SADC has no moral latitude to deal with the Zimbabwean case.

Two weeks ago i was in Swaziland attending a civic meeting. It was my first time in Swaziland. I ws let perturbed by the behaviour of his Majesty the King of Swaziland, King Mswati who in his or lack of wisdom thought it was prundent to set up road blocks to serach delegates to these civic meetings. The three day meeting was held under the watchful eye of overzealous security detailswho at every turn tried in vain to look for an excuse to pounce on us. For the three dayz i was in Swaziland, i really left like i was in Zimbabwe. No difference between Mugabe and Mswati and the rest of SADC leaders save for Botswana at least on this particular Zimbabwe issue.

SADC should now surrender and let the people of Zimbabwe seek sanctuary elsewhere

I learnt with a lot frustration that SADC leaders under the SADC Troika banner had failed to break the deadlock in Zimbabwe over the allocation of ministries. We were shown on television the glittering aircrafts belongings to the regional leaders making their way into the Harare International Airport wasting millions of dollars of fuel flying to Zimbabwe to listen and entertain Mugabe. They should have told him on no uncertain terms that he is the problem but now that they have failed to do so and aclled for a full SADC Summit,to buy a little big more time, they should now just shut up and announced that they have failed and have the cased taken to AU because the people of Zimbabwe are tired.

Zimbabwe to sell Ivory to China Japan

JOHANNESBURG – Zimbabwe is one of four southern African countries allowed to sell ivory in one-off auctions to be held under the auspices of the United Nations over the next two weeks.

Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are the other countries permitted to sale a combined total of 108 tonnes of raw ivory from elephants that died of natural causes or were killed in population-management programmes, while only China and Japan are the only buyers allowed.

Proceeds from the ivory sales will be used to fund wildlife conservation programmes and development projects in communities living close to nature reserves and that have often complained that wild animals destroy crops.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Secretary-General Willem Wijnstekers said he will attend the rare sales that will begin in Namibia on Tuesday with the second auction in Botswana earmarked to take place on October 31.

No dates have been announced yet for the South African and Zimbabwean sales.

Africa's elephants are protected species and cross-border trade in their ivory tusks is generally prohibited but CITES relaxed the ban to allow the four countries to auction off stockpiled ivory. – ZimOnline

Cholera spreading in Zimbabwe

HARARE -- Cholera has killed 120 Zimbabweans since January and more deaths could occur before year-end unless authorities acted urgently to improve sanitation and water supplies in cities and towns, a doctors’ organization said Friday.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) blamed the outbreak of cholera -- rare in Zimbabwe only nine years ago – on broken down public infrastructure, the result of years of unprecedented economic decline and political turmoil in the country.

The group accused President Robert Mugabe’s government of grossly underestimating the impact of infrastructure breakdown on public health and criticized the administration for apparently taking a back seat while UN agencies and other relief groups took the lead to combat cholera outbreaks in the country’s rotting ghettoes.

“120 cholera-related deaths have been cumulatively recorded this year including cases from earlier outbreaks between February and August in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Masvingo,” the ZADHR said in a statement.

It said there had also been outbreaks of the disease between September and October in the Harare suburbs of Dzivarasekwa, Kuwadzana Extension, Mabvuku, Highfield and at Chikurubi prison. Other outbreaks in recent weeks were recorded in Chitungwiza, Chinhoyi and Kariba.

The ZADHR said the state of decay in most cities and towns were ideal conditions for the spread of cholera, warning that unless conditions in cities were improved drastically the disease could become endemic across the country especially with the coming of the summer rains.

The group said: “Water supply is irregular or completely absent in most urban areas, burst sewage pipes continue to be left unattended and there is a lack of refuse collection. These factors create ideal conditions for the outbreak and spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, including its deadly forms of cholera and dysentery.”

Health Minister David Parirenyatwa, who is a trained doctor, said his department was on high alert and that it had dispatched teams across the country to monitor and treat cholera.

Zimbabwe’s recession marked by the world’s highest inflation of 231 million percent, has hastened the deterioration of key infrastructure needed for economic activity and public health such as adequate power and water supplies.

The public health sector -- once one of the best in Africa -- has been hardest hit by the economic crisis with the government short of cash to import essential medicines and equipment, while the country has suffered the worst brain drain of doctors, nurses and other professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. – ZimOnline

Communique: Extra-ordinary Summit of the Organ Troika, 27-28 October 2008, Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe

28 October 2008
1. The Extra-ordinary Summit of the Organ Troika of Heads of State and Government met in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe. The main objective of the meeting was to review the latest Political and Security situation in the region with particular reference to the current developments in the Republic of Zimbabwe.

