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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 12 October MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Issue 053: 2010

ZimbabweHARARE – Zimbabwe sits on the Zanu PF traditional blockages to basic When Zanucan PF failed to form a credible do better bottom of the index of good governance lifelines, Zimbabwe only managed to administration, it turned onto the in Southern Africa. rise slightly above Chad and Somalia. MDC for help leading to a protracted negotiation that culminated in the Not surprisingly, says the Mo Ibrahim At the inception of the Inclusive formation of the Inclusive Government. Index of African Governance 2010 Government, a minority comprising of The changed environment should report, because of Harare’s tattered rogues and merchants of violence set reflect the Zimbabwean reality, but alas, public safety record spearheaded by up an alternative parallel administration polarisation still remains as the residual a tiny, but influential minority that is that feeds on political intolerance, elements of disorder have occupied vital still embedded in an unending war unaccountability, crime and uncertainty space as the main drivers of insecurity. psychosis and feels comfortable in in a forlorn hope to overturn the efforts conditions akin to those under a failed of a society thoroughly soaked by a The efficacy of a decent, civilian order state and international pariah status. desire to change for the better. in governance; public confidence; personal security; choice and freedom – not constant and naked intrusions It is… a case of the usual suspects in people’s private lives – are dreams holding up the table with Somalia, Chad, the DRC the MDC value as Zimbabwe surges towards the last lap in its and Zimbabwe fighting it out for last place. Although struggle against post tyranny and a Zimbabwe has made improvements in many areas, it can debilitating dictatorship. take some time for this to show up on the Mo Once the pride of the world, Zimbabwe Ibrahim Index now rests at 29 out of 100 on the global stage, according to the Mo Ibrahim Nearly two years into a transitional President Tsvangirai came into index, apart from being the worst place Senator Morgen Komichi, the MDC Deputy Organising Secretary, consults the party’s grassroots leadership at Chivakanenyama business centre, Hurungwe West, deep in rural Mashonaland West government to real change and a new government in good faith, driven by a to live or to do business in Southern province on Sunday, on the future, following the continued violations of the GPA by Mugabe Zimbabwe, the country remains ranked philosophy of respect for people-power Africa – all because of the insatiable and Zanu PF. 51 out of the 53 African countries as a foundation for the furtherance desires of a civilian, military gang. sampled for their commitment to of diverse but shared national values four basic pillars of sober and good clamouring for the currency of change. The Mo Ibrahim report is forthright There has been a marked improvement stood at a record 90 sextillion percent governance: safety and rule of law; and clear. “It is also a case of the in the life of the ordinary Zimbabweans with prices of basic goods rising twice participation and human rights; usual suspects holding up the table since the transitional government was a day – a figure surpassed only by sustainable economic opportunity; and The MDC won the 29 March 2008 with Somalia, Chad, the DRC and consummated in February 2009, thanks Hungary’s economic crash of 1946; human development. general election but the military soon Zimbabwe fighting it out for last to President Tsvangirai. and more than 500 were abducted stepped in to help elements in the losing place. Although Zimbabwe has made and murdered in the political abyss While the entry of President Tsvangirai former ruling party maintain their improvements in many areas, it can take Until then Zimbabwe had virtually by state agents without any moral and the MDC in the state arena has hold onto the people through banditry some time for this to show up on the Mo collapsed as the Zanu PF government authority or political capital to spur stabilised the economy and opened up and lawlessness. Ibrahim Index.” embarked on a looting spree; inflation national confidence. To Page 2 Taruvinga dies in Gokwe crash …as Zanu PF skins JOMIC CHITUNGWIZA – MDC St Mary’s organising secretary, HARARE – As the talks on helplessly as the political situation been confined to sporadic statements Connie Taruvinga who was injured Zimbabwe’s transition ended, deteriorates. Zanu PF contemptuously to the media and travelling allowances in a car accident on her way the three parties decided to set violated the GPA, in the full glare for its monitors whose reports and from the MDC 11th anniversary up a local committee to support of JOMIC. recommendations no one takes has died. SADC as underwriters to the heed of. agreement and protect the pact from “That body has failed to immunize Taruvinga (pictured) died on insincere partners. the GNU against abuse,” said one The Real Change Times was told this Monday at the intensive care analyst. “Its principal functions were week Zanu PF was undermining the unit at Parirenyatwa Hospital Inaugurated on January 30, 2009, the to monitor the implementation, in letter Inclusive Government watchdog, in Harare. She becomes the fifth Joint Monitoring and Implementation and spirit, of the GPA, to assess the contemptuously defying its MDC member to die after the vehicle Committee (JOMIC), created under implementation of the GPA from time recommendations. A senior JOMIC they were travelling in was involved to time and consider steps which might Article XXII of the Global Political member representing the MDC, in an accident along the Gokwe – need to be taken to ensure the speedy Hon said the Agreement (GPA), is tasked with Zhombe road. and full implementation of power- situation was being exacerbated ensuring that the three parties sharing pact. That never happened.” because JOMIC lacks a legal They were coming from the MDC implement the GPA fully and th enforcement mechanism. 11 anniversary celebrations that complies with all the terms of the JOMIC members agree that they were held on 11 September at Taruvinga will be burried on power-sharing deal. have been ineffective in exercising The MDC is represented in the Gokwe Centre. Wednesday at Warren hills their mandate, preferring to work JOMIC by Mangoma, , cemetery in Harare.Mourners But the JOMIC has dismally failed mainly in the background. With no Thabitha Khumalo and Innocent Other MDC cadres who have are gathered at Number 138B to ensure a recalcitrant Zanu PF died from the accident are; Anna enforcement powers, with no powers Chagonda. The JOMIC comprises Harava Street, St Mary’s complies with its side of the bargain, Mubayiwa, Innocent Muzuva, Alex in Chitungwiza. to summon a person who breaches of four other senior members from Magunda and Loveless Sango. with political analysts dismissing the GPA, and relying on persuasion ’s party and four Meanwhile, the late St Mary’s it as a “toothless bulldog”. Zanu to deal with offenders, the work of others from Zanu PF. The MDC leadership led by ward 1 organising secretary Anna PF has undermined JOMIC as JOMIC has never been an easy one. President paid Mubayiwa, popularly known as Zimbabwe’s political insurer. Mangoma said JOMIC has failed to their respects to the Taruvinga family Ambuya Madhuve, was burried The people have lost faith in With a paltry budget, JOMIC has had to restrain Zanu PF. But he was quick to on Monday. last week. JOMIC as it seems to have watched rely on handouts. Much of its work has highlight the successes of the body. To Page 2 To Page 2

