Malawi is grappling with a fuel crisis of sorts, with vehicles now scrambling for the tiny remaining bits of Diesel and Petrol to the extent of 'sleeping' on queues.
The probem visible in Blantyre City Centre, but worse in rural areas. A British Petroleum filling station in Blantyre City Centre has virtually posted a sign of 'We are Closed', making people wonder whether the economics of 'economic engineer' Bingu wa Mutharika only make sense on paper.
State President Mutharika has chosen to remain mum as the nation round about thirsts for fuel. Rural dwellers are going four weeks in the dark now, as the strategic Paraffin remains rocked in port storage rooms.
Malawi is facinga silent crisis analysts blame on lack of enough forex.
The country's import cover is now at one-and-a-half months, almost double down the recommended cover.
But the drivers waiting on the long queues are Malawians, that is why they are painfully patient.
Energy Minister Grain Malunga has promised the moon, saying government is working around the clock to come around the shortage. However, his promise that the problem would end today has not materialised, and his blatant lie now lies shiny like a dead nun in the plain.
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Something on HIV and AIDS: Can this really work?
POSITION PAPER PRESENTED BY:LEVI SIMON PHIRI ON NOVEMBER 30, 2009
Perceived strategies in support of children infected and affected with HIV and AIDS
Executive summary
It is ironically a fact that over and around 80,000 children under the age bracket 15 years are HIV positive in Malawi alone. Also statistics show that over 1.2 million is the number of children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS across the country.
HIV/AIDS has continued to wreck havoc on the lives of many people and children too have not been spared. Efforts to curb down the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has always been there, but still not enough has been achieved to the extent that the number of children being infected with HIV and/or affected has induced annually.
Bottlenecks experienced by children infected and affected with HIV/AIDS
Children living with or affected with HIV/AIDS face the following challenges:-
Malnutrition
Sexual exploitation/abuse
Domestic violence
Property grabbing
Lack of parental care/guidance
Lack of education on child rights
Juvenile delinquency
Lack of access to anti retroviral treatment
Lack of succession plans by their sick parents before death occurs
Basic social amenities i.e.
o Shelter
o Food
o Clothes
o Dropping out from school
o Security
o Stress/trauma
o Child headed families
o Early or forced marriages
o Economic dependency
o Stigma and discrimination among many others.
Sustainable strategies in support of children living with HIV/AIDS
1. Culturally, extended family support has proved to be the sole intervention in giving full and complete care and support to the infected children. However, every opportunity has a disadvantage of some kind, where civic education has gone very well children infected with HIV/AIDS have lived a happy life and helped them to build resilience.
2. Community support also compliments very well in taking care of the infected children in different households. However, where support and/ or resources is limited not all the children have received the necessary support.
Children living with HIV and AIDS or affected by the pandemic require the following support in order to stay a meaningful life:-
Spiritual support
Patronizing places where people are congregating to worship to God for instance.
Economic support
Creating activities that would generate money in order to improve children’s living standard-self economic reliance like provision of micro loan facilities to the children/guardians, etc.
Physical support
Access to treatment, care and support from both the extended family members and the community (emotional support)
Social support
Creating a conducive atmosphere which enables the children stay without fear or threats: this can include
Psychosocial support, playing games (equipment modern or improvised) drawing pictures the idea is to build resilience, a coping mechanism-talking to children about death (story telling)
STRATEGY THREE
Communicating with children about sensitive issues using the right tools- i.e. talking to children about death, preparing children for their own or loved one’s death and supporting children after death of a loved one using folklores, drama, plays, working one-one with a child, working with a family, etc.
STRATEGY FOUR
Use of traditional approaches in counseling traumatized children where key and influential calibers are involved in order to bring sanity and oneness in caring for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
SUSTAINABILITY RELATED TO THE DESIGNED STRATEGIES
Setting various viable Income generating activities
Crop and animal husbandry
Extended family and community self help programs with vigorous civic education on the importance of personal commitment and involvement
Vocational and life skills training (capacity building)
Child corner or group therapy meetings
Establishment of early child centers/CBCCs
Encourage memory book writing
Capacity building for guardians and counseling
Food security through use of organic fertilizer (manure) banana materials/products.
Perceived strategies in support of children infected and affected with HIV and AIDS
Executive summary
It is ironically a fact that over and around 80,000 children under the age bracket 15 years are HIV positive in Malawi alone. Also statistics show that over 1.2 million is the number of children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS across the country.
HIV/AIDS has continued to wreck havoc on the lives of many people and children too have not been spared. Efforts to curb down the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has always been there, but still not enough has been achieved to the extent that the number of children being infected with HIV and/or affected has induced annually.
Bottlenecks experienced by children infected and affected with HIV/AIDS
Children living with or affected with HIV/AIDS face the following challenges:-
Malnutrition
Sexual exploitation/abuse
Domestic violence
Property grabbing
Lack of parental care/guidance
Lack of education on child rights
Juvenile delinquency
Lack of access to anti retroviral treatment
Lack of succession plans by their sick parents before death occurs
Basic social amenities i.e.
o Shelter
o Food
o Clothes
o Dropping out from school
o Security
o Stress/trauma
o Child headed families
o Early or forced marriages
o Economic dependency
o Stigma and discrimination among many others.
Sustainable strategies in support of children living with HIV/AIDS
1. Culturally, extended family support has proved to be the sole intervention in giving full and complete care and support to the infected children. However, every opportunity has a disadvantage of some kind, where civic education has gone very well children infected with HIV/AIDS have lived a happy life and helped them to build resilience.
2. Community support also compliments very well in taking care of the infected children in different households. However, where support and/ or resources is limited not all the children have received the necessary support.
Children living with HIV and AIDS or affected by the pandemic require the following support in order to stay a meaningful life:-
Spiritual support
Patronizing places where people are congregating to worship to God for instance.
Economic support
Creating activities that would generate money in order to improve children’s living standard-self economic reliance like provision of micro loan facilities to the children/guardians, etc.
Physical support
Access to treatment, care and support from both the extended family members and the community (emotional support)
Social support
Creating a conducive atmosphere which enables the children stay without fear or threats: this can include
Psychosocial support, playing games (equipment modern or improvised) drawing pictures the idea is to build resilience, a coping mechanism-talking to children about death (story telling)
STRATEGY THREE
Communicating with children about sensitive issues using the right tools- i.e. talking to children about death, preparing children for their own or loved one’s death and supporting children after death of a loved one using folklores, drama, plays, working one-one with a child, working with a family, etc.
STRATEGY FOUR
Use of traditional approaches in counseling traumatized children where key and influential calibers are involved in order to bring sanity and oneness in caring for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
SUSTAINABILITY RELATED TO THE DESIGNED STRATEGIES
Setting various viable Income generating activities
Crop and animal husbandry
Extended family and community self help programs with vigorous civic education on the importance of personal commitment and involvement
Vocational and life skills training (capacity building)
Child corner or group therapy meetings
Establishment of early child centers/CBCCs
Encourage memory book writing
Capacity building for guardians and counseling
Food security through use of organic fertilizer (manure) banana materials/products.
Some Zachimalawi readers asked for a review of News on Zimbabwe, with special emphasis on May. Here is a sample compilation:
The ZIMBABWE Situation
An extensive and up-to-date website containing news, views and links related to ZIMBABWE - a country in crisis
Return to INDEX page
Please note: You need to have 'Active content' enabled in your IE browser in order to see the index of articles on this webpage
________________________________________
• IMF Board Takes Up Zimbabwe Case As Harare Seeks to Restore Standing
• Zimbabwe Education Minister, Backed by Donors, Fends Off Teacher Strike
• Zimbabwe's economy and business slowly pick up
• Malawi to export maize to Zimbabwe, Goodall confirms
• Press Expert Will Discuss Giving Local Media a Voice
• Throwing good money after bad
• Civic groups call for overhaul of Zim's electoral system
• Church briefs PM on chaos besetting Harare diocese
• Mugabe keeping eye on the chronometer while delaying resolution of outstanding issues
• JAG - farm situations communique - dated 4th May 2009
• Tsvangirai becoming a lame-duck PM
• ICT Will Improve Education and Employability in Zimbabwe
IMF Board Takes Up Zimbabwe Case As Harare Seeks to Restore Standing
http://www.voanews.com/
By Jonga Kandemiiri
Washington
04 May 2009
The International Monetary Fund board on Monday examined the case of
Zimbabwe based on a report from an IMF team that visited the country in
March for so-called Article IV consultations on the state of the economy and
government policies.
A report issued by that team said more than 70 percent of Zimbabweans are
still in need of food aid amid an "uncertain" economic outlook for the
country. It says Zimbabwe needs at least $200 million in budgetary support
and at least another $200 million for humanitarian relief in the areas of
food aid, health, and education.
A statement from the board was awaited late Monday. But the panel seemed
likely at least to put its stamp of approval on technical support for
Zimbabwe, proposed by the top IMF official for Africa, as the country takes
initial steps toward recovering full membership.
Zimbabwe's IMF voting rights were suspended in 2003 over the non-payment of
arrears. The institution had cut off economic aid in 1999, citing a lack of
political will to reform.
Zimbabwe owes some US$135 million in debt service arrears to the IMF.
Economist Prosper Chitambara of the Labor and Economic Development Research
Institute of Zimbabwe told VOA reporter Jonga Kandemiiri that he doesn't see
Zimbabwe recovering its membership quite yet because it still has
substantial arrears to the fund.
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Zimbabwe Education Minister, Backed by Donors, Fends Off Teacher Strike
http://www.voanews.com/
By Patience Rusere
Washington
04 May 2009
Zimbabwean Education Minister David Coltart on Monday staved off a strike by
teachers on the eve of a new school term with help from international donors
including the United Nations Children's Fund, which promised to appeal for
funding for underpaid instructors.
Officials of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association had threatened to launch a
new strike if the government did not review the monthly US$100 paid to
teachers like other civil servants.
When introduced in March by the unity government installed in mid-February,
the sum was intended to be a supplement to public service salaries paid in
Zimbabwean dollars. But the government has since abandoned all use of the
worthless national currency.
Coltart said UNICEF promised to launch an appeal by month's end through the
office of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for funds to help increase
Zimbabwean teacher salaries.
The meeting was attended by European Union and Swedish Development Agency
officials who said they wanted to help but as a matter of policy were
monitoring political conditions.
Coltart told told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe
that he has a five-point plan to rescue the education sector, but warned the
initiative is only short-term.
Secretary General Richard Gundani of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association said
his members were touched by the good will demonstrated by the education
minister and international donors and would review the situation at a later
date.
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Zimbabwe's economy and business slowly pick up
http://www.moneyweb.co.za
Where shop shelves were virtually empty last year, stock levels have
significantly improved.
Tawanda Karombo
05 May 2009 03:09
Harare - Business and the economy at large in Zimbabwe is beginning to pick
up - as evidenced by improved availability of goods and commodities on shop
shelves and the firming in value of foreign currency in the country.
Yet the local currency, having been suspended for at least a year, will not
be used any time soon until industrial capacity utilization reaches 60%.
At the moment, latest statistics show, industrial capacity and utilization
has meagerly climbed to 20 percent as funding for the economic turnaround is
still not yet forthcoming because of the political stalemate.
Zimbabwe's economy, which has stagnated at a record low over the past eight
years, has slowly come to life after Zimbabwe's long standing President
Robert Mugabe and arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai of the opposition Movement
for Democratic Change formed a coalition government.
And now, barely three months after the unity government became functional,
the economy and business are showing improvements.
"While people were skeptical of the unity government, things do appear to be
falling into shape and confidence in the economic sector of the country is
beginning to pick up," said Jeffrey Kasirori, an economic and research
analyst with a local bank.
Where shop shelves were virtually empty last year, stock levels have
significantly improved.
"You will notice that all supermarkets are fully stocked at the moment as a
result of the lifting of pricing and other controls by the government," said
a spokesperson at the Zimbabwe Retailers Association (ZRA).
Zimbabwe's Consumer Price Index showed inflation at 94, 6% compared to last
year whilst prices dropped over 3% in the last month. The South African Rand
and the United States Dollar have firmed up in value and competition amongst
businesses is driving the downward trend in prices of goods and commodities.
This month, the country's Central Statistics Company (CSO) said Zimbabwe's
monthly inflation (the consumer price index) fell to minus 3.1 percent in
February after the government allowed the use of multiple currencies.
Economic commentators in Zimbabwe say the best is yet to come as the country
has the potential to overtake several countries in the Southern African
region as a leading economy.
But this, they say, will not happen any time soon and until aid in financial
assistance flows Zimbabwe's way.
And with the leaders in Zimbabwe's inclusive government still dead-locked in
some aspects, the little economic gains that have been notched up until now
might disintegrate.
Both the country's Industrial and Mining indices rose by healthy margins.
However Stock Exchange trading volumes are still small and investor
confidence remains low and this is expected to continue until there are
definite signs of economic stability.
Despite all this negativity, international investors are waiting by the
sidelines to enter into Zimbabwe. The latest being MTN which, as reported by
South African media yesterday is mulling plans to enter into Zimbabwe.
South Africa's African Rainbow Minerals is also sizing up its options for
entry into Zimbabwe; hence the Patrice Motsepe headed minerals firm has
registered a company in Zimbabwe.
The mining sector has over the past couple of weeks witnessed some good
developments as several mines that had shut down resumed operations.
Businesses continue to be constrained by the lack of cash and funding from
financial institutions whilst fierce competition reduces profit margins.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF's) Africa Department Director,
Antoinette Sayeh highlighted that recent actions taken by the inclusive
government were 'encouraging'.
She said in a statement: "It's the context in which we think there is a
window of opportunity in Zimbabwe that is worthy of support by the
international community."
The regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) has promised to
help neighbor Zimbabwe raise $US2bn required to bring back the economy on
its feet trade partners SA and Botswana pledging credit lines and budget
support of $800m and $70m respectively.
The funding to date, which includes $200m from SADC and another $200m from
the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, is intended to meet
urgent working capital requirements for local companies, but is a drop in
the ocean of need.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who has clashed with central bank governor
Gideon Gono over economic policies, has predicted inflation will fall to 10%
by the end of 2009.
Of Late, the country's central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has been
rocked by scandals after a unity government probe into operations of the
central bank unearthed startling revelations of graft at the institution,
forcing senior management officials to flee the long arm of the law.
The probe into the operations of the central bank in the past few years
comes at a time when Zimbabwe's coalition government is trying to bring the
country's devastated economy back on its feet following years of
mismanagement and ill conceived policies of political expediency by the
Mugabe government.
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Malawi to export maize to Zimbabwe, Goodall confirms
Nyasa Times/AfricaNhttp://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/
Tuesday, 05 May 2009
Richard Chirombo
Malawi could this year export the stable food, maize, to Zimbabwe
again following Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security indications of
another bumper harvest, Malawi's Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe has hinted.
The country has for the third year running registered another pumper
maize harvest at 3.661 million tonnes- representing more than 1.461 million
tonnes of excess requirement. Malawians need 2.2 million tonnes to satisfy
their domestic maize requirement.
Agriculture and Food Security Principal Secretary, Andrew Daudi, has
attributed such excessive production to the subsidized fertilizer programme
and increased use of organic fertilizers by farmers.
Gondwe said Malawi would be duty-bound to export some of the maize
excess to domestic requirements to Zimbabwe, where he said another hunger
situation looms this year following poor harvests.
Zimbabwe, like Malawi, is a member state of the Southern African
Development Community (Sadc), which compels it and other member states to be
the first line of call to fellow members in cases of national calamities
including hunger.
"It is a very positive thing, and shows how committed this
administration has been in many areas including economic development and
food security. This year, we have again produced some hamper maize harvest
part of which we may export to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has not harvested enough
this year," said Gondwe.
The Finance Minister did not elaborate on the actual figures that
could be exported.
Analysts have linked the persistent food shortages in Zimbabwe to the
seizure of white owned farms, a development they cite for leading to
decreased crop productivity. The situation has prompted the World Food
Programme to initiate various interventions in the bid to save people from
starvation.
