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Mugabe hints at WikiLeaks probe



(AFP) – 11 hours ago

HARARE — Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe may probe top party officials
who said that he has prostate cancer in US diplomatic cables on the whistle
blower website WikiLeaks, state media said Wednesday.

"The president was very clear that as a party we are looking into the matter
to establish the origins and authenticity of the statements regarding what
WikiLeaks revealed," said Rugare Gumbo, spokesman for Mugabe's ZANU-PF
party.

"The president said the nation has to wait until we examine the permutations
of the WikiLeaks revelations," he said in the state-run Herald newspaper.

Gumbo said the party's central committee discussed the WikiLeaks issue and
that Mugabe also said some of the cables might have been exaggerated.

Several leaked US cables released by WikiLeaks exposed clandestine meetings
between senior ZANU-PF and government officials and US diplomats, which
discussed several issues including Mugabe's health which are normally not
openly discussed.

In one of the cables, central bank chief Gideon Gono told a US ambassador
that Mugabe has prostate cancer and was advised by doctors in 2008 that he
had less than five years to live.

In another cable, indigenisation minister Saviour Kasukuwere allegedly told
former US ambassador Tom McDonald that Mugabe and his cronies should "phase
out of their leadership role."

Last month ZANU PF said the revelations by WikiLeaks are "disturbing and
demoralising."

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's party, Mugabe's partner in a tense unity
government, said it would not concern itself with revelations by WikiLeaks.

But last week a provincial committee of the party suspended deputy justice
minister Obert Gutu for describing Tsvangirai as a "weak" leader in a
discussion exposed by Wikileaks.


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Zimbabwe lawsuit seeks to challenge EU travel bans on its leadership

http://www.monstersandcritics.com

Oct 12, 2011, 14:17 GMT

Harare - Zimbabwe's attorney general told a state-owned newspaper Wednesday
that he plans to file suit against the European Union to challenge a travel
ban effecting the country's president and senior officials.

'We are finalizing drafting of the court papers and we hope to complete that
exercise in two weeks time. We hope to file the papers during the course of
this month,' Johannes Tomana, Zimbabwe's chief lawyer, told the state-owned
daily The Herald.

In September, Tomana sent a letter to Brussels asking under what grounds the
travel ban - which effects President Robert Mugabe and senior members of his
party - had been imposed.

Tomana's letter also contained an ultimatum directed at EU officials:
explain why they imposed travel restrictions or face a lawsuit at the
General Court of the European Court of Justice.

The EU replied to the letter in a fax sent from Brussels. But the EU's
representative in Harare would not divulge the letter's contents, saying the
matter is in Tomana's hands.

During his visit to Zimbabwe in September, the EU's chief diplomat for
Africa, Nicholas Westcott, told journalists in Zimbabwe that the European
bloc was ready for a legal wrangle with Harare.

The EU imposed travel sanctions on Mugabe and his loyalists in 2002,
following reports of election rigging and human rights abuses by his Zanu PF
party.

There are 163 Zimbabweans on the EU sanctions list. Mugabe has argued that
travel restrictions and sanctions harm Zimbabwe's economy.

Mugabe and his officials also face a similar travel ban in the United
States.

But because the US and EU travel bans contain language allowing heads of
state to attend events held at the United Nations and in Vatican City,
Mugabe and co. have visited the EU and the US several times since the ban
was issued in 2002.


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Zimbabwe Anglicans Optimistic Following Visit by Archbishop of Canterbury

http://www.voanews.com

11 October 2011

Cases in the dossier presented to Mr. Mugabe included the murder of an
Anglican parishioner who refused to comply with demands that she line up
behind Kunonga instead of Bishop Nicholas Chad Gandiya

Sandra Nyaira | Washington

The Archbishop of Canterbury left Zimbabwe early Tuesday for Zambia, the
last stop on a pastoral visit to Southern Africa, following a two-hour
meeting Monday with President Robert Mugabe during which he appealed to the
head of state to intervene to resolve a long-running, bitter and at times
violent struggle between Anglican factions.

Dr. Rowan Williams presented Mr. Mugabe with a dossier detailing the abuse
and intimidation of Anglicans in the troubled Harare diocese by loyalists of
excommunicated former bishop of Harare, Nolbert Kunonga, who has close ties
to the president.

Cases in the dossier included the murder of an Anglican parishioner named
Jessica Mandeya who refused to comply with demands that she line up behind
Kunonga instead of Bishop Nicholas Chad Gandiya, who was appointed in 2010
to head the Harare diocese by the Anglican Church of the Province of Central
Africa.

A letter accompanying the dossier, signed by Williams and all of the
country's Anglican bishops, said that contrary to charges issued by Kunonga,
no Anglican official is aligned with any political party. “We seek peace and
reconciliation for all in our country and desire to play a role in promoting
healing and prosperity,” the bishops said.

Kunonga spokesman Bishop Alfred Munyanyi dismissed the contents of
Williams's dossier saying the Gandiya faction was peddling lies. Munyanyi
said he does not see Mr. Mugabe doing anything to alter the situation of
Zimbabwe's Anglican Church.

Bishop Gandiya, present at the meeting Monday with the president, told VOA
that it was frank and that Mr. Mugabe seemed concerned when confronted with
the dossier. He said he hopes Mr. Mugabe will ensure dialogue ends the
dispute with Kunonga.

Ordinary Anglicans took to Facebook and Twitter to express their gratitude
to President Mugabe for meeting with their religious leaders, hoping he will
end the dispute.

Jonah Gokova of the Ecumenical Support Services in Zimbabwe said he hopes
President Mugabe will keep his word and promote healing among local
Anglicans.

But David Moore, a professor of development studies at the University of
Johannesburg told VOA’s Delia Robertson that he does not believe President
Mugabe is likely to follow through to end the standoff, noting that he often
says one thing then does another.


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Parliamentarians unite over Mujuru death probe

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Tererai Karimakwenda
12 October, 2011

In a surprise development, parliamentarians from all political parties were
united on Tuesday in calling for an independent probe into the death of the
retired General Solomon Mujuru, who died in a suspicious fire two months
ago.

The motion was moved by Jefferson Chitando, the MDC-T legislator for
Masvingo Central, who told SW Radio Africa that the Zimbabwe Republic Police
have lost credibility due to their partisan behavior and Zimbabweans have no
faith in them. He said no MP objected to the motion.

