Thursday, 26th February 2009
Howzit
It is just after 8 o'clock in the morning as I begin this. It may, however, be much later when I get to publish it - mainly because I need to visit my GP this morning to rearrange my drug regimen, given that I have another 5 weeks in this full cast. Sleeping with this thing on is almost physically impossible without something to knock me out.
Thanks for understanding.
(Scratch that - I can only see the GP later this afternoon...)
Thanks for understanding.
(Scratch that - I can only see the GP later this afternoon...)
-o00o-
-o00o-
-o00o-
Robert Mugabe is so used to getting his own way that we should not be surprised at the bloated government and his recent appointment of Permanent Secretaries. It is very obvious that ZANU PF has no desire to share power and are intent on sidelining the MDC.
Arrests, unilateral appointments and the continued allegations made by Mugabe's party are enough to confirm this.
But do we see any reaction by the AU or SADC?
"
The MDC has described this latest development in the short life of the troubled new government as a serious breach.
MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said last night what made the latest episode unfortunate was the fact that that it came on the back of a series of acts of bad faith by their partners in the GNU.
Mugabe says very little, but continues to make appointments that reflect a different government mix to that which would fall in line with the election results.
I have no doubt in my mind that Mugabe is deliberately pushing the envelope, seeing just how much he can take before the MDC withdraw - and the moment they withdraw, he has achieved his objective. Then he can go ahead on his own - just as he has done for the past 29 years...
"Half the permanent secretaries appointed should be taken out of ZANU PF’s hands, otherwise the MDC will walk away from the GNU," Chamisa said.
A meeting of the MDC standing committee was scheduled for this Wednesday morning to discuss the appointment of permanent secretaries and coordinate a response.
State television announced that the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda had reassigned some permanent secretaries and appointed new ones.
However, all the 34 permanent secretaries, including the so-called new ones, are all members of President Mugabe’s ZANU PF party.Zimbabwe
This is totally ridiculous!Mugabe signs numerous agreements, spends time arguing the odds and then does everything in his (considerable) power to hijack the agreements, and finally proceeds unilaterally anyway...
"Chamisa said Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was not consulted about the appointments of permanent secretaries as the global political agreement clearly prescribes. He said the lack of good faith and the absence of a paradigm shift by ZANU PF and, more importantly, the lack of trust and respect ZANU PF had exhibited towards the other parties to the GNU threatened the inclusive government.
"This is not a stand alone issue," Chamisa told The Zimbabwe Times. "It’s coming on the back of other serious violations. We have always known we are dealing with a dishonest partner. But their dishonesty is now becoming encyclopaedic. It’s a serious breach."
Arrests, unilateral appointments and the continued allegations made by Mugabe's party are enough to confirm this.
But do we see any reaction by the AU or SADC?
"
The MDC has described this latest development in the short life of the troubled new government as a serious breach.
MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa said last night what made the latest episode unfortunate was the fact that that it came on the back of a series of acts of bad faith by their partners in the GNU.
Mugabe says very little, but continues to make appointments that reflect a different government mix to that which would fall in line with the election results.
I have no doubt in my mind that Mugabe is deliberately pushing the envelope, seeing just how much he can take before the MDC withdraw - and the moment they withdraw, he has achieved his objective. Then he can go ahead on his own - just as he has done for the past 29 years...
"Half the permanent secretaries appointed should be taken out of ZANU PF’s hands, otherwise the MDC will walk away from the GNU," Chamisa said.
A meeting of the MDC standing committee was scheduled for this Wednesday morning to discuss the appointment of permanent secretaries and coordinate a response.
State television announced that the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda had reassigned some permanent secretaries and appointed new ones.
However, all the 34 permanent secretaries, including the so-called new ones, are all members of President Mugabe’s ZANU PF party.
This is totally ridiculous!Mugabe signs numerous agreements, spends time arguing the odds and then does everything in his (considerable) power to hijack the agreements, and finally proceeds unilaterally anyway...
