MDC statement on unity government

MDC national executive deliberates on the inclusive government

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.

Information and Publicity department

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.

MDC Information and publicity department

Updated Cabinet List

President Robert Gabriel Mugabe (ZANU-PF)
Vice President Joseph Msika MP (ZANU-PF)
Vice President Joyce Teurai Ropa Mujuru MP (ZANU-PF)
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC-T)
Deputy Prime Minister Prof Arthur Mutambara (MDC-M)
Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khuphe MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Public Service Prof Elphas Mukonoweshuro MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Olivia Muchena MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Defence Emmerson Mnangagwa MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Savior Kasukuwere MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Science and Technology Development Prof Heneri Dzinotyiwei MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Elton Mangoma MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Stan Gorerazvo Mudenge MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Industry and Commerce Prof Welshman Ncube[7] (MDC-M)
Minister of Regional Integration and International Cooperation Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga[7] (MDC-M)
Minister of Home Affairs Co-minister: Giles Mutsekwa MP (MDC-T)
Co-minister: Kembo Dugish Campbell Mohadi MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Finance Tendai Biti MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Health and Child Welfare Sen Dr Henry Madzorera (MDC-T)
Minister of Local Government and Urban Development Ignatius Morgan Chiminya Chombo MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Justice Sen Patrick Antony Chinamasa (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Agriculture Sen Joseph Mtekwese Made (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Education, Sport and Culture Sen David Coltart (MDC-M)
Minister of Environment Francis Dunstun Chenayimoyo Nhema MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Adv Eric Matinenga MP (MDC-T)
Minister of State Enterprise and Parastatals Samuel Sipepa Nkomo[7] (MDC-T)
Minister of Information and Communications Technology Nelson Chamisa MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Public Works Theresa Makoni MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Paurine Mpariwa MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Transport Tasanangurwa Nicholas Goche MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Mines and Mining Development Obert Moses Mpofu MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Fidelis Mhashu MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Energy and Power Development Eng Elias Mudzuri MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sen Simbarashe Simbanenduku Mumbengegwi (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Information and Publicity Webster Kotiwa Shamu MP (ZANU-PF)
Minister of Water Resources and Development Joel Gabuza MP (MDC-T)
Minister of Lands and Land Resettlement Herbert Murerwa MP (ZANU-PF)

Deputies

Foreign Affairs - Moses Mzila Ndlovu;
Higher and Tertiary Education - Lutho Addington Tapela;
Health and Child Welfare - Dr Tendai Douglas Mombeshora;
Labour and Social Welfare - Dr Tracy Mutinhiri;
Education, Sports, Arts and Culture - Lazarus Dokora;
Economic Planning and Development - Dr Samuel Undenge;
Energy and Power Development - Hubert Nyanhongo;
State Enterprises and Parastatals - Walter Chidhakwa;
Industry and Commerce - Michael Bimha;
Regional Integration and International Co-operation - Reuben Marumahoko;
Public Works - Aguy Georgias;
Public service - Andrew Langa;
Local Government, Urban and Rural Development - Sessil Zvidzai;
Transport and Infrastructural Development - Dr Tichaona Mudzingwa;
Mines and Mining Development - Murisi Zwizwai;
Media, Information and Publicity - Jameson Timba;
Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment - Thamsanqa Mahlangu;
Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development - Evelyn Masaiti;
Justice and Legal Affairs - Jessie Majome

zimbabwemetro.com

Mugabe Birth Day Interview

New constitution in 2 years

Features & Political Editor Mabasa Sasa

Fresh polls thereafter; adoption of rand unlikely, says President ZIMBABWE is likely to have a new constitution within the next 18 to 24 months after which voters will head back to the polls for fresh elections, President Mugabe has said.

In his traditional birthday interview at Zimbabwe House yesterday, President Mugabe said the inclusive Government bringing together Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations was not a permanent arrangement and in addition to working on economic recovery, would put forward a draft constitution in preparation for the elections.

He pointed out that the parties would most likely work with a draft document that has already been agreed upon, which would be subjected to a referendum before any parliamentary procedures could be initiated to give it legal effect.

"We are an interim arrangement, we are not a permanent inclusive Government. Ahead of us is a whole constitutional process which requires that we address the issue of the constitution.

"There is already a draft that the three parties agreed on, they call it the Kariba Draft because that is where they came up with the document. We shall all look at it and when we are all satisfied, it shall be put to the people in a referendum.

"If the people say yes, then the draft will be allowed to pass through Parliament. The schedule, the timeframe that was agreed on by the parties, was that within 18 to 24 months we should have a referendum.

"We will then have an election thereafter, perhaps in about two years’ time," President Mugabe, who turned 85 on February 21, said.

He also said the creation of the inclusive Government did not nullify any statutory appointments legally made in the recent past.

This was in apparent reference to the appointment of Mr Johannes Tomana as the Attorney-General and Dr Gideon Gono’s re-appointment as Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for another five years.

The President said the appointments had been made legally and the individuals occupying the various offices in question had been vetted by the responsible authorities to ascertain their suitability for the job.

"I do not see any reason why those people should go and they will not go."

He said the inclusive Government must be united on the principles of national sovereignty and independence, reiterating that land tenure and agrarian reforms were irreversible.

Anyone who rejected such principles, the President said, would in turn be rejected by the Government, adding that undue foreign meddling in the country’s affairs would not be tolerated.

He urged members of the inclusive Government to engage each other constructively and follow due procedures when making criticisms of policy or of their fellow officials in the executive.

President Mugabe indicated that he would soon meet with the Minister of Finance, Mr Tendai Biti, to discuss the status of the Zimbabwe dollar and the use of foreign currencies, particularly the South African rand.

"I do not see us adopting the rand as our main currency. Even in Sacu, the South African

Customs Union, the members have their own currencies even though they use the rand. Botswana has its pula, Namibia has its dollar, Lesotho, Swaziland, they all have their own cur-

rencies.

"But they base them on the rand and that is something that we might consider doing here. At the moment we are using all international currencies.

"When it was first mooted, the idea of paying people in US dollars, I was against it and I still am because we just do not have enough (foreign currency). It is a problem that confronts us even now.

"Personally, I think we should revalue the Zimbabwe dollar in a manner that fixes its relationship with the rand for a while. We will protect it for a while, for a while as we increase production. But we should protect it.

"We do not expose it to fluctuations of the market. The problem is that the people of Zimbabwe have become speculators. There are some people who, if you say the (Zimbabwe) dollar is four to one with the rand, they will immediately make it eight to one and 10 to one.

"So there is this escalation on a daily basis. We should fix it (the value of the local currency) legally and keep it there for now. I want to discuss this with Biti. And how do you make it go? Through production in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and the people get goods and services and then we can expose it to the fluctuations of the market," he said.

Herald

Prime Minister reflects on progress

Statement by the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, on the Progress of the Transitional Government:

Harare I Feburary 25 I 2009
Members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Zimbabweans:

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.

In addition I have kept the SADC Chairman, President Motlanthe, appraised of developments and today our ministers are meeting with SADC ministers concerning the Zimbabwe recovery programme.

However, it is also my responsibility to bring to your attention a number of outstanding issues that continue to act as an impediment to our progress as a Government and our ability to truly resolve the issues facing our country.

These are:

• The Appointment of Senior Government Officials, such as Permanent
Secretaries and Ambassadors

• The Appointment of the Governor of the Reserve Bank and the Attorney General

• The Appointment of Provincial Governors

Tuesday’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.

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.

This is in line with the SADC communiqué issued in Pretoria on the 27th of January 2009, which states that “the appointments of the Reserve Bank Governor and the Attorney General will be dealt with by the Inclusive Government after its formation;”

Similarly the appointment of Provincial Governors is an issue that must be resolved forthwith.

As long as these matters remain unresolved, it will be impossible for the transitional government to move forward with the reforms that this country so desperately needs.

Most significantly, the rule of law continues to be flouted by some sectors of the community and this must stop immediately. In particular, a new wave of disruptions of farming operations, in contravention of the Memorandum of Understanding, is undermining our ability to revive our agricultural sector and restore investor confidence.

I have 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.

With respect to detainees, the Principals to the Global Political Agreement, namely myself, President Mugabe and Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara, last week agreed that all political detainees who have been formally charged with a crime should be released on bail and those that have not been charged should be released unconditionally. This has not yet happened.

Indeed, rather than allowing the judicial process to take its course with regard to the granting of bail, the Attorney General’s office is wilfully obstructing the release of all detainees by abusing the appeal process and this must stop forthwith.

There have also been disputes over the mandates of various ministries.
While this is natural in a new transitional arrangement such as this, issues of overlap and duplication will be resolved by my office.

With respect to the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the functions of the former Department of Communication within the Ministry of Transport and Communications shall be the responsibility of the new Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

Therefore, for avoidance of doubt, Telecommunications falls under this ministry.

Ladies and Gentlemen, there is only one government running Zimbabwe - one government, with one vision and one agenda – democratisation and stabilisation. There is no room for residual parallel structures that attempt to manipulate the process and procedures of government for personal or political gain.

