “Whose civil service is it anyway? Isn’t it now of Zanu (PF)? Must it not reflect the qualities of Zanu (PF) as a fighter?” he said. “We were troubled by NRZ and its losses and huge debts. We approached the military and asked the chiefs for someone knowledgeable who could help us with NRZ and they gave us Karakadzai,” he said. Mugabe said Karakadzai’s efforts to resuscitate the rail services provider bore some fruit but he blamed sanctions for stifling progress. Karakadzai had been at the helm of NRZ since 2005. The company has failed to pay its workers for close to twelve months. Mugabe scoffed at Tsvangirai for calling for security sector reform calling the MDC leader ignorant comparing him to a grasshopper. “It is disturbing when our detractors question the wisdom of deploying military personnel to parastatals,” he said. Mugabe also threatened to retaliate against western countries that imposed sanctions against his regime. “They think we are inferior. They should not continue to harass us. We are treating their people well. They will come a time when we will lose our patience,” he said. He threatened that he would introduce “tit for tat” measures. The United States has already said that its sanctions against Mugabe and his associates would remain because it did not believe the outcome of the July elections reflected the will of the people. “They should not continue to treat us the way they have treated us in the past. Our attitude will not continue to be what it has been in the past, passive. Enough is enough,” he said. Britain, the European Union and Australia still have restrictive measures in place against Mugabe. The Zanu (PF) leader also castigated people in Harare and Bulawayo for voting the MDC. “Go and get what you voted for,” he said.

Kumbirai Kangai Died After Leaking ZANU-PF Top Secrets by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via Zimeye – Kumbirai Kangai Died After Leaking ZANU-PF Top Secrets By Terrence Mathuthu Top Mugabe confidante and former Cabinet Minister, Kumbirai Kangai’s death comes barely 10 months after he began revealing top ZANU PF war secrets including circumstances surrounding the death of former ZANLA boss Herbert Chitepo, it has emerged. Revelations brought into the opened by Kangai have cast a shadow on President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU PF’s role in the liberation struggle against the party’s own claims recorded in history books. Kangai became the first ZANU-PF war veteran to pull the lid on the real reasons for the deaths of masses of comrades. Commented ZimEye columnist Herbert Mugwagwa on Kangai’s latest utterances: Is Kangai Zimbabwe’s Julian Assange? “The Kumbirai Kangai interview in The Sunday Mail(October 18-24 2012) was quite as revealing as it was intriguing. Kangai is a real veteran politician who chooses his words deliberately and its good to note that his memory of events of the liberation is still good but tends to sanitize certain issues. “Whilst we are always told how heroic our boys fought at the Chinhoyi battle of 1966, Kangai is the only one who tells the truth about the poor and shoddy preparations how they ‘were bombed ….all wiped out.’ He reveals how poorly organised ZANU was and sometimes they sent people to the front with pistols only and at times with no ammunition! No wonder the heavy casualties on their side and the fact that it took too long to liberate the country. He definitely tells the truth when he says when Chitepo was killed members of Dare reChimurenga were arrested but does not state that it was after Kenneth Kaunda had set up an international Commission of Inquiry composed of 13 neutral African nations who investigated and found them guilty! “They were released only after Robert Mugabe had stated that he would not attend the Geneva Conference without them. From Geneva, fearing re-arrests in Zambia, they went to execute the struggle from Mozambique. Prior to Chitepo’s death, ZANU had demanded the withdrawal of his Zambian bodyguards and replaced them with their ‘intrusive’ ones. “We don’t know yet the cause of his death but we suspect it might be a heart attack. It is a sad hour for Zanu-PF and the people of Zimbabwe,” said ZANU PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo on Saturday as he officially confirmed the ZANLA war cadre’s death sparking wild speculation that there might have been foul play leading to Kangai’s death.