So far there has been speculation that Mujuru was the victim of power
struggles and divisions within ZANU PF. The police were ordered to conduct
an investigation but have not produced any reports or provided new
information on the incident.
“Zimbabweans are keen to know the cause of death and the police have taken
too long to release their results,” Chitando explained, adding: “In Zimbabwe’s
history the police have produced no results whenever a national figure dies
and they have recently been making partisan arrests.”

The Masvingo MP referred to historically well known liberation figures,
including the late Josiah Tongogara and Herbert Chitepo, as examples of
police failure to provide information after their deaths.

He also criticized the police force for not making a single arrest after
known ZANU PF thugs attacked MPs during public hearings on the Human Rights
Bill earlier this year. “The victims of violence get arrested instead of the
perpetrators. We have no faith in the police,” Chitando said.

A debate, on the cause of General Mujuru’s death and the ongoing
investigation, was postponed in parliament last month after many MPs walked
out. Chitando said because of this he was surprised by the support he was
now receiving from politicians in all the parties. He added that some ZANU
PF MPs who did not want to speak out in parliament approached him privately
and offered support.

Several questions remain unanswered regarding the circumstances in which the
retired General died. Farm workers that were interviewed said the General’s
firearm was missing and the windows were low enough for him to have easily
escaped a fire.

Chitando said the debate will continue in parliament and if there are no
objections at the end, a special committee and independent experts will take
over the probe into Mujuru’s death.


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Too soon for Commonwealth gesture to Zimbabwe-UK

http://af.reuters.com

Tue Oct 11, 2011 7:36pm GMT

* UK minister says big changes needed in Zimbabwe

* Says Commonwealth could help Zimbabwe "when the time comes"

By Adrian Croft

LONDON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A British government minister sharply criticised
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday and said it would be premature
for Commonwealth leaders to hold out an olive branch to Zimbabwe when they
meet later this month.

Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth, a 54-nation group consisting mainly
of Britain and its former colonies, in 2003 after the organisation suspended
it following Mugabe's re-election in a poll some observers said was rigged.

The Commonwealth Advisory Bureau, a thinktank, suggested in a briefing paper
issued before the Oct. 28-30 Commonwealth summit in Perth, Australia, that
the Commonwealth could offer help to Zimbabwe to encourage progress towards
democracy.

But David Howell, the Foreign Office minister responsible for Britain's
relations with the Commonwealth, said now was not the time for the
Commonwealth to make a gesture to Zimbabwe.

"No-one is going to encourage, certainly Britain isn't going to encourage,
olive branches or anything else to a Mr. Mugabe who is showing no sign of
recanting, standing down or removing some of his ZANU thugs from the scene,"
Howell told Reuters in an interview.

"There's got to be big changes inside Zimbabwe," he said.

Most of the change would be led by a regional grouping, the Southern African
Development Community (SADC), with South African President Jacob Zuma
playing a lead role, said Howell, a member of Britain's upper House of
Lords.

"But I think the Commonwealth certainly sees itself -- when the time comes,
which is not yet -- also being a leading force in helping the recovery of
Zimbabwe, the restoration of credible and properly monitored elections and
the revival of its whole economy and its role in the world," he said.

SLOW PROGRESS

Mugabe, 87 and in power since 1980, was forced into a unity government with
the Movement for Democratic Change after 2008 elections led to mass violence
and pushed the resource-rich state into a deeper economic crisis.

The uneasy power-sharing government has brought a measure of economic
stability to Zimbabwe which holds the world's second-largest platinum
reserves and vast diamond reserves, but diplomats say progress on political
reform has been slow.

Mugabe has had a tempestuous relationship with Britain, the former colonial
ruler.

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of 80 million
Anglicans worldwide, met Mugabe on Monday to hand him a dossier of abuses
against the church and its priests in Zimbabwe.

Howell said there would be "a lot of argument" at the Commonwealth summit
over an experts' report recommending that the Commonwealth act more
decisively to uphold human rights among its members, but predicted that
"positive things" would come out of the summit.

Britain and other wealthy Commonwealth nations, such as Australia and
Canada, back a stronger focus on rights but some developing nations fear the
change could interfere in their affairs.

Howell said there was broad agreement on the need to update the Commonwealth
but a "healthy debate" was needed over how the group could uphold its
democratic principles more vigorously.

"The worry that this is some sort of new policing regime that is going to
get on everybody's backs ... is one that has to be dispelled, because that
is not the intention," he said.


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Nuns harassed after Archbishop’s visit

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Nuns at the St Augustine Diocese of Manicaland were harassed by thugs
aligned to excommunicated Bishop Victor Kunonga for allowing the Archbishop
of England Dr Rowan William to visit their orphanage.
12.10.1107:08am
by OWN CORRESPONDENT

The thugs, who were holding placards praising President Robert Mugabe’s
stance against homosexuality, blocked Archbishop William from gaining access
to the diocese premises.

The Archbishop’s convoy had to stop at the main gates and he and his
delegation tried to use a side entrance to the cathedral which they also
found locked. The delegation proceeded to the orphanage where they handed
over toys and other goodies for children. They gave the nuns every assurance
that they would assist them in their attempts to carry out the good works of
God.

After William and his delegation left the church under police escort, a
group of hired thugs who were bussed in from Mutare besieged the orphanage
and harassed the nuns. The nuns were forced to denounce Archbishop Williams
and were told that Kunonga was still in charge and they should respect him
if they still wanted to live on the premises.

The women were labelled homosexuals and insulted by the rowdy youths.

“Kill us if you want. We are ready to die. You can kill our body, but not
our minds,” said one of the nuns in tears.

The bag of donations by Archbishop William was confiscated by the youths,
but was later handed back after the intervention of one of the Kunonga
reverends.

“These nuns must go because they are also homosexuals. Why did they allow
gays to visit our premises? President Mugabe denounces homosexuality so who
are they to allow gays in our church?” shouted one of the woman.

The nuns, identified as Betty Zimowa, Sibongile Chiromunye, Annamore
Mashingaidze, Anna Matunga and Elizabeth Murwira were threatened with
eviction from the orphanage if they continued to support Archbishop William.

This drama happened in the full gaze of riot police who were armed with
batons and canisters of teargas, but did little to reign in the overzealous
thugs.

Addressing the congregation at Mutare Show grounds before touring St Johns
Cathedral in the city, Archbishop William promised to stand by the church
members in the country during these trying times.


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WikiLeaks Drama As MDC Senior Officers Nearly Exchange Blows

http://www.radiovop.com/

Harare, October 12, 2011 - Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader
Morgan Tsvangirai on Wednesday chucked out the party’s national organising
secretary Nelson Chamisa from the party’s national executive committee
meeting underway in Harare.

