A Party of Excellence!

The Real Change TimesMovement for Democratic Change

MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe Issue 130 2012Tuesday 6 November

The Official Mouthpiece of the MDC

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My Voice is in. My Vote is YES!!!

Chinja M

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The availability of electricity in the country is set to improve significantly following the clearing of the Zimbabwean import debt on electricity, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon. Elton Mangoma has said.

For weeks now, most parts of the country have been experiencing an uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Zimbabwe had accumulated a huge debt of over US$100 million from Mozambique’s Hydro Cabora Bassa (HCB) and the power exporter was threatening to cut off electricity to Zimbabwe.

“The HCB debt is something that has been accumulating and it was not being serviced mainly because people were not paying their bills to Zesa,” Minister Mangoma said.

“Mozambique then threatened to switch off Zimbabwe due to the US$100 million debt,” he said.

He said the power utility; Zesa had to take the drastic and painful measure of switching off local electricity consumers. The disconnections were carried out before the introduction of pre-paid electricity meters.

“That way we managed to collect something to repay the debt and we also approached some financial institutions to assist in clearing the debt leaving a balance of US$20 million,” the minister said.

He said after the debt had been brought

down, a deal was structured that would see Zimbabwe paying US$1 million a week until the arrears had been cleared off.

“So we finished payment of that and we are therefore, working on current imports,” said Minister Mangoma.

This will see Zimbabwe importing up to 250 megawatts.

“Our generation has become high and steady internally as production of power from Hwange Power Station and smaller power stations has increased, although there are some constraints in getting suitable coal for the operations,” said Minister Mangoma.

He expressed optimism in the availability of electricity across the country and was working on improving that.

“We are satisfied with what has happened but there is room for improvement,” he said.

Minister Mangoma explained that there had also been a steady increase on consumers paying their bills on a regular basis but wanted to see more revenue collection than before. Turning to pre-paid electricity meters that the minister launched two months ago, Minister Mangoma said although the programme kicked off at a slow pace, the project was now picking up speed and moving at a faster pace.

After the minister read them the riot act to the department responsible for installation of pre-paid meters the project

has now gained momentum and as of last week, over 30 000 electricity consumers had the meters installed.

The pre-paid meter project is currently underway in Harare, Bulawayo and Chitungwiza. After completion over 600 000 consumers will have access to pre-paid meters.

“The only delays now are that the pre-paid meters are not all here but these are teething problems and nothing much and we are not here to accept reasons for lack of delivery from the installers,” said Minister Mangoma.

Four companies have been engaged to do the exercise and according to Minister Mangoma, the exercise will be completed next year in June.

Despite all these efforts by Minister Mangoma to improve service by enhancing generation of electricity and improve supply of fuel to stimulate economic growth and ultimately improve the lives of the people, some residual elements in Zanu PF are trying to scuttle

these efforts. The recent trumped up charges against the MDC minister bear testimony of the overarching quest by Zanu PF to undermine every positive effort by MDC leadership in government for cheap political mileage. These attempts by Zanu PF are meant to harass, confuse and distort the good record so far set by MDC ministers in government.

Mangoma unraffled...As Mugabe and his dead Zanu PF tries to sabotage his progress

The Second All Stakeholders’ Conference was meant to receive a report on the constitution making process from the select committee; to table the draft constitution, as required by Article 6 of the Global Political Agreement, and to allow for the delegates to make recommendations, Hon Douglas Mwonzora has said.

The Copac Chairperson said the key deliverable of the conference were the recommendations of the stakeholders on the draft constitution so that the necessary adjustments would be made before the document was sent to Parliament.

“In respect of those recommendations where there was consensus among the delegates, the way forward is for Copac to effect the proposed changes to the draft constitution without any undue delay unless the proposals do not change the substance of the draft constitution.

“However, regarding recommendations that were not agreed to, Copac cannot effect these proposed changes. This

is simply because, unlike the first category, these recommendations were not adopted. In respect of these, because there is no agreement to amend, the default position, that is to say the status quo in the draft remains because there is no basis for Copac to vary the position that is there,” Hon Mwonzora said.

The Copac draft is a product of the outreach process and the inter-party negotiations.

Hon Mwonzora, who is also the MDC Spokesperson said, lack of unanimity to change the draft represented a vote of confidence in the draft constitution.

