Zimbabwe Pensions Petition - Report

Here are the Facts: they speak for themselves.

"We, the 1984 petitioners, earnestly and respectfully request that a payment of pension entitlements to ex-residents of Zimbabwe be made a condition of any future aid procedures, and paid at the historic rate of Z$2 to 1 pound Sterling".

Written by Sean MacNally

1. Introduction

This petition was set up in early 2006 by one of the few surviving Zimbabwean pensioners, Raymond Billington, an 84 year-old of British descent, whose wife recently passed away and who now lives in Australia. Like many other ex-Zimbabwean pensioners now living abroad, he experienced personally, first the gradual decline in the value of his transmitted pension from Zimbabwe, as the country’s unstable currency was subject to continued spiralling inflation, and then finally, the abrupt cessation of all regular payments. Recognising that his position was one that was shared by many others, and that this injustice, whilst known by the British Government was also equally being ignored by them, he decided to take affirmative action and lobby for support for all the elderly ex-Zimbabweans who were in a similar situation. The British Government, he believes, needs to be made accountable for the plight of many of these pensioners, and has a moral imperative to right this grievous wrong. For some it may already be too late; for others perhaps some steps can yet be taken to alleviate their financial struggles. The Pensions belong to the ex-Zimbabwean residents, or to their estate, if they are already deceased.

It should be noted that the petition statement addresses all Zimbabwean pension fund employees, not just those who were civil servants in this country.

The subsequent written feedback obtained as a direct result of this petition, either via comments made directly on the petition site, or via emails written direct to the petition originator, painted a vivid picture of the extent of the injustice being experienced, and in some cases, of the anguish and hardship being suffered. The decision was made to collate and summarize all the material received and to make it the basis of this report. Statistics from the petition are also presented, and mention is also made of various organizations which continue to play an important role. Some historical information of discussion in the House of Lords is also outlined, which may be of interest to some readers.

While I do not necessarily support or endorse all of the opinions expressed within this report by others, I feel it necessary to include them in the interests of maintaining impartiality, objectivity and of portraying all the points of view expressed. I leave it to the reader to draw his or her own conclusions from comments made by others.

This report will be sent with the Petition to selected British Government officials, to provide them with sufficient evidence to confirm that their inaction has consequences for the elderly, and will continue to do so for as long as this issue remains unresolved.

2. The Status of the Pensioners

For several years now, Zimbabwean pensioners living abroad have received no pension payments at all. Prior to this, sporadic payments seemed to be the norm, with the value of these payments being so low (as a result of the rampant inflationary rate of the Zimbabwe dollar) as to be worthless anyhow. For many therefore, it has been a continuous struggle to make ends meet, and what should have been a secure, peaceful and hard-earned ending to their working life, with sufficient funds to ensure a degree of financial independence from both family and State, has instead become one of either constant worry about where the next meal is going to come from, or of one of humiliation and loss of dignity in relying exclusively upon family for support.

The circumstances of those living abroad generally differ from those who still live in Zimbabwe. Some were unable to emigrate (for various reasons), perhaps because they had no family elsewhere to provide support, or they simply lacked the financial wherewithal to even attempt such a move. Some of the comments received later in this report give testimony to this. They have the additional worry of living in a country where even rising costs of food are so prohibitive that it is a wonder that they are surviving at all. Many simply have to rely on charity.

The aged in our communities have one other thorn in their side to contend with: that of coping with declining health. Who is going to provide assistance to those with infirmities, or who need constant attention to on-going health related medical problems? If, at the very least, they received their pensions at their true value, a degree of financial relief for them would be achievable.

3. The Stance taken by the British Government

The issue being addressed here is a Human Rights Issue: what rightfully and unquestionably belongs to the elderly, through a combination of political machinations and economical circumstances, is being denied to them; and I state this emphatically, it is through no fault of their own.

A community or civilisation that does not fully uphold the rights of this minority group, and which forsakes its moral responsibility in taking care of all its elderly citizens, has indeed reached a low point. What merit and justification is there in sending troops abroad in the name of "peace", when on your very own doorstep serious human rights issues are being ignored and are not being addressed? This is what happens, no doubt, in the name of political expediency!

The British Government’s current stance on this Zimbabwean issue is that while it appears to recognise there is a problem, it also goes to extraordinary lengths to first limit its responsibility, and then manages through carefully crafted arguments to abrogate this responsibility completely. One comes to the logical conclusion that those in power have first decided on their response to the issue (which is to ignore it), and have only then sought the rationale necessary to argue their case.

So far the British Government has only considered the pension rights of its own British civil servants who worked in Zimbabwe. With one stroke they have therefore already eliminated all other pensioners whose rights are equally valid.

Then, in order to finally eliminate even its own British citizens from gaining any recompense, we are provided with the pathetically lame and embarrassingly weak line: "There is no provision in the Zimbabwe constitution to protect externally paid pensions against adverse exchange rate movement."

I have extracted documented arguments presented in the House of Lords on this issue, limiting it to only the key points of discussion that I consider relevant. The reader will notice that there is indeed support expressed for full pensions to be remitted at a proper conversion rate, but that the official government line is limited to one of sympathy only.

3. Discussion of Zimbabwean Pensioners in the House of Lords

Lord Waddington rose to ask what Her Majesty’s Government what their policy is regarding Zimbabwean public pensioners living in Britain. "I have the honour to be honorary president of the Overseas Service Pensioners Association (OSPA)”. “When British colonies became independent, the practice was for the British Government to make what was called a Public Officers Agreement, or POA, with the emerging government to ensure tha pensions would be paid by the new government on the same terms as before, and would be remitted to those who had come back home or gone to live elsewhere abroad, at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of independence.

Now of course I recognise that governments often draw lines in order to contain public expenditure. The civil servants in question were recruited by Rhodesia, but they were recruited for the most part by Rhodesia House here in London and the people recruited regarded themselves as going out to a colony as expatriates, just like those going out to serve in any other colony.

On 13th November 1979, the lateLord Gridley, who was then president of OSPA, moved an amendment calling on the government to ensure that the new government of Zimbabwe do right by their public service pensioners. Lord Trefgarne, replying on behalf of the government, said that the independence constitution agreed at Lancaster House specifically preserved public service pension rights, and that the British Government could not undertake to underwrite the liability which the Zimbabwean Government had undertaken, but that prospective pensioners could take comfort from the fact that. a constitutional settlement and the lifting of sanctions will lead to a large inflow of commercial investment into Rhodesia. By inference he was saying that economic growth and prosperity would see that the pensioners were all right.

It is now argued, in particular by Mr Foulkes, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DfID, that a person’s pension has been fully safeguarded and preserved, and, in the words of the Zimbabwe constitution, its payment fully guaranteed to former public servants wherever they reside, even though that pension has been rendered almost completely valueless as a result of the collapse of the currency.

Many Zimbabwean pensioners were in fact recruited here, on what were expatriate-type terms broadly similar to those of HMOCS officers in other dependent territories.

So this is the position that we have reached. Successive governments have moved to assist and make top-up payments to help pensioners from other colonies, using the powers in the Overseas Pensions Act 1973 but, although they know the parlous state the Zimbabwe pensioners are in, the Government flatly refuse to help them.

Perhaps I may remind your Lordships of what has happened to these unfortunate people. It is a major tragedy which I do not believe the wildest optimist thinks is likely to be alleviated by a political change in Zimbabwe over the coming months, or even years. The Zimbabwe dollar, which was originally worth 50p, is now worth rather less that 1.5p. The pensions received by British people recruited here and now retired here have become as good as useless. These people, acknowledged by this and preceding governments to be Crown servants, are reduced to penury.

I am told that in 1998 there were a total of around 1,200 Rhodesia/Zimbabwe pensioners."

Lord Thomson of Monifieth: I was the last person to hold the separate office of Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs. I did so at the time of UDI…… I have argued that there is at least a moral obligation on the part of Her Majesty’s Government to deal with this matter in a sympathetic manner. So far I have received nothing but dusty and negative replies.

Lord Dholakia: My Lords, I, too have a great deal of sympathy with the issue raised by the noble Lord, Lord Waddington, about former Zimbabwe public servants who find that their pensions are diminishing in value as the Zimbabwe dollar continues to depreciate against sterling.

With continuing uncertainty about the political process and the power structure there, it is right that the issue of pensions is highlighted.

However this is not a debate about the political process, but about the plight of individuals caught in this process because of inflation and the uncertainty of the government there to meet their obligations. Expressing sympathy alone is not helpful. I ask the Minister whether it is possible to safeguard the pension rights of both retired and serving Zimbabwe public servants which were negotiated under the Zimbabwe constitution during the Lancaster House negotiations.

