Dear Mr Thabo Mbeki,

NEW ANC PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD (11/01/2008)

2008-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

LINK!!!!!

The one and only ANC!

This week the ANC celebrates its 96th anniversary with a rally in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, bringing the organisation ever closer to its centenary in 2012.

Few political movements in the world can claim such longevity. Yet it is not only its vintage that the ANC is celebrating. It is also a proud history of struggle with and for the people. It is a proud history that has brought freedom to our nation, and which has seen unprecedented progress in the course of just over a decade to undo the legacy of colonialism and apartheid.

The ANC today is a strong, vibrant and dynamic organisation that enjoys the confidence and support of the masses of the people, as demonstrated in successive elections since 1994. The membership of the ANC has grown significantly over the last five years; there are now over half a million paid-up ANC members. There is still much room for growth and we intend to swell our branches with even more members during 2008 and the coming years.

The ANC has always been an integral part of the lives of the people of our country.
Its growth is celebrated by all who recognize the central role it plays in the life of our nation. Its general state of health is always of concern to all sectors, be it business, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, the media, traditional leaders, labour and the international community.

Fortunately, emerging from the national conference in Polokwane, we are able to say proudly that the ANC can only go from strength to strength. There is only one ANC. It is united and very focused on its mandate of leading transformation and being the leader of development and progress in our country.

As we gather in Tshwane to celebrate the 96th anniversary, we are called upon to reflect on our history, to understand why the ANC has lasted so long and achieved so much. We must do this better to understand what we will need to do to ensure that the ANC continues to thrive and continues diligently to serve the people long after its centenary.

In preparation for its National General Council (NGC) in 2005, the ANC produced a discussion document entitled 'Unity and Diversity in the ANC'. The document said: "In South Africa and in other parts of the world, movements and parties of about the same age as the ANC, have collapsed, become irrelevant or are struggling to stay alive.
What has given the ANC this extraordinary capacity to survive and sustain its relevance?"

Among the answers to this question that the document suggested was that the ANC's capacity to survive lay in its approach to the question of unity:

"Unity is an organisational value upheld and pursued by all political movements because it enhances the effectiveness of collective action. But, political collectives are made up of diverse individual members, who have come together to pool their energies in pursuance of shared objectives. The more elastic the breadth of the collective and the greater the depth of its potential appeal, the greater the prospect of tensions and conflicts among its adherents. The imperatives of coherent and effective action therefore require a leadership to exercise vigilance not to allow potential and actual tensions to jeopardise it".

The document made the fundamental point that unity is not achieved by mere agreement on its desirability. It is built through ongoing democratic debate and sustained through political action. It is achieved by encouraging a contest of views and a respect for decisions collectively and democratically taken. That is why we have always spoken about 'Unity in Action'.

We reiterate that the ANC is not divided. There are no fundamental policy differences among any members or leaders of the ANC. The vibrant debate that is sometimes misconstrued as division is merely differences of opinion on the implementation of our programme of action. It is a healthy phenomenon which keeps all of us on our toes. We have consistently argued that the mere existence of different views - whether on questions of leadership, policy or strategy - no matter how strongly held or firmly expressed, does not mean that the organisation is divided.

On this 96th anniversary, we underline that ours is a resilient organisation that will continue to grow, fortified by the culture of internal democracy, open debate and engagement. We will focus on re-inculcating that culture of a type of open debate that does not create any hostilities. We need to promote an exchange of views that makes it possible for comrades to disagree vociferously, but still remain firm comrades and friends. A culture that makes every issue open to debate and scrutiny, in a comradely manner.

Given the vibrancy and nature of this organisation, the debates are not likely to stop anytime soon. The boundless energy of the ANC Youth League will continue to reverberate throughout the length and breadth of our country, ensuring adherence to the culture and traditions of the movement as it has historically done. The ANC Women's League will continue to bring the gender question to the centre of our social, political and economic life, building on the remarkable gains made at Polokwane.

Our Alliance Partners are known to make their views known speedily should they suspect we are compromising the National Democratic Revolution! Working together to implement the resolutions of our respective conferences, we should be able to find more common ground than areas of difference henceforth. We will always welcome the views and opinions of our Alliance partners on the progress we are making in meeting the mandate of our people.

In celebrating the 96th anniversary, we assure all sectors of our society that the ANC remains strong. It lives, it leads.

We are determined to ensure that we work in a manner that strengthens the confidence of all our people in the ANC as the leader and organ of transformation in our country. People need to look at this organisation and view it as one that should guide them on a day to day basis and support them in all spheres of life - be it political, social, economic or cultural.

We also look forward to strengthening even further, the fraternal ties with like-minded organisations in the continent, particularly in SADC, and the rest of the developing world. The ANC should continue to be a beacon of hope, and an active actor in the regeneration and rebuilding of our continent - fighting poverty, underdevelopment and general deprivation.

Bringing the ANC to the centre stage of all aspects of life in our country will be among our first tasks as we begin this New Year. It must occupy our attention during 2008, and in the remaining years before our centenary.

There is not one among us who is exempt from this responsibility. If we are to achieve what conference has demanded of us, we will each have to do everything in our power to ensure that the precious torch we now carry is indeed passed on to the next generation undiminished.

Let black, green and gold fly all over our beloved country as we celebrate 96 strong fighting and building years!

Jacob G Zuma

PETITION TO SADC FROM ZIMBABWEANS IN THE DIASPORA!

2007-11-14T07:49:00.001-08:00

PETITION

SADC STATES

AS A COLLECTIVE FOR EACH SADC STATE

TO GRANT TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMITS TO

ZIMBABWEAN REFUGEES WITHIN THEIR STATES

___________________________________

SUBMITTED BY

ZIMBABWE DIASPORA CIVIC SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS FORUM

ZIMBABWE

DIASPORA DEVELOPMENT CHAMBER

GLOBAL ZIMBABWE

The Zimbabwe Diaspora Civil Societies Forum sent a petition to SADC to countries, and through the SADC secretariat in Botswana, requesting SADC countries as a collective, for each SADC country to grant Temporary residences permits to undocumented displaced Zimbabweans in their territories, until the political crisis in

Zimbabwe

is resolved. Over 60% of Zimbabweans displaced as a result of political and economic meltdown in their country are undocumented and have no status. They are subjected to chronic arrests, detention, deportations and unprecedented humiliation within all these SADC countries. They are deported back to a hegemonic dictatorship which has consistently committed human rights abuses on its citizens amid hunger and joblessness.

The Forum await to hear from SADC, who are so far quiet, while people are suffering.

The Forum says we are not Jews in Mecca, but SADC citizens in SADC, and Africans in Africa. We appreciate the negotiations, but there are no goals beyond the interests of political parties at contest. The Diaspora is lumped under MDC, the reason being the terms of reference structured by SADC and that during

South Africa

's CODESA civil societies were included under the ANC. There are thousands of good Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, who are here because of situations beyond their control, and not because they subscribe to the MDC. This lumping is not desirable. The SADC communiqué for SADC ministers of finance to work out an economic package for Zimbabwe is merely to close the meeting. The cue comes from South Africa minister of Finance, who said the options for Zimbabwe were spelt to them, and is up to Zimbabwe. We cannot see SADC raising a minimum of US$10 billion required for Zimbabwe to move out of recession. None of these initiatives are mobilizing or involving the totality of the citizens or the Diaspora in particular. The core issue of a President controlling an un-audited budget used to pay salaries of thousands of political executioners and vigilantes in the rural and urban areas is neither affected by the negotiations nor authorized by the current constitution. On this approach these initiatives fall short and

Zimbabwe

will remain in limbo.

The petition is our humble approach to SADC. In return the Diaspora will provide financial assistance to all permit holders so that they engage in viable economic activities and provide a platform for the development of Zimbabwe as well as raising billions, over time, to finance reconstruction of

Zimbabwe

. The Forum wants to be involved in the process of documentation to reduce costs.

However should SADC ignore or refuse our request, our last option is to approach an international court of justice with all the evidence of human rights atrocities and abuse of Zimbabweans in SADC.

Contact www.zimcsoforum.org

Daniel Molokele +27 72 947 4815

Luke Zunga +27 83 528 1561

Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Try it now.

The Africa-EU summit must go ahead!!!

2007-10-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

AFRICA-EUROPE RELATIONS

LINK!!!

In an article in the British newspaper, 'The Independent', on 20 September 2007, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote: "It is also right that I make clear my position on the forthcoming EU-Africa Summit. I want this summit -under the leadership of [Portugal's] Prime Minister Socrates - to be a real success. It is a serious opportunity to forge a stronger partnership between the EU and Africa in order to fight poverty, tackle climate change, and agree new initiatives on education, health and peacekeeping...

"I believe that President Mugabe's presence would undermine the Summit, diverting attention from the important issues that need to be resolved. In those circumstances, my attendance would not be appropriate."

The EU-Africa Summit will be held in Lisbon, Portugal in December, the first having been held in Cairo in 2000. Except for the UK, the member states of the African Union and the European Union are, as far as I could establish, of one mind that all member states of both Unions should attend the Summit.

A shared concern

Africa has rightly insisted that all countries have a right freely to constitute their delegations. Except for the UK, the EU has accepted this. The UK is demanding that the EU should instruct Zimbabwe to exclude President Mugabe from its delegation, arguing among other things, that he is under an EU travel ban.

The British government claims it has taken these and other positions on Zimbabwe because it is concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe and the role of the Zimbabwe government.

Yet, all the other governments that will attend the EU-Africa Summit are equally concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe.

Because of this concern, after many years of continuous engagement with the leaders of Zimbabwe, in March this year the Southern African Development Community (SADC) took two important decisions. One of these was that President Thabo Mbeki should facilitate a dialogue between the government and ruling party of Zimbabwe and the opposition to arrive at an agreement that would address Zimbabwe's political challenges.

During the recent visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to our country, President Mbeki reported publicly that the negotiations were proceeding well and would soon be concluded successfully. Everybody, including the British, knows that already, as a result of an agreement arrived at during the dialogue facilitated under the direction of our President, the Zimbabwe ruling party, ZANU PF, and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) groups jointly sponsored a constitutional amendment in the Zimbabwe parliament.

The second decision taken by SADC was that the community's executive secretary should undertake a review of the Zimbabwe economy and make proposals about what the community should do to assist the economic recovery of Zimbabwe. Having concluded his work, the SADC Finance Ministers are now seized with the task of working out a practical programme of action.

The simple truth, therefore, is that SADC, with the full support of the AU, is not only concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. It is acting on this concern, with the full support and cooperation of the government, the ruling party and the opposition political formations of Zimbabwe.

Clearly the British government believes all this means nothing. It is suggesting that it is morally superior to everybody else in the EU and the AU. The question to ask is whence this extraordinary sense of superiority.

Regime change

Perhaps the answer lies in an editorial in the British periodical, 'The Economist', of 5 July 2007 headed "The virtues of isolationism".

It said: "In a blistering attack on Mr Mugabe's rule, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bulawayo, Pius Ncube, said that the state of the country was now so bad that foreign governments (particularly Britain's) should intervene to 'remove' Mr Mugabe from power... Mr Ncube's appeal to the West to remove Mr Mugabe should be taken as a cry of pain, not a reason for the West to invade... it is only the Africans, and particularly the southern Africans, who can apply the strong pressure needed to get rid of him quickly.

"Yet the Portuguese do now have a way to give the African Union a much-needed jolt.
They should refuse to let Mr Mugabe come to Lisbon. That will force Africa's leaders to reconsider their priorities. If that stops the summit from taking place, so be it:
a firm stand would send a powerful message of solidarity to all those in Zimbabwe who long to be rescued from their plight. Welcoming their tormentor to Lisbon for the sake of a jamboree would be a corresponding disgrace."

It is regime change and nothing else. The demand is made in clear language -Southern Africa must carry out this task. The question that needs to be asked is whether this demand reflects the views of the British government.

As a movement, the ANC has always assumed the British Labour Party was anti-colonial and a principled defender of the right of all nations to self-determination. In the post-war years these positions were eminently represented by the Labour Party MP, Fenner Brockway.

Another historical fact, manifested over many decades, is that in our region the British governments have consistently appeased the racist white minorities, and refused to align themselves with the African majorities, honestly responding to their legitimate demands.

In 1910 the British government betrayed our people by handing power in our country to the white minority. The British Labour Party followed this route with regard to Zimbabwe when, as the governing party on 11 November 1965, it refused to suppress the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) rebellion of the white minority against the British Crown, led by Ian Smith.

Addressing the British House of Commons on 11 November 1965, Prime Minister Wilson
said: "I repeat that the British Government condemns the purported (unilateral) declaration of independence (UDI) by the former Government of Rhodesia as an illegal act and one which is ineffective in law. It is an act of rebellion against the Crown and against the Constitution as by law established, and actions taken to give effect to it will be treasonable...

"We did not seek this challenge. The House will concede that we did everything in our power to avoid it, but now it has been made, then, with whatever sadness, we shall face this challenge with resolution and determination. Whatever measures the Government, with the support of this House, judge are needed to restore Rhodesia to the rule of law, to allegiance to the Crown, these measures will be taken."

The measures the British government took to respond to what Prime Minister Wilson characterised as rebellion and treason did not include any demand or action to achieve regime change. On the same day, the British newspaper, 'The Guardian', said:
"The sanctions announced (by the Wilson government) are inadequate for the job they have to do - to break the Rhodesian Government."

The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Harold Wilson, did not call for regime change.

The change of regime, the "breaking" of the Rhodesian Government, was brought about by the struggle of the oppressed masses of Zimbabwe, led by their liberation movement, during which thousands of African lives were lost. Similarly, regime change in our own country, to reverse the British betrayal of 1910, came about because of the protracted struggle of our own people, led by our liberation movement, again at great cost in African lives.

The costly victory of the Zimbabwe liberation struggle gave the British government the possibility to resume its responsibility as the colonial power charged with handing over power to the people of Zimbabwe, as it had done in all its colonies in the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, except South Africa.

A promise betrayed

Charged to preside over the 1979 Lancaster House negotiations to decide the future of the Zimbabwe, the British government still tried everything it could to protect the interests of the same white minority in Zimbabwe whose actions it had denounced in
1965 as illegal, rebellious and treasonable.

As a result of these efforts, for 10 years after independence, liberated Zimbabwe was prohibited from acting in a decisive manner to change the pattern of land ownership born of the colonial land dispossession of the indigenous majority, in favour of the white minority.

This was because the British government recognised the centrality of the land question to the colonisation of Zimbabwe, white minority interests, and therefore the liberation struggle.

To balance its insistence that the right of its kith and kin to hold on to the land that had been acquired by force had to be respected for 10 years, the British government, supported by its US counterpart, undertook to provide the government of Zimbabwe with substantial financial resources to acquire land to address the land question, insisting that this should be done on the basis of the "willing seller, willing buyer principle".

After a long period of negotiations with the British Conservative Party government, led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, her successor, Prime Minister John Major, finally agreed that the British government would honour the undertakings made during the Lancaster House negotiations, in the same way as the Zimbabwe government had respected its commitments in this regard.

However, the British Labour Party took power in 1997, inflicting a humiliating electoral defeat on the Conservative Party. It has remained in power ever since. As a successor government, and contrary to international convention and the rule of law, it unilaterally repudiated the undertakings made by the John Major government on the land question in Zimbabwe.

To add insult to injury, it arrogantly asserted its right to impose what amounted to a neo-colonial diktat on the government of Zimbabwe. All this was reflected in the infamous 5 November 1997 letter written by the then British Minister for International Development, Claire Short, to Kumbirai Kangai, the then Zimbabwe Minster of Agriculture and Land. She wrote:

"I should make it clear that we do not accept that Britain has a special responsibility to meet the costs of land purchase in Zimbabwe. We are a new Government from diverse backgrounds without links to former colonial interests. My own origins are Irish and as you know we were colonised not colonisers...

"Again, I am told there were discussions in 1989 and 1996 to explore the possibility of further assistance. However that is all in the past. If we look to the present, a number of specific issues are unresolved, including the way in which land would be acquired and compensation paid - clearly it would not help the poor of Zimbabwe if it was done in a way which undermined investor confidence... It follows from this that a programme of rapid land acquisition as you now seem to envisage would be impossible for us to support."

This position stands at the heart both of what has happened in Zimbabwe since this letter was written, and the positions the British government is taking today on the forthcoming EU-Africa Summit.

To right a wrong - miserable advice

Many things have gone wrong in Zimbabwe over the years. Our movement, the ANC, has engaged both ZANU PF and the MDC on these matters continuously, honestly and frankly, over many years.

We know that the South African government, led by the ANC, has done the same, including initiating serious dialogue with the British and other governments, seeking to assist in finding solutions to all the problems affecting Zimbabwe, in the interest of its people.

We have avoided detailing our efforts in public, because we were convinced, as we continue to be, that this would facilitate the speedy resolution of the problems confronting the sister people of our immediate neighbour, Zimbabwe.

We have done so deliberately, understanding that it is more important to work, practically, for the resolution of the challenges in Zimbabwe than to engage in fruitless and self-serving rhetoric as many others have done.

These, by contrast, have presented themselves as the true friends of the people of Zimbabwe. This has led to the situation where the British government makes bold to present itself as being superior to everybody else in Southern Africa, Africa and the EU.

On 7 April 2002, the British 'Observer' published extracts from a paper written by Robert Cooper and published by the Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) entitled "The post-modern state". Cooper contributed his paper to a publication of the FPC focusing on the topic, "Reordering the World: the long term implications of September 11."

'The Observer' described Cooper as "Tony Blair's foreign policy guru". The FPC said:
"Senior British diplomat Robert Cooper has helped to shape British Prime Minister Tony Blair's calls for a new internationalism and a new doctrine of humanitarian intervention which would place limits on state sovereignty."

Among other things, Cooper argued that the collapse of imperialism and colonialism has resulted in global chaos, including the emergence and survival of 'failed states'. To respond to this, he said:

"The most logical way to deal with chaos, and the one employed most often in the past, is colonisation. But this is unacceptable to postmodern states. Empire and imperialism are words that have become a form of abuse and no colonial powers are willing to take on the job, though the opportunities -perhaps even the need - for colonisation is as great as it ever was in the nineteenth century. Those left out of the global economy risk falling into a vicious circle. Weak government means disorder and that means falling investment.

"AII the conditions for imperialism are there, but both the supply and demand for imperialism have dried up. And yet a world in which the efficient and well-governed export stability and liberty seems eminently desirable.

"What is needed is a new kind of imperialism, one compatible with human rights and cosmopolitan values: an imperialism which aims to bring order and organisation but which rests today on the voluntary principle."

An AU-EU partnership

We do not know whether these unapologetically backward and reactionary ideas inform the approach of the British government towards Zimbabwe, but they are consistent with what Claire Short said in her letter to Kumbirai Kangai.

The EU-Africa Summit, long delayed by the British insistence that President Mugabe should be excluded, should go ahead as planned. It must attend seriously to the important issues that are of fundamental concern to Africa and the EU, rather than allow itself to be imprisoned and paralysed by dangerous and destructive neo-colonialist ambitions.

In a 2007 document, the EU commits itself to a strategy that "proposes forging a strategic security and development partnership between the EU and Africa. The strategy focuses on key requirements for sustainable development such as peace and security, good and effective governance, trade, interconnectivity, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. New initiatives have been launched, most notably a governance initiative and a Euro-African Partnership for Infrastructure, which was launched in July 2006.

"Under the Governance Initiative, the EU will, for instance, provide support for reforms triggered by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a unique tool for peer review and peer learning in good democratic governance by and for Africans. And in the context of the Partnership for Infrastructure, the EU will support programmes that facilitate interconnectivity at continental level to promote regional trade, integration, stability and development."

These are some of the matters that should be discussed during the December EU-Africa Summit. Others must include comprehensive EU support for NEPAD, the strengthening of the AU, sustained resource transfers to Africa to help us to meet the Millennium Development Goals and sustained development to defeat poverty and underdevelopment, and genuine respect for the independence and sovereign voice of the peoples of Africa.

Japan, China and India are engaged in dialogue with Africa to help us, themselves, and all humanity to address the "special needs" of Africa that were recognised in the unanimously adopted UN Millennium Declaration of 2000.

It would be very good if all member states of the EU go to Lisbon in December to follow this example, and enter into dialogue with Africa on all issues that Africa and the EU place on the common agenda. If some countries decide to absent themselves from this critically important dialogue, to, feed their celebration of their holiness, regrettable as it is, we surely have the liberty to repeat what 'The Economist' said - so be it.

** Kgalema Motlanthe is Secretary General of the ANC.

TUTU ATTACKS MUGABE'S "APARTHEID-TYPE" MISRULE!

