ZimEye:ZEC Boss Dies ‘In Mysterious Circumstances’

A cloud of mystery hangs over the sudden death of a senior Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) official, Mr. Shupikai Mashereni whose departure came barely a week after demanding his dues for his service in ZEC. It is alleged that he began pestering a named official from the ministry of State Security for a farm measuring 70 hectares that he had been promised soon after the 2013 Zimbabwe elections.

Click here and read the rest of story by Audrey Charowa

ZimEye: Audrey Charowa

Click here and read the latest news from MDC Southend On Sea cadre, Audrey Charowa

Angelbert Munjanja

Blog/Webmaster

MDC Southend Branch

MDC Cadres in UK Welcome Hon. Thabitha Khumalo.

It was all smiles, hugs and handshakes as three of the most vibrant branches in the UK, Southend on Sea, Oxford and Luton welcomed the MP of Bulawayo East Honourable Thabitha Khumalo at Gatwick Airport. She was glad to see members showing smiles and courage to go ahead fighting for a better Zimbabwe even after what happened in the July 31^st election which was marred by many irregularities, which members described as a hard blow to the party as whole.

 All along it has been put across that the spokesman for MDC Douglas Mwonzora was also coming, it was a surprise to see Honourable Thabitha Khumalo on her own, The reason for him not coming was cited as internal issues..

However, the Member of Parliament for Bulawayo east said since she managed to come it’s time to meet the members of the party in the diaspora and discuss some standing issues and way forward (tomorrow) Saturday 2 November 2013 at the Oxford Dinner dance. She did emphasize that there is need for all structures to work hard to improve the internal issues in the structures.

THE ARRIVAL OF HONOURABLE THABITHA KHUMALO  IN PICTURES

Smiles ,hug and handshakes as MP Khumalo arrives

.Maidei Ali,Charles Dliwayo,MP,Natalia

Randen   

The MP and the women's wing,

Abie Mphahlo,Maidei Ali, Shiellah Sibanda, MPKhumalo, Pattty

Murwira,Natalia Nanden

MP Khumalo and the youth leaders 

Maidei Ali and Mgcini Dlodlo

Members of the 3 branches Southend on Sea,Oxford and Luton

Crispen Chamburuka, Patty  Murwira,Brigton Madhanga,.Abel Kamwendo, MP Khumalo,Charles Dliwayo, Natalia Randen Maidei Ali

Honourable MP Thabitha Khumalo

 Shiellah Sibanda Treasurer  of Southend on Sea.

Oxford Treasurer Natalia Randen,

Luton chair Suzzate k and 

Honourable Thabitha Khumalo leaving the airport.

 MDC cadress (men only) from 3 branches  and 

Khumalo ,Chispen Chamburuka,Mgcini .

Dlodlo Abe,Charles  .Dhliwayo Abel Kamwendo and Brighton Madhanga

Brighton Madhanga,Shiellah Sibanda,

MP Khumalo,Charles Dliwayo,Natalia Randen,Abie Mpahlo

Abie Mpahlo,Maidei Ali,MP Khumalo,Natalia Randen

Shiellah Sibanda

Treasurer

MDC Southend Branch

MDC UK & Ireland 12th Anniversary Celebrations

Hon. Thabita Khumalo
Bulawayo East
Member Of Parliament

MDC UK and Ireland Southend On Sea branch in conjunction with the elected South East District will host the MDC 12th Anniversary Celebrations on Saturday 24^th September. Bulawayo East Member of Parliament Honourable Thabita Khumalo, who is the deputy MDC spokesperson, will be the guest speaker at this historic event. Hon. Thabita Khumalo who sits on the SADC parliamentary forum HIV/AIDS as the vice chairperson is expected to jet in early this week. All members are required to attend as we launch the campaign for 'free, fair and peaceful elections'.

Honourable Thabita Khumalo a veteran trade unionist also attended the 2006 Unison National women's conference, where she gave an inspirational speech about the struggles for basic rights that women face in Zimbabwe. She highlighted the struggles of women around the world such as breast cancer, children, domestic abuse, economics, environment, female genital mutilation, HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, rape ,sexual assault and prostitution .She is also expected to highlight on the plight of Zimbabweans as we head towards another gruesome general election.

On her week long stay Honourable Thabita Khumalo is expected to attend the annual labour conference in Liverpool. She will also have the opportunity to meet with members of the party throughout the province. She is also expected to tour the Southend On Sea University Hospital and strengthen ties with businesses across the region. She will also be interested on the diaspora initiative on rebuilding Zimbabwe and our input. She has a vision that we are the ambassadors of our beloved country and therefore we deserve to enjoy the benefits of a democratic country.

MDC 12th Anniversary Fundraising Celebrations 

24th September 2011 at 
St Helen's Catholic Church 
27 Milton Road
Westcliff On Sea
SS0 7JP

For more information and directions kindly contact: 
Charlie    07576210381
Garikayi   07766618441

Hope to see you all there!

