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i j t i n r i o h C The Real Change Times Movement for Democratic Change A Party of Excellence! The Official Mouthpiece of the MDC

Tuesday 08 March MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Issue 066: 2011 Major people’s victory unlimited international observers a must for the watershed elections HARARE - After 11 years of a gruelling that is based on violence, malpractices, seeking to re-energise its leadership for subjected to political violence in the political lobby, Zimbabweans last week an opaque voter’s roll and regular Zimbabwe’s final lap to total freedom. recent past. finally made a major breakthrough in gerrymandering spearheaded by Zanu This is impossible as the MDC has convincing SADC and the world of the PF since independence. now reached a level where it is the “We’re fighting the most sophisticated efficacy of a general election that should dominant political force in Zimbabwe dictator on the African continent,” said mark a watershed and be monitored by Persistent disputes over Zimbabwean and determines the political agenda. MDC secretary general and Finance an unlimited number of international election processes and outcomes have Minister, Hon. . election observers. plunged the nation into an abyss, “It is the will of the Zimbabwean punctuated by massive hyper-inflation, people which must determine the future “We are talking about two different The MDC has always argued that an economic meltdown and murder. The of Zimbabwe as a country, and it is in messages: the past and the future,” said, Zimbabwean elections have been issue appeared to have subsided after 29 our interest as a country that indeed referring to the differences between messy as they failed in the past to meet March 2008 when Robert Mugabe and we proceed in that direction,” said Mr Zanu PF and the MDC. “It’s inevitable a basic free and fairness test because Zanu PF were humiliated in a poll that Motlanthe. “Because if we fail and that there’s going to be a violent of restrictions imposed by the Zanu PF was relatively free. But within hours Zimbabwe implodes, literally the border collision. But our vision is the future, dictatorship on local and international of Mugabe’s defeat, a military junta between Zimbabwe will disappear and and the future will always win. scrutiny. took over the ship of the state, fronted we will sit with all the problems. We by a hopelessly weak Zanu PF civilian already know. We’ve had a taste. That’s “A new society is being built. The only Confirmation of the rising international outfit, and slid back into its old, brutal why our approach is one that ensures that challenge is whether this baby is going consensus for Zimbabwe’s next way of manipulating and subverting the steadily they move in the right direction. to be delivered by violent caesarean elections to be placed on a clear radar will of the people. section, or by normal delivery. But it emerged at the weekend when South “We would not ourselves employ will be delivered anyway.” Africa, as guarantors to the Global Mr Motlanthe’s remarks at the Council methods that would undermine the will Political Agreement (GPA), made it of Provinces came at a time when Kgalema Motlanthe of the Zimbabwean people.” On the violence, Mr Motlanthe’s clear that the next round of polling Zanu PF had, once again, intensified Our party restructuring meetings are not response showed South Africa was shall be under a similar focus to that of its grip onto the nation, holding a large open to the public. They are attended by The resurgent Zanu PF violence has unambiguous about the source, pattern the 1980 Independence power transfer swathe of the rural population hostage purely by party members to renew their raised the fear factor to its June 2008 and coordination of the scourge. “Of arrangement. through violence and intimidation and leadership structures as prelude to the levels, with 89 percent of the population course, sometimes old habits die hard. threatening to overturn the gains of the third congress. being gagged to a point where they “The conception is that these elections nation’s two year transition to order. were “not feel free to express political “The law enforcement units ... are used would be a watershed, like the 1980 To classify such private gatherings views”. Recent independent polls show to dealing with citizens a bit harshly. elections that happened when the The message coincided with an as a danger to national security is as that 74 percent of the people believed This was confirmed in meetings with old Rhodesia became Zimbabwe,” unexplained decision by the police to misguided as it callous. Zanu PF’s “that fear affects how people vote” the various political parties, including said South Africa’s Deputy President ban all political activity, other than those intention is to weaken the party, render in Zimbabwe. Some 58 percent of Zanu PF,” he said. Kgalema Motlanthe at the weekend. of Zanu PF, including internal party it ineffective and confuse a people Zimbabweans reported having been national preparations for the MDC’s “The next elections are viewed by third congress. Surprisingly, the police all parties as watershed elections, further wanted to ban even President and therefore they have to prepare Tsvangirai’s report back meetings Mugabe must walk the talk on violence – US for them thoroughly to ensure which he convenes in his dual capacity that there will not be any more as party leader and the Rt. Hon. Prime Zimbabwe is a country buoyed by to the police and security services. The violence or intimidation during the Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe. massive opportunity yet gripped credibility of that statement, however, course of the election campaign.” with uncertainty because of a rise ultimately will be reflected in if or how in political violence, says the US it is honoured.” The MDC was surprised to learn that all Deputy Assistant Secretary of State She implored on Zanu PF to reject the Contrary to the utterances and its internal restructuring processes were for African Affairs, Ms.Susan D. use of violence and fear in its campaigns misguided wishes of Zanu PF indicating instantly classified as illegal gatherings Page. if it is to remain relevant to the future. that an election could be imposed onto in Harare, Bulawayo, Mashonaland the people before the completion of West and East provinces with the police Ms Page, who was on an official “I urge the security service members visit to Zimbabwe last week, said to stand up to the partisan few among the necessary reforms, Mr Motlanthe claiming to be under instructions to the United States remains committed them who are intent on abusing their was categorical and forthright in place Zimbabwe in state of high alert. to working with the people of positions, and their fellow citizens, for insisting that no such election would The party viewed the decision as a ruse Zimbabwe to achieve their common personal gain. Service to extremists be considered credible and legitimate to justify the sabotage of the MDC’s goal of seeing a more stable and within one party is not service to the unless Zimbabwe was ready with forthcoming congress. prosperous Zimbabwe. nation,” she said. a roadmap, after exhausting all “The United States is concerned by Ms Page’s observations came at a outstanding points of potential friction Zimbabwe faces no internal or external the increase in political violence, time when the US government warned between the main political parties. threat in a region as peaceful as SADC. wanton intimidation of the public, Mugabe and Zanu PF that it was closely The MDC calls for calm and pledges and partisan arrests and prosecutions monitoring a string of recent politically “According to their work plan, the to challenge the police decree as it is a that have occurred recently. It is motivated arrests in the country and facilitation team is due to go back to result of Zanu PF paranoia, fear of the clear that these actions are being demanded Harare hold accountable people and political hysteria. perpetrated by individuals and anyone found to have tortured suspects Zimbabwe at the end of March, so that segments of the state security and detainees arrested for politically Ms Susan Page they pull together this road map. And it apparatus affiliated with elements motivated crimes. is only in the face of that road map that Of concern is the selective application within ZANU-PF,” she said. Munyaradzi Gwisai and 45 the election date can be set.” of the security laws. Countrywide, the “The United States is concerned about others were arrested recently for She challenged President Robert recent arrests in Zimbabwe targeting watching video footage showing the people of Zimbabwe witness Zanu PF disturbances that led to the fall of The changing political attitude at its meetings which are held without Mugabe to walk the talk when she political and civil society activists,” condemns violence in public. “We said State Department spokesman P.J. Arab regimes in Tunisia and Egypt. reflects a growing uneasiness with any sanction or interference. But when hope that President Mugabe, as Crowley. “In some of those incidents, the seemingly unending Zimbabwean the MDC attempts to meet the party is commander in chief of the armed activists claimed to have been tortured.” They were tortured while in police political stalemate, arising from a denied such an opportunity on flimsy forces, also conveys that message custody. flawed electoral management system grounds. To Page 2

Together, united, winning, ready for real change!

1 Violent campaign collapses Zanu PF is so frustrated by the lack of is not surprising that they have lost their Historic MDC congress interest in its so-called anti-sanctions appeal, even with massive support from petition that it is mulling abandoning a highly discredited state media. the exercise as it is proving to be futile. Out of anger, Zanu PF has since “The responses to our sms pleas have instructed the police to unilaterally ban on despite police bias been disappointing,” said a Zanu PF all political activities and trade union press officer who claims to have liaised meetings countrywide – a decision with NetOne to organise the bulk the MDC is challenging because it is messaging system. “Zimbabweans are wrong premised, morally repugnant The MDC pledges to raise the pace of very difficult people. They are ignoring and illegal. its traditional challenge for democratic us. The party does not know which way space with increased intensity to go now. following a decision by the police, on the instructions of Zanu PF, to ban its The MDC condemns the latest move Mwonzora latest in-house, national preparations for the to abuse NetOne as an infringement party third congress. on people’s privacy as the party did The High Court appeal by not seek NetOne subscribers’ consent Nyanga North MP, Hon Douglas The party was surprised to learn that all to send such offensive, unsolicited Mwonzora and 24 other MDC campaign messages. Network abuse is members against further remand its internal restructuring processes were illegal in Zimbabwe. prison was on Monday postponed instantly classified as illegal