Bank chief deserves Nobel Prize if he fixes economy: analysts

Zim Online

Thursday 01 February 2007

HARARE - Zimbabwe central bank chief Gideon Gono has a greater chance of
success brokering a truce in war-torn Iraq than he has trying to get the
government, labour and business agree on a common plan to fix the country's
bleeding economy, analysts said on Wednesday.

Responding to Gono's monetary policy issued earlier in the day and in which
he said economic recovery depended on a spirit of partnership, the analysts
said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) chief would have to hire the world's
best diplomats to convince the tripartite partners to drop their entrenched
positions in favour of the common good.

"A Nobel Peace prize will be coming his way if he manages to achieve that
because, as things stand, workers have made the position clear, so has
business and the government and none of the three partners is willing to
compromise," said a Harare-based investment banker who could not be named
for professional reasons.

Gono pleaded for a social contract, openly admitting that the government's
unilateral approach and a raft of laws and controls it had imposed in a bid
to right the economy had failed.

The only option left was for labour, the government and employers to come
together and agree on a sustainable way out of the quagmire, said Gono, who
is widely regarded as President Robert Mugabe's trouble shooter on the
economy.

"A social contract between labour, employers, government and civic society
could yield disinflation but it needs bold action to be taken now. We need
to act and act now," Gono said.

But previous attempts at achieving a social contract have faltered as the
parties to the country's Tripartite Negotiating Forum have disagreed over
pricing and productivity issues.

This has forced the government to try and go it alone by establishing a
statutory Pricing and Incomes Commission that will regulate salaries and
prices across the economy.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has rejected such a commission while
business has accused the government of unilateralism and failure to consult.

University of Zimbabwe political scientist John Makumbe said chances of the
social contract working under Zimbabwe's current environment were slim
because there was simply no common position or understanding among the three
parties on most of the major economic issues.

"For the social contract to work, the three legs of the contract will have
to actually work on something which must result in the creation of wealth.
At the moment that something is not there and it will be very difficult to
operationalise this contract," said Makumbe.

He noted that another hurdle that Gono would have to overcome was the fact
that, other than the government, the other parties to the social contract
are depleted.

The formal labour force has shrunk in the past seven months due to the
collapse of industry, a development that has seen most workers venturing
into private business.

The same applies to the business leg of the social contract where most
manufacturers have gone out of business. The Confederation of Zimbabwe
Industries says more than 1 000 companies have closed shop in the last six
years alone mainly due to shortages of hard cash to import raw materials and
machinery.

"This means that any social contract now will be highly skewed against
productivity, with the government being the only strong leg," said Makumbe.

Labour Research Institute analyst Prosper Chatambara said a huge obstacle to
a social contract was the lack of political will to take the hard decisions
necessary to fix the economy. He said this was so because Gono's principals
in the ruling ZANU PF party and the government were the ones benefiting the
most from the country's economic collapse.

Chatambara said: "The lack of a firm political will and commitment to
address the country's woes will keep this nation in the abyss. Most
politicians are benefiting from these economic distortions and are obviously
averse to any measures meant to address the decay."

Consultant economist John Robertson said the social contract would be
difficult to achieve and could result in distortions in the economy.

One such distortion would be the return of subsidies to cushion
manufacturers who would be forced to supply products at sub-economic prices.

"These distortions would eventually cause the social contract to break
down," Robertson warned.

The analysts said Gono would have fared better by addressing more
fundamental issues such as the exchange rate and the high cost of borrowing
money.

The governor refused to bow to market pressure to devalue the Zimbabwe
dollar, insisting that allowing the local currency to slide would not solve
the country's economic woes.

Analysts were expecting the bank chief to allow the local unit to slide from
250 against the United States dollar, a rate at which it has been fixed
since 31 July 2006 when he presented the last half-yearly monetary policy
statement.

The local dollar is currently trading at around 5 000 to the US greenback on
an illegal but thriving parallel market where the bulk of hard cash is
traded. - ZimOnline

Zimbabwe's Gono Says Currency Won't Be Devalued

Bloomberg

By Brian Latham and Nasreen Seria

Jan. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe's central bank Governor Gideon Gono said he
won't devalue the currency and left the southern African country's benchmark
lending rate unchanged at 500 percent.

Narrowing the range ``between the black market and the official rates is
achievable,'' Gono said in a televised speech today in the capital, Harare.

Inflation in the Zimbabwe, the world's fastest shrinking economy according
to the International Monetary Fund, surged to a record 1,281 percent in
December, the statistics office said Jan. 10. The Zimbabwe dollar is
officially pegged at 250 against the U.S. dollar, and sells for as much as
4,200 on the black market.

Gono said the government can raise between $2 billion and $4 billion from
selling state assets.

``We have not yet privatized one parastatal partly because of fear,'' Gono
said. ``We must revisit this issue.''

To contact the reporters on this story: Brian Latham in Harare via the
Johannesburg bureau on pmrichardson@bloomberg.net ; Nasreen Seria in
Johannesburg nseria@bloomberg.net

Zimbabwe c.bank urges Mugabe to sell off state firms

Reuters

Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:59 PM GMT

By Cris Chinaka

HARARE (Reuters) - President Robert Mugabe's government should immediately
sell more than a dozen state firms to help raise money for the embattled
economy, Zimbabwe's central bank governor Gideon Gono said on Wednesday.

The privatisation of loss-making state firms would yield up to $3 billion
this year, easing a foreign currency crunch in the struggling southern
African nation, Gono said in a monetary policy statement.

"The resolute implementation of the privatisation programme remains a viable
route through which government can unlock immense value, both in local and
foreign exchange terms," said Gono, who for the past three years has
spearheaded an effort to revitalize Zimbabwe's sinking economy.

Mugabe's government has talked about plans to privatise dozens of state
firms, ranging from the national airline to a tractor plant, but analysts
claim it holds onto the unprofitable enterprises as part of political
patronage programme.

Gono said the government must overcome its fears of selling shares in some
companies regarded as "strategic investments" because they were costing too
much in state subsidies, helping to fuel inflation, which is running at more
than 1,200 percent.

In a schedule accompanying his monetary statement, he suggested the
government immediately sell some shares in Air Zimbabwe ,the Zimbabwe Iron
and Steel Company and 13 other state-owned or controlled firms.

A carefully-rolled out privatisation programme could meet Zimbabwe's need to
raise crucial foreign exchange and help boost funding for health care,
including the country's fight against HIV/AIDS, Gono said, adding that a
delay could hurt the country's chances of bouncing back from a prolonged
recession.

An economic crisis that many critics blame on Mugabe's policies has left the
once-promising country grappling with chronic shortages of food, fuel and
foreign currency as well as rising unemployment and poverty.

Zimbabwe bank chief cuts money supply to fight inflation

Yahoo News

by Fanuel Jongwe Wed Jan 31, 8:33 AM ET

HARARE (AFP) - Zimbabwe's central bank chief Gideon Gono has unveiled a
battery of belt-tightening measures which include slashing the money supply
and state spending to put the brakes on four-digit inflation.

Gono rejected economists' pleas to devalue the currency to hike foreign
exchange inflows, saying it was no panacea.

The Zimbabwe dollar is trading at 250 against the greenback on the official
market while fetching up to 4,200 on the black market.

"The urgency of the need to reduce inflation impels that 2007 be the year
for unprecedented fiscal and monetary policy restraint," Gono said in a
monetary policy statement.

"To this end, the Reserve Bank will reduce broad money supply growth from
the current levels of over 1,000 percent to between 415 and 500 percent by
December 2007 and subsequently to under 65 percent by December 2008."

Gono bemoaned tensions between political rivals in the economically ravaged
country and urged Zimbabweans to join hands to fight inflation, which stood
at 1,281 percent in December.

Zimbabwe is in the seventh year of economic recession marked by four-digit
inflation and acute shortages of basic commodities. At least 80 percent of
the population live below the poverty threshold.

He warned that if no bold correctives were taken "the inflation dragon will
swallow our economy".

"We currently observe latent political tensions in as much as there are
economic and social tensions arising from the economic hardships the people
are experiencing across the board," Gono said.

"Such disunity and distrust between us does not augur well for an economy
seeking to turn around and take off."

Gono urged cuts in government expenditure which he said was a major cause
for skyrocketing inflation.

"Continued fiscal budget overruns, particularly when induced by recurrent
expenditure, are a fundamental distortion in the economy with tentacles that
infringe on monetary targets and hence weaken the inflation-fighting
momentum," he said.