“While changes have to be effected in respect of those recommendations where there is unanimity, those recommendations in respect of which there is no unanimity must fail, by virtue of their failure to amass the necessary support from the stakeholders. A worrying discovery

Mugabe cannot highjack constitution-making process

Luke Tamborinyoka, the former MDC Director of Information and Publicity, now Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s Spokesperson, was on Sunday morning involved in a road accident on his way to his rural home in Domboshava.

President and Amai Tsvangirai said :Our thoughts at present are with Luke and his family. Luke is a family man and we appreciate that this is a challenging time for everyone who is close to him. We trust that God gives them courage. I have known Luke for a long time and he is a passionate, capable and courageous member of the team.

I know that this is a battle like no other but I know that his strength of character, his belief and his courage will carry him through this ordeal. In these moments, we look to the doctors for their skill and also spiritually to God for his comforting and healing Hand. Therefore, our collective prayer is that

Luke is healed as soon as possible”.

Tamborinyoka’s vehicle, burst a tyre, causing the vehicle to roll four times before landing on its head.

He is in a critical but stable condition. He suffered eight broken ribs, while one of the ribs punctured his lung.

Tamborinyoka involved in terrible car accident

Last month, the minister who is also the MDC Deputy Treasurer was arrested on charges of insulting Robert Mugabe early this year at Manhenga Business Centre in Bindura.

Last year he was arrested on two occasions and spent more than two weeks in remand prison on charges of abusing public office. He was acquitted on one of the charges at the High Court while the State withdrew the other charge.

“In the face of these arrests as you can see I am coping very well. One has got to do what one has got to do. As the MDC, we chose and decided that we are going to assist the people of Zimbabwe at all times until this country is transformed for the better.”

“There are some people who do not like the MDC’s commitment in government to transform the country so that people can enjoy their liberty, freedom, and corruption free environment.

“We should not short change the people of Zimbabwe but ensure that we stand for the downtrodden, but it is sad that some people are against this,” said Minister Mangoma.

He urged the people of Zimbabwe to join the MDC in continuing calling for accountability from those in public offices. “The people must join us in this transformation. There has to be accountability from those in power.

by Copac, however is that in a bid to buttress their recommendations, some delegates resorted to falsely claiming that their demands were based on the national statistical reports. Some of these even went as far as to purport to quote portions of the national report

Hon Mangoma says availability of electricity in the country is set to im-prove significantly

Hon Douglas Mwonzora, Copac ChairpersonLuke Tamborinyoka

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Our record in leadership…as we move together with the people

Yes, he appears to me to be one and he wrongly believes that he can undo his wrong deeds. He is 88 and I can’t see that which he can do to rebuild his battered image, let alone the Zimbabwe ruins!

Can a leopard really change its spots or is it possible for an Ethiopian to change his skin colour? The answer is a clear no. I sincerely don’t think that the octogenarian tyrant can change for the better. Bad habits die hard and unfortunately Robert Mugabe’s bad habits don’t die at all. Mugabe is mulish! I wish I could have something positive to say about this man but honestly I don’t see anything to write home about.

I wish to state categorically, however, that Mugabe is nothing but a temporary interruption of normal political and economic processes. He cannot live forever because he, like all of us, is a mere mortal.

The unfortunate thing is that Mugabe is determined to die in power by hook and crook. Those who have been talking about his death were only reminding him that sooner or later he will answer the call of nature. There is, as it were, no need therefore to be talking about your resurrection, Cde President!!!

I believe you will surely die and Zimbabwe will be rebuilt by other-centred people. You are self-centred your Excellency and no man in his right mind would want to be associated with your personality. I feel sorry for those of

you who have been made to believe that you are the cure-all to all the political and economic problems brought by your bad governance. These misguided missiles want you to rule till death.

They represent not the majority and you know it yourself that you are an imposter. You deserve not to be the President. Aren’t you ashamed of

yourself? I am hardly 30 and yet what pains me most is this truth: Zimbabwe has been under a one-party and/or military dictatorship (military junta?) for the past 32 years.

Through this form of government, the post-colonial corrupt political elite (or is it ruling oligarchy?) connived to confiscate political and economic power to the detriment of the population.

The political balance-sheet of the country, therefore, points to a people practically without any recognisable moral foundation, completely raped of their cultural heritage and plagued with all sorts of conflicts.

In addition, the miserable basic health care situation which accounts for the steadily rising death rate, deplorable human rights abuses, almost total absence of social security, the frightening deterioration of the environment that partially accounts for the unending string of epidemics, and an alarming rate of educational decline, corruption, nepotism and tribalism are some of the vices that characterise politics in post-colonial Zimbabwe.

