Church paper could lead to consensus: Mugabe

Zim Online

Saturday 28 October 2006

      HARARE - President Robert Mugabe on Friday accepted a church-authored
National Vision document - snubbed by the opposition - calling the document
a "veritable talking point" that could one day lead to consensus among
Zimbabweans on how to end the many problems confronting the country.

      The document, released at a ceremony at the Catholic University in
Harare, was compiled by leaders of the main churches in Zimbabwe represented
by the Catholic Bishops Conference, Zimbabwe Council of Churches and the
Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe.

      Entitled: The Zimbabwe we want, towards a National Vision for
Zimbabwe, the document is yet another attempt by religious leaders to broker
dialogue between Mugabe, his ruling ZANU PF and the main opposition Movement
for Democratic Change (MDC) party in a bid to find a negotiated and
democratic settlement to the country's social, economic and political
crises.

      Mugabe, whose ZANU PF party rejected previous attempts by the church
to broker dialogue with the MDC, appealed to "all sections of our nation to
receive this document in the spirit of constructive debate out of which will
emerge consensus one day."

      He added: "Those of us in politics will do exactly that, namely, study
the document thoroughly, in order to proffer our considered view on the
various matters it broaches and raises, including those it may not have
raised."

      But the two factions of the splintered MDC boycotted the presentation
of the church document, a clear signal the opposition had not accepted the
church's roadmap to ending a crisis threatening Zimbabwe with total
collapse.

      It was not possible to get immediate clarification from the MDC on why
they snubbed presentation of the document but the two factions of the party
had both accused religious leaders of turning a blind eye to human rights
abuses and repression by Mugabe's government.

      The opposition party has instead tended to associate itself with
another group of church leaders, the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, comprising
more radical church leaders who insist on human rights violations by the
government and its agencies not being swept under the carpet and who also do
not see Mugabe as part of the solution but part of the problem.

      Mugabe, who has in the past rejected several mediation efforts by
local bishops, United Nations secretary General Kofi Annan and fellow
African leaders saying they were influenced by the West, said his government
would similarly reject the church's latest attempt at mediation if it felt
religious leaders were being influenced by foreign interests.

      Zimbabwe is grappling with an economic meltdown described by the World
Bank as the worst in then world outside a war zone. The crisis, critics
blame mainly on state mismanagement has seen inflation rising to more than 1
000 percent, skyrocketing unemployment, shortages of foreign currency, food,
fuel, power and increasing poverty levels.

      Mugabe, in power since Zimbabwe's 1980 independence from Britain,
denies mismanaging the economy and instead accuses the West of slapping
sanctions on Harare to punish his government for seizing land from whites
for redistribution to landless blacks. - ZimOnline

Parties accuse ZANU PF of vote buying ahead of poll

Zim Online

Saturday 28 October 2006

      MASVINGO - Zimbabwean opposition parties have accused the ruling ZANU
PF party of vote buying after it distributed 2 000 tonnes of maize seed and
fertilizers to villagers ahead of rural district elections set for today.

      ZANU PF political commissar in Masvingo, Dzikamai Mavhaire, yesterday
confirmed that the party had distributed fertilizers and maize seed to
villagers but dismissed charges that the party was engaged in vote buying.

      "This whole exercise was planned before and has nothing to do with the
elections. After all, the ruling party has been doing this every year and we
cannot stop a national programme because of elections," said Mavhaire.

      Sources said the maize seed and fertilizers were ferried to all the
country's 10 provinces in army trucks earlier this week as ZANU PF sought to
retain control of rural areas during the weekend elections.

      A spokesman of the little-known United People's Party (UPP) in
Masvingo province, Antony Pedzisa said his party was concerned with
allegations of vote-buying levelled against the ruling party.

      "This (distribution of maize seed and fertilizer) is a clear case of
vote buying because of the timing of the programme . . . we have since
lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission," said Pedzisa.

      Nelson Chamisa, the spokesman of the main wing of the Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) party said today's election could not be free and
fair because of the charges of vote buying by the ruling party.

      "Chiefs and traditional leaders are threatening and intimidating our
supporters. Given these allegations, the elections can never be free and
fair," said Chamisa.

      Earlier this week, ZimOnline reported that the Harare authorities had
instructed the state's Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to flood rural areas with
cheap grain to bolster ZANU PF's chances of winning the elections.

      Churches and human rights groups have often accused the government of
using food aid to win votes in rural areas, a charge the government
denies. - ZimOnline

Mugabe rejects calls for a new constitution

IOL

          October 27 2006 at 06:24PM

      By Cris Chinaka

      Harare - President Robert Mugabe on Friday rejected calls by
Zimbabwean churches for a new constitution to help end the country's
political and economic crisis, but backed their initiative for a national
political dialogue.

      Critics say Mugabe - 82, and Zimbabwe's sole ruler since independence
from Britain in 1980 - has manipulated the national constitution to tighten
his grip on power in the face of severe difficulties many blame on his
policies.

      Speaking at the launch of a document called "The Zimbabwe We Want" by
an alliance of the country's major churches, Mugabe said although he
welcomed their initiative for dialogue, his government had some
"non-negotiable" interests.

      The group, including the influential Catholic Bishops' Conference, say
they will lead a countrywide dialogue in the coming months on such issues as
land, electoral and constitutional reforms, human rights, national
reconciliation and economic policies.

      In a bold challenge to Mugabe's policies, the alliance is proposing
the establishment of an independent Land Commission to ensure fair
distribution of land, and a review of tough media and security laws that
critics say are being used to stifle the opposition.

      Mugabe said he was not convinced the country needed a new constitution
and those who believed that Zimbabwe's independence constitution was imposed
by Britain were wrong.

      "We fought for it, our people died for it. There could never be
another constitution so dear, so sancrosanct. True there might be amendments
necessary to make, let us say so, but to say this is not home-grown is as if
the British imposed this on us."

      Mugabe generally treats demands for radical political reforms as part
of a drive by his opponents to oust him from power over his seizures and
redistribution of white-owned farms to black Zimbabweans.

      In a 75-minute address, Mugabe said his government N which has fallen
out with many Western donors - would ensure that "non-negotiable interests"
around Zimbabwe's political rights and independence would be protected.

      "The Zimbabwe we want cannot be one that allows its resources to be
owned exclusively by foreigners, one that allows its non-renewable resources
to be scooped and shipped to far-away countries for no real benefit to her
people," he said.

      Mugabe has proposed to follow up his controversial land reforms with a
bill forcing foreign mining firms to surrender at least 51 percent shares to
local investors.

      "We must be sharers of our wealth, starting with the land," he said on
Friday, adding that Zimbabweans must "have it, own it, keep it, and defend
it."

      Zimbabwe's main opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader
Morgan Tsvangirai did not attend Fridays "national dialogue" launch, and
there was no immediate comment from the MDC on his absence.

      While Mugabe rejected constitutional change, he urged Zimbabweans to
embrace the churches' call for dialogue.

      "I appeal to all sections of our entire nation to receive this
document in the spirit of constructive debate out of which will emerge
consensus, some day," he said.