"Chamisa said Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was not consulted about the appointments of permanent secretaries as the global political agreement clearly prescribes. He said the lack of good faith and the absence of a paradigm shift by ZANU PF and, more importantly, the lack of trust and respect ZANU PF had exhibited towards the other parties to the GNU threatened the inclusive government.
"This is not a stand alone issue," Chamisa told The Zimbabwe Times. "It’s coming on the back of other serious violations. We have always known we are dealing with a dishonest partner. But their dishonesty is now becoming encyclopaedic. It’s a serious breach."
-o00o-
The Attorney General is a Presidential appointment, us it not?
The resistance by the AG is then misplaced - either that, or Mugabe us playing both ends against the middle.
"Zimbabwe
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, also said Mugabe's appointment of senior civil servants and continued abuses of the rule of law were threateningZimbabwe
The coalition was formed almost two weeks ago to addressZimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, I thought that the President had the final say - isn't that what dictators do? So the AG's resistance is in direct opposition to Mugabe. Either that, or the AG is being set up as a fall guy.
But this means that the reason for the resistance - the continued detention of the MDC activists - loses focus and becomes a political concern instead. And Mugabe publicly shrugs his shoulders, privately breathing a sigh of relief...
The resistance by the AG is then misplaced - either that, or Mugabe us playing both ends against the middle.
"
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, also said Mugabe's appointment of senior civil servants and continued abuses of the rule of law were threatening
The coalition was formed almost two weeks ago to address
In Zimbabwe, I thought that the President had the final say - isn't that what dictators do? So the AG's resistance is in direct opposition to Mugabe. Either that, or the AG is being set up as a fall guy.
But this means that the reason for the resistance - the continued detention of the MDC activists - loses focus and becomes a political concern instead. And Mugabe publicly shrugs his shoulders, privately breathing a sigh of relief...
-o00o-
Sometimes the best updates come from the politicians themselves, as opposed from commentators. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai updated the press and the diplomatic corps.
"Today, I want to take this opportunity to highlight developments within the Transitional Government a mere two weeks after my inauguration as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. Firstly, I would like to commend the Ministers for the work they have been doing in the very short time that they have been in office.
They have managed to begin to address some of the many issues facing the country and I am encouraged by the open and constructive debates within Cabinet and the Council of Ministers.
In particular, I would like to recognise the efforts of the Ministries of Health, Education and Finance. The latter has mobilised funds that have enabled this government to pay the first round of allowances to the civil service, particularly the army, police and teachers.
Not only did this allow these valuable members of our community to put food on their tables and travel to work, but has also served as a vital stimulus to our ailing economy. Those who have not yet received their allowance will do so in the near future."
He also raised the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries - all of which come from ZANU PF and all of which were appointed outside of the agreements.
"Yesterday’s announcement of the appointment of Permanent Secretaries is in contravention of both the Global Political Agreement and the Constitution of Zimbabwe which is very clear with regard to Senior Government Appointments.
It states in article 20.1.7 of the Eighth Schedule that:
"The Parties agree that with respect to occupants of senior Government Positions, such as Permanent Secretaries and Ambassadors, the leadership in Government, comprising the President, the Vice-Presidents, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, will consult and agree on such prior to their appointment."
No civil servant has the authority to make such appointments or announcements, therefore the announcement of the Permanent Secretaries has no force of law and is therefore null and void. The Permanent Secretaries who were in position as of September 15th will remain in post in an acting capacity until the matter is resolved."
So says Tsvangirai, but I do reckon that Mugabe will sidestep the issue and attempt to circumvent not only the agreements, but the Constitution. Mugabe will push where he can - hoping to break the MDC resolve.
"This government will not allow a parallel force within its structures or any unconstitutional or unilateral actions which serve to impede progress.
It is also important that the appointments of the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Gideon Gono and the Attorney General, Johannes Tomana are dealt with and resolved immediately."
"Today, I want to take this opportunity to highlight developments within the Transitional Government a mere two weeks after my inauguration as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. Firstly, I would like to commend the Ministers for the work they have been doing in the very short time that they have been in office.
They have managed to begin to address some of the many issues facing the country and I am encouraged by the open and constructive debates within Cabinet and the Council of Ministers.
