The Southern Times
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
26 June 2009

Organisers of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair have set July 27 as the date for the opening of this year’s showcase.

Last year the fair failed to take place owing to financial constraints, but it is now back with more local authors in store.

Some of the local authors expected to grace this year’s editions are Shimmer Chinodya, Ignatius Mabasa, Charles Mungoshi, Chirikure Chirikure and Virginia Phiri among others.

Several topics have also been lined up for the traditional Indaba session, which is the only event that audiences have to pay for to attend.

Among the topics to be discussed is media reading and writing which will probe issues centred on the presentation of media stories.

Journalist Caesar Zvayi and broadcaster Supa Mandiwanzira, to mention just a few, are expected to facilitate the session.

Children’s reading and writing is another topic that will focus on writing children’s books that capture the imagination of the young at heart.

ZIBF acting director Greenfield Chilongo said the theme for the fair is “Reading and Writing, Zimbabwe”, centred on encouraging authors in writing literary works focusing on national issues rather than having local readers relying on international books.

“The motive behind the theme is to highlight issues on writing about Zimbabwe, focusing on national issues and improving writing for its curriculum,” he said.

Chilongo commended the financial assistance they received from the Culture Fund, a whooping US$10 000 grant, which he said would go a long way in assisting them in making the event a success.

The Minister of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture, Senator David Coltart, is expected to officially open the book fair.

The Zimbabwe Telegraph
By Getrude Gumede
23 June 2009

ZIMBABWE-HARARE-The Parliamentary Select Committee on the new Zimbabwean constitution will today begin a tour of the country’s provinces as work towards crafting a new constitution for the country begins, The Zimbabwe Telegraph reports.
The co-chairperson of the select committee, Senator David Coltart said the provincial consultative meetings were preliminary meetings which would not discuss the substance of the constitution, but would be used to identify individuals and organisations interested in taking part in the process.
The individuals and interest groups would then be invited for a stakeholders conference which will be held by mid July in accordance with dictates from the Global Political Agreement, signed between the country’s three main political parties in September last year.
“The meetings are meant to advise institutions and individuals who are interested in the constitution making process to identify themselves so that they can be invited to a stakeholders conference in July,” said Coltart.
“It is meant to ensure that the process is as inclusive as possible, and we invite individuals and special interest groups such as human rights activists, children and women organisations, disabled people, churches and other groups to be involved.”
The select committee was appointed by the Standing Rules and Orders Committee to facilitate the writing of a new Constitution.
Article six of the GPA mandates the committee to ensure a democratic, inclusive and people-driven constitution making process.
According to a statement from the select committee, five provincial consultative meetings will be held today from 10am in Harare, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland provinces.
“Political party regalia and slogans will not be allowed in the meetings,” read the statement.

Sunday Mail
Political Editor Munyaradzi Huni
22 June 2009

BACK in the days, one would talk about the covert operations of the Westminster Foundation in Zimbabwe.

The Western governments could not pour their regime change funds directly into the MDC coffers because of the Political Parties (Finance) Act that prohibits local political parties and candidates from receiving foreign funding. And so organisations like the Westminster Foundation came in handy.

Alternatively, some shoddy non-governmental organisations were formed to receive the “dirty” funds under the guise that they were advocating the restoration of the rule of law, human rights and democracy.

Back in the days, it was diplomatically not possible for foreign governments to dictate and prescribe to the Government what policies to implement. This was done through international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB).

That was then.

Today, the regime change agenda is still the same and those covert operations are being announced in front of cameras and in broad daylight — thanks to the inclusive Government — that has opened many opportunities for different political games.

Today, the prescriptions to the Government are coming straight from the White House and Number 10 Downing Street, thanks to our almost empty begging bowl that the Prime Minister is carrying as he tours Europe and America.

Before spears are shoved into my already bleeding heart, let me quickly declare that the inclusive Government, under the circumstances that the country found itself in, was the only better way to cool the political tempers.

The inclusive Government has brought a breath of fresh air into the country, but the only problem is that it is a creature that can be manipulated easily by those with sinister motives.

And before accusations start flying all over, let me quickly declare that the country really needs financial assistance and while aid is welcome, I don’t think aid is the solution to the country’s problems, especially if it comes with directives and is channelled through dubious NGOs.

About a week ago, the American President, Barack Obama, after meeting Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, announced that, “I have committed US$73 million in assistance to Zimba-bwe . . . (the aid) will not be going to the Government directly because we continue to be concerned about consolidating democracy, human rights and rule of law, but it will be going directly to the people in Zimbabwe”.