gatherings to Wednesday after some papers in Bulawayo, Mashonaland West and NetOne is a state assisted company. It is for the appeal were either missing East provinces at the weekend with the not a Zanu PF entity. “If there is an abuse or difficult to read. police claiming to be under instructions of network, where for example, people to place Zimbabwe in state of high get threatening messages or unsolicited Hon Mwonzora has been in alert. The decision is a ruse to justify messages, we act. But our mandate has Remand Prison for the past 2 the sabotage of the MDC’s forthcoming nothing to do with politics.” weeks. congress. “What Zanu PF is doing borders on Because of the missing part of the offensive behaviour because there has Zimbabwe faces no internal or external to be subscriber consent or recipient record, Justice Susan Mavangira threat in a region as peaceful as SADC. agreement, which is basically what postponed the hearing. The police decree will certainly be we were doing,” said Hon. Nelson challenged as it was a result of Zanu PF Chamisa, the MDC spokesperson. While Hon Mwonzora remains The law in Zimbabwe says the police Tanyanyiwa said the ZCTU will take paranoia, fear of the people and political in jail, residents of Nyanga North simply need to be notified of any the matter to the High Court if they are continue to flee their district hysteria. Of concern is the selective Zanu PF insiders say the party had to planned public events. But of course the stopped from marching next Tuesday. and become refugees inside application of the security laws. use desperate means to reach out to the authorities consistently ignore the rule They have written a second letter to people after a very low uptake of its anti- Mozambique. of law. Zanu PF’s current policy seems inform police officials in Makokoba sanctions message. Part of the problem Countrywide, the people of Zimbabwe to be to clamp down on anything about the peaceful march. arose from the way last Wednesday’s Others have sought sanctuary witness Zanu PF at its meetings and everything, including private event was organised. Most people were with relatives and friends through which are held without any sanction meetings. Meanwhile, SW Radio Africa simply told to get into buses to Harare. Manicaland as Zanu PF embarked or interference. But then the MDC They did not know what to expect. correspondent Lionel Saungweme on a door to door violence attempts to meet the party is denied campaign under the command of Taking this practice to the extreme, reported that several other groups were such an opportunity on flimsy grounds. “As a result, there were angry scenes Hubert Nyanhongo, a Zanu PF police arrested a group of activists in denied permission to gather or march in outside Harare’s Showgrounds as Deputy Minister in the Inclusive Harare on 19th February and charged recent weeks. Our meetings are not open to the public. hundreds of the party supporters, mainly Government. them with treason, because they had They are attended by purely party from Mashonaland complained bitterly gathered to watch video footage of the A youth organization called YIDEZ about hunger and the non-disbursement members to renew their leadership Sadly, the youngest victims are protests in Egypt and Libya. was banned from holding a meeting of US$20 stipends they were promised structures as prelude to the third Agnes Mukoto who is three in Pumula. The Bulawayo Progressive before they left their homes,” said an congress. To classify such private years and her brother Lovemore Ironically, Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF Residents Association (BPRA) and the insider. gatherings as a danger to national Murabada (15) whose both staged a so-called anti-sanctions rally in Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe parents are among the 25 people in security is as misguided as it callous. “Our officials were at pains to show that Harare this week, while this alleged ban (EFZ) were denied permission to Remand prison with Hon Douglas Zanu PF intention is to weaken the the party did not have money and those on gatherings is in effect. Business and conduct public activities, after notifying Mwonzora on trumped up charges party, render it ineffective and confuse who participated would be compensated public transport were interrupted and the police. of public violence. a people seeking to re-energise its with agriculture inputs like maize seed people were forced to attend and sign leadership for Zimbabwe’s final lap to and fertilisers next year.” a petition. Critics have said the Mugabe regime Lovemore has since dropped out total freedom. is in panic mode and attempting to The MDC has always maintained that of Nyakomba Secondary School A frustrated Tanyanyiwa criticized instill fear in the hearts of all perceived crude propaganda anchored on violence where he was in Form One. The MDC deplores the weekend ban this selective use of the law: “Why enemies and political activists. There and coercion has no political value. which inconvenienced thousands of Zanu PF’s messages are so tired that it To Page 4 in Bulawayo are we not allowed to are also reports of an increased military party activists keen to partake in a march peacefully? Yet we saw ZANU presence in many parts of the country. basic house-cleaning exercise before PF youth ‘toy-toying’ in the streets of party re-affirms its covenant with the Harare at the sanctions rally.” nation at congress. We have noted with Mugabe must walk the talk on violence dismay a disturbing trend to target the From Page 1 At the same time, Job Sikhala, another credible, free