ZINASU leader arrested as over 12 students receive expulsion letters

      By Lance Guma
      27 October 2006

      The police clampdown on student activism continued Friday with the
arrest of Promise Mkwananzi, the president of the Zimbabwe National Students
Union (ZINASU). Police arrested Mkwananzi outside the Bulawayo Magistrates
court for taking pictures with his camera-phone, during a solidarity protest
by students. The students were marching in support of 43 colleagues who were
appearing in court for taking part in a demonstration pressing for an
increase in payouts and improvements in general learning conditions. Police
officers confiscated his phone and took him to Bulawayo central police
station for further questioning.

      Under harsh media laws journalists are required to be accredited by a
state commission before they can work. In Mkwananzi's case it's not clear
whether they can place charges along those lines given his position in the
student body and that he was using his personal mobile phone. Meanwhile
ZINASU coordinator Washington Katema told Newsreel they have received
reports that about 7 students from Hillside Teachers College and another 5
from the United College of Education (UCE) received expulsion letters over
this week's demonstrations. Katema says its all part of an attempt to
victimise students and kill off their activism. All the students who
appeared in court on Friday were granted free bail and will next appear in
court on 5th November.

      On Monday 12 student leaders from Masvingo State University were
arrested for allegedly holding an illegal general meeting with students.
Among those arrested was the ZINASU Vice President Gideon Chitanga. The week
has seen a total of 55 arrests and 12 expulsions but Katema told Newsreel
the students are prepared to pay the price required for them to achieve
their goals.

      SW Radio Africa Zimbabwe news

WOZA members released on bail

      By Violet Gonda
      27 October 2006

      The members of the pressure groups Women of Zimbabwe Arise, who were
arrested in Bulawayo on Wednesday were finally released Friday. Four women
appeared before a Bulawayo magistrate and were granted Z$500 bail each while
charges against a fifth woman were dropped after police failed to prove that
she had been part of the protests against illegal evictions and poor service
delivery in Bulawayo. It's reported that police officers had arrested the
fifth woman at her house in Mabutweni on Wednesday evening. The other four
are expected to appear for their remand hearing on November 10th.

      The WOZA activists were part of a group of about 50 residents of
Mabutweni and Iminyela who staged a demonstration at the Mpopoma Housing
Offices. They said they were protesting against Joshua Mafu, the Chairman of
the Bulawayo Residents Association and Fabion Dube, Superintendent of
Mpopoma Housing Office, who have allegedly given 36 residents illegal
eviction notices. Residents were only given a month's notice.

      A WOZA statement said those arrested were charged under the Criminal
Law (Codification and Reform) Act; "Employing any means whatsoever which are
likely to interfere with the ordinary comfort, convenience, peace or quiet
of the public or any section of the public, or any act which is likely to
create a nuisance or obstruction."

      If found guilty, the women could be fined or imprisoned for a period
not exceeding six months, or both.

      Lawyer Simba Chivaura who represented the women, complained about the
humiliating treatment the women had undergone, having been made to remove
their underwear.

      SW Radio Africa Zimbabwe news

6000 arrested in campaign against illegal immigrants in Botswana

      By Tererai Karimakwenda
      27 October, 2006

      A nationwide campaign against illegal immigrants which began on Monday
in Botswana was reported to have netted 6000 individuals by Thursday. Press
reports in the country said the police were after all illegals, without
targeting any particular nationality. But our correspondent Oscar Nkala
reports that the majority of the arrests were of Zimbabweans. He said
police, soldiers and special constabularies went door to door in areas known
to house large numbers of immigrants from Zimbabwe.

      Nkala said the arrested will be taken across the border to Plumtree
police station where they will be screened to identify those with a criminal
record. Non-criminals will receive some sort of minor punishment like
picking up rubbish before being deported. Nkala believes this whole
deportation process is a waste of time and resources. He said many who are
deported sneak back across the border into Botswana immediately and
sometimes get back to the capital Gaberone ahead of the trucks that deported
them.
      Nkala said the police teams and soldiers swept through Gaberone on
Wednesday. They seemed to be visiting places that are known as hubs for
Zimbabweans looking for work. According to Nkala Zimbabweans always get
special mention whenever the issue of illegal immigrants is discussed on the
streets or in the local media. And this week was no exception.

      SW Radio Africa Zimbabwe news

Lessons from Zim

Mail and Guardian

      David Macfarlane

      27 October 2006 08:43

            Zimbabwe's loss is set to be South Africa's gain, as the
education department casts covetous eyes on the growing pool of highly
qualified Zimbabwean schoolteachers who have fled their home country.

            The department's Director General, Duncan Hindle, told the Mail
& Guardian that it is targeting Zimbabweans in a plan that will
simultaneously encourage South African high school teachers to improve their
skills. The idea involves encouraging local teachers to take sabbaticals to
upgrade in subjects such as maths, and to replace these teachers for the
period of their studies with suitably qualified Zimbabweans.

            The government has previously spoken of recruiting teachers from
Cuba and India to meet growing shortages in scarce skills areas such as
maths and science.

            As part of the strategy, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel's
medium-term budget this week announced that 900 bursaries will be available
next year for teachers who want to pursue postgraduate qualifications in
maths, science and life skills.

            It is not known exactly how many Zimbabwean teachers live in
South Africa, but the number runs into thousands, said Doctor Ncube,
chairperson of the South African branch of the Progressive Teachers' Union
of Zimbabwe. The union recently started compiling a register of these
teachers, and has 500 on its books.

            However, Ncube said the majority were in fields like catering
and the security industry. Many had entered the country illegally, and even
those with the right paperwork had difficulty in registering professionally
as teachers in South Africa.

            He said: "The few who are teaching endure terrible working
conditions in private schools, earning R1 000 or R2 000 a month. If they don't
have the right legal documents, they often have no work contracts, and are
exploited as vulnerable cheap labour. If you question your salary, they show
you the gate, and another teacher walks in to replace you."

            Very low teachers' salaries in Zimbabwe, inflation "that has
crippled everyone", and political factors explain the flood south, Ncube
said. "In the 2002 elections, the government accused especially rural
teachers of encouraging communities to support the opposition MDC, and
persecuted and punished these teachers, often depriving them of salaries."

            In some Johannesburg inner-city private schools, 95% to 100% of
staff are Zimbabwean, Ncube said. "We're seeing good results there. Township
communities are bringing their children to those schools - so they have
already accepted us and have faith in us." He said he would welcome a formal
meeting with the education department, at which he would supply data on
teachers' qualifications.

            One of those on Ncube's list is Benjamin Ndlovu, a 37-year-old
university graduate and qualified high school teacher of biology and
geography. He came to South Africa in August last year, desperate to escape
the Zimbabwean government's "general neglect of teachers, who are often not
paid", he told the M&G.

            "All I want is a job in a South African public school," he said,
"where I know I can earn respect, because the South African government
respects teachers, as well as a decent salary. We want recognition as human
beings whose services will be applauded."

            Despite his qualifications, Ndlovu ekes out a living as a
primary school teacher at a private institution in Johannesburg, earning a
mere R1 700 per month. "And many of us Zimbabwean teachers here earn less
than that."

            Francine de Clerq, a lecturer in Wits University's school of
education, said Zimbabwean teacher qualifications are excellent. This is
partly because of the foundation provided by the country's school system,
which is modelled on Britain's.

            Zimbabwean teachers also have the advantage of excellent
English, whereas "teachers from Cuba or India are often hardly understood by
our learners".