In a related development, Gondwe revealed that government was in the
process of establishing a public food storage company whose main goal would
be to provide extra space for crop storage.
Gondwe said, under the arrangement, people would be able to deposit
their maize and other crops at the storage facilities for safe keeping,
after which they will be getting a receipt.
"They will, then, be able to use the receipts (as evidence of property
ownership) as collateral with commercial banks. But we are still discussing
the modalities, which are at an advanced stage, and will announce the
modalities later," said Gondwe.
This follows concerns from some quarters, including the Council for
Non-Governmental Organisation (Congoma) and the Malawi Economic Justice
Network, who want the country to invest in food storage mechanisms because
pumper crop yields end up rotting due to inadequate and poor storage
facilities
Congoma's Executive Director, Ted Nandolo, for instance, claims that
over half of last year's bumper maize yield got lost through rotting, or
couldn't be properly stored due to lack of space and ended up catching
moisture.
"We really feel that we need to invest in storage facilities for us to
be able to retain our maize crop harvests. This problem creates problems for
people and could be responsible for the reports of hunger we get from
various communities when government maintains we still have maize stocks,"
queried Nandolo.
ews
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Press Expert Will Discuss Giving Local Media a Voice
(May 6 global webchat with Internews Network president David Hoffman) (235)
How can local media across the world ensure that the public is receiving the information it needs? Please join David Hoffman on May 6 at noon EDT (16:00 GMT) as he discusses the need for independent journalism in order to raise public awareness on pressing global issues.
David Hoffman is the president of Internews Network, a global nonprofit organization that fosters independent media and access to information worldwide. Co-founded by Hoffman in 1982, Internews Network has worked in 70 countries and currently has offices in 23 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Hoffman has written about media and democracy, as well as the Internet, and his articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and more. He has also testified before U.S. House and Senate committees on issues of press freedom and access to information.
If you would like to participate in this global webchat, please go to http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/journalism/. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program.
The transcript of this webchat will be available on America.gov's webchat page ( http://www.america.gov/multimedia/askamerica.html ), where information about upcoming webchats is also available.
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://www.america.gov)
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Throwing good money after bad
http://www.mg.co.za/
JASON MOYO - May 05 2009 06:00
US ambassador to Zimbabwe James McGee slams Zanu-PF for their continued mismanagement during the move to a unity government
What must happen before you can extend development aid to Zimbabwe?
We want to see a government that can take care of its own people. Zimbabwe is a very rich country, with abundant natural resources and excellent human resources. They've all been squandered and they continue to be.
We want to see all the Government of National Unity partners observing the letter of the agreement. That means improvements in the rule of law, which is not happening. Farm invasions are continuing; in fact, two farm workers were shot by police two days ago -- two black farm workers trying to make a living. Now what kind of rule of law is that? You're told by one group of authorities you can return to the farm and you're shot by another set of authorities.
We're pleased by a return to a market economy. [Finance Minister Tendai] Biti is doing a great job trying to figure out where the revenue streams are, cutting back the quasi-fiscal activities assumed by the Central Bank and trying to pay civil servants an allowance. These are positive things, but we need to see more.
Do you think the MDC has enough clout in government to push for more reforms?
Zanu-PF controls the Central Bank and the security apparatus, and that's very important. The MDC controls Parliament, finance and local governments. Zanu-PF still has the ability to say "we will do what we want", and there's nothing the MDC can do about it. This is where I talk about the lack of political will. And what can the MDC do about it? Their options are limited.
There have been various reports, the most recent by the International Crisis Group, that Zimbabwe could slide into anarchy without international support. Shouldn't you support this government?
We've put $1.5-billion into Zimbabwe since 2000 and donor countries combined have brought in a total of $5-billion. In the last year alone the US gave $250-million to Zimbabwe and we want to increase that funding this year. So it's not fair to say the US is not doing enough to assist Zimbabwe. We are doing a hell of a lot. At some point Zimbabweans are going to have to say, "This is our country, we're going to do what's right for it." It's not the US taxpayer's responsibility to take care of Zimbabwe. We're more than happy to assist, but Zimbabweans are going to have to take care of themselves.
The government wants the US to lift sanctions, especially the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, which prevents Zimbabwe from accessing aid from international financiers.
Even if we voted for Zimbabwe in the major international finance agencies, such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the African Development Bank, Zimbabwe still cannot access any assistance from these institutions until it pays back its arrears. What the government of Zimbabwe doesn't want you to know is they owe these institutions $1.5-billion. Why would these institutions extend money to a debtor that won't repay its debt?
Do you have confidence in the reserve bank?
Just yesterday, [bank governor] Gideon Gono said it himself: "I stole, I didn't take, I stole money from NGOs, I stole money from private accounts that I used to keep this government going." We don't know what that means, "to keep this government going", do we? But what we do know is he stole money that wasn't his. So, if you have that kind of operation, how can you trust this government?
We will never put money where it can be taken by the Central Bank. As the steward of American funds coming into Zimbabwe, I would be a fool to allow this administration to lay its hands on it.
How much contact do you have with Zanu-PF?
A lot has been said about Jim McGee playing golf with Morgan Tsvangirai. But I have relationships with senior Zanu-PF officials. Just this last week I was playing golf with two senior Zanu-PF figures. And if you keep your eyes open in early May you might see two Zanu-PF ministers, Morgan and Jim McGee, playing golf together in a charity tournament.
Everybody wants to talk about lifting sanctions and I keep asking why we should lift individual sanctions? They say "we need to go to the US to lobby". To lobby for what? If you have something to say, that's my job. I am the president's representative here.
The US has lifted travel warnings on Zimbabwe and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has congratulated Zimbabwe on steps taken so far. Is US policy shifting?
I saw a story saying Obama is taking a different direction and that's why I'm leaving. That's not true. The president re-signed the laws that said we will maintain sanctions on Zimbabwe. Is that a different line?Lifting travel warnings does not represent any real change in US position on Zimbabwe.
Where is your next posting after Zimbabwe?
I'm going back to the US military, and my speciality will be Zimbabwe.
What do you mean?
You'll find out.
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Civic groups call for overhaul of Zim's electoral system
http://www.zimonline.co.za
by Andrew Moyo Tuesday 05 May 2009
HARARE - Zimbabwean civic groups have called for an overhaul of the country's
electoral system to minimise conflict, ensure transparency, fairness as well
as wider participation of women and minority groups.
"There is need for a paradigm shift and for Zimbabwe to embrace more
inclusive and participatory electoral systems," a joint report by the
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) and the Electoral Institute of
Southern African (EISA) released on Monday said.
"These should result in a win-win situation that minimises the occurrence of
electoral conflict and maximises the participation of women and minority
groups, such as the Proportional Representation and the Mixed Electoral
Systems."
The civic groups recommended that an independent impartial body be appointed
to ensure among other things the "professionalisation" of Zimbabwe's
security forces so that they are restrained from taking a partial role in
the country's elections and confine themselves to monitoring peace and
security during the election period.
"There is need for professionalisation of security forces and their role in
elections should be confined to the maintenance of peace," said the
statement, issued after a post-election review conference in Victoria Falls
last week.
"There must be zero tolerance of political violence from any source and law
enforcement agencies must impartially apply the laws criminalising violence
and intimidation."
Zimbabwe's security forces have for long been accused of supporting
President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU PF party during elections and have
been involved in intimidation, abductions and torture of opposition
supporters, giving the veteran leader an unfair advantage over his
adversaries.
More than 100 Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party supporters were
killed and at least another 200 000 displaced in political violence after
last year's presidential and parliamentary elections in which the opposition
party and its leader Morgan Tsvangirai defeated Mugabe and ZANU PF.
Tsvangirai, whose victory fell short of the margin required to take power,
pulled out of a June 27 presidential run-off election because of political
violence blamed on Mugabe's supporters and security forces.
EISA and ZESN called for an end to abuse of state resources to campaign for
a political party and urged openness in the financing of political parties.
"Abuse of state resources for party political purposes should be prohibited.
The election management body should undertake a comprehensive overhaul of
the voters' roll including an independent audit of the roll. The financing
of political parties should be revisited to ensure equity and openness and
funds should be managed by the election management body and not government,"
the joint said.
The two NGOs said with a view to achieving parity in decision-making
institutions in line with the 2008 SADC Protocol on Gender and Development
it was critical that women were empowered to participate fully in elections.
This would also be achieved through the formation of an independent,
non-partisan, transparent, accountable, credible and efficient election
management body appointed in an open and inclusive process.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), which runs the country's elections
was appointed by Mugabe and stands accused of bias, manipulation of
electoral processes such as voter registration, custody and maintenance of
the voters' roll.
ZEC has also courted controversy in the way it makes its invitations and
accreditations of foreign and local observers, which ZESN and EISA say
should be done by the impartial election management body.
The NGOs also recommended that voter education should be a comprehensive and
continuous exercise that involves the election management body, political
parties and civic organisations without any unreasonable restrictions.
They added that media laws should be reformed to ensure media freedom, media
pluralism, diversity and access to information. There must also be
unfettered and equitable access to the media by all political parties.
"There is an immediate need to transform the state media into a truly public
media. Special voting should be conducted in a manner that ensures secrecy,
integrity, inclusively and transparency. The entire results management
process should be transparent and should be clearly defined in the relevant
legislation such as including a constitutional provision setting a deadline
for the announcement of results," the statement added.
They said electoral conflict management mechanisms should be further
enhanced to make them more effective. - ZimOnline
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Church briefs PM on chaos besetting Harare diocese
http://www.zimonline.co.za
by Nokuthula Sibanda and Patricia Mpofu Tuesday 05 May 2009
HARARE - The Anglican on Monday briefed Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on
the chaos currently besetting the church in Zimbabwe in which
ex-communicated Bishop Nolbert Kunonga is allegedly clinging to the church's
financial books and properties.
The regional synod, officially known as the Church of the Province of
Central Africa (CPCA) and comprising Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe
dioceses, told Tsvangirai that Kunonga was no longer a bishop or member of
the Anglican church as he had been ex-communicated after deciding to
withdraw from the church together with Manicaland Bishop Elson Jakazi, a
former army chaplain.
Albert Chama, a Zambian bishop who led the delegation that held discussions
with Tsvangirai, told journalists at a press conference that the meeting
with the Prime Minister was also meant to convey the church's condolence
message in the wake of the death of Susan Tsvangirai and nephew Shaun
Tsvangirai.
"We came here to pay our condolences to the Prime Minister after the two
tragic deaths in his family," said Chama.
"We also used the opportunity for the Prime Minister to hear from the horse's
mouth what is happening in the Anglican church in Zimbabwe where Kunonga and
Jakazi are clinging to church property."
The Anglican Church in Zimbabwe has been embroiled in controversy over the
control of the church's properties and finances, amid allegations that
Kunonga was illegally occupying the properties as well having access to the
church's funds.
"It was a good opportunity to brief him especially on our two friends that
have left the church," he said.
Tsvangirai spokesman, James Maridadi, confirmed the meting with the Anglican
bishops.
"They came to pay their condolences and discussed other issues to do with
that church in Zimbabwe," said Maridadi.
Meanwhile Bishop Sebastian Bakare who has been running the rift-ridden
church diocese is resigning from the group, and will be replaced by Chad
Gandiya.
An assembly of the Anglican Church on Saturday elected Right Reverend
Gandiya to replace retired Bishop Bakare.
Gandiya who is currently in England would be ordained the substantive Bishop
of the Harare diocese on July 25.
Bakare, who has been at the helm of the Harare diocese over the past two
years, was appointed following the decision by Kunonga to pull out of the
church claiming that the CPCA condoned homosexuality.
"As a bishop I am passing on the responsibility," Bakare said at a press
conference.
"I was here on a caretaker basis, I was here because of Kunonga's behaviour.
I was a shepherd looking after its sheep."
During his tenure, Bakare administered a divided congregation, which critics
blamed on political interference in support of Kunonga who always had police
protection, although he had no meaningful support.
"Kunonga doesn't even exist in these churches, he claims to have people.
Riot police at times threw teargas at several of our churches such St Faith,
Budiririo and others. It was so serious that they got to the extent of
trying to use live ammunition," Bakare said.
Last month, Bakare and Kunonga were summoned to a meeting by Home Affairs
co-Ministers Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutseyekwa in a futile bid to find a
solution to the problems. - ZimOnline
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Mugabe keeping eye on the chronometer while delaying resolution of outstanding issues
http://www.hararetribune.com
Monday, 04 May 2009 20:29 George Chirikure
The outstanding issues are those issues the last SADC Extraordinary Summit
in South Africa acknowledged through its communiqué as key components of the
political settlement in Zimbabwe yet to be resolved.
The three signatories to Global Political Agreement (GPA) namely President
Mugabe, Prime Minister Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara fully
acknowledge as well on the existence of such outstanding issues and need to
resolve them sooner than later.
The issues include the apportionment and appointment of governorship,
permanent secretarial and ambassadorial posts, freeing of political
prisoners and halting what some observers mistakenly refer to as farm
invasions instead of thuggery and criminal activities.
These outstanding issues therefore without doubt form the very basis of the
concept of sharing power within the context of a genuine inclusive
government so as to normalize and stabilize Zimbabwe's political, social and
economic situation.
Few months back there was a cartoon depicting President Mugabe confessing to
a female reporter his ignorance about the meaning of the word "sharing".
Probably if we are to view the SADC leaders and Zimbabwe's three political
principals' open acknowledgement that there are still outstanding issues
then it may be more suiting to further portray President Mugabe's dilly
dallying as a clear confirmation that he also does not understand or know
the meaning of the word "inclusiveness".
During his Independence Day interview President Mugabe tried to demonstrate
his understanding of these terms, but it was obvious to many of us that he
is simply interested in proving to his supporters that he is still much in
charge.
It may be somehow unfair to blame President Mugabe for everything. Prime
Minister Tsvangirai has some responsibilities to take the blame as well.
It is understandable to argue that after the SADC Summit the Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai was forced to refer to outstanding issues as work in
progress inadvertently playing into President Mugabe's power game.
We all remember the fiasco and embarrassment witnessed at the swearing in
ceremony of cabinet ministers in February, when President presented a larger
than previously agreed list of Zanu PF ministers.
Later on Prime Minister Tsvangirai was quoted as having quickly agreed to
let Zanu PF appoint extra ministers of state in exchange for 5 posts of
governors.
To date it is difficult to understand the political logic of this high
propensity to make quick concessions and nodding on the part of MDC
leadership when dealing with a person of Mugabe's character.
Common sense would point to a hard trade off there and there, thus ensuring
that is swearing in of governors was supposed to done simultaneously with
ministers of state.
Three months after ministers of state were sworn in, the MDC is still
haggling with Mugabe over things they hurriedly agreed to.
The MDC leaders seem not to learn from experience and now look determined to
use quiet diplomacy to protect Mugabe's open violations of GPA.
They seem more than prepared to give away easily on the face value of Mugabe's
manipulative hyena like concessionary skills.
Off course Mugabe knows fully well his responsibilities both in the context
of GPA and as an under fire Zanu PF leader.
He clearly understands the expectations of his SADC and AU colleagues and
that of the international community, but he seems for now obliged to test
the intelligence and temerity of his GPA partners.
We can not deny the painful fact that Mugabe has the political upper hand in
terms of both power and human wisdom to outwit his former foes at each turn.
Thus for the time being, Mugabe is monitoring his watch, because he knows
that SADC Summit set six months as the time to evaluate the viability of the
inclusive government.
Mugabe has been good at playing patience game with SADC leaders, making some
concessions at breaking point.
For example the formation of the inclusive government was only made possible
at the eleventh hour because Mugabe did not want SADC to go to the last AU
Summit empty handed or the UN Security Council impose wholesome sanctions.
Everything had looked like in the event there was no SADC solution the AU
was going to take over, something Mugabe did not want to see happen.
