Zimbabwe’s Media Commission seeks to ban foreign papers

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tererai Karimakwenda
03 February 2012

Zimbabwe’s Media Commission (ZMC) on Thursday announced they would seek
permission from the authorities to ban all foreign newspapers that are not
registered in the country but are sold there.

The commission chairman, Godfrey Majonga, reportedly said that foreign
papers had ignored calls by the commission to “regularize their status” for
more than a year. Those affected by the ban would not be allowed into
circulation until they complied with Zimbabwean law.

Such a ban would affect South African newspapers that are popular with
Zimbabweans, including Business Day, The Guardian, Sunday Times and The Star
and Financial Mail.

Deputy Minister of Information, Murisi Zwizwai, told SW Radio Africa that he
was surprised at the announcement and was totally opposed to the ban.
He blasted the ZMC for using the police to go after vendors who sell foreign
papers, without even a court order.

“It’s unconstitutional and premised around AIPPA, which is a piece of
legislation that we agreed as parties to the inclusive government that it
must go out of the way of media freedoms,” Zwizwai explained.

Foreign journalists are not allowed to work permanently in Zimbabwe, as
prescribed by the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
(AIPPA), which also requires media entities and journalists to be
registered.

The deputy minister also referred to media reforms that Mugabe agreed to in
the Global Political Agreement (GPA) brokered by President Zuma and SADC,
which call for the establishment of a free and independent press environment
before any elections are held.

Zwizwai agreed that the move is an attempt to further restrict the press and
protect Robert Mugabe and ZANU PF from negative publicity, ahead of
elections which the party insists should be held this year.
He criticized the ZMC for failing to reign in the state media, which he
accused of using hate language against the Prime Minister Morgann Tsvangirai
and the MDC-T.

Over the last decade several foreign journalists have been arrested and
others deported by the Mugabe regime. Local journalists also operate under
strict rules, facing harassment and arrests for any reports that are deemed
to be prejudicial to the state.

Banning Of Foreign Newspapers Violates UN Statutes :- MMPZ

http://www.radiovop.com

Bulawayo, February 05, 2012-The Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe (MMPZ) has
condemned the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) for threatening to embargo
foreign newspapers, saying the move is undemocratic and violates United
Nations statutes’ on human rights.

“The ZMC’s decision to deprive citizens of their constitutional right to
freely choose their sources of information is a flagrant violation Article
19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” the MMPZ said in a
statement released on Saturday

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ‘states that
everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression including the
right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart
information and ideas through any media regardless of frontier.’

The ZMC last week said it was banning foreign newspapers because they were
failing to register with it to regularize their operations.  Such papers
include The Zimbabwean, produced by exiles in the United Kingdom, the Sunday
Times, The Mail and Guardian and Business Day - all South African
newspapers.

But the MMPZ said it “is disappointed that instead of living up to its
declared mandate to promote “a free and diverse media environment” in
Zimbabwe by campaigning for the repeal of this archaic and repressive pieces
of legislation, it has instead, chosen to implement its suffocating and
undemocratic provisions to stifle important alternative sources of
information.

“Once again, the real purpose of establishing the Commission – to control
all media activity and restrict the public’s access to independent sources
of news – has been exposed and underlines the urgency with which this
inclusive government needs to implement media law reform, starting with the
repeal of AIPPA.”

Japan Gives ZESN US$110 700 For Election Education

http://www.radiovop.com

HARARE, February 5, 2012 - THE JAPANESE Government has given the Zimbabwe
Election Support Network (ZESN) US$110 746 to support the association’s
"Project For Electoral Education".

The donation comes barely two weeks after it gave the Government of National
Unity (GNU) $237 900 for various rural projects.

The Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Yonezo Kukuda and the National Director
of ZESN, Chipfunde-Vava signed an agreement for the release of the funds.

The money was given at a time when all the political parties are gearing up
for the watershed event which could be held anytime this year.

Both top candidates, President Robert Mugabe of the former ruling party,
Zanu PF and Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC-T say they are ready but ZESN as
well as many other observers point out that they should not be held because
the voters roll is still in shambles and there is no cash to sponsor the
important event.

The Japanese grant is to be used for the promotion of electoral education.

It focuses on the fundamentals of enhancing democratic processes such as the
secrecy of the ballot, voters’ rights, freedoms and responsibilities before,
during and after the election.

There will be a public outreach component which will provide the production
and distribution of information, education and communication material such
as posters, stickers, T shirts, caps, flyers and billboards.

Community based training will also play an integral part, the Ambassador
said.

He said election education manuals would be produced and trainers would
educate and mobilise the electorate in all the 210 constituencies in
Zimbabwe.

Targeted audiences would include, inter alia, political parties, youth
groups, students, women, traditional and community leaders and marginalised
rural voters.

Fukuda noted that this undertaking required not only huge financial
resources, but commitment and dedication on behalf of ZESN.

"We fully support your efforts to ensure that the democratic process in
Zimbabwe proceed smoothly," Fukuda said.

"We highly admire and respect the work you are undertaking and this grant is
in recognition of this.

"Other donors have made contributions to your organisation to realise your
noble objectives and we are pleased to play our part.

"We are fully committed to not only the socio-economic development in
Zimbabwe, but also to the enhancement of the democratic process. We wish you
every success for the successful implementation of this project."

Chipfunde-Vava reiterated the fact that the election process in Zimbabwe was
still flawed and needed to be revamped for it to be a success this year.

She also said the voters roll was still in a shambles and that Zimbabwe was
not ready to hold the watershed event this year, suggesting that it be
postponed until such a time when the nation was ready.

Last week Fukuda gave $78 700 for the commissioning of the "Project for
water, sanitation and hygiene.

Zimbabwe AG Threatens Those Noting Expiration of Term of Police Chief

http://www.voanews.com

03 February 2012

Attorney General Tomana has threatened to invoke the Official Secrets Act to
prosecute newspapers that have reported the expiry of the term of office of
Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri

Blessing Zulu | Washington

Debate in Zimbabwe over reform of the national security sector heated up
again Friday as Attorney General Johannes Tomana dismissed those who have
called on President  Robert Mugabe to consult his governing partners on top
posts falling vacant

Independent newspapers have reported that the term of office of Police
Commissioner Augustine Chihuri has expired and the former opposition
Movement for Democratic Change has urged Mr. Mugabe to replace the often
controversial police chief.

Attorney General Tomana said the 2008 Global Political Agreement for power
sharing has expired, so Mr. Mugabe is solely responsible for such
appointments.

He threatened to invoke the Official Secrets Act against newspapers
reporting about the expiration of Chihuri's term of office.

Mr. Tsvangirai and leader of the smaller formation of the MDC, Welshman
Ncube, have said President Mugabe cannot re-appoint Chihuri without their
consent.

But Tomana told VOA reporter Blessing Zulu that Mr. Mugabe has a sole
mandate in this case, and that journalists have no right to discuss Chihuri’s
term of office.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights Director Irene Petras said Tomana’s
declaration that the troubled unity government has expired is a cause for
concern.

National Constitutional Assembly Chairman Lovemore Madhuku said Tomana
speaks for most ZANU-PF hardliners.