I urge all members of the civil service to undertake their duties in a professional and patriotic manner and in the spirit of the Global Political Agreement and to the letter of the Constitution.

As a nation we still have a long way to travel until we are truly free, democratic and prosperous. I am confident that by working together we will achieve this goal.

The vast majority of members of the civil service and Cabinet are eager to work together and I am encouraged by the momentum that this government is developing towards finding solutions to the problems facing the country.

I thank you

NewZimbabwe.com

Govt, teachers reach deal

Herald Reporter

GOVERNMENT yesterday struck a deal with teacher organisations — the Prog-ressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association — for their members to return to work by March 2 to allow the resumption of normal classes for the 2009 education calendar.

The development came as the Gover-nment presented a US$458 million budget to the donor community for the education sector.

Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, said the money was for six months.

"The budget we presented to Unicef and the donor community is US$458 million for March 1 up to the end of August," he said.

Minister Coltart also agreed on a number of key issues with the teachers’ representatives.

He said the ministry and the unions agreed that all teachers should report for duty by March 2 and that "all schools would be fully functional by March 9".

It was also agreed to grant amnesty to teachers who left the service over the past two years for economic reasons.

Minister Coltart said he had fruitful discussions with Unicef, United Nations agencies and other donors with interest in the education sector.

It was agreed that the amount of the March salaries would be reached through negotiations.

The long run, the intention is to match their salaries with those paid to teachers in the region.

The Government admitted that the February salaries for teachers were inadequate and agreed to improve their conditions of service.

The ministry and the unions agreed that the 2008 educational year would not be revisited.

There were calls from some quarters to consider 2008 a wasted year and to have it revisited.

Instead, the ministry and the unions agreed to slight adjustments to the 2009 school calendar.

The second term will begin earlier on May 5 (Tuesday) instead of May 12.

The third term will begin on September 2 (Wednesday) instead of September 8. There would be no changes to the first term.

The meeting between Minister Coltart, his deputy Lazarus Dokora and representatives of the unions was held in a warm atmosphere.

PTUZ was represented by Mr Raymond Majongwe while Ms Tendai Chikowore represented Zimta.

Herald

That seems to be a positive development to me, is n't it?

Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers sworn in on Thursday:

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office — Sekai Masikana Holland MP (MDC-T)
Minister of State in Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara’s Office — Gibson Sibanda, Sen (MDC)
Minister of State in Vice President Msika’s Office — Flora Bhuka MP (Zanu PF)
Minister of State in Vice President Mujuru’s Office — Sylvester Robert Nguni MP (Zanu PF)
Minister of State in the President’s Office — John Landa Nkomo (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs — Moses Mzila Ndlovu MP (MDC)
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce — Michael Chakanaka Bimha MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Regional Integration and International Co-operation — Reuben Marumahoko MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Public Works — Aguy Georgias, Sen (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Public Service — Andrew Langa MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Urban and Rural Development — Sesel Zvidzai MP (MDC-T)
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development — Tichaona Mudzingwa MP (MDC-T)
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development — Murisi Zwizwai MP (MDC-T)
Deputy Minister of Media, Information and Publicity — Jameson Zvidzai Timba MP (MDC-T)
Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education — Lutho Addington Tapela MP (MDC)
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Welfare — Douglas Tendai Mombeshora MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare — Tracy Mutinhiri MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture — Lazarus Dokora MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Economic Planning and Development — Samuel Undenge MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development — Hubert Nyanhongo MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of State Enterprises and Parastatals — Walter Kufakunesu Chidhakwa, MP (Zanu PF)
Deputy Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment — Thamsanqa Mahlangu MP (MDC-T)
Deputy Minister Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development — Evelyn Pfugamai Masaiti MP (MDC-T)
Deputy Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs — Jessie Fungai Majome MP (MDC-T)

NewZimbabwe.com

You do not need to be an Economist / Financial expect to see that this cabinet is very expensive. I think on face value it is more expensive that the previous Zanu cabinet. You have 36 ministers, 25 deputy ministers, 2 vice prime ministers, 1 prime minister, 2 vice presidents, 1 president!

From the on set, it makes me realise that as Zimbabweans, we need to keep this gorvenment on track and check. If we relax we will be in trouble. The civic organisations, churches, media and other interest or special groups need to keep track of what is happening or else we get into worse troubles should we take things for granted.

What Is The Way Forward For Zimbabwe (2013)?

I am confranted with this question in my mind, "What is the way forward for Zimbabwe especially for 2013?" Those that are following the current happenings and the currently installed Government of National Unity, will note that we are likely to have next elections at 2013 unless for whatever reasons, the current government is dissolved and elections are called ealier. I trust that, according to the constitutional amendmend no. 19, (you can follow link below for details)http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms/Bills/Constitutional_Amendment_Bill_Number_19.pdf, we will be having a new constitution by then which should be finalised withing about 2 years.

The question is, where will be by then? What is the best way forward? Should we be contect with the current political parties that seem to have reached their capacity and lack proper vision and really change we need as a young generation? Is Zanu pf, MDC T, MDC M, etc a part that we can look forward to as young people with a future? Can we simple trust that maybe the Simba Makoni's Mavambo/Kusile project there? If you follow, it seems to have failed before it became a political party. Can we simple look to the so called revival of Zapu and be lead by the same of people that left Zanu pf and their old idealogies?

I do not have the answer but I think we can do better. Are we going to wait and see when we get there? Is there a prospect of mobilising a new party, with new vision and manifesto? Can we have a party that will not aim at ending colonialism or Zanu pf regime but a party that will aim at developing and restoring our nation? We need a new generation of a party and a new generation of leadership and vision. Our children deserve a better future, a better Zimbabwe.

What do you say?

Cabinet sworn in amid chaotic scenes

ZIMBABWE'S President Robert Mugabe retained most members of a cabinet he described only last year as "the worst in history" when ministers to steer a new power sharing government were sworn in at a chaotic ceremony on Friday.

A total of 36 ministers, four more than expected, recited their oaths on the lawn of the State House, finalising a power-sharing arrangement nearly a year after disputed elections. Deputy ministers will take office next week, officials said.

There was disappointment for some members of Mugabe's Zanu PF who were invited to turn up to be sworn in, only to be disappointed after the party ran up its quota of allocations.

Mugabe gave some of his staunchest hardline supporters the key posts of Defence, Agriculture and National Security.

The President named the unpopular Joseph Made to head Agriculture, Ignatius Chombo to stay in charge of Local Government and his powerful confidante Emmerson Mnangagwa to head Defence.

Former Finance Minister Herbert Murerwa takes charge of the Lands and Land Resettlement ministry while Webster Shamu was sworn-in as the new Minister of Information and Publicity.

Sydney Sekeramayi moves from Defence to take charge of State Security, Kembo Mohadi stays at Home Affairs where he will be in joint charge with Giles Mutsekwa of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by new Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai.

The swearing in ceremony, attended by regional leaders and diplomats, was held under the shadow of news that Roy Bennett, nominated to deputise in Agriculture by Tsvangirai, had been arrested over an outstanding warrant.

Bennett, expected to be one of two whites in the Cabinet, was held by police at the Charles Prince Airport on the outskirts of Harare. It is believed he was flying to South Africa where he recently returned after almost three years. He fled Zimbabwe in 2006 after he was implicated in an alleged plot to assassinate President Mugabe.

The swearing in ceremony had to be delayed following a dispute sparked by Zanu PF attempts to swear in SIX Ministers of State instead of the three agreed with the two MDC factions who are parties to the September 15 power sharing agreement brokered by regional leaders.

South African President Kgalema Motlanthe waded into the stand-off and suggested a compromise which allowed Mugabe to swear in two Zanu PF Ministers of State and one from Tsvangirai's MDC.

Gibson Sibanda, set to be sworn in as Minister of State from the Arthur Mutambara-led MDC was forced to skip taking the oath along with other Zanu PF ministerial nominees including John Nkomo, Sylvester Nguni, David Parirenyatwa and Flora Buka.

"President Motlanthe suggested that the three parties should use the weekend to resolve the dispute and reach a compromise before Monday when the deputy ministers are sworn in. The expectation is that the Ministers of State who were not sworn in today will be sworn in together with the deputy ministers," said Professor Welshman Ncube, the new Minister of Industry and Commerce who is also secretary general of Mutambara's MDC.

Friday's ceremony at State House, where Tsvangirai was memorably sworn in on Wednesday as Prime Minister by Mugabe, was expected to conclude the formation of the government, but fresh disputes appear likely to drag on until at least Monday.

Zimbabweans are counting on the new administration to bring about change in a country that is reeling from world-record inflation, severe food, fuel and cash shortages, and raging HIV and cholera epidemics.

But analysts warn that the MDC's ability to effect change is hampered by the skewed sharing of power. Mugabe remains head of state and government, while Tsvangirai's role will be to formulate and implement policy.

