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Constitutional Injustice
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- Written by: Basil Kamombe, Moses Mbano and John Burke
- Category: ZEXIT
- Hits: 1261
UPDATE: Demo and Petition confirmed by Diplomatic Police Unit for 14:00 on Thursday 30th May 2024.
**This will be subject to the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, calling for a General Election NOW CONFIRMED for 4th July 2024, and thus drastically increasing the 'activity' around 10 Downing Street including a "media circus" of reporters and photographers in the next week or so. Therefore we have also alerted the Zimbabwe Desk at the FCDO to receive the Petition as well.
AS ZIMBABWEANS BASED ACTIVISTS IN THE UK PLAN FOR A DEMONSTRATION IN LONDON, UK.
The Zimbabwean President must not sign the new law proposed; which is the PVO Private Voluntary Organisation Amendment Bill. #STOPPVOBILL
Responding to the PVO hearings which took place last week in Zimbabwe, Basil Kamombe a UK based Activist has condemned the violence which likely shows that a number of people present were bussed-in by Zanu-PF ‘elites’ and politicians. Cases of violence were recorded during the hearings.
“This bill is disastrous and especially a time where the Zimbabwean government is just passing laws that are shrinking the democratic space in Zimbabwe.”
How would something that likely benefit the country, but have a group of people singing
“Asingade ngaabude muZimbabwe” meaning if you don’t, want leave Zimbabwe or slogans like “tengesa uone mashura” (sellout and see what happens) it is the language of Zanu-PF and the language of violence to instil fear to those against the Bill,”
We managed to track down other Activists who have joined hands to organise a number of demonstrations in London including petitions for the international community to see the injustice of the constitution taking place in Zimbabwe. Greatman Makipa shared his concern on the impact of the PVO Bill on how it will be made difficult for Human Rights Organisations to be registered in Zimbabwe, ZHRO also expressed their concern as the support coming through for development fund in Zimbabwe is close to a billion dollars and Zimbabwe will likely lose all that funding because of this absurd law if it is passed, these organisations have been helping the lives of many Zimbabweans since the government does no little help to its own citizens.
Ronald Mutumbi also made his comment on how about 4 members of the CCC were arrested in Masvingo for disrupting PVO Bill hearings of which the Zanu-PF youth militia, who are the real culprits, are walking scot free. It is evident that the Bill itself is a ‘criminal’ bill to the Citizens who are already suffering in the hands of the regime. As part of the demonstration we have Human Rights Activists who will be joining in who shared their concern over the ongoing constitution injustice in Zimbabwe.
Like Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu, Diana Machingauta, Tendai Christian Mapfumo, Xoliso Sithole, Simbarashe Jingo, who are based in the UK who are fearlessly speaking out against the regime which is endangering their lives. We also saw Job Sikhala was threatened last week with Zanu-PF government to charge him with the Patriotic Act after speaking at the Human Rights Summit in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Ghost of Zimbabwean Gold
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- Written by: John C Burke
- Category: ZEXIT
- Hits: 1449
What is ZiG? According to the new 'clown' {oops, Governor} of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe [RBZ] it, {Zimbabwe Gold - and other Reserves(?) in "support"} has been shoe-horned into Zimbabwe to replace the previous failed currency and currencies "initiatives". The Previous iteration was launched in an equally exciting fanfare at a claimed exchange rate of 1Zim$ to 1 USD, yes One-to-One! On the black market recently, it was trading around 40-45,000 Zim$ to 1USD and in supermarkets at 25,000:1. So an utter failure with the added {bonus} for Zanu PF looters/plunders/thieves that it has stolen the USD wealth of the Nation in exchange for literally worthless 'paper'.
Whilst Bloomberg has reported "success" and commentaries welcomed it {??? how}
Others have cried "Scam" or worse; see below
5th April 2024: Steve Hanke on Twitter/X: ""ZIM's latest financial gamble: ANOTHER "currency" backed by gold tokens, scheduled to be launched late this week. The tokens aren't convertible into gold or gold coins. It looks like another ZIM financial scam. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Gov. John Mushayavanhu = CLUELESS, CROOK, OR BOTH?""