of violence, and represent MDC for attacks, arrests, harassment political activist, is nursing a broken the will of the Zimbabwean people.” and vilification all our senior officials, bone close to his spine after he was legislators and activists in a bid to Students tortured for viewing heavily assaulted under similar The MDC further notes that even Zanu scatter them and to disrupt our party circumstances. PF’s traditional friends have shifted functions. ground and are now insisting on a a mock attack video footage The US expressed alarm at a spate of roadmap to democratic elections and violence and fingered Zanu-PF for the a total fulfilment of the promises and We wish to assure the people of attacks on innocent people. obligations made by all the parties to Zimbabwe that the MDC congress MASVINGO - A Masvingo had marks of beatings on their the GPA. shall go ahead according to our plan college lecturer last week caused backs,” Maboke said. Like the rest of the world, the US and programme. The march to a the arrest and torture of his three supports Zimbabwe’s transformation Referring to Zanu PF’s bizarre wish to students by the police after he But prosecutor Frank Chirairo total democracy, led by the party of to a full democracy and a return to seize foreign companies doing business found them watching a video clip argued that Desire Chikwanda prosperity. Ms Page said: “We applaud in Zimbabwe, Ms Page said: “Foreign excellence, cannot be stopped by a depicting a man being killed. (20), an electrical engineering the commitment of the three parties to companies will not expose themselves minority clique in Zanu PF which is student, Monalisa Katsamure (23) the Global Political Agreement (GPA) to investment risks in Zimbabwe until a terrified of change. The lecturer named in court papers and Nyasha Chikumbirike (23) to develop and adopt a new constitution clear and consistent set of ground rules as Lovemore Chamisa allegedly had undermined the authority before holding elections. We support governing the protection of private Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Congress found the students enjoying of or insulted the person of the the Southern African Development property, the sanctity of contracts, and of Trade Unions (ZCTU) reports that themselves and immediately state President - an offence under Community’s (SADC) lead in unbiased enforcement of the law are informed the police who accused Zimbabwe’s draconian security developing a roadmap for credible in place. True empowerment comes they were denied permission by the elections in Zimbabwe.” when a vibrant economy provides police in Bulawayo to organize a march the students of watching a mock laws. attack of a man the police believe jobs, opportunities, food for peoples’ commemorating International Women’s depicted the image of the state According to the state’s case Reflecting a growing consensus in families, and hope for the future.” Day. Barbara Tanyanyiwa, who heads president and Zanu PF leader, Katsamure borrowed Chikwanda’s SADC and the AU, Ms Page said the ZCTU Women’s Advisory Council Robert Mugabe. laptop so that she could watch elections in Zimbabwe must be held The MDC has already foreign Western Region, told SW Radio Africa a movie while waiting for their when the nation is ready and the people investors that nationalisation is not an are satisfied that sufficient reforms are official policy of the current Inclusive that the police claim there is a directive The students at the Masvingo lecturer who had delayed. in place to make a credible poll possible. Government. from the head office in Harare, banning Polytechnic College appeared in all processions until further notice. court on Friday. While in possession of the laptop, The rising support for the MDC “A rising tide lifts all boats,” said Ms Katsamure came across the position on elections is a reflection of Page. “This is happening now in Trade union work is not governed The movie, ‘Strike back movie, which was saved on the Zanu PF’s isolation when the party Zimbabwe but only to a limited degree. Zimbabwe’ has been widely desktop, and she clicked on it to by security legislation. This means keeps on uttering statements calling circulating over the Internet. have a look. for premature polls. SADC and the Substantial growth and development workers’ meetings need no police AU have already communicated is waiting for the stability and security sanction to take place. Their lawyer, Collin Maboke, of As the movie played, many their positions to Zanu PF that any that will come once the rule of law is Mwonzora and Associates, told students gleefully glued to the unilateral imposition of an election enforced, core business principles are “We had booked Stanley Square in the court that they were tortured screen and started shouting and was unacceptable and unhelpful as it respected, corruption is diminished, Makokoba where we wanted to gather while in police custody and were applauding. shall delay Zimbabwe’s much awaited and all people are able to freely express next Tuesday and then march through not formally advised of their transformation to a democracy. themselves in a peaceful manner.” charges. Chamisa entered the lecture room to our office in town. But we were told “It is up to the people of Zimbabwe Currently, a small band of detractors all processions and gatherings were at the time and found the students “The students were detained watching the movie. to reach a consensus on when those focused on personal profiteering at banned by the head office, meaning for two days. They told us of elections should be held. The United the expense of others is holding the Harare,” explained Tanyanyiwa. their torture at the hands of the He reported the matter to the States stands prepared to assist the entire country down. “The people detectives. One was limping and police, leading to the arrest of the Zimbabwean people to enhance of Zimbabwe deserve better and the She added that a police inspector named the strength and capacity of their American people are eager to partner could hardly walk, while others three students on Wednesday. electoral institutions and civil society with you for the empowerment of all Dhapi informed them they could not organizations to help ensure that the Zimbabweans.” march, due to this directive. next elections, when they are held, are