Having said all this there is real possibility that Mugabe shall finally
concede on many of the outstanding issues few weeks to the end of the six
month period.
Remember there is still the issue of the allocation of powerful ministries
which is subject to further review as such Mugabe will not want to see the
MDC using lack of progress on these relatively less important issues as
enough proof of his insincerity.
George Chirikure is a Senior Political Analyst at GMRI CAPITAL. He can be
reached at george@gmricapital.com
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JAG - farm situations communique - dated 4th May 2009
Email: jag@mango.zw : justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
JAG Hotlines: +263 (011) 610 073, +263 (04) 799410. If you are in
trouble or need advice, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're here
to help!
To subscribe/unsubscribe to the JAG mailing list, please email:
jag@mango.zw with subject line "subscribe" or
"unsubscribe".
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The latest update on Karori Farm Headlands and Charles Lock
2. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Ref. BLOOD MANGOES:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The latest update on Karori Farm Headlands and Charles Lock
The situation is still tense on the farm with any number from 4 to 10
soldiers occupying the farm under the orders of Brigadier General
Mujaji. All the papers to have Mujaji arrested for contempt and for the
removal of the soldiers from the farm have been served on the relevant
people including the Police Head Quarters.
Police Head Quarters insist that they have given the order to the PROPOL
and DISPOL to have the orders enacted however the DISPOL on the ground
have told us they cannot enact the order unless it is given in writing by
the PROPOL, who refuse to do this. The DISPOL phoned Brigadier Mujaji
and told him to remove the soldiers but instead where threatened by
Mujaji if they attempted to do so.
It is now clear the Police have become part of the problem in not
recognising any Court order.
We have received a number of reports from various sources that one of the
soldiers on the ground at the farm has a directive to ensure that Lock is
killed should he pitch up to the farm. The hit is to be made to look
like an accident such as a bungled robbery, or car accident.
The soldiers remain armed some with hand guns and their presence there
can only be construed as sinister as the crops and equipment belong to
Lock who has been acquitted of unlawful occupation and any attempt to
take these is straight theft. If the State is attempting to acquire the
land through the Courts then how can it allow the army to be used as the
personal instrument of Mujaji to force this issue. Who is the law here.
The farm has already lost over US$100,000 in lost tobacco as a result of
stoppages caused by Mujaji's soldiers on the ground.
The land was allocated in 2004 legally and through the correct forums of
the land programme, however Mujaji insists that his Offer letter issued
by Mutasa in 2007 gives him the right to ignore this and take the land by
force despite numerous High Court orders to the contrary.
Obviously Lock is now concerned about his personal safety especially as
the Police refuse to act on Court Orders from the Highest Court in the
land which would effectively ensure his safety.
Regards
Charles Lock
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Ref. BLOOD MANGOES:
Please be advised that all mangoes that are currently being sold around
Zimbabwe are a late variety called Keitt and that there is only one farm
with that variety left hanging on the trees in Southern Africa. This is
Mount Carmel Farm in Chegutu belonging to Mike Campbell.
On the 3 April 2009 Mike Campbell's farm was invaded by agents of Nathan
Shamuyarira. On that date, Mr. Campbell still had approximately 170 tons
of these mangoes left to harvest. Since that date he has been unable to
reap a single mango despite being protected by his SADC Tribunal
Judgement and a High Court Order on the 20 April 2009. Every mango being
sold today anywhere in Zimbabwe is consequently a stolen mango.
Mr. Shamuyariras agents have beaten up Mr. Campbell's workers including
fracturing one of the workers skulls. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been
evicted their home and can not get near any of their crops. By buying
these mangoes you are supporting violence, lawlessness and theft. Please
desist from doing so.
All supermarkets with mangoes should please stop all payments to their
suppliers and contact Bruce Campbell on 0912 115485. All people see
mangoes for sale should please protest to the sellers that they are
dealing in stolen property.
Thank you.
________________________________________
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Tsvangirai becoming a lame-duck PM
http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=16218
May 5, 2009
By Our Correspondent
HARARE - Sources in the government of national unity's corridors of power
say evidence is mounting that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has become a
lame duck Premier, struggling to assert his authority in Zimbabwe's troubled
three month-old inclusive government.
They say Tsvangirai now displays signs of reluctance to tackle an
increasingly intransigent President Mugabe head-on even behind closed doors.
It was not possible to establish whether this was a political strategy or
plain fear to confront the recalcitrant octogenarian leader.
It has emerged that it is actually deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara
who is emerging as the dark horse of the coalition government, often calling
an errant Mugabe to order, especially in behind closed door meetings. It is
also Mutambara who is demanding finality to outstanding issues much to the
annoyance of Mugabe.
Official sources say Tsvangirai hardly challenges Mugabe in Cabinet or other
meetings and his approach to molly-coddle the recalcitrant President is
increasingly causing despondency among his top lieutenants.
Sources say Mutambara is actually emerging as the real thorn in Mugabe's
flesh.
In the stormy April 28 cabinet meeting, it is Mutambara who charged at
Mugabe after he attempted to throw out a motion by Finance Tendai Biti to
discuss the controversial issue of auditing the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Apparently Tsvangirai sat through cabinet meeting quietly as Mugabe tried to
play headmaster, according to one source. It was the bombastic intervention
of Mutambara that forced cabinet to put the matter on the agenda.
Mutambara is said to have confronted Mugabe, telling him that "that is your
opinion; there are many opinions in this room; that is why it's an inclusive
government".
Sources within the MDC suggest Tsvangirai may have returned to work too soon
after the burial of his spouse, Susan, saying he should perhaps have taken a
longer compassionate leave to enable him to cope with the devastating loss
of his wife of 31 years and the subsequent death of his grandson, Sean.
Sources close to the Prime Minister claim the second tragedy emotionally
devastated him, perhaps, even more than the death of his wife.
"Maybe he needs more rest," said a senior MDC official requesting anonymity.
"What we are seeing now is not the real Save we know. He has changed and we
are wondering whether it's a strategy not to be confrontational."
"Save" (pronounced Sah-vey with a soft "v") is Tsvangirai's totem. He is
affectionately called by his totem in MDC circles.
And, it would also seem Tsvangirai has also become somewhat desperate to
convince a skeptical international community that Mugabe is no longer a
problem in a desperate attempt to persuade the same international community
to unlock crucially needed financial assistance. Already he has made two
disingenuous statements that have sparked controversy, apparently attempting
to put spin to his difficult relationship with Mugabe.
"We respect each other, although we may disagree," Tsvangirai told bemused
supporters in Chinhoyi two Saturdays back. "There's nothing Mugabe does
without me approving and there is nothing I do without him approving."
But there are a number of moves that Mugabe has made apparently without any
consultation with the Prime Minister - the continuing land seizures, the
continued incarceration of Tsvangirai's former personal aide Gandhi
Mudzingwa, the contemptuous refusal by Mugabe to swear-in Roy Bennett,
Tsvangirai's choice for deputy Agriculture Minister.
Mugabe has also refused to address a host of other outstanding issues such
as his unilateral appointment of discredited Reserve Bank governor Gideon
Gono and that of politically biased Attorney General Johannes Tomana. Mugabe
is also refusing to sign into law the National Security Council Bill, giving
his Joint Operations Command carte blanche to continue to plot against the
MDC.
The National Security Council is expected to replace the JOC, but has not
met since Parliament passed the law constituting it on February 10.
Mugabe has, in fact, deliberately undermined the Prime Minister at every
turn. He has shown clear contempt and disdain for him and openly treats him
as a junior partner.
Tsvangirai nevertheless insists he is an equal partner in the inclusive
government.
Sources in government say Mutambara, who is less diplomatic with Mugabe,
despite earlier perceptions that he was a lackey of the President, has
actually asserted his authority and Mugabe is increasingly getting alarmed
with Mutambara's hostile attitude.
Initially Mutambara led Mugabe to believe he was his ally.
________________________________________
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ICT Will Improve Education and Employability in Zimbabwe
Chris Dube is a reader in Information Systems and Computing. He is a PhD student in ICT and E-learning in the UK.
In the mid 90’s Zimbabwean government prioritized education and became envy of Africa with highest education standards in the continent. Today, it is a nation characteristic of unending university closures and perpetual striking teachers. Zimbabwe government of national unity together with its educationists and academics should start moving towards an approach of recognising, developing and rewarding talents to those who have been affected by the previous poor education system. This is the time to empower the talent of every member of society, regardless of background, beliefs or education. Empowering the talent in this case will simply mean to provide free and fair Information and Communications Technology (ICT) opportunities to every Tom, Dick and brother Harry. The new government has to ensure our learners get the best ICT training possible to fulfil employers’ requirements especially during this looming global recession. There is currently no robust strategy to address this issue, not that I know of, which is why our children suffered consequences of long stay away by teachers as well as other constraints like lack of transport. If there was plan B in place, like E-learning and ICT, no examination was going to be postponed hence no academic year was going to be lost. E-learning and ICT would have played a pivotal role in filling up these skills gaps and shortages.
ICT will recognise and develop required global technical standards and qualifications for the work force in our ever advancing technology. This will in turn generate benefits for employers and other stakeholders, such as giving the workforce externally recognized credibility and esteem, responsibilities and competencies. ICT allows people to enhance their skills or learn new ones. It would be ideal to begin these skills at primary education to secondary up to universities and from independent training providers to colleges, community centres and Libraries or Learning Resource Centres. Thus it is essential and beneficial to inspire a positive ICT attitude towards them at a younger age.
Therefore on that note, ICT education should not be a special kind of activity that happens from time to time, but a ubiquitous feature of life.
A few weeks ago the Honourable Zimbabwe ICT Minister talked of digitalizing Zimbabwean communities by developing a country website ‘in order to put Zimbabwe back on the world map’. Apparently, for all we know every single person in this planet has seen Zimbabwe ‘on the world map’. Why swallow before chewing? This article serves to remind our honourable Minister that as far as ICT is concerned, we have some way to go before we can claim to walk the talk.
Taking ICT qualification as its starting point, education will be really meaningful and serving its purpose of preparing young people with skills and knowledge for work. What they learn for one purpose can be deployed in another. What they will learn in ICT will be deployed in other subjects, like doing a Power Point presentation of the ‘causes and effects of Chimurenga War’ in History. The same power point skills will be deployed in the work place. They will be able to produce a globally recognised Shona or Ndebele dissertation or thesis in word document. They will integrate and interact with each other on intranets and blackboards as and when they want to.
However, this government of national unity will have to lead by example and exercise readiness to change. There is an urgent need for publicly funded ICT education and training to learners by making them more productive and employable. The best programmes could well start at schools, colleges, universities and training centres. ICT specialists and consultants should be allowed partnership with the entire education curriculum. These will help in improving and re-skilling our schools. Question, are there right people in the right place to nurture flexible skills and ICT talents? In learning to learn, there is need to train trainers and educate educators. It is the government’s obligation to promote ICT training of staff and ensure they become accomplished ICT practitioners. These trainers will identify urgent ICT needs on staff development and work on those needs to provide cohesion.
If the new government was to set an ICT standard to every new teacher perhaps the repercussions of moves to put the training and qualifications of teachers, tutors, lecturers, trainers and instructors onto a more professional footing would be minimal. If every new teacher would work towards an ICT Standard Verification endorsed qualification, there would be no need to re-skill or provide professional development. Teachers and trainers should undertake a minimum of 1 year continuing professional ICT development as a prior requirement. But even then, this government has to stand firm on ensuring that erratic power supplies, weak ICT infrastructure, poor educational funding and an absence of experts would be things of the past. Despite ICT’s potential to help meet Zimbabwe’s educational and manpower needs, the above problems will continue robbing the country of a vital chance at improving its stake in the digital economy.
If ICT is to become a key element of Zimbabwean education, the government will need to provide a major program for professional staff development and training. ICT skills are necessary for implementation of ICT in education. The need towards ICT should put special accentuation towards teacher training. This calls for an urgent prepared professional development program to be established to support teachers and lecturers in the effective implementation of ICT. The professional development training required is one that facilitates and ensures that ICT is successfully integrated into the daily routines as well as ensuring that its use will be efficient and effective. This will only be developed with wide consultation. These ICT consultants should be hired to work with education sector to facilitate the adoption of ICT in education.
Teachers and lecturers will be offered training and support through their subject areas alongside that for ICT skills.
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• IMF Board Takes Up Zimbabwe Case As Harare Seeks to Restore Standing
• Zimbabwe Education Minister, Backed by Donors, Fends Off Teacher Strike
• Zimbabwe's economy and business slowly pick up
• Malawi to export maize to Zimbabwe, Goodall confirms
• Press Expert Will Discuss Giving Local Media a Voice
• Throwing good money after bad
• Civic groups call for overhaul of Zim's electoral system
• Church briefs PM on chaos besetting Harare diocese
• Mugabe keeping eye on the chronometer while delaying resolution of outstanding issues
• JAG - farm situations communique - dated 4th May 2009
• Tsvangirai becoming a lame-duck PM
• ICT Will Improve Education and Employability in Zimbabwe
IMF Board Takes Up Zimbabwe Case As Harare Seeks to Restore Standing
http://www.voanews.com/
By Jonga Kandemiiri
Washington
04 May 2009
The International Monetary Fund board on Monday examined the case of
Zimbabwe based on a report from an IMF team that visited the country in
March for so-called Article IV consultations on the state of the economy and
government policies.
A report issued by that team said more than 70 percent of Zimbabweans are
still in need of food aid amid an "uncertain" economic outlook for the
country. It says Zimbabwe needs at least $200 million in budgetary support
and at least another $200 million for humanitarian relief in the areas of
food aid, health, and education.
A statement from the board was awaited late Monday. But the panel seemed
likely at least to put its stamp of approval on technical support for
Zimbabwe, proposed by the top IMF official for Africa, as the country takes
initial steps toward recovering full membership.
Zimbabwe's IMF voting rights were suspended in 2003 over the non-payment of
arrears. The institution had cut off economic aid in 1999, citing a lack of
political will to reform.
Zimbabwe owes some US$135 million in debt service arrears to the IMF.
Economist Prosper Chitambara of the Labor and Economic Development Research
Institute of Zimbabwe told VOA reporter Jonga Kandemiiri that he doesn't see
Zimbabwe recovering its membership quite yet because it still has
substantial arrears to the fund.
________________________________________
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Zimbabwe Education Minister, Backed by Donors, Fends Off Teacher Strike
http://www.voanews.com/
By Patience Rusere
Washington
04 May 2009
Zimbabwean Education Minister David Coltart on Monday staved off a strike by
teachers on the eve of a new school term with help from international donors
including the United Nations Children's Fund, which promised to appeal for
funding for underpaid instructors.
Officials of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association had threatened to launch a
new strike if the government did not review the monthly US$100 paid to
teachers like other civil servants.
When introduced in March by the unity government installed in mid-February,
the sum was intended to be a supplement to public service salaries paid in
Zimbabwean dollars. But the government has since abandoned all use of the
worthless national currency.
Coltart said UNICEF promised to launch an appeal by month's end through the
office of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for funds to help increase
Zimbabwean teacher salaries.
The meeting was attended by European Union and Swedish Development Agency
officials who said they wanted to help but as a matter of policy were
monitoring political conditions.
Coltart told told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe
that he has a five-point plan to rescue the education sector, but warned the
initiative is only short-term.
Secretary General Richard Gundani of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association said
his members were touched by the good will demonstrated by the education
minister and international donors and would review the situation at a later
date.
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Zimbabwe's economy and business slowly pick up
http://www.moneyweb.co.za
Where shop shelves were virtually empty last year, stock levels have
significantly improved.
Tawanda Karombo
05 May 2009 03:09
Harare - Business and the economy at large in Zimbabwe is beginning to pick
up - as evidenced by improved availability of goods and commodities on shop
shelves and the firming in value of foreign currency in the country.
Yet the local currency, having been suspended for at least a year, will not
be used any time soon until industrial capacity utilization reaches 60%.