9th April 2024: Steve Hanke on Twitter/X: ""Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency – the ZiG – the 6th in TEN YEARS. The ZiG is supposed to be backed by gold. BUT WHERE’S THE GOLD? Where there’s a ZiG, there’s a ZAG.""
10th April 2024: Dr Walter Mzembi {Ex Zimbabwe Minister} on Twitter/X: ""ZiG exemptions for some sectors are an indictment . Its a cousin currency of the Bond , RTGS as long as it can't buy fuel . Secondly the decision to exempt fuel sector reeks of conflict of interest, where the elite want to save their businesses from collapse but are prepared out of their own decisions to see everything else in Commerce collapse.
Why did you launch this currency then if you didn't have your act together?""
9th April 2024: ZBC News Online {Regime captured News Channel} on Twitter/X: ""ZiG currency will not be weakened by any form of manipulation," says RBZ governor, as illegal forex traders "spend days basking in the sun...""
9th April 2024: ZHRO on Twitter/X in Reply to @ZBCNewsonline: ""On the contrary ZiG is itself “manipulation”, based on empty promises, empty vaults & empty minds. From an illegal regime with a proven history of looting! Of looting Gold, Zimbabwe Gold!
Bad governance, not drought
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- Written by: Tendai Ruben Mbofana
- Category: Take2Zimbabwe
- Hits: 1051
Bad governance, not drought, causing hunger in Zimbabwe!
It can not be denied that the 2023/24 agricultural season is one of the worst in Zimbabwe. This is largely due to the frighteningly low rainfall experienced as a direct result of the El Niño weather pattern that has affected most parts of the southern African region. It is a painful sight watching the miserable dry shriveled crops in most fields throughout the country.As a result, according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), an estimated 3.5 million Zimbabweans, mostly in rural areas, are facing acute food insecurity this year.
The government of Zimbabwe is already in panic mode, seeking food assistance from several partners to help circumvent any potential disaster. Already, countries such as Russia, the US, China, and UN agents are in the process of sending food aid, mainly in the form of grains and cereals.
However, we need to be brutally honest with one another.
- What is the real reason millions of ordinary Zimbabweans are facing starvation?
- Can we genuinely blame the El Niño induced drought
- – or is the cause somewhere else totally divorced from the weather or climatic change?
For this, we need to look at a few case studies.
How are countries located in deserts faring when it comes to food security.
Let us remember that most places in the Middle East, for instance, receive far much less rain than we do here in Zimbabwe.
- In fact, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) gets an average 140 – 200 mm of rainfall per annum.
- Qatar receives less than 100 mm each year, and Saudi Arabia has less than 150 mm.
- On the other hand, in a normal season, Zimbabwe gets between 550 – 900 mm each year.
Yet, despite the fact that the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia perennially receive such little rainfall, their populations are never under any danger of hunger.
Actually, the UAE is ranked first in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and 23rd in the world in its food security [based on the GFSI (Global Food Security Index)]. Qatar is number one in the entire Arab world and 24th in the world.
What about Zimbabwe?
In most seasons – not just this year when there is a drought – we are ranked somewhere near the bottom.
- In other words, it really does not matter whether we have a good rainfall season or not, Zimbabweans are always in danger of hunger.
- During the 2022/23 season, more than 3.8 million people in rural areas faced food insecurity at peak.
- Remember, the 2022/23 rainfall season was arguably one of the best this country has witnessed in years – with the Zimbabwe government even boasting of bumper harvests, particularly of wheat.
Why, then, are we seemingly always facing starvation?
Yet, those in deserts are considered some the most food secure in the world?
This all boils down to the quality of leaders in power.
