Charlal's Journal

The Joina City Building

2011-12-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Harare's Africa Unity Square

2011-12-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

Zimbabwe's wounds are far from healed

2011-05-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Holding back Tears, Tonderai Ndira's brother

Heal Zimbabwe held a memorial service for the victims of the June 2008 pre and post elections violence at the Dutch reformed church located at corner Samora Mache and LeopoldTakawaira avenue in Harare on 6 April 2011.

The Memorial service brought together Church Pastors, Government, civil society and family members of those who where killed during that period. The memorial service which was organised by Heal Zimbabwe ran under the theme , “Blessed are the peace makers”, Matthew 5 vs 9. The church took a central role in spreading a message of peace, hope forgiveness and justice. Pastor Magaya who led the sermon, lamented at the propagandist murmurings of politicians on the contentious role of the church in politics, where the President is on record saying that the church has no place in politics, and that their political dealings would attract political reactions . He said that politicians always say that the church has no place in politics in order escape any form of rebuke on their misdeeds from the clergy. He argued that the church and politics are inseparable, and used the story of Ezekiel in the bible to support his position.

Hon. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai who was also present at the service decried Zimbabwe’s endemic culture of impunity where perpetrators of violence have been and are going unpunished. He said that there are victims of violence all over Zimbabwe Including bodies of Tonderai Ndira and others. “There are graves in Matebeleland and Midlands of innocent victims of meaningless genocide and we all wonder whether the current exhumations will spread to that part of the country as well” said Tsvangirai. We are angry because perpetrators are walking Scott - free, Joseph Mwale the alleged culprit in the gruesome murder in of Tichaona chiminya and Talent Mabika in the year 2000 is still an employ of the state. Mwale is a living example of a culture of impunity that has afflicted this country which is a testimony of the failure of the justice delivery system, said the Prime Minister.

Close relatives of the deceased struggled to hold back tears as they gave chilling accounts of how their loved ones disappeared, the state they were in their death, what they died for and how the families they left behind were eking out a living without any assistance from the people whom they worked with. Some of the children left behind by the deceased have had to drop out of school.

The service was held in memory of Abigail chiroto, Cain Nyeve, Better Chukuruma ,Godfrey Kauzani, and Tonderai Ndira who are among the estimated 200 people killed during the violent prone June 2008 runoff election, another moment of madness in Zimbabwe’s history.

In an act of remembrance, the whole congregation led by the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his Deputy lit candles while Pastor Magaya led in prayer. Unveiling of tombstones was conducted at warren hills cemetery where the deceased are laid to rest.

The memorial come against a backdrop where the organ on healing and national reconciliation has failed to do anything tangible with regards to fostering healing national and reconciliation that they are so wrongly named after. Recent attacks on civil society organisation epitomised by the arrest of Crisis coalition Director Macdonald Lewanika and the harassment of Mr Abel Chikomo, the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum resulted in the convening of a press conference by civil society. In their joint statement, civil society organisations called upon the police and all other state agents to stop attacking the messenger and to start attending to the message.

By Charles Saki

Harare West Celebrates World Environment Day

2010-06-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Residents Marching during 5 June World Environment Day Celebrations in New Marlborough

Kelstone park residents celebrated the world environmental day on 5 June 2010, under the theme of this year‘s celebrations was ‘Many species, one planet, one future-care and share, special focus was placed on the need to conserve and desist from acts that causes global warming. The international host for this year’s celebrations was Rwanda where the country is pursuing a green economy.

In attendance were ward 41 councilor Charity Bango, Andrew Nyadzayo from the city of Harare’s Health Department, and Mrs. Mudzingwa an environmental consultant.
The celebrations which were organized by Kellstone park youths kicked off with a march from corner Makereke and Katsande to Luvuma which had 20 people holding placards with various messages and three cars, and refuse truck.

Kellstone park cleanup campaign is an initiative by the youths we wanted to create a platform for socio-economic development through a clean, healthy and conducive environment, said Admire Karasi Director Kelstone Park Cleanup Campaign.

