ZANU PF warns of elections if MDCs insist on a deadlock

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tererai Karimakwenda
30 August 2012

A warning has been issued to the MDC formations by ZANU PF, who insisted on
Wednesday that any call of a deadlock over the draft Constitution is a call
for immediate general elections, under the current Constitution.

The warning came from ZANU PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo, after facilitators
representing South African President Jacob Zuma met with negotiators from
all three political parties.
The facilitation team had arrived Tuesday in an attempt to revive the
stalled Constitutional reform exercise. But with Robert Mugabe in Iran for
the Non-Aligned Movement summit, no decisions were being made. Vice
President Joice Mujuru is currently the acting president.

Addressing journalists in Harare Wednesday night, Gumbo warned: “Once a
deadlock is declared, then elections will be inevitable. But if they are
inclined to have a deadlock, so be it, we resort to the Lancaster House
Constitution.”
With the MDC formations rejecting ZANU PF demands for an amended draft
charter, and ZANU PF insisting their amendments are “final and
non-negotiable”, the facilitators advised the MDC formations to write to
Mugabe about the deadlock.

Negotiator Elton Mangoma of the MDC-T said: “We told the facilitation team
that we are not going to discuss not even one page of that ZANU PF document.
We told them we are declaring a deadlock and the SADC facilitator should now
be involved,” Mangoma explained.

He added: “This is a sign that ZANU PF wants to hold elections without
implementing the reforms that we all agreed to. There are a number of GPA
things that have not been implemented as well and we are calling on SADC to
make sure ZANU PF does what it has agreed to.”

Mangoma said the MDC-T have already written to Robert Mugabe and copied in
the facilitator, President Zuma, declaring a deadlock.
“If ZANU PF believes the people’s views have been ignored then they should
campaign for a NO vote in the referendum and let Zimbabweans decide,”
Mangoma stressed.

Responding to Gumbo’s threats of an election, Mangoma said the MDC-T would
not participate in any election before GPA reforms are implemented. “We will
not be party to any election without reforms first. We will not give up and
we have enough strength to insist they do what they agreed to,” Mangoma
said.
Madock Chivasa from the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), blamed the
current crisis on both the MDC formations and SADC, saying they agreed to
participate in a process that was flawed to begin with.

“Article 6 of the GPA sets out the process that is allowing ZANU PF to pull
out of the agreement they made with their partners. We as NCA said from the
beginning this was flawed because it did not involve all the relevant
stakeholders,” Chivasa explained.

He said the deadlock now exists because the constitutional reforms were
being led by the same politicians who will be governed by the law. This
meant they were only interested in making sure their views were represented,
ignoring other stakeholders.

According to the state’s Herald newspaper, the facilitation team returned to
South Africa on Wednesday night. Lindiwe Zulu, spokesperson for the
facilitators, confirmed that no agreement had been reached. She revealed no
other information, saying she needed to brief President Zuma first.

Some observers have said this deadlock is a test of SADC’s resolve to
enforce agreements made by Zimbabwe’s political parties. As the guarantors
of the GPA, SADC should now pressure ZANU PF to abide by their word.

Draft derails govt planning - Biti

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

Thursday, 30 August 2012 14:43

Finance Minister Tendai Biti
HARARE - Finance minister Tendai Biti says Zanu PF’s rejection of a draft
constitution authored jointly by coalition partners has put government
planning into disarray.

In an interview with the Daily News, Biti said he had set aside cash for a
constitutional referendum in his Mid-Term Budget Statement but the
about-turn made by Zanu PF rejecting the draft made it “impossible” to
plan.

President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF has effected wholesome changes to the
draft, crafted under the auspices of a cross-party parliamentary body known
as Copac, resulting in a deadlock that now requires Sadc intervention.

Biti said the deadlock leaves him confused.

“As the minister of Finance I would like to say politicians are now
confusing us. As far as I appreciate Article 6 of the Global Political
Agreement (GPA), we are supposed to produce a draft and Copac did that.
These shenanigans that are now in play have left us confused,” said Biti.

Article 6 of the power-sharing GPA dictates that coalition partners draft a
constitution that should be put to Zimbabweans in a referendum. The new
constitution is viewed as a key foundation to future stability. The
referendum had been tentatively set for October but is off the rails because
of Zanu PF’s position.

Zanu PF says the draft, despite having been approved by its negotiators, is
a “sell-out” document aimed at regime change.

Biti said Mugabe’s party was hallucinating.

“If the contention is that the draft is not a reflection of the people’s
will then the people themselves will reject it in a referendum. No party
should impose the veto power or be the spokesperson of the people. Who is
Zanu PF to speak for the people?” asked Biti.