Informed sources told Radio VOP that Tsvangirai chucked out, the vibrant
former MDC youth leader after he clashed and nearly came to blows with the
party’s former Harare Province chairperson Morgan Femai, who had accused him
of selling out after he allegedly describing the former veteran trade union
leader as a weak, indecisive and inconsistent leader during a meeting with
United States diplomats.

Femai allegedly challenged Chamisa during the meeting to come out clean over
the US cables which were dispatched to Washington by US ambassador Charles
Ray but intercepted and leaked by whistle blowing website, WikiLeaks.

But Chamisa, the party’s former spokesperson responded by hitting back at
Femai and telling him off and a heated argument ensured where the two MDC
senior officials nearly came to blows. Party insiders who witnessed the
confrontation said Tsvangirai, who was chairing the meeting, had to
intervene by asking the two officials to leave the meeting.

Apart from Chamisa, MDC-T Senator and Deputy Justice Minister, Obert Gutu
also told Ambassador Ray that although he was “tolerant and humble”
Tsvangirai was however undone by being “indecisive and inconsistent”.

The party’s Harare province recently suspended Gutu, its spokesperson, over
statements he made to Ambassador Ray. However, MDC Secretary-General Tendai
Biti said the party’s provincial executive had no power to suspend Gutu.


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MDC-T calls on police to act against terror group Chipangano

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Tichaona Sibanda
12 October 2011

A highly charged meeting of the national executive of the MDC-T on Wednesday
called on the police to fulfil their constitutional mandate by putting an
end to Chipangano’s brutal attacks on innocent citizens.

The party said Chipangano’s terror in Harare must come to a stop. Party
spokesman Douglas Mwonzora told journalists after their executive meeting in
Harare that police must act professionally and fulfil their constitutional
mandate.

‘In most rural areas, night vigils are being held which are characterised by
rapes, intimidation and violence. The police are aware of these activities
but they turn a blind eye on these criminal activities,’ Mwonzora said.

Dozens of Harare residents have been viciously assaulted by this extremely
violent gang who have been on the rampage since the beginning of the year.
The gang, which has intensified its attacks in recent weeks, are the chief
suspects in a number of brutal crimes including extortion, assault and
murder.

The terror group, which is Mbare based has been causing ‘complete mayhem’ in
urban Harare areas for months. The group has also seized control of market
stalls in the capital as well as extorting money from transport operators at
various bus terminals dotted around Harare.

Members of this group are well known ZANU PF activists who act with
impunity, while police stand and watch during many of the activists’
attacks, including when legislators and journalists were beaten up in
Parliament two months ago.

Piniel Denga, the MDC-T MP for Mbare told us Chipangano gang members
brazenly commit robberies and assaults while the authorities fail to take
action. He said this terrible cycle of violence and impunity needs to stop,
though he conceded this would be a tall order considering the police and
Chipangano ‘were into this together.’
.

‘The police do nothing because they are part of Chipangano. The gang’s
activities are co-ordinated from the office of the member in charge of
Matapi police station. The CIO is also involved and is part of the
organizational structure of Chipangano. They meet regularly at Matapi to
draw up plans of who to beat up, rob or extort money from,’ Denga said.

The MP claimed this ‘crime syndicate’ is making huge financial profits, as
much as $5,000 a day, from extorting money from market stall holders and
transport operators.

‘This is now a mafia operating in conjunction with the police. I’ve lost
faith in this force and I made my views known to the officer-in-charge at
Matapi and his immediate boss, threatened me with arrest,’ the MP said.


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Suspected war veterans terrorise residents

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

By Staff Writer
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 14:00

MUTARE - A group of suspected war veterans is allegedly going around high
density suburbs in the city terrorising people accusing them of breaking the
law by drinking beer at undesignated places.

Residents of Dangamvura, told the Daily News that a group of people who
claim to be liberation war veterans interested in restoring order are
targeting residents of the high density suburbs accusing them of drinking in
public.

Silas Matongo said he and his friends were last Sunday rounded-up by people
who identified themselves as war veterans before force-marching them to
Dangamvura police station where they were made to pay admission of guilt fi
nes.

“The war veterans approached a group of us as we were drinking beer at Boka
Shopping Centre in Dangamvura on Sunday
and ordered us to take our beer with us before force-marching us to the
police station. We paid admission of guilt
fi nes at the station and we were released,” said Matongo.

Matongo said the group of men who effected a citizen’s arrest on them were
neither neighbourhood watch committees as he knows the composition of the
local committee.

Another resident and beeroutlet operator at the business centre who refused
to be named for fear of reprisals said the war vets were led by one Cde
Hondo.

“The war veterans rounded up everyone at the place and took them to the
police station where they were fi ned,” said the man.

Mutare city councillors forWard 8 which covers the affected area, councilor
Tatenda Nhamarare confirmed the incident.

“I saw it happening when the revellers were swooped on by the group of
people whom I was later told were war veterans.

They were taken to the police station” said Nhamarare.

demonstrated just how they have lost confi dence in the abilities of the
local police to get to the bottom of
the Mujuru matter when they unanimously demanded foreign intervention into
the probe.

Mujuru’s charred remains were found at his farm house in Beatrice after an
inferno razed down the house. It is not clear whether he died before or
during the fire.

Police have so far failed to come up with clues but hinted to the Daily News
two weeks ago that they had finished the fi rst part of the probe.

Two months down the line, the Mujuru family, friends and ordinary
Zimbabweans are still speculating on what might have happened on that
fateful day.

The motion to pass condolences on the passing on of Mujuru was introduced
last month by the Zanu PF MP for Mwenezi East, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti.

Yesterday, MDC MP for Masvingo Central Jefferson Chitando raised up the
tempo and suggested the setting up of a special committee involving
foreigners to investigate the death of Mujuru.

“The nation demands that we set up an investigating team and we call in the
Scotland Yard Police, Russian police or Chinese police to look into the
matter.

“Our people think that our soldiers, the police and Central Intelligence
Organisation (CIO), who are involved in the investigations, are not doing a
proper job. We want an independent committee to be set up,” said Chitando to
wild approval from the rest of the house.

The MPs said it is now almost two months after the death of Mujuru and no
reasonable explanation has been given except the talk of a “candle light fl
ame,” a line which has largely been dismissed as the likely cause of the fi
re that killed the former liberation war fi ghter. MDC MP for Kambuzuma
Willis Madzimure said: “We must as a nation investigate the death of the
General and we want foreign experts to be involved because we understand
that the people who are supposed to give evidence are now afraid and this is
causing a lot of problems in the investigations.”