We can’t be detained in the past. We are hurting and we want to move forward, to the Promised Land. The liberation struggle (past) managed to remove white skins from power but we have evil black skins in power and these are obstacles to our social, economic and political development.

It is quite disturbing to come to terms

with the fact that Mugabe happens to be the major obstacle to a smooth transition from authoritarianism to democracy. He doesn’t care at all. All he wants is power and this he wants at all costs.

Mugabe isn’t at all committed to seeing human suffering coming to an end, dear Zimbabweans, my fellow citizens. I attest that Mugabe has become a liability, an unnecessary burden to the nation. If anything, the Zimbabwean dictator remains a threat to domestic stability. Not even amnesty will make him likeable.

He is arrogant and he won’t change. Lives need to be saved, great distress and suffering has to be reduced and we want our dignity to be maintained. We can’t afford to keep in power people who aren’t interested in our welfare.

We want leaders who experience within our pain and indeed leaders who soothe our distress. We want to have an effective voice in the affairs of our country. God is the same for everybody and we all are people from the same God and we have the same blood. It isn’t God’s will that we suffer the way we do.

I am emotionally attached to my homeland and each time that I think about what is happening, I feel emotionally hurt. Mugabe isn’t our God and we can’t leave it like that. We need more revolutionary strategies. These liberal democratic strategies haven’t been that effective.

I am determined to seeing Mugabe leaving power next year when the government is due for renewal! You can’t tell me that you are people of little faith. If you ask for anything in His name He will do it (John 14:14). I am praying for Zimbabwe to be delivered from the evil regime of Robert Mugabe and God won’t disappoint me.

The LORD has answered my prayers in times past and He won’t fail because He has never failed before. And this time around, I want Mugabe to be out of power by next year! It is Friday (crucifixion) but Sunday (resurrection) is coming.

I have presented herein a very ugly picture about Mugabe whom I consider to be an incorrigible devil. This ugly picture unquestionably requires us to distinguish between politically useful values and cultures that objectively stand in the way of democracy and development-that is, the distinction between rational and irrational values and cultures.

It is the establishment of rational Zimbabwean values and cultures that can serve to enlighten an average Zimbabwean on democracy and the role of each and every component of society. The democratic legitimisation of these values and cultures can take the form of enshrining these values in the supreme law of the land, our (as opposed to their) constitution. God bless Zimbabwe. The struggle continues unabated!

Is he an incorrigible devil?By Mutsa Murenje

The MDC applauds remarks by Hon Lovemore Moyo in Victoria Falls recently where he advised the Executive to respect the Legislative arm of government.

It is important that the Speaker, who is also the MDC national Chairperson sought to preserve the Parliamentary independence from the Executive’s overbearing attitude.

In his speech, Hon Moyo said: To be blunt and brief, our perennial complaint as the Legislature since the commencement of the First Session of the Seventh Parliament has always had to do with the attitude of the Executive towards the Legislature and the treatment extended to it.

“Indeed, Zimbabwe must be one of the few countries in the world where one of the Three Arms of the State is treated, for operational purposes, as an ordinary Government Ministry or Department and where junior ministry officials are free to accept and dismiss without hesitation, the legitimate requirements of an Arm of the State.

“It comes as no surprise therefore when we hear statements by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, which seem to suggest that Parliament is subordinate to or is an extension of the Executive.

“It must be known that the 7th Parliament of the Republic of Zimbabwe was constitutionally elected and is made up of democratically elected Members of Parliament and it was not created by the Global Political Agreement.

Instead, the Inclusive Government owes its existence and relevance to the same Parliament which today is seriously being undermined by the Executive.

“Parliament has always supported Inclusive Government Programmes

and activities and will continue to do so even though at times the Inclusive Government renders Parliament a mere rubber stamping forum.

“Parliament’s space in the national governance landscape will only be protected when we the Parliamentarians stand united and non-partisan on matters of principle.

In any case, you will not be bringing anything new as our Constitution clearly provides for the Separation of Powers and respect for Parliamentary processes”.

Water is central to life and without it, numerous problems arise chief among them being disease outbreaks. The country in recent times has experienced these diseases which include cholera and typhoid both of which are caused by inadequate supplies of clean water and poor hygiene.

The MDC is determined to make sure that the water situation in the country improves by making sure that all its councils are doing everything they can to solve water woes.

In line with the above, the MDC applauds the Minister of Finance, Hon Tendai Biti for the recent allocation of funds to the tune of $500 000 as a stop gap measure to solve the water woes in Bulawayo. This is a commendable move which will go a long way in alleviating the plight of the people of Bulawayo.