            The South African Democratic Teachers' Union media officer, Jon
Lewis, said Sadtu has no objection in principle to the recruitment of
foreign teachers to fill specific shortages.

            "Caveats are that we must first use any unemployed South African
teachers; that local teachers be allowed to retrain in scarce areas; and
that foreign teachers must have full professional status with conditions of
service equal to those of South Africans."

Zanu-PF boots EU caffeine boost

Mail and Guardian

      Godwin Gandu

      27 October 2006 11:59

            Resentment of European Union imposed sanctions on Zanu-PF
officials has led the Zimbabwe government to reject efforts to bolster
coffee production in the country's rich eastern highlands.

            The rejection of a ?3-million lifeline for coffee growers is
likely to be the death knell for the sector.

            "The feeling inside the government is that anybody seen dealing
with the EU, which has slapped the entire Zanu-PF party leadership with
travel bans, is a sell out, even if the country stands to get the
much-needed foreign currency," a senior government official in the ministry
of finance said. "There is a stupid feeling that the government cannot
benefit from dirty money from Europe, they have to lift sanctions first," he
said, "yet they forget they are the ones that are losing out," he added.

            The Zimbabwean government rejected the EU's demand that in
exchange for the funds, it provide guarantees that there will be no farm
disruptions in the coffee-rich Manicaland province.

            Of the 180 commercial coffee growers in Zimbabwe in 2000, only a
paltry 13 are left, three of whom received government eviction notices two
months ago. Commercial coffee production, which was an estimated 18 000
tonnes prior to 2000, has dropped to about 500 tonnes this year, the
Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) said in a recent report.

            "There will be no coffee industry in 18 months' time to talk
about," said an economist privy to confidential correspondence between the
Central Bank and the commercial farmers union. "The EU is throwing a
lifeline, but nobody is listening or concerned," said the economist.

            Xavier Marchal, the head of the EC in Zimbabwe, discussed EU
assistance to coffee growers with several members of the Cabinet as well as
representatives of the Commercial Farmer's Union (CFU) earlier this year.

            At the time, Marchal emphasised the need to resuscitate the
ailing coffee industry and provide funds for growers to restore production.
But he stipulated that the ?3-million assistance package would only be
released if the government gave assurances that there wouldn't be
disruptions in the eastern highlands farmlands.

            "[Didymus] Mutasa [the minister of lands and intelligence] said
'No' to conditions," a senior government official privy to the deliberations
told the M&G. "He [Mutasa] said you may as well take your money and stick
it," he said.

            Despite EU insistence that the government accept the offer,
Mutasa "never responded to EU inquiries" until Marchal contacted central
bank governor Gideon Gono the official said.

            "A meeting was arranged between Gono and [the] EU ambassador,
but Gono never honoured his promises to look into the matter to date," he
added.

            The country is facing an acute shortage of foreign currency that
has resulted in power cuts and persistent shortages of goods ranging from
fuel to fertilizer, severely damaging the agricultural sector.

            According to a recent CFU report, the outlook for agriculture in
2007 remains gloomy. Among other things, the massive drop in tobacco exports
from 237 tonnes in 2001 to 55kg in 2006 has deprived the country of
much-needed foreign currency to finance agricultural inputs.

            This week Zimbabwe imported 100 tonnes of maize -- the country's
staple food -- from neighbouring Zambia at a cost of $24-million.

Harare lists more weapons in Hitschmann case

IOL

          October 27 2006 at 01:44AM

      Harare - Zimbabwean prosecutors on Thursday produced a list of more
weapons they say were stockpiled by a former soldier plotting to assassinate
President Robert Mugabe, delaying his trial, the soldier's lawyer said.

      Peter Hitschmann, a soldier under the former white government of
Rhodesia - Zimbabwe's name before independence in 1980 - was arrested in
March with six others including an opposition legislator after police
discovered an arms cache at Hitschmann's home in the eastern border city of
Mutare.

      Hitschmann denied the charges.

      The trial was due to start on Thursday but was postponed after the
list of extra weapons such as teargas canisters and flares, allegedly found
at Hitschmann's house, caught the defence unaware, Hitschmann's lawyer Eric
Matinenga said.

      "Just before the trial opened the prosecution gave me an additional
list of weapons which were allegedly in Hitschmann's house but which my
client is unaware of," Matinenga told Reuters from the trial venue in
Mutare.

      Matinenga said in his defence outline handed to court that Hitschmann
was tortured while at an army barracks in Mutare.

      "That was part of our defence and the court took note of that," said
Matinenga. "For example, he was viciously kicked in his testicles, resulting
in him blacking out," he added, reading from the court submissions. He did
not say who tortured Hitschmann.

      Hitschmann is being charged with breaching the country's tough
security laws and could face life in prison if convicted.

      The government says the arms cache found at Hitschmann's home included
AK-47 automatic rifles, machine guns, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, tear gas
canisters, flares, thousands of rounds of ammunition and a two-way radio
communications system.

      Police say the arms were discovered on March 6, after Mugabe's 82nd
birthday celebrations in February, but have also said investigations into
the alleged plot had started earlier.

      A Harare High Court in March denied Hitschmann bail arguing that he
was likely to flee.

      Hitschmann is a licensed arms dealer but prosecutors say his licence
was strictly for non-military weapons. His defence is arguing that the
retrieved weapons had insufficient firepower to overthrow a government.

      The state argues that the weapons were meant to be used to disrupt
Mugabe's 82nd birthday celebrations in Mutare, where the veteran leader was
feted at a stadium by thousands of supporters of his ruling Zanu-PF party.

Foreign minister heckled by activists in UK

IOL

          October 27 2006 at 05:01AM

      By Elizma Nolte

      London - South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was
ambushed by a group of Zimbabwean human rights activists while she tried to
deliver a lecture in London.

      About 20 protesters gathered outside the London School of Economics,
where she was due to speak on the topic of "The United Nations in the 21st
century".

      Her address was continually interrupted by a handful of young
Zimbabweans and British activists scattered throughout the audience.

      Shortly into her lecture on Tuesday, she praised the late ANC leader
Oliver Tambo as an "ardent internationalist" and a believer in "true
solidarity".

      This was too much for the Zimbabweans.

      Alois Mbawara, 25, shouted: "Why are you doing nothing to help
Zimbabwe? The ANC called for solidarity against apartheid. But the ANC
government is showing no solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe."

      Dlamini-Zuma was forced to sit down for several minutes while Mbawara
shouted at her.

      He was eventually removed by security officers, but hardly had
Dlamini-Zuma stood up to continue her speech than human rights activist
Peter Tatchell, well known for directly accosting Zimbabwean President
Robert Mugabe on gay and human rights, stormed onto the stage.

      He, too, was removed. - Independent Foreign Service

      This article was originally published on page 3 of The Star on October
27, 2006

Zimbabwe boosts its tourist numbers

Business Report

October 27, 2006

Harare - Tourist arrivals to often-shunned Zimbabwe are up by 45 percent so
far this year and there are high hopes the once-booming industry's decline
is now over, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief was quoted as saying
Friday.

The first nine months of 2006 saw a 45 percent rise with 1 596 364 tourists
in Zimbabwe compared to 1 104 368 in the same period in 2005, ZTA chief
executive officer Karikoga Kaseke said in a report carried by the
state-controlled Herald newspaper.