2007-09-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

"LINK 1"

"LINK 2"

26 September 2007

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) — South Africa's Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu on Tuesday launched a new attack on the authorities in Zimbabwe, saying their treatment of dissidents was reminiscent of the apartheid regime.

"The stories we are hearing of the harassment of political opponents, detentions without trial, torture and the denial of medical attention are reminiscent of our experiences at the hands of apartheid police," said Tutu, who was a leader of the struggle against South Africa's whites-only rule.

The former archbishop of Cape Town refrained from commenting on how the crisis could have been mitigated by more efficient management, saying it was "a matter for debate by people better-qualified than me."

"There is no debate, however, when it comes to the perpetration of human rights violations, reports of which, according to churches and NGOs, are on the increase."

Tutu has long been an outspoken critic of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, once calling him a "caricature of an African dictator".

Mugabe, who has been the ruler of Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, has in turn called Tutu "an evil little bishop".

President Thabo Mbeki and the Zim "Regime Change" Agenda!

2007-08-31T07:25:00.001-07:00

Mr Thabo Mbeki is fast getting to a stage where he will be forced to recuse himself from the Zim Situation!

What is "regime change", Cde President?

When the late President Kamuzu Banda was throwing his "enemies" into crocodile-infested rivers, was it "regime change " when Political Parties where formed to try and oust him?

When Democrats in Swaziland are trying to be heard about their plight at the hands of the young Dictator-King, are they involved in "regime change?"

When is "regime change" correct and when is it wrong?

If Mugabe is a Dictator and Mass Murderer, are the people engaged in "regime change" when they peacefully try to remove him?

So for Africa, should we not try remove any Dictator, lest we be accused by the likes of you, Your Excellency, to be accomplices in "regime change?"

NO, BELOVED CDE PRESIDENT: PLEASE ASK HARARE TO SEND YOU A MORE CREDIBLE ARGUMENT.

Rev M S Hove. Cell: 0791463039 mufarostig@yahoo.co.uk

THE MBEKI AND SADC POSITION A LOAD OF IRRESPONSIBLE RUBBISH!

2007-08-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well, Mr Thabo Mbeki, The State President of South Africa has issued a lengthy statement (LINK) where he has shown the whole world where he and SADC stand as far as the Zimbabwean Crisis is concerned.

Firstly, that the Elections were heavily rigged (LINK!!!) is not an issue at all!

Secondly, that thousands of MDC members were physically assasulted and hundreds others murdered by State Agents(LINK!!!) is similarly not an issue at all!

Refer also(LINK!!!)

Thirdly, the fact that Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF were discarded by the Electorate BEFORE (NB BEFORE) the Infamous Land Invasions is not a material matter at all to Mbeki and SADC!

Fourthly, the fact that Mr Mugabe has presided over the very ZANU-PF for over 27 years without allowing the very ZANU-PF a chance to elect or re-elect him by the democratic Secret Ballot is completely irrelevant to Mr Thabo Mbeki and the various SADC "Excellencies."

Fifthly, the fact that Mugabe was clearly rejected by the Electorate in the controversial 2002 Presidential Election is not part of substance as far as Thabo Mbeki and SADC are concerned!

Knowing Mr Mugabe as we do, he would have excitedly gone through Tsvangirai's Election Petitions without any delay if he was sure he had won them by any margin!

His only statement at the moment is: "That Election Petition is 'frivolous' and 'vexatious'." What exactly does that mean???

We who were part of the rigging machinery know why and how those Elections were rigged!

I, Rev Mufaro Stig Hove, can give a delailed report of how WE (repeat) WE rigged those Elections.

This brings us to the question of the way forward as far as the Zimbabwean crisis is concerned.

Of major concern is for the "Opposition Forces" to clearly define themselves.

1. What exactly is it that they are opposing? They desperatelt need to clearly define their "bottom line."

Is it Robert Mugabe as a person meaning therefore that he must go at all costs regardless of the hurdles that continue to mount including the clear message from Thabo Mbeki and SADC? Please make that absolutely clear so that we who have vowed to support the Democratic Forces can see how we can go forward in support.

2.Can there be some National Vision which accommodates ZANU-PF and Robert Mugabe?

I, personally, know that Robert Mugabe's very survival depends on his remaining in that Office (even illegitimately as he is doing at the moment.)

So he has intelligently intertwined his fate with that of millions to completely confuse the original issues.

Some of us need to hear what the general position of the Democratic Forces is.

The whole nation is on its kneesat this very momentas we pursue our various "Quiet Diplomacies" etc!

I shouldn't describe the situation on the ground because any serious person knows that there is no economy to talk about in Zimbabwe at the moment!

The talk by President Mwanawasa that the problems of Zimbabwe are being exaggerated must be swiftly dismissed as coming from a timid lunatic who cannot stand and defend his earlier statement that Zimbabwe was a sinking Titanic!

Mbeki's hope that SADC on its own can rescue Zimbabwe is irresponsible rubbish!

Utter deliberate rubbish!

Even mighty South Africa can never close all outside doors and depend on its SADC neighbours only! Why does Mbeki not try it for his country just today??

Mbeki thinks their position as SADC is the only "Revolutionary and African" position and all others are mere "sell-outs" etc.

The heavy challenge on the shoulders of the Decratic Forces is to clearly and swiftly dissociate themselves from that dangerous perpective (of being viewed as 'sell-outs'.).

Of course its said 'Politics is a dirty game' but never ever relax when powerful leaders join the despicably evil Robert Mugabe in propagating that stinking propaganda.

The tragedy of the Democratic Forces is that they do not seek the help of serious patriots to assist in the "clearing of the air" as far as their position is concerned.

Lets identify each other and close ranks as true patriots and complement each other's efforts to counter the heavy Propaganda of Mugabe now joined clearly by Mbeki and Company!

The Democratic Forces have continued doing a pilgrimage to a clear crook called Thabo Mbeki!

What does Mbeki not know about the evils of Robert Mugabe? Refer to my article "Thabo Mbeki's proverbial long rope!" LINK!!!

Mbeki wants us to believe that South Africa will not play the "big brother" yet he completely ignores the cries of the very Zimbabweans when they describe issues that are not related to the land issue! Mbeki pretends to pursue a "Policy of Quiet Diplomacy" yet we who see through the mist see him actively supporting the rejected demagogue.

When did Zimbabweans start complaining about Mugabe encouraging "corruption" among his "chosen few"? Long before Mugabe's decision to pursue the "rectification of the Historical Land Imbalances."

Please kindly read my APPEAL TO ALL JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS! LINK!.

I swear by the Living God that if Mugabe gets the proverbial "last laugh", Tsvangirai etc will spend their lives in exile until that 83 year old demagogue passes away! Wake up Tsvangirai and Company!

Don't be naive!

But the consolation is that there is no serious investor that can take any investment to Zimbabwe while Mugabe is anywhere near the corridors of power!

Thabo Mbeki is a depicable crook if he wants us to think that there is an investor (except himself, perhaps) who can take anything to Zimbabwe even if Mugabe won a "free and fair" Election next year.

Even if Tsvangirai went round seeking the world to support the new Mugabe Regime (if there is one in 2008), no sane investor would go to Zimbabwe with investment.

The real tragedy of Zimbabwe is that Robert Mugabe will cling to power at all costs and all black leaders will have to support him or else risk being labelled "sell-outs."

So Thabo and Company think they will label us "sell-outs" and it will stick?

No, you are mentally unwell Thabo son of Govan!

If you think sending "millions of rands" to Mugabe is a permanent solution to the Zim crisis, then lunacy is your misguided position.

You will stand by Robert Mugabe through "thick and thin" and that's your decision!

But you will go down in History as having blundered using SA tax-payers' funds to prop up a despicably evil dictator that we, the humble people of Zimbabwe were trying at all costs to remove.

Do you honestly think that I, Rev Mufaro Stig Hove, a black man would refuse 3000 heactres of free prepared land and a farmhouse etc.?

Would I refuse to be part of ZANU-PF and get all the benefits eg businesses seized from white owners etc.?

So am I a "sell-out" because I say Mugabe has assassinated all his contemporaries since before Independence?

Am I a "sell-out" because I say Mugabe, Munangagwa etc got unfair benefit from the mineral resources in the DRC?

Am I a "sell-out" because I say Mugabe is a dictator who has never allowed even a simple secret ballot even in the private Politburo Meetings?

Mr Mbeki do you not know or you do not want to know?

Even if the Economy of Zimbabwe were returned to a "zero" inflation and there was prosperity such that there is a 100% employment etc., the truth is that Robert Mugabe is still an evil Devil that must go (and you Mr Thabo Mbeki know it very well as well.)

WHO ARE YOU FOOLING?

WHO IS FOOLING-A WHO???

TIME WILL TELL!

Lets keep in touch CDE President.

Yours in the true struggle for a Free Zimbabwe,

Mufaro Stig Hove.....Rev.

(mufarostig@yahoo.co.uk)

Cell: 0791463039 RSA.

Yahoo! Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Try it now.

LETTER FROM PRES MBEKI REFFERING TO THE LUSAKA SADC MEETING!

2007-08-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

LINK!!!!

SADC returns to Lusaka

On August 16-17, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which incorporates 14 (and potentially 15) countries, held its 27th Ordinary Summit Meeting of Heads of State and Government in Lusaka, Zambia. To emphasise its importance, the Summit Meeting was attended by all the SADC Heads of State and Government.

(Seychelles, a member of SADC for many years, was not represented because of a continuing discussion about the membership dues it must pay. The Lusaka Summit, fully sympathetic to the concerns of Seychelles, expressed its determination to do everything possible to ensure that this island-state, geographically and otherwise part of Southern Africa, resumes its rightful place as a fully-fledged Member of the Development Community.)

The SADC Brigade

Undoubtedly, one of the high points of the Summit Meeting was the launch of the SADC Regional Peace-keeping Brigade. This military-police-civilian brigade is made up of personnel drawn from 11 of the member states of SADC. It has been constituted to respond to the challenges of peace, security and stability that face our region.

At the same time, it constitutes a component part of the African Union (AU) Standby Force which Africa is forming to ensure that it has the organised and multi-skilled force to enable it to respond expeditiously to all situations of conflict on our Continent. Thus the launch of the SADC Peace-keeping Brigade represented, in concrete terms, the resolve of our region and continent to rely on its resources effectively to ensure peace and security throughout Africa.

It was indeed very moving to see the 11 mixed formations, each behind its national flag for purposes of identification, assembled on the parade grounds at the Lusaka City Airport. Nobody present at the launch ceremony could have avoided being moved by the fact that despite the variety of the national flags that led and identified the various formations, all the members of the Brigade marched and drilled with great precision, responding to the commands of one Commanding Officer.

Clearly, here, at the Lusaka City Airport, the combined political leaders of our region were presented with a palpable example of the readiness of our region of Southern Africa to act together, to promote African unity, to bind all countries of our region to the cause of peace, to guarantee peace, security and stability on our Continent, and to create the necessary conditions for the defeat of poverty and underdevelopment in Africa.

For us, as South Africans, the ceremony to launch the SADC Brigade had a special significance. We were very happy and proud to see members of our National Defence Force and our Police Service parade together with their comrades from the rest of our region. We felt immensely proud when Colonel Botman, of the SANDF, was called upon to assume the position of the bearer of the flag of the Brigade on the very day that the SADC Brigade was born.

Armed and peaceful

In earlier years, the apartheid armed forces, organised in the SADF, had brought death and destruction throughout our region. They had acted as an instrument of destabilisation, destruction, subversion and regime change in the service of the apartheid regime. Their presence, operations and incursions into virtually all the SADC countries had brought death, suffering and misery to thousands of people throughout our region.

Undoubtedly, among the officers from the rest of our region present on the parade ground at Lusaka City Airport, were nationals of various countries who had had to take up arms to defend the independence of their countries, which was under armed attack by forces of aggression that falsely claimed to represent our interests as South Africans.

At the same time, there were officers from the rest of our region who had worked with the commanders and cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe, and the rest of our movement, out of the public eye even in their own countries, to contribute to the intensification of the struggle to defeat the apartheid crime against humanity. They did this knowing that inevitably, the apartheid regime, with a benign nod from the major Western capitals, would carry out terrorist acts in their countries, targeting both unarmed members and supporters of our movement, and the civilians of our host countries.

Recalling all these painful circumstances, during which the apartheid regime supported the LLA in Lesotho, Super-ZAPU in Zimbabwe, RENAMO in Moçambique, and UNITA in Angola, and various political formations, we could not but be moved to tears by the concrete representation of the fact that democratic South Africa has dedicated all our military capabilities to the cause of peace, friendship, solidarity and development in our region and Continent.

We were moved that men and women of the military, police and associated civilian forces from our region, and their political leaders, openly and unreservedly expressed confidence in our security forces as reliable partners in the common struggle to consolidate our region as an African perimeter of peace, democracy and development.

As President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia said at the opening session of the SADC Summit Meeting, it was indeed an important matter of note that SADC was meeting in Lusaka for the first time since its formation in the same city in 1980 as the SADCC. As was correctly observed, this was only possible because since 1980, following the independence of Zimbabwe, both Namibia and South Africa had been liberated, ending the long period of colonialism and white minority rule on our Continent.

Regional solidarity

This statement was significant not only as a celebration of victory, but also as a signal of what Southern Africa must do to accelerate its advance towards the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment throughout our region, in the interest of the masses of the people of our region, who had carried the burden of the struggle finally to end colonialism and apartheid in Africa and the world.

Accordingly and correctly, the Lusaka Summit Meeting focused on the urgent task to transform the economies of our region, to ensure that as an integrated whole, they meet the aspirations of the masses of the people of Southern Africa.

In this regard, the Lusaka Summit Meeting was exposed to what can be done. President Bingu wa Mutharika announced that Malawi would donate 5 000 metric tons of maize each to Lesotho and Swaziland, in the light of their food shortages, caused by drought.
President Mwanawasa also announced that Zambia had donated 10 000 metric tons of maize to the World Food Programme (WFP) to be made available to any SADC country in need.

The Zimbabwe economy

The Summit Meeting also approved the urgent initiation of a process that would identify the measures that the SADC region should take to assist in the economic recovery of Zimbabwe. The report prepared by the SADC Secretariat in this regard
says:

"The restoration of the country's foreign exchange generating capacity through Balance of Payments support is crucial: however, the most urgent action that is needed to start this process is to establish lines of credit to enable Zimbabwe to import inputs for its productive sectors, particularly for agriculture and foreign currency generating sectors.

"SADC should do all it can to help Zimbabwe address the issue of sanctions, which is not only hurting the economy through failure to get BoP support and lines of credit, but also through reduced markets for its products. Sanctions also damage the image of Zimbabwe, causing a severe blow to her tourist sector.

"Zimbabwe on her part must continue to implement robust policies to reduce the overvaluation of the exchange rate, to reduce the budget deficit and to control the growth of domestic credit and money supply which fuel inflation, and to reduce price distortions in the economy. Equally important is the need to avoid frequent changes in policy initiatives, which have caused uncertainties and led to the view that the policy environment is unpredictable."

In this regard, on Monday, August 20, the Business Day newspaper published a wholly fabricated story alleging that the SADC leaders were divided over this report, describing a discussion at the Summit Meeting that never took place. This is consistent with an unethical practice in sections of our media in terms of which they manufacture news and information and communicate complete fiction as the truth.

The newspaper manufactured an unbridgeable "rift" resulting in a non-existent paralysis among the leaders, arising out of the discussion that never took place. The fact of the matter is that, acting on the recommendation of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, (the Organ), the SADC Summit Meeting accepted the report on the Zimbabwe economy, as well as the proposal of the Organ that our Finance Ministers, in consultation with the Government of Zimbabwe, should use the report to elaborate specific interventions that could be made by our region.

The hostile allegation that our countries have recklessly turned their eyes away from the problems of Zimbabwe, because of the imperatives of solidarity, has always been nothing more than a product of propaganda, which all thinking persons would recognise as such. The reality is that in a very real sense the problems of Zimbabwe are our problems, in the same way that the problems of the rest of Southern Africa are problems for Zimbabwe as well. Our entire region stands to benefit most directly from the recovery of Zimbabwe, in much the same way as Zimbabwe benefits from the progress of the region of Southern Africa, of which it is an integral and inalienable part.

The Lusaka Summit Meeting reconfirmed these fundamental positions, which include unqualified respect for the sovereignty of Zimbabwe and the right of its people to determine their destiny. At no point will SADC and its member states act as a super-power that has the right to expropriate the people of Zimbabwe of their right to self-determination, as imperial Britain did.

African unity & regional economic integration

The Lusaka Summit Meeting agreed that the 2008 normal SADC Summit Meeting, which will be held in our country, will launch our regional Free Trade Area. This Summit Meeting will also discuss the decision to transform the SADC region into a Customs Union by 2010. Before then, detailed work will also be done to prepare the basis for the radical improvement of all elements of the regional infrastructure. All this indicates the serious commitment of SADC rapidly to advance the critically important objective of mutually beneficial regional integration.

As we have reported before, the July 2007 AU Summit Meeting decided that the African Regional Economic Communities must serve as the driving force towards the political and economic unity of Africa. This important decision adds an important dimension to the historic obligation SADC has, seriously to attend to the issue of our region's integration, and its cooperation with other regions of our Continent.

This is particularly important in the light of the fact that our region conveyed a united view at the Accra AU Summit Meeting, insisting that the only rational and possible way to proceed towards the realisation of the objective of a United States of Africa is "from the bottom up", with the RECs, such as SADC, serving as the critical building blocks of the architecture out of which will be realised the age-old continental dream of African unity.

The 27th Ordinary Summit Meeting of SADC confirmed the determination of our region to respond to this challenge. The launch of the SADC Brigade, the first component of the African Union Standby Force, represented a practical demonstration of the commitment of the peoples of Southern Africa to help give meaning to the resolve of the peoples of Africa to take their destiny into their hands. This is confirmed by the fact that the entirety of the AU/UN "hybrid force" for Darfur, which will include SANDF and SAPS personnel, will be composed of African personnel.

As we knew and said during the difficult years when Lusaka served as the Headquarters of the ANC, Africa will be free!

Thabo Mbeki

MBEKI LINKED TO CHRIS HANI ASSASSINATION???

2007-07-19T23:14:00.001-07:00

Presidency to study controversial documentary

CAPE TOWN – The presidency has declined to comment on reports that a documentary on the rise to power of President Thabo Mbeki contains a suggestion he had a hand in the 1993 assassination of SA Communist Party leader Chris Hani.
However, it would ask for a copy of the film so the matter could be studied, presidential spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga said on Thursday.
The controversial documentary, titled “Unauthorised: Thabo Mbeki”, was screened to an audience of 200 invited guests at the Mail and Guardian’s Critical Thinking Forum in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion in which opinions were divided as to whether or not it was possible to defame a sitting president.
The suggestion in the 24-minute documentary, by a voice-over, that Mbeki had a hand in Hani’s assassination was the reason the SABC had not shown the film on television, the broadcaster’s content enterprise executive Mvuso Mbebe said at the event.
Lawyers had noted there were “serious issues” of defamation, and said the SABC editorial team had expressed reservations about the film and called for it not to be screened, Mbebe said.
Ratshitanga on Thursday told Sapa the presidency could not comment on the issue.
“These are reports based on people who have watched the documentary... Until we ourselves have watched it, we cannot make a comment,” he said.
For the same reason, Ratshitanga also declined to comment on whether it was possible the film defamed the president.
The presidency would “assess” the matter today, and request a copy of the film so it could be studied, he said. – Sapa.

LINK!!!!!!!

Last updated
19/07/2007 18:40:55

"THABO MBEKI S PROVERBIAL 'LONG ROPE'." BY THE REV M S HOVE

2007-07-15T22:27:00.001-07:00

THABO MBEKI S PROVERBIAL "LONG ROPE."

Preliminary Remarks:

Im very sure many of you have noticed that I haven't written anything myself for some time.

Of course I have written a lot so far: "IS ROBERT MUGABE THE MASTER-ASSASSIN?", "THE RIGGING OF ZIM ELECTIONS", "WHY ZIMBABWEANS DO NOT REBEL", "THE THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES OF A FORMER ZANU_PF CADRE" ETC.

( PLEASE CLICK ON THE HEADINGS TO GET TO THE POSTINGS!)

So why have I not been writing of late?

The reasons are numerous:

1..... Too many things have been happening of late and Ive been busy creating links from my own blogs to articles of interest relevant to our tragic Zim Situation.

2.....I've written a lot before and I've not been getting any challenges and any person can testify that it is very much depressing to talk for months in a room full of people but without any responses whether of agreement or of contradiction. I'm encouraged, though, by the numbers of visitors that come to my site many of them having been led by other bloggers etc from their various sites.
Then

3..... I didn't think I would really have to write about The Hon Thabo Mbeki hoping that he would quickly move away from his dubious so-called "Quiet Diplomacy" and therefore rendering my intended writings irrelevant or, as they say, "overtaken by events."
Now that the "Quiet Diplomacy" seems to "rage on" more vigorously, I can proceed to put pen down to paper.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS "QUIET DIPLOMACY" ALL ABOUT???

