Southern Eye

By Silas Nkala

7 July 2013

ZAPU yesterday launched its July 31 election manifesto at Stanley Square in Bulawayo where MDC leader Welshman Ncube was a key speaker.

MDC and Zapu on Friday sealed an election pact that will see the two parties helping each other during the harmonised polls.

Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa said his party was ready to take over power and the forthcoming polls provided a perfect platform.

“Since our revival, the so-called political commentators and the media have tried to discount us,” he said.

“Even Baba Jukwa (a faceless Facebook character) is saying we have 1%,” he said.

“We are here to launch our manifesto. Zapu is there to fight for people’s will — which means under Zapu, people must not be afraid to express concern in local authorities and the government.”
Dabengwa said Zapu members had been pushing for a coalition with the MDC.

“According to what we agreed on, Zapu will support and vote for MDC candidates in constituencies where Zapu has no candidates and the same with the MDC,” he said.

“We have vowed not to abandon each other. Welshman Ncube and I have agreed that if he does so I will deal with him and if I do leave him he must deal with me.”

Dabengwa said they had also agreed that they would not have any other coalition with other parties without first agreeing as an alliance.

“If there are some who want to join us, they are free to do so. For instance MDC-T and Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn are welcome if they want to join us,” he said.

But Dabengwa revealed that he would not withdraw from the presidential race to support Ncube’s candidature.

“People didn’t want me to step down even though I wanted to do so,” he said.

“So we agreed with MDC that whenever one of us wins and does not have an outright majority prompting a runoff, the party of the one who lost will back the winner.”

He said Zapu had 40 parliamentary candidates in the southern region and six in the northern region.

On the other hand, MDC has about 200 parliamentary candidates across the country and this means that Zapu will back over 100 MDC candidates in the elections.

“In Bulawayo we have discussed with our candidates to see if they could step down for MDC candidates, but most of them said they were prepared to contest and only one Rodger Muhlwa of Bulawayo, said he respected the MDC candidate for Bulawayo East, David Coltart, and stepped down for him,” Dabengwa said.

Ncube told the same gathering that his party shared the same values and principles with Zapu such as devolution.

“We know we got independence, but we are still not free,” he said. “We remain in bondage in the prison called Zimbabwe. In this election we must free ourselves.”

The Sunday Mail

By Sunday Mail Reporter

7 July 2013

Following the sitting of the Nomination Court almost a fortnight ago, all candidates who will square off in parliamentary elections on July 31 are already preparing for the race. Whether favoured contenders will crumble, pretenders pummelled and victors bask in glory will be determined on this day. This week, The Sunday Mail looks at some of the intriguing duels likely to emerge in some National Assembly constituencies.

Tussle of the Doctors

Dr Philip Chiyangwa vs Dr Peter Mataruse
Dr Philip Chiyangwa (Zanu-PF) — is a man who needs no introduction. One of Zimbabwe’s well-known businessmen, Dr Chiyangwa has made a spectacular return to politics after previously serving the constituency between 2000 and 2005.  With his trademark riches in hand, he has embarked on a vigorous campaign in the town where he has enjoyed popularity for years. Having been recently conferred with an honorary doctorate in philosophy, the property mogul’s curriculum vitae is among the most colourful.

During his time as a legislator, Dr Chiyangwa made news headlines after he moved a motion calling for the axing of Chief Justice Anthony Gubbay, who was accused of supporting white farmers who had refused to comply with Government’s empowerment policies.

Dr Peter Matarutse (MDC-T) — The Chinhoyi-based medical doctor is not new in political circles as he once served as Mayor of Chinhoyi. He sailed through as a candidate for his party after beating the then incumbent, Mr Stewart Garadhi. During his tenure as Mayor, Dr Matarutse served as a Zanu-PF member. He is viewed as a technocrat, which could help him in the contest.