Pressure mounts on MDC for hearts and minds in urban areas

http://www.timeslive.co.za

MARK SCOFIELD | 05 February, 2012 01:24

Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is facing an
onslaught on its grip in urban areas from Ignatius Chombo, the Minister of
Local Government, Urban and Rural Development and a key ally of President
Robert Mugabe.

Chombo's manoeuvres against the MDC, which controls the city councils of
most urban areas in the country, including the key constituencies of Harare,
Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare, are seen by observers as spearheading a grand
plan to weaken the MDC's support base ahead of crucial elections.

In a veiled warning to the MDC-led city councils this week of a looming
crackdown, Chombo said: "We will work with the mayors and councillors in the
cities that they were elected in, but we will remove the bad apples. Those
that are willing to work with us will continue working."

Last week, Chombo suspended Mutare mayor Brian James on allegations of
misconduct, and the suspension has led the MDC to cry foul and accuse Chombo
of overstepping his authority.

In a letter written to James, a copy of which has been seen by the Sunday
Times, Chombo wrote: "During the period of your suspension, you shall not
conduct any council business for, and on behalf of council, within or
outside council premises and you shall not be eligible to receive any form
of remuneration."

It is understood that Chombo is keen to appoint commissions to have
oversight of the city councils, a move that would enable Zanu-PF to have a
hawk's eye on activities done in city councils perceived to be
"problematic".

For over a decade, the MDC has enjoyed domination of the major cities in the
country, and the party is understood to have been upbeat with the inevitable
endorsement it would get in the urban areas in the next election and was now
eyeing making inroads into the rural areas.

This situation has left the party caught up with "fire-fighting", instead of
pushing into the rural areas for votes, according to a senior MDC official.
In the March 2008 election the MDC shocked Zanu-PF by securing votes in key
rural strongholds.

Pressure is said to be mounting within Zanu-PF, which has little hope of
causing an upset in urban areas, and is further hampered by fragmented
support in rural areas.

The fight over the control of the country's urban areas comes amid Harare
battling a typhoid outbreak that has claimed more than 50 lives and has been
linked to the city's poor water system.

Observers said a mud-slinging contest was certain to unfold as a result of
the typhoid outbreak, with Chombo likely to use this as the basis to
persecute the Muchadeyi Masunda-led Harare City Council.

Meanwhile, the MDC faces a daunting task of cleaning up its image with urban
voters who have become more vocal with accusations that the party has become
complacent in improving service delivery in city centres.

In Bulawayo, where complaints have reached fever-pitch, political analyst
Dumisani Nkomo said it would be wise for the MDC to listen to the barrage of
criticism from its supporters and that it must use this as a test of its
popularity.

Zanu-PF set to change tack in poll

http://www.timeslive.co.za

MARK SCOFIELD | 05 February, 2012 01:24

Accustomed to the long tradition of being given farming implements, maize
seed and fertiliser as a tactic to curry favour, rural voters for President
Robert Mugabe's party, Zanu-PF, are certain to see a change in the nature of
"gifts" parcelled out to them this year.

Analysts say the indigenisation drive will take centre-stage in the push to
dominate the country's political landscape, after failures of the land
redistribution and anti-sanctions rhetoric rolled out in 2000.

These have now lost their fervency among rural voters, who make up more than
50% of the population.

Saviour Kasukuwere, the Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister, who is also
the face of the controversial indigenisation programme, said his party would
push ahead with the plan - with no compensation to any foreign-owned
company.

Indigenisation seeks to hand over a 51% controlling stake in foreign firms
to locals.

"Zanu-PF has a policy of putting people first and that [indigenisation] is a
major focus of all our programmes. This will no doubt make the party more
acceptable to the people," Kasukuwere said this week in Gwanda.

A series of community share ownership trust schemes set up by the ministry,
in collaboration with mining companies last year, is thought to be the
central plank that will be used by Zanu-PF to seek support from the rural
communities.

Several schemes were rolled out at the end of last year that involved
neighbouring SA's Impala subsidiary, Zimplats, Rio Tinto and Anglo Platinum.

Local communities are meant to benefit from the trust schemes.

"We want to be very clear on this issue. The minerals belong to our people
as a God-given gift. We give permission to investors who want to do mining
here and those who do not want to comply with our laws can take their
equipment and go," said Kasukuwere.

"The government will not hesitate to declare a 100% takeover of those
companies that are taking too long to comply," he said.

Political analyst Effie Ncube said the shift to indigenisation from land
redistribution was a signal that Zanu-PF had "exhausted" all it had to offer
voters and was again relying on "grab tactics" under the guise of
empowerment.

"They have nothing new to offer voters, this is the tragedy of Zanu-PF's
politics at such a critical time in the country's history," said Ncube.

Political commentator Kamurai Mudzinga cautioned: "When public policy is
based on populism, the aim is to raise false expectations among the poor and
disadvantaged who are made to believe legislation can reduce or do away with
poverty and injustice.

"It gives them the false notion that legislation can wash away their woes.
The masses are fooled into thinking that the government should relentlessly
pursue redistribution until there is equity and equality in the sharing of
wealth," he said.

Parties turn Matabeleland into election battleground

http://www.timeslive.co.za

MARK SCOFIELD | 05 February, 2012 01:24

As Zimbabwe readies for elections that President Robert Mugabe has intimated
he wants held before March, Matabeleland province has emerged as a hotbed of
intense political contestation among the country's four main political
parties.

Mugabe's Zanu-PF, the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) factions led
by Morgan Tsvangirai and Welshman Ncube and Dumiso Dabengwa's Zapu, are all
eyeing the Matabeleland votes as the host of troubles pressing the region
provide fodder for politicking. These include persistent drought, the
massive relocation of companies from Bulawayo to Harare, the unresolved
Gukurahundi killings of the 1980s and bitterness over Zanu-PF's lack of
remorse.

Except for Ncube's MDC-N, last year all the political parties held their
conferences in Bulawayo, the heartland of the Matabeleland province, from
where they also kicked off their election campaigns.

Political observers said this signalled the strongest scramble for the
region. Zanu-PF capped off the string of party conferences held in Bulawayo
with its own in December.

Methuseli Moyo, the Zapu spokesman, conceded this week that there was a
strong push by parties into the region.

Said Moyo: "There is definitely a scramble for Matabeleland as it has become
strategic and every party now recognises that Bulawayo can either make or
break a political party.

"No political party can afford to ignore Bulawayo and that is why we have
also seen Zanu-PF move into the region speedily."

Since 2000, the Tsvangirai-led MDC has enjoyed a stranglehold on the region
and capped its domination of Bulawayo with a resounding victory in the last
parliamentary and presidential elections. The MDC-T won all the city's 12
House of Assembly seats, six of the seven Senate seats and 26 of the 29
councillors in the Bulawayo City Council.

But the party has recently come under fire in the court of public opinion,
with its leadership from Matabeleland accused of supping with Zanu-PF and
forgetting to push for the development of the region.

Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, the secretary-general in Ncube's MDC-N,
caused a storm last year when she described the MDC-T leaders as "useless
condoms".

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF is not letting up on making inroads into the region it
has neglected for more than 10 years. Obert Mpofu, the Minister of Mines,
held a lavish birthday party last weekend in Nyamandlovu, attended by 10000
guests and rumoured to have cost $100000.