I'm sure we are aware that there should be and definitely exists a form of brotherhood within the Revolutionary Movements that have successfully unshackled their peoples from the yoke of racism and settler colonialism.

This brotherhood should be extending not only through the length and breadth of Africa but should extend to the so-called Diaspora where the black man has been getting various "raw deals" eg Jamaica , The United States of America etc.

The liberation movements of the then Rhodesia benefited from the already liberated "zones" like Zambia , Tanzania , Ghana etc. The ZANLA and ZIPRA forces owe a lot to the leaderships of the OAU and the FRONTLINE STATES.

So when Mugabe came into power in Zimbabwe , he immediately joined the FRONTLINE STATES which added their weight to the need for the liberation of South West Africa and South Africa itself.

Without doubt Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe was not found wanting in this regard!

He would announce how much he was contributing from his own salary towards funds that would assist in the AZANIAN AND NAMIBIAN cause.

It would impossible for me to enumerate how saboteurs from the then racist South Africa did various acts to destabilize the newly independent State of Zimbabwe. So without doubt the South Africans and the Namibians owe a lot to Cde Mugabe and Zimbabwe (among other countries).

BUT LETS TAKE A CORNER NOW:

It did not escape the South Africans that Cde Robert Mugabe was rather autocratic and had a somewhat "rough side" to his style of management.

As usual, one does not concentrate on the faults of his neighbour , more so his senior.

Who didn't know that "The Ngwazi" Dr Kamuzu Banda openly boasted that threw his real or perceived "enemies" into the crocodile infested rivers?

Who didn't know that the late Malawian strongman used to send "hit squads" into Eastern Zambia to kidnap and even assassinate his "opponents."

What did Kaunda say about that?

What did anyone say about "The Ngwazi"?

We don't need to ask about Cde Mugabe because Mugabe always disappointed us by going to Malawi and spending far more days on "State Visits" than he spent even in Mozambique where he had received real physical, spiritual and material refuge to the ZANLA Liberation Fighters.

I will not dwell on the real strange admiration that Cde Mugabe had of the despicably evil so called "NGWAZI."

What I'm trying to highlight is the lack of words to at least condemn a fellow President when he de-humanizes his own peoples.

The ANC and PAC know very well how Dr Joshua Nkomo was tormented and hounded in a new Zimbabwe that he had lived all his life struggling to liberate.

Even now they don't need to read books and publications about the "GUKURAHUNDI MASSACRES" of the early 80s. They were in Bulawayo when it all happened.

Moreso, the Ndebeles who suffered more are really descendants of the Zulus who ran away under Lobengula from another war-monger Tshaka in the 19th Century.

The Xhosas (who are relatives of Cde Nelson Mandela and Cde Thabo Mbeki) are also of a significant number in the area affected by "GUKURAHUNDI".

These Xhosas came as servants of the white man during the period of the PIONEER COLUMN and other later expeditions.

I'm trying to highlight that Zimbabwe , to the South Africans , is not a country that is far removed like, say, Somalia , the DRC, or Ethiopia .

Zimbabwe is really like an extension of South Africa .

So where is the problem?

Does South Africa lack compassion about what's happening just across the river? But surely even the Limpopo crocodiles have been heard saying "Thank God for the Zim crisis and thank God more for President Mbeki's Quiet Diplomacy!"

Does Mbeki not know the magnitude of the problem?

Lets go slowly over this one!

There is no doubt that Mugabe had great joy to see Namibia and subsequently South Africa/Azania getting their Independence .

The very serious problem that emerged was when Cde Nelson Mandela's "glory" overshadowed that of Cde Robert Mugabe. No serious Political Analyst should ever under-estimate this issue.

Mugabe is a very sensitive person who does not forgive any-one who even attempts (obviously through no fault of his) to get a greater standing ovation than his.

THAT IS ROBERT MUGABE'S REAL "FAULT LINE!!!"

Everything else we can describe eg assassinations etc come from that fault-line! Its nothing he can do about it himself especially at this late stage in his life. Only lessons we must learn for the future.

In Zimbabwe itself, no politician can get more attention than him. All who speak must refer to him and say they have been sent to convey whatever "goodies" etc that they will be donating even personally! At major events eg at National Funerals only Cde Mugabe will speak! Mugabe is the BE ALL in ZANU-PF and in ZIMBABWE !

And he stupidly enjoys that situation!

All the intellectuals eg Cde Nathan Shamuyarira have been reduced to making small statements mainly "rubber-stamping" decisions that will have been really made by one man, ROBERT MUGABE!

Remember that Dr Shamuyarira left Government around 1998 saying he would concentrate on writing a book about Robert Mugabe. But he also said he wasn't happy about the welfare of the people as early as at that time. But the trillion dollar question (Zim dollars, of course) is where is the book 9 nine years down the line?

Ladies and Gentlemen we are dealing with a demagogue who has literally "urinated' into the very revolution that we were supposed to be very proud of! Everyone is not of any value except Cde Mugabe himself! He gives value to people and withdraws it when he feels like!

The very people that set him up where he is at the moment and who unwillingly prop him up at that elevated position have no power to remove him! Those that tried died in mysterious car accidents or are alive…YES… but completely "immobilized."

Now Thabo Mbeki knows all this and is one of the most intelligent people in South Africa . Cde Thabo Mbeki sits in front of a Computer and not only "surfs" the Internet but he also writes letters himself personally which are posted to the ANC WEBSITE and I get a copy in my "IN-BOX" every Friday afternoon without fail!

Again, my question is: WHAT WENT WRONG BETWEEN THE ZIM STRONGMAN AND THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICIANS?

When the late dictator Laurent Kabila of the DRC requested assistance in the mid-90s, Mugabe asked Cde Nelson Mandela if he could also contribute troops but Cde Nelson Mandela declined. I will not try and analyse why Mandela could not commit himself but knowing Mugabe as we do, that was completely unforgivable.

Mugabe weeps inside and blood oozes from his heart to other internal organs and he gets really depressed when "snubbed."

When the revered Nobel Prize winner the Archbishop Desmond Tutu asked Mugabe to please release those jailed mercenaries, Mugabe treated him as a Primary School Headmaster would treat a very naughty school boy.

During the farm invasions of 2000 onwards, the South African envoy, the High Commissioner himself was nearly killed when the violent war veterans mistook him for some MDC official at a farm to the north of CHINHOYI.

During the 2002 Elections, South African Observer Mission members were severely assaulted when ZANU-PF thugs mistook them for MDC Officials since they were having some meetings with MDC Officials.

LINK!!!!!!

So to tell everyone the truth, there is nothing that CDe Thabo Mbeki doesn't know about the Zim story!

In fact, he himself once languished in Mugabe's jail and may write a book about that after Mugabe's departure from Office or expiry (whichever comes first.)

SO AS CDE WILF MBANGA ONCE ASKED, "WHY MBEKI?????"

Here are my own humble views:

Cde Mbeki just wants Mugabe to have the longest rope possible and let the world watch how the fool will use it!
Cde Mbeki does not want to have any of Mugabe's blood on his hands.

Mugabe must have the luxury and privileged of hanging himself.

But above all, Mbeki is a very seasoned intellectual.

He must know that a nation gets the best out of their situation if they liberate themselves with their own hands!

A baby is healthiest if he gets out the womb on his own!

A little chick will not survive if you break open the egg shell for it!

The little chick must use its own "muscles" to force that shell open!

The Zimbos must liberate themselves!

BUT MORE FRIGHTENING OBSERVATIONS:

MBEKI'S INCLINATIONS TOWARDS THE "MUGABE STYLES!"

Prevent the Zulus from getting into power! (Mugabe style!)

Suppress the Inquiries about the Assassination of Cde Chris Hani! (Mugabe style!)

So fellow Zimbos .....there we are!

WE ARE ALL ON OUR OWN!

MAY THE GOOD LORD ABOVE HAVE MERCY ON OUR SOULS!

(ASK ME....MY REPLY: "THE WORLD MUST ARM OUR YOUTHS TO OUST THAT DERANGED, MISGUIDED DEMAGOGUE! ONLY A BULLET WILL REMOVE THAT UNREFORMED TERRORIST! WE NEVER GOT DEMOCRACY! THERE WAS MORE DEMOCRACY FOR THE BLACK MAN UNDER IAN SMITH ALTHOUGH IT WAS LIMITED AND RESTRICTED!)

REV MUFARO STIG HOVE!

Cell: 0791463039 RSA

mufarostig@yahoo.co.uk

SOUTH AFRICA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITS COLLUSION WITH MUGABE!!!

2007-07-12T07:41:00.001-07:00

South Africa: For Our Collusion With Mugabe Black SA Should Feel Ashamed

LINK!!!!!
Business Day (Johannesburg)

OPINION
12 July 2007
Posted to the web 12 July 2007

Xolela Mangcu
Johannesburg

"IF WE are incapable of being ashamed of our country, we do not love it. It is a shame that can be valuably mobilised," renowned scholar of nationalism Benedict Anderson said during an address at Wits last year.

I have often locked horns with many white South Africans over their lack of shame about apartheid. This lack of shame has often turned into outright denial of how apartheid gave them a cruel and unfair advantage over black people. I suppose their unspoken logic is that any expression of shame would lead to a pronouncement of guilt, which would in turn to lead to punishment.

But as Anderson puts it, there is something intrinsically redemptive about shame - without extending into guilt and punishment.

In the same way that I have been astonished by this lack of shame in white society, I cannot see how black people cannot be ashamed by our complicity in the Zimbabwean tragedy.

I will leave criticism of "quiet diplomacy" to foreign policy experts. I am talking about something much more basic and simple than such sophisticated concepts. I am simply asking whether we can feel proud about our South African identity and our values given our own collusion in what has happened in Zimbabwe.

Collusion may seem like a strong word. After all, our country did not send troops to put down the people of Zimbabwe. But I would argue that we provided this monstrous dictator with psychological aid and comfort. Our leaders and intellectuals swallowed President Robert Mugabe's lie that Zimbabwe's problems were a creation of the western world. We gave him standing ovations and received him with thunderous applause whenever he came here. We put down his critics as agents of the west or sellouts or coconuts of one type or the other.

We argued for noninterference as articulately as our former oppressors did during those long dark decades of apartheid. We did and said all of these things even as we witnessed the destruction on our television screens. The idea of a country in which the government has to arrest shop-owners for increasing prices to stay in business is truly absurd.

Reasonable people have been asking how it is that a whole society can stand by while their ruler does as he wishes with the whole country. In many ways that is a question for the people of Zimbabwe to answer. The question for South Africans to answer is how could we have given psychological aid and comfort to the agents of this tragedy. Personally, I was sickened by the whole thing, and our participation in it. I always felt we had squandered our moral authority in defence of an irredeemable monster.

I suppose part of the reason I write is to simply record my own reactions to history. And when it comes to Zimbabwe it is a history of which I am utterly ashamed.

In the final analysis my expression of shame about our support for Mugabe also has something to do with our political future. I fear that in our support for Mugabe we demonstrated that we lost the basic value of ubuntu that was supposed to underpin our political democracy. If we can show such callousness towards the people of Zimbabwe, what would stop us from such callousness to our neighbours here at home?

After all, world history is littered with examples of neighbours turning on each other in the name of ethnic and racial nationalism, mainly at the instigation of thugs and gangsters lodged deep within the state. For example, there is still more we need to know more about the genocidal campaigns that Mugabe is said to have unleashed on the people of Matabeleland in the 1980s.

In the final analysis, Mugabe's terror raises lessons for SA about what happens when thugs take over the state, when its citizens become accomplices to the terror, and when politicians and intellectuals become the chief theoreticians of that terror. We have the responsibility to do some soul-searching about our own role in this sordid and tragic affair, if only to prevent it from happening here any time in the future.

Relevant Links

Southern Africa
South Africa
Zimbabwe

Our first instinct may be to deny any such complicity, and say there is nothing we could have done. But did we really have to applaud this murderous dictator? What does that say about us and our own cultural and political values? How did we become cheerleaders in an unseemly celebration of mass murder and gangsterism?

The answer must begin with a sense of shame, but then shame presupposes an articulation of preexisting values. I still look forward to the day when all this racial nationalism is no longer with us, and we can speak openly about the values we hold in common.

Mangcu is executive chairman of the Platform for Public Deliberation, and a visiting scholar at the Public Intellectual Life Project at the University of the Witwatersrand.

SOUTH AFRICA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITS COLLUSION WITH MUGABE!!!

2007-07-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Mbeki's rehabilitation of Zanu PF!!!

2007-07-06T02:59:00.000-07:00

LINK!!!!!

By Mthulisi Mathuthu

(READ MTHULISI'S PREVIOUS ARTICLES)
Last updated: 07/03/2007 19:27:42

PRESIDENT Thabo Mbeki's image today is that of a centrist, intolerant and cold manager. So widely-held is the view that very nearly all his biographers and critics have identified traces of authoritarianism in his administrative style, so much so that it will be difficult to suspect a hatchet job.

His mistrust for the media, his refusal to open up to new ideas on how to go about tackling the Zimbabwean crisis and his persistence on his so-called 'quiet diplomacy' while the crisis deepens, have all conspired to lend credence to the sorry image.

As the talks between the Zimbabwean belligerents got underway recently, Mbeki's sorry image cast its shadow over the whole enterprise sending the signal that this could be yet another waste of time.

Instead of the whole enterprise becoming a collective, inclusive drive towards a better Zimbabwe with Mbeki leading the discourse, it has already diminished into a shadowy exercise exhibiting directly, his personal attitudes, moods, views and flaws.

To kick-start an exercise of such a magnitude and importance with an individual's character holding sway is to fail at the outset.

The reports last week that a media black-out had been imposed on the Zimbabwe talks were enlightening as they were disturbing. What this means is that Mbeki -- a person who relishes in working in the shadows and mistrusts journalists -- is not only playing a midwifery role but is already going to be the outcome himself.

To say the media blackout is meant to forestall a Zanu PF boycott is very difficult to fathom. This is a snake-oil attitude of Mbeki and his soul-mate Mugabe who over the years have demonstrated deep dislike for open criticism from the opposition and what they view as the 'liberal media'.

To want to muzzle the media in the middle of such an important story is a demonstration that while the idea to bring the parties together is modern, the tools and spirit employed to achieve this all belong to the earlier era.

Those who have spoken to diplomats will agree that it has always been Mbeki's view that what is obtaining in Zimbabwe requires no regime change but re-organisation. It is a revolution that slightly went off-track and the remedy would be to reform Zanu PF.

Sources speak of how Mbeki has lined up Zanu PF reformists such as Dr Ibbotson Day Mandaza as consultants on how to proceed on the issue.

To Mbeki, the likes of Welshman Ncube and Morgan Tsvangirai would do well to join Zanu PF. They are the rebels who should be readmitted and not politicians with a different world view seeking an electoral mandate to steer the ship through the un-navigated waterways.

The 1987 Unity Accord between PF Zapu and Zanu PF was enough and its only mistake was that it left out the young revolutionaries, Mbeki reasons. MDC was occasioned by the frustration of the young revolutionaries whose upward mobility was thwarted by the unyielding seniors.

So Mbeki's approach would be to convince Mugabe to create space for the new blood and prepare for the party's continuation after he has left. In achieving this, Mbeki would have killed two birds with one stone.

He would have beaten back the internal threats to the ANC and he would have secured his legacy and cancelled any feelings that his quiet diplomacy was a charade.

Mbeki, who wants to be known as intellectual is on a mission to secure his legacy as a man who stopped the neo-liberal push for the destruction of the liberation parties. He wants to renew their hold on the body-politic by merging the young radical blood and the old blood and set an example for the whole region.

He is not just in a laboratory to carry out a study, but is in the dark room to work out his alchemy -- mixing deadwood with new blood. So Zimbabwe is the right place to start because it has a ruling party that has refused to yield and has a strong opposition with a huge following.

From the outset, Mbeki's agenda is at variance with the aspirations of Zimbabweans as he seeks to preserve the revolutionary aspirations and to renew his own party back home while the Zimbabweans hope for a new dispensation free from the 'locust class' mentality of the post-liberation aristocracy.

That is why he should work in the shadows with no journalist reporting on his attempts to reform Zanu PF. If the CODESA talks that brought about a new South Africa were almost under the full glare of the media, why shouldn't journalists cover the Zimbabwean talks?

Another development of concern has been that right from the outset President Mbeki's personal miscalculations and confusion are proving to be determinant factors in the talks.

As is well-known it has always been his view that the Zimbabwean story is a racial drama and Mugabe who knows all too well that he is himself the problem long identified that stupidity on Mbeki's part and is exploiting it to the fullest.

That is why Zanu PF's submissions are coined in such a manner so as to strike a chord with Mbeki.

Just listen to the poppycock: The MDC must "drastically re-orientate its attitude towards national events", stop forthwith its "promotion of violence", commit itself to the "irreversibility of land reform", "respect the country's sovereignty and its national laws", call for the lifting of sanctions, and "stop calling for outside interference in Zimbabwe's domestic affairs".

For Mugabe to proceed in this manner is an indicator that he doesn't take Mbeki and his talks seriously. It is very difficult to imagine that Mugabe himself and some of his most daft ministers believe in their submissions to Mbeki but alas the South African President has embraced them.

That is why as Mbeki sets about his job, the incumbent in Harare will crank up the gears towards repression, seizing passports of the opposition leaders, haranguing journalists, passing new communication laws to limit free expression (in resonance with the media blanket over the talks).

So Mbeki will come to a stage where he will find out that what he did was nothing but to help up carry on with his agenda.

Mthulisi Mathuthu can be contacted on e-mail: thuthuma@yahoo.com

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MBEKI TO VISIT ZIM???

2007-07-05T07:10:00.001-07:00

LINK!!!!!!!!!

Mbeki to visit Zimbabwe

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:54:00

Spiwe Ncube

HARARE President Thabo Mbeki is expected to make an official visit to Zimbabwe "probably" in the third week of this month to convey South Africa's growing concern over the turmoil and to mobilize protagonists around his mediation in the long drawn out conflict in Zimbabwe.

Official sources said the visit had been planned for some time and will immediately come after the SADC heads of State meeting scheduled for Lusaka, Zambia in the second week of July. Sources denied the visit was a direct result of the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe, South Africa's main trading partner.

Our source said the South African government is monitoring developments in Zimbabwe with alarm. There are fears that an economic collapse could lead to a worsening influx of refugees into South Africa.

Mbeki is also reported to have been privately angered by President Mugabe's handling of the crisis over land redistribution and its adverse impact on Africa's image internationally.

South Africa has studiously refrained from making any public comment on developments in Zimbabwe, opting instead for behind-the-scenes diplomacy in an attempt to prevent its troubled neighbour sliding into economic collapse and anarchy.

Nelson Mandela, the former president, was quoted saying "quiet diplomacy" was the best approach for South Africa. "In my experience, South Africa would be more effective if they dealt with the problem quietly," he reportedly said in response to questions. Jacob Zuma, Mbeki's heir apparent however made indirect criticism of Mugabe in a speech at an ANC meeting.

"Powerful leaders should not be allowed to intimidate democratically elected parliaments and should remain accountable to them," Zuma said to applause from delegates.

The opposition MDC has said it believed Mbeki's mediation this time around could bear fruit because he was carrying the SADC mandate. An opposition deputy said Mugabe was likely to repeal POSA and some sections of AIPPA. He was however unsure if they would be any change in terms of the environment.

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MBEKI A NON-EVENT!!1

The sooner everyone realizes Mbeki is a non-event, the better for everyone! You and I who can even see this article must think of the suffering people in Zim! Anyone who dreams of a solution in the next year is a pathetic hypocrite! Zimbos are dying....being eaten by crocodiles in the Limpopo? SAKA KUSI KUFA NDOKUPI? ARM THE PEOPLE....PERIOD! M S Hove.... www.zimfinalpush.blogspot.com mufarostig@yahoo.co.uk

Posted By ZIMFINALPUSH!!! , DIASPORA!!! : Jul 5 2007 06:44 AM

Mbeki supports Mugabe 100%

Mbeki will go to Zimbabwe and hold hands in solidarity with Mugabe. Why does the media always go on about Mbeki trying to shift Mugabe. He's not! Mbeki and Mugabe have a shared dream and that is to put their parties in power forever. South Africa will also nationalise in time. That has always been their objective. Why else would Mbeki use his government to promote Mugabe and shelter him on global platforms. What the people of Zimbabwe want doesn't mean a tin of s h i t to Mbeki or Mugabe. It's high time Zimbabweans woke up to this fact. It's all about power, not people.

