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

Friday 08 January 2010 MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Issue 021: 2010

Distributed free of charge Kariba Draft defeated …as MDC wins fight for people-driven Constitution

HARARE - Zanu PF has capitulated agreement, GPA, was clear that the and yielded to pressure from the Constitution-making process “must be MDC to abandon the so-called owned and driven by the people and Kariba Draft Constitution, which the must be inclusive and democratic.” party’s first secretary wanted imposed as the Constitution of “The MDC is a party of excellence,” Zimbabwe. said MDC national spokesperson Hon . “We believe that Zimbabwe next week starts hearings the people are at the epicentre of any on a new Constitution that many hope national process. We believe in a truly will strengthen the role of Parliament, people-driven Constitution-making whittle down the president’s powers process. The unfettered will of the and guarantee civil liberties and people must be allowed to prevail and political and media reforms. But in the end, we must have a Constitution Mugabe, who was on a collision course of the people, for the people and by the with the MDC after insisting that his people themselves.” Zanu PF wanted the hearings to focus on a draft charter, named “Kariba Civil society members in Zimbabwe, Draft”, penned by his party and the MDC in 2007, has now backtracked who contended that the voice of the after a meeting of legislators ahead of people was silenced in both the Kariba public hearings set to start next week Draft and the current proceedings, Tuesday. The cross-party consensus to welcomed the abandonment of the abandon the so-called Kariba Draft, a Kariba Draft and urged stronger input “hybrid” draft between one rejected in by the people of Zimbabwe for any new Constitution to have legitimacy and a 2000 referendum and another written The above MDC campaign for a people-driven Constitution has bore fruit by civic society groups the same year, truly reflect the will of the people. was obtained after this week’s training It was an interim Constitution that was therefore died on 4 December 2007 December 2007 was staunchly opposed for legislators to determine their role in meant to be used only for the 2008 because of Zanu PF’s intransigence. by the MDC, leading to the party’s A referendum is scheduled later the Constitution-making process. latest triumph. this year and once a charter is in election, but on 4 December 2007, Zanu Zanu PF’s attempt to resurrect a place, Zimbabwe is expected to have PF refused to implement the Kariba document meant for the 2008 election The Changing Times heard that instead The MDC national spokesman said another attempt at holding a free and of using the Kariba Draft, which gives Draft. Its function and intended purpose which they rejected and turned down in Article V1 of the global political fair election. the president too much power, as a template for the new Constitution, thematic committees would develop a set of questionnaires which will contain a format on how to solicit for views from the people. Bennett trial resumes next Tuesday HARARE – The trial of MDC Senator Bennett becomes that 10th MDC’s Douglas Mwonzora, the treasurer-general and deputy high profile political figure to face co-chair of the select committee leading Agriculture minister-designate, treason charges since Mugabe the process, said the 17 thematic Senator Roy Bennett, who is facing came to power in 1980. The highly spurious banditry and terrorism committees will be asked to develop popular Hon Bennett’s political “talking points” to be used during charges, resumes at the High Court Tuesday next week. track record and the timing of his discussions with citizens on the new politically-charged trial has given it constitution they want. Senator Bennett is being charged a special significance. under the draconian Public Order The MDC said the capitulation by Zanu and Security Act, (POSA) for Last month, at the Zanu-PF party PF on the Kariba Draft was a triumph buying arms of war in 2006 to carry congress in Harare, Mugabe tore for democracy. out acts of insurgency, sabotage, into Hon Bennett calling him banditry and terrorism. He faces life imprisonment if he is convicted. the “settler’s son.” Mugabe says Following an extra-ordinary national he will not swear Hon Bennett executive meeting held on 23 June into office because he was facing The State alleges it has e-mail 2009, the MDC resolved to reject any serious charges, yet plenty of Zanu attempt by Zanu PF to foist the Kariba correspondence and confessions it obtained through torture from gun PF officials, including the Vice Draft, or any other draft, on the people President , facing dealer Peter Michael Hitschmann, Senator Roy Bennett of Zimbabwe. it wants to use as part of evidence charges of sodomy, have been against Hon. Bennett. The State case is being pesonally led by weapons have also raised questions sworn into office. The Kariba Draft Constitution was a the partisan Attorney-General Johannes over the seriousness of the prosecution. compromise document drafted by the Tomana, who is a known Zanu However, when the trial resumed As he prepares to face the three political parties in Zimbabwe’s PF activist. last year, there was drama at the Hon. Bennett was arrested in February prosecutors again, Hon Bennett ruling coaltion and initialled on 30 High Court in Harare, when some at the Charles Prince Airport in Harare admits he is exhausted. But he September 2007 to minimize the witnesses failed to turn-up and Dubious State witnesses, cobbled arms possibility of a contested election result the paperwork by the State was of war exhibits and the mysterious on the day he was due to be sworn in to hopes even the country’s flawed in 2008, in line with a SADC resolution in shambles. disappearance of evidence especially the “inclusive” government. legal system would acquit him. that had given birth to the dialogue.

