Ex-CIO spy tortured in custody for exposing ZANU PF

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
5 December 2012

A former CIO operative, who is now a lecturer at Bindura University, is
allegedly being tortured in custody after he jointly produced a scholarly
report on violence that claimed police were under instruction not to arrest
ZANU PF perpetrators during the 2008 disturbances.

39 year old Obediah Dodo was arrested on 19th November along with his
student, police Assistant Inspector Collen Musorowegomo, for releasing a
report that was published on the website of the American International
Journal of Contemporary Research in June.

The two are expected to appear in the High court on Thursday for a bail
application hearing. Elizabeth Dodo, Obediah’s sister, told SW Radio Africa
on Wednesday that her brother was being tortured by members of the CIO and
is being kept in solitary confinement. She said close family members who
have been able to see him describe him as looking subdued and fearful.

Obediah is a lecturer for peace and governance studies, while Musorowegomo
is a Masters degree student in the same department. Both teacher and student
have admitted authoring the document, adding it was based on real reports
obtained from police records.

They are both seeking immunity under the Academic Act, saying the report was
purely for academic purposes. According to the report titled: “Political
Intolerance, Diversity and Democracy: Youths Violence in Bindura Urban
Zimbabwe,” the two revealed that many cases of violence went unreported
because police had been disempowered.

The duo has since been charged under Section 31of the criminal law act which
outlaws publication of ‘false information prejudicial to the State.’

The report is based mainly on information obtained through a survey that
included questionnaires and interviews with identified samples in Bindura.
Dodo and Musorowegomo said respondents cited state security agents such as
the army, police, prison guards and the CIO, as having played a key role in
inciting youths to engage in acts of violence in the last decade and have
stressed the information in the report is a true reflection of what was
happened in the area.

Since his arrest last month Dodo has been denied access to lawyers and
visits by family members and, although these restrictions have lessened,
access to him is still being strictly monitored. Dodo and Musorowegomo are
being represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

‘We understand he’s being subjected to ill treatment and psychological
torment. All he did was compile an academic report detailing how ZANU PF
recruited youths in Bindura and set up torture bases throughout the district
and went on an orgy of violence against MDC-T supporters,’ Elizabeth said.

She added: ‘If it was for any other sinister plot would you think they would
release the report into the public domain. It was purely for academic
reasons and it shows how intolerant the regime is.’

Tsvangirai appointed GPA principals spokesperson

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Richard Chidza, Staff Writer
Wednesday, 05 December 2012 14:10

HARARE - Principals to Zimbabwe’s Global Political Agreement (GPA) have
appointed Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to be their spokesperson as they
try to unlock the stalled constitution-making process beset by constant
bickering.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News yesterday, Tsvangirai said the
move was also meant to reduce “partisan interpretation of our decisions”.

“As leaders of government and the political process in the country, we have
decided to have our own spokesperson to remove miscommunication and portray
a collective image when information is given to the public regarding our
activities and decisions.

“I will therefore speak on behalf of Principals from now on rather than have
Copac (Parliamentary Select Committee) spokespersons trying to interpret
what we want to say. It will avoid confusion and partisan positions. We want
to make sure the people get exactly what we want them to get,” Tsvangirai
said.

The Prime Minister spoke on the involvement of the executive in the
constitution-making process, the state of the MDC ahead of watershed
elections next year, steps government is taking to finance the referendum
and elections. He also spoke on his threat to resign if he loses elections
to President Robert Mugabe and the disciplining of party members fingered in
the violence that rocked the party’s congress last year.

Tsvangirai also confirmed the “small committee” constituted out of the Copac
management committee is already working and should be able to provide
feedback in seven days.

“Matinenga told me that they will need a week to try and find a solution to
the current disagreements arising from the Second All-Stakeholders
conference. If they cannot find a solution then we will ask Sadc for
assistance.

“Our secretary-general Tendai Biti is representing us (MDC); Zanu PF is
represented by Patrick Chinamasa while the three Copac co-chairpersons are
also part of that committee. I am not sure who is representing Welshman
Ncube’s MDC as a negotiator,” the Premier said.

The Daily News will tomorrow carry the full interview with the Prime
Minister, do not miss it.

Army Deployment Near Mozambique Worries Tsvangirai's Party

http://www.voazimbabwe.com

Blessing Zulu
04.12.2012

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formation of Prime Minister Morgan
Tsvangirai says it is seriously concerned that some army generals aligned to
President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party may abuse troops that have been
reportedly deployed along the border with Mozambique ahead of crucial
elections expected next year.

Reports indicate that Zimbabwe has been secretly deploying troops into areas
bordering Mozambique in anticipation of a civil war in the neighboring
country where former RENAMO rebels have threatened to go back to the bush if
their demands are not met by their government.

At the end of October, former Mozambican rebel leader Afonso Dhlakama, along
with 800 of his former guerrillas, decamped to his former base near the
Gorongosa Game Park between Sofala and Manica provinces.

The MDC said in a statement that it is crucial to defend the country against
RENAMO but cautions that “some desperate army bosses who are an extension of
Zane PF must not take any advantage of the situation and send partisan
soldiers to campaign for Zane PF and harass innocent civilians perceived to
be MDC supporters.”

Efforts to get a comment from Defense Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa were
futile as he was said to be in a meeting.

Zimbabwe, which has strategic business interests in Mozambique, once helped
Maputo fight RENAMO between 1985 and 1992.