Baroness Rawlings: I am grateful to my noble friend Lord Waddington for initiating this important debate on a subject that has troubled governments since the Lancaster House agreement. However it is more important that we should be talking about the plight of these pensioners today at a time when there are so many question marks hanging over Zimbabwe after its election results. It could be said by the pensioners that the "preserving" of rights and the "guarantee" of continued payment are meaningless without protection of the value of the pension. We are talking only of about 1,200 pensioners.

But if this Government stand by the Foreign Secretary’s ethical foreign policy, they surely have a moral duty in this case to try to end happily this sorry tale. I urge the noble Baroness to look sympathetically, in light of the changed circumstances, at the situation of these disadvantaged people in the twilight of their lives.

Baroness Amos: There is no provision in the Zimbabwe constitution to protect externally paid pensions against adverse exchange rate movement, and the pensions awarded by Zimbabwe have not been sufficient to compensate for the shortfall.

This situation has led to repeated representations from the Overseas Service Pensioners Association and indeed from Members in another place on behalf of former Zimbabwe public servants. They have asked the British Government to intervene and extend to Zimbabwe pensioners that pension protection arrangements afforded to overseas public servants for whom the British Government accept a special responsibility. Successive governments have declined to do this because the circumstances of Zimbabwe public service pensioners clearly do not meet the criteria for inclusion in our pension protection arrangements.

The noble Lord, Lord Dholakia asked me to say something specifically about the criteria. The British Government acknowledge that they have a special responsibility to protect the pensions of certain officers who were employed in the public services of our former dependent territories, but this responsibility extends only to those who were appointed by, or on behalf of, the Secretary of State for the Colonies to server overseas on expatriate terms in the central government of a colony.

The Overseas Service Pensioners Association, of the noble Lord, Lord Waddington, is honorary president, recently proposed that the Government should accept responsibility for that group of Zimbabwe pensioners who were originally recruited through Rhodesia House in London to serve in the central government of Southern Rhodesia and who are currently resident in Britain.

We took the view that we could not reasonably do this, as it would be difficult to see how this group could be isolated for pension protection purposes from other groups who were recruited from the UK by other means to work in the colony or those who served in para-statal organisations.

The pensioners’ associations – and the noble Lord, Lord Waddington, in this debate – accused Her Majesty’s Government of not honouring a pledge to safeguard fully Zimbabwe public service pensions at independence including an undertaking to underwrite the costs of a sterling safeguard to maintain the value of pensions. The Government gave no such undertaken. We insisted on certain safeguards being included in the independence constitution for the continued payment of pensions. But there was never any statement or suggestion that these assurances should include Britain underwriting a sterling safeguard.

In 1955, the Government agreed to take over from India the central administration and payment of all sterling pensions, including a small number of non-Secretary of State appointees. But the Indian Government paid over an actuarially assessed sum to cover the future cost s of all these pensions.

The latest information from Crown Agents is that the value of all Zimbabwe pensions paid outside the country is about 4 million pound a year at the current rate of exchange. If all those pensions were paid at the original exchange rate of two Zimbabwe dollars to the pound, annual expenditure would be in the region of 114 million pounds.

4. Organisations Providing Assistance

SOAP

6. Petition Signatories By Area

The petition has been signed in a period of less than 6 months by 1981 supporters (predominantly ex-Zimbabwean residents) in 65 Countries, the largest support coming from:

	
		South Africa:			31%
		United Kingdom:			28%
		Australia: 				17%
		United States of America:	5%
		New Zealand:			5%
		Canada:				4%
		Zimbabwe:				2%

A measure of the financial straits of some of these Pensioners (I use capitals deliberately in an attempt to confer some dignity to this elderly generation, many of whom have served Britain and its Commonwealth countries in the Second World War) cannot be measured by a petition of this kind alone; but the feedback generated from those who did sign, suggests that there are many who have already passed away who have received no financial support at all in their advanced years, and many more who are solely dependent upon either Charitable Organisations or Family for the minimum essentials of life.

7. Selected Email Feedback

1. Clif Anderson

I am 76 years old, my husband served the Southern Rhodesian, Federation and Zimbabwean government and today there is no pension paid to me. I struggle to make ends meet whilst the corrupt officials of Zimbabwe show no regard at all for any of the elderly. A fair pay out of pensions is all that I ask - no more and no less.

What the future holds for me is anyone’s guess, Even if our pensions were restored they would be absolutely useless, not worth the cup of tea, Back in June 2004 they sent me an unexpected cheque for Z$7,666.79, for which I received the Princely sun of R44.00, I have not had pension payments for the past 6 years, How much is being held by Zimbank Blocked Funds I have no idea, as I receive no statement whatsoever from either the Bank or The Old Mutual as the cost of postage is according to them "is too expensive", in the meantime I have eaten away at what capital I have, & not long from now I will be in serious trouble, bearing in mind that the inflation rate here in RSA is spiraling & in Zimbabwe it is dwindling at an alarming rate. So I say that even if our pensions are restored, what will come out of Zim at the current rate of exchange will be utterly worthless. At 73 yrs of age I have not got all that much time left. God help those in a worse off position than I am.

2. Simon

My dad is 83 and my mum just turned 84 on the 6th Feb. My folks lived and worked in Bulawayo until they moved to South Africa and thence to Denmark in Western Australia. Dad lost his Rhodesian pension about 3 years ago.

3. Jill Jameson

I have been very concerned about this issue for some time as my mother is a Zimbabwean pensioner living in South Africa and she now gets nothing, despite the fact that she and my late father both worked in Zimbabwe for about 40 years and had three pensions between them, including one senior civil service pension (my dad's first career), a solicitor's pension (my dad's later career) and a teacher's pension.

My mother, aged 83 - also wanted to sign your petition but was unable to connect to the Internet.

4. Frans Meyer

I was born in Rhodesia 80 years ago. I hold four retirement annuity policies and my wife is beneficiary of two pensions (Government and Railways) and it is about five years since we got a cent's worth of benefit from any of them.

There are some desperate pensioners out there. My pension stopped in early 2003. They ignore all forms of correspondence and appear to be a law unto themselves.

5. Dave Street

My father has a Rhodesia railways pension of +- 11000 Zim which he has not received for as long as I can remember.(this entitles him -if paid - to a half loaf of bread) . I am his son, and for as long as I can remember my sister and I have HAD to support my parents. My father is in his 86th year and my mother 84th.

6. Sylvia Jean Halls b 04/04/28 & Christine Paashaus b 29/01/46

My Mother and I returned to England in September 2004 after 50 years in Zimbabwe. We are both widowed and have lost our pensions. Re-location when you are in your later years is not an easy step to take. I will have to work for as long as possible to support us both.

7. Graeme Trass

I am supposed to get an Army pension. It came through for a few years but then stopped. I haven’t received anything for many years now.

8. Ben Curtis

My parents, both of which are 2nd World War Vets are ":surviving" in what can only be described as the most appalling conditions. If it was not for the fact that Dad is still able to work 3 days a week to continue bringing in some money the conditions would be even worse. My Mum who is wheel-chair bound, and suffers from incontinence has a full time Carer to tend to her. On her days off my father has to perform such tasks that should not be expected of him. If they were to get the additional pension - this may go some way to making sure that a relief person can be afforded to tend to Mother on the Carer’s days off .

8. Petition Feedback

1. Wendy Rademeyer.

Dear Sir,

My husband fell out of bed the other day - not because he was inebriated, but because the brakes on his wheelchair are no longer effective. Whilst on a compulsory military call-up in 1976 in Rhodesia, my husband was blown up in a landmine blast and paralyzed from the waist down. In terms of the Lancaster House Agreement, he was awarded a 95% disability pension which he received more or less consistently every month until March, 2003. Whilst the pension fell far short of what he would have been earning as a Service Station Manager, it did at least compensate in a small way for what he had lost financially. Since February, 2003, however, his pension has completely dried up and, with it, our medical aid.

The last wheelchair that we were authorized to buy was about 15 years ago. We were subsequently told that a replacement chair had to be obtained from Zimbabwe and we were no longer able to get quotes in South Africa! This was totally unreasonable and unfeasible. Since then, my husband has repeatedly repaired, welded and glued his chair and somehow, managed to keep it going. Its condition is, however, an embarrassment that we have had to learn to live with.

As his pension did not cover our living expenses, my husband has worked as a self-employed panel-beater/spray-painter. Due to his paraplegia, however, his production is limited and I have worked full time so that, together with his pension, we could make ends meet. We had hoped that, with our home almost paid off, the little that we have managed to save over the years and his pension would enable us to think about retiring by the time he turned 60. His 60th birthday is on the 17th July, but there is no way he can retire on what we have managed to save.

Only someone who is acquainted with the difficulties relating to paraplegia will understand what we have gone through in the past 30 years. In addition to the normal problems relating to loss of control of bodily functions, we have had to deal with a persistent pressure sore, intermittent bladder infections and a broken femur some years ago due to osteoporosis. Last year, my husband suffered a slight stroke as well as shingles, both of which are considered to be stress-related.