Biti dares Mugabe to call referendum

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

30/08/2012 00:00:00 by Violet Gonda

Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who is also secretary general of the MDC formation led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, has insisted that his party would oppose changes made by Zanu PF to the final draft constitution. In this interview with Voice of America’s Violet Gonda, Biti talks about the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mediation process, and accuses Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara of being an “imposter to democracy” with “no legitimate claim” to the MDC presidency. Gonda started by asking the MDC-T lead negotiator to talk about the constitution deadlock. Tendai Biti: I am thoroughly going through the Zanu PF draft –you can’t even call it a counter proposal. It’s a standalone document with little relation to the work that we have painstakingly done over the last three years, which we concluded on the 18th of July 2012. We are disappointed that that this document is such an asymmetrical document to the things that we painstakingly agreed to on the basis of give and take. So there is more than bad faith being reflected by Zanu PF. Violet Gonda: So can you tell us some of the key issues that Zanu PF is proposing? Biti: They have basically altered this document fundamentally. I am summarizing on the key issue - they have altered the provision oncitizenship. The agreed draft makes it very clear that any offspring, any descendant born in Zimbabwe of a SADC citizen is a citizen of Zimbabwe by birth. So you are talking of the thousands of immigrant labour that is in Zimbabwe from Malawi, from Mozambique, from Zambia who were born here. You recall that these were made stateless and citizen-less by Zanu PF in 2000 unless you had renounced your citizenship – that is now gone. Secondly, they have drastically altered the provisions to deal with the national objectives of the state. For instance there is now a stand-alone provision that deals with the issue of indigenization and empowerment. Everyone knows that indigenisation is temporal. The constitution which we had drafted allowed for equality but recognized that they took affirmative action. So they are now making something that is temporal to the extent that affirmative action is only used to redress a situation but once the balance has been achieved it dies – but that’s now a permanent situation. This is most unfortunate because all of the parties on the table have got their own party policies – you can’t take your party policy and then put it in the constitution. Another party policy that has been put in this constitution is their preferred position that all youths should go for a National Youth Service in this country. That was not in the original constitution but it is now in this constitution. So this is most unfortunate. They have also totally abolished the issue of devolution. They are now calling it decentralisation and you will not find the word devolution in this provision. We had also, in the agreed constitution, come up with a President who was subject to clear separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature and a President who exercises executive power sharing it with Cabinet. This constitution reverts to the situation where the President only has got executive powers and that cabinet only sits at his insistence. The current draft that we had negotiated obliges the President to seek the authority of parliament before he declares war but in this one the President has got a blank cheque and so forth. They have recreated the old imperial President that some of us spent all our lives fighting. You remember we had created an independent office of the National Prosecuting Authority and a standalone Attorney General who would be appointed by the President to advice the President? But ‘no’ says Zanu PF. They have abolished that and that same Attorney General who will sit in cabinet, who will sit in parliament is also the one that will attend to the issues of prosecution. They have also virtually abolished the Constitutional Court. What they have simply said is that the Supreme Court will sit as the Constitutional Court. So that independent standalone Constitutional Court, that we had created, also falls away. Zanu PF has done a lot of things but I have just tried to highlight the major changes that they have done to this final draft constitution. Gonda: So what is the response from your party? Biti: As far as we are concerned there should be no further negotiations on this constitution and let the people of Zimbabwe now decide in a referendum whether or not the political parties, who negotiated this draft, drew from the people’s views as expressed in the outreach program. So in our view let the people of Zimbabwe be the referees in this matter. Gonda: But how will you force a referendum if Zanu PF is refusing to move on to that stage, using the final draft constitution? Biti: We have to resort to the Global Political Agreement. Remember Article 6 of the GPA, which is now Article 6 of the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, is the one that obliges the political parties to come up with a constitution following the process that we have followed – of first stakeholders public consultations, the drafting, the constitution itself and the referendum. So what this means is that the guarantors to that agreement – who are clearly specified in Article 23 of the GPA, which is also Article 23 of the 8th Schedule of our Constitution, must intervene - and that is to say President Jacob Zuma and SADC. One of the resolutions of the Maputo summit, where we have just come from, was that the facilitator will be watching closely whatever happens on the constitution and that he will be called to intervene and I would expect that whether we like it or not the facilitator and indeed SADC will be versed with the situation. But one will hope that the few decent people in Zanu PF, we hope that wisdom and common sense can prevail and we can go back to our original draft and we can move this country forward. The people of Zimbabwe have suffered and if Zanu Pf insists on the current draft as it stands then I foresee months and months again of attrition, of debilitating negative energy, which will again throw this country backwards. I think what the people of Zimbabwe want is to have the constitution, go to a referendum, have important reforms including media reform, security sector reform, put conditions that create an uncontested election – that is what the people of Zimbabwe want. Gonda: But if you bring in SADC or the mediator won’t you be forced again into these endless negotiations that you complain about? Biti: Well I can’t prejudge what the negotiator or SADC will do, but certainly from our point of view as MDC we agreed on this process and we signed onto this process and when we signed onto this process the GPA doesn’t say that the parties must all support in a referendum the constitution that they signed to. So we think that let’s go to a referendum and those who are unhappy with this constitution, those who feel that this constitution is not a true reflection of the people’s views – they must campaign against that. With all the risks that you know might lead to violence but let the people express their views and those who are unhappy should do so in the ballot box of the referendum. Another option, and we are not suggesting this or imposing this on anyone, another option is to say: ‘fine, the parties came up with their own draft on the 18th of July, you Zanu PF you want to exercise veto over the people of Zimbabwe let’s take your draft, let’s have two drafts and let the people of Zimbabwe either reject both drafts or vote for the draft they think is closer to what they aspire for’. And in short, Violet let the people of Zimbabwe decide. Gonda: Just going through some of the comments on your Facebook on this issue, it seems that a lot of people are not surprised that this is happening. One follower says ‘you are sleeping with an enemy who will never change and no matter how flexible you become something else will be brought up again by Zanu PF. So what is your response to this? Biti: Three things. The first one is that miracles do happen and sometimes we do things not because we want to but reality demands that we do so. That is why Zanu PF, unwillingly, were brought to the negotiating table, signed a GPA, signed numerous agreements that brought us to the inclusive government that started work on the 15th of February 2009. And you will agree with me that if you had asked the majority of people in Zimbabwe, the majority of international opinion in SADC, overseas they would not have given this inclusive government more than six months but it has lasted so that is a miracle. It is on the basis of that, knowing full well the kind of characterless or clueless individuals that we have dealt with, that we have persevered. We have persevered in a very painful inclusive government. Some of us, like in my case we have had bombs sent to our houses, bullets sent to our letterboxes, we are daily vilified every day - the Prime Minister and members of our party - but we have stuck on. And the constitution that we came up with that we agreed on the 18th of July we did not negotiate it as the MDC we negotiated with Zanu PF and in fact we actually came up with a draft that can hold its own against any other constitution in the world. When you draft a constitution you are bound by certain self-evident principles - for instance the principle of separation of power; the issue of ensuring that citizens are protected - so you have a strong Bill of Rights; the need to ensure that there is good governance; the issue of free, fair and regular elections. So all these basic things you find them in this constitution and on the basis of this constitution principles the modern constitution you can basically download it from the internet – in other words it can write itself. And I am saying those basic fundamental things you find them there. There are certain things you might be unhappy with – for instance the size of the legislature, the issues around running mates - why should we have two vice presidents in a small country like this one? The issue around land provisions – there are certain things that are unique to Zimbabwe but as a constitutional document respecting well-known fundamental constitutional grund-norms - the constitution that we agreed on the 18th of July passes that test. Gonda: Either way whatever constitution Zimbabwe was going to get was going to be a compromise but comparing this… (interrupted) Biti: … there is no constitution in the world which is not a compromise … (interrupted) Gonda: … yes but … (interrupted) Biti: … the constitution which is generally granted as the best constitution in the world is the South African one and I can tell you that it was negotiated at Kempton Park in 1992 so there is no constitution in the world that is not negotiated. What is critical is that in the process of negotiations do you have authority from the people? Authority in terms of the authority of the people that are representing and secondly the authority in terms of the views – the public legitimation exercise which Zimbabweans carried out through the public outreach program. Gonda: In hindsight would it have been better to go with the Kariba Draft or even the 2000 Draft? Biti: No ways! This constitution is far much better than Kariba and Kariba itself, which is far much better than the rejected constitution. There is no competition between the two documents; absolutely no competition at all. Just to give you an example the issue of devolution - you don’t find it in any of the other documents and it’s so fundamental in principle, in our constitutional dispensation, given 32 years of uneven and unequal distribution of resources in this country. The issue of two terms of office – not just for the Head of State but even for army generals, for heads of parastatals – is such an important thing. For permanent secretaries – it’s such an important issue in the devolution of the State. The issue of citizenship that we have created in this new constitution is such a departure from the old (inaudible) of citizenship. The Bill of Rights that we have created, which can only be changed in a referendum, you don’t find that in previous constitutions. So you can’t compare this draft and Kariba and the 2000 rejected constitution. And let me tell you something about constitutional making; constitutional making is a reflection of the balance sheet of the political forces in the country. In 2000 the democratic forces were weaker than what they were when we made Kariba. They are stronger now than what we were in 2007 when we made Kariba – after all democratic forces are also now State actors to the extent that they are in government. So if you study closely the rejected constitution and the Kariba Draft – and don’t forget the 2004 draft that was negotiated between the MDC and Zanu PF represented by Welshman Ncube and Patrick Chinamasa respectively, it’s another constitution – you will find that all those constitutions are far much weaker than the current constitution because they also reflect the weakness of the opposition of that time. You now have an opposition that is in government. So a constitution is indeed a balance sheet of the strength and weaknesses of the political forces in that country. Gonda: Outside of these prolonged negotiations with Zanu PF what other ideas do you have as the MDC of unlocking the Zimbabwe crisis? Biti: Well look, I think there is little appreciation of the role that South Africa has done for this country or the role that mediation has done for this country. And I think our people have got short memories. People must remember the problems of 2008. We had inflation of 500 billion percent, there was absolutely no food in the shops, and agricultural production for maize had sunk to as little as 200 000 metric tonnes - tobacco 32 million kilograms. People were starving. There was cholera in this country – 90 000 people were affected by cholera, 4 000 people died from cholera. We had a total collapse of the state with GDP growth falling to minus 14 percent. So what SADC mediation did was to say ‘let’s put a stop to this’. Indeed whether you like it or not the inclusive government did put an end to that hemorrhage and we were able to restart this economy, rebuild this economy, and restore the fabrics of the social contract that had been destroyed by Zanu PF through 14 years of mismanagement that saw 60 percent of our economy being devalued. But people have short memories – that in fact the GPA itself was actually a miracle that you have Robert Mugabe shaking hands with Morgan Tsvangirai his archenemy – it was actually a miracle. So never underestimate that dialogue. Because of the hardcore attitudes of Zanu PF it is very difficult for Zanu PF to respect the MDC and to accept that the MDC exists. So that is why you need the referee, the impartiality of the facilitator. The people also misunderstand the resolutions from the SADC. I have been reading the websites where some people are saying we came out of the SADC summit with nothing, and that the issue of Zimbabwe was not resolved. I beg to differ. SADC said in Maputo: We restate all the previous resolutions which we have made from SADC and there are many important resolutions that have been made. They said ‘we know that you have a problem of implementation so you go and define an implementation mechanism that will sit in cabinet and that will oversee line ministries that are refusing to implement the GPA’. They said ‘you come up with a roadmap, with the timelines which will enable you to go to elections’. “Go and deal with the constitution and take it to a referendum. Now these are important decisions. SADC is a source of international law so international law is prevailing over Zimbabwe because domestic law has failed. So if you fail to appreciate the importance of dialogue then unless you have 40 million people and you are going to do an Arab Spring or unless you find someone who is going to bomb Zimbabwe for you then there is no option for peaceful dialogue. Some of us don’t believe in arms, don’t believe in guns. We believe in dialogue, therefore we have absolute faith in the facilitation of South Africa and President Zuma. Gonda: Critics say the MDC seems to have succumbed and is now in a comfort zone of being dragged into these endless negotiations. What can you say about this? BITI: It’s very easy to say that when you are in an air-conditioned apartment in London or Cape Town – those things are easy. We have been in this struggle for many years Violet. Some of us we don’t go to nightclubs. We used to watch Black Rhinos but we don’t do that. We have been arrested, we have been tortured, we have been beaten up but we have looked at this beast in the eye and we have not blinked. We have looked at this beast in the eye without resorting to arms or weapons. We were a small, tiny little party formed a mere 13 years ago but now we are the biggest party in Zimbabwe through peaceful non-violent means. So our means have worked and are working and we are very, very close to achieving ultimate democratic change in Zimbabwe. Look at the ANC. They were formed 100 years ago. 100 years ago and they only attained democratic rule a mere 16/20 years ago and we were only formed 13 years ago. So the issue of impatience and so on, those are statements that are made by people who underestimate how ugly this dictatorship is. The Zanu PF dictatorship is probably the most refined dictatorship on the continent so the people who are fighting for change and democracy in Zimbabwe, whether or not they belong to the MDC in the churches, in the unions, they are genuine true heroes because they are fighting a complicated dictatorship that has no shame and that will take risks. So I am very proud of what we are doing collectively to establish democracy against an extremely bloodthirsty opponent. Violet: So how do you respond to those who say you seem to have developed a bond or a relationship with Zanu PF that seems to have eroded your appetite to be able to push for a more radical approach in terms of dealing with Zanu PF? Biti: We are in this government but we have not signed a unity accord with Zanu PF and Zanu PF has not swallowed us. We have a separate party with a separate identity and we will continue pursuing our goals until we achieve peaceful democratic change in Zimbabwe and that is as inevitable as it is foreseeable. Violet: Do you think the MDC is still popular? By this I mean is it possible that Zanu PF could be edging you out in terms of favorability? Biti: That is not possible. What has Zanu PF done? Zanu PF lost the elections in 2008and what have they done in the last three years that would persuade any right thinking Zimbabweans to think that our future lies with Zanu PF? The fact that they can come up with an alternative constitution like this is a reflection of the fact that we are dealing with a party of clowns and dinosaurs and Zimbabweans want real transformative change – unfortunately that cannot come from Zanu PF. Violet: Based on a recent opinion poll released by the US-based Freedom House there is an indication that support for Zanu PF is growing while support for your party is declining. What can you say about this? Biti: Well I have carefully read the opinion of the Freedom House and I respect the right of any person to carry out an opinion but if anyone thinks that the 1,180 people that were polled are a true reflection of an election then let’s go to the referendum right now with Zanu PF pushing their own constitution and let’s see who will win. Let’s go to the actual election and let’s see who will win. Violet: So basically you are saying it’s not a true reflection of the situation on the ground? Biti: I can’t comment on the professionalism of those who carried out the opinion poll but if an opinion poll is conducted in Zimbabwe and someone tells me that the medium of choice is the ZBC and the Herald then that is insane. The most popular media in Zimbabwe is Studio 7 and we all know that. The most popular media in Zimbabwe is DSTV that is why you see little satellite dishes on nearly every roof in Zimbabwe. So if someone were to tell me in an opinion poll that the media of choice is the Herald then there is something wrong. So I respect Freedom House and what they have done but we will do our work as we have been doing. Violet: What is your take regarding who should be sitting on the table from the other MDC formation? Biti: Welshman Ncube! Welshman Ncube was elected by a congress that Arthur Mutambara did not even participate in. Mutambara did not even challenge Welshman Ncube and I saw a video where Mutambara was congratulating Welshman Ncube. I am very concerned about that issue as an individual; because this generation can’t do things that Zanu PF were doing. Even Robert Mugabe strives to have legitimacy. Now you can’t say when you have not even participated in an election you call yourself as the President of the party that doesn’t happen. Violet: So what do you make of the accusations that have been made by Professors Arthur Mutambara and Jonathan Moyo saying that President Zuma is abusing his position in SADC to help his in-law – Professor Welshman Ncube. Biti: That is rubbish. Zuma was not in the congress of MDC-M in January of last year. He wasn’t there. He wasn’t the one who chose Welshman Ncube. So that is absolute rubbish. I think the energy in which Zanu PF is defending Mutambara proves beyond reasonable doubt that Mutambara has been compromised by Zanu PF. They don’t do that to any members of the opposition. Once you are now being defended by the likes of Jonathan Moyo you must know that you are finished. Violet: But isn’t Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai also defending Mutambara if he still goes to the Principals meetings with him? Biti: He is not! There were court applications and in the absence of court applications nobody could challenge the position so don’t abuse him, he is not. But now there are court judgments and the situation is very clear and also the SADC summit has made a decision which our president accepts. Violet: The reason I was saying this is I understand that early this week the Principals held a meeting and professor Ncube was not invited but professor Mutambara was invited. Biti: Remember the person who swears-in people is Robert Mugabe not Morgan Tsvangirai so don’t visit the omissions and commissions of Robert Mugabe on Morgan Tsvangirai; please don’t do that. Mutambara is an imposter to democracy! He is an imposter to democracy. Mutambara is trying through the backdoor to rewrite the constitution. The constitution says there are three political parties with three leaders now we suddenly find that we have four leaders, and that was the point that was put to him in Maputo which nobody had an answer. Did we revise the GPA? And to our recollection we have never revised the GPA. For feedback e-mail Violet: violet@voanews.com or follow her on Twitter:@violetgonda