2 Chihuri must smell the coffee and change Top lawyer scoops Remarks by Police Commissioner- the head of the police force, them unless they receive orders from General Augustine Chihuri Chihuri has decided to ignore his office. highlights one of the fundamental investigations in the 2008 Many end up in jails for world rights award problems facing Zimbabwe today: violence as directed by the filing legitimate reports of a biased, partisan Zanu PF activist Global Political Agreement. brutality and Zanu PF terror. HARARE - An international Lawyers Seminar held on the occasion organisation of lawyers has honoured of the organisation’s 25th anniversary. masquerading as a national, The facts on the ground are as clear prominent human rights lawyer Alec Muchadehama started working as a professional police chief whose as daylight. The MDC wishes to advice Chihuri Muchadehama by awarding him the public prosecutor for the Ministry of Constitutional mandate expects that Zimbabweans are not morons. Lawyers for Lawyers Award. Justice in 1991 in Harare. him to serve all in their diversity. Millions of Zimbabweans have been subjected to murder, assaults, They have observed recorded Muchadehama who is currently He joined private practice in 1997. While the MDC always knew that displacements, harassment and and filed thousands of cases representing 45 social and human rights Immediately after his appointment as a Chihuri was Zanu PF to the core, other forms of terror by Zanu PF of injustice inside their hearts activists charged with treason was lawyer he began standing up for victims the party expected him and his gangs enjoying total immunity for and minds and eagerly await an named the recipient of the first Lawyers of human rights violations and for few colleagues in the state security their heinous acts of wickedness. opportunity to tell their own story. for Lawyers Award on Thursday. human rights activists. sector to understand that the past was another country and real change What is saddening is that our key The party salutes the thousands Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L), a Dutch He has defended both ordinary citizens is now the only game in town. national institutions are being of police and other security organisation said Muchadehama had and members of trade unions and the dragged into the tainted realm of officers who have struggled to worked hard to promote the rule of law opposition, often with success. For the record, we find it strange Zanu PF partisan politics as the party remain uncontaminated by Zanu and human rights in an exceptional way and abhorrent that as a public seeks to destroy the professionalism PF and decided to pursue their in Zimbabwe despite facing threats or In addition to his “regular” work as a servant Chihuri has the audacity to and patriotism of our public officers Constitutional mandate under being obstructed in his work. lawyer, Muchadehama is a member of rubbish his own Minister of Home willing to serve Zimbabwe in extremely difficult circumstances the Rapid Response Unit of Zimbabwe Affairs, Hon. , an honest and impartial manner. imposed by the likes of Zanu PF L4L said it hopes that the attention and Lawyers for Human Rights. In that and the country’s Deputy Prime activists like Chihuri and others. publicity that goes with the presentation capacity he responds to reports of Minister, Hon Thokozani Khupe, With such an attitude, Chihuri has of the award will offer Muchadehama human rights violations and is often the and accuse them of causing violence rendered the police force totally We condemn Chihuri for his openly some form of protection. first on the scene to gather information in Zimbabwe today. impotent as officers countrywide partisan Zanu PF agenda. Change about the situation and to assist the constantly tell victims and survivors is inevitable. It is high time Chihuri Muchadehama will accept the award in victims. To Page 4 It is also unbelievable that as that nothing can be done to help smells the coffee. April in Amsterdam at the Lawyers for Our record in leadership

…as we move together with the people