Mabvuku-Tafara : the urban test 

Cde Godwills Masimirembwa vs Mr James Maridadi Cde Godwills Masimirembwa (Zanu-PF) — This may be one battle in which the notion that Harare is an MDC-T stronghold will be put to the test. The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) chairman has been carrying out philanthropic work in the constituency through his non-governmental organisation, the Godwills Masimirembwa Trust. Mr Masimirembwa is also the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies.

Mr James Maridadi (MDC-T) — He rose to prominence as a radio disc jockey and power utility Zesa Holdings spokesman. He made a surprise switch when he was appointed Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s spokesperson after the formation of the inclusive Government.  He was, however, deemed a victim of senior MDC-T officials who felt he did not have a strong political history. He was later replaced by journalist Luke Tamborinyoka.

Masvingo Urban

Dr Daniel Shumba vs Mr Tongai Matutu. Dr Shumba (Zanu-PF) —Business tycoon Dr Shumba is one of the many “comeback kids” in Zanu-PF.  A former Zanu-PF chairman for Masvingo, he is also a retired colonel, having served in the Zimbabwe National Army. He, however, left Zanu-PF in 2006 after being part of senior party officials that conducted a controversial meeting in Tsholotsho. After leaving Zanu-PF, Dr Shumba went on to form the United People’s Party (UPP) where he served as the interim president. He, however, rejoined Zanu-PF in 2010 and his comeback was later endorsed by the Politburo.

Mr Tongai Matutu (MDC-T) — The Deputy Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment gets into this contest after he only narrowly managed to sail through in his party’s primary elections.  A lawyer by profession, the jury is still out on his performance in the inclusive Government. In September 2010, Mr Matutu allegedly slapped and punched Chief Serima at Matizha Business Centre. Masvingo magistrate Mr Oliver Mudzongachiso on Thursday found him guilty and ordered him to pay a fine of US$100.

Bulawayo East — labour and law meet 

Ms Tabita Khumalo vs Mr David Coltart  Mr Coltart (MDC) — The Minister of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture, who served as a Senator in the Seventh Parliament, has chosen to run for a National Assembly seat. During his tenure in Government, Mr Coltart experienced mixed fortunes. He was credited with recording some achievements in the ministry and is generally regarded as a hard working public servant.

One of the lowest points of his tenure was when he was adjudged to have played an influential role in the awarding of a tender for the printing of books to a British-owned publishing firm, Longman, ahead of indigenous companies that include Zimbabwe Publishing House, Mambo Press and College Press.  He also, it was alleged, attempted to smuggle Western ideology into the country via literature that contains dodgy political undertones.

Ms Khumalo (MDC-T) — A vocal political operator known for her no-holds-barred approach, she courted controversy after saying she had mobilised more than 300 prostitutes in Bulawayo to make them join a representative union under which their activities would be legalised.

“Yes, I have so far mobilised more than 300 commercial sex workers. I want them to form a union and make them sign a petition that will seek to decriminalise their activities. They are workers, just like you and me. I do not see any harm in them being unionised. I will, therefore, help them join worker representative unions such as the ZCTU so that they get the recognition and services that other workers’ unions in the country are getting,” she was quoted as saying.

At grassroots, she is known as a community mobiliser.  Well, the die has been cast, the gloves are off and it is game on.

Daily News

By Wendy Muperi

7 July 2013

HARARE – With two days left before the curtain comes down on the second voter registration exercise, frustration continues to characterise the process as centres continue to serve a few people per day.

“I got here around 5am and I was number 20,” one elated first-time voter told the crew after staying at the office for five hours before being served.

Hundreds of people are failing to make it into the vital book every day.

State media recently said nearly half-a-million first- time voters have managed to register — but due to the limited time the officials have — first-time voters are being deprived of the 30 days of voters’ roll inspection, as required under the law.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (Zec) Rita Makarau, in an interview with State media, said the organisation — responding to complaints — has deployed more teams to speed up the process.

Six more teams were now on the ground in Harare while between one and two were added in some needy rural communities.