In a speech read by Charity Bango Councilor for ward 41 on the behalf of Minister Environment and Natural Resources, the Minister said, ‘”as we celebrate this day let us consider carefully the actions each of us must take, and then address ourselves to our common task of preserving all life on earth for our common future. Zimbabwe’s Involvement in regional and multi-lateral environmental agreements such as the SADC Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law Enforcement, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species(CITES) and Convention on Biological diversity indicates our efforts as a nation in safeguarding our green planet.”

Speaking at the same occasion Mr. Nyadzayo said that, residents had an obligation to make sure that they live in a healthy environment, dumping waste causes a lot of diseases for example houseflies and rats cause a lot of deadly diseases and he advised residents against dumping waste because they risk facing arrest.

Waste comes from the environment and we are dumping waste in that same environment, what we do not know is that waste is money and we are throwing away many recyclable materials, paper, bottles, empty container are all recyclable, said Mrs Mudzingwa.
She added that there is need to conduct more research in waste management because there is a lot that we can get from it example organic manure is very conducive for vegetable farming.

Addressing Marlborough red roofs residents Councilor Bango said that it’s going to take time before council can provide trucks to clean up these dump sites in the meantime we should do something because we are the people who littered the area in the first place.

A resident who only identified himself as Mr. Bvute said that, there should be consistency in collecting of garbage, accumulation of waste will stop and there will no longer be any new dump sites. Residents should be assured of service if they pay the rates.

Kelstone Park Youths in Massive Clean Up Campaign

2010-06-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

‘We do not need a recycling plant to properly manage our waste’

Marlborough youths have undertaken a voluntary cleanup campaign in the Red roofs Section where they are clearing dumpsites through Garbage selection and recycling, the programme which started less than three months ago has been well received by residents and is being supported by the Muvhuti family and Councillor for ward 41Charity Bango. The area is the most densely populated in the ward hence there are many dumpsites and currently there are six youths who are working on the dumpsite.

Councillor Bango said,” our aim is to absorb unemployed youths in the programme and we intend to officially launch it, so that the community takes part. The youths are selecting garbage, separating all the material that can be recycled from the non-recyclable material. We have been approached by a lot of people who are willing to buy some items which can be recycled said Admire a founding member of Kelstone Cleanup campaign. The rubble from the dumps can be used to fill in potholes or as backfill for foundations and the compost manure anyone who wishes to use it for their gardens and lawns are very welcome.

We have not yet found use for the tin and other metal objects but we will take them for recycling. The youths who are working without any pay let alone any protective clothing, appealed to the residents and the business community for assistance with boots and overalls. As we slowly clear the dumpsites we appeal to the community to help as form of appreciation as they are property owners and if they could donate towards the property can send their representatives to join the cleanup campaign if owners themselves cannot join said councillor Charity Bango. Our plan is to give each house hold at least three bins so that they separate their trash added Charity Bango who was speaking in her capacity as a community member and supporter. Some of the residents who pass by have been handing over donations to the volunteers and we received 80 plastic bin bags from one well wisher.

Tasungurwa Ringirisa, one the founding members of kellstone park, “said the love of a clean environment drove me to clean up this area we can’t afford to have another cholera outbreak. In the garbage we found harmful objects like used injections which is very unfortunate because children play near these dumpsites”
Our goal is to ensure our environment is clean, pursuant of that goal we would like to teach residents that they can select their garbage, and encourage the practice on a national scale so as to lessen our carbon foot print.

The community is showing high levels of carelessness by dumping garbage in the streets this is compounded by the fact that the city of Harare has not been providing residents with plastic bins and they had not announced the days on which they collect the garbage until recently.

City of Harare’s refuse collection departments has started collecting garbage in most suburbs in Harare but they have not yet started clearing dumpsites in Harare west and other areas. According to the schedule, garbage is collected on Saturday in the red roofs area, Civic center and Rosedale road bounded by Lomagundi road in the south.

MDC-T Makes it's Constitutional talking points known

2010-06-14T04:33:00.000-07:00

The stop start constitution making process is gaining steam with the outreach meetings set to commence on the 15th of June 2010. Article 6 of the global political agreement envisages that a constitutional review process to should be undertaken through a select committee of parliament, it goes on to say that the process should be owned and driven by the people, it must be inclusive and democratic.

Addressing supporters at a rally held at the Civic centre in Marlborough on Sunday 6 May 2010, Obert Gutu, Senator for Chisipiti Senatorial constituency said that a constitution is the foundation, it is the supreme law of the land and everyone should take part in its formulation.