Disagreement over Save Conservancy exposes more ZANU PF in-fighting

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
30 August 2012

The intensifying fight for control of the Save Valley Conservancy has
exposed even more rifts within ZANU PF, with top party officials clashing
over the Conservancy’s future.

The Conservancy has become the latest target of the ZANU PF led land grab
campaign, despite warnings about the destructive consequences such a
campaign will have on the wildlife and tourism sectors. Earlier this year a
parliamentary committee said in a damning report that the forced seizure of
Save by top political and military figures with “no interest (or) experience
in wildlife conservation” had resulted in massive destruction there.

“Save Valley conservancy has ceased to exist in its original form: there is
extensive habitat destruction, large scale fence destruction and rampant
poaching of animals, especially the rhino, whose numbers were said to be
fast dwindling,” the report said.

A group of ZANU PF officials, called the ‘Masvingo Initiative’, were
identified as the key players behind this destruction. This includes Higher
Education Minister Stan Mudenge, Masvingo Governor Titus Maluleke and war
vet Shuvai Mahofa who have all been given 25 year land leases in the
Conservancy. They have also recently become the recipients of hunting
licences, handed over by National Parks chief Vitalis Chadenga in the name
of ‘indigenisation’.

The Masvingo gang has also instilled some of its officials as the new
Conservancy leaders, after invading the area and taking over a management
meeting last week.

The legitimate Conservancy chiefs have called the handover of the new
hunting licenses a ‘criminal act’ that has nothing to do with genuine
indigenisation efforts. Conservationists have also warned that the situation
will have a devastating effect on the wildlife and hunting sector, with no
commitments to the necessary controls for sustainable and ethical hunting
practices.

The takeover of Save is apart of what ZANU PF is insisting is a government
approved ‘wildlife based land reform’ policy. But the fight has now seen
ZANU PF officials face off, with Environment and Natural Resources Minister
Francis Nhema on one side and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister
Walter Mzembi on the other.

Nhema has said the landowners in Save need to ‘cooperate’ with the new
beneficiaries, insisting the ‘reform’ of conservancies will go ahead. Mzembi
meanwhile has expressed concern and opposed the scheme, arguing it threatens
the successful hosting of next year’s United Nations World Tourism
Organisation General Assembly in Victoria Falls. Mzembi has also said the
targeting of the conservancy for ‘reform’ was against Zimbabwean laws.

This has led to the Tourism Minister being labelled a ‘sell-out’ by ZANU PF
members, who have accused Mzembi of deciding “to side with the whites to
reverse the land reform programme.”

Political analyst Professor John Makumbe told SW Radio Africa that ZANU PF’s
bickering over Zimbabwe’s assets is a sign of the “fragile state ZANU PF is
in.” He said that the rush to grab as much as possible, regardless of the
damage being done, is linked to this.

“ZANU PF is preparing for the worst by grabbing what they can and attempting
to legitimise these acquisitions before an election. This is part and parcel
of the widespread asset stripping going on in Zimbabwe as elections are
looming,” Makumbe said.

Minister Mzembi has now been urged to engage with his government partners
and revoke the new hunting licenses. This is the recommendation of the
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, whose board has said that “government should
remove illegal settlers encroaching onto the conservancies.”

“The communities should be empowered through the Community Share Ownership
Scheme and other empowerment benefits,” a memorandum from the Tourism
Authority board said.

SW Radio Africa has tried to get comment from Minister Mzembi but his phone
went unanswered on Thursday.

PM intervenes in wildlife invasions

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/

Thursday, 30 August 2012 16:14

HARARE - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has launched an inquiry into
recent invasions of wildlife conservancies by senior Zanu PF officials as he
seeks to clean the country’s image ahead of the world’s biggest tourism
event next year.

Latest reports indicate that wild animals face annihilation while thousands
of livelihoods are under threat after 25 Zanu PF senior members were granted
hunting permits and land leases in the 260 000 square metre Save Valley
Conservancy.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe High-Level Economic Forum in Victoria Falls
yesterday, Tsvangirai said he had met Tourism minister Walter Mzembi and his
environment counterpart Francis Nhema and told them to put their house in
order before the country co-hosts the United Nations World Tourism
Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly with Zambia in August net year.

“This sends the wrong signal at a time we want to unleash our economic
growth potential,” he said.

The PM’s statement followed similar remarks by Finance minister Tendai Biti
who told the forum the unlawful grabbing of conservancies was ill-timed and
could tarnish the country’s image at a mega event.

The event, which Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Karikoga Kaseke
says is expected to register 2 000 delegates, is held once in every two
years and brings together key tourism players including heads of ministries
from various governments across the world.

It is Zimbabwe’s opportunity to rebrand itself following a decade of bad
publicity after the often violent fast-track land reform programme and
successive disputed elections.

At the end of last month, Mzembi sought Mugabe and his deputy Joice Mujuru’s
help in a vicious fight to stop Zanu PF officials from invading wildlife
conservancies.

Mzembi fears anarchy prevailing in the conservancies will dent the country’s
image ahead of the Unwto general assembly.

