From the LATimes, a tear jerker story about a white farmer.
Yes, I know: Rule of law.
But who mourned when black farmers were displaced and moved to a lower altitude area, and many of them died of malaria fifty years ago?
I oppose the land reform because they are doing it wrong, not because I mourn white farmers whose little dogs are killed when some thugs burn down their homes.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Sunday, September 06, 2009
How real is the movie "District Nine"?
The Christian Science Monitor reviews the movie "District nine" from a South African's point of view. since I haven't seen the movie, I have no comments..
...But District 9 is really a piece of social commentary. It portrays modern post-apartheid South Africa, with all the modern trappings of normal suburban life for a select few, living side-by-side with a Mad Max world of poverty, inhabited by teeming millions of poorer folk, immigrants, and yes, extraterrestrial aliens who look rather like prawns....
...But District 9 is really a piece of social commentary. It portrays modern post-apartheid South Africa, with all the modern trappings of normal suburban life for a select few, living side-by-side with a Mad Max world of poverty, inhabited by teeming millions of poorer folk, immigrants, and yes, extraterrestrial aliens who look rather like prawns....
The manner in which South African society treats these newcomers – in this movie, yes, but something also echoed in horrific xenophobic riots in May 2008 that killed more than 100 – shows that the much vaunted “Rainbow Nation” is still very much an ideal.
... 15 years after apartheid. The black majority may now have power, and the white technocrat minority seems to have found a place for itself, but both groups have teamed up to wield their power against a new enemy: immigrants.
The plot of District 9 follows a rather nerdy bureaucrat named Wikus Van der Merwe, who has been given the task of going door to door with armed guards in a slum called District 9, where the extraterrestrial prawns are scratching out an existence that Charles Dickens couldn’t have imagined. Wikus – who is followed by a camera crew, in faux documentary style – remains the quintessential South African law-enforcement agent, determined that every alien he meets must sign a paper agreeing to move out of their shacks to another encampment far off.
It is in these scenes – and in Wikus’s contacts with the violent Nigerian gangs that control the markets in District 9 – that District 9 rises above a simple shoot-em-up into social commentary.
When Wikus shows off his professional bureaucratic finesse in front of the camera, asking an alien to sign a document – with his tentacle-like hand – he’s showing that South Africa is a civilized country with rules. But when Wikus chatters, between raids, about the filthy habits of the aliens and their strange appetites for cat food, we see the racism that South Africans – black and white alike – have for Africans from other countries....
Is Mugabe losing control of Zimbabwe?
From ABC news (US)
A civil court case, launched by a Zimbabwean businessman to get back assets that were nationalized under Mugabe's government, raises serious questions about who really controls the levers of power in Zimbabwe today and whether any promises made by Mugabe would be honored by the ministers and generals in his own government.
Documents – including private cellphone text messages from senior Mugabe ministers – obtained by the Monitor from public court records in the case brought by businessman Mutumwa Mawere in the Zimbabwe Supreme Court in Harare, indicate that the authority of the 85-year-old Mugabe is being directly undermined by two of his closest confidants, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Defense Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa. ...
go to link...the article is too long to excerpt..
the reporter wonders if Mugabe is only a front man for Mnangagwa or others in the ZANU PF...
A civil court case, launched by a Zimbabwean businessman to get back assets that were nationalized under Mugabe's government, raises serious questions about who really controls the levers of power in Zimbabwe today and whether any promises made by Mugabe would be honored by the ministers and generals in his own government.
Documents – including private cellphone text messages from senior Mugabe ministers – obtained by the Monitor from public court records in the case brought by businessman Mutumwa Mawere in the Zimbabwe Supreme Court in Harare, indicate that the authority of the 85-year-old Mugabe is being directly undermined by two of his closest confidants, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Defense Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa. ...
go to link...the article is too long to excerpt..
the reporter wonders if Mugabe is only a front man for Mnangagwa or others in the ZANU PF...
Zim (state owned) media threatens gov't says Tsvangirai
from Bloomberg news:
Sept. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe’s state media is publishing “vicious propaganda” that threatens the country’s power-sharing government, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said.
“The political climate continues to be marred by unfortunate and vicious propaganda that emanates from the state media,” Tsvangirai said in a statement marking the first anniversary of the power-sharing agreement. It “presents a real and credible threat to this inclusive government and its ability to impact positively on the lives of all Zimbabweans.”
MDC lawmakers continue to be persecuted and prosecuted through a “selective application of the rule of law,” Tsvangirai said in his statement. There is a “deliberately slow pace” to improving human rights, he added.
Sept. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe’s state media is publishing “vicious propaganda” that threatens the country’s power-sharing government, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said.
“The political climate continues to be marred by unfortunate and vicious propaganda that emanates from the state media,” Tsvangirai said in a statement marking the first anniversary of the power-sharing agreement. It “presents a real and credible threat to this inclusive government and its ability to impact positively on the lives of all Zimbabweans.”
MDC lawmakers continue to be persecuted and prosecuted through a “selective application of the rule of law,” Tsvangirai said in his statement. There is a “deliberately slow pace” to improving human rights, he added.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Andrew Young to be honored
from America gov via All Africa:
Ambassador Andrew Young will be awarded a lifetime achievement award at the Corporate Council on Africa's seventh biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit, to be held in Washington September 29 to October 1.
"Ambassador Young is and has been an advocate of human rights and humanitarian issues as well as dedicated to promoting economic prosperity in Africa," said Stephen Hayes, president and chief executive of the Corporate Council on Africa, in a September 3 statement announcing the award. "We are grateful for the opportunity to honor the commitment he has shown to Africa throughout his career."
Established in 1993, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) works to strengthen and facilitate commercial relationships between the United States and the African continent. CCA works closely with governments, multilateral groups and businesses to improve the African continent's trade and investment climate, and to raise the profile of Africa in the U.S. business community...
Young is also co-chairman of GoodWorks International, a for-profit consulting firm built on the belief that the private sector can promote initiatives that support education, social advancement, economic development and capacity building in Africa and the Caribbean. He travels often to Africa, fostering partnerships that benefit the communities in which they operate. In 2008, the GoodWorks Foundation partnered with the Wanawake na Maendeleo Foundation to award educational scholarships in Tanzania.
Young's commitment to education and global service is evident at Georgia State University's Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, which was created to carry on the legacy of Young's ideals through programs he believes will "level the playing field" for the world's poor.
The scholars and researchers at the school operate on the principle that the key to ending poverty is building strong national economies. They, like Young, who occasionally teaches at the school, work to bring economic well-being to developing nations in Africa.
Ambassador Andrew Young will be awarded a lifetime achievement award at the Corporate Council on Africa's seventh biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit, to be held in Washington September 29 to October 1.
"Ambassador Young is and has been an advocate of human rights and humanitarian issues as well as dedicated to promoting economic prosperity in Africa," said Stephen Hayes, president and chief executive of the Corporate Council on Africa, in a September 3 statement announcing the award. "We are grateful for the opportunity to honor the commitment he has shown to Africa throughout his career."
Established in 1993, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) works to strengthen and facilitate commercial relationships between the United States and the African continent. CCA works closely with governments, multilateral groups and businesses to improve the African continent's trade and investment climate, and to raise the profile of Africa in the U.S. business community...
Young is also co-chairman of GoodWorks International, a for-profit consulting firm built on the belief that the private sector can promote initiatives that support education, social advancement, economic development and capacity building in Africa and the Caribbean. He travels often to Africa, fostering partnerships that benefit the communities in which they operate. In 2008, the GoodWorks Foundation partnered with the Wanawake na Maendeleo Foundation to award educational scholarships in Tanzania.
Young's commitment to education and global service is evident at Georgia State University's Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, which was created to carry on the legacy of Young's ideals through programs he believes will "level the playing field" for the world's poor.
The scholars and researchers at the school operate on the principle that the key to ending poverty is building strong national economies. They, like Young, who occasionally teaches at the school, work to bring economic well-being to developing nations in Africa.
Zim receives boost from IMF
from the BBC
The International Monetary Fund is giving Zimbabwe $400m to boost its foreign currency reserves.
However, a further $100m will be kept in a special account and Zimbabwe's government will not have access to it until it has cleared $1bn in debts.
Zimbabwe is in dire need of cash to rebuild its battered economy.
BBC Southern Africa correspondent Karen Allen says Zimbabwe's financial crisis has been partially blamed on mismanagement of central bank funds. ...
The International Monetary Fund is giving Zimbabwe $400m to boost its foreign currency reserves.
However, a further $100m will be kept in a special account and Zimbabwe's government will not have access to it until it has cleared $1bn in debts.
Zimbabwe is in dire need of cash to rebuild its battered economy.
BBC Southern Africa correspondent Karen Allen says Zimbabwe's financial crisis has been partially blamed on mismanagement of central bank funds. ...
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Zim to free 1500prisoners
via the earth times
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Harare - Zimbabwe's coalition government is shortly to free more than 1,500 prisoners in a bid to ease the crisis in the country's crowded jails that have become known as "death camps," reports said Wednesday. The crisis was exposed in April when documentary video footage showed half-naked, skeletal inmates wasting away from hunger and diseases in the country's 42 jails, as prison authorities ran out of money for rations and drugs....
Large-scale amnesties are dreaded by ordinary Zimbabweans as they are followed invariably by sudden waves of crime.
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Harare - Zimbabwe's coalition government is shortly to free more than 1,500 prisoners in a bid to ease the crisis in the country's crowded jails that have become known as "death camps," reports said Wednesday. The crisis was exposed in April when documentary video footage showed half-naked, skeletal inmates wasting away from hunger and diseases in the country's 42 jails, as prison authorities ran out of money for rations and drugs....
Large-scale amnesties are dreaded by ordinary Zimbabweans as they are followed invariably by sudden waves of crime.
Zim pulls out of SADC tribunal
from SWRadioAfrica
Zimbabwe has pulled out of the SADC Tribunal, claiming the regional court has not been properly constituted and that the country will no longer take part in, or respect, any decisions from the Tribunal. The withdrawal of Zimbabwe from the SADC jurisdiction is a major blow to 79 white commercial farmers who had won their cases in the regional court, blocking the government from acquiring their farms. The government now says any decisions that the Tribunal may have made, or may make in future about Zimbabwe are null and void....
Arnold Tsunga, the Africa Director of the International Commission of Jurists, believes it’s the reaction of one component of the government, namely ZANU PF, which has a culture of not wanting effective checks and balances. “It is not surprisingly that they reacted adversely to the SADC Tribunal as a judicial organ, because of the fact that it has been able to render independent, impartial, fearless and fair decisions in disputes that have been brought before it that involve Zimbabwe.”
The rights lawyer also said that in terms of the law it is not supportable for the government of Zimbabwe to adopt this position, saying: “This is because of the fact that the SADC tribunal is a creature of the SADC treaty and, I think, in terms of Section 16 of the SADC treaty, the establishment of a SADC tribunal is actually provided for within the main SADC treaty itself, to which Zimbabwe is still a party.”
According to Tsunga ‘there is no way that Zimbabwe can pull out of the SADC tribunal without pulling out of the SADC treaty which creates the SADC community of states.’
Zimbabwe has pulled out of the SADC Tribunal, claiming the regional court has not been properly constituted and that the country will no longer take part in, or respect, any decisions from the Tribunal. The withdrawal of Zimbabwe from the SADC jurisdiction is a major blow to 79 white commercial farmers who had won their cases in the regional court, blocking the government from acquiring their farms. The government now says any decisions that the Tribunal may have made, or may make in future about Zimbabwe are null and void....
Arnold Tsunga, the Africa Director of the International Commission of Jurists, believes it’s the reaction of one component of the government, namely ZANU PF, which has a culture of not wanting effective checks and balances. “It is not surprisingly that they reacted adversely to the SADC Tribunal as a judicial organ, because of the fact that it has been able to render independent, impartial, fearless and fair decisions in disputes that have been brought before it that involve Zimbabwe.”
The rights lawyer also said that in terms of the law it is not supportable for the government of Zimbabwe to adopt this position, saying: “This is because of the fact that the SADC tribunal is a creature of the SADC treaty and, I think, in terms of Section 16 of the SADC treaty, the establishment of a SADC tribunal is actually provided for within the main SADC treaty itself, to which Zimbabwe is still a party.”
