Saturday, 28th February 2009

Howzit

Four years ago today, my good friend Mark Taylor, who, incidentally, was the minister who conducted the marriage ceremony for B and I fifteen-plus years ago. and I were talking on Skype and he introduced me to blogging. Within a few minutes, this blog was born.

Initially - and you will see this if you go back to my first postings - I tried all manner of musings and projects, but was dragged - inexorably it seemed - back to Zimbabwe and the events that play out in that bruised and battered land.

This page gives me something to do - and it is also been great fun reinventing myself first of all with an anonymous persona, and then, with the release of "Without Honour" being able to step out in the open without conscience or worry.

But more than that, it has given me a platform to bring the news to its readers - the fact that I intersperse my own opinion within the page is a bonus - but much more than the writings, I have established a whole plethora of new friends the world over, and have rekindled some old friendships.

And for that, I am very, very grateful.

To the best of my knowledge, this will continue, and - sooner rather than later - I will resume with the podcasts.

I write all of this so that I can thank you all for the support that this page receives, for the emails and comments (which don't always agree with my thinking - but it is - I assume - a free world) and for the friendships that I have been so privileged to be part of...

Thank you.

Oh - and happy fourth birthday...

-o00o-

Not that long ago we read how detained Deputy Minister-designate, Roy Bennett, was offered freedom on the proviso that security chiefs in Zimbabwe are given a blanket amnesty so that they cannot be prosecuted for their crimes against the people of Zimbabwe since 1980.

Roy Bennett told the State prosecutors to 'stick it' when he was charged with terrorism.

Now we read this...

"Zimbabwean state lawyers Friday agreed to the release of a group of political prisoners held since October by President Robert Mugabe's secret police - on the condition that they withdraw litigation against their captors for the brutal torture they suffered, their lawyer said.

Most of the group of 16 abductees have already been granted bail by judges, but state security and legal officials have either defied the orders or blocked their release, dpa reported.

The release of the political prisoners has dominated the 26-day- old transitional coalition government between Mugabe and pro- democracy leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who is now serving as prime minister, with the continued detention in violation of court orders threatening to abort the agreement."

Mugabe's administration, if you can call it that, routinely defies court orders - and it would appear that the judiciary can do nothing about it.

People are arrested, incarcerated, tortured and held illegally in Zimbabwe as a matter of course. ZANU PF do themselves no favours by working outside the law, but they have done it for so long they no longer know which side of the law they operate within.

"The prisoners were facing charges of undergoing "terrorist" training and of bombing police stations, although their lawyers say that after five months, police and state prosecutors have failed to produce any evidence.

Tsvangirai said this week that Mugabe had agreed that the detainees would be released on bail, overruling attempts by his officials to keep them in custody. There has been an international outcry over their continued detention.

But in discussions late Friday over the terms of their bail, state lawyers laid down "impossible" conditions, defence lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said. She said the state insisted the prisoners each pay bail of 600,000 US dollars and agree to withdraw law suits lodged in Harare's high court against their alleged torturers. "It is a patently unlawful condition," she said. "It's the most shocking thing I've heard."

I have already made comment about the AG overruling Mugabe.

"The offer also excluded Roy Bennett, Tsvangirai's popular agriculture deputy minister designate who was arrested two weeks ago, hours before he was due to be sworn in with the rest of the cabinet. He has been charged with "banditry, sabotage, terrorism and insurgency."

-o00o-

And ZANU PF are determined that while lawyers, accused people and the MDC deliberate as to whether they should accede to the demands that charges of torture be dropped and amnesty be given that the cases against the people with XPD (extreme prejudice).

"Beatrice Mtetwa, the lawyer representing jailed MDC politician Roy Bennett, was in the High Court on Friday challenging the State’s decision to appeal against the granting of his bail. On Tuesday High Court Judge Tedious Karwi granted the Deputy Agriculture Minister designate bail, but he remains in a Mutare prison after the State opposed this.

Mtetwa was back in the courts Friday challenging the decision by the Attorney General’s office, saying they did not follow proper procedure. The defence team argues that the AG’s office had appealed, without seeking permission from the High Court judge. Apparently the State should have first sought permission from the judge to appeal against the granting of bail. One of Bennett’s lawyers Trust Maanda said the State has seven days to apply for this permission."

It is not every day that an accused person is granted bail and then not released to allow investigators to prepare their case.

I am not so sure that the legal process has been adhered to - but in Zimbabwe that is nothing new. Court orders are defied with apparent impunity, prisoners are beaten, tortured and interrogated as and when ZANU PF dictate and there is little the judiciary can do to prevent this.