Zanu PF’s scorched earth policies ruin Save Valley Conservancy

http://www.swradioafrica.com

Thursday, 30 August 2012

The ongoing fight over land ownership at the productive and world renowned
Save Valley Conservancy has exposed the sunset party’s indigenisation and
empowerment programme, as only senior Zanu PF politicians are set to benefit
at the expense of thousands of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Senior Zanu PF politicians are at each other’s throats at the conservancy as
they fight for control, while the local communities who are supposed to be
the beneficiaries are being left out.
Just last month, some senior Zanu PF politicians including Titus Maluleke,
Shuvai Mahofa, Basil Nyabadza, Chiredzi South MP, Ailess Baloyi, Chiredzi
North MP, Ronald Ndama and Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Lovemore
Matuke, parcelled out 25 year leases to themselves at Save Valley
Conservancy.
These same politicians have in the past abused the land reform programme,
getting more than one farm each and underutilising these farms, which is
contributing to food shortages in the country while millions of Zimbabweans
remain landless, impoverished and unemployed.
The MDC is concerned by the disturbances at the lucrative conservancy, which
have seen potential tourists shunning the area and a serious decline in the
much needed government cash inflows.
Because of these fights, thousands of jobs are going to be lost at a time
when the people of Zimbabwe need more jobs. It is with such a background of
maliciousness, selfishness, irresponsible parcelling out of national
resources by Zanu PF leaders that the MDC has rubbished the intentions of
Zanu PF in the indigenisation and empowerment programme which is based on
patronage and clientelism.
The ill advised Zanu PF empowerment programme is not demand driven and is a
narrow model of transferring wealth to a few black elite and not genuine
wealth creation and distribution to the poor people of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans demand jobs, investment and upliftment in order for them to have
a better life through sustainable and environmentally friendly business
enterprises.
The Save Conservancy is home to thousands of animal species, most of which
already face extinction due to poaching and hunting. There is need to
protect our animals and the indigenous people who have lived in close
proximity with these animals, protecting them to make a living.

The MDC believes that a genuine broad based upliftment programme, which
balances the need to attract investment, grow the economy and create jobs
for all, must be developed to protect the country from further Zanu PF
plunder.
MDC @ 13 – The Last Mile towards Real Transformation!!!

Will Anjin fund ZANU PF in next election?

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Alex Bell
30 August 2012

The Chinese run Anjin diamond mine has emerged as the chief suspect in
mounting speculation over the next key funders of ZANU PF’s election
campaign.

The next presidential poll, in which Robert Mugabe will once again contest
as ZANU PF’s leader, is expected some time in 2013. The party is already
understood to be in full pre-election mode, with the resuscitation of youth
militia-run terror bases and worsening intimidation across the country.

The scenario is reminiscent of the 2008 election period which saw ZANU PF
launch a brutal campaign of violence that resulted in hundreds of deaths,
thousands of incidents of torture and rape, and hundreds of thousands of
displacements.

Analysts have explained that such a campaign required a significant amount
of money, because of the mobilisation of the army and militia groups, among
other strategies. A Mail & Guardian investigation has now revealed the
details of a US$100 million loan given to Mugabe’s government in 2008, a
loan that coincided with ZANU PF’s brutal election campaign. That loan has
been traced to an American based institutional investor, who fronted the
money as part of a network of complex business dealings.

The business deals ultimately resulted in ZANU PF securing the US$100
million to launch its campaign that saw the then opposition leader Morgan
Tsvangirai pull out of the run-off election because of the violence. That
poll proceeded with Mugabe as the only contender and led to the formation of
a unity government, which is ticking off its days until another poll.

With the MDC-T now holding the purse strings to the national coffers and
clamping down on the activities of the Reserve Bank, there are questions
being asked about how ZANU PF’s current campaign will be funded.

Professor Patrick Bond, the director of the Centre for Civil Society at the
University of KwaZulu Natal, has said that the likely suspects are the
companies involved in mining operations at Marange. He said that the
evidence so far points to Anjin, who are the main beneficiaries of the
alluvial diamond fields.

Bond was speaking on SW Radio Africa’s Diaspora Diaries series and he said
ZANU PF “will look east,” to the Chinese-run Anjin, as Zimbabwe heads
towards another election.

Anjin is already well placed to service ZANU PF’s needs, because it is a
joint venture between China’s military and their Zimbabwean counterparts.
The company has already been linked to an illicit arms deal between the two
military groups. The estimates meanwhile of the diamond profits from Anjin
are in the hundreds of millions, money the finance ministry has revealed has
never been availed to the Treasury.

“ZANU PF’s crony capitalism and nationalisation rhetoric is already well
versed. This is what I call the ‘talk left, walk right’ gimmick that the
party has perfected, where they are allowing the looting at Marange to
continue while talking about the benefit of indigenisation,” Professor Bond
explained.

He said the ‘indiginisation’ campaign is a firm part of ZANU PF’s election
strategy and, together with control of the country’s diamond resources, the
party will be well financed ahead of the next poll.

Zimbabwe-Russian arms for mines deal sealed

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff Reporter 7 hours 38 minutes ago

HARARE - Russian mining giant Rushchrome Mining has been granted chrome and
platinum mining concessions in Zimbabwe, marking the entrance of Russian
investors into the country’s chrome and platinum mining sectors, sources
told Metal Bulletin.
“Their presence seems to be Russian investors’ first tentative move into our
chrome and platinum mining sectors,” a mining industry executive told Metal
Bulletin.
While Rushchrome’s shareholding and management structure has not yet been
made public, Metal Bulletin understands that Rushchrome has been given
concessions in the Darwendale area. “There is not much on the ground to
suggest...
Russia offered Zimbabwe to conclude an intergovernmental agreement about the
mutual protection of investments. Russian companies may thus obtain an
opportunity to develop one of the world's largest deposits of platinum. In
return, Zimbabwe, which remains under the influence of sanctions from the
USA and EU, will receive military hardware from Russia. Moreover, Russia
intends to ship a large batch of arms to another US-unfriendly country.
In Harare last week Russia said it respects Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and will
support the country on the diplomatic and political fronts.
The visiting Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Mikhail Bogdanov
who sealed the deals assured Zimbabwe of the same support that it got from
Russia in 2008 when the east European nation used its veto powers to block
the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
He noted that since political and diplomatic ties are strong focus should
now be on enhancing economic cooperation.
“We have very strong support for Zimbabwe and we respect its sovereignty.
That is why we continue to pledge to support it on the international front.
We are here to exchange views on the developments in the geo-political
landscape and we assure you that you have our support,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said Zimbabwe appreciates
the unconditional support it is getting from Russia and promised that the
country is open to investment from Russian companies.
He said, “We do appreciate that you have supported us through thick and
thin, but we are saying there is need to enhance our cooperation and ensure
that we cooperate on the economic front.
“Relations have been very good even before independence and as such we are
saying they can be further strengthened through economic ties.”
The relationship between Russia and Zimbabwe is strong as evidenced by the
east European’s support for Zimbabwe internationally, especially when the
country was under siege by Western nations which wanted to move a motion at
the United Nations that Zimbabwe was a threat to world peace.

Russia is currently in talks with Zimbabwe about the above-mentioned
agreement, the Kommersant Daily wrote with reference to a source in the
presidential administration. The document, the newspaper wrote, is being
developed in accordance with Putin's decree from May 16th in connection with
Russia's intention to enter the market of the African country.
It goes about Darwendale platinum project. Russian Technologies State
Corporation has already won the support from Zimbabwean officials during the
visit to the country in April, an official with the Kremlin administration
said. The Zimbabwean authorities, he added, are interested in the deliveries
of Russian arms, particularly helicopters. "It goes about the delivery of
rights to Russian Technologies for the development of the deposit in return
for helicopters," another official said.
The deposit in Darwendale Valley is the second largest deposit of platinum
in the world. It is situated in the south-eastern part of Africa. It also
contains palladium, gold, rhodium, nickel and copper. The proven reserves of
platinum make up 19 tons with total resources of 755 tons. The potential of
the deposit is 43-45 million ounces of platinum, or 1,3-1,4 thousand tons.
The license for the development of Darwendale belongs to Ruschrome Mining -
a joint company of the government of Zimbabwe and the Russian center for
business cooperation with foreign countries. Martin Rushwaia, a constant
secretary of Zimbabwe's Defense Ministry serves as the chairman of Board of
Directors of Ruschrome. Andrei Shutov, formerly a businessman in Renova
group of companies, presides over the Russian consortium of investors.
Ruschrome received the license for the exploration and development of the
deposit for 25 years. All preparations were completed in January of this
year, and the company received an opportunity to start the development of
the deposit. The total volume of investments in the project makes up $300
million. The estimated production volume - 2 million tons of ore a year,
Business-TASS reports.
It is worthy of note that "arms in exchange for goods" schemes used to be
practiced by the USSR. Peru, for example, paid fishing quotas to the Soviet
Union, Algeria - hydrocarbons, Nigeria - cocoa. However, experts say that
the above-mentioned variant - helicopters in exchange for the right to
develop the platinum deposit - may not work for Russia due to the
instability of the political regime in Zimbabwe.
Robert Mugabe has been ruling Zimbabwe since 1980. The West considers him a
dictator. There is a strong opposition in the country that enjoys the
support from the West. The opposition may come to power in the country in
the foreseeable future. Rumor has it that Mugabe suffers from cancer.
Meanwhile, Russia may send military hardware to another US-unfriendly
country - Venezuela. The governmental delegation of Venezuela is negotiating
the terms of the delivery of a large batch of T-72 tanks to Caracas within
the scope of the Russian loan, the Kommersant said.
This may mark a second large delivery of Russian tanks to Venezuela during
the recent two years. The previous delivery of 92 T-72B1B tanks was
successfully completed in March of this year.
The new deliveries will be conducted within the framework of the Russian
loan of $4 billion. The previous batch was delivered to Venezuela on the
base of the 2.2-billion-dollar loan. Russia gave the loan to Venezuela after
the latter recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Arms deliveries to Caracas are a part of the strategy of Russia's economic
expansion in Venezuela. However, despite the enormous investments, Russia
comes second after Belarus on the Venezuelan market. The commodity
circulation between the two countries has increased more than 200 times
during the recent five years and made up $1.3 billion last year. Belarusian
President Alexander Lukashenko has recently called Venezuela a "platform for
the Belarusian expansion." - Plus Metal Bulletin

Zimbabwe to host international diamond conference

http://diamondworld.net

Aug 30 2012 8:00PM

By: Diamond World News Service

Key diamond industry leaders will be participating at an international
diamond conference being organised by the Ministry of Mines and Mining
Development of Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls between 12-13 November 2012. The
conference will be hosted by HE the Minister Obert Moses Mpofu who will
address the audience on behalf of the Zimbabwe government.