2. The meeting was chaired by H.E. President Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Deputy Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

3. The Extra-ordinary Summit was attended by the following Heads of States and Government or their representatives:

Mozambique:
H.E. President Armando Emilio Guebuza
Deputy Chairperson of the Organ on Politics,
Defence and Security Cooperation

South Africa:
H.E. President Kgalema Motlanthe, Chairperson of SADC

Swaziland:
Right Honourable Dr. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, M.P., Prime Minister

Angola:
Hon. Assunção A Sousa dos Anjos, Minister of Foreign Affairs

4. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa and Facilitator on the Zimbabwe Political Dialogue Leaders of MDC Formations, Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister Designate of the Republic Zimbabwe, and Honourable Professor Arthur Mutambara, Deputy Prime Minister Designate and the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão.

5. In his opening remarks, His Excellency President Armando Emilio Gueuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique welcomed all delegates to the meeting and re-affirmed SADC Organ’s commitment in supporting the implementation of the Global Political Agreement signed on 15 September 2008 between the Government and the two MDC Formations.

6. The Extra-ordinary Summit of the Organ Troika also received a report from His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of the South Africa and the Facilitator of the Political Dialogue on the Zimbabwe situation. The report, among others provided details on the progress made since the signing of the Global Agreement on the 15 September 2008 and the challenges experienced thereafter.

7. The Extra-ordinary Summit also noted with appreciation the commitment of the Zimbabwe stakeholders to the dialogue process, the need to speedily complete the process fro the socio-economic development for all the Zimbabweans.

8. The Extra Ordinary Summit of the Organ Troika appreciated the efforts of His Excellency Thabo Mbeki the facilitator of the Political Dialogue on Zimbabwe in finding an amicable solution to challenges facing the Republic of Zimbabwe and encouraged him to continue with his mediation efforts.

9. The Extra-ordinary Summit afforded His Excellency Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister Designate and Honourable Professor Arthur Mutambara, Deputy Prime Minister Designate to brief the meeting on the progress made since the signing of the Global Political Agreement on 15 September 2008.

10. The Extra Ordinary Summit noted with concern disagreement in the allocation of Ministry of Home Affairs and urged the parties concerned to reach an agreement in order to enable the full implementation of the Global Political Agreement on 15 September 2008 as a matter of urgency.

11. The Extra-ordinary Summit however, noted the progress made so far regarding allocation on ministries and that there is convergence between the parties with respect to cooperative management of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Summit thereafter strongly encourages the parties to pursue this option.

12. The Extra-ordinary Summit of the Organ noted that people of Zimbabwe are faced with difficult challenges and suffering that can only be addressed once the inclusive Government in place.

13. In view of the above, the Extra-ordinary Summit of the Organ urged the parties to genuinely commit themselves in finding a lasting solution to the current deadlock.

14. The Extra-ordinary Summit of the Organ recommended the holding of the full SADC Summit to further review the current political situation in Zimbabwe as a matter of urgency.

15. The Extra Ordinary Summit of the Organ Troika will continuously remain seized with the ongoing political situation in the Republic of Zimbabwe.

16. His Excellency President Guebuza, thanked His Excellency President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, other stakeholders and the people of Zimbabwe for the warm reception and hospitality.

Rainbow Towers Hotel
Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe

28 October 2008

Riot police descend on women protesters

Women's Coalition
October 27, 2008

Riot police in Harare, today descended on hundreds of women this morning who were peacefully protesting over the delayed conclusion of the peace talks between Zimbabwe’s three major political parties. At least 47 women were arrested around 10 in the morning and over 100 were beaten in the city as they were walking to the venue of the talks scheduled to begin this afternoon.

The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) had mobilized nearly 1000 women who were tear-gassed and badly beaten as they regrouped at a spot near the Rainbow Towers where the talks are expected to be held.

Women started grouping for the demonstration around the Rainbow Towers at about 7am on Monday 27 October 2008 and the police dispersed them using tear gas and some of the women were beaten up. Some of the women even attempted to go directly to the Rainbow Towers and were beaten up too. By 1130, police had set up a road block and were turning away any cars intending to go to the venue of the talks, regardless of their purpose.

National Coordinator of the WCoZ, Netsai Mushonga is amongst those arrested and information reaching their offices said the group has been denied access to lawyers. Emilia Muchawa, WCoZ Chairperson, said “the major concern by women is manifest hunger, amongst other emergencies and the dire concern that failure to resolve the impasse will further exarcebate the situation.”

It is for these reasons that the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe demands the following;

1. That the political party principals put the interests and concerns of the people of Zimbabwe first
2. That the Political Party Principals negotiate and conclude the talks in good faith on Monday 27th October 2008.
3. That an Inclusive Government be in place shortly thereafter to begin tackling the urgent challenges that the country is facing in accordance with the Agreement.
4. That the Inclusive Government be constituted by a fair representation of women within the spirit of the Government of National Unity deal, SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and other regional and international instruments.