He said that there would be at least one meeting per ward and notices of venues, time and dates will be made through the radio and newspapers.

Senator Gutu urged residents to come in their numbers to the outreach meetings, “The constitution making process is an MDC initiative and we should take, he added.
He said that, the land reform was done the first bus stops on the MDC-T roadmap and that the Now Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was the first to talk about land reform in 2000. The MDC does not want to return farms to the whites but we are against a scenario where certain individuals can own more than one farm. We therefore call for the inclusion of a Land Commission in the constitution.

The office of the Attorney General, should an Independent Prosecuting Authority, this ensures that the office of the Attorney General operates without fear favour.
Also speaking at the same occasion Jessie Majome Deputy Minister of Justice and legal Affairs and House of Assembly representative for Harare west, dwelt on the need for the constitutional reforms that guarantee the holding of free and fair elections.

She said that, “The voters roll should not be a secret because it is the public’s names that are contained therein, all citizens should have access to the voters roll”. Through the constitutional reform we can adopt a better electoral system and in our case a mixed system is more appealing.
We want a mixed system, the senate seats should be distributed through proportional representation and the house of assembly should use first past the post.

She also spoke about the need for independent commissions, the Human rights Commission, the Gender Commission, the children’s Commission, the land Commission, anti-Corruption Commission and the Development Commission.

MP Majome said that we want devolution of power because it allows local Authorities to be independent from the central government, “our current constitution does not recognize local government should be recognized in government.

She said that Marlborough Primary School would be the probable location for the outreach meeting and no one should come clad in their political regalia. The Deputy Minister who is also a member of the Parliamentary select committee (COPAC) said, that we will be asking you questions from 17 thematic areas. She added that people are allowed to attend several meetings and submissions made in writing are also admissible.

Media Self Regulation Is The Way To Go.

2010-02-25T23:07:00.000-08:00

By Charles Saki

It would have been absurd and grossly disturbing for Journalists to celebrate the gazetting of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) a creature similar to the notorious Media and Information Commission (MIC) responsible for paralyzing the county’s once vibrant independent media. Does it have the capacity to bring any meaningful reforms to the country’s battered media industry, Media personnel opt to offer their allegiance to Voluntary Media Council (VMC) a more representative self regulatory body.
Media Commissions epitomizes government control exercised through licensing of journalist and media house something which is undesirable for media practitioners and activists globally. If left to its own means, the body would be able to bring meaningful change but it is crystal clear that the delays in appointing and constituting this body were politically fuelled. This brings to the fore the issue of Independence which should underline the establishment of such bodies. The nomination process was shrouded in obscurity and the aspect of transparency is debatable.
VMCZ is a self regulatory body established by independent Journalist for the sole purpose minimizing political emasculation of the profession and ensuring accountability and professionalism. Media activists have been clamoring for Self regulation as the panacea for the attainment of a diverse, pluralistic, free and independent media environment where freedom of expression prospers. That is the reason why there has not been much anticipation and excitement in the wake of the announcement of ZMC.
Registration of Media house should be scrapped instead they should be registered in the same manner as any other business entity. It is the issue of registration which precipitated in the banning of the Daily news in 2003 and it is still unpopular now as it was then. Nothing much has changed, this new body is charged with the same functions as those of its predecessor.
ZMC has no journalistic or public interests at the foci of its agenda, because it was not established by Journalists the public but by politicians and is in actual fact a parallel structure to a self regulatory body established by the scribes. The agenda of ZMC has been widely viewed by media experts as to control and not to regulate the media, it is there to control and not to enhance.
Whether this ZMC manages to bring reforms or not may not be the most pressing issue but who it does it represent. It certainly does not represent journalists because there was no sector wide consultation in its constitution and the law which establishes it has been a point of contention with the later advocating for its repealing. Sanity will only prevail when and if media self regulation is recognized and supported by the state.

New constitution resolving the past ills for posterity’s sake

2010-02-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

‘Once one has been deprived of freedom it takes quite a while to give those same freedoms to others .If one has never enjoyed access to all freedoms, one sometimes doesn’t even know one is impeding those of others. This is made worse in a society like ours, where the older you are, the more you tend to say, ‘you listen to me”, Everisto Mwatse, Zimbabwe People’s Army (ZIPA) Commissar (1975-1977).