By “directly to the people in Zimbabwe”, Obama meant that his government would distribute the funds through NGOs of his country’s choice. Well, what a well-thought-out strategy!

Put simply, the funds will be channelled to the social ministries under the MDC-T and MDC-M (health, housing and education) through the various NGOs.

Just watch the space in the coming months because MDC-T and MDC-M ministers in the inclusive Government, especially the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, Senator David Coltart, the Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera MP, and the Minister of Housing and Social Amenities, Fidelis Mhashu MP, will be officiating at several functions where America’s chosen NGO will be dishing out the funds.

The deal is to increase MDC-T visibility across the country through the social ministries using American NGOs and American funds. Of course, the MDC-T has vehemently denied this allegation, but Graham Boynton and Philip Sherwell of The Telegraph in the UK sort of let the cat out of the bag on June 15 2009.

In their article the two wrote: “But The Telegraph has learned that Mr Tsvangirai will urge the US and European donors to increase their support to boost the MDC’s standing in Zimbabwe.

“He will tell them that the credibility of the MDC depends on life improving for Zimbabweans and request ‘targeted support’, according to allies of the Prime Minister.

“He will also try to assure them that continued stability before the next election will ensure a ‘landslide defeat’ for Mr Mugabe’s Zanu-PF and that international pressure will prevent the President’s allies in the military from intervening to overturn the result.”

What a revealing article!

Anyway, if Obama really cares about the people of Zimbabwe, as he wants the world to believe, he should know that by giving the funds to his NGOs, and not the Government, he is snubbing the very same people he wants people to think he cares so much for.

According to the Mass Public Opinion Institute, about 80 percent of Zimbabweans support the inclusive Government and surely Obama should not go against the wishes of the people of Zimbabwe.

The people of Zimbabwe have approved their Government and so anyone who wants to reach out to the people of Zimbabwe should do so through the Government.

It’s as simple as that, but then Obama seems to be inheriting George W. Bush’s legacy and expecting much from him would be over-stretching our imaginations.

The Member of Parliament for Tsholotsho North, Professor Jonathan Moyo, had no kind words for Obama in an article he wrote in the last issue of The Financial Gazette.

“By making a spurious and a creepy distinction between the people of Zimbabwe and their Government in order to create a cover for imposing a neo-colonial agenda with regime change benchmarks, disguised as reform targets, Obama in effect reminded us that an American president by any other name and of any colour is plainly a Yankee doing the same old dirty bidding for Uncle Sam done by his predecessors since the days of slavery,” Prof Moyo said.

Whereas in the past organisations like Amnesty International would send their juniors to come and spoil things in the country, this time because of the inclusive Government such organisations sent officials from the higher offices.

The stakes are high and so the game has to be played straight from the UK head offices.

And so last week, Amnesty International, for the first time ever, sent its secretary-general, Ms Irene Khan, to “assess the human rights situation in the country”.

All right-thinking Zimbabweans knew that she was on a “regime change” mission, but the Government gave her the benefit of doubt.

Last Thursday she was at a local hotel to announce her findings and one would have been forgiven to think that she was talking about human rights in some country in Mars.

“Persistent and serious human rights violations, combined with the failure to introduce reform of the police, army and security forces or address impunity and the lack of clear commitment on some parts of the Government are real obstacles that need to be confronted by the top leadership of Zimbabwe,” she said without shame.

There is no suggestion here that there are no human rights violations in the country, but for Ms Khan to give a picture of a country almost at war is just being reckless.

The inclusive Government is just four months in office, but, according to Ms Khan, the country should have completed all the reforms. Why should such delicate reforms be done in a hurry? Why is Amnesty International trying to push the Government to hurry such intricate matters?

The inclusive Government during its retreat in Victoria Falls set up objectives and targets that should be met in a given time-frame.

Yes, there is slow implementation of the agreed programmes, but Amnesty International gives the impression that nothing has happened since February when the Government came into office.

Just by listening to Ms Khan one could easily see that she was “singing for her supper” and was a “regime change messenger”.

She made it appear as if the MDC is not part of the Government by putting all the blame of human rights violations on Zanu-PF. Her statement sounded like a campaign message for the MDC.

The blame game is done without numbers and without names as if the organisation has no capacity to dig deep to bring out the undeniable truth. Of course, Amnesty International will claim that it is non-political, but only toddlers will believe such a blatant lie.

Regime change is being pushed from many fronts and last week Amnesty International played its part, although its recklessness blew its cover.

For those who thought the inclusive Government had brought an end to regime change politics, events last week should have come as a shock.

First it was Obama who blocked the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Cde Walter Mzembi, from attending his meeting with Prime Minister Tsvangirai because the minister belongs to Zanu-PF.