MDC, delivering real change to the people of Zimbabwe

1 ZBC - willing victim of abuse

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting political parties sharing power today Makoni’s impassioned plea is premised Corporation (ZBC) as a national in a transitional administration led by on the understanding that President institution and a state broadcaster has President Tsvangirai. ZBC must stop Tsvangirai is the only serious politician been a willing victim of abuse since leaking the backsides of Zanu PF fools who can put Zimbabwe back onto the colonialism. The institution has failed and broadcasting foolish stories and rails. The only setback, a very minor dismally to find its own character, ideas on the direction Zimbabwe is set one, is that Makoni’s statement came in a bit late. President Tsvangirai has often parroting the master’s voice – to go. already taken action and continues to from Rhodesia into Robert Mugabe’s do. President Tsvangirai, as head of 30-year dictatorship. The main problem in Zanu PF came government, shall proceed and direct out clearly at the party’s recent so- the land audit with zeal and speed to called Congress. The party is said to With the advent of the inclusive the utmost satisfaction of Zimbabweans have resolved that it would never yield government which saw Mugabe’s before the end of the year. humiliating defeat and outright any ground in the negotiations for the full implementation of the GPA – a surrender to President Tsvangirai, and A few days ago, John Nkomo endorsed another dud story ZBC peddled. But his two deputies, as head of government, the audit. Earlier, Agriculture Minister while the news bulletins filled up the ZBC has totally lost focus. who reports to our unfortunately abused airwaves, President Tsvangirai, the Prime Mugabe and Zanu PF had conceded to The station continues to behave, in Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe, 16 MDC demands and agreed, kicking its news selection and presentation, explained the purpose of the land audit and screaming in shame, to their speedy as if Zanu PF and Mugabe are still in – dispelling rumours which Mliswa and implementation. Among the 16 was the his fellow invaders are spreading in charge, thus denying Zimbabweans need for a land audit. Mashonaland West and other areas. access to vital information about the transformation of their society Mliswa and others are better reminded Murerwa was at the Zanu PF congress from a tyranny to a new social and that gone are days when they could where he heard the party faithful political order. The ZBC remains get away with the abuse of national deceive themselves into thinking that in denial; being directed by a Zanu institutions at the expense of the people. their party was no longer going to yield PF parallel administration bent on A logo of state broadcaster ZBC which is being directed by a Zanu We know that the police, security any ground in the talks. He decided to frustrating change. PF parallel administration that is hell bent on scuttling change. services and the army are tired of being keep his mouth shut, knowing that his abused for partisan Zanu PF projects. officials were already putting the final Take Monday evening’s news bulletin, They have a clear Constitutional touches to the audit, whether Mliswa for example. The ZBC led with a story mandate to serve all Zimbabweans. likes it or not. quoting Temba Mliswa, a failed sports trainer who turned farm invader a And, in times of heavy rains, they On the issue of invaders now few years ago and now masquerades usually are on stand-by to help out abandoning the farms they looted in as the Zanu PF secretary for lands flood victims in low-lying areas such Zanu PF’s name, Mliswa needs to be in Mashonaland West. Mliswa told Muzarabani. They see no reason why reminded that Zimbabwe is full of able an unquestioning ZBC reporter that they should be deployed to Gokwe and farmers, white and black, ready to take farm invaders in the province met at other northern parts of the Midlands them up. Under today’s fast changing world, Mliswa must move away from a the weekend and resolved to block a to intimidate the people ahead of the negative view that unless a white person Mugabe-chaired, Cabinet-approved pending Constitutional hearings. They supports Zanu PF, that person