At the moment, latest statistics show, industrial capacity and utilization
has meagerly climbed to 20 percent as funding for the economic turnaround is
still not yet forthcoming because of the political stalemate.
Zimbabwe's economy, which has stagnated at a record low over the past eight
years, has slowly come to life after Zimbabwe's long standing President
Robert Mugabe and arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai of the opposition Movement
for Democratic Change formed a coalition government.
And now, barely three months after the unity government became functional,
the economy and business are showing improvements.
"While people were skeptical of the unity government, things do appear to be
falling into shape and confidence in the economic sector of the country is
beginning to pick up," said Jeffrey Kasirori, an economic and research
analyst with a local bank.
Where shop shelves were virtually empty last year, stock levels have
significantly improved.
"You will notice that all supermarkets are fully stocked at the moment as a
result of the lifting of pricing and other controls by the government," said
a spokesperson at the Zimbabwe Retailers Association (ZRA).
Zimbabwe's Consumer Price Index showed inflation at 94, 6% compared to last
year whilst prices dropped over 3% in the last month. The South African Rand
and the United States Dollar have firmed up in value and competition amongst
businesses is driving the downward trend in prices of goods and commodities.
This month, the country's Central Statistics Company (CSO) said Zimbabwe's
monthly inflation (the consumer price index) fell to minus 3.1 percent in
February after the government allowed the use of multiple currencies.
Economic commentators in Zimbabwe say the best is yet to come as the country
has the potential to overtake several countries in the Southern African
region as a leading economy.
But this, they say, will not happen any time soon and until aid in financial
assistance flows Zimbabwe's way.
And with the leaders in Zimbabwe's inclusive government still dead-locked in
some aspects, the little economic gains that have been notched up until now
might disintegrate.
Both the country's Industrial and Mining indices rose by healthy margins.
However Stock Exchange trading volumes are still small and investor
confidence remains low and this is expected to continue until there are
definite signs of economic stability.
Despite all this negativity, international investors are waiting by the
sidelines to enter into Zimbabwe. The latest being MTN which, as reported by
South African media yesterday is mulling plans to enter into Zimbabwe.
South Africa's African Rainbow Minerals is also sizing up its options for
entry into Zimbabwe; hence the Patrice Motsepe headed minerals firm has
registered a company in Zimbabwe.
The mining sector has over the past couple of weeks witnessed some good
developments as several mines that had shut down resumed operations.
Businesses continue to be constrained by the lack of cash and funding from
financial institutions whilst fierce competition reduces profit margins.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF's) Africa Department Director,
Antoinette Sayeh highlighted that recent actions taken by the inclusive
government were 'encouraging'.
She said in a statement: "It's the context in which we think there is a
window of opportunity in Zimbabwe that is worthy of support by the
international community."
The regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) has promised to
help neighbor Zimbabwe raise $US2bn required to bring back the economy on
its feet trade partners SA and Botswana pledging credit lines and budget
support of $800m and $70m respectively.
The funding to date, which includes $200m from SADC and another $200m from
the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, is intended to meet
urgent working capital requirements for local companies, but is a drop in
the ocean of need.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who has clashed with central bank governor
Gideon Gono over economic policies, has predicted inflation will fall to 10%
by the end of 2009.
Of Late, the country's central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has been
rocked by scandals after a unity government probe into operations of the
central bank unearthed startling revelations of graft at the institution,
forcing senior management officials to flee the long arm of the law.
The probe into the operations of the central bank in the past few years
comes at a time when Zimbabwe's coalition government is trying to bring the
country's devastated economy back on its feet following years of
mismanagement and ill conceived policies of political expediency by the
Mugabe government.
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Malawi to export maize to Zimbabwe, Goodall confirms
Nyasa Times/AfricaNhttp://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/
Tuesday, 05 May 2009
Richard Chirombo
Malawi could this year export the stable food, maize, to Zimbabwe
again following Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security indications of
another bumper harvest, Malawi's Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe has hinted.
The country has for the third year running registered another pumper
maize harvest at 3.661 million tonnes- representing more than 1.461 million
tonnes of excess requirement. Malawians need 2.2 million tonnes to satisfy
their domestic maize requirement.
Agriculture and Food Security Principal Secretary, Andrew Daudi, has
attributed such excessive production to the subsidized fertilizer programme
and increased use of organic fertilizers by farmers.
Gondwe said Malawi would be duty-bound to export some of the maize
excess to domestic requirements to Zimbabwe, where he said another hunger
situation looms this year following poor harvests.
Zimbabwe, like Malawi, is a member state of the Southern African
Development Community (Sadc), which compels it and other member states to be
the first line of call to fellow members in cases of national calamities
including hunger.
"It is a very positive thing, and shows how committed this
administration has been in many areas including economic development and
food security. This year, we have again produced some hamper maize harvest
part of which we may export to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has not harvested enough
this year," said Gondwe.
The Finance Minister did not elaborate on the actual figures that
could be exported.
Analysts have linked the persistent food shortages in Zimbabwe to the
seizure of white owned farms, a development they cite for leading to
decreased crop productivity. The situation has prompted the World Food
Programme to initiate various interventions in the bid to save people from
starvation.
In a related development, Gondwe revealed that government was in the
process of establishing a public food storage company whose main goal would
be to provide extra space for crop storage.
Gondwe said, under the arrangement, people would be able to deposit
their maize and other crops at the storage facilities for safe keeping,
after which they will be getting a receipt.
"They will, then, be able to use the receipts (as evidence of property
ownership) as collateral with commercial banks. But we are still discussing
the modalities, which are at an advanced stage, and will announce the
modalities later," said Gondwe.
This follows concerns from some quarters, including the Council for
Non-Governmental Organisation (Congoma) and the Malawi Economic Justice
Network, who want the country to invest in food storage mechanisms because
pumper crop yields end up rotting due to inadequate and poor storage
facilities
Congoma's Executive Director, Ted Nandolo, for instance, claims that
over half of last year's bumper maize yield got lost through rotting, or
couldn't be properly stored due to lack of space and ended up catching
moisture.
"We really feel that we need to invest in storage facilities for us to
be able to retain our maize crop harvests. This problem creates problems for
people and could be responsible for the reports of hunger we get from
various communities when government maintains we still have maize stocks,"
queried Nandolo.
ews
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Press Expert Will Discuss Giving Local Media a Voice
(May 6 global webchat with Internews Network president David Hoffman) (235)
How can local media across the world ensure that the public is receiving the information it needs? Please join David Hoffman on May 6 at noon EDT (16:00 GMT) as he discusses the need for independent journalism in order to raise public awareness on pressing global issues.
David Hoffman is the president of Internews Network, a global nonprofit organization that fosters independent media and access to information worldwide. Co-founded by Hoffman in 1982, Internews Network has worked in 70 countries and currently has offices in 23 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. Hoffman has written about media and democracy, as well as the Internet, and his articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and more. He has also testified before U.S. House and Senate committees on issues of press freedom and access to information.
If you would like to participate in this global webchat, please go to http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/journalism/. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program.
The transcript of this webchat will be available on America.gov's webchat page ( http://www.america.gov/multimedia/askamerica.html ), where information about upcoming webchats is also available.
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://www.america.gov)
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Throwing good money after bad
http://www.mg.co.za/
JASON MOYO - May 05 2009 06:00
US ambassador to Zimbabwe James McGee slams Zanu-PF for their continued mismanagement during the move to a unity government
What must happen before you can extend development aid to Zimbabwe?
We want to see a government that can take care of its own people. Zimbabwe is a very rich country, with abundant natural resources and excellent human resources. They've all been squandered and they continue to be.
We want to see all the Government of National Unity partners observing the letter of the agreement. That means improvements in the rule of law, which is not happening. Farm invasions are continuing; in fact, two farm workers were shot by police two days ago -- two black farm workers trying to make a living. Now what kind of rule of law is that? You're told by one group of authorities you can return to the farm and you're shot by another set of authorities.
We're pleased by a return to a market economy. [Finance Minister Tendai] Biti is doing a great job trying to figure out where the revenue streams are, cutting back the quasi-fiscal activities assumed by the Central Bank and trying to pay civil servants an allowance. These are positive things, but we need to see more.
Do you think the MDC has enough clout in government to push for more reforms?
Zanu-PF controls the Central Bank and the security apparatus, and that's very important. The MDC controls Parliament, finance and local governments. Zanu-PF still has the ability to say "we will do what we want", and there's nothing the MDC can do about it. This is where I talk about the lack of political will. And what can the MDC do about it? Their options are limited.
There have been various reports, the most recent by the International Crisis Group, that Zimbabwe could slide into anarchy without international support. Shouldn't you support this government?
We've put $1.5-billion into Zimbabwe since 2000 and donor countries combined have brought in a total of $5-billion. In the last year alone the US gave $250-million to Zimbabwe and we want to increase that funding this year. So it's not fair to say the US is not doing enough to assist Zimbabwe. We are doing a hell of a lot. At some point Zimbabweans are going to have to say, "This is our country, we're going to do what's right for it." It's not the US taxpayer's responsibility to take care of Zimbabwe. We're more than happy to assist, but Zimbabweans are going to have to take care of themselves.
The government wants the US to lift sanctions, especially the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, which prevents Zimbabwe from accessing aid from international financiers.
Even if we voted for Zimbabwe in the major international finance agencies, such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the African Development Bank, Zimbabwe still cannot access any assistance from these institutions until it pays back its arrears. What the government of Zimbabwe doesn't want you to know is they owe these institutions $1.5-billion. Why would these institutions extend money to a debtor that won't repay its debt?
Do you have confidence in the reserve bank?
Just yesterday, [bank governor] Gideon Gono said it himself: "I stole, I didn't take, I stole money from NGOs, I stole money from private accounts that I used to keep this government going." We don't know what that means, "to keep this government going", do we? But what we do know is he stole money that wasn't his. So, if you have that kind of operation, how can you trust this government?
We will never put money where it can be taken by the Central Bank. As the steward of American funds coming into Zimbabwe, I would be a fool to allow this administration to lay its hands on it.
How much contact do you have with Zanu-PF?
A lot has been said about Jim McGee playing golf with Morgan Tsvangirai. But I have relationships with senior Zanu-PF officials. Just this last week I was playing golf with two senior Zanu-PF figures. And if you keep your eyes open in early May you might see two Zanu-PF ministers, Morgan and Jim McGee, playing golf together in a charity tournament.
Everybody wants to talk about lifting sanctions and I keep asking why we should lift individual sanctions? They say "we need to go to the US to lobby". To lobby for what? If you have something to say, that's my job. I am the president's representative here.
The US has lifted travel warnings on Zimbabwe and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has congratulated Zimbabwe on steps taken so far. Is US policy shifting?
I saw a story saying Obama is taking a different direction and that's why I'm leaving. That's not true. The president re-signed the laws that said we will maintain sanctions on Zimbabwe. Is that a different line?Lifting travel warnings does not represent any real change in US position on Zimbabwe.
Where is your next posting after Zimbabwe?
I'm going back to the US military, and my speciality will be Zimbabwe.
What do you mean?
You'll find out.
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Civic groups call for overhaul of Zim's electoral system
http://www.zimonline.co.za
by Andrew Moyo Tuesday 05 May 2009
HARARE - Zimbabwean civic groups have called for an overhaul of the country's
electoral system to minimise conflict, ensure transparency, fairness as well
as wider participation of women and minority groups.
"There is need for a paradigm shift and for Zimbabwe to embrace more
inclusive and participatory electoral systems," a joint report by the
Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) and the Electoral Institute of
Southern African (EISA) released on Monday said.
"These should result in a win-win situation that minimises the occurrence of
electoral conflict and maximises the participation of women and minority
groups, such as the Proportional Representation and the Mixed Electoral
Systems."
The civic groups recommended that an independent impartial body be appointed
to ensure among other things the "professionalisation" of Zimbabwe's
security forces so that they are restrained from taking a partial role in
the country's elections and confine themselves to monitoring peace and
security during the election period.
"There is need for professionalisation of security forces and their role in
elections should be confined to the maintenance of peace," said the
statement, issued after a post-election review conference in Victoria Falls
last week.
"There must be zero tolerance of political violence from any source and law
enforcement agencies must impartially apply the laws criminalising violence
and intimidation."
Zimbabwe's security forces have for long been accused of supporting
President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU PF party during elections and have
been involved in intimidation, abductions and torture of opposition
supporters, giving the veteran leader an unfair advantage over his
adversaries.
More than 100 Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party supporters were
killed and at least another 200 000 displaced in political violence after
last year's presidential and parliamentary elections in which the opposition
party and its leader Morgan Tsvangirai defeated Mugabe and ZANU PF.
Tsvangirai, whose victory fell short of the margin required to take power,
pulled out of a June 27 presidential run-off election because of political
violence blamed on Mugabe's supporters and security forces.
EISA and ZESN called for an end to abuse of state resources to campaign for
a political party and urged openness in the financing of political parties.
"Abuse of state resources for party political purposes should be prohibited.
The election management body should undertake a comprehensive overhaul of
the voters' roll including an independent audit of the roll. The financing
of political parties should be revisited to ensure equity and openness and
funds should be managed by the election management body and not government,"
the joint said.
The two NGOs said with a view to achieving parity in decision-making
institutions in line with the 2008 SADC Protocol on Gender and Development
it was critical that women were empowered to participate fully in elections.
This would also be achieved through the formation of an independent,
non-partisan, transparent, accountable, credible and efficient election
management body appointed in an open and inclusive process.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), which runs the country's elections
was appointed by Mugabe and stands accused of bias, manipulation of
electoral processes such as voter registration, custody and maintenance of
the voters' roll.
ZEC has also courted controversy in the way it makes its invitations and
accreditations of foreign and local observers, which ZESN and EISA say
should be done by the impartial election management body.
The NGOs also recommended that voter education should be a comprehensive and
continuous exercise that involves the election management body, political
parties and civic organisations without any unreasonable restrictions.
They added that media laws should be reformed to ensure media freedom, media
pluralism, diversity and access to information. There must also be
unfettered and equitable access to the media by all political parties.
"There is an immediate need to transform the state media into a truly public
media. Special voting should be conducted in a manner that ensures secrecy,
integrity, inclusively and transparency. The entire results management
process should be transparent and should be clearly defined in the relevant
legislation such as including a constitutional provision setting a deadline
for the announcement of results," the statement added.
They said electoral conflict management mechanisms should be further
enhanced to make them more effective. - ZimOnline
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Church briefs PM on chaos besetting Harare diocese
http://www.zimonline.co.za
by Nokuthula Sibanda and Patricia Mpofu Tuesday 05 May 2009
HARARE - The Anglican on Monday briefed Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on
the chaos currently besetting the church in Zimbabwe in which
ex-communicated Bishop Nolbert Kunonga is allegedly clinging to the church's
financial books and properties.
The regional synod, officially known as the Church of the Province of
Central Africa (CPCA) and comprising Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe
dioceses, told Tsvangirai that Kunonga was no longer a bishop or member of
the Anglican church as he had been ex-communicated after deciding to
withdraw from the church together with Manicaland Bishop Elson Jakazi, a
former army chaplain.
Albert Chama, a Zambian bishop who led the delegation that held discussions
with Tsvangirai, told journalists at a press conference that the meeting
with the Prime Minister was also meant to convey the church's condolence
message in the wake of the death of Susan Tsvangirai and nephew Shaun
Tsvangirai.
"We came here to pay our condolences to the Prime Minister after the two
tragic deaths in his family," said Chama.
"We also used the opportunity for the Prime Minister to hear from the horse's
mouth what is happening in the Anglican church in Zimbabwe where Kunonga and
Jakazi are clinging to church property."
The Anglican Church in Zimbabwe has been embroiled in controversy over the
control of the church's properties and finances, amid allegations that
Kunonga was illegally occupying the properties as well having access to the
church's funds.
"It was a good opportunity to brief him especially on our two friends that
have left the church," he said.