Posted By Humba Mugabe , Highfields : Jul 5 2007 07:57 AM

ZUMA ZUMA ZUMAAA

What we need is a straight talking neighbor like J Zuma. This Mbeki guy is clueless about our situation.

Posted By cIO , Gushungoland : Jul 5 2007 08:11 AM

To Hell with Mbeki

When did he start mediating?? Long back, what was achieved?? zero, so this time you expect wonders from him, forget. We are wasting our time thinking that something will be done by this coackroach. Lets arise and arm ourselves rather than wait for a fellow human being time is no longer on our side

Posted By Kwiti , Chipinge, Zimbabwe : Jul 5 2007 08:12 AM

no title

MDC is very stupid Mbeki has been playing games with them for to long what talks ?Mbeki is Mugabe support full stop , he is fighting for Zanu pf survival not Mdc that is why the Ndebeles sold out the struggle , Tsvangirai open your eyes and stop being pused around like r dead wood , remember they r people in jails , and people dying .Mbeki is a non starter . i urge all zimbababweans to invade south africa in our millions and vote for Mr HIV Zuma in our thousand so that we can fix MBEKI.

Posted By KABABY , uk : Jul 5 2007 08:45 AM

Mbeki to hell Zuma is Boo

Both Mugabe and Mbeki waroyi, the only difference is Mbeki anoroya usiku (queit diplomacy) and yet Mugabe anoroya masikati zuva rakacheka nyika (Ops muramba tsvina, gukura hundi, Talent Mabika you can name Brig Gunda etc.) Why not Zuma in SA and Tsvangison in Zim. All those in the diaspora will came home.

Posted By Jo jo Zep , Parramatta, Sydney, Austrlia : Jul 5 2007 08:51 AM

MUSAVARWE Mbeki muroyi

MBEKI IS ACTUALLY BENEFITING AT EXPENSE OF SUFFERING ZIMBABWEAN CAUSE HE TOOK OVER ALL THE WHITE FARMERS AND GAVE THEM LAND, SO HE DONT WANT THE SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE TO IMPROVE, AS A WAY OF MATAINING A GOOD NAME

Posted By Baba VaTANAKA , UK : Jul 5 2007 09:14 AM

Mbeki uyu?????

Maonero angu Sekuru Mbeki havana kusiyana na sekuru Mugabe. Varikurwa vamire kuedza kuita third term as ANC president. Makambozviona kupi kuti President we ANC ndi Mbeki asi President wenyika ari someone else? Mbeki imhata. Hapana kana chinobuda apa. I have no trust for this Asshole called Mbeki. Mark my words. NOTHING WILL COME OUT OF THESE TALKS.

Posted By MUCHONI , JONI : Jul 5 2007 10:00 AM

Kedu Zuma Ndizvo Manje

Munoreva here uyuyu Great Son of Africa weku discover shower? The best answer to HIV edzi! Isu vamwe tinongotyira kuti vasikana vedu angavapedze vese. Mbuya vaRennie motambira kure kana Zuma vakamutuma kuHarare. Mungatorwe ndikabata pasi. Mbeki wants things to remian dead in Zim so that he continues to use our skilled labour yakatrainwa na va Mugabe.

Posted By Sekuru vaRennie , Jerusarema Idzva; Nyika yababa : Jul 5 2007 10:24 AM

All you fools do not know a bit About MBEKI

I have told you from time and time again Mbeki knows far much greater than all you lot that run away from your country in search of greener pastures . He knows Zim Politics better that street commentators like you . He knew Facts less the propaganda you are fed on . Mbeki knows the Problems in Zimbabwe are 50% solved if Zimbabwe and Britain are in good terms , Hence the SADC initiatives . He know 30% of Zimbabwe problems are solved if Sanctions and credit lines are lifted and restored respectively , hence the SADC/EU initiatives on Zimbabwe. He knows that The lat 20% of Zimbabwe,s problems for lasting solutions are solved for long term sustainability by a new reformed ZANU PF GVT less Mugabe and with a mix of opposition in influencial offices , hence the MDC/ZANU Talks end of story.Like it or not you have got to live with that fact my bruuu.

Posted By Kenneth Kurwa , Sofia : Jul 5 2007 10:32 AM

Kenneth Kurwa

Where the hell are you coming from you daughter of the deadly bitch lucifer, all the words you are utter are just rotten haaaaaaaa, bullshit mukanwa makafira dembo.

Posted By Kwiti , Chipinge, Zimbabwe : Jul 5 2007 10:40 AM

Let me Clarify to you ZUMA,s Words before you get too excited you fools

I have already seen a long list of those clammering ZUMA , ZUMA above yet no one even bothered to analyse what exactly ZUMA,s Words mean and to me his words are not a direct or indirect attack on Mugabe they are infact a direct attack on USA/BRITAIN and EU and thus his words are directly in tandem with Mugabe,s Theme . Here are Zuma,s Words . Jacob Zuma, Mbeki's heir apparent however made indirect criticism of Mugabe in a speech at an ANC meeting. "Powerful leaders should not be allowed to intimidate democratically elected parliaments and should remain accountable to them," Zuma said to applause from delegates. Since When has Robert Mugabe been hailed as a powerful Leader ? Has Robert ever Challenged a democratically Elected Parliament ? In other Words ZUMA is digging at the West / Britain its leaders for Challenging Democratically Elected Parliaments Which Only Robert Mugabe is Accountable to . Meaning The Western GVt must not interfere in the Internal Affairs of another Country that has got its on elected parliaments and the President being accountable only to that parliament. Kuenda Kuchikoro Kwakanaka hama dzangu ndapota .

Posted By Kenneth Kurwa , Sofia : Jul 5 2007 10:45 AM

Kenneth Kurwa

So according to you and certainly not Mbeki, the Zim problem is 50% Mugabe/British bad blood induced, 30% Sanctions induced and 20% Zanu owned. How scientific? So if we remove Zanu PF and Mugabe we will resolve 70% of our problems. If we ignore Makoni and a Reformed Zanu we will notch an 80% reversal of our misfortune and if we ignore Zanu and Mugabe's personal hatred of Britain we will be 50% better off than we are today. Fantastic. Now how do you expect people to vote for Makoni ahead of Britain's blue eyed boy Tsvangirai if your extrapolation is right of which it is not anywhere? Mbeki, Zuma ANC and Mugabe Makoni and Zanu PF are one and the same source of our problems. I can only see a changed attitude towards Zanu and Mugabe engrossing South Africa when a South African Trade Unionist leader matures to the level of our own Lucia Matibenga, Gibson Sibanda, Morgan Tsvangirai, Isaac Matongo and Thokozile Khupe. Before that I expect no sympathies to flow to MDC from ANC. will still resolve

Posted By Hatirebwi Nathan Masikati , : Jul 5 2007 11:24 AM

Hatirebwi Masikati you are appearing Clever than i thought..........

Firstly My deepest apologies for misquoting you and in the process tanishing your image. I am very Sorry for that . I have sent an apology soon after i realised i meant to say HUMBULANI. Now back to your Questions 1.Thank you for agreeing with my analysis of Zuma,s Statement which was getting our foolish readers on a roller coaster of praising ZUMA when infact he was not even talking about Mugabe . 2. It is No secret if you remove the Propaganda being chunned out by oppositions that indeed 50% of Zim Crisis is solvable if Britain and Zimbabwe are to get on talking terms . Many countries know that , UN , Knows it and all . I say Rhetoric from opposition because rightfully they should be seen to say its not true there are other issues because they are in opposition , end of story .MDc is doing their Best to opposses but When it comes to finding lasting solutions to the other problems , Propaganda is left on the door step and only clean hands are allowed .Therefore by getting Britain on talking terms with Mugabe it means the removal or retirement of Mugabe 50% of the Problems are solved and therefore credit lines , IMF and World Bank can now speak to Zimbabwe directly without any lobby from Britain and EU because they will be on our side and another 30% of the problem is solved . But these institutions require garantees that other factors of mismanagement , corruption etc are addressed and that the credit lines are utilised to the benefit of the Nation that is divided along party lines and therefore ZANU PF must change or must be seen to be changing and Simba Makoni comes in as the British/Western Favourate not Morgan as he is no longer their boy anymore . He made greater judgemental mistakes and knowing the British myself they do not forgive anyone that embarasses them they move on and now its going to be SIMBA MAKONI,s turn .Therefore with my statistics youhave got to be seen to tackle greater and easier solutions first and in this case it is now easier to remove Robert Mugabe , that will in turn leads to the lifting of sanctions , opening of credit lines and then reorganisation of Zimbabweans into a GVT of National Unity . Morgan though will not be forgotten , i can bet on that .Though i dislike him i will be the first guest in his Office to congradulate him , if i am still alive. I have noticed a cunny analysis in your response Hatirebwi . You thought my % were independent factors which you could play around like a puzzle trying to get the best fit . You nearly got me again but no these % are in a conceptual framework , one thing leading to the other .

Posted By Kenneth Kurwa , Sofia : Jul 5 2007 11:53 AM

Kenneth Kurwa

You have seen the light. Stastical political data is not always as accurateas you believe. The issue is you wont know for sure if Simba is a favoured politician to Tsvangirai until he is on the stage. You will only gauge his strngths properly when he is unleashed on the main political arena. That is why for now I would rather concentrate on the visible playes and not him. What you are seeing on the ground with MDC rallies s nothing compared to what will happen if police violence against him and his loyalist is taken out of the equation. Not even Matibili can pull the crowds Tsvangirai is pulling and with a tolerant political environment even the cowardly will flock to his rallies rather than the converse you postulate. MDC members are the bravest Zimbabweans I have seen in my life that started in the Federation

Posted By Hatirebwi Nathan Masikati , Murombedzi Zim : Jul 5 2007 12:22 PM

Hatirebwi Thank you for the Conclusions

Hatirebwi you have finally arrived at my conclusions . The Whole Election Monitoring Team for Africa is rejoicing as i write that you have even supported their findings. 1. It is true we agree that Morgan is puling large crowds and if the police does not intimidate the POVO there will be even larger crowds . That our Team has postulated . 2. The Crowds Robert Pulls is not expected to be greater that Morgan.s crowds as the people are expecting a new direction , knew announcements and Robert Cannot give that and hence people cannot Come in numbers greater than Morgan and our results confirm that. 3. Where we have a problem is the Launch of another ZANU PF Candidate the Likes Of Simba Makoni , Our initial results indicates Mayhem not Large Crodws . Our Initial results indicates greater affinity to Simba Makoni than to Morgan Therefore Though both will attract Larger Crowds earlier indications favour Larger Crodws for Simba based on the Criterio i mentioned to you on the electibility Scale .

Posted By Kenneth Kurwa , Sofia : Jul 5 2007 12:37 PM

Keneth Kurwa

ZUMA JACOB actually refered to Mugabe,its very clear. I, however salute you for being a genius for trying to explain away simple and straigtforward statements. typical of zanu pf spin doctors. PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS 1. Mugabe overuled several adverse reports of parliament on so many bills (now laws)eg POSA, AIPPA etc. Do you remeber how the late EDSON ZVOBGO fought and other zanu & OPPOSITION legislators fought AIPPA&POSA? MUGABE reacted by calling for acuacus meeting and whipped all zanu legiaslators into line. 2. REmember how Mugabe sent our troops to DRC without parliament approval? 3. remember Mugabe"s selective presidential powers? Yes is a poweful PRESIDENT NOT ACCUONTABLE TO AN ELECTED PARLIAMENT. ZUMA AND ALL FAIR MINDED SADC citizerns are very much aware of this.

Posted By SAUNYAMA MHETA , HARARE, ZIMBABWE : Jul 5 2007 01:01 PM

ZUMA,s Statement is Clear for all to see SAUNYAMA , it did not Escape Kenneth

Did you ever think what Presidential powers are ? do you know that it is his right according to the Law to overule Parliament ? What if i tell you that George Bush did overule the Senate,s recommendations not to increase the iraq budget ? What if i tell you that Even though the British Parliament was clearly divided on the War in Iraq Britain through Tony Blair himself and alone with little parliamentary Support Went to War .That is WHY GORDON BROWN has STARTED by SAYING he WILL RETURN POWER to the PARLIAMENT and NEVER AGAIN will BRITAIN go to WAR without Parliament approval. Therefore its not Spin Muface its simple analysis , ZUMA never meant Robert Mugabe end of story , no matter how you yourself can try to spin it . Analyse the statement as it is my BRUU. Since When has Robert Mugabe been addressed as Powerful Leader in the First Place ? Start from there and then move foward .

Posted By kenneth Kurwa , Sofia : Jul 5 2007 01:18 PM

Kenneth the LONE fighter

I stayed for a longtime with a brother called Kenneth. For convinience sake can you change your name to:- Tambu, Chenhamo, or if you prefer K as your first letter Kamhiripiri those tome sound more faminine than Kenneth.

Posted By John Motsi , Toronto Canada : Jul 5 2007 01:20 PM

Kenneth Kurwa

The anticipated launch you talk of is in its infancy if you ask me. Wait until Matibili makes his move on the initiators of that innovation and see if it will survive. That will be popularity and resolve test No 1 for him. Second if only you knew the relationship between Tsvangirai/ Manyonda/ Makoni you would not be postulating what you are saying. It is Tsvangirai who is better placed to accommodate Makoni rather than the converse that you postulate. Ever wondered why Mujuru is trying to court Tsvangirai at this juncture? He knows who is who between Tsvangirai and Makoni. Mujuru and Makoni cannot torpedo Mugabe alone as they do not have enough Parliamentary support nor structured grassroots support in Zanu. Matibili has the structures firmly under his control. Tsvangirai has both grassroots support and parliamentary clout ad his main problem is State scripted violence. Remove that and his credibility soars to heights hitherto unimagined. That is what Mujuru wants. He does not trust Tsvangirai and he knows the converse is true. That's why he has scouted for a relative of Tsvangirai to put forward as his Zanu PF ambitions proxy and Makoni fits the bill well. After dealing No 18 Amendment blow a fatal blow with Tsvangirai's envisaged Parliamentary support he will ditch Makoni for his wife for Presidency. Tsvangirai is not oblivious of this and might just use the opportunity to further gain mileage and negotiate Makoni's accommodation in MDC thereby putting paid to Makoni's representation of Zanu. Conversely Tsvangirai can simply refuse to go along with the Simba Makoni/Mujuru proposal and that will close the Parliamentary coup leaving the Zanu Congress the only avenue to follow. Now you know as well as I do what will happen at the Zanu Congress. Manyika/Kasukuwere/Muchinguri and all provincial Chairmen will nominate Mugabe. Period.

Posted By Hatirebwi Nathan Masikati , Murombedzi Zim : Jul 5 2007 01:27 PM

TIRED

We are tired of reading about the so called bitch`s statements-Kenneth Kurwa, Mr Editor if you can do us a favour of deleting all her efforts. she is useless

Posted By Kwiti , Chipinge Zimbabwe : Jul 5 2007 02:31 PM

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Tsvangirai slams refugee stance!!!

2007-06-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

LINK!!!!!

June 06, 2007 Edition 2

Peter Fabricius

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has accused Southern African countries and the international community of criminalising the millions of Zimbabwean refugees in neighbouring countries.

He believed this was because they did not want to admit they had legitimate reasons to flee their country.

Tsvangirai, leader of one faction of the Movement for Democratic Change, told the diplomatic community in Pretoria yesterday that the international community was ignoring the growing humanitarian crisis among the Zimbabwean refugees now living in South Africa, Botswana and other neighbouring countries.

They were ignoring the problem because they and the regional and African governments were "still in a state of denial" that the Zimbabwean political crisis had created the growing refugee problem, he said.

"There is a refusal to admit that the Zimbabwean crisis is having a real negative impact on the region that might create conditions for general regional instability.

"Some countries are in this perpetual state of denial for fear that their reading of the Zimbabwean crisis and strategies of intervention might at last be pronounced wrong. The presence of refugees might therefore be seen as a direct indictment of policies pursued in dealing with the Mugabe regime.

"The escape route chosen to mask this deceptive denial has been to brand all Zimbabwean refugees as border jumpers and therefore liable for criminal prosecution through a given country's immigration laws.

"This has absolved the governments concerned of any moral responsibility."

"MBEKI MUST TURN UP VOLUME ON ZIM!", SAYS SENIOR ANC MEMBER

2007-05-14T07:21:00.001-07:00

Quiet diplomacy has failed, says Sexwale

May 14 2007 at 11:37AM http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=84&art_id=vn20070514111332960C712556

By Moshoeshoe Monare, Group Deputy Political Editor

Former Gauteng premier and businessman Tokyo Sexwale says President Thabo Mbeki should consider other options to avoid the meltdown in Zimbabwe, as quiet diplomacy has failed.

Speaking on a BBC World's Hard Talk on Monday morning, Sexwale said the Zimbabwean situation had ramifications for South Africa as a neighbour.

"My president started with the process of quiet diplomacy - now there is nothing wrong with that, you don't start by shouting - but its success depends upon whether you are being listen to by the other side. I am beginning to feel that my president is not being listened to."

It was time for Mbeki to "turn up the volume", he said.

Sexwale, whose name has emerged as a presidential hopeful in the divisive ANC succession, openly expressed interest in succeeding Mbeki at the ruling party's conference in December, saying he would consider if nominated.

In order to stay clear of the current divisions between Mbeki and ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma, he said he would stand for the legacy of Nelson Mandela and not represent factionalism or tribalism.

Sexwale said he would not become a compromise candidate but unify the ANC.

"I see myself as a committed, disciplined member of the ANC, I don't like divisions, I don't like the break-up of my organisation," he said.

On whether he would manage to convince members of Cosatu and the SA Communist Party who had made it clear they did not want business candidates, Sexwale said the ANC's rank and file members would decide.

Sexwale, regarded as one of the richest men in the country as a result of clinching BEE deals including the Barclays and Absa bank transaction, dismissed a notion that black economic empowerment was enriching a few elite.

"Barclays shareholders and shareholders of Absa would never have allowed the transaction if there was anything wrong with it. There is nothing wrong in people finding themselves making money," he said, adding that he was not running a communist system in his company.

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MR ROY BENNETT GRANTED ASYLUM AT LAST!

2007-05-13T21:50:00.001-07:00

Zimbabwe opposition figure wins SAfrica asylum-SAPA

13 May 2007 14:59:12 GMT

Source: Reuters

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13384049.htm

Background

Zimbabwe crisis

Zimbabwe hunger

JOHANNESBURG, May 13 (Reuters) - South Africa has granted political asylum to Zimbabwean former opposition legislator Roy Bennett, who fled into exile last year after being accused of involvement in a plot to kill President Robert Mugabe.

Bennett, a former legislator for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was denied asylum in South Africa in May 2006 but has been in the country ever since.

"I am very happy that it is finally over and I have been granted the (asylum) status," Bennett was quoted as saying by the South African Press Association (SAPA).

"I was very disturbed in the beginning when my application was refused even though it was very clear-cut and evident that my life was in danger because of my political beliefs," he said.

Bennett, a former farmer who was jailed for eight months in 2004 for assaulting a cabinet minister during parliamentary debate, was one of the few white Zimbabweans to remain active in politics after Mugabe's decision in 2000 to seize white-owned farms to give to landless blacks.

He was barred from standing in parliamentary elections held while he was serving his sentence in March 2005.

Bennett was among eight people, including a sitting MDC legislator, accused of plotting to topple the government and assassinate Mugabe after security forces found what they said was an arms cache in the eastern border city of Mutare.

The MDC has denied involvement in any such plot against the government, and the opposition and rights groups say the charges were part of Mugabe's campaign to silence his critics.

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MBEKI: AFRICA'S TRUE GIANT!

2007-05-13T03:51:00.001-07:00

Thabo Mbeki is as diminutive as they come. The first and only time I saw him was in Pretoria in 1995, when he attended an exhibition organised by the Nigerian embassy early in the days of majority rule. Very high did I have to stretch my neck in order to see him when his arrival was announced, because he was virtually drowned in a sea of body guards. Then he was Deputy President Mbeki. When I finally caught a glimpse of his grey-speckled hair- I couldn't see the face- I had to say to myself 'Oh what a short man.'
But as events have shown since he became president in 1999, his height is about all that is mean about Mbeki's political stature. Fearless and independent-minded, he is known to be as blunt and straight-forward as his world-famous predecessor Nelson Mandela; sometimes even more so. When South Africa hosted an international conference on AIDS in the year 2000, he challenged the forum to establish a link between HIV-AIDS and poverty, insisting that the prevalence of AIDS was more a result of the poor living standards in Africa than in the fact that the disease originated from there.