RUSAPE - Hon Thokozani Khupe, HARARE - Hon Theresa Makone, She said, every child deserved to the MDC Vice President and the MP for Harare North and MDC get an opportunity to learn and Women’s Assembly chairperson, today develop their skills in a conducive Zimbabwe’s Deputy Prime Minister, concluded her schools furniture, books environment. She thanked on Friday took a tour of the Rusape and equipment handover ceremonies organisations in her constituency General Hospital to see first hand, the with the remaining two of the five who were ploughing back to society challenges the hospital was facing to schools in her constituency. to improve the education standards of the schools saying, it was indeed record high levels of child mortality Last Thursday, Hon Makone handed an inspiring venture and a humbling in the country. over school materials including text experience to have schools in her books, chairs, desks, water tank, shovels constituencies being remembered. Hon. Khupe is the United Nations and sewing machines to Hatcliffe 1 Primary School, Hatcliffe High School “I want to thank all Safmarine, a Goodwill Ambassador for the and Borrowdale Primary School. shipping company that operates from Campaign on the Accelerated the area, for the contributions you Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Hon Makone today donated 45 bench have made to this school (Crowhill). Africa, CARMMA. units and a 5000 litre water tank to The books, desks, and block that you Crowhill Primary School and 40 have built for the school is a legacy chairs and 4 tables for the staff room at that you have given to these children. Hon Khupe said giving birth is Hatcliffe 2 Primary School. Let us continue to look into the needs an important national duty and no and we will be able to help,” Hon woman or child should die in the Using the Community Development Makone said. Fund to procure these materials for process. the schools in her constituency, Hon She further promised to send cloth Makone said she had a passion for material for the school to sew school “Imagine what will happen to the children and would work towards the uniforms for every child. country if the women decided to stop realisation of a prospect for a bright future for every child regardless of Hon Makone last week donated to giving birth. we need these children background or social standing. Hatcliffe 1 Primary school books for and we need these women, but we the library, 200 desks and chairs for have to make the environment they “Every child has the potential to turn the Early Childhood Development conceive in friendly and conducive,” 23 year old Rumbidzai Nyarufuro of from Chinyudze village in Headlands proudly holds the tables in your families as long as E.C.D. she further donated 300 her twins, a boy and a girl she delivered at Rusape General Hospital. you have equal access to education. You chairs, a 5000 litre water tank and 2 she said. have to work hard for yourself, your sewing machines to Hatcliffe High family, your community and even for School, where she promised a full Rusape General Hospital caters for “We want to see real change happening done to improve this. I am sure, this is the country because inside of you are science laboratory the next time she 52 clinics in Makoni district, and is on the ground, and it will take a while. the beginning of better things to come. the next MPs, the next Ministers, the visits and she donated 150 chairs, We are here today as part of the national next presidents, but you can only get to swimming pool chemicals, shovels, the only referral hospital in the area. the top when you work very hard,” said picks and bins to Borrowdale tour we are doing to general hospitals Hon Khupe took the opportunity to Hon Makone. Primary school. “Now that we have first hand to understand the challenges you are donate 100 blankets to the hospital and information of the challenges being facing and to be able to draw priority pledged to work with the provincial faced here, it becomes easy to get areas for major implementation,” said health administrator in ensuring better back to Cabinet and raise these Hon Madzorera. health facilities for the general health concerns, from an informed point of center.. view.” The MP for Makoni North, Hon Elton The hospital has one doctor, who is Mangoma was grateful at the visit by In Zimbabwe the maternal mortality currently on a two year study leave, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister ratio has doubled over the last decade has one incubator, incessant power of Health saying it was his desire to see from 283 per 100 000 live births in cuts, hardly any running water and the district hospital improve in health 1994 to 555 per 100 000 live births in has poor ablution facilities. delivery. 2005/6 (ZDHS).

Hon Henry Madzorera, the Health “I am so thankful to you for making this According to the Zimbabwe Maternal and Child welfare Minister, who visit here, I was not sure if you were and Perinatal Mortality Study (ZMPMS travelled with Hon Khupe said, going to make it due to your schedules 2007), the maternal mortality ratio is the tour was one of the many tours but I am elated that your presence here currently estimated at 725 per 100 000 that will be made to improve the would strengthen my case in Parliament live births, translating to 8 maternal maternity wards and general health and in government, that we have a deaths per day. This is a far cry from care in the clinics and hospitals hospital with the highest mortality rate the MDG target of 70 per 100 000 live in the country and little work has been births. Children at Hatcliffe 1 Primary School receives their donation of around Zimbabwe. chairs,and desks from their MP, Hon Makone

