Violence & Deportation Demonstration 21.03.11

Fed up of the turbulent political situation in Zimbabwe, hordes of anti-government demonstrators today gathered at the South African High Commission in central London to protest against President Robert Mugabe’s continued iron fisted rule.

In a petition addressed to the South African President Jacob Zuma, the protestors demanded;

1.      “That the violence perpetrated by ZANU PF against the opposition stops,

2.      That the Global Political Agreement be implemented in full,

3.      That the constitutional process is completed and,

4.      That the voters roll is overhauled under the oversight of an independent commission.”

As the South African High Commission was closed today due to the demonstration, the signed petition will be presented to the ambassador on Tuesday 22^nd, 2011.

Last month has seen a “renewed sense of siege mood in the country, arbitrary arrests, crackdown on democratic forces and the culture of impunity." A group of academics were arrested and thrown in jail for watching videos of the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia and six of them including Munyaradzi Gwisai, were slapped with a treason charge which carries a death penalty. 

Another petition was sent to Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, the current chair of the SADC protocol on Politics, Defence and Security, imploring him to take President Mugabe to task and ensure, with immediate effect, an end to“…attack on the leadership of MDC and Human Rights activists… and the immediate withdrawal of all security forces from the communal areas.”

    

The third petition was a request to the Hon. Damien Green, Minister of Immigration to “defer deportations” citing intensified harassment of MDC supporters and members by the brutal regime of President Robert Mugabe. The document asks the minister to “directly engage with the leadership of legitimate …opposition parties based in the UK & Ireland in a bid to establish the correct political situation currently prevailing” in Zimbabwe.

Emily Madamombe, the Provincial Chair nominee, vehemently urged the protestors to say “NO” to the deportations. She noted the UK government’s lack of consultation of Zimbabwean nationals in the UK & Ireland prior to endorsing the decision to resume deportations and the failing GPA and SADC.

Otilia Chiwashira, Interim Chair for Women’s Assembly reminded the protesters not to concede to defeat easily. “Revolution is a process”, she said. “We have been here before (SA High Commission), and we will continue to come here until change is effected in Zimbabwe”.

The MDC UK’s Interim Organising Secretary Jeff Sango said: “We realise that the situation in Zimbabwe is not getting any better. We thought the government of national unity was going to change things, but we see an escalation where Mugabe and ZANU PF are very keen on not having a proper road map and free and fair elections in Zimbabwe.”

Joao Ernesto Matandirani
Branch Secretary
MDC Southend Hausunde

Southend-On-Sea Branch Elections Held on 13 February 2011

MDC Southend New War Cabinet

The Southend on Sea branch elections held on 13 February 2011 at St Helen’s Church. The meeting had an impressive turnout of observers so the venue had to be changed to a larger one that could accommodate everyone. The Outgoing Chairman, Stanford Biti opened by apologising for the late start caused by the venue change. He gave a stirring discourse on the outcome of the elections going either you would win or you would lose but the fundamental truth was that we would not cease to be MDC members. He stressed that voters should vote for only the committed.  There were only six members of the outgoing committee present. It was sad to note that other members of the committee left their posts after regularising their stay in the United Kingdom. The attendance was extraordinary, present were Provincial Representatives, South East District Representatives and South East Branch Chairpersons. The Interim District Chairperson, Mr Matambanadzo explained that the purpose of the elections was for the setting up of a war cabinet to get rid of the despot Gabriel Robert Mugabe. After 31years of authoritarian rule it was time to get serious about getting Mugabe out of power. He echoed Mr Biti’s sentiments that the people to be elected must be dedicated to the liberation of Zimbabwe. There were grunts of agreement throughout the room.