This speech was taken and reported so out of context that in extreme cases he was even quoted as having said there was no link between HIV and AIDS. Mbeki took this barrage of criticisms in stride, never denying nor seeking to make clarification on what he said. He knew the media propaganda was deliberate, some people just didn't want him to say anything different from the agreed common myths being peddled about the highly-politicised disease.
Publications like the Executive Intelligence Review defended him, narrating what really happened as opposed to what the Western media would have us believe and that was how some of us got to know the truth about the HIV/AIDS controversy. But Thabo Mbeki stood his ground, in fact even adding, in another forum, that he wondered how a disease of white homosexuals had suddenly become one of black heterosexuals in Africa. The Whites in South Africa and beyond labelled his comments 'racist and un-statesman-like'. But he remained unperturbed.
In his State Of The Nation address in January 2002, Mr Mbeki still showed this rare independent-mindedness when he said. 'We sympathise with the American people over the unfortunate event of September 11th 2001, and we will do all within our power to help in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.' Watching the SABC while enjoying my maternity leave, I almost gave in to the urge to put down my one month old baby and give him a standing ovation. At a time when world leaders were falling over each other to identify with the US, here is a man saying the victims of American aggression also deserve solidarity. At a time when no one dared to question the invasion of Afghanistan, though no evidence could be found linking the Taliban and their Honoured Guest Usama Bin Laden to the atrocities of 9/11, Mbeki was already telling the Afghans 'when the dark dirty deeds are over, we will be there for you.'
Now compare this with the reaction of other African leaders to 9/11 and you get a clear picture of who to call an African giant. They all rushed to their TV networks to commiserate with the United States. They turned the other way when plans were concluded to start the bombing of Afghanistan on October 5th 2001. Some of them like our very own Baba hopped on a plane to UK with the expressed intention of moving on to the White House for commiseration and condolence. But true to type the little tyrant there said he wasn't in the mood for some African chatter. Or how else can you explain why he received many European leaders and a few Asian ones like Megawati Sukarno-Putri of Indonesia, but still turned down poor Baba's attempt to say 'Ah, sorry o'.
Still as if to say African allies do have their uses, George Bush was reported as having called Chief Obasanjo and assigned him the task of explaining to other ECOWAS leaders why Afghanistan must be invaded, the night before the dastardly mission commenced.
No such record exists of Mbeki's attempt to visit the White House after 9/11 or his being a mouth piece for the Grand Invaders ahead of the Afghan invasion. He probably already knew as early as that time that 9/11 was a hoax, staged by America and blamed on Arabs to facilitate a steady conquest of their lands. He might also have known that the plans for an invasion of Afghanistan were completed since July 2001, only a perfect excuse was needed to pursue it.
Additionally, Mbeki might have read about the several overtures made by the Clinton administration to the Taliban government in Kabul in order to get it to agree to pipeline deals that will allow for the supply of Afghan oil through Europe to the US, but which failed because the US will not agree to certain demands of the Taliban. In his book Taliban, Ahmad Rashid, Pakistani author and journalist dedicated a whole chapter to the pipelines issue calling the incident Romancing The Taliban 1-4. There he discussed the four times the Clinton administration had arranged meetings with Taliban officials to discuss the pipelines deals by taking them all the way to 5-star hotels in the US. Knowing all this President Mbeki would have deduced that the invasion had nothing to do with the Taliban running an ancient Islamic administration or harbouring Bin Laden but everything to do with Afghanistan having the largest proven reserves of oil and gas courtesy of the Caspian sea.
Alternatively Thabo Mbeki's stance might have been out of historical knowledge of the American penchant for external aggression, he therefore decided not to tow the line, in much the same way his former boss, Mandela, had shunned George W Bush during his state visit to South Africa in 2003. Nelson Mandela had left the country ahead of the American President's visit, and earlier on, just before the American invasion of Iraq, he had described United States as 'One power with a president who has no foresight, who can not think properly and is now wanting to plunge the world into a holocaust.' He also said 'If there is one country that has said committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America.
Whatever Mr Mbeki's motivation for daring to be different, he is admirably at it again, this time in his relations with the state of Palestine. Recent reports say his government has issued an invitation for a state visit to the Palestinian Prime Minister, Ismail Haniya.

South African Intelligece Minister Mr Ronnie Kasrils who issued the invitation on behalf of his government, during a visit to Palestine, came under heavy criticism for doing so. But he dismissed his critics as myopic when he said 'Those who myopically object to such invitations merely show that they have learnt nothing from South Africa's transition.' And he is right, few other people on earth can understand the Palestinian plight better than South Africans. Apartheid was another inhuman occupation and the struggle against it had been as long, as bitter and at a great cost in human blood as the Palestinian one against Israeli occupation. So happy was late Yassir Arafat at the eventual liberation of South Africa, that when he attended Mandela's inauguration in May 1994, he expressed the wish that the liberation of Palestine, with him as an autonomous president was only a stone's throw away.
Right now the Jewish Board of Deputies is leading the wolf's cry against Haniya's planned visit to South Africa. They said the 'racist ideology' of Hamas stood in sharp contrast to South Africa's post-apartheid ideals. (Just look who's talking). Their spokesman Micheal Bagram had said 'As Jews and South Africans citizens we can not but view these developments with the deepest unhappiness.' But Mr Kasrils, who is himself Jewish, had defended the government's decision by saying he had used his visit to Palestine to reiterate the commitment of the South African government towards the achievement of a two-state solution based on a viable Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. This is just great. At a time like this Palestinians need all the solidarity they can get. Here is hoping that unlike the very intimidating way AIPAC (American Israeli Public Affairs Committee) manipulates public sympathy in favour of Israel in the United States, the Jewish Board of Deputies will not be that powerful in South Africa.
As business men Jews are very successful in the country, some say they control all the major businesses. The oldest gold mining company in the country, Anglo-American was founded by the Oppenheimers over a hundred years ago. When I lived there, over a decade ago, the largest supermarket chain in the country Pick and Pay was owned by a certain Mr Ackerman. Jews have lots of other business interests besides but their intimidating business profile is very unlikely to change government's policy on Palestine if Mbeki decides to remain the courageous African giant that he has proved to be. At least that is what we expect.

THE PEOPLE ANALYSING MBEKI'S STYLE!

2007-05-10T06:29:00.001-07:00

THE ORIGINAL STORY IS AT:

http://dearmrthabombeki.blogspot.com/2007/05/presidency-of-mbeki-confused.html

COMMENTS NOW CONTINUE!

http://supernatural.blogs.com/weblog/2007/04/mbeki_continues.html

I think this story is bizarre. Why did Mbeki and the ANC KZN officials (including Zuma) hold a meeting at the Jewish Club of all places? Surely there are better conference facilities in Durban.

Posted by: mike | May 01, 2007 at 22:39

We in Zim are studying his style (or lack of it!)

Radical Soldier of Zimbabwe.

www.zimfinalpush.blogspot.com

Posted by: Rev M S Hove | May 02, 2007 at 16:10

We in Zim are watching his antics with a keen eye!

www.zimfinalpush.blogspot.com

Posted by: Rev M S Hove | May 02, 2007 at 16:13

He has let down the people of Zimbabwe. The damage has been done. We can only hope that the next President of this country is willing to place the freedom of ordinary people ahead of old alliances between rulers.

Posted by: Steve | May 02, 2007 at 17:02

South Africa's foreign policy is based on a Satanic impulse to suport everything that is evil in the world today, whether it is Hamas, the PLO and Hezbullah or the current regimes in Zimbabwe, Sudan, Libya, Syria, Iran, Myanmar, Red China, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela.
There is no other explanation other than a spiritual attraction to the dark side.

Posted by: Gary | May 02, 2007 at 18:33

Ummm...of course the views of the commentators are not those of the authors of this blog. And that applies in particular to the above comment.

"Satanic"?

The "Dark side"?

come on...

Posted by: Steve | May 02, 2007 at 21:27

the explanation is to oversimplify, this: the ANC, given its history as anti-white anti-West and supposedly anti-colonialist and thus anti-capitalist (in reality the ANC is anything but anti-capitialist, however it pays lip service to anti-capitalism and thus anti-Americanism too), suffers from the ubiquitous human failing of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" delusion, and thus makes ties with all who like the ANC, are anti-West, anti-European (in the broad sense of the word), anti-American and anti-Jewish. Anti-Jewish since the fuel of "Leftist" Jew-hatred is, to oversimplify again, the deeply held belief that the Jew is the personificaton of the privileged super-rich oppressive elite.

Hamas hates the Jews, Hezbollah hates the Jews, etc etc; so does the ANC (they also of course need a scapegoat to turn attention away from their enormous failures and incompetence, wonder who that's going to be?) - so they are natural allies.

Much more complex though, of course, but this is just a few brief comments posted on a weblog.

Posted by: Lawrence | May 02, 2007 at 21:31

Lawrence, do you really believe that the ANC as an entity is anti-Jewish? What does that mean? Does that mean that every ANC member hates Jews?

You seem to have compared Hamas's hatred of Jews to the ANC. How do you support this comparison? When has the ANC specifically targetted Jews in terror attacks?

Does the ANC freedom charter embrace the protocols of the elders of Zion?

Do the ANC treat jews in South Africa any different from the way other minority groups are treated?

Their support for the Palestinians is based on a shared revolutionary romance. It is based on the PLO support during apartheid. It is based on the perception of the Palestinians as the under dogs and Israel as the Goliath. It is based on the perception of Israel as the 'whites' and the Palestinians as the 'blacks'. It is based on an anti-Western ideological position. It is based on, as you said, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

How do you support your position that they just 'hate Jews'?

Also, how do you support your view that the ANC has a history of being 'anti-white'. It could be argued that today they are somewhat 'anti-white' but that betrays their history as well as their former leaders.

over the majority of their existence since 1912 I could never agree that they are 'anti-white'. The nationalist strand within the ANC that was 'anti-white' split off to form what is now the PAC.

Posted by: Steve | May 02, 2007 at 21:45

Steve, if the ANC suports Hamas, Hezbullah and the Ahmadinejad regime, which are all, by your own admition anti-semitic, then the ANC are surely anti-semitic.
Just as one can surmise that those who supported Hitler during World War II were anti-Semitic.
Now you'll probabely say that Hamas/Hezbullah/Ahmadinejad are not the same as the Nazis and Hitler, but their aim is to wipe out the 5 million Jews of Israel, which would be two fifths of world Jewry, in the same way that Hitler wiped out a third of world Jewry.
As regards your problem with my description of the ANC's Satanic foreign policy, what else could you use to describe suport for every genocidal and massmurdering regime and terrorist organization on the planet,today?

Posted by: Gary | May 02, 2007 at 22:01

Gary, do you think that Japan was anti-Semitic because they supported Nazi Germany in the war? Or that Communist Russia wasn't because they fought with the allies? Similarly, South Africa's support (as vile as it may be to me) for Iran, Cuba etc does not make them anti-Semitic. International foreign policy does not revolve exclusive around Jews.

Posted by: mike | May 03, 2007 at 09:15

What I would describe as anti-semitic is South Africa being among 22 countries that did not vote for the resolution at the UN condemmning holocaust denial, South Africa being one of the few countries that voted against Israel joining the International Red Cross, and one of the few non-Islamic countries to give testimony in the Hague against Israel's security fence so that Arab terrorists could enter Israel to kill Jews.

Posted by: Gary | May 03, 2007 at 11:33

just because the ANC charter does not call for the killing of Jews and the SABC does not broadcast documentaries on how the Jews kill Christian children to make matzah and official ANC news-sheets do not reprint the Protocols of Zion as historical truth, does not mean the ANC is not anti-Semitic. And obviously not all ANC members are anti-semitic, it's a generalisation duh.

If the ANC supports policies in the Middle-East that seriously undermines and reduces the ability of Israel to defend its citizens from terrorists, while at the same time giving overt support and praise to self-same terrorists who call for the liquidation of millions of Jews/the destruction of Israel(see the ANC and its praise and support for the self-confessed jihadist Arafat, its disgraceful buddy-buddy relationship with the Islamofascist regime of Iran over its entire time as the ruling govt party ie from 1994); if the ANC indulges in routine condemnation of Israel for defending or trying to defend its citizens right to life even through non-violent means like a security barrier, if the ANC has nothing to say about tyranny, mass murder/genocide and mass rapes, pillaging, burnings, dismemberments and torture, the displacement of hundreds of thousands in numerous conflicts on our own tragic continent of Africa, then yes that does make the ANC anti-Semitic, obviously. And not just the ANC...

As for the ANC's support for the Palestinians being motivated by a "revolutionary" bond with the ANC and other "struggle" movements or whatever you want to call it, most everybody doesn't see the obvious here, namely support for the Palestinians is just a front for Jew-hatred, and always has been. Oh but I'm not allowed to point out the obvious how can I forget, even most Jews don't get it. If the Palestinians were not at war with the Jews, but with fellow Arabs, Christian or Muslim nobody, the ANC included, would give a damn, and the whole Palestinian issue would be largely ignored altogether. Like when Hamas and Fatah slaughter one another where are all the so-called bleeding hearts? I can give other examples.

Obviously anti-Semites are going to hide their Jew-hatred behind all sorts of cover terms and agendas (like Palestinian solidarity), They cannot admit they hate the Jews in an explicit, overt way, not even to themselves. becuase the nthey would have to admit they are not better than the coloniailst supremacists and fascists they are opposed to.

just because all high-ranking ANC members are not anti-Semitic (case in point Mbeki, who is probably not anti-Semitic, he is just clueless). However other members are, like Kasrils. Or maybe Steve will tell me that Kasrils isn't anti-Semitic 'cause he's a Jew and he doesn't deny the Holocaust blab

sheesh

Posted by: | May 03, 2007 at 16:51

If the ANC supports policies in the Middle-East that seriously undermines and reduces the ability of Israel to defend its citizens from terrorists, while at the same time giving overt support and praise to self-same terrorists who call for the liquidation of millions of Jews/the destruction of Israel(see the ANC and its praise and support for the self-confessed jihadist Arafat, its disgraceful buddy-buddy relationship with the Islamofascist regime of Iran over its entire time as the ruling govt party ie from 1994); if the ANC indulges in routine condemnation of Israel for defending or trying to defend its citizens right to life even through non-violent means like a security barrier, and if at the same time, the ANC has nothing to say about tyranny, mass murder/genocide and mass rapes, pillaging, burnings, dismemberments and torture, the displacement of hundreds of thousands in numerous conflicts on our own tragic continent of Africa, then yes that does make the ANC anti-Semitic, obviously. And not just the ANC...

As for the ANC's support for the Palestinians being motivated by a "revolutionary" bond with the ANC, as fellow "struggle" movements or whatever you want to call it, and not Jew-hatred; most everybody doesn't see the obvious here. Namely support for the Palestinians is just a front for Jew-hatred, and always has been. It is just that it is merely cloaked in the "revolutionary" langauge of Marxism and the like.

Oh but I'm not allowed to point out the obvious. Simply not polite. How can I forget, even most Jews don't get it, not at all. If the Palestinians were not at war with the Jews, but with fellow Arabs, Christian or Muslim then nobody, the ANC included, would give a damn, and the whole Palestinian issue would be largely ignored altogether, it would be off the radar screen. Like when Hamas and Fatah slaughter one another where are all the so-called bleeding hearts? I can give other examples.

Obviously "progressive" anti-Semites are going to hide their Jew-hatred behind all sorts of cover terms and slogans (like Palestinian solidarity). They cannot admit they hate the Jews in an explicit, overt way, not even to themselves. Because then they would have to admit they are no better than the colonialist supremacists and fascists (real or imagined) they are opposed to, and to face this terrible truth about themselves is simply impossible for them as a whole, being "progressive" you see.

just because all high-ranking ANC members are not anti-Semitic (case in point Mbeki, who is probably not anti-Semitic, he is just clueless, like most people, including most Jews), does not mean the ANC is not a party that positively revels in Jew-hatred. Many ANC high-ranking members are pathologically bigoted against Jewry, like Kasrils par example. Or maybe Steve will tell me that Kasrils isn't anti-Semitic 'cause he's a Jew and he doesn't deny the Holocaust blabla

As for the ANC rank and file, obviously not all of them are anti-Semitic, hardly. probably no more or less so than the DA rank and file or the SA populace as a whole, but as a political party with its official policies, official statements re the Middle-East etc, yes the ANC is anti-Semitic.

sheesh

Posted by: Lawrence | May 03, 2007 at 17:20

Lawrence, I couldn't have said it better myself.
It's amazing how most Jews are worked up into a frenzy if someone denies the last holocaust happened, but are so apathetic regarding those, like Hamas and fat Ronnie, who are working to destroy 5 million more Jews.

Posted by: Gary | May 03, 2007 at 18:19

Also Israel's struggle to survvie is undermined everytime some Jew denies that anti-Zionism=anti-Semitism.
To say that anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism is not one and the same thing is by logical deduction saying either that Israeli Jews, no longer count as Jews, by virtue of living in Israel, or that the blood of diaspora Jews is redder than the blood of Israeli Jews.

Posted by: Gary | May 03, 2007 at 18:30

Hello, Your site is great. Regards, Valintino Guxxi

Posted by: Valintino | May 04, 2007 at 22:01

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MDC SUPPORTERS BATEN BY ZANU THUGS IN ZAKA (ZIMBABWE!)

2007-05-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

MDC supporters beaten up in Zaka

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/viewinfo.cfm?linkcategoryid=3&linkid=8&id=4386

ZAKA - Zimbabwe's leading opposition party said this week nine of its supporters were kidnapped and at least four others beaten by suspected Zanu (PF) thugs here ahead of the hotly-contest Zaka East by-election.
The group of youths were kidnapped at around 6:30 pm Saturday from a shopping center at a growth point in the rural Zaka East constituency, about 120 kilometers south east of the provincial capital Masvingo, a regional Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman told The Zimbabwean.
MDC reported the incident to the Jerera Police Post, who refused to open a docket in the case.
"The youths who have been kidnapped are believed to have been taken to a Zanu (PF) torture camp," said the spokesperson. Police officials were not reachable for comment.
At least four people were severely beaten in three separate incidents with axes, spears, iron bars and sticks, he said. They were beaten for supporting the MDC or for having relatives who supported the opposition party, he added.
The weeks of campaigning have been marred by similar violence in the rural constituency. Police have set roadblocks leading into Zaka East, and on the mostly dirt country roads within the constituency.
The election is the latest test for President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu (PF) party, pitted against the eight-year-old MDC, which is expected to give him a tough challenge in presidential polls due in March next year.
The Nomination Court accepting candidates to run in the poll is expected to sit on Friday, while the inspection of the voters roll closes today (Thursday).
The by-election was called after the death of Tinos Rusere, a Parliamentarian and deputy minister who was responsible for Mines.
The constituency suffered some of the worst violence ahead of the 2005 Parliamentary election, which left several people dead and scores others tortured around the country, according to rights groups.

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SA GOVERNMENT ABANDONS STUPID "QUIET DIPLOMACY" POLICY!

2007-05-09T22:25:00.001-07:00

SA minister tells Mugabe to step down

BY GOODMAN MAJOLA

JOHANNESBURG

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/viewinfo.cfm?linkcategoryid=3&linkid=8&id=4375

The South African government has abandoned its policy of "quiet diplomacy" on Zimbabwe, describing President Mugabe's government as "intolerant" of people's and workers' universal rights.
Addressing a tripartite alliance recently, comprising the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the powerful Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and its South African Communist Party (SACP) allies, the Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, deplored the gross violations of citizens' rights in Zimbabwe.
Nqakula's call has defied president Thabo Mbeki's so-called "quiet diplomacy", a situation that has exposed double standards by the SA government on the Zimbabwean crisis.
Nqakula, who is also the South African Communist Party's chairperson, blasted Mugabe for what he described as "undermining" the rights of the workers to celebrate workers day.
Speaking at Jabulani Amphitheatre in Soweto recently he called upon President Robert Mugabe to step down, arguing that the Zanu (PF) government had denied workers the right to express their feelings during international workers day on May 1, 2007.
"We are here today to celebrate workers day but Zimbabweans are not allowed by their government to celebrate this day. We cannot completely celebrate this day while our fellow brothers and sisters are being tortured in our neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe," said Nqakula.
He added that South African workers should support their Zimbabwean counterparts in order to enjoy what he termed "true freedom".
This follows repeated calls by the COSATU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, for the crisis to be resolved as a matter of urgency before the rot spilled to other SADC regional member states.
Speaking at the same ceremony, COSATU spokesperson Zenzile Zokwana also called on Mugabe to step down.
"Zimbabweans are brutally beaten by the Mugabe regime almost everyday. An old baboon doesn't mix with young ones. We say to Mugabe the time has come to hang up his boots," Zokwana said. -CAJ News

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THE INTERVIEW BY THEARCHBISHOP PIUS NCUBE!