Water shortages have plagued many parts of the country, including the capital, Harare. Years of neglect and corruption under Zanu PF and a growing urban population have all combined to create the current water problems that plague Zimbabwe.

Taking Harare as an example, the capital now has about 5 million people and Bulawayo has 1.5 million to 1.6 million. The current

infrastructure was built to serve only 600,000 people in both cities. This clearly demonstrates lack of planning and vision on the part of ZANU PF for the past 29 years.

The MDC through its minister Hon Sipepa Nkomo has successfully negotiated a deal that will help increase Bulawayo’s production of clean water from 5,000 cubic metres to 15,000 each day from just one dam.

This will supply at least 20% of Bulawayo’s daily consumption needs. The 110 boreholes that were not working are currently being rehabilitated which will also help alleviate the water woes.

The MDC notes that the Mtshabezi-Umzingwane pipeline that is largely viewed as the short-term solution to Bulawayo’s water problems has missed many completion deadlines. The MDC believes that, for Bulawayo, the permanent solution to the city’s water shortage is the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water project, which has been on the drawing board for 100 years.

Harare on the other hand just needs the entire aged infrastructure especially in high density suburbs repaired and upgraded.

The MDC believes in the doctrine of separation of power and checks and balances. It is the lack of this in the previous government that gave Mugabe and Zanu PF a dictatorial and unjustified claim of ownership of the country and all its resources at the expense of the people’ s muffled voice.

The people of Zimbabwe deserve a better, accountable and transparent leadership whose Arms of the State act according to their constitutional mandate.

“People must insist that things are done and there is better service delivery in the country,” said Minister Mangoma.

Minister Mangoma’s latest arrest came soon after some senior Zanu PF politicians including their leader; Robert Mugabe had been exposed in the media for not paying their huge electricity bills to Zesa.

Mugabe and his wife Grace owed power utility ZESA over US$345,000 in unpaid electricity bills, incurred at their multiple farms. Others with more than US$300,000 in outstanding bills are; Chris Mushowe and CIO boss Happyton Bonyongwe. Youth Affairs Minister Saviour Kasukuwere owes Zesa US$100,602.

A detailed breakdown shows that Mugabe and Grace owe Zesa bills for; “Four plots at Foyle Farm plus a cottage as well as Gushungo Dairy which stood at US$143 667 while Gwebi Woodlot 1st Farm owed US$24 901. Sigaro Farm 1st PO, 2nd PO, 3rd PO and 4th PO owed a total of US$78 218.”

“Grace Mugabe’s Iron Mask Cottage, Iron

Mask 2nd POIN, Iron Mask 3rd POIN, Mazowe Wholesalers, Annant Cottage, Iron Mask Farm 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th owed a total of US$98 306 as at December 31 2011.”

Also owing Zesa is the Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa (US$240,824), Transport and Communications Minister Nicholas Goche (US$158,245) “for his plots at Ceres Farm and businesses, which include grinding mills, a farm store and a service station.”

Presidential Affairs Minister Didymus Mutasa owes US$179,590, Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Perence Shiri US$26,947 for his Hopdale Farm, while Augustine Chihuri owes US$106,778 for his homestead and his Inyika farm. Minister Mangoma however assured the nation that he will continue to clean up the mess and corruption created by Zanu PF in the energy sector and ensure the people of Zimbabwe quality life. “I’ll not be deterred by the continued harassment by Zanu PF, infact am strengthened to work for the good of the Country” said the indefatigable Minister of Energy and Power Development.

Mangoma stabilises power suppliesFrom Page 1

Hon Moyo flexes a muscle

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Let’s debate the draftThe MDC Information and Publicity department continues to serialise the chapters of the draft Constitution as produced by the Parliamentary Select Committee (COPAC) so that Zimbabweans may begin to appreciate contents in the draft. The MDC believe the people have the power to decide whether to

approve or disapprove the document. For any comments on the draft, feel free to get in touch on mdcnewsbrief@gmail.com.

Robert Mugabe’s statement attacking Hon Tendai Biti over government’s failure to provide money for agricultural inputs is not just astounding but certainly unacceptable and a cheap publicity stunt by a man who has failed this nation over the three decades of his misrule.

Mugabe’s false accusations that Hon Biti is sabotaging government’s work plan by failing to adequately finance vital sectors such as agriculture, is not only incongruous but highly irrational and characteristic of the selective amnesia that has beset the entire Zanu PF leadership.