Police ruthlessly crush protest by youth activists

Zimbabwe Youth Forum
October 27, 2008

Thousands of youth gathered around the Harare International Conference Centre the venue for the SADC Troika meeting which was supposed to conclude the power sharing talks between Zanu PF and the MDC with the intention of handing over a petition to the negotiating parties and the SADC troika. The petition was meant to compel the SADC troika to come up with a logical and balanced power sharing agreement that will bring an end to the political and socioeconomic crisis crippling the country. The petition was also highlighting the need for SADC and the AU to exert pressure on Mugabe to agree to share power equitably with the MDC leader. However the venue was barricaded by heavily armed police. However this did not deter the youth from marching towards the venue but however the peaceful march was violently crushed by the police who fired shots in the air as well as tear smoke. The police also beat up the protesters as well as ordinary citizens who were either queuing at the banks or moving around town. Hundreds of the demonstrating activists were arrested at the scene and many others were injured. There are also reports of more than twenty youth activists who were abducted close to the venue of the negotiations by militias who were moving around in white trucks marked Zanu PF. The youth have however vowed not to rest until real change has come and they have declared that in the event that there is no meaningful conclusion to the negotiations the struggle will be taken to all townships of the country and there will be civil unrest.

The demonstration was organized and led by the Youth Agenda Trust and it involved other youth movements like the Youth Forum, community youth based organizations as well as student movements such as ZINASU and Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe.

Public Event Notice

Public Event - Mass Public Opinion Institute
Topic: Monitoring the Power-Sharing Agreement: What Role for Civil Society?
Venue: New Ambassador Hotel
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2008
Time: 17:30 to 20:00 Hours

Speakers:
1. Dr. Lovemore Madhuku: National Chairman, National Constitutional Assembly
2. Mr. David Chimhini: Member of Parliament, MDC-T
3. Mr. Job Sikhala: Secretary for Defence and Security, MDC
4. Mr. Takura Zhangazha: National Director, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Chairperson: Charles Mangongera

Admission: Free. All are welcome!

For further enquiries please contact: Mass Public Opinion Institute: 771358/758700

Police clearance has been granted

“Could it be that public opinion is the ‘missing link’ in the democracy debate in Zimbabwe, and indeed, in Africa today?”


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NGO Consulting Africa presents a 5 day course on Monitoring & Evaluation
Venue: Cresta Oasis Hotel, Harare, Zimbabwe
Date: 24-28 November 2008
Time: 08:30 to 16:30 daily
Who should attend: NGO Project Officers, NGO staff, Consultants
Costs: USD 450 per person (includes lunch and refreshments) - Group discounts available

Course Objectives:
NGO work requires monitoring and evaluation in order to impact positively on the delivery of services. The course will help understand and design, develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems suited for the organization or service. This includes:

Develop an understanding of the characteristics of an effective M&E system
Learn to design and maintain an M&E system allowing for aspects of impact assessment, accountability to a range of partners and identifying needs.
Explore M&E Plan implementation
Explore M&E system against impact assessment
Design a system that allows for consultation of key partners and service recipients in order to build an effective M&E system.
Contact us for registration on: Tel +263 4 2927231, +263 11377353, or email training@ngoconsultingafrica.org or visit us at http://www.ngoconsultingafrica.org

Why don't they negotiate in Mufakose?

It is suggested, very humbly, in order to expedite the negotiations between ZANU PF and the MDCs, that the SADC Troika meeting on Monday be held at No.1200 Mukumbadzetse Street in Mufakose, Harare.

To gain entry the distinguished guests must cross a stream of raw sewage, which runs by the main gate of the venue. Should assistance be required, experienced residents will be on hand to guide them. Guests are advised to take extra care when crossing as they might easily slip and drown.

They must resolve matters very quickly otherwise the steady flow of the stream swells rapidly as the day goes by. Local boys charge $US10 to help with crossing at peak periods, although the prices can rise very sharply depending on the calibre and station of the clients.

There is a local 'central bank' nearby in Mudzambiringwa Street, should guests require any emergency funds, though they are available to non-residents at punitive rates. Guests are encouraged to reacquaint with the long lost relatives or friends in Mufakose, as they might be useful to obtain financial facilities like the local BACOSSI.

Residents have been advised to keep all windows open as there is no air-conditioning. But this should ensure a steady but heavy breeze transporting the potpourri of aromas and odours from the locality.

Guests must also bring candles lest their 'toks' extend into the night - there is no electricity here. Water will be provided from the nearest well and if the queue is too long, guests will be directed to the nearest stream.

For other types of relief, there is a small bush nearby but they must beware of pickpockets. They are advised to bring heavy guard for their expensive automobiles and other gadgets.

Guests should note that there is a funeral next door to the venue - the neighbour sadly passed on whilst awaiting medication kuGomo hospital. There were no doctors and drugs were either unavailable or unaffordable. Guests must, therefore, contend with the constant singing and wailing of friends and relatives ... It is advisable, as is the culture here, for guests to appear, if only briefly, to share a moment with the bereaved family.

It is hoped that this venue will provide a more appropriate setting for the negotiations. Not only will it be in the area representative of the 'people' for whom the deal is being done, this should also provide a more realistic picture of the 'people'. If negotiations are for the 'people', why, I ask, don't the negotiators come and do it where the 'people' live? Rainbow Towers seems to have failed, so why not try Mukumbadzetse Street?

- Alex T. Magaisa