Regional security experts doubt, however, that RENAMO has the capacity to
launch another guerilla war.

Political analyst Pedzisayi Ruhanya, a Phd candidate at Westminster
University in London, said Zimbabwean troops must be professional.

Zimbabwe Speeds Up Internet Connectivity Ahead of UN Indaba

http://www.voazimbabwe.com

Thomas Chiripasi
04.12.2012

HARARE — Government is stepping up efforts to improve internet connectivity
in Zimbabwe ahead of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO)
general assembly set for Victoria Falls next year.

But Information Minister Nelson Chamisa told reporters at a press conference
Tuesday that more needs to be done to allow easy web access for visitors
during the UNWTO general assembly to be held in August.

Government is currently working on scaling up the installation of the optic
fiber link between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.

The minister said his department is working tirelessly to improve the
country's bandwidth because there has been an increase in traffic on the
internet in the country.

“The completion of the installation of the optic fibre link between Bulawayo
and Victoria Falls as well as other areas will eventually benefit rural
Zimbabweans who will enjoy high and speedy internet connectivity, “said
Chamisa,

He stressed the government is currently prioritizing the Bulawayo-Victoria
Falls line.

Ahead of the UNWTO conference, the minister said his department is also
engaging the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe
(POTRAZ) to ensure that internet tariffs are reduced.

Zimbabwe is one of the most expensive countries in the world to go online.

Tendai Biti to lecture at Manchester University

http://www.zimdiaspora.com

WEDNESDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2012 04:41 PETER NYONI NEWS

By Manchester ac

One of Africa’s leading politicians will be making a rare UK appearance at
The University of Manchester, when he will draw on the lessons learned from
four years of coalition government in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean Finance Minister Dr Tendai Biti will also speak on governance and
development in Africa at the public lecture for students and staff organised
by the University’s Brooks World Poverty Institute (BWPI) on Dec7

The Movement for Democratic Change Secretary-General, will also give a
masterclass on governance reforms in Africa to PhD students at the
University on Dec6

Tendai Biti has been the Minister of Finance in Zimbabwe since 2009 when a
Government of National Unity was formed to oversee the country’s political
and economic recovery after a decade of crisis.

A successful lawyer before taking up politics, he is credited with
overseeing the stabilisation of the Zimbabwean economy.

He is especially noted for reducing inflation from an estimated 500 million
percent in December 2008 to single digits within three months of taking over
the ministry.

In 2009, he officially launched a controversial report by BWPI which among
other policy recommendations urged the Government to set aside tax credits
to compensate the mainly white farmers who lost their land.

A February 2000 programme which redistributed land to the majority black
Zimbabweans was recognised as one of the causes of an unprecedented
socioeconomic and political crisis, slashing the country's life expectancy
to 35years by December 2008. Unemployment was estimated at 80 per cent.

Elections planned for early 2013 are expected to bring to an end the
coalition government.

Dr Admos Chimhowu an Associate Director at the University of Manchester's
Brooks World Poverty Institute said: “Following the formation of a
Government of National Unity (GNU) in March 2009, Zimbabwe is emerging from
a decade of socio-economic decline.

“Conditions have improved markedly now. Although poverty levels are still
high, welfare conditions continue to improve and life expectancy has risen
to 50 years and inflation fallen just above 3.5 per cent

“But more importantly, the economy has recorded four years of growth.

“Tendai Biti has played a major part in presiding over this economic
stabilisation and growth – and we’re delighted to be able to hear about the
experiences of coalition government in Zimbabwe and the lessons learned for
the future.”

Notes for editors

Dr Tendai Biti will be available for interview between 1pm-3pm on Thursday
6 December.

His lecture, From crisis to stability and inclusive growth: emerging lessons
from Zimbabwe after four years of inclusive government. Takes place at
University Place Lecture Theatre A from 4.30-6pm on Dec 7.

190 elephants die of water shortage in Zimbabwe

http://in.news.yahoo.com

By Indo Asian News Service | IANS India Private Limited – 13 hours ago

Harare, Dec 5 (IANS) Zimbabwe has lost at least 190 elephants owing to water
shortage at Hwange National Park, the largest in the country, during the dry
season this year, said authorities.
Last year, the national park lost 80 elephants and 25 buffaloes in the same
period as a result of high temperatures and water shortages, according to
the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Felix Chimeramombe, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority regional manager
in charge of the Western region, said the figure reflects an increase
compared to the same period last year, reported Xinhua.
He said his organisation has been engaging stakeholders to assist in
resolving the water shortages and begun scooping water points in an effort
to reduce siltation as well as improve retention capacity in the future.
"We could be having more than those numbers but Hwange is a vast area and it
is difficult to cover the whole area in terms of accounting for the
mortalities that we have encountered this year," Chimeramombe was quoted by
state radio as saying.
He said a total of 25 buffaloes and five zebras also got stuck in the mud
and died at Matetsi Camp when they were attempting to access water.
A single elephant can drink up to 100 litres of water at one sitting and can
drink up to 250 litres per day during the dry season.
Hwange National Park has in the past also seen an influx of elephants from
Botswana, a development which has also put pressure on the limited resources
which have to cater for an estimated 50,000 elephants and other species of
wildlife.