Mugabe’s theatrics are akin to a father who claims ownership and jurisdiction over his homestead yet refuses to accept responsibility over the family’s welfare.

That Mugabe launches a parallel and partisan input scheme at the party’s headquarters at the same time Hon Biti was announcing that he had availed money for the same inputs from treasury in a statement at the Victoria Falls budget seminar over the weekend, smacks of double standards, hypocrisy and vain arrogance by the old and tired Mugabe.

This action confirms our assertion

that Zanu PF is using money from the Chiadzwa Diamond fields siphoned through a corruption magnate Obert Mpofu to sponsor a parallel government structure aimed at distorting and confusing government business.

Mpofu a Zanu PF link pin in the whole Chiadzwa Diamond corruption syndicate has over the years refused to declare proceeds from the mine fields to the treasury opting instead to line his pockets and fund a Zanu Pf parallel government. How can Mpofu explain remitting 41million out of $400 million that was realised from the fields this year?

That the so- called Presidential input scheme was launched at the Zanu PF headquarters raises an eyebrow, and the generality of Zimbabweans wonder if this is not another vote buying exercise by Zanu PF. It therefore ceases to be a ‘presidential’ input scheme as it is designed to benefit Zanu PF members.

The continued harassment and abuse of Hon Biti is unacceptable and should not be tolerated by all Zimbabweans of good standing. The MDC continues to advocate and champion for an accountable and transparent system of government for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.

Mugabe attack on Biti irrationalthat do not exist,” he said.

Hon Mwonzora added that: “The correct approach is that where a delegate sought to rely on falsehood, then their submission or recommendations which are based on falsehood cannot stand. Such information cannot be carried forward as if it were true. It would be tragic for some political parties to seek to create deadlocks over information that was false. It is the worst form of treachery and betrayal of the people of Zimbabwe.

“The fraudsters and cheats who lied that their submissions were based on the national statistical report cannot rely on their falsehoods to create political deadlocks. The political parties had ample opportunity to garner support for their proposals but failed, presumably because the people did not identify with their recommendations,” he said.

In terms of article 6, Copac is now obliged to prepare the national report for presentation to Parliament together with the draft constitution. After the submission to parliament, the Executive, through the Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs would take over the process and among other issues, prepare for the referendum in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

He however cautioned that the fact that one has authored an agreement or a law cannot be an excuse for the failure by that person to follow that law or agreement.

Hon Mwonzora said that everyone is under the law and should abide by its provisions whether they are the ones who gave a final signature to the law.

“Once one has concluded an agreement or a law, then one is bound by that agreement or law until such time as the agreement or law is lawfully amended or changed. It follows that although the Principals signed the Global Political Agreement; they are now bound by the terms of that agreement and must follow it to the letter,” he said.

Over many years, Robert Mugabe has signed many bills including constitutional bills into law. Hon Mwonzora said the correct position is that as soon as the President has signed a bill into law, he is bound by that law and must follow and obey it even though he be its author.

“Thus, Mugabe may not violate POSA, AIPPA or Amendment 18 for example, on the basis that he is part to it’s making. In fact the hallmark of Mugabe’s presidency is to strive to be within the legal instruments that bind him, Hon Mwonzora said.

Zanu PF, through its scatter brains like Chris Mutsvangwa among many, argues that the principals can do as they please with ‘their’ Global Political Agreement.“This is akin to say a mother can do as she pleases with her child including murder because she gave birth to him anyway,” he said.

“This constitution making process is being undertaken in terms of the Global Political Agreement signed by the principals. Article 6 of that agreement provides for the appointment of a Select Committee of Parliament to spearhead the writing of the constitution.

“Pursuant to rule 157 of the Standing Orders and Rules of Parliament the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Lovemore Moyo announced the appointment of the Select Committee as a committee of parliament sometime in 2009. Unlike the Chidyausiku Commission, the Select Committee members did not take oath before the President which was an indication that it was not a committee or commission of the executive.

“It is clear under article 6 of the Global Political Agreement that it is the Select Committee of Parliament that must produce the draft constitution and table the same before the Second All Stakeholders’ Conference.

“After the conference, the Select Committee of Parliament must table the draft constitution and the accompanying report to Parliament.

After the referendum, Parliament must formally pass the draft into law. This law would however still require presidential assent,” he said.

Hon Mwonzora said that right from the onset, it remains clear that the constitution making process is and was designed to be a parliamentary process. The intention of those who drafted the Global Political Agreement was clearly to make this process a parliamentary one. He said that some people may now find this a little inconvenient but the intention of the principals at the time of writing their agreement is clear.