"We therefore call upon all line (government) ministries to radically
rationalise their recurrent expenditure profiles in a manner that ensures
achievement of healthy fiscal budget outruns."

Analysts voiced disappointment at Gono's remedies.

"It's very disappointing," independent analyst John Robertson told AFP.

"He has chosen to ignore the fact that the local currency is overvalued and
it is affecting the cost of importing raw materials and equipment to revive
industry.

Economist Antony Hawkins considered that all Gono had said was old hat.

"Gono has been saying the same thing about the social contract for many
years and it has almost been impossible to get an agreement between
government, labour and business together."

"A social contract in isolation will not change anything. We need a change
of policies and real answers to the factors that are driving inflation."

Gono called on the government to withdraw subsidies including a scheme under
which the government was setting the price of a litre of petrol or diesel
for public transporters at a rate nearly 10 times lower than the price of
bottled water.

He also queried a scheme under which the government bought a tonne of the
national staple cornmeal from farmers at 52,500 dollars (210 US dollars /
162 euros) a tonne and sold it to milling companies at 600 Zimbabwe dollars
a tonne.

In May last year the government unveiled a blueprint to revive the moribund
economy in nine months by luring international tourists, reducing inflation,
increasing exports and improving foreign earnings.

The central bank also slashed three zeros from its currency and introduced
new denominations in measures meant to snuff out the flourishing foreign
exchange black market, but they have not had much impact.

Striking doctors reject salary top-up offer

Zim Online

Thursday 01 February 2007

BULAWAYO - Striking Zimbabwe doctors on Wednesday rejected an offer by the
government to top up their salaries by another 300 percent saying they would
return to hospitals only when their conditions were met in full.

The latest salary adjustment brings to 600 percent the total pay rise
awarded doctors after the government last week initially increased their
salaries by 300 percent. But the doctors said the new salary offered by the
government  - roughly about $600 000 per month - was still way below the $5
million that they want to earn per month.

Before the two salary adjustments doctors were earning between $56 000 and
$70 000 per month.

The spokesman of striking doctors at Bulawayo's Mpilo hospital, Derrick
Mangoye, said there was no agreement on the latest salary hike offer which
doctors only got to know about when they checked their bank accounts.

"There was no agreement on the 300 percent hike on Tuesday with the
government. The government has still not addressed our full demands and we
are not going back to work," he said.

Alan Mafukidze who represents doctors at the United Bulawayo Hospital also
in Bulawayo, vowed the doctors would not resume duties until their
grievances were addressed to their satisfaction.

He said: "We are not going back to work because of the 600 percent increase.
What we proposed is what we feel is ideal for us and we are not going to
back to down from our demands."

Acting Health Minister Sydney Sekeremayi was not immediately available for
comment on the matter while major state hospitals visited by ZimOnline in
Harare and Bulawayo were without doctors, with only a handful of army
surgeons battling to take care only of the very seriously ill.

State doctors have boycotted work since last December and last week stepped
up the pressure on the government, threatening to quit en masse and leave
the country if the government delayed on resolving their salary grievances
or attempted to use strong-arm tactics to force them back to work.

The government would struggle to find replacements if a sizable chunk of the
350 doctors on strike were to resign and leave the country. Zimbabwe is
already facing a shortage of doctors and nurses many of who left to seek
better paying jobs abroad.

Patients have suffered the most because of the doctors' strike with reports
that many were dying of diseases that could otherwise be treated if doctors
were at work.

The situation at some hospitals has been compounded by nurses also joining
the strike by doctors and leaving patients in the care of young student
nurses.

But the latest doctors' strike - coming hardly two months after another
paralysing work boycott at the government-owned Mpilo hospital last
November - only highlights the rot in a public health system that is barely
functional at the best of times due to under-funding, drug shortages and an
overload of HIV/AIDS cases. - ZimOnline

Transport operators hike fares

Zim Online

Thursday 01 February 2007

BULAWAYO - Zimbabwe transport operators this week hiked fares by more than
50 percent in response to surging prices of fuel on the parallel market.

A single trip from Bulawayo city centre to nearby suburbs such as Luveve,
Nkulumane and Cowdray Park now costs Z$1 500, up from the Z$1 000 transport
operators used to charge last week.

Similar fare hikes were also reported in the capital Harare and other major
cities and towns.

The transport operators blamed the fare hike on the rising price of fuel
which now costs Z$5 200 a litre on the parallel market, the only reliable
source of fuel in Zimbabwe.

Strike Ndlovu, the chairperson of the Bulawayo United Public Transport
Association, confirmed the fare hike but refused to shed more light on the
increase.

"The best people to talk to would be the transport owners themselves but
things are going up every day in Zimbabwe," said Ndlovu.

Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo immediately condemned the fare
hike saying the police will arrest transport operators who unilaterally hike
fares without government approval.

"These fares were not approved. They are illegal and the transporters should
reverse them," said Chombo.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's consumer rights body, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe
(CCZ), on Wednesday urged the government not to approve a price increase for
bread accusing bakers of selling underweight bread.

The bakers want the government to allow them to increase the price of bread
by 100 percent from the current Z$850 to Z$1 500 a loaf.

In a statement released to the media yesterday, the CCZ said the majority of
bakers in the country were selling inferior bread below the prescribed
weight of 700 grammes.

"While the law gives a tolerance of +10 percent (+70g) and -5 percent (-35g)
for each loaf, the average weight of a loaf found during this exercise was
430g.

"As the Consumer Council, we take this opportunity to caution all bakers and
retailers against marketing and selling underweight bread, as they are
liable to prosecution," said the CCZ.

Two of Zimbabwe's senior bakers were last December slapped with four-year
jail terms each for breaking price controls by hiking bread prices without
government approval.

Zimbabwe is going through its worst economic crisis that has seen inflation
shooting beyond 1 200 percent. - ZimOnline

Soldiers beat up Austrian tourist

Zim Online

Thursday 01 February 2007

MASVINGO - An Austrian tourist had a holiday to forget last week after he
was brutally assaulted by soldiers for allegedly taking photographs without
approval at Chivhu rural business centre.

The tourist, identified as Ibrahim Evans, was on his way to the Great
Zimbabwe national monument in Masvingo, about 280 kilometres south of
Harare.

In what appeared to be a clear case of harassment against civilians by
soldiers, the army officers are said to have pounced on Evans after they saw
him taking some photographs with his digital camera.

The soldiers allegedly beat up Evans and later detained him for about three
hours in the town after they accused of taking photographs without the
approval of the government.

The soldiers later handed the tourist to the police in Masvingo town, some
265km south of Harare.

Police in Masvingo yesterday told ZimOnline that they had since released
Evans saying they could not lay any charges against him because he had not
committed any offence.

"We advised him to make a formal report of the assault but he declined
saying the he feared for his life. We suspect he could be exaggerating,"
Masvingo police spokesman Phibion Nyambo said.

The army could not be reached for comment on the matter last night.

"They beat me up and took me hostage for three hours. I cannot talk much
since I am still in a foreign land," said a visibly shaken Evans.

The vice-chairman of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe, Fredrick
Kasese, refused to comment on the matter yesterday.

The tourism sector, which was Zimbabwe's third biggest foreign currency
earner, has been in the doldrums over the past seven years after President
Robert Mugabe's government began violently seizing land from whites for
redistribution to landless blacks. - ZimOnline

The Water Crisis in Bulawayo

Chirac faces Mugabe dilemma

The Guardian

 - blog By Mark Tran

Technically, Robert Mugabe should not be able to travel to Europe - the EU
has imposed targeted sanctions against the Zimbabwean president and his
senior entourage because of widespread human rights abuses.

But there is a strong chance that Mr Mugabe, a political pariah to the west
at least, will turn up in Cannes for the 23rd Franco-African summit next
month.

For Jacques Chirac, the French president, an invitation to Mr Mugabe poses
quite a dilemma.

Once a colonial power in Africa, France still clings to the idea that it can
wield influence in the region, and Zimbabwe remains an important African
state.

But human rights groups find the prospect appalling, as does the British
trade union movement.

The Trades Union Congress today called for a demonstration outside the
French embassy on Friday to put pressure on France not to invite Mr Mugabe
to the summit. Brendan Barber, the head of the TUC, wrote the following to
the French ambassador in Britain.

  An invitation to the summit is tantamount to acquiescence to the policies
of a regime responsible for numerous violations of human rights and for the
unprecedented social and economic crisis facing Zimbabwe.

To complicate matters, Paris now faces a weighty rival as China busies
itself winning friends and influence on the continent.