Air Zimbabwe to settle $2,8 million debt

http://nehandaradio.com/

on December 5, 2012 at 2:41 pm

AIR Zimbabwe has put in place a payment plan to clear its $2,8 million debt
owed to a European navigation agency, which will see the airline resume the
Harare-London route early next year.

The airline, saddled with an estimated debt of $140 million, stopped flying
to London last December after fears its planes would be seized over the
debt.

Air Zimbabwe spokesperson Shingai Taruvinga told NewsDay the airline had
plans in place to gradually increase its frequencies on current routes,
while regional and international routes would be introduced in phases.

“The London route will be introduced early next year following the
resumption of the Harare-Johannesburg flight,” she said.

The airline resumed fourtimes-a-week flights to Johannesburg after the debt
it owed to South African aviation companies was cleared. The economy class
air fare is currently on promotion till the end of December at $317 on a
route serviced by a Boeing 767-200.

Currently the plane flies on a growing 60% capacity. However, the airline is
still using the manual check-in system as Worldspan has not yet cleared it
following its year’s absence even though it had renewed its membership.

Worldspan is a provider of travel technology and content, and a part of the
Travelport GDS business. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer,
Karikoga Kaseke, noted that it was unfortunate that other airlines had been
reaping benefits from the route all along with Zimbabwe getting nothing out
of it.

He said now that Air Zimbabwe was flying again, the airline might tap into
the lucrative $7 million/week revenue international airlines had been
getting.

“From a transport economics point of view, Zimbabwe was economically
disadvantaged. But now that it (Air Zimbabwe) has started to fly again, some
benefits, though not equal, will be realised,” Kaseke said.

He, however, said Air Zimbabwe could expect to regain its share of the
market in just three months. “It will take a minimum of a year provided
government is willing to support them financially. Without that, it could be
longer,” said Kaseke.

Kaseke said the airline had lost its brand and should implement an intensive
marketing strategy. He added that Air Zimbabwe must capitalise on its record
of safety, reliability and customer care to re-establish itself. “But a lot
of work has to be done,” he said.

Taruvinga said the airline would soon reintroduce the Bulawayo-Johannesburg
route, which is as lucrative as the Harare-Johannesburg route. The domestic
route load factor is averaging around 80%, while it is full to capacity
during weekends. The Harare-Bulawayo-Vic Falls route is serviced by a Boeing
737-200. NewsDay

Kunonga, Gandiya trade accusations

http://www.herald.co.zw/

Wednesday, 05 December 2012 00:00

Bishop Gandiya

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Court Reporter
THE case in which the Anglican Church of the Province of Zimbabwe and its
leader Archbishop Nolbert Kunonga are challenging eviction from Anglican
properties opened yesterday with both parties trading accusations of
disrespecting the courts.

Archbishop Kunonga’s lawyer, Mr Jonathan Samukange, raised a preliminary
point seeking to deny the Bishop Chad Gandiya’s Church of the Province of
Central Africa right of audience in the High Court citing dirty hands.

The arguments were heard in the chambers of Judge President George Chiweshe
who deferred the case to today for continuation of arguments on preliminary
points raised by both parties.

Mr Samukange, of behalf of ACPZ, argued that CPCA disregarded the notice of
set down for the urgent chamber application and evicted his clie- nts.

To that end, Mr Samukange argues that CPCA was approaching the court with
dirty hands and that they needed to cleanse themselves before approaching
the court.

Advocate Thabani Mpofu, who acted for CPCA, also raised a number of
preliminary issues including an accusation that Archbishop Kunonga’s church
was in contempt of court by resisting eviction despite a notice of eviction.

CPCA argues that Archbishop Kunonga’s ACPZ should not be entertained in the
courts of law until it purges its contempt.

CPCA argues that ACPZ defied several notices of eviction that were issued in
pursuance of a Supreme Court judgment.

The church argues that the application lacks urgency and that the urgency
alleged by ACPZ was “self-created”.

It is CPCA’s contention that the High Court should refuse to hear the matter
on that basis.
The High Court, according to CPCA’s lawyers, does not have jurisdiction to
hear the matter considering that the Supreme Court had already ruled on the
issue of property ownership.

Staying execution, the lawyers argue, was tantamount to frustrating an order
of the Supreme Court.
ACPZ has failed to establish a clear right that is under threat, which is a
basic test to obtain a provisional order, CPCA argues.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that Bishop Gandiya’s CPCA was the
legitimate owner of the church properties in the Anglican’s Diocese of
Harare and that Archbishop Kunonga and his colleagues who seceded from the
church to form their own had no right to the property.

Notices of eviction were served on Archbishop Kunonga and his church members
but they remained on the properties until the Deputy Sheriff had to evict
them.

Cop sacked over Tsvangirai picture: MDC-T

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

04/12/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

THE MDC-T claimed Tuesday that a Gwanda police officer has been sacked after
he was found with a picture of party leader and Prime Minister Morgan
Tsvangirai on a memory card.

Assistant Inspector William Mutsago, 30, was relieved of his duties despite
telling senior officers he had not saved the picture on the memory card
which was also used by staff from the press and public relations department,
the party said in a statement.

The claim could not be verified with the ZRP last night.
The party said Mutsago was first summoned to a hearing in October last year
where he faced allegations of engaging in activities likely to discredit the
force. He was subsequently detained for 14 days before being dismissed after
his appeal was rejected.