Analysts said the birthday bash was also a show of strength by the Zanu-PF
stalwart, desperate to attract voters. But Tabitha Khumalo, the MDC-T deputy
national spokesman, dismissed Mpofu's efforts. "Bulawayo voters are loyal
and they are known to stand firmly on a political decision and come election
time they will vote resoundingly for the MDC-T."

Don't underestimate 'rising star' Ncube

http://www.timeslive.co.za

MARK SCOFIELD | 05 February, 2012 01:24

A year after Welshman Ncube assumed the presidency of the smaller Movement
for Democratic Change (MDC) party from Arthur Mutambara, there is no sign of
complacency in the man.

Ncube was described in Wiki-Leaks cables by the former US envoy to Zimbabwe,
Christopher Dell, as a "genius, who is highly divisive and must be taken off
the stage".

He seems even more determined to remain a key player in Zimbabwe's politics
and lead his party in elections expected this year.

At his party offices in Bulawayo, the MDC leader charted the way forward for
his party leadership when attending a strategic planning meeting.

None of the party leaders here - among them the outspoken secretary-general
Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga - seem to revel in the marginal successes
scored in 2011, and Ncube tells his troops that the new year will be a
"turning point" for Zimbabwe.

He urges them to prepare for the political battle ahead. Ncube is 50 years
old and is the youngest in the political contest that will see President
Robert Mugabe, who turns 88 next month, square off against his long-time
rival Morgan Tsvangirai, 59.

In political circles, Ncube's relative youthfulness has seen him brushed
aside as a rookie, with little prospect of causing an upset in the upcoming
elections.

Yet his vigorous campaigns in several provinces last year - among them
traditional Zanu-PF and MDC-T strongholds, such as Manicaland, Mashonaland,
Midlands and Matabeleland provinces. He kept his political rivals guessing.

His high court victory last December, which gave him the lawful right to
assume the post of deputy prime minister (DPM) was a crucial endorsement in
the light of the perceived isolation he has received from Mugabe and
Tsvangirai.

In an interview with the Sunday Times this week, Ncube conceded that the two
political rivals had "teamed up" against him to block his rise to the post
of DPM. "This is just one of those rare times that Mugabe and Tsvangirai
have agreed over something. I don't know what their reasons and motivations
are ... but I have not bought into the argument that I am being sidelined
because of my ethnicity. I think the two men feel threatened that my
political star is rising."

He added: "Since Mugabe is the one who swears people into office, he could
still refuse to swear me in despite the high court judgment, just like what
we saw happen with Roy Bennett".

The court decision dealt a blow to Mutambara, party president, who was
ordered to vacate the post and make way for Ncube.

On Mutambara's continued refusal to step aside, Ncube said: "Mutambara is
irrelevant to Zimbabwe's politics and he can hold on to the position for as
long as he likes ... but the looming new political dispensation means he
will be off the political stage once and for all. Even the members of
parliament who have refused to recognise my presidency are just biding time
in their support for Mutambara."

Meanwhile, Ncube conceded that the country was not yet ready to hold
elections, as it had failed to implement the election roadmap put in place
by the Southern African Development Community, with the political landscape
still favouring a victory for Mugabe's Zanu-PF.

"It's been a difficult transition that the country has been in, but right
now we are sitting on a momentous edge and we need to go forward one way or
the other," said Ncube.

National Security Council meeting postponed

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tichaona Sibanda
3 February 2012

The first meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) for 2012, set for
Friday in Harare has been postponed to a later date.

SW Radio Africa is reliably informed that members of the NSC were notified
of the cancellation Thursday but were not told of the reasons for the
postponement.

There is speculation however that Robert Mugabe, who chairs the NSC may have
postponed the meeting to give himself enough time to ponder over the dilemma
he faces regarding the fate of the police commissioner-general Augustine
Chihuri.

The future of Chihuri remains in limbo, after his contract expired on 31st
January this year. SW Radio Africa has been told that Mugabe will most
likely re-appoint him for another term, a move that is set to provoke
hostility from the other coalition partners in the inclusive government. It
is also widely expected that this decision will be made unilaterally.

The commissioner-general has become so powerful in the police force that he
blatantly undermines the co-Home Affairs ministers, Theresa Makone from the
MDC-T and ZANU PF’s Kembo Mohadi. He has reportedly told the two he’s
strictly not to be disturbed before 9am as he will be attending morning
prayers.

A source told this radio station that: “I don’t think it would have been
comfortable for both Mugabe and Chihuri to sit in the NSC meeting knowing
fully well that the commissioner’s term of office expired.”

“It would have given the MDC formations ammunition to target Chihuri and
demand that he be ejected from the meeting as his presence there would have
been illegal,” the source said.

The source added: “Mugabe has given himself time to deal with matter and the
next time this NSC meeting is convened Chihuri will be a substantive police
chief.”

Chihuri took over from former police chief Henry Mukurazhizha in 1991 as
acting commissioner before assuming the position on a full time basis in
1993. His contract has been renewed 13 times since his first term expired in
1997.

The two MDC formations contend that Chihuri, who has publicly voiced his
support for Mugabe and his ZANU PF party, is staying on in the post
illegitimately after his term ended on Tuesday.

The MDC-T led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, which has been against
Chihuri’s continued stay since the formation of the unity government, said
it means the country effectively has no police commissioner-general as from
Wednesday.

Leader of the smaller MDC formation Welshman Ncube says Chihuri is holding
onto the office illegally.

Despite vociferous undertakings from ZANU PF that Mugabe has the sole
responsibility to appoint Chihuri, the MDC-T has remained steadfast that
these pronouncements are wrong. They insist that under Article 20.1.3(P) of
the Global Political Agreement (GPA), Mugabe must make key appointment in
consultation with the Prime Minister.

The Zimbabwe Justice Project calls for support to stop the violence

Number of detained MDC-T members rises

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
03 February 2012

The number of MDC-T members who have been arrested and detained has
continued to rise.

Three MDC-T officials were arrested on Wednesday at Maungwa Business Centre
in Gutu, Masvingo on charges of violating the draconian Public Order and
Security Act (POSA).

The three, Gutu South chairperson James Makovere, organising secretary for
the constituency, Alderman Jeffrey Tangemhare and Islam Matose were arrested
while conducting a meeting with MDC-T members from Gutu South. They are
detained at Gutu Police Station and are being charged with holding a public
meeting without a police clearance.

Meanwhile, nine MDC-T members including the party’s Youth Assembly Chairman
remain behind bars over the death of a policeman in Glen View last May. They
are among a group of 29 party members who have been charged in connection
with the death of policeman Petros Mutedza, which is believed to have been
the result of a bar fight. The MDC-T insists the charges against its members
are “false” and “spurious” and a deliberate attempt to bring the party into
disrepute.

The nine people now in custody are Paul Rukanda (MDC-T Organising Secretary
for Glen View South), Solomon Madzore (MDC-T Youth Assembly Chairman),
Tungamirai Madzokere (Glen View Ward 32 Councillor), Rebecca Mafikeni,
Phenias Nhatarikwa, Lazarus Maengahama, Stanford Maengahama, Yvonne
Musarurwa and Stanford Mangwiro.