If his pension was to be restored, this would relieve him of the stress of having to continue trying to earn an income at a time when he should be looking forward to retirement!

We would be most grateful for any assistance possible to reinstate his pension and make good the arrears payments.

Kind regards,
Wendy Rademeyer.

2. Non-payment of pensions Created by Nick Maine J.P. on Aug 02, 2006
This is where the U.S and U.N forces should invade and restore Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) back to the civilized world

Reply: Re: Non-payment of pensions Created by Helen on Aug 03, 2006

To: Nick Maine, yes I agree with you but they won't. China has its eye on Zimbabwe. My cousin was there a few months ago visiting Family still living there. The Chinese have just repaired a main road going towards Kariba.

3. Zimbabwe pension.Created by Lyn Gilliland on Jul 03, 2006
We are supporting my parents who are now living with us, they had to give up their home in Port Elizabeth after 21 years in retirement. In the year 2000 my father's pension was stopped. He worked on the Rhodesian Railways for 42 years. He served in the Second World War, was wounded in Tabruk and sent home to Umtali where he lived. Was medically boarded from the railways a year before he was to retire. Immigrated to South Africa in 1982 where he and my mother set up home in Port Elizabeth.

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe pension. Created by John Redfern on Jul 27, 2006

Dear Lyn Is your father listed on the Zimbabwe Pensioners Association (ZPA) database? If not, and you would like further information, please contact me. John Redfern Hon National Secretary Flame Lily Foundation

4. Mining Pension Fund Created by Debbie Meyer on Jun 30, 2006
The Mining Pension fund - my parents are still in Zimbabwe and the pension fund want to pay them out $17 Million, that may sound a lot but they are now paying $400 000 for 1 litre of petrol the other day my mom saw a jumper(Jersey) that she thought would be nice - the cost $7 million - can you believe that - if they get paid out that pension - they would maybe have enough money for 2 months maybe!!!!! we need to help all the pensioners in and out of Zimbabwe.

Reply: Re: Mining Pension Fund Created by John Redfern on Jul 27, 2006

Dear Debbie Are your parents living in a home for the aged? If so, they may be subsidized by the Pensioners Fund in Zimbabwe. John Redfern Hon. National Secretary Flame Lily Foundation Pretoria

5 China is now in Zimbabwe Created by Jack Summers on Jun 22, 2006
We knew it would happen....

6. Old Mutual Pension by W G Elphinstone (03/06/06)
I am an 83-year-old pensioner, now living in the UK on benefit. During the war I was posted, by the RAF, to Rhodesia's ATG and when my discharge number came up I was informed, via a notice board, that due to the large number of people being discharged in the UK, if I could find employment in Rhodesia to take it and be discharged there, which I did and joined Central African Airways. I spent 37 years with them, and their successors, before coming, on pension, to the UK.

Our life style was moderate, but happy, from then (1983) until approximately 5 years ago when my pension, which had been getting progressively smaller, suddenly ceased causing us embarrassment and having to seek assistance.

I might add that my pension via the Old Mutual for 35 of my 37 years had been contributed to by myself and my employer and I feel that it is my money that is being withheld.

7. Pension Payments by DAVID PEARSON (02/06/06)
8. Father Allen Fredrick Pearson
Not paid Pension from inception RHODESIAN BREWERIES With the rapid value changes in currency pensions were reduced drastically then stopped

9. Federal Pension by John Mussell (08/05/06)

One point that I have not seen mentioned in recent times is that at the time of UDI, Harold Wilson advised the Federal Civil Servants who were serving in Southern Rhodesia to stay at their posts. I would have thought that this would have been followed by support or protection by his government for those who took his advice. Second point - has Turville Kille seen this petition? I don't have his address.

10. Railway Pensions by Lorraine Rabie (05/05/06)

My father is 78 and an ex-Rhodesia Railways employee with over 20 years service (or more). He has not received a pension for a number of years and struggling to survive. Please help him and others who have been robbed of their pensions!

11. Zimbabwe Civil War by Sara (04/05/06)

Zimbabwe is rearing to go in to a civil war. What a mess that country is in! The Communist Advance....We all knew what would happen. What about Human rights for white people. Not part of the Human Rights Agenda. By the way, where is Grubby Geldoff?

12. Shoulder to Shoulder by Robert Winston-Burnett (26/04/06)

To all those who signed up to this vital petition, very well done as these poor suffering humans, simply do not deserve being forgotten.
Do recall, they are our grand-fathers and mothers, fathers, mothers and who sacrificed much so their offspring may enjoy and so reap greater rewards through security for their grand children and great grand children!
Lest we forget, as we could be next.
We have to stand up to and so defend an obvious injustice as transpired here of reclaiming a basic human right.. right!

13. Zim pensions by Theresa Prinsloo (26/04/06)

The hand over to Mugabe was on condition that pensions were guaranteed. Britain and South Africa are now the recipients of many destitute pensioners, it is not right

14. Genocide per Excillence by Tichaona Chidembo (23/04/06)

The situation in Zimbabwe is genocide in making and the world must be ready to condemn Mugabe when they (the Zimbabweans) start to liberate themselves for we will not stop until we win it even if it takes us 50 years. So, Africa watch out here we come to maturity we will never go wrong again.

Reply: Re: Genocide per Excillence by me (23/04/06)

yes you will go wrong again

Reply: Re: Genocide per Excillence by Tichaona (24/04/06)

How does someone like me get my Pension from my Fund if I ran away from persecution in Zimbabwe? I retired on medical grounds, but had to run away from Robert Mugabe's regime and now am in Scotland. My fund is NRZ Pension Fund.

Reply: Re: Genocide per Excillence by Annie Sinclair (13/05/06)

I agree too, you will go wrong again!! There is no future in Africa, it is a "basket case"!! South Africa is next, now all the tribes are fighting for MONEY AND POWER!! We left because we are white Rhodesians.

Reply: Re: Genocide per Execellence by Ruined Zimbabwean (13/05/06)

You might be seeing the truth of our future, this world is coming to an end with people in power abusing it to their liking. They see themselves as ordinary people in real sense so they think if they take advantage of their positions it’s up to God to meet when they die as long as they have enjoyed their time on earth so they don't care what happens to others.

Reply: Re: Genocide per Excillence by Jeffrey (03/06/06)

The world is over populated. It is nearing 7 billion....

15. Mudyiwa Ndigere by Tapiwa (23/04/06)

The Zimbabwean Pension is actually called "Mudyiwa Nigere" Being eaten alive like you are being attacked by Wild Dogs although they are better off because they do not kill but they prey. A crual dictetaship bunt on killing its own people even the eldery. A regime with no respect to itself and the inferm, the child and the women and its desabled plus its future. Its a shame to Africa.

16. Zimbabwe pensions by W.A.Galloway (23/04/06)

Have been writing to British Government Cabinet Ministers for the past twenty years regarding Zim pensions. Last week I followed this up with letters to the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary.

17. Constitution by Jack Cheney (20/04/06)

I joined the Public Service of Southern Rhodesia in 1936; saw action with the British Army (Royal Corps of Signals) in the Middle East and Central Mediterranean from 1940 to 1945.

I was in the Rhodesian Civil Service for over 43 years, paid into the contributory pension fund for forty years and retired at Deputy Secretary level, in the Ministry of Finance, in 1979 at age sixty. Following my retirement, my wife, Louise, and I moved to South Africa. My wife died in 1999 and I immigrated to my daughter in Canada, believing that my pension (for which provision is made in the reserved clauses of the 1980 Independence Constitution, Section 112, Schedule 6) would be sufficient to meet my needs. I last received a pension several years ago and I am now dependant on my children who are also approaching retirement age and will have their own financial crunch. I am not eligible for a Canadian Pension.

I will be 87 years old in August.

Jack Cheney 306-1645 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario. Canada L1V 7E9

Reply: More to what goes on by Robert Winston-Burnett (26/04/06)

Very well written and is a tragedy how your generation and those following have been treated. A number write saying they too agree there was and is far more than meets the eye with Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.

Fight for your rights, as is a divine right in free, democratic worlds at large!

www.lulu.com.Nextagemission

18. Reverse a Betrayal by Robert Winston-Burnett (19/04/06)

Very well done to you Raymond for hanging in there on such a vital issue, let alone basic principle.

We need far more original souls as yourself to stand up. Even those I clearly recall growing up with in the then Rhodesia, who could be counted on where such a clear injustice was/is delivered!

As a matter of interest, the template over this whole sorry and indeed disgraceful sage, is seen in certain influential quarters as falling under title of 'Human Rights' and specifically dignities having/still being violated, stolen.