A broad forum of speakers have been confirmed including Mr. Eli Izhakoff,
Chairman of the World Diamond Council, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman
of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority, Vasant Mehta, Former
Chairman of Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Ernie Blom,
President Elect of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, Abbey Chikane,
KP Monitor and Peter Meeus, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange.

The Honorable Minister Obert Mpofu said: “The conference aims to highlight
the accomplishments of Zimbabwe in the diamond industry. After having been
accepted again as a full member of the KPCS in Kinshasa 2011, Zimbabwe
stands ready to give the world full transparency on its achievements as a
major diamond producer.”

The second day of the conference wills see representatives from Zimbabwe’s
mining companies – Mbada, Murowa, DMC, Anjin, River Ranch and Marange
Resources addressing international guests.

Corrupt MDC-T councillors expelled from party

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tererai Karimakwenda
30 August 2012

The MDC-T has revealed the names of 12 councillors who the party recently
expelled for corruption, following an audit done in ten local authority
districts around the country.

The MDC-T National Executive made the decision last Friday, after
scrutinizing a report from the deputy secretary general, Tapiwa Mashakada,
who chaired the commission that looked into the operations of the ten
MDC-led councils. The commission began their investigations in March.

MDC-T Policy Director Eddie Cross said they were shocked that out of the ten
districts, only Bulawayo, Gokwe and Chinhoyi got a “clean bill of health”,
with no officials expelled for corruption.

“Those expelled were basically found guilty of abusing their office in one
way or another and being corrupt. Others were found to have accumulated
assets that couldn’t be explained by their income,” Cross told SW radio
Africa.

He added that 20 more local authorities are still being audited and anyone
found to be corrupt will face the same consequences. There were three levels
of punitive action taken by the MDC-T, with some guilty officials being
suspended for one year and others simply being cautioned.

In a statement the MDC-T said: “The action taken by the MDC leadership will
be intensified across the country to reclaim Zimbabwe’s self-respect; a
climate of accountability and a push for zero tolerance on corruption and
all evils.”

One of the more surprising officials expelled for corruption was the Deputy
Mayor of Harare and ward 42 councillor Emmanuel Chiroto, whose wife was
abducted by ZANU PF thugs at the height of the 2008 election violence, and
murdered in front of her son.

In statement the MDC-T said: “Despite these few rotten apples that have been
dismissed, the National Executive has expressed satisfaction over the
performance of the MDC-run councils, especially in areas of water provision
and refuse collection.”

Sadc summit on Zim looms

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

Thursday, 30 August 2012 14:36

HARARE - Southern Africa’s regional body Sadc looks set to convene an
extraordinary summit on Zimbabwe after disagreements over a new constitution
threatened to disrupt a roadmap to a fresh election.

A facilitation team dispatched to Zimbabwe by South Africa President Jacob
Zuma — Sadc’s point-man in the Zimbabwe dialogue — yesterday concluded a
meeting with negotiators from the three ruling parties in the coalition
where they finally declared a deadlock in the constitution-making process.

President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF, which denied there was a deadlock, saying
the Principals were yet to meet and decide on the draft, requested that the
two MDCs led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Welshman Ncube declare
the deadlock in writing and copy the letter to Zuma as the facilitator and
to the Sadc Troika chairperson Jakaya Kikwete.

Sadc, currently chaired by Mozambique, has been at the forefront of
brokering the power-sharing agreement between Mugabe and long-time
adversaries Tsvangirai and Ncube.

Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, secretary general of Ncube’s MDC, told the
Daily News that they declared the deadlock after realising that Zanu PF will
not let go their demand to make sweeping changes to the draft constitution.

“On the constitution issue, we submitted to the facilitation team that we
have declared a deadlock involving a Maputo clause that says if you are in
disagreement call the chairman of the Troika,” Misihairabwi-Mushonga said.

“We are deadlocked on issues of process. A cursory look at the content, it
is clear we were unable to reach consensus.”

The Daily News heard that Zanu PF representatives told the facilitators that
as far they were concerned, the Principals were still seized with the Copac
draft incorporating Zanu PF amendments.

And they have not met to pronounce themselves and everyone should wait for
that process,” a Zanu PF representative said. Mugabe is currently in Iran
attending the Non-Aligned Movement summit.

But the two MDCs rejected Zanu PF’s position and said there was no reason
for waiting for the Principals.
Tsvangirai told reporters at Munhumutapa Building on Tuesday that he will
not countenance any further amendments to the Copac draft and will not
negotiate with Mugabe on the issue.

The Daily News heard that while members of Zanu PF in the Copac management
committee signed the draft on July 18, more Zanu PF lawmakers approved the
new draft constitution on August 19, 2012 under the ambit of the 25-member
tripartite select committee even as the politburo mounted spirited
remonstrations against the draft, reflecting divisions in the party.

Select committee Zanu PF MPs Olivia Muchena, Munyaradzi Mangwana, Walter
Chidakwa, Monica Mutsvangwa and chief whip Joram Gumbo approved the draft at
the Rainbow Towers on August 19 and handed the draft to the Speaker of the
House of Assembly Lovemore Moyo as their party publicly rejected the draft.

The MDCs say at this stage, the draft can no longer be amended except by the
people through the stakeholders’ conference and the referendum.

Zanu PF is demanding the reinstatement of enormous powers in the presidency
that had been curtailed in the Copac draft, and 25 other fundamental changes
to the draft, including deleting extensive reforms aimed at improving
governance and entrenching basic rights.

If Zuma and Kikwete fail to break the deadlock, an extraordinary summit
would be necessary to review the deadlock over a new constitution — one of
the reforms called for under a power-sharing deal stitched after the country’s
post-election unrest four years ago.

Outside the Sadc mediation, Zanu PF is threatening to ditch the Copac draft
and go for fresh polls under the old constitutional order.

Zanu PF politburo member and serial political flip-flopper, Jonathan Moyo
told State TV that Sadc had no business interfering in such a fundamental
internal process.

Likening the Copac draft to an “MDC manifesto”, Moyo said: “We should be
optimistic that if reason and responsibility prevail, the (Zanu PF)
amendments will stand, if reason and principle fail to prevail, and there is
a deadlock. It is not the end of the world. Life will go on as it must and
we should hold our elections and let the people decide.”

“We should take comfort from the fact that our country has a functioning
(19-times amended) Constitution,” Moyo said.

Meanwhile, yesterday’s meetings also discussed Deputy Prime Minister Arthur
Mutambara’s fate, with Zanu PF insisting to the facilitation team that the
DPM will remain a Principal in the coalition despite Zuma’s stance that
Ncube will be recognised as Principal.

Both MDCs protested this position saying it was not how they understood the
Maputo Sadc summit position.

The Daily News heard that Tsvangirai’s team recognised Ncube as the
Principal not Mutambara.

The meeting also resolved that Sadc officials seconded to join the Joint
Monitoring and Implementation Committee must be formally introduced to the
parties and have their terms of reference outlined.

Zanu PF insists the Sadc team — including Ambassador David Katye (Tanzania)
and Colly Muunyu (Zambia) — which was supposed to play a watchdog role for
the regional bloc, be relegated to being a mere facilitation team.

Coltart slams ‘two-faced’ Zanu PF

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

29/08/2012 00:00:00
by Brian Paradza

MDC legal affairs secretary David Coltart has accused Zanu PF of
deliberately throwing the constitutional reform process into confusion in a
bid to ensure the country reverts to the independence constitution which
gives sweeping powers to the President.

Speaking to reporters in Harare Wednesday, Coltart, who is also Education
Minister, said disagreements over the recently completed draft new charter
effectively render a complete waste millions of dollars spent on the process
as well as three years of painstaking work by the coalition parties.

“After this painstaking and expensive process which took us three years … it
is most unfortunate that Zanu PF now wants to reopen the process, especially
in light of the fact that, at every point in the negotiation process, Zanu
PF negotiators along with ours referred the points to the principals,”
Coltart said.

Zanu PF has proposed a number of changes to the draft and, among other
things, thrown out a provision for presidential running mates in elections.
The party also wants the death penalty upheld and opposes introduction of
dual citizenship and homosexual rights.

The MDCs rejected the proposals and declared a deadlock. They accused Zanu
PF of trying to unilaterally re-write the draft and going back on positions
agreed during negotiations between the parties.