Gwanda Police Station, where he worked, has since written to Public Service
Commission and other government departments describing him as a “danger to
society” and advising against employing him, the MDC-T added.

The case is now being handled by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Family of murdered MDC-T official barred from holding memorial

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Tererai Karimakwenda
05 December, 2012

The family of the late Cephas Magura, an MDC-T official in Mudzi North, has
been barred from holding a memorial for his death by the same ZANU PF
supporters implicated in the murder.

According to SW Radio Africa correspondent Lionel Saungweme, the order and
threats were issued by the ZANU PF district chairman for Mudzi North, Peter
Karikuyimba and his vice chairman Smart Chizowa.

Cephas Magura was the MDC-T chairman for ward 1, Mudzi North. He died last
May after a ZANU PF mob assaulted MDC-T members who were gathering for a
rally at Chimukoko Business Centre.

The mob was allegedly directed by the Mudzi North MP, Newton Kachepa, who
also drove some of the mob to the location in his truck. Villagers told our
correspondent that MP Kachepa has continued to harass and intimidate MDC-T
supporters in his constituency.

Saungweme said: “On December 1st Kachepa launched his campaign by forcing
school kids in uniform to attend a gala he had organised. He told the crowd
that worse is to come on 21 December to those who shun his meetings. He also
threatened that there will be lots of bloodshed during the forthcoming
elections.”

Chief Goronga, also known as Tiki Mupatisen, addressed the crowd and said
those who oppose ZANU PF would not receive the maize seed that is being
distributed under the Presidential scheme, which is meant for all
Zimbabweans but has been diverted to benefit ZANU PF members only.

The Chief is quoted as saying: “Nhunzi yapinda mukoko nyuchi rumai (Beat up
MDC-T people as they are not our kids).” Goronga also boasted that he can
engage in political activity if he chooses to and no one can stop him.

ZANU PF activists have declared an unofficial “state of emergency” in the
area, and MDC-T supporters are said to be living in fear.

Bail ruling for the MDC-T 26 postponed indefinitely

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Nomalanga Moyo
5 December 2012

Twenty-six MDC-T activists charged with the murder of a police officer, look
set to spend another festive season behind bars after the presiding judge
postponed the bail ruling indefinitely.

Justice Chinembiri Bhunu, who heard the arguments in chambers on Wednesday,
said he needed time to assess the submissions and would call for another
special session to make his ruling.

The 26 have already spent more than a year in remand prison, and their
lawyers had hoped to get them out on bail last Friday before the high court
closed ahead of the Christmas recess.

Their lawyer, Beatrice Mutetwa, had argued that the 26 were perfect
candidates for bail since there was no clear-cut evidence linking them to
the crime and also given that their co-accused, Solomon Madzore, Cynthia
Manjoro, and Lovemore Taruvinga Magaya, had been bailed on similar grounds.

However, prosecutor Edmore Nyazamba opposed the application, arguing that
the accused were a flight risk.
Charges against the activists relate to the death of Inspector Petros
Mutedza, who was murdered at a night club in Glen View last May. Since then,
the group has had numerous bail applications turned down. All the 26 deny
the charges, and the MDC-T has accused the state of harassing its supporters
through “trumped-up” charges and called for their immediate release.

In a statement released on Wednesday, MDC-T Youth Assembly spokesman,
Clifford Hlatshwayo, said: “It remains our position that the innocent 26 are
unlawfully detained and deserve their absolute freedom so that they can be
with us, their beloved family and friends especially during this festive
season.”

Imposition of candidates a recipe for disaster

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
5 December 2012

The provincial chairperson of the MDC-T for the Midlands South, Lilian
Timveous, says the imposition of candidates is a recipe for disaster as her
party found out during the 2008 elections.

This attempt at imposition was largely responsible for the poor performance
of the MDC led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai in some areas of the
House of Assembly elections in 2008.

The only female chairperson from all political parties in the country to
lead a province said the failure by her province to go through primaries in
2008 led to dire consequences that saw the party lose eight parliamentary
seats that they could have easily won. Eventually the province only managed
to win two out of 12 seats.

‘We failed as a leadership in the province. We merely imposed candidates and
those that felt aggrieved contested against party nominees and ended up
splitting votes that hugely benefitted ZANU PF,’ Timveous said. The
chairperson has vowed the party will not make that mistake again.

‘We are now a unified province. We have very active structures from ward,
branch, and district to provincial level. We will soon go for our primaries
and anyone wishing to contest as a councilor, senator and MP will have to go
through a primary selection,’ she said.

After the party congress in Bulawayo in April, Timveous believes they’ve
managed to reunite and reconcile aggrieved party members and supporters,
rather than going back to the same path that caused the province to fare so
dismally four years ago.

The 39 year-old mother of four warned that while leaders may be forgiving
for making mistakes, they cannot be forgiven if they refuse to learn lessons
from those mistakes.

‘The mentality of suppressing the wishes of the voters to please the selfish
agenda of any clique in the party will put the party at another risk of
being defeated in the province.

‘In democracy, the will of the people is superior to the interest of a few
party leaders who are determined to undermine voter sovereignty by imposing
candidates on them. If anybody is bent on such a tactless political course
again, let them know the danger of pushing their luck too far,’ she
explained.

She said that anyone who loses the right to represent the party in the
parliamentary elections will automatically become a campaign manager for the
party nominee. She said this idea was adopted by the province after
extensive discussions.