But arrivals from traditional markets like Europe continue to plummet,
Kaseke admitted. Most new visitors are coming from the Middle East, China
and Asian countries, according to the report.

Short of vital reserves of foreign currency, President Robert Mugabe's
government is keen to revive the tourism industry that has seen a massive
slowdown since the launch of the land reform programme and the onset of
economic problems around six years ago.

Mugabe's government blames the waning interest on negative media reports on
Zimbabwe meant to maliciously tarnish the image of his country.

But critics say shortages of fuel and a skewed exchange rate that makes
tourism facilities incredibly expensive have also scared off would-be
visitors.

Arrivals from traditional source market Europe are down by 20 percent,
according to Kaseke. But arrivals from Africa are up by 52 percent, from the
Middle East 160 percent and from China and Asia, 30 percent.

"If this is anything to go by, the decline is coming to an end," the tourism
boss was quoted as saying. "We now have to make sure that we do not
experience a decline in 2007."

In a separate report the Herald said the government was working to make sure
there would be fuel available solely for tourists wishing to visit Zimbabwe
over the Christmas period.

Fourteen "refuelling points" are to be set up along Zimbabwe's major tourist
routes, the paper said.

Zimbabwe has been experiencing fuel shortages for several years now. On the
lucrative parallel market, the scarce commodity sells at up to Z$2 000
Zimbabwe dollars (about R60) per litre, more than six times the price set by
the government. - Sapa-dpa

The Ultimate Golden Handshake

IPS

Moyiga Nduru

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 27 (IPS) - Various African researchers and civil society
groups have given a mixed response to the launch of a five-million-dollar
prize for African leaders who relinquish power and promote good governance.

The winning leader will receive the money over ten years after he or she
leaves office voluntarily, together with a pension of 200,000 dollars a year
for life. This makes the award the world's largest, exceeding the 1.3
million dollars given for the Nobel Peace Prize.

A double launch is being held for the prize, in London (an event which took
place on Thursday this week), and in South Africa's commercial hub of
Johannesburg this coming Monday.

Starting next year, the winner will receive the award from Sudanese-born
mobile phone tycoon Mo Ibrahim, who is now based in Britain. The winner will
be judged by his or her record in security matters, education, health and
economic development.

"I find it a bit problematic. It's patronizing; it's a misplaced prize,"
Oduor Ongwen, director of the Kenyan branch of the Southern and Eastern
African Trade Information and Negotiations Institute, told IPS.

"I don't think we have to bribe our leaders to relinquish power. What we
need in Africa is building institutions and respecting them," he added.
"Giving cash awards portrays African leaders as incorrigibly corrupt."

Similar sentiments have been expressed by other campaigners.

"I don't think it's a good concept," said Daniel Molokela of the
Johannesburg-based Zimbabwe Combined Civil Society Organisations.

"The award presupposes that African leaders stay in power because they want
to accumulate wealth. I think they have already accumulated enough wealth.
They cling to power to protect themselves. They fear that they would be
prosecuted by their successors after giving up power."

Molokela said these concerns were exemplified by Zimbabwean President Robert
Mugabe, in office since independence in 1980.

"Mugabe fears criminal charges...He fears he will be tried for the
atrocities his regime committed in the Matabeleland (in southern Zimbabwe in
the 1980s). Right now, I don't think he will step down. He may prefer to die
in office -- or retire when he feels he's too old to stand trial," he told
IPS.

"The five million dollars is peanuts. I'm sure he has accumulated more than
that. This award will not encourage him to retire."

Other African leaders who have remained in office for lengthy periods
include President Paul Biya of Cameroon (24 years), Uganda's Yoweri Museveni
(20 years) and Omar Bongo -- who has dominated politics in the oil-rich West
African nation of Gabon for 39 years.

Mobutu Sese Seko, forced out of office by rebels backed by Rwanda and
Uganda, ruled Zaire -- now the Democratic Republic of Congo -- for 32 years.

For David Monyae, a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand in
Johannesburg, the award should have addressed debt relief, the fight against
poverty, or been used to assist institutions such as universities in
conducting research.

"Generally, it's a good idea -- it encourages good governance. But African
leaders are not the only ones making an impact on the ground. It would have
been better if this kind of reward could be awarded within the ambit of the
AU or NEPAD, driven by Africans. It should not be an individual-bound
prize," he said.

The AU is the 53-member African Union, while NEPAD, the New Partnership for
Africa's Development, seeks investment in return for good governance on the
continent.

A number of leading figures such as former South African president Nelson
Mandela, British Premier Tony Blair, former U.S. president Bill Clinton and
United Nations Secretary-General Koffi Anan are backing the initiative.

Board members of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership
Foundation, a charity, include former Irish president Mary Robinson; World
Bank Managing Director Mamphela Ramphele; Lalla Ben-Barka, deputy executive
secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa -- and former Organisation
of African Union secretary-general Salim Ahmed Salim.

Ibrahim sold his mobile firm, Celtel, to a Kuwaiti company for 3.4 billion
dollars last year, according to information provided by the foundation -- 
which also notes that Celtel operates mobile networks in 15 African
countries, where it has invested 750 million dollars.

'Government to Ensure Enough Fuel for Tourists'

The Herald (Harare)

October 27, 2006
Posted to the web October 27, 2006

Harare

THE Government is working on modalities to make fuel available throughout
the country's tourism corridors for the coming festive season.

ZTA chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said plans were afoot to avail
tourism fuel in the country beginning mid November and throughout the
festive season.

"We have made provision for some fuel outlets along the country's tourism
routes to avail fuel for our visitors. The facility that is being worked in
conjunction with the ministry, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and National Oil
Company, is meant to ease the shortage of fuel during the Christmas and New
Year holidays where we expect an influx of tourism from both the region and
world," he said.

Mr Kaseke said his organisation had asked the

authorities to secure enough fuel to cover for the festive season.

"We have already made plans for the festive season by making sure fuel is
available for our visitors throughout Zimbabwe's major tourism corridors.

"These are highways and urban areas on the routes to our tourist attraction
centres such as in the Eastern Highlands, the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway
and in Kariba and Victoria Falls," Mr Kaseke said.

ZTA communications and marketing director Mr Givemore Chidzidzi also said
mechanisms would also be put in place to guard against abuse of the
facility.

"Mechanisms would be put in place to guard against abuse of the fuel. This
is tourism fuel and should be used by tourists. We are looking at more than
14 refuelling points along the country's major tourist routes," he said

Mr Chidzidzi said information would soon be made available to travellers so
that they can plan accordingly.

Tourism is an integral part of Zimbabwe's economic revival and growth.

At its peak in 1998, the sector accounted for eight percent of the gross
domestic product, 12,5 percent of formal employment and about 11 percent of
foreign exchange earnings.

Mugabe Hails Zimbabwe-China Ties

Zimbabwejournalists.com

      By a Correspondent

      PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe on Thursday gave an interview to Xinhua, the
Chinese news agency, a month after granting a rare interview to AP in New
York.

      Mugabe has hardly spoken with the international media since Jonathan
Moyo, the former information and publicity minister, led the onslaught
against the independent media and foreign press.