The New  Branch Committee (War Cabinet) for Southend On Sea is:  

Branch Chairperson: Stanford Biti

Vice Chairperson:  Jameson Mashakada     

                       

Branch Secretary: Joao Matandirani

                       

Organising Secretary: Charles Dhliwayo

                                   

Treasurer: Vincent Mashakada

                                   

Women’s Chairperson: Ottilia Guvamombe

                                   

Youth Chairperson: Lyna Mutambanuki

                                   

Committee Members: Angelbert Munjanja, Emily Madamombe  & Patrick Nyamwanza  

After the results of the polls were announced and the process was declared free and fair Mr Matambanadzo then proudly presented the new “War Cabinet” for Southend-On-Sea to much jubilation and cheering. It was clear to those who attended that the entire branch was satisfied with the results that had been achieved.All the Provincial representatives in attendance then congratulated the newly appointed Branch Committee aka The “War Cabinet” for Southend-On-Sea thus:

Tonderayi Samanyanga proudly congratulated Southend-On-Sea branch for being organised and knowing exactly what we wanted.

Jeff Sango took the opportunity to lament the existence of corruption in the party. On a positive note he encouraged the committee members to focus on action over talk.

Suzett Kwenda the Portfolio Secretary for International Affairs warmly congratulated the War Cabinet. She enthused about the reception she had been given by the branch and its leaders.

The returning Chairperson, Stanford Biti enthused that what the branch had achieved was amazing; to thunderous applause. All the members of the new Southend on Sea branch committee made a pledge to work for the advancement of the Party. The excitement and expectation in the air was almost palpable. The entire process was untainted, organised and conducted in a spirit of political maturity.  The War Cabinet chairperson, Mr. Stanford Biti adjourned the meeting at 2115hrs. There was much feasting and celebration after the official proceedings. There were congratulations all round. Oh how the spirits of democracy, unity and progress must have danced the night away!

Audrey Charowa
MDC Southend Hausunde

Zimbabwe Weekly Headlines 18th February 2011

“Mwonzora and 24 Villagers Arrested and Detained In Nyanga”

The MDC-T MP for Nyanga North and COPAC co-chairperson, Douglas Mwonzora, is being detained at Nyamaropa police station, after being arrested outside Parliament on Tuesday, for allegedly instigating violence during a rally he addressed in his constituency over the weekend.

He denies the charges and instead accuses his ZANU PF opponent, Hurbert Nyanhongo, of storming his rally, something the MDC supporters ‘resisted’.

Consequently 24 villagers, all MDC activists, were arrested and are still detained at Nyanga Police Station where military and security operatives are interrogating them. ZANU PF militias have mounted a 24-hour watch of the station in a bid to beat up and arrest anyone intending to supply the detainees with food.

Among the 24 MDC supporters detained are two elderly villagers, 75 year-old Evangelista Machirita and 84 year-old Headman Nyakahuru. Both are reportedly frail and Nyakauru’s glasses are said to have been destroyed when ZANU PF militia manhandled him during his ‘arrest.’

None of the detainees appeared in court towards the end of the week and no explanation was given for their continued illegal detention.

“EU Upholds Sanctions on ZANU PF Officials”

 The European Union (EU) extended the targeted sanctions on Robert Mugabe and his ZANU PF party officials for another twelve months while 35 of them were scrapped off the list.

25 individuals and 36 companies with suspected links to human rights abuses were added to a list of those already banned from the bloc. Assets of the firms, companies that the EU considers support Robert Mugabe's government, will be frozen. These companies are "…Zimbabwe-based but registered in Europe, they are used by the regime to channel money out of the country".

Robert Mugabe and his associates were slapped with travel restrictions by the EU in 2002 after allegations of human rights abuses and lack of rule of law, after a disputed violent Presidential election.

“Chihuri Summoned”

Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has been summoned to appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs over the latest increase in political violence in Harare and other parts of the country.
Chihuri is expected to brief the committee on the police force’s failure to quell the violence that convulsed Harare and Chitungwiza two weeks ago. He is also expected to answer to allegations of police brutality and their alliance with ZANU PF. With great concern, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs chairman, Paul Madzore said, “…incidents of violence have been rampant in the country and we wonder what the police are doing to curb the violence. We want citizens of Zimbabwe to feel that they are being protected by the police force. That is why we are calling the Police Commissioner-General to appear before the committee”. Mr. Madzore added that the committee planned to visit different provinces in the country to conduct public hearings where people would be given a chance to air their views on violence.

