South African people and its government have betrayed Africa

To fathom that few weeks ago we were like one African family cheering behind the bafana-bafana team is quite shocking. The South African flag was on almost every car, house ,College, university and, for once, Africa’s hopes were revived. Indeed it is time for Africa. Where has this xenophobia come from then? To make matters worse it’s targeted at the same poor peasants who stood by you in time of need.

The Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals were there helping to make the African World Cup event a success,but I am truly astounded to hear that the foreign African nationals are scampering for safety. The most embarrassing situation is that the xenophobia is being targeted against African brothers and sisters.Where has the spirit of pan-Africanism gone to?


Policemen trying to stop the fire on foreigners who’ve been set alight by local people

Africa has played a pivotal role to ensure that your independence became a reality. When Mandela was released from prison we were all mad with joy. I remember as a young man running with joy upon catching wind of the news that South Africa was free. It was indeed a sigh of relief to us because I had heard the ordeal they went through in the fight against apartheid. Many ordinary citizens from countries like Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe were persecuted by the apartheid regime because of you. However they never threw up the towel for your sake, they persevered for the sake of Africa. Is this how you are going to repay the same ordinary people who suffered for you? Do not mock God, every creature must submit to God and respect other people. As we speak more than hundred African brothers and sisters have died at your hands, cold blooded murder of innocent people. Why South Africa Why.



More than 22 people have been killed, several women have been raped and hundreds of people have been tortured and injured

The South African government though I have always respected President Zuma for his mediation efforts in Zimbabwe has played a willing accomplice in this ruthless, criminal episode. I do not need a rocket scientist to know that such a horrendous activity of murder and butchering of innocent Africans can take place in their back yard and they will not apprehend any culprit. In 2008 African brothers were roasted alive with tires and ,funny enough, no significant arrests were made. Xenophobia has reared its ugly head again, and now the perpetrators are super charged because they got away with it. It is very clear that the leadership of the country is trying hide behind a finger, but God will judge your nation harshly if you do not repent from the terror you have subjected your neighbors to . I think what is left is a SADC and AU resolve to let South Africa to play alone because it does not play well with neighbors. I know the South African government sympathizes with the victims during the day and celebrate at night, but let it be known to you that what goes around comes around and history shall make you to account for your actions

I appeal to human rights organizations to begin legal action against the South African government on behalf of the victims. These victims should be compensated for shock, torture and death and the hands of their citizens. Some children are now street kids and orphans because of this violence, some people have been displaced while others have their future put in limbo after their meager but hard earned acquired property was set ablaze with these heartless African citizens (South Africans).The actions of our South African brothers have created destitutes and some of the children are now orphans resulting in them dying in the streets from poverty and starvation. I urge the human rights activists to stand up and gather all the data about all the people who were massacred so that the record can be clear to the rest of Africa. South Africans have failed to appreciate that they do not leave in an Island.

Its indeed very painful to realize that some foreign nationals who helped in making the world cup a success left the country fleeing for dear life without being paid for their hard work because of fear .Most South African employers took advantage and delayed to pay these foreign nationals so that they would flee leaving their money behind. Worse still some South Africans have looted the property of foreign nationals which took them a lifetime to acquire. How painful is that, being injured by your own brother.



Civil society should come in urgently to help these hapless people who are struggling to put food on their table. If the government wanted to stamp this xenophobia out it would not take time. Sadly, it seems to be silently approving this callous and satanic act. South Africa should stand and unequivocally tell the continent about its position; about whether or not it is is part of us. We are not ready to force them to be part us; we have played our role of emancipating them.

Simbarashe Chirimubwe is the leader of Concerned Africans Association (CAA) and Global Zimbabwe Forum Coordinator for Africa.

Africa needs foreign investment to tackle infrastructure deficit

By: Keith Campbell
6th July 2010


The infrastructure deficit in Africa currently amounts, in monetary terms, to $1,5-trillion, African Development Bank vice-president and Chief Economist Prof Mthuli Ncube told Engineering News Online on Tuesday. And the continent probably can’t afford to finance all the required development from its own resources.

“A lot of money needs to come from abroad in foreign direct investment,” he highlighted.

“There’s a need to develop roads through quasi-market initiatives such as public-private partnerships. Railway development is very important for Africa. In the 1960s and 70s one could travel from the Cape a lot of the way to Cairo by train, but political conflicts did a lot of damage to railways.”


Rail is the cheapest way to move freight from the interior to the coast, but many ports also need development or refurbishment, particularly in West Africa.

“We also need to develop the airline industry. We need to be able to travel across Africa by air, both passengers and cargo,” he added. “It is very difficult to fly between African countries. For example, to fly from South Africa to Tunisia, you have to go via Paris or Dubai.”

Nor is this all. There is also the need to develop the entire power generation sector. Oil infrastructure has to be expanded, and gas infrastructure developed. There is a need for more dams, for water supply and hydropower.

For example, he cited the Inga project in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “If it was developed it would be a wonderful project. It would benefit the whole region. The DRC couldn’t possibly use all that electricity.”