Stanford Biti

Chairman

MDC Southend On Sea

South East District Statement

Following an extra ordinary South East District Council meeting held over the weekend 28th May 2011, which was attended by seven out of a possible ten Branches where-at those present committed themselves to furthering the objects of the MDC within the UK & Ireland Assembly. The members also reinstated their position in respect of the resolutions passed on the 30th April 2011. The District, however, declines insinuations that they closed their door to dialogue, nowhere in the resolutions was this stated. As a District, we salute the majority of the Branch executives and the membership for remaining resolute, steadfast and fearless while they were threatened with an array of measures, in the event they decided to stick with the resolutions.

This District would like to recognise the efforts of the Provincial Treasurer, Mr T. Chamboko, who contacted both offices of the District Chair and Vice Chair and requested them to facilitate a forum for engagement with the people. Unfortunately, he failed to make it in time on the 28th, we, however, recognise that sense of political maturity and exhibition of unparalleled leadership qualities not so evident. Yes, in a true democracy there will always be dissenting ideas, it is how we deal with them that distinguishes democrats from autocrats.

This District has also welcomed the move that the District Chairs would like to engage with South East District in a bid to understand the issues and chart a way forward. South East District will facilitate and create a platform for this healthy dialogue to allow for a process that recognises that we are a Party Par Excellence hinged on democratic principles, lest we allow ourselves to be a mirror image of ZANU (PF). Thank you North District Chair for taking this bold step and initiating this process, we can assure you that the people of South East are humbled and will give you a hearty warm welcome and reinstate our commitment to being part of the family. We shall advise you of a venue and date.

South East District is cognisant of the need for unity and solidarity more-so at this time when the Party is gearing itself for elections and preparing to be the next government, it is the actions of Province that tend to raffle feathers. We remain focussed, disciplined and loyal!

I thank you all; let us remain united and resolute!

Remember these wise words by Harry Truman, “It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.”

Khama Matambanadzo

MDC South East District Chair

"South East District, Real Change In The Making"

MDC Should Commemorate Not Celebrate Independence Day.

It was a bold decision taken by the MDC to boycott the burial of notorious and murderous CIO deputy director general Menard Livingstone Muzariri

Zimbabweans attending the independence celebrations should be well prepared for another vitriol of verbal abuse by the despot state President Robert Mugabe. The movement for democratic change must boycott such state functions as they have been monopolised and politicised by Zanu-PF. There is no reason of attending this year Zanu - PF organised Independence celebrations when the country' democratic space is continuously shrinking.

Honourable Thabitha Khumalo said the MDC cherished and respected Independence day commemorations, but have a huge political agenda problem. Zanu - PF dominates the proceedings and the uncouth language used over the years. “There is a world of difference between commemorating and celebrating an event”. People in the diaspora should draw a leaf from this. We are living in the comfort zone of the struggle when our brothers and sisters will be force marched by Zanu-PF thugs to attend such gatherings.

It will add insult to injury to celebrate on this day when our fellow members are being persecuted by the regime. We will send the wrong message to the international forum and will defeat the purpose the recently anti-violence demonstration held at the South African embassy in London

Stanford Biti

Chairman Southend On Sea

MDC Southend Hausunde

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

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

I strongly sympathise with Honourable Mangoma’s family, The Movement for democratic change at large, our party leadership and all members with the worrying developments in Zimbabwe.

I believe we are a progressive party, a party of excellence and we chose to take this unpredictable and difficult desert journey and we are committed to it. The party has experienced a lot more than this. The party has seen the arrest and subsequent deaths of the likes of Learnmore Jongwe, Tonderai Ndira, the death of our gallant Mother Mai Morgan Susan Tsvangirayi just to mention a few. Our minds are still fresh from genocide of the 2008 general election and we have thousands of people languishing in remand prisons.

President Morgan Tsvangirayi has predicated another violent election this year showing that the party should have a strategic plan for this. It is not acceptable in any modern democracy to cancel the MDC UK and Ireland congress at such a short notice. We went to bed with the devil and these are the things which the party should have prepared for. We knew chairman Moyo's court date and contingency plans should have been in place .Worse it’s a civil matter and has no reporting conditions at the notorious Law and order section or Highlands police station. The party has a department which is responsible for external structures.

I hope the party has considered all the financial obligations we have entered as branches. Most importantly our party image to the international forum. I cannot imagine any serious political party to postpone such a significant and historic event for the same reasons. To me it’s just a lame excuse. We are a government in waiting. We are not a grasshopper which its life ends when it looses its legs. We should prove our difference with Zanu PF, with no Robert Mugabe there is no Zanu pf.

I was personally anticipating this. Our party integrity needs to be questioned. Honestly how was Chairman Moyo going to engage with United kingdom province without making public the long awaited' Sipepa Nkomo report’. Worse still most of his travelling contingents were implicated in the UK financial saga. I can liken this to throwing the chairman in a Lion's den. As a party we should learn from events. I wonder how the Chairman was going to handle the angry members when our very own President failed in London. Is chairman Moyo the sacrificial lamb? 