3 Violence hits Gutu schools Desperate Zanu PF abusing church leaders World worried The MDC deplores Zanu PF’s abuse of the church and religious leaders for political expediency. This is a shameless way of trying to reach out to people as the terror group seeks to sanitise evil by trying to infuse murder, tyranny, about Zimbabwe hatred for the poor and a plethora of sins with the lofty practices and Calls for the release of 45 activists legal professionals from South Africa ideals of Christianity. detained on treason charges in and the UK, condemned the arrests and Zimbabwe are spreading across the called for the immediate release of the For decades, the church has globe, with fresh outcries coming from activists. stood firm on the need for social Australia and Belgium. justice, fairness and solidarity “We call for the immediate and with humanity – issues that forced Pickets and demonstrations in solidarity unconditional release of all those Zimbabweans to abandon Zanu with the 45 have already been witnessed arrested and we call upon the PF because of its dismal failure to in South Africa, London, America and Zimbabwean ambassador in London respect these in our society. Canada this week. to put pressure on , Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice, to The MDC notes that it is an undeniable fact that the church has And on Thursday night a grouping of an arrange for their release,” the letter GUTU - Schools in Gutu could be provincial co-coordinator, Munyaradzi made a tremendous contribution to Australian trade union added its voice read. forced to a premature closure after Chauke told Radio VOP: “Yes we have the spiritual welfare and material to calls for the activists’ release. hordes of teachers fled their work received reports from the generality of well-being of the majority of Similar protests were held in London Zimbabwe. The Social and Community Sector where exiled Zimbabweans displayed stations following death threats from our membership that they have since (SACS) of Metro Delegates met their anger with Zanu PF’s continuing self-styled commander of war veterans left work in Gutu because of death The church was an indispensable in Melbourne on Thursday and abuse of power. in the country Jabulani Sibanda. threats from Jabulani Sibanda. We ally of the people during the unanimously called for the group’s support the decision by teachers to flee liberation struggle, providing release. In Cape Town scores of people Sibanda is accusing them of their schools because life is precious health, education and other demonstrated outside Parliament, discouraging villagers to sign President and cannot just be lost as a result of forms of succour and sanctuary The union said it: “Expresses its outrage calling on the South African authorities to tormented victims, heroes and at the arrests, condemns this transparent to intervene in the Zimbabwe crisis. Robert Mugabe’s violence petition politics in the country,” he said. heroines. launched in Harare. attack on our fellow trade unionists, and demands their immediate release and On Wednesday, government officials He added that his office had received Against this background, the the dropping of these charges.” in South Africa’s Gauteng province Sibanda told a rally at Rumizha primary reports that some schools were only left MDC condemns Zanu PF for were urged to call for the release of the school that war veterans and Zanu PF with their headmasters and lessons have targeting the church, coercing its The University of Canberra in Australia Zimbabwean activists, by more than a leadership and further inflicting youths have since compiled a list of since stopped a situation that could harm on religious practices by has also expressed its solidarity with the hundred protesters in Johannesburg. names of teachers who have been seen affect the school calendar. constantly interfering with the activists, calling on “the Zimbabwean denouncing the anti- sanction petition. operations of the house of God. Government to release them The group, made up of mainly South “The situation there is bad. Students immediately.” African citizens, marched to the The militant commander had been are no longer having lessons. If the Deceit, deception and puerile Gauteng Legislature, calling for tough At the same time, a Belgian Socialist action on Mugabe by the South African living in Gutu since January and led situation continues schools in Gutu political games such as the ones being deployed by a discredited, group SAP, has expressed its solidarity government. a terror campaign against perceived could be forced to close early and the heartless and terror organisation with the activists, and has urged the Zanu PF opposition supporters ahead implication on the school calendar and dripping with blood of innocent Belgian public to assist with donations While the world was at liberty to of the anticipated elections which the education sector will be negative,” souls like Zanu PF can never towards the detainees’ legal costs. express itself on events in Zimbabwe, may take place this year. He has been said Chauke. be used as a cover up for, or to police here launched a major clamp also campaigning for the signatures of camouflage evil. The Swiss Left Party (La Gauche - down on all meetings and arrested Alternative Linke - Sinistra) has agreed scores of activists from WOZA and villagers to the petition. Chauke said his Union was planning We call for a prayer against the to take the matter to the Education to put solidarity with the Zimbabweans MOZA in Bulawayo; while keeping a abuse of God’s church by forces on the agenda of its annual conference close watch on known pro-democracy A teacher who spoke to Radio VOP Minister so that he will engage the three of darkness to prop up evil. in Zurich this weekend. officials in civil society and in the said hundreds of teachers deserted principals of the inclusive government Impious and bloodthirsty political former opposition parties. their schools following the threats to stop Sibanda from terrorising leaders must never be allowed to hide behind the forces of light. All the groups have expressed their announcement by Sibanda who labelled teachers in Gutu. support on the social networking The onslaught saw