      While in the AP interview he absolved the police of any wrong-doing in
the beatings of labour union leaders during a workers' protest, he hailed
the all-round ties between Zimbabwe and China in the Xinhua one.

      Relations between the two countries were forged in the 1970s when he
led a Chinese-backed guerrilla war against British colonial rule in the
southern African country.

      In the exclusive interview with Xinhua, Mugabe said China was a true
and all-time friend of Zimbabwe, voicing the hope that the warm political
ties between the two countries could be extended to economic fields.

      China was the main supporter of Mugabe's ruling ZANU PF party in the
1970s when it waged an armed struggle to free the country from colonial
rule, said Mugabe, adding that the ties between Harare and Beijing have
since been ever-lasting.

      Against the backdrop of western hostility toward Zimbabwe over the
country's land policies, Mugabe praised China's policy of non-interference
in other countries' internal affairs, saying this laid a solid foundation
for friendship and cooperation.

      Zimbabwe has been under sanctions by western countries, led by former
colonial power Britain, for allegedly undermining democracy and human
rights. Mugabe denies the charges, saying they were only a smoke screen for
London's opposition to his government's seizure of farms from white farmers
for black resettlement.

      The stand-off with the West, which is now in the sixth year, has
prompted Zimbabwe to look elsewhere in the world for friendship,
particularly trade and investment.

      Harare has come up with a "Look East" policy, centered around renewed,
broader engagement with China and other Asian countries, which Mugabe said
could be an alternative economic cooperation partner to the West which
Zimbabwe had lost.

      "In most recent times, as the West started being hostile to us, we
deliberately declared a Look East policy," he said.

      The major reason for Zimbabwe to value its ties with Asia is that Asia
is home to the most population in the world, Mugabe said.

      "China and India put together, plus other states there (in Asia), they
amount to the largest percentage part of the (world) population," he said.

      "And secondly, we said these were the friends we relied upon during
the liberation struggle and they will not let us down," he added.

      Mugabe chronicled China's assistance, in various forms, to his country
over the years, declaring: "For Zimbabwe, going to China is going to our
second home. We regard China as a part of us."

      In the twenty-six years after Zimbabwe's independence, China has
financed a variety of infrastructure projects in the country, including
construction of roads, hospitals and stadiums.

      Just last week, China extended a 5-million U.S.-dollar loan to
Zimbabwe to refurbish the nation's biggest stadium, built several years ago
by a Chinese company.

      Mugabe also spoke of China's military assistance to Zimbabwe after its
independence, which he said had made Zimbabwe less vulnerable to
manipulation by the West.

      But he said the main focus now would be economic cooperation, noting
China recently offered Zimbabwe 200 million U.S. dollars to finance
agricultural production in the country, and Zimbabwe's acquisition of three
MA-60 passenger planes from China.

      "We have increased trade with China; we have increased our economic
cooperation, we are going in the future on the basis of agreements like have
been signed with the Chinese Eximbank to finance inputs such as fertiliser,"
he said, referring to the 200-million-U.S.-dollar farming loan.

      China, keen to secure strategic natural resources to help sustain its
mouth-watering economic growth of more than 10 percent, is investing heavily
in agriculture and mining in Zimbabwe. Chinese investment in Zimbabwe is
estimated to be billions of dollars.

      Mugabe said such investment was welcome and lessened Zimbabwe's
vulnerability to pressure and political manipulation by the West.

      "We have had China across the board. The list goes on and on and on,"
he said.

      xinhua

Veteran Zim Journalist Recognized By EU Parliament

Zimbabwejournalists.com

      By Selbin Kabote

      BIRMINGHAM - DEFIANT veteran Zimbabwean Journalist, David Masunda, has
been invited to Brussels by the European Parliament to speak on issues
afflicting the Zimbabwean media and related issues.

      Besides giving him networking opportunities, the trip to the EU
Parliament will give Masunda an opportunity to meet with legislators who are
concerned by Zimbabwe's continued decline both politically and economically.

      The EU imposed targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe's ruling elite following
controversial presidential elections in 2002. The sanctions that block Zanu
PF and government leaders from traveling to Europe and an arms embargo, are
set to be renewed in February when they expire.

      Masunda is the chairman of the private Zimbabwe radio station, Voice
of the People (VOP).

      In a statement, Jonathan Delaney, the assistant to Geoffrey Van Orden
MEP, said if change for the better in Zimbabwe is to be accomplished, then
it was vital that people like Masunda, who defend and spread values such as
freedom of expression are recognized.

      The statement said with this in mind, the European Parliament was
inviting David to the Belgium capital, Brussels next month. The trip would
be a valuable opportunity for Masunda to meet a range of elected
representatives from across Europe and discuss the role that organizations
like the Voice of the People, can play in shaping Zimbabwe's future.

      Masunda was recently selected to be one of this year's Open Broadcast
Fellows for Africa in London.

      In his current position as chairman of the VOP, Masunda has
spearheaded the re-launch of the radio station outside Zimbabwe after its
Harare operations were forcibly closed down by the police in December 2005.

      The raids came hard on the heels of statements by the late former
minister of Information and Publicity, Dr Tichaona Jokonya, branding
journalists working for the private media as "weapons of mass destruction"
and willing tools of Western interests.

JAG Job Opportunities dated 26 October 2006

Please send any job opportunities for publication in this newsletter to: JAG
Job Opportunities; jag@mango.zw or justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw

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

Ad inserted 28 September 2006

Vacancies Available

Financial manager / Office Administrator for medium sized agricultural
concern

Book-keeper
Flexi-time, casual environment, handling accounts for a small Internet
subscription business. Knowledge of turbocash or pastel an added bonus but
not essential, but must be computer literate.

Please email CV's to rob@arniston.co.zw

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

Ad inserted 28 September 2006

GARAGE / MAINTENANCE MANAGER

This position would suit a self-driven, committed, elderly or retired
gentleman with a good knowledge of vehicle maintenance (especially Land
Cruisers) and man management.  It would assist if the incumbent has
experience in overseeing other maintenance such as refrigeration repairs,
plumbing and building, but this is not essential.  Clock-watchers need not
apply.  This is a very pleasant and happy environment and we would like to
keep it that way, so a good sense of humour would be great.  Salary is
negotiable to the right person and good perks are offered.  This position is
available immediately.  Interested persons please contact Mr. Rogers on
(016) 596 or send CVs by fax to (016) 256 or email them to
tshafari@mweb.co.zw

SECRETARY TOURISM/HUNTING WANTED

Secretary in tourism/hunting needed. Word, Email and common sense required.
Is a very interesting and can be very entertaining too. Salary negotiable.
Contact tshafari@mweb.co.zw
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad inserted 28 September 2006
Position - Cropping Manager

Location - Northern Zambia, between Ndola and Kitwe.
Responsibilities - Preparation of annual cropping budgets and cash flows,
overseeing and controlling all aspects of irrigated (450ha) and rain fed
(700 - 1000ha) row crop production (predominantly winter wheat and summer
maize and soya)

Qualifications - Extensive experience and traceable performance in row
cropping and agricultural management, as well as being computer literate.
Degree/diploma will be necessary in order to obtain employment permit.
Remuneration - attractive $ salary, normal farm perks, accommodation,
company vehicle, performance based bonus scheme, medical aid etc. Contact:
Mick on selby@iwayafrica.com

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Ad inserted 28 September 2006

VACANCY

Vacancy exists for husband/wife couple to assist in running rural
workshop/superette.  All benefits: i.e., vehicle, house, and medical aid.
Please submit CV's to borser@comone.co.zw.  Phone for reply to 011408986.