Any opposition to their antics will result in the court official being moved sideways - or, indeed, into the cell adjoining the very people that the official is seeking to serve...

"Meanwhile, Pishai Muchauraya the MDC spokesperson for Manicaland Province and MP for Makoni South, who has been visiting Bennett regularly in prison, said the official is still in good spirits despite the appalling and overcrowded conditions at the prison in Mutare. He said Bennett is being held in the D-Class section of the jail that houses dangerous criminals. Muchauraya said senior prison officers from as far as Masvingo have been deployed to Mutare because Bennett is being viewed as a ‘hardcore criminal.’

The MP said the prison conditions for all inmates are disturbing. The remand prison has a capacity of about 160 inmates but is said to be currently holding at least 300. Muchauraya said food is very scarce and six inmates have this week died in just two days because of starvation."

Hardcore criminal? You surely jest!

-o00o-

Just yesterday I commented on Mugabe's remarks about Mutambara's comments on the budget, and I made my feelings on Mutambara very clear. This morning Mutambara has released a statement about Mugabe's views...

"The following is a Press statement by the Zimbabwean Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara in response to Robert Mugabe's birth day interview aired by the ZBCTV.

1. Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara does not regret any statements that he made around the monetary policy statement and the national budget.

2. Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara wants to put it on record that when President Mugabe referred to the Deputy Prime Minister’s statements, he President Mugabe was simply expressing his personal views and the Deputy Prime Minister totally disagrees with those personal views of President Mugabe.

3. The Deputy Prime Minister says President Mugabe‘s public statements do not constitute policy because they are simply personal views and that Zimbabweans must make that clear distinction."

Oh well - he obviously wants to keep it short and sweet - which makes a change for politicians everywhere...

-o00o-

The constitution of Zimbabwe (I deliberately do not capitalise the word 'constitution' as it seeks to serve a minority in that country) says one thing, and Mugabe does another - without recourse or hindrance. Which says a lot for his powerbase and support.

And it is more than apparent that the country does not have the required resources to fund this bloated cabinet.

"Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC party on Friday declared that Zimbabwe’s new cabinet was too big.

So far 41 ministers and 19 deputies have been appointed since the unity government was established two weeks ago. Commenting on Friday after a national executive meeting in Harare, the party said: "The MDC national executive views the new cabinet as too big and heavy for the country." "In this regard, the MDC national executive restated the party’s commitment to a small but efficient cabinet to enhance accountability and fiscal prudence."

Not that Tsvangirai's comments will make a blind bit of notice.

"Zimbabwe has huge outstanding debts and is in dire need of financial assistance. Prime Minister Tsvangirai estimates that the initial economic recovery plan needs a cash injection of about US5bn. The party’s national executive also reviewed the unity government’s performance and made public the growing rift between the prime minister and President Robert Mugabe."

Historically, Mugabe ignores any agreements that he has signed - so why should he change now?

-o00o-

-o00o-

Whilst I appreciate this deliberation and the drawing up of areas of concern, within politics in Zimbabwe, it is one thing to talk about it, another to get it done...

"The MDC national executive today met at the party’s headquarters Harvest House and deliberated upon the report from president Morgan Tsvangirai on the progress, challenges and obstacles in the life and health of the inclusive government.

The party took note and registers concern on the following;

A) Political prisoners;

The party urges the inclusive government to immediately and efficaciously address the release of all political prisoners in line with the agreement by the three principals of the political parties in the inclusive government.

B) Appointment of permanent secretaries and ambassadors;

The party notes that the appointment of permanent secretaries did not comply with the provisions of the constitution. The party stresses the urgency and desirability of the resolution of this matter in line with the letter and spirit of the Global Political Agreement (GPA).

C) Farm disruptions;

The National Executive also noted with concern fresh farm disruptions which are affecting production and stability on the farms. The MDC therefore urges the inclusive government to immediately intervene to stop disruptions in order to enhance productivity on all farms.

D) Provincial governors;

The party took note of the progress made on the issue of provincial governors in terms of the adoption of allocation formula. The MDC calls for timeous and immediate swearing in of these provincial governors to complete the formation of governors.

E) Senior government appointments;

The appointments of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor and Attorney General (AG) remain an outstanding issue in line with the resolutions of SADC.

The party therefore notes with concern the delay in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement and calls on these things to be resolved with immediate effect.

While the party appreciates the progress made within two weeks, we note with concern the delay and gaps in the realization of the Global Political Agreement.

F) Size of government;

The MDC national executive views the new cabinet as too big and heavy for the country.