Meanwhile nine of the ten MDC-T activists who were arrested at Harvest House
three weeks ago have been released after being granted a US$50 bail each at
the High Court. The 10 are facing charges of public violence and were
originally denied bail at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts after the State
claimed that they were facing serious charges and were a ‘flight risk’.
Those granted bail are; Barnabas Mwanaka, Taurai Nherera, Simbarashe Makaha,
Leonard Dendera, Muchineripi Muzengeza, Patson Murimoga, Samson Nerwande ,
Murambiwa Dzwenge and Kudakwashe Usai.

Mwanaka is still admitted at a Harare hospital after he sustained serious
injuries following an attack by the police during his arrest.

The tenth activist who was arrested, Jefias Moyo, was however denied bail
because his is one of the 29 who has been charged in connection with the
Glen View death.

World Food Program to Feed 1 Million Zimbabweans Through March

http://www.voanews.com

03 February 2012

The WFP deputy country director Simon Camelbeeck said the food program
already with at least 150,000 beneficiaries nationwide may be hampered by a
funding gap of 12 million dollars

Gibbs Dube | Washington

The World Food Program says it will feed about 1 million Zimbabweans faced
with hunger due to dry weather conditions in the south-western parts of the
country where crops have largely become a write-off due to inadequate rains.

WFP deputy country director Simon Camelbeeck cautioned though that the food
program, set to run through March and already benefiting at least 150,000
people nationwide, may be hampered by a funding gap of $12 million.

Camelbeeck said the beneficiaries are currently receiving a food basket
which includes maize meal, cooking oil and beans.

Crops in regions such as Matabeleland South, parts of Manicaland, Masvingo
and Midlands have not recorded significant rains since last December due to
the ripple effects of tropical cyclone Funso which has been dumping heavy
rains in Mozambique and Swaziland.

Camelbeeck said indigenous farmers should be encouraged to plant small-grain
crops in order to tackle perennial droughts. Aid relief worker Everson
Ndlovu urged drought-prone regions to venture into cattle ranching.

Chinese spread wings in Zim

http://dailynews.co.zw/

By Own Correspondent
Sunday, 05 February 2012 09:31

HARARE - They are given the red carpet in top government offices and hailed
as messiahs who have come to plug holes left by the flight of Western
investors.

Yet at their cement, mining, construction and manufacturing plants that are
booming countrywide, the Chinese are known for giving local labourers the
stick.

The Chinese appear to have it all in Zimbabwe.

They get first class treatment from government offices, including those of
President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai where they say
all the right things.

Workers, on the other hand, say the Chinese are abusive, trade unionists and
commentators think they are treated with kid gloves, while supporters of
Mugabe’s “Look East policy” say Zimbabwe should actually be doing more to
lure Chinese investors.

Their presence, which is spreading in all facets of Zimbabwean life, evokes
mixed reactions, signalling how the Chinese are becoming too big to ignore.

Commentators say Mugabe and his Zanu PF party’s desperation has provided the
Chinese with a perfect window.

Tired of the governance benchmarks and political reform strings attached to
Western aid and investment, countries like Zimbabwe are finding it easier to
deal with China, whose leaders have a policy of “noninterference” in
domestic matters.

Last year a $98 million Chinese deal with Zimbabwe stalked controversy with
analysts saying that it was steeped in Chinese favour.

In the deal, Zimbabwe received the loan from China to build a defence
college, funded by Harare’s share of revenues from a diamond mining deal
with a Chinese firm.

Fambai Ngirande, a social commentator, says the growing presence of China is
a child of globalisation and the “Look East policy” which he says largely
favours the Chinese.

“It is globalisation and perhaps the natural consequence of Zanu PF’s Look
East Policy. It overlays an already unequal and abusive economic structure
and in many ways perpetuates it thus exacerbating poor working conditions,
corruption, and abuse of workers’ rights and the marginalisation of unions.
In this way it has become a part of the problem,” Ngirande said.

Indeed the Chinese in Africa are famous for labour abuses than corporate
responsibility.

Workers labouring for the Chinese complain of harassment, low wages and
communication barriers.

Trade unionist Lovemore Matombo says Chinese are treated like first class
citizens.

“There are many cases of labour abuses at mines and construction companies.
We have talked about this with the government but they are failing to
address the issue because the Chinese are superior. The Chinese are above
the law,” said Matombo.

He added that workers at Chinese firms were silenced.

“There are no worker committees with the Chinese. If a worker questions the
authorities he is fired. It is difficult to bring the Chinese to account to
labour unions because they are protected by the government,” said Matombo.

Matombo said the Chinese had virtually taken over Zimbabwe and through their
bilateral agreements with the government of Zimbabwe they escaped punishment
when in the wrong on labour matters.

But Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Xin Shunkang recently told journalists
who had returned from a tour of his country that the relationship between
Zimbabwe and China was a win-win situation.

“The relationship between China and Africa is a new strategic partnership
based on the principles of sincerity, friendship and mutual benefit. It has
emerged as a role model for South-South co-operation, which has nothing to
do with neo-colonialism.

“Sino-African economic co-operation is based on equality, trustworthy
partnership and win-win progress. For example, Anjin Company (Marange
diamond firm) is a joint venture between China and Zimbabwe. All profits of
this company are equally shared,” said Shunkang.

Xin also said that the Chinese were known for their good social
responsibility.

“Let me just give two examples. Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company
provided more than 1 000 jobs for Zimbabweans and is heavily involved in the
resettlement project for Marange villagers who were relocated to pave way
for diamond mining at Chirasika.

“The company has constructed 478 house units, provided public
transportation, clean water and electricity. It has since built a clinic and
primary school for the villagers and so on.

“Zimasco has offered 8 000 jobs to the locals, while it has only six Chinese
staff. I am confident that with the efforts of all of you (media personnel),
people will hear more truthful and objective voices. Any plots to tarnish
our friendship will not succeed,” he said.

But Raymond Chamba, a little known presidential hopeful, says the Chinese
should ship out.

“The kind of Chinese business practices we are witnessing in Zimbabwe pose a
clear and present danger to our country’s medium and long term prosperity.
Never has the unholy trinity of low price, low quality and low ethics
conspired to effectively retard the progress of a country so blessed with
talent and resources.

“On the strength of misdirected diplomatic bravura we have effectively
managed to turn the overthrow of the shackles of white settler minority
discrimination into a new politically elite led deliverance into the
manacles of Chinese irresponsible, minimalist investments and laissez –faire
local labour abuse,” said Chamba.

Mugabe’s supporters say China’s growing influence is a positive result of
the Look East policy.

Former Zimbabwe ambassador to China Chris Mutsvangwa says Zimbabwe is not
doing enough to attract investment.

“It is nonsense to say that China is colonising Zimbabwe. If you look at
South Africa the Chinese are more present there, most of the businesses are
owned by the Chinese."

“China is the new guy with money. If you attack the person with money then
where will you get it? The Chinese are seeing opportunity and they are
driving the world economy today,” said Mutsvangwa. He said the labour
disputes in Chinese firms are normal.

“In any relationship there will always be quarrels. There will always be a
dispute between labour and the companies. The Chinese may not understand
something but they need to be engaged,” said Mutsvangwa.

In the next three years for instance, China has pledged to help Zimbabwe
construct a middle school, a primary school, a mini-hydro power station,
implement a solar power project, a methane project, a borehole drilling
project, dispatch an agricultural technical team and provide $10 million
worth medical equipment for the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Hospital.