These countries, as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, are governed relatively well, as their leaders ensure that their national resources are utilized to uplift the citizens’ standard of living. They really do not have much in terms of these resources, largely depending on petroleum and natural gas. Nevertheless, these are managed faithfully and for the good of the entire population. In so doing, the government (together with the private sector) import more than enough food for everyone – which every citizen is able to easily afford due to their high standard of living.
In Zimbabwe, nonetheless, in spite of massive deposits of platinum, lithium, diamonds, gold, black granite, chrome, nickel, and many others – we are some of the poorest people on the planet.
In the same breath, we have the highest inflation in the world – making basic commodities overly expensive for millions. We have some of the best farming land in the world, yet millions of Zimbabweans still rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them vulnerable to the vagaries of the weather.
The ZANU PF administration has practically done nothing in ensuring that our rural folk have productive land that is adequately serviced, particularly with reliable water supply.
- Where are our vast mineral resources going?
- Who are they benefitting?
- Each year, Zimbabwe loses over US$3 billion to smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other corrupt activities.
- In all this, very few, especially in the ruling elite (and those connected to them), are ever brought to book.
- They can live in insulting opulence whilst flaunting this ill-gotten wealth in front of poverty-stricken Zimbabweans.
- That is why doling out highly expensive luxury cars to friends is never a problem for them!
Is it then surprising that Zimbabwe is ranked the 149th least corrupt nation out of 180 countries, according to the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International? Those are shameful statistics, for which our leaders should be very embarrassed… if they had any conscience at all. On the other hand, the UAE is ranked 26th in the world – with Qatar at 40th and Saudi Arabia at 53rd.
As much as these figures are far from impressive, however, they should tell us why, even with very limited resources, they are more developed than Zimbabwe. That is the reason, despite being in a desert, their citizens are never food insecure. In other words, whether a nation has plenty to eat or is on the verge of starvation has very little to do with rainfall patterns.
It has, nevertheless, a lot to do with the quality of leaders in the particular country. Zimbabweans are staring starvation in the face because of a corrupt and incompetent regime.
El Niño or not, we will still be hungry.
Cholera Crisis
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- Written by: Chido Shamu
- Category: ZEXIT
- Hits: 1276
Source: Chido Shamu
The cholera crisis in Harare, Zimbabwe, has escalated to alarming levels, posing a severe threat to public health. The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s latest statistics reveal a disturbing trend, with cumulative suspected cholera cases soaring to 1,744 as of November 26th, a significant jump from the 1,259 cases reported just a week earlier. This rapid increase signals a growing public health emergency in Harare, demanding immediate and effective response.
Harare at the Epicenter
Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, stands at the center of this crisis, with a staggering 705 cumulative cases. The situation has reached a critical point, necessitating urgent measures to curb the spread of this deadly disease. However, the impact of cholera extends beyond Harare, with areas like Chitungwiza also facing the brunt of the outbreak, recording 163 cases in just a week. This widespread nature of the crisis underscores its severity and the need for a comprehensive approach to combat it.
Sewerage Nightmare Exacerbates the Situation
A key factor contributing to the outbreak is the deplorable state of sanitation in several residential areas {see Zexit Article 10th October and Updated 17th Novemeber 2023}. Investigations by The NewsHawks reveal a grim picture in locales such as Kuwadzana 1 and 4 and Chitungwiza, where unattended sewer bursts are a common and hazardous occurrence. Moreover, the Harare Residents Trust (HRT) has raised concerns over the conduct of council workers, who reportedly demand extra fees from households for addressing these sewer bursts, adding to the residents’ woes. This neglect leads to the contamination of water sources, directly contributing to the surge in cholera cases.
The HRT urges the City of Harare to prioritize the replacement of old and faulty water and sewerage systems, especially in the hardest-hit areas. This measure is vital to improve water availability and reduce the incidence of sewerage issues. Currently, the city loses about 60% of its treated water due to leakages in the distribution network, a situation that exacerbates the water scarcity crisis.