THE FULL CABINET:

Education - David Coltart (MDC-M)

Industry and Commerce - Welshman Ncube (MDC-M)

Regional Integration and International Trade - Priscilla Misihairabwi (MDC-M)

Defence - Emmerson Mnangwagwa (Zanu PF)

State Security - Sydney Sekeramayi (Zanu PF)

Agriculture - Joseph Made (Zanu PF)

Transport - Nicholas Goche (Zanu PF)

Higher Education - Stan Mudenge (Zanu PF)

Local Government - Ignatius Chombo (Zanu PF)

Lands and Land Resettlement - Herbert Murerwa (Zanu PF)

Home Affairs - Kembo Mohadi (Zanu PF) and Giles Mutsekwa (MDC-T)

Women's Affairs - Olivia Muchena (Zanu PF)

Mines - Obert Mpofu (Zanu PF)

Tourism - Walter Mzembi (Zanu PF)

Information and Publicity - Webster Shamu (Zanu PF)

Youth Development - Savior Kasukuwere (Zanu PF)

Environment - Francis Nhema (Zanu PF)

Justice - Patrick Chinamasa (Zanu PF)

Foreign Affairs - Simbarashe Mumbengegwi (Zanu PF)

Finance – Tendai Biti (MDC-T)

Information Communications Technology – Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T)

Science and Technology – Heneri Dzinotyiwei (MDC-T)

Public Service – Elphas Mukonoweshuro (MDC-T)

Energy and Power Development – Elias Mudzuri (MDC-T)

Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs – Eric Matinenga (MDC-T)

Labour – Pauline Mpariwa (MDC-T)

Water Resources – Joel Gabbuza (MDC-T)

Health – Henry Madzorera (MDC-T)

State Enterprises – Samuel Sipepa Nkomo (MDC-T)

National Housing – Fidelis Mhashu (MDC-T)

Economic Planning and Development – Elton Mangoma (MDC-T)

Public Works – Theresa Makone (MDC-T)

NewZimbabwe.com

New Cabinet Response

First and foremost I would like to say thank you brother Hlo for starting such a job well done on starting such an informative forum.I have always said and still do say that, we can never have too much of these. I am convinced that there shall come a day when the poor and forgotten masses of Zimbabwe will have a voice. I appreciate the voices of the of the few knowledgeable men and women but unless and until the people of Tsholotsho, Nkayi, Murewa , Sigodini and many other such places begin to have an input in the matters that concerns their destiny, only then will Zimbabwe be a better place.

As of now, even people from the cities do not even have a voice.To me the fact that a lot of Zimbabweans do not have a saying in the making and day to day matters of the country at large is serious.No country that does not allow its citizen to hear and be heard will prosper. The rest of Zimbabwe's people are marginalised not only by their goegraphic origins but deliberately by the inavalability of means and ways.This is one of the reasons why Zimbabwe is in shambles right now. For a while Zimbabwe was seemingly developing at least in some parts. The basic infrastructure was there. Those who know me, know truly well that I have always protested the underdevelopment of Matebeleland and still do to this very day.This offcourse was a deliberate attempt to punish, silence or permanently disenfrancise the people of the region both for political and ethinic reasons best known to the ruling party.

Given that scenario, the people of Matabeleland are suffering more than the whole country. Having said that, I must go on to acknowledge that not all Shonas were responsible for the calamities of Matalebeland and Midlands.It was the governmnet of Zimbabwe that made sure that people are divided and will remain divided forever so that they will always take advantage of the situation for political gains. This is the reason why anybody who leads a political party in Zimbabwe must be a Shona. This is regardless whether they know their left and righthand side or not. This is sadly the number one qualification for leadership in Zimbabwe. Nowhere am I saying that such and such a tribe is incompetant and has no leadership qualities.NO.So for now we are in a political mess, economic mess, humaniatrian health crisis, name it.The seeds that zanu pf planted in people will take a long time to uproot.Not untill they multiply and germinate.We are reaping the sins and actions of the past.

The so called GNU is just an absolute point.I my opinon we must let them fix their mess if they can. The position of Zimbabwe's leader is still vacant, as a matter of fact its been vacant for a long time. We can have all the cabinet positions filled, but true leadership is still out of site. Nobody must forget the army generals. They are also in the cabinet.For me okwakhathesi ngithi yekela kukhule lokhula.Let's us be prepared to lead. We the young people must position ourselves to take the nation to greater heights when the time comes.The future of Zimbabwe is in our hands but for now, there is little we can do, and we must avoid losing focus. There is timing for everything.Preparation is important too. Let;s face it . Zimbabwe is still far from being decent even with the best possible administartion.

Mfundisi I must have strayed but that is just what I think.

Siyabonga .

By Mandla Mkhwananzi (USA)

The Inauguration Speech of the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe

Your Majesty, King Mswati III, the Chairman of the AU Commission, Mr Jean Ping, President Mugabe, former President Mbeki, Your Excellencies, Honoured Guests, People of Zimbabwe,
Today is an historic day for our country. As we form this transitional government, we look back with reflection on the difficult journey that has brought us to this day, and look forward with determination to the road that lies ahead.

To my fellow African leaders, there can be no turning back on the political agreement which each party has signed, knowing it is not a perfect agreement but still a workable one. An agreement that if implemented with good faith, will deliver a peaceful way forward toward a stable economy, a new constitution and free and fair elections. Brothers and sisters in SADC and the AU, we are counting on you to be our partners and to ensure that this agreement is upheld as we face the challenges of rebuilding our country in the days ahead.

Though today's ceremony marks a very significant milestone on our democratic journey, it is only the beginning. On this day 19 years ago Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster prison, an historic step on South Africa's long road to freedom.

But former President Mandela's release did not signify the end of his people's struggle for democracy. His personal liberation showed that the victory of freedom over oppression was near. But on February 11th 1990, make no mistake, freedom had still not arrived. Only with the courageous effort and compromise by all parties was a peaceful transition finally possible.

With the formation of this transitional government, President Mugabe, Professor Mutambara and I have pledged, in the sight of God, to deliver to the nation a new political dispensation.

This is our promise to you, to our children and to the future generations of Zimbabweans. This is the debt that we owe to our liberation heroes and our democratic heroes who paid the ultimate price so that we could all live together, free from fear, hunger and poverty.

For too long, Zimbabwe has endured violent political polarization. This must end today.

For too long, our people's hopes for a bright and prosperous future have been betrayed. Instead of hope, their days have been filled with starvation, disease and fear. A culture of entitlement and impunity has brought our nation to the brink of a dark abyss.

This must end today.

Economic collapse has forced millions of our most able to flee the country seeking menial jobs, for which they are often overqualified but underpaid. They have had to leave their children behind to be cared for by the elderly, who do not have the resources to feed them and watch in despair as these flowers of our nation wilt and die.

This must end today.

People of Zimbabwe, I have a vision for our country that will guide me as Prime Minister. I will work to create a society where our values are stronger than the threat of violence, where our children's future and happiness is more important than present political goals and where a person is free to express an opinion, loudly, openly and publicly without fear of reprisal or repression. A country where jobs are available for those who wish to work, food is available for those that are hungry and where we are united by our respect for the rights and dignity of our fellow citizens. This is the Zimbabwe that I am working towards.

To achieve this vision, my priorities are very clear.

Firstly, we must implement our democratisation agenda.

Through parliament, the people's representatives in the MDC and Zanu PF, will pass legislation to restore the people's freedoms, create the mechanism through which a people's constitution can be created, reestablish the rule of law and promote the independent media. Our liberation war was fought to provide political freedoms to all Zimbabweans and we intend to restore them as a matter of urgency.

As I stand before you, more than 30 innocent people continue to languish in jail months are being abducted and illegally detained. While I will not interfere in the judicial process, I will make it a priority to ensure that the law is upheld and that the justice system deals with their cases in a fair, equitable and transparent manner in the shortest possible time frame

People of Zimbabwe, I call upon all of us to put aside our differences, to begin a process of national healing within every community, to work across party lines and look forward together with hope, while learning from a sad past that has so devastated our nation and our people.

Our second priority is tackling the humanitarian crisis with every means possible.

In the immediate days ahead we will focus on the cholera crisis. We will urgently reduce both the number of outbreaks and the unacceptably high mortality level by tackling the causes of the epidemic.

We will also ensure that every Zimbabwean has access to emergency food aid regardless of tribal or political affiliation. In this regard, we will ensure that the people can access humanitarian food aid on a non-partisan basis. I call upon the chiefs and local councilors to work together to ensure that all those that are deserving can access the help they require.

To all of the international relief agencies and donors who have assisted us, let me say thank you on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe. It will be the mandate of this government to do all we can to make it easier to help alleviate the suffering of every Zimbabwean as we tackle the humanitarian issues gripping our country. In this regard, I will ensure greater impact and efficiency in the distribution of emergency and development aid by appointing a senior member of my cabinet to coordinate emergency and development efforts.

In addition to emergency food distribution, the transitional government will make food more available and more affordable by removing all duties on foodstuffs imported into the country. In the short term, we will convene a food summit of all relevant stake holders to help us ensure that no Zimbabwean goes hungry. We will introduce incentives to resuscitate and rehabilitate the local food manufacturing industry and we will move towards self-sufficiency in food production beginning with the next agricultural season.