No disrespect intended but I do not entirely agree with Mr Mwatse’s assertion especially in cases where people clamour for different rights, for example the right to free expression. All the noise made during the lobbying process should reveal the degree of seriousness inherent in such a demand even to someone who been denied that freedom all his life. However, I acknowledge the ramifications a of such a scenario on a national scale, it bears witness to a culture of repression and impunity in Zimbabwe. Having originated from the colonial rule this type of rule is authoritarian and purports to be benevolent. Controlling public opinion in spite of ballooning disillusionment is it at foci of their agenda to consolidate political power, it’s almost if they believe they have a divine right to the throne. Disturbingly it has become a vicious cycle which has to be broken by the ushering in of a new constitution.

Nelson Mandela was detained for 27 years but he did deny South Africans their fundamental freedoms but embraced a new democratic order which the Soweto Students’ Representative Council’s (SSRC) Action Committee had clamoured for, some to the death. Doing so would have been inhuman and quite absurd since the man himself at the hands of a repressive establishment. Lo and behold it is not so for my beloved Zimbabwe, she has been weeping far too long. Avaricious politicians have been draining all her strength and placing her children under virtual bondage. When this National charter has been fully crafted, Public Order and Security Act together with its amendments, little sister and brothers should have vacated from the statute books.

Faced with a rising nationalist movement, the Rhodesian front adopted the Law and Maintenance Order Act (LOMA) in 1960. It placed very tight restrictions on rights to association, free speech and communication and criminalised many forms of normal political activity, such as criticising government policies. Many civic organisations were forced underground and media organisations like, the African Daily News, Central African Examiner and Moto among others were silenced. This ensured the regime a strangle hold on power. The most disturbing thing is the Lancaster House Constitution of 1979 did not do anything to seek redress to the impact of such laws. Furthermore the ZANU-PF government confronted with rising discontent from I999 “Christened” LOMA to Public Order and Security Act (POSA) in January 2002.

Sadly the repercussions have been widely felt by the absence of Government public accountability, no to little democratic participation in decision making which directly affects the general populace , evils like elitism, corruption and prejudice have been allowed to take root in our body politic. Not even a sound constitution can solve our ills without having to first deal with the problems which emanate from the abuse of power which is supported by these unconstitutional and repressive laws.

Broadcasting Services Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act have succeeded in closing the media space electronic and print alike. In 2003, Zimbabwe’s only independent daily; the Daily News shut shop after succumbing to the jaws of the monstrous Media Information Commission (MIC).

Under this draconian piece of legislation enables the police to intimidate harass and torture real and perceived enemies. Opposing or different views are not tolerated as well as debate and participation in decision-making, which are key for democracy to take root in government. Dissent is criminalised and national security is used to deny people’s fundamental rights. It is a shame that the legacy of the Rhodesian front (RF) lives on through POSA after 30 years of independence. Surviving two constitution and two regimes, its continued existence is not based on its merits but demerits. The time has come to scrap such laws from the book and replace them with internationally endorsed democratic principles.

History keeps on repeating itself where a people become so optimistic and all their hopes only to be dashed when the change they some much envisaged does not materialise. Fear is instilled in those who question the status quo and that’s the least they can hope for. It’s that phobia which has become inherent in our society and it has undermined our transition to democracy and economic development. Political and economic power has been so much concentrated in the hands of a few who in turn use it for their own advantage. A one party state policy was adopted by ZANU-PF the then ruling party in 1980 as it sought to consolidate its hold on power and with an ever present threat from apartheid South Africa. Just like the Rhodesian regime before them, ZANU-PF moved in to control the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Zimpapers and the news agency Zimbabwe Inter -Africa News Agency (ZIANA). This ensured that they continued control public opinion and elude public scrutiny, denying the masses a voice in matters which affect them.