In this regard, the MDC National Executive restated the party’s commitment to a small but efficient cabinet to enhance accountability and fiscal prudence.

G) New Constitution;

The MDC notes the national consensus on the desirability and need for a new constitution. The party therefore urges the inclusive government to put in place a framework that would allow for a people driven constitution to be in place. The party also urges the inclusive government to ensure that the process of coming up with a new constitution takes on board all citizens and key stakeholders to make sure that it is beyond reproach and contestation.

H) The need for a paradigm shift;

The MDC calls on all Zimbabweans and office holders in public institutions to be in sync with the inclusive government arrangement."

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu

Friday, 27th February 2009

Howzit

Foreign currency mid-rates updated. I do note no change in the US greenback exchange rate - but I have no idea what would have caused this.

-o00o-

You gotta laugh at Mugabe's continued beating of his chest about colonial rule in Africa in general, and Zimbabwe in particular.

This is the same man who proclaimed, "We taught Britain democracy through the barrel of a gun!"

"President Robert Mugabe last night mocked the British, saying "even my ghost" would never allow Zimbabwe to be colonised again.

"British imperialism was fought and defeated. They should stay very far away from us," said Mugabe, who turned 85 on Saturday.

"If they want the aged, the old people, we can assist to carry them," he said. Mugabe was referring to plans by the UK government to repatriate its aged and infirm citizens from Zimbabwe on humanitarian grounds.

"They want their nationals dead or alive, who are we to refuse?"

Does the West do anything about this threat on their nationals in Zimbabwe? The UK government is making offers to help their aged people to leave Mugabe's destroyed Zimbabwe. Do they state that they want their people "dead or alive". Surely this is a direct threat?

Mugabe was installed in power in Zimbabwe following a bloody bush war in then Rhodesia and protracted negotiations in which the British government of Margaret Thatcher assisted by former US President Jimmy Carter, Andrew Young and Henry Kissinger to varying degrees, viewed him as the 'new light' of Africa.

Even the Lancaster House Agreement, which was the blueprint to his attaining power, was largely ignored thereafter by Mugabe.

Whilst Mugabe vilifies the West repeatedly and regularly, I do wonder at the trappings of the West that he uses when opening Parliament as an example.

"In what was billed as a no-holds-barred interview on state television, Mugabe said: "This soil will never be colonised again."

"Even my ghost will not stand for it," he added, poking the lawn with his finger.

The interview setting was the pristine gardens of the State House in Harare. In the now familiar disjointed manner, Mugabe spoke fondly of his son, Chatunga, and angrily about Cecil John Rhodes and his pioneering column.

The ageing leader spoke at length about sanctions and called on Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to take a "vigorous stance" in calling for their lifting."

I often question the ability that Mugabe has to use logic anymore. That his logic was initially impaired, I have no doubt, but lately he seems to drift aimlessly from one subject to another and somehow keeps the angry persona that we associate with his statements.

"He said allegations that he abused human rights and stifled press freedom were a ruse by enemies. "They needed a reason to impose sanctions."

I have two words for Mugabe - and neither of them rude or dismissive. I believe that these two words are the legacy that Mugabe will leave Zimbabwe...

GUKURAHUNDI - MURAMBATSVINA

-o00o-

Before Mugabe runs off at the mouth about elections in two years time, surely the priority is to sort the current 'government' out?

If Mugabe thinks that his support is so big, why doesn't he dissolve Parliament and call fresh election now? He seems to have the power to do anything else, so why not do it?

I'll tell you why - the defeat at last years ballot was a shock to Mugabe and ZANU PF and they need time to regroup. Add to that the fact that the party is broke...

They only way they can win elections is with violence, and that takes time to organise and money to prepare...

"President Robert Mugabe said Zimbabwe could hold fresh elections in two years, and refused to back down on his choices for central bank chief and other top posts in an interview published Thursday.

Mugabe, 85, said in the Herald newspaper that the new unity government with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, formed only two weeks ago, was a temporary solution until the parties could agree on a new constitution and fresh polls.

"We are an interim arrangement. We are not a permanent inclusive government," Mugabe said.

He said the parties in the unity government has agreed to draft a new constitution that would be brought to a referendum within two years.

"We will then have an election thereafter, perhaps in about two years' time," Mugabe said."

It will be very interesting to see a new constitution for Zimbabwe - one that is not littered with pro-ZANU PF powers. We must cast our mind back to 2000 when a referendum was rejected by the population. Mugabe then set the war veterans on the white commercial farmers.

We should also be aware that ZANU PF has a habit of rewriting agreements behind people's backs - so any new constitution must be treated with suspicion...