“This does not mean that the Principals have no role to play in the process. Fortunately the principals are members of the executive authority of Zimbabwe who must ensure compliance with the laws of Zimbabwe. Their role is to facilitate the smooth execution of this parliamentary task by those appointed to execute it.

“For example, during the First All Stakeholders Conference the principals intervened to stop the violence, mayhem and chaos that had been started by a faction of a political party. Thanks to their intervention, the conference was able to proceed the following day.

“Through the Minister of Finance, the principals have ensured provision of government funding of the process. During the Second All Stakeholders Conference, the principals facilitated the smooth transaction of the business of the conference by insisting on no violence, tolerance and need for peace during the conference and beyond,” he said.

Earlier on in the program, the Principals launched the outreach program preaching the language of peaceful coexistence. This was meant to ensure a smoother execution of the outreach program by the Parliamentary Select Committee.

After the submission of the report by Copac to parliament, the executive, through the Minister for Constitutional Affairs, will take over the process to ensure the smooth conducting of the referendum.

It is clear to the people of Zimbabwe that the role of the principals in this process is a facilitative one.

“Zimbabwe is a country which must respect the doctrine of separation of powers among the judiciary, the executive and the legislature. It remains the duty of parliament to make laws of the land and for the executive to ensure enforcement of same,” Hon Mwonzora said.

The people of Zimbabwe spoke on the issues they were most prepared to defend on, for the benefit of the future as opposed to political party interests. The people spoke on their desire of devolution, an expanded bill of rights and the roles and responsibility of the security sector.

Mugabe cannot highjack constitution-making process

Part two of Chapter 4 continued this week. We continue with Part 3 in the next issue by looking at the rights of Children.

4.32 Right to education

(1) Every citizen and permanent resident of Zimbabwe has a right to— (a) a basic State-funded education, including adult basic education; and (b) further education, which the State, through reasonable legislative and other measures, must make progressively available and accessible.

(2) Every person has the right to establish and maintain, at their own expense, independent educational institutions of reasonable standards, provided they do not discriminate on any ground prohibited by this Constitution.

(3) A law may provide for the registration of educational institutions referred to in subsection (2) and for the closing of any such institutions that do not meet reasonable standards prescribed for registration.

(4) The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right set out in subsection (1).

4.33 Right to health care

(1) Every citizen and permanent resident of Zimbabwe has the right to have access to basic health-care services, including reproductive health-care services.

(2) Every person living with a chronic illness has the right to have access to basic health-care services for the illness.

(3) No person may be refused emergency medical treatment in any health-care institution.

(4) The State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the rights set out in this section.

4.34 Right to food and water

Every person has the right to—

(a) safe, clean and potable water; and

(b) sufficient food; and the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to achieve the progressive realisation of this right.

4.35 Marriage rights

(1) Every person who has attained the age of eighteen years has the right to marry a person of the opposite sex who is of marriageable age, and no such person may be prevented from entering into such a marriage.

(2) Every person who has attained the age of eighteen years has the right to found a family.

(3) No person may be compelled to enter into marriage against their will.

PART 3

ELABORATION OF CERTAIN

RIGHTS

4.36 Application of Part 3

(1) This Part elaborates certain rights and freedoms to ensure greater certainty as to the application of those rights and freedoms to particular classes of people.

(2) This Part must not be construed as limiting any right or freedom set out in Part 1.

4.37 Rights of women

(1) Every woman has full and equal dignity of the person with men and this includes equal opportunities in political, economic and social activities.

(2) Women have the same rights as men regarding the custody and guardianship of children, but an Act of Parliament may regulate how those rights are to be exercised.

(3) All laws, customs, traditions and cultural practices that infringe the rights of women conferred by this Constitution are void to the extent of the infringement.

Hon Biti says he made available funds for inputs

Women have the same rights as men regarding the custody and guardianship of children

From Page 1

MDC Information & Publicity Department, Harvest House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe • Tel: +263 4 770 708 www.mdc.co.zw

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Those who have names of perpetrators of violence in your constituencies feel free to phone or write to

MDC Information and Publicity department. Telephone: 04-770708

Email: mdcnewsbrief@gmail.comPostal Address: Harvest House, 4th Floor,

44 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare.

Zimbabwe has gone past the 32nd mark as an independent state. The path has been a rough one.