Together, united, winning, ready for real change!

1 Police urged to beef up security at COPAC hearings

HARARE – The preconditions in Among the issues raised by the MDC after he was attacked by a Zanu PF ensuring that the Harare Copac outreach are that the Zimbabwe Republic Police mob at Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare. meetings that were disrupted by (ZRP) through the commissioner – After the disturbances Copac was rowdy Zanu PF supporters last month general of police, Augustine Chihuri forced to suspend the meetings. have not improved raising doubts on should ensure that mechanisms are put Mangoma said the MDC had submitted in place for effective maintenance of the participation of MDC members a list of the violence perpetrators to the law and order during the programme. this weekend. police and they expected them to be arrested but this had not happened. The MDC management committee Mangoma said if these mechanisms are not put in place, the MDC was concerned chairperson, Elton Mangoma said on He said the MDC raised the issue that Monday that conditions for holding that there will be more disturbances like there was no guarantee that police what happened on 18 and 19 September peaceful outreach meetings in Harare would stop the bussing in of people when MDC members were attacked had not improved and it was not safe from outside by Zanu PF. in Harare for participating in the for the party to encourage its members outreach meetings. He said he expected that he would meet to attend. with other members of the management The disruptions happened as the committee this week to resolve “We are certainly not happy with the police were present and watched from the outstanding issues before the conditions that are on the ground and a distance. weekend meetings. as a result our teams are not going to be part of the Copac process at the The disturbances led to the death of Copac has scheduled 40 meetings to be weekend,” Mangoma said. an MDC youth Chrispen Mandizvidza held in Harare this weekend. Elton Mangoma Taruvinga dies in Gokwe crash From Page 1 Ambuya Mubayiwa (pictured MDC mourns Mabhena below) died at Harare hospital BULAWAYO-Thousands of people nation’s journey to democracy,” after failing to recover from injuries sustained in the Gokwe paid their last respects on Friday to President Tsvangirai told mourners. accident. illustrious liberation war fighter and former Matebeleland North governor He also reiterated the family’s statement President Tsvangirai described Welshman Mabhena. that “it’s a man’s good deeds that earn the late Ambuya Mubayiwa him honour, no one can bestow honour as a dedicated cadre whose Mabhena was declared a national hero on another.” contribution to the MDC and by the Zanu PF Politburo following Zimbabwe was remarkable. his death on Tuesday but his family Hon. Tsvangirai was accompanied by “The impact of Ambuya rejected the poisoned chalice. His Ministers Joel Gabuza, Sipepa Nkomo, Mubayiwa’s death is far reaching. family categorically stated in the 10 Jameson Timba, and Murisi Zwizwai. It is not only a loss to the years after he left office, he did not Mubayiwa family but to the MDC belong to any one particular political Mabhena was laid to rest at the Lady and the nation at large as she was party and refused that he be interred at Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo a dedicated cadre who worked the Zanu PF shrine. on Saturday. Frantic efforts by Zanu very hard in the struggle for real PF to persuade the Mabhena family to change” he said. Consoling the Mabhena family and allow for a burial at the Zanu PF shrine Also present at the burial was Vice friends at the Mabhena residence, were snubbed. President, Hon Thokozani Khupe, President Morgan Tsvangirai said the who said Ambuya Mubayiwa nation had been robbed of a natural and Speaker after speaker described was a dedicated cadre who died principled leader who did not buy out Mabhena and spoke of his dedication on the line of duty coming from his dignity for riches and fame. and vision, especially for the people of celebrating the party’s 11 years. Matabeleland and Midlands. Mabhena “If there is no mention of Welshman is survived by his wife, Rebecca, three “It was with so much pain that we learnt of the death of Ambuya Mabhena in the history of Zimbabwe, children, 12 grandchildren