prominent civic them sell-outs who deserved death as The MDC further appeals to website Facebook where a group calling leaders like Lovemore Madhuku and punishment. Another teacher from Rumizha school bishops, pastors, priests, and for the release of the activists attracted others being summoned to police said what aggravated their fear was that other religious leaders to stand more than 700 supporters in a few days. stations to answer charges arising from “After those threats students were left Sibanda made the announcement at a up to Zanu PF’s evil deeds which activities which took place more than have seen Zimbabwe convulse The 45 have been detained for almost half a decade ago. with no teachers as a big number packed school were a teacher was murdered in and collapse under the weight two weeks and are facing treason their bags and left in a huff for fear of broad day light by Zanu PF terror thugs of a Zanu PF – induced national charges, after being arrested for Police banned all public meetings, their lives,” said a teacher at Dandavare during the June presidential elections crisis, Zanu PF corruption, Zanu watching TV footage of the Egypt except those involving Zanu PF, School in Gutu east. run-off of 2008. PF intolerance and Zanu PF’s and Tunisia people’s revolutions. through an unexplained decree which unbridled assault on the poor – The condemnation of the arrests and came into force at the weekend. The He added that teachers were afraid “What made the situation worse was matters which invited the ire of the solidarity being shown for the group, ban affected the MDC’s preparations world and forced certain countries meanwhile, has kept growing. for its third congress as restructuring because they had been victims of that he was doing these threats at a to impose a battery of restrictions political violence in all elections held in school that still has fresh memories meetings were cancelled at short notice. on the perpetrators. Their ongoing detention has also drawn The party views the police action as the country over the past decades and of an ugly scene of political violence The abuse of the church for Zanu protest from top international circles. unnecessary as Zimbabwe is not under several lost their lives. where a teacher was murdered. So you any internal or external threat. SADC is see no one would wait for death,” said PF’s partisan ends must end, forthwith. In a letter published by the UK’s one of the safest and peaceful regions in Progressive Teachers Union of the teacher. Guardian news group, 40 university the world at the moment. Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Masvingo professors, researchers, civilians and

Mwonzora still in jail, as court papers go missing Top lawyer scoops From Page 2 Agness and Lovemore together with 17 world rights honour others are currently being taken care of From Page 3 by MDC officials in the area. “Muchadehama has distinguished himself by his vigorous and intelligent The displaced persons include Johannes approach to the cases he deals with, but particularly by the extent of his Makazadehwe, James Muzika, perseverance. Attempts are regularly Jeremiah Maduwa, Isaac Maduwa, made to make his work impossible. Enock Maidze, Tapiwa Mazaka, Lynos He is often harassed and he has several Pfumai, Thomas Musiyarira, Munazvo times been arrested, detained and even Marehwa, Norman Mwale, Charles Brother and sister, Lovemore Murabada (15) and Agnes Mukoto (3), the tortured by the authorities, always on Kavhenga, and Innocent Masandudze. youngest political violence victims in Nyanga North. the basis of false accusations. Presidential Guard Headquarters; This has not deterred Muchadehama. Zanu PF has set up bases at Taziva Shop Colonel Kuhuni, Rtd Brigadier Kasu; Even in the first half of 2008, when the at Nyakomba business centre in ward Hubert Nyanhongo and many other situation in Zimbabwe was very tense 11 which has more than 40 activists; Zanu PF bigwigs. and many were fleeing the country, at Hubert Nyanhongo homestead in he continued unrelentingly to protect ward 10 which has 65 armed youths; at The arrest of Hon Mwonzora has stalled victims of human rights violations. He Ruwangwe business centre in ward 4 progress in COPAC where he is the considers this self-evident: someone is which has more than 200 militia. chairperson. needed to assist the many victims,” said L4L. Leading perpetrators of violence are: In a separate incident, 34 households Moses Gutu, the deputy chairperson have been displaced while six need for Nyanga Rural District Council; a urgent medical attention in Mafurutse Kupenya who is GMB Nyanga Deport area, Buhera Central following Zanu Manager; a soldier only known as PF violence campaign that has seen its Those who have names of perpetrators of violence in your constituencies Bhodhoro; Francis Mutonhodza a youth going door to door in search of feel free to phone or write to senior party official; Chief Saunyama; MDC supporters and attacking them. MDC Information and Publicity department. another soldier, known as Chikazhi Telephone: 04-770708 from National Army Camp at Tsanga Email: [email protected] Chief Mafuritse ordered Zanu PF Lodge; Joseph Nyakatawa, a CIO activists to destroy MDC homes Postal Address: Harvest House, 4th Floor, Lawyer Alec Muchadehama 44 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare. operative and his deputy, a Mhara; a because of their political affiliation. Colonel Dzirutwe Sanyatwe from

MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe • Tel: +263 4 793 250 www.mdc.co.zw

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