The third priority is to stabilize the economy.

Out of the 20 fastest growing countries in the world, 15 are in Africa. Indeed, despite the overall economic gloom in the world today, the International Monetary Fund predicts a growth rate of 6.3% in sub Saharan Africa in 2009. As the world slows down, much of Africa is still growing. This is good news for us as we all know, if we work together, Zimbabwe has the skills and resources to contribute to this hopeful trend.

To get our economy going again, we must get the country working again. This starts with an educated and healthy workforce. Our schools, once amongst the best on the continent, can be restored to that standard of excellence. Similarly, our hospitals must be places of healing, with the staff and resources to prevent and treat disease.

The professionals in our civil service are the backbone of our government, making sure that policy decisions are carried out and delivery of government services moves efficiently and accountably. Today our public service has ground to a halt as many of our patriotic government employees can no longer afford to eat, let alone pay for transport to their place of work.

If we are to successfully address our nation's humanitarian crisis, we must first address the urgent plight of our civil servants.

As Prime Minister I make this commitment that, as from the end of this month, our professionals in the civil service, every health worker, teacher, soldier and policeman will receive their pay in foreign currency until we are able to stabilize the economy.

These hard currency salaries will enable people to go to work, to feed their families and to survive until such time that we can begin to sustain ourselves as a country.

My Fellow Zimbabweans, as we work together to rebuild our country, all of us must do our part. This will sometimes require sacrifices. In this respect, I ask every school be re-opened, and that every member of the civil service is behind his or her desk on Monday providing service to Zimbabweans.

As your Prime Minister, I will ensure that there is a clear distinction between the party and the state.

As your Prime Minister I will be open and honest with you.

It will take time, commitment and unity of purpose to rebuild our great country. I appeal to all Zanu PF supporters and MDC supporters, to recognize the legitimacy and contribution of the other party to our nation's history and our nation's future and work together to restore our pride in our people and our country.

We will need help from the international community and I ask them to engage with us to rebuild our nation and to work towards reestablishing a relationship that is not based on humanitarian assistance alone.

People of Zimbabwe, we face many challenges but we are brave and resourceful. By uniting as a nation and a people we can succeed. If you match our efforts with your own, we will succeed, if you match our desires with your own, we will succeed, if you match our dreams for Zimbabwe with your own, we will succeed.

At each point in our proud history we have looked forward not backwards, we have stood for hope not fear, we have believed in love not hate, and we have never lost touch with our democratic values or sight of our democratic goals.

People of Zimbabwe, I ask you to support me as your Prime Minister and the efforts of our new transitional government. I ask you to share my vision for our great country, to work with me to rebuild our nation and to walk with me on this promising phase of our journey to a true and lasting democracy.

May God bless you and may God bless Zimbabwe.

NewZimbabwe.com

Zuma to the most expensive SA president?

All the president's expenses
10/02/2009 12:18 - (SA)


Sue Segar

Cape Town - Picture the scene: Jacob Zuma, newly installed president of the Republic of South Africa goes abroad on a state visit and is introduced by his hosts. "The president of South Africa, President Zuma and Mrs Zuma ... and Mrs Zuma ... and Mrs Zuma ... and Mrs Zuma."

An unlikely scenario, as Zuma will, hopefully, announce the name of his first lady shortly. But, far-fetched as it might sound, the spouses of South Africa's first polygamist leader will be afforded equal status in terms of the Customary Marriages Act.

This is an unusual situation by modern, global standards. For South African taxpayers, it will be a very expensive situation.

With his mounting legal costs, as well as the high price of being a polygamist with numerous children, Zuma looks set to become South Africa's most costly president yet.

When he appeared in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on charges of fraud and corruption last Wednesday, his case had already cost South African taxpayers R10.7m. This is without factoring in the costs of the state in instituting the prosecution, which legal experts say could add up to just as much as Zuma's legal costs.

Die Burger recently reported that the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust believes the total cost of prosecuting Zuma could already have reached the R100m mark and that the trust is now threatening to bring a case against the NPA on the basis that it is wasting public money. And his main trial hasn't even begun.

Cost of Motlanthe presidency

But, legal costs aside, the costs of a Zuma presidency are already raising eyebrows in opposition circles.

Freedom Front Plus Western Cape leader Corné Mulder, who has researched some of the Zuma cost implications, said one factor that is often forgotten is the cost of the Kgalema Motlanthe presidency.

"It is because of Zuma's trials and tribulations that we had to bring in Motlanthe as president. Even though he was appointed as an interim, substitute president for just six or seven months, Motlanthe will be entitled to a president's salary for the rest of his life," Mulder said in an interview with The Witness.

"As president himself, Zuma would earn a salary of more than R2m a year by the time he takes the position - and will receive the same amount as pension for the rest of his life."

While the costs of his dependents are hard to calculate, there is much speculation that these could amount to millions, on top of Zuma's salary.

"Remember in the Schabir Shaik trial, it emerged that Shaik gave Zuma an interest-free loan of more than R1m so that he could meet his obligations to his extended family. Shaik also assisted him with the education of his children. There are huge costs involved in maintaining such a large extended family," said Mulder.

Extended family

Zuma, who is divorced from Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and whose second wife, Kate Mantsho, committed suicide, currently has two wives. They are Sizakele Khumalo from Nkandla in northern KwaZulu-Natal and former nurse, Nompumelelo Ntuli. He plans to take his third wife, Thobeka Mabhika, soon.

He declines to answer questions about his wives, but there is talk of another wife waiting in the wings. He is similarly reticent about the number of children he has, but it is speculated to be between 12 and 18.

In terms of Parliament's Handbook for Members of the Executive, Zuma would, in addition to his basic salary, receive a housing allowance of 10% of his salary to contribute to a private home. On top of his official vehicles, he would also get a car allowance, equal to 25% of his annual salary, for the purchase of a private car.

The state will contribute an amount equal to 17% of his salary to a pension fund and will pay two thirds of his medical aid contribution covering his family. He will also be insured by the state for accident and life cover.

When he travels on official business, he may be accompanied by his spouses - (the handbook makes allowance for spouses in a polygamous marriage) and those dependent children who cannot remain at home are entitled to accommodation and subsistence at the expense of the state. The same arrangement applies to travel abroad.

In addition to their travel on business, members and their spouses are jointly entitled to 30 domestic business-class air tickets each year at the expense of the state. Dependent children are each entitled to six domestic economy-class tickets each year.

VIP protection, transport

In terms of state obligations to the president, Zuma will also be entitled to travel on the state's fleet of VIP aircraft, as well as receive VIP protection.

"It's difficult to estimate what these costs will amount to," Mulder said. "All he needs to do is list the individuals as dependents."

Mulder continued: "In terms of security, this must be provided for the president's household and children. The problem in the case of Zuma is that his households and children are stretched over three provinces. There will, therefore, be security costs in Cape Town, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. There is no ceiling limit with regard to the amount involved and to the number of dependents who can benefit."

In terms of state transport, Mulder said Zuma is entitled to make use of this already because he is a former deputy president. "As president, he and all his wives will be able to use state transport. There is no limit to the amount involved. Whatever transport needs they have must be met."

Democratic Alliance MP Gareth Morgan, who has done research on transport costs, found that when he was deputy president, Zuma "showed a tendency" to use the presidential aircraft "far more than anyone else".

"It's hard to talk about absolute numbers," Morgan told The Witness. "But I have followed the use of the four VIP squadron jets for five years. The one thing that stuck out about Jacob Zuma was the number of flights he took between Pretoria and Durban. He has a home in KwaZulu-Natal. Many of these flights were on successive days. There is no justification for that level of flying if a person plans properly."

'Mythical' presidential handbook

According to Morgan, presidents and deputy presidents are currently bound by provisions in the "mythical" presidential handbook. "I call it mythical because nobody has seen it. It was one of the outcomes of the investigation after then deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka's trip to Dubai on a private holiday. The public protector recommended that guidelines on presidential trips should be finalised. As far as I know this never happened.

"I see no reason why Zuma's particularly large family would be precluded from travelling on the state's jets. We can disagree with the amount of flying, but according to the public protector, the travel arrangements of the president and deputy president - including for holidays - are controlled by the VIP unit which means they will always fly on VIP Air Force Squadron jets and only when a jet is unavailable will they go on a commercial flight.

"He will get these flights at will, including all holidays. When Mlambo-Ngcuka went on her trip, the public protector said that even when the president or deputy president conducts a holiday, they are entitled to use the jets. When Mlambo-Ngcuka flew to Dubai, she took not only her husband, but also a friend's child. She filled the plane with whom she wished.

"For instance, the Nkwazi jet can take a maximum of 12 people. With Mbeki, they tended to include a medical doctor, the minister in the presidency and his security detail. I wouldn't go so far as to say we will have a situation where a whole lot of wives will be travelling on the airplane with him. But it is quite plausible that his wives will be able to fly and I see no reason in terms of customary law why any of Zuma's wives can be prevented from doing so. In terms of protocol they would be able to travel with him if there is space."