ceases to see no reason to be cajoled to chase land audit until what he called sanctions be a Zimbabwean. against Zimbabwe are lifted. away food and vegetable vendors in Chitungwiza in pursuit of a Zanu PF Joshua Sacco, Zanu PF’s secretary for political message. They know the Mliswa further stated that his fellow external affairs in the youth league, is Chitungwiza vendors are honest, law invaders who have begun to abandon not a black man. So is Peter Haritatos abiding Zimbabweans earning an open their loot and plots in Mashonaland of Brompton Farm, a Zanu PF MP. life unlike ’s 13 West must surrender the abandoned Sacco farms in Chimanimani, close 000 Zanu PF militia littered all over the land to the government, instead of to Roy Bennett’s seized Charleswood countryside with a brief to bash, maim allowing their rightful owners back to One of the farms grabbed under Mugabes’ sullied agrarian revolution. Mugabe’s party is Farm. That kind of Zanu PF hypocrisy and kill in the innocent for merely their homes. vehemently opposing an audit of the land grab which grossly benefited his cronies. and double standards is what President expressing a different opinion. Tsvangirai seeks to expose and clear in ZBC failed to ask Mliswa to explain a new Zimbabwe. Gono for onward transmission onto the a document signed by Mugabe willingly It is important for ZBC, Mliswa and the sudden change of heart among his black market? on Mliswa’s behalf to surrender power Zanu PF others to explain to their Mliswa and the ZBC must know that fellow Zanu PF adventurists who, in the to President Tsvangirai. supporters that the power balance in by the end of 2010, Zimbabwe shall past 10 years, pillaged and plundered On the issue of sanctions, Mliswa can Zimbabwe has shifted dramatically be another country. We are now on the productive farms in the name of the so- say anything. But for ZBC, a public Mliswa can live in a false comfort zone; since 29 March 2008. The shift is best homestretch with clear and irreversible called Third Chimurenga. Why are the broadcaster, to mislead the nation is he is right to be foolish; but ZBC has a understood from ’s New promises: a new Constitution; a land “new farmers” leaving the land? What unacceptable. Cabinet has agreed on the mandate and duty to inform Zimbabwe Year message in which he laments and audit; and, ultimately, a new government has happened? Is it because there are no need for a land audit; in fact the issue is that the land audit is a government pleads with President Tsvangirai to nip – leading us to a new Zimbabwe. Now more handouts and fuel from Gideon part of the Global Political Agreement – programme agreed to by the two main corruption in the bud. is the time. Letters to the Editor Thank you MDC guys Though some of the tales have been bad, struggle again due to the then repressive Thank you for The hoping you continue to produce I am still encouraging you comrades for government. Ndinoti vazorore Changing Times the newsletter. Dear Editor every struggle involves a lot. murugare. Dear Editor We will continuously support I understand 2009 was a tough We are still praying for you and we do I wish you a prosperous New Year. Do you and the MDC’s leadership. I would like to take this opportunity for you as you tried to have an hope that Change is around the corner, not waver. The masses and God are on I would like to thank you for publishing and extend my greetings to agreement with our rival Zanu PF this has been evidenced by goods now your side. my letter in your well read and distributed newspaper. the President, Mr Morgan just for the good of the ordinary found in the shops, the currency we did Tsvangirai and his deputy, Mai people of Zimbabwe. adopt and yearning for hope that is well Admire Chenjerayi I just want to say on behalf of other Thokozani Khupe. written in all those faces of ordinary progressive Zimbabweans, we truly I take this moment to thank Zimbabweans. Via e-mail appreciate what you have done for us in Thank you everyone who in the midst of the previous year. the tense atmosphere showed I also take this time to convey my Ms Dadirai Manyeza their bravery for our own condolences to those who will never The Changing Times has become people’s good. see and taste the fruits of this bitter our source of news and we are truly Ruwa