Nevertheless, the number of people who will not cast their vote remains high as thousands are being turned away every day for lack of the required paper work — particularly the issue of citizenship.

Some commentators and political parties allege the delays and inefficiency are meant to dishearten voters especially in MDC strongholds.

Education minister David Coltart said massive-scale rigging will win Zanu PF victory in the impending general election only if Zimbabweans succumb to apathy.

“However, that will only work if we are apathetic. If we all turn out and vote — every last woman and man who want to change our beloved nation for the better — rigging becomes more difficult. It is easier to rig an election when few people turn out and becomes progressively harder the more who vote,” said Coltart in a Facebook post on Friday.

“But one cannot vote unless one is registered — every person still has that opportunity until July 9. So if you are not registered please do so over the next 5 days. We cannot afford to allow Zanu PF to steal the future of our children again,” he added.

Zimbabwe’s second round of voter registration commenced on June 19 and is expected to end on Tuesday July 9, this brings the total days devoted to the process to 50.

News Day

By Phillip Chidavaenzi

6 July 2013

It is now a reality that Zimbabwe is headed for elections, and the techno-savvy among the country’s politicians have taken to social media as they explore new campaign strategies primarily targeted at young people who constitute the bulk of potential voters.

The country’s youths spend lots of time on the internet and social media: Facebook, Twitter and Blogger among others and these have become a target area for vote-hungry politicians.

Bulawayo East legislator David Coltart (MDC), who is very active on social media, recently opened a Facebook page titled David Coltart Campaign 2013 which provides information on the forthcoming elections, voter registration centres and his re-election campaign. By yesterday, the page had secured 479 likes.

Jessie Fungayi Majome (MDC-T), Harare west legislator, runs a very active Facebook page, which goes by her name, through which she constantly interacts with residents in her constituency.

Through the site, residents in the constituency are able to track their parliamentary representative.

Majome also uses the Facebook page to facilitate effective representation of her constituency.

“Dear Harare Westerners. The awful Bloomingdale and Ashdown Park electricity blackout is back again for three days! In this cold weather! Thanks Chinhoyi Resident for alerting me.

“I’ll follow up with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority to see what is being done. Just when we have processed the Electricity Amendment Bill in Parliament to streamline by unbundling the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, thereby separating electricity transmission and commercial supply of it .

“That should result in greater efficiency, meanwhile, let’s follow up these faults,” she wrote.
Following her successful nomination to represent the party again in Harare West, Majome took to Twitter on June 28.

Youth Development Minister and MP for Mt Darwin South, Saviour Kasukuwere (Zanu PF) is also another techno-savvy, youthful legislator who commands a 2 498 and 6 635—strong following on Facebook and Twitter respectively.

Kasukuwere has recently been using his Twitter account to campaign for President Robert Mugabe.

One of his most recent posts was an open invitation for people to come and attend the launch of Zanu PF election campaign and manifesto.

Former MP for Hatfield Tapiwa Mashakada is also active on Facebook and Twitter. But his use of the social media platforms has been confined to his ministry’s work and the same goes for Elton Mangoma (Makoni North), Tendai Biti (Harare East) — who has 10 000 likes on Facebook, Nelson Chamisa (Kuwadzana) and Eric Matinenga (Buhera).

Biti has also used the platforms to beef up Tsvangirai’s political fortunes.

In one instance, he wrote on Facebook: “I spent hours with the PM yesterday in two very challenging meetings, but his patience, kindness, fairness and ability to hear and be heard never ceases to amaze me.

“I think that humility is the greatest quality of leadership and this man has it in surplus. This is the kind of leader that Zimbabwe has never had, maybe during the rein of Garfield Todd.”

Zanu PF’s legislators have also been part of the bandwagon, notably its young turks such as Walter Mzembi (Masvingo South) and Supa Mandiwanzira (aspiring for Nyanga South).

Psychology Maziwisa, the Zanu PF deputy information director, commands 8 379 Facebook likes.