Zanu PF MP for Buhera North William Mutomba urged members of parliament to
forget their political differences and ensure that a proper investigation
into Mujuru’s death is conducted.

“I saw many MDC MPs at the burial of General Mujuru and it was a good sign
of unity amongst us as members of parliament and we wish we could do that to
conclude the investigations.

“We don’t need to be name calling each other over unfounded statements and
we Zanu PF MPs were saddened by his death because he was our senior party
member and we want to know the truth about the death,” said Mutomba raising
emotions among his fellow MPs.

Vice President Joice Mujuru has already expressed her disappointment at the
snail pace with which the investigations into the death of her husband are
proceeding.

She also raised questions over how the celebrated general could have died in
a ball of fi re when he could have easily walked out of the Beatrice Farm
house.

Speaking at a function in Rushinga at the weekend, Mujuru said she has not
received the police report on
the probe into her husband’s death.


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All night pungwes for Chayemiti

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Villagers in Chayemiti area in Chimanimani are being forced to attend all
night Zanu (PF) political vigils (pungwes) by their local headman, Paul
Njikizana.
11.10.1104:52pm
by Zwanai Sithole Harare

Villagers who spoke to The Zimbabwean said headman Njikizana and Zanu (PF)
youths in the area were moving around at night forcing the villagers to
attend the vigils where the Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, and his party
are denounced.

“Since the talk of elections by President Robert Mugabe started two week
ago, we have never enjoyed peace here .Our local headman, Njikizana is
forcing villagers to attend Zanu (PF) pungwes at his homestead. Anyone who
fails to attend is branded a sell out,” said a teacher at Chayemiti primary
school, who refused to be named for fear of victimisation. The teacher said
the vigils were held every Monday and Friday at an open space near the
school.

“The sessions start with slogans, followed by singing of Zanu (PF) songs.
One of the local war veterans, such as Morris Taruwinga and Tinos Mukute,
take turns to narrate their experiences in Mozambique during the liberation
war and how the MDC wants to return the country to the white people,” added
the teacher.

Another villager, who also refused to be named, said he was fined a chicken
last week for failing to release his children to attend the pungwes.

“On the 29th of September this year, the headman send his messenger, Ngoni
Matiyashe to my homestead to collect a chicken because I refused to release
my children who are writing grade seven examinations to the meetings. There
is no way I can let my children attend these night meetings because you
never know what these people can do to the children,” he said.

He said he was planning to transfer his children to Mutare because he is
expecting a lot of political violence in the area as the country move
towards elections.

But in a telephone interview with The Zimbabwean, Mukute denied that people
were being forced to attend the vigils.

“We are not forcing people to attend our meetings. What we are doing is
simply teaching our young people the proper history of our country. As
people who liberated this country from the whites, we will continue doing so
and nobody will stop us from doing that,” he said.


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Still no passports in sight for Zims in SA

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Thousands of Zimbabweans who applied for South African permits are still
awaiting their passports applied for in Johannesburg.
11.10.1104:54pm
by Mxolisi Ncube

A source from within the Zimbabwean Consulate here told The Zimbabwean this
week that more than 5 000 passports applied for since the beginning of the
Zimbabwe Documentation Programme last year, have not yet been delivered due
to some “unexplained processing delays” in Harare, raising fears that the
prospective permit holders will not get them any time soon.

With South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, having
declared recently that the moratorium on Zimbabwean deportations had lapsed,
fears now abound that even those who applied for the freely-processed
business, work and study permits will meet the wrath of South African
police, who have already begun to demand passports with permits from
Zimbabwean nationals.

“The number of outstanding passports is well above 5 000 and we do not know
when we will have them delivered because we have not had any word from
Harare,” said the source.

“The South African government has raised concerns with us because they want
to conclude the programme, but we can only ask them to extend their patience
with us because the delay is beyond our control.”

Dlamini-Zuma said last week that her government, though working with speed
to complete the ZDP, was facing problems with Zimbabweans who had not
completed the application process due to lack of either finger prints or
valid passports.

“There are some who have not given us their passports. And I have been
receiving reports that there are some who have not responded to our calls so
they can provide us with the required documents or information. We have
almost pre-adjudicated everyone but we need your passports and fingerprints
before we can issue the permits. More than half have been issued with
permits. We cannot do much for those who have not submitted all that is
required.”

Efforts to get comment from the Zimbabwean Consulate here proved fruitless,
as the department, which insisted on emailed questions, had not responded
more than two weeks after our emails to them.


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SA ‘tired’ of Zimbabwe crisis

http://www.swradioafrica.com

By Alex Bell
12 October 2011

A Zimbabwean rights group in South Africa has expressed concern that the
country’s government is “tired” of Zimbabwe’s ongoing political crisis, and
this is a possible motive behind its decision to resume deporting Zim
nationals.

Diana Zimbudzana from the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF) in South Africa told
SW Radio Africa that this fatigue has been expressed by officials in the
Home Affairs department. Zimbudzana was part of the group of civil society
stakeholders involved in the Home Affairs controlled Zimbabwe Documentation
Project (ZDP), which is almost complete.

“We are not so sure of the reason why South Africa has decided to resume
deportations at this juncture,” Zimbudzana said.

She added: “But people here have told me that: ‘We are sick and tired of
this story, why don’t you go home.’ Maybe these same people are telling this
to their bosses. That is the impression I always get. Maybe the SA
government is under pressure from its subjects in this regard.”

She said the timing of the deportations is a serious concern, arguing that
“the conditions (in Zimbabwe) that brought about the moratorium in 2009 have
not changed.”

The South Africa government is facing criticism for its decision to resume
deporting Zimbabwean nationals, with questions being raised over the country’s
motive. It was revealed last week that South Africa has quietly lifted its
deportation moratorium, despite previously stating that the moratorium would
only end when the ZDP was complete.

But according to a leaked Home Affairs directive sent out earlier this
month, the deportations have resumed “with immediate effect.” More than a
million Zimbabweans are believed to be in South Africa currently, and only
an estimated 275 000 people applied for permits under the ZDP. This now
leaves hundreds of thousands of people at risk of deportations.

“We are very concerned. The issues that saw people leave their homes to come
here have not been addressed. The timing of this is very serious,”
Zimbudzana said.