‘As a province we have told our President (Morgan Tsvangirai) that we are
ready for elections and what happened in 2008 is now a thing of the past. We
are now working as a team, whenever we encounter a problem, we move as a
team to solve the problem head-on. We don’t run away from the problems and
this has made us a unified force,’ she said.

Zim Headman on the Run after Petrol Bombing Headmaster’s House

http://www.radiovop.com

Musengezi, December 05, 2012 - A headman and self confessed Zanu (PF)
supporter, Richard Chikwasha is still missing almost two weeks after he
petrol bombed a Musengezi Secondary School headmaster's house amid
allegations police have failed to act on the matter.
The headman had been trying to oust the headmaster, Ignatius Chimbidzika,
from the school for allegations of ill-treating school children and that he
does not belong to the area as well as to Zanu (PF).

The headman, believed to be on the run, had failed to mobilise parents to
support him in ousting Chimbidzika from the school.

In an interview with the Crisis Report Team, Isaac Gatsi, a local in the
Ndire area confirmed the incident.

Gatsi said Headman Chikwasha publicly threatened the headmaster at Musengezi
Secondary School with death in January.

Gatsi alleged at that meeting Headman Chikwasha vowed to get rid of
Chimbidzika before elections in 2013.

According to Gatsi, headman Chikwasha issued the death threats at a meeting
held with parents where he allegedly said the following:

“Ignatius Chimbidzika is not from this area so are his colleagues. It is in
my authority as the headman of these 27 villages, whose jurisdiction was
granted to me by Chief Kristain Chirume, Mambo Matsiwo, that I may empower
youths from my area to take up teaching jobs to replace those who are not
from this area.

"I intend to make sure that Chimbidzika is relieved of his duties, if no
other measures are taken. He is not from this area and more so he is the
root planting MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) activism in Ward 5 and
this is not acceptable. We are a Zanu (PF) stronghold and his existence has
brought us more disgrace than peace.”

According to Gatsi, Chimbidzika reported the threats and harassment to
Chidodo Police Station and the Ministry of Education, but no action was
taken by both parties.

Gatsi also lamented the inaction from Joint Monitoring and Implementation
Committee (JOMIC), which despite having been sensitised on the increasing
cases of political violence in Musengezi, had not taken the initiative to
engage the victims and the accused.

Meanwhile JOMIC co-chairs have called for civil society organisations,
including women’s groups, to address perpetrators of Gender Based Violence
(GBV) as a strategy to end sexual violence against women and girls.

Addressing members of civil society, diplomats, traditional leaders and
government officials at a women and Peace Conference hosted by Musasa
Project at Wild Geese in Harare, the JOMIC co-chairs also urged traditional
chiefs to support the campaign against GBV in homes and communities.

JOMIC Co-chairperson, Tabitha Khumalo, said women should take their issues
to the streets so as to amplify their voices.

“We are telling these stories to ourselves; we must take them to Africa
Unity Square and address the perpetrator. Gone are the days when the issue
of rape was taboo”, said Khumalo.

Khumalo commended Zimbabwe’s gender sensitive laws, but said the greatest
challenge was silence on the demand for use and implementation of the laws
and policies by the people.

She shared similar experiences from Kenya and Rwanda on how issues to do
with violence are discussed while isolating sexual violence against women
and girls.

“In the cases of the Kenya and Rwanda, many women were raped but the
attitude was that rape is normal and when you are raped do not tell,” said
Khumalo.

Khumalo also expressed disappointment at the continued use of traditional
culture in muzzling the voices of sexual violence victims. She added that
sexual victimisation is often shrouded by social myths and is continuously
perpetuated by cultural practices.

“Time has come, for the truth to be told and we have to do away with
cultural norms that violate our rights as women,” added Khumalo.

JOMIC co-chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri shared how issues of perception and
culture disadvantaged women especially during the land reform program.

“The women who were in the land reform committee were reduced to only serve
tea and pray during the meetings. In the end we were not properly
represented and did not acquire the land,” said Muchinguri.

She also added that in order to address the issues of culture, women should
also play a proactive role.

“We are mothers, it is the responsibility of a mother to socialise her
children into the community. The challenges that our girls face in this
world are that sometimes we don’t impart life skills in them so that they
have the confidence necessary in life.”

“Traditions are hard to die, and culture should not remain in the hands of
our traditional chiefs. We should interrogate cultural practices that
violate human rights and influence our traditional leaders,” added
Muchinguri.

Ellen Shiriyedenga, who stood in for smaller MDC faction minister, Priscilla
Misihairabwi-Mushonga, urged women to take the stand to discuss issues of
sexual violence freely and address the unequal power relations between men
and women.

Councillors attack Biti

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

Wednesday, 05 December 2012 15:06
HARARE - The move by Finance minister Tendai Biti to strip councils of
procurement powers will result in disease outbreaks, Harare councillors have
warned.

Biti last month issued a directive to all local authorities instructing them
to stop procuring goods without first approaching the state procurement
board.

Harare councillors, the majority from the MDC have now taken aim at Biti,
describing his move as “the worst form of dictatorship and abuse of power”.

They accused Biti, the MDC secretary-general, of usurping their powers by
taking procurement issues from them and giving it to a state arm.

“This is the worst form of dictatorship coming from our central government.
It is abuse of power. As councillors we are ready to be fired for defying
this retrogressive directive,” said Peter Moyo, an MDC councillor for Rugare
suburb.