The responses to the page under title Rhodesia:

www.nextagemission.com

Receive fantastic positive reviews, feed back, with some of influence even clearly outlining a fuller case on issues could well prove one way or other: a water-tight case when enough people and across the board, sign up to and clearly post the facts before a general public at large.

Very best,

Robert Winston-Burnett

Reply: Re: Reverse a Betrayal by Annie Sinclair (13/05/06)

Yes, we were sold out!! Where are the "Human Rights Industry" for White Anglo/Rhodesians, not part of the Communist Agenda, which keeps gathering speed. They won't WIN, because evil always destroys evil. They won't survive...Look at Zimbabwe now. We told you so!!!

19. Hardship by S Weatherall (17/04/06)

My pension also held up since 2003 and now living on handouts. This pension was guaranteed under the Lancaster House agreement. Why am I now suffering?

Reply: Re: Hardship by Sara (04/05/06)

What was done to the white population in Rhodesia was nothing but disgusting! They betrayed their anglo/Rhodesian population. I blame the UK Government and the pathetic Royal Family. They are real "imposters" who should not be in POWER!!

20. Air Force Pensions by J.R. Breakwell (29/03/06)

We have not received any Air Force Disability or other Pensions since May of 2003. We would appreciate any help.

21. Zimbabwe Pensioners by Janet G. Sletcher (24/03/06)

I have just sent my second £200 to the charity Zimbabwe Homes to help restore dignity and respect to the white and black Rhodesian Pensioners. I have lived in Britain for 43 years now and have never felt this ashamed of the country I have come to love. I know that once Mugabe is deposed Britain will be one of the first countries to rush into Zimbabwe to claim the copper, emeralds, coal, beef, citrus, tobacco and all the other "world wanted" items Rhodesia built up to become the fifth richest country in the world. My only consolation is that Blair and Bush will not last forever and maybe, just maybe a person with principles will take over in both countries - one can only live in hope. God bless all Rhodesians/Zimbabweans.

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe Pensioners by Heather Dwyer (17/04/06)

I have never been more ashamed of living in Australia than now and watching the Aust. Government do nothing to eradicate the situation in Zimbabwe. I believe America, Britain and Australia are to blame for the downfall of ALL African countries by forcing independence before the masses were educated enough to control government and then leaving them to a future of corruption, poverty and starvation.

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe Pensioners by Robert Winston-Burnett (19/04/06)

Tell all your friends about the outstanding injustice. As for Zimbabwe returning to some form of sanity, there is now only one way and if you look at:

www.lulu.com.Nextagemission Will see the whole wider planet needs now to be addressed. Tell your friends, help all those suffering, unduly - sign up, be counted

Reply: Re: Non-payment of pensions by Hugh Phillips (10/06/06)

Ex-BSAP pensioner with nearly 30 years in the Force and 50 years in Rhod/Zim, now living in UK and receiving minimum Pension Support thanks to 2 years National Service (1949-1951). Will actively support any existing endeavors to convince British Govt that our situation needs to be redressed. Feel that petitions are of doubtful use unless backed by direct and concerted approach to as many MPs as possible.

22. Non-payment of pensions by Mrs. M Marinoni (20/03/06)

Dear family & friends, I hope you will be able to sign this petition. It is to help Zimbabwean Britons to be paid their pensions in full. The man who started it was sent to Rhodesia in the army, and soldiers were encouraged to stay on and help build up Rhodesia. Now he, and thousands like him, are living in poverty. Many have committed suicide; others have quietly died of starvation. I feel so indignant, knowing how the UK Government treated the Asians expelled from Uganda.......... with love, Morag

Reply: Re: Non-payment of pensions by Sean MacNally (22/03/06)

The petition is aimed not just at Zimbabwean Britons, but all Zimbabwean pensioners all over the world, and includes all pension funds that should have legitimately been paid, no matter what type of pension is applicable. As a point of correction, the man who started this petition served in the British Forces during WW2, then went out to Rhodesia immediately afterwards as a civilian. He is trying to address the plight of all Zimbabwean Pensioners. Incidentally he turns 84 next month. Please support him.

23. Govt Pensions Zimbabwe by Major T. Willoughby Retd (20/03/06)

Having served in the Regular Army for almost 22 years, my pension is worthless.

My service in the Regular Army began with The Federation of Rhodesia through to the formation of the Zimbabwean Army from 1961-1984. When Zimbabwe became Independent in 1980 myself and many other serving members remained in service as we were assured in a statement by Lord Soames, that if we did we would be looked after. As a result serving members in this situation are financially ruined and like myself, feel totally let down by Her Majesty's Government whom we where loyal to being the mother country. The rate of exchange makes my Majors pension laughable, and an insult to my years of service. We were part of the Commonwealth and should be treated accordingly. I feel very strongly that the British Government should be held accountable and make necessary arrangements for members in this situation to receive a more realistic pension for the years served.

24. Zim Pensions by T G C Yeomans (16/03/06)

25. Pension and Medical Aid Unpaid.

Desperately need money for medical purposes.

26. Pension by Pat (15/03/06)

My parents are in their 84th year now and haven't had their pension from Zim for over 8 years now. It's absolutely disgusting. My mother was working until last year to supplement their British pension. Why should this be allowed?

27. Flame Lily Foundation by John Redfern (14/03/06)

Please visit the Flame Lily Foundation's website www.flamelily.ws for details on what is being done to help Zimbabwe pensioners living in South Africa.

John Redfern
Hon. National Secretary
Flame Lily Foundation
PO Box 95474
0145 Waterkloof
South Africa


28. LAND IMPROVEMENTS by John Baldwin (14/03/06)

It's all very well the Government saying that the land is not ours to have but it is what is done with it that makes a clear indication of how future generations of land users can keep it fertile. This clearly has not been the case, and where buildings, sheds, dams and irrigation systems have been put in these have been allowed to deteriorate. Farmers invested life savings, taken out loans to construct these improvements and now that the bottom has fallen out of the system the lines of crediting farmers or bank loans repaid have all become a noose around the economy if it ever returns to a normal government and a IMF injection come into being. This we hope will be taken into consideration and the banks consulted as to legitimate cases and individual circumstances. The country doesn't only need a kick start but a long time with the choke on.

29. Zimbabwe Pension by Bev (14/03/06)

I hope you can support this petition.

30. Zim Pensions by Sharon Smith (14/03/06)

What happened to the Lancaster Agreement? It was a stipulation in the Lancaster Agreement that the Zimbabwe government should pay the pensions. Well they would have if they had the forex to send the pensions out to countries which pensioners had settled in. Now... if Britain was the one who said the pensions should be paid and Zimbabwe could not pay them... it is then Britain who should uphold that part of the agreement, is it not? I lost my wonderful young husband in that war and he was a British citizen living in Zim. We were married in Zim (Rhodesia at the time).Our son and daughter(she was born 6 weeks after he was killed in the bush war)had to grow up without their Daddy. Without any pension I can't even keep a bank account nowadays and don't have money to buy my 3 grandsons birthday presents. I could not have stayed in Zim so moved to South Africa as I knew the standard of education would drop and I could never have afforded the Zimbabwe private school fees for my two children on a pension. It's been a hard, hard struggle since my ZESC pension stopped about 4-5 years ago! If I was living in the UK, I would have had to go on the dole. What happened to the Lancaster Agreement?

31. widow compensation-government by Dulcie Bishop (13/03/06)

Zimbabwe government widow compensation(s) should be included in the petition. This petition should be sent to UK newspapers and Australian papers whilst the Queen is here in Australia for the commonwealth games?

32. Pension by S Weatherall (13/03/06)

Not paid for three years and living in UK on benefits. What a way to treat us.

33. War Vets by Tinks Bezuidenhout (13/03/06)

My Father, the late Harry Pohl, fought in the 2nd World war in Egypt and Italy for the British and my grandfather fought in the First WW and great Grandfather in the Boer War (for the British. I have had my farm (which was my life and my pension) "acquired" by Mugabe and my whole family scattered around the world. The British Gov. have swept us under the carpet in the same way that Mugabe swept his people off the streets. Britain has abandoned the "colonials" who came to her rescue in her darkest hour. Tony Blair is all that Mugabe calls him!!!

34. Pensions by Wilfred John Moseley-Greatwich (13/03/06)

I sold my house in Zimbabwe and invested it in Old Mutual. Since trillions of dollars are printed to pay the IMF ZIM currency is valueless. Do not cry over spilt milk and get on with your life. I can say that I live as a white man for 10 years when Ian Smith was in charge. The best 10 years of my live.

35. African problems by Betty Ashton (13/03/06)

I lived in Rhodesia since 1959 and Zimbabwe from 1980. If you hated Africa you should have returned to the UK before. I get my pension here and it would enable me to live comfortably in Zimbabwe but I cannot live without petrol and medical attention so I reluctantly stay in Britain.