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

Ad inserted 5 October 2006

Cook/domestic wanted

I am looking for a cook/domestic worker - someone who is honest and
trustworthy, with traceable references.

Contact <rsjsgardini@zol.co.zw> or 011 604 084

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Ad inserted 5 October 2006

Gardener Wanted

Borrowdale area. Prefer to share with someone in the area as no
accommodation available.
091 865 666 / 882013 (pm) secretary@plastique.co.zw

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Ad inserted 5 October 2006

Teacher Wanted

ONCE UPON A TIME NURSERY SCHOOL is looking for a teacher for January 2007.
If you are a qualified Primary, Infants or Nursery School trained teacher
you will find this a rewarding position. We have a happy work atmosphere,
wonderful equipment, and offer an excellent salary.
For more information phone Rosy on 776470 or 091-216730 or Andy on 746811 or
091-315455

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Ad inserted 12 October 2006

S. KOREA

We are seeking 'Foreign Teachers' to teach English in Seoul S. Korea. We
offer 12-month contracts with good salary and conditions of employment.
Please send your CV if you can fulfill ALL the criterion listed below.

Brief description.
Ten years ago (1996) Dr. Jeong established a private tuition college in
Seoul, South Korea. The college provides extra tuition in all subjects to
Korean school students..most of whom are of primary school and early high
school age. The majority of the staff are Korean teachers. However, ALL the
English teachers are recruited from outside Korea. In order to be eligible
for an E-2 teaching visa.. The Korean government stipulates that the
following two requirements are met:

1) The teacher speaks English as a first language. i.e. 'grew up in a home
where English was spoken.' This applies irrespective of their country of
origin. For example we get many applications from Australians who are of
Asian descent. Unfortunately, we are unable to employ them despite most
applicants having outstanding qualifications.
2) The teacher has a university degree. The degree MUST have been completed
in English. However, a teaching degree is not required, nor is teaching
experience. although clearly this is an advantage.

Ideally, the applicant has completed a recognized TESOL course. However,
this requirement is not mandatory.

Send applications of interest to mennellmike@optusnet.com.au

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

Ad inserted 12 October 2006

Situation Vacant

Balance Sheet Bookeeper - Either half or full day (what is important is to
get the job done!), Borrowdale surburban, friendly (if not 'flash'!)
environment. Immediate or ASAP start. Phone Rob on 011 604 136 or email
rebeare@africaonline.co.zw

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Ad inserted 5 October 2006

Floor Manager Wanted

Position for a floor manager in a vegetable wholesaling business 15 km
outside of Harare. 4 day week and would suit an energetic gentleman
experience not essential.  House a usual farm perks offered.  Please contact
011 208447 or 011
207639.

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Ad inserted 12 October 2006

Accountant wanted

Blackfordby College of Agriculture is looking for a suitably qualified
accountant to fill the position of Bursar.  The job: To run the accounts
section of the college and farm from a-z, the preparation of college and
farm budgets and cash flows and to provide monthly management reports for
Board meetings.  Knowledge of agriculture may be an added advantage.  Only
applicants with solid accounting experience and those fluent with PASTEL and
EXCEL will be considered.   The package includes company car, medical aid,
competitive salary, with house free water free lights and other benefits.
The successful applicant will reside at the college about 70km from Harare
in the Mazowe / Concession area.  The job of assistant matron may be offered
to the wife of the successful applicant.  Phone for interview appointment.
Details of CV to be sent to The Principal.  P O Box EH197 Emerald Hill,
Harare, Zimbabwe. Phone; 075-2532 / 2533, Fax 075-2539, e-mail
agfordby@mweb.co.zw

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Ad inserted 12 October 2006

HUNTING SAFARI MANAGER

Position open in Pemba, Mozambique, for a manager for a large hunting
operation.  Responsible for all aspects of the operation: permits, trophies,
camps, equipment, stocks, etc.  Previuos hunting experience not required but
proof of managerial ability essential. Good terms and conditions available.
Reply to tlane@mweb.co.zw with CV

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Ad inserted 19 October 2006

Vacancy: Farm Manager, Lusaka Zambia

A vacancy is available for a dynamic farm manager just outside Lusaka
Zambia.
The ideal candidate would be:-a single, Black- Fordby Graduate or similarly
educated type of person.
The farm produces: - tobacco, maize, wheat and cattle.

Attractive salary, normal farm perks and production-based bonus will be
offered.

For further information, Phone 00 260 1213633 (evenings) or 00 260 96748249.
or 04 443017.

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Ad inserted 19 October 2006

General Manager

Vacancy as a General Manager will arise at the end of November 2006.  The
position is within the textile industry and a more mature person from either
gender is being sought.  The ideal person must have a working knowledge of
sewing (the present incumbent is male) or have immediate access to a backup
who can advise on the more technical aspects of sewing and knitting and be
prepared to work in an all-female environment.

The candidate will be expected to be not only General Manager but bookkeeper
to trial balance, be computer literate in Excel, Word and email.  Experience
in export procedures would be an added advantage.  This position will be
suitable to people living in the Mount Pleasant, Borrowdale, Gun Hill,
Newland, Greendale, Eastlea areas of Harare.

Please forward your application and CV to aztec@zol.co.zw  for to P O Box
BW1510 Borrowdale.  Remuneration package will be discussed at the interview.

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

Ad inserted 19 October 2006

Bookkeeper/Secretary

Our wonderful bookkeeper/secretary is leaving for South Africa and we need
to try and replace her.  Mornings only in a small but chaotic office in
Hillside, Bulawayo, for a wildlife and ostrich ranch.  Mostly bookkeeping
(to trial balance plus company tax, VAT returns, salaries and PAYE), trophy
export documentation and some secretarial (emails and letters).
Meticulousness, common sense and a good sense of humour all essential.  To
start in December (end November for handover if possible).

Please email in the first place to rosslyn@netconnect.co.zw with contact
details and previous experience.

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

Ad inserted 19 October 20006

Childminder Wanted

Mature maid wanted to look after children, cook all meals, clean house, all
basic domestic chores.
Must have experience and traceable references.

Accommodation and competitive wage offered. Emerald Hill area.

Call Mrs. Revolta 339733 or email tamken@zol.co.zw

Ad inserted 19 October 2006

Vacancy

Vacancy exists for husband/wife couple to assist in running rural superette.
All benefits: i.e., vehicle, house, medical aid.

Please submit CV's to borser@comone.co.zw.  Phone for reply to 011 408 986.

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

Ad inserted 19 October 2006

Consultants Wanted

Consultants wanted for a 40 day project in Zimbabwe ?  Anyone interested
should contact r.clark@agrisol.co.zw.  A good knowledge of Zimbabwe's sugar
industry and farming conditions in the low veldt would be extremely useful.

 1.  Rural Development Sociologist

The person must have a thorough understanding of Zimbabwean rural society
and social and economic characteristics of Zimbabwe in general. Experience
with gender, environmental, social, economic and poverty issues is
essential. The person must have at least 5 years experience in the
formulation and evaluation of development programmes.