Life is a right and should not be arbitrarily taken away because I chose to support another party, I voted for it, campaigned for it or I simply made my voice heard. And without shame they hold a megaphone declaring to the world, there is freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe. Taking or threatening to take ones like also restricts their freedom and right to life. Zimbabwe has seen so many unwarranted deaths at the hands of politicians who express no remorse and whatsoever. All they do is make elite pacts after genocide has been committed. Cases in point would be the Gukurahundi purges 1982-87and the 27 June 2008 election violence. A defacto amnesty has been declared on the perpetrators of these evils as the victims suffer irredeemable loss. Have we not set a bad precedent for ourselves for children and generations after them? If amnesty be granted in both cases let it be done an authentic fashion. Our Constitution must hinder genocide and prescribe befitting sanctions to such kind of behaviour for posterity’s sake.

The last decade has been dubbed the lost decade, come to think of it who really suffered in all this other than the so-called Born Frees. It’s a generation not of heroes but of young Zimbabweans, the future and hope of this country lies in them. If only a sound constitution had been put in place instead of the Lancaster compromise agreement the shadow of Rhodesia should have paved way for the sun’s rays 30 years ago.

Proper institutions which cater for public, participation and accountability should be set up. Because if they aren’t set up, it does not matter who is in power even I could seek to emasculate popular will through their use and abuse. So the cycle does not easily stop, the reason is power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Today we struggle together tomorrow we struggle against you.

The replication and duplication of repressive legislation in Zimbabwe bears witness to the constitutional crises that has paralysed an emerging multi-party democracy. It will continue to fester if no sound constitutional changes are made for a better tomorrow. Taking stock of happenings in our political landscape, a sound constitution might still be a pie in the sky.

We are likely to end up with the same archaic laws. However, with all things being equal, change can come through new constitution accommodates international standards on freedom of expression such as the Declaration of Windhoek (1991), the African Charter on Broadcasting and the Johannesburg principle on national security, freedom of expression and accesses to information and the Declaration of Human Rights. Religiously abiding and following the dictates and tenets of the constitution would then ensure a semblance of freedom for a better tomorrow.

THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN CONSTITUTION MAKING

2010-01-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

It has been said many a time that, the media is a mirror in which society sees itself in, its weaknesses and strengths are reflected therein. Making the media both an ally and a foe, however this discourse seeks to address the role that the media should be and would be playing in the drafting of a new national charter- the supreme law of the land. Without a participatory process, constitution making is doomed to fail. Government excesses are only kept in check by a free and independent media. Extensive consultation, publicity and education around both process and content of the constitution are key in constitution making for the purposes of legitimacy.

Due to the political polarisation and disillusionment in Zimbabwe over the years the media has been focusing so much on political tensions a phenomenon which still persists. Resultantly a lot of media coverage reflected the acrimonious relation between political parties and their supporters thus leaving grey areas with regards to informing and educating the public in as far the constitution is concerned.

There has been a lot of hype about the Kariba draft and it’s unpopularity but nothing much has been done to raise public awareness on the importance of the constitution, constitutionalism and the constitution making process. It is also undeniable that the media was victorious against ZANU PF‘s mission to foist the afore mentioned constitutional draft on the people.Our mainstream media is not producing programmes dedicated to various themes of the constitution, many people are not even aware of the Bill of Rights is despite having one of the best literacy rates in Africa.

Radio is a powerful media especially here, where many people have access to the medium any other.However, it is not being put to good use hence an ignorant majority, denied information by their government. The State which controls radio stations should allow programmes on the constitution and stimulate debate. Allowing phone in programmes, where people can send letters, emails and short message service (SMS) for contributions and feedback.

Educational and informational campaigns would be a piece of cake if conducted through radio programmes , an audience for a single radio programme of 30 minutes can be millions, such is the power of the medium. Therefore such programmes can reduce the strenuous workload on the Parliamentary select committee which will not reach out to many people because they will be uniformed so they will have nothing to talk about.

A website must be launched by the select committee; they should also have a toll free number and an email address so that they get in touch with the people and gather more views without a face to face interaction. Talk constitution, a website launched by civil society to deliberate on the constitutional review process, is development is a step in the right direction and should be emulated.

Zimbabwe is now at the consultative stage of the constitution making process this is a crucial juncture and due diligence must be observed with utmost regard to educating and soliciting views from the general public. Garbage in garbage out, if nothing is done in good time the document will lack credibility and constituency. 65 days earmarked for public consultation is a very short time frame and this therefore means that the media can play messiah if allowed to.