“Gulf Complex Marauding ZANU PF Thugs Given Bail”

Eight ZANU PF vagrants who were arraigned to Harare magistrate court on Monday last week facing allegations of looting goods owned by foreign nationals at the Gulf Complex shops where on Tuesday granted bail by the presiding magistrate Mr Don Ndirowei.

The state immediately invoked section 121 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act which allows seven days to appeal against a court ruling.

Brian Matonga (27), Joachim Mabukwa (24), David Vanhuvaone (22) Daniel Mapfunde (19), Prince Nyandoro (18), Givemore Mpofu (18), Tawanda Chingwena (18) and Peter Meki (18), will now have to stay in remand prison until the lapse of seven days when the Supreme Court is expected to have made a ruling on their bail.

The eight stunned the court when they revealed that they received orders from Zanu (PF) bosses to attack foreigners and that the violence ‘was systematically coordinated from the party’s Harare provincial offices at 4th Street’. They also indicated that the real looters or criminals in the whole saga had been deliberately left out of the state papers by the police as they were party bosses. They said they had been promised some shops in the city most of which are owned by Nigerian nationals because Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, had failed to take sides with President Mugabe at the recent AU summit that was held in Ethiopia.

“ZANU PF Seize Control Of Miss Zimbabwe 2011”

This year’s Miss Zimbabwe beauty contest was a flop because of Zanu PF’s meddling.  

Senior political and security officials scrambled to honour the winners of the event which was delayed by nearly three hours as organisers waited for the arrival of “guests” who were to crown the winners. The “guests” of the show were Minister of State and Security in the President’s office, Sydney Sekeramayi; Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Empowerment, Savior Kasukuwere; Minister of Tourism and Hospitality,Walter Mzembi; Senate President, Edna Madzongwe and Harare Resident Minister David Karimanzira.

Finally, accompanied by a uniformed security personnel, Malaika Mushandu was crowned Miss Zimbabwe early hours of Sunday. Instead of utilising the eight beauty queens from African countries present at the event, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority decided to use politicians.

Joao Matandirani
Branch  Secretary
MDC Southend Hausunde

Zimbabwe Weekly Headlines February 11th, 2011

Political violence escalates in urban areas

Five MDC activists were badly injured after they were assaulted by Zanu PF thugs in Mbare at Carter house. The five: Patrick Mufuka (34), Charles Magurira (38), Edson Muneka (31), Godfrey Mutowo (38) and Francis Kadigo had to seek medical attention at a Harare hospital. According to the five, Zanu PF youths, abusing young boys of between 14 and 17 years, moved around the Mbare fresh fruit produce market uprooting known MDC activist and leading them to Carter House where they were assaulted. The MDC has condemned these actions as barbaric and unproductive to an ailing nation which sought real change.

MDC’s Theresa Makone, the Home Affairs Minister, demanded an urgent meeting with her colleague, Kembo Mohadi, Police Commissioner – General Augustine Chihuri and other senior police chiefs on the rising wave of lawlessness in country. “I am very concerned about the spate of selective arrests, violence and a climate of intolerance that is threatening to throw us back to where we were before the MDC stabilized the country through our entry into government,” she said.  She added that “there must be some dark forces lurking in the woods, clamoring for a return to a failed state status – a situation where there is no accountability and decency within the usually law-abiding communities of our beloved country. They must be flushed out as a matter of urgency. The people have had enough of violence and intimidation and want to leave in peace.” Armed riot police arrested hundreds of internally displaced MDC members who had sought refuge at a church in Glen Norah. The displaced families, mainly from Mbare, had their homes and property looted by ZANU PF youths. MDC members who reported the disturbances at Mbare Police Station were arrested. Some of those arrested are women and children as young as two weeks.