"The new government is faced with the task of reining in world-record inflation estimated in multiples of billions and reviving an economy with 94 percent unemployment.

A United Nations delegation which visited Zimbabwe this week says there were few positive signs that the new government was beginning to acknowledge the scope of the country's humanitarian crisis.

"The prime minister's office is establishing a humanitarian desk to be headed by one of his deputies to coordinate humanitarian aid. We welcome that effort," said Cathrine Bragg, UN assistant general for humanitarian affairs.

"We trust that the the inclusive government will quickly take necessary steps to address the fundamentals of governance that would allow stability and economic recovery," said Bragg."

-o00o-

Sadly, because this report originates from a division of the US government, Mugabe will turn this into an anti-West tirade and use it as an 'example' of the bad feeling that the West has for Mugabe.

In real terms, should a report like this come out of an African state, I wonder what Mugabe's reaction would be then. No doubt he would allege that the African country is seeking favours from the West.

"In its annual human rights report, the State Department cited the Zimbabwean government's increased use of violence and intimidation against its citizens and political opposition during 2008, with leaders and supporters of the political opposition killed, beaten, tortured, abducted and arrested.

The department's County Reports on Human Rights Practices, first released in 1977, are submitted annually to the US Congress in compliance with the federal Foreign Assistance Act.

According to the report, released February 25, President Robert Mugabe and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) engaged in "the pervasive and systematic abuse of human rights" during a year in which it was challenged by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in parliamentary and presidential elections.

"The ruling party's dominant control and manipulation of the political process through violence, intimidation, and corruption effectively negated the right of citizens to change their government," the report concluded."

Strange that it has taken the US government 29 years to arrive at the conclusion that Zimbabweans came to within a few years of Mugabe taking office.

"Unlawful killings and politically motivated abductions increased. State-sanctioned use of excessive force increased, and security forces tortured members of the opposition, student leaders, and civil society activists with impunity," it said.

Zimbabwe's security forces refused to document cases of political violence committed by ZANU PF loyalists against the opposition, the report said."

I do note that the report does point to the fact that ZANU PF are reluctant - nay - ordered not to charge anyone with the political slayings.

"The report said Zimbabwe's security forces, paramilitary forces such as ZANU PF youths and war veterans, and other ZANU PF party supporters had engaged in politically motivated killings, and that there have not been any prosecutions or convictions in any of the nearly 200 cases.

Hundreds of opposition and civil society members also reportedly were abducted and tortured. The majority of victims were held for one or two days and then abandoned. At the end of 2008, 32 people remained either in police custody without charge or listed as missing."

-o00o-

I have written here, in the past few days, of Mutambara's quietness - and I have made no secret of my dislike of the man...

So this I found very interesting. Remember that during the reign of terror visited upon the MDC during the election period last year neatly seemed to exclude the smaller faction of the MDC lead by Mutambara...

"President Robert Mugabe has shot down recent suggestions by Deputy Prime Minister, Arthur Mutambara who said last week that the just delivered monetary policy statement and the national budget would be revised.

Mutambara advised business to disregard the fiscal and monetary policies recently announced by the then Acting Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, Gideon Gono.

Mutambara contended the controversial blueprints were produced without the necessary consultations among stakeholders and were thus fundamentally flawed."

If you were to think about it, the power-sharing government has no obligation to live by the misguided and badly skewed policies of ZANU PF. Let me ask this - why was ZANU PF so keen to push through an already late budget when the power-share was to start within weeks?

"The statement by the Deputy Prime Minister elicited an angry response from Gono who declared he was still in charge of the central bank and as such, his policies stood.

But in a development that has further exposed the huge differences among government leaders, President Mugabe made a scathing dismissal of the Deputy Prime Minister’s comments.

"That’s just an utterance," he said in his first public comments on recent developments since the formation of the unity government.

In a televised interview this week, that was made to coincide with his 85th birthday, Mugabe said Mutambara’s comments did not at all constitute the correct government policy.

"Those were emotional utterances. I am sure Mutambara regrets where he said the monetary policy must be nullified.

"How do you nullify a budget that has gone through Parliament? It’s the one that (Finance Minister Tendai) Biti is using, including the monetary policy. So you don’t nullify it."

And I suppose Mugabe's 'utterances' all 'constitute the correct government policy'?

"Mugabe said Mutambara was still new and was thus still prone to making mistakes."

Mugabe is old and very prone to making mistakes - huge mistakes...

"Mugabe touched on another controversial issue and pronounced once more that only the courts should set free dozens of MDC and human rights activists who are currently languishing in prison on alleged attempts to overthrow the ZANU PF government."