and two Mubayiwa as she was among it will be a misrepresentation of the great grand children. Welshman Mabhena the 12 we had thought had survived the accident. She was a courageous woman dedicated to the struggle for real change” said Hon. Khupe. Zanu PF skins JOMIC Speaker after speaker described Zimbabwe From Page 1 Ambuya Mubayiwa as a true “I think we have been effective in had deployed observers to monitor heroine for the struggle for real change. sorting out some of the political what was going on. Mangoma said issues that require the three parties to the MDC expected urgent action Other MDC leaders present were, can do better effectively work together and come on its complaints of breaches of Organising Secretary Eng. Elias From Page 1 to some compromise,” Mangoma The report’s publication last week came at a time when there has been the memorandum of understanding Mudzuri, Women’s Assembly said. “That we have been able the resurgence in political violence, caused by a refusal by elements in (MoU) and the GPA. Chairperson, Hon Theresa to work on. And there are others Makone, Women’s Assembly the military and in Zanu PF to allow for crowd sourcing of ideas for especially on violence and so on.” Secretary General, Hon. Evelyne a new Constitution that can guarantee sufficient legroom to an already Notwithstanding the existence of the JOMIC, the MDC was forced Masaiti, Spokesperson, Hon. battered nation. , MDC ministers, Mangoma said JOMIC has largely to disengage from all platforms failed on rule of law issues. Provincial Leaders, MPs and An exasperated President Tsvangirai told a press conference in Harare it interacted with Zanu PF in Councillors. last week that no holistic reforms are possible in a society where “The real challenge has been on October last year because of Zanu constitutional breaches and political indecency are the order of the the rule of law and enforcement, in PF’s breaches of the GPA. Just Ambuya Mubayiwa died at the day. The vile and chilling reminders of the past and military style that we have not had enforcement last week President Tsvangirai age of 57 and leaves behind three children. commands on the populace, from a parallel force within the state, must mechanism therefore, we can expressed “disgust” at the GPA end if meaningful political and economic reforms are to root in the sometimes talk and agree on violations and the goodwill deficit national interest. something and there will be exhibited by Robert Mugabe in no action.” unilaterally appointing officials The Mo Ibrahim report says the safety of ordinary persons and the without consulting him as the GPA observance of the rule of law cannot be guaranteed in Zimbabwe. The Mangoma said the MDC wanted prescribes. The JOMIC has failed to incessant political persecution of MDC officials and members, students JOMIC empowered by an Act of act on these breaches because Zanu and civic society activists still leave black spots, too numerous to count, Parliament to carry out its duties of PF refuses to agree to give JOMIC on what is supposed to be a white shirt. monitoring implementation of the legal teeth. global political agreement On human rights issues, the Mo Ibrahim report puts Zimbabwe at the The JOMIC is expected to continue “There isn’t general agreement for to monitor the observance of lowest rank because of the absence of essential liberties and political that to happen,” Mangoma said. “But the GPA, including seeing that space even after the formation of the transitional government. that is something we want because the process of drawing up a new Civil society activists have had a raw deal, continuously being arrested those are matters we would want to and prosecuted for merely expressing themselves. be effected. The more undermined constitution is completed and that you are, the less effective you are.” the parties stick to the timetable, Failure to observe the basic human rights, freedom of expression, press reaching completion 18 months after freedom, freedom of association and assembly has forced Zimbabwe Mangoma also noted the chaos in the inception of the new government. to sit at the bottom of the heap. Gender inequalities and the abuse of the Copac public hearings and said The process is already nine months workers’ rights have continued unabated. the JOMIC management committee behind schedule.