Then there is the issue of affordable housing. “One way for people to move into the middle class is to become home owners,” he pointed out.

There are, of course, areas in Africa with concentrations of high-quality infrastructure, such as Southern Africa, in particular South Africa, and North Africa, especially Egypt and Tunisia. “But all regions of Africa need more infrastructure,” he affirmed.

Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter

Africa must be democratic

By Rebaone Tswiio
NDOLA, Zambia - Democracy and political stability in Africa would create a conducive environment for trade and investment, President Lt Gen. Ian Khama Seretse Khama has said.Officially opening the 46th Zambia International Trade Fair on Saturday, President Khama said time was "long overdue" for Africa to rid herself of political instability and poor governance.
"In this day we can no longer patronise one another and watch and do nothing while our people suffer as a result of poor political leadership and bad management of national resources," emphasised President Khama.
He noted that in a democratic dispensation elected leaders owe a duty to their citizens to uphold principles of good governance, democracy and the rule of law, adding that "anything short of this is unacceptable."
President Khama also noted that Botswana and Zambia have had the difficult task of managing their economies during the global economic crunch while they both need to diversify their economies from dependence on the mineral sector.
"We all recognise that our countries can no longer afford to put our eggs in one basket," said President Khama. He added that sustained growth for both economies will require contributions from small, medium and large enterprises.
The fair was held under the theme "Economic recovery through innovation and competitiveness."
President Khama said the theme underscores the need to increasingly engage in systemic initiatives to improve the quality of the goods and services to make them competitive in the international market.

Guest of honour

President Khama noted that despite the financial crisis, Botswana and Zambia have significantly increased trade between them over the last five years.
President Khama emphasised the need for partnerships in mega projects within the region. "We should do everything in our power to ensure that construction of the Kazungula Bridge is complete as soon as possible."
The anticipated launch of a direct air link between Gaborone and Lusaka, he said, should also facilitate the swift movement of people, goods and services in a cost effective manner. BOPA

More defections from Mutambara MDC faction

Headlines, News — By admin on June 30, 2010 at 4:25 am

Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara might be left with no political party to lead by the time elections come next year given the massive defections from his crisis ridden MDC faction. After his party lost 27 councillors from Nkayi South and Nkayi North early this month and 16 councillors from Lupane East another 9 councillors from Kusile Rural District in Matebeleland North province defected to join the MDC led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

In a letter addressed to the MDC Matebeleland South provincial leadership on Friday 25 June 2010 the councilors said their actions were based on free will and there was no undue influence.

“Believing in our individual freedoms of association and political affiliation, having familiarized with relevant sections of the Rural District Act and acting on free will and without any undue influence, on the 21st of April we resolved to defect from Mutambara’s party to the MDC that is led by (President) Morgan Tsvangirai. We fully pledge to further the interests, policies and uphold principles of the MDC’s Constitution,” read part of the letter, which was signed by the 9 councillors.
The nine councillors are; Albert Mkwananzi Ward 1, Xolani Mhlophe Ward 2, Nehru Mpofu Ward 5, Doorman Moyo Ward 8, Sibangilizwe Ncube Ward 9, Sabelo Liberty Nyoni Ward 13, Sthabile Moyo Ward 14, Clara Mkandla Ward 27 and Zett Ncube Ward 16.

Early in June this year Mutambara was dealt a huge blow when 27 councillors in Nkayi South and North defected to join the MDC party. In a letter dated 10 June 2010 and addressed to the party’s secretary general, Professor Welshman Ncube the councilors said they had joined MDC-T.

“We the undersigned Nkayi RDC councilors who were voted under your party hereby advice you that we resigned from your party MDC-M. We are pleased to advice you that we have joined MDC-T.”

“For the avoidance of doubt we would like to inform you that our reason for crossing the floor was directed by the electorate who voted us into office on 29-03-08,” read party of the letter.

The letter which is also copied to Mutambara and the party’s national chairperson further says “Please don’t bother yourselves anymore to contact us .The chapter is closed. It was good doing politics with you.”

The letter which was dropped at the party’s regional offices by the ward 21 councillor Sicelo Mpofu on a Friday also had national identity numbers and signatures of the councilors who had deserted the party.


Welshman Ncube
Four weeks ago 16 councillors from Lupane East, sympathetic to the sacked former MP for the area Njabuliso Mguni, also resigned from the party accusing the party’s leadership of dictatorship and dining and wining with Zanu (PF). The Nkayi councillors are also believed to be sympathetic to Abedinco Bhebhe, the former MP of the area who was also sacked by the party along side with former Bulilima East MP Norman Mpofu.

There are also reports that other MDC-M councilors from Gwanda, Hwange and Tsholotsho are planning to abandon the party.

Nehanda Radio understands there is a growing anti-Mutambara feeling in the party and that Secretary General Welshman Ncube is already plotting to overthrow him.