In particular, I would like to recognise the efforts of the Ministries of Health, Education and Finance. The latter has mobilised funds that have enabled this government to pay the first round of allowances to the civil service, particularly the army, police and teachers.
Not only did this allow these valuable members of our community to put food on their tables and travel to work, but has also served as a vital stimulus to our ailing economy. Those who have not yet received their allowance will do so in the near future."
He also raised the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries - all of which come from ZANU PF and all of which were appointed outside of the agreements.
"Yesterday’s announcement of the appointment of Permanent Secretaries is in contravention of both the Global Political Agreement and the Constitution of Zimbabwe which is very clear with regard to Senior Government Appointments.
It states in article 20.1.7 of the Eighth Schedule that:
"The Parties agree that with respect to occupants of senior Government Positions, such as Permanent Secretaries and Ambassadors, the leadership in Government, comprising the President, the Vice-Presidents, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, will consult and agree on such prior to their appointment."
No civil servant has the authority to make such appointments or announcements, therefore the announcement of the Permanent Secretaries has no force of law and is therefore null and void. The Permanent Secretaries who were in position as of September 15th will remain in post in an acting capacity until the matter is resolved."
So says Tsvangirai, but I do reckon that Mugabe will sidestep the issue and attempt to circumvent not only the agreements, but the Constitution. Mugabe will push where he can - hoping to break the MDC resolve.
"This government will not allow a parallel force within its structures or any unconstitutional or unilateral actions which serve to impede progress.
It is also important that the appointments of the Governor of the Reserve Bank, Gideon Gono and the Attorney General, Johannes Tomana are dealt with and resolved immediately."
-o00o-
We have read how ZANU PF is intent on removing the last white farmers from their land. The fact that very few of the seized farms are actually producing seems to have escaped their attention.
And the fact that the intended seizures are being carried out by a government official's relatives.
Nepotism - a game the whole family can play...
"John Worsley-Worswick, head of Justice for Agriculture, said ZANU PF spokesperson Nathan Shamuyarira’s nephew gave farmers Ben Freeth and Mike Campbell a5pm Wednesday deadline to get off their Mount Carmel farm in Mashonaland West. This is a farm protected by a SADC tribunal ruling.
There are dozens of white commercial farmers who have had their farms invaded by Mugabe cronies this month alone, in total disregard of the regional ruling.
Worsley-Worswick said the farm being targeted by Shamuyarira’s nephew, Peter Chamada, is in the Chegutu/Chinhoyi area. The farm boasts tourist lodges and is a huge exporter of mangoes. It’s reported that Chamada visited the farmers Wednesday morning and told them if they were not out by5pm they would be removed by force. Mike and his wife Angela have left the farm, as Mike is still weak from the beatings and torture he was subjected to during their abduction on Sunday 28 June, the day after the June 27 Presidential run-off election."
It does not bode well for the future if Mugabe-ites are determined to continue with the eviction of white farmers - even if the farms in question are protected by a SADC ruling.
Mugabe chooses which ruling he abides by, and which rulings he will accede to - this also pertains towards the High Courts rulings in Zimbabwe.
"Meanwhile, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai told a press conference inHarare Zimbabwe
Wanna bet?
-o00o-
I do not condone this, but I fully understand it.
"Opposition supporters have staged a series of retaliatory attacks against ruling party officials linked to the outbreak of brutal election violence last year.
The latest turmoil follows the establishment on February 13 of an inclusive government between President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU PF and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change, MDC.
MDC supporters' tit-for-tat attacks on ZANU PF members threaten the new power-sharing arrangement, and put the long-suffering population at renewed risk.
For the first time since the state-sanctioned violence that followed Mugabe's devastating loss in presidential elections last year, when over 200 MDC supporters were killed and 200,000 others internally displaced, MDC supporters are exacting vengeance on their assailants."
If Mugabe and his zealot followers were to allow government to be formed within the statutes of the agreement, there is a good possibility that this sort of thing would be averted.