2.  Agronomist

Ideally the person must have a post-graduate degree in agronomy. The person
must have at least 10 years of experience with the Zimbabwean sugar sector,
and substantial experience in irrigated agriculture in general.

Overall, the proposed team must have a thorough knowledge of business skills
for full understanding of the larger players in the Zimbabwean sugar sector,
as well as development skills to assess issues related to the smallholder
sugarcane growers.

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

Ad inserted 26 October 2006

FINANCE MANAGER:

A plastics packaging manufacturing company situated in Msasa is looking for
suitable applicants to fill the position of Finance Manager.

Responsibilities:

          -          Managing and guiding the day to day activities of the
accounting department.
          -          Managing relationships with the company's bankers
          -          Sourcing of finance & investment of excess funds
          -          Forecasting, compiling and reporting financial
performance to stakeholders as required.
          -          Managing and development of company information system.
          -          Dealing with the tax authorities as need arises.

Qualifications & Experience:

          -          An appropriate degree in accounting or professional
qualification (CIS/CIMA/ACCA)
          -          Experience in a manufacturing environment,
          -          Experience in the use of computerized accounting
software an added advantage.

Competitive package including Company Vehicle.

Applications for the above post accompanied by a detailed CV should be
forwarded, before 10 November 2006, by candidates directly to:  The
Operations Director, via e-mail to hq@plastique.co.zw

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

Employment Sought

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

Ad inserted 19 October 2006

Bookkeeper / Administrator

I am a 23 year old lady that currently works & resides in Harare.  I will be
relocating to Gweru in December and I am looking for a placement in the
above position or similar.  I am capable of performing the following
functions:-

Accounting:
- Cashbook (manual & computerised)
- Petty Cash payments and analysis
- Bank Reconciliation's
- Debtors Invoicing, Statements & Debt collections
- Creditors Analysis, Reconciliation's and payments
- Budgets and Cash flows
- Journals and Ledgers
- Monthly Income Statements
- Draft Year End Financial Statements & Income Tax, Computations

- Salaries and wages administration
- Capital Gains Tax Calculations and reconciliation's
- VAT Calculations and payments
- PAYE Calculations, payments and reconciliation's
- NSSA payments and administration
- NEC payments and returns
- ZIMDEF payment and returns
- Medical Aid administration

Administration:
- Company Secretarial work (statutory returns) such as forms CR14, CR6, CR2,
Annual Returns, Company formation and registration procedures.
- Functions of moderate Personnel Management

Computer Literacy:
- Pastel Versions 5 - 8
- QuickBooks (moderate knowledge)
- Belina Payroll
- Microsoft Office

For a detailed Curriculum Vitae please contact: P. Russell - 011 646 268 or
756 841 or 756 850.
accounts@decisionstrading.com

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

Ad inserted 28 September 2006

Employment Sought

Workshop, parts manager and motor mechanic looking for employment.

Please contact me on 091 772 473 or 011 732 084

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the latest listings of accommodation available for farmers, contact
justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw (updated 26 October 2006)

JAG Open Letter Forum No.450

Please send any material for publication in the Open Letter Forum to
jag@mango.zw with "For Open Letter Forum" in the subject line.

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

Letter 1 -  N Herley

I was so grateful to read Ben Norton's sentiments in the Open Letter of 24
October (448) about how much Zimbabwe is in his thoughts despite him not
being there in the flesh.  I think he expresses the sentiments of hundreds
of "exiled" Zimbabweans around the world.  Setting up a new life in a
foreign land can be unimagineably difficult but add to that the constant
yearning for "things to get better so we can all go home" and you are left
with a feeling of utter displacement and not belonging anywhere.

In an effort to keep abreast of developments in Zimbabwe, I receive the
daily email newsletter, Zimnews.  The issues of 23 and 24 September
contained a two-part article written by Eldred Masungure, Chairman of the
Department of Political and Administrative Studies at the UZ.  Over many a
Saturday evening braai folk have scratched their heads and tried to answer
the question, "Why and how does the place carry on?"  Well, I believe Mr
Masungure has completely hit the nail on the head.  He tackles the issue of
why the calls to demonstrate have been such a failure.  In a nutshell, his
theory centres around two factors: one, that the general populace have
weighed up the situation and decided they're not risk-takers but
risk-avoiders; two, when an abnormal situation prevails for long enough, it
becomes a "normal" and accepted one and I guess through sheer
self-preservation, the populace loose sight of what a normal, functioning
society should be.  His recommendation is that stay-aways would be the
catalyst for change.  (I would highly recommend everyone read these
articles).

Mr Norton's sentiments regarding the farms/CFU/99-year leases etc, and those
of Mr Masungure, are the reason for writing to JAG.  I simply cannot imagine
what is going through the head of anyone contemplating even the tiniest deal
regarding farms and leases whilst the entire country is in a state of utter
collapse.  Whilst it may seem that the place functions, after a fashion, in
reality it is hollow to the core, having been gradually eroded away from
within.  How easily they have forgotten the fact that farms sold AFTER
independence, many with expressions of no interest from the government, have
been appropriated simply on a political whim or desire to punish the
opposition.  What on earth has made people think it won't happen again just
when the farms are looking bountiful and prosperous to a greedy eye?  Mr
Masungure is right.  Apart from a bloody civil war, nothing will bring the
country to it's knees quicker than an absolute downing of tools in every
respect with an attitude of steadfast passive resistance.  I wonder if the
very actions of those trying to "hang it out until things improve" are, in
fact, accummulatively propping up a corrupt regime that should have imploded
long before now?  Whilst I feel absolutely heartbroken for those who have
lost everything as a result of the farm invasions, the farmers mentioned
above are clinging to the wispiest threads of a long-frayed rope.  This path
does not lead to a bright, new future for everyone, but rather to a future
of self-serving pacts and deals and a perpetuation of greed and corruption.
There must come a time where EVERYONE still living in Zimbabwe says once and
for all, "Enough is enough.  We will NOT engage with this government.  We
will NOT pay our rates and taxes, or submit our GST".  If this attitude was
embraced by the opposition and responded to en masse, it may well prove to
be the death knell for a power-crazy, despotic regime.  (And to those who
may retort that it is easy for me to say this from the comfort of a
first-world country, I say, "Yes, you're right" but the bottom line is that
only those still in Zimbabwe are able to undertake this sort of action and
they would be heroes along with those in the opposition who have lost their
lives for the current struggle).

N Herley
New Zealand

Letter 2 - John Kennaird

Dear Jag,
By now if anyone in the farming community is now in any doubt about the
Zanu-pf intentions over the land issue they must be living in cloud cuckoo
land.
THEY WANT ALL OF THE WHITE FARMERS OFF THE LAND.

CFU and JAG need to realise this and start ignoring any overtures from
individual politicians and forcefully push the latest move towards taking
the government to international courts over the land seizures.

Any advice to farmers to continue tilling the land or embarking on expensive
expansion programmes is downright dangerous.

The "bad" white farmers were ejected years ago and the remaining "good"
farmers are now being picked off one by one.

What is happening these days is that there is a crop of newly promoted civil
servants. This means that any arbitrary soldier, policeman, teacher or
magistrate will come driving along and see a well tended crop or neatly laid
out farmhouse and start proceedings to claim it. If he happens to have the
right connections with the right faction of Zanu-pf he will ultimately be
successful and your life work will be stolen from you.