According to Tsunga ‘there is no way that Zimbabwe can pull out of the SADC tribunal without pulling out of the SADC treaty which creates the SADC community of states.’
Monday, August 31, 2009
Socialites without borders teach Ruandans how to mingle
This is a joke, of course, from The Onion.
But you know, after the Tsunami, I saw rich white people going there to teach "play therapy" to kids to help them...overlooking that if you took the money spent on airfair and keeping the volunteer in comfort could probably keep a village in food for a year.
Ditto for people like Madonna, who adopt black children with families to prove they love black people, while divorcing her husband and running around with boy toys.
But you know, after the Tsunami, I saw rich white people going there to teach "play therapy" to kids to help them...overlooking that if you took the money spent on airfair and keeping the volunteer in comfort could probably keep a village in food for a year.
Ditto for people like Madonna, who adopt black children with families to prove they love black people, while divorcing her husband and running around with boy toys.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Zuma acknowledges Zim's GNU problem
from SWRadioAfrica;
... Speaking at the Glamis Stadium, Zuma urged the parties to respect the commitments made when they signed the GPA and to ‘remove any remaining impediments to the agreement’ so as to meet conditions set by international donors for economic aid to be restored....
“He did say that Zimbabwe had been the regional breadbasket and regretted that it wasn’t now and hoped that it would recover. So there was enormous recognition of what has happened and ZANU PF cannot write this off and say there are no outstanding issues. Zuma recognised that there are, in a very tactful way, and he brought them into the public at the Harare Show today.”
But as usual there has been no official statement from the inclusive government on the outcome of the meetings Zuma held with the principals, Morgan Tsvangirai, Arthur Mutambara and Robert Mugabe.
... Speaking at the Glamis Stadium, Zuma urged the parties to respect the commitments made when they signed the GPA and to ‘remove any remaining impediments to the agreement’ so as to meet conditions set by international donors for economic aid to be restored....
“He did say that Zimbabwe had been the regional breadbasket and regretted that it wasn’t now and hoped that it would recover. So there was enormous recognition of what has happened and ZANU PF cannot write this off and say there are no outstanding issues. Zuma recognised that there are, in a very tactful way, and he brought them into the public at the Harare Show today.”
But as usual there has been no official statement from the inclusive government on the outcome of the meetings Zuma held with the principals, Morgan Tsvangirai, Arthur Mutambara and Robert Mugabe.
EU African Trade agreement
from DowJones:
BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- The European Union and a group of six African countries announced an agreement Saturday that will require the countries to gradually lower tariffs to E.U. imports over the next 15 years.
The six countries are Mauritius, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Comoros and Madagascar. These countries have already enjoyed tariff-free access to European markets since January 2008 under a previous agreement....Saturday, August 29, 2009
Doctor's strike is over
from the AP
who won't allow you to post their stuff...
----------------
ZAMBIA POST ARTICLE:
ZIMBABWEAN doctors who have been on strike for close to a month have called off their strike, giving the government a one-month ultimatum to increase their salaries.
who won't allow you to post their stuff...
----------------
ZAMBIA POST ARTICLE:
ZIMBABWEAN doctors who have been on strike for close to a month have called off their strike, giving the government a one-month ultimatum to increase their salaries.
The doctors at the four largest hospitals in the country have been pressing for increments of their salaries and allowances from the current US $390 to a minimum of US $1,000.
Hospital Doctors Association president Dr Brighton Chizhanje, in a notice to the striking doctors dated August 26, stated that the strike action had been called off and all doctors were expected to return to work by September 1.
"After some deep rooted and soul-searching considerations for our patients whom we consider to have the right to health as enshrined in our oaths as patriotic health professionals, we have decided to call off the industrial action," Chizhanje stated. "We are giving government and our central hospitals an ultimatum of a month to take the necessary steps to leave the health worker with well-deserved package."...
and some of the docs were fired
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Mugabe in bad health?
from the BBC
The Times reported that Mr Mugabe had been undergoing specialist treatment in the United Arab Emirates.
But Zimbabwean officials strongly dismissed the claims.
"The president is not sick but was away on holiday," Reuters quoted one official as saying.
"He returned home yesterday, and those reports are a load of rubbish that we get from sick and evil minds."...
Zims in SA losing their jobs
from SWRadioAfrica
Mass unemployment is just one of the negative effects of the global recession, which has already contributed to the funding resistance of international donors in Zimbabwe. But a leading stockbroker firm has warned this week the decline in the performance of the South African economy could also have dire consequences for Zimbabwe’s economic revival....
Monday, August 24, 2009
Swine flu hits eastern Mutare
from Nehanda Radio
Zimbabwean Health Minister Henry Madzorera confirmed Thursday that the H1N1 influenza virus responsible for the so-called swine flu pandemic has reached the country, telling a news conference in Harare that five cases have been confirmed at a private primary school in Mutare, capital of eastern Manicaland Province.Meanwhile, Zimbabweans are reliving the health care crisis of late 2008 though thankfully this time around there is no surging cholera epidemic claiming lives as hospital wards close.
Yet there is no end in sight to the latest strike by resident doctors in the main state hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo, who were joined this week by some nurses while other nurses are in go-slow mode. Many sick people are being turned away without medical assistance.
Zimbabwean Health Minister Henry Madzorera confirmed Thursday that the H1N1 influenza virus responsible for the so-called swine flu pandemic has reached the country, telling a news conference in Harare that five cases have been confirmed at a private primary school in Mutare, capital of eastern Manicaland Province.Meanwhile, Zimbabweans are reliving the health care crisis of late 2008 though thankfully this time around there is no surging cholera epidemic claiming lives as hospital wards close.
Yet there is no end in sight to the latest strike by resident doctors in the main state hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo, who were joined this week by some nurses while other nurses are in go-slow mode. Many sick people are being turned away without medical assistance.
Friday, August 21, 2009
National AIDS council spends millions on luxuries
from SWRadioAfrica
.... Surprisingly it took the state owned Herald newspaper, notorious for pro-government articles, to reveal that out of US$1,7 million collected in AIDS levies since February this year only US$20 000 was spent by the council in buying critical Anti Retroviral (ARV) drugs. The rest was spent on ‘luxuries’ for staff working for the council, including trips to foreign countries, luxury cars, generous salaries and other mysterious administration costs. Under government’s own policy the National Aids Council should use 50 percent of the levies collected to buy ARV’s. But the Herald reports that the figures it obtained from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority show that only a shocking US$20 000 had been spent (on medicine)...
Two weeks ago the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria granted Zimbabwe US$37,9 million, after getting assurances from the unity government it would not be misused. Previously Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono diverted US$7,3m worth of funds from the organization to use in keeping ZANU PF afloat. The same corrupt National Aids Council was also the organization tasked with administering the fund. The United Nations Development Programme in Zimbabwe will now be managing the money from the Global Fund instead.
.... Surprisingly it took the state owned Herald newspaper, notorious for pro-government articles, to reveal that out of US$1,7 million collected in AIDS levies since February this year only US$20 000 was spent by the council in buying critical Anti Retroviral (ARV) drugs. The rest was spent on ‘luxuries’ for staff working for the council, including trips to foreign countries, luxury cars, generous salaries and other mysterious administration costs. Under government’s own policy the National Aids Council should use 50 percent of the levies collected to buy ARV’s. But the Herald reports that the figures it obtained from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority show that only a shocking US$20 000 had been spent (on medicine)...
Two weeks ago the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria granted Zimbabwe US$37,9 million, after getting assurances from the unity government it would not be misused. Previously Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono diverted US$7,3m worth of funds from the organization to use in keeping ZANU PF afloat. The same corrupt National Aids Council was also the organization tasked with administering the fund. The United Nations Development Programme in Zimbabwe will now be managing the money from the Global Fund instead.
ten lawmakers held then released
from the NYTimes
Ten members of Parliament from the Movement for Democratic Change, a party that opposed President Robert Mugabe for a decade before joining him in power in February, were arrested Wednesday, then released, said Nelson Chamisa, a spokesman for the party. He said he did not know yet the charges against them. The M.D.C. has a narrow majority in Parliament and many of its members have said they believe that Mr. Mugabe’s party is trying to deprive them of that edge during negotiations for a new constitution that will determine whether Mr. Mugabe retains his authoritarian powers.
Ten members of Parliament from the Movement for Democratic Change, a party that opposed President Robert Mugabe for a decade before joining him in power in February, were arrested Wednesday, then released, said Nelson Chamisa, a spokesman for the party. He said he did not know yet the charges against them. The M.D.C. has a narrow majority in Parliament and many of its members have said they believe that Mr. Mugabe’s party is trying to deprive them of that edge during negotiations for a new constitution that will determine whether Mr. Mugabe retains his authoritarian powers.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Grim fate of street girls in the Congo (DRC)
from IWPR
Many hundreds of girls are forced to live this way across the city, where poverty and unemployment are rife. Family life has often broken down and divorce has increased in the wake of two wars in the 1990s, which has led to many children leaving home or being thrown out.
The exact number of street children in the city is not known, but a 2006 study by Lubumbashi University suggested a figure of nearly 17,000. Lubumbashi has an estimated population of around 1.2 million.
Many hundreds of girls are forced to live this way across the city, where poverty and unemployment are rife. Family life has often broken down and divorce has increased in the wake of two wars in the 1990s, which has led to many children leaving home or being thrown out.
The exact number of street children in the city is not known, but a 2006 study by Lubumbashi University suggested a figure of nearly 17,000. Lubumbashi has an estimated population of around 1.2 million.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Doctor's strike continues
from Zim on line
Doctors at public hospitals went on strike last week to press for more pay. The industrial action has brought back memories of last year when striking doctors and nurses deserted hospitals as a cholera epidemic ravaged Zimbabwe, killing more than 4 000 people before it was brought under control with help from international relief agencies.
"The health delivery system is still struggling to emerge from a crisis that left the country's major referral hospitals unable to deliver services at the end of 2008," ZADHR said in a statement.
"Health professionals are entitled to adequate remuneration and acceptable working conditions. However, this must be balanced against the well being of patients. Unavailability of health services ultimately results in increased morbidity and preventable deaths."
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association that represents all state doctors is pushing for a salary of US$1 000 per month plus $500 allowance.
Doctors at public hospitals went on strike last week to press for more pay. The industrial action has brought back memories of last year when striking doctors and nurses deserted hospitals as a cholera epidemic ravaged Zimbabwe, killing more than 4 000 people before it was brought under control with help from international relief agencies.
"The health delivery system is still struggling to emerge from a crisis that left the country's major referral hospitals unable to deliver services at the end of 2008," ZADHR said in a statement.
"Health professionals are entitled to adequate remuneration and acceptable working conditions. However, this must be balanced against the well being of patients. Unavailability of health services ultimately results in increased morbidity and preventable deaths."
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association that represents all state doctors is pushing for a salary of US$1 000 per month plus $500 allowance.
expelled MDC MP's to appeal
from the gov't controlled Herald via AllAfrica:
Harare — Expelled MDC Members of Parliament said they were appealing to the Supreme Court against a High Court decision last week dismissing their application to have their disciplinary case reviewed.
In an interview at the weekend the trio's lawyer, Mr Thamsanqa Khumalo said he had already started preparing court papers he will file at the Supreme Court to stop Parliament from ejecting his clients.
The MDC MPs expelled from the party were Bulilima East Member of House of Assembly, Mr Norman Mpofu, Nkayi South Member of House of Assembly, Mr Abednico Bhebhe, Lupane East, MP, Mr Njabuliso Mguni after the party's disciplinary committee found them guilty of misconduct last month.
This prompted the trio to approach the High Court to stop Parliament from ejecting them from the House after the party's secretary general, Professor Welshman Ncube wrote to the Speaker of House of Assembly, Mr Lovemore Moyo to declare their seats vacant.
Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Maphios Cheda dismissed their case last Friday on the basis that it was not urgent.
Harare — Expelled MDC Members of Parliament said they were appealing to the Supreme Court against a High Court decision last week dismissing their application to have their disciplinary case reviewed.