But Mr Mugabe's presence would be an embarrassment, as it was in 2003. Then,
Mr Chirac tried to have it both ways by warning his guests that leaders who
abused their citizens could end up in the new international criminal court.

Some leaders, however, found the lecture offensive, accusing Mr Chirac of
sounding like an old colonialist.

The French president would make like much easier for himself, and make an
important statement, by simply not sending that invitation to Mr Mugabe.

Failure is the only option: An MDC perspective of the RBZ's monetary policy statement

The Zimbabwean

31-01-07

On 18 December 2003, the RBZ governor Gideon Gono gave his maiden monetary
policy statement in which he outlined his five-year vision to December 2008.

In that statement, Gono foresaw "the attainment of a stable and prosperous
Zimbabwe, a jewel of Africa with a Central Bank that will guarantee  foreign
reserves  of above six-months import cover and with inflation levels reduced
to a single digit band of between 5-9 percent." Over and above this, Gono
foresaw a Zimbabwe with a single economy free of distortions, with fiscal
discpiline and tight monetary policy measures, an economy able to sustain
itself in terms of food requirements and other imports, a Zimbabwe with
cordial relations with key international donors and capital markets and a
Zimbabwe that is able to meet its commitments timeously.

Exactly 1 139 days later,  Gono presented his latest monetary statement in
which it is quite clear that his original vision was a mirage. If anything,
the country's economic and social circumstances have shrunk to levels that
Gono himself would never have dreamt of even in his most pessimistic mood.
Put simply, it is quite clear that the governor has failed.

We have always made it clear that the precondition to Zimbabwe's economic
recovery is a decisive solution to issues of legitimacy and governance that
have arrested this country since the stolen Parliamentary election of 2000
and the stolen Presidential election of March 2002. Without a resolution of
the political question, including issues of a new Constitution with free and
fair elections under the same, the economic question will remain but a
question. And failure remains the only option.

A political solution will pave way for a sustainable programme of
reconstruction, economic transformation and stabilisation. At the core of
this reconstruction must be the understanding that this country has
experienced 10 years of economic decline, a shrinkage that is unmatched even
in countries that have engaged in full-scale wars. The decline has seen
massive starvation of the Zimbabwean people of every social and economic
index.For example, the World Health Organisation reports that the mortality
rate per every 100 000 live births has risen to 10 000, the death rate per 1
000 people has risen to 23,4 percent, life expectancy is down to 36 years
while the government has acknowledged that by 2006, an average of 4 000
people were being buried in Zimbabwe every week.

In his latest statement, Gono acknowledges  the need for a holistic solution
to the Zimbabwean crisis and the inadequacy of what he calls "a single
policy prescription" based on manipulation of traditional monetary policy
tools of interest rates and the exchange rate. Indeed, he acknowledges the
fallacy of the status quo and what he calls "a fragmented and seemingly
knee-jerk half-hearted approach", coupled with lack of commitment from
social partners in the reconstruction journey.

In failing to ackowledge the centrality of issues of governance and
legitimacy to the Zimbabwean crisis, Gono is being mendacious. This may be
forgivable but is not acceptable. What is not forgivable, however, is for
Gono to yet again present himself to hard-pressed Zimbabweans pretending
that he is offering a solution, or that he is not part of the problem. Like
Herbert Murerwa's budget statement of 1 December 2006, or Rugare Gumbo's
NEDPP of March 2006, the latest monetary statement doe not offer any
solution, half baked or otherwise, to the Zimbabwean crisis. Like everything
associated with this regime, the lack of  acknowledgement of corruption and
rent-seeking activities by Zanu PF charlatans is obscurantist.

To suggest, for instance, a Social Contract under a situation of
hyperinflation is unscientific and unrealistic. How can workers be asked,
within the framework of a social contract, to forego wage and salary
increases when economically they are subjected to a parallel market world
with rampant price increases that the government cannot and will never be
able to control.

At the core of the Zimbabwean crisis is the crippled supply side of the
economy. Put simply, we are not producing. The scenario of non-existent
supply creates fertile ground for middle men and the rule of rent-seking
activities. These are the distortions that the governor himself has outlined
in his latest statement. These distortions and dislocations include maize
price distortions, fuel price distortions arising out of the two-tier
pricing system as well as distortions around prices of electricity,
fertiliser and international call charges. What Gono does not mention is
that the key drivers of these vampire activities in the economy are the Zanu
PF elites, who apart from the distortions he mentions, have been buying
foreign currency from the RBZ at the official exchange rate and putting it
to maximum use in the parallel shadow economy.

The net result has been the creation of a small rich elite of less that 1
percent of the population that is controlling 80 percent of the economy. The
gap between the rich and the poor has been one of the sharpest in the world.
As the poor have become poorer, the conspicuous consumption of the rich has
become obscene. That is why in any economy like this, some can buy luxury
vehicles of hundreds of thousands of United States dollars!

Gono's refusal to devalue is political grandstanding and a product of Dutch
courage. Whether the government likes it or not, he is going to devalue in
2007, and devalue big time. This is elementary economics. The Zimbabwean
dollar cannot maintain an artificial value which is not supported by
significant exports.

Of further concern is the continuous misadventures of Gono in fiscal
activities despite the rapping in the knuckles by Murerwa in 2006. The
governor's involvement in quasi-fiscal activities, despite his protestations
to the contrary, is the mindframe of a man who sees himself as being in
charge of the country; the de facto Prime Minister. Sadly for Zimbabweans,
the prince has set his sight on the throne. But if he cannot manage as
elementary a thing as a monetary policy, what more the nation state?

We have said it before and we shall say it again. Zanu PF and its three
centres of power along Samora Machel Avenue are tired and devoid of any
solution to the multi-layered crisis facing the country. Change is as
inevitable as it is long overdue in this country.

As we have said before, to Save Zimbabwe, the solution to the national
crisis can only be possible if all political parties and stakeholders put
their heads together and hammer out a lasting solution to the crisis.

The national crisis is now beyond Zanu PF's ability to attend to alone. Zanu
PF no longer has any solutions to our woes. The solution lies in our
proposals, enunciated through our roadmap whose signposts for progress
require sincere dialogue, a nationally accepted transitional arrangement, a
new Constitution, a confidence-building window and a free and fair election.

Hon Tendai Biti, MP

MDC Secretary-General

Standard editor gets death threat

By Violet Gonda
31 January 2007

An envelope addressed to the acting editor of The Standard newspaper Bill
Saidi was left on his desk on Wednesday. Inside he found a bullet with an
attached note that said "Watch your step."

Saidi told SW Radio Africa there was also a copy of a cartoon that appeared
in the Standard last week showing baboons laughing at a soldier's payslip
and a copy of an editorial written by the Zimbabwe Independent last year.
The editorial had been critical of the case in which the government had
charged certain people of plotting to kill Robert Mugabe.

Saidi said it is clear this was a threat meant to intimidate the independent
newspaper. He said the envelope had initially been delivered to the paper's
advertising section but was then brought to his desk as it was addressed to
the editor.

His initial reaction was that somebody was playing a prank but when he saw
the note he saw that someone was seriously trying to intimidate the private
newspapers. Saidi believes the threat came from people who think the
Zimbabwe Independent and Standard newspapers are too critical and must be
silenced.

But he also believed that if they were serious they wouldn't have given them
any warning. "At the Daily News when they bombed our printing press they
didn't give us any warning. They just shot the thing (printing press) into
pieces. There was no warning."

After speaking to us both Bill Saidi and the newspaper's CEO Raphael Khumalo
were on their way to the police station - with the bullet.

SW Radio Africa Zimbabwe news

25 000 small scale miners lose claims since November

New Zimbabwe

By Staff Reporter
Last updated: 01/31/2007 09:39:48
THE Zimbabwean government's Operation Chikorokoza Chapera has resulted in
the closure of nearly 25 000 small scale registered mining claims, affecting
the livelihoods of close to 2,5 million people, the Zimbabwean Miners
Federation
said Tuesday.

The miners said legal mining claims have been closed since November and it
would take up to April to have them opened due to a range of policy shifts
by the government.

The government says Operation Chikorokoza Chapera is designed to stop the
illegal plunder of the country's mineral resources.

The Zimbabwe Mining Federation's (ZMF) Chief Executive Officer Wellington
Takavarasha said for the miners to go back to work, "they have to do an
environmental impact assessment report for claims/mines registered from 17
March 2003 to current and an environmental management plan for claims
registered from 17 March 2003 and below."

