Sunday News

22 December 2012

Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Senator David Coltart, has described the year 2012 as the best year for the country’s education sector in recent years.

Speaking to Sunday News on the sidelines of the official opening of a Conservation School at Antelope Park in Gweru recently where he was guest of honour, Senator Coltart said 2012 was the first year in recent years that the teaching calendar was not disturbed by teachers’ strikes.

He said such a development, among many other positives that can be drawn from the year, places 2012 as the best year for the education sector since the formation of the Unity Government in 2009.

“This year we did not lose a single teaching day owing to strikes and other disturbances of that kind to other years from 2007 when there were a lot of disturbances. This year is the first year that we did not have any strikes since the formation of the Unity Government and that reflects well on the sector,” he said.

Senator Coltart added that 2012 had also witnessed a significant increase in the number of O-level and A-level candidates, which he said was yet another positive that can be drawn from this year.

Although he was not in a position to give statistics to back his assertion, Senator Coltart also expressed concern at the continued decline in pass rates for Grade Seven examinations which he attributed that to the chaos that characterized the sector in the past years.

“This year we have also recorded a significant increase in the number of O and A-level candidates which is yet another positive to be drawn from the year.

However, we are worried that the Grade Seven examinations pass rate has continued to decline. The decline is rooted on the chaos we witnessed four to five years ago but we hope to see an upturn in the following years,” he said.

Senator Coltart said this year Government had also managed to achieve the one-student one-textbook ratio in both primary and secondary schools, with a total of 23 million text books having been distributed.

He said the books distributed in schools across the country so far catered for core subjects and the ministry was working on providing ancillary textbooks to enhance children’s knowledge in given subjects.

“So far we have distributed 23 million text books which have helped us achieve the one-child to one textbook ratio in both primary and secondary schools. We have also realized that there is need for the provision of other ancillary textbooks like readers in primary schools to enhance the child’s knowledge. Thus we have come up with a programme which will be rolled out next year to provide children with such ancillary textbooks especially in language subjects,” said Senator Coltart.

The education minister also lauded communities across the country who have helped improve the standards of education in the country through various activities.

“Communities have also responded well to the improvements. A number of communities have assisted us through rehabilitation and construction of classrooms, fencing of schools and drilling of boreholes. That is work we should commend and urge communities to continue with such work,” he said.

Senator Coltart also predicted that 2013 would be an even better year for the education sector with plans underway for Government to introduce a new environment education curriculum in schools.

He said the current curriculum that is used in schools was outdated and is being reviewed to incorporate new concepts such as conservation agriculture which is less hostile to the environment.

“2013 will be n even better year because we have a number of programmes lined up. Work is underway to review the current environment education curriculum which is out of date. The idea is to incorporate new concepts such as conservation farming which are believed to be friendly to the environment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Antelope Park in Gweru has launched a conservation school which is aimed at imparting environmental conservation knowledge to children.

Antelope Park Projects Manager Karen Armand told Sunday News that the school will cater for children aged between 11 and 12 years old who will attend the school during conventional school holidays.

She said the school, the first of its kind in the Midlands Province, will help children have appreciation of environmental conservation issues at a young age, with the aim of creating responsible generations.

Senator Coltart officially opened the school.

Speech given by Senator David Coltart on the occasion of Adam ‘Adamski’ Ndlovu’s Funeral

22^nd December 2012

Amphitheater, Bulawayo

I am honoured to be asked by the family to speak today. Although I did not know Adam personally I have marveled at his football skills for many years and have a deep rooted appreciation for the contribution this magnificent footballing family have made to Zimbabwe. I was deeply shocked to hear the news of Adam’s passing away on my way last Sunday to Lusaka to close the Zone 6 Games.

This is the second funeral I have spoken at in just a few months mourning the tragic passing away of a talented Zimbabwean as the result of a road accident. It is always difficult to understand the Lord’s purpose in taking such talent from us. It does not serve any useful purpose to try and understand. However, I do take great comfort from hearing that Adam had a personal faith in the Lord Jesus and that he  had a profound influence on an entire football team. That knowledge gives me comfort that he is now with the Lord and safe. My prayer is that that knowledge will comfort you all and especially Adam’s family and his loved ones.