A statutory instrument promulgated by Vice President Joice Mujuru after
consulting Biti stated all local authorities have been included on the list
of entities on whose behalf the state procurement board shall conduct buying
procedures.

But, councillors are not letting the matter go unchallenged.

“In 2000, government took over water management from council, in 2009 they
took vehicle licensing from us and now it is procurement. Not this time
again, Uku ndiko kunonzi kudya zvevapfupi nekureba (They are using muscle to
undermine us because we are weak),” said Moyo.

Councillors said the statutory instrument is in contradiction of the Urban
Councils Act, which states that all local authorities are procuring
entities.

The local authority agreed to engage Local Government minister Ignatius
Chombo to resolve the matter.
“This is what we call madness, the problem we have with people who have
never been councillors, they believe they are correct in everything they do.

“We suspect this move was politically-motivated. It was crafted in a way
which would discredit councillors in the eyes of residents,” said another
councillor Herbert Gomba.

“When we have a cholera outbreak, people will not go and attack minister
Biti’s office. They will blame us,” said Glen Norah councillor Herbert
Gomba.

In the past, local authorities have been procuring goods and services
through a local tender board made up of councillors.

Allegations of corruption and kickbacks have tainted the system, forcing
central government to seize the responsibility from council.

Bussing for Hall of Shame

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

Wednesday, 05 December 2012 14:10

HARARE - President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF is poised to avoid the danger of
the octogenerian leader accepting his party’s nomination before a
partially-empty, new $6,5 milllion convention centre in Gweru by bussing in
thousands of supporters.

The Mugabe campaign has been working desperately to ensure that the 5
000-seater convention centre located 13km out of Gweru along the Mvuma Road
would be filled to the rafters.

Buses for supporters from across Zimbabwe have been arranged and the
conference will be attended by members of liberation movements in the
region.

Footage of rows of empty seats at the Gweru convention centre — when Mugabe
speaks on Friday — would be politically disastrous.

It would be an enduring image of his devastating electoral defeat in March
2008 and his struggle for re-election in 2013.

Nothing has been left to chance, with a mop-up accreditation of delegates
opening in Gweru yesterday and expected to end today.

The conference will be preceded by a politburo meeting today and a central
committee meeting tomorrow, prior to the official opening on Friday.

The only controversy at the 13th Zanu PF national people’s conference — to
be held under the theme
“indigenise, empower, develop, create employment” — was whether the rain
would dampen the fun.

The mood in the Midlands city is one of anticipation. After listening to
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai hammer the President last week at the
launch of his economic blueprint Juice, Zanu PF says it is now their turn in
the spotlight.

Mugabe toured the facility last Saturday to get a feel of what he will see
on Friday when he officially opens and speaks to the convention. His
presence in Gweru was one reason why security around the convention centre
was tight.

As officials prepare to open the Zanu PF convention on Friday, there are
strong indications that Mugabe’s endorsement as presidential candidate is a
foregone conclusion.

Zanu PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa said the agenda of the
conference will revolve around the constitution and election before quickly
adding a major caveat.

“I believe in politics that crucial issues are always political which are
the readiness of the constitution; are we in terms of the constitution
likely to hold a referendum and after that referendum, are we going to have
the much-awaited for harmonised elections in March next year?” Mutasa said.

“I think those are the main three issues but again in politics, there are
bread and butter issues, we are preparing for the summer season.

“Do many of us have the necessary inputs required agriculturally? Will we
need to sustain those who are finding themselves hungry at the present
moment? As government, we have set aside food for those who may need it.”

Mugabe soared to a bigger-than-expected victory after garnering endorsement
from all the 10 provinces and the women and youth leagues, surviving the
latest test of his 32 years in power.

From the conference, he will be seeking another five-year mandate to rule
the mineral-rich nation.

The conference is expected to flesh out a proposal by a cabal of so-called
“Young Turks” who have dreamed up the strategy to retire the old guard, and
have been frantically trying to sell the idea to Mugabe ahead of the
national people’s conference.

The attempt to get rid of the old guard could break many traditions in the
party, including paying respect to former leaders.

In itself, it is a dangerous strategy; but the implementation of the
strategy is becoming even more disastrous, insiders say.

In order to succeed, an extraordinary number of deals with factions and
sub-factions has to be done to make it happen — with subsequent favours
having to be returned in the form of seats.

In the end, rather than “generational change”, a political bloodbath is
likely to take place at the Zanu PF primary elections soon after the
conference, a move that risks exposing the fault lines in the succession
battle.

According to Zanu PF insiders, the so-called “Young Turks” are pushing for a
clinical clean-out of party dead-wood.

But those opposed to the plan say the old guard risk being replaced with
party hacks and talentless candidates whose only claim on a seat is being
able to provide branch members to factional warlords.

A Mugabe victory in the forthcoming general poll will come as a
disappointment to the EU and US, who are hoping for an end to the Zimbabwean
leader’s virulent anti-Western speeches and his close alliances with US and
EU opponents like Iran and Russia. - Gift Phiri, Politics Editor

Disabled Zimbabweans Facing Serious Challenges

http://www.voazimbabwe.com/

Violet Gonda, Sithandekile Mhlanga
04.12.2012

Disabled people continue to face barriers to equal participation in all
aspects of life, the National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe
(NCDPZ) revealed as the world Monday marked the International Day of Persons
with Disabilities.