Then the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, and the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, almost failed to travel to Europe for the start of talks between Zimbabwe and EU after being denied visas. Their only crime was that they belong to Zanu-PF.

Following the development, Government considered aborting the dialogue, only for President Mugabe to intervene by tasking the Acting Prime Minister, Professor Arthur Mutambara, to engage the European embassies in Harare over the matter.

The two ministers later travelled to Europe, but after such a false start, why should the country be optimistic about the talks?

Why did Obama block Cde Mzembi? Why were the two ministers being denied visas? What games are at play here? What’s there to hide, if there is an agreement to talk?

There is a push that the constitution-making process should be hurried up. There is a push that the so-called “democratic reforms” be hurried up. There is a push for early elections.

Surprisingly, Zimbabweans are not in a mood for elections. They are preoccupied with bread and butter issues.

So what’s the push? What’s the rush? Zanu-PF has every reason to be very, very worried about the latest developments. Regime change tactics are now being played in the open; thanks to the inclusive Government.

The Herald
Ellina Mhlanga
18 June 2009

Harare — The Government has hailed young motor racing driver Axcil Jefferies for his recent victories in the 2009 Formula BMW Pacific series in Malaysia.

Jefferies (15) did the nation proud when he swept to victory in Round 3 and 5 of the series which were held during the Asian Festival of Speed in Sepeng, Malaysia, on May 30-31.

The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, earlier this week joined the rest of the nation in saluting young Jefferies for lifting the country’s flag high in Malaysia.

In his congratulatory speech at a small function held at the ministry’s offices in Harare on Monday, Coltart said Jefferies’ performance in Malaysia was a big achievement, not only for him but for the nation as a whole.

“We are very proud of your achievements. You have done well by flying the Zimbabwean flag high and I look forward to follow your career and the day you will be racing in (the prestigious) Formula One.
“We will do everything as the ministry and as a nation to support you and I encourage you to maintain the discipline you have showed.”

Coltart also told young Jefferies that he was not only racing for his personal glory but for the nation as well.

The minister also noted that the country had lost a lot of talent in sport, citing soccer as an example, with most of the local players leaving the country in search of greener pastures in neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Mozambique.

“This is a rare talent we need to nurture and see Axcil becoming a Formula One driver… We are going to back him.

“However, we need to seek excellence in all sporting disciplines and support other disciplines and try to keep the talent here in Zimbabwe.”

Coltart said the media has an important role to play in building the profile of sport in Zimbabwe and promoting the athletes.

In response, Jefferies thanked the nation and his local sponsors Pioneer Corporation for supporting him in his promising career.

“I would like to thank the minister for his support and the nation.

“I’m going to keep my feet on the ground and I’m looking forward to racing in the prestigious Formula One for Zimbabwe in the not-too-distant future,” he said.

Asked about the difficulties he is facing and the reception he gets from other competitors, young Jefferies said he still needed more sponsors to support him.

“We are still looking for sponsorship and will be grateful if we can have other sponsors on board,” he said.

“Some people are surprised to see a young motor racing driver coming from Zimbabwe. However, I’m educating and informing the (foreign) journalists about what is happening in Zimbabwe.”

The young driver urged the youth to stay disciplined and dedicated.

Some of the guests at the ceremony included Zimbabwe Motor Sport Federation president Rose Rushforth and Sport and Recreation Commission director-general Charles Nhemachena.

Zimbabwe Independent
By Nqobile Bhebhe
Thursday, 18 June 2009

AMNESTY International Secretary-General Irene Khan yesterday said the government had failed to improve the country’s human rights situation and economic conditions, which she described as “precarious” and “desperate”.

Khan’s assessment after a six-day fact-finding mission in the country comes when the United States and its Western allies have told Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai — who is on a three week re-engagement mission in Europe — that Zimbabwe needs to improve its human rights record and embark on media and legal reforms.

On visits to the Netherlands, the US, Sweden, Germany and Norway over the past two weeks, Tsvangirai has been handed benchmarks the government he formed with President Robert Mugabe and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara in February should meet before any resumption of economic aid.

The countries only committed themselves to increasing humanitarian aid that will be channelled through United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Zimbabwe needs direct funding to meet its civil service wage bill, restore social services and recapitalise industry hit hard by the country’s 10-year economic and political crisis.

Khan told journalists in the capital that failure by the country to put an end to human rights abuses would dent its chances of receiving financial aid from Western donors.

She said there was “no sense of real urgency to bring about human rights changes on the part of some government leaders”.