Takavarasha said the small scale miners are also required to "comply with
the Mines and Minerals Act, Environment Management Act and statutory
instruments 6, 7 10 and 12 of 2007."

Small scale miners, some of whom are illiterate, told a parliamentary
committee last week that they were ignorant of the requirements until after
their claims were shut down by the police.

The ZMF CEO has urged its members to hold workshops for the purposes of
educating the miners so that they comply with the law.

Since 2005, the Zimbabwean government has launched four unpopular operations
that have affected millions of people and drawn the attention of the United
Nations.

Operation Murambatsvina -- a government crackdown on unplanned housing -- 
resulted in the destruction of people's homes and businesses, with the
United Nations saying 700 000 people were left homeless.

The government followed that crackdown with two operations last year, one to
confiscate grain for delivery to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and a
currency change that resulted in a police roadblocks and confiscation of
large amounts of cash at check points.

Interview Part 2: Morgan Tsvangirai

Zimbabwean couple arrested over human trafficking

New Zimbabwe

By Staff Reporter
Last updated: 02/01/2007 04:16:26
POLICE in the English northern city of Middlesbrough have arrested two
Zimbabwean company directors over alleged human trafficking offences.

A team of officers from the Cleveland force has been involved in a worldwide
probe into organised trafficking of refugees since July 2005, the Nothern
Echo newspaper reported.

Police swooped on the couple, said to have separated recently, late Tuesday.

Police said the investigation - codenamed Rainhill - had uncovered evidence
that hundreds of illegal immigrants have been smuggled into the UK.

Many of the suspects are believed to have come from Zimbabwe. They range
from teenagers to people in their 60s.

Detectives believe they were part of a sophisticated human trafficking
operation in which immigrants were smuggled halfway around the world before
being issued with fake documents and put to work in care homes.

After leaving Africa, they were met in London and given fake immigration
papers. Within days of arriving in the UK, police said they were given
menial care-home jobs that paid a pittance.

According to police, the majority have ended up in the North.

Chief Inspector Derek Carter, who led the inquiry with Cleveland's Organised
Crime Unit, said: "This should send out a clear message that our unit has a
wide-ranging remit.

"We are not just interested in drug dealers but all organised criminal
groups."

His deputy, Detective Inspector Dave Lamplough, said the two people arrested
yesterday, a man and a woman, are directors of a Middlesbrough company,
which provides a range of care home workers.

Last night, they were being questioned by Cleveland Police in connection
with their alleged involvement.

Det Insp Lamplough said: "Our investigations, which have stretched from
Cleveland to London and beyond, have uncovered a situation that raises
serious concerns."

As a result, the inquiry team has kept close links with the Immigration
Service, the Commission for Social Care Inspection, the Criminal Records
Bureau, UK Work Permits, the Home Office and primary care trusts.

He added: "We have examined cases that involve people who have travelled
from Zimbabwe to London, where they are met by representatives of companies,
given accommodation, provided with a fabricated training package and then
put to work as carers. Many, it appears, have been badly exploited.

"While we have received no complaints about the standard of care provided by
these workers, we realise there may be other aspects that our investigations
have not revealed, and we would ask the public to remain vigilant."

Do you know the directors arrested in Middlesbrough or anyone they employed?
Call us on 02920628815, 07984570744 or e-mail us at newsdesk@newzimbabwe.com

Asylum seekers left in five-year limbo

Alison Benjamin
Wednesday January 31, 2007
The Guardian

The saga of Thomas, a Zimbabwean asylum seeker whose fight to stay in the UK
has been charted in the pages of Society Guardian, has taken a new turn.
This month, he received a letter from the Home Office saying his case would
be heard within five years.
Thomas [not his real name], who first claimed asylum in October 2003 after
fleeing Robert Mugabe's youth militia, claiming that they threatened to kill
him, says he is desperate to get a decision on his status: "I want to know
where my future is going."

When his initial asylum claim was rejected in November 2004, Thomas lived
destitute on the streets of Manchester. He reapplied a year later after a
tribunal judged it unsafe to deport failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe.

Thomas, 25, now lives with his fiance and her four children in the east of
England. He says: "We want to marry, but we can't because I am in legal
limbo, with no status. I'm not allowed to work and can't provide for the
kids."

The Home Office letter has been sent to thousands of asylum seekers who are
classified as "legacy cases". It follows an announcement in July by the home
secretary, John Reid, to parliament that the Immigration and Nationality
Directorate had a backlog of up to 450,000 asylum cases. The letter states
that "the aim would be to clear them within five years".

Illegal Forex Dealings Churning Out Instant Millionaires

The Herald (Harare)

January 31, 2007
Posted to the web January 31, 2007

Harare

ZIMBABWE is churning out hundreds of thousands of overnight and unproductive
"millionaires" who have eschewed formal employment and are earning
mega-bucks by just spinning money-creating paper wealth.

Yes, they merely sit in posh cars, dinghy or swanky offices, and lift up the
phone to say: "What's the (US) dollar trading at today?" and -- bingo! -- 
they strike it rich.

This is called the black market foreign currency trade, a little more
sophisticated than the illegal trade of fuel on the parallel market as well
as illegal dealings in the country's precious stones.

There appears to be a rationale behind this increasing practice.

Gone are the days when people would value education as the basis for earning
a good living in the future, as some are even dropping out from colleges and
universities to engage in these shady deals.

Furthermore, the shift has been made so attractive on the back of poor
salaries in the formal employment where the majority are earning paltry
salaries far below the poverty datum line.

The PDL currently stands at $344 000 against the average monthly salary of
$150 000.

"It would not make sense for me to be formally employed and earn as little
as $100 000 per month. I can make the same amount of money in just a few
minutes," an illegal foreign currency dealer at the Roadport Bus Terminal,
who identified himself as Richard, said.

Richard said he left teaching three years ago after discovering that it was
less remunerative than his "new business".

"I started as a middleman, you know, buying foreign currency on behalf of
others, but I now have connections and things are actually moving smoothly.

"I can safely say that I am now a millionaire and money is no longer an
issue to me," Richard added.

Interestingly, some law enforcement agents seem to have thrown professional
ethics out of the windows as dealers offer them handsome bribes in exchange
for freedom of operation.

"These people have turned out to be our best friends. Vanotoda kudyawo (They
also need money)," another foreign currency dealer at the popular Ximex
Shopping Mall said.

He said the black market "architects" had become "ever innovative" and would
never be deterred by Government policies designed to crush their illegal
practices.

"Look here, my brother, we are ever innovative. Come what may, no Government
policy will stop us," he boasted. "Government may craft its best policies to
crumble the black market, but we will always find a way out."

While Zimbabwe has been suffering from foreign currency shortages, some
individuals have been on a buying spree of luxurious imported goods that
includes posh vehicles and expensive groceries, trinkets, among others,
raising eyebrows as to where they would have sourced the foreign currency.

Deliveries of precious mineral, notably gold, have also dwindled as they are
being smuggled out to neighbouring countries where they realise higher
earnings, depriving the country of the much needed hard currency. Other
minerals being smuggled include diamonds and chrome.

Economic analysts, however, said liberalisation of the foreign exchange
rate, a uniform market price for products such as fuel and viable prices for
minerals would be enough "to flush out the black market".

Mpofu hearing kicks off

From The Daily Mirror, 31 January

Takunda Maodza

The hearing into the alleged contemptuous conduct in Parliament last year by
Industry and International Trade Minister Obert Mpofu kicked off yesterday
with the chairman of the portfolio committee on Foreign Affairs, Industry
and International Trade, Enock Porusingazi, testifying. Mpofu is said to
have told a parliamentary committee last year that senior government
officials and some legislators had looted the country's sole steel making
company, Zisco. He later somersaulted on his accusations. Defence Minister
Sydney Sekeramayi chaired the six-member Parliamentary Privileges Committee
which heard evidence from Porusingazi. The closed-door hearing was held in
parliament's committee room number one. Mpofu is being charged under Section
21 of the Privileges, Immunities and Powers of Parliament Act. The cabinet
minister faces a possible jail term of up to two years or a fine of $4 000
or both, if convicted. Those privy to the business in question were economic
with details, but parliamentary sources told The Daily Mirror that only
Porusingazi testified yesterday. Other witnesses, mainly members of the
relevant parliamentary committee, would soon be called to give their
evidence, the sources said. They added committee members including
legislators Welshman Ncube, Mabel Mawere and Webster Shamu attended the
hearing.