The United Nations set aside December 3 to promote an understanding of
disability issues and to mobilize support for the dignity and rights of
people with disabilities.

This year’s theme is: ‘Removing Barriers and Creating an Accessible Society
for All’.

But NCDPZ president Farai Cherera told VOA society continues to have
negative attitudes towards people with disabilities, adding that they remain
poor and on the sidelines of national development programs, including the
indigenization and economic empowerment drive.
Interview with Farai Cherera

Cherera said her organization is pushing Harare to ratify the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Disabled People enabling those with disabilities
to live independently and participate in all aspects of life and
development.

“Persons with disabilities continue to be the poorest of the poor mainly due
to the unfavorable economic situation and predominantly because of the
negative attitudes society continues to have towards people with
disabilities,” Cherera said.

Ishmael Zhou, chairperson of the National Association of Societies for the
Care of the Handicapped and executive director of the Zimbabwe National
League of the Blind, said his organization is concerned that the government
did not observe this year’s commemorations.

“Since the formation of the GNU (Government of National Unity) we have seen
a decline of state support for people with disabilities. For instance people
with disabilities used to receive monthly allowances in the form of public
assistance but that has since stopped,” Zhou said.

Zanu PF non-constituency senator and disability activist Joshua Malinga said
although challenges faced by people living with disabilities have been
raised in parliament, little has been done to address the crisis.
Interview with Joshua Malinga

Malinga said Zimbabwe is now lagging behind many countries in Africa despite
having come out with the “first ever legislation for disabled people in
Africa.”

He said the situation changed for the worst from the late 1980s. “Our
rights are not being respected and if you look at the theme of this year, we
have no access to all community services, be it in education or transport.”

Malinga noted that “anything that people take for granted, disabled people
cannot access that.”

Moyo's Zanu-PF candidacy far from secure

http://www.thezimbabwemail.net

Staff Reporter 11 hours 26 minutes ago

Zanu PF’s politburo will meet today to consider new guidelines for primary
elections amid indications the party is already backtracking on a proposal
to bar aspiring candidates that have been members for less than five years.
The meeting of the party’s secretariat, chaired by President Robert Mugabe
in Harare, will kick-start the Zanu PF annual conference that will end in
Gweru on Saturday.
A number of issues — including a central committee report detailing
activities of the party since the last conference held in Bulawayo in
December 2011 — would be tabled. The central committee is also expected to
meet in Harare tomorrow before the activities move to the extravagant new
Zanu PF conference centre in Gweru.
Politburo members are expected to touch on the constitution-making process.
But with Mugabe’s succession on the backburner once again, it is the debate
on primary elections and selection of candidates that is expected to take
centre stage.
Zanu PF sources yesterday said a report by a committee led by the party’s
secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa on the proposed rules for the
primaries would be tabled.
Mutasa yesterday confirmed the rules would be discussed in today’s meeting
and dismissed suggestions they would split the party.
“This is what we have decided that we think will carry the party forward,”
he said without elaborating. Some of the rules, if adopted, would
effectively end the aspirations of the so-called Young Turks angling to
unseat Zanu PF’s old guard.
They include former Central Intelligence Organisation operatives, serving
and retired police as well as army officers.There were also fears that the
committee was targeted at the alleged masterminds of the Tsholotsho
Declaration who tried to topple Mugabe in 2005, leading to their expulsion.
The former provincial chairpersons have since been re-admitted into the
party and are eyeing seats in elections expected next year.
Former Information minister Jonathan Moyo last month said Zanu PF would bend
the rules for him in the clearest indication of the fissures.
Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo has been quoted indicating a climbdown
from the hardline position on candidates.
Sources said there were growing fears the rules could see disgruntled
members opting to stand as independents and embarrass the party in the
do-or-die polls.
“The (politburo) meeting is expected to be tense,” said the source.“The old
guard is being accused of crafting rules to consolidate their positions.
This is largely seen as imposition of candidates.”
Gumbo said the rules were not cast in stone and could be adjusted depending
on popularity of individuals. Mugabe’s trusted lieutenant Local Government
minister Ignatius Chombo is facing a fierce challenge from the veteran ruler’s
close relative, Edwin Matibiri.
The conference will be held at the 5 000-seater Zanu PF conference centre
hurriedly built by Chinese contractors and cost the party $6,5 million.
Meanwhile, the Zanu PF politburo will also deliberate on the hero status of
Mberengwa North MP and central committee member Jabulani Mangena, who was
buried at his Somabhula Farm near Gweru yesterday.
Zanu PF’s Midlands province had recommended that Mangena, who died last
Friday, be declared a national hero.
“His status is still being considered and the politburo is likely to discuss
the issue at its meeting,” Zanu PF spokesperson Gumbo said. - NewsDay

MDC Lauds ZIPRA High Command

http://www.mdc.co.zw

Wednesday, 05 December 2012

MDC applauds the statement issued by the Former ZIPRA high Command in their
press release. As a party we acknowledge the issues raised therein and we
affirm our concern on the plight and neglect these gallant sons and
daughters have endured over the years.

It is totally unacceptable that these genuine liberation war fighters have
been neglected by the government for the past 32 years largely due to
political partisanship in spite of their invaluable contribution to the
independence of this country.