-o00o-

"Last year Zimbabwean commercial farmers were left with no choice but to take the Zimbabwean government to a SADC tribunal to try to stop the illegal evictions.

They won their case and a SADC Tribunal in Namibia granted scores of white farmers permission to remain on their land. However the Zimbabwean authorities continue to disrupt and harass the farmers, in total violation of the ruling by the regional bloc.

This is also in total disregard of the power sharing government. It has emerged that the Attorney General Johannes Tomana was one of the officials who recently took part in a one day workshop for magistrates in the Chegutu area – the heartland of the SADC applicants - at which it was decided that the SADC ruling would be ignored. This is despite the fact that Zimbabwe is a signatory of the SADC tribunal."

SADC will do and say nothing. Not because they don't want to - but because Mugabe has some sort of hold over regional leaders and they are reluctant to speak out. The only leader in the area who has spoken out is Ian Khama, President of Botswana, who has been vilified by Mugabe...

"Officials from the Ministry of Lands, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, plus the police participated in this workshop on the 6th February at the Rukawo Motel, to find out ways of handling quicker prosecutions of commercial farmers who have been refusing to vacate gazetted land.

Guest speakers included the notorious and controversial AG, the Chief Magistrate Herbert Mandeya and David Mangota, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice. The AG criticised what he termed “unnecessary delays" in the farmers' trials. Tomana himself is a beneficiary of land in the Banket area.

It was at this workshop that magistrates were told to disregard the SADC Tribunal ruling, and were told it does not form part of Zimbabwean law. Mandeya said treaties entered into by the government cannot form part of Zimbabwe’s laws, unless they go through Parliament. He urged the magistrates to refer these cases to the Supreme Court. It is there that eviction challenges are usually dropped."

How is it at all acceptable that one of the people behind this decision is himself a recipient of seized land? Surely the fact that Tomana is an 'interested party' negates his having any say in the workshop decision?

That is before we decide as to whether the SADC ruling was to be considered legal and binding.

ZANU PF's submission that the ruling holds no water because it is not part of Zimbabwean law is ridiculous. I do note that Mugabe is very particular as to which SADC rulings he abides by, and which he ignores - very similar to the manner in which he and his party pick and choose which High Court orders they should obey.

"A statement from the Commercial Farmers Union said Mandeya advised his fellow Magistrates to be guided by the recent Supreme Court Judgement in the case between Mike Campbell and the Ministry of Lands, where the Judge ruled in favour of the latter. Campbell is the farmer currently facing eviction by ZANU PF official Nathan Shamuyarira’s nephew, Peter Chamada.

Responding to Chief Magistrate Mandeya’s assertion that treaties entered into by Zimbabwe cannot form part of law, Campbell’s son-in-law, Ben Freeth, said the SADC Treaty became part of domestic law in 1992 when it was signed by Mugabe. "It was only in 1993 that Parliament brought in Section III [b], which required that future treaties be endorsed by Parliament. If we follow the Zimbabwean government’s logic and the SADC Treaty is not part of domestic law, then is Zimbabwe part of SADC? Or has Zimbabwe been attending SADC meetings and summits under false pretences?" he asked."

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu

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...)

-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 Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) will hold emergency meetings today to consider pulling out of the government of national unity after learning that President Robert Mugabe had reassigned all the permanent secretaries' posts to members of his own party.

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 now has 41 Cabinet ministers. This means that seven vacancies are still outstanding."

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.

"The prime minister in Zimbabwe's new coalition government says President Robert Mugabe has agreed to free political prisoners, but the attorney general is resisting.

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 Zimbabwe's unity government.

The coalition was formed almost two weeks ago to address Zimbabwe's crises."

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."

-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 a 5pm 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 by 5pm 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 in Harare that the disruptions of farming operations is undermining the revival of the agricultural sector and undermining investor confidence. He said he has “tasked the Ministers of Home Affairs, Giles Mutsekwa and Kembo Mohadi, to bring the full weight of the law down on the perpetrators who continue to act within a culture of impunity and entitlement. No person in Zimbabwe is above the law."

Wanna bet?

-o00o-

It was only a matter of time before the people decided that enough is enough. And as the fornation of a power-sharing government has proved a little more than problematic - including a call for the dropping of all murder cases against the MDC during the election last year - it just had to happen.

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 Mutoko District Hospital on February 18 after they were singled out by MDC supporters who accused them of directing last year’s terror campaign in the area.

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-

Take care.

'debvhu

Wednesday, 25th February 2009

Howzit

Foreign currency mid-rates updated.