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Mugabe digs in

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

President Robert Mugabe, under mounting internal and external pressure over
his rule, is tightening security, surveillance and communications at State
House.
12.10.1107:50am
by Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwean can report that trenches are being dug into the property to
connect fibre optic cables and surveillance equipment.

Authoritative sources said there were multimillion dollar plans to construct
underground reinforced concrete bunkers at State House and at another secret
location, authoritative sources said this week.

Since the advent of the unity government the use of computer technology has
been rapidly expanded upon. Engineers arrived at State House to find
10-year-old Windows PCs and a mess of disconnected land-line phones.

"There is re-trunking of the whole system to make the property a WiFi zone,"
said a source.

Mugabe has reportedly made valiant efforts to keep up with technology and
has an iPhone 4.

But he is also said to be making elaborate security preparations for any
eventuality, including the possibility of a civil war should he lose the
next election and should his Zanu (PF) party refuse to give up power.

North Africa developments, particularly the Ivory Coast and Libyan
scenarios, have made Mugabe aware of the possibility of an attack if he
refuses to leave office after losing elections, and his administration is
bringing new urgency to the matter. Sources said the CIO has requested funds
for building "fallout shelter."

The plan to construct the bunkers was in fact a long-delayed idea first
mooted by Mugabe’s top security advisers at the height of tensions between
Zimbabwe and the then apartheid government ruling in South Africa in the
mid-1980s.

Bunkers are credited with having saved dictator Laurent Gbagbo after
Allassane Outtara's supporters overran State House. They also saved Iraqi
President Saddam Hussein during the 1991 Gulf War when the Allied Forces
destroyed his surface bases.


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State media slams EU attempt to re-engage with Zimbabwe

http://www.swradioafrica.com

12 October 2011
By Alex Bell

The ZANU PF loyal state media has strongly criticised the European Union’s
attempt to re-engage with Zimbabwe, accusing the bloc of trying to “further
its regime change agenda.”

A delegation from the EU was reportedly in Zimbabwe last week to explore
economic ‘cooperation’. According to the ZBC, the EU team held ‘clandestine’
meetings with officials in the Ministries of Economic Planning and
Investment Promotion, as well as Finance.

The ZBC said: “Some stakeholders have already questioned whether the team is
in the country for real economic issues or it intends to further its illegal
regime change agenda.”

The report also accused the EU of “suffocating” Zimbabwe’s economy, and also
quoted an economist who said no re-engagement with the EU should be allowed
“until the illegal sanctions imposed by the bloc on Zimbabwe are removed.”

ZANU PF has been fiercely campaigning for the restrictive measures to be
removed and has blamed the ‘shopping’ sanctions for the country’s economic
destruction. This is despite the measures being specifically targeted
against key members of the Robert Mugabe regime because of human rights
abuses and other issues.

The party has now threatened to sue the EU because of the ‘sanctions’ and
Attorney General Johannes Tomana has this week said that court papers have
been drafted. Last month he sent a letter to Greece, which holds the EU
presidency, threatening the legal action if the measures were not lifted in
two weeks.

The head of the EU in Zimbabwe, Aldo Dell’Ariccia, responded by insisting
that democratic reforms “would be considered as a very positive step by the
EU and would have influence on the EU position on the restrictive measures.”

The two week deadline has now lapsed and ZANU PF looks set on filing its
lawsuit.

“We are finalising drafting of the court papers and we hope to complete that
exercise in two weeks time. We hope to file the papers during the course of
this month,” Tomana told the state-run Herald newspaper on Tuesday.

But the EU is facing critics for appearing to be hypocritical in its
dealings with Zimbabwe when, on one hand, they are maintaining sanctions and
on the other they are seeking economic re-engagement with the country.

Political analyst Professor John Makumbe told SW Radio Africa on Wednesday
that the EU’s position is rooted in future hopes that Zimbabwe will one day
be truly democratic.

“They are laying the groundwork for a time when hopefully a new party takes
over and the country is truly democratic. The EU wants to have a good
footing for that day. But they are not satisfied with things now, which is
why the sanctions are still in place,” Makumbe explained.

He added: “It does seem like they are giving with the left hand and taking
with the right. But it is part and parcel of their foreign policy.”


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High Court Rules against kunonga bishop in Manicaland

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

Favourable judgement for CPCA in Manicaland Harare, THE High Court of
Zimbabwe has granted a provisional order against Elson Jakazi, the
ex-communicated ex-bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland which states
that if he defies it, he will be imprisoned at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
12.10.1103:21pm
by The Zimbabwean Harare

In a judgement, Case Number HC9664/11, Justice Tendai Uchena said Elson
Madoda Jakazi, Reverend Bernard Maupa, Reverend Vusimuzi Ndlovu and Reverend
Katanga as first, third, fourth and fifth respondents shall be “forthwith
incarcerated in Chikurubi Maximum Prison for 90 continuous days” if they
defy this provisional order.

They have also been ordered to pay all legal costs. The provisional order
was issued at the High Court following an application by the CPCA in
Manicaland where they sought an order “to restore possession and control and
use of the All Saints Zimunya Church.”

The CPCA was represented by the Bishop, Julius Makoni, the Board of Trustees
of Manicaland Diocese and Musiwa Mwashita, a church member at All Saints
Zimunya as applicants.


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War Vets fed up

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk

War veterans here have declared that Zanu (PF) will not win next year’s
elections in Manicaland province because the party has failed to fulfil its
promises and has neglected them.
12.10.1107:06am
by OWN CORRESPONDENT

Irate war veterans have vowed not to take part in party meetings organised
by senior officials to canvass for support.

“The party has used us for a long time and we cannot tolerate this abuse
anymore. We are genuine war veterans who were on the war front, but we are
living in abject poverty. We have nothing to show for liberating Zimbabwe,”
said a war veteran who identified himself as Leftback Matengambiri.

The former freedom fighters said the party had neglected its founding
principles.

“There is a lot of corruption and greediness in the party and nothing is
being done to stop this rot. They want to use us in the rallies and to vote
for them. We can’t attend their meetings while our children are out of
school with nothing to eat. Do we eat propaganda?” asked another war veteran
who declined to be named.

Another war veteran said the party has been hijacked by thieves and crooks
who were bent on lining their pockets. Most war veterans expressed their
displeasure over the lack of sincerity by President Robert Mugabe whom they
accused of empowering his few close allies while neglecting them.