More details on the hearing that went through lunch hour could not be
obtained by late yesterday with Sekeramayi flatly refusing to talk to the
press soon after the session. "I am not going to grant you an interview
now," he said. Allegations against Mpofu are that on September 20, 2006 he
told the parliamentary portfolio committee on Foreign Affairs, Industry and
International Trade that senior government officials and legislators looted
Zisco. The country's sole steel-making concern is currently facing viability
problems largely blamed on alleged mismanagement and official plundering.
The House Speaker said there was a prima facie case of contempt of
Parliament against Mpofu. Presenting oral evidence before the committee,
Mpofu claimed that top government officials and legislators he did not name
had benefited from underhand dealings at Zisco. The minister's alleged
assertion implied that the 'mayhem' triggered the collapse of a US$400
million deal between Zisco and an Indian company Global Steel Holdings
Limited (GSHL) that had undertaken to help revive the ailing steel
manufacturing giant.

Mpofu also reportedly said Ministry of Finance investigators discovered the
purported corruption. He was quoted as having said: "There were people that
were really making money out of Zisco while Zisco was actually bleeding.
There was even at some stage, a team that was sent by the Minister of
Finance to go and investigate Zisco and there is a thick file which if you
see it, you will be shocked. "The people who are complaining about these
things are actually culprits and some of them are colleagues of mine in
Parliament. I spoke to Minister (Paul) Mangwana to hold on to the report
whilst we negotiate with investors because if investors hear what is going
on at Zisco, we will not get a single investor." However, 17 days later
Mpofu appeared before the same committee and made a dramatic U-turn on his
previous statements. The committee, chaired by Porusingazi, was left with no
option but to write to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, John Nkomo
petitioning him to charge Mpofu for perjury or alternatively lying under
oath. Nkomo ruled that Mpofu had a case to answer and on December 21 last
year he announced in Parliament the six-member team to investigate the
Minister.

Stevenson backs Bulawayo's resistance to ZINWA takeover

Zimbabwejournalists.com

By a Correspondent

HARARE - Trudy Stevenson, the shadow minister for local government and
housing in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), yesterday
said the people of Bulawayo were right to resist the attempted take-over of
their water treatment and provision by the national water authority, ZINWA.

Stevenson said local government minister Ignatius Chombo and ZINWA had no
right to "steal" Bulawayo citizens' assets and force them to drink raw
sewage or die of thirst.

"Despite its noble initial mandate, ZINWA appears to be little more than
just another body to give jobs to the boys.  When the Comptroller and
Auditor General tabled her Value-for-Money Audit on the Provision of Water
to Small Towns and Growth Points by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority to
Parliament last year, ZINWA already had a dismal record of failure to
provide clean water to those less populous areas since its establishment in
2000," she said.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, in her report, said My audit revealed
ZINWA was failing to provide undisrupted water supply and water of the right
quality to its customers in small towns, growth points and institutional
customers such as the Prison Service, police and army because of
inefficiencies and ineffectiveness in planning, maintenance, repairs,
training and record keeping.

Stevenson said as a result the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local
Government had recommended in its report to the House and Chombo that ZINWA
be left to concentrate on the rural areas and small towns with large
municipalities being allowed to continue to manage their own water.

"Chombo, in typically arrogant style, proceeded to disregard this
recommendation virtually the next week by announcing that ZINWA had taken
over Harare's water," said the Harare MP.  "Of course, in view of his
interference in the running of the City of Harare over the last 4 years and
his imposition of a seemingly permanent hand-picked Commission to replace
the democratically elected Council, the poor citizens of Harare felt little
firm ground to stand on in mounting an effective resistance against this
theft of their assets and removal of their right to decide who will provide
what quality of water to them and their families."

The result - raw effluent poured into Harare's main water supply Lake
Chivero, water shortages and the warning only last week of increased water
cut-offs in future, shortage of treatment chemicals, leaking pipes - sadly
vindicating the recommendation of the Portfolio Committee.

"It is not too late, however, for the people of Bulawayo, who still have
their democratically elected council running their city's affairs.  They,
and their parents and grandparents and great-grandparents, have over the
past 100+ years planned and paid for all their water infrastructure.  They
have every right to retain control over that infrastructure, and to control
the quality of water coming out of their taps," said Stevenson.

She said an MDC government would guarantee that all citizens the right to
elect a government of their choice at local as well as at national level.
It will not remove democratically elected local councils, will not interfere
in their affairs and will respect decisions made by citizens at every level.
Stevenson is a member of the MDC that is aligned to Arthur Mutambara.

The changing face of famine

31 Jan 2007 09:51:00 GMT
Source: WFP
Despite China's rapid economic growth and India's healthy democracy, there's
one area where Africa beats the Asian giants: in the famine stakes. Dr
Stephen Devereux, editor of the book "The New Famines" (Routledge 2006)
talks to WFP web writer Michelle Hough about why Africa is on the frontline
of the chronic hunger battle.

For many of us the face of famine is black, it's poor and it is above all
African.

Through the fuzzy focus of the international news machine chronic hunger
seems to have a stranglehold on that vast continent, and most of us probably
can't remember a time when it was any different. However, do a bit of
Googling and you'll find that the top ten worst famines of the twentieth
century all took place in Asia.

In a presentation at WFP's Rome headquarters for the book "The New Famines"
Dr Stephen Devereux, lays it out clearly in a bar chart: over 30 million
people dead China in 1958, 9 million dead in the Soviet Union in 1921 and
over 7 million people killed by famine in the Soviet Union in 1932.

If you compare the estimated one million who died in the most recent African
famine, Ethiopia in 1984, to the large numbers killed in the previous fifty
years, there has been a positive change - even though 854 million people
around the world are still desperately hungry.

Relative improvment

"There has been a relative improvement," says Dr Devereux. "Nowadays there
are less famines and they affect less people."

Dr Devereux explains that Asia made the move away from famine through
improved infrastructure, technology, agriculture and market access, all of
which improved food availability.

Democracy also gave people a voice and the power to protect one of their
most basic rights: access to food. In India, the post-independence
government was made accountable through a social contract outlining the
eradication of famine. The country hasn't since experienced famine -
although the same can't be said for chronic under-nutrition.

Reversal of fortunes

If you look at Africa, says Dr Devereux, not only have factors such as
agriculture and democracy not improved, but in some cases there's been a
reversal.

For example, food production in Malawi is falling because families with more
children have less land to farm. This is exacerbated by the fact that new
generations still rely on farming for their livelihoods rather than moving
towards new skills.

"Bread basket"

Zimbabwe used to be known as the "bread basket" of its region but now food
shortages are frequent following years of eroded democracy.

"In countries such as Zimbabwe and Somalia, poor governance and conflict
increase poverty, which increases hunger," says Dr Devereux.

"Meanwhile, in countries such as Ethiopia and Malawi, weak democracy has not
strengthened citizens' democratic voices and hunger remains an issue. In
Africa, weak democratic processes often exist because minorities take over
and exclude the majority," he says.

Another major problem is the dominance of HIV/AIDS in some African
countries. Dr Devereux says that AIDS has been a big factor in the
resurgence of famine in Africa in the past twenty years because it depletes
people's resources and coping mechanisms.

Failure to respond

In the era of "The New Famines", as our potential to eradicate famine
increases, so does our potential to cause it, according to Dr Devereux. He
thinks that now hunger crises are no longer caused by either food scarcity
or market failure, a failure to respond is to blame.

National governments may not be able to protect food security due to
conflict or natural disasters. The international community, on the other
hand, tends to prioritise some crises rather than others.

"Some famines get international attention, others don't," explains Dr
Devereux. "There was a big reaction to the possibility of famine in the
Balkans in the 1990s because famine in Europe would have been unacceptable.
Iraq got action. Sudan hasn't."

Media old and new

In the "new famine" scenario, the heady mix of national governments, NGOs
and the international community means it's often difficult to lay
accountability at the feet of one actor. And besides, no crisis should ever
be allowed to get to the emergency stage when fingers are being pointed
because it should have been spotted and dealt with earlier, says Dr
Devereux.

"The media is a major famine prevention tool," says Dr Devereux. "It
highlights crises that have been concealed and forces people to respond such
as in Malawi in 2002."

He goes one step further and suggests that victims of hunger can use new
media such as the internet to raise awareness about their condition. I tell
him that one refugee in a Kenyan camp did exactly that when he sent a text
message to WFP in London to say the people in the camp didn't have enough
food.

Before hunger takes hold

Dr Devereux stresses that the media shouldn't just focus on the powerful
images created once famine has firmly taken hold eg. starving children and
mass migration.