In an interview at the weekend the trio's lawyer, Mr Thamsanqa Khumalo said he had already started preparing court papers he will file at the Supreme Court to stop Parliament from ejecting his clients.
The MDC MPs expelled from the party were Bulilima East Member of House of Assembly, Mr Norman Mpofu, Nkayi South Member of House of Assembly, Mr Abednico Bhebhe, Lupane East, MP, Mr Njabuliso Mguni after the party's disciplinary committee found them guilty of misconduct last month.
This prompted the trio to approach the High Court to stop Parliament from ejecting them from the House after the party's secretary general, Professor Welshman Ncube wrote to the Speaker of House of Assembly, Mr Lovemore Moyo to declare their seats vacant.
Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Maphios Cheda dismissed their case last Friday on the basis that it was not urgent.
Minister's husband dies after June Attack
from SWRadioAfrica
Dr Chris Mushonga, the husband of Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, the Minister of Regional Integration and International Cooperation, died at his home in Harare at 11pm on Saturday, after succumbing to injuries sustained in a vicious attack two months ago. Dr Mushonga is expected to be buried on Friday at his rural home in Chishawasha, about 20km outside Harare.
....
A gang of seven men broke into the prominent orthopaedic surgeon’s Harare home in mid June and brutally assaulted him, journalist Michelle Hakata (a family friend who had been visiting from the UK) and Maria Mandizha, their domestic helper. An armed police officer and a gardener had been brutally assaulted and tied up before the gang descended upon the three in the main house.
...
Zacharia Mushonga confirmed on SW Radio Africa that it was not robbery. “A thief does not come into someone’s house, beat up people and be in the same house for three hours playing music, drinking and smoking in the house.” The brother said the gang did not take anything else except for the victims’ cell phones, because they didn’t want them to communicate with the outside world. He said: “The laptops, the plasma televisions, the home theatres were all intact. I don’t call that robbery that would be lies.”...
The attack happened while Minister Misihairabwi-Mushonga was on a ‘re-engagement tour’ of western countries with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. Her husband was a highly respected surgeon and a political activist, who helped fundraise for the freedom fighters during the liberation war, from his base in America. He was also a former Deputy Mayor of Harare.
Dr Chris Mushonga, the husband of Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, the Minister of Regional Integration and International Cooperation, died at his home in Harare at 11pm on Saturday, after succumbing to injuries sustained in a vicious attack two months ago. Dr Mushonga is expected to be buried on Friday at his rural home in Chishawasha, about 20km outside Harare.
....
A gang of seven men broke into the prominent orthopaedic surgeon’s Harare home in mid June and brutally assaulted him, journalist Michelle Hakata (a family friend who had been visiting from the UK) and Maria Mandizha, their domestic helper. An armed police officer and a gardener had been brutally assaulted and tied up before the gang descended upon the three in the main house.
...
Zacharia Mushonga confirmed on SW Radio Africa that it was not robbery. “A thief does not come into someone’s house, beat up people and be in the same house for three hours playing music, drinking and smoking in the house.” The brother said the gang did not take anything else except for the victims’ cell phones, because they didn’t want them to communicate with the outside world. He said: “The laptops, the plasma televisions, the home theatres were all intact. I don’t call that robbery that would be lies.”...
The attack happened while Minister Misihairabwi-Mushonga was on a ‘re-engagement tour’ of western countries with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. Her husband was a highly respected surgeon and a political activist, who helped fundraise for the freedom fighters during the liberation war, from his base in America. He was also a former Deputy Mayor of Harare.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Doctor strike and Swine Flu fears
SWRadioAfrica via AllAfrica:
A strike by doctors frustrated with their wages has now spread to most government hospitals leaving the country vulnerable to the raging world wide swine flu pandemic. Experts expressed concerns that with few doctors available, the country would fail to deal with any potential disease outbreaks as happened with the cholera epidemic that wreaked havoc last year....
A strike by doctors frustrated with their wages has now spread to most government hospitals leaving the country vulnerable to the raging world wide swine flu pandemic. Experts expressed concerns that with few doctors available, the country would fail to deal with any potential disease outbreaks as happened with the cholera epidemic that wreaked havoc last year....
Our Harare correspondent Simon Muchemwa reports that doctors are disillusioned by what they see as a failure by government to prioritise their welfare. The total monthly wage for doctors is currently US$390 because Crown Agents, a British relief agency is forking out an extra US$220 per doctor per month in additional allowances. The doctors say however, the extra payments are not being made in some months and cannot be relied upon. Muchemwa says money injected into the health system has seen the purchases of furniture and vehicles for hospital directors instead of wages.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Green Revolution
One of the major causes of poverty in Africa is the failure to take advantage of the Green Revolution in crops.
here are some podcast and video links by Norman Borlaug
here are some podcast and video links by Norman Borlaug
| In this video podcast, Dr. Norman Borlaug remembers the events that led him from a farm in Iowa to the Nobel Peace Prize for the Green Revolution. Norman says serendipity played a large part in the process. | The Green Revolution began in Mexico where Dr. Norman Borlaug developed the first high-yielding, dwarf wheat varieties. In this video podcast, Borlaug recalls the major events that helped save millions from starvation. | |
| From Mexico, Dr. Normal Borlaug began working in India and Pakistan where millions faced hunger. In this video podcast, Borlaug talks about overcoming technological, psychological, economic and political hurdles to get new varieties and agricultural practices adopted. |
Friday, August 07, 2009
SA opposition accuses Mugabe of mobilizing militias
from Business Day via all Africa
Cape Town — Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is rearming and mobilising his infamous militias ahead of a referendum and an electoral showdown with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the Democratic Alliance said yesterday after a fact-finding mission north of the Limpopo.
The report by Wilmot James and Kenneth Mubu recorded that the Chinese boat load of weapons and ammunition that had been refused transit through SA had been flown to Zimbabwe from Angola.
There is also a deal pending before SA's arms control authorities to sell ammunition to Zimbabwe.
James, the party's representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Mubu, the international relations spokesman, called on President Jacob Zuma , in his role as SADC chairman, to ensure that Mugabe abided by the agreement with the MDC he had signed.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Partnership not patronage
from Forbes...ADVICE FROM THREE AFRICAN PRESIDENTS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
...If the Obama administration wishes to truly make a difference, it must do so as an equal partner, addressing several low-cost, high-impact priorities.
...If the Obama administration wishes to truly make a difference, it must do so as an equal partner, addressing several low-cost, high-impact priorities.
To start, developed partner countries must curb corruption abroad. Efforts by African governments to strengthen democracy and governance are weakened if money stolen from the continent can find safe havens in secret accounts in the West. Chillingly, major OECD countries have yet to prosecute a single defendant for fraudulent and corrupt practices overseas. Poorly enforced international covenants won't deter collusion and bid-rigging in large African infrastructure contracts....
Secretary Clinton has an opportunity to secure a quick win while in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act forum this month. Expanding AGOA--the showpiece of America's trading relationship with Africa--to include a larger number of agricultural and processed commodities will help. But if Clinton does not address U.S. agricultural trade subsidies that distort the forces of the marketplace AGOA will never realize its potential--nor will Africa be able to trade its way out of poverty....
more economic points at link (too long to post).
Monday, August 03, 2009
Mugabe in "bid to wreck Unity"
from the UK Guardian
Zimbabwe is on the verge of a new political crisis, amid growing evidence that President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party has launched a strategy to wipe out the former opposition's slim parliamentary majority.
The campaign has in the past few days seen MPs for the Movement for Democratic Change arrested for offences including playing music that "denigrates" Mugabe, and stealing a mobile phone. Fourteen MDC MPs and senators are facing charges ranging from corruption to rape. If convicted, they will lose their seats, forcing by-elections. Less than six months after MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in as prime minister, the strategy again raises questions about the role of the country's courts and police...
But grassroots MPs warn the inclusive government is close to collapse. They say Zanu-PF, backed by the police and army, is deploying divide-and-rule tactics, from parliament and the senate, right down to grain distribution in rural areas. Trevor Saruwaka, a 34-year-old MDC MP for Mutasa Central is facing separate prosecutions for rape and assault, both of which he denies. "There is a pattern to the prosecutions. I am one of seven MDC politicians targeted in Manicaland - the birthplace of Zimbabwean freedom leaders. If Zanu-PF kill the spirit in Manicaland they believe they can kill the spirit of all Zimbabweans.
and then there is this:
Yesterday, many Zimbabweans were outraged after a court in Chivhu imposed a fine of just US$200 (£120) on Chinoona Mwanda - who had been found guilty of culpable homicide, after the 6 March incident when his lorry swerved into the path of Tsvangirai's car, killing Susan, his wife of 31 years.
Zimbabwe is on the verge of a new political crisis, amid growing evidence that President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party has launched a strategy to wipe out the former opposition's slim parliamentary majority.
The campaign has in the past few days seen MPs for the Movement for Democratic Change arrested for offences including playing music that "denigrates" Mugabe, and stealing a mobile phone. Fourteen MDC MPs and senators are facing charges ranging from corruption to rape. If convicted, they will lose their seats, forcing by-elections. Less than six months after MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was sworn in as prime minister, the strategy again raises questions about the role of the country's courts and police...
But grassroots MPs warn the inclusive government is close to collapse. They say Zanu-PF, backed by the police and army, is deploying divide-and-rule tactics, from parliament and the senate, right down to grain distribution in rural areas. Trevor Saruwaka, a 34-year-old MDC MP for Mutasa Central is facing separate prosecutions for rape and assault, both of which he denies. "There is a pattern to the prosecutions. I am one of seven MDC politicians targeted in Manicaland - the birthplace of Zimbabwean freedom leaders. If Zanu-PF kill the spirit in Manicaland they believe they can kill the spirit of all Zimbabweans.
and then there is this:
Yesterday, many Zimbabweans were outraged after a court in Chivhu imposed a fine of just US$200 (£120) on Chinoona Mwanda - who had been found guilty of culpable homicide, after the 6 March incident when his lorry swerved into the path of Tsvangirai's car, killing Susan, his wife of 31 years.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Cautious optimism in Zim
from the BBC:
It is five months since I was last in Zimbabwe, and there is no doubt that the mood has changed.
I'm here officially now, rather than sneaking around under cover, and of course that alters one's perceptions.
Our presence in Zimbabwe this week, is a welcome, constructive, and important first step
But there's more to it than that.
Almost everyone I've spoken to over the past few days has, with varying degrees of caution, confessed to feeling at least a twinge of optimism about this battered nation. ...
but some note:
"Things are not yet improving. It is only stabilising. We are getting some food in the shops, but to get money is a problem. Industry is still down. At the moment only a small percentage (of the population) is working."
"Prices are very high. People don't really know the true value of the (US) dollar. Things are changing slowly. Very slowly."
It is five months since I was last in Zimbabwe, and there is no doubt that the mood has changed.
I'm here officially now, rather than sneaking around under cover, and of course that alters one's perceptions.
Our presence in Zimbabwe this week, is a welcome, constructive, and important first step
But there's more to it than that.
Almost everyone I've spoken to over the past few days has, with varying degrees of caution, confessed to feeling at least a twinge of optimism about this battered nation. ...
but some note:
"Things are not yet improving. It is only stabilising. We are getting some food in the shops, but to get money is a problem. Industry is still down. At the moment only a small percentage (of the population) is working."
"Prices are very high. People don't really know the true value of the (US) dollar. Things are changing slowly. Very slowly."
MDC MP arrested for playing Anti Mugabe song
From SWRadioAfrica:
Another MDC legislator has been arrested for allegedly playing a song that denigrates Robert Mugabe, on his car radio. The MDC said in a statement that Stewart Garadhi, the MP for Chinhoyi, was driving from Harare to Chinhoyi on Friday morning when he was stopped by police officers ‘who accused him of playing the song - Nharembozha - saying it denigrated President Robert Mugabe.’ He is being held at Chinhoyi police provincial headquarters.
At the time of broadcast it was not clear how the police heard the song if the MP had been driving at the time. A commentator remarked: “Were they in the car, or do they have fantastically large ears that can hear a song from a distance? It sounds like a case of the long ear of the law!”