2 MDC’s anti-corruption campaign in full swing HARARE - The MDC wishes to respect; a climate of accountability; and We stand for hope for a new Zimbabwe opportunistic publicity stunts. We have We acknowledge that ours is a struggle assure Zimbabweans that our crusade push for zero tolerance on corruption. and a new beginning. taken the lead; our plea is for others to against an entrenched political culture against corruption is now in full swing follow our example, as always. of the past 30yrs of non-accountability and unstoppable until we clean up all What has happened in Chitungwiza, We shall never hesitate to weed out and corruption. It is inevitable that sections of our society of the scourge, We are clear about the needs of the South Africa, and in the UK is part of any decaying apples in our basket of some of our cadres have fallen victim introduced into Zimbabwe by the Zanu our broad anti-corruption campaign present and future and have the nation democrats. Against this background, we fully behind us as we transform to the yesteryear practices we seek PF dictatorship and has become a part within and outside the party. As a Party of our national culture. however find utterances by some failed our society from a rotten legacy of to uproot. And this is a struggle we of Excellence, we believe in delivering dictatorship and corruption. The shall win. The action taken by the MDC leadership real change to the people of Zimbabwe. opposition politicians concerning our people are our campus. The year and the MDC National Council shall be We believe in restoring people’s dignity, transparent and honest bid to stamp out 2010 shall hasten our entry into a Together to the end, marching to a intensified to reclaim Zimbabwe’s self- security, prosperity and basic freedoms. this dangerous practice as nothing but new Zimbabwe. new Zimbabwe. MDC Ministers’ Forum Foreign investment drive buoys economy - Mangoma HARARE – The deliberate policy decision by the inclusive government last year to open its doors to foreign investors after years of isolationist policies by the previous regime is set to ramp up economic growth and boost job creation, Economic Planning and Development Minister, Hon. Elton Mangoma has said.

He said efforts by the government to woo foreign investors into the country was set to see the economy fully resuscitated soon. Zimbabwe’s economy has been battered by a decade of economic mismanagement and insane policies by the then exclusive Zanu PF government.

“This growth will mainly benefit the man in the street as there will be increased job creation and with more economic activity, people will feel it in their pockets as more people will get back to work,” he said.

According to the United Naions, 94 percent of the country’s adult population is unemployed.

“When the inclusive government was formed 11 months ago, we inherited a pariah state that was facing international isolation. However, after the formation of the inclusive government, the international community showed it was prepared to re-engage us,” said Hon. Mangoma.

He said the international diplomatic mission in July last year by the MDC President and Zimbabwe Prime Minister , to the European Union (EU) and the USA had helped greatly in improving social and economic relations Economic Planning and Development Minister, Hon. Elton Mangoma between Zimbabwe and the credit giving much-needed a relief to agriculture and constantly evaluate their He said when the Mid-Term Plan is whether the inclusive government international community. the people. performances,” he said. launched in April it would capture all will last and if it lasts whether it the views from all stakeholders. will deliver,” he said. “The engagement started through Minister Mangoma said the Economic The minister is also the MDC’s humanitarian efforts but now it Planning and Development ministry’s deputy treasurer-general and the He also said the Bilateral Investment Minister Mangoma is also one of is through assisting the country’s mandate was to sit and think through MP for Makoni Makoni Central in Promotion and Protection Agreement the two negotiators from the MDC what sort of an economy Zimbabwe Manicaland province. (BIPPA) that was signed between in the inter-party negotiations that national budget and this shows South Africa and Zimbabwe last year is seeking to resolve the long- that other countries are gaining should have and put that into action. would be ratified as soon as Parliament confidence in us,” he said. Last year his ministry also organised the resumed sitting in February. runnng outstanding issues in “It is something that is fulfilling and first Zimbabwe Investment Conference the GPA. He also said other international rewarding – an opportunity to prove to and the Mining Indaba, which were both BIPPA was also signed with several financial institutions such as the the rest of the world that Zimbabwe can attended by hundreds of top business other countries and seeks to unlock He was also optimistic that the on-going farm disruptions, which Bretton Woods institutions, the be a great country once more,” he said. executives from across the world. investment inflows and also to take the protection of foreign investment have been affecting investor World Bank and the International The ministry is jointly responsible with Minister Mangoma said the ministry very seriously. confidence, would soon come Monetary Institution (IMF), “have Ministry of Finance headed by MDC was also in consultations with urban to and end after he and other been very happy with what we are secretary-general, Hon. for and rural stakeholders to find out how However, Minister Mangoma said members from Zanu PF and the doing and our voting rights are the recovery of the economy. best the economic environment among in order for Zimbabwe to enjoy this smaller MDC faction had visited being restored,” he said. these sectors could be improved. growth in the economy in the country, the affected areas and engaged the there was need to put an end to all It is also involved in economic planning, people involved. Again he was upbeat that the the outstanding issues in the Global sustainable economic development and “Although the negotiations are still Political Agreement (GPA). infrastructure, manufacturing and setting economic strategy. in progress, these stakeholders have He said Makoni and Chegutu mining sectors would boost the welcomed the opportunity to comment “When people don’t see the letter and districts remained the only two productive capacity as donors “We should know what every on government programmes and plans,” spirit of the GPA being implemented hot spots where farm disruptions were slowly prising opne lines of ministry is doing, whether mining or he told The Changing Times. they begin to doubt two things – continued to take place.