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MDC-T national executive meets in Harare

http://www.swradioafrica.com/

By Tererai Karimakwenda
12 October, 2011

The National Executive Committee of the MDC-T met in Harare on Wednesday to
discuss “various pertinent issues” affecting the party and Zimbabweans in
general. MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora briefed the press after the
meeting and dismissed suggestions that the meeting had been heated, despite
evidence to the contrary that eventually emerged.

SW Radio Africa correspondent Simon Muchemwa, who was at the briefing, said
Mwonzora told journalists the executive members discussed two important
bills that are before parliament, the Human Rights and the Electoral
Amendment Bill, and said that neither helps to advance democracy.

Mwonzora also answered questions regarding ZANU PF’s Chipangano terror
group, recent Wikileaks revelations and elections that are expected in the
country next year.

According to Muchemwa, the MDC-T spokesman would not go into details, but he
said the executive will not allow recent, controversial revelations by the
Wikileaks website to divide the party. He also dismissed press reports that
the Harare district spokesperson Obert Gutu had been suspended.

Mwonzora addressed the issue of elections, reaffirming the party position
that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission was not properly constituted and a
new board needs to be appointed, with input from all political parties in
the unity government.

In a statement, the party condemned ZANU PF’s continued use of violence
around the country, particularly “the funding and use of violence” by the
Chipangano gang in Mbare, which the MDC-T said must stop.

The party also addressed the victimization of Anglican church clergy and
parishioners by ex-communicated Bishop Nolbert Kunonga. The statement said
the church community has been “traumatized” as the police and ZANU PF side
with the renegade Bishop, in his efforts to “destabilise parishes and
ordinary people.”


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Madzore’s bail application fails at the High Court


Wednesday, 12 October 2011

The bail application for Solomon Madzore, the MDC Youth Assembly chairperson failed to take place at the High Court this morning after State prosecutor Edmore Nyazamba said he was “overwhelmed”. The hearing was postponed to Friday by Justice Hlekani Mwayera.

Madzore is facing false charges of murdering a police officer in Glen View in May. He was arrested last week and was remanded in custody at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.

Madzore’s lawyer, Gift Mtisi tried to have the hearing postponed to Thursday but Nyazamba was adamant. In July, some of the MDC members facing the same charge failed to have their case heard in court as Nyazamba again failed to turn up in court saying he was sorting out a family issue.

Madzore is part of 28 MDC members who have been arrested on trumped up charges of murdering the police officers. Eight of them including Madzore are in custody while the rest were granted bail at the High Court.

The police officer was murdered by unknown revellers at a night club in Glen View 3.

--
MDC Information & Publicity Department


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City council defy Chombo

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

By Staff Writer
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 13:44

HARARE - Harare City Coun-cil has rubbished a directive by Local Government,
Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo to call off a probe
into a land scam that rocked the city last year.

Chombo and other senior Zanu PF offi cials, who include self-styled property
mogul, Phillip Chiyangwa, helped themselves to large chunks of council
stands without council approval.

The land scam saw Chombo and his accomplices getting vast tracks of land
which were meant for the poor. They are also alleged to have grabbed large
tracts of prime land in Harare’s affl uent suburbs of Borrowdale and Glen
Lorne among others.

Harare mayor, Muchadeyi Masunda said yesterday Chombo did not have the locus
standi to give instructions to council on how it should run its affairs,
especially concerning the land issue.

“In the circumstances, Chombo would not ordinarily have any locus standi to
issue the sort of directive contained in his letter of 6 October 2011 simply
because he is an interested party.

“He clearly has more than a passing interest in the outcome of the
investigation into the land transactions
complained of during theperiod concerned,” Masunda told the Daily News.

He added that council was merely doing its work and had no “personal” axe to
grind with Chombo.

“It (the probe) is in the interest of not only the city council and Chombo
but also stakeholders of greater Harare and indeed, the whole of Zimbabwe.

“The probe is carried out for the land transactions complained about to be
put to rest once and for all so that we may move on with our respective
obligations of getting our capital city and country back on the right path,”
said Masunda.

Councillors last month appointed a three member tribunal to investigate the
shady land deals and bring the fi ndings to council for further action on the
recommendations.

The tribunal is chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Ahmed
Ibrahim.

However, Chombo, known for poking his fingers in almost all local
authorities, wrote to council last week directing them to call off the
probe.

This was a huge departure from his well-documented penchant to appoint
commissions of enquiry each time issues are raised in as far as
administrations of councils are concerned.

Chombo, recently, asked the council to pay close to $200 000 to three probe
teams that investigated some councillors. Six of the accused councillors
have since been dismissed as a result of the probe teams’ findings.

In his letter to Masunda, Chombo wrote: “Council has no powers to remunerate
the members of the tribunal set up in terms of the invalid resolution
although it has agreed to pay the members from the funds of council.

“The resolution to appoint the tribunal and remunerate its members is
therefore not in the interest of residents
and rate-payers as it priorities that payment of the special tribunal is
unlawfully appointed at the expense
of service delivery.”

Masunda has however maintained council’s position on the probe and said an
urgent special council will be convened to discuss Chombo’s letter.


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You won’t die of hunger, PM tells villagers

http://www.dailynews.co.zw

By Godfrey Mtimba
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 12:45

MASVINGO - Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai last week gave villagers in
Masvingo province hope when he assured them that not a single person will
die of hunger in the country while his MDC party was in government.

Panic has gripped villagers in the arid region of Masvingo province who are
starving due to poor rains last season.

Addressing party supporters at a rally to mark a memorial service for the
late Gutu south legislator and Public Service Minister Mukonoweshuro,
Tsvangirai who is also MDC president said government will ensure that they
will get food.

“No one will die of hunger. We will ensure as a government that grain will
be made available to you here in the rural areas. Government has since
rolled up several plans to mitigate this drought and there will be enough
food for everyone,” said Tsvangirai.

He said his party and government were well aware of the situation in the
rural areas particularly drought prone regions like Masvingo and pledged
full commitment to help the villagers out of the misery.

“We also realise the nagging effects of hunger and starvation in such
drought prone regions and we have since sourced a lot of maize for you and
it will be coming. We are also set to bring programmes like food for work so
that you will get assistance for your survival,” he said.

Masvingo province is one of the hardest hit provinces by drought.

Some villagers in various districts and areas have since resorted to
surviving on wild fruits and roots, while others in remote and marginalised
areas like Chikombedzi are marrying off their juvenile daughters for maize
to upkeep their families.

Tsvangirai, however, said government needs to subsidise subsistence farmers
to acquire inputs before the agricultural season commences, as a long-term
solution to food shortages.