I do agree that it is time the west woke up to the problems of Africa but how can you expect people in some areas to make the progress to democracy that has taken hundreds of years in Europe in the short period they have had to adjust? There are many brilliant Africans who who have brains better that ours but they go away as they have the sense to get out. Petition Britain to get you out and let them sort themselves out. And may it be soon - I would love to be back in Zimbabwe - in what is more home that here in Britain now.

My family has been broken apart but we are all well and grandchildren born in Zim would love to visit me if I were there. I hope that can happen before I die.

36. Zim Pensions by Patrick J E Hill (13/03/06)

No wonder I hate blacks and the weak knee approach of the British Govt

37. Zimbabwe- Africa by Toni Wolf (12/03/06)

Any country in Africa ruled by Blacks is corrupt, rife with Aids, Famine, Drought and Illnesses and this is all being laid at the feet of the Europeans. We did not cause this problem! When will the West wake up to what is actually happening in Africa?

38. Zimbabwe - The Example by Robert Winston-Burnett (08/03/06)

www.lulu.com.Nextagemission

Here we have classic examples as with Zimbabwe, where everything that is wrong with this world as compassion in many senses, has simply been allowed to evaporate and clear for all to see who are willing to open eyes!!

To have foregone all those efforts made by Rhodesian/Zimbabweans during two world wars (The largest voluntary numbers per-rata and as officially recorded in serving the Crown). Yet hard earned pensions are simply wiped gone as if never having existed, expired - disgraceful and a blight on a conscience.

Yes action is needed, please read a few facts about what is being done at:

http://www.lulu.com/Nextagemission and hopefully we can all start caring about injustices as this.

39. Pathetic Politicians by Don Blue (26/02/06)

Is it a prerequisite to entering politics in certain so called Western democracies that politicians now have to exhibit the ability to insert their heads so far up the portion of their anatomy that they are so obviously, constantly and intently focused on? Seems the obvious explanation for them ignoring this and the other catastrophes that have occurred and continue in Zimbabwe.

40. Zim Pensions by Kit Peters (01/02/06)

Hmmmmm.... my parents certainly lost out. So have millions of others, black & white. Accident of history, I think. But, Good Luck .... I'm all for justice - can't help thinking that millions of black Zimbos suffer much worse, and that the injustice dealt them is a heavier burden of suffering.

41. WOW! WAR ON WANT - PETITION by Robert Winston-Burnett (18/02/06)

WOW! THE PETITION:

http://www.gopetition.com.au/region/237/8009.html

Very well done to all those who have signed the PENSIONS PETITION. It is a total disgrace how those folk have been so badly let down and how many now virtually live hand to mouth.

Just as shameful, is how millions, upon millions now suffer daily in lands once titled 'THE BREAD BASKET OF AFRICA (RHODESIA). We should all keep the images and issues clearly to minds by joining hands and expressing deep, genuine concerns for lands and peoples now so blighted!

See http://www.lulu.com/Nextagemission for total motivations behind backing this winnable war, which in turn should help to further highlight just how those pensioners have also been so badly let down!

42. Pensions by Royand Gill Yorath (17/02/06)

We do not have rights to Zim pensions but will sign anyway

43. RHODESIA/ZIMBABWE by Linda (16/02/06)

re the Pensions -outrageous that all the Rhodies and Zims have been dumped by the Brits and the World. SO much emphasis is on the human rights of terrorists, what about our rights as human beings?

44. Pensions by Hilda Meiring (16/02/06)

Pensions are the property of the subscriber. Refusing to pay them out on the part of anyone, is theft.

45. Zimbabwe Pension by Gwyneth Cartwright (14/02/06)

At 95 years old, it is difficult to make out and pay the high nursing home fees on very limited resources. Family have to pay considerable shortfall which is also hard for them as ex-Rhodesian pensioners.

46. Zimbabwe pension by Jill Reeve-Johnson (14/02/06)

Zimbabwe pension (Falcon College via Old Mutual) not transferable to UK because no foreign currency available. Consequent financial constraints.

47. Zimbabwe Pension by Peter Anthony Cartwright (14/02/06)

Worked for Rhodesian Ministry of Education for 23 years. No pension since 2000 or medical aid since 1998. Facing considerable financial difficulties.

48. PENSION ENTITLEMENTS ZIMBABWE by HENRY MAYO (12/02/06)

It is inhuman and a deprivation of one's basic human rights to deny access to one's pension money

49. Zimbabwe Airforce Pension. by Peter R. Nisbet. (12/02/06)

After servicing 20 years of "Pensionable Service" in the Airforce under the Federal, Rhodesian and Zimbabwe Governments and having my pension guaranteed by the British Government under the Lancaster House Agreement in London, payment was stopped after February 2003, with no communications having been received in respect of this matter. It has been 36 months since I last received my monthly pension. My father served in the Royal Airforce in England during WWll and died in Zimbabwe in 1975. I am having to support an 81 year old mother and a handicapped sister aged 54 here in South Africa, as they had to leave Zimbabwe with no funds. I am forced to retire next year at age 63 by my Airline Employer and am not sure how I am going to exist without this pension.

50. Zimbabwe Pensions by A Poole (11/02/06)

Having lived in Zimbabwe for 34 years, paid into a pension scheme and now not getting a penny from it. This is appalling enough but what the world governments is allowing Mugabe to get away with is even worse.

51. Government Theft by John Wright (09/02/06)

My Father is 80 years old and still works in South Africa so that he can live. He and many like him fought in World War II for Great Britain and he worked really hard contributing his hard earned cash to his pension fund in Zimbabwe. Withholding his pension is nothing short of theft and Mugabe and his government should not be allowed to get away with it. My father and thousands of others are the sons and daughters of Great Britain and they served her well during the war and for many years thereafter. What is Mr. Blair and his government doing to try and help them?

52. Pensions by Don Walker (09/02/06)

What else can mugabe destroy or steal.

What good is the UN, Human rights or for that matter all the 1st world countries doing about letting this overt killer get away with murder. Act now.

53. Zim Pensions by Peter Winhall (09/02/06)

My elderly parents have not received a cent of their pension for more than three years despite follow up enquiries to the authorities in Harare

54. Zim.Gov. Pension by B.H.Williams (09/02/06)

I support the petition

55. Govt pension by E.M.Carew (09/02/06)

As the dollar devalued the deduction for my medical aid exceeded the monthly pension so I lost my medical cover, then the bank started charging more to process the pension payment than it was worth. Thus I am totally stymied.

56. Zimbabwe pensions by R Webster (08/02/06)

I am a former Government employee who drew my pension in Zimbabwe. After leaving the country I wrote the pension off because I believed that I would never receive it again. You have rightly identified the problem - the currency and therefore the pension is now worthless and has no value. Why bother except as a matter of principle unless we can receive the original value of the pension? i.e. linked to inflation since 1980!

57. Pensions office by Richard John Parsons (08/02/06)

In spite of several visits in person to the pensions office in Harare and a number of letters there has been absolutely no response of any kind.

58. Pension by N.R. Eskenazi (08/02/06)

Pensions long overdue

59. zim pensions by colin watson (08/02/06)

Thank you for your commitment to this cause. I have always wondered if this could go to the world court in the Hague? I was in Mozambique some years back and I know that the u.n. agencies and world bank would not discuss matters with Mozambique until the had made reparation to the Portuguese people that had their properties confiscated and stolen by Machel. I met a Portuguese lady whose father had been a lawyer in Beira-obviously people with means- and she drove me around showing the properties that had belonged to them and would be returned in a short while. If you get enough people together and each person sticks in 20.00 or whatever, maybe something could be done about that bastard mugabe. If I can help pse let me know. many thanks and good luck. colin watson vancouver canada.

60. What about the folks still there?? by Karen (08/02/06)

Hi all

My parents are still there. My Dad is 73 years old and Mom 71. My Dad has had 2 bi -Pass heart operations and the bottom line is if he does not work he does not eat. What does he have to do to enjoy old age like "normal" people in the world?. He has worked since he was 15 years old. If they did not want to pay the money to the Government to pay the old people there , then is it possible to set them up in a home with a pension with the right medical access in Britain perhaps where the money could be policed and not go into the Mugabe coffers. Someone needs to understand that only people born into "British" family heritage or folks that have married into British families from yesteryear have the opportunity to get into Britain. Can someone tell me how please he and my mother and countless others like them go about finding out how to obtain entry into England. Something has to be done. These old people are dying like flies. Having overseas organizations sponsor them when all these people want is a life with a bit of dignity and not an existence that is now for many a "never never". Can the English Government please help these oldies enjoy what time that they have left.
I hear what you are saying about the pensions. The Old people that are there should be a priority for the people who read this petition. I would be interested to see what anyone has as a solution to the old age problem in Zim.