Others have spoken about Adam’s brilliance on the football field (such as 79 Caps for Zimbabwe) and I cannot better what they have said. What I want to speak about it the importance of those skills to our nation. Sport in general and football in particular is far more important than we appreciate. Whilst a fantastic goal thrills us, sport can go much further than just thrill – it can and should play a major role in improving a country’s economy and image.

The Olympics in Britain this year was a revelation to me – more than the sport perhaps it struck me that it was a unique opportunity for Britain to boost its economy and project itself more positively.

Sport is indeed business. And so too is Art and Culture. We need to grasp that understanding better in Zimbabwe and realize it can boost an economy, boost tourism, and transform Zimbabwe’s image.  It is in that context that I need to say a few words about the need for us as a nation to create better policies and laws to adequately  honour our sporting, artistic, and cultural icons in Zimbabwe.

Whilst it is important that we honour politicians and soldiers who have made huge sacrifices and done wonderful things for Zimbabwe, I believe that we do not adequately recognize and honour our sporting and artistic heroes who sometimes do far more than politicians to project Zimbabwe in a positive light.  Sportsmen like Adam Ndlovu play a massive role not just in boosting our spirits, but in projecting our nation in a positive, constructive and favourable light. They project Zimbabwe as a vibrant, talented, exciting nation and because of that we owe them a great debt.

In other countries sporting and artistic icons are recognized during their lifetimes. In the USA, for example, they have Halls of Fame and great sportsmen are inducted into them. In the UK awards such as the OBE and Knighthoods are given to sportsmen during their lifetime.

Having been given that recognition, those sportsmen and women often then become ambassadors for their country and sport.

We do not do that in Zimbabwe. We have amazing icons like Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Kirsty Coventary, Peter Ndlovu, and indeed Adam Ndlovu who project our nation in a wonderful light and who deserve to be recognized, not just in death but during their lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that Adam Ndlovu is one of Zimbabwe’s national sporting heroes. Had we had a system of giving the equivalent of knighthoods or halls of fame, he would already have been recognized, not just because of caps or goals, but the way he played and conducted himself. We need something like an “Order of Zimbabwe”.

If there is any purpose in this tragic loss let us use this occasion to resolve that we will implement such a policy and commit ourselves to honouring Adam posthumously.

Until then, I thank you all for turning out in such great numbers to honour Adam. My prayer is that your presence will comfort Adam’s family. On behalf of the government, our deepest sympathies are extended to his family, his friends and teammates and indeed all who loved this psorting genius.

Rest in Peace Adam

Sunday News

By Ngqwele Dube, Mehluli Sibanda, Bruce Chimani

22 December 2012

ZIMBABWEANS from all walks of life came out in huge numbers to bid farewell to football legend, former Zimbabwe Warriors and Highlanders striker Adam Ndlovu who was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo yesterday afternoon.

Ndlovu, who was head coach of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Chicken Inn at the time of his death, passed away at the age of 42 years in a horrific car accident near Victoria Falls in the early hours of last Sunday. The accident also claimed the life of a female passenger Nomqhele Tshili and left Adam’s younger brother Peter with serious injuries. The Ndlovu brothers were on their way to Victoria Falls for a social soccer match between Highlanders legends and a Victoria Falls soccer league select which was subsequently called off after the disaster.

Peter, who miraculously survived the mishap which took his brother’s life and is still recovering at Mater Dei Hospital, was brought in a wheelchair for the church service at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre and he witnessed his brother being laid to his final resting place.

The former Warriors captain, with a visible scar on his forehead, was heavily guarded but that did not deter journalists from taking pictures of him. He could be seen trying to hold back tears during the church service and when his brother was being laid to rest.

Politicians from across the political divide, football administrators, former national team and Highlanders players, current national team, Highlanders and Chicken Inn players and fans of different soccer teams, some of whom travelled from Harare, witnessed the burial of one of the finest players to emerge from this football crazy nation.

Amphitheatre, the venue for the church service which lasted for more than three hours, was filled to capacity as Zimbabweans came to pay their last respects to the man regarded as the second most prolific Warriors striker with 34 goals from 79 appearances, four goals shy of his brother Peter.