He said the effects of poor rainfall distribution were being worsened by the
fact that peasant farmers lacked sufficient inputs and government will bring
them to their door steps this year.

“The long-term solution to drought effects is to equip our farmers with
sufficient inputs like seeds, fertilisers and so on. We need to subsidise
the farmers so that they will afford the inputs and this year I promise you
will have enough seeds and fertilisers at affordable prices as we are aware
that parents in the rural areas do not have enough money."

“There is going to be a programme in place to bring the inputs to the people
unlike before,” said Tsvangirai amid applauses and cheers from starving
villagers.


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Justice Minister Insists Repressive Public Order Act to Stand

http://www.voanews.com/

11 October 2011

Chinamasa told a United Nations symposium on human rights Monday in Geneva
that POSA and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act were
“justified pieces of legislation”

Ntungamili Nkomo, Jonga Kandemiiri & Tatenda Gumbo | Washington

Justice Chinamasa told a United Nations working group symposium on human
rights yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland, that POSA and the Access to
Information and Protection of Privacy Act, were “justified pieces of
legislation.”

Zimbabwean Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa says there will be no reform
of the Public Order and Security Act, or POSA, which critics say police have
often used to harass rights defenders and opponents of President Robert
Mugabe's ZANU-PF.

Chinamasa told a United Nations symposium on human rights Monday in Geneva
that POSA and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act were
“justified pieces of legislation” and therefore cannot be changed.

He dismissed reports of human rights abuses by ZANU-PF saying that it is was
“crystal clear that the yardstick is neither about human rights nor legal
but political.”

The former opposition Movement for Democratic  Change has pushed for the
amendment of POSA in Parliament, but the ZANU-PF dominated Senate has
rejected changes.

Parliamentary Whip Innocent Gonese of the MDC formation headed by Prime
Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said his party is not giving up the fight on POSA
yet.

Edward Mkhosi, whip for the smaller MDC formation led by Industry Minister
Welshman Ncube, told VOA reporter Ntungamili Nkomo that POSA and AIPPA
should be reformed to level the playing field for all of the country's
political parties.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Regional Coordinator Dewa Mavhinga said civic
groups in Geneva made a presentation to the UN rejecting Chinamasa’s
declaration.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, meanwhile, accuses Chinamasa of
pushing legislation that would undermine it. Critics say a Human Rights
Commission Bill now in parliament gives the the justice minister excessive
power over investigations of human rights violations. Advocates say the
commission must operate independently.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Director McDonald Lewanika said that
legislation and the report which Chinamasa tabled at the Geneva symposium
showed that the ZANU-PF side of the government is out of touch with reality
on human rights.


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Zimbabwe We Can 'Meet the People' Campaign

From the Zimbabwe Vigil

We have been asked to circulate the following press release by Zimbabwe We Can.

Zimbabwe Vigil Co-ordinators

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

 

 

ZIMBABWE WE CAN Press Release – 12th October 2011

 

MEET THE PEOPLE CAMPAIGN

If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem!

 

Forthcoming Public Meetings – CALLING ON ALL ZIMBABWEANS TO ATTEND:

·         Woking – 29th October 2011 from 11 am to 6 pm. Venue: Owen House, Heathside Crescent, Woking, GU22 7AG

·         Wolverhampton – 5th November 2011 (time and venue to be advised)

·         You can also talk to Zimbabwe We Can officials at the Zimbabwe Vigil which runs from 2 – 6m every Saturday outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand London WC2.

 

Here are some facts to think about:

Zimbabwe today is characterised by hate speech, arbitrary arrests, wanton intimidation, systematic violence, endemic fear and a general lack of freedom and democracy. Zimbabwe is a broken nation – politically, tribally, by location and even the Inclusive Government is broken and malfunctioning. The political environment is polarised and the inclusive government has failed to stop the suffering and to create a favourable environment for a free and fair election. Zanu PF remains firmly in control of all coercive instruments and the affairs of the State. With their unbridled power, they continue to wreak havoc on defenceless citizens and terrorise populations. All the MDC can do is to continue to hope for salvation from SADC and South African President Jacob Zuma. But ZANU PF remains a law unto itself. No wonder the Zimbabwe crisis has continued for more than a decade without any solution in sight. Remember how PF ZAPU was hoodwinked into joining ZANU PF and used and annihilated. ZANU PF leadership only thinks of itself and not the rest of us. This is a dire situation which calls for urgent and drastic measures. We can stop the rot, the nonsense and reclaim our destiny!

 

Violence and repression have worked well for these self-imposed leaders in the past 30 years but not anymore. During a tour of Chinhoyi University of Technology’s Hunyani Farm, defence minister Emmerson Munangagwa recently dismissed as wishful thinking any possible revolt against Robert Mugabe and any suggestions that Zimbabweans could stage an uprising similar to those in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. In his remarks he vowed to crush any uprising. Simply put, Zanu PF is not ready to listen to the voice of the Zimbabwe people. Munangagwa’s talk and that of his colleagues is the talk of dictators and can only be accepted by people with a slave mentality. The time for futile grumblings and self-pity is over; it’s time to say we can deliver a free Zimbabwe for all.

 

Examples abound of fallen brutal dictatorships around the world. Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Augusto Pinochet of Chile, Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia, Sani Abacha of Nigeria, Idi Amin of Uganda, P W Botha of South Africa, the ousted General Noriega of Panama, Ian Smith of Rhodesia remind us of yester-year dictatorships. In recent times the Arab spring has delivered even more casualties in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, and in Yemen, Syria and other countries, the people’s armour of faith and weapons of hope and passion continue to rage towards more and greater victories. In Smith’s Rhodesia, we remember him remarking about black rule: ‘not in a thousand years’. We salute these great nations for rising up to the challenge and we believe Zimbabweans are equally capable and patriotic about their country. We watch in admiration as the people of Libya finalise the collapsing of the last vestiges of tyranny to claim total and real change. Gaddafi continues to run scared.

 

Forget the excuses of cowards – the same is possible with Zimbabwe today. The people of Zimbabwe have spoken again and again, at each and every election since the referendum of 2000. In 2008, Mugabe needed more than a month to fix the presidential result only by imposing his will on the people. He rubbished the people’s verdict on his illegitimate and corrupt rule and the victorious MDC were persuaded to join him. Today, both parties have professed to the malfunctioning of the inclusive government but because of convenience and privilege, they are not willing to let go. Daily, the nation watches the unabated plunder of natural resources and pursuit of suicidal economic policies by their rulers. But how does one explain the levels of poverty, unemployment, poor access to healthcare, the suffering in a land of such plenty. It’s the filthy rich political elite who are prepared to maim and kill to maintain their lavish lifestyles. Failure of leadership means we still find ourselves in the trenches 10 years after the second struggle started. Like PF ZAPU before it, the MDC is now on the gravy train. Zimbabwe risks the scourge of being labelled a failed state if we do not take collective action now.