2 Mayor clashes with Chombo, again! BULAWAYO – The Bulawayo City “We will never stop challenging “If we find that they are Zanu PF Mayor Thaba Moyo has vowed Chombo. We met as councillors last sympathisers we will object to that as to vigorously oppose attempts by week and we have agreed to seek advice it is illegal. These Zanu PF politicians Local Government, Rural and Urban from our lawyers for the proper action were rejected by the people and it is Development minister, Ignatius to take,” Mayor Moyo told The Real unfair to appoint them through the Chombo to foist Zanu PF apologists as Change Times. special interest councillors. backdoor,” Moyo said. Chombo has been appointing losing Bulawayo residents feel that it is unfair This is the second time Mayor Zanu PF loyalists as special interest Moyo has clashed with Chombo councillors in most urban councils. to appoint the Zanu PF politicians as over this unilateral action which special interest councillors because trumps democracy. The 2008 election saw the MDC they were involved in running down the winning all local urban councils except Chombo last week repeated his threats council before the current MDC council Chitungwiza municipality. to appoint eight special interest came into office in 2008. councillors in Bulawayo claiming that “There is nothing wrong with the “The Zanu PF run council was they would bring in experience to the appointment of the special interest council. All the eight are losing Zanu responsible for poor service delivery councillors but when you appoint Zanu PF candidates in 2008 council elections. before the MDC council came into PF activists and apologists, it becomes office. There was no refuse collection an issue as these people were rejected Last year, Chombo was interdicted to talk about. Roads were in a poor state by the Bulawayo High Court from by the people in 2008. They cannot be Mayor Thaba Moyo but things have improved for the better appointing the special interest brought into council through the back councillors after elected city councillors door and the councillors and the people He said Chombo was only qualified labour and the disabled not only from since the MDC council moved into and Bulawayo residents had objected to will block Chombo’s illegal move,” to appoint special interest councillors Zanu PF. office,” Thulani Sibanda, a Magwegwe the move. Mayor Moyo said. from different sectors such as business, resident said. Our record in leadership …as we move together with the people