61. No old age pension by Diedrik Venter (07/02/06)

I am 84 years young and I have lost count when last I received any pension money from Zimbabwe. I worked on the Railways for 30 years in Bulawayo and know of many more buddies that are in the same "boat". Please can someone help

62. pensions by Walton Edward (07/02/06)

I wish to sign the Petition re. My Govt. Pension that has not been paid

63. Zimbabwe pension by Chris Torpey (07/02/06)

64. Zimbabwe pension by Richard Jones (06/02/06)

Unable to send this petition on to other addressees, any idea what the problem could be?

65. Zimbabwe Pension by Dorinda Shaw (06/02/06)

Good luck with your petition

66. pensions petition by Tony Gibbs (06/02/06)

The Pensions must be paid and countries such as the UK owe a huge debt of gratitude to the people who achieved so much , took on so much , and lost so much , with so little in return !! It is an outrage that celebrities such as Bono from U2 thinks he is doing the nations such a favour when they are others who deserve far more for generations of effort and hard ship

67. PENSIONS PETITION by HAWGOOD (06/02/06)

ALL THE VERY BEST IN YOUR EFFORTS. PAMWE CHETE!!!

68. Pensions by G C Leach (06/02/06)

I am a workman’s compensation pensioner. I damaged my back in 1968 as a mechanic and had surgery in Rhodesia twice following the event. I was given a 70% disability pension. I haven’t seen a cheque for years. Those that I did receive about 12 years ago - the bank charges were more than the cheque. I have had to foot the bill for 2 more operations on my back at a cost of R140 000. Zimbabwe refused to assist with a penny. My letters go unanswered

69. Zim Pensions by Geoff leach (05/02/06)

lets make these rich Blokes feel bad....

Cut and Paste: Subject: Zimbabwe Pension Entitlements

WITHHELD PENSION ARREARS DO NOT DIE WITH THE PENSIONER. They remain a debt which can be claimed by his or her estate.

I am an 83 year old Zimbabwe pensioner, now living in Australia, and I urge you to sign this petition, which I have created for the benefit of my family and the families of Zimbabwe pensioners worldwide. Also because I am enraged by the silent and indifferent acceptance of our lost pensions.

Last year, the G8 countries cancelled 3.5 billion dollars of African debt: now they are discussing more billions to be given for reconstruction. A fraction of this money would settle all Zimbabwe pension entitlements.

With your support - A CLICK OF THE MOUSE ON THE PETITION - we can let the world know that if pensions are not honoured, we are all dishonoured and Human Rights are in the dustbin.

Mugabe is my age, he will soon be out. G8 and U.N. will be in, currency stabilized and pension entitlements paid in real money, if this petition succeeds.

70. Zimbabwian Pensions by Sharon (05/02/06)

Thought this may be of interest to you as an ex-Zimbabwian.

71. Zimbabwe pensions by Lynn (05/02/06)

For your information

72. Zimbabwe Pension by Mrs. Margaret Lowe (05/02/06)

It is good that a petition has been put forward as since I have not received my pension life as been rather difficult as I am 83 yrs and having to rely on help

73. Zimbabwe Pensioners by C. W. Stowe (04/02/06)

There are currently many Zimbabwe pensioners living in S. Africa who have received no payments (not even their original contributions) for many years.

74. Pensions by Michael Haig Simpson (04/02/06)

BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR ENDEVOUR TO GET UNPAID PENSIONS OUT OF THE BLACK GOVERMENT

75. Pension Entitlements by Mrs. I whincup (04/02/06)

A Total Disgrace is no a strong enough phrase to describe what the Pensioners and so many other are suffering in Zimbabwe and around the world. My late Dad did not receive his pension for years and if it had not been for my husband and myself supporting him he would have died years earlier. I might add he was an extremely proud man and it totally destroyed him that he had to rely on us for his keep. He had worked for over thirty years for a government dept and worked so hard to ensure he would have a secure retirement. What a JOKE!!!!!! Things are so bad and unreal in Zimbabwe it make a sane person wonder if the country has been taken over by aliens, as surely only someone so foreign to our world could treat people in such an unspeakable manner!!!
Please those of you with the power in the world to make this right do it now before it is too late.

76. Zimbabwe Pension Entitlement by Mrs. N.C. Sheridan (04/02/06)

We, the undersigned, earnestly and respectfully request that payment of pension entitlements to ex-residents of Zimbabwe be made a condition of any future aid procedures. These pensions are being withheld and are now open to confiscation; this is a grievous wrong begging for redress.

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe Pension Entitlement by Steven Lock (05/02/06)

We need the money to survive

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe Pension Entitlement by shayne kotze (05/02/06)

77. Pensions by Trevor Southey (04/02/06)

it is a tragedy that I saw my mother suffer to see a lifetime of working for security in old age, to see that disappear because of political madness.

78. Pensions by Andy Segar (04/02/06)

Ray,

Your are a Brave and determined man, keep up the good work, I am sure all Ex: Rhodies are proud of you. Good on yer!! Still visit family yearly when possible in Zim, but breaks your heart to see how it has changed. Best wishes to you in Sunny Aus!!

79. Agreement by Carol MacDonald (04/02/06)

What is Britain doing about these pensions - they were signatories to the Lancaster House Agreement which said that pensions would be honoured. Or was that just another lie?

Reply: Re: Agreement by Andy (04/02/06)

Britain sold us down the drain in 1980 and have showed no interest to those who had to leave and more importantly those who had to stay and pay the ultimate sacrifice. Maybe if we had Oil supplies in Matabeleland, it would be a different story.

Reply: Re: Agreement by Robert Plain (05/02/06)

Britain, America and other countries did not sell Rhodesia down the drain. What they did was far worse they plotted with Mugabe and his thugs so that the new electorate who were mainly illiterate to be vote for Mugabe on pain of severe punishment. Britain and others allowed this to happen and when the election was held the result was announced. It was a disgrace and an unfair election which is why Britain shipped the ballots papers to Britain to be destroyed. I don't blame the black voters. They had no choice and in any event Britain and their fellow plotters had already agreed who would become the new leader long before the mock election was held. It's high time that Britain owned up to their crime and put matters right by removing the Mugabe regime and allowing the people of Zimbabwe to install a liberal government that will rebuild Zimbabwe into the bread basket it was when it was lead by the White Rhodesians. Regarding the whites who have suffered financially they should be compensated at the exchange rate that applied at the time Britain gave in to Mugabe.

80. Zimbabwe Pensions by Jane Salthouse (04/02/06)

Lets hope this works, our families deserve all that is due to them.

81. Zimbabwe Pensions by Ken Swan (03/02/06)

All of today’s politicians, will, one day, be out of office. Ex politicians will one day have to rely on future politicians to perhaps help them in some way. The whole world is watching the actions of those in power today....Be classy and make the right decisions now, for us today and maybe you tomorrow.

82. me by me (03/02/06)

mev

83. Zimbabwe Pensions by Rosalie West nee Pohl (03/02/06)

I think it is so very sad, my parents who have lived and worked in Rhodesia all their lives are now dependants of their children. They have been accused by certain family members of living off their children but that is not the case. They did make provision for their old age but Robert Mugabe put a stop to that - it is not for us to judge this individual but he will be judged one day for what he has done. To my parents - Wally & Yvonne Pohl in Barberton, SA - remember we love you very very much and it is an honour to look after you now.

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe Pensions by Carol McCann (04/02/06)

Hello Rosalie, Everything that "man" has done to our wonderful country is criminal and as you say he will have to answer for it one day, but in the meantime we, as ex Rhodesians have to find a way to help those left behind who are totally helpless to leave their once great land. Don’t worry about what others say about helping parents/friends etc., we do it because we care and have not lost our humility. Take care. Carol.

84. Zimbabwe Pension by Brian Nesbit (02/02/06)

I hope and pray that something positive will be done for all Zimbabwean pensioners. Unfortunately, I do not hold out any real hope for us in this respect. Africa does not have a good track record in human rights so can we really expect them to be concerned for us pensioners.

We must all hope and pray that South Africa does not head down the same route as Zimbabwe, to stop this happening it will take real commitment from the government and people of all colours to ensure that this does not happen.

85. Former Zimbabwe Residents money still locked in Zimbabwe by Robert Plain (02/02/06)

I like many other former residents have money tied up in Zimbabwe and I would like to be able to move it to the UK at the rate of exchange that applied when I sold my last property in Harare. I think it's disgusting they way Mugabe has ruined what was a great country prior to RGM seizing power in 1980. Personally I feel that Britain and other Western Countries just gave Rhodesia to Mugabe at the expense of all the former and current residents and the countries who sold out to Mugabe should now be made to pay for their dishonesty by compensating those that have suffered as a result of what the British, American and other governments did.