The problems we are facing as a party in the United Kingdom can only be solved when Sipepa Nkomo recommendations are considered and a contingent or a unison plan has been put by National organising secretary, Treasury, external affairs department and strict adherence to the part constitution and code of conduct. It should also not fall short of a visit by a strong contingent of senior elected party members who have an obligation to the constituency.  

Chinja Maitiro 

Stanford Biti

Chairman Southend On Sea

MDC Southend Hausunde

UK and Ireland Congress Postponed

PRESS RELEASE

Due to some worrying political developments in Zimbabwe, our leadership has resolved to postpone the holding of the MDC-UK & Ireland Provincial congress, which was scheduled for the 12^th March 2011, to a later date to be announced.

The Secretary General of our party will be issuing a communication on the above issue soon. The UK & Ireland Leadership is in consultation with its structures on a way forward given this latest development.

Tonderai Samanyanga

Interim Chair

MDC UK & Ireland External Assembly

SOURCE: MDC UK & IRELAND WEBSITE

Receipt Books & the Unavailable Membership Cards

It is high time that the Interim executive should be held responsible for their actions. They got away with it when they were part and parcel of the uncouth Chawora administration. We are all now aware that we were being intimidated to purchase a nonexistent membership card and that our confidential data was to be fed into the MDC data base in Zimbabwe. It is now proving that that this was false information. This is another system which has been designed to syphon party funds.

The interim executive rushed to implement and collect money from members without checking the authenticity of the said receipts. They failed to realise that they are answerable to the general membership as opposed to the leadership, repeating the same costly mistake they are well known of. We now demand an explanation why they failed to take hid when concerns were raised. In simple terms they have failed us again.

The noble thing for the interim executive is to accept responsibility and explain the motive behind this saga.

Stanford Biti

Chairman Southend On Sea

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

Branch Meeting 30 January 2011

VIP Guests: Khama Matambanadzo (The Interim District Chairperson)

                     Ian Gilbert (Leader Of The Labour Group Of Councillors Southend On Sea)

                     Judy McMahon (Labour Councillor Candidate)

The meeting was well attended. Mr Biti suggested that he and his leadership team would stay on in their current positions to avoid a power vacuum between now and the elections. This was met with approval all round. The Treasurer, Vincent Mashakada, gave Branch financial report and the account statements circulated. 

Ian Gilbert

Councillors Mr Ian Gilbert and Ms Judy McMahon of the Labour Group Councillors graciously attended the meeting. Mr Gilbert opened by highlighting the strong relationship that Labour and the MDC share. The MDC was born out of a labour movement.  Mr Gilbert told those present that the Coalition Government intended to cut at least £15million from Southend council’s budget. This figure represented a tenth of the already overstretched budget. He also reported that among others the hardest hit services would be the Youth services, Sure- Start centres, 178 council jobs, Safer-Stronger Communities which caters for deprived youth and the homeless.  Mr Biti asked the councillors for their support on a number of issues:


WORKING VISA
Mr Biti asked that the councillors recommend to the government that those people that are going through the process of regularising their stay in the United Kingdom be given a working visa as is the norm in countries like Australia. This would reduce the financial burden on the taxpayer. Both Mr Gilbert an Ms McMahon pledged their support.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Mr Biti asked that those people that have leave to remain in the UK be automatically given dual citizenship. Both Mr Gilbert an Ms McMahon pledged their support.

ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Mr Biti reported to the councillors that at present those in the process of regularising their stay in the UK had access to primary and secondary education. When it came to higher education they are left behind.  The University of Essex does not take the ARC card which Newham College does. This means that those living in Southend on Sea are at a disadvantage to their counterparts in London. Mr Gilbert promised to table this during council sessions.

LOCATION FOR CLINICS
Washington Ali noted that there wasn’t a place for the Southend – Zimbabwe Network to meet during the week and get information. Ms Judy McMahon suggested the facility at Chase Road could be used for clinics and community meetings. She said she would be glad to speed up the process. This was well received.

Matambanadzo

The Interim District Chairperson, Mr Matambanadzo arrived after a fraught journey on the public transport system.   He arrived in good spirits and congratulated the outgoing branch leaders for a job well done.  He implored branch members to not grow weary in well doing. Mr Matambanadzo so admired the branch that he stated he wanted to become a member of Southend Branch. There were cheers all round. The minutes of the previous meeting were adopted. It was announced that in the next 2 weeks we’d be having branch elections. The posts on offer are:

• Branch Chairperson
• Vice Chairperson
• Organising Secretary
• Secretary
• Youth Chairperson
• Women’s Chairperson
• 3 Committee Members

In closing the Outgoing Treasurer Mr Mashakada said that the qualities that were needed in those to be elected are respect accountability and transparency.

Audrey Charowa
MDC Southend Hausunde

South East District Election Matrix

You are all requested to attend an important end of month branch meeting this Sunday at our offices 268 Sutton Road, Southend On Sea at 16:45hrs.This is in line with the current restructuring and the subsequent Dissolution of the Chawora Provincial Executive.

 Stanford Biti (Chairman)

MDC Southend Hausunde