HARARE – Nearly 4 000 families architectural frames, limited space central government has non-negotiable could soon be proud owners of and archaic sewer and convenience obligation and national duty to homes following a US$25 million systems. Recent examples are the underpin and assist local authorities booster for 10 housing projects Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle hovels which and the private sector in the people’s being coordinated by Minister housing programme. . were hastily put up, corruptly allocated -- along partisan lines -- and later Mutsekwa, the MDC’s secretary abandoned, unfinished after Operation “In view of the need to improve service delivery, the government has for Defence and Security and Murambatsina of May 2005. Minister of National Housing been constantly revising the housing and Social Amenities, said this Hon Mutsekwa is carrying out an standards in order to suit the prevailing was being done through a policy situation,” said Hon. Mutsekwa. position known in the party as inventory on the Garikai /Hlalani “democracy comes with a decent Kuhle. “We have discovered that the The 10 housing projects are in Mbizo roof”. Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle project was 22; Kwekwe where 700 stands have abandoned by the previous Zanu PF been made available at a value of US$3, That policy thrust targets the poor government when it was at various 6 million; Willowvale in Harare where as a priority for comfort through stages of completion. The project was affordable, but comfortable 240, two bed-roomed flats will rise at safe havens in both rural and simply a dog’s breakfast,” he said. cost of US$865 000; and at Sunway urban areas. City, a low density suburb in Harare, where 255 stands would be serviced using US$2 million that has been set “We have discovered that the aside for the purpose. Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle project was abandoned Other housing schemes are earmarked by the previous Zanu PF government when it was at for Dzivaresekwa, Harare; Parklands various stages of completion. The project was simply in Bulawayo, Chikanga in Mutare; Minister Giles Mutsekwa a dog’s breakfast,” Checheche in Chipinge; and Tshovani in Chiredzi. decided to come up with a fund to ease adequate accommodation to their problems,” said Hon. Mutsekwa. senior government officials The Mbizo 22 project was completed The money, to be distributed through Housing is a stimulant for He said the military’s involvement including ministers,” he said. two weeks ago. Hon. Mutsekwa was in various ministries, would enable the growth, especially when tackled in that project further complicated an the Midlands city recently to handover government workers to buy stands; “As the new Minister of National with a high local content, already bungled housing scheme. It was the houses to the Kwekwe municipality. build houses; improve existing Housing, who was previously because of its multiplier effect bound to fail before it even took off. structures; or as mortgage relief. based in Mutare, I have been on the construction industry “As a ministry we want these soldiers to “I would like to thank the Ministry affected by the behaviour of and economy. be laid redundant and after that we will of Finance for making this project “Housing should cater for everyone the illegal tenants. I do not have rationalise everything. We will then a success after it gave my ministry especially the low income earners. It “Through the party’s social accommodation. The ministry has transfer the houses to the local council US$25 million. On completion, we are should be included in the Constitution democracy philosophy,” said to rent a private house for me, authorities so that they will be able to going to hand them over to the local just like education and health,” the Mutsekwa, “we in the MDC see which is unacceptable.” charge the tenants rates and improve on authorities for allocation, infrastructure minister said. the provision of family housing service delivery,” Hon. Mutsekwa said. maintenance and delivery of municipal Among those still illegally as a key aspect that fosters a services,” said Mutsekwa. The interest rate for the loans is five occupying government houses secure, well settled population “The MDC believes a decent home is percent and is repayable over a period are the former deputy minister that embodies strong family a best form of personal investment any “We had to move in with speed. We of 10 years. of Women’s Affairs; Abigail values, healthy communities and a human being can make in a lifetime,” feel it is important that we complement Damasane, former deputy dignified nation.” said Mutsekwa. “For this reason, the efforts of local councils as we have In Parliament, Minister Mutsekwa Education minister Isaiah family security, domestic hygiene and discovered that they are unable to meet represents Dangamvura – Chikanga Shumba; and former Masvingo In concert with local authorities, respectable accommodation – especially the growing demand for housing,” constituency and is an MDC national governor Titus Maluleke – who building societies and the private for the poor and the vulnerable – shall he said. executive member. has two government houses in business sector, the MDC seeks enable a new Zimbabwe to break Harare and Masvingo. to do away with the “match-box” the cycle and circles of inherited and The minister said in addition to the He expressed concern over former type of housing inherited from generational poverty, squalor and provision of affordable housing for the senior government and Zanu PF In the long term, the MDC colonialism and perpetuated by grime.” poor, the government has launched a officials who continued to illegally believes a housing commission the former ruling party after 1980. US$ 6 million housing loan facility, the occupy government houses, in defiance must drive the government’s Zimbabwe has a serious national “Civil Service Housing Loan Fund,” for of his directive that they should leave. affordable shelter agenda; ensure The tiny “township –style housing backlog. Local authorities lower-paid state workers. He said he notified them to vacate gender equality in housing housing” was used in the past as and big business have a responsibility these state residencies before the end of allocations and direct the state a form of black population and to take on this issue urgently to “Like other citizens, the civil servants the year. “These illegal tenants are to make decent accommodation political control mechanism, guarantee the continuity of a civilized have been affected by the shortage of causing unnecessary problems for the a perennial priority, said apart from its de-humanising society. In the MDC housing policy, accommodation and as a ministry we ministry as we are failing to provide Hon. Mutsekwa.

