Yesterday we lost power at home and it was not our scheduled load shedding day. This made me think that it was a genuine fault.

I called ZESA (Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority) and a very “battered” man answered the phone nervously and he confirmed that it was indeed a fault but they had no petrol. He asked if I could bring in 10 litres of petrol and they would then be able to attend to the matter.

When I arrived at his office, there was a line of containers of various descriptions outside his office!

He explained that there was a recording system for all fuel received and the containers did have stickers on them each denoting the fault call!!

It just confirmed to me that the country is coming to a halt, and no matter what lies we are being fed by ZANU, the truth is clear!

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe, ZESA, petrol, power supplies, electricity, fuel shortages, zanu-pf

‘Let’s build bridges, President tells UK‘– yes, that’s right, that headline was in the state-controlled Herald newspaper. Can you believe it?

And recently, an article on the front page of the Zimbabwe Independent that’s titled ‘Mugabe advisors push for Blair talks’. The article states

“Mugabe last Thursday gave the clearest signal yet that he was prepared for talks with Blair when he told Pocock he should help ‘build bridges between the two countries’”.

True to form, mugabe seems to think that he can be a rude, insulting individual one minute, and then be friends the next.

Has the mug forgotten that his whole election campaign revolved around poking fun at Tony Blair, in fact even going so far as to call his own election campaign the “Anti-Blair Campaign”?.

Has the mug also forgotten how he called Blair a ‘bliar’ :

“The Blair I know is a bliar. He goes telling lies to the rest of Europe that the problem here is the lack of democracy … lack of human rights, lack of transparency”.

Or even better than that, when the mug called Tony Blair an “international terrorist” and likened him to Adolf Hitler:

“Must we allow these men, the two unholy men (Tony Blair & George Bush) of our millennium, who, in the same way as Hitler and Mussolini formed [an] unholy alliance, formed an alliance to attack an innocent country?”

And of course, we will never forget the old quote of “So, Blair, keep your England and let me keep my Zimbabwe,” that Mugabe thundered in front of world leaders.

Old mugs has such a way with words. I think he has already put his foot in it, don’t you?

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe, Britain, Mugabe, Tony Blair, propaganda

To say that I’m not happy with the way the MDC fell apart under Morgan Tsvangirai‘s leadership is to put it very mildly. Like most people, I’ve been miserable over the impact that a shattered opposition party has had on the struggle for human rights and freedom that everyone in our country deserves. So I’m not making any judgements now, simply saying that I’ll be keeping a close eye on Arthur G.O. Mutambara, a name that will no doubt start appearing in the media. Will his arrival on the political scene make a difference to the struggle for democracy in Zimbabwe? With the way things are now, we can only hope so … but experience says that only time will tell.

The Standard reports on the leadership election in what has been dubbed the ‘pro-senate’ faction of the MDC. Mutambara’s acceptance speech (via zwnews) is included in full below:

Presidential Acceptance Speech

26th February 2006

Bulawayo

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, and the generality of the people of Zimbabwe, it is with a heavy heart that I accept the presidency of our great democratic movement. This is because there are many of our soldiers and fighters in this struggle who are not here today. We are not the only democratic force in the country. Morgan Tsvangirai deserves a place of honour in the fight for democracy in Zimbabwe. He is a Zimbabwean hero. All the democratic forces in Zimbabwe need to engage each other. We need to unite. A reunification framework and strategy must be established immediately. Here is my personal pledge for unity:

If as part of the reunification framework, a new leadership has to be elected, I am prepared to step down as President of this great party, and allow for fresh elections. However, to demonstrate the seriousness and respect with which I take the responsibility and honour that you have bestowed upon me today, I will be prepared to contest against anybody who is nominated to stand for the presidency of the new united political formation. If I lose in such an election I will submit to the will of the people, and work vigorously under the new leadership.