Thousands jostled to catch a glimpse of proceedings at Lady Stanley with the event eventually coming to an end at 4pm. Security personnel had a hard time trying to control the crowd at the cemetery.

Prominent Warriors fan Chris “Romario” Musekiwa led Warriors fans in song and dance after Ndlovu’s coffin was lowered into the grave. Highlanders’ fans were not to be outdone as they also chanted their club slogans.

Madinda Ndlovu, the oldest of the famous Ndlovu brothers, said as a family they were really grateful to Zimbabweans who came out in full support after the tragic event, adding that they had delayed informing Peter of Adam’s death because they were not sure of the seriousness of the injuries “Nsukuzonke” had suffered and they had to protect him.

Speakers at the morning church service included Minister of Mines and Mining Development Obert Mpofu, Minister of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture David Coltart, Zanu-PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo and Zimbabwe Football Association vice-president Ndumiso Gumede.

Former Highlanders chairman Gumede described Ndlovu’s death as a great loss to Zimbabwean football. Gumede said it was rare that three members of the same family could be blessed with such immense talent as the Ndlovu brothers did.

Khaya Moyo informed the gathering that even South African president Jacob Zuma had sent him a condolence message, a gesture that showed that the Ndlovu brothers had made an impact beyond the country’s borders. According to Moyo, a moment of silence was observed during the recently ended African National Congress 53rd Conference in Mangaung.

Mpofu said the huge attendance showed that Adam was truly a hero and did not need politicians to accord him that status, drawing a huge applause from the crowd.

Former Highlanders players included Thulani Ncube, Douglas Mloyi, Boy Ndlovu, Zenzo Moyo, Netsai Moyo, Ernest Sibanda, Tobias Mudyambanje, Tito Paketh, Marko Dube, Amini Soma Phiri, Mkhuphali Masuku, Willard Khumalo, Colsen Mabeza, Thabani Masawi, Jerry Sibanda and Peter Nkomo.

Ex-Zimbabwe Warriors in attendance were Paul Gundani, Joel Luphahla, Ian Gorowa, Ronald Sibanda, Callisto Pasuwa, Norman Mapeza, Harlington Shereni, Benjani Mwaruwari, Nelson Bandura, Melody Wafawanaka, Brenna Msiska, Friday Phiri, Stanford Mutizwa, Nesbert Saruchera, Kennedy Nagoli, Dumisani Mpofu, Masimba Dinyero, Misheck Chidzambwa, Gilbert Mushangazhike, Gift Muzadzi, Lloyd Mutasa, Lloyd Chitembwe and Agent Sawu.

Esrom Nyandoro and Musa Mguni were some of the Zimbabwe Warriors players who attended the funeral. Zimbabwe Sables coach Brendon Dawson also attended the burial.

Three daughters survive Adam.

BBC

By Steve Vickers

22 December 2012

Thousands of fans, players, politicians and sports administrators attended the funeral of Zimbabwe legend Adam Ndlovu in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Adam, 42, died in a car accident last Sunday which left his younger brother Peter in a critical condition.

Peter, who is now in a stable condition, was released from hospital for the funeral and attended in a wheelchair with nurses by his side.

Adam played in Switzerland for seven seasons and scored 34 goals for Zimbabwe.

A host of Zimbabwean football legends, including former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari, were at the funeral, along with senior figures from all three main political parties.

“Adam was a legend and he united the country through football,” said Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who attended the wake on Friday.

Many others paid tribute to Adam, who had just completed his first full season as a coach, taking Bulawayo side Chicken Inn to a third-place finish in the Premier League.

“He was like a brother to me, it’s big loss for me and it pains me to be here,” said former Zimbabwe defender Harlington Shereni, who played alongside Adam at Delemont in Switzerland.

“He introduced me to European football, he was the star of the team at Delemont and he was always there to help me.”

There had been calls from some quarters for Adam to be declared a national hero, although government insisted that hero status is only for those with a liberation war history.

Sports minister David Coltart said that more should be done to mark the achievements of distinguished sports stars.

“I believe that we do not adequately honour our sporting and cultural heroes in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Coltart.