In Zambia the government stated that the constitutional making process cannot be rushed and should be open ended. While in Zimbabwe’s scenario there has not been sufficient time allotted to the process hence the need for the extensive use of news media and other forms of communication.

South Africa took six years consulting it’s populace using various means of communication such as public seminars or hearings, where people would be taught as well as allowed to air their views. The interim and final constitution were printed in all 11 languages and given to the people. According to Human Sciences Research Council the majority in that country new about the constitution.

Billboards should stare at you at every turn, with various messages targeted at an array of themes. Television advertisements, current affairs programmes and newspapers should allow experts to discuss problematic areas and offers insight in the same. Flyers should be distributed even to the information starved rural folk in all vernacular languages. Majority of Zimbabweans can be reached if all this is done and with the help of 628 individuals from Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution (COPAC). Local information offices and centers should be established to provide an access point where information sessions and soliciting of public views takes place.

Rwanda, in 2003 constitution making process made extensive use of seminars, workshops, public meetings, and questionnaires as part of the participatory approach to drafting its new constitution. Questionnaires on contentious issues constitutional issues like Land and special interests groups should be drafted and published to the people.

The sole aim of a airtight media campaign in constitution making is to allow the people to take part and they should by virtue of being the major stakeholders in the whole process. Political emasculation is only avoided by public participation which in turn is only realised through a vigorous media campaign. Everything about the process is political, hence the process remains political if the people are reduced to less than spectators and rubber stampers to the whims of political parties.

Zimbabwe Media Commission, the newly constituted body should now stretch it’s muscle if it has any and open up the media space as a matter of urgency at the eleventh hour of our country’ s constitutional review process.
Since the right to a free press and the media is not explicitly enshrined in our current constitution, the media should lobby for its own rights under a democratic dispensation those are prerequisites for an open and free media.
The media’s role is equally important as that of the public’s participation in constitution making, they work hand in glove. So get the word out anyway and anyhow you like.

MDC-T SHOULD PUT IT'S HOUSE IN ORDER

2010-01-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

MDC-T’s ideology of real change, transparency and accountability came under the spotlight after an article in the Zimbabwe Independent named three of its ministers in a graft probe, Energy and Power Development Minister Elias Mudzuri, co-Home Affairs Minister Giles Mutsekwa and Mines Deputy Minister Murisi Zwizwai in today’s edition of the Zimbabwe Independent .As a follow up to a story published in Zimbabwe Independent on the 8th of January under the headline MDC-T probes corrupt ministers. MDC-T spokesperson Hon Nelson Chamisa repudiated the story at an impromptu press conference, describing it as malicious and mendacious.
Corruption has become endemic in the MDC-T , its entire United Kingdom Provincial executive was suspended for alleged financial irregularities as well as its South African and the British branches Back home the dismissal of Israel Marange, MDC-T Chitungwiza mayor after revelations that he and his councillors were hoarding stands and taking kick backs.
They undertook an in-house anti-corruption drive which is now threatening the party’s fabric and credibility but not as much as turning a blind eye would. Of late the “party of excellence” has been able to demonstrate that they are a corrupt bunch par excellence, and this is quite disappointing because they promised to raise the bar compared to their ZANU PF counterparts. Their foundation is premised on government accountability, democracy and good governance which they have been trying to live up to until this Friday when they denied and concealed the details of the developing story in the independent.
The denunciation was an attack on the integrity of the Press in Zimbabwe because it appeared as if the whole article was unfounded and lacked credible sources. This could be so from the vantage point of someone naïve and parochial and not to the inquisitive mind, which scrutinizes and does not take anything at face value. It is common knowledge that journalists often protect their sources that sometimes prefer not to be named however; this does not mean that they consulted “ghostly’ sources. It is disturbing to take note of the fact that the Honorable Minister did confirm the report in an article on the 8th of January in the edition of the same paper, that spell out details of an ongoing investigation involving three Ministers several councilors and legislators.
From such a stand point the naming of the three did not go down well with the MDC-T and they sought a quick fix. Who then are the three ministers under probe and which committee is probing them if not the already existing one led by Honorable Mashakada? MDC-T’S oscillation portrays their departure from the truth for political reasons or other best known to them but one thing is for sure, the corruption tide threatens to bring the party to its knees, as the axe falls on senior members in the party. Critics and esteemed scholars are of the view that if there was no case against the afore mention three, the MDC would not have called for a press conferences but they would have issued a press statement. They further argue that when a press conference is called something is terribly wrong or when there is an announcement to be made not a mere response to media reports such as this one. It is common knowledge that ZANU PF is corrupt but as it stands now the MDC has had its fair share of scandals and this has ballooned because of its policy of investigating and punishing stray members. This is something which their competition has not been doing leaving the party exposed to too much scrutiny. Departing from this policy is more deadly than allowing it to develop and administer it equitably; this makes them no different from their comrades from ZANU PF. Contrary to what Chamisa said, they are indeed some sacred cows in MDC-T if investigated party’s image would suffer tremendously. The denial of the article’s contents shows that there are some serious implications on certain individuals and the party emanating from the report. It is sad to watch the party which has brought so much hope for change succumbing to corruption to the extent of departing from its policy of transparency and accountability. They are not the opposite of ZANU PF but a high breed which has democratic tendencies that makes them politicians and not leaders, we expect from them is to punish the perpetrators rather than attacking the Zimbabwe Independent.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD WITHOUT THE GNU?