Education

As part of a list of 783 payments allegedly made by Shaik and his companies between 1995 and 2005, he allegedly made payments to a number of educational institutions for the Zuma children, including to Holy Family College, Sacred Heart School, University of Zululand, Empangeni High School, St Catherine's, Cape Technikon and the International School of Cape Town.

But the state will pay to get the Zuma offspring to school - members have one official vehicle for use in Cape Town and another for use in Pretoria, and official vehicles may be used for private purposes such as transporting school-going children to school.

The government will also provide transport for his children to school provided they do not exceed 15 kilometres in one direction.

Similarly, when the president is away from home on official business, any spouse or family member who stays at home will be entitled to transport by the state and can be taken wherever they need to go.

On the subject of taxation, the handbook states: "Members are responsible for acquainting themselves with their own tax obligations."

As a private citizen, Zuma failed to render his own income tax return for eight years from 1995 to 2003, when Shaik submitted and signed them on his behalf. He did not disclose any of the payments he had received from Shaik and others in those late tax returns.

South African taxpayers can only hope that while they foot the bill for his and his family's expenses, he will, as president of the republic, at least pay his own taxes.

- The Witness


© News24 2003. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Zim Update

Morgan Tsvangiarai the President of the main MDC faction and Prime minister designate held a press conference in Harare today and announced his cabinet pick as detailed in the previous article.

The Prime minister and his deputies are expected to be sworn into office tomorrow after which he is expected to hold a "rally" or address the public.

It is also being rumoured that govenors are to be swon in on Thursday or Friday upon conceding by Zanu Pf to reverse its earlier filling of all the 10 provisioncial governors

On Friday the ministers and their deputies will be sworn in.

Below are the links to the two bills that have been passed by parliament this week:

Amendement no. 19:
http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms/Bills/Constitutional_Amendment_Bill_Number_19.pdf

Security bill:
http://www.parlzim.gov.zw/cms/Bills/NATIONAL_SECURITY_COUNCIL_BILL_2009.pdf

The New Cabinet

Below is the list of ministries and their ministers from MDC (T).
1. Finance:Tendai Biti
2. Home Affairs: Giles Mtsekwa
3. Economic Planning and Investments: Elton Mangoma
4. Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs:Eric Matinenga
5. Information and Communications Technology: Nelson Chamisa.
6. Public Services Ministry: Prof. Elphas Mukonoweshuro
7. Science and Technology: Henry Dzinotyiwei
8. Energy and Power Development: Engineer Elias Mudzuri
9. State Enterprises and Parastatals: Eddie Cross
10.Ministry of Health: Dr Henry Madzorera
11.Public Works: Theresa Makone
12.Social Welfare Ministry: Pauline Mpariwa
13.Water Resources Ministry: Abenigo Bhebhe (Mutambara Mp)

Deputies:
Deputy Minister of Agriculture: Roy Bennet
Deputy Minister of Defence: Tichaona Mudzingwa
Deputy Minister of Justice: Jessie Manjome
Deputy Minister of Local Government: Mr Cecil Zvidzai
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Samuel Sipepa Nkomo

From MDC (M):
Industry and Commerce: Prof Welshmen Ncube
Minister Education: David Coltart
Regional Integration and International Trade: Moses Mzila Ndlovu or Priscillar

It is improtant to note that on the MDC T list, it does not make progresive sense for Tendai Biti to be Finance Minister. We all know that he is a Laywer and putting a lawyer in Finance when there are better qualified and capable people like Elton Mangoma who is a CA leaves a lot to be desired. That decision looks the same like Zanu Pf and generally an African problem where leaders look at faces rather that relevancy!

It is also surprising that MDC T peaks from the MDC M MP, we are yet to see what will happen since switching of parties is currently not allowed. It may be that Tsvangirai will appoint A. Bhebhe as one of the norminees to the senate.

It is being rumoured that among the 3 picks by Mutambara, Priscilar is not there, to me that would be very wrong. That lady looks very capable and seems a good leader who would have deserved a cabinet post.

From the MDC T list, there is only one Ndebele MP and ironically is from the other party. Are we going back to the tribal issue here?????

Tsvangirai To Address Public

Prime Minister Tsvangirai to address public gathering on Wednesday

9th February 2009 - MDC Pressroom

MDC Pressroom---Zimbabweans from all walks of life are expected to converge at Glamis stadium at the Showgrounds in Harare on Wednesday to celebrate the swearing in of MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai as the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.

Arrangements are at an advanced stage for the event and thousands of people from all over Zimbabwe are expected to gather at the Glamis arena, where President Tsvangirai will address Zimbabweans. Gates will be opened in the morning and the Prime Minister is expected to address the people around noon.

President Tsvangirai will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Wednesday while the MDC vice president, Hon. Thokozani Khupe, will become one of the deputy prime ministers.

No party regalia will be entertained at the event as this is not a party occasion but a major national event. This will be a historic occasion for the country. It marks the beginning of a new era; the final miles of a journey to a new Zimbabwe.

MDC Information and Publicity Department

Magistrate throws out Biti treason charges

A MAGISTRATE has ended the treason trial of MDC secretary general, Tendai Biti, saying prosecutors appear unprepared to proceed.

Magistrate Olivia Mariga also ruled Friday that Biti had been improperly arrested.

A day earlier, a prosecutor had said they would be ready for trial on May 4 -- giving the magistrate enough space to throw out the charges in what could be a politically engineered move.

On Thursday, Zimbabwe’s parliament passed a constitutional amendment opening the way for the unity government. A cabinet expected to include Biti is to be sworn in next week.

Biti told reporters after the ruling he was happy to be free, and looking forward to entering government.

Biti was accused of announcing the results of a disputed presidential election in March before the electoral body made them public and of authoring a document believed to plot Mugabe's overthrow by rigging the polls.

He had publicly maintained his innocence. (NewZimbabwe.com)

Zim Parliament Passes Bill

It is reported that the Zim Lower House of parliament has passed the constitutional amendend number 19 paving way for the implimentation of the unity government.

South Africa In Which Direction?

I have been also observing with interest and "fear" the developments in our neibouring country, the Republic of South Africa.

The then president of the country and NEC (ruling party) fires the vice president for allegations of corruption or links to corruption. The president later puts himself as a contesting candidate for the NEC even after serving the "normal" two terms. This would have meant that, if he won, there was going to be a party president and another president for the state. That created two camps within the NEC, one camp for Thabo Mbeki and the other for Jacob Zuma. The now famous Polokwane conference came and Thabo Mbeki lost the party leadership to Jacob Zuma.

Later, Thabo Mbeki was "fired" from being State president by (Zuma as leader of) NEC. Some ministers ans senior members of the NEC resigned in solidarity or protest to Mbeki's dismissal. That led to the formation of another party called COPE being lead by former Defense minister.

The legal battled for Zuma about the alleged corruption are still continuing. Cosatu and the NEC youth wing who have been on the Zuma "camp" are still fighting for Zuma to be president. It is being alleged that Mbeki was more friendly to the business community at the expense of the working class or the poor. (This is understood as Mbeki is an economist by qualification). On the other hand, Zuma is being seen as being more inclined to the working class. (It can be also inferred because according to his NEC profile, owing to his deprived childhood, Jacob Zuma did not receive any formal schooling, http://www.anc.org.za/people/zumaj.html)

Now, Zuma is set to go for trial on the 25th of August 2009. By then, he would have been elected the president of South Africa if he wins, which is almost certain he will. The sympathisers of Jacob Zuma want the charges to be dropped. They argue that he is a victim of politicking. Zuma himself says he will not step aside from contesting the country's presidence because the courts have not proved him guilty. It is of interest to note also that Jacob Zuma was previously in court again for allegations of rape. He was cleared by the court as not being guilt and that he had sex with the lady on consent. That is same story where it is alleged that Zuma claimed to have taken a shower after sex to prevent HIV transmission!

So, this is the crisis we have in most of our African countries. The leadership crisis or deficiency is not only a Zimbabwean byt african problem. South Africa risks moving on the wrong direction. This year will be a defining moment for South African politics. Posterity will tell.

Zim Inclusive Government On Track!

The Zimbabwe Parliament is sitting today to debate constitutinal amendment number 19 to prepare way for the formation of the inclusive government between Zanu pf and the two MDC formations.

If the bill is passed today as is expected, them Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to be sworn in as Prime minister together Arthur Mutambara as one of the deputy Prime ministers of the 11th of Feb 09. The rest of the ministers and deputies are to be sworn in on the 13th of Feb 09. This is per the directive of the SADC.

Most Zimbabweans, including myself, are very hopeful that this will mark the beggining of recovery to our nation. Let us continue to pray and believe for the best.

Professor Jonathan Moyo, the only independent MP in the 210-member House of Assembly, said Zanu PF and the two MDC factions could erode public confidence in the unity government if they veered off the SADC timetable.

“Confidence in this process is the most important currency right now,” Moyo said. “If you erode it, you are creating problems… the dual currency of this whole thing is confidence: public confidence, regional confidence and international confidence. If you dent that confidence or erode that confidence, you end up adding kerosene to a fire that was dying out.”