The MDC-T party claimed Zanu PF had made “a total of 266 changes to the
Copac draft”
“This is a total rejection of the negotiated draft. It is a whole re-written
document with all proposals we agreed on thrown out of the window. So it is
a futile exercise to re-open negotiations,” party leader Morgan Tsvangirai
said.

Coltart said Zanu PF wants to revert to the Lancaster House constitution
which gives sweeping powers to the presidency. The draft charter had
significantly cut back the President’s powers, ensuring he would exercise
executive authority together with the cabinet.

But Zanu PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo insisted that Zanu PF was committed to a
new constitution and dismissed allegations the party had re-written the
draft.

“We want the hard work that was expressed in the Constitution-making process
to be fulfilled (and claims that we re-wrote the draft are) far from the
truth,” he said.

“The truth is that all the three parties to the GPA were given the draft to
scrutinise and give their comments.”
Zanu PF wants coalition principals to discuss and reach a consensus over its
proposals but Coltart said re-opening negotiations would only complicate the
process further.

“To go back and start the process opens a Pandora’s Box because there are
many aspects of the draft constitution agreed by COPAC which we (MDC) do not
like as well and if we take them up we all go back to square one,” he said.

Zimbabwe Court Hands Mugabe Victory on By-Election Delay

http://www.voanews.com

Sebastian Mhofu
August 30, 2012

HARARE — A court in Zimbabwe has a granted President Robert Mugabe's request
to extend a deadline to call for elections to fill nearly 200 parliamentary
and municipal seats. Earlier this week, Mugabe asked the court for more
time to generate the money needed to run the vote.

Mugabe was given until the first of October to organize the by-election by
High Court Judge Justice George Chiweshe.

Advocate Ray Goba, who represented the president, leader of the ZANU-PF
party, explained why his client cannot call for elections immediately as
ordered by the court.

“Why is the president seeking an extension? Well, the applicant is desirous
to comply with the order," Goba said. "Conducting 28 parliamentary and 164
local authority by-elections is tantamount is to holding a mini-general
election. To conduct such by-election, [the] government would require to
mobilize huge financial resources and to consult wildly over the matter.”

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for
Democratic Change party, who formed a fragile power sharing government with
Mugabe in 2009, told journalists that the president would not call for an
election since there were some “administrative” issues to be dealt with.

Now that he has more time, Mugabe is expected to call for the “mini-general
election” as ordered by the court.

The seats that have to be filled became vacant for reasons ranging from
deaths to expulsions of the incumbents.

Zimbabwe is due to have general elections sometime next year, once ZANU-PF
and the MDC sort out differences over a new constitution. Mr. Tsvangirai
and the MDC have said the elections can not take place until the new
constitution has been adopted, in order to ensure free and fair elections.

Zimbabwe's last elections in 2008 were deeply marred by violence, most of it
by ZANU-PF supporters against perceived supporters of the MDC.

Zim's Blood Bank Hit By Salary Delays

http://www.radiovop.com

By Professor Matodzi Harare, August 30, 2012 - Zimbabwe's national blood
bank, the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ),is bankrupt following
government's failure to pay for blood supplies, a situation that has caused
payment of salaries to its staff members.
“This memo serves to inform you to expect salary delays this month. The
service is experiencing cash flow challenges due to delayed payments by
government hospitals," read part of the memorandum written to employees
which Radio VOP is in possession of.

The NBSZ has also failed to hold its Annual General Meeting, which is
usually held at the end of June.

In a memorandum to its blood donor members, NBSZ chairperson George Smith
said the crucial meeting to review the organisation’s operations had been
postponed because some key documents needed for use at the AGM had not been
finalised on time.

Last year, NBSZ was left with egg on its face after a former senior NBSZ
worker alleged that the national blood bank could have jeopardized people’s
lives by administering tainted blood, a charge which NBSZ disputed while it
launched investigations into Emmanuel Masvikeni, the former employee’s
claims.

Zim paralympic team welcomed in London

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
30 August 2012

Zimbabwe’s medal hopes in the 2012 Olympic season have now turned to the
country’s paralympic team, who were welcomed in London this week.

The official opening of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday night saw Team
Zimbabwe join other nations bearing their country’s flag around the
impressive Olympic Stadium in South London.

Zimbabwe’s 12 member paralympic delegation includes the two athletes
representing their country, Elliot Mujaji and Nyasha Mharakurwa. The two
sportsmen will participate in the 100m sprint and wheelchair tennis events
respectively.

This is the first time Zimbabwe is taking place in the Paralympic wheelchair
tennis. Mharakurwa will be playing in the singles division of the Men’s
tennis from this Saturday 01 September.

For Mujaji this will be the last time he represents Zimbabwe as a sprinter,
with plans to retire from sports at the end of the London games, which come
to an end on 09 September. He will be running the 100m next Thursday.

Zimbabwe’s delegation includes the country’s Chef de Mission Lewis Garaba,
the athlete’s coach Amon Cuthbert Nyaundi, their team physician Dr. G
Dvairo, and Obedia Moyo from the Sports and recreation Commission.

Students blast inclusive government

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/

Thursday, 30 August 2012 16:05
HARARE - The Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) yesterday blasted
President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s “inclusive”
government for worsening the plight of students.

Scores of students from poor families relying on state support have been
forced out of universities because the government continues defaulting on
payments under the cadetship scheme.

Zinasu president Pride Mkono denounced the government as “one of the most
irresponsible administrations in the world” whose priorities were misplaced.

The fiery student president said it was shocking that government failed to
pay fees for tertiary education students at a time it was acquiring top of
the range vehicles for ministers, jet-setting with monolithic delegations
and paying hefty backdated allowances to parliamentarians.

“This move by the government can be likened to a father who buys expensive
cars for himself and makes many costly foreign trips but fails to pay school
fees for his children,” Mkono said.

Tertiary institutions across the country have been turning away students on
the cadetship scheme, a government grant that pays for three quarters of
college and university fees.

Finance minister Tendai Biti this week warned universities against chucking
out students from classes.

Students on the cadetship scheme at the University of Zimbabwe, for
instance, have been turned away with authorities saying they will only be
allowed back if government pays up.

The ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education claims this whole fiasco is
taking place because Biti is not releasing money on time, an allegation the
Finance minister strenuously rejected.

Mkono said the squabbling between ministries over the cadetship funds was an
example of how the fragile coalition government had become dysfunctional.

“Zinasu demands that money be availed to sustain the cadetship scheme for
the remainder of this year with immediate effect and that the ministries of
Finance and Higher and Tertiary Education issue out official ministerial
directives commanding tertiary institutions not to turn away students until
the government is able to pay up. As for next year, students expect the
government to provide grants and loans.”

Government will need over $100million for implementation of the grant and
loan scheme.

In the 2011 and 2012 budgets, the finance minister allocated money for
grants and loans but they never released the actual cash.

“Zinasu is warning the government in general and the ministries of finance
and higher and tertiary education in particular that this time around
students will not be taken for a ride,” Mkono said.

“If the government fails to provide grants and loans in 2013, students will
be left with no choice but to take to the streets.”

Zanu PF torch MDC official’s home in Masvingo

http://www.mdc.co.zw

Thursday, 30 August 2012

A thatched hut belonging to Tongai Gava, the MDC district committee member
was early this month razed to the ground by Zanu PF supporters in Ward 15,
Chezhara Village in Masvingo Central.

The Zanu PF arsonists were led by Jemitias Gava. No arrests have been made
although Gava has made a report to the police and the Joint Monitoring and
Implementation Committee (Jomic).

Narrating the ordeal, Tongai Gava said on 13 August this year, a group of
villagers in the area were discussing the political developments taking
place in the country. Tongai Gava pointed out to the group that the people’s
living standards had improved significantly since the MDC formed the
inclusive government.

He pointed out the availability of food in the shops, that clinics,
hospitals and schools had reopened and that when the MDC forms the
government next year after winning the elections, there would be great
improvement in the country. The statements angered the Zanu PF supporters
gathered and they walked away.

However, on the same night, Gava heard some noise outside his bedroom and
when he went out to investigate and he saw his thatched kitchen was on fire.
Gava managed to positively identify Jemitias among the fleeing Zanu PF
arsonists.

Gava lost most of the kitchen utensils, clothes and uniforms of his
children. No one was injured.

MDC @ 13 – The Last Mile towards Real Transformation!!!
http://www.mdc.co.zw

Another windfall for MPs

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

Thursday, 30 August 2012 15:16

HARARE - MPs in impoverished Zimbabwe are set for another windfall, just
under a year before completing a five-year term full of demands for lavish
living.

The Constitution Select Committee (Copac) has recommended that
parliamentarians get $10 000 each for the damage to their cars during
public hearings to gather views on the drafting of a new constitution.

Copac is a special parliamentary body formed to drive the
constitution-making process.

The draft constitution was stalled because the MPs’ political parties cannot
agree on its contents.

But at least they agree on something — the need to milk as much money from
the process, if the latest action is anything to go by.

In a report prepared by Copac’s legal committe chairperson, Hwange Central
constituency MP Brian Tshuma, legislators should be paid without fail.

Tshuma is from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC party.

Even more scandalous is the committee’s recommendation that even MPs who did
not use their own cars be paid as if they used personal vehicles.