The country is struggling to regain its identity after over a decade of Zanu PF concocted mayhem that was characterized by economic downturn, raping of the justice system, denial of full enjoyment of rights, continuous efforts to slay democracy. Sons and daughters of Zimbabwe have been exposed to ruthless dictatorship and bad governance that saw the Zimbabwean dollar plummeting and eventually becoming completely useless and abandoned.

The CIO, army and police force were primarily turned into an appendage of Zanu PF , and repressive laws such as POSA, AIPPA that prohibit Zimbabweans from enjoying their various inalienable rights and freedoms were passed. There is rampant selective application of the law and some of our innocent cadres are languishing in prison, being denied their basic right to bail and fair trial.

The collapse of the economy left thousands jobless and most people fled to neighbouring countries. Young people strive day in day out for survival in a country where the security services have been turned against the people.

The generation of Joshua Nkomo, Ndabaningi Sithole, Josiah Tongogara, Alfred Nikita Mangena, Herbert Chitepo, Ziyapapa Moyo, Rex Nhongo and other genuine heroes stood up against colonial oppression in their youth.

Our generation therefore has a challenge to collaborate with our leadership and face the people who are frustrating progress in our country, as the country prepares to hold watershed harmonized elections next year.

Our leadership is our forceful and powerful weapon in the hands of the youth in order to stop all the Zanu PF mayhem.

To tackle the problems of our struggle we should approach them with a theoretical outlook, which is the generalization based on the experiences of other struggles in Africa and beyond, then adopt a practical outlook, peculiar to our struggle and fight not theoretically but also with practical commitment.

That commitment must be a dynamic combination of theory and practice for it can only be us and no one else but the youths as we are the “forces of change” in the forthcoming plebiscite. The youths are going to be a determining factor in voting Zanu PF out armed with a pen and a ballot paper.

Zanu PF’s mysterious militia was responsible for the bloody 2008 June 27 election violence which killed more than two hundred MDC members and displaced thousands of families.

The current army structure is based on the needs of Zanu PF to bully Zimbabweans, with top echelons becoming deeply embedded in Zanu PF politics that they are preoccupied with it, penetrated by it and now participate individually and collectively in it and members of the junta wanting to contest the elections. With utter disbelief we watched as soldiers hijacked the census process.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has openly declared that Chihuri, who joined the police at independence as a patrol officer, and Chiwenga, who joined the army as a private under the name Dominic Chinenge in 1980, must be relieved of their duties, claiming the two men’s close links to Zanu PF have led to politicization and polarization of the security organs.

It is known that there are other countries that trade weapons of war with Zimbabwe, ranging from firearms, ammunition, rocket launchers, grenades, military helicopters, and teargas canisters. These weapons are being purchased to wage war against the country’s innocent citizens as we move towards the next general elections expected in 2013.

The resilient people of Zimbabwe are ready for nothing but a free and fair election where violence, rigging, intimidation and coercion have no place; where our soldiers, our intelligence services and security organs remain impartial actors that respect and uphold the Constitution.

That is our vision as a country, to bring freedom, unity, peace and development to the people of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe being faced with this dire predicament, and a concoction of tribulations, the Youth of this era are the answer. Youth action can stop the lunacy.

The time is now to finish all Zanu PF madness by registering to vote and voting for President Morgan Tsvangirai in the forthcoming harmonised elections.

“Let us fight, if fight we must. Let us resolve to be the masters not the victims of our history”. – John F Kennedy

Clifford Hlatywayo is the MDC Youth Assembly Secretary for Information and Publicity

Zim’s ‘catch-22’: Youth action is the answer 

Four youths donning Zanu PF bandannas last Wednesday night severely attacked the MDC Midlands North provincial treasurer, John Kinnaird and his wife Jackie at their Kadoma residence.

The two were hospitalised yesterday due to the severity of injuries sustained.

The Zanu PF youths aged between 17 and 22 years broke into the Kinnaird residence on Wednesday night at around 8.30pm through the kitchen door.

Three of them started attacking John with wheel spanners and metal rods while the other one grabbed Jackie around the neck and dragged her to bedroom.

The Zanu PF youths were demanding cash. After locating where the cash was, they took US$2000 and two cellphones.

According to medical reports on the two, John, 56, sustained multiple head wounds, which required 14 stitches. His right arm was also fractured and

has deep puncture wounds on his legs and one just below his throat, as well as injuries across his back.

Jackie, 47, has a bruised throat where she was grabbed by the youth and a compound fracture of her left arm and it requires immediate surgery. A police report has been made but no arrests have been made.