2007-05-09T03:20:00.001-07:00

PLEASE CLICK BELOWAND SEE AND HEAR FOR YOURSELF!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bHb_VwTIPm4

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ARCHBISHOP TUTU CALLS UPON AFRICA TO CONDEMN ZIM ACTIONS!

2007-05-09T02:34:00.001-07:00

South Africa 's Nobel peace prizewinner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has called on Africa to condemn human rights violations in Zimbabwe. He also called on the South African government to consider action against Mugabe if the situation remains unchanged. In an interview with Reuters Tutu said Zimbabweans felt betrayed by the failure of African leaders to condemn a widening crackdown on the opposition

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ZUMA OR VAVI MAY REPLACE "FAILED" MBEKI!

2007-05-07T22:00:00.001-07:00

Zimbabwe: Diaspora calls for Zuma's mediation

May 07, 2007 03:59 PM

http://www.africanpath.com/p_blogEntry.cfm?blogEntryID=708

Zimbabwean Civic Society Organisations have cast their support behind the sacked South African vice president Jacob Zuma, to take over in mediation efforts between rival parties in

Zimbabwe.

The ruling ZANU PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change are scheduled for talks as both the country and the region fight to find the lasting solutions in the nine years old economic and political crisis which is now affecting the region.

Political analysts and some senior academics have already ruled out Mbeki's efforts under SADC's commands in mediation as a failure since both parties have already set conditions that are extreme to agree on. The MDC is calling for a new democratic people driven constitution to be in place before elections are held to ensure a level operation ground in less than ten months.

The ruling ZANU PF has also called the MDC to accept Mugabe's legitimacy as a condition for talks which the opposition would not risk doing as that would give Mugabe all the leverage to say the MDC's claims of flawed elections were unrealistic which might see sanctions given to Mugabe and his close associates being lifted.

The call by civic society comes over a month after the Zimbabwe Action Movement called for either Zuma or Vavi to mediate the ZANU PF/MDC talks as Mbeki has proved to be a dishonest broker who favours the

Zimbabwe

's lifetime president.

The Zimbabwe Political Victims Association (ZIPOVA),General Secretary, Oliver Kubikwa said, his organization backed the African National Congress's deputy president, Jacob Zuma as he has proved to be a man who fight for the cause of the poor.

What

Zimbabwe

needs now is not a mediator with an intention of business interests or gaining a regional political mileage but someone who can pull over three quarters of Zimbabweans (about 80%) from below the poverty datum line and that can be done by Zuma as he advocates for the cause of the poor even in

South Africa

, added Kubikwa.

South Africa

's Communists Party, Blade Ndzimande recently questioned Mbeki's efforts in mediating Zimbabwean talks saying he was part and parcel of the crisis with his quite diplomacy. Ndzimande added that Mbeki's foreign policy was an extension of the domestic policy which is against the uplift mend of the poor whilst continuously empowering the rich.

Ndzimande's claims were recently supported by the Finance minister Trevor Manuel's comment on the workers day, when he said the gap between the rich and poor will continue to widen as the market grows. Manuel is one of Mbeki's trusted cabinet ministers.

You can not expect president Mbeki to be an honest broker in the Zimbabwean crisis which is hitting hard on the poor as he also does not stand for the poor back home, said Ndzimande addressing a gathering of

Zimbabwe

and South African civic groups.

The Zimbabwe Exiles Forum Director, Advocate Gabriel Shumba added that what

Zimbabwe

needs now is someone who puts historical achievements behind and concentrates on the present scenario facing the citizens. Few African leaders up to date have managed to call a spade a spade on the Zimbabwean crisis, only Zambia's Levy Mwanawasa and the outgoing Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo have managed to confront Mugabe.

The Congress of South Africa Trade Union's General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, also said capitalists in

South Africa

have in the past exploited poor Zimbabweans in their security and hotel industries and said a mediator who is anti-capitalism could bring that to an end as soon as the Zimbabwean crisis is rectified.

Jacob Zuma was recently reported to have met a European Union delegation to discuss the Zimbabwean crisis and

South Africa

's succession debate. Political activist and MDC's North West district organizing secretary Joshua Rusere said that might be a move by European governments to pursue Zuma to change South Africa's approach in handling the Zimbabwean crisis should he be elected as the next ANC president.

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PRESIDET MBEKI CONGRATULATES NEW D.A. LEADER!

2007-05-06T22:32:00.001-07:00

I'm just listening to the new D.A. President Mrs Hellen Zille who took over from Mr Tony Leon yesterday 6th May, 2007. (I always listen to TALK RADIO 702.)

The time now is 20 past 7 am and I heard the lady say she was pleasantly surprised when her cell-phone rang and a voice at the other end said, "Please hold on for President Mbeki!"

Then, of course President Mbeki congratulated her on her victory!

I hope my cell phone will ring one day soon!

" Is that Rev Hove.....Please hold on for President Mbeki!"

Then I would abandon the "hunger-strikes" I'm planning at the moment!

Mr President, my cell number is 0791463039.

#####################################################

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"MUGABE SEEKS MARTYRDOM!" (VERY FRIGHTENING, SOBERING THOUGHT!

2007-05-06T01:43:00.001-07:00

Mugabe the martyr

http://www.africanupdate.com/journal/2007/5/5/mugabe-the-martyr.html

The pan-African movement was an important movement in the continent's recent history. The idea that Africans, not only in Africa but world-wide, would unite to wrest away the continent's fortunes from European imperialists or Cold War-era superpowers in order to usher in a new, united Africa that acts on its own accord and benefits from its own actions is a truly noble thing.

But in the post-Cold War period, with the Western powers now largely ignoring Africa, the pan-African movement seems to be losing its way. Anyone who does not believe this fact should pick up the May issue of the New African magazine, the long-standing, respected publication of the pan-Africanist movement, and they will be convinced. The issue amounts to nothing less than a full, unadulterated sponsorship of Robert Mugabe's failed regime in Zimbabwe and it includes at its zenith an interview, filled with loaded, softball questions, of Mugabe himself with the magazine's editor Baffour Ankomah. In addition to the interview, page after page of a 'sponsored supplement' (sponsored, of course, by Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information and Publicity) paints the country's main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as a violent instigator who essentially earned the beating that he received in March at the hands of Mugabe's police force by being a puppet of the West. Other articles take great pains to show that Mugabe actually enjoys wide-ranging support among the people of Zimbabwe. It also blames the country's 2,200% inflation rate and 80% unemployment rate entirely on the ruthless sanctions put into place by the United Kingdom and the United States. The supplement ends with a laughable quote made by Mugabe during his address last month at a gathering that marked the twenty-seventh year of Zimbabwe's independence where he congratulates his citizens for refusing to be "re-colonized" and, in typical Mugabe fashion, continues on to rail against the British government.

There is no mention of the massive food shortages, and resulting starvation, that has occurred since Mugabe's disastrous land redistribution policy began seven years ago. The shortages, of course, are blamed on drought and sanctions. There is no mention of the countless electoral irregularities that have occurred in Zimbabwe. There is no mention of the brutal sweep that Mugabe's thugs made through Harare recently that amounted to the destruction of hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses of Zimbabwe's people. There is plenty of talk about the Southern African Development Community's recent summit in Tanzania that resulted in what amounts to a shocking endorsement of Mugabe and his regime's practices. There is also plenty of discussion about the secret backroom dealings of the US and British governments, ruthlessly trying to undermine Mugabe's poor, peaceful, government despite the fact that it only wants what is best for its citizens.

Let's concede that Zimbabwe's situation might in fact be more complicated than what is regularly presented in the Western press. Its current troubles may be caused by a number of issues, it is fine to recognize that fact and it is fine to try to present both sides of the story. But when a nation's "democratically" elected leader, who has been in power for twenty-seven years, presides over a government that has the highest inflation rate in the world, one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and the lowest life-expectancy in the world and, at the same time, is facing extreme food shortages that will likely result in the death of large numbers of its population, regularly ignores the rulings of the judicial branch of its government, suppresses freedom of the media, is continuously accused of human rights abuses by a wide range of governments and nongovernmental organizations, has been accused of rigging elections by multiple sources, and openly beats and tortures political opponents, that, in a nutshell, is the definition of a failed state. How would it be possible for a leader of such a failed state to hold any popularity at all unless it was through deception and tyrannical means? It is simply impossible.

Now, even if it is conceded that Mugabe isn't entirely to blame for the situation in Zimbabwe (and that would be a lot to concede), even if we agree that the West has to share some of the blame, how could anybody or any media outlet advance the notion, in 2007, that Mugabe is a freedom fighting victim of Western imperialism? How could anyone say that Mugabe really just wants what is best for the people of Zimbabwe and that if it wasn't for Tony Blair and George W. Bush and the evil meddling of their governments this would be the golden age of Zimbabwe?

It is a sad indication of the status of the pan-Africanist movement today when one of its most important media outlets decides to accept such an obviously flawed and dangerous argument. It is ironic too that Mugabe's argument is, in the end, diametrically opposed to the well-being of Zimbabwe's people, African people, the very thing that the pan-Africanists should be fighting hardest to protect.

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MADHUKU CORRECTLY DISMISSES MBEKI MEDIATION EFFORTS!

2007-05-04T05:35:00.001-07:00

Zimbabwe: Madhuku Dismisses Mbeki Mediation Effort!

New Zimbabwe (London)

May 3, 2007

Posted to the web May 3, 2007

Torby Chimhashu

http://allafrica.com/stories/200705030799.html

NATIONAL Constitutional Assembly chairman Dr Lovemore Madhuku has dismissed South African President Thabo Mbeki involvement in Zimbabwe's dialogue process as a ploy to buy more time for embattled President Robert Mugabe.

Madhuku said Zimbabweans must ratchet up pressure on the 83-year-old Zimbabwean leader and his government by staging massive demonstrations in the coming months.

Addressing workers on May Day at Gwanzura Stadium, Highfield, the NCA leader said solutions to the Zimbabwe crisis lay with Zimbabweans, adding putting faith in Mbeki was "a waste of time".

Said Madhuku:"We have solutions to our problems and these solutions come from Zimbabweans. We must never be fooled by Mbeki. Mbeki is buying time for Mugabe and his government by promising us that he can help mediate on the crisis.

"All Mbeki wants is time for his friend. Mbeki does not want us to have demonstrations or put pressure on Mugabe. We have seen Mbeki before. What has he done for us? As Zimbabweans we must realise the power and means of escaping poverty and hunger lie within us."

Mbeki was tasked with defusing Zimbabwe's political tensions by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state in Tanzania in March.

The summit came amid Western calls for a tougher line on Mugabe following a widely-condemned crackdown on human rights activists and opposition members that included Madhuku and the two leaders of the fractitious opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) -- Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara.

The political leaders were tortured while in police custody following their arrests in Highfield on March 11.

African leaders have refused to publicly rebuke Mugabe and have urged dialogue. Mbeki has so far asked Zimbabwe's opposition groups and Zanu PF to make submissions on any ground rules for the scheduled talks.

"We were here in Highfield on March 11 and seriously beaten by security agents. Mugabe failed to kill us and he won't kill us. He wanted to kill but failed. Let us unite and fight poverty and misrule. I promise you, we are going to return to Highfield in the coming months. We won't be afraid of taking on the security agents including the police officers here.

"Mugabe knows Highfield is in the history books as the hotbed of national protest. We will return to Highfield and nothing will stop us."

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary general Wellington Chibebe told the same gathering that Mugabe was prepared to destroy the labour movement.

He said police had stopped the ZCTU from marking May Day commemorations in five towns including Marondera, Bindura, Rusape and Norton.

"We remain resolute in our drive to have the rights of workers restored. Today police mounted roadblocks in and out of Highfield in a bid to stop us. They have failed.

"The roots of the ZCTU lie with the ordinary workers not with me or the council. Mugabe won't kill the ZCTU. Even if he bellows, hits the podium and says 'never ever', we the ZCTU say ever and ever," Chibebe said.

He urged the workers to remain united and show cause in their demands for better salaries and living conditions. "We don't subscribe to wage freezes. Gideon Gono wants that, but we say no.

"When Gono took office, he was touted as the messiah. His slogan was failure is not an option, but you all know that he has not used that (slogan) in his two recent monetary policy staments.

"Gono is now dancing with failure."

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URGENT "STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS" FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT!

2007-05-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

"STATE OF THE NATION" ADDRESS BY YOUR PRESIDENT!

I think there is a bit of confusion in our beloved country of Zimbabwe today!

Who ever said I won the Presidential Elections of 2002?

I never said so!

All I said was Tsvangirai's Election Petitions are "frivolous and vexatious."

I also pleaded with all patriots to "recognize" me as the Executive President.

I am the only person who can keep this country of Zimbabwe together!

If I removed myself from the top seat, the country will degenerate into chaos (racialism, tribalism, regionalism and all the negatives you can think of!)

Now we are in this whole mess because you simply refused to do the obvious- JUST RECOGNIZE ME. PERIOD!

Do you honestly think Tsvangirai can run this country?

I'm very disappointed with you, my fellow countrymen!

Running a country is a very complicated, delicate task!

You do your best and you are still accused of not doing your best!

WHO REALLY COULD HAVE MANAGED THIS ECONOMY BETTER THAN ME?

Now about the so-called rigging and the so-called-violence!

Your focus should be on the major issues!

Would we really stand by and allow Mr Blair to re-colonize our country, take away our Sovereignty and take over all our resources?

Would you allow someone to take your wife and you just stood by?

Please lets be very serious, Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades and Friends!

About assassinations:be very careful!

This may break the whole Nation apart!

Who killed Cde Hebert Chitepo?

So why do you ask who killed General Josiah Magama Tongogara?

About the so-called "Truth and Reconciliation Commission!"

Where and when do we start?

Who will remain without blood on his hands?

Do you know how Dr Parerenyatwa died? Was it Smith's men or was it an internal struggle?

So will you raise the dead to ask them to testify?

Then last but not least: where in the world are "perfect people"?

The words "rigging", "assassinations" etc are English words!

Are they Shona words?

MUTIKWANIRE! (STOP THIS LUNACY!)

Please recognize me, rally behind me as your God-given father and lets move forward and re-build our Nation!

About the unfortunate isolated incidents in the Southern part of our country (the so-called "Gukurahundi Massacres"), please lets not open old wounds!

The Ndebeles can be very naive if they think we have forgotten their vicious raids against our peace-loving Shona people in the 1890s!

Please let all bye-gones be bye-gones!

MAY THE GOOD LORD ABOVE BE WITH YOU ALL!

Yours Faithfully,

ME.

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PRESIDENCY OF MBEKI CONFUSED!

2007-05-01T23:06:00.001-07:00

Mbeki Continues to Surprise

http://supernatural.blogs.com/weblog/2007/04/mbeki_continues.html

When it comes to Israel and the Middle East, the presidency of Thabo Mbeki has not been short of surprises. Despite this country's overt support for the Palestinians (nothing wrong with that if it doesn't include anti-Israel prejudices), President Mbeki has shown a confusing willingness to strengthen ties with Israel.

In contrast to antagonistic steps such as South Africa's decision to present evidence against Israel's security barrier at the International Court of Justice at the Hague, Mbeki has also taken many conciliatory steps, most notably the invitation to the then deputy Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert, his congratulations letter sent to former PM Ariel Sharon after the Gaza withdrawal, and the strengthening of trade ties between the two countries.

Last week came the latest surprise, (and one which will raise temperatures at the various Palestinian pressure groups) when President Mbeki appeared as a guest at the Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebrations in Durban.

The SA Jewish Report had the details (and the picture)

A Distinguished Guest at Durban Yom Ha'atzmaut

The highlight of the evening was a most unique guest - President Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki, along with national ANC officebearers and the KwaZulu-Natal ANC leaders, had been in a six hour meeting held at the Durban Jewish Centre during the day, and he dropped in to wish the Jewish community well on such a celebratory occasion. "All of us are very keen to indeed respond to all the problems of people, black and white. We can't allow the internal problems of the ANC to spill over onto the people," Mbeki stated. Looking around the hall, Mbeki said he could see "many potential presidents" among the youngest guests. He explained that his desire was for "this generation to be able to answer the questions of the next generation" and by working together, we could all create a better future for our children."

South Africa has always remained committed to the two state solution. The sincerity of this stance was impressed upon me 2 years ago when Andre Zaaiman, South Africa's adviser on international conflicts, speaking to the Jewish community, specifically said, "we need one Palestinian state; not two."

That said, Mbeki clearly wants to have it both ways. We should not let this diplomatic advance cloud our views of his government, which after failing to condemn Iran's calls to destroy Israel, brazenely sent the most ardent anti-Zionist cabinet minister to Iran on a visit intended to strengthen ties and show solidarity (and perhaps praise the wisdom of their nuclear programme?).

April 30, 2007 in Steve | Permalink

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I think this story is bizarre. Why did Mbeki and the ANC KZN officials (including Zuma) hold a meeting at the Jewish Club of all places? Surely there are better conference facilities in Durban.

Posted by: mike | May 01, 2007 at 22:39

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SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY TELLS MBEKI: "GET TOUGH WITH MUGABE!"

2007-05-01T22:53:00.001-07:00

Jeremy Cronin says Mbeki must be more forceful in dealing with Zimbabwe

May 01, 2007, 16:45

Jeremy Cronin, the South African Communist Party (SACP) deputy secretary-general, says he hopes that President Thabo Mbeki will approach the latest talks with the government of Zimbabwe with more determination and forcefullness.

Cronin was speaking at Workers' Day celebrations at the Company Gardens in Cape Town today. Mbeki has previously been criticised for his so-called "quiet diplomacy" approach to Robert Mugabe, his Zimbabwe counterpart.

Cronin stopped short of lambasting Mbeki as he described Zimbabwe as an undemocratic country with no respect for human rights. He said the reactionary and authoritarian regime under Mugabe brutalised workers, while food prices changed three times a day.

He insisted that if our government continued to legitimise the fraudulent elections of that country, it sent the message that Zimbabwe could do as it pleased. Cronin also pointed out that Mbeki needed to ensure that the Southern African Development Community guidelines on democracy were implemented in that country.

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South Africa World Cup doubts grow!

2007-04-30T07:17:00.001-07:00

http://soccerphile.blogspot.com/2007/04/south-africa-world-cup-doubts-grow.html

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has increased the doubts surrounding South Africa's ability to host the World Cup in three years' time by admitting the world governing body has back-up countries in place, should the hosts fail to be ready in time.

England, Spain, Japan and the USA are the reserve hosts, according to Blatter in an interview with the BBC, but only "a natural catastrophe" will derail the African World Cup. England and the USA have already announced their intention to bid for the 2018 finals.

Blatter openly backed the South African bid for both 2006 and 2010, and recently referred to it as "a moral obligation", mindful of the continent's votes which got him elected, but only last year he expressed concern that the construction of the ten new or renovated stadia was behind schedule.

CEO of the organising committee Danny Jordaan and South African President Thabo Mbeki both insisted in late 2006 that all was well and that their nation was ahead of Germany at a comparable stage before the finals, but despite the constant assurances, controversy continues to dog the South African hosting.

While the stadium construction issue remains, many observers are repeating concerns about the transport and hotel infrastructure and the perennial Achilles' heel of South Africa, crime.

For now, FIFA & South Africa are steaming ahead, and with Blatter having staked his presidency on an African bid since long ago, it would be a major surprise if South Africa didn't end up hosting the finals, despite all the fears.

Amongst the new arenas under construction is the rebuilt 104,000 capacity Soccer City stadium near Soweto, Johannesburg, venue for the final in 2010.

(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

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MBEKI SLAMMED FOR CONGRATULATING NIGERIAN ELECTION "WINNER".

2007-04-29T21:44:00.001-07:00

Group slams Mbeki for greeting Yar'Adua

Kayode Akinmade, Lagos - 30.04.2007

http://www.tribune.com.ng/30042007/news/news10.html

Nigerians United for Democracy (NUD) has slammed South African President,Thabo Mbeki, for congratulating the President-elect, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua, saying Mbeki's action had helped to deepen the agony of Nigerians over alleged malpractices.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of its Publicity Committee, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the group also criticised Ghana's President and current African Union Chairman, John Kufuor, for commending President Olusegun Obasanjo for organising "peaceful" elections in Nigeria.

It wondered why Mbeki chose to ignore the widely-publicised report of local and international observers that the elections that produced Yar'Adua were allegedly rigged.

"By his hasty congratulatory message, Mbeki has aligned with those who willfully thwarted the sovereign will of the Nigerians by stealing their votes, just like he has aligned with the oppressors of the Zimbabweans in South Africa," the group said.

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"FREE ZIM YOUTHS" STAND UP FOR THEIR COUNTRY!