It should get in there earlier on in the process, when the situation is less
"camera friendly" and highlight the numbers affected. It's worth remembering
that the effects of malnutrition kills many more people than famine.

WFP tackles hunger before it takes hold with projects such as school feeding
and food-for-work which have the dual purpose of providing food aid while
promoting education and training - and in the long-run, providing a brighter
future for beneficiaries.

Hopes for the future

Dr Devereux is hopeful for the future. He thinks the "Right to Food"
campaign and other international initiatives will increase and there will be
a concerted attempt to prevent famine.

He envisages democracy improving in countries wracked by food insecurity,
and biotechnology may offer the potential to increase and stabilise food
production. Nevertheless, AIDS will continue to be a big problem in his
opinion.

But, says Dr Devereux, wiping famine from the face of Africa will only be
possible if the political will is behind it.

"Our biggest challenge is to move beyond emergencies and have a sustained
attacked on hunger. We need to make ending global hunger a political
priority," says Dr Devereux.

Contact us
Brenda Barton
Deputy Director
Communications
Tel: +39-06-65132602
Mob: +39-347-2582217
brenda.barton@wfp.org

Darlene Tymo
SENAC Senior Coordinator
Tel: +39-06-65133608
darlene.tymo@wfp.org

Michelle Hough
Web writer
Tel: +39-06-65133614
michelle.hough@wfp.org

JAG Classifieds dated 30 January 2007

As a JAG member or JAG Associate member, please send any classified adverts
for publication in this newsletter to:

JAG Classifieds: jagma@mango.zw
JAG Job Opportunities: jag@mango.zw

Rules for Advertising:

Send all adverts in word document as short as possible (no tables, spread
sheets, pictures, etc.) and quote your subscription receipt number or
membership number.
Notify the JAG Office when Advert is no longer needed, either by phone or
email.
Adverts are published for 2 weeks only, for a longer period please notify
the JAG office, by resending via email the entire advert asking for the
advert to be re-inserted.

Please send your adverts by Tuesdays 11.00am (Adverts will not appear until
payment is received.). Cheques to be made out to JAGMA.

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

1.  For Sale Items
2.  Wanted Items
3.  Accommodation
4.  Recreation
5.  Specialist Services
6.  Pets Corner

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

1. OFFERED FOR SALE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.1 Generators & Inverters for Sale (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

The JAG office is now an official agent for GSC Generator Service (Pvt) Ltd
and receives a generous commission on sales of all Kipor generators and
equipment.  Generators are on view at the JAG office.

The one stop shop for ALL your Generator Requirements SALES: We are the
official suppliers, repairs and maintenance team of KIPOR
Equipment here in Zimbabwe.  We have in stock KIPOR Generators from 1 KVA to
55 KVA.  If we don't have what you want we will get it for you.  We also
sell Inverters (1500w), complete with batteries and rechargeable lamps.  Our
prices are very competitive, if not the lowest in town.

SERVICING & REPAIRS: We have a qualified team with many years of experience
in the Generator field.  We have been to Kipor, China for training.  We
carry out services and minor repairs on your premises.  We service and
repair most makes and models of Generators - both petrol and diesel.

INSTALLATIONS:  We have qualified electricians that carry out installations
in a professional way.

SPARES: As we are the official suppliers and maintainers of KIPOR Equipment,
we carry a full range of KIPOR spares.

Don't forget, advice is free, so give us a call and see us at: Bay 3,
Borgward Road, Msasa.
Sales: 884022, 480272 or admin@advas.co.zw
Service: 480272, 480154 or gsc@adas.co.zw

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1.2 For Sale (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

So Far and No further! Rhodesia's Bid for Independence during the Retreat
from Empire 1959-1965 by J.R.T. Wood

533 pages; quality trade paperback; pub. Trafford ISBN 1-4120-4952-0
Southern African edition, pub. 30 Degrees South : ISBN 0-9584890-2-5

This definitive account traces Rhodesia's attempt to secure independence
during the retreat from Empire after 1959. Based on unique research, it
reveals why Rhodesia defied the world from 1965.

Representing Volume One of three volumes, Two and Three are in preparation
and will take us to Tiger and thence to 1980;

To purchase:

Zimbabwean buyers contact Trish Broderick: pbroderick@mango.zw

RSA buyers: WWW. 30 degreessouth.co.za or Exclusives Books

Overseas buyers see: http://www.jrtwood.com
and a link to Trafford Publishing http://www.trafford.com/04-2760

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1.3 THE WEAVERY

Super gift ideas for local and overseas friends and family. Hand woven
articles which are light, easy to pack, and send, and fully washable.
Contact Anne on 332851 or
011212424.Or email joannew@zol.co.zw

Crocheted oven gloves--$13,000.
Cotton oven gloves--$9,000.
Small woven bags--$8,000.
Large woven bags--$12,000.
Crocheted bags--$15,000.

Queen(approx.250x240cms) size bedcover--$105,000.
Other sizes to order.
Single Duvet cushions(open into a duvet)--$60,000.
Other sizes to order.
2x1 meter Throw--52,000.
Baby Blanket(1x1meter)--$30,000.

3 piece toilet set--$25,000.
Bath mat--$15,000.

Decorated cushion covers--$11,000.

Table runner--$9,000.
Set(4)Bordered table mats + serviettes--$26,000.
Set(6)Bordered table mats + serviettes--$39,000.
Set(4) crocheted table mats only--$18,000.
Set(6)fringed table mats + serviettes--$32,000.
Lots of other combinations.

Small(approx.105x52cms) plain cotton rug--$15,000.
Medium(approx.120x65cms) plain cotton rug--$23,000
Large(approx.150x75cms) plain cotton rug--$30,000.
Ex.Large(approx.230x130cms) plain cotton rug--$75,000.
Small patterned cotton rug--$23,000.
Small rag rug--$15,000.
Medium patterned cotton rug--$30,000.
Large patterned cotton rug--$53,000
Ex.Large patterned cotton rug--$90,000.
Small patterned mohair rug--$53,000.
Medium patterned mohair rug--$68,000
Large patterned mohair rug--$82,000.
Ex. Large patterned mohair rug--$150,000.

Lots of other articles. PLEASE be aware that prices may change without
notice.

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1.4 For Sale (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Course Salt - Z$ 33,500   PER   50 KG   BAG - DELIVERED   HARARE.

Children's   Coloured   Chairs   Z$ 30,000

Lady's   Slip-On   Buffalo Hide   Slippers   Z$ 36,000.
APPLY:  mnmilbank@zol.co.zw

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1.5 Pet Food for Sale (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

Still supplying pets food which consists of 500g of precooked pork offal and
veg costing $700 and 250g of pigs liver or heart costing $700 for 250g.

Collection points:      Benbar in Msasa at 10.30 /  Jag offices in Philips
Rd, Belgravia at 11.30 / Peacehaven which is 75 Oxford St at 13.00

This is on Fridays only. Contact details: phone 011 221 088 and E mail at
claassen@zol.co.zw

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1.6 Tractors for Sale

1 MF 2640 - 1 year ex uk - full cab - mechanically sound - fully
functional - new tyres front & rear - front wheel assist - Highest offer
secures.
1 FORD 660 - Mechanically sound - starts on key - new battery fitted - Rear
tyres good - Front tyres fair - fully functional - Highest offer secures.

For any further enquiries contact Doug - Ph/Fax: 068-22463 - Cell:
011212454 - tracspray@zol.co.zw

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1.7 For Sale (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

Toyota Landcruiser 100 series GX, 2005 model with 20,000kms, white in
colour, manual, Turbo, sat radio, etc  in excellent condition. Worth looking
at.

Toyota Landcruiser 100 series GX, 2001 Model with 100,000kms, white in
colour, turbo, full house manual and TJM Aluminium bull bar and roof rack.

Toyota landcruiser V8 Cygnus, 1999 Model with 30,000kms genuine milage,
cream in colour hardly used in mint condition, Full House Auto.

 Phone Alex Hawkins, 091 261085 or Mike Asher 011 609709

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1.8 For Sale (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

SECOND HAND

2 - CAR BEDS - FOR CHILDREN
1 -   COT
1 - WALKING RING
1 - BABY BOUNCER
1 - ADJUSTABLE CHAIR
1 - 3 PIECE PRAM
1 - HIGH CHAIR
1 - CAMP COT

For more information please contact Charmaine on 620687 up to 9 for the
above

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2. WANTED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1 Wanted (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

"fence-post hole digger". Please contact 884361.