Zanu PF factions fight over cabinet posts by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via The Zimbabwe Mail – Zanu PF factions fight over cabinet posts FIGHTS within Zanu PF have turned nasty amid reports that the different factions in the party are lobbying for the control of certain key ministries in order to use them in the battle to succeed 89-year-old President Robert Mugabe, it has emerged. Sources said fights were mainly on security ministries, after it emerged that Mugabe was likely to create new portfolios such as police and correctional services. A Zanu PF official said the faction loyal to Vice-President Joice Mujuru was positioning its members for the proposed Ministry of Police and other strategic portfolios such as Defence and State Security. The faction also wanted to control the ministries of Finance, Local Government and Mines. But the faction loyal to Defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa was also eyeing the same portfolios. “There are fears that if certain officials get the opportunity to control the ministry responsible for the police, they will use such portfolios to target certain individuals who crossed their paths in the past,” he said. “You will see officials being arrested on corruption charges, but all this will be about succession.” The official said a certain section in Zanu PF wanted security chiefs, notably defence forces commander, Constantine Chiwenga and police commissioner-general, Augustine Chihuri to be retired soon. He said their presence was considered too intimidating to any eventual successor of Mugabe. “But what they do not know is that some of the juniors they are earmarking for these positions are even worse hardliners than Chiwenga and Chihuri,” he said. Another official close to the party said the faction linked to Mnangagwa was not happy with the provision in the constitution which favours Mujuru. In the event of Mugabe being incapacitated or dying in office, Mujuru takes over by virtue of being the first vice-president. He said the faction wanted this section amended after recent reports suggesting that Mujuru was ready to take over from Mugabe touched a raw nerve in Zanu PF. “These words attributed to the VP [Mujuru] were not taken kindly by the security chiefs. This is why there is this push to have this section amended to avoid suspicion by any future President that their deputies may have bad wishes for them,” said the official. Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo could not comment on the issue saying the party was mourning the passing on of its politburo member and former cabinet minister, Kumbirai Kangai. Meanwhile, the swearing in ceremony of MPs for the eighth parliament, which was slated for this Tuesday, has been postponed to September 3, due to the tight schedule this week, the Clerk of Parliament, Austin Zvoma said yesterday. “Yesterday I advised news editors that we are ready for the swearing in of Members of Parliament, yes we remain ready but the date has shifted from what we had advised. The swearing in of members will take place on Tuesday the 3rd of September starting at 9 o’clock,” Zvoma said. He told a press conference in Harare the decision came after an analysis of the national events that are going to take place this week that include the on-going United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly. “So that will see the president and other key people, a lot of the Members of Parliament being in Victoria Falls,” said Zvoma. “Before the members come back, they wait for the closing ceremony which will take place on Wednesday or Thursday by President Michael Sata of Zambia because they jointly hosted UNWTO.” He said the ongoing Harare Agricultural Show, the burial of retired Air Commodore Mike Karakadzai and the late Zanu PF founder Enos Nkala, who died last week, had also affected their plans. The Clerk of Parliament said the swearing in of parliamentarians would be immediately followed up by the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly and President of Senate. “We have finalised preparations in consultation with Zimbabwe Electoral Commission because the election is done by secret ballot if there is more than one candidate for any of the positions,” he said. Zanu PF won 160 seats out of the 210 National Assembly constituencies to gain a two-thirds majority. After factoring in 60 women’s quota seats elected by proportional representation, the final composition of the 270-member National Assembly comes to 197 seats for Zanu PF, 70 for MDC-T, two for MDC and one independent. In the Upper House, Zanu PF ended up with 37 Senators, MDC-T with 21 and MDC with two. – The Standard

Mugabe to Die in Office by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via AllAfrica.com – Zimbabwe: ‘Mugabe to Die in Office’ By Caiphas Chimhete STRONG indications are that President Robert Mugabe, who recently won another five-year term, is not in a hurry to leave office despite his advanced age and ill-health. There have been suggestions that Mugabe could retire soon after the elections to pave way for a younger hand-picked successor, that would protect him from possible prosecution for past human rights violations. Analysts however said, the 89-year-old president, who is the oldest living African head of state, would be around longer than expected, as he still has to solve the succession crisis in Zanu PF, fulfill election promises and reconstruct his battered image. That definitely would not take a few months but several years for a man, who is running a bankrupt country battling to feed its people and pay international debts. The analysts said the likelihood of Mugabe, who is still basking in the glory of his controversial election victory, dying in office was very high, because he needed more time to carry through his pledges. Mugabe was also recently elected deputy chairperson of Sadc at the summit in Malawi, and will assume the chairmanship of the regional body next year. Analysts said this was too grand a post for the octogenarian leader to pass to a successor, considering that he was battling to leave a memorable legacy. Political analyst, Dumisani Nkomo said it was highly unlikely that Mugabe would voluntarily leave office in the near-future because he wanted to assume chairmanship of Sadc and consolidate his legacy. He said Mugabe wanted to be remembered as a president who never lost an election, led Zimbabwe for over three decades and chaired Sadc, among other achievements. Nkomo said chairing the body would enhance his regional and international stature and that fitted well into his grand legacy-building project. Nkomo also thinks that Mugabe would not retire soon because he had a young family which he needed to safeguard. “I see him serving his full term,” said Nkomo. “He may die in office or later give leadership to someone whom he trusts. The fact that he has young children will force him to stay in office a little bit longer.”