Foreign-owned businesses attacked in Harare

Hundreds of supporters of President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party demonstrated against foreign owned businesses in Harare this week. They waved placards denouncing foreigners for “controlling and destroying” the economy. The unrest was sparked by a car parking contract which was awarded to a South African.

Property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed. The police have reported that only eight people alleged to have looted goods from the businesses were arrested. Nigerians, Indians, Tanzanians and Chinese were among those who lost property, including mobile phones, electrical goods and clothing.Economist Eric Bloch said the continuing rise of violence in the streets of the capital is discouraging foreign investors. “There is no way that Zimbabwe can have meaningful foreign direct investment when we have such violent activities,” he said.

Zanu PF must stop abusing hapless youths

MDC Information & Publicity Department issued this statement in response to a wave of ZANU PF’s orchestrated violence 

“The MDC strongly condemns Zanu PF’s barbaric behaviour which reached a climax in Harare as the party’s youths tried to invade and loot businesses in Harare. Nowhere has an economy been driven through lawlessness and a casual destruction of the little that exists as a way of mass empowerment. The MDC was surprised to learn that the police earlier sanctioned such demonstration and deliberately did nothing to protect innocent business people from Zanu PF’s wanton attacks and a subsequent looting spree that followed the disturbances. In the recent past, we have noticed a disconcerting practice within certain political sections of our community which seek to promote lawlessness under the guise of Zanu PF’s indigenization dream. The recent invasions at Lake Chivero are in case in point. The MDC believes that it is criminal to abuse young people and turn them into criminals for political gains. Zimbabwe’s youths must be inspired to nurture values of tolerance as they represent the future. For that reason, the MDC maintains its position against brainwashing the youths into murderers and killing machines in pursuit of a tired Zanu PF political dream. In a new Zimbabwe, our youths shall claim their place as the vanguard of society and creators of the nation’s wealth through a glut of opportunities and jobs. The country is fast moving towards the end of an uncertain period of almost two generations of Zimbabweans who have suffered the most from Zanu PF tyranny and a crisis of governance. That period has seen the majority’s hopes and aspirations dashed and pushed millions into the Diaspora for food, economic freedom and political security. As a force of darkness, Zanu Pf loathes a society where accountability, the rule of law and a Constitutional order anchor the nation’s desire for peace, security and good governance. In all the cases in which they abuse the youths, the Zanu PF elite quickly move in to feather its nests, forcing them back into perpetual penury. No holistic reforms can be meaningful when they are implemented in a haphazard approach. Politics, economics and public security must be integrated for total transformation to be felt by all. Emotional, politically induced and insincere empowerment programmes that fail to extend a people’s entrance to sustainable development will never address the critical needs of the youths. What is needed is a holistic approach to economic recovery so that real jobs are created in agriculture; in mining; in tourism; in manufacturing and in commerce and industry.”

Zanu PF Takes Politics To Schools

An agonized sense of fear swept across the education fraternity this week as ZANU PF’s youths took their terror into schools. Headmasters were ordered to set aside at least two days a week for lessons about the liberation struggle. A headmaster, whose identity is withheld, said "we have been asked to teach for three days and the other two days we must teach children about Zanu PF and the liberation war". Education, Art, Sports and culture Minister David Coltart has condemned Zanu PF’s invasion of schools. “I have said consistently that schools should not be political battle grounds, in any form or fashion that is why I put bans on any political party using schools for political rallies," he said. The rowdy youths are also demanding US$1.00 from headmasters, teachers and pupils for Robert Mugabe’s 87th birthday. Vendors at Mbare and Mupedzanhamo were also ordered to contribute US$1.00 each for the President’s birthday bash. No diamonds money for civil servants:  Biti The Finance Minister and MDC-T Secretary General, Tendai Biti, has announced that the treasury has not received any money from diamond sales, despite President Mugabe’s promise to give civil servants a US$250 million windfall. Mr. Biti said “diamonds are being sold but there is no accountability. We are not getting anything.” Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu has attributed Biti’s statements to a   complete bag of lies and added that he has ”…a written letter from Biti saying he had received the money”. However, Mpofu refused to show the supposed letter to the journalist. Civil servants earn an average of US$200.00 a month but statistics show that a family of five needs at least US$502.00 a month to survive in Zimbabwe.
	Play ZANU PF songs, minibuses and Taxis ordered