Tsvangirai spokesman, James Maridadi, confirmed the meting with the Anglican
bishops.
"They came to pay their condolences and discussed other issues to do with
that church in Zimbabwe," said Maridadi.
Meanwhile Bishop Sebastian Bakare who has been running the rift-ridden
church diocese is resigning from the group, and will be replaced by Chad
Gandiya.
An assembly of the Anglican Church on Saturday elected Right Reverend
Gandiya to replace retired Bishop Bakare.
Gandiya who is currently in England would be ordained the substantive Bishop
of the Harare diocese on July 25.
Bakare, who has been at the helm of the Harare diocese over the past two
years, was appointed following the decision by Kunonga to pull out of the
church claiming that the CPCA condoned homosexuality.
"As a bishop I am passing on the responsibility," Bakare said at a press
conference.
"I was here on a caretaker basis, I was here because of Kunonga's behaviour.
I was a shepherd looking after its sheep."
During his tenure, Bakare administered a divided congregation, which critics
blamed on political interference in support of Kunonga who always had police
protection, although he had no meaningful support.
"Kunonga doesn't even exist in these churches, he claims to have people.
Riot police at times threw teargas at several of our churches such St Faith,
Budiririo and others. It was so serious that they got to the extent of
trying to use live ammunition," Bakare said.
Last month, Bakare and Kunonga were summoned to a meeting by Home Affairs
co-Ministers Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutseyekwa in a futile bid to find a
solution to the problems. - ZimOnline
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Mugabe keeping eye on the chronometer while delaying resolution of outstanding issues
http://www.hararetribune.com
Monday, 04 May 2009 20:29 George Chirikure
The outstanding issues are those issues the last SADC Extraordinary Summit
in South Africa acknowledged through its communiqué as key components of the
political settlement in Zimbabwe yet to be resolved.
The three signatories to Global Political Agreement (GPA) namely President
Mugabe, Prime Minister Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara fully
acknowledge as well on the existence of such outstanding issues and need to
resolve them sooner than later.
The issues include the apportionment and appointment of governorship,
permanent secretarial and ambassadorial posts, freeing of political
prisoners and halting what some observers mistakenly refer to as farm
invasions instead of thuggery and criminal activities.
These outstanding issues therefore without doubt form the very basis of the
concept of sharing power within the context of a genuine inclusive
government so as to normalize and stabilize Zimbabwe's political, social and
economic situation.
Few months back there was a cartoon depicting President Mugabe confessing to
a female reporter his ignorance about the meaning of the word "sharing".
Probably if we are to view the SADC leaders and Zimbabwe's three political
principals' open acknowledgement that there are still outstanding issues
then it may be more suiting to further portray President Mugabe's dilly
dallying as a clear confirmation that he also does not understand or know
the meaning of the word "inclusiveness".
During his Independence Day interview President Mugabe tried to demonstrate
his understanding of these terms, but it was obvious to many of us that he
is simply interested in proving to his supporters that he is still much in
charge.
It may be somehow unfair to blame President Mugabe for everything. Prime
Minister Tsvangirai has some responsibilities to take the blame as well.
It is understandable to argue that after the SADC Summit the Prime Minister
Morgan Tsvangirai was forced to refer to outstanding issues as work in
progress inadvertently playing into President Mugabe's power game.
We all remember the fiasco and embarrassment witnessed at the swearing in
ceremony of cabinet ministers in February, when President presented a larger
than previously agreed list of Zanu PF ministers.
Later on Prime Minister Tsvangirai was quoted as having quickly agreed to
let Zanu PF appoint extra ministers of state in exchange for 5 posts of
governors.
To date it is difficult to understand the political logic of this high
propensity to make quick concessions and nodding on the part of MDC
leadership when dealing with a person of Mugabe's character.
Common sense would point to a hard trade off there and there, thus ensuring
that is swearing in of governors was supposed to done simultaneously with
ministers of state.
Three months after ministers of state were sworn in, the MDC is still
haggling with Mugabe over things they hurriedly agreed to.
The MDC leaders seem not to learn from experience and now look determined to
use quiet diplomacy to protect Mugabe's open violations of GPA.
They seem more than prepared to give away easily on the face value of Mugabe's
manipulative hyena like concessionary skills.
Off course Mugabe knows fully well his responsibilities both in the context
of GPA and as an under fire Zanu PF leader.
He clearly understands the expectations of his SADC and AU colleagues and
that of the international community, but he seems for now obliged to test
the intelligence and temerity of his GPA partners.
We can not deny the painful fact that Mugabe has the political upper hand in
terms of both power and human wisdom to outwit his former foes at each turn.
Thus for the time being, Mugabe is monitoring his watch, because he knows
that SADC Summit set six months as the time to evaluate the viability of the
inclusive government.
Mugabe has been good at playing patience game with SADC leaders, making some
concessions at breaking point.
For example the formation of the inclusive government was only made possible
at the eleventh hour because Mugabe did not want SADC to go to the last AU
Summit empty handed or the UN Security Council impose wholesome sanctions.
Everything had looked like in the event there was no SADC solution the AU
was going to take over, something Mugabe did not want to see happen.
Having said all this there is real possibility that Mugabe shall finally
concede on many of the outstanding issues few weeks to the end of the six
month period.
Remember there is still the issue of the allocation of powerful ministries
which is subject to further review as such Mugabe will not want to see the
MDC using lack of progress on these relatively less important issues as
enough proof of his insincerity.
George Chirikure is a Senior Political Analyst at GMRI CAPITAL. He can be
reached at george@gmricapital.com
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JAG - farm situations communique - dated 4th May 2009
Email: jag@mango.zw : justiceforagriculture@zol.co.zw
JAG Hotlines: +263 (011) 610 073, +263 (04) 799410. If you are in
trouble or need advice, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're here
to help!
To subscribe/unsubscribe to the JAG mailing list, please email:
jag@mango.zw with subject line "subscribe" or
"unsubscribe".
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The latest update on Karori Farm Headlands and Charles Lock
2. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Ref. BLOOD MANGOES:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The latest update on Karori Farm Headlands and Charles Lock
The situation is still tense on the farm with any number from 4 to 10
soldiers occupying the farm under the orders of Brigadier General
Mujaji. All the papers to have Mujaji arrested for contempt and for the
removal of the soldiers from the farm have been served on the relevant
people including the Police Head Quarters.
Police Head Quarters insist that they have given the order to the PROPOL
and DISPOL to have the orders enacted however the DISPOL on the ground
have told us they cannot enact the order unless it is given in writing by
the PROPOL, who refuse to do this. The DISPOL phoned Brigadier Mujaji
and told him to remove the soldiers but instead where threatened by
Mujaji if they attempted to do so.
It is now clear the Police have become part of the problem in not
recognising any Court order.
We have received a number of reports from various sources that one of the
soldiers on the ground at the farm has a directive to ensure that Lock is
killed should he pitch up to the farm. The hit is to be made to look
like an accident such as a bungled robbery, or car accident.
The soldiers remain armed some with hand guns and their presence there
can only be construed as sinister as the crops and equipment belong to
Lock who has been acquitted of unlawful occupation and any attempt to
take these is straight theft. If the State is attempting to acquire the
land through the Courts then how can it allow the army to be used as the
personal instrument of Mujaji to force this issue. Who is the law here.
The farm has already lost over US$100,000 in lost tobacco as a result of
stoppages caused by Mujaji's soldiers on the ground.
The land was allocated in 2004 legally and through the correct forums of
the land programme, however Mujaji insists that his Offer letter issued
by Mutasa in 2007 gives him the right to ignore this and take the land by
force despite numerous High Court orders to the contrary.
Obviously Lock is now concerned about his personal safety especially as
the Police refuse to act on Court Orders from the Highest Court in the
land which would effectively ensure his safety.
Regards
Charles Lock
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Ref. BLOOD MANGOES:
Please be advised that all mangoes that are currently being sold around
Zimbabwe are a late variety called Keitt and that there is only one farm
with that variety left hanging on the trees in Southern Africa. This is
Mount Carmel Farm in Chegutu belonging to Mike Campbell.
On the 3 April 2009 Mike Campbell's farm was invaded by agents of Nathan
Shamuyarira. On that date, Mr. Campbell still had approximately 170 tons
of these mangoes left to harvest. Since that date he has been unable to
reap a single mango despite being protected by his SADC Tribunal
Judgement and a High Court Order on the 20 April 2009. Every mango being
sold today anywhere in Zimbabwe is consequently a stolen mango.
Mr. Shamuyariras agents have beaten up Mr. Campbell's workers including
fracturing one of the workers skulls. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been
evicted their home and can not get near any of their crops. By buying
these mangoes you are supporting violence, lawlessness and theft. Please
desist from doing so.
All supermarkets with mangoes should please stop all payments to their
suppliers and contact Bruce Campbell on 0912 115485. All people see
mangoes for sale should please protest to the sellers that they are
dealing in stolen property.
Thank you.
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Tsvangirai becoming a lame-duck PM
http://www.thezimbabwetimes.com/?p=16218
May 5, 2009
By Our Correspondent
HARARE - Sources in the government of national unity's corridors of power
say evidence is mounting that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has become a
lame duck Premier, struggling to assert his authority in Zimbabwe's troubled
three month-old inclusive government.
They say Tsvangirai now displays signs of reluctance to tackle an
increasingly intransigent President Mugabe head-on even behind closed doors.
It was not possible to establish whether this was a political strategy or
plain fear to confront the recalcitrant octogenarian leader.
It has emerged that it is actually deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara
who is emerging as the dark horse of the coalition government, often calling
an errant Mugabe to order, especially in behind closed door meetings. It is
also Mutambara who is demanding finality to outstanding issues much to the
annoyance of Mugabe.
Official sources say Tsvangirai hardly challenges Mugabe in Cabinet or other
meetings and his approach to molly-coddle the recalcitrant President is
increasingly causing despondency among his top lieutenants.
Sources say Mutambara is actually emerging as the real thorn in Mugabe's
flesh.
In the stormy April 28 cabinet meeting, it is Mutambara who charged at
Mugabe after he attempted to throw out a motion by Finance Tendai Biti to
discuss the controversial issue of auditing the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Apparently Tsvangirai sat through cabinet meeting quietly as Mugabe tried to
play headmaster, according to one source. It was the bombastic intervention
of Mutambara that forced cabinet to put the matter on the agenda.
Mutambara is said to have confronted Mugabe, telling him that "that is your
opinion; there are many opinions in this room; that is why it's an inclusive
government".
Sources within the MDC suggest Tsvangirai may have returned to work too soon
after the burial of his spouse, Susan, saying he should perhaps have taken a
longer compassionate leave to enable him to cope with the devastating loss
of his wife of 31 years and the subsequent death of his grandson, Sean.
Sources close to the Prime Minister claim the second tragedy emotionally
devastated him, perhaps, even more than the death of his wife.
"Maybe he needs more rest," said a senior MDC official requesting anonymity.
"What we are seeing now is not the real Save we know. He has changed and we
are wondering whether it's a strategy not to be confrontational."
"Save" (pronounced Sah-vey with a soft "v") is Tsvangirai's totem. He is
affectionately called by his totem in MDC circles.
And, it would also seem Tsvangirai has also become somewhat desperate to
convince a skeptical international community that Mugabe is no longer a
problem in a desperate attempt to persuade the same international community
to unlock crucially needed financial assistance. Already he has made two
disingenuous statements that have sparked controversy, apparently attempting
to put spin to his difficult relationship with Mugabe.
"We respect each other, although we may disagree," Tsvangirai told bemused
supporters in Chinhoyi two Saturdays back. "There's nothing Mugabe does
without me approving and there is nothing I do without him approving."
But there are a number of moves that Mugabe has made apparently without any
consultation with the Prime Minister - the continuing land seizures, the
continued incarceration of Tsvangirai's former personal aide Gandhi
Mudzingwa, the contemptuous refusal by Mugabe to swear-in Roy Bennett,
Tsvangirai's choice for deputy Agriculture Minister.
Mugabe has also refused to address a host of other outstanding issues such
as his unilateral appointment of discredited Reserve Bank governor Gideon
Gono and that of politically biased Attorney General Johannes Tomana. Mugabe
is also refusing to sign into law the National Security Council Bill, giving
his Joint Operations Command carte blanche to continue to plot against the
MDC.
The National Security Council is expected to replace the JOC, but has not
met since Parliament passed the law constituting it on February 10.
Mugabe has, in fact, deliberately undermined the Prime Minister at every
turn. He has shown clear contempt and disdain for him and openly treats him
as a junior partner.
Tsvangirai nevertheless insists he is an equal partner in the inclusive
government.
Sources in government say Mutambara, who is less diplomatic with Mugabe,
despite earlier perceptions that he was a lackey of the President, has
actually asserted his authority and Mugabe is increasingly getting alarmed
with Mutambara's hostile attitude.
Initially Mutambara led Mugabe to believe he was his ally.
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ICT Will Improve Education and Employability in Zimbabwe
Chris Dube is a reader in Information Systems and Computing. He is a PhD student in ICT and E-learning in the UK.
In the mid 90’s Zimbabwean government prioritized education and became envy of Africa with highest education standards in the continent. Today, it is a nation characteristic of unending university closures and perpetual striking teachers. Zimbabwe government of national unity together with its educationists and academics should start moving towards an approach of recognising, developing and rewarding talents to those who have been affected by the previous poor education system. This is the time to empower the talent of every member of society, regardless of background, beliefs or education. Empowering the talent in this case will simply mean to provide free and fair Information and Communications Technology (ICT) opportunities to every Tom, Dick and brother Harry. The new government has to ensure our learners get the best ICT training possible to fulfil employers’ requirements especially during this looming global recession. There is currently no robust strategy to address this issue, not that I know of, which is why our children suffered consequences of long stay away by teachers as well as other constraints like lack of transport. If there was plan B in place, like E-learning and ICT, no examination was going to be postponed hence no academic year was going to be lost. E-learning and ICT would have played a pivotal role in filling up these skills gaps and shortages.
ICT will recognise and develop required global technical standards and qualifications for the work force in our ever advancing technology. This will in turn generate benefits for employers and other stakeholders, such as giving the workforce externally recognized credibility and esteem, responsibilities and competencies. ICT allows people to enhance their skills or learn new ones. It would be ideal to begin these skills at primary education to secondary up to universities and from independent training providers to colleges, community centres and Libraries or Learning Resource Centres. Thus it is essential and beneficial to inspire a positive ICT attitude towards them at a younger age.
Therefore on that note, ICT education should not be a special kind of activity that happens from time to time, but a ubiquitous feature of life.
A few weeks ago the Honourable Zimbabwe ICT Minister talked of digitalizing Zimbabwean communities by developing a country website ‘in order to put Zimbabwe back on the world map’. Apparently, for all we know every single person in this planet has seen Zimbabwe ‘on the world map’. Why swallow before chewing? This article serves to remind our honourable Minister that as far as ICT is concerned, we have some way to go before we can claim to walk the talk.
Taking ICT qualification as its starting point, education will be really meaningful and serving its purpose of preparing young people with skills and knowledge for work. What they learn for one purpose can be deployed in another. What they will learn in ICT will be deployed in other subjects, like doing a Power Point presentation of the ‘causes and effects of Chimurenga War’ in History. The same power point skills will be deployed in the work place. They will be able to produce a globally recognised Shona or Ndebele dissertation or thesis in word document. They will integrate and interact with each other on intranets and blackboards as and when they want to.
However, this government of national unity will have to lead by example and exercise readiness to change. There is an urgent need for publicly funded ICT education and training to learners by making them more productive and employable. The best programmes could well start at schools, colleges, universities and training centres. ICT specialists and consultants should be allowed partnership with the entire education curriculum. These will help in improving and re-skilling our schools. Question, are there right people in the right place to nurture flexible skills and ICT talents? In learning to learn, there is need to train trainers and educate educators. It is the government’s obligation to promote ICT training of staff and ensure they become accomplished ICT practitioners. These trainers will identify urgent ICT needs on staff development and work on those needs to provide cohesion.