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

2.2 Wanted (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

AN APPEAL FROM A PENSIONER

I am the proud owner of an Austin Mini Clubman, my only means of transport
and at the moment unemployed but my little car has a problem with the tyres.
I need to get hold of at least one tyre - 145/10 - as the car has been off
the road since before Christmas and I need to go and look for work.  NTS
have size I need but at cost of $77 000-00 each without the tube.

I am asking if anyone out there has one or two tyres size 145/10 that they
would be prepared to sell me for a reasonable amount.  They need not be new,
even re-treaded or second hand will be greatfully accepted.

Maybe there is a farmer out there who has a couple of old tyres for his
trailer that he no longer needs.

I can be contacted on telephone 572031 or email: plastics@dpc.co.zw

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

2.3 Wanted (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

WE ARE LOOKING FOR TOP SOIL TO SURFACE OLD TENNIS COURT
PLEASE PHONE TINA ON: 091-908-720 OR 862167/8

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

2.4 Wanted (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

Looking for a hardworking, reliable gardener with traceable references.
Must be able to work with minimum supervision.
Christonbank area, accommodation provided.  Tel Graham 011 406023 / 741001,
or email gtech@zol.co.zw

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

3. ACCOMMODATION WANTED AND OFFERED

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

3.1 Accommodation Wanted (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

We are looking for a 3 - 4 bed roomed house, Kitchen must be a fair size,
needs to be secure with staff quarters, pool is optional.
Area - Avondale, Strathaven, Mabelreign, Marlborough, Kensington but we will
look at other areas.

We are very house proud and love a neat and tidy garden so you can be
assured that we would look after your home as if it were our own. We have
two jack Russell's and a cat.  We also would prefer a long lease if
possible.

If you have anything for us to look at please contact

Rob And Sue: Phone (04) 309051
Mobile 011 601 885 or   023 824 896
Emails   havill@zol.co.zw   or   macgyver@zol.co.zw

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

3.2 Accommodation Wanted (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Looking for a 3 bed roomed house or garden flat for a single woman.
Contact Debbie on 091 830 953.

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

3.3 Accommodation Offered (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Secure single accommodation available in a private home in the Avondale area
from February, 2007.

If interested please ring 011 231 541

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

3.4 Accommodation Wanted (Ad inserted 25/01/07)

Young Christian couple with baby and two dogs, looking for a house or
suitable cottage to rent, house sit or possibly buy in the following areas:
Avondale, Mt Pleasant, Belgravia, Milton Park, Strathaven, Kensington and
Belvedere.  Would also consider surrounding suburbs.  3 bedrooms with
suitable security, lock up garages and domestic quarters would be best
suited.  Reliable ZESA and water supply would be nice.  Preferably to move
into this accommodation beginning of April 2007. Please reply to e-mail:
tljc@mango.zw  or phone 791301, 302030 (W)m 091 414911.

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

3.5 Accommodation Offered (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

One bedroom with bathroom, which has a bath, basin and toilet in one lounge
For more information please contact Charmaine on 620687 up to 9 for the
above

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

3.6 PROPERTY WANTED

Either a smallholding, Industrial, or a business. To operate a stock-feed
mixing, milling business from.

Preferably within Masasa through to Borrowdale areas.
Will consider an existing business with premises.
If an Industrial would like a shed of 1000m squared Minimum with the ability
to expand. MUST be accessible to large trucks.

We can erect our own shed if it is a small holding.

Contact Details 011-219800 / 011-424712 or 091-225413

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

4. RECREATION

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

4.1 OLD CHAPLIN ASSOCIATION ~2007 REUNION~ (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Saturday 3th February, 6,30 pm at Round Table Centre, Second Street
Extension, behind Reps at northern end of East Road

Form    +BRING AND BRAAI--Bring your own boerewors etc, plates, flask etc
and if possible, folding chair

Bar             Cash bar, club prices

Parking Guarded but at owner-s risk

Dress           Smart informal- to suit occasion

Publicity:       Please help by letting your Chaplin family and friends
know. We can only afford to contact a few. If possible put this notice on
your Club
notice board

Charge NIL

Donations       To cover costs of hire of the hall, firewood, postages etc
and to keep the O.C.A going donations will be much appreciated. Please hand
in at
the door.

Contacts        George Alers-Tel 884282         Dorothy Vahey- Tel 336078

Postal George Alers 26 Blue Kerry, 30 Steppes Rd, Chisipite, Harare

~HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE~

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4.2 NEED A BREAK? (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Getaway and enjoy peace and fresh air at GUINEA FOWLS REST.
Only 80 kms from Harare, Self-catering guest house, Sleeps 10 people
Fishing 2 kms, Bird watching, Various species of wildlife, DSTV

REGRET: No day visitors, No boats or dogs allowed.
Contact DAVE 011 600 770 or ANNETTE 011 600 769 / 091 255 653
or email dapayne@zol.co.zw

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4.3 Savuli Safari (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Self catering chalets in the heart of the Save Valley Conservancy. Game
watching, fishing, horse riding, canoeing, walking trails and 4x4 hire. Camp
fully kitted including cook and fridges, Just bring your food,  drinks and
relax.    Best value for money. U12 are 1/2  price

Contact John : savuli@mweb.co.zw or Phone 091 631 556

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4.4 Imire Safari Ranch (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone man would die
from great loneliness of spirit..For what ever happens to the beasts soon
happens to man......All are connected.    Chief Seattle.

Imire Safari Ranch wish you all peace this coming year.
Our phone systems have been appalling and we would like to apologize if you
have been unable to get through to us.  Contact numbers....... 022 2094, 022
2054 or 022 22257
email......imiregp@zol.zw or www.imiresafariranch.co.zw

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4.5 Hippo Pools Wilderness Camp (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Need a break from your hectic everyday life, for a relaxing weekend or
midweek getaway Hippo Pools Wilderness Camp is the place to go.  For details
phone Tracy on 747929 or email mailto:wildernessafrica@zol.co.zw "

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5. SPECIALIST SERVICES

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5.1 STRESS & BURN OUT SEMINARS

In late 2006, two one-day Stress & Burn Out Seminars were held, specifically
at farmers.  These two days were both fully subscribed and it became
apparent that there is a great need to continue this support for our
community.  In 2007 we will conduct similar one-day sessions leading towards
group therapy and support-group sessions.

We have asked the Christian Counselling Centre to gear two introductory days
on 3rd and 23rd February towards this end.  Thereafter, we will be looking
for a number of facilitators to take the process further.  Please contact
the JAG offices to enrol for either of these two introductory days.  Or,
alternatively, contact the Christian Counselling Centre directly on
hcc@mweb.co.zw or telephone 744212.

As a community, we need to help one another heal.

MANAGING STRESS

Led by: Ian Wilsher

A one-day, practical workshop for anyone wanting to manage the pressure of
modern day life in Zimbabwe.  This workshop puts theory into practice.

Topics include:

+          Identifying symptoms and stresses
+          Time management
+          Dealing with the unchangeable
+          Managing anger and more

Come and find out how you can harness stress to bring positive change to
your life.

Date:     Saturday, 3rd February
Time:     9.00 am - 4.30 pm
Cost:     Z$50 000 (includes lunch, manual and teas).
Venue:  Christian Counselling Centre, 8 Coltman Road, Mount Pleasant,
Harare.  Tel: 744212.

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5.2 Oxford IT (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

CFU Office Block, Agriculture House, Cnr. Adylinn Road and Marlborough
Drive, Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe, AFRICA

OXFORD IT are looking for the following IT candidates: Programmers,
Application Managers, IT Advisers, IT Managers, IT Sales, Technicians,
Network Engineers, Hardware Engineers, Business Development Managers,
Consultants and many more.

OXFORD IT are looking for the following NON-IT candidates: Chief Executive
Officers, Managing Directors, Chartered Accountants, Financial Directors,
Credit Control Managers, Company Secretaries, PA/Secretaries/Receptionists,
Bookkeepers and many more.

Call 309855-60 (ext 13) or email you cv to cv@oxfordit.co.zw.  Alternatively
speak to the General Manager on 309274 or email sarah@oxfordit.co.zw

Oxford IT can help you construct your cv and give you interview guidance.
Oxford IT also now recruits in the NON-IT sector. Give us a call today to
secure top calibre positions/personnel; we thank you for choosing Oxford IT.
E & OE.

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5.3 MULTI-LINK (Pvt) Ltd (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Two positions to be filled.  However we would require that they would be
able to learn both fields, to enable back up for each other.