Considering that China has over $3 trillion in foreign reserves its
investment to Zimbabwe are a pittance.

“On the scale of things we are not important to China. What we need to do is
to spruce up our game so that we can attract capital,” said Mutsvangwa.

Nhema ups game on wetlands

http://dailynews.co.zw/

By Everson Mushava, Staff Writer
Sunday, 05 February 2012 09:21

HARARE - Zimbabwe should intensify efforts to conserve wetlands as pressure
on water resources mount due to global population growth, a government
minister has said.

Environment minister Francis Nhema said the global population is set to
balloon to about nine billion up from an estimated 6.5 billion by 2050,
increasing pressure on water resources as the world struggles to cope with
the threats posed by climate change effects.

Nhema was addressing thousands of people and school children who turned up
for the commemoration of World Wetlands Day in Victoria Falls last week.

The commemorations were organised by the Environmental Management Agency
(Ema), Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Forestry Commission.

The World Wetlands Day has been commemorated every year on February 2 since
1971 following the signing of Ramsar Conservation, a United Nations treaty
on the Conservation of Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran.

This year’s commemorations came as the resort town of Victoria Falls
prepared to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
general assembly next year.

“Given the important roles that wetlands play in our daily lives, it is
critical for all of us to take stock of the actions on wetlands and evaluate
them if we are not to contribute to their degradation,” Nhema said.

He said it was worth noting that tourism was one of the many services
delivered by wetlands.

“Ensuring that sustainable tourism practices in and around wetlands and
educating tourists on the value of wetlands contributes to their health and
the long term benefits that wetlands provide to people, wildlife, the
economy and biodiversity.

“I wish to state that Zimbabwe is endowed with vast wetlands that offer a
number of ecological goods and services such as flood mitigating, provision
of medical plants, water purification, tourism and recreation, to name just
a few,” Nhema said.

Zimbabwe, according to Nhema, should re-affirm its commitment to the
protection of wetlands as these were their lifelines, besides contributing
immensely to the economy through tourism.

“In Zimbabwe, wetlands like Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba are areas of
great scenic beauty for tourism and recreation and wetland ecosystems are
part of our natural wealth. At a world wide scale, they provide us with
services worth millions of dollars every year — all free of charge,” said
Nhema.

He said the challenge was lack of legislation prohibiting construction of
structures on wetlands.

'Mermaid' Sightings in Zimbabwe Spark Debate Over Traditional Beliefs

http://www.voanews.com

03 February 2012

Water Resources Minister Sam Sipepa Nkomo told a senate committee that
traditional chiefs will perform rituals to exorcise mermaids believed to
inhabit reservoirs where workers are now afraid to tread

Violet Gonda | Washington

Some strange things have been happening lately in various parts of Zimbabwe.

Last month a man was hounded from a Bulawayo neighborhood over claims he
possessed goblins that were raping his wife and his neighbors’ wives, and
otherwise wreaking havoc in the suburban community.

This week Water Resources Minister Sam Sipepa Nkomo told a senate committee
that mermaids have been hounding government workers off dam sites in Mutare,
Manicaland, and Gokwe, Midlands.

The minister’s stunning revelations add to the many sensational stories that
Zimbabweans have over the years passed on about supernatural manifestations
in their communities.

Though many are skeptical, some do firmly believe that mermaids exist in
Zimbabwe.

Nkomo told a senate oversight committee that traditional chiefs are going to
perform rituals to exorcise mermaids believed to inhabit reservoirs in Gokwe
and Mutare where workers are afraid to tread.

Mermaids are supposedly mythological water creatures with a female body and
the tail of a fish. Those tales were mostly in circulation hundreds of years
ago – but stories continue to make their rounds in Zimbabwe.

One version says mermaids carry humans underwater and if there is a public
outcry their relatives might never see them again. But it is also said that
victims can return as spirit mediums if their disappearance is not mourned.

Such creatures are said to be terrifying workers at the Gokwe dam in
Midlands and the Osborne dam in Manicaland.

Nkomo said all the workers he sent to work on the dam sites to install water
pumps had dumped the project vowing not to return to the areas because of
the mythical water creatures.

Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo, who
also appeared before the senate committee, backed the call for traditional
rites to be performed at the dams to allay workers’ fears.

Nkomo said the government is prepared to give the population the water it
needs, but is unable to do so until the rituals are performed and necessary
repairs can be carried out.

He said he tried to hire white personnel to do the work at Osborne dam,
supposedly because they had not been exposed to the mermaids reports, but
they too refused to undertake the project alleging they had seen suspicious
creatures.

According to the minister, workers report that people have disappeared
mysteriously while some have been chased away by the legendary creatures.

Traditional leader chief Edison Chihota of Mashonaland East said there is no
dispute about the existence of mermaids.

“As a custodian of the traditional I have no doubt," chief Chihota said.
"For anyone to dispute this is also disputing him or herself.”

Cultural activist Prince Peter Zwide Khumalo, a descendant of King
Lobengula, said mermaids play a central role in spiritual beliefs and they
are thought to mainly inhabit the largest dams, such as Lake Kariba.

“They are said to exist in water particularly in big dams like Kariba. I
haven’t heard of mermaids in small dams.”

But Khumalo said it is important to weigh reality against what people
believe because development can be delayed wielding traditional beliefs that
cannot easily be disproved.

“I do not believe that they need to be used to hinder development. This
needs to be looked into very seriously by the minister because they might go
and do cultural rituals but find that people still do not continue to work,”
Khumalo added.

Minister Nkomo, a Seventh Day Adventist Christian, said that while he does
not believe in mermaids in this part of the world, he would not meddle in
the traditional beliefs of others, including witchcraft.

Witchcraft is a controversial subject in Zimbabwe: Some see it as a source
of trouble, others believe it can bring good fortune.

It is so widespread that it is recognized by the law – for instance the
Bulawayo goblin man sought police assistance after he admitted that the
goblins he bought from a n’anga to bring him riches were allegedly raping
his wife and those of neighbors.

Cultural experts and traditionalists note economic basis of some beliefs -
poverty turns many to turn to witchcraft to gain riches or to hurt enemies.

Chief Chihota said he believes political opponents were killed and thrown
into the reservoirs said to be inhabited by mermaids, hence the need to
appease the spirits.

The traditional leader said: “I think let’s go back to the late 70s when the
struggle was being waged and I understand a number of people were thrown in
those dams and nothing was done and a continuation has been happening. So we
have to start from somewhere.”

But Nkomo offered another theory: He suggested that unusual water pressures
in the reservoirs could be creating hazardous currents and perhaps
illusions.

“In Mutare what I think is happening is that there must be a sanction
underneath there which creates a hole and the water will actually be
swirling violently that if you fell in you will not come out, even if you
had an oxygen mask.”

Nonetheless, the minister said this is no laughing matter so traditional
rites will be performed to comfort some powerful African beliefs.

ZANU PF Muzarabani MP behind murders in 2008

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Lance Guma
03 February 2012

Edward Raradza the ZANU PF MP for Muzarabani South is this week exposed as
having led a mob of over 500 youths, soldiers, police and CIO agents that
were responsible for the torture and murder of dozens of opposition
activists in 2008.

In June last year SW Radio Africa posted shocking video footage online in
which Raradza could be seen and heard threatening villagers with violence if
they support the MDC-T. He warned people at the meeting that those who
support the MDC-T will be beaten by war vets and youth militias, or denied
food as punishment.