Reply: Re: Former Zimbabwe Residents money still locked in Zimbabwe by Carol McCann (05/02/06)

Hello. I totally agree with you in all you have said and I too have posted a message (4th Jan.06) Not only does that evil "man" have to answer but so do all the countries and their Govt. There has got to be a way ! Thanks. Carol.

86. payment of Zimbabwe pensions by Cynthia Mclachlan. (02/02/06)

I am so happy that someone is trying to do something about Zimbabwe Pensions, my father spent many years of life in a job he didn't enjoy, and so did his four brothers, so that when he was older he would be independent with a pension, and then Mugabe happened, and no one has had a pension and I think that is shocking. Because of outside pressures we lost our country to a maniac and now NO ONE IS doing anything about it. The rest of the world is blind to what happened and to the misery caused to all the people there especially the black people. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS.

87. Zim Pension by Desiree Ellison (02/02/06)

I too am an 83 year old pensioner living in Australia - Perth. I've been here 23 years and have not had my pension paid for about 15 years. I am happy to join the petition.

88. Zimbabwe pensions by Cheryl Haxen (02/02/06)

I have signed the petition because I believe in justice and human rights. However I wonder if it is worth the energy to stress and battle over a few worthless cents. When we jumped the Good Ship "Mugabe" 5 years ago we abandoned our pension contributions from years of employment as being not worth the paper or emotional energy to retrieve. Recently I joined family still resident in Zimbabwe in the USA for a family occasion. My brother-in-law retired 6 years ago from Air Zim as a training captain after about 40 years service. While in the US the value of his pension fell from US$6 to US$4. Needless to say he is working again and there would be no point in fighting for this pittance if he were to migrate elsewhere. Zimbabweans/former Zimbabweans wherever they are need to accept that human rights and the rule of law NO LONGER EXIST in Zimbabwe- gone, over, no more--live with it. Mugabe personally will never be punished or suffer at all. He will die (probably happily in his sleep) as will we all and your grief and anger only means that he has stolen a bit of your happiness--- don't let him have any more of what remains in you. Those of us who are privileged enough to move away should move on, start again as best we can, and love every day of the remainder of our lives without allowing the vicious cancerous hatred of a foul dictator to settle in our minds and eat away any fragment of our wellbeing. Those who placed him in power are reaping the economic tragedy of his rule and are now living in a sewer along with the innocent who are so much worse off than any of us. There is no cavalry on its way to Zimbabwe or knight in shining armor coming to smite the evildoer. "so it's farewell sweet Caroline ,farewell Elizabeth, farewell gentle ladies of the old order. And farewell to your islands carved upon this continent, some England some France some Germany. Soon you will return to that dream across the sea, 'cause here there's no more honey left for tea' Orphans of the Empire" Johnny Clegg 1994

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe pensions by Carol McCann (05/02/06)

Hello Cheryl, I too have posted a message (Jan 4th) but although I agree with every word you have written I think we HAVE TO still have hope that someone somewhere a band of "brothers" if you like, will do what has to be done in order to save those poor souls left behind. We know we cannot count on world leaders as they just want what they can get and already taken. My family and I will never settle anywhere (been away 16 years) as we know of a better way of life and refuse to drop standards. We lived in a fantastic country and it’s no use trying to tell people about it as they do not want to know, just like the sad sorry world. Only people from that once great country know the true meaning of being a RHODESIAN/ZIMBABWEAN. Thanks. Carol.

89. Missing pension payments by C Bailey (02/02/06)

I, too, have received no pension payments for over 10 years.

90 Pensions by Lesley Strasser (02/02/06)

This is just another abuse of Human Rights and something that Britain more than anyone else needs to address. Zimbabwe is an embarrassment to the British Government and that is why they do and say nothing

91. Pensions by dawn (02/02/06)

I think it stinks that Mugabe can build a mansion of a retirement home, and then not pay people who have slogged their hearts out in the past to make Rhodesia what it was, for him to just take over and totally destroy!!! He needs to be destroyed, to stop a once beautiful resourceful country going to further wreck and ruin.

92. Railway Pensions by Roland Mauseth (02/02/06)

My father passed away on the 19th April 2004 and he had not been paid anything for so long and his letters were never answered, yet within a month of him passing away, as his executor I had a letter saying that it had been brought to their notice (condolences on his passing had been placed in a Zimbabwe Newspaper by an old friend)that he had passed away his pension was being stopped! I wrote back stating that he had not received anything for X time and guess what, no reply....

Reply: Re: Railway Pensions by Roland Mauseth (02/02/06)

oh yes he had been on the Railways over 36 years when he retired

93. Babwe Pension Petition by Rob Veronneau (02/02/06)

Petition, for what it's worth!

94. Estates by Adrienne Elliott (02/02/06)

Just a note. As the unpaid Zim pensions are part of your estates on death, the finalization of your Estate could be held up indefinitely by the non payment. Make sure your Wills are set up to cater for this. In Canada, I have made a Will excluding Zim assets from my Canadian Estate, and made a second "Zimbabwe only" will.

95. Zim Pensions by P. Wright (01/02/06)

My dad is also 83. He brought our family to Paraguay as refugees in '78 and still lives here. He had been receiving a pension from the Mine Worker's Pension Fund which he contributed to(he worked for about 20 years in the Gatooma (Kadoma) area). For a number of years now he hasn't been receiving his pension, which had dwindled down to almost nothing when he last received it. He isn't well and has to live off the stipend that we, his children, give him. Of course he resents having to do this, but he has no choice. It would be a terrible shame if all that he contributed to gets stolen with all the other blocked funds that have already been taken by that so-called "president".

96. Zim Pensions by Trevor Knoesen (01/02/06)

It is indeed disgraceful that the relevant world authorities cannot bring Zimbabwe to honour and support the aged in pension schemes that they have contributed to all their lives. This responsibility must be conditional to any further funding and support of future Governments. My mother-in-law is currently on the wrong end of this stick and we know full well the difficulties she faces.

97. ZIM UNPAID PENSIONS by EDWARD IONS (01/02/06)

Pensions in Zim must be index linked to the consumer price index due to the abuse of the currency by the Zim. Govt. This will ensure TRUE Value paid to pensioners of ALL races ! I am a pensions consultant.

98. Zimbabwe Pensions by M Evenson (01/02/06)

It is time someone did something about the outstanding pensions owing to so many Zimbabweans now living in other countries as well as those who are still living in Zimbabwe.

99. Pensions. by F. Smith (01/02/06)

The pensioners here have a really hard time to survive, especially the ones in their own homes.

100. Zim Pensions by Kit Peters (01/02/06)

Hmmmmm.... my parents certainly lost out. So have millions of others, black & white. Accident of history, I think. But, Good Luck .... I'm all for justice - can't help thinking that millions of black Zimbos suffer much worse, and that the injustice dealt them is a heavier burden of suffering.

101. Zimbabwe Pensions by Nicolas Jackson (01/02/06)

I sign the above petition

102. ZIM PENSIONS by John Willem Hayward (01/02/06)

I fully agree with your sentiments

103. zimbabwe petition by fi (01/02/06)

help the old people in zim get their pensions

104. interest on pensions 'on hold' by D Wilson (01/02/06)

pension monies 'on hold' should be escalated at the same rate as applied to the markets (otherwise the banks soak up the difference between this and 4%!!!)

105. Pensions by Andrew Sternslow (31/01/06)

Get hold of John Redfern of the Flame Lilly Foundation in Durban RSA. (Look for their website) To my knowledge, he is at the forefront of this subject on behalf of ex Zims in RSA and worldwide.

106. Zimbabwe Pensions by Warren Higgins (31/01/06)

My Godmother (89) has not received her late husbands railway pension for over 10 years, the reason given, yes you guessed it, no forex.

107. Small Cog by Roy Jackson (31/01/06)

Unfortunately you are white and basically and this is the way the blacks of zimbabwe are getting revenge. But they can't see the whole picture, as we know from dealings with them.

108. pensions by chris higginson (31/01/06)

sadly only those with Internet access and computers can sign and endorse here. Think of the other 99 per cent of all races who are not able to have their say. The worst tyrants of history only killed their victims, whereas mugabe has tortured them as well.

109. Robert Mugabe by Les Kaplan (31/01/06)

Someone should fry Mugabe and all his family, cronies and Government. This process should be done on live PayPerView Television at a charge of $10.00 per viewer and there would be billions of Dollars to be paid to all Zimbabwe Citizens who have been robbed of their livelihood, homes and businesses etc.

110. Zimbabwe by Adele (31/01/06)

Please sign!

111. Zimbabwe Pensions by Brian Hayes (31/01/06)

Aid is pouring into Zimbabwe and yet there are Pensioners around the world including myself who have not received a cent of their legitimate pensions. This is criminal - pensions must be paid. Pensioners are in dire straights.