-o00o-

I visited the surgeon yesterday. I'm not sure whether to take the news as good or bad...

An x-ray revealed that not only is there no union, but that there has been some movement and that the bone ends are no longer anywhere near aligned. But there is a little 'furring' of the one end which would indicate an attempt, at least, by the body to heal itself.

The surgeon has said that I should stay in this full cast (with the 90 degree elbow) until 1st April (!)...

On that day I will be taken out of the cast and returned to the thermoplastic brace I was wearing when the breakage occurred - at least I will be returning to 'fitted turf'...

The surgeon didn't mix his words. He will keep an open mind on the objectives - and will be looking at replacing the pins - only if needed - and in that event, they would be looking at a bone graft from my hip...

Not the best news I have ever heard, but certainly better than nothing - or amputation...

I am a little unhappy at remaining in cast for another 5 weeks. All told, this will stretch this 'adventure' into a fourth month - with more to come.

And when you consider that the hand unit will move to the new City hospital - which is two bus rides and 50 minutes away - in mid-May - whatever happens, this will finish at City - I think I will miss the DRI...

Oh well - we will see what happens.

-o00o-

Mugabe's continued rule in Zimbabwe is littered with inconsistencies and double standards. In the last week or so, we have read how the police chief - himself a dyed-in-the-wool Mugabe-ite - has instructed that all murder investigations against ZANU PF members and activists that pertain towards the reign of terror visited upon the MDC and their supporters last year in the run-up to the Presidential second round vote are to be dropped.

But today we read that Mugabe states that mercy is only to be considered after court proceedings against MDC activists accused of "banditry"...

One rule for ZANU PF - another for everyone else...

"President Robert Mugabe is adamant that he can only exercise his prerogative of mercy on dozens of incarcerated Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activists, alleged to be plotters of terrorism, only when the court process has been exhausted.

Mugabe, who turned 85 last weekend, is under pressure to release the political prisoners in the spirit of the all-inclusive government inaugurated this month after painstaking negotiation between his ZANU PF and his bitter rivals in the MDC.

Nearly 30 MDC and human rights activists have been languishing in remand prison since December 22, 2008 on allegations of terrorism and attempts to overthrow Mugabe’s government through acts of banditry and insurgency."

Now - in all honesty - how can he allow the top policeman to subvert justice by discontinuing any investigation against his loyalists whilst he parades the idea of mercy after justice only?

Does Mugabe take everyone who has an interest in Zimbabwe for complete fools?

"Following their abductions by state security agents in October, they had been kept in secret detention amid intense denials from Mugabe’s government about their whereabouts.

Lately, a top MDC official Roy Bennett, who was due to be sworn in as Zimbabwe’s deputy agriculture minister last week, was arrested as he was about to fly out to Johannesburg to visit his family.

Bennett, who escaped from the country three years ago after the state tried to arrest him on alleged illegal possession of weapons, had been granted asylum in South Africa.

But Mugabe on Monday defiantly told a visiting United Nations aid team that he could pardon political prisoners only when the courts have dealt with their cases."

There is little hope that Mugabe will allow any of his supporters to stand trial for the most heinous crime if all - murder...

Let us remember that this is the man who benefited from that reign of terror insofar as it caused Tsvangirai to pull out of the run-off after he could no longer justify his remaining in the race whilst his people were being victimised,

"He took the opportunity to clarify the issue of the so-called abductees, saying in the case of those facing allegations, some of them very serious, and whose cases are before the courts, the law should take its course," said the ZBC.

"He explained that his prerogative of exercising mercy through granting amnesty can only be considered after the courts have completed their work."

It is not up to Mugabe to excuse anyone for their crimes - and if he wants to start on cases not investigated or prosecuted, rewind to the 1980's and the Gukurahundi...

-o00o-

One case which has been making the headlines over the past week, is the arrest and detention of Roy Bennett. Another one of Mugabe's attempts to 'get even' with the MDC by having them face criminal proceedings and, at the same time, deny them access to their lawyers and family.

I read yesterday that Bennett had been granted bail, but was ordered to remain in custody for another week whilst investigators complete their case against him.

How is that meant to serve justice?

"Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Tuesday offered to act as a guarantor for the appearance of his party’s national treasurer Roy Bennett, if the courts granted his application for bail.

Bennett, who is Deputy Minister of Agriculture-designate, was arrested two weeks ago on alleged possession of dangerous weapons back in 2006. He denies the charges.

In a letter dated February 20, 2008, but presented in court on Tuesday, and also intended to support the defence efforts to seek bail for Bennett, the Zimbabwean Premier appealed to the court to release Bennett into his personal custody.