2007-04-29T03:01:00.001-07:00

Tight security around Zuma as Free-Zim youths demonstrate

27April 2007

By Lance Guma

http://www.nehandaradio.com/freezimzuma270407.html

Once beaten twice shy seems to have been the approach of South African officials at the High Commission in London after they blocked access to the building to youths from the radical pressure group Free-Zim Youths UK. The group had planned a demonstration against South Africa's Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Zuma over her recent statements that her country could not work magic in Zimbabwe. The youths also felt South Africa is largely sympathetic to the brutal regime of Robert Mugabe. The youths were forced instead to demonstrate outside the SA High Commission building, far from their intended target.

Zuma is in London to attend a 3-day regional consultative conference aimed at creating a partnership between the African continent and the African diaspora. On Wednesday she addressed the African Caribbean and Diaspora concert at her country's embassy. Free-Zim had planned to make their presence felt. Last year in September they embarrassed her by constantly interrupting her address on reforms for the United Nations at the London School of Economics. Free-Zim leader Alois Mbawara told us security officials were posted on all the gates and the youths were clearly on some form of black list and denied access.

He told Newsreel they were labeled 'gangsters' by those manning the gates and asked to leave the venue. Only the intervention of British police confirmed that the youths had permission to hold the demonstration. The youths say they want to ensure Zimbabwe is not foisted with a manufactured political settlement and they doubt Mbeki's ability to ensure a free and fair platform for elections in Zimbabwe. Worries have also been raised that millions of Zimbabweans in the diaspora are still not able to vote and the Ministry of Home Affairs is not issuing new identity cards to deliberately block newly qualified youths from voting. Particularly concerning to the youths is that abuses and torture of activists continue unabated in Zimbabwe while the South African government remains silent. - SW Radio Africa.

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MBEKI'S ROLE: A VERY CRITICAL ANALYSIS!

2007-04-29T01:39:00.000-07:00

Read this and weep America...this comes from one of your reporters...

Peter Godwin in the NY Times

NY Times : Op-Ed Contributor

Showing Mugabe the Door
By PETER GODWIN
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-vNYbyZs5fqjrZv7HM23TVKKeFY4vSOQ9FMaYeRimy0U-?cq=1&p=187
April 3, 2007

EVER since Zimbabwe began imploding in 2000, the conventional punditry about its president, Robert Mugabe, has largely been of the good-leader-turns-bad variety. Now, as the country's economy enters its death throes - hyperinflation at 1,700 percent and expected to exceed 5,000 percent by year's end; unemployment at 80 percent; the average person's purchasing power at 1953 levels; life expectancy the lowest in the world; an exodus of Africa's most educated population - it would seem a good time to
re-examine that orthodoxy and decide what the West can do to ease the dictator's departure.

In fact, Mr. Mugabe has been a completely consistent leader. It's we who have changed. During the cold war, we in the West were so grateful that this militant Marxist had instantly become a benign capitalist that we ignored his history of political violence within his own party, and intimidation at the 1980 elections that brought him to power upon Zimbabwe's independence. We supported him in the same way we supported venal leaders like Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire - our friends simply because they were not Moscow's.

The other parapet behind which Mr. Mugabe found
convenient shelter was apartheid, which persisted in his southern neighbor for the first 13 years of his
rule. As the leader of the so-called front-line states
facing a hostile white government in South Africa, he deserved our support, and we gave him the benefit of the doubt even after his hands were bloodied in his southern province of Matabeleland - where his North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade killed as many as 25,000 civilians in 1983 and 1984.

It was a massacre I saw and reported on, but not a big story in news terms, and there was barely a peep out of the international community. Somehow, to attack Mr. Mugabe was to appear to be giving succor to white South Africa, and Zimbabwe's strongman was a master at
spinning it that way. (When I wrote about the
massacres, he immediately claimed I was a South
African spy and had me declared an enemy of the
state.)

Then things went quiet - but only because he'd
bludgeoned the opposition into quiescence and
established a one-party system. The next time
Zimbabweans had the temerity to question Mr. Mugabe's absolute rule was in 2000, when they voted against him in a referendum to extend his presidential term limits, a vote that in his complacency, he hadn't even bothered to rig. He reacted to his defeat with violence and intimidation: his thugs began killing opposition supporters, evicting white commercial farmers (whom he had invited to stay on and contribute
to the new Zimbabwe), and intimidating voters at
subsequent rigged elections.

In recent months, Mr. Mugabe has stepped up the
violence against opposition members and leaders in Zimbabwe - with the chilling development of Latin American-style hit squads that abduct and torture opposition supporters. On Friday, he quashed a challenge to his rule from within his own party. What can outside powers do to help ease out an 83-year-old leader who, after 27 years in power, would rather destroy his country than step down voluntarily?

Zimbabwe lacks the two exports necessary to interest the United States in direct intervention: oil and terrorism. International sanctions on Zimbabwe are now minuscule. We could ramp up "smart sanctions" against Mr. Mugabe and his coterie, for example by freezing their ill-gotten external assets, but any wider sanctions would probably only hurt those at the bottom of the food chain, not the elite kleptocracy.

Megaphone diplomacy tends to feed Mr. Mugabe's
portrayal of Western powers as shrill, hectoring,
imperialist bullies.

The real key to the Zimbabwe stalemate is to be found in South Africa, which has an economic choke hold on its landlocked northern neighbor. But thus far, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa has refused to do anything about Mr. Mugabe. His policy of "quiet diplomacy" has, in truth, been a silent one. And he has paid a high price for such tacit support of Mr. Mugabe, whose embarrassing exploits ensured that Mr. Mbeki's much-vaunted African Renaissance was
stillborn.

It has long been a political parlor game to figure out why Mr. Mbeki hasn't done more about Zimbabwe. He sometimes pays lip service to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state, but South Africa quickly sent its army into Lesotho in 1998 after a rigged election there. Part of Mr. Mbeki's reluctance to act may have to do with Mr. Mugabe's residual status as a liberation hero. But mostly, I believe, it stems from Mr. Mbeki's distaste for the Zimbabwean opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change and its main leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, who used to head up the Zimbabwean trades union movement.

Therein lies the problem: Mr. Mbeki's ruling African
National Congress party is actually a troika, and one of its legs is the Congress of South African Trade Union, which is getting increasingly fractious. The group has strongly backed Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change, and if Mr. Tsvangirai were to come to power in Zimbabwe, it would greatly embolden the
South African union confederation, encouraging it to secede from the African National Congress and pose a challenge to Mr. Mbeki. Thus has Zimbabwe become a function of South African domestic politics.

In so far as diplomacy is the art of the possible,
Pretoria still provides us with the main fulcrum for
change. South Africa controls and has the power to obstruct transportation links, lines of credit and
electricity supplies, and it alone has the power and
regional clout to face down Mr. Mugabe.

Mr. Mbeki may soon be in a position to do more. In a woeful display of the inadequacies of pan-African
institutions, the 14 members of the South African
Development Community last week came out in support of Mr. Mugabe's dictatorship. But they nominated Mr. Mbeki to facilitate dialogue between Mr. Mugabe and his opposition.

The international community should make it clear to Mr. Mbeki that he, and the new South Africa, have a special moral obligation to help a nearby people who are oppressed and disenfranchised, having been assisted in its own struggle by just such pressure.
And that "quiet diplomacy" is nothing less than the
appeasement of a violent dictatorship. If President
Mbeki continues it, South Africa will squander the
good will of the world.

From the desk of Kim and James

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Zuma 'lectures' EU on Zimbabwe!

2007-04-29T00:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=14&click_id=6&art_id=nw20070428091037787C676405

ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma is on a four-day visit to Brussels to meet with top European Union (EU) officials, SABC news reported on Saturday.

Zuma met with EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and members of the European parliament.

Security in the Great Lakes region and Zimbabwe were among the topics of discussion.

Zuma urged the EU to be cautious in its approach to Zimbabwe.

"What contribution can be made by EU in helping the Zimbabwean issue to be resolved? And I've been saying we need to not do something that will actually make it difficult for those who are dealing with the issue, and not just shouting from a distance, to resolve the matter..."

South Africa and the EU were currently involved in negotiations on a future strategic partnership.

Zuma sought to reassure the EU about the current situation in South Africa, given the recent upheavals within the ANC which have raised concerns about the country's stability.

Zuma said he was invited to Brussels in his personal capacity. - Sapa

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HOW CAN WINNIE MANDELA BE SO LOST?

2007-04-26T04:30:00.001-07:00

Winnie blasts 'MDC' protesters

Yolandi Groenewald

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=305919&area=/insight/insight__national/

26 April 2007 07:44

The ANC's stormy Winnie Madikizela-Mandela infuriated the rural women who protested outside the World Congress of Rural Women in Durban this week by telling them "not to behave like the MDC in Zimbabwe".

According to Fatiema Shabodien, a protest leader from the Western Cape NGO Women on Farms, Madikizela-Mandela also told the women that their backers, or "colonial masters", were only interested in embarrassing the South African government and that they were being used.

The former ANC Women's League president arrived with a bevy of body-guards in a black S-Class Mercedes-Benz which moved through the police barricade and drew up beside the 600 women, who were singing and waving placards in protest against their alleged exclusion from the conference.

The bodyguards formed a circle around Madikizela-Mandela and the protest leaders as she tried to read the situation.

"Why are rural women protesting in front of their own conference?" she asked. "They should be in it." She promised to take up the matter with Land Affairs Minister Lulu Xingwana, who was attending the conference.

Shortly afterwards, an unknown delegate, identified as a traditional leader, invited nine provincial leaders from the demonstrators to hold talks with Madikizela-Mandela and Cabinet ministers including Xingwana and Minister of Minerals and Energy Buyelwa Sonjica, inside the conference hall.

But Shabodien said their hopes had been dashed. "It was extremely patronising," she said. "If we took a minister on, we were told to show respect. This is our government, but we were told if we were truly rural women, we would know to respect our elders."

Madikizela-Mandela had dressed down the leaders for allegedly embarrassing the authorities.

"They tried to force us to discredit the rural women's organisations officially represented at the meeting," added Shabodien.

After the encounter, 50 of the protesters were allowed to register for the conference.

Dressed in green, the mainly African women sang socialist songs while waving banners from their 14 different organisations, all linked to the left-wing social movement. In scenes reminiscent of anti-apartheid protests, they chanted amandla ngawethu (power is ours) and ululated when their leaders addressed them.

They cannot have escaped the notice of the 2 000 delegates from across the world.

The protesters had some support from the police. "They are the mothers of the world," said one officer who held a riot-control shield. "The organisers made a balls-up, we now have to patrol them instead of fighting crime."

Shabodien said the organisations had followed all official channels in seeking representation at the conference, including nominating their representatives and registering on-line, to no avail.

"The meeting would have been a great opportunity for different rural women to discuss their different needs, network and build a stronger rural women groups base," said Shabodien. "But, instead, it became a farce, because the government was too scared of us so-called radical voices."

The director general of agriculture, Masiphula Mbongwa, and the director general of land affairs, Glen Thomas, hotly denied that the women had been sidelined.

"The congress has been so popular that it was overbooked due to the importance of discussions that affects rural communities," they said in a statement, adding that they decided to hold a parallel congress to accommodate those who could not fit into the international convention centre.

"Civil society is a part of the Congress of Rural Women," the statement said. "The congress is an international congress that deals with matters pertaining to women across the globe. This means that it is not only concerned with South African issues."

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MDC LEADERS RESPOND TO MBEKI'S LETTERS!

2007-04-25T07:45:00.001-07:00

MDC leaders respond to Mbeki's letters

April 25 2007 at 03:03PM
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=84&art_id=nw20070425145728989C539808

President Thabo Mbeki has received responses to letters he wrote to Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change leaders, Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad said.

Briefing reporters in Pretoria on Wednesday, he said the letters from MDC leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara were being studied.

"On the basis of that we will work out a plan of action."

Pahad did not elaborate on the contents of the responses received.

Mbeki was appointed by the Southern African Development Community to facilitate trying to help resolve the political crisis in Zimbabwe.

His first step was to write letters to the MDC leaders, asking how the party saw the facilitation process unfold.

Mbeki earlier indicated the hoped his facilitation would smooth the way to holding free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe in 2008. - Sapa

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BRITISH MP TO ADDRESS ZIMBOS AT VIGIL!

2007-04-24T06:14:00.003-07:00

MP Kate Hoey to address Zimbabwe vigil in Bristol

http://www.zimbabwejournalists.com/story.php?art_id=2192&cat=1


	Kate Hoey meets Toendepi Shonhe, a Zimbabwean activist injured after protesting in Harare

By a Correspondent

BRISTOL-British Labour MP Kate Hoey will address activists and human rights campaigners in Bristol on Saturday 26 May protesting against the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe.

"We are glad to hear Kate will join us. She has been tremendous and one of the leading advocate on Zimbabwe issues both in Parliament and House of Commons and as Zimbabweans we're moved by her support," said BZA Chair Forward Maisokwadzo.

"Kate is action driven so we are pleased to have her on this historic day in Bristol. She pushes the pressure points on all ends including on Tony Blair to take a hard stance against South Africa's failure to condemn Zimbabwe," he said.

Mr Maisokwadzo also welcomed the spirit of solidarity shown by British trade union friends, Bristol Vigil team and ACTSA, the successor to the Anti-Apartheid Movement, which is campaigning hard against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and the Bristol vigil team.

Ms Hoey, the MP for Vauxhall and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Committee on Zimbabwe, secretly visited Zimbabwe in 2005 when President Robert Mugabe was bulldozing "illegal structures" in poor townships, a campaign that wrecked the homes or livelihoods of up to a million people. Her accounts of the suffering angered the regime.

The speakers will include Kat Stark Convenor of NUS, Alois Phiri, Free Zimbabwe Youth and ACTSA representatives. The event will take place at Bristol Hippodrome from 11-3pm.

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MBEKI URGED NOT TO SEEK THIRD TERM!

2007-04-23T22:34:00.001-07:00

Leon urges Mbeki to step aside as party head

April 24 2007 at 04:36AM

By Angela Quintal

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=6&art_id=vn20070424013911495C635489

All democrats should urge President Thabo Mbeki not to serve as ANC president for a third term, as this would hurt the country, says outgoing Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon.

Leon, who retires from his position next week, echoed the ANC Youth League and others, saying it would be "ruinous" for Mbeki to remain as ANC president, while his surrogate became president of the country in 2009.

"Such an anointed successor would become a puppet president, owing his or her position to Mbeki and answerable to him rather than the voters. And, if that president tries to be his own man or woman, the real prospect of two centres of national power would be ruinous indeed."

He has not ruled out a third term as party leader

Leon said it was incumbent on all South Africans who valued democracy to raise their voices and urge Mbeki to reconsider a third term as ANC president.

While Mbeki says he has no intention of amending the Constitution to serve a third term as South African president, he has not ruled out a third term as party leader.

The ANC in the Eastern Cape resolved last year to ask Mbeki to stand for a third term as ANC president, although the outcome of the provincial congress is the subject of an internal dispute.

Mbeki is due to visit the province later this week.

Leon again draw parallels between his own party's succession, which has been an open process, and the opaque tradition of the ANC.

'The drive to reappoint him is clearly in full gear'

The DA leader said that Mbeki was the only personality in the ANC whose name was officially on the ANC's succession agenda: "Mbeki has not commented either way; but the drive to reappoint him is clearly in full gear."

Leon said he did not want to meddle in another party's internal affairs, but not only the fate of the ANC was involved.

"The fate of our nation, and the prospects for the deepening of democracy, are at stake, too.

"It would be ruinous because turf wars would break out between these rival camps.

"Worst of all, Mbeki's staying would set a grim precedent: he would undo many of the positive achievements to date of his presidency, playing into the hands of Afro-pessimists, who denounce our continent's leaders for failing to leave office when their time has passed," Leon said.

In his reaction, ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama said Leon was a master of political inconsistency.

He criticised Leon for calling on ANC members to ignore their party's constitution, which does not set a limit on the number of terms an elected office bearer can serve.

If Leon was truly interested in "deepening democracy", he would respect the right of members of the ANC to freely and democratically elect their own leadership, consistent with the principle of freedom of association, Ngonyama said.

"The ANC does not seek to patronise members of the DA by suggesting they subvert their own internal practices when it comes to electing leadership."

It was unfortunate that Leon did not accord ANC members that same respect, "calling on them to disregard what their own constitution says on the eligibility of members for election to party structures", he said.

This article was originally published on page 6 of Cape Times on April 24, 2007

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"MUGABE MUST NOT STAND!" SA OPPOSTION PARTY!

2007-04-22T23:25:00.001-07:00

Stop Mugabe's 2008 election campaign - DA

April 21 2007 at 04:22PM http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=14&click_id=6&art_id=nw20070421154535430C597051

President Thabo Mbeki's having written letters to both Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change was welcome news, the Democratic Alliance said on Saturday.

"Failure to do so (writing to both) would have suggested a partiality which is inappropriate in the person requested to mediate between the two sides," the party's Douglas Gibson said.

He said the people of Zimbabwe and the whole of the region was looking to Mbeki to achieve a breakthrough. The DA would back Mbeki's efforts.

"Firstly, in order to make a success of the policy that government has embarked upon, President Mbeki must first admit that Zanu-PF has become a dictatorship. Any one president who stays in power for 27 years is a dictator. Secondly, South Africa must insist that President Mugabe does not run in the 2008 elections."

'President Mbeki must first admit that Zanu-PF has become a dictatorship'

Mbeki wrote to both parties laying out the scope of the work to be accomplished, the Zimbabwe Independent reported earlier in April.

- Sapa

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POSITION PAPER PRESENTED TO HIS EXCELLENCY, CDE THABO MBEKI!

2007-04-20T06:51:00.001-07:00

Towards a negotiated settlement

In Zimbabwe:

A position paper prepared by the Peoples' Policy Committee (PPC) to His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa in his capacity as the mediator to the crises in

Zimbabwe

1. Introduction

Following the SADC extraordinary summit held in Tanzania on 28 March 2007, the People's Policy Committee (PPC) which is a network of Zimbabweans based in the

, would like to put forward its preferred position as regards the proposed 'SADC Initiative'. We begin with a tacit acceptance that

Zimbabwe

's crisis is an African problem requiring an African solution. The time has come for new, concrete proposals, promoted by African leaders and implemented by Zimbabweans from all political and ideological hues, to restore hope to

Zimbabwe

. On that note, PPC welcomes SADC's decision to appoint President Thabo Mbeki as the mediator to the actors in the protracted social conflict in

Zimbabwe

. It is hoped that his mediation shall tame the hydra of violence currently sweeping across the country and also usher in a new democratic dispensation. This position paper is premised on the assumption that His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa is willing to consider submissions from voices other than those stakeholders so far invited to attend the consultative meetings in South Africa. Given the extraordinary and grave conditions now obtaining in Zimbabwe and the significant population of Zimbabwean exiles living here in the UK some of whom are members of our pressure group on whose behalf we are acting, it would be remiss of us not to make appropriate representations to the SADC-initiated process. The major issues and expected minimum outcomes from the process are largely a common cause. Accordingly, we restrict our inputs to those matters the further resolution of which will, in our assessment and in light of our country's chequered history, help create and deliver more enduring value, peace and national integration to all the people of Zimbabwe. In this context we would therefore have to address such issues as the aim of the negotiations, the creation of an enabling environment for genuine negotiations, the nature of the mechanisms for negotiation and therefore the question who would sit at the negotiating table, the cessation of human rights abuses, the possibility of the formation of a transitional government, the duration of the negotiations and the role of the international community in the negotiated resolution of the crises in Zimbabwe.

2. Multilateral negotiations

The People's Policy Committee (PPC) would like to submit to the mediator that the problem of

Zimbabwe

is so huge such that inter-party dialogue would be a limited an approach to it. It is hereby proposed that if any negotiations are to take place to end the hostilities and build durable peace and democracy in

Zimbabwe

, then those negotiations including the pre-negotiation agenda-setting phase should be all inclusive. It is the view of PPC that the mediator should extend the consultative informal talks to the members of the civil society, church, professional bodies and any other stakeholders who are keen to make such positive interventions in

Zimbabwe

. The perception that only the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) factions and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU PF) party legitimately represent the aspirations of the people of

Zimbabwe

and should therefore be engaged on the negotiations is incorrect. A case exists for an all-inclusive process comparable to that which ushered independence and democracy to

South Africa

in 1994. In the context of

Zimbabwe

, this would bring together the coalition of democratic forces currently operating under the Save Zimbabwe Campaign in addition to the ruling party and external observers from UN, AU and SADC. If the press reports emanating from Pretoria are anything to go by, PPC would unequivocally and unreservedly endorse the mediator's stance on insisting on a broad-based crisis resolution approach.