If the new government was to set an ICT standard to every new teacher perhaps the repercussions of moves to put the training and qualifications of teachers, tutors, lecturers, trainers and instructors onto a more professional footing would be minimal. If every new teacher would work towards an ICT Standard Verification endorsed qualification, there would be no need to re-skill or provide professional development. Teachers and trainers should undertake a minimum of 1 year continuing professional ICT development as a prior requirement. But even then, this government has to stand firm on ensuring that erratic power supplies, weak ICT infrastructure, poor educational funding and an absence of experts would be things of the past. Despite ICT’s potential to help meet Zimbabwe’s educational and manpower needs, the above problems will continue robbing the country of a vital chance at improving its stake in the digital economy.
If ICT is to become a key element of Zimbabwean education, the government will need to provide a major program for professional staff development and training. ICT skills are necessary for implementation of ICT in education. The need towards ICT should put special accentuation towards teacher training. This calls for an urgent prepared professional development program to be established to support teachers and lecturers in the effective implementation of ICT. The professional development training required is one that facilitates and ensures that ICT is successfully integrated into the daily routines as well as ensuring that its use will be efficient and effective. This will only be developed with wide consultation. These ICT consultants should be hired to work with education sector to facilitate the adoption of ICT in education.
Teachers and lecturers will be offered training and support through their subject areas alongside that for ICT skills.
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Back to Index
________________________________________
Orchestra Kamanga talks on education, refregration- unedited articles
Why government converted MCDE to CDSS: additional information
By orchestra Kamanga
Commenting on the importance of Open Secondary school, one of the students of Blantyre Secondary School, (BSS) Great Nyasulu said Open secondary school allows working people to upgrade their qualifications.
Nyasulu who is also a teacher at No 1 Private Secondary School at Ndirande, Blantyre said Conventional secondary school is expensive compared to Open.
“We pay only K2500 at Open Secondary School while at Conventional Students pay K4500,” he said, adding that Open helps the poor to further their education.
Concurring with Nyasulu sentiment is a 19 year –old Sarah Shalon- Nkhoma who is form 4 at Blantyre Open Secondary School saying drop-out students can go back to school including those married ones.
“The open Secondary school allows those married to further their education even studying at their homes and it was not difficult for conventional schools to allow married ones.
There are over 115 Open Secodary schools I the country which include, Chitipa Secondary school, Nkhata-bay Secondary school, Thyolo Secondary school, Malindi Seconadry School , Nkhota-kota Seconadry school to mention but a few.
Importance of refrigeration and Air conditioning: additional information
By Orchestra Kamanga
The Deputy Principal for Soche Technical College in Blantyre, Humphreys Liwambano said his College was not yet offering refrigeration and Air condition course but will be introduced next, January 2010 to train technicians in the field saying it was in a high demand in shops, Game stores, hospitals, companies among others.
He said the College had received equipment from Lilongwe Technical College which was donated by Indian government to train technician’s students on refrigeration and air conditioning.
“Government has only three Colleges which train expert in this field which include, Soche Technical College, Lilongwe Technical College and Zomba Works Training centre and other are Private institutions,” he said.
Most technicians are not well qualified as they are few train colleges and companies depend on job-training.
Equipments received from Lilongwe Technical College for the training include refrigeration gases, oil, Air conditioner, gas cylinders, compressors, absolution refrigeration, thermometers to mention but a few.
The course is one year for Certificate and two years for diploma in refrigeration and Air conditioning examined by City and guilds.
By orchestra Kamanga
Commenting on the importance of Open Secondary school, one of the students of Blantyre Secondary School, (BSS) Great Nyasulu said Open secondary school allows working people to upgrade their qualifications.
Nyasulu who is also a teacher at No 1 Private Secondary School at Ndirande, Blantyre said Conventional secondary school is expensive compared to Open.
“We pay only K2500 at Open Secondary School while at Conventional Students pay K4500,” he said, adding that Open helps the poor to further their education.
Concurring with Nyasulu sentiment is a 19 year –old Sarah Shalon- Nkhoma who is form 4 at Blantyre Open Secondary School saying drop-out students can go back to school including those married ones.
“The open Secondary school allows those married to further their education even studying at their homes and it was not difficult for conventional schools to allow married ones.
There are over 115 Open Secodary schools I the country which include, Chitipa Secondary school, Nkhata-bay Secondary school, Thyolo Secondary school, Malindi Seconadry School , Nkhota-kota Seconadry school to mention but a few.
Importance of refrigeration and Air conditioning: additional information
By Orchestra Kamanga
The Deputy Principal for Soche Technical College in Blantyre, Humphreys Liwambano said his College was not yet offering refrigeration and Air condition course but will be introduced next, January 2010 to train technicians in the field saying it was in a high demand in shops, Game stores, hospitals, companies among others.
He said the College had received equipment from Lilongwe Technical College which was donated by Indian government to train technician’s students on refrigeration and air conditioning.
“Government has only three Colleges which train expert in this field which include, Soche Technical College, Lilongwe Technical College and Zomba Works Training centre and other are Private institutions,” he said.
Most technicians are not well qualified as they are few train colleges and companies depend on job-training.
Equipments received from Lilongwe Technical College for the training include refrigeration gases, oil, Air conditioner, gas cylinders, compressors, absolution refrigeration, thermometers to mention but a few.
The course is one year for Certificate and two years for diploma in refrigeration and Air conditioning examined by City and guilds.
Review: Malawi to export maize to Zimbabwe, Goodall confirms
Nyasa Times/AfricaNhttp://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/
Tuesday, 05 May 2009
Richard Chirombo
Malawi could this year export the stable food, maize, to Zimbabwe
again following Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security indications of
another bumper harvest, Malawi's Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe has hinted.
The country has for the third year running registered another pumper
maize harvest at 3.661 million tonnes- representing more than 1.461 million
tonnes of excess requirement. Malawians need 2.2 million tonnes to satisfy
their domestic maize requirement.
Agriculture and Food Security Principal Secretary, Andrew Daudi, has
attributed such excessive production to the subsidized fertilizer programme
and increased use of organic fertilizers by farmers.
Gondwe said Malawi would be duty-bound to export some of the maize
excess to domestic requirements to Zimbabwe, where he said another hunger
situation looms this year following poor harvests.
Zimbabwe, like Malawi, is a member state of the Southern African
Development Community (Sadc), which compels it and other member states to be
the first line of call to fellow members in cases of national calamities
including hunger.
"It is a very positive thing, and shows how committed this
administration has been in many areas including economic development and
food security. This year, we have again produced some hamper maize harvest
part of which we may export to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has not harvested enough
this year," said Gondwe.
The Finance Minister did not elaborate on the actual figures that
could be exported.
Analysts have linked the persistent food shortages in Zimbabwe to the
seizure of white owned farms, a development they cite for leading to
decreased crop productivity. The situation has prompted the World Food
Programme to initiate various interventions in the bid to save people from
starvation.
In a related development, Gondwe revealed that government was in the
process of establishing a public food storage company whose main goal would
be to provide extra space for crop storage.
Gondwe said, under the arrangement, people would be able to deposit
their maize and other crops at the storage facilities for safe keeping,
after which they will be getting a receipt.
"They will, then, be able to use the receipts (as evidence of property
ownership) as collateral with commercial banks. But we are still discussing
the modalities, which are at an advanced stage, and will announce the
modalities later," said Gondwe.
This follows concerns from some quarters, including the Council for
Non-Governmental Organisation (Congoma) and the Malawi Economic Justice
Network, who want the country to invest in food storage mechanisms because
pumper crop yields end up rotting due to inadequate and poor storage
facilities
Congoma's Executive Director, Ted Nandolo, for instance, claims that
over half of last year's bumper maize yield got lost through rotting, or
couldn't be properly stored due to lack of space and ended up catching
moisture.
"We really feel that we need to invest in storage facilities for us to
be able to retain our maize crop harvests. This problem creates problems for
people and could be responsible for the reports of hunger we get from
various communities when government maintains we still have maize stocks,"
queried Nandolo.
ews
________________________________________
Tuesday, 05 May 2009
Richard Chirombo
Malawi could this year export the stable food, maize, to Zimbabwe
again following Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security indications of
another bumper harvest, Malawi's Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe has hinted.
The country has for the third year running registered another pumper
maize harvest at 3.661 million tonnes- representing more than 1.461 million
tonnes of excess requirement. Malawians need 2.2 million tonnes to satisfy
their domestic maize requirement.
Agriculture and Food Security Principal Secretary, Andrew Daudi, has
attributed such excessive production to the subsidized fertilizer programme
and increased use of organic fertilizers by farmers.
Gondwe said Malawi would be duty-bound to export some of the maize
excess to domestic requirements to Zimbabwe, where he said another hunger
situation looms this year following poor harvests.
Zimbabwe, like Malawi, is a member state of the Southern African
Development Community (Sadc), which compels it and other member states to be
the first line of call to fellow members in cases of national calamities
including hunger.
"It is a very positive thing, and shows how committed this
administration has been in many areas including economic development and
food security. This year, we have again produced some hamper maize harvest
part of which we may export to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has not harvested enough
this year," said Gondwe.
The Finance Minister did not elaborate on the actual figures that
could be exported.
Analysts have linked the persistent food shortages in Zimbabwe to the
seizure of white owned farms, a development they cite for leading to
decreased crop productivity. The situation has prompted the World Food
Programme to initiate various interventions in the bid to save people from
starvation.
In a related development, Gondwe revealed that government was in the
process of establishing a public food storage company whose main goal would
be to provide extra space for crop storage.
Gondwe said, under the arrangement, people would be able to deposit
their maize and other crops at the storage facilities for safe keeping,
after which they will be getting a receipt.
"They will, then, be able to use the receipts (as evidence of property
ownership) as collateral with commercial banks. But we are still discussing
the modalities, which are at an advanced stage, and will announce the
modalities later," said Gondwe.
This follows concerns from some quarters, including the Council for
Non-Governmental Organisation (Congoma) and the Malawi Economic Justice
Network, who want the country to invest in food storage mechanisms because
pumper crop yields end up rotting due to inadequate and poor storage
facilities
Congoma's Executive Director, Ted Nandolo, for instance, claims that
over half of last year's bumper maize yield got lost through rotting, or
couldn't be properly stored due to lack of space and ended up catching
moisture.
"We really feel that we need to invest in storage facilities for us to
be able to retain our maize crop harvests. This problem creates problems for
people and could be responsible for the reports of hunger we get from
various communities when government maintains we still have maize stocks,"
queried Nandolo.
ews
________________________________________
Friday, November 27, 2009
Condom use in Malawi
Condom use in Malawi remains well below the levels needed to halt the
spread of HIV and AIDS, but government officials hope the trend could
change quickly, now that religious leaders seem to have softened up on
their decision against general condom use.
Malawi is one of the Southern African Development Community member
state with a high HIV prevalence rate, though government efforts have
helped stabilise the situation to 12 per cent national prevalence
rate.
National AIDS Commission (Nac) Executive Director, Biziwick Mwale,
said the trend was worrisome because HIV and AIDS service
organisations were doing a commendable job in sensitising communities.
"The most worrying factor is that condom use seems to be low in long
term partnerships and marriages. Condom use is just over the 50 per
cent mark, but has never reached 55 per cent,' said Mwale.
The sub-Saharan country distributes 20 million male condoms against
200, 000 female condoms. Only half of these are sold and used.
Female Condom activists hope that increased awareness about FCs could
help reverse the situation.
spread of HIV and AIDS, but government officials hope the trend could
change quickly, now that religious leaders seem to have softened up on
their decision against general condom use.
Malawi is one of the Southern African Development Community member
state with a high HIV prevalence rate, though government efforts have
helped stabilise the situation to 12 per cent national prevalence
rate.
National AIDS Commission (Nac) Executive Director, Biziwick Mwale,
said the trend was worrisome because HIV and AIDS service
organisations were doing a commendable job in sensitising communities.
"The most worrying factor is that condom use seems to be low in long
term partnerships and marriages. Condom use is just over the 50 per
cent mark, but has never reached 55 per cent,' said Mwale.
The sub-Saharan country distributes 20 million male condoms against
200, 000 female condoms. Only half of these are sold and used.
Female Condom activists hope that increased awareness about FCs could
help reverse the situation.
My brief love life
You thought I was lonely?
No, I am satisfied with the love I don't get from Stella!
No, I am satisfied with the love I don't get from Stella!
Nachipanti: mute dosage for human rights activists
Everything, as it moves- now and then, here and there, to and from- makes stops.
A bird, as it flies, stops in one place to make its nest, and in another to rest in its flight. Vapour, though it breathes not, has a place it freezes and rests; somewhere below the blue-some sky.
So, too, with people because, when all that has to be done has been done, they stop and rest. Call it the Natural Law of Exhaustion or Rest, started by some God who is said to have rested after six days of (is it?) tiresome work of creation.
The law applies in Bolero, Rumphi, as it does in Bembeke, Dedza. Ndirande is no exception, though there seems to have resided a man there (Ndirande) who paid no attention to it, or rather residents allege he did not.
Dear reader, here with us, standing on this make-shift stage of recycled paper, is 26 year-old Jack Bandawe. He is our man of the moment, I guess, and comes from Chikumbeni Alinuswe Village , in the area of Traditional Authority Chikowi, Zomba. Ndirande residents allege that he is the famed Nachipanti, a figure they accuse of being behind the brutal killings of female residents.
For a long while, the female community in Ndirande was awash with fear, and patiently waiting for Nachipanti’s restful day, a day the bird that flies so high perches, and the so called energetic man snores in sleep. The day came this month (October), but came with death.
The famed Nachipanti met its fateful day (it was night) at the hands of a humble citizen, Innocent Matewere, who alleges to have seen Bandawe standing in his famed underwear outside a house where one girl lied dead. The girl, who was pronounced dead at the hospital, and two others who sustained serious injuries, is said to have been hit to death by a stone.
Ironically, it is also a stone that brought Bandawe’s long run to a grinding halt. He was hit on the knee, though, and not the head that is said to have been his prized target in victims.
One of the girls who sustained serious injuries is 18 year-old Sheila Twaibu, who later died at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital . She had just sat for the 2009 Junior Certificate of Education Examination at Tafika and Tione Private Secondary School in Blantyre .
Sheila was a hard worker and would often be seen walking from Ndirande, through Nyambadwe, Mbayani to Chemussa- where the school is located- a distance of approximately three kilometers.
She definitely saw a good future before her, and was already planning for next year. Mary Gondwe, one of her school friends, is at pains to understand that Sheila is really gone:
“We sat for exams together. In fact, we were next to each other at Namiwawa Community Day Secondary Scholl where we were sitting for our Cluster examinations. Sheila gave me two of her exercise books and advised me to keep them safe. Her farewell words were: ‘see you next year, in Form Three’.”
Always ambitious and hopeful, that was Sheila to Gondwe. Mary can no longer go through the English or Chichewa notes in those exercise books: how does one read through tears?
At 18 years of age, Sheila can not be said to have lived her whole life. It was cut short.
What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the winter time.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass,
And loses itself in the sunset.
Sheila did not live through her life’s long night; did not finish the warm summer of her life. Her shadow did not run across the whole patch of education-grass she aspired to through in Form Three. Her shadow was forced to disappear before the actual sunset.
The situation is like that time before dawn; too silent to behold. But the most conspicuous silence in this great silence is that from Non-Governmental Organizations and human rights activists.
Where are they when Malawi needs them to break this frightening silence? Just less than five months ago, the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) was in town, preaching against the evils of the death sentence.
HRCC National Coordinator, Mabvuto Bamusi, is a man of records. He was in Town when the human rights consortium briefed various stakeholders on why the country should do away with the death sentence at Protea Ryalls Hotel. Figures of people who got hanged for no sins of their own were presented, not forgetting people’s reactions when, in those cases, it was discovered that the people who were sent to their early graves had nothing to do with the crimes.