"In terms of the Global Political Agreement," Tsvangirai wrote, "Roy Bennett has been nominated to serve as a deputy minister in the new transitional government in Zimbabwe.

"As Prime Minister, I am responsible for overseeing all policy formulations by cabinet and all policy implementation by the entirety of government.

"For this reason, Mr Bennett will be reporting to me and I will be responsible for the work he performs as a deputy minister.

"Such is the need for Zimbabwe to have at its disposal all nominated and qualified personnel to wok to rebuild our country, our economy and our nation."

The judge has allowed the bail application, but has then negated it by ordering Bennett to remain in custody.

It is easy to see who has the reins of power here - and it is not Tsvangirai.

Consider this - the MDC won the majority in Parliament and then Tsvangirai won the Presidential - but not by the required amount.

Eleven months later, Mugabe remains at the top of the pile and somehow his party has regained the majority in Parliament...

I cannot believe that the State should comment: "The Prime Minister is a member of the Executive who must not interfere with the judiciary unless he is acting in his own capacity."

And how many times in the last 29 years has Mugabe 'interfered' in the pursuit of justice?

But it is deemed 'irregular' that Tsvangirai sends a letter to the court?

"Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Tuesday offered to act as a guarantor for the appearance of his party’s national treasurer Roy Bennett, if the courts granted his application for bail.

Bennett, who is Deputy Minister of Agriculture -designate, was arrested two weeks ago on alleged possession of dangerous weapons back in 2006. He denies the charges.

In a letter dated February 20, 2008, but presented in court on Tuesday, and also intended to support the defence efforts to seek bail for Bennett, the Zimbabwean Premier appealed to the court to release Bennett into his personal custody.

"In terms of the Global Political Agreement,” Tsvangirai wrote, "Roy Bennett has been nominated to serve as a deputy minister in the new transitional government in Zimbabwe.

"As Prime Minister, I am responsible for overseeing all policy formulations by cabinet and all policy implementation by the entirety of government.

"For this reason, Mr Bennett will be reporting to me and I will be responsible for the work he performs as a deputy minister.

"Such is the need for Zimbabwe to have at its disposal all nominated and qualified personnel to wok to rebuild our country, our economy and our nation."

I do note that the judge reprimanded the State for their submission.

"The State’s contention elicited an interjection from Justice Karwi who cautioned Mutangadura not to rubbish the person of the Prime Minister in public.

Justice Karwi said Mutangadura was the Attorney General’s representative in the matter and should accordingly act as advisor to government.

"You are the advisor to the Prime Minister," said Karwi. "Why did you not advise him accordingly? You should not be seen attacking your Prime Minister in public. I fear he may consider firing you."

-o00o-

We don't hear very much about the Mujuru family these days - probably because Mugabe has ordered it that following reported power struggles within ZANU PF.

It comes as no real surprise then, that this story has seen the light of day as Mugabe is not one of the Mujuru camp followers... (his man is Emmerson Mnangagwa).

"Vice president Joice Mujuru has been caught in the middle of a ’stinking’ mineral dealing web where she is accused of trying to fund a multi-million dollar deal of gold taken from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The BBC reported on Tuesday that the deal involved the selling of more than three and a half tonnes of raw Congolese gold in Europe through her daughter, Nyasha del Campo.

Mujuru, who was appointed five years ago by President Robert Mugabe as Zimbabwe’s first female vice-president has not immediately commented on the allegations.

She and her husband, Solomon, a former head of the national army, are among the wealthiest and most powerful people in Zimbabwe, with extensive mining interests. The company, Fairstar, which was to buy the gold chunk has reported that they withdrew immediately upon discovering who’s it was."

If you ask me, this is decidedly yesterday's news - and I am almost certain that I read about this before Christmas last year...

"The couple were also fingered in massive looting of diamonds from the Chiadzwa fields in Marange.

Mujuru has shares in a company called ART, whch has been mining diamonds in the diamond rich Marange area, in Zimbabwe.

On Tuesday president, Mugabe was rumoured to be furious with Mujuru over the deal. It was still not yet clear, at the time of writing the reasons why president Mugabe is unhappy with his junior."

Possibly because he was unhappy with his cut?

-o00o-

ZANU PF know that the game is up - but while their leaders attempts to lengthen their demise, the senior personnel within the party have been encouraged to take land. And when I say 'take' - I mean 'take'...

"Even before a gang of heavily armed men burst into his house and forcibly evicted him from his land, farming had become a hazardous business for Malcolm Clark, a 66-year old Zimbabwean who has made his living as a farmer since 1962.