Several people including members of the general public have been arrested under the country’s harsh security laws for ‘making utterances likely to cause hatred, contempt or ridicule of the President and his Office.’ ...
Meanwhile, there are at least 8 MDC MPs including a Deputy Minister who have been arrested and some of them convicted in recent weeks, following the formation of the inclusive government in February. Deputy Youth Minister Thamsanqa Mahlangu, who was arrested on Tuesday on allegations of stealing a cell phone, will remain in custody until August 13th, after the State opposed bail on Friday. Harare Magistrate Kudakwashe Njerambini had granted the MDC official and his personal assistant bail of US$50 each, but the State invoked a section of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, to oppose bail.
The MDC has accused ZANU PF of trying to whittle down its parliamentary majority by arresting some of its members. Several MDC MPs are also appearing in court facing allegations of abusing a government farming inputs scheme. One of the MPs, Ernest Mudavanhu of Zaka North has since been convicted and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
But on Friday, another MDC MP Ransome Makamure (Gutu East) was acquitted of the corruption charges after a Harare Magistrate threw out evidence submitted by State witness Brigadier General Douglas Nyikayaramba. Nyikayaramba was the Chairman of the farming logistics subcommittee....
Another MDC legislator has been arrested for allegedly playing a song that denigrates Robert Mugabe, on his car radio. The MDC said in a statement that Stewart Garadhi, the MP for Chinhoyi, was driving from Harare to Chinhoyi on Friday morning when he was stopped by police officers ‘who accused him of playing the song - Nharembozha - saying it denigrated President Robert Mugabe.’ He is being held at Chinhoyi police provincial headquarters.
At the time of broadcast it was not clear how the police heard the song if the MP had been driving at the time. A commentator remarked: “Were they in the car, or do they have fantastically large ears that can hear a song from a distance? It sounds like a case of the long ear of the law!”
Several people including members of the general public have been arrested under the country’s harsh security laws for ‘making utterances likely to cause hatred, contempt or ridicule of the President and his Office.’ ...
Meanwhile, there are at least 8 MDC MPs including a Deputy Minister who have been arrested and some of them convicted in recent weeks, following the formation of the inclusive government in February. Deputy Youth Minister Thamsanqa Mahlangu, who was arrested on Tuesday on allegations of stealing a cell phone, will remain in custody until August 13th, after the State opposed bail on Friday. Harare Magistrate Kudakwashe Njerambini had granted the MDC official and his personal assistant bail of US$50 each, but the State invoked a section of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, to oppose bail.
The MDC has accused ZANU PF of trying to whittle down its parliamentary majority by arresting some of its members. Several MDC MPs are also appearing in court facing allegations of abusing a government farming inputs scheme. One of the MPs, Ernest Mudavanhu of Zaka North has since been convicted and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
But on Friday, another MDC MP Ransome Makamure (Gutu East) was acquitted of the corruption charges after a Harare Magistrate threw out evidence submitted by State witness Brigadier General Douglas Nyikayaramba. Nyikayaramba was the Chairman of the farming logistics subcommittee....
Friday, July 31, 2009
Foreign investment in land: New colonialism?
From Das Spiegel:
I am ambivalent about this.
If the poor are to eat, one needs to use modern agricultural techniques, which cost money for specialized seed, fertilizer, and insecticide (not to mention roads to and from the farms, decent ports to export via ship, and of course a fairly honest government that doesn't steal too much of the farm equipment or insist on too many bribes.
On the other hand, it might mean that small farmers are left behind as landless labourers instead of independent small farmers who could, with some money and backing by the government, actually make the land productive and make a living for their own family.
On the other hand, the main result of land reform in this area is that the farmers have educated their kids with their wealth, and now live in concrete (no termite) houses with electricity and TV, while their kids migrate to the city to work, or else work overseas. Those who work here often go back to help the family with their land in the busy season on the farm (e.g. planting and harvest season) while working in town. But those whose kids work in Saudi or Canada end up selling their land, either to businessmen like our family or to rich people from Manila to build a "country home" for them to spend weekends.
...It is not just bankers and speculators, but also governments that are acquiring land in other countries, seeking to reduce their dependence on the world market and imports. China is home to 20 percent of the world's population, but it has only 9 percent of the world's arable land. Japan is the world's largest corn importer, and South Korea is the second-largest. The Persian Gulf States import 60 percent of their food, while their natural water reserves are sufficient to support only another 30 years of agriculture....
Klaus Deininger, an economist specializing in land policy at the World Bank, estimates that 10 to 30 percent of available arable land could be up for grabs, although only a fraction of the potential number of lease and sale agreements have been signed. "There was a huge jump in 2008, when plans and applications in many countries more than doubled, in some cases tripled." In Mozambique, says Deininger, foreign demand is more than double the existing cultivated farmland, and the government has already allocated four million hectares to investors, half of them from abroad....
The most spectacular deals are not being made by private investors, however, but by governments and the funds and conglomerates they promote:
- The Sudanese government has leased 1.5 million hectares of prime farmland to the Gulf States, Egypt and South Korea for 99 years. Paradoxically, Sudan is also the world's largest recipient of foreign aid, with 5.6 million of its citizens dependent on food deliveries.
- Kuwait has leased 130,000 hectares of rice fields in Cambodia.
- Egypt plans to grow wheat and corn on 840,000 hectares in Uganda.
- The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo has offered to lease 10 million hectares to the South Africans...
I am ambivalent about this.
If the poor are to eat, one needs to use modern agricultural techniques, which cost money for specialized seed, fertilizer, and insecticide (not to mention roads to and from the farms, decent ports to export via ship, and of course a fairly honest government that doesn't steal too much of the farm equipment or insist on too many bribes.
On the other hand, it might mean that small farmers are left behind as landless labourers instead of independent small farmers who could, with some money and backing by the government, actually make the land productive and make a living for their own family.
On the other hand, the main result of land reform in this area is that the farmers have educated their kids with their wealth, and now live in concrete (no termite) houses with electricity and TV, while their kids migrate to the city to work, or else work overseas. Those who work here often go back to help the family with their land in the busy season on the farm (e.g. planting and harvest season) while working in town. But those whose kids work in Saudi or Canada end up selling their land, either to businessmen like our family or to rich people from Manila to build a "country home" for them to spend weekends.
Tsvangirai meets with Generals
From the WashingtonPost
...Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday attended the first national security council meeting to be held since he and President Robert Mugabe formed a unity government in February....
...Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday attended the first national security council meeting to be held since he and President Robert Mugabe formed a unity government in February....
Both Mugabe and Tsvangirai say they are working well together in Zimbabwe's new administration although some disputes remain over the appointment of some top state officials and the recent arrests of MDC lawmakers. ....
(f0r example):
A Harare magistrate court on Thursday remanded in custody MDC Deputy Youth Minister Thamsanqa Mahlangu, who is facing charges of stealing a mobile phone belonging to Joseph Chinotimba, a staunch Mugabe ally and leader of a group of veterans of Zimbabwe's 1970s liberation war.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Trials erode Zim ruling party
From the Wall Street Journal:
HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's party is one seat away from losing its majority in parliament, threatening what little power his Movement for Democratic Change has in this shaky coalition government.
Five MDC lawmakers -- all convicted for instigating violence after last year's presidential election -- have been jailed in the five months since Mr. Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe agreed to form a coalition government. Members of parliament sentenced to more than six months in jail are required to step down unless their sentence is overturned on appeal.
The MDC has accused Mr. Mugabe's party of politically motivated trials aimed at eroding the party majority. That would consolidate the president's power, and allow him to pass laws or block legislation without consulting Mr. Tsvangirai's party.
In addition to the five already convicted, 16 more MDC legislators, including Finance Minister Tendai Biti, have cases pending before the courts. Mr. Biti faces treason charges, while others are accused of political violence. All deny the charges.
No one from Mr. Mugabe's party has been prosecuted for violence that raged last year before the presidential electionSunday, July 26, 2009
Zim launches national healing campaign
From AP
Excuse my cynicism, but although I'm all in favor of forgiving someone who repents and says they will never sin again, I'm not sure forgiving someone threatening you --or your neighbor--with violence is quite the same thing...
Excuse my cynicism, but although I'm all in favor of forgiving someone who repents and says they will never sin again, I'm not sure forgiving someone threatening you --or your neighbor--with violence is quite the same thing...
Friday, July 24, 2009
Podcast on Africa
a few weeks ago, the CSPAN podcast "AFTER WORDS" had an interview with Wangari Maathai...
MP3 download here
MP3 download here
COSATU to join on push for Zim constitution
from Afrikasources
South Africa’s biggest worker federation has vowed to join hands with the Zimbabwean civil society in pushing for a people driven constitution. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), a key member of the African National Congress (ANC) –the tripartite formation ruling South Africa said as part of its International Solidarity Conference Declaration that it would work with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and other civic bodies in pushing government.....
“We also support the civil society initiatives led by COSATU, OSISA and the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum for a Conference in Botswana to assess the situation under the GNU in Zimbabwe, conditions under Terrorism Law in Swaziland, the transformation of SADC and the task of building a regional solidarity movement, through the effective harnessing of all the solidarity efforts towards maximum cohesion,” Masuku added.
The union bemoaned the continued harassment and persecution of political and civil society activists in Zimbabwe “even under a cloud of a supposedly new and changed environment”.
South Africa’s biggest worker federation has vowed to join hands with the Zimbabwean civil society in pushing for a people driven constitution. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), a key member of the African National Congress (ANC) –the tripartite formation ruling South Africa said as part of its International Solidarity Conference Declaration that it would work with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and other civic bodies in pushing government.....
“We also support the civil society initiatives led by COSATU, OSISA and the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum for a Conference in Botswana to assess the situation under the GNU in Zimbabwe, conditions under Terrorism Law in Swaziland, the transformation of SADC and the task of building a regional solidarity movement, through the effective harnessing of all the solidarity efforts towards maximum cohesion,” Masuku added.
The union bemoaned the continued harassment and persecution of political and civil society activists in Zimbabwe “even under a cloud of a supposedly new and changed environment”.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Child killing in Uganda
From IWPR:
Go to link...the report sickens me even to read it...
what is not mentioned: If this was done to gain power/wealth (e.g. starting a store), if this was related to "insurgent" groups trying to get power, or if it was done to cure HIV...
Go to link...the report sickens me even to read it...
what is not mentioned: If this was done to gain power/wealth (e.g. starting a store), if this was related to "insurgent" groups trying to get power, or if it was done to cure HIV...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Judge orders state to turn over video evidence
from SWRadioAfrica
...the judge on Monday insisted on the production of video evidence the state has based its entire case on. The judge expressed concern at the failure of the state to produce the videos since May, when the activists were finally indicted after several months of unlawful detention.
The activists have said they were tortured into making confessions on video. It is unlikely any fair court could accept such evidence.
Meanwhile 16 of the activists, including journalist Shadreck Andrison Manyere, are suing the state for US$19,2 million in damages. The group filed their application in the High Court last week Tuesday, seeking damages for their abduction, unlawful detention and deprivation of liberty last year....
...the judge on Monday insisted on the production of video evidence the state has based its entire case on. The judge expressed concern at the failure of the state to produce the videos since May, when the activists were finally indicted after several months of unlawful detention.
The activists have said they were tortured into making confessions on video. It is unlikely any fair court could accept such evidence.
Meanwhile 16 of the activists, including journalist Shadreck Andrison Manyere, are suing the state for US$19,2 million in damages. The group filed their application in the High Court last week Tuesday, seeking damages for their abduction, unlawful detention and deprivation of liberty last year....
Inflation is starting to rise again
From AFP
...In June, the monthly inflation rate registered at 0.6 percent, against -1.0 percent in May.
Food prices, however, remained deflationary, with food and non-alcoholic beverages at -1.26 percent, against -0.84 percent in May, the Central Statistics Office said.
Non-food inflation was at 1.45 percent, compared with -1.05 percent for May.
Since trading in foreign currency was allowed, Zimbabwe's once-deserted shops are again fully stocked with food.
But even with food prices falling, few people can afford to buy food in a country where the unemployment rate is estimated at 94 percent....