Water Scarcity: A Catalyst for the Outbreak
The cholera outbreak is not only a consequence of poor sanitation but is also fueled by a critical shortage of clean water. This situation is prevalent in both urban and rural settings. The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) highlights the vital role of water scarcity in the resurgence of cholera. Many communities, including Harare, have been suffering from inadequate water supply for prolonged periods, making them vulnerable to water-borne diseases like cholera. Itai Rusike, the executive director of CWGH, notes that since the devastating cholera outbreak of 2008-2009, the sanitary and living conditions in Harare have deteriorated, with unreliable and often unsafe water supplies becoming the norm.
Rusike calls for a prompt and comprehensive response from the public health sector and the Ministry of Health and Child Care. He emphasizes the need for not just an emergency response to cholera but also long-term public health measures to revive the faltering health system, particularly primary healthcare services.
A Call for Immediate Action
The cholera crisis in Harare represents a rapidly unfolding public health disaster that requires immediate and concerted action. The combination of rising cholera cases, inadequate sanitation, and water scarcity creates a perilous situation, potentially leading to a full-blown epidemic. The government, local authorities, and stakeholders must collaborate urgently to tackle these critical issues. The situation demands rapid intervention to prevent further loss of life and to ensure the well-being of the Zimbabwean population, especially the residents of Harare. Prompt action is not just necessary; it is a moral imperative for the safeguarding of human lives.
The Continued Persecution of Sikhala
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- Written by: Tendai Ruben Mbofana
- Category: Take2Zimbabwe
- Hits: 1124
This morning, my eyes could not move from the image of opposition activist Job Sikhala as he disembarked from a prison truck. This was on his arrival for his conviction hearing two days ago, where he was found guilty of inciting violence by Harare Magistrate Tafadzwa Miti. As I fixed my attention on the picture, a plethora of feelings and emotions gripped (as if by some powerful indescribable force) my heart. At first, I was engulfed by a deep sense of pity for the man – as he stepped down from the truck – when I thought of the over one and half years he has languished in pre-trial detention. In all this, the courts have repeatedly denied him his right to bail – something held sacrosanct and guaranteed in section 70 of the country’s Constitution.
Then, immediately, another emotion took over.
This time, I could not help being overwhelmed by seething anger at this unpardonable cruelty by the Zimbabwe regime – which, it cannot be denied, has ensured this brave man is kept under lock and key.
Why?
- We all know – and so does the President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa administration – that Sikhala is possibly the only person in Zimbabwe courageous enough to take on the regime head-on.
- He is not afraid to mobilize the population into mass action – which is arguably the one thing that gives the corrupt and incompetent ruling elite sleepless nights.
- There is nothing else that terrifies those in power than the people of Zimbabwe rising up in their millions in finally saying ‘enough is enough’.
- We need to remember that there is enormous unstoppable power in numbers.
That is why, whenever I watch National Geographic Wild, I always hope one day those thousands (if not millions) of wildebeest would realize that, if they united and stood firmly together, they could actually defeat those lions!
In fact, as much as they may seem unrelenting in their onslaught on the opposition – nonetheless, the ruling establishment has so far ensured that they never attain power through elections. This is easily achieved through the wanton rigging of elections, intimidation of voters, restriction of democratic space, clampdown on the opposition, and abuse of state institutions. These are not mere baseless accusations plucked out of the air, but are facts even documented by various election observer missions, such as SADC and the EU.
As we speak, the main opposition lies in tatters, after some fierce internal squabbles – which are widely believed to have the backing of ZANU PF. In spite of these relentless attacks, the opposition has never had it in them to take any firm stance against the regime. They will talk and talk, promise and promise – whilst in all this, finding comfort in false hope and delusional thinking. Even I – had I been in power – would have never seen anything to be unnecessarily unnerved about with such an inept and inert opposition.