Moyo said failure to stick to the SADC timeline would “promote cynicism”. Zanu PF and the two MDC factions needed each other, he said.

“Here are people in a very deep hole; they must stop digging and get out. This deal is a rope for the three parties to use to get out of that hole.” (NewZimbabwe.com)

Zim Paye Tax bands

Below are the unconfirmed tax tables for those getting paid in forex:
USD0-USD125 0%
USD126-USD500 20%
USD501-USD1000 25%
USD1001-USD1500 30%
USD1501-USD3000 35%
USD3000& above 37.5%

It is clear that the above taxes are on the high side. But also it was evident that the government has a high appetite for cash looking at the budget that was presented by Patric Chinamasa itself. The licensing fees being demanded by the Reserve bank also don't make sense if actually not being prohibitive. The government is trying not to have any budget deficit but at the same time they are finding the solution by overbuddening the tax payers to finance that. What they should have actually done was to reduce their spending than maintaining or increasing spending and "overtaxing" to cover that. The rates on taxes do not reflect that the government is using the USD and that in turn will make like more dificult for the ordinary citizen.

Prices are likely to go up instead of going doing as we would have anticipated. Importing is actually marginally going to be more expensive that it is currently because importers have to build in for the rather high customs & or taxes plus the RBZ retension portion. Also inderectly, there is the licencing fees which will have to paid and will have to be bulit in on prices.

So, I think the government should actually revise the customs and taxes rates. Our economy is not yet productive and we rely mostly on imports hence we should incentivise importers.

UN Chief Comments On Zimbabwe

I understand that the United Nations Secretary General Ban-ki Moon has described the Zimbabwean Unity Deal as imperfect. It is understood the Secretary General had a meeting with Robert Mugabe at the sidelines of the African Union summit in Ethopia.

It is also understood that USA and Britain (with other European states) are also skeptical and maintaining a wait and see attitude towards the deal which is likely to be implimented this month.

I urge all Zimbabweans and others who can have a positive contribution to support this initiative. Whilst it is clear that this was not perfect an arrangement, it is the "best" possible solution at hand to our nations crisis.

I am hopeful that by 2013 when we are likely to have elections, the political field will be level. I trust that by then we will have many capable players in the field. I trust that we will not be talking about Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tvsangirai or Arthor Mutambara by then. I trust that we will be having young, visionary, strategic and developmental leaders then!

Jestina Mukoko To Get Bail?

It is said that Jestina Mukoko and other MDC activists being accused of trying to overthrow the government of Robert Mugabe will have the determination by the Judge on Wed 04/02/09 on whether to apply for bail or not.

It is understood also that their release is one of the demands that Morgan Tsvangirai is making and was a condition of joining the Unity Government. It remains to be seen on what is going to happen.

Interview: Priscilla Misihairabwi and Brian Kagoro

VIOLET GONDA: We bring you a tele-conference on the Hot Seat programme with Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, the Deputy Secretary General of the Mutambara MDC and political commentator, Brian Kagoro. Welcome on the programme.

PRISCILLA MISIHAIRAMBWI-MUSHONGA: Hi, how are you?

BRIAN KAGORO: Thank you Violet

VIOLET: Let me start with Priscilla. SADC announced this week that a break through had been reached and that a Government of National Unity would be formed by mid-February and today the MDC announced that its National Council has endorsed this decision. First of all, can you give us your reaction to this?

PRISCILLA: Well of course, for some of us it is good news. We have been working on this thing for close to three years, just trying to make sure that we have a process in which you have a breathing space for the people of Zimbabwe, a forum in which you can have some kind of discussion around trying to get this country back to where it’s supposed to be. So yah, we receive it with a sense of hope and anticipation.

VIOLET: And what is your reading of the SADC communiqué, vis-à-vis the MDC demands? The MDC-Tsvangirai demands?

PRISCILLA: Well I think what happened at the summit, was basically a way of trying to come up with a compromise position. Clearly it fell short of some of the things that MDC Tsvangirai would have wanted resolved, but I think in the wisdom of SADC at that particular point in time and in trying to make sure that at least you give a chance to trying to sort out the problems that are in Zimbabwe - they then in the communiqué tried to deal with some of the issues that MDC, led by President Tsvangirai had raised, in particular one of the issues that both of us had agreed to and said we could not continue to go into government unless it would have been dealt with, is the whole issue of governors.

Clearly you could not get a government in which one part of that administration to all intent and purposes was controlled by one political party and I think what SADC did was to take a position on that particular issue. You also know that Zanu PF had completely refused to have a conversation and discussion over that matter.

The second one was the issue, the first actually, the need to deal with the formation of the Security Council and that the Bill that had been drafted by MDC Tsvangirai needed to be looked at as a matter of urgency.

And then lastly it was the issue of looking at the violence and the abductions, the alleged human rights violations that were taking place and any other issues that had been raised in terms of violation of both the MOU and Global Political Agreement and what they then did was to say that the committee that was set up today (Friday) which was a JOMIC committee, should be set up immediately to look at both issues. Failing which, SADC would therefore then look at and deal with those particular issues.

So to some extent one would say yes, their issues were taken on board but clearly not all of them which is I think in the nature of negotiations, you don’t usually get everything that you wanted at the first time. But I thought it was a way of strategically delivering some of the issues. And lastly, I’d forgotten the point around the equity issue. You remember there was issue around the equity in the terms of the allocations of the ministries.

SADC has said they will review that allocation within six months. You remember that initially the resolution of 9th November had said they would only review on the issue of the co-sharing of Home Affairs - but this particular resolution says within six months. And I think it gives an opportunity to all those that are participating in this inclusive government to have an opportunity to use that as an evaluating process within six months, to say what went wrong, what didn’t go right, what are the issues that we need to do differently. So yah, I think their issues were taken on board, but like I’m saying, not all of them and not in the manner that they would have wanted.

VIOLET: And this JOMIC, the implementation committee that was set up today, I understand that you are also on this committee. Can you please give us the names of the commissioners?

PRISCILLA: Well from MDC led by President Tsvangirai, there is Elton Mangoma, there is Innocent Chagonda, there is Tabitha Khumalo, and there is Elias Mudzuri. From our party there is myself, there is Professor Welshman Ncube, there’s Frank Chamunorwa there’s the Honourable Edward Nkosi. From Zanu PF there is Nicholas Goche, there is Patrick Chinamasa, there is Emmerson Mnangagwa and there is Oppah Muchinguri. So those are the members of JOMIC.

VIOLET: So what powers will it actually have because as you’ve said some of those sticking points of that deal will be dealt with after the government has been implemented and we know that Mugabe has refused in the past to give the MDC equal share of the ministries that were in dispute? So what powers has JOMIC really got?

PRISCILLA: Well I think all we did was to create a forum in which one, you do have a committee that is responsible for ensuring that there is compliance. At least that committee would be, if it is able to do it in non-partisan manner, to be able to look at whether the Global Political Agreement is being implemented in the manner that it was supposed to be implemented. It is also supposed to receive the complaints that will be coming from the parties that are party to the agreement. It becomes a forum in which you can have discussions, you can discuss, it is an amicable forum in which some of these things could be dealt with because what we realised as negotiators in the past two years, two to three years, is that sometimes things look too bad because you are not necessarily communicating and sometimes all that you just need to do is to sit down and communicate and to see if whether you can’t resolve some of these issues. But like I said, if that committee is unable to do it, SADC and AU is always a guarantor to the agreement so you can then escalate it to SADC and the AU.

So it is a forum in which some of these things are brought in and like I’m saying, we, some of us have experienced it, in terms of the entire process of negotiations, the reason why we have to come up with some agreement. You remember that when we started talking, it looked like it was impossible to have people that had such adversarial positions to be sitting around the table together, but we did spend three years having discussions and yes we may have come up with a document that not everybody is happy about but it is a document that reflects that it is possible for people to have conversations and to have a dialogue and to agree at the most minimum with some of the things which we did agree.

VIOLET: What about the co-sharing of the Home Affairs ministry, we understand that Frank Chikane from the South African President’s office said that the issue will actually be decided by tossing a coin as to which party will have the first term. Is this true?

PRISCILLA: No it can’t be true, I’m not sure whether that you are referring to Home Affairs…

VIOLET: Yes, the Home Affairs ministry

PRISCILLA: If you are referring to today’s press conference, I think it was said more in jest because JOMIC is also going to be co-chaired, we’ll have three chairs, each from one political party and basically in deciding who was going to start we joked around tossing a coin to see who would chair the first meeting, but we ended up agreeing the first person to chair this JOMIC is Welshman Ncube, followed by Elton Mangoma from the MDC Tsvangirai and then lastly, Zanu PF.

But if you are talking about Home Affairs, I think there is always this misunderstanding around how this process of co-sharing is going to be. Basically you are going to have two ministers, who will have equal authority and power, they may decide if they choose to - among themselves - to allocate certain responsibilities to each other in terms of; one deals with a particular area of Home Affairs and the other one deals with another. But that will be dependent on whether they want to have that type of discussion facilitated by the Prime Minister who is going to supervise all the Ministers.