Several months later a dossier supplied to us exposes the brutality and
level of terror employed by Raradza. More than 22 MDC-T officials and
supporters were killed in 2008 under his terror campaigns which were also
sanctioned by Chief Changara Kasekete, a traditional leader in the Dande
area of Muzarabani District.

Some of those who assisted Raradza as ‘terror commanders’ included, Bitu
Mazhuwana, Proud Photso (police), Diamond Tapana, Owen Sonono, Yahwe
(Central Intelligence Organisation), Charles Chiringa, Muzanenhamo
Kamusengezi (soldier), Jenia Manyeruke (Senator) and Luckson Bumhira.

“Raradza’s vicious and murderous activities were complimented in the north
by another equally ruthless character known as Luke Mushore,” the dossier
says. The trail of violence and destruction including the burning of homes
resulted in the deaths of dozens of MDC-T supporters.

Those killed included Tennyson Manyimo, Titus Goho, Canaan Dzamwarira,
Clemence Chirozva, Learnmore Chingani, Muzumbe, Taurai Chamboko, Ratidzayi
Dzenga and Freddy Macheka. They were accused of voting for Morgan Tsvangirai
in the March 2008 presidential election in which the MDC-T leader beat
Mugabe.

Some of those who survived and tried to report the violence at the local
police station were themselves arrested and charged with causing violence or
stock theft.

In April 2010 Raradza showed his disregard for the coalition government when
his gangs hounded 58 MDC-T supporters out of their homes. The victims went
to camp at Muzarabani Police station with their children hoping for
protection but the officer in charge, a known ZANU PF activist, refused to
act.

This new campaign of intimidation was in preparation for the constitutional
outreach exercise that was meant to begin in the area at the time. Local MP’s
Raradza and Mushore instructed the gangs to make sure no MDC-T supporters
contributed during the constitutional outreach meetings.

In one of the incidents Sunungurai Sengweni was attacked by the gang, his
house was destroyed and his cattle and goats were driven away.

Farirai Hwatura an MDC-T candidate for councillor was abducted from his home
by the gang. They took him to a torture camp in a bush far away from his
home and assaulted him. He was warned he was going to die if he continued
supporting the MDC-T.

On the 1st of May 2008, a large group of ZANU PF militia attacked Wanzirai
Magodo’s homestead. They pulled all the buildings down, looted and burnt
what was left. Magodo’s family was also assaulted. The gang stole Z$900 000
000 and the family’s only tractor was set on fire.

The perpetrators were identified as Charles Chiringa and Edward Raradza in
the company of ZANU PF youths and soldiers. The same gang left a trail of
destruction in the Charunda village. Scores of villagers were left wounded
and homeless as their homes were destroyed, burnt and stripped off their
possessions.

Ex-governor Masvingo embroiled in land dispute

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

05/02/2012 00:00:00
    by Staff Reporter

WAR veterans re-settled on a farm in Chiredzi have accused ex-Masvingo
governor, Willard Chiwewe of fraudulently acquiring an offer letter for the
same property and vowed to resist his efforts to evict them.

The war veterans – who include retired army officers – said they were
allocated Maranatha Farm in Chiredzi some ten years ago but had not been
able to carry out any production over the past five years after their water
pump was vandalised.
The six farmers said they have since managed to install a new pump allowing
faming activities to resume.

They claimed that each farmer is expecting to earn about US$150, 000 in
gross revenue from supplying sugar cane to Hippo Valley Estates which has
attracted the interest of Chiwewe.

“Chiwewe fraudulently got an offer letter from ‘the top’ and he now wants to
use his ailing political muscle and corrupt political and civil connections
in the province to evict the farmers who are now busy contributing to the
resuscitation of the sugar industry in the Lowveld,” the farmers said in a
statement.

“His name is not known in the Sugarcane Association and he does not have a
milling quota with Hippo Valley in addition to the fact that he has never
farmed and supply Hippo valley with the cane.”

The war veterans claimed that Chiwewe had threatened to enlist the help of
riot police to kick them off the property along with the white former owner
who still resides in the farm house.

“The war veterans have vowed that no politician should be allowed to take
land that has already distributed to the black farmers,” they said.

“We agreed at a recent meeting to take the matter up with the Masvingo
provincial leadership, and failing to get help there, appeal to President
Robert Mugabe.”
Chiwewe could not be reached for comment.

A former permanent secretary for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Chiwewe is
said to own several farms in the province, most of the acquired during his
tenure as governor.

He was accused of owning at least three farms but argued that one belonged
to his wife while the other one had been allocated to his daughter.

Chiwewe also refused to move off a farm he tried to seize from a black
family which had bought the property from its white former owners.

Mining firms upset Manicaland communities

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

By Editor
Sunday, 05 February 2012 09:30

HARARE - Communities affected by mining operations in Manicaland province
have confronted the Environmental Management Agency (Ema) for failing to
adequately police environmental degradation caused by mining firms.

Representatives of community leaders at a training workshop held in Mutare
talked about how their areas had become less safe as a result of the
contamination of drinking water for humans and animals as we all as general
destruction of the environment.

Alice Chivese, Ema’s Manicaland region information and education officer
defended the organisation, saying it suffered from critical shortage of
staffers to fulfil its mandate.

“As Ema we are not fully doing what we are supposed to do and reaching all
the areas where we need to reach as a result of short staffing. At some
places we are only able to reach as a formality after being invited by local
leadership. However, it is our desire to do the most out of the limited
human resource base,” said Chivese.

But representatives of communities of Chimanimani and Penhalonga angered by
the continued environmental degradation and pollution caused by gold mining
companies operating in their areas would have none of it.

“You have allowed these mining companies to divert Mutare River, you have
allowed them to destroy our fauna and flora with your arms folded,” fumed
Faith Mudiwa, a ward councillor in Mutasa district.

She said Ema was doing little to enforce the laws governing the sustainable
utilisation and protection of Zimbabwe’s environmental wealth.

Mudiwa said gold mining firm DTZ OZGEO was harming the environment as it
diverted Mutare River during its mining operations. She said water
downstream Mutare River was no longer safe for locals to use and for animals
to drink.

DTZ OZGEO recently said it was carrying out its activities in a transparent
manner, stating that it was not using any hazardous substances as its
alluvial gold mining operations were free of any toxins.

It added that it was also in a land reclamation drive on areas that had been
damaged by mining operations.

The company is a partnership between Russians working in partnership with a
former PF Zapu company Development Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ).

The joint venture company is already mining gold in Penhalonga, 15
kilometres North of Mutare. It also has a presence in Chimanimani where it
is exploring gold.

A representative of Chimanimani, headman Phineas Forichi complained that Ema
had failed the locals as it had stood by while mining companies continued to
silt local streams and rivers, polluting vital sources of water for the
community.

He said mining firms had taken over grazing land for livestock and removed
villagers who were put into compounds.

Ema is a statutory body established in terms of the Environmental Management
Act (Chapter 20:27) of 2002.

It is a parastatal in the ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
Management and should ensure sustainable utilisation and protection of
Zimbabwe’s environmental goods and services.