We extol and exalt the former High Command’s reiteration that the liberation
war was premised on the concept of one man one vote and the democratic
principle of respect of the will of the people. We commend such an
unwavering stand point on the values and principles guiding the war of
liberation which those in the Zanu PF structures have unfortunately sought
to desecrate and disrespect in pursuit of selfish personal partisan
interests.

The continued total disregard of surviving heroes during national events,
such as the Heroes and Independence days, as well as their unwarranted
discrimination in the police and the army is absolutely disconcerting.

As we look forward to a new Zimbabwe, we remain grounded in the values and
principles of democracy, peace stability and national security of our
country as ascribed in your unbridled resolve.

We take this opportunity to assure all the genuine but forgotten veterans of
the liberation struggle that a new Zimbabwe will be committed to the respect
and proper recognition of these gallant sons of Zimbabwe whose supreme
sacrifice has brought the independence of this Country.

To that end we demand that the government redresses the plight of these war
veterans forthwith.

The Last Mile: Towards Real Transformation!!!

The MDC Today - Issue 483

http://www.mdc.co.zw

Wednesday, 05 December 2012

President Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe needs to fix its governance culture as it
is retrogressive and old fashioned. Speaking to the Mashonaland West
Provincial leadership, President Tsvangirai asked why the people should be
oppressed.

“We want rule of law, not rule by law. We need a new crop of leadership that
is focused on issues not on politics. We need to focus on the economy. The
MDC government will be focused on giving food to the people, creating jobs
and job opportunities for them, developing our infrastructure and improving
agricultural yields,” he said.

He added that the country needs US$ 14 billion dollars for infrastructural
development. He said that national government should focus on knowing what
to give the people to make them effective economic players.

Meanwhile, in Masvingo, three huts belonging to an MDC member, Solomon
Madyezvivi were torched by suspected Zanu PF supporters on Sunday in ward 1,
Gutu West.

MDC Councillor for Ward 23 Nkayi South Brenda Mpofu has received death
threats from Welshman Ncube led MDC party members for refusing to defect to
their party. Councillor Mpofu said, Welshman’s party members descended on
her at a developmental meeting on Thursday baying for her blood. The
councillor had to seek refuge at a nearby school as Ncube led bloodthirsty
thugs bayed for her blood.

The Last Mile: Towards Real Transformation!!!

Working on sustainable water and sanitation initiatives in Zimbabwe

http://www.ifrc.org

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Published: 4 December 2012
4 December 2012, HARARE, Zimbabwe – With 82 per cent of water points still
functioning, 96 per cent of latrines (in schools and clinics) still in use,
and significant improvement in hygiene practices in Mount Darwin district
(Mashonaland Central Province), the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society continues to
successfully provide improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene in
rural areas of the country. The organizations work in this area is part of
the Global Water and Sanitation Initiative launched by the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 2005.

It was noted however that water tables are dropping and the output of some
wells has reduced, a situation that is most likely related to climate
variability.

Lucky Goteka, Acting Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society,
said: “Access to affordable and sustainable safe water and basic sanitation
combined with improved hygiene practices are crucial to promote community
health, resilience, and human dignity. Sanitation and hygiene promotion are
the two most effective interventions for controlling endemic diarrhoea in
Zimbabwe, and are the most cost-effective public health interventions.

“The Red Cross is committed to strengthen these two areas over the coming
years.”

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and its partners have just completed an
evaluation study to determine the sustainability and impact of the water and
sanitation project completed in April 2010 that involved the rural
population of the Mount Darwin area. The project has provided almost 61,000
people with safe water and 15,200 people with basic sanitation at household
level and in schools and clinics. These measures were taken in concert with
hygiene promotion activities that have engaged more than 150,000 people.

The project is implemented with support from the European Union and is built
on a solid collaboration with the government of Zimbabwe, which provides
coordination and technical support. The previous evaluation, completed in
2010, rated the initiative as ‘sustainable’ and highlighted the importance
of using local strategies and resources that promote ownership and the
continuation of interventions which rehabilitation to development.

Lessons learned from the Mt Darwin project have informed the implementation
of the second water and sanitation project in this partnership. This
four-year initiative, which began in 2011, involves the rural population of
Chivi district, Masvingo Province, and will provide 100,000 people with safe
water, 36,000 with basic sanitation and will undertake hygiene promotion
activities targeting 100,000 people.

Currently in Zimbabwe, only 48 per cent of the population living in rural
areas, uses improved and shared sanitation facilities. Access to safe water
is presently at 69 per cent (JMP Report 2012).

Despite improvements, progress towards the water and sanitation Millennium
Development Goal of halving the number of people without basic sanitation by
2015 will fall significantly short in the country.

Stefan Seebacher, Head of the IFRC Health Department, said: “The lack of
access to adequate and sustainable sanitation facilities takes its highest
toll on the poor and underprivileged. We need to explore ways of redressing
this imbalance by adapting present delivery models and piloting new ones at
a greater scale – we must get the balance right.”

The IFRC has recently launched an advocacy report that encourages donors to
‘get the balance right’ by prioritising funding for sanitation programmes in
equal balance to funding that is focused on providing safe water.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150
million people each year through its 187 member National Societies.
Together, the IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health
emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It
does so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious
beliefs, class and political opinions. For more information, please visit
www.ifrc.org. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and
Flickr.

Structural transformation and the primacy of smallholder agriculture moving on