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe Pensions by Derek de Kock (08/02/06)

I have not received my pension from Zimbabwe since 2002. I was in the Air Force for 25 years, paid 7.25% of my wages into the pension fund and now there is nothing.

112. The stupidity of Humans by daphne (31/01/06)

Corruption and lack of scruples goes hand with hand with stupidity. This is the reason that millions and millions of humans suffer and live at a state worse than my dog. Politics have nothing to do while dealing with APES like Mugabe who has destroyed a country , yet politicians shake his hands....

113. Lancaster House Pensions by John V (Aussie) AUSTIN (30/01/06)

The Lancaster House Agreement underwrote pension protection. Zimbabwe reneged years ago, whilst continuing to rape the fiscus for criminal partisan ends to this day. Any new international financial dispensation for Zimbabwe must rectify this anomaly that is robbing genuine Zimbabwean pensioners.

114. Petition by Earl Don (30/01/06)

The UN & AU must Kick mugabe out

Reply: Re: Petition by Nikki (31/01/06)

Why? what's in it for them? they'll never get involved and everyone knows that. he's going to retire in Zimbabwe in Borrowdale village with all his hench men with him!

115. from abba - zim by abba (30/01/06)

FYI

116. Zimbabwe Pensions by P Ford (30/01/06)

It would be great if there was a way that the Pensioners could be treated with respect.

117. Rhodesia/Zimbabwe Pension by Roger Capper 5936 (30/01/06)

After service in the BSA Police for 22 years, and in terms of the Lancaster House agreement, I retired from Police service on pension. I now reside in the USA and am now an American citizen. I have not received any pension payments from the Zimbabwe Government in +/- 2 years. I have not, and will not, give up any of my rights to this government obligation to its former civil servants, and expect the US government to assert my rights in any current and future dealings with the government of Zimbabwe.

Reply: Re: Rhodesia/Zimbabwe Pension by SAM McCRORIE (30/01/06)

I agree 100 % with Roger , a colleague for many years. WHEN , if ever , will the so called civilised western states see the writing on the wall not only I.R.O. Zimbabwe but of Africa and it's corrupt states in general !!!!!!.

Reply: Re: Rhodesia/Zimbabwe Pension by Chris Drake (30/01/06)

My step father was on the railways for many years my mother does not receive a pension any more. But I willing to bet that Robert Mugabe's henchmen are receiving pensions. Where is all the paid in, monies ??.

Tinker.

Reply: Re: Rhodesia/Zimbabwe Pension by Nikki (31/01/06)

Yea my folks worked hard and dad retired and his pension 3 years ago couldn't buy a small bottle of coke! they left

118. anarchy by Jeremy Davies (29/01/06)

Re-anarchy

119. anarchy as a choice? by Jeremy Davies (29/01/06)

If a leader chooses to oppress a country's people a potential state of anarchy is created and, as nothing bad ever remains forever, the situation comes to a head and heads roll!-Happy thoughts

120. mugabe by clive (29/01/06)

Kill the bastard

121. PETITION RE ZIMBABWE PENSIONS by David Cushworth (29/01/06)

I normally trash these kind of things, but since we support Pensioners in Zimbabwe each month this is a matter dear to our hearts. Please take time to sign this petition. Thanks. Cush

122. Loss of pension by Alan Stockton (27/01/06)

We value our independence but because no pension comes through we have to accept charity to be able to live. We also want relocate but cannot for the above-named reason.

123. International agreements regarding free payment of pensions by P Beaty (25/01/06)

There are a number of international agreements regarding the free payment of pensions earned in one country to pensioners living abroad. Zimbabwe is in breach of these, and such breach is a matter for the ICJ. Pensioners should contact their local Legal Aid societies/organisations and request information as to how to go about commencement of proceedings. Unless someone can find a lawyer who wants to take up the cudgels for free. There must be some children of Zimbabwe pensioners who are now in the legal profession and who would be willing to (each in turn) do a little pro-bono work? Devaluation of the Zim Dollar is, however, something that the courts cannot address. If Zim is allowed to get away with this now, then RSA will be next..........

124. Zimbabwe Pension by Darryl Burlin (25/01/06)

The silence is deafening as Mugabe keeps our pensions.

125. unpaid zim pensions by derek botton (25/01/06)

the south african pension underwriters such as SANLAM and Old Mutual must share the blame with the zim gov. They could have settled this matter by the use of their immense SA funds.

126. Police Pension by Douglas William Campbell Smith (25/01/06)

Last medical pension received in 1994. Have applied many times unsuccessfully. For what the Zim Dollar is worth today my pension will not even by a pint of beer today. It is still disgraceful how they were allowed to lapse in their payments to qualified person.

127. Zimbabwe Pensions by June Grace (24/01/06)

It is a disgrace, that the leading nations of the world, who are always shouting about human rights, choose to ignore the Zimbabwe pensioners plight.

128. online petitions by Bob Doy (24/01/06)

I have read that online petitions have no legal validity as they do not have a proper signature. Nevertheless, I have sent it on to three ex-Rhodesia friends

129. Inflation increases by Staf Knothe (23/01/06)

I hope that whatever is achieved (if anything),inflationary increases are included in any settlements agreed.

130. Pension by Maria Brunner (23/01/06)

My husband Rudolf Brunner died in 2001 and I have had endless problems trying to get some help regarding his pension. Letter, phone calls you name it I tried..but for nothing. I have almost given up as I don’t have the strength anymore.

131. Zimbabwe by Jeanette Smith (23/01/06)

Wish you all the best with this petition. My dad was in the Rhodesian Army for 22 years and they haven't received their pension for years now.

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe by P-Y. Maurel (24/01/06)

I am a War Victim pensioner and I have not received my small pension for more than 2 years. Does Victim's Compensation fall in the same category?

Reply: Re: Zimbabwe by stewart austin (30/01/06)

our lives weren’t that important anyway, not to Britain at least!

132. living without my investment return by audrey (23/01/06)

I have been in canada since 1977 after leaving Rhodesia. my deceased husband paid in to the pension plan for may years and I have applied to the zimbabwe government time and again but to no avail. if there is any other way to obtain what is justly mine I will do it. Thank you for all your efforts in this regard. I look forward to hearing more on this issue. your

audrey gibbons

133. ZIMBABWE PENSIONS by R Bushby (23/01/06)

I have not had my pension since June 2001 and have not even had the decency of a reply to the Old Mutual or Standard Bank. Old Mutual says they paid all the monies to the bank but it does not show up on the statements received to date. Emails, letter and even telephone calls have fallen on deaf ears. Please someone, do something!

134. Pension by Basil Burne (22/01/06)

I strongly support his petition

135. Zimbabwe Pensions by Laura Bannister (22/01/06)

Do the right thing and forward to as many people as you can.

136.Pension Entitlements by Terry Bruce (Mrs) (22/01/06)

Oh what a wonderful thing it would be if indeed, the pension payments were to be paid out. My mom was receiving my dad's pension who had been a Civil Servant for some 20 odd years, due to the fact that this was no longer coming through, my husband and I were supplementing her income to the same amount. We are no longer in the same country that she is, and so obviously we have not been able to assist her in this area, due to Forex Exchange in SA. This as you can imagine has been a big burden and concern for us. It would be through divine intervention that they start to be paid out again. Good Luck and God Bless to you and yours

137. Zimbabwe pensions by Caroline (20/01/06)

The apathy of the so-called developed nations must not be allowed to win in this worthwhile cause. I pray that all who are supporting this petition will find other ways also to apply pressure on politicians who can and should do something constructive about ending the theft.

138. Non-payment Pensions by Gordon Cormack (19/01/06)

I have not been paid my pension for 40 months and have great difficulty in finding employment. I have had no sensible reply from either the South African or the British Governments.

139. pensions by Ken Gull (16/01/06)

Do the right thing, enough bad has been done already

140. The Old and Frail by S MacNally (16/12/05)

It is always the old and frail who are taken advantage of. I support the requirement that pensioners should receive the proper entitlements they are due, after having worked hard all their lives to acquire them.

141. Zimbabwe Pension by Louis Landau (14/12/05)

I strongly support Ray Billington's efforts to force the Zimbabwe government to obey international law and pay pensions to all people who are entitled to them, where ever they might live.

142. Payment of Zimbabwe Pension Entitlements by Urs Kreuter (14/12/05)

Lack of pension payments for which pensioners made contributions during their working life is against all norms of human rights and an outrage! Pensioners in Zimbabwe are literally starving to death because of the corrupt regime currently in power.

143. Zimbabwe Pensions by RB Billington (11/12/05)

If the United Nations become involved, the Zimbabwe currency will have to be stabilized and pensions then may be worth something! Most pensions die with their owners, but arrears do not. Please notify your friends of this petition.

9. Petition Signatories