2009-10-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwe's decade long political economic crisis which was succumbing to the GNU is set get a new lease of life with breakdown of the unity government.What the future holds for the country is sketchy but certainly unpleasant.

The global economic crisis which is coming to an end but at a slower pace than when it came. While Zimbabwe has had a decade long economic recession with the last economic growth having been recorded in 1997. Developed nations where the crisis originated from have been using bail outs and other means to rescue the world economy.However, back home nothing much has been done and although it centers on policy shift as opposed to bail outs.The provisions of the Short term emergency recovery programme, issues like the respect for property rights, and the rule of law have not been fully implemented to the detriment of a quick economic recovery.

As the world financial crisis comes to a close the world has learnt some lessons and will never be the same again , hopefully as a country and a people we have learnt not only from the repercussions of the world economic crisis but form our own.

Inflation was pegged at 231 150 888 as of December 2008 and some sources claim it to have higher.

Production in virtually all sectors of the economy was at an all time low, there a negative real gross domestic product of -14 per cent according to International Monitory Fund estimate in 2008.

This is in sharp contrast to most African countries which experienced a 4,8 per cent growth rate , attributed to sustained macroeconomic policies.

With the introduction of the multi-currency system the country’s economic fortunes have been looking brighter than ever, there is more confidence and viability brought about by much stable currencies. Inflation created speculation and an unpredictable pricing regime which militated against business.

Month on month inflation of august was reduced to a single digit of 0.4 per cent.

Some local products brands have been resurfacing on supermarkets shelves as evidence to the effects the dollarization of the economy, however local industry still operates under 35 per cent capacity utilisation.

Mining is one of the most important sectors in Zimbabwe and according to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai , the sector could attract up to us$16 billion.

Success in the mining sector could lay a foundation for the country rebirth , since the sector supports energy and manufacturing sectors which are also key to economic revival furthermore investors are keen to see what would happen in this sector before they can trickle in.

Policy change might be the unlocking key for investors into Zimbabwe’s economy starting with mining.

Over 400 foreign investors attended an investment indaba organised by the ministry of mines, their sole aim was to get more understanding on the indigenisation policies in Zimbabwe and the risk posed to their possible operations.

The conference presented a chance for policy makers and investors to interface.

Many prospective investors dreaded the mines and minerals act which stipulated that the local were entitled to 51 percent in foreign owned companies, this was part of the government ‘s indigenisation and empowerment policy.

New legislation which is investor friendly is said to be on the cards with the reviewing of the mines and minerals act.

It is quite disturbing that recovery for the country’s economy is very possible but the political fortunes are bleak. The repercussion of which will see sluggish economic growth or possible back sliding.

Necessary reforms enunciated in the Global political agreement have not been made and those instituted are piecemeal and cosmetic to the detriment of the country’s economic rebirth.

Meanwhile, the Movement for Democratic Change has started to protest at ZANU PF ‘s intransigency with regards to the full implementation of the year old GPA.

Disengagement has been the latest weapon in MDC’S arsenal and this has raised a lot of fears about imminent collapse of this compromise government. On all facets of life the collapse of the GPA breeds fear and uncertainty for the future.