"In Mashonaland East, over 15 people were admitted toMutoko District Hospital
In Mbare, a dirt-poor suburb in Harare which witnesssed the worst election violence in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, retaliatory attacks erupted barely 72 hours after Tsvangirai was sworn in as prime minister on February 11.
MDC supporters attacked occupants of Nenyere, Shawasha, Matapi and Tagarika Flats in Mbare, swiftly moving into the apartment block which they claimed they were repossessing after being driven away by ZANU-PF supporters at the height of the election violence last year.
Eleven MDC supporters are currently being held on charges of malicious injury to property and assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm during the Mbare incident."
More prisoners - and with it, the added pressure on the MDC...
"MDC Mbare Ward 4 councillor Friday Muleya, among those evicted from the flats, said the group had police clearance to reclaim the property.
"When we got there, there was commotion and people were injured," he said. "The police intervened and arrested our members, saying we had taken the law into our own hands - yet they were the ones who gave us their blessings."
In Mutoko North and East constituencies, MDC supporters ran riot, attacking supporters of Mugabe's party in what they termed "payback time"."
'debvhu
And the fact that the intended seizures are being carried out by a government official's relatives.
Nepotism - a game the whole family can play...
"John Worsley-Worswick, head of Justice for Agriculture, said ZANU PF spokesperson Nathan Shamuyarira’s nephew gave farmers Ben Freeth and Mike Campbell a
There are dozens of white commercial farmers who have had their farms invaded by Mugabe cronies this month alone, in total disregard of the regional ruling.
Worsley-Worswick said the farm being targeted by Shamuyarira’s nephew, Peter Chamada, is in the Chegutu/Chinhoyi area. The farm boasts tourist lodges and is a huge exporter of mangoes. It’s reported that Chamada visited the farmers Wednesday morning and told them if they were not out by
It does not bode well for the future if Mugabe-ites are determined to continue with the eviction of white farmers - even if the farms in question are protected by a SADC ruling.
Mugabe chooses which ruling he abides by, and which rulings he will accede to - this also pertains towards the High Courts rulings in Zimbabwe.
"Meanwhile, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai told a press conference in
Wanna bet?
I do not condone this, but I fully understand it.
"Opposition supporters have staged a series of retaliatory attacks against ruling party officials linked to the outbreak of brutal election violence last year.
The latest turmoil follows the establishment on February 13 of an inclusive government between President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU PF and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change, MDC.
MDC supporters' tit-for-tat attacks on ZANU PF members threaten the new power-sharing arrangement, and put the long-suffering population at renewed risk.
For the first time since the state-sanctioned violence that followed Mugabe's devastating loss in presidential elections last year, when over 200 MDC supporters were killed and 200,000 others internally displaced, MDC supporters are exacting vengeance on their assailants."
If Mugabe and his zealot followers were to allow government to be formed within the statutes of the agreement, there is a good possibility that this sort of thing would be averted.
"In Mashonaland East, over 15 people were admitted to
In Mbare, a dirt-poor suburb in Harare which witnesssed the worst election violence in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, retaliatory attacks erupted barely 72 hours after Tsvangirai was sworn in as prime minister on February 11.
MDC supporters attacked occupants of Nenyere, Shawasha, Matapi and Tagarika Flats in Mbare, swiftly moving into the apartment block which they claimed they were repossessing after being driven away by ZANU-PF supporters at the height of the election violence last year.
Eleven MDC supporters are currently being held on charges of malicious injury to property and assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm during the Mbare incident."
More prisoners - and with it, the added pressure on the MDC...
"MDC Mbare Ward 4 councillor Friday Muleya, among those evicted from the flats, said the group had police clearance to reclaim the property.
"When we got there, there was commotion and people were injured," he said. "The police intervened and arrested our members, saying we had taken the law into our own hands - yet they were the ones who gave us their blessings."
In Mutoko North and East constituencies, MDC supporters ran riot, attacking supporters of Mugabe's party in what they termed "payback time"."
-o00o-
'debvhu
posted by Robb WJ Ellis at 8:15 AM
Union Jack (1963 - 64, 1998 - ??)
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