“Specifically, vehicles belonging to some parliamentarians were involved in
some accidents while others had used Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe vehicles.

“In respect of Members of Parliament whose vehicles were involved in
accidents, the committee recommended that they should be paid the maximum
value of $10 000 in full and final settlement of the claim.

“In respect of Members of Parliament who used Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
vehicles, the committee recommended that they be paid as if they were using
their own vehicles,” the report noted.

According to documents in our possession, Copac met on July 18 and
recommended that the MPs be paid.

The meeting was chaired by Paul Mangwana (Zanu PF) and the MDC Copac
co-chairpersons Douglas Mwonzora and Edward Mkhosi and attended by more than
a dozen other legislators and members of the Copac secretariat.

Mangwana confirmed the development.

He said the MPs had not been paid money for vehicles used for Copac
business.

“We had no money to pay them and Copac has to find the money to pay them,”
said Mangwana.

“Copac had hired cars for the outreach programme and most of the vehicles
from the MPs were damaged and we must compensate them for wear and tear.
This is going to apply to all the vehicles hired by Copac, including from
private individuals and organisations,” said Mangwana.

“It is an administrative issue as the outreach programme happened two years
ago. I do not remember us paying the MPs the money for using their vehicles
because we had no money and we have find it to compensate them,” said
Mangwana.

From June to October 2010 Copac embarked on an outreach consultative
programme to collect peoples’ views.

It used to provide fuel to the hired vehicles used during the programme.

Top Officials Shave Off $3 Million in Foreign Travel

http://www.voazimbabwe.com

Tatenda Gumbo
29.08.2012

Government officials shaved off nearly $3 million in foreign travel costs in
June after heeding calls by Finance Minister Tendai Biti to stop the
expensive and unproductive trips.

According to the latest state expenditure reports issued by the Comptroller
and Auditor General, government travel in the second quarter amounted to $10
million.

The government had set aside $12 .6 million for foreign trips during this
period.

President Mugabe, who is currently in Iran attending the Non-Aligned
Movement summit, normally travels with an entourage exceeding 80 people per
trip.

In his midterm budget review two months ago, Biti said he was concerned
about foreign trips by President Robert Mugabe and senior government
officials which were draining the national fiscus.

Biti noted that from January to September last year, $45.5 million was spent
on foreign travel while the nation was failing to cater for the needs of
struggling Zimbabweans.

The country is currently failing to embark on various programs due to the
tight fiscal space and drying revenues from Marange field, Manicaland
Province.

Diamond revenues were expected this year to boost Zimbabwe's coffers by
almost $600 million but so far the government has received less than $50
million in taxes and royalties from companies mining the gems in Marange.

South African-based independent economist Walter Mbongolwane told VOA
government expenditure remains high despite the token cuts in foreign travel
expenses.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change
(MDC) formation has released the names of 12 councillors who were sacked by
the party this week for allegedly engaging in corrupt activities.

They include Harare deputy mayor Emmanuel Chiroto and his colleagues - Peter
Marange of ward 42, Phumulani Musagwiza (22) and Xavier Vengesai (28).

Others are Gweru councillors Tedius Chimombe (9), Clemence Kwaru (17) and
Holly Dzuda (2), Ivory Matanhire (4) of Bindura and his associates Vengai
Mudadi (8) and Rickson Kaseke (11).

The MDC also dismissed Alois Zhou of Zvishavane and Kwekwe ward 11
councillor Johannes Ngodzo.

The MDC's national executive last Friday received a report from its deputy
secretary general Tapuwa Mashakada who chaired a commission of inquiry, set
up in March this year, on the operations of party's 10 councils.

The party leadership unanimously resolved to dismiss the councillors after
they were implicated in shady deals including the illegal selling of urban
stands.

"What has happened in Harare, Gwweru, Bindura, Kwekwe and Zvishavane is part
of the MDC's broad anti-corruption campaign within and outside the party,"
read part of the statement released Wednesday evening.

Zim capital ‘4th worst’ city to live in

http://www.iol.co.za

August 30 2012 at 06:42pm
By SAPA

Harare, Zimbabwe - An independent research group says Zimbabwe's capital is
the world's fourth-worst city to live in, based on daily hardships and
political risk. Cities in war zones are excluded from the “livability”
index.

The British-based Economist Intelligence Unit put Harare 137th out of 140
cities surveyed and gave it a 39.4 rating on a scale to 100 for ideal urban
conditions. In its report available Thursday, Harare ranked marginally
better than Lagos in Nigeria, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and Dhaka,
Bangladesh.

In cities with a score of 50 or less “most aspects of living are severely
restricted,” it said. The study aims to help businesses calculate hardship
allowances for executives and employees.

The group said Harare rates poorly in health care, general infrastructure
and prospects for political instability. - Sapa-AP

Zimbabwe Introduces more Tollgates

http://www.zimdaily.com

By TAWANA MAGUJI
Published: 30 August 2012

ZIMBABWE – HARARE – Tollgate fees are likely to increase after the
construction of new state-of-the-art toll plazas on the country’s highways
that has started with a pilot project along the BulawayoHarare highway.
Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) spokesperson Mr Augustine
Moyo yesterday said the new fees would be in line with the improved
conditions at the toll plazas.
“The US$1 charged on small vehicles will be subeconomic and we are likely to
increase the current fees,” he said.
The new tollgates, which feature modern security systems, will first be
erected along the PlumtreeMutare Road at a minimum cost of US$1 million
each.
The first tollgate is expected to be completed by end of the year, while the
expansion projects should be done within three years.
The first tollgate is at the 17 kilometre peg along the BulawayoHarare
highway. “The first tollgate in the Infralink project between Zinara and
Group Five is moving in a positive direction,” said Mr Moyo.
“We are at 20 percent of the progress on the whole singular project. We
expect the project to be completed and fully functional by December 31. From
there, we will kick start other projects until we reach Mutare.”
Group Five is the main contractor, which subcontracted to JR Goddard.
JR Goddard then subcontracted local Bulawayo companies that will do the
brickwork and electrification of the new toll plazas.
Mr Moyo said the toll plazas would have four ways, with passenger vehicles
and heavy trucks using separate routes.

“The toll plazas will be found on the Infralink project which will stretch
from Plumtree to Mutare and there will be nine toll plazas in total on the
route,” said Mr Moyo.
“The new toll plazas will comprise high security features which will curb
leakages of revenue we have been losing at the current tollgates.” Mr Moyo
said next to the toll plazas would be control booths which would supply
backup facilities at all times.
“Impact attenuators and concrete barriers at the toll plazas will ensure
more safety to cashiers from motorists. Detours for abnormal trucks will
have tarmac surfaces as compared to the current set up,” he said.
“Traffic lights will be fitted on the new toll plazas and they will control
traffic at any given time of the day. Given there is congestion in a
specific direction, one passage will be opened to enable motorists to
proceed without delays.”
Mr Moyo said Zinara would retain 13 percent of the Zimbabwe Revenue
Authority workers at the tollgates.
“Government vehicles will not pay, but we have been encountering problems
where most government vehicles now have yellow number plates,” he said.
“When such a situation arises, proper identification particulars will be
produced which will do away with the abuse of exemptions that were being
done by some members of society.”
Mr Moyo said Zinara would roll out exemption tickets to certain sectors and
offer credits to senior government offices.
The new tollgates will replace those in existence that have been condemned
by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Infrastructure as
substandard.

Water woes delay UZ semester

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

The University of Zimbabwe has postponed its first semester to September 10
because of severe water shortages.
29.08.12
01:03pm

UZ Director of Information and Public Relations, Dennis Rwafa, said efforts
were being made to ensure adequate water supplies would be available by next
month. The perennial water shortages also affected the graduation ceremony
which was supposed to be held last Friday.

Harare City Council spokesperson, Leslie Gwindi, told The Zimbabwean that
the council had pumped 2,5 million litres of water to UZ.

Harare Show: exhibitors disappointed

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Hopes that the agricultural industry is on the rebound were dashed at the
recent Harare Agricultural Show, where exhibitors reported very little
demand for machinery and implements. Save for a few companies like the
Zimbabwe National Road Authority, who were happy for they had seized the
opportunity to defend their licensing regime, most exhibitors said they had
incurred losses during the show.
29.08.12
12:23pm

“We brought many boom sprayers, tractors, combine harvesters, caterpillars
and graders from our workshop expecting brisk business. But only one tractor
and one boom sprayer were bought in the whole week. We lost a lot on fuel,”
said a disgruntled marketer from a local farm machinery supply companies.

“The government was our biggest customer during (Reserve Bank governor) Gono’s
farm mechanisation drive. Our parent company is in Asia and we set up base
here in anticipation of brisk business in the agricultural revolutionary era
that Gono and his paymasters talked about. We have realised we made a wrong
move,” added the exhibitor, who declined to be named.

Even small agricultural implements like knap-sack sprayers had no takers
this year. “We see no use in buying knap-sack sprayers for resale in Gokwe
as we used to do in the past because cotton fetched prices very low prices
and we cannot recover our initial investment,” said Revayi Masuka from
Gokwe.

Despite the rampant power outages companies selling solar panels and
generators also said they had very low business this year.