3 Chief Nyika stops humanitarian operation MHONDORO – Chief Nyika The chief’s vindictiveness has seen said he was shocked that the chief decision coming from a chief. It is of Mhondoro-Ngezi is barring the NGOs withdrawing from the area, could allow his subjects to die from very disturbing to say the least,” several non-governmental fearing unspecified action threatened by hunger simply because they voted for he said. organisations (NGOs) in three the chief. the MDC, something which is their democratic right. However, the other 11 wards wards in the area from supplying which are controlled by Zanu PF food aid as punishment for voting The affected wards are Ward 1, which is run by Councillor Frank Denhere, He said two of the NGOs, names are not affected. for MDC councillors. Ward 8, run by Councillor Last supplied, were told to pay fines when Clr Matizanadzo said although Tami and Ward 6 under Councillor they initially distributed food aid most of the people in his ward The bitter chief, a staunch Zanu Silvester Matizanadzo. through the councillors. PF supporter, is livid that the three were saddened by the move by the wards are all controlled by MDC chief, they remained ardent MDC Speaking to The Changing Times “After this confrontation, the two supporters and vowed to continue councillors and says they do not in Mhondoro on Monday, Clr NGOs decided to pull-out and they supporting the party despite deserve food aid. Matizanadzo, who is 71-years-old have not returned. I find this heartless attempts to stifle its operations. Councillor Silvester Matizanadzo

8 MDC activists acquitted of arson BUHERA – Eight MDC activists The group was arrested on 3 January New Zinasu executive keen who were facing flimsy arson charges and brought to court on Wednesday. were on Wednesday acquitted by a Murambinda magistrate. However, Magistrate Mabwe threw out on Constitution-making Magistrate Mabwe threw out arson the case saying that the allegations being charges against the MDC activists brought against the eight were baseless concurring with the defence team that and that the State was concocting the allegations were not backed with any evidence and were completely evidence against them. baseless. There has been a spirited attempt by The State, led by Prosecutor Shumba officials from the Attorney-General’s had alleged that the eight MDC supporters had in December last year office to harass and intimidate MDC burnt houses in Chimumvuru ward activists across the country by arresting belonging to Zanu PF supporters. them on spurious charges.

Kwekwe Mayor walking to work KWEKWE - The Mayor of Kwekwe, Mayor’s conscientious priority setting, Shadreck Tobaiwa is using public and praised him for doing a great job transport to carry out official civic in rehabilitating the city after years of duties because he still has no mismanagement by the then Zanu PF- official vehicle. led council.