So, what is the news headline tomorrow my friends in the media? “Mutambara becomes the President of the Pro-Senate MDC faction.” Are you sure about that description? How many of you here actually know my position on that divisive Senate debate in October 2005. Yes I had views, very strong ones indeed. My position was that the MDC should have boycotted those Senate elections. Not only that, I was for the total withdrawal from Parliament and all the other election based institutions. This to me would have constituted a consistent and effective regime de-legitimization strategy. I guess then that makes me the Anti-Senate leader of the Pro-Senate MDC faction! How ridiculous can we get? That debate is now in the past, let us move on and unite our people. In any event, if I was a member of the MDC National Council on October 12 2005, I would have fought tooth, nail and claw to win in the battle of ideas; to convince my colleagues of the correctness of my position (total regime de-legitimization strategy). In the event of a defeat I would have submitted to the collective decision, and then vigorously campaign for this position against my own.

People of Zimbabwe I am here at this Congress because I cherish democratic principles and values. I am here because of the need for unity. I am here because I am pro-Zimbabwe. I am here because my heart aches when I see the economic meltdown in our country. I am here because the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who are here agreed with my terms of reference that I outlined on the 20th of February 2006. Are there any other Zimbabweans who share that framework? Come along, let us work together and reclaim our country.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we came here to do a job. In order to understand the nature of that task, we must ask ourselves the following questions: Who are we as a political party? What are our values and principles? What is our vision for Zimbabwe? What is our strategy to achieve our vision?

Liberation War Legacy

We are a Zimbabwean and an African political party. We are freedom fighters. We are soldiers for social justice and democracy. We come in the tradition of the liberation war. We stand on the shoulders of the founding fathers of this nation; such as Nikita Mangena, Josiah Tongogara, Herbert Chitepo, Leopold Takawira, Joshua Nkomo, and Robert Mugabe. Oh yes, the pre-1980 Robert Mugabe is part of the revolutionary tradition that defines us. We cherish and celebrate the heroic work of Zipra and Zanla forces. We salute and revere Mbuya Nehanda and King Lobengula. We are a patriotic opposition party that cherishes and defends our national sovereignty. We are better defenders of the liberation war legacy than the current Zanu PF party, whose activities are a negation of the principles and values of that great struggle. But if we appear combative, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is because of love of our country!

Land Revolution

Our critique of the chaotic Zanu PF land reform program is predicated upon our belief that there was need for a land revolution in Zimbabwe. Land was the basis of our armed struggle. We believe that going back to the pre-February 2000 status quo is not desirable. We believe that our views on land reform in Zimbabwe are different from those of Western governments. Our approach is not driven by the interests of white farmers, but those of all Zimbabweans, white and black. While we put the failure of the land reform program squarely on the Zanu PF government, we also acknowledge the complicity of some Western governments which reneged on agreements, and the inertia of white farmers in seeking pre-emptive solutions. We propose a democratic and participatory framework that seeks to achieve equitable, transparent, just, and economically efficient distribution and use of land. This must have emphasis on productivity, food security, self-sufficiency, and collateral value of land.

Foreign Policy

We believe in a national interest driven foreign policy, grounded in regional integration, and informed by Pan-Africanist ideals. We embrace the AU and Nepad frameworks, and believe in the solidarity of marginalized nations globally. We are anti-imperialist and anti-colonialist. In this vein, we would like to put our European and US strategic partners on notice. In the event of US or European aggression against smaller nations, we will publicly and unequivocally condemn such conduct. We stand opposed to any form of imperialism, violation of state rights and unilateralism. We will not accept assistance at the expense of our dignity, values and sovereignty. We make a clear distinction between strategic partners and political allies.

It is our considered view that double standards in international relations mitigate against our cause against the Zanu PF regime. For example, the treatment of Pakistan where a leader acquires power through a coup d’etat, and Zimbabwe where it is through a fraudulent election should be comparable. The results of free and fair elections must be respected and celebrated even if democracy produces the “wrong” results, as was the case recently in Palestine. These double standards expose the self-interest behind Western motives, thus weakening the impact of their arguments in supporting us against the regime in Harare.