Nation to Grapple With Power Cuts for the Next Five Years by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via AllAfrica.com – Zimbabwe: Nation to Grapple With Power Cuts for the Next Five Years ZIMBABWEANS will have to grapple with power cuts for the next five years, until the country completes new generation projects subject to availability of funding, the power generating parastatal said last week. This comes at a time the power utility, Zesa, has intensified load-shedding as generation capacity is way behind the rising demand, knocking off the wheels of industrial revival. In an update last week, Zesa’s subsidiary, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), said the current total generation capacity of 1 530MW was inadequate to meet a demand of around 2 200MW. ZPC generates electricity at its five power stations located in Kariba, Hwange, Munyati, Bulawayo and Hwange. The quintet has a combined installed capacity of 1 960MW. ZPC said the power generation gap could be closed by new projects, which can only be completed in four years’ time, once funding has been secured. The power utility has been closing the gap through load-shedding and imports from regional utilities. “However, because of severe electricity shortages in the region, we cannot import more and ZPC power output will only increase after the generation expansion projects have been completed by 2018 subject to availability of funding,” it said. ZPC said it was facing challenges in raising adequate capital needed to maintain the existing plant, as well as building more capacity. ZPC said it was working on electricity generation projects to close the gap between demand and supply, through ensuring that the existing plants operate at installed capacities and expanding Kariba and Hwange power stations to add 900MW. Only the hydro project at Kariba is operating at installed capacity. Hwange Power Station is operating at 70% of its capacity. The situation is dire for the smaller thermal stations in Munyati, Bulawayo and Harare whose capacities range from 20% to 33%. The expansion of Hwange and Kariba will cost an upward of US$1,6 billion. In December, ZPC and Chinese firm, Sino Hydro, signed a contract for the engineering, procurement and construction of two units of 150MW each at Kariba South Power Station. The cost is US$354 million. “Financial closure is expected to be reached by the end of September and the construction period of the project from the date of commencement is approximately 40 months,” ZPC said. It said, the addition of two units at Hwange Power Station would generate 600MW, adding that construction would take four years from the date of financial closure.

Deaths dampen Zanu PF by Shelley – 08-25-2013
via Daily News – Deaths dampen Zanu PF Xolisani Ncube and Chengetai Zvauya HARARE – Fresh from his inauguration, President Robert Mugabe has been shattered by the death of three veteran freedom fighters in a week following the death yesterday of Zanu PF politburo member Kumbirai Kangai. Kangai, 75, a former Cabinet minister, died at his Glen Forest home yesterday morning. Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo confirmed the death and said he collapsed at his home and was rushed to a Harare clinic where efforts to resuscitate him failed. Kangai’s death came a few days after the death of Mike Karakadzai — a freedom fighter and head of National Railways of Zimbabwe — in a car crash on Tuesday morning on his way to Bulawayo. The following day Enos Nkala — a founding member of Zanu PF, died at a private clinic in Harare. A day after declaring Karakadzai and Nkala national heroes, Mugabe was shattered yesterday by news of the death of Kangai, the first minister of Labour at independence in 1980. Mugabe was sworn in on Thursday at a colourful ceremony attended by six serving heads of state and retired presidents from African countries. The Zanu PF leader was expected to immediately tackle economic recovery through the setting up of a fresh Cabinet and swearing in of newly-elected legislators. The swearing in of lawmakers was set for Tuesday, but due to the death of Zanu PF members and other national programmes, it has been moved to next week. Gumbo, told the Daily News on Sunday yesterday that it was a trying time for the ruling party which was still celebrating their July 31 electoral victory. “It is difficult to accept but ndizvo zvaitika, rufu rwauya kune macomrades edu kuda kwaMwari, hapana zvatinogona kuita.” Gumbo said. “However, this is not going to affect us as we have to continue with the work these late comrades did,” he said adding that “Don’t read much into their deaths and think that this is the end of Zanu PF. “We still have members who are still alive to continue with our liberation legacy”. Kangai also served as Zanu PF secretary for external affairs. The Zanu PF heavyweight was a member of Parliament for Buhera South from 1980 to 2008 when Naison Nemadziwa of the MDC took over. He once served as minister of Lands and Agriculture, before being accused of defrauding the state grain reserve, Grain Marketing Board of ZW$228 million during the importation of 460 000 tonnes of maize in 1999. He was however, acquitted of the charges. Before his death, Kangai was due to take oath as a Senator for Manicaland Province after winning the recent harmonised polls. Nkala at independence in 1980 became the minister of Finance until 1983 before being moved to the ministry of National Supplies. In 1985, he became minister of Home Affairs, and then moved over to Defence after the 1985 elections. He resigned from government in 1989 at the height of the Willowgate scandal — which involved the acquisition of several vehicles from Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries by senior government officials who would resell for huge profits. Last year, Nkala said he was bitter about the way he was forced to leave politics in 1989, insisting that he chose to resign rather than appear before the Wilson Sandura Commission over the Willowgate Scandal insisting he did not commit any offence. via Deaths dampen Zanu PF – DailyNews Live.