...In June, the monthly inflation rate registered at 0.6 percent, against -1.0 percent in May.
Food prices, however, remained deflationary, with food and non-alcoholic beverages at -1.26 percent, against -0.84 percent in May, the Central Statistics Office said.
Non-food inflation was at 1.45 percent, compared with -1.05 percent for May.
Since trading in foreign currency was allowed, Zimbabwe's once-deserted shops are again fully stocked with food.
But even with food prices falling, few people can afford to buy food in a country where the unemployment rate is estimated at 94 percent....
Monday, July 20, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Lessons I learned from Bob
from Kubatana net:
TOP del.icio.us
Stand by your beliefs stand firm even if you stand t o lose your very livelihood.
When your enemy is down kick in the teeth repeatedly.
Choose a very public forum to insult you enemies; do a good and thorough job of it.
That way you divert attention from your transgressions.
You are always right it’s everyone else who is wrong.
If they don’t agree with you to hell with them who do they think they are.
Pretend to agree with some of your opponents.
When they gain your trust.
Stab them in the back.
TOP del.icio.us
Stand by your beliefs stand firm even if you stand t o lose your very livelihood.
When your enemy is down kick in the teeth repeatedly.
Choose a very public forum to insult you enemies; do a good and thorough job of it.
That way you divert attention from your transgressions.
You are always right it’s everyone else who is wrong.
If they don’t agree with you to hell with them who do they think they are.
Pretend to agree with some of your opponents.
When they gain your trust.
Stab them in the back.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Zim talks resume after fight
from the BBC:
...On Monday Mr Mugabe's supporters disrupted the opening speech by dancing and singing revolutionary songs, prompting an angry reaction from supporters of Mr Tsvangirai - his former rival.
Water bottles were thrown, delegates scuffled with each other and riot police were brought in to clear the venue.
Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party wants the new constitution to be based on a draft drawn up last year, but critics say it gives the president too much power. ...
...On Monday Mr Mugabe's supporters disrupted the opening speech by dancing and singing revolutionary songs, prompting an angry reaction from supporters of Mr Tsvangirai - his former rival.
Water bottles were thrown, delegates scuffled with each other and riot police were brought in to clear the venue.
Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party wants the new constitution to be based on a draft drawn up last year, but critics say it gives the president too much power. ...
Liberia's ex pres denounces war crimes charges against him
from the AP
...Charles Taylor, once one of West Africa's most powerful men, is charged with 11 counts of murder, torture, rape, sexual slavery and the use of child soldiers and terrorism in his role backing rebels in Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 civil war.
An estimated 500,000 people were the victims of killings, systematic mutilation or other atrocities in that war, with some of the worst crimes committed by child soldiers who were drugged to desensitize them....
...Charles Taylor, once one of West Africa's most powerful men, is charged with 11 counts of murder, torture, rape, sexual slavery and the use of child soldiers and terrorism in his role backing rebels in Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 civil war.
An estimated 500,000 people were the victims of killings, systematic mutilation or other atrocities in that war, with some of the worst crimes committed by child soldiers who were drugged to desensitize them....
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Zim military blamed for bloodshed at diamond mine
from CNN:
... Residents and workers contributed accounts of attacks detailed by the interim findings of the Kimberley Process after a weeklong investigation in Zimbabwe.
The probe started days after a Human Rights Watch report accused the nation's armed forces of violently taking over the diamond fields in Marange district and killing about 200 people since last year. Some victims of the clash were buried in mass graves, the report said....
Tapiwa, 32, who declined to give his last name, said he has scars on his back and head from beatings he got when troops found him in the mining area.
Such stories are common, said Georgette Gagnon, director of Human Rights Watch. The organization said more than 100 witnesses, including soldiers and children, were interviewed for its report....
Separately, Human Rights Watch has accused the armed forces of funneling money from the fields into ZANU-PF, President Robert Mugabe's party. The government decried some aspects of the report, saying the critics were trying to smear the Mugabe's party.
... Residents and workers contributed accounts of attacks detailed by the interim findings of the Kimberley Process after a weeklong investigation in Zimbabwe.
The probe started days after a Human Rights Watch report accused the nation's armed forces of violently taking over the diamond fields in Marange district and killing about 200 people since last year. Some victims of the clash were buried in mass graves, the report said....
Tapiwa, 32, who declined to give his last name, said he has scars on his back and head from beatings he got when troops found him in the mining area.
Such stories are common, said Georgette Gagnon, director of Human Rights Watch. The organization said more than 100 witnesses, including soldiers and children, were interviewed for its report....
Separately, Human Rights Watch has accused the armed forces of funneling money from the fields into ZANU-PF, President Robert Mugabe's party. The government decried some aspects of the report, saying the critics were trying to smear the Mugabe's party.
International Investment conference opens in Harare
from SWRadioAfrica:
...The key to this (i.e. investment), according to the address by deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, was restoring the rule of law, which provides the foundation of confidence for contractual dealings and investor activity, without which no economy can run effectively.
He said: ‘The rule of law, transparency and accountability in the public sector serve not only as means to counter corruption but also as fundamental conditions of good governance’.
Our Harare correspondent Simon Muchemwa said investors at the conference took a keen interest in the energy, mining, construction and telecommunication sectors. These are perceived as sectors with the highest potential for profitability.
But there were also concerns raised by investors during a question and answer session with the three leaders that real reforms have yet to take root in the country. Others felt Zimbabwe was still a place where property rights are not respected...
...The key to this (i.e. investment), according to the address by deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, was restoring the rule of law, which provides the foundation of confidence for contractual dealings and investor activity, without which no economy can run effectively.
He said: ‘The rule of law, transparency and accountability in the public sector serve not only as means to counter corruption but also as fundamental conditions of good governance’.
Our Harare correspondent Simon Muchemwa said investors at the conference took a keen interest in the energy, mining, construction and telecommunication sectors. These are perceived as sectors with the highest potential for profitability.
But there were also concerns raised by investors during a question and answer session with the three leaders that real reforms have yet to take root in the country. Others felt Zimbabwe was still a place where property rights are not respected...
Another MP convicted on trumped up charges
from SWRadioAfrica:
The MDC MP for Chipinge South, Meki Makuyana, was on Thursday convicted on ‘trumped up charges’ of kidnapping. Magistrate Samuel Zuze sentenced Makuyana to 18 months in prison with hard labour - 6 months were suspended. This means the MP will serve an effective 12 months in prison. This brings to 4 the number of MDC MP’s, all from Manicaland Province, who have been convicted and sentenced to jail by magistrates on the ZANU PF payroll. Coincidentally all the MDC MP’s targeted so far beat ZANU PF cabinet ministers in last year’s parliamentary elections....
The MDC MP for Chipinge South, Meki Makuyana, was on Thursday convicted on ‘trumped up charges’ of kidnapping. Magistrate Samuel Zuze sentenced Makuyana to 18 months in prison with hard labour - 6 months were suspended. This means the MP will serve an effective 12 months in prison. This brings to 4 the number of MDC MP’s, all from Manicaland Province, who have been convicted and sentenced to jail by magistrates on the ZANU PF payroll. Coincidentally all the MDC MP’s targeted so far beat ZANU PF cabinet ministers in last year’s parliamentary elections....
Land Reform Issue Dominates First Day of Zimbabwe Investment Forum
from VOA news:
The three principals in Zimbabwe's troubled unity government differed sharply on the vexed question of land reform on the opening day Thursday of a conference aimed at convincing international investors to bring capital to the country's economic recovery.
President Robert Mugabe called on Britain to pay restitution to farmers whose properties were seized by his government in the controversial fast-track land reform program which it launched in 2000 and which has been blamed for the country's economic collapse.
Mr. Mugabe told delegates attending Zimbabwe International Investment Conference that the responsibility of compensating the white commercial farmers rested "on the shoulders of the British government and it's allies." The president said Zimbabwe will only compensate white farmers for improvement to properties seized for land redistribution....
The three principals in Zimbabwe's troubled unity government differed sharply on the vexed question of land reform on the opening day Thursday of a conference aimed at convincing international investors to bring capital to the country's economic recovery.
President Robert Mugabe called on Britain to pay restitution to farmers whose properties were seized by his government in the controversial fast-track land reform program which it launched in 2000 and which has been blamed for the country's economic collapse.
Mr. Mugabe told delegates attending Zimbabwe International Investment Conference that the responsibility of compensating the white commercial farmers rested "on the shoulders of the British government and it's allies." The president said Zimbabwe will only compensate white farmers for improvement to properties seized for land redistribution....
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Friday, July 03, 2009
Corporate Council on Africa remarks
remarks to PM Tsvangirai at a meeting...they support private enterprise to boost the economy
Thursday, July 02, 2009
The Militias are Back
from SWRadioAfrica:
Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa told us most militias have been deployed in areas where the MDC made major inroads in last year’s polls. He said ZANU PF fears if its supporters do not particpate in the reform exercise, the consequences could be dire for the party.
“Already there have been skirmishes involving these militias and officials from the MDC in Mutare, Masvingo and some parts of Mashonaland central. The militias are forcing people to attend local or provincial conferences and push for the Kariba draft to be used as a reference point in drawing up a new constitution,” Muchemwa said....
Since independence the country has followed the Lancaster House constitution, but since then the ZANU PF led government has added 18 subsequent amendments to the Constitution, strengthening presidential powers and turning Zimbabwe into an authoritarian country.
Makoni's new Party
from SWRadio Africa
Ex ZANU-PF Finance minister Makoni is now starting his own breakaway party. He is slamming corruption, but has been accused of corruption in the past.
If you believe the Wikipedia post, the "corruption" was about a measley $25 000....which either means he was caught in some minor shennanigans (to small to count and so is incompetent), or he was so incompetent that he is only stealing small amounts of money, or that he is smart enough to steal without getting caught (competent and corrupt). Or maybe the guy is honest and the others lied about him.
the Wikipedia post also says Mutambara backs him...
...Former Finance Minister Dr Simba Makoni on Wednesday slammed political corruption and greed during the official transformation of his Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (MKD) movement into a political party.
A strong contingent of diplomats, media representatives and activists from MKD gathered for the official launch in Mbare, under the theme: ‘Real Change.’ The theme was decided as an ironic spin-off from the MDC’s campaign slogan - ‘Change you can trust,’ which the new MKD says is a promise that the MDC has not delivered on.
At Wednesday’s launch, Dr Makoni criticised the unity government for ushering in ‘fake change,’ while ‘bickering for vehicles’ and fighting internally for power and jobs. He accused the government of not taking the interests of the people to heart, but insisted that MKD was prepared to assist the government if it proves otherwise....
Ex ZANU-PF Finance minister Makoni is now starting his own breakaway party. He is slamming corruption, but has been accused of corruption in the past.
If you believe the Wikipedia post, the "corruption" was about a measley $25 000....which either means he was caught in some minor shennanigans (to small to count and so is incompetent), or he was so incompetent that he is only stealing small amounts of money, or that he is smart enough to steal without getting caught (competent and corrupt). Or maybe the guy is honest and the others lied about him.
the Wikipedia post also says Mutambara backs him...
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
China Gining Zim a loan
from the NYTimes
China is giving $950 million dollar loan to Zim...
this is in contrast to the West who worries that the loans will go into the pockets of the old government so they can continue to abuse human rights.
Again I'm having computer problems...go to link
China is giving $950 million dollar loan to Zim...
this is in contrast to the West who worries that the loans will go into the pockets of the old government so they can continue to abuse human rights.
Again I'm having computer problems...go to link
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
MDC boycott cabinet meeting
from the Zimbabwe Mail
...But Khupe said Mugabe continued to violate the political agreement, including failing to swear-in senior MDC official Roy Bennett as deputy agriculture minister, while the national security council had never met because "a few elite securocrats do not recognise the authority of the new order".
She said ZANU-PF was frustrating media reforms while MDC legislators and civil society members continued to be victimised and arrested.
The MDC has already asked the regional Southern African Development Community to mediate in a dispute over the appointment of the central bank governor and attorney general.
"For a long time we have remained the polite and subservient upholders of the GPA (global political agreement)," said Khupe.