“They often do more than politicians to boost our spirits and image of the country.”

Sunday News

22 December 2012

ZIMBABWE should ensure that a system is put in place to give due recognition to those who excel in sport, a Cabinet minister said at a church service for the late soccer icon Adam Ndlovu.

Education, Sport and Culture minister David Coltart said it was sad the talented footballer was being laid to rest without being honoured.

Coltart was speaking before an appreciative crowd of thousands of mourners that had gathered to bid farewell to Adamski and challenged the Government to come up with a system to recognise sporting and cultural heroes in the country.

“The one good thing that has come out from Adam’s death is the raising of the issue of sporting heroes and I feel Zimbabweans should come up with a process to honour their sporting and cultural heroes and I believe this is the opportunity to start discussing how we can do it. I feel such a system should be created and Adam should be honoured posthumously, once the system has been put in place,” said Coltart.

He added that while it is important to honour soldiers and politicians, it was also critical to give due recognition to sporting and cultural heroes, especially when they were still alive.

“In America they have Hall of Fames of different sporting disciplines, where talented sports person are inducted into while they are still alive while in Britain they have the Order of the British Empire and knighthood, which is given to eminent sporting and cultural heroes also while they are still alive. We do not have to wait until someone dies to recognise their efforts when we can do so when they are still alive,” he said.

Coltart added that politicians failed to recognise the fact that sport was a greater unifying factor bigger than politics, saying sport had over the years played a bigger role in portraying a positive image of the country abroad than politics had done. And that while politics was full of bickering Adam’s funeral had shown that sport played a critical role in uniting the nation.

Thousands of people graced the burial of Adamski and there was a general consensus that he is a national hero.

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Politicians from across the political divide, sporting personalities from different sports disciplines, football lovers and ordinary people gathered to send a befitting farewell to Adam whose football-playing career was littered with sparkle.

Speaker after speaker praised the late Ndlovu not only for his talent on the pitch but also for his humility and discipline.

Ndlovu perished in an accident last Sunday morning together with a female passenger Nomqhele Tshili, while travelling to Victoria Falls with his brother, Peter.

Adamski was given a great send-off with Peter Ndlovu’s ex-wife, Sharon D performing the opening song for the ceremony.

Tristar Insurance Company made bottled water with an imprint of the face of Adam, with the words ‘”n Loving Memory of Adam Ndlovu” inscripted on the label.

Two huge posters of the star adorned the Amphitheatre buildings while there were several posters that were printed with photos of the late Chicken Inn coach, written “Rest In Peace Adam”.

Quelaton coach, Farai Sibanda, who is among the last few people who have spent time with Adamski was satisfied that the late soccer icon was given a befitting send-off.

Sibanda travelled with Adam and Peter from Harare last Saturday after attending the Soccer Stars Awards last Friday.

“I travelled with them and we went to Adam’s house and spent some time watching football videos. I parted with him just before 8pm and it was very painful to hear that he had passed away. I am happy however with the way people came here to give Adam their last respects and ensure that he is given a hero’s send-off,” he said.

Sibanda said he had developed a close friendship with Adamski and it was sad to lose him.

Meanwhile a local musician has recorded a single in honour of the football legend.

The track simple titled Adamski, was produced by Chamu Makombe, who is also the main vocalist.

The sombre song was played during a service held on Friday at Luveve Stadium and also yesterday at Amphitheatre and Lady Stanley Cemetery, where Adam was laid to rest.

Makombe said he was inspired by the exploits of Adamski and felt compelled to produce the track.

“It is the little that I could do to pay tribute to Adam. He was a great football hero and he touched many people’s hearts. It is a fitting honour to sing for him,” he said.

The single was on sale at the funeral service at Amphitheatre and Makombe said some of the funds would go to the Ndlovu family.

“I am yet to discuss with the Ndlovu family how I can remit the funds to them and how they would use them but I believe they should get a share from the sale of the single,” he said.

FC Platinum donated $3 000 to the Ndlovu and Tshili families yesterday.

FC Platinum”s vice president, George Mawere said  $1 000 will go towards Peter’s medical expenses, while another $1 000 will be dedicated to Adam’s funeral with the other $1 000 being given to the Tshili family.