Ema is a hybrid organisation after the former Department of Natural
Resources was merged with the Water Pollution Control Unit from the Zimbabwe
National Water Authority, the Air Pollution Control Unit and the Hazardous
Substances Control Unit, both from the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare.

It became fully operational in January 2007.

The agency, in its vision statement, says it strives to protect the
environment with people in mind and for the people so that there is a clean
and healthy environment which is not harmful.

Zimbabwe mining fees up 5,000 per cent

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au

    By Andrew Duffy on  6 February 2012

The Zimbabwe Government has raised mining and licence fees by between 500
and 5,000 per cent, according to state-controlled local media the Sunday
Mail.

Registration of diamond claims have increased from $US1 million to $US5
million, while application fees for coal investors have risen from $US5000
to $US100,000.

The platinum industry has seen some of the biggest hikes, with application
fees rising from $US200 to $US500,000.

Should an application for platinum mining be successful the licence to
operate has also skyrocketed, rising from $US500 to $US2.5 million.

According to the Sunday Mail the Confederation of Zimbabwe Miners has sent a
letter the to Government expressing concern over the hikes.

"These fee increments are ridiculous and unsustainable and they will force
miners out of business,” it said.

“We are kindly asking for suspension and withdrawal of the new fees until we
discuss and come up with a sustainable structure. In the meantime we should
revert to the old fees, which are already high.”

In Queensland an application for a coal exploration permit costs $1030, and
for minerals other than coal it costs $772.

The Zimbabwe Government said its decision to raise prices was designed to
curb speculative activity in the country's mining sector.

Last week Perth-based exploration junior Eldore Mining announced a major
gold mine acquisition in Zimbabwe.

The company said it had signed an agreement to acquire the Lonely gold mine
for $US4.4 million.

Companies to auction diamonds

http://www.newzimbabwe.com

05/02/2012 00:00:00
    by Staff Reporter

COMPANIES mining diamonds in Marange area are this week expected to auction
up to 1.5 million carats worth of gems, raising about US$64 million,
industry sources have revealed.

Chinese company Anjin Investments – which is not under United States
sanctions -- is expected to put to tender about 500,000 carats while the
Diamond Mining Corporation (DMC) would offer an estimated 400,000 carats.

Two other companies, Mbada Diamonds and Marange Resources, are each expected
to put about 350,000 carats up for the auction which will likely attract
rough dealers and merchants from India and Israel.
With Zimbabwe roughs averaging about US$40 per carat the country should
realise up to US$46 million from the auction.

Diamond industry watchdog, the Kimberly Process (KP) approved the export of
Marange gems last November, subject to verification by monitors Abbey
Chikane and Mark Van Bockstael.

The two monitors completed their verification last month and concluded that
mining operations in the area, located in the eastern Manicaland province
were compliant with KP standards.

"Based on the documents provided and on the findings during the compliance
verification visit to the Diamond Mining Corporation (DMC) Mine at Marange
and the Diamond Mining Corporation (DMC) Sorthouse in Harare from 9-10
December 2011 and from 5-7 January 2012, the KP Monitoring Team on Marange
concludes that all operations and procedures are deemed fully KPCS compliant
on 16 January 2011," reads the monitors’ report in part.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s cheaper roughs have attracted interest from Surat,
India, the world's biggest diamond cutting and polishing centre.

"Zimbabwe is set to rule the global rough diamond supply market in the next
few years. Right now, the country is offering its average goods at $40 per
carat, which is very cheap compared to other mining countries, whose
diamonds are sold above $100 per carat,” said Indian diamond analyst Anirudh
Lidbide.
“Already, Indian cutters are aware that the Marange goods offer the best
margins in the market.”

The government is expecting to raise about US$600 million from diamond sales
this year which Finance Minister Tendai Biti said would be used for various
infrastructure development projects as well as to fund a constitutional
referendum and new elections.

However, diamond revenues have been the subject of disputes between parties
to the coalition government with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T
party claiming the money was not finding its way into the national treasury.

Launch of Zimbabwe Action Forum – Zimbabwe Vigil Diary: 4th February 2012

Zimbabweans from several different groups met after the weekly Vigil to discuss ways the diaspora can help secure democracy at home. By the time some 40 activists emerged from the meeting London was blanketed in its first snow of the winter, greeting the newly-formed Zimbabwe Action Forum.

Apart from Vigil supporters, the meeting was attended by representatives of The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR), the Zimbabwe We Can Movement, the MDC and ZAPU. It was agreed meetings would be held after the Vigil on the first Saturday of each month.

Opening the forum, Ephraim Tapa, President of ROHR and the We Can Movement, said the purpose was to explore the way forward. Everyone was invited to come up with ideas for future discussion and possible action.

There was no shortage of suggestions, ranging from the revolutionary to the humanitarian. One proposal was that we should prepare a dossier for the International Criminal Court. Speakers were angry that, despite the GPA, power remained in the hands of Mugabe and they feared that corruption was becoming universal so that – despite the country’s mineral wealth – Zimbabweans remained impoverished.

Earlier, while the Vigil was underway, ROHR held a general meeting and expressed confidence in Ephraim Tapa as leader and elected a new UK Executive. The new office bearers are: Chair: Catherine Tshezi, Vice Chair: Wellington Muringai, Secretary: Portia Mwayera, Vice Secretary: Tapiwa Semwayo, Treasurer: Fungayi Mabhunu, Vice Treasurer: Bright Domingo, Organising Secretary: Chamunorwa Chisuko, Deputy Organising Secretary: Mary Ndoro, Information and Publicity: Nobuhle Mazula, Vice Information and Publicity: Huvandirwa Makaza, Fundraising Team: Ernest Zvoma, Tawanda Matemura, Naome Kakungowa, Georgina Makaza, Delline Mutendi, Co-ordinators: Jonathan Kariwoh, Rumbidzai Javani and Bright Domingo join existing co-ordinators: Collin Chitekwe, Rugare Chifungo and Lungile Ncube.

Other points

·         Sight of a bitingly cold day was Lovemore Mukeyani dancing in a short-sleeved shirt.

·         Vigil supporters were encouraged at the apparently cool reception given to Mugabe at the AU summit.  His self-serving rant against the AU for failing to support Gaddafi showed everyone how out of step he is.

For latest Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website – they cannot be downloaded from the slideshow on the front page of the Zimvigil website.

FOR THE RECORD: 72 signed the register.

EVENTS AND NOTICES:

·         Zimbabwe Vigil Highlights 2011 can be viewed on this link: http://www.zimvigil.co.uk/the-vigil-diary/363-vigil-highlights-2011-.  Links to previous years’ highlights are listed on 2011 Highlights page.

·         The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organisation based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents the views and opinions of ROHR.

·         ZBN News. The Vigil management team wishes to make it clear that the Zimbabwe Vigil is not responsible for Zimbabwe Broadcasting Network News (ZBN News). We are happy that they attend our activities and provide television coverage but we have no control over them. All enquiries about ZBN News should be addressed to ZBN News.

·         The Zim Vigil band (Farai Marema and Dumi Tutani) has launched its theme song ‘Vigil Yedu (our Vigil)’ to raise awareness through music. To download this single, visit: www.imusicafrica.com and to watch the video check: http://ourvigil.notlong.com. To watch other Zim Vigil band protest songs, check: http://Shungurudza.notlong.com and http://blooddiamonds.notlong.com.