Post Title:       Receptionist/Debtors Controller

Responsibilities:

Front Office Management,   Receptionist, Accounts Queries, Dealing with
Clients, Debtors, Invoicing, Receipting, Handling Cash, Banking, General
Secretarial Duties, Debt Collections

Post Title:       Wages Clerk/Debtors Assistant

Responsibilities:

Wages for 65 employees, Debtors, Entering Invoices/Receipts, Vat Returns,
NEC, NSSA etc Returns, Handling Petty Cash, Cash Book Knowledge,
Internet/Email.

Computer literacy in Pastel Version 8 and Belina Payroll System
Previous experience in these fields would be advantageous.  Only basic
fields covered, it entails various other duties.

Personality Traits:

Efficient, Hard Working, Pleasant, Must be Self-Motivated to be-able to
perform duties without constant supervision, Honest and Trustworthy.

Dress Code:              Smart.

Salary:                        Salary / Package to be discussed.

Please contact:  737688, 705021, 708310 or email: multilink@mweb.co.zw

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5.4  (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

MAGNA PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL
MAGNA MULTI CONTRACTING PVT LTD

We offer professional and prompt service for the following :-

A.        Electrical Repairs and Installations
B.        Plumbing Repairs and Installations
C.        Home & Office Repairs and Renovations
D.        Extensions and Buildings
E.        Painting, Carpentry, Glazing, Etc
F.        Patios and Driveways

All our work is carried out professionally and promptly to the customer's
requirement.  We thank you in advance and look forward to doing business
with you.

Contact Details:  Rob and Sue - Phone (04) 309051
Mobiles   011 601 885 or   023 824 896
Emails havill@zol.co.zw   or macgyver@zol.co.zw

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5.5 Mr. Handy Man (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

For general Handy repairs in and around the house!

For all those jobs you don't have the time for!

Moving into a new place and need help putting up pictures and other annoying
little jobs?

Can't seem to get the right person to fix things in your house?

Call: 011 211 852, 495078 / E- mail lloyd@pcpitstop.co.zw

Mr. Handy Man Can!!!

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5.6 (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Do you have a problem with flies, fleas, cockroaches, rats?

We will get rid of these nasties for you safely and effectively at a
reasonable cost.  Contact Debbie on 091 830 953

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5.7 FOR ALL YOUR HOTEL GUEST AMMENTIES (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

Are you tired of ordering bulk guest amenities for your hotel or guest room
to have your logo on your product which sits on your shelves for years?

Are you tired of settling for second best advertising material because the
actual artwork you require can't be done?

Let us take a photo of your hotel, lodge or guest house and incorporate it
on your labels.

Yes, with our digital printer scanner, this is now possible!!!

Your requirements are our priority!!!

Contact Debbie on 091 830 953

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5.8 G-Tech services (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

Specialist diesel and component rebuilds, generators and stationary engine
repairs and maintenance.
Tel Graham : 011 406 023, 741001. e-mail : gtech@zol.co.zw

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5.9 NEED HELP WITH TYPING (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

After hours typing offered

For more information please contact Charmaine on 620687 up to 9 for the
above

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5.10 PARA LEGAL ADVISORY SERVICES (Ad inserted 30/01/07)

14yrs on and still providing the following much needed valuable Advisory
Services

1.    Obtaining
        -  Full (Long) Birth Certificates (FBC) for Zimbabwe (replacement of
old style)
        -  Registration of new births
        -  Adoption Orders - Certified Extract of originals with FBC
(identifying biological parent/s)
        -  Marriage Certificates - Certified Extract of originals
        -  Death Certificates (only possible in some instances)
        -  Zimbabwe Drivers Licenses - new, replacement of lost, & Letter of
Confirmation (required when needing to obtain a Drivers Licence in another
country)
        - Divorce Orders - certified extract of originals

2.    Facilitating
        - Immigration formalities into Zimbabwe, ie Residence & Employment
Permits
        - Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - New Investor formalities

3.    Company Registration Procedures
       - New Companies
       - Statutory Returns
       - completion & submission of changes in Company/'s details

4.    Para-Legal Services
       - Wills (preparation of and amendments)
       - Establishment of Discretionary Trusts
       - enquire further as to what you are needing

Contact us for further information and/or to arrange a no obligation
consultation.

Financial Arrangements - We will always assist 'bona fide' financially
challenged persons.

Contact: Thomas Vallance ACIArb, Commissioner of Oaths, PARADiGM TRUST (Pvt)
Ltd
Para-Legal Advisory Services, Trust Executives & Administrators
Tels: (B) 302 207  (M) 011-617 161, Emls:[paradigm@zol.co.zw],
[paradigm@mango.zw]

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6. PETS CORNER
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6.1 Home Wanted (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

'ZEE' magnificent jet black staffy male looking for kind and loving home. 6
years, wonderful nature, used to living with other dogs. Please help,
abandoned by owners who have left the country. Tel Michelle on 884294 or
e-mail gandami@mweb.co.zw

'TARA' spayed black/white Jack Russell/Fox Terrier x and her friend 'DANDY'
male Fox Terrier dog, owners moving into flat at end of January. If no home
found, they will be put to sleep. Tel Michelle on 884294 or e-mail
gandami@mweb.co.zw

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6.2 Looking For a Home (Ad inserted 23/01/07)

'Dandy' super little Fox Terrier dog, black and white and 'Tara' adorable
Jack Russell cross Fox Terrier spayed bitch are looking for a new home as
their owner is moving into a flat. They get on well with other dogs but
chase cats. If you can help Tel: Michelle on 884294 or 011602903 or e-mail
gandami@mweb.co.zw

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JAG Hotlines: +263 (011) 610 073, +263 (04) 799 410.  If you are in trouble
or need advice, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're here to help!

To advertise (JAG Members): Please email classifieds to: jagma@mango.zw
with subject "Classifieds".

Zimbabwe Teachers Slowing Pace Of Work As Prelude To Strike

VOA

      By Jonga Kandemiiri
      Washington
      31 January 2007

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe said Wednesday that teachers
across the country had launched a go-slow action over poor pay and working
conditions, and that it had received reports of intimidation of those taking
part in the slowdown.

The PTUZ said suspected state security agents were trying to intimidate
teachers and in some cases had threatened them for taking part in the work
action.

The union announced Monday that it will launch a full-fledged strike
starting on Feb. 5 if the government has not addressed its members demands
by then. Harare made no response to an earlier notice of the union's
intention to call a strike.

The union is demanding an entry salary of Z$400,000 (US$80) a month this
quarter, with $$100,000 a month for transport and Z$150,000 for housing.
Teachers also want their own children to attend school free as children of
liberation war veterans do.

PTUZ Information Secretary Harrison Mudzuri told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri
of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that teachers are ready for whatever may
happen.

Zimbabwe Teachers' Association Acting Chief Executive Officer Martin
Mmukanyi said his union has not joined the slowdown, and rejected charges
that officials of his union have been visiting schools to threaten teachers
who have joined the action.

No End To Labor Unrest In Zimbabwe Hospitals - Nurses Back On Strike

VOA

      By Carole Gombakomba
      Washington
      31 January 2007

In the latest chapter of Zimbabwe's health care labor crisis, nurses at
Harare Hospital went back on strike on Wednesday in response to the
government's latest offer of supplementary payments to nurses as well as
some striking doctors.

The government awarded nursing staff and some of the hospital residents who
went on strike Dec. 21 additional payments ranging from Z$250,000 to
Z$300,000. But the nurses, who are demanding a minimum of Z$3 million a
month, and the doctors, who want at least a monthly Z$5 million dollars,
said the state offer fell far short.

Reporter Carole Gombakomba of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe spoke with one of
the striking nurses at Harare Hospital, who identified himself only as
Jenami and blamed confusion in the hospitals on what he said were false
promises by the government.

Meanwhile, nurses at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, and junior and senior
residents in Harare and Bulawayo, continued their labor action with no
resolution in sight.

Sources said talks between the doctors and top Health Ministry officials had
ended in an impasse, and that doctors were now negotiating with health
advisors to President Robert Mugabe. Further details on those negotiations
could not be obtained.

Meanwhile, the government faces a deadline set by the Zimbabwe Congress of
Trade Unions, which said that if Harare does not address grievances of
health care and other workers by February 23, it will call a nationwide
general strike.

ZCTU General Secretary Wellington Chibebe said his organization has taken
this step to show the government that it must take urgent action to resolve
labor issues.