Then, as expected, the chairperson came in, to cement what Bamusi had said. Undule Mwakasungula said the death penalty was a violation of human rights, and should not be tolerated in Malawi .
Mwakasungula added that life imprisonment would be the fair remedy, as it accords those on the left hand of the law to retune their lives for the better. What more, they even work for us without pay, eating one meal a day for the rest of their lives!
But, wait a minute. The activists also bashed prison authorities for giving prisoners one meal a day, asking for more meal opportunities at the expense of the tax payer.
“Actually, we are not making a stand against the death penalty,” said Mwakasungula. “We are only sensitizing the public and it’s up to them to choose for themselves.”
What a way of sensitizing the public. Sensitizing while taking sides?
Now these groups are quiet, even after the death of some innocent girls who had ambitions like anybody else. Nobody from the NGOs bought a coffin or helped in any way during the funeral. How can an average family afford all the funeral expenses in recompense for deaths that came so sudden?
Is it because of Southern Region Police spokesperson, Davie Chingwalu? Chingwalu has come out of his shell, telling all and sundry that any human rights activist who comes out in the open and calls for Bandawe’s bail will be questioned, too.
“In fact, lives have been lost and we are continuing with our investigations. So, anyone who comes to us in the name of human rights and bashes us for not giving these suspects bail will be summoned for questioning. We would want to know why?” said Chingwalu.
There is reason, however, and hope coming from former Legal Affairs Committee (Of Parliament) chairperson, Atupele Muluzi. Muluzi reveals that the twin issues of life imprisonment and death penalty may be long from over because, as he says, his committee left a report pertaining to the two issues.
“A public survey we carried out revealed that many people were for the death penalty. They wanted it to remain, and I don’t think things have changed. The report is there,” said Muluzi.
As it is, the Nachipanti has turned out to be a mute-pill for human rights activists and death penalty critics, a riddle they want to solve by keeping quiet. He has also turned out to be a play ground, upon which a battle for and against the death penalty will be fought.
As it is, he is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. But his issue is one that provides an opportunity for debate..
As the debate rages on, stacks and stacks of money are bundled somewhere, ready to be channeled towards anti-death penalty campaigns. Who doesn’t need money? NGOs, especially, have a nasty appetite for cash.
A bird, as it flies, stops in one place to make its nest, and in another to rest in its flight. Vapour, though it breathes not, has a place it freezes and rests; somewhere below the blue-some sky.
So, too, with people because, when all that has to be done has been done, they stop and rest. Call it the Natural Law of Exhaustion or Rest, started by some God who is said to have rested after six days of (is it?) tiresome work of creation.
The law applies in Bolero, Rumphi, as it does in Bembeke, Dedza. Ndirande is no exception, though there seems to have resided a man there (Ndirande) who paid no attention to it, or rather residents allege he did not.
Dear reader, here with us, standing on this make-shift stage of recycled paper, is 26 year-old Jack Bandawe. He is our man of the moment, I guess, and comes from Chikumbeni Alinuswe Village , in the area of Traditional Authority Chikowi, Zomba. Ndirande residents allege that he is the famed Nachipanti, a figure they accuse of being behind the brutal killings of female residents.
For a long while, the female community in Ndirande was awash with fear, and patiently waiting for Nachipanti’s restful day, a day the bird that flies so high perches, and the so called energetic man snores in sleep. The day came this month (October), but came with death.
The famed Nachipanti met its fateful day (it was night) at the hands of a humble citizen, Innocent Matewere, who alleges to have seen Bandawe standing in his famed underwear outside a house where one girl lied dead. The girl, who was pronounced dead at the hospital, and two others who sustained serious injuries, is said to have been hit to death by a stone.
Ironically, it is also a stone that brought Bandawe’s long run to a grinding halt. He was hit on the knee, though, and not the head that is said to have been his prized target in victims.
One of the girls who sustained serious injuries is 18 year-old Sheila Twaibu, who later died at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital . She had just sat for the 2009 Junior Certificate of Education Examination at Tafika and Tione Private Secondary School in Blantyre .
Sheila was a hard worker and would often be seen walking from Ndirande, through Nyambadwe, Mbayani to Chemussa- where the school is located- a distance of approximately three kilometers.
She definitely saw a good future before her, and was already planning for next year. Mary Gondwe, one of her school friends, is at pains to understand that Sheila is really gone:
“We sat for exams together. In fact, we were next to each other at Namiwawa Community Day Secondary Scholl where we were sitting for our Cluster examinations. Sheila gave me two of her exercise books and advised me to keep them safe. Her farewell words were: ‘see you next year, in Form Three’.”
Always ambitious and hopeful, that was Sheila to Gondwe. Mary can no longer go through the English or Chichewa notes in those exercise books: how does one read through tears?
At 18 years of age, Sheila can not be said to have lived her whole life. It was cut short.
What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the winter time.
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass,
And loses itself in the sunset.
Sheila did not live through her life’s long night; did not finish the warm summer of her life. Her shadow did not run across the whole patch of education-grass she aspired to through in Form Three. Her shadow was forced to disappear before the actual sunset.
The situation is like that time before dawn; too silent to behold. But the most conspicuous silence in this great silence is that from Non-Governmental Organizations and human rights activists.
Where are they when Malawi needs them to break this frightening silence? Just less than five months ago, the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) was in town, preaching against the evils of the death sentence.
HRCC National Coordinator, Mabvuto Bamusi, is a man of records. He was in Town when the human rights consortium briefed various stakeholders on why the country should do away with the death sentence at Protea Ryalls Hotel. Figures of people who got hanged for no sins of their own were presented, not forgetting people’s reactions when, in those cases, it was discovered that the people who were sent to their early graves had nothing to do with the crimes.
Then, as expected, the chairperson came in, to cement what Bamusi had said. Undule Mwakasungula said the death penalty was a violation of human rights, and should not be tolerated in Malawi .
Mwakasungula added that life imprisonment would be the fair remedy, as it accords those on the left hand of the law to retune their lives for the better. What more, they even work for us without pay, eating one meal a day for the rest of their lives!
But, wait a minute. The activists also bashed prison authorities for giving prisoners one meal a day, asking for more meal opportunities at the expense of the tax payer.
“Actually, we are not making a stand against the death penalty,” said Mwakasungula. “We are only sensitizing the public and it’s up to them to choose for themselves.”
What a way of sensitizing the public. Sensitizing while taking sides?
Now these groups are quiet, even after the death of some innocent girls who had ambitions like anybody else. Nobody from the NGOs bought a coffin or helped in any way during the funeral. How can an average family afford all the funeral expenses in recompense for deaths that came so sudden?
Is it because of Southern Region Police spokesperson, Davie Chingwalu? Chingwalu has come out of his shell, telling all and sundry that any human rights activist who comes out in the open and calls for Bandawe’s bail will be questioned, too.
“In fact, lives have been lost and we are continuing with our investigations. So, anyone who comes to us in the name of human rights and bashes us for not giving these suspects bail will be summoned for questioning. We would want to know why?” said Chingwalu.
There is reason, however, and hope coming from former Legal Affairs Committee (Of Parliament) chairperson, Atupele Muluzi. Muluzi reveals that the twin issues of life imprisonment and death penalty may be long from over because, as he says, his committee left a report pertaining to the two issues.
“A public survey we carried out revealed that many people were for the death penalty. They wanted it to remain, and I don’t think things have changed. The report is there,” said Muluzi.
As it is, the Nachipanti has turned out to be a mute-pill for human rights activists and death penalty critics, a riddle they want to solve by keeping quiet. He has also turned out to be a play ground, upon which a battle for and against the death penalty will be fought.
As it is, he is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. But his issue is one that provides an opportunity for debate..
As the debate rages on, stacks and stacks of money are bundled somewhere, ready to be channeled towards anti-death penalty campaigns. Who doesn’t need money? NGOs, especially, have a nasty appetite for cash.
Committee to Protect Journalists
CPJ honors press freedom leaders
New York, November 25, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists honored four journalists from Somalia, Tunisia, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka with its 2009 International Press Freedom Awards at a ceremony held Tuesday night. About 800 people attended the benefit dinner, which raised more than $1.3 million. Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international correspondent and a member of the CPJ board, hosted the ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria. Less than 24 hours after the ceremony, CPJ welcomed the release of two foreign journalists kidnapped in Somalia since August 2008, a relief in a week that started with a massacre of journalists in the Philippines, one of the worst ever documented by CPJ.
See an overview video about CPJ shown to hundreds at the dinner.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Meredith Greene Megaw, Communications Manager
email: mgmegaw@cpj.org
Andrew Levinson, Media Officer
Email: alevinson@cpj.org
New York, November 25, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists honored four journalists from Somalia, Tunisia, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka with its 2009 International Press Freedom Awards at a ceremony held Tuesday night. About 800 people attended the benefit dinner, which raised more than $1.3 million. Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international correspondent and a member of the CPJ board, hosted the ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria. Less than 24 hours after the ceremony, CPJ welcomed the release of two foreign journalists kidnapped in Somalia since August 2008, a relief in a week that started with a massacre of journalists in the Philippines, one of the worst ever documented by CPJ.
See an overview video about CPJ shown to hundreds at the dinner.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Meredith Greene Megaw, Communications Manager
email: mgmegaw@cpj.org
Andrew Levinson, Media Officer
Email: alevinson@cpj.org
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, more news from the UK
Government Presents UK Innovation Investment Fund to the City
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Mandelson and Lord Drayson will today address the UK Innovation
Investment Fund Investor Summit and highlight the potential that
exists to invest in technology in the UK. Some of the UK’s leading
technology businesses will be showcasing their leading edge products
at the summit in the City of London.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409018
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Children Schools and Families - 27 Nov 2009 09:15
Kids' case on climate change taken to Copenhagen
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, yesterday received a Children’s Statement on Climate Change from pupils at St. Luke’s Primary School in Newham. The Statement is the result of a nationwide survey asking children and young people what worries them about climate change and how they want the Government to tackle it. 1,500 pupils from across England responded, asking politicians to take action at this year’s Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7CUX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 27 Nov 2009 09:30
Statistical press notice - NHS inpatient and outpatient waiting times figures, 31 October 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following statistics were released today by the Department of Health:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 27 Nov 2009 09:30
NHS inpatient and outpatient waiting activity for the quarter ending 30 September 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following statistics were released today by the Department of Health:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 27 Nov 2009 10:11
Winners of the NHS Leadership Awards 2009 announced
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night at the inaugural NHS Leadership Awards ceremony, eight nominees from across the country were presented with awards recognising great leadership within the NHS.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7DY2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HM Revenue and Customs - 27 Nov 2009 09:33
Practical help for people affected by flooding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT 83/09
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has a special Helpline for anyone
affected by the recent floods, where fast, practical help and advice
is available.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409017
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HM Revenue and Customs - 27 Nov 2009 09:58
New Year Offshore Extension
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT 84/09
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is giving taxpayers with offshore
investments more time to come forward under the New Disclosure
Opportunity (NDO).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409021
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry of Defence - 27 Nov 2009 09:48
More forced marriage protection orders than expected issued in first year
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More people have been protected by Forced Marriage Protection Orders than originally expected in their first year of operation, show figures released yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7DHQ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:18
Child protection line reforms
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protection for vulnerable young people is to be helped by an enhanced nationwide helpline.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7CX4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:26
£9.3m for fish and processing sector
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A £9.3 million funding package has been announced from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), taking the total level of EFF investment for 2009 to more than £25 million.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D3V
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:28
Scottish Ambulance Service Board
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon today announced the re-appointment of a Non-Executive member to the Scottish Ambulance Service Board.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D59
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welsh Assembly Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:30
2009 Farm Incomes Data: A Much Better Year For Welsh Farming
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has welcomed new statistics on farm incomes in Wales, which show an average increase of 18 per cent in the agriculture sector across Wales.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D6M
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welsh Assembly Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:34
Minister launches Christmas campaign to tackle Violence against Women and Domestic Abuse
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Justice and Local Government Minister Dr Brian Gibbons has visited Welsh Women’s Aid to launch the Violence against Women and Domestic Abuse Christmas Publicity campaign.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D9C
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Plus Newsletter
Our weekly round-ups of key government announcements, analysis and researched links to additional documents, consultations, white papers, reports and more
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfWGPlusLanding?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry News
UK government and public sector case studies, white papers, success stories and contract awards
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfIndustryNewsView?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Reports
An in-depth look at current topics that goes beneath the headlines to provide a detailed review of public sector issues & solutions
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfSpecialReports?ReadForm=1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Events
Forthcoming public sector events, conferences and seminars
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-events-1.nsf/wfCalendar?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to end your subscription to Wired-GOV, please use the following link:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-users-1.nsf/wfUnsubscribeAck?ReadForm&uid=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - 27 Nov 2009 10:22
Businesses Benefiting From Early Diagnostic “Health Checks”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More than 95,000 businesses have benefited from a Business Link
“Health Check”, helping them to limit the impact of the economic
downturn, Business Minister Lord Davies announced today.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409010
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - 27 Nov 2009 10:42
Former Trawlermen Net Compensation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson will today make the first
compensation payments under the new scheme for former Icelandic-water
trawlermen who lost their livelihoods following the Cod Wars of the 1970s.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409027
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Children Schools and Families - 27 Nov 2009 10:23
Securing the schools system for the future - Ed Balls
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls yesterday called for a new drive in schools and local authorities to invest public money effectively, while securing frontline services post-2011.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7E7W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 10:19
Response to Local Authority Housing Statistics, England: 2008-09
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement by Housing Minister John Healey MP in response to the Local Authority Housing Statistics for England, 2008-09 (see link, top right):
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7E55
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 10:37
John Healey: Further funding for more houses to help tackle waiting lists
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing Minister John Healey yesterday announced that in October he confirmed the release of a further £290m that should build almost 5,500 affordable homes across the country, helping to tackle housing waiting list pressures, boost the construction industry and support over 6000 jobs.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EGH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 10:40
Meeting the challenge of climate change will establish a new era in local government
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong leadership, clear vision and ambition from councils could deliver reductions in carbon emissions of millions of tonnes annually and potentially unlock £1bn in income for councils, Communities Secretary John Denham said yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EJ5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:07
Government backs rural communities with best plans for the future
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing Minister John Healey and Rural Minister Dan Norris yesterday backed councils with cash and support to kickstart plans to build homes people can afford where they want to live, and develop rural areas to meet the needs of local people.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7F34
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 27 Nov 2009 10:29
The environment in your pocket 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an annual publication containing material on various environmental themes including waste and recycling, sustainable consumption, climate change, air quality, land, coastal and marine waters, radioactivity, wildlife, and inland water. The main themes of this year’s publication are waste, recycling and sustainable consumption, and larger sections have been devoted to these topics.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EBJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 27 Nov 2009 10:54
Defra reports to parliament on using Climate Change Act powers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organisations delivering key public services will be required to report to Government outlining their assessment of the risks climate change poses to them and the actions they are going to take in response.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7ET2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government News Network - 27 Nov 2009 11:00
October House Prices up 0.6 per cent since September: Average house price in England and Wales now £159,546
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The October data from Land Registry’s flagship House Price Index
shows a positive monthly house price change of 0.6 per cent, which is
the fifth month in a row in which the movement has been above nought
per cent.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409015
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 27 Nov 2009 10:48
HCA unlocks nearly 4,000 more homes through Kickstart
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has announced a further tranche of schemes to receive funding through the first round of its Kickstart programme. The national housing and regeneration agency yesterday confirmed funding that will unlock a further 3,688 homes in 45 schemes with investment totalling more than £153 million.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EP8
Cabinet Office - 27 Nov 2009 11:41
BEBO 'Big Think' winners head to Downing Street
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three innovative young people are heading to Downing Street to pitch
their ideas about transforming communities to the Prime Minister and
members of the Cabinet.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409032
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:11
Government cash to kickstart more stalled developments as more workers get back on site
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing Minister John Healey yesterday met the first workers back on site of a stalled housing project in New Broughton, Salford, that thanks to over £7m Government cash is now back on track.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7F5P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:17
Alcohol Bill published
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scotland has a 'once in a generation chance' to tackle the country's alcohol problems, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday as the Alcohol Bill was published.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7F9P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:22