Maziwisa has occasionally used the platform to throw potshots at the MDC-T.

Multimedia expert John Mokwetsi said apart from its ability to lure the youth vote, politicians have realised the potential of social networking sites in reaching a wider audience.

“Due to the short notice of the election date, politicians have realised that social networks can give them the reach they need.

“The country has a mobile penetration rate of 97% and uptake of the Internet has risen significantly,” he said.

He cited cases of the shadowy character, Baba Jukwa, whose following on social networks has risen sharply within a very short space of time.

News Day

By News Day Reporter

6 July 2013

The Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture yesterday said schools will close on July 26 to allow for the holding of harmonised elections slated for July 31.

The term was initially scheduled to close on August 8.

In a statement, Education minister David Coltart said this was necessitated by the fact that schools would be used as polling stations.

“This is necessary to enable the participation of teachers in this national exercise as well as the use of schools as polling stations,” said Coltart.

“In order to compensate for lost time, the third term will, therefore, begin on 3 September 2013, instead of 10 September 2013. The end date for the third term remains 5 December 2013.

“The ministry hopes that all concerned will take note of this change to the school calendar.”

The Herald

By The Herald Reporter

6 July 2013

The Ministry of Education, Art, Sports and Culture has brought forward the closure of schools for this term from August 8 to July 26 to cater for the harmonised elections set for July 31.

Education, Art, Sports and Culture Minister David Coltart said in a statement yesterday that the early closure of schools would enable teachers to participate in the national exercise as polling officers.

Most polling stations would be located at schools, a situation that could have disrupted learning and disturbed voting if pupils were allowed to be at schools.

Minister Coltart said in order to compensate for the lost time, the third term would begin on September 3 instead of September 10, while the closing date for the third term remains December 5.

The harmonised elections are scheduled to be held on July 31 after the Constitutional Court upheld the date and threw out five different applications which sought the postponement of the poll to various dates.

The court upheld the proclamation made by President Mugabe on June 13 for the election and nomination dates, which was being challenged by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has since indicated that all its systems were in place for the harmonised polls and now awaited the release of funds from Treasury for voting material and allowances for polling officers.

At least US$130 million is required to conduct the polls to elect a President, national assembly members and councillors. Five presidential candidates, aspiring Members of Parliament and councillors filed their nomination papers at the Nomination Court on Friday last week.

The Herald

By The Herald Reporter

6 July 2013

MDC and Zapu have forged an alliance ahead of the July 31 harmonised elections in a move that will result in candidates from the two political parties working together and supporting each other during campaigns.

The presidents of Zapu, Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, and MDC, Professor Welshman Ncube, announced this during a joint Press conference at a hotel in Bulawayo yesterday.

Dr Dabengwa said discussions for the formation of the alliance started in December with the two parties forming technical teams to look into the modalities.

“We are meeting today at a historic event for the Matabeleland region and Zimbabwe at large to inform the nation and our supporters of our efforts as per demands by the people of the region to come together as Zapu and MDC in order to forge an alliance.

“We started our discussions as early as December last year but due to our busy schedules we could not be able to meet regularly. We agreed to work together as a united front,” he said.

“We also agreed that in any constituency or ward where one party has not fielded a candidate, the other party will mobilise its members and supporters to vote for the other party’s candidate.”

According to a joint Zapu and MDC communiqué, signed by Prof Ncube and Dr Dabengwa, the two parties agreed that they would not discuss or enter into a pact or coalition with any other party other than with each other.

“We have also pledged to back each other and should either of the parties win the election, we will form a coalition government,” said Dr Dabengwa.

Prof Ncube said the alliance was aimed at expanding the level of co-operation that would go beyond the election.

“In areas with candidates from both MDC and Zapu contesting, we will continue with conversation with each other and dialogue remains open in respect of all electoral seats from presidency to council.

“More crucially for the future of our country, the agreement goes beyond elections. Whatever the outcome we will work together and when engaging with another party we will do so jointly,” he said.