The MDC mayor said he could not at or for not having an official vehicle to the moment divert scarce resources carry out council business. However, needed to provide essential services to I appreciate that the Mayor is working the residents to purchasing an official hard in rebuilding the standards of vehicle for himself. the town,” said Tsitsi Chademoyo of Amaveni. The council is prioritising providing essential services to the residents from money collected from the taxpayers Another resident, Edwin Takunda ahead of buying a motor vehicle the said Mayor Tobaiwa had worked mayor a vehicle. hard in resurfacing most of the roads, improving refuse collection and making The Mayor, who has shown sure that all clinics had access to drugs. extraordinary humility, said he was not overly worried about this, although it The Mayor said: “I can use my office was one of the perks that came with his to carry out my duties especially if am New Zinasu Executive (standing, from left) Joshua Chinyere, Georgina Sango, Grant Tabvirei, Wisdom Mugagara, Muzorodzi Zivanai, Thabe Aleck esteemed office. supposed to attend urgent meetings and Kneelimg: Faith Chamba, Nyasha Fasitera, Artwell Chidya, Patrick Danga during weekends. Sometimes I use a “I often use the town council pool car pool Mazda 323 which is supposed HARARE - The newly-elected President Chinyere said the major goal He said that there was a serious a Madza 323 to carry out my official to be cleared by the Town Clerk Mr Zimbabwe National Students Union for the new executive was to strengthen information gap between the students duties,” he told The Changing Times. Ngwena Musara and I have no control (Zinasu) executive has said it will the presence of the body at all colleges and national issues as newspapers are over the administration vehicle and the fully participate in the Constitution- through national tours headed by the expensi, ve and there are no computers The MDC-led Kwekwe Council has driver,” said the mayor. making process as this will go a in colleges. seen a dramatic improvement in service new president and the entire executive. delivery since the council took over He added that it was a big challenge if long way in improving the lives of Zimbabwean youths, the incoming The new ZINASU executive that was last year. the pool car is not available, and was “This is a new era for the students’ Zinasu president, Joshua Chinyere elected at the congress of 19 December sometimes forced to walk to work, union to rise and bury the hatchet. 2009 is as follows; - Residents who were interviewed by The undermining his position as the highest has said. Changing Times this week saluted the civic office in the city. President - Joshua Chinyere – UZ The new Zinasu executive was “We want to continuously drive our elected at a congress held in Harare agenda of defending the academic last month and saw the election of freedoms in Zimbabwe,” said Chinyere. Vice President - Georgina Sango Polytechnic a ten member executive which is expected to lead the tertiary students The new leadership bemoaned the in 43 institutions countrywide for absence of a comprehensive government Secretary General - Grant Tabvirei the next two years. National University of Science plan on higher education in Zimbabwe. and Technology

Chinyere said it would be a “The Higher Education Bill is yet to be National spokesperson - Wisdom disservice to all the young people passed through Parliament. That is why Mugagara – UZ and students if Zinasu did not we have come up with the alternative participate in the drafting of a new policy on higher education. Treasurer General - Muzorodzi people Constitution. Zivanai - Great Zimbabwe University “Our major mandate now is to advocate “The Constitution making needs that it be adopted by Parliament, from Legal Affairs coordinator - Thabe to take into consideration needs there we can have a national plan on Aleck - Masvingo Polytechnic of students for instance we want higher education,” the education and meaningful grants, affordable fees research secretary, Artwell Chidya who International Relations coordinator - and we expect the government to Faith Chamba - Harare Polytechnic take student grievances seriously,” is from Hillside Teachers’ College in Bulawayo said. said Chinyere who is a student at Education and Research – Artwell the University of Zimbabwe. Chidya - Hillside Teachers College The national spokesperson, Wisdom The MDC as a people’s project, values your opinions. He said the students’ body has come Magagara said: “There is lack of Sports and Recreation - Patrick Please feel free to send news, alerts or letters expressing your views up with a 364 paged document knowledge on Zinasu by the generality Danga - Bulawayo Polytechnic and comments to MDC Information and that would guide the youths and of the students so the thrust is on Publicity Department or email: which Zinasu would submit to capacity building and strengthening the Gender and Human Rights - Nyasha Students Representative Councils in all [email protected] the Constitution-making select Fasitera - Zimbabwe College committee for consideration. colleges to strengthen the union”. of Farming

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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