There are millions of idle and barren hectares of government land which
could be used for resettlement purposes quite apart from of the stolen land.
We have always underestimated the cunning and guile of the ruling party.
All the top echelons of Zanu-pf were Russian or Chinese educated and they
have the same ideologies and thinking of Mao, Hitler or Stalin.
I am starting to realise that the hunger, poverty and deprivation of the
population is in fact a carefully thought out political strategy.  I believe
that Mugabe knew full well that he would not be able to feed the people of
Zimbabwe and he is deliberately starving the population..

Over the last 25 years he has created a dependency syndrome for the rural
population. He has ensured that distribution of seed, fertiliser and tillage
equipment is carefully controlled.  This now means that the government or
their agents such as GMB, ADA, DDF, or the like are the only ones who the
subsistence farmer is able to source his inputs.  The GMB is the only legal
buyer of the food and the farmer is only able to retain one ton of maize for
his family for the year.  This means that if a farmer has a successful
season and he has surplus food, he will be paid late for his produce and the
payment for his crop will be slow and way below market value.  In fact by
the time the next rainy season comes around the farmer does not have the
financial ability to purchase his inputs and the sowing of the new crop will
be too late.

Like it or not, the reality on the ground is that the government is
dictating where the WFP or their agents are feeding the populace.  I know
you are all asking "What is your point?"  Anyone who has had anything to do
with the so called free & fair elections in the rural areas over the last
decade or so will know the facts. The process of elections goes something
like this.
Registration of voters is carried out by government agents. Known MDC
activists are not even able to register, claiming them to be aliens or find
another excuse.  When voting day comes around the people HAVE to vote in a
particular place and they have their names taken by the headman or "Sabuku".
They are told at rallies and by their elders and civil servants (who are
paid government agents ) that if they vote for the opposition at that
particular polling station  then one or more of the following will happen.

a)      Their inputs will not be provided for the following year and there
will be no tillage units sent to their village.
b)     If there is food shortages the headman will not be allowed to submit
appeals for food through the DDF to the Aid agencies.
c)      ZANU-PF cadres will be sent to the area and anyone thought to be MDC
will have his property destroyed and will be thoroughly beaten.
d)     If there are any schools or clinics in the area the funding for these
will be stopped and teachers and health workers will be moved to other
areas.
WHO WOULD YOU VOTE FOR??

The ideology of socialism and dictatorship depends on the subjugation of a
population and is carried out by the following means.  You have to have
someone to blame for all the problems and thus hate, in our case it is the
white farmers and the former colonial masters.  You have to have the
populace dependant on you.  You have to control the media so that the
populace only hear what you tell them. Thus all cases of corruption are
swept under the carpet.  You have to keep officialdom on you side so you
give all the generals, policemen and judges farms and pass legislation that
enables you to take the farms away from anyone who steps out of line.  You
have to ensure that you are able to control the food and through that the
vote.

My advice to the white farmers all along has been for them all to leave the
farms. You are setting yourselves up to be blamed for all the ills of the
nation, you will be branded as land grabbing racists and it does not matter
what you do you will eventually have to walk away. If the current
legislation is passed as it is sure to be, you will be driven from your
property with the shirt on your back. If you are one of the lucky ones you
will not be assaulted and your families will only be traumatised by
financial ruin and not by physical assault.

John Kinnaird.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
All letters published on the open Letter Forum are the views and opinions of
the submitters, and do not represent the official viewpoint of Justice for
Agriculture.

Hunting 'has conservation role'

 

By Elli Leadbeater Elephants are one species to have benefited, Mr Lapointe argues Rifle-toting tourists hunting exotic animals could actually help protect Africa's vulnerable species, a leading conservationist has suggested. Elephant populations had benefited from a permit system that allowed sport hunters to kill a limited number of the beasts, according to Eugene Lapointe. Mr Lapointe was head of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) between 1982-90. Animal welfare campaigners rejected the idea as "morally unjustifiable". Writing in the BBC News website's Green Room, Mr Lapointe, president of the International Wildlife Management Consortium (IWMC), said that despite the best efforts of conservationists, the number of threatened species continued to grow. Read Eugene Lapointe's article He suggested that it was time to reconsider bans on hunting: "Unfortunately, most African economies are poor and wildlife conservation has to compete with many pressing demands for public money. "So conservation projects are going to be most successful if they can be self-supporting; in order words, if they can generate income and provide local jobs," he wrote. A number of nations in southern Africa had adopted a "sustainable use" philosophy, including Namibia, South Africa and Botswana, he added. "They have issued permits to sport hunters to kill a limited number of elephants that are pre-selected according to factors like age and sex. They cannot shoot breeding animals, for example," Mr Lapointe explained. As a result, these nations had well-stocked and healthy elephant populations and poaching was not a major problem, he observed. Costly conservation The idea of "trophy hunting" being a weapon in the conservationists' armoury to protect vulnerable species was supported by Peter Lindsey from the University of Zimbabwe. There's no question in my mind that if hunting were to be banned, the conservation consequences in Africa would be dire Dr Peter Lindsey "Realistically, for conservation to succeed, wildlife has to pay for itself in Africa," Dr Lindsey told a recent meeting at London Zoo. "If local people do not benefit, it is usually lost." Trophy hunting involves allowing high-paying guests to shoot in the company of a professional hunting guide. Each hunter pays, on average, 10-20 times more than most eco-tourists would for their holiday. He said that it can encourage landowners to accommodate and protect threatened wildlife in areas that do not appeal to most eco-tourists because they are politically unstable, too remote, or simply less scenic. In South Africa, landowners were given permission to allow shooting of excess male white rhinos once the species began to recover after a sharp decline. This gave landowners an incentive to buy and provide land for the rhinos, which is thought to have significantly accelerated their recovery. Elephants that trample crops are often shot or poisoned by locals Dr Lindsey, who is not a hunter, carried out research to assess both the positive and negative effects of hunting on conservation. He found that the industry is not without setbacks. Estimates of how many animals can be shot without threatening the population are sometimes based on guesswork, because no research data is available. Irresponsible lodge owners, who allowed illegal and unethical practises, such as hunting caged animals or shooting from cars, posed a severe threat to the industry's prospects. Hunters also needed to find ways to make sure that the money from rich tourists did not end up in overseas bank accounts, but reached local communities, he added. 'Unjustifiable' These concerns were shared by animal welfare groups. International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw) spokeswoman Rosa Hill called the idea of shooting elephants and rhinos "morally unjustifiable". "There is very little evidence that the funds raised from killing wildlife are ploughed back into conversation," she said. "There are also biological reasons why trophy hunting is not a good idea. Generally, hunters want to kill the biggest, strongest and fittest animals and this can have disastrous implications for the species. Ms Hill said a lack of knowledge about how many animals there were and how the creatures behaved could result in a sudden population crash. "Trophy hunting quotas are not set with proper knowledge of true population sizes, so it can be difficult to measure a species' decline," she explained. But Dr Lindsey believed that the overall shortfalls did not outweigh the conservation benefits. He said: "The industry's not perfect, and we have to work on the problems; but there is no question in my mind that if hunting were to be banned, the conservation consequences in Africa would be dire."