·         Zimbabwe Action Forum. Saturday 3^rd March from 6.30 – 9.30 pm. Venue: Strand Continental Hotel (first floor lounge), 143 Strand, London WC2R 1JA. Directions: The Strand is the same road as the Vigil. From the Vigil it’s about a 10 minute walk, in the direction away from Trafalgar Square. The Strand Continental is situated on the south side of the Strand between Somerset House and the turn off onto Waterloo Bridge. The entrance is marked by a big sign high above and a sign for its famous Indian restaurant at street level. It's next to a newsagent.  Nearest underground: Temple (District and Circle lines) and Holborn.

·         Vigil Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8157345519&ref=ts.

·         Vigil Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/zimbabwevigil.

Vigil co-ordinators

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

Listen to what politicians SAY but watch what they DO is the message

http://www.cathybuckle.com

February 3, 2012, 1:17 pm

It was a week of memorable quotations but too little action in the context
of the Zimbabwe crisis.

“They behave like human beings and are very good tricksters.” At first
glance, I thought the manager of the Churundu border post was talking about
politicians but it was baboons he was describing. They are wreaking havoc at
the Zambia border:  stealing grain from the trucks carrying maize from
Zambia into Zimbabwe, breaking into cars, stealing whatever takes their
fancy and attacking any human who tries to prevent their criminal activity.
Just like a human criminal gang – Chipangano in Mbare perhaps? - the baboons
appear unstoppable as they launch their daily attacks. ‘Shoot the lot of
them’ some might say but it could be argued that the baboons are only doing
what comes naturally: baboons need food, humans have food! In baboon and
human logic, that makes sense; survival is the name of the game, in animal
and human affairs.

Surviving the typhoid outbreak that has hit Harare is an altogether more
serious issue. On latest figures, the number of cases being treated daily
has risen to between 30 and 50. The total number of typhoid cases stands at
800. It is common knowledge that typhoid and cholera are water-borne
diseases. The government of national unity has deservedly been criticised
for its lack of urgency in dealing with this serious issue but the comment
of ill-informed Zanu PF hardliners almost turned this near tragedy into a
farce. “It’s all the fault of the British, it’s the result of biological
warfare,” they said. The Minister of Health and Child Welfare soon put a
stop to that nonsense; nothing to do with biological warfare, he asserted,
we should acknowledge our own responsibility: “We owe it to ourselves and
there is need to remedy the situation.” Moves to do just that have begun
with water rationing in the affluent suburbs where people can afford to buy
water while the high density areas will have non-stop water in an attempt to
stop the spread of the disease; no use telling people to practise personal
hygiene if the taps are dry.

It was the great writer, Wole Soyinka who once again gave voice to what many
people think. Soyinka was talking about ageing dictators who cling to power
and he cited Robert Mugabe and Abdul Wade, both octogenarians and asked,
“What is wrong with them? Why do they think the world will stop turning
after they have left office?” Soyinka ended his address with a warning, “In
the end those who refuse to bow to popular will…will confront the same
nature of violence as we witnessed in the Arab world.” These ageing
dictators cannot say they haven’t been warned; but listening to wise counsel
is not the way of dictators.

Robert Mugabe this week described the AU as “a toothless bulldog” One has to
wonder why he rushes to attend AU Meetings if he has so little regard for
the organisation? But as always with Mugabe, there is more to his actions
and words than meets the eye. He launched into one of his now familiar
attacks on the west and in particular the Nato bombing which resulted in the
killing of the long-serving Arab leader, Muamar Gaddafi in October 2011.
“Who will be next?” Mugabe asked. He then  remarked that Europe has
exhausted its natural resources while Africa has plenty. It was at first
sight a puzzling observation until one remembers that Mugabe went to the AU
to try to get them to endorse 2012 elections in Zimbabwe. He failed. Amidst
signs that a new generation of African leaders are increasingly disenchanted
with ageing dictators, was Mugabe perhaps warning the AU not to interfere in
Zimbabwe’s affairs? Civil Society was there in force, however, to remind the
AU that, as guarantor of the GPA and the coalition government, it was their
duty to ensure that “Zimbabwe gets full support to deliver credible,
democratic elections that meet the AU’s own requirements,” as the
Co-ordinator of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition put it.

Listen to what politicians SAY but watch what they DO is the message.

Yours in the (continuing) struggle PH.

Footprints in the dust

Dear Family and Friends,
A disturbance before dawn one morning this week led to the search for
who or what had made the noise on the roof. Running footsteps, a thump
and a thud and then the eerie quiet. Following an invisible scent, the
dogs showed the route taken by the intruder. Running with increasing
frenzy, noses millimetres off the ground, they stormed under hedges
and thick bushes, ran backwards and forwards across the lawn before
coming to a stop with tails wagging stiffly and tongues dripping,
under a big Musasa tree. There, high up in a fork of the tree, sitting
completely still was the pre dawn intruder. A Small-spotted Genet
stared unblinking into the beam of the torch, momentarily mesmerised,
paralysed at having been discovered. A beautiful creature with creamy
brown fur covered with dark spots on its body and black rings all the
way down its very long tail. For the briefest of moments we stared at
each other by torch light. As soon as the beam of light moved away,
the cat disappeared silently into the tree, perfectly camouflaged
amongst the dark, lichen covered branches.

Just this brief encounter with the Genet explained all those soggy
little fruit pips lying in the sand a few days ago. It explained the
shredded remains of a birds nest lying on the ground and answered the
question about who owned those little footprints left in the dust on a
windowsill.

The Genet is one of the growing number of wild creatures looking for
somewhere new to live this year as their habitat is destroyed in the
frenzied cultivation of every open space around and in urban areas.
Cobras, mambas and other snakes are becoming far more frequent in
urban gardens, while Storks, Egrets, Ibises Plovers and Nightjars are
retreating and disappearing, along with their natural habitat. After
eleven years of farm seizures which were claimed to be making land
available to ‘the masses,’ there is no sign that the revolution
eased the pressure for ordinary people, quite the contrary in fact.
This season the uncontrolled cultivation of urban and peri-urban
areas, by anyone and everyone, wherever they want, is worse than it
has ever been. As trees are cut down , undergrowth cleared and
woodland turned into self apportioned maize and sweet potato plots,
ground nesting birds, small carnivores and reptiles have been forced
to run for cover. The very sights and sounds of Zimbabwe, so sought
after and attractive to tourists, is melting away like the cat in the
night, while our leaders continue their never ending fight over power
and politics.

The latest horror, if ever we needed something new to scare away
tourists, is typhoid. Fifteen hundred people now affected in some
parts of Harare. White quarantine tents, polyclinics they call them,
have been erected in the grounds of health facilities to isolate and
treat infected people. The Minister of Health described it as a
“stone age” disease while a Zanu PF Harare spokesman said it was
yet another imperialist western plot. “We suspect biological warfare
by imperialists,” Claudius Mutero said, describing this disease as
“sanctions-induced typhoid.”

Oh dear, oh dear, there’s more sanity in looking up trees for cats
in the night. Until next time, thanks for reading, love cathy.

Constitution Watch of 3rd February 2012 [Preliminary Draft under Review by COPAC]

Bill Watch - Parliamentary Committees Series - 3rd February 2012 [Meetings Open to Public 6th to 9th February]