“The human rights situation in Zimbabwe is precarious and the socio-economic conditions are desperate for the vast majority of Zimbabweans,” Khan said. “Persistent and serious human rights violations, combined with the failures to introduce reform of the police, army and security forces or address impunity, and lack of clear commitment on some parts of the government are real obstacles that need to be confronted by the top leadership of Zimbabwe.”

During her first visit to Zimbabwe, Khan held talks with Vice-President Joice Mujuru, Minister of Defence Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister of Education David Coltart, Minister of State in the President’s Office Didymus Mutasa, Deputy Minister of Justice Jessie Majome, co-Home Affairs ministers Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutsekwa and Speaker of parliament Lovemore Moyo.

She is scheduled to hold talks with Tsvangirai in London on Monday.

However, she could not meet President Robert Mugabe who had prior commitments.

“No serious efforts have been made to reform the security sector,” Khan said.

“No major investigation or prosecution has been brought against those responsible for state-sponsored political violence in recent years. Some elements of Zanu PF still see the use of violence as a legitimate tool to crush political opponents.”

The Amnesty International boss claimed that she had received “no clear indication from the government as to whether, how or when institutional reform, particularly in the security sector will take place”.

“Whenever we raised the issue of human rights change, the government answered that it needed more resources. Ending attacks on human rights defenders, lifting restrictions on the media and allowing public protesters do not need money, they only require will,” said Khan.

Khan challenged Mugabe and Tsvangirai to help end violence by publicly instructing their members to refrain from violence.

“For the climate of intimidation to end President Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangirai must make public statements clearly instructing all party activists to stop harassment, intimidation and threats against perceived political opponents, including teachers and lawyers,” she said.

Khan said Mugabe as head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces and leader of the country for the last three decades, and those around him, had a special responsibility to deliver on the Global Political Agreement and particularly on core human rights issues.

She called for strengthening the voice of civil society, which Amnesty International said was critical in the absence of a parliamentary opposition.

The organisation also called for the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression to be guaranteed.

“No meaningful debate can take place without freeing the media. Both national and international media should be allowed to operate freely. This would require neither additional money nor new laws,” Khan added.

However, despite the grim assessment, Khan said the establishment of the inclusive government changed the political landscape and that this was something to be built upon nationally and internationally.

She admitted that tension between Africa and Western countries has not helped to create a common understanding of Zimbabwe’s problems.

“Divisions between Africa and Western governments have not helped to create a common understanding of the human rights problems in Zimbabwe,” said Khan, calling on the international community to overcome its polarisation and support the government to achieve its human rights goals.

She also called on the international community to set common criteria for supporting and measuring the human rights performance of the government.

Although progress on human rights is slow, Khan urged the international community to expand its humanitarian assistance and focus on primary education, saying that all primary school fees and levies should be abolished.

“Because of their inability to pay fees, parents are being forced to make impossible choices, between feeding their children or educating them, between sending their son or daughter to school. The children of Zimbabwe are paying too high a price for the political failure of their government,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tsvangirai and his delegation were in Oslo, Norway, on Wednesday where the country’s premier promised to increase aid to Zimbabwe.

The Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, told Tsvangirai that funds from his government would mainly go towards education, health services and promoting democracy.

The Norwegians pledged US$8 million, to total about US$40 million the country has spent in Zimbabwe so far this year.

As has become the norm with each government that Tsvangirai has visited, the funds will not be channelled through the inclusive government’s financial system, but through the UN, the World Bank and non-governmental organisations.

Tsvangirai was accompanied to the talks by Foreign Affairs minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.
Norway does not have any sanctions against individuals in Zimbabwe.

Norway’s deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, Raymond Johansen, who was in Harare last month, had invited Mumbengegwi to visit Oslo with Tsvangirai.

Radiovop
Reuters
18 June 2009

HARARE, June 18 2009 – Zimbabwe’s government has failed to improve its human rights record but Western donors should not use that as a reason to hold back aid, Amnesty International said on Thursday.

“Although the level of political violence is significantly less compared to last year, the human rights situation is precarious and the socio-economic conditions are desperate,” the group’s secretary-general Irene Khan told a news conference.

Khan, arrived in Harare last weekend and on Monday met influential Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and also held talks with Presidential Affairs Minister met Didymus Mutasa and Education Minister David Coltart.

Her visit to Zimbabwe is the first by a top official of the world rights body in many years.

Amnesty, among the most outspoken critics of Mugabe’s controversial human rights record, had said in a statement last week that in addition to meeting government officials and human rights defenders, Khan hoped to meet the Zimbabwean leader during her trip to Harare.

Zimbabwe has a long history of gross human rights abuses since 1980. Hundreds of opposition political activists were killed last year during a violent general election.