3 Strangers in Senate HARARE – Senate resumes business today after an adjournment of three months. Coincidentally, during the break the terms of office of 10 Zanu PF MDC salutes provincial governors who were unlawfully appointed by Robert Mugabe to the Senate naturally came to end. On Friday, Mugabe re-appointed the 10 Zanu PF governors – in yet another case of wilfully violating the Global Political Agreement (GPA) on whose basis the Inclusive Government is anchored. The term of office of the governors expired in July and according to the GPA, the executive authority of the inclusive government shall vest in, and is shared between the President change heroes and the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was not consulted MASVINGO – Chief Neshuro of at the memorial service of his brother on the latest move and the MDC is against the re-appointment of the Senators which is clearly in breach of the Constitution. Mwenezi has said the country needs Kenneth Dube in Mwenezi. to draw a line and never ever allow the Last year the negotiators agreed to the appointment of the governors in sad political events of 2008, which led Kenneth Dube was assaulted to death accordance with which of the three political parties in the inclusive government to the brutal murder of over 500 MDC on 11 June 2008 by 15 Zanu PF youth had the highest number of votes. This saw the MDC getting five governors, members, to ever occur again. militia using hoes and machetes at a Zanu PF, four and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara getting one. torture base. Chief Neshuro was speaking at the Addressing a press conference in Harare last week, President Morgan unveiling of a tombstone for the Three of the assailants were identified Tsvangirai said the MDC would not recognise any of the appointments late MDC activist, Amos Guluka in as Goddy Muboyi, one Dube, Ndlovu which Mugabe made illegally and unconstitutionally. We wait to see what and Sibanda. Kenneth Dube who was happens in the Upper House when it is invaded by 10 strangers today, said an Mwenezi. Guluka was murdered by MDC activist. Zanu PF militia at a torture base on 11 58 years old, left behind five wives and July 2008. 16 children.

Chief Neshuro told over 200 mourners Another victim was, Zuva Mugova gathered for the ceremony, that who was cruelly murdered at a Zanu he was greatly disturbed by what PF militia base in Svuuru Zaka on 7 MDC women in business happened in 2008. In his prayers, he June 2008. HARARE- MDC women’s assembly said, he hoped the political murders has embarked on training women on Addressing people gathered the basic business management skills should never happen again in MDC Zaka senator, Misheck Marava the country. as part of a broad programme of urged the people to have a culture of economic empowerment. “I felt very hopeless when I saw my promoting peace, coexistence and tolerance for each other. Allan Tovapasi of Hurungwe subjects being murdered for their The basic business management course has seen at least 3000 women political affiliations and I could not help Another tombstone was placed on the them in anyway. This should never be being trained. At least 900 of them, grave of Joshua Chiyo in Zaka West, in groups of 20, have so far received allowed to happen again in any part of who died on 25 December, 2008. The the country,” Chief Neshuro said at the a capital injection of 200 litres of ceremony was attended by the MP for paraffin for resale. Ms Masara grave of Guluka. the area, Festus Dumbu. Joshua Chiyo In Hurungwe, the ward 11 councillor, is survived by a wife and four children. The Women’s Assembly national Guluka is survived by his wife and Ruth Chinhanho, has worked to spokesperson, Ms Sibusisiwe eight children. He was one of the six Other tombstones were placed on the bring real change to the people in Masara said: “Women are the most her constituency by lobbying for the slain MDC members who had memorial graves of Crison Mbano of Zaka West, affected whenever a crisis arises, emancipation of people in her ward. services held for them in Mwenezi Bertha Dzigarwi and Joseph Dakwa but women are the most adaptable “We have nutritional gardens and and Zaka districts. Tombstones were both in Zaka Central. beings around. Through this training piggery projects that are currently unveiled during the ceremonies. course, we are aiming at facilitating Mbano, who was an MDC Zaka West women into self help projects that operational. We would like to expand It was a very touching moment as the district member died on 4 June 2008 will improve their well being as well in order to get the youth involved and relatives of the dead narrated how their at Jerera Growth Point after the MDC as the country’s economy.” as many more women to participate. loved ones met their untimely deaths district office was attacked by ten men As a woman, I feel better positioned at the hands of Zanu PF murderers on in army uniforms. One of them shot She said that the roll out plan is to to assist and develop our wards,” State payroll. Mbano three times. ensure that women are given capital she said. to start projects which will expand The political violence against the Dzigarwi’s husband Chrispen Mukanya with time and expertise. “We have She said that her work was made MDC supporters was bankrolled by could not hold back tears as he narrated given paraffin as capital to about easier as she worked well with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The how his wife was forced to drink poison 900 women now but these are not traditional leaders in the area. central bank also provided vehicles for by Zanu PF youth militia leading to her enough. We are yet to conduct “There are 73 village heads and carrying out the brutal campaign. death on 6 June, 2008. Itai Dambamusono of Mudzi the trainings in every ward of we work together very well every province. without prejudice. It is through the “My brother was killed by Zanu PF Dakwa was abducted by more than 20 Mushanji is a member of the Zimbabwe village heads that we have started perpetrators for allowing villagers to Zanu PF youths on 22 June 2008 while National Army and at the time was Once this is done and the capital the above said projects and these gather at his homestead to listen to guarding the house of Zaka Central attached under the Operation Maguta in is made available, then we can be are done with no bias, everyone the announcement of the results of the MP, Harrison Mudzuri. He was taken the area. assured of an improved life for every is witnessing change now,” 2008 harmonised elections, which were to Dekeza where he was shot in the woman,” said Ms Masara. Chinhanho said. won by the MDC,” said Misheck Dube head by his cousin Never Mushanji. Meanwhile, there are reports of violence and intimidation in rural Mashonaland.