But generally, the two of them will sit in Cabinet, they will report to Cabinet, and I think the idea, at the time that it was suggested was to make sure that since there is so much mistrust between the two political parties, you are creating a situation in which you are almost having one creating an oversight over the other, so to say, and if you do have a disagreement, then the disagreement should be brought to Cabinet. And as you may have seen, some of the changes that have been… (inaudible)…

VIOLET: I’m sorry, we lost you there, can you repeat what you said about some of the changes.

PRISCILLA: I said that some of the changes that are in Amendment 19 are basically to ensure that you now have Executive Power that also resides in Cabinet and therefore Cabinet will have authority to make decisions if for example there is a disagreement between the two Ministers that will be in Home Affairs. But I think basically, what people were thinking about when they suggested the co-sharing was to say that given the fact that Zanu is insisting that if Tsvangirai wants Home Affairs because they are training people, they want to take over using other methods.

The MDC Tsvangirai were basically saying we are having a lot of people that are being abducted and these people are going to be using this instrument as cohesive power. In the meantime, let’s try and see whether the two of them will not work within the same Ministry. But I also think that - having sat in some of the summits at an informal level - I think that basically what the Heads of State were also trying to do was to say we may be able to come back after six months and say this position is totally ridiculous, it’s not necessary, we demanded it because there was so much mistrust but at this time it is possible to only have one person as the Minister of Home Affairs.

VIOLET: Let me move to Brian. Brian, first, your reaction to these latest developments.

BRIAN: Well I guess that these are just people playing lotto with our lives, this is a non-event. It missed me, until you phoned me, I’m in Zimbabwe, in Harare, and I took no notice of it.

VIOLET: Why is that so?

BRIAN: Well you know, there is a lot being said about we’ve done this for the best interests of Zimbabweans and I have repeatedly said this there must be a formula of ascertaining the best interests of Zimbabweans that takes cognisance of the historical facts, contemporary facts, both political, social and economic. So far examples are we ascertaining what will be in the best interests of Zimbabweans by reference to the present humanitarian crisis? Are we doing so by reference to the economic meltdown? Are we doing by reference to the social disintegration or the political impasse or are we doing it around the question of national consent and consensus?

Then you must say well OK, what has caused the humanitarian crisis, why are we in this mess, the economic meltdown, the social disintegration and the political cannibalism and why is there no national consent and consensus?

When you look at what was called the Change Agenda to which many of us dedicated most of our youth, the pursuit of equality, of justice, of peace and of democratic and accountable governance - and you ask yourself, is this a route for gaining these things, is this a route for losing these things? What has been negotiated away, what has been negotiated in, based on these premises?

I guess I come to the sad conclusion and I’m not talking against negotiations, but I think that they must be on fundamentals. While the present set-up is a co-habitation of ‘totally uneasy souls’ who do not like each other at all, who in fact resent each other. The suggestion when two betrothed lovers abuse each other thoroughly that somehow if you force them into a marriage the abuse will end by virtue of a contract of marriage seems to me as misplaced as the notion that people who call each other stooges, sell-outs, idiots almost naturally, will manufacture national consent and consensus simply because SADC has acted like God and directed that there must be by decree a Government of National Unity.

Firstly, there’s nothing national about it, secondly there’s absolutely no unity in it. So as an exercise in futility it’s a waste of precious time. It will be sad - I’m hoping that I’m wrong that in three years time we will see more progress than the childish bickering that we have witnessed over the last couple of years. That unlike Kenya, there will actually be mutual respect in the functions and operations of this government. That all animosities will melt away. But history does not give me that comfort and I’m not naturally a sceptic, I’m a perennial optimist but not about this co-habitation as I’ve said of uneasy souls. I think they are playing lotto with our lives; they are playing lotto with the destiny of our country.

VIOLET: But Brian what about on the issue of the MDC Tsvangirai itself, now that it has actually agreed to join, with so far no evidence from the SADC communiqué that their needs, the main demands, like for example the equitable distribution of ministries have actually been addressed. What does this imply though in terms of the MDC’s shift from their earlier position?

BRIAN: I have previously said that I do not like to base arguments on whether something will work or not, on the idiosyncrasies of an individual or even a club of individuals, be it a political party or religion. Let’s base it on some fundamental principles. I’ve also previously said that whilst I recognise the importance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, that my own analysis that there were more fundamental things at stake. For example, if you take the economic turnaround, the Ministries that will drive any economic turnaround in this country, would be around Agriculture because that is what will allow us to produce for ourselves; Mining and Industry; Mining in particular because in the present global economic meltdown the commodities sector seems to earn just a little bit more than all the other sectors. Right?

And I’ve also suggested that if you take Agriculture, you take Mining this will form the backbone of our industrial turnaround or our attempt to re-industrialise - both in the agro-sector, in the rural sector and in the urban sector. And I suggested that the service sector which is Tourism, which was badly damaged by bad politics, would be also the engine of turnaround. At the present moment those ministries are controlled by one of the three Clubs in this marriage of convenience.

And then you look at what the contest is over. The contest is over this Ministry of Home Affairs, and important as I’ve previously acknowledged it was, it seems to me that the concern doesn’t fundamentally deal with the question of how do you get the country back on its path to self-sustainability, self-sustenance and development. So that’s one issue.

The second issue is the machinery of justice. For those of us in civil society who have decried the abuse of arms of State, the fact that if you express opinions that are different as I am presently doing, you’ll be vilified, you’ll be hunted down, you’ll be victimised and the Ministries responsible for the coercive arms that were responsible for this, and the Ministries responsible for granting and guaranteeing no other citizen justice are in the control of the same individuals and peoples that were responsible for all my grievances over the last two decades that I’ve been an activist. So for me I have absolutely no reason to celebrate, because if you take me as a human rights activist, if you take me as one who has been campaigning for justice and truth, if you take me as an economic creature trying to regenerate myself, trying to improve and self actualising - I am not seeing the change or at least the pretence to change. I’m not persuaded.

VIOLET: But Brian, what logic though do you think the MDC used to finally agree?

BRIAN: I cannot get into their heads and into their hearts. I’m quite sure, as I have said many times, the business of political parties is to conquer and retain political power. Their first instinct is to do that which lends them political power or at least what they perceive as political mileage. I have asked the fundamental question and it’s been asked elsewhere where these marriages of convenience have been foisted on people - you will now have these three Clubs in government, so in Parliament you will have the side of government and then the side of others, but there is no more opposition (chuckles). So in this sense the government can’t be opposition at the same time.

We are still not clear about the duration of this marriage of convenience. Is it till death do us part, is it for two years, is it for five years? Okay? And if it is for five years, what are the exit strategies should this thing breakdown? These things are not spelt out in this SADC lottery game.
The assumption is that this will work.

We saw the problems with ZAPU and others in 1981, 82. We are seeing now the resurgence of what we thought was a finally sealed Unity deal, we saw the resurgence of another entity calling itself ZAPU in Matabeleland which is an unravelling of things that people had told us they’d long dealt with. And even parroted and preached to us that they had.

So in my view there are no clear dispute resolution mechanisms and I mean I have great respect for Priscilla and all the other people she mentioned, but the reason why the country is in the mess it is in is because we have been hostage to strong personalities and our country has not had adequate dispute resolution mechanisms that are enforceable. And JOMIC seems to be a nice palatable club but it has no enforcement power. The enforcement will still be referred back to the hawkish elements that we’re talking about.

VIOLET: Let me actually go back to Priscilla and ask her to comment about this, and you mentioned that it’s now about three Clubs in government. A lot of people are now saying this is a tragedy for Africa that the guy who loses always wins in the end, and we saw this in Kenya and now we are seeing this in Zimbabwe and Priscilla mentioned earlier on that someone like Emmerson Mnangagwa is in this JOMIC. A lot of people say that Mnangagwa is spectacularly evil. So Priscilla brutality actually works? This basically is what it means because Mugabe has won. Do you agree with this?

PRISCILLA: ........

VIOLET: Hello Priscilla. Oh I’m afraid I think we have lost Priscilla. The line was bad and we had been having problems trying to get her in the first place and we hope to bring her back on the programme. So Brian, let me go back to this issue, did Morgan Tsvangirai have any choice because this is a u-turn on his part? What can you say about this?

BRIAN: We must ask the question was Zimbabwe dysfunctional because of anything Morgan Tsvangirai had done or not done. If your response is that Zimbabwe was dysfunctional because Morgan Tsvangirai had done something wrong then one clearly understands why his capitulation is his righting some wrong that he had done. If the country is in the mess that it is in on account of no wrong doing on his part, his choice would have been simple. He could have become an ordinary citizen, leading a political party in the opposition, campaigning for democracy and true genuine change in Zimbabwe.

VIOLET: But this is what he has been doing for a long time though and it hadn’t worked.