The Democratic Imperative

It is essential to build and grow democratic institutions, values and principles within political parties and the wider Zimbabwean nation. There must be free and competitive elections for all party positions and open primaries for all national elections (presidency, parliament, senate, and council). Civil society and civic organizations must be internally democratic, and respectful of their own laws. A new, people driven democratic national constitution is a pre-requisite. Term limits should be strictly adhered to in both political party and national constitutions. There is need to restore political freedoms, rule of law, personal security, and political legitimacy in Zimbabwe. It should be understood that the Zimbabwean political culture has been defined by Zanu PF for the past 26 years. We are all cut from that same cloth, hence the tendency to replicate Zanu PF undemocratic practices in all our organisations. We need to acknowledge this and consciously create a new democratic value system.

The levels of gender based inequalities and violence in our country is unacceptable. Through active involvement of all stakeholders, we should develop gender justice strategies to empower Zimbabwean women. Our female fighters should not be used as political pawns. We seek genuine emancipation and empowerment of women in all sectors of the economy and society. In most developing economies, remittances from, and economic involvement of the Diaspora have become key strategic initiatives. We will seek to ensure that our fellow citizens in the Diaspora have a meaningful role to play in the development of their country by leveraging their remittances, expertise and networks. However, there is no taxation without representation. We must allow people in the Diaspora to vote in all national elections.

The Zimbabwean Economic Crisis: Solutions Now

There is urgency and distress in the nation. The people of Zimbabwe are suffering and their plight demands attention: Unaffordable basic commodities, school fees, property rates, and agricultural inputs, the crippling fuel crisis and lack of housing. Inflation has soared to record levels, above 600%. Unemployment is above 80%. Industries have either closed or are operating below capacity. Our terms of trade as reflected by our Balance of Payments, are worsening every day. There is acute foreign currency shortage. Investment spending has also collapsed, thus depressing aggregate demand. Our budget deficits, arising from the regime’s insatiable appetite to spend, have been monetized thus increasing money supply and hence inflation. What is so unique about the economic meltdown is that it is human-made by the misrule of Zanu PF.

It is for this reason that we get very offended when people talk of turning around this economy. You turn around something going in a certain direction, and our economy is not going anywhere. This economy is in the intensive care, and does not need to be turned around. It should be healed and recovered. A holistic approach that takes into account all factors must be the basis of a multi-variable economic model that seeks to derive solutions. We therefore believe that in order to get out of this quagmire, we need to do the following:

Honest assessment of our current predicament and taking ownership of our challenges (The regime is in self-denial and does not appreciate the extent of the problem.)Development of a holistic and comprehensive economic recovery program with the involvement of all stakeholders.Development of an economic stimulus package to jump-start this economy, through the re-engagement of the international community (Our problems are so protracted that we can not go it alone.)Development of a medium term economic stabilization strategy which will focus on fiscal discipline, poverty alleviation, viable social security programs such as housing, healthcare, education, job creation, rehabilitation of our infrastructure and capacity building of local authorities.Development of a comprehensive plan to reorganize and refinance agriculture in order to increase productivity.Development of a blueprint that ensures that Zimbabweans have equitable access to affordable health, education, housing and other social services essential for economic development.Developing a long term strategy, with sector specific programs, that ensures that Zimbabwe emerges as an industrialised, technology driven, competitive nation, fully integrated into the global economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, every country has a life, lessons and expectations. Every generation has its mandate. Does the generation that Zanu PF represents know what we want? Our generational mandate is the economy, and economic empowerment. Our generation demands the fruits of independence. They want to become commercial farmers, innovative entrepreneurs, productive workers, and creative managers. They want to be global players. They want to be globally competitive. We are the future of this country. Every generation of Zimbabweans will define what it means to be Zimbabwean. Our time has come. We demand that you, the Zanu PF regime, step aside and let our generation play its role. We want our freedom now. We demand our human rights now. We want solutions to the economic crisis now. There will be no compromise, retreat, nor surrender. Defeat is not on the agenda. The struggle continues unabated.