"Whilst we remain fundamentally committed to the GPA in the interests of our people, it is our constitutional right to consider disengagement," she said, without elaborating.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Harare is the worst city to live in
From the Harare Tribune
Vancouver is the world's easiest city to live in, while Harare, Zimbabwe is the toughest, a new survey finds. While many European and North American cities placed near the top of the list, African and Asian locales typically finished closer to the bottom. (according to a survey in the Economist).
...Rounding out the bottom three are Algiers, Dhaka and Harare, as Zimbabwe struggles to emerge from an economic meltdown and President Robert Mugabe's iron grip over the country.
Vancouver is the world's easiest city to live in, while Harare, Zimbabwe is the toughest, a new survey finds. While many European and North American cities placed near the top of the list, African and Asian locales typically finished closer to the bottom. (according to a survey in the Economist).
...Rounding out the bottom three are Algiers, Dhaka and Harare, as Zimbabwe struggles to emerge from an economic meltdown and President Robert Mugabe's iron grip over the country.
State abducted activist
from the NYTimes
A prosecutor admitted during a Supreme Court hearing on Thursday that state security agents illegally abducted and detained Jestina Mukoko, a human rights advocate, in December. Ms. Mukoko, who led a civic group that documented the murder and torture of opposition activists, is seeking to halt the state’s attempt to prosecute her on charges of aiding an effort to topple President Robert Mugabe from power.
A prosecutor admitted during a Supreme Court hearing on Thursday that state security agents illegally abducted and detained Jestina Mukoko, a human rights advocate, in December. Ms. Mukoko, who led a civic group that documented the murder and torture of opposition activists, is seeking to halt the state’s attempt to prosecute her on charges of aiding an effort to topple President Robert Mugabe from power.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
MInister denies diamond field killing
SWRadioAfrica via All Africa:
Deputy Mining Minister Murisi Zwizwai has denied there were any killings in the eastern Marange diamond fields last year, telling a meeting of the Kimberley Process in Namibia on Wednesday that claims were a result of 'unsubstantiated reports'.
There have been widespread accounts of killings in the Chiadzwa area, which has been the centre of controversy since last October when the army was called in to disperse thousands of illegal diamond hunters. But Zwizwai told Wednesday's meeting of the Kimberley Process, the international scheme to curb the sale of 'blood diamonds', that the situation in Marange had been brought under control.
Deputy Mining Minister Murisi Zwizwai has denied there were any killings in the eastern Marange diamond fields last year, telling a meeting of the Kimberley Process in Namibia on Wednesday that claims were a result of 'unsubstantiated reports'.
There have been widespread accounts of killings in the Chiadzwa area, which has been the centre of controversy since last October when the army was called in to disperse thousands of illegal diamond hunters. But Zwizwai told Wednesday's meeting of the Kimberley Process, the international scheme to curb the sale of 'blood diamonds', that the situation in Marange had been brought under control.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Will the Green Revolution ever hit Africa?
from NYTimes Freakanomics blog:
go to link...I'll try to post excerpts when I go to the office computer later today
go to link...I'll try to post excerpts when I go to the office computer later today
Saturday, June 20, 2009
WOZA members released
via All Africa.com:
The seven members arrested in Bulawayo on Wednesday have finally been released on bail of USD 20 each. They have been remanded out of custody to 3rd July and have to report to their nearest police station every Friday.... Fortunately Kossam Ncube, the defence lawyer, was able to secure their release by late afternoon. All were beaten prior to being arrested and have needed to seek medical attention for deep tissue bruising.
The four members in Harare have also finally been able to go home having received medical treatment. One woman has a broken finger, whilst another two are on crutches as they are unable to walk unaided. Maria Majoni has to return for further medical treatment for injuries to her ear. All have severe deep tissue bruising.
Police assault news photographer
from the Zimbabwean:
Regis Nyandima, a chief photographer with the state-controlled national daily The Herald was on 18 June 2009 assaulted by police in Harare while covering a demonstration by members of the pressure group Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA).
Nyandima was arrested and assaulted by some of the policemen who disrupted the demonstration saying it was illegal. He was bundled into a police Mazda B1800 truck and subsequently assaulted. According to The Herald, a senior officer at Harare Central Police Station apologised to the newspaper for the assault and said they would look into the issue.
---
hmmm...the state controlled media is starting to report news...sounds like a good sign.
Regis Nyandima, a chief photographer with the state-controlled national daily The Herald was on 18 June 2009 assaulted by police in Harare while covering a demonstration by members of the pressure group Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA).
Nyandima was arrested and assaulted by some of the policemen who disrupted the demonstration saying it was illegal. He was bundled into a police Mazda B1800 truck and subsequently assaulted. According to The Herald, a senior officer at Harare Central Police Station apologised to the newspaper for the assault and said they would look into the issue.
---
hmmm...the state controlled media is starting to report news...sounds like a good sign.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Local SA firms lend money to Zim
From Bloomberg via africasources:
South African companies were willing to provide Zimbabwe with a R2.75 billion credit line once the ailing country had signed an investment protection accord, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister Tendai Biti said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Cape Town on Friday.
South African companies wanting to enter Zimbabwe included Netcare and FirstRand's FNB, Biti said. The investment accord should be signed by the end of this month.
South African companies were willing to provide Zimbabwe with a R2.75 billion credit line once the ailing country had signed an investment protection accord, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister Tendai Biti said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Cape Town on Friday.
South African companies wanting to enter Zimbabwe included Netcare and FirstRand's FNB, Biti said. The investment accord should be signed by the end of this month.
Are Angry ancestors behind those car accidents?
The LATimes has an article about car accidents and the idea that the angry ancestors might be behind them...
Much of the article is good, but even I got confused about the part of "traditional leaders" and failure to do rituals...but the ending is about right.
"There are people who think there's spirits. There are no bad spirits. It's just the potholes in the road," he says.
He carries no talisman to ward off evil forces. But he does have one bit of insurance.
"I've been driving this road for years. I know each and every pothole and every uncertainty of the road," he says.
Chisvu, the chief metekedza, sees another solution. He believes just a little more humanity will make things right.
"We have become so politicized that we have turned on each other," he says. "There's no love."
Much of the article is good, but even I got confused about the part of "traditional leaders" and failure to do rituals...but the ending is about right.
"There are people who think there's spirits. There are no bad spirits. It's just the potholes in the road," he says.
He carries no talisman to ward off evil forces. But he does have one bit of insurance.
"I've been driving this road for years. I know each and every pothole and every uncertainty of the road," he says.
Chisvu, the chief metekedza, sees another solution. He believes just a little more humanity will make things right.
"We have become so politicized that we have turned on each other," he says. "There's no love."
Zim accused of continuing rights abuse
from the LATimes:
Reporting from Johannesburg, South Africa -- Amnesty International reported Thursday that serious human rights abuses continue in Zimbabwe and criticized members of President Robert Mugabe's ruling party, saying they regard violence as a useful political tool.... "Ending attacks on human rights defenders, lifting restrictions on the media and allowing public protests do not require more money. They only require political will," she said in a statement. "Progress on human rights has been woefully slow."
Amnesty International's report underscores Western concerns about the continuing power of spoilers in Mugabe's party.
"Persistent and serious human rights violations, combined with a failure to introduce reform of the police, army and security forces or address impunity and the lack of clear commitment on some parts of the government are real obstacles that need to be confronted by the leadership of Zimbabwe," Khan said.
Reporting from Johannesburg, South Africa -- Amnesty International reported Thursday that serious human rights abuses continue in Zimbabwe and criticized members of President Robert Mugabe's ruling party, saying they regard violence as a useful political tool.... "Ending attacks on human rights defenders, lifting restrictions on the media and allowing public protests do not require more money. They only require political will," she said in a statement. "Progress on human rights has been woefully slow."
Amnesty International's report underscores Western concerns about the continuing power of spoilers in Mugabe's party.
"Persistent and serious human rights violations, combined with a failure to introduce reform of the police, army and security forces or address impunity and the lack of clear commitment on some parts of the government are real obstacles that need to be confronted by the leadership of Zimbabwe," Khan said.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Africa is improving
From StrategyPage:
...June 17, 2009: Africa is winning against war and poverty. While Africa is still the site of most of the word's wars, the trend since the early 1990s (when the Cold War ended) has been towards less war and more peace and prosperity. Thus while there were only five democracies in 1991, there are over 25 (depending on how you measure such things) now....
Africa is still beset by corruption, disease and poverty. But while the 1980s were a decade where everything seemed to be going wrong, the first decade of the 20th century has seen most of those trends reverse...
...June 17, 2009: Africa is winning against war and poverty. While Africa is still the site of most of the word's wars, the trend since the early 1990s (when the Cold War ended) has been towards less war and more peace and prosperity. Thus while there were only five democracies in 1991, there are over 25 (depending on how you measure such things) now....
Africa is still beset by corruption, disease and poverty. But while the 1980s were a decade where everything seemed to be going wrong, the first decade of the 20th century has seen most of those trends reverse...
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Obama pledges 73 million to Zim
from the Washington Post:
President Obama announced today that the United States will provide $73 million in aid to Zimbabwe, saying the economically-wracked nation has made progress since Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai entered a power-sharing arrangement with longtime President Robert Mugabe four months ago....
The $73 million in assistance will not be going to the government but directly to services for citizens, Obama said, because "we continue to be concerned about consolidating democracy, human rights and rule of law." Obama renewed sanctions against Zimbabwe in March, in an effort to press Mugabe into making changes to improve human rights.
President Obama announced today that the United States will provide $73 million in aid to Zimbabwe, saying the economically-wracked nation has made progress since Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai entered a power-sharing arrangement with longtime President Robert Mugabe four months ago....
The $73 million in assistance will not be going to the government but directly to services for citizens, Obama said, because "we continue to be concerned about consolidating democracy, human rights and rule of law." Obama renewed sanctions against Zimbabwe in March, in an effort to press Mugabe into making changes to improve human rights.
I apologize for lax blogging
we've had on and off electricity and on and off internet for the last week...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Death Threats continue
from the Zimbabwe Times
Sekai Holland, a member of the former opposition MDC, told the BBC opponents of the power-sharing government were drawing up assassination lists.
She said she believed the worst violence was being planned to coincide with elections due in 18 months.
Her comments echo earlier claims by PM Morgan Tsvangirai of ongoing political intimidation and abuses in Zimbabwe.
Holland, Zimbabwe’s Minister for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration, told the BBC that she and other members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), including fellow ministers, were receiving threatening phone calls every day....
Obama looking forward to meeting Tsvangirai
from the Zim Guardian
THE US President, Barack Obama says he is looking forward to meeting Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai.
... on Friday, June 12."
...PM Tsvangirai is on a three-week state visit to the EU and US where is meeting leaders of Western nations seeking to re-engage Zimbabwe "into the community of nations".
A report in state media says the PM has been tasked by the inclusive Government to call for the removal of sanctions and seek a financial package to revive the economy.
The PM is on will visit France, Sweden, Britain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the US.
THE US President, Barack Obama says he is looking forward to meeting Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai.
... on Friday, June 12."
...PM Tsvangirai is on a three-week state visit to the EU and US where is meeting leaders of Western nations seeking to re-engage Zimbabwe "into the community of nations".
A report in state media says the PM has been tasked by the inclusive Government to call for the removal of sanctions and seek a financial package to revive the economy.
The PM is on will visit France, Sweden, Britain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the US.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
the plight of the 3 million Zim refugees in South Africa
From Medicines sans Frontiers:
go to link please...
go to link please...
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Central bank chief must go
from AFP:
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's party bemoaned the slow pace of change in Zimbabwe's fledgling coalition on Sunday, calling for the central bank chief and attorney general to quit immediately....Aware of the conflict and divisive effect of the issues ... conference calls that in the national interest Johannes Tomana and Gideon Gono resign forthwith," the MDC said in resolutions read by secretary-general Tendai Biti, who is also Zimbabwe's finance minister.
Tsvangirai encountered tough resistance within the MDC about entering a power-sharing deal with Mugabe in February and the resolution made clear the party is unhappy about what it sees as a lack of reform and continued intimidation of its supporters by pro-Mugabe militias.