“We believe we are one family and felt we should assist the Ndlovu family in whatever way we can. We worked with Adam in the Premier Soccer League and had a great relationship with him,” he said.

News Day

By Fortune Mbele

22 December 2012

THOUSANDS of Zimbabweans, including Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, are expected to throng Bulawayo today to pay their final respects to soccer legend Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu who died in a car accident last Sunday in Victoria Falls.

Yesterday, thousands attended a service that was held at Luveve Stadium, Chicken Inn’s home ground.

Among them were former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari, Peter’s ex-wife Sharon Dee, MP Tabitha Khumalo, as well as several former Highlanders players, some of whom played with Adam.

Adam’s body was taken to MAP (Madinda, Adam&Peter) offices and then to Chicken Inn headquarters before conveyance to Luveve.
Fans from most residential suburbs in Bulawayo came to bid the Bosso and Warriors legend farewell.

Many more lined up along Luveve Road to salute the procession as it made its way to the stadium.

The former Warriors, Highlanders striker and Chicken Inn head coach will be laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo.

Adam died after the BMW X5 vehicle driven by his brother Peter burst a tyre 20km from the Victoria Falls Airport, veered off the road and rammed into a tree.

A female passenger Nomqhele Tshili was killed on the spot

According to the police, Adam died on his way to hospital while Peter was seriously injured and taken to Victoria Falls Hospital before being transferred to Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo. He was operated on both legs.

Peter is expected to attend his brother’s funeral. Zanu PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo, Sports minister David Coltart and Mines and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu are also expected to attend.

“The Office of the Prime Minister has confirmed that he is coming while the Zanu PF national party chairperson (Khaya Moyo) and minister Coltart have confirmed that they will be attending the burial. Mpofu (Mines and Mining Development), who is already here is not coming in his capacity as minister, but as the main speaker for the family,” Madinda said.

Senior government officials, politicians, senior Zifa officials, club officials, former teammates from the Dream Team era, current Warriors, Highlanders, Chicken Inn and players from various clubs, are expected to make part of mourners to bid farewell to Adamski today.

A church service will be held at 8am at the Amphitheatre where high-ranking officials will deliver speeches before the body, which lay in state at his home in Selborne Park, will make its way to his boyhood suburb of Makokoba.

It will pass through his parent’s house before it is taken to Barbourfields Stadium, the home of Highlanders, where Adamski cut his teeth. From Emagumeni, the body will be taken to its final resting place at Lady Stanley Cemetery, where only family members will deliver speeches.

Meanwhile, Coventry City boss Mark Robins has relayed his best wishes and condolences to the family of Peter Ndlovu following the car accident on Saturday.

Robins hoped Peter could rebuild his life after the horrific crash.

“It was terrible to hear about Peter, his brother and the other passenger and we, as a club, want to pass on our best wishes and condolences,” Robins said. “Hopefully, Peter will make a recovery that will enable him to rebuild his life because we all want that for him,” he added.

Zimbabwe Independent

21 December 2012

JOURNALISTS in Zimbabwe have long been fighting for greater access to information, especially from public institutions.

Misa-Zimbabwe says the right to know or freedom of information is a fundamental human right that is imperative for both citizens and the media. Affirming this principle, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights under Article 9 states that “Every individual shall have the right to receive information…”

Below, Zimbabwe Independent journalists assess the level of accessibility of ministers and party spokespersons and the usefulness of information they provided to them in 2012. Here is how we rated them, along with comments on how some of them can be more useful.

Most accessible:

Patrick Chinamasa: The Justice and Legal Affairs minister even returns calls and is always ready to comment on matters under his jurisdiction. Very honest in his comments.

David Coltart: The Education, Sport and Culture minister is commendably professional and well informed about issues in his ministry. He is also available on Tweeter, Facebook and other social networks.

Welshman Ncube: The Industry and Commerce minister is also available on social networks where he shares information with the public. Always willing to comment on issues that come under his ministry.

Walter Mzembi: The Tourism and Hospitality minister is always readily available and willing to comment on issues pertinent to his ministry.
Eric Matinenga: The Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs minister is extremely professional and honest, and returns calls. Very well versed with what is happening in his ministry.

Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga: The Regional Integration and International Cooperation is always ready to comment. Pity she has very little on her plate.

Rugare Gumbo: The Zanu PF spokesperson is professional and does not hold grudges no matter how much you write criticising his party. He never takes things personally and is readily available to all media houses.

George Charamba: The Presidential spokesperson does not hold grudges and takes criticism in his stride.

Nhlanhla Dube: The MDC spokesperson has rectified his weakness of posting comments which would have been solicited exclusively.
Luke Tamborinyoka: The Prime Minister’s spokesperson is very approachable.

Fairly accessible:

Saviour Kasukuwere – Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment minister

Francis Nhema – Environment and Natural Resources minister

Herbert Murerwa – Lands and Rural Resettlement minister

Samuel Sipepa Nkomo – Water Resources, Development and Management minister

Henry Madzorera – Health and Child Welfare minister

Webster Shamu – Media, Information and Publicity minister

Kembo Mohadi – Home Affairs minister

Ignatius Chombo – Local Government Urban and Rural Development minister

Obert Mpofu – Mines and Mining Development minister

Giles Mutsekwa – National Housing and Social Amenities minister

Lucia Matibenga – Public Service minister

Joseph Made – Agriculture minister

Olivia Muchena – Womens’ Affairs Gender and Community Development minister

Douglas Mwonzora – The MDC-T spokesperson needs to be reliable.Sometimes he switches off his phone for long periods and does not honour appointments. He should be a man of his word and give factual and credible information, something he has failed to do on several occasions.

Accessible only to certain journalists:

Tendai Biti – Finance minister

Elton Mangoma – Energy and Power Development minister

Nicholas Goche – Transport and Infrastructure Development minister

Emmerson Mnangagwa – Defence minister

Accessible when it suits:

Tapiwa Mashakada – The Economic Planning and Investment Promotion minister used to be one of the most accessible leaders in the MDC-T but this suddenly changed when he was appointed minister.

Nelson Chamisa – Information Communication Technology minister

Gorden Moyo – State Enterprises and Parastatals minister

Theresa Makone – Home Affairs minister

Least accessible:

Sydney Sekeramayi – As State Security minister we assume it is due to the nature of his ministry

Gabbuza Gabuza – The Public Works minister is not helpful at all.

Paurina Mpariwa – The Labour and Social Welfare minister ducks and dives and gives the impression she knows little about the goings on in her ministry, and always refers questions to junior officers.

Simbarashe Mumbengegwi – The Foreign Affairs minister refuses with his cellphone number. He even claims that he does not give his number to relatives. Thankfully there is Ambassador Joey Bimha in his ministry; otherwise there would be a complete blackout of official information.

Rarely asked to comment:

Heneri Dzinotyiwei – Science and Technology minister

Sithembiso Nyoni – Small and Medium Enterprise and Cooperative Development minister.

The Sunday News

15 December 2012

THE Zimbabwe Netball Association president Leticia Chipandu says the 2012 netball season was a good turning point for the sport as it saw players nurtured from grassroots level.

However, the netball boss was quick to advise local clubs in the local Super League to be more competitive if they are to match Southern Africa’s best in tournaments such as the regional Zone X1 games.

Responding to e-mailed questions, Chipandu, challenged local clubs to work hard in 2013 so that the nation can become a force to reckon with in regional club competitions.

“I am truly satisfied with the way the 2012 Super League was played. All the clubs showed great commitment and I am so overwhelmed by that. I would like to commend all the 12 teams for their dedication, determination and discipline,” said Chipandu.

“But I would like to urge most of the clubs to come up with more competitive teams that will attract sponsors. Like for instance we have had one or two clubs dominating the elite league and when they go for regional games they tend to falter because they square up against stiffer opposition,” added Chipandu.

She went on to say that by having more competitive teams in the league, clubs must set up structures for development that start from the grassroot level.

“The challenge of having more competitive teams in our league can be overcome by having clubs set up structures from grassroot level. There is so much talent out there especially from schools and such talent must be nurtured and developed,” said Chipandu.