Arthur G.O. Mutambara

Technorati Tags: Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe, MDC, Arthur Mutambara, Morgan Tsvangirai, zanu-pf, democracy,

It was mugabe’s birthday yesterday, and students around the country are helping to make it a memorable one!

The Student Solidarity Trust has issued a statement today about ongoing student demonstrations in Zimbabwe:

RIOT POLICE THREATEN BULAWAYO POLY STUDENTS

Students at the Bulawayo Polytechnic, who engaged in massive demonstrations last week against the new exorbitant fees regime announced by the government this month, have been forced to go back to the lecturer rooms. The students had been on an indefinite class boycott since last week.

The College administration is citing a sinister law which students at the College have professed ignorance of – which states that the college has a right to indefinitely close the college if students boycott classes for 5 consecutive days.

There is a heavy presence of riot police at the campus, who are interfering in the normal operations of the College. The Chief CID Officer in Bulawayo threatened students to go back to school or face unspecified action if they fail to comply with the order.

Interestingly however, is the fact that the majority of the students have not paid school fees.

The students have vowed to resume the boycotts next week on Monday.

The Students Solidarity Trust unreservedly condemns the interference of state security agents in the operations of Colleges. It is a threat to academic freedom and autonomy of institutions and serves to show that our country is a police state.

Autonomy festers academic freedom. And the search for autonomy requires both an autonomous studying environment, free from interference by the police, and independent semantic tools that avoid both dictatorial values masquerading as universal truths and anthropological sentimentalism that glorifies mediocrity and institutions sliding into ruin.

Meanwhile, Masvingo Teachers College students are failing to attend school because of the astronomic fee increases. The majority of students are just failing to raise the amount required by the administration, clearly illustrating that education in Zimbabwe is now a preserve of the elite. The poor, who constitute the majority, will not be able to access education.

This follows a blog we posted yesterday, titled ‘Academic suicide’, which referred to the arrests of angry students at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). More on that from an article titled Angry Students Mount ‘Jambanja’ Over Fees, which appeared in The Standard:

Unhappy with the fees, students threw stones at the administration block destroying window panes. Medical students at the University of Zimbabwe boycotted lessons in Harare, protesting against the new fee structure.

For the first time all students at state universities will be required to pay their own fees.

In a notice published two weeks ago, the UZ urged all students to pay the new fees “promptly”.

Yesterday SWRadio Africa reported on student arrests in Masvingo:

The ongoing countrywide demonstrations by students spread to Masvingo Polytechnic on Tuesday, as police briefly arrested 15 students before releasing them later in the day. The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) is leading the protests and has warned of more demonstrations to come if the government does not reverse a tenfold hike in tuition and boarding fees. Mfundo Mlilo the spokesman of the Committee coordinating the strikes told Newsreel they spent the day addressing students in different lecture rooms at the Polytechnic.

And students at Hillside Teachers College in Bulawayo are staging a sit-in:

As the crisis in the education sector continues to unravel, students at Hillside Teachers College here in Bulawayo have for the past two days been staging a sit-in in protest to the recent shocking tuition fee increments by ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.

Happy Birthday Mr Mugabe!

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe, Mugabe, riots, demonstrations, action, poverty, education, teachers, students

Zimbabwe has to all intents and purposes run out of food. Mealie meal is dribbling into the country at a rate that is barely holding back starvation, black market prices are beyond the reach of the average person and the commodity continues to be controlled by the usual zpf dimwits and thugs.

The Chronicle has outdone itself in exposing Government’s usual lies:

Cde Mutasa assured the nation of enough grain adding that the commodity was available at the Grain Marketing Board depots. “There is sufficient grain and noone will starve because as the Government we are there to serve the people,” he said. Asked to explain the shortage of mealiemeal in Bulawayo, Cde Mutasa said the province had enough maize supply.

He then goes on to blame the millers for the shortage of maize meal in Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Has this criminal lunatic forgotten the real cause for this nation’s demise – the farm invasions, the unruly destruction of a once vibrant economy, the orchestrated collapse of this latter day bread basket to the region?