Scotland's Census questions unveiled
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposals for the comprehensive population survey that helps to decide how billions of pounds worth of future public services are planned, were unveiled yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7FCA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:25
More new schools
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The primary school element of the first tranche of the new school building programme will see 21 new school building projects across 19 local authorities.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7FEQ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 27 Nov 2009 11:34
Newlon Housing Trust (NHT) has made progress
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHT is working well in carrying out gas servicing and dealing with rent arrears, but could improve its repairs service according to a report released yesterday by the independent Audit Commission.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7FL9
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Mandelson and Lord Drayson will today address the UK Innovation
Investment Fund Investor Summit and highlight the potential that
exists to invest in technology in the UK. Some of the UK’s leading
technology businesses will be showcasing their leading edge products
at the summit in the City of London.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409018
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Children Schools and Families - 27 Nov 2009 09:15
Kids' case on climate change taken to Copenhagen
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, yesterday received a Children’s Statement on Climate Change from pupils at St. Luke’s Primary School in Newham. The Statement is the result of a nationwide survey asking children and young people what worries them about climate change and how they want the Government to tackle it. 1,500 pupils from across England responded, asking politicians to take action at this year’s Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7CUX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 27 Nov 2009 09:30
Statistical press notice - NHS inpatient and outpatient waiting times figures, 31 October 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following statistics were released today by the Department of Health:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 27 Nov 2009 09:30
NHS inpatient and outpatient waiting activity for the quarter ending 30 September 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following statistics were released today by the Department of Health:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 27 Nov 2009 10:11
Winners of the NHS Leadership Awards 2009 announced
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night at the inaugural NHS Leadership Awards ceremony, eight nominees from across the country were presented with awards recognising great leadership within the NHS.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7DY2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HM Revenue and Customs - 27 Nov 2009 09:33
Practical help for people affected by flooding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT 83/09
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has a special Helpline for anyone
affected by the recent floods, where fast, practical help and advice
is available.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409017
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HM Revenue and Customs - 27 Nov 2009 09:58
New Year Offshore Extension
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAT 84/09
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is giving taxpayers with offshore
investments more time to come forward under the New Disclosure
Opportunity (NDO).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409021
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry of Defence - 27 Nov 2009 09:48
More forced marriage protection orders than expected issued in first year
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More people have been protected by Forced Marriage Protection Orders than originally expected in their first year of operation, show figures released yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7DHQ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:18
Child protection line reforms
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protection for vulnerable young people is to be helped by an enhanced nationwide helpline.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7CX4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:26
£9.3m for fish and processing sector
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A £9.3 million funding package has been announced from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), taking the total level of EFF investment for 2009 to more than £25 million.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D3V
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:28
Scottish Ambulance Service Board
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon today announced the re-appointment of a Non-Executive member to the Scottish Ambulance Service Board.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D59
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welsh Assembly Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:30
2009 Farm Incomes Data: A Much Better Year For Welsh Farming
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has welcomed new statistics on farm incomes in Wales, which show an average increase of 18 per cent in the agriculture sector across Wales.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D6M
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welsh Assembly Government - 27 Nov 2009 09:34
Minister launches Christmas campaign to tackle Violence against Women and Domestic Abuse
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Justice and Local Government Minister Dr Brian Gibbons has visited Welsh Women’s Aid to launch the Violence against Women and Domestic Abuse Christmas Publicity campaign.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7D9C
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Plus Newsletter
Our weekly round-ups of key government announcements, analysis and researched links to additional documents, consultations, white papers, reports and more
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfWGPlusLanding?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry News
UK government and public sector case studies, white papers, success stories and contract awards
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfIndustryNewsView?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Reports
An in-depth look at current topics that goes beneath the headlines to provide a detailed review of public sector issues & solutions
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfSpecialReports?ReadForm=1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Events
Forthcoming public sector events, conferences and seminars
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-events-1.nsf/wfCalendar?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to end your subscription to Wired-GOV, please use the following link:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-users-1.nsf/wfUnsubscribeAck?ReadForm&uid=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - 27 Nov 2009 10:22
Businesses Benefiting From Early Diagnostic “Health Checks”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More than 95,000 businesses have benefited from a Business Link
“Health Check”, helping them to limit the impact of the economic
downturn, Business Minister Lord Davies announced today.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409010
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - 27 Nov 2009 10:42
Former Trawlermen Net Compensation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson will today make the first
compensation payments under the new scheme for former Icelandic-water
trawlermen who lost their livelihoods following the Cod Wars of the 1970s.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409027
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Children Schools and Families - 27 Nov 2009 10:23
Securing the schools system for the future - Ed Balls
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls yesterday called for a new drive in schools and local authorities to invest public money effectively, while securing frontline services post-2011.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7E7W
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 10:19
Response to Local Authority Housing Statistics, England: 2008-09
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement by Housing Minister John Healey MP in response to the Local Authority Housing Statistics for England, 2008-09 (see link, top right):
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7E55
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 10:37
John Healey: Further funding for more houses to help tackle waiting lists
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing Minister John Healey yesterday announced that in October he confirmed the release of a further £290m that should build almost 5,500 affordable homes across the country, helping to tackle housing waiting list pressures, boost the construction industry and support over 6000 jobs.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EGH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 10:40
Meeting the challenge of climate change will establish a new era in local government
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong leadership, clear vision and ambition from councils could deliver reductions in carbon emissions of millions of tonnes annually and potentially unlock £1bn in income for councils, Communities Secretary John Denham said yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EJ5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:07
Government backs rural communities with best plans for the future
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing Minister John Healey and Rural Minister Dan Norris yesterday backed councils with cash and support to kickstart plans to build homes people can afford where they want to live, and develop rural areas to meet the needs of local people.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7F34
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 27 Nov 2009 10:29
The environment in your pocket 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is an annual publication containing material on various environmental themes including waste and recycling, sustainable consumption, climate change, air quality, land, coastal and marine waters, radioactivity, wildlife, and inland water. The main themes of this year’s publication are waste, recycling and sustainable consumption, and larger sections have been devoted to these topics.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EBJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 27 Nov 2009 10:54
Defra reports to parliament on using Climate Change Act powers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organisations delivering key public services will be required to report to Government outlining their assessment of the risks climate change poses to them and the actions they are going to take in response.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7ET2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government News Network - 27 Nov 2009 11:00
October House Prices up 0.6 per cent since September: Average house price in England and Wales now £159,546
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The October data from Land Registry’s flagship House Price Index
shows a positive monthly house price change of 0.6 per cent, which is
the fifth month in a row in which the movement has been above nought
per cent.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409015
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 27 Nov 2009 10:48
HCA unlocks nearly 4,000 more homes through Kickstart
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has announced a further tranche of schemes to receive funding through the first round of its Kickstart programme. The national housing and regeneration agency yesterday confirmed funding that will unlock a further 3,688 homes in 45 schemes with investment totalling more than £153 million.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7EP8
Cabinet Office - 27 Nov 2009 11:41
BEBO 'Big Think' winners head to Downing Street
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three innovative young people are heading to Downing Street to pitch
their ideas about transforming communities to the Prime Minister and
members of the Cabinet.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/409032
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Communities and Local Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:11
Government cash to kickstart more stalled developments as more workers get back on site
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing Minister John Healey yesterday met the first workers back on site of a stalled housing project in New Broughton, Salford, that thanks to over £7m Government cash is now back on track.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7F5P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:17
Alcohol Bill published
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scotland has a 'once in a generation chance' to tackle the country's alcohol problems, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday as the Alcohol Bill was published.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7F9P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:22
Scotland's Census questions unveiled
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposals for the comprehensive population survey that helps to decide how billions of pounds worth of future public services are planned, were unveiled yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7FCA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scottish Government - 27 Nov 2009 11:25
More new schools
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The primary school element of the first tranche of the new school building programme will see 21 new school building projects across 19 local authorities.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7FEQ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 27 Nov 2009 11:34
Newlon Housing Trust (NHT) has made progress
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHT is working well in carrying out gas servicing and dealing with rent arrears, but could improve its repairs service according to a report released yesterday by the independent Audit Commission.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7Y7FL9
Thursday, November 26, 2009
CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2010
It has been 2 weeks since the launch of the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2010 and we would like point you in the direction of a short message from CNN's Isha Sesay.
Please click the link below to hear from Isha.
http://us.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2009/11/04/sesay.african.journalist.awards.cnn
If you are looking to enter the competition, please make sure that your entries are sent to your nearest Collection Point by close of business, Thursday, 28th January, 2010 - IMPORTANT: This year there will be no extension to this deadline.
Please find attached the entry form, the Free Press Africa Nomination form and the full list of all the Collection Points across Africa.
We urge you to carefully review your work from 2009 and enter the competition.
Please do not hesitate to contact us by replying to this email, should you have any queries.
Good luck & best regards,
The CNN MultiChoice Team
www.cnn.com/africanawards
Please click the link below to hear from Isha.
http://us.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2009/11/04/sesay.african.journalist.awards.cnn
If you are looking to enter the competition, please make sure that your entries are sent to your nearest Collection Point by close of business, Thursday, 28th January, 2010 - IMPORTANT: This year there will be no extension to this deadline.
Please find attached the entry form, the Free Press Africa Nomination form and the full list of all the Collection Points across Africa.
We urge you to carefully review your work from 2009 and enter the competition.
Please do not hesitate to contact us by replying to this email, should you have any queries.
Good luck & best regards,
The CNN MultiChoice Team
www.cnn.com/africanawards
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Lake of Stars that Wars: What went before?
Lake of Stars is an award winning festival that takes place in the warm heart of Africa on the palm fringed shores of the continent’s third largest lake has this year changed its original settings which were previously Kande beach in Nkhata bay, going to the southern Lake Malawi tourist attraction Nikopol lodge .
The annual event that promotes Malawian music and tourism, raises funds for charity and provides travelers and Malawians alike with the opportunity to enjoy incredible live music in an exotic and beautiful location.
With a diverse music policy ranging from Afro pop, reggae and folk to beat boxers and the best international DJs, the festival has something for everyone.
The festival was borne from a desire to raise money for a developing economy, help promote Malawi as a tourist destination and expose Malawian artists to international crowds.
Set on the shimmering, palm-fringed shores of Lake Malawi International and African artists gather for a musical, social and cultural exchange unlike anything you will have seen before. For many the festival is the focal point of travelling around this beautiful country, forming part of an itinerary spanning what Malawi has to offer. You can travel direct to Malawi or make your own way across Africa to the festival.
Lake of Stars takes inspiration from events like Live Aid, WOMAD and Glastonbury. The difference is that LOS uses music-tourism to generate revenue and exposure for Malawi . Proceeds from the festival are then also donated to charitable projects in the festival site area. This way as the festival expands so too does its positive sphere of influence.
The Malawi government has recognized the part that tourism can play in the country’s economy. ‘….we have analyzed the economy and looked at where there is the largest potential [for development] and we believe that tourism will play a vital role.’ (the President, quoted in Forbes Report). ‘The development of the tourism industry as a major foreign exchange earner is one of the Malawi government’s key objectives.’ (SADC report) ‘More recently, tourism has been identified by the Government as possessing the potential to assist in economic and social development in the country, particularly through employment creation and in the generation of much needed foreign exchange.’ (Strategic Tourism Development Plan: UNDP/WTO)
Will Jameson - Lake of Stars Festival Founder & Director
Will Jameson first visited Malawi in 1998 when he worked in Dwangwa as a volunteer with the Wildlife Society for 6 months. During that time he travelled to Zimbabwe , Zambia and Mozambique . On returning to England Will took with him a souvenir – an empty carton of ‘Chibuku Shake Shake’ beer. Half way through university at Liverpool John Moores he decided to start a clubnight with friends Damo Jones, Charlene McDaid and Rich McGinnis. They named the night after the Malawian beer and went on to win Best UK Club in the Mixmag Awards in 2004.
It was in this same year that Will launched the first Lake of Stars Festival headlined by Chibuku favourite, Groove Armada’s Andy Cato . The festival attracted dozens of people from the UK and hundreds attended from all over Malawi and southern Africa . It won the Malawi Tourism Award in its first year and is now one of the highlights of the international festival calendar. Will was named as one of the Observer and Courvoisier Future 500 for his pioneering work with the festival and charities in Malawi .
The Maccabees - themaccabees.co.uk/
SWAY -myspace.com/swaydasafo
Nihal - myspace.com/bombaybronx
Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) - myspace.com/hotchip
Radioclit - myspace.com/radioclit
Ross Allen - http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/RossAllen
Tayo- myspace.com/djtayo3000
Ali B (Fabric) - myspace.com/alibuk
Dekker and Johan - myspace.com/dekkerjohanproductions
African and more international headliners to be announced soon
The annual event that promotes Malawian music and tourism, raises funds for charity and provides travelers and Malawians alike with the opportunity to enjoy incredible live music in an exotic and beautiful location.
With a diverse music policy ranging from Afro pop, reggae and folk to beat boxers and the best international DJs, the festival has something for everyone.
The festival was borne from a desire to raise money for a developing economy, help promote Malawi as a tourist destination and expose Malawian artists to international crowds.
Set on the shimmering, palm-fringed shores of Lake Malawi International and African artists gather for a musical, social and cultural exchange unlike anything you will have seen before. For many the festival is the focal point of travelling around this beautiful country, forming part of an itinerary spanning what Malawi has to offer. You can travel direct to Malawi or make your own way across Africa to the festival.
Lake of Stars takes inspiration from events like Live Aid, WOMAD and Glastonbury. The difference is that LOS uses music-tourism to generate revenue and exposure for Malawi . Proceeds from the festival are then also donated to charitable projects in the festival site area. This way as the festival expands so too does its positive sphere of influence.
The Malawi government has recognized the part that tourism can play in the country’s economy. ‘….we have analyzed the economy and looked at where there is the largest potential [for development] and we believe that tourism will play a vital role.’ (the President, quoted in Forbes Report). ‘The development of the tourism industry as a major foreign exchange earner is one of the Malawi government’s key objectives.’ (SADC report) ‘More recently, tourism has been identified by the Government as possessing the potential to assist in economic and social development in the country, particularly through employment creation and in the generation of much needed foreign exchange.’ (Strategic Tourism Development Plan: UNDP/WTO)
Will Jameson - Lake of Stars Festival Founder & Director
Will Jameson first visited Malawi in 1998 when he worked in Dwangwa as a volunteer with the Wildlife Society for 6 months. During that time he travelled to Zimbabwe , Zambia and Mozambique . On returning to England Will took with him a souvenir – an empty carton of ‘Chibuku Shake Shake’ beer. Half way through university at Liverpool John Moores he decided to start a clubnight with friends Damo Jones, Charlene McDaid and Rich McGinnis. They named the night after the Malawian beer and went on to win Best UK Club in the Mixmag Awards in 2004.
It was in this same year that Will launched the first Lake of Stars Festival headlined by Chibuku favourite, Groove Armada’s Andy Cato . The festival attracted dozens of people from the UK and hundreds attended from all over Malawi and southern Africa . It won the Malawi Tourism Award in its first year and is now one of the highlights of the international festival calendar. Will was named as one of the Observer and Courvoisier Future 500 for his pioneering work with the festival and charities in Malawi .
The Maccabees - themaccabees.co.uk/
SWAY -myspace.com/swaydasafo
Nihal - myspace.com/bombaybronx
Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) - myspace.com/hotchip
Radioclit - myspace.com/radioclit
Ross Allen - http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/RossAllen
Tayo- myspace.com/djtayo3000
Ali B (Fabric) - myspace.com/alibuk
Dekker and Johan - myspace.com/dekkerjohanproductions
African and more international headliners to be announced soon
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