As such, the opposition is not regarded as a threat to the ruling party’s grip on power as much as Sikhala. The Zimbabwe regime can easily steal elections and sow seeds of division within the opposition hierarchy – whose own leadership abilities and devotion to democratic tenets are questionable. However, there is no way those on power can stop a people who are united by an uncompromising determination to stand up for their rights.
That is why the very thought of mass action is treated as some form of treason and insurgency – despite the fact that the right to peaceful demonstration is enshrined in section 59 of the Constitution. This explains the continued incarceration of Sikhala as the only person who has what it takes to mobilize the nation into peaceful action. A similar fate was faced by another opposition activist Jacob Ngarivhume – who was sentenced to four years in jail by Harare Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka in April 2023 for supposedly, again, ‘inciting public violence’.
This, whilst without any prima facie evidence availed by the prosecution.
It was a good thing that High Court judges Pisirayi Kwenda and Fatima Maxwell overturned both conviction and sentence. However, this was after Ngarivhume had already served a nightmarish nine months of his sentence. That is just how the Zimbabwe regime is petrified by those who call for demonstrations – no matter how peaceful.
As I was still looking at Sikhala's picture this morning, another feeling overpowered my thoughts. This was not the first time such painful images of imprisoned activists have touched the hearts of many people across the world. Who can easily forget those photographs of renowned South African anti-apartheid politician Nelson Mandela as he was being bundled into a prison truck?
This was soon after his life imprisonment sentencing, on 12th June 1964, at the notorious Rivonia Trial – together with seven other intrepid activists, such as Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki. Mandela was subsequently set free on 11th February 1990 after immense international outrage and pressure – leading to the opening of talks to end apartheid. I can also remember the images of then nationalist leader Robert Gabriel Mugabe as he sat pensively at Gonakudzingwa Restriction Camp after being jailed in 1964.
He was imprisoned there with leaders as Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, Ndavaningi Sithole, Enos Nkala, Edgar Tekere, and Maurice Nyagumbo – only to be released in 1974 after pressure, ironically from apartheid South Africa.
- What was the outcome of the incarcerations of these prominent activists?
- Were the oppressive apartheid and colonial regimes able to crush the spirit and soul of these valiant men?
- Did they become forgotten nonentities who were rendered irrelevant to the struggle for the oppressed people’s emancipation?
No, not at all!
As a matter of fact, their profiles only soared throughout the world. They were viewed as brave heroes who had been subjected to the most horrendous unjust treatment by cruel pariah regimes. The calls for their freedom were chanted and echoed from all the corners of the globe. Who does not know of music concerts, as those held at Wembley Stadium in 1988 and 1990 – when international singers converged and sang with one accord in demanding the immediate release of Mandela?
In fact, had it not been for these prison sentences, it is most likely Mandela would not have become the first black president of a democratic South Africa.
The same applied to Mugabe in Zimbabwe!
Is it then any wonder why this man (Mugabe) loved reminding everyone on how he ‘fought and sacrificed’ for this country? We now witness similar scenes with Mnangagwa – as he wants everyone to know how he was incarcerated by the Rhodesia regime, even escaping the gallows by a whisker. This account’s authenticity is irrelevant at the moment, although it is highly questionable.
Nonetheless, the fact remains that these leaders we have, particularly in Zimbabwe, regard their imprisonment as some badge of heroism and entitlement to power. Indeed, they were turned into heroes by their jailing. So, why do they seem not to realize that repeating the same treatment on today’s activists only makes them not just local but global heroes? Who can deny that Sikhala’s name is now on the lips of many politicians, activists, journalists, and even ordinary people across the world?
What is left now is a mega concert in Wembley Stadium demanding the Mnangagwa regime frees Sikhala.
- In actual fact, this is not the only thing awaiting the activist.
- If history has taught us anything, then this brave man has now been unwittingly placed on the path to Zimbabwe’s presidency.
- The oppressor never wins at the end – but the oppressed and persecuted are always the victors who raise to the top!
I wonder why Mnangagwa and his regime do not appear to understand this simple truth.
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