The MDC national spokesperson, Hon. Douglas Mwonzora has strongly condemned the barbaric attacks on

Senior MDC official, wife hospitalised after brutal Zanu PF attack

Some of the accused MDC activists who are being falsely implicated on charges of murdering a police officer in Glen View, Harare last year were forced to wear MDC t-shirts during their investigations.

This was revealed at the High Court on Monday during the cross examination of the investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Clever Ntini by the defence counsel led by Beatrice Mtetwa.

Mtetwa told the court that when Ntini and his team took Yvonne Musarurwa for indications they went to her house and forced her to put on MDC t-shirt before they proceeded to Glen View Police Station where they started video recording Musarurwa.

The police officers also forced Councillor Tungamirai Madzokere to make indications in front of a truckload of armed anti-riot police officers.

While in police custody, Councillor Madzokere was tortured and severely assaulted by police officers who included one Murira.

The assault resulted in Councillor Madzokere’s arm being broken.

During his initial remand hearing at the Magistrates’ Courts, the magistrate ordered that the police should carry out investigations on the assault and torture charges.

However, the police did not carry out any investigations.

Ntini today gave various conflicting statements leading him to confess before the judge, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu that he was mixing up issues.

Ntini also declined to name his informers who led to the arrest of the MDC members claiming that some of the informers were MDC members.

Before admitting that the evidence he was giving in court was conflicting, Ntini had claimed that some undercover police officers had been deployed at Glen View 3 Shopping Centre, where Inspector Petros Mutedza died.

Ntini had told the court that some of the undercover police officers were Spencer Nyararai, Solomon Mushaninga, Victor Magutarima and the late Chikura.

However, it was put to Ntini by the defence counsel led by Beatrice Mtetwa that the three officers were part of the police reaction group that was led by

Mutedza leading Ntini to admit that there were no undercover police officers on the day in question.

This led the defence to point out to Ntini that those who were arrested were nowhere near the scene of the crime but only arrested through political profiling where MDC members in police records are arrested when a crime is committed.

Because of the police profiling more than 45 MDC members were arrested although some were released.

Among those arrested and released were Councillor Madzokere’s wife and sister who the police said would only be released after the police had nabbed the councillor.

Others were seriously assaulted in police cells as the police sought to make them sign warned and cautioned statement that they were part of the group of people who murdered Mutedza.

The trial resumed today after a break of nearly two weeks after the trial judge, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu and the State prosecutor, Edmore Nyazamba claimed that they were not feeling well.

The trial continues today.

Police forced accused Glen View murder suspects to wear MDC t-shirts

its official and his wife as they are politically motivated.

“It is of great worry that the attacks come at a time when there is the heavy presence of an illegal Zanu PF militia outfit, Al-Shabab that is causing terror in Kwekwe and surrounding areas. As a party, the MDC calls upon the police to urgently investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book,” Hon. Mwonzora said.

More return home

Mr Watchy Sibanda, the Matabeleland South Province Chairperson and another MDC official welcomes Nathaniel Nkala, one of the 20 members who defected from Ncube’s Party in Gwanda North. More than three hundred people have defected

back to MDC in less than a year.

Police on Monday resumed their crackdown against non-governmental organisations (NGOs) by arresting five employees of the Counselling Services Unit (CSU).

About 20 heavily armed police officers led by Detective Assistant Inspector Henry Dowa and Detective Assistant Inspector Murira raided the CSU offices around lunch time, armed with a search warrant justifying their raid as aimed to recover “offensive and subversive material” from the organisation’s offices in Harare, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said.

The police arrested Fidelis Mudimu, Zachariah Godi, James Zidzimu, Tafadzwa Gesa and Penn Bruno whom they have taken into custody at Harare Central Police Station.

According to the search warrant, the police officers claim to be convinced that the CSU is in possession of material that “defaces any house, building, wall, fence, lamp post, gate, elevator without

More arrests take place in Zimbabwe

John Kinnaird and his wife Jackie at a Harare hospital soon after admission

the consent of the owner or occupier thereof,” in contravention of section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The police officers confiscated a computer and some documents from the CSU offices.

Meanwhile, two MDC officials were on Monday arrested in Chivi North, Masvingo province on false charges of holding an illegal meeting in the district.

The two Kenny Machingura, the ward secretary for Ward 8 and Chidaushe the organising secretary were part of hundreds of MDC members who converged at Makovere Business Centre for an MDC meeting on Saturday.

However, the police tracked them on Monday at their homes and arrested them. They are currently detained at Mashava Police Station and the police are threatening to arrest more MDC members in the area.

By Clifford Hlatywayo