The government must address "the slow pace of media reforms, slow implementation of the government 100-day plan, continued deployment of the military in villages and the existence of militia and ghost workers on the government payroll," it said.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's party bemoaned the slow pace of change in Zimbabwe's fledgling coalition on Sunday, calling for the central bank chief and attorney general to quit immediately....Aware of the conflict and divisive effect of the issues ... conference calls that in the national interest Johannes Tomana and Gideon Gono resign forthwith," the MDC said in resolutions read by secretary-general Tendai Biti, who is also Zimbabwe's finance minister.
Tsvangirai encountered tough resistance within the MDC about entering a power-sharing deal with Mugabe in February and the resolution made clear the party is unhappy about what it sees as a lack of reform and continued intimidation of its supporters by pro-Mugabe militias.
The government must address "the slow pace of media reforms, slow implementation of the government 100-day plan, continued deployment of the military in villages and the existence of militia and ghost workers on the government payroll," it said.
Monday, June 01, 2009
more prisoners die in Zim jails
from SWRadioAfrica
970 this year, six last week.
I'm having computer trouble so please go to link
970 this year, six last week.
I'm having computer trouble so please go to link
Saturday, May 30, 2009
To Aid or not to aid?N
NYTimes editorial HERE
...The reluctance of Western governments and human rights groups to embrace the current Zimbabwean government is understandable. There is, in particular, no real reason to believe that Mr. Mugabe, after decades of dictatorial rule and abuse, has suddenly embraced multiparty democracy. If he had, after all, he would not be president now.
But Zimbabwe may well be a case where the best is the enemy of the good. Mr. Tsvangirai’s party, the Movement for Democratic Change, went into the unity government with its eyes open. “We had won the election but we did not have the support of the military,” Mr. Tsvangirai told us this month in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. “We did not want to be the authors of chaos. Instead we need to soft-land the crisis, stabilize the situation through peace and stability and democratic consolidation.” Accordingly, he views Mr. Mugabe as “both part of the problem and part of the solution: we cannot untangle the tentacles of the state without him.”...
...The reluctance of Western governments and human rights groups to embrace the current Zimbabwean government is understandable. There is, in particular, no real reason to believe that Mr. Mugabe, after decades of dictatorial rule and abuse, has suddenly embraced multiparty democracy. If he had, after all, he would not be president now.
But Zimbabwe may well be a case where the best is the enemy of the good. Mr. Tsvangirai’s party, the Movement for Democratic Change, went into the unity government with its eyes open. “We had won the election but we did not have the support of the military,” Mr. Tsvangirai told us this month in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. “We did not want to be the authors of chaos. Instead we need to soft-land the crisis, stabilize the situation through peace and stability and democratic consolidation.” Accordingly, he views Mr. Mugabe as “both part of the problem and part of the solution: we cannot untangle the tentacles of the state without him.”...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Abducted pastor released
from SWRadioAfrica
"...On Tuesday SW Radio Africa received information from an MDC official, stating that another person had been abducted by unknown assailants. The official said Pastor Berejena, who has been a “close spiritual friend of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and has also been a spiritual strength to so many of the victims of political violence over the past 14 months,” was abducted on Monday afternoon by suspected CIO operatives.
Marondera Central MP Ian Kay, a friend of the Pastor, said Berejena was located on Wednesday morning and is now in a safe place. “The details are very vague..."/...
MDC activists say he has been helping victims of political violence for a long time now, after so many were brutalised at the time of the controversial elections of last year. Many victims of this violence have gone without any help and Pastor Berejena was one of the few who has been trying to help some of them.
One MDC activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said many MDC activists who helped the party and became victims of the Mugabe regime, are now being neglected by their own party. The activist said the situation has worsened since the formation of the unity government, as not much effort is being made by the MDC to help these victims of political violence...
"...On Tuesday SW Radio Africa received information from an MDC official, stating that another person had been abducted by unknown assailants. The official said Pastor Berejena, who has been a “close spiritual friend of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and has also been a spiritual strength to so many of the victims of political violence over the past 14 months,” was abducted on Monday afternoon by suspected CIO operatives.
Marondera Central MP Ian Kay, a friend of the Pastor, said Berejena was located on Wednesday morning and is now in a safe place. “The details are very vague..."/...
MDC activists say he has been helping victims of political violence for a long time now, after so many were brutalised at the time of the controversial elections of last year. Many victims of this violence have gone without any help and Pastor Berejena was one of the few who has been trying to help some of them.
One MDC activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said many MDC activists who helped the party and became victims of the Mugabe regime, are now being neglected by their own party. The activist said the situation has worsened since the formation of the unity government, as not much effort is being made by the MDC to help these victims of political violence...
Mugabe stands by bank chief
from the AP:
Mugabe reappointed Gono to a second five-year term in November. Former opposition leader Tsvangirai says that appointment violates his power-sharing deal with Mugabe.
--------------
Mugabe reappointed Gono to a second five-year term in November. Former opposition leader Tsvangirai says that appointment violates his power-sharing deal with Mugabe.
--------------
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cholera cases may hit 100 thousand
from the BBC:
The number of cholera cases in Zimbabwe is expected to reach 100,000 this week, according to the Red Cross....
So far, 98,309 cases have been reported, with some 4,283 deaths, said the Red Cross in a report.
The outbreak, which began last August, has been fuelled by Zimbabwe's poor water, sanitation and health systems....
Some $3.4m (£2.15m) was needed to rehabilitate Zimbabwe's water systems, dig wells and construct latrines, the aid group said.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Why Africa lacks investments
only investments can change Africa into prosperous countries similar to the Asian "tiger" econonmies.
from Geostrategy:
from Geostrategy:
- Rule of law -- The rule of law does not prevail to the degree required to make Africa an attractive investment destination. This applies to corporate, societal, and criminal law
- Attraction -- While the enormous natural resources are an attraction, Africa does not offer a sufficiently large middle class of consumers or show consistent economic growth that could promise a future market. Most African countries are small and have poor markets, and there are barriers to regional markets--such as taxes and the freedom of movement of people and goods
- Risks versus rewards-- Given the currently perceived risks in Africa, the rewards have to be very high to make it worthwhile to invest. Presently, U.S. corporations say that there are very few visible promises of future returns high enough to justify significant interest in investing
- Supportive business framework--Transportation and communications infrastructure, trained or trainable human resources, and equitable trade and employment practices are insufficient to support corporate investment
- A welcoming environment-- African countries are not doing a sufficient job of providing education and health services to the potential workforce, which makes the potential hire-able local insufficient to support investment.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Mlambo released
from SWradioAfrica
The MDC MP for Chipinge East, Mathias Mlambo, was released on bail of US$200 on Friday by Chipinge magistrate Samuel Zuze....
Lawyer, KweKwe mayor arrested
from the VOA
Zimbabwean authorities on Friday arrested the lawyer for a parliamentarian of the Movement for Democratic Change formation of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, along with the mayor of the Midlands town of Kwekwe, on obstruction of justice charges.
Police arrested lawyer Tapera Sengwini and Kwekwe Mayor Shadreck Tobaiwa on charges that they contacted the family of a teen allegedly raped in January by lawmaker Blessing Chebundo in an effort to negotiate an out-of-court settlement in the matter. Chebundo was charged Tuesday in the case and on Friday remained in the hands of the Kwekwe police.
Sengwini told VOA earlier Friday that he expected to be arrested. Sources in the west-central town said the lawyer and the mayor were also being held at the Kwekwe station.
All three men are members of the Tsvangirai MDC formation.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Zim deadlock on only two posts
from Reuters:
HARARE, May 21 (Reuters) - Most disagreements within Zimbabwe's power-sharing government have been resolved and deadlock remains only on the posts of central bank governor and attorney general, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Thursday.
HARARE, May 21 (Reuters) - Most disagreements within Zimbabwe's power-sharing government have been resolved and deadlock remains only on the posts of central bank governor and attorney general, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Thursday.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Lawyers march in protest over harassment
from the Zimbabwe Times:
HARARE - Zimbabwean lawyers on Tuesday defied a police ban and marched through the streets of Harare to protest against government’s alleged harassment of lawyers and journalists....
Some of the placards read, “Stop Abductions Now” and “Rule of Law not Rule by Law.”
The police officers cooperated with the lawyers and granted access to three representatives into the government offices to present a petition....
The march by the lawyers comes barely a week after the arrest of prominent human rights lawyer Muchadehama and two Zimbabwe Independent newspaper journalists.
Muchadehama was charged with seeking to improperly release a group of human rights and political prisoners that he has been representing. A clerk of the High Court was also arrested on the same charges.
The journalists were arrested for allegedly publishing falsehoods after the Zimbabwe Independent ran a story naming members of the state security agencies who were involved in the abduction of political and human rights activists last October.
Several other lawyers have been threatened with arrest for carrying out their official duties. A High Court judge has in the past indicated that a prominent Harare rights lawyer might be charged for utterances that were made against the High Court.,,,
HARARE - Zimbabwean lawyers on Tuesday defied a police ban and marched through the streets of Harare to protest against government’s alleged harassment of lawyers and journalists....
Some of the placards read, “Stop Abductions Now” and “Rule of Law not Rule by Law.”
The police officers cooperated with the lawyers and granted access to three representatives into the government offices to present a petition....
The march by the lawyers comes barely a week after the arrest of prominent human rights lawyer Muchadehama and two Zimbabwe Independent newspaper journalists.
Muchadehama was charged with seeking to improperly release a group of human rights and political prisoners that he has been representing. A clerk of the High Court was also arrested on the same charges.
The journalists were arrested for allegedly publishing falsehoods after the Zimbabwe Independent ran a story naming members of the state security agencies who were involved in the abduction of political and human rights activists last October.
Several other lawyers have been threatened with arrest for carrying out their official duties. A High Court judge has in the past indicated that a prominent Harare rights lawyer might be charged for utterances that were made against the High Court.,,,
700 inmates die in Zim jails
from UPI:
HARARE, Zimbabwe, May 19 (UPI) -- Appalling conditions in Zimbabwe's Chikurubi prison have resulted in at least 700 of its 1,300 inmates dying in the last year, local media reported.
...The weekly reported the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy has resulted in medical care and food being cut off for Chikurubi inmates, leaving them exposed to diseases and starvation.
The International Red Cross has been allowed by Zimbabwe's new coalition government to help with conditions at the prison, but 327 deaths were recorded at Chikurubi between November and January, the Telegraph said.
HARARE, Zimbabwe, May 19 (UPI) -- Appalling conditions in Zimbabwe's Chikurubi prison have resulted in at least 700 of its 1,300 inmates dying in the last year, local media reported.
...The weekly reported the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy has resulted in medical care and food being cut off for Chikurubi inmates, leaving them exposed to diseases and starvation.
The International Red Cross has been allowed by Zimbabwe's new coalition government to help with conditions at the prison, but 327 deaths were recorded at Chikurubi between November and January, the Telegraph said.
World Bank support
from the BBC
he World Bank has agreed to give Zimbabwe $22m (£14.4m), its first assistance to the heavily-indebted African country since 2000.
Zimbabwe has been appealing for $8.5bn to rebuild its broken economy after forming a unity government in February.
The World Bank said the relatively small amount of money was "a first step". More could be forthcoming when Zimbabwe begins to clear its arrears.
It owes the World Bank and the African Development Bank more than $1bn.
he World Bank has agreed to give Zimbabwe $22m (£14.4m), its first assistance to the heavily-indebted African country since 2000.
Zimbabwe has been appealing for $8.5bn to rebuild its broken economy after forming a unity government in February.
The World Bank said the relatively small amount of money was "a first step". More could be forthcoming when Zimbabwe begins to clear its arrears.
It owes the World Bank and the African Development Bank more than $1bn.
ZANU PF rejects arbitration move
From the Daily Nation (kenya)
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's party has rejected the move by its coalition partners to refer their dispute over outstanding issues to the African Union.
The three month old inclusive government hangs in the balance after Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change on Sunday resolved to ask for the AU and the intervention of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) --- the brokers of the September 15 power sharing agreement --- in stalled negotiations over key posts and political reforms....