Zapu has fielded 50 candidates for the National Assembly seats in all the country’s 10 provinces while MDC has 200 candidates after 10 of its candidates were disqualified by the Nomination Court.

Prof Ncube said despite the alliance between his MDC and Zapu, it remains the individual candidate’s prerogative to voluntarily withdraw from the race and support the candidate from the other party.

Zapu candidate for the National Assembly seat in Bulawayo East, former Highlanders Football Club chairman, Mr Rodger Muhlwa formally withdrew his nomination papers to back MDC candidate, Mr David Coltart.

Prof Ncube said his MDC and Zapu agreed that in any constituency and ward, where one party has not fielded a candidate the party will mobilise its members and supporters to vote for the other party’s candidate.

Responding to questions from journalists, Dr Dabengwa also disclosed that he met MDC-T treasurer, Mr Roy Bennett, in South Africa and they also discussed the issue of a coalition.

He, however, said they did not agree on his coalition idea because it already had structures that were not in favour of Zapu.

“I have been having a lot of offers. Bennett tried and I think we did not understand each other and the coalition structures as he already had his which were not in our favour.

“Last week, MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai also approached Zapu and I did not request for anything and we did not agree on anything because the coalition seemed to be in favour of MDC-T as the presidency had already been pre-determined,” said Dr Dabengwa.

He said Mr Tsvangirai’s coalition approach in the past six days was overtaken by events.

Eyebrows were, however, raised as to why Dr Dabengwa was talking of Bennett as if he was separate from MDC-T amid reports a split was imminent in the party ahead of 2016.

The Chroncicle

By Mashudu Netsianda 

6 July 2013

MDC and Zapu have forged an alliance ahead of the 31 July harmonised elections in a move that will see candidates from the two political parties working together and supporting each other during campaigns. The presidents of Zapu, Dr Dumiso Dabengwa and MDC, Professor Welshman Ncube announced this during a joint Press Conference at a hotel in Bulawayo yesterday.

Dr Dabengwa said discussions for the formation of the alliance started in December with the two parties forming technical teams to look into the modalities.

“We are meeting today at a historic event for the Matabeleland region and Zimbabwe at large to inform the nation and our supporters of our efforts as per your demands by the people of the region to come together as Zapu and MDC in order to forge an alliance.

“We started our discussions as early as December last year but due to our busy schedules we could not be able to meet regularly. We agreed to work together as a united front,” he said.

“We also agreed that in any constituency or ward where one party has not fielded a candidate, the other party will mobilise its members and supporters to vote for the other party’s candidate.”

According to a joint Zapu and MDC communiqué, signed by Prof Ncube and Dr Dabengwa, the two parties agreed that they would not discuss or enter into a pact or coalition with any other party other than with each other.

“We have also pledged to back each other and should either of the parties win the election, we will form a coalition government,” said Dr Dabengwa.

Prof Ncube said the alliance was aimed at expanding the level of co-operation that would go beyond the election. “In areas with candidates from both MDC and Zapu contesting, we will continue with conversation with each other and dialogue remains open in respect of all electoral seats from presidency to council.

“More crucially for the future of our country, the agreement goes beyond elections whatever the outcome we will work together and when engaging with another party we will do so jointly,” he said.

Zapu has fielded 50 candidates for the National Assembly seats in all the country’s 10 provinces while MDC has 200 candidates after 10 of its candidates were disqualified by the Nomination Court.

Prof Ncube said despite the alliance between his MDC and Zapu, it remains the individual candidate’s prerogative to voluntarily withdraw from the race and support the candidate from the other party.

Zapu candidate for the National Assembly seat in Bulawayo East, former Highlanders Football Club chairman, Mr Rodger Muhlwa formally withdrew his nomination papers to back MDC candidate, Mr David Coltart.

Prof Ncube said his MDC and Zapu agreed that in any constituency and ward, where one party has not fielded a candidate the party will mobilise its members and supporters to vote for the other party’s candidate.