3. Enabling Conditions for Negotiations

In consonant with other stakeholders, PPC strongly affirms the position that formal talks should only take place after the government has repealed some repressive pieces of legislation such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) as well as the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA).On that note, the government should drop charges and release a legion of activists who are illegally being held in police cells on charges based on these unconstitutional laws. It is also the submission of PPC that the constitutional amendments that have been proposed by the ruling party should give way to the wholesale constitutional reform as enunciated in section 4 of this position paper. In furtherance of this constitutional condition, PPC would like to join many other voices including the 'Save Zimbabwe Campaign' in calling for the new constitution before the next presidential and parliamentary elections. As a matter of urgency the state should renounce violence on its citizens, stop abductions of activists and opposition members as well as refrain police brutality against innocent citizens. It is the considered view of the PPC that the EU should not lift the targeted sanctions on the ruling elite until the formal negotiations are underway and the government has demonstrated fully its commitment to allow a democratic transition process to take place in the country. PPC would also like to challenge the international community to enable all the actors, large and small with resources for them to participate fully at levels of the crisis resolution process.

4. A New Democratic Constitution

The position of the PPC is that the genealogy of the current problems in

Zimbabwe

is traceable to the National Constitution. Any diagnosis and prescription to the crisis which preclude the constitution is flawed and therefore irrelevant. The Lancaster House constitution was not cast on stone. Indeed it had been the expectation that in time, a new home grown supreme law of the land would be enacted by the people of

Zimbabwe

themselves in order to satisfy their local needs and realize their national aspirations. This is not the same thing as the piecemeal re-branding of the same document undertaken by the incumbent government over the years to satisfy its narrow partisan interests of keeping power at all costs. That there are serious limitations and flaws in the current Lancaster House Constitution and that these have given rise to issues of governance is widely accepted. More compelling however is the fact that this constitution has resulted in a highly centralised unitary system of government which we submit is unsuitable for a future democratic

Zimbabwe

. That the incumbent government has manipulated the constitution to entrench itself and the interests of its constituents is accepted but this is only a symptom of a problem arising from use of an inappropriate constitutional model coupled with individual greed and propensity for excesses. Re-branding of the existing constitution in the hope that a new government emerging from next year's elections would act in good faith and achieve enduring national integration is too large a risk to take now bearing in mind the genocide and trauma suffered by minority ethnic groups particularly the Ndebele in south western Zimbabwe from 1982 1987, the so called 'Operation Clean Up' which left 700 000 people homeless and the so called Chimurenga 3 which crushed the agriculture sector. It is for these reasons that PPC advocates for the mediator to help the various actors in

Zimbabwe

to constitute an 'All Stakeholders Convention' (ASC) to work out a new constitutional framework that shall usher in a new democratic order in the country. Participatory constitution making is today a fact of constitutional life as well as a good in itself. A democratic constitution-making process is critical to the strength, acceptability, and legitimacy of the new era in Zimbabwe.Inorder to avoid the recurrence of the current problems in the future PPC strongly advocates for a people driven constitution which shall take into account the histories, cultures, grievances and aspirations of all its citizens. In our view, it is only through effective decentralization of authority to autonomous regions/provinces in so doing creating self-perpetuating institutions such as those that would emerge under our recommended union constitutional blueprint, would human rights and equality of all Zimbabweans be adequately protected and entrenched. Experience in new democracies and old, demonstrates that if human rights are not adequately protected initially, it will be difficult to do so later.

We further recommend that the president's term of office be limited to a maximum of two five year terms

Ministers appointed under the new constitution should be subject to confirmation by parliament both at central and provincial governments' level.

The judiciary must be an independent branch of government and not be under the Ministry of Justice. The judiciary should control its financial and administrative affairs free from executive involvement, though necessarily subject to parliament's ultimate control over the budget.

The agreed constitution should be subjected to approval by the people through a referendum supervised by SADC and the African Union and observed by the international community.

The agreed constitution should be subject to review by an expert commission at ten year intervals.

The new Constitution must provide representative, accountable and multiparty government; respect for the rule of law; and the promotion of the fundamental human rights of all Zimbabweans.

5. Transitional Processes

PPC would like to propose the following sequence as a roadmap towards the resolution of the crises in

Zimbabwe

Prenegotiation Phase: - The mediator to consult the actors across the spectrum in order to set the agenda for the formal negotiations. These consultations can take the form of secret talks as already been happening but they should as a matter of principle be open to all stakeholder in

Zimbabwe

. The Prenegotiations are viewed by PPC as meant for bridging the chasm that lie across the various actors; the outcome of these meetings should be made known to the public at the appropriate time.

All Stakeholders Convention (ASC):- An All Stakeholders Convention composed of civil society, political parties, media , faith-based organisations, women , youths and student movements as well as all sectors of society that are willing to contribute to this process should be constituted. The ASC should be organised into working groups so as to deal conclusively with all the critical issues in the crisis. PPC would like to propose the following working groups; (a) constitutional reform (b) land reform (c) electoral reform (d) truth recovery (e) economic recovery. The working groups would report to ASC for debate and approval The talks should lead to a power-sharing agreement on a transitional government, including opposition and civil society in key government posts, a new constitution, demilitarisation of state institutions, a new voters roll, a program of administrative and legislative reform guaranteeing genuinely free and fair elections on an agreed schedule and emergency economic recovery measures that could lead to full resumption of external financial support after elections. The stakeholders should agree on the composition and establishment of an interim authority to oversee the country's transition to democracy.

Dissolution of Parliament: - Incumbent president's departure from office when his term expires in March 2008 followed by the takeover by an interim government. An interim government would take responsibility for the basic administrative functions of the state until a new government is elected later in the process. Constitutional amendments such as are required to facilitate the creation of an interim government should be passed by the current parliament in the spirit of the SADC-led Initiative. As the process of normalising the constitutional and political situation develops, the international community should withdraw the targeted sanctions and other restrictions applying to the Zimbabwean government and initiate steps to assist in restoring democratic order and economic recovery in

Zimbabwe

Interim Government: - The All Stakeholders Convention should establish a transitional government, which should include the members of the opposition, civil society and the ruling party and provide for a rotating transitional presidency.

The mandate of the Interim government should include the following among others:

q organisation of a referendum for a new constitution and drawing up of a new voters roll; and

q Implementation of the transitional articles of the new constitution

q Professionalisation of security and uniformed forces

q Repatriation of Zimbabwean community in the diaspora

The international community should be available to provide assistance to this process when required by the Zimbabwean negotiators. PPC would recommend that the African Union Force be deployed to give protection to the Interim Government.

Elections:- Following the ratification of the new Constitution, preparations should begin for new elections to be held no later than the end of 2008.The elections should be held under a new democratic constitution. The new constitution should provide for an Independent Delimitation Commission, 'Independent Electoral Commission', Media and Information Commission as well as the Security and Defense Commission all of which should be constituted in time to run both the Referendum and the Presidential/parliamentary elections. These elections should be based on the SADC principles and standards of holding democratic, free and fair elections. In that regard, the current electoral laws should be amended to meet the SADC principles and standards. The electoral reforms should also provide for the diasporans vote. An estimated 4 million Zimbabwean adults now live in exile outside

Zimbabwe

and have been disenfranchised by the incumbent government. PPC recommends that suitable arrangements be made to restore in full the voting rights of this community in time for the referendum as well as the parliamentary and presidential elections. International observers should be present to monitor the elections, to oversee the transition from the interim government to the new elected government, and to ensure that the elections are free and fair.

6. Truth recovery process

PPC would like to put it forward to the mediator that, for the purposes of building sustainable democracy in a failed state such as

Zimbabwe

, there is a need for a truth recovery process. While accepting the genuine doubts and fears around the issue of 'Truth', it is clear that many victims and survivors of the crises in

Zimbabwe

believe that some formal collective examination and acknowledgement of the past is necessary for them to find closure. The idea of truth recovery processes is based on the concept of 'transition', from crisis to peace or from one government to another. At its most basic, a truth process is meant to mark the end of one difficult era and the beginning of a new and better one. It is completely unacceptable, disrespectful and insensitive for any political leader to arrogate or appropriate to himself/herself the right to grant pardon to individuals that sponsored and committed human rights atrocities and state sponsored terrorism since independence in 1980. With or without a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, only the people of

Zimbabwe

can determine whether or not to take legal action against those who committed crimes against humanity and genocide against defenseless citizens. We would caution that this is a highly delicate matter which if not handled sensibly, could trigger conflict and war in future. The political leadership should honestly and publicly acknowledge responsibility for past political violence due to their acts of omission and commission. This would be seen as the first and necessary step having the potentiality of a larger process of truth recovery. When acknowledgement is forthcoming, we recommend that measured, inclusive and in-depth consideration be given to establishing an appropriate and unique truth recovery process. For this to develop, a team with local and international expertise should be established using a fair and transparent method to explore the specific feasibility of such a process.

The specific purpose of a truth recovery process:

Promote reconciliation, peace and healing; and to reduce tensions resulting from past violence;
Clarify and acknowledge as much unresolved truth about the past as possible;
Respond to the needs and interests of victims;
Contribute to justice in a broad sense, ensure accountability and responsibility for past actions from organisations and institutions, as well as potentially from individuals;
Identify the responsibilities of the State, of military and police, and of other institutions and organisations for the violence of the past; and to make recommendations for change that will reduce the likelihood of future conflict.

The truth recovery process can take the form any of the following:

Truth and Justice Commission

Historical Clarification Commission

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

7. Reconstruction

The new government would face the daunting challenge of entrenching democracy and peace, rebuilding the battered economy and resuscitating collapsed social services. The negotiations should thus, come up with an economic recovery framework. The economic reconstruction is crucial to restoring order and providing social security for the generality of the population. Without it, the negotiated settlement will be meaningless to the general public. PPC would like to recommend the implementation of an emergency economic recovery plan to curb inflation, restore donor and foreign investor confidence and boost mining and agricultural production, including establishment of a Land Commission with a strong technocratic base and wide representation of Zimbabwean stakeholders to recommend policies aimed at ending the land crisis. To this end PPC would like the negotiators to engage with the Brettonwoods institutions at various levels of the negotiation process inorder to build the confidence for their engagement in the reconstruction phase of this conflict resolution process.

10. Conclusion

In lieu of conclusion, PPC would like to ask the mediator to invest in its belief because it is made in good faith for the benefit of present and future generations of

Zimbabwe

. We further recommend that you take into account views from a broad cross section of Zimbabweans both individuals and groups. We highly value and appreciate the leading role that the SADC and the South African government are playing in trying to reach a negotiated settlement in

Zimbabwe

, and hope that this will continue under the form of an All Stakeholders Convention (ASC) to establish a constitutional order. Should the government of

Zimbabwe

maintain its strategy of terror, human rights abuses, violation of democratic principles, and their disrespect of the rule of law by violently repressing popular pressure for a democratic constitution, free and fair elections, we challenge the SADC, AU, and all other international institutions to completely isolate it. When all is said and done, we recognise that history does not offer a nation many such moments as one that our beloved

Zimbabwe

now has to rediscover its identity and sovereignty by among other things writing a new people driven constitution.

We thank you for this opportunity.

[1]PPC/DOC/14/04/07

[1] The Peoples 'Policy Committee (PPC) is a network of Zimbabweans based in the

. It is a non governmental and non partisan net work of individuals and organisations whose core business is to influence public opinion towards the resolution of the crisis in

Zimbabwe

Contact Details

PPC

The People's Policy Committee

Number 8 Darcy Gardens

DAGENHAM EFFEX

RM 9 6BS, UK

TEL 00442080904153/00442084912228

FAX 00441964775003

peoplespolicycommittee@yahoo.com

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SA MISPLACED ATTITUDE "FUELS" ZIM CRISIS!

2007-04-20T03:37:00.001-07:00

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=72727

The use of force by the South African government would have been an option for resolving the Zimbabwean crisis had the former been a properly formed state.

Outspoken political consultant and entrepreneur Moeletsi Mbeki, the brother of President Thabo Mbeki, asserted this during an address on Thursday at the University of Pretoria in the Centre for International Political Studies' Africa Dialogue series.

He was highly critical of South Africa's policy on Zimbabwe, saying the government was contributing to the crisis by insisting that Zimbabwe had a democracy when it clearly had fallen victim to a party dictatorship.

Asked during question time whether armed intervention and/or sanctions by South Africa would work, Mbeki said "no state can rule out the use of force". It would normally have the monopoly over such force and would use it if it was in the national interest.

'No state can rule out the use of force'
It was now in South Africa's national interest to restore democracy to Zimbabwe and rebuild its economy to accommodate its 80 percent jobless, most of whom had streamed into neighbouring countries.

But, African states were neo-states, countries left behind by Western colonial powers that were not proper states. Fully fledged states had a monopoly over the use of force within its borders, over taxation and over the loyalty of its citizens.

This did not apply in most African states, and South Africa too did not have a full monopoly complemented by a social contract for providing security for its interests.

Whether a state should use sanctions or armed intervention was a matter of tactics, Mbeki said.

But he doubted very much that South Africa would divert from its "do-nothing scenario" as its policy on Zimbabwe. The crisis did not affect the ruling African National Congress elite, only the poor of South Africa and international corporations with investments in Zimbabwe, he said.

South Africa's poor were bearing the brunt of the crisis as they had to compete with millions of Zimbabweans for scarce jobs and services. Since this did not threaten black economic empowerment- the prime preoccupation of South Africa's ruling elite - the latter would do little to resolve the Zimbabwean crisis.

It was in their narrow interest to "appear to be doing a lot", but doing nothing in reality, Mbeki said.

Asked about the chances of success for the Southern African Development Community's mediation efforts, he said President Mbeki's mandate was only to bring together the opposition and the ruling Zanu-PF party.

However, the crisis needed mediation in several areas, most notably the crisis of legitimacy, which South Africa was actually fuelling by calling Zimbabwe a democracy, and Mugabe's illegal declaration of himself as Zanu-PF's presidential candidate in next year's elections.

He believed a bigger crisis than the crackdown on the opposition was that in Zanu-PF, where dissidents were talking of toppling Mugabe from power by force.

"There is a great deal that is unknown about the dissidents," Mbeki said. It was not certain that a Mugabe successor who came from Zanu-PF's ranks would not perpetuate the party's repressive rule.

This sentiment was echoed by his co-speaker, Claire Doube, of the international Civicus organisation, who said the challenge would not be to find a successor for Mugabe who would continue in his footsteps, but to rebuild civic institutions and restore democracy.

The silence following his violent crackdown on the opposition "makes the government look invincible, which terrifies people", she said. The electorate was too intimidated to take part in attempts to unseat Mugabe, she added.

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THABO MBEKI WARNED BY BROTHER OVER ZIMBABWE!

2007-04-20T01:26:00.001-07:00

Mbeki's brother warns on Zimbabwe

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/national.aspx?ID=BD4A442567

SA's political elite is an obstacle in the quest to save Zimbabwe from collapsing, political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki says.

"Only poor people will be affected by Zimbabwe's collapse," he said in an Africa Dialogue lecture in Pretoria.

Mbeki criticised the approach of his brother, President Thabo Mbeki, of quiet diplomacy: "It's a do-nothing scenario. However, you appear to be doing a lot."

Moeletsi Mbeki, who sits on boards of various organisations, said the national interest of South Africans, as opposed to that of the elite, was to see Zimbabwe's economy restored and its people employed, well fed and well housed.

Despite the president's quiet diplomacy, SA faced pressure from the west and most South Africans over Zimbabwe.

"They (western countries) are sensitive to abuse of human rights as they helped fight apartheid, and the people of SA want the government to do something on the human rights issues," Mbeki said.

Asked what advice he would give his brother in handling the Zimbabwe issue, he said: "I think the South African government needs to show a lot more energy in dissuading Zanu (PF) from brutalising the opposition. We need to send a message across to Zanu (PF) that an opposition has a right to exist and has the right to participate in activities." Sapa

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COSATU PROTESTS AT ZIM BORDER!

2007-04-19T22:51:00.001-07:00

COSATU protests at Zimbabwe border!

http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=37055,1,22

JOHANNESBURG Several hundred South Africans picketed at the Zimbabwe border to show solidarity for Zimbabwe's struggle for democracy and human rights, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) said on Thursday.

Cosatu's Limpopo provincial secretary Jan Tsiane said the protesters from the unions and members of the SA National Civic Organisation and the Limpopo Young Communist League gathered at the Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe on Thursday.

Cosatu is backing the Zimbabwean Congress of Trade Unions' demand for minimum wages and salaries linked to the poverty datum line (PDL), reduction of income tax to a 30 percent maximum, no tax for workers earning below the PDL, free access to antiretrovirals, stabilised pricing on basic commodities, and a stop to state harassment of informal economy workers.

Tsiane said the gathering was also calling for open dialogue between all political formations and civil society in Zimbabwe, aimed in particular at a new constitution ahead of democratic elections next year.

"The constitution must allow for the passage of a new electoral law based on the SADC Southern African Development CommunityÆ protocols on the conduct of free and fair elections," said Tsiane.

A conducive climate for elections, free of state violence and repression also need to be created, he said,

"We urge President ThaboÆ Mbeki, on behalf of SADC, to vigorously pursue these objectives," said Tsiane. Sapa

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Dear Mr Thabo Mbeki,

NEW ANC PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD (11/01/2008)

PETITION TO SADC FROM ZIMBABWEANS IN THE DIASPORA!

SUBMITTED BY

ZIMBABWE DIASPORA CIVIC SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS FORUM

The Africa-EU summit must go ahead!!!

TUTU ATTACKS MUGABE'S "APARTHEID-TYPE" MISRULE!

President Thabo Mbeki and the Zim "Regime Change" Agenda!

THE MBEKI AND SADC POSITION A LOAD OF IRRESPONSIBLE RUBBISH!

LETTER FROM PRES MBEKI REFFERING TO THE LUSAKA SADC MEETING!

MBEKI LINKED TO CHRIS HANI ASSASSINATION???

"THABO MBEKI S PROVERBIAL 'LONG ROPE'." BY THE REV M S HOVE

SOUTH AFRICA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITS COLLUSION WITH MUGABE!!!

SOUTH AFRICA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITS COLLUSION WITH MUGABE!!!

Mbeki's rehabilitation of Zanu PF!!!

MBEKI TO VISIT ZIM???

Mbeki to visit Zimbabwe

Tsvangirai slams refugee stance!!!

"MBEKI MUST TURN UP VOLUME ON ZIM!", SAYS SENIOR ANC MEMBER

MR ROY BENNETT GRANTED ASYLUM AT LAST!

Background

MBEKI: AFRICA'S TRUE GIANT!

THE PEOPLE ANALYSING MBEKI'S STYLE!

MDC SUPPORTERS BATEN BY ZANU THUGS IN ZAKA (ZIMBABWE!)

MDC supporters beaten up in Zaka

SA GOVERNMENT ABANDONS STUPID "QUIET DIPLOMACY" POLICY!

SA minister tells Mugabe to step down

THE INTERVIEW BY THEARCHBISHOP PIUS NCUBE!

ARCHBISHOP TUTU CALLS UPON AFRICA TO CONDEMN ZIM ACTIONS!

ZUMA OR VAVI MAY REPLACE "FAILED" MBEKI!

PRESIDET MBEKI CONGRATULATES NEW D.A. LEADER!

"MUGABE SEEKS MARTYRDOM!" (VERY FRIGHTENING, SOBERING THOUGHT!

Mugabe the martyr

MADHUKU CORRECTLY DISMISSES MBEKI MEDIATION EFFORTS!

URGENT "STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS" FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT!

"STATE OF THE NATION" ADDRESS BY YOUR PRESIDENT!

PRESIDENCY OF MBEKI CONFUSED!

Mbeki Continues to Surprise

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SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY TELLS MBEKI: "GET TOUGH WITH MUGABE!"

South Africa World Cup doubts grow!

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MBEKI SLAMMED FOR CONGRATULATING NIGERIAN ELECTION "WINNER".

Group slams Mbeki for greeting Yar'Adua

"FREE ZIM YOUTHS" STAND UP FOR THEIR COUNTRY!

MBEKI'S ROLE: A VERY CRITICAL ANALYSIS!

Zuma 'lectures' EU on Zimbabwe!

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MDC LEADERS RESPOND TO MBEKI'S LETTERS!

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MP Kate Hoey to address Zimbabwe vigil in Bristol

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MBEKI URGED NOT TO SEEK THIRD TERM!

"MUGABE MUST NOT STAND!" SA OPPOSTION PARTY!

POSITION PAPER PRESENTED TO HIS EXCELLENCY, CDE THABO MBEKI!

SA MISPLACED ATTITUDE "FUELS" ZIM CRISIS!

THABO MBEKI WARNED BY BROTHER OVER ZIMBABWE!

COSATU PROTESTS AT ZIM BORDER!