 

It is time that Zimbabweans, at home and abroad, stand shoulder to shoulder and declare that WE CAN set ourselves free. With one purpose and a single voice WE CAN be an unstoppable force. WE CAN tear down the walls of tyranny, corruption and oppression. WE CAN fashion a Zimbabwe that is governed on a path of prosperity and success in a peaceful and democratic way, where civil liberties, self-development and local empowerment, unity in love and respect for our own values are paramount, where the dignity and security of person is at the heart of our democracy and peace. We the People have the power; let’s unleash it to claim our rightful place in the history of our great nation. Democracy is in the hands of the people. Freedom is the hands of the people. The Vision is with the people. The dream lies with the people. Change is with the people. The longer we wait and the longer we conform, the longer we are enslaved.

 

We are encouraged by the overwhelming response that the Zimbabwe We Can Movement has been receiving from many Zimbabweans and well-wishers around the globe. One of them is a fifteen year old girl has called from Zimbabwe after reading our press release of 22nd September 2011 voicing her support and wanting to be involved. It was touching indeed!

 

Below are a few extracts from the many positive comments received:

·         Viva Zim we can MDC T, ZANU PF has divided us on tribal grounds.

·         Ihameni iyoyo. Amen 2 that.

·         Every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear the love of life and ones' country, Zimbabweans lets stand up and be counted remember we cannot make a revolution with silk gloves.

·         The solution to the country’s problems only needs a positive human participation to save the troubled Zimbabwe. Many are suffering, poor living conditions, and slave wages, unemployment only to name a few. All these can be manageable if we, Zimbabweans we want.

·         A movement that looks beyond race, tribe, gender, disability, wealth. A movement that affirms that Zimbabwe is for every Zimbabwean, with or without war credentials. Let’s all reclaim our country for sons and daughters' future. Yes we can!

·         Treated like little kids or zvimumu. (The regime’s negative and disrespectful attitude towards the people of Zimbabwe).

·         Give the public, what the public wants not what you want! (The regime must desist from being self-serving and put the interest of the people first)

·         Hello. I visited the website. you have a very good idea but that much of the administration is overseas who then is to fuel the information to the need communities and how do you intend it must be done

·         I’m ready for the task.

·         Where are we with democracy? Guys (Encouraging Zimbabwe We Can to continue with the programme and to ensure that there is democracy in Zimbabwe).

·         Zimbabwe we can has given Zimbabweans a platform to talk about issues that are being ignored by our leaders.do not underestimate this initiative you have taken

·         We can

·         Yes" Zimbabwe we can" but where are you? In UK? I don’t think it works when you remote control your ideas why don’t you come to Zim and sell your ideas. Zimbabwe is here in Africa not UK so better you come and launch it here. Good idea!

 

ZIMBABWE WE CAN – ILIZWE NGABANTU – NYIKA VANHU

Be part of the change that Zimbabwe deserves

Be remembered for the good that you did in your life time

 

For more details please contact:

·         Isaiah Bizabani: Publicity and Information Secretary (07427496737)

·         Everisto Kamera: Secretary General: (07833338942)

·         Ephraim Tapa: President: (07940793090)

·         Email: publicityandinformation@zimbabwewecan.org

 

You can visit our site for updates or join us on Facebook and Twitter:

·         Site: www.zimbabwewecan.org

·         Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/people/Zimbabwe-We-Can/100002859048835

·         Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ZimbabweWeCan

 

Isaiah Bizabani: Publicity and Information Secretary Zimbabwe We Can


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Bill Watch - Parliamentary Committees Series [Public Hearings on Electoral Amendment Bill: 17-24 October]

BILL WATCH

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE SERIES

[12th October 2011]

Public Hearings on Electoral Amendment Bill: 17th to 24th October:

Marondera, Headlands, Mutasa, Mutare, Nyika, Masvingo, Plumtree,

Lupane, Bulawayo, Gokwe, Kadoma and Harare

The House of Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs will be holding public hearings on the Electoral Amendment Bill [electronic version of Bill available from veritas@mango.zw].  The programme is as follows:

Monday 17th October

1.   Marondera – Ambuya Nehanda Hall: 10.00 am

2.   Headlands – Headlands Hall: 2 pm

Tuesday 18th October:

1.   Mutasa – Mutasa Rural District Council, DC Centre: 10 am

2.   MutareSakubva Beit Hall:  4 pm

Wednesday 19th October:

1.   NyikaNyika Growth Point: 12 noon

2.   MasvingoMucheke Hall: 4 pm

Thursday 20th October:

      Plumtree – Town Council Hall: 12.30 pm

Friday 21st October:

1.   Lupane – Lupane Community Hall: 12 noon

2.   Bulawayo – Small City Hall, 5 pm

Saturday 22nd October

Gokwe – Cheziya Community Hall: 2 pm

Sunday 23rd October

KadomaRimuka Hall: 10 am

Monday 24th October

Harare – Senate Chamber, Parliament Building – 10 am

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee is Hon Douglas Mwonzora MP.  The committee clerk is Mr Shepherd Manhivi.

The portfolio committee seeks public input on the Bill at these hearings.  Interested groups and organisations and all members of public are invited to attend the hearings, at which they will be given the opportunity to give evidence and make representations.  Contributions made will be considered by the portfolio committee in compiling a report to be tabled in the House of Assembly when the Bill undergoes its Second Reading. 

If you want to make oral representations at a hearing you should signify this to the Committee Clerk so that he can notify the chairperson to call on you.  An oral submission is more effective if it is followed up in writing.  If you are making a written submission, it is advisable to take as many copies as possible for circulation at the hearing.

If you are unable to attend a hearing, written submissions and correspondence may be addressed to: The Clerk of Parliament, Attention: Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, P.O. Box CY298, Causeway, Harare.  If delivering, please use the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue entrance to Parliament, between Second and Third Streets.  

For further information please contact the committee clerk, Mr Shepherd Manhivi.  Telephone 04-700181, 252936.  Cellphone: 0772 247864.  Email manhivis@parlzim.gov.zw

 

Veritas makes every effort to ensure reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied.

 

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