“While others blamed the poor timing of the show as the cause for the low
business activity, we believe there was much publicity prior to the show for
people to plan in advance. Yes, most people might not have accessed their
salaries by that time but business was very good in the past,” said a dealer
in generators based in Msasa.

Economy needs complete overhaul - Biti

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Staff Reporter 19 hours 34 minutes ago

Victoria Falls - Zimbabwean coalition government Finance Minister Tendai
Biti says the economy requires extensive structural reforms to remove
bottlenecks that recently forced him to cut the 2012 growth forecasts.
Addressing delegates at a high-level economic forum here yesterday, Minister
Biti said the forum sought new ideas to bring back growth to levels achieved
three years ago.
“Apparent structural challenges are arresting economic growth and only a mad
person can continue doing the same things over and over again,” he said.
“We need to take a step back and refocus . . . and) I hope by the end of the
forum we will be able to come up with a list of things we will be able to do
about the economy and at least four scenarios (to build the economy).”
He said the findings from the ongoing economic discussions would be
presented to principals in the inclusive Government, the Cabinet and
Parliament.
The findings would also guide the formulation of the 2013 National Budget
Statement.
Minister Biti was forced to revise this year’s growth forecast from 9,4
percent to 5,6 percent due to underperformance in key sectors such as
agriculture as well as poor revenue inflows.
The budget was also reduced from US$4 billion to US$3,4 billion.
Structural challenges cited as stalling economic growth include the US$10,4
billion national debt overhang, cyclical politics, a dual enclave economy
(urban and rural extremes) and low gross capital formation.
There is also poor infrastructure, outdated accumulation models based on
resource extraction, lack of competitiveness, lack of a common vision, lack
of regional integration and the breakdown in the social contract, critical
for peace and stability.
Minister Biti said there was need to address these structural challenges to
spur economic growth and development, as the majority of Zimbabweans
remained trapped in poverty.
Zimbabwe has a per capita income of about US$320 against the US$600
considered globally to be above the poverty levels.
At 5 percent to 5,4 percent growth rates the country needs 15 years to break
the poverty chain, but could breach the streak by 2019, if it registered
consistent annual growth of 15 percent.
Citing the levels of poverty brought about by structural constraints, such
as high levels of poverty, the minister pointed out that 37 percent of the
population had no clean water supply, 45 percent have no access to ablution
facilities while less than 50 percent had access to electricity supply.
But he said the country could rebuild on its educated and skilled human
resources, good climate for agriculture, productive land, strategic
geographical location in Sadc, a fairly young population and huge appetite
for ICTs.
Officially opening the forum, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said the
country’s growth potential was on a leash due to policy inconsistencies,
unpredictability, mixed messages and political discord.
This, he said, was despite the business confidence that ensured formation of
the inclusive Government in 2008.
“Our potential is on a leash,” he said. “But over the past three and half
years I have attended several conferences in and outside Zimbabwe and was
heartened by renewed business confidence in the country.
“A lot of foreign investors are keen to explore (business and economic)
opportunities in our country.”
Professor David Hulme of Manchester University told the forum that Zimbabwe
had recorded one of the biggest declines in human and economic development
across the globe.
This was based on an evaluation of all countries, except those in war
situations.
He said the country needed to adopt strategies and policies that ensured
sustainable and cross segment economic growth.
Factors that determined growth or failure included the geographical location
of a country, the culture of its people, ignorance of critical needs and
nature of key institutions.

Cops bribed me: Chimombe

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

MDC-T Mashonaland Central Provincial Chairperson, Godfrey Chimombe, has
claimed that police offered him money for information on the death former
army general, Solomon Mujuru.
29.08.12
01:09pm

Mujuru died in a mysterious fire at his Beatrice farm in August last year.
An inquest failed to come up with a conclusive explanation regarding the
fire.

President Robert Mugabe has also cast doubt over assertions Mujuru died in a
fire, while the late general’s family has called for a private investigation
into the case.

Chimombe was arrested two weeks ago for allegedly claiming that Vice
President Joice Mujuru was responsible for her husband’s death. He is
denying the charge. In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Chimombe claimed
that after his arrest at Bindura Police Station, he was interrogated for six
hours.

“I was locked up in a room where seven police detectives interrogated me on
my life history. They asked me why I joined the MDC and belittled the person
and office of the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. When they realised I was
not playing ball, they offered me $15 000 for information on who killed
General Mujuru.

“The police accused me and the whole of the MDC leadership, including the
PM, of having little respect for Mujuru,” Chimombe said.

No comment could be obtained as the police provincial spokesperson, Memory
Pamire, said she was on leave.

The Shamva North legislator is now out on $200 bail and has been ordered to
report to Madziwa Police Station every Friday. “It is a cooked up story,”
said Chimombe, adding that his arrest was part of continued harassment by
state security agents bent on frustrating the MDC.

Mliswa spills the beans on Billy Rautenbach

http://www.thezimbabwemail.com

Clemence Manyukwe, 6 hours ago

BUSINESSMAN Billy Rautenbach’s intricate political connections with
high-ranking government officials, including ministers have been exposed
following his fall-out with a former associate, Temba Mliswa over million
dollar platinum and ethanol deals.
This week, The Financial Gazette lifts the lid on how political doors were
opened for Rautenbach after he hired fellow businessman and politician,
Mliswa, as a consultant and, as the latter claims, when the millionaire was
a persona non grata following his troubles in South Africa and the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rautenbach ran into troubles in the DRC where he had mining deals. He also
faced allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption among others in South
Africa, leading to the raiding of his home and office in the neighbouring
country.
He entered a plea bargain with South African authorities, but during the
time of those upheavals Rautenbach turned his eyes back home for possible
investments.
Mliswa has now spoken for the first time on how he was engaged to link
Rautenbach with high-ranking government ministers to facilitate his
investments, but the latter is now said to be backtracking from his promises
to hand some shares to the politician as previously agreed.
In an exclusive interview, Mliswa said for rendering the services, he was
paid US$10 000 per month, on top of other benefits such as an allocation for
fuel.
Rautenbach, who shares a place on the European Union and United States
sanctions list with ZANU-PF members, was accused by Western countries of
bankrolling President Robert Mugabe’s government before the formation of the
inclusive government in 2009, an allegation that is yet to be
confirmed.
He has also been accused of providing the finances in exchange for lucrative
but questionable mining and agricultural deals.
Rautenbach, now stands accused of double dealing and not honouring some of
the deals reached with politicians.
Mliswa painted a picture of Rautenbach as a businessman who was now failing
to honour a “gentleman’s agreement” that he would get 10 percent
shareholding in the ethanol project at Chisumbanje and another 10 percent
interest in a platinum deal.
Mliswa, who was ZANU-PF’s Hurungwe District Coordinating Committee
chairperson before the organ was disbanded recently, said he worked as a
consultant for Rautenbach and took him from “minister to minister” and doors
were opened for him in the process.
He added that when it came to the Chisumbanje project, there was opposition
to the deal, but it only went through because he was roped in as part of an
indigenisation drive, but the millionaire was now backtracking on his word
made even before some ministers.
Mliswa’s lawyers recently wrote to Rautenbach enquiring about their client’s
promised shareholding and threatening to go to court, but the latter opted
for an out of court settlement that has remained elusive.
The former fitness trainer said he went with Rautenbach for the first time
to Chisumbanje together with Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA)
chairperson, Basil Nyabadza in the businessman’s aircraft in which he was
the pilot after having just acquired a flying license.
“Billy approached me to help him with several things, amongst them to get
his farm back because it had been allocated to Gerald Mlotshwa (a Harare
lawyer). He also wanted to start the mining of coke in Hwange. He wanted to
be given a concession for a thermal power station which he was going to
build in partnership with ZESA. He also wanted platinum concessions,” said
Mliswa.
For the Hwange deal, Mliswa received a percentage of the coking coal mined.
There was also an understanding of the 10 percent shareholding apiece in the
platinum and ethanol projects that were not honoured.
Regarding the ethanol project, Mliswa said he convinced former agriculture
minister Rugare Gumbo to accept their proposals as the ZANU-PF senior member
was initially reluctant to have them on board. Mliswa said he had worked for
everything that Rautenbach was now withholding from him, including reversing
the compulsory acquisition of the businessman’s farm by the government.
“This (ethanol) thing won’t take off before my spirit rests. My tears are
dropping. I was warned before of the sort of person Billy is. One Indian
once told me; ‘never open the door for Billy, show him the door, only open
when he has paid you,” said Mliswa.
“Billy has a way to get to politicians. I watch with disgust how other
people are taking this project as a project they pioneered at the expense of
people like myself. They are so compromised that they cannot give to Caesar
what belongs to Caesar.” He added:
“I am not suffering. I am not desperate, but I am saying this because I must
warn other people so that they do not fall in the same trap.”
Contacted for comment, Nyabadza said he was not aware of the relationship
between Mliswa and Rautenbach or any share agreements, but recalls that they
undertook the visit to the estates together.
“Yes I travelled with Mliswa and Rautenbach. They jointly made a request for
me to visit. I had not met Mr. Rautenbach before and I did not know the
extent of their relationship,” said Nyabadza.
Gumbo said he could not recollect all the details from the time when he was
the minister of agriculture
“I don’t remember now,” he said.
Rautenbach did not immediately respond to questions sent to him. - The
Financial Gazette