BRIAN: What do you mean it hadn’t worked? If you say it hadn’t worked, it hadn’t worked in giving them political power, it hadn’t worked in bringing about change in Zimbabwe? If it hadn’t worked in bringing about change in Zimbabwe, why? Was it because he was doing something wrong in asking for a democratic constitution, asking for human rights, asking for sound and accountable economic governance? If these things were wrong then it is him that must apologise to us. If these things were right and they were being ignored what guarantee is there that this co-habitation will result in these things being honoured, these things being respected?

There is some serious fault in the logic that suggests that we will fight from within. What are we fighting from within? If the fight is against Robert Mugabe, well you know, that fight is a fight many of us were not necessarily part of. If the fight is for fundamental change, a change in principles, a change in political culture, that fight is a fight I believe every Zimbabwean has been engaged in. And that fight says, whether it be Tendai Biti, Morgan Tsvangirai, Priscilla, Welshman Ncube or Robert Mugabe, as long as they violate these agreed principles that constitute national consensus and consent then they fall foul and must be opposed. And irrespective of who they are, as long as they observe these particular principles, the sanctity of human life, the human dignity and right of all, that social, economic, cultural, environmental as well as the civil and political rights of people then they must be supported. This is what this fight has been about.

VIOLET: Now what’s happening it appears that there is a clear divide between African leaders and Western leaders, in your view, can the West be persuaded to fund this government of national unity because you have people like Jendayi Fraser last month actually saying that America would not fund a government that has Robert Mugabe still in power, so do you see western governments actually supporting this?

BRIAN: You know what; Zimbabwe’s turnaround at the moment really shouldn’t refer to western governments. They’ve been as much as the problem as some of our African brothers and our own local leaders have been. Whilst aid will do a lot to deal with the humanitarian crisis that has been created by mis-governance, while some aid would do a lot to deal with the economic turnaround and promoting increased investment that’s diverse, I have repeatedly said on this show, I am opposed to western meddling in politics. I appreciate solidarity and support but I am opposed to dictations and dictates or diktat from the West regarding how we should order our affairs.

So I am not keen to anchor the success or failure based on western inclinations be it Jendayi Fraser, Obama or anyone else. Their solidarity whether with the democratic struggles or the attempt for economic turnaround would be appreciated. The West is almost bankrupt as we speak. America is in recession, Europe is in recession, the question of whether or not they are going to use their tax payers hard earned dollars to finance a bellicose and highly likely to be dysfunctional large administration will be seen.

VIOLET: I was actually going to ask you Brian, the amount of money needed in Zimbabwe right now is vast and the country is not earning enough to sustain the people living there and of course, as you said, there’s this whole global economic crisis, but what about Tsvangirai himself, what happens if he is not going to be able to persuade donors to come in and help Zimbabwe because Zimbabwe does need foreign investments?

BRIAN: My fear and I hope it’s not a harsh judgement, I have seen in Kenya, the attempt by the Kibaki government to use Raila Odinga as their public relations manager to spruce up their international image. My fear is that Tsvangirai will join Mbeki as Zanu PF’s new public relations manager, international public relations manager. He will go, hand in bowl or you know bowl in hand, begging for money to turn around the education sector, the health sector and whatever else.

And this is likely to attract all sorts of issues and conditionalities on our country, and he invested a lot of his life within the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions opposing policy conditionalities. And given the abysmal decline of our economy and our governance, the West is quite likely to impose all sorts of irrational policy conditionalities on Zimbabwe. And it would be tragic to have someone who has been fighting for liberty, for liberation, human rights and freedoms to actually be the conduit through which this country takes back on that aid that is tied to policy conditionalities. He will become the new face of betrayal if he doesn’t carefully handle this particular issue.

VIOLET: Do you think even though he didn’t create the problems that are in Zimbabwe right now when it comes to, for example civil servants strikes, do you think that Tsvangirai could become the target of discontent over a problem he didn’t create?

BRIAN: Yes of course. He is now joined with Mugabe, there will no longer be reference to Zanu and MDC, there will just be reference to the new face-lifted Zanu or the expanded Zanu PF government. We refer to a government by the ruling party, so you know, it is a Zanu PF led government, that’s what it will be and he’ll be part of that government and its failures and he will be part of those failures.

There’s no point to continue trying to be leader of the opposition whilst you are in government. Once you are in government you are in government, there’s corporate responsibility of government, of cabinet. A corporate responsibility for successes and I certainly hope there will be many successes. Corporate responsibility for failures. One cannot to continue to extricate oneself and say, no I am not responsible. So it is a courageous position he has taken but huge consequences he must gladly live with.

VIOLET: Finally Brian, clearly this is a development that is going to be divisive because there are some who are for this and others who are not, and as we heard from Priscilla, it provides that hope to some extent that things will change in the country. At the end of the day, it is a done deal so how do we make sense of this and move on?

BRIAN: You know what Violet, all those of us who are sceptical maybe wrong, all those who are optimistic may be wrong. As Bob Marley once said, ‘only time will tell’. The triumphalism of the moment will dissipate; the reality of the situation will bite. Children have to go back to school, teachers have to go back and teach, health workers, our hospitals have to get medicine. Professionals who have fled to South Africa and elsewhere have to be brought back. People who have been victims of human rights violations have to be compensated. Those who have been responsible for torture, for murder, for abductions have to be brought to justice. Those who have been responsible for kleptomania, for plunder of natural and national resources have to pay back.

The task of this expanded regime would be to deliver these things. If this expanded regime does not deliver this then it has an epitaph already written on its grave – here lies a marriage that was doomed from the beginning. Let’s hope that we are all wrong. Let’s hope for the sake of Zimbabwe that there is a commitment in Zanu PF and in the two MDC clubs for a real transformative agenda. That there is a commitment to turn this country, not just to an economically sound footing but also to a sustainably democratic and accountable culture of governance - where noone is above the law, where looters are brought to book. Let us hope for the sake of our beautiful country that this marriage of convenience, this polygamous marriage of convenience, unequal yoking of enemies will prove to be a workable solution.

VIOLET: Well I’m afraid we have to end here Brian. Thank you very much, and we were also sorry to lose Priscilla during this debate due to network problems we lost connection and we will probably try to get her again for next time, but thank you Brian, and hope to speak again soon.

BRIAN: You’re welcome.
From newzimbabwe.com

African Economy Slow Down by 50%

World Bank Predicts Up to 50% Decline in Africa's Economic Growth This Year
By Peter Heinlein
Addis Ababa
02 February 2009


The World Bank is predicting growth rates in Africa in 2009 could fall to half what they have been in the past few years.


World Bank Vice President for Africa Obi Ezekwesili, attending the African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, says, unless wealthy countries help quickly, the financial downturn spreading across the globe could ruin Africa's long spell of promising economic growth.

"Remember that this continent, until a decade ago, was growing at a negative rate of growth on the average. At most it would grow at two percent," Ezekwesili said. "In the last decade or so, this same continent was growing at a rate of 5.8 percent."

Ezekwesili says the downturn is likely to dry up the important private-sector investments that have seen huge advances in telecommunications infrastructure that have led Africa's impressive economic performance.

"Once the enabling environment for the private sector to operate, deregulation, happened in the telecommunications sector, the private sector turned out, and today they are really cleaning up, big time," added Ezekwesili. "So it's evident the market has been a source of good outcome for the continent."

Ezekwesili says the World Bank is urging the United States and other developed countries not to turn inward at this time of economic uncertainty. He wants them to start a vulnerability fund to ensure more resources are available to help African countries keep developing the infrastructure they need to sustain economic growth.

"What we have seen is that, with adequate infrastructure, productivity can improve by 40 percent on the continent," Ezekwesili said. "With adequate infrastructure, the continent can add two percent growth to its current growth estimates."

Ezekwesili says it is important that market-oriented African countries receive help to ensure they do not abandon the reforms they have embraced, just as they were beginning to pull people out of poverty. She says concerned African leaders should be reassured that, in her words, "The idea that the market has failed is not right," and despite the atmosphere of uncertainty, she says they must continue policies that foster economic growth. (VOA)

Zim Jan09 Manitory policy

ZIMBABWE'S central bank has knocked 12 zeros off the local currency - reducing one trillion dollars to one dollar - and introduced seven new notes as it battles to revive its battered economy.

"The Central Bank unveils yet another program through the removal of 12 zeros and the introduction of the following new currency denominations with immediate effect," said Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono.

The new denominations are one, five, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 dollars.

"Yesterday's trillionaires, I am sorry, will not be able to buy their favourite drink today," Gono said as he announced the latest bid to keep pace with world-record hyperinflation.

The highest note previously in circulation was 10 trillion, with the central bank indicating last month that it would introduce a 100 trillion note.

One US dollar (0.78 euros) is roughly equal to three or four trillion Zimbabwe dollars.

Zimbabwe's economy has collapsed under world-record hyperinflation that was last officially set at 231 million per cent in July last year.

Last week, acting finance minister Patrick Chinamasa announced that Zimbabweans can now legally use foreign currencies alongside the local dollar
Taken from the newzimbabwe.com:
http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/banks78.19331.html

For the full 199 page monitory policy go to:
http://www.rbz.co.zw/pdfs/2009%20mps/mpsjan2009.pdf