Responding to questions from journalists, Dr Dabengwa also disclosed that he met MDC-T treasurer, Mr Roy Bennet in South Africa and they also discussed the issue of a coalition.

He, however, said they did not agree on his coalition idea because it already had structures that were not in favour of Zapu.

“I have been having a lot of offers, Bennet tried and l think we did not understand each other and the coalition structures as Bennet already had his which were not in our favour.“Last week MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai also approached Zapu and l did not request for anything and we did not agree on anything because the coalition seemed to be in favour of MDC-T as the presidency had already been predetermined,” said Dr Dabengwa.

He said Mr Tsvangirai’s coalition approach in the past six days was overtaken by events.

The two parties said they were still consulting on the candidature for presidency in the coalition, although indications are that the parties’ leaders were likely to contest separately.

Daily News

By Jeffrey Muvundisi

6 July 2013

BULAWAYO – The MDC formation led by Welshman Ncube and Dumiso Dabengwa’s revived Zapu Friday forged a double-headed alliance to enhance chances of regional representation as the country hurtles towards watershed elections on July 31.

The partnership emerged  soon after MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai forged an alliance with Mavambo /Dawn/ Kusile leader Simba Makoni and Zanu Ndonga leader Reketai Sengwayo in a bid to remove President Robert Mugabe from power.

Dabengwa hailed the alliance as a historic event for the region and Zimbabwe.

“We met to discuss the efforts we have been making to come together in order to forge some sort of alliance particularly towards the elections,” Dabengwa said.

The talks between Zapu and MDC started last December although they could not be finalised owing to Ncube’s busy schedule.

As part of the new arrangement, Ncube and Dabengwa will remain in charge of the alliance and various committees that are selected in terms of the constitution of the two parties.

“We are still separate parties but we are working towards coming together in full at some point in the future,” Ncube said.

Ncube pledged to work together with Dabengwa regardless of the election outcome.

“In those areas we have both fielded candidates, we have agreed that we will compete against each other peacefully as a model of what Zimbabwe should be and have peaceful co-existence,” Ncube said.

He said the parties had pledged to continue engaging each other at all contested levels with the view of minimising the number of MDC and Zapu candidates who are going to face each other in the election.

In a show of solidarity, Zapu Bulawayo East parliamentary candidate Rodger Muhlwa agreed to step down in support of MDC’s David Coltart.

Bulawayo 24

By Mafu Sithabile

5 July 2013

Rodger Muhlwa, the former Chairman of Highlanders and Zapu candidate for Bulawayo East constituency has formally withdrawn his nomination papers.

The withdrawal of Muhlwa’s candidature comes at a time when the MDC led by Welshman Ncube and ZAPU agreed to will back each other’s candidates where one does not have a candidate.

Muhlwa was to battle it out with David Coltart who will represent the MDC.

David Coltart immediately tweeted saying: “I would like to extend my thanks to Rodger Muhlwa the former Chairman of Highlanders and ZAPU candidate for Bulawayo East who has graciously decided to withdraw his nomination today. This was announced by the Presidents of ZAPU Dr Dumiso Dabengwa and the MDC Professor Welshman Ncube at the press conference announcing the alliance between ZAPU and the MDC.

“I am delighted by the alliance as I have many old friends in ZAPU from my days in the 1980s when I represented so many of its leaders who were then the targets of Zanu-PF oppression.

“Whilst obviously a wider coalition against tyranny remains an important objective this is a very positive step in the right direction,” concluded Coltart.

The remaining candidates are as follows,

Bulawayo East
Kelvin Muzidziwa                      ZANU -PF
Thabitha Khumalo                   MDC-T
David Coltart                           MDC
Tinashe Kambarami                INDIVIDUAL
Kelvin Kasesera                      ZIM PATRIOTIC MOVEMENT
Norman Kaviza                        MKD
Tapson Tivarere                      UMD