During the last two years electricity shortages have made it virtually impossible to irrigate, reducing output at the 92-hectare holding north of Harare where Mr Clark cultivated a range of vegetables and seeds.

"I didn’t think I would survive," said Mr Clark describing last month’s attack, which farmers’ organisations say forms part of a “final push” by supporters of President Robert Mugabe to drive the country’s remaining 700 commercial white farmers from their land."

I am of the firm belief that it would be in the public interest for someone to publish a list of the land taken, the original farmers and the new 'owners'. The same list should also include a brief description of any current activity on the farms (easily done since most of them would read "No agricultural activity").

Mugabe has often said, echoed by Tsvangirai, that the land grab will not be reversed. But I think that the land should be at least in the managing hands of people intent on producing something for the nation.

Those who run the farms don't even necessarily have to have any ownership of the land - but we need to see the land being utilised again and producing food for the nation.

Handing farms to loyalists just because they can is of no help whatsoever.

"Attacks and legal actions - Mr Clark was accused in September of illegally occupying the land and must appear in court to hear the eviction order against him - are on the increase.

They come in spite - or rather, say some observers, because of - the formation two weeks ago of a government of national unity, in which the 85-year-old Mr Mugabe agreed to share power with Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

In 2000 Mr Mugabe launched a land resettlement programme that saw thousands of white farmers evicted and their land handed over to black Zimbabweans. But the pace of the evictions had slowed in recent years."

And while they are at it, how come we have not seen anyone in court for the murders of farmers and workers during the land grab? Mugabe himself has stated that the court must been seen to exercise justice...

-o00o-

Mugabe has a habit of surrounding himself with ZANU PF loyalists. Be they failed politicians or former security hierarchy he doesn't mind. Whether this is for his own protection as these people would act as canon fodder or because he just feels safer with their undivided attention and support. I do not know.

But it is evident with this latest round of appointments that their primary goal is to have a listening ear in every office, nook and cranny of government.

These people are not appointed for their use to the public, but their use to Mugabe.

"The Zimbawean strongman Robert Mugabe yesterday appointed permanent secretaries from a pool of his long time cronies, retired military and Central Intelligence Organisation officers, raising further doubts to his commitment to power sharing government.

Last night a top CIO agent pointed out to our reporter a number names on the list of retired military, police and CIO officers.

MDC Ministers will now work with retired army officers and spy agents masquerading as permanent secretaries and they report directly to Robert Mugabe and for them allegiance to the Commander in Chief unquestionable."

Mugabe is not just paranoid, he is sure that 'they' are out to get him...

"The permanent secretaries appointed are:

Mrs Judith Kateera - Department of Economic Research and Policy Analysis in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Mr Ngoni Masoka - Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development.
Miss Margaret Chiduku - Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs.
Mr Martin Rushwaya - Defence.
Dr Desire Sibanda - Economic Planning and Investment Promotion.
Dr Stephen Mahere - Education, Sport, Arts and Culture.
Mr Justin Mupamhanga - Energy and Power Development.
Miss Florence Nhekairo - Environment and Natural Resources.
Mr Willard Manungo - Finance.
Mr Joey Bimha - Foreign Affairs.
Dr Gerald Gwinji - Health and Child Welfare.
Dr Washington Mbizvo - Higher and Tertiary Education.
Mr Melusi Matshiya - Home Affairs.
Mrs Abigail Shonhiwa - Industry and Commerce.
Dr Samuel Kundishora - Information Communication Technology.
Mr David Mangota - Justice and Legal Affairs.
Mr Lancaster Museka - Labour and Social Services.
Mrs Sylvia Tsvakwi - Land and Land Resettlement.
Mr Killian Mupingo - Local Government, Rural and Urban Development.
Mr George Charamba - Media, Information and Publicity.
Mr Thankful Musukutwa - Mines and Mining Development.
Mr David Munyoro - National Housing and Social Amenities.
Mrs Constance Chigwamba - Public Service.
Engineer George Mlilo - Public Works.
Mr Tadeous Chifamba - Regional Integration and International Trade.
Professor Francis Gudyanga - Science and Technology.
Mrs Elizabeth Ndlovu - Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and Co-operatives.
Mr Partson Mbiriri - Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Mr Ringson Chitsiko - Water Resources Development and Management.
Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango - Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development.
Mr Prince Mupazviriho - Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment."

The new Zimbabwean government is not just bloated, but obese.

And obesity statistics would indicate that life expectancy is not long...

-o00o-

Take care.

'debvhu