It emerged this week that taxi drivers and commuter omnibus crews were ordered by ‘rank marshals’ who manage traffic at bus terminals to play ZANU PF songs in their vehicles and to always display the Zimbabwe flag, if they want to continue picking up passengers at the bus terminals. This is ZANU PF’s latest strategy to reach MDC’s youthful supporters. The new ZANU PF album produced by Sani Makalima and music by the Born Free Crew were among the many songs recommended for continuous airplay.

Joao Matandirani MDC Southend Hausunde

Zimbabwe Weekly Headlines February 4th, 2011

President Robert Mugabe has publicly stated last week that elections will be held this year with or without a new constitution. He added that he has the constitutional right to dissolve Parliament and call for fresh polls.

THE Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), whose national executive met last weekend, has passed a resolution to the effect that the party will not contest any national election before the adoption of a new constitution. The party also demanded that there should be a clear roadmap on the polls after the adoption of the new constitution to replace the current compromise Lancaster House document.

……….

National Oil Company of Zimbabwe (Noczim) last week had their entire cash resources seized by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) due to default in payment of fuel importation duties and other imports. With the seizure of its funds, Noczim was unable to effect payment for the petroleum which it had purchased, which petroleum was in tanks at Beira, in Mozambique, pending forwarding to Zimbabwe through the Beira Corridor pipeline.  As a result, a fuel shortage in Zimbabwe was imminent, with a major scarcity already prevailing in Harare.

Bearing in mind that Noczim is a government parastatal, and that Zimra is government’s revenue collection vehicle, I wonder what steps the government will take to prevent the wheels of the economy from coming to a complete halt.

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To many senior government officials in ZANU PF, the violent and chaotic land reform programme presented a perfect opportunity for them to get rich overnight.  They descended upon the most viable agricultural enterprises across the country like hungry vultures and devoured the assets. But today, the farms are ruined and without their equipment which was either sold or lay broken in the fertile agricultural soils. And consequently, the nation’s economy has crumbled to its knees.
It emerged last week that ZANU PF officials operating as the so-called Masvingo Initiative intend to seize a number of private preserves belonging to Germans, including the Save Valley Conservancy Trust.
A mob of about 150 seized Lake Chivero Recreational Park, Kumba Shiri resort, and several other sites around the lake, forbidding guests and employees from leaving.
Robert Mugabe's nephew, Patrick Zhuwao, has claimed responsibility for the invasions. Ironically, the invasions occurred while Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi was at a conference in Spain where he branded Zimbabwe ‘the world of wonders’.

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Traditional leaders and soldiers are being used by ZANU PF to force villagers in remote areas of Zimbabwe to sign a ZANU PF ‘anti-sanctions’ petition. The campaign is an attempt by ZANU PF to get more than a million signatures on a petition against the targeted restrictions that were placed on Robert Mugabe and his close allies by the E.U., the U.K. and the United States.  The petition shall then be handed to Western ambassadors for onward transmission to their capitals.

“Ticha gura maoko nemazino,” meaning ‘we shall be breaking hands and teeth’, was the chilling message sent out to villagers of Rusape, Gokwe and Masvingo province who fail to sign the document. If ZANU PF is so desperate to have sanctions removed, the simple and cost effective way of achieving this is by employing democratic principles that they vowed to when they took over power from the Rhodesian government.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has held an urgent meeting with Robert Mugabe to discuss escalating violence perpetrated by ZANU PF militia on MDC structures. The Prime Minister, who is under severe pressure from his party colleagues who are demanding protection,  is angered by  the way the police are selectively applying the law. As usual, Robert Mugabe denied planning the violence and shouldered the blame on mischief makers.