What a joke, let mutasa come and join the queues for this precious commodity. Let him look into the eyes of the children who are surviving on one meal a day. Let him spout his lies face to face with the millions of hungry Zimbabweans.

Then you get another inane headline in this same paper that

“Zimbabwe’s retail sector is projecting brisk business in the second quarter owing to an expected bumper harvest that will improve the availability of commodities.”

Are these government ministers of malfunction all nuts? Are they on drugs?

Oh but the blame game is the only way they can justify our homeland’s tragedy, mugabe blames the British, his own ministers, the whites, the South Africans and his line of political claptrap is mimicked by all in his cabinet.

The greatest tragedy of all is that Zimbabweans are hitting out at themselves instead of the real enemy, the masters of misrule, the zpf government.

How I wish I could show the people of Zimbabwe their illegitimate government is on its knees, zpf is weak, its members divided and security forces terrified of the power the people hold in their hands. I long for non violent rebellion; I doubt it will ever come.

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe, propaganda, zanu-pf, media

Now they have raised our fees again: this government has gone mad. We have no choice but to get involved in politics. We have to solve our problems politically in the end. It affects us all.

Our fees went up by 400% in January and now they have gone up 1000% in February. We cannot afford this as our parents salaries are not going up by this amount. Some of the students are radical and want to threaten the Principal but it is not his fault. It is the governemnt that is to blame!! We are told that they have reduced the subsidies and this is the result.

250 students were arrested at NUST university yesterday:

Students at the National University of Science and Technology yesterday went on the rampage and destroyed property worth billions of dollars in protest against an increase in tuition fees, which went up from $3 million to between $30 million and $90 million per semester.

But note that The Chronicle said 21!! Lies!!! We have heard that the Teachers College at Hillside is planning something today.

This IS Academic Suicide as most students will give up their studies.

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe, education, teachers, university, school fees, inflation, protest

A friend, originally from Zim, was in town for a visit recently and I was interested at her response to the usual question as to how she was finding it to be home. She answered that it is bizarre as she is not sure why she left, because when she goes into town the supermarkets have food in them, you can buy a new car, a top of the range speed boat, any technological gadget you want from cell phones to ipods. Her old friends, still in the country, have a great life, holidays, bridge parties, dinner parties, shopping trips to Bots etc etc. Her response is sadly reflective of the many Zimbabweans still completely divorced from the reality that faces the masses, those who don’t want to face it.

The ostrich syndrome is typical of the filthy rich upper class complacency, those who don’t vote because they don’t want to rock the boat, don’t read the papers because there’s nothing they can do about it, don’t discuss politics because they find it so boring! Now if that’s the attitude of the very few in the privileged classes, then how can we ever effect change in Zim? In fact, many of this “type” benefit immensely from the current chaos in the regime, ensconced in their affluent walled, secure homes deaf to the pain around them. How dare we bleat to the outside world that the UN, USA, SA or whoever, should descend on our country and make it all better, when they are too lazy to get off their large bottoms to do something themselves.

Still Here and so sad

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe

Yesterday in the chemist I overheard a young man ask the counter assistant “How much is the cheapest paracetamol for children?”. “I think it’s $180 000.00 but I will check”, the assistant replied. As the assistant went over to the other side of the chemist, I stood and watched the man beside me count his cash. $160 000.00. He re-counted and again came to a total of $160 000.00. The oblivious assistant was still off on his mission to retrieve the medicine for his customer. Realising what was going on, I decided immediately that I would help the man and pay for the shortfall due. I did not want to belittle or embarrass the man so I hesitated in giving my offer of assistance. I looked towards the assistant, waiting for verification of the cost of goods so I could pass the difference to him. I turned back to the man next to me but in that split second, he was gone. I rushed to the door to see if I could catch him but he was nowhere in sight.

I am left ashamed after I counted out $1.2 million for my prescription. I am also angry with myself for I should not have hesitated. I pray that the man manages to find an affordable drug for his sick child.

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe, healthcare, medication, poverty