Fresh elections will have to be called for and it’s sad that constitutionally the one who has this is Mugabe, so it’s up to him.

The resultant election likely to be worse than the June 27 one, since Zanu pf has been unrepentant and is not prepared for leave power, not even in a government of national unity. However such a move on the part of Zanu pf would be ill-advised because their government will encounter legitimacy problems at a time when international co-operation is critical for recovery.

Employment is still soaring at above 80 per cent and services delivery is still poor. This therefore means the situation is still fragile for a government which lacks the political will to be more accountable to the governed.

REHABILITATION A NEGLECTED ESSENTIAL

2009-09-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Releasing some prisoners was a noble idea considering the situation in the "correctional" facilities in Zimbabwe.It is a good development that Mugabe has finally come to view the situation for what it truely is catastrophic.Hopefully he will be reasonable enough to make some changes which are selfless and lubricate the democratic wheel. However, the most disturbing fact is that the state concentrates on punishing and not rehabilitation.Hence,chances are high that the pardoned will commit more crimes because society is not ready to receive them or they are not ready for society as it were. I wish them well, because some of them they are coming back to a world different from the one they left, fitting in maybe a gargantuan task.
A lot has to be done with regards to rehabilitating convicted persons.

WHY AFRICA IS NOT TREATED AS AN EQUAL

2009-09-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

AFRICA DOES NOT NEED INFINITE AID
by charles saki

GLOBALISATION has made embracing principles of , democracy and the rule of law pre-requisites for economic social development,the world is now a village where events in one country can triger a chain reaction in others. Africa is always found wanting with regards to upholding these moral standards , resultantly the continent is poorer and wicker in the midst of abundance.

Aid for Africa, credit facilities and structural adjustment programmes have done more harm than good , the reason being that, continent is immersed in corruption, misappropriation of funds ,conflict and repressive governments to the extent that even aid earmarked for the fight against Aids is lost in transit to the intended beneficiary. This is alleged to have happened in Zimbabwe, where the central bank used the money for funding the ruling state's terror campaigns in the runup to violent june 2008 Presidential elections.

Blood diamonds have left scars on the land and people , Sierra Leone is a classic example where the former Liberian President Charles Taylor funded rebels using diamond accrued wealth. He is currently under trial at the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity , torture ,rape and cannibalism.

Sierra Leone , despite being rich in diamonds, it is one of world’s poorest countries.

With so much resources the continent remains under the shackles of poverty , contributing only about 4 per cent of global trade , it accounts for 50 per cent of the world’s diamond and gold reserves, 80 per cent of the platinum among other numerous resources.

In his historic address to Africa in Ghana, Obama had this to say, “ The west is not responsible for the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy over the last decade or in wars which children are enlisted as combatants.”

His words are a direct reaction to some of the continent’s all time accusations always laying blame on past wrongs as they eliminate the prospect of a future for the younger generations.

Colonialism, and neo-colonialism are soft targets for unwarranted attacks by autocratic regimes in Sub-Saharan Africa shifting the blame away from their own shortcomings and their illicit ways which are at the centre of the continent’s economic blues.

No wonder why the continent has less representation in international bodies where economic muscle determines the balance of power and for there to be parity development should reign. Trying to fight an ideological war with the west on Imperialism is futile when African governments act as masters and not servants to their own people.

Change can only come when the whole of Africa embraces democracy , fights corruption , improve literacy, wipe out conflicts and encourage more tangible unity. What happens in Zimbabwe can encourage or discourage economic growth in Africa and the region by straining service delivery in the latter and other problems like the recent xenophobic attacks.

Africa owes it to herself when it comes to development, ironically aid and international financing has been entrenching poverty trapping people in a debt spiral where a lot of money is lost through debt servicing.

Economic growth for Africa means there will be a corresponding growth in terms of representation and recognition on the world stage where the continent will not only be treated as an equal but may become even greater .

With a rich resource base ,Africa has the edge ,strength will be drawn from stability, good governance and democracy ensuring that the continent attracts the much needed foreign direct investment and sustained economic growth.

Africa must step up and be counted ,embracing the principles of democracy as the first crucial step in that journey, development is measured in what you commonly share, in terms of skills, products and services which are universally sought after.