In Hurungwe West, the MDC’s district organising secretary, Allan Tovapasi was on Saturday assaulted at Chiroti More MDC music hits the charts business centre.

Tovapasi said he identified one of the attackers, Givemore Chaparara, a Zanu PF youth.

“I was hit on the head by an object, and I fell down. They started kicking me until I managed to escape, but I bled profusely,” said Tovapasi revealing the open wound on his forehead,

At the same time Wilson Makanyaire, the Hurungwe West district chairperson, had his 10 hectares of tobacco seedlings burnt with paraquat (a chemical used to Hurungwe artists: Makanyaire and Mukusha kill grass) by Zanu PF youths led by HURUNGWE- Music is the glue that cements the society. It is there to George Makwava. motivate, inspire, encourage, inform and entertain people, an upcoming In Mudzi west, Itai Dambamusono musician said. The Change Initiated Operations is a group made up of five was assaulted by Zanu PF members MDC activists in Hurungwe West and Zvimba East formed in June 2009 and Tichaona Tenge, Chibanda Tsunga, made their debut album in September this year. The album titled Shinga, has William Tsunga, all from Zanu PF seven tracks and is designed to motivate, inspire and entertain. The band in Pfungwe. leaders, Wilson Makanyaire and Maltin Mukusha said they look towards uniting not just Mashonaland West but the country as a whole. “We want to Dambamusono was hit on the head with encourage people to be united and continue with the struggle for democracy. a sharp object. He sustained a deep cut We might have suffered, but it is all for a worthy cause,” Makanyaire said. Those who have names of perpetrators of violence during the and had to be treated at Katoto clinic. The album include songs like, Shinga, Bumbiro, Musatishungurudza, Yananiso, Constitution Outreach programe feel free to phone or write to Faro, Cheuka cheuka, Terera murairo. Shinga and Faro are going to cause a MDC Information and Publicity department. Telephone: 04-770708 In Mashonaland East, Alois Mare of stir on the market with a fusion of good lyrics and great instruments. Protest Email: [email protected] Chaza village, ward 15 in Murehwa music has been on the rise in the last decades with the rise of names like Paul Postal Address: Harvest House, 4th Floor, West was arrested and taken to Madzore, Francis Chikunguru, Dread Reckless and Sister Fearless, Raymond 44 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare. Musami Police station on Sunday on Majongwe, among other artists. unclear circumstances.

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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