The 2012 netball calendar was hugely a successful one that saw Zimbabwe securing the rights to host the 6th edition of the Supreme Council for sport in Africa Zone Six Youth Games in 2014.

The council, represented by its Secretary General Mvuso Mbebe, last week signed a protocol agreement with the Government, which was represented by Education, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, David Coltart.

It is yet to be decided on whether Bulawayo or Harare will host the 6th edition of the Games as only one city can play host.

Voice of America | Zimbabwe

By Tatenda Gumbo and Ntungamili Nkomo

13 December 2012

WASHINGTON — Education Minister David Coltart says those he calls “hardliners” in the unity government are blocking Zimbabwe’s ratification of the Rome Statute because they fear ratification might expose them to prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for human rights violations.

Nonetheless, Coltart said he is hopeful that Zimbabwe will eventually sign the statute.

Speaking during a Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the ICC in Rome this week, the minister added that while political violence has decreased in Zimbabwe, more fundamental human rights violations continue.

The minister told VOA that the fear by some Zimbabwean politicians to sign the Rome Statute is unfounded.

“It’s clear that there are some in our society who don’t want to ratify,” said Coltart, adding that “what they don’t seem to appreciate is that the ICC does not have retroactive jurisdiction.”

Coltart said this statute can’t be used to prosecute people who committed atrocities during the liberation struggle or against people who committed genocide during the Gukurahundi era, as it is a forward-looking statute to protect citizens.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court was formed and has statute to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity crimes of aggression and war crimes.

Zimbabwe is a signatory of the Rome Statute but is yet to ratify it under the country’s laws.

Speaking at this week’s Human Rights Day commemorations, Justice and Legal Affairs permanent secretary, David Mangota, told a gathering in the capital city that Zimbabwe had made strides in addressing women and children’s rights but noted that it is lagging behind in enhancing economic rights because of sanctions.

Mangota said Zimbabwe is committed to upholding the rights of citizens and agreed to work with the United Nations to maintain a strong human rights record.

But Minister Coltart is not alone. Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya of the Liberal Market Solutions agreed that Harare should sign the statute and commit itself to the rule of law.

“It is understandable that they would be reluctant because they would want to err on the side of safety they are aware that there have been many violations”, said Ngwenya.

He still maintains Zimbabwe has an obligation to its citizens to allow for due process in cases of human rights violations.

News Day

By  Veneranda Langa

12 December 2012

AT LEAST 70 000 trained teachers fled Zimbabwe to neighbouring countries due to political violence that rocked the country between 2000-2008 resulting in permanent closure of about 82% of farm schools, a think-tank has said.

According to a research by the Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU), most of the teachers who fled the country’s political upheavals were now based in neighbouring South Africa.

The report – titled Fragility And Education In Zimbabwe: Assessing The Impact Of Violence On Education by Lloyd Pswarayi and Tony Reeler – showed that the education sector was under siege as violence was rearing its ugly head again ahead of possible elections sometime next year.

“The reasons for the attacks, it has been established, have been politically motivated, and research has revealed that violence is State-sponsored, or at least State-condoned. Hence children not only had their education disrupted, but also experienced politically-motivated intimidation and witnessed political violence.  However, violence in schools and against teachers was not confined to commercial farms, but was widespread,” the RAU report said.

“Since 2000, Zimbabwe has lost nearly 70 000 trained teachers mainly to neighbouring South Africa; the reasons were associated with the state of the economy, but politically-motivated violence against teachers was also an important factor.”

As a result, Zimbabwe was now among 31 countries in the world – including Iraq, Palestine, Ivory Coast, and Burma/Myanmar – where attacks on educators had been documented.

“Many commercial farms had primary schools for the children of their workforces, and these schools (and especially their teachers) became foci for political violence and intimidation.  One study estimated that 82% of the schools on farms had been closed or downsized.”

The report also claimed that three-quarters of farm workers and schoolchildren were forced to attend political meetings.

Teachers were targeted because  they were perceived to be educated and influential members of local communities.

Their involvement as polling officers during elections was also cited as another factor that contributed to their victimisation.

Education minister David Coltart has repeatedly urged political parties to stop conducting rallies at schools to safeguard teachers.