Mugabe threatens ‘tit for tat’ retaliation against West by ZimSitRep – 08-25-2013
via Mugabe sworn in as President – ITV News. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has said that Britain and the US should not ‘harass’ the African nation, referring to sanctions that he says are pressuring his government. Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has threatened ‘tit for tat’ retaliation “They should not continue to harass us, the British and Americans,” Mugabe, Africa’s oldest leader at 89, said at the funeral of an airforce officer. “We have not done anything to their companies here, the British have several companies in this country, and we have not imposed any controls, any sanctions against them, but time will come when we will say well, tit for tat, you hit me I hit you.”

Some leading options for Zimbabwe’s new cabinet by ZimSitRep – 08-24-2013
via http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=162440  by Tichaona Chifamba Zimbabwe’s newly re-elected president Robert Mugabe is set to appoint a new cabinet soon after he took oath for another five-year term of presidency this week. Though Mugabe has been in power since 1980, the new cabinet will see some key appointments as the president’s Zanu-PF party is to take over ministerial posts occupied by the rival party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in the coalition government from 2009 to 2013. The veteran leader has recycled most of his cabinet since independence, with the longest serving now including vice president Joice Mujuru, defense minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and national security minister Sidney Sekeramayi — who are all likely to maintain their positions in the government. While retaining the bulk of his old guard, Mugabe is expected to blend experience with new ideas as a number of young technocrats have also made it to Parliament under his party’s ticket. The constitution also allows him to appoint five non- Members of Parliament to ministerial positions. Following are some leading candidates considered for the top posts in the key ministries: AGRICULTURE Agriculture was one backbone of Zimbabwean economy and the country was fondly called “bread basket of Africa” before the sector began to wither since the early 2000s. In his inauguration speech, Mugabe promised to revive the farming sector. The minister of agriculture in the previous government Joseph Made failed to make it past the party’s primary elections. He has often been described as Mugabe’s “farm manager” because he is understood to have given professional expertise at the president’s dairy farm. Former local government minister Ignatius Chombo used to fill in for him at times when he was away from the office and vice- verse, therefore making Chombo a good candidate for the post. FINANCE The finance minister option is probably one of Mugabe’s biggest headaches. The person will be required to structure programs that promote productivity in all sectors of the economy — particularly agriculture, industry and commerce — and ensure that partnerships are done on a win-win basis. One name that has been touted in many circles is that of current Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono. Bankers, however, fear that Gono is “adventurous” and is not afraid of taking risks, some of them with disastrous consequences. Gono has admirers who credit him for keeping the economy afloat during the hyper-inflationary era up to 2009, while his critics accuse him of having plunged the country into an economic quagmire through his quasi-fiscal policies. His last term of office as governor is due to end towards the end of the year. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND INDIGENIZATION Indigenization is the center piece of Mugabe’s election campaign. The policy, which requires foreign businesses operating in the country to cede 51 percent of the stake to black Zimbabweans, was touted by the Zanu-PF party as the next big thing after the land reform to truly empower the Zimbabweans. For continuity, Mugabe is likely to retain the combative Saviour Kasukuwere in the position. Many foreign-owned companies are reluctant to part with majority shareholding in favor of indigenous Zimbabweans, and Kasukuwere has been hounding them. Determined to ensure that indigenization of resources becomes a reality, Mugabe would rather bet on an old horse that has at least delivered something than experiment with new blood. MINES Mining is the new and potentially-strong growth sector for Zimbabwe. The country holds huge reserves of platinum, diamond, gold, chrome, and iron ore. Mining products account for about 60 percent of the country’s export income. The Zanu-PF managed to keep the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development under its control during the coalition government. Mining is also identified as a priority sector for indigenization. Current minister Obert Mpofu will most likely retain his post as minister to push for the indigenization of the mining sector. Questions, however, have arisen over how proceeds from diamond mining in eastern Zimbabwe have been used, but he appears to have accounted for them in one way or another. ENERGY The portfolio requires someone who understands the needs of the common person and the requirements of keeping suppliers of electricity and petroleum products happy by ensuring constant debt repayments. Mugabe has in his new line-up former energy minister Amos Midzi who had left government after losing in parliamentary elections in 2005.