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's party has rejected the move by its coalition partners to refer their dispute over outstanding issues to the African Union.
The three month old inclusive government hangs in the balance after Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change on Sunday resolved to ask for the AU and the intervention of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) --- the brokers of the September 15 power sharing agreement --- in stalled negotiations over key posts and political reforms....
Monday, May 18, 2009
Zimbabwe girls in South Africa
from the AP, who is trying to stop bloggers from quoting from their stories.
summary: the teenagers are economic refugees, unable to support themselves or be supported by family in Zimbabwe.
they often find work as maids or babysitters in exchange for a tiny salary with room and board, but some end up as "wives" or sexually exploited.
summary: the teenagers are economic refugees, unable to support themselves or be supported by family in Zimbabwe.
they often find work as maids or babysitters in exchange for a tiny salary with room and board, but some end up as "wives" or sexually exploited.
Tsvangirai appeals to African leaders
From the UKTelegraph
...
...
"The national council has resolved that all oustanding issues be referred to SADC [the Southern African Development Community) and the African Union," said a statement issued by MDC leaders...
While hyperinflation has sudsided and shops are now well-stocked with goods, MDC supporters are still being persecuted and a new wave of invasions of the few remaining white-owned farms is under way.
The MDC also wants the appointments of the central bank governor, Gideon Gono, and the attorney-general Johannes Tomana, both of them Mugabe loyalists, reviewed, while the president has declined to do so.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
President Zuma
GetReligion Blog has an article about newly elected President Zuma:
(there is then links to the article about Zuma's electric personality and links to the Rhema Bible church, which preaches prosperity gospel...the idea that if you love God and follow the rules that God will reward you with riches and honors...this idea by the way is popular here in the Philippines).
The blog then goes on to write:
"South African President Jacob Zuma knows how to work a political rally, as shown by the video atop this post — in which Zuma sings “Awuleth’ Umshini Wami” (“Bring Me My Machine Gun”). The Weekly Standard sounded a warning about Zuma earlier this month, and retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu has raised concerns about him for years.
"Now Douglas Foster, writing in the June issue of The Atlantic, touches briefly on religious aspects of Zuma’s appeal. Foster, who teaches at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and is preparing a book on South Africa, returns a few times to an image of a poor woman who sees hope in Zuma...(there is then links to the article about Zuma's electric personality and links to the Rhema Bible church, which preaches prosperity gospel...the idea that if you love God and follow the rules that God will reward you with riches and honors...this idea by the way is popular here in the Philippines).
The blog then goes on to write:
"I found this article in the Times of Johannesburg about Rhema Bible Church welcoming a visit from Zuma. Foster is on to something, but it would be helpful to see whether Rhema — part of an international movement that emphasizes the prosperity gospel — is a fluke or a harbinger.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Two Zim newspapermen arrested
From SWRadioAfrica:
On Monday two journalists from the private media were arrested for publishing a story containing the names of police officers and state agents implicated in the abductions of civic leader Jestina Mukoko, journalist Shadreck Manyere and others.
(the names were obtained from public court records)
On Monday two journalists from the private media were arrested for publishing a story containing the names of police officers and state agents implicated in the abductions of civic leader Jestina Mukoko, journalist Shadreck Manyere and others.
(the names were obtained from public court records)
Watch out for Mugabe
from the Daily Nation (kenya)
Botswana has warned that the international community might withdraw pledges to help the reconstruction of Zimbabwe if President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF do not stop violating the power sharing agreement...
Botswana has warned that the international community might withdraw pledges to help the reconstruction of Zimbabwe if President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF do not stop violating the power sharing agreement...
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tsvangirai says government is on the right track
from Reuters India
HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has said his unity government with President Robert Mugabe was on the right track, despite their differences.
On Monday, Mugabe and Tsvangirai hold what the MDC says will be the last round of talks on outstanding issues from a power-sharing deal such as new appointments of the central bank governor and the attorney-general.
If they are not resolved the MDC's national council will meet to decide on the party's next step....
HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has said his unity government with President Robert Mugabe was on the right track, despite their differences.
On Monday, Mugabe and Tsvangirai hold what the MDC says will be the last round of talks on outstanding issues from a power-sharing deal such as new appointments of the central bank governor and the attorney-general.
If they are not resolved the MDC's national council will meet to decide on the party's next step....
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mugabe's final throes
A Boston Globe editorial...
full of wishful thinking and naivite
AFTER STRIKING a power-sharing agreement with the opposition earlier this year, Zimbabwe's 85-year-old President Robert Mugabe and his thuggish cronies made a clumsy attempt this week to get around it. Mugabe's intent became obvious on Tuesday, when a judge revoked bail and ordered the re-arrest of 18 human rights and opposition activists who are facing trial on patently bogus charges of seeking to overthrow Mugabe and his kleptocratic colleagues.,,,
as an article cited below shows, the judge had no choice...the government reinstated the charge which did not allow the judge to go against the charges and the bail came because Mugabe intervened.
Human-rights groups such as Amnesty International acted as conscience of the international community when the revocation of bail was first announced....
Right. Big white brother was listened to, as if they had clout in all the previous human rights violations.
Equally forthright was the South African Municipal Workers Union, which implored the South African government to "condemn this chronic abuse of state power."
Ah, snobbish Boston Globe finally sees that good Africans are trying to get rid of Mugabe. Of course, the trade unions have been on the forefront of this, but it's nice to see someone recognizing it.
South Africa as well as other democracies should be no less forceful in demanding that Mugabe relinquish power peacefully.
Yes, if you guys all stand up and send him a nice letter saying pretty please with sugar on it, I'm sure Mugabe will resign.
full of wishful thinking and naivite
AFTER STRIKING a power-sharing agreement with the opposition earlier this year, Zimbabwe's 85-year-old President Robert Mugabe and his thuggish cronies made a clumsy attempt this week to get around it. Mugabe's intent became obvious on Tuesday, when a judge revoked bail and ordered the re-arrest of 18 human rights and opposition activists who are facing trial on patently bogus charges of seeking to overthrow Mugabe and his kleptocratic colleagues.,,,
as an article cited below shows, the judge had no choice...the government reinstated the charge which did not allow the judge to go against the charges and the bail came because Mugabe intervened.
Human-rights groups such as Amnesty International acted as conscience of the international community when the revocation of bail was first announced....
Right. Big white brother was listened to, as if they had clout in all the previous human rights violations.
Equally forthright was the South African Municipal Workers Union, which implored the South African government to "condemn this chronic abuse of state power."
Ah, snobbish Boston Globe finally sees that good Africans are trying to get rid of Mugabe. Of course, the trade unions have been on the forefront of this, but it's nice to see someone recognizing it.
South Africa as well as other democracies should be no less forceful in demanding that Mugabe relinquish power peacefully.
Yes, if you guys all stand up and send him a nice letter saying pretty please with sugar on it, I'm sure Mugabe will resign.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Maize harvest
from Reuters Africa:
HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe is expecting to harvest 1.2 million tonnes of maize this season, more than double last year's output, state media reported on Friday, but the figures are likely to be disputed by aid agencies and farmers' groups....
His comments contradicted Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who said in March the country needed assistance with around 80 percent of its cereal requirements....
The U.S. Famine Early Warning System in its last report in March said late rains had improved the harvest prospects of the late planted crops and that while overall output was likely to be better than last year, millions still required assistance.
Diamond output now at a record
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Activists free from jail
from the NYTimes
The same magistrate who on Tuesday put 15 opposition and human rights activists back in jail on sabotage-related charges reversed herself on Wednesday and let 12 of them out again on bail, including Jestina Mukoko, left, of the Zimbabwe Peace Project.
The same magistrate who on Tuesday put 15 opposition and human rights activists back in jail on sabotage-related charges reversed herself on Wednesday and let 12 of them out again on bail, including Jestina Mukoko, left, of the Zimbabwe Peace Project.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Activists to go back to jail
From AlJazeera
A Zimbabwe court has revoked the bail of 18 political activists facing charges of "terrorism", ordering them to return to prison in a trial that has been widely denounced as a sham.
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the party headed by Morgan Tsvangirai, the prime minister, warned the move could endanger the country's fledgling unity government.
"Today's ruling seriously threatens not only the life and health of the inclusive government, but its longevity and durability," the MDC said in a statement.
The activists were arrested last year and say they were abducted from their homes by state security agents and tortured into confessing to being party to a plan to remove Robert Mugabe, the president, from power.
The group, which includes Jestina Mukoko, a leading human rights activist, and several MDC members, were granted bail in March with the consent of state prosecutors.
The 18 have now been indicted for a trial which starts next month.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Zimbabwe is broke
from AFp:
HARARE (AFP) — Zimbabwe's unity government is broke and cannot afford to match union demands for higher salaries, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai told a May Day rally on Friday.
"This government is broke," Tsvangirai told the crowd. "We are only able to pay you allowances. All of us from President Mugabe to government workers are earning a hundred dollars."
Tsvangirai said the state wished to increase the 100 dollar allowance paid to state workers but could not afford to meet growing demands for better wages.
"No-one is paying tax at the moment. If government is not getting taxes, where will the government get the money to pay salaries?," he asked.
Maybe from Grace's bank account?
HARARE (AFP) — Zimbabwe's unity government is broke and cannot afford to match union demands for higher salaries, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai told a May Day rally on Friday.
"This government is broke," Tsvangirai told the crowd. "We are only able to pay you allowances. All of us from President Mugabe to government workers are earning a hundred dollars."
Tsvangirai said the state wished to increase the 100 dollar allowance paid to state workers but could not afford to meet growing demands for better wages.
"No-one is paying tax at the moment. If government is not getting taxes, where will the government get the money to pay salaries?," he asked.
Maybe from Grace's bank account?
Friday, May 01, 2009
400 exhibitioners at Zim trade fair
the Herald (Government paper) via All Africa
Harare — MORE than 400 exhibitors are participating at the 2009 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which begins in Bulawayo today....President Rupiah Banda of Zambia is expected to officially open Zimbabwe's premier trade and investment showcase on Thursday....
Harare — MORE than 400 exhibitors are participating at the 2009 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which begins in Bulawayo today....President Rupiah Banda of Zambia is expected to officially open Zimbabwe's premier trade and investment showcase on Thursday....
Countries taking part include China, South Africa, Indonesia, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana.
400 Million credit from Africa
from Reuters
..."COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) has provided a line of credit and so have Botswana and South Africa and that brings the line of credit to $400 million," Biti said.
"Botswana is giving us $70 million and South Africa is giving us $50 million and COMESA is giving us the bulk of the amount."
State media reported on Wednesday that the southern African country had secured $400 million in credit lines to help the local economy recover from years of economic contraction and hyper-inflation.
....
..."COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) has provided a line of credit and so have Botswana and South Africa and that brings the line of credit to $400 million," Biti said.
"Botswana is giving us $70 million and South Africa is giving us $50 million and COMESA is giving us the bulk of the amount."
State media reported on Wednesday that the southern African country had secured $400 million in credit lines to help the local economy recover from years of economic contraction and hyper-inflation.
....
China's Million dollar Africa strategy
From Geostrategy
The billion-dollar China-Africa Development Fund opened its first Africa office in Johannesburg on Monday.
Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the creation of the 5-billion-dollar fund in 2006 to support Chinese investment in Africa, which supplies China with oil and other commodities.
South Africa's leading candidate for president in April elections, Jacob Zuma, attended the opening, together with Chen Yuan, the chairman of the Chinese Development Bank, and other Chinese officials....
Since its establishment in 2007, the fund has facilitated over 20 investments in Africa, amounting to nearly 400 million dollars, the statement added.
The billion-dollar China-Africa Development Fund opened its first Africa office in Johannesburg on Monday.
Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the creation of the 5-billion-dollar fund in 2006 to support Chinese investment in Africa, which supplies China with oil and other commodities.
South Africa's leading candidate for president in April elections, Jacob Zuma, attended the opening, together with Chen Yuan, the chairman of the Chinese Development Bank, and other Chinese officials....
Since its establishment in 2007, the fund has facilitated over 20 investments in Africa, amounting to nearly 400 million dollars, the statement added.
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