The new Harare administration has established a national healing ministerial team that will address the violence that characterised the troubled country especially in the run-up to last year’s run off poll.

Political violence that followed then opposition MDC party’s shock victory in presidential and parliamentary elections last year is said to have killed at least 200 opposition supporters and displaced 200 000 others.

Afrik.com
Wednesday 17 June 2009
By Alice Chimora

Amnesty International’s secretary general Irene Khan who is in Zimbabwe has not yet met with President Robert Mugabe as their meeting is awaiting approval from the President’s staff. They are afraid she could ask “damaging questions”

It emerged today that there is growing worry in the presidency for Khan to have a face to face meeting with Mugabe. Sources say Zanu PF hardliners are blocking the meeting fearing that “Khan would ask damaging questions to them”.

Khan, arrived in Harare last weekend and on Monday met influential Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and also held talks with Presidential Affairs Minister met Didymus Mutasa and Education Minister David Coltart.

Her visit to Zimbabwe is the first by a top official of the world rights body in many years. She is on Thursday scheduled to address a press conference in Harare.

Amnesty, among the most outspoken critics of Mugabe’s controversial human rights record, had said in a statement last week that in addition to meeting government officials and human rights defenders, Khan hoped to meet the Zimbabwean leader during her trip to Harare.

Zimbabwe has a long history of gross human rights abuses since 1980. Hundreds of opposition political activists were killed last year during a violent general election.

The new Harare administration has established a national healing ministerial team that will address the violence that characterised the troubled country especially in the run-up to last year’s run off poll.
Political violence that followed then opposition MDC party’s shock victory in presidential and parliamentary elections last year is said to have killed at least 200 opposition supporters and displaced 200 000 others.

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who outpolled the 85 year old Mugabe in last March bloody election but failed to secure the margin to take power, withdrew from a June 27 run-off poll saying widespread violence against his supporters made a free and fair vote impossible.

But Mugabe with the backing of army generals went ahead with the presidential run-off poll despite Tsvangirai’s withdrawal. Later he was forced to negotiate a power sharing settlement with the opposition after his victory received worldwide condemnation, leading to the formation of a unity government in February.

Amnesty International has challenged Zimbabwe’s inclusive government to impose the rule of law in the country and that the administration acts against state agents and government officials who continue to violate human rights.

But it said it was concerned about the apparent lack of political will by the power-sharing government to create an environment in which human rights and media workers could freely do their work.

VOA
By Patience Rusere, Washington
16 June 2009

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe said Tuesday that youth militants of the ZANU-PF party of President Robert Mugabe have set up bases in rural schools in a worrisome repeat of activities that occurred during last year’s period of post-election violence.

Sources said there has been no overt violence but noted that ZANU-PF youth have intruded into a number of school and intimidated teachers over their political affiliations.

They said such ZANU-PF youth had taken over parts of school buildings to hold meetings, prominently displaying ZANU-PF banners and other regalia.

PTUZ President Takavafira Zhou told VOA that bases have been set up in primary and secondary schools in Chikarudzo, Masvingo province, Goromonzi, Mashonaland East, and in the the towns of Gokwe and Mberengwa in Midlands province.

VOA was unable immediately to obtain comment from Education Minister David Coltart on the reports that political pressures are again surfacing in the school system.

Youth Development Minister Savious Kasukuwere denied any knowledge of such bases. He said he was tied up in a meeting and could not grant an interview to studio seven.

Union leader Zhou says youth in ZANU-PF regalia have warned teachers against supporting any other party but have not committed violence against them.

Jephat Karemba, chairman in Mashonaland West province of the Movement for Democratic Change formation of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, told reporter Patience Rusere that ZANU-PF youth nave moved into two schools in the Zvimba West constituency.

The Herald
16 June 2009

Harare — THE Iranian Embassy yesterday donated 22 tonnes of maize meal to disadvantaged students in the country.

Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart received the consignment at Ira-Zim Textiles complex in Chitungwiza from Iranian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Rasoul Momeni.

Ambassador Momeni said the donation was in support of the implementation of the inclusive Government’s policy on helping the underprivileged in society.

“This is Iran’s support for the inclusive Government,” he said. “The concept is now on oneness; no politics in the work place. I have the pleasure to present to you a donation from the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the underprivileged students of Zimbabwe.

“We are trying to get more similar aid which will be distributed to other schools as well.”

Minister Coltart thanked the embassy for the donation and assured the ambassador the food would be distributed to all the provinces.

“I appreciate with much pleasure the work done by the embassy,” he said. “We, however, have to share so that every province benefits from the exercise.”

After the donations, the minister and the ambassador toured Ira-Zim Textile complex.