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It seems that convicted serial rapist Madzibaba Godfrey Nzira,  a self proclaimed prophet and ZANU PF supporter,  was pardoned and released from jail by Robert Mugabe in order to start a campaign to coerce members of the Apostolic sect to rally behind ZANU PF.  The convict, originally sentenced to 20 years, only served 7 years of that sentence.

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Zanu (PF) youths popularly known as Chipangano have this week visited vendors in Mbare demanding President Mugabe's birthday donations of $1.00 and voter registration receipts for the forthcoming referendum to choose a new constitution for Zimbabwe. The President turns 87 on the 26^th of this month.

Joao Matandirani
MDC Southend Hausunde

Should Zimbabwe Pin Hope on African Union?

The birth of African Union (AU) in 2002 was motivated from the futility of the then Organisation of African Union (OAU) in addressing crises in many African states including Rwanda, Somali and DRC.

Since many African countries had tarnished and dented the image of the total African good through abuse of territorial and political sovereignty, the main task of the AU was to therefore ensure that individuality of states would not continue to be abused and exploited to exasperate citizens against the common tirade of the continental good.
Surprisingly, the AU has once again left the Zimbabwe crisis off its agenda at an annual summit of leaders in Ethiopia, despite Zimbabwe’s crumbling unity government, intensified violence across the country and looming elections which Robert Mugabe can call at any time. Secretary to the AU Commission, Ambassador Jean Mfasoni said “Zimbabwe is not going to be discussed because it is now calm and these days there is no more fear that the situation would degenerate into a crisis. Now it is not a time for action.” AU’s main focus is Ivory Coast and Tunisia instead. Mr Mfasoni, when will Zimbabwe crisis become more pressing if AU failed to act when the country experienced unprecedented human rights abuses before and after the 2008 elections? Instead of waiting for a crisis to unfold again, why not put in place now preemptive measures which will ensure a transparent election process and protection of the electorate? 
As Ambassador Jean Mfasoni gave a lame excuse for turning a blind eye on Zimbabwe at the summit, dozens of MDC supporters were seriously injured in a wave of violence that saw ZANU PF youth militia run amok in Harare surburbs. MDC Budiriro youth treasurer, William Makuwari, was shot in the leg and heavily assaulted by the thugs. As recent as last week, the MDC secretary-general, Tendai Biti, warned the world that Zimbabwe could face a “bloodbath” at elections this year as “the tell-tale signs are already there….” The situation is reminiscent of the pre-election fever in 2008, a poll that left hundreds of opposition supporters dead, tens of thousands beaten and hundreds of thousands displaced. There is already widespread fear that this situation will repeat itself if elections are called soon.
Just in case the AU does not clearly understand what the people of Zimbabwe are asking from them, below are some of the essential conditions to be implemented if a crisis is to be avoided in the country;
·      “conduct independent investigations to establish whether the necessary conditions exist, and the environment is conducive to holding transparent, free and fair elections, before a new poll can be called. Fresh elections should, therefore, only be announced after the AU and SADC have cleared them
·      push for key reforms that must be undertaken ahead of fresh elections which include the establishment of a new democratic constitution, media freedoms, an up-to-date voters’ roll, an adequately resourced, independent and impartial electoral management body, and mechanisms to prevent violence and intimidation before, during and after elections
·      ensure that Zimbabwe enforces constitutional civilian control over the army and the security forces to prevent interference with electoral processes and to ensure democratic transfer of power
·      ensure that SADC supervises fresh Zimbabwe elections which the AU and other international groups vigorously observe and monitor. Deployment of election monitors should be at least six months before elections with monitors remaining on the ground at least three months after the elections
·      provide technical, administrative and other assistance to Zimbabwe aimed at developing and strengthening its electoral institutions and processes”.
If the AU can implement the above on all African nations, Africa would be a much better place to live and the AU can boastfully host summits with interesting themes as “Towards Greater Unity and Integration through Shared Values”, as they would be very appropriate indeed.

Joao Matandirani

MDC Southend Hausunde