Prime Minister Tsvangirai reshuffles Cabinet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai - The following Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers are being redeployed within the Party to strengthen and add momentum to Party programmes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOOD afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, I am here today to announce a ministerial reshuffle. This reshuffle is about the MDC delivering to the people of Zimbabwe. what they are looking for – real change.

Over the past 16 months, we have recorded definite success in certain areas.

We have brought sanity and stability to the economy.

We have revived the health sector, which had all but collapsed.

We have got the schools back up and running, and textbooks distributed.

We now have independent daily newspapers registered to operate.

Basic services such as sewerage reticulation, refuse collection and water provision have been restored in many areas.

However, we still have many challenges; and these frankly overshadow our successes to-date.

The pace of reform has been painfully slow.

Abuses of power are still all too common.

Many people are still struggling to make a living wage, and provide for their families.

Infrastructure rehabilitation and energy supply continue to inhibit development.

I am acutely aware that these and other challenges have led to a loss of confidence in the new administration amongst the electorate. In response to this, as Prime Minister and President of the MDC, I have just completed a comprehensive review of the performance of the Government, and in particular of my Office and those Ministers who represent the MDC.

As a result, I have decided on a number of changes needed to strengthen the performance of the MDC in government and outside government, in order to deliver real change to the people of Zimbabwe. These changes, are being made with immediate effect, and the new ministers will be sworn in tomorrow, Thursday 24th June.

The changes that are being implemented are as follows:

The following Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers are being redeployed within the Party to strengthen and add momentum to Party programmes:

Elias Mudzuri, formerly Minister of Energy and Power Development, and the Party’s National Organiser
Fidelis Mhashu, formerly Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, and the Party’s National Executive Member for Chitungwiza Evelyn Masaiti, formerly Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender & Community Development, and the Party’s Secretary of the Women’s Assembly Thamasanqa Mhalangu, formerly Deputy Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation & Empowerment, and the Party’s National Youth Chairperson.

The following will become Cabinet Ministers:

Jameson Timba, formerly Deputy Minister of Media, Information & Publicity, will become Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Tapiwa Mashakada, will become Minister of Economic Planning & Investment Promotion
The following will become Deputy Ministers:

Gift Chimanikire will become Deputy Minister of Mines & Mining Development
Obert Gutu will become Deputy Minister of Justice & Legal Affairs.
Tongai Matutu will become Deputy Minister of Youth, Indigenisation & Empowerment
The following Cabinet Ministers will change portfolios, as follows:

Elton Mangoma formerly Minister of Economic Planning & Investment Promotion, will become Minister of Energy & Power Development Theresa Makone, formerly Minister of Public Works, will become Minister of Home Affairs
Giles Mutsekwa, formerly Minister of Home Affairs, will become co-Minister of Housing & Social Amenities
Gorden Moyo, formerly Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, will become Minister of State Enterprises & Parastatals
Joel Gabuza, formerly Minister of State Enterprises & Parastatals, will become Minister of Public Works
The following Deputy Ministers will change portfolios, as follows:

Murisi Zvizvai, formerly Deputy Minister of Mines & Mining Development, will become Deputy Minister of Media, Information & Publicity Jesse Majome, formerly Deputy Minister of Justice & Legal Affairs, will become Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender & Community Development Ladies and Gentlemen, the MDC agreed to form this inclusive Government as it represented the most practical means of moving Zimbabwe forward and halt the needless suffering of the people.

In undertaking this task I have been humbled and encouraged by the commitment of all members of the MDC’s leadership, both within and outside of Government and I believe we are truly embodying the principles of a Party of Excellence.

I therefore wish to thank those Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are returning to the Party for their commitment and hard work and I call upon those remaining in the Government and our new Ministers and Deputy Ministers to join me in redoubling our efforts to deliver real change to the people of Zimbabwe.

- Morgan Tsvangirai, MDC President and Prime Minister of Zimbabwe

27 councillors ditch Mutambara MDC

MDC-M Leader Authur Mutambara

HARARE - Twenty seven councillors in the Arthur Mutambara-led MDC have walked out of the party and crossed floors to the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai in the latest mass defections to rock the party.

The mass defections come hardly two weeks after 16 councillors from Lupane East resigned from the party in solidarity with their sacked MP, Njabuliso Mguni, who also accused the party leadership of supping with Zanu (PF).

The 27 councillors from Nkayi South and North jumped ship on June 10. They said their constituents had taken the decision and they were simply following what the people who voted them into office wanted.

The impetus for the latest rebellion is not immediately clear according to the resignation letters, but inside sources say there was concern that Mutambara was ingratiating himself more and more with President Mugabe.

“We the undersigned Nkayi RDC councilors who were voted under your party hereby advice you that we resigned from your party MDC-M. We are pleased to advice you that we have joined MDC-T," said the resignation letter signed by all the councillors and addressed to party secretary general Welshman Ncube. The letter was copied to Mutambara.

Ncube was not immediately available for comment on the matter.

But the letter continued: "For the avoidance of doubt we would like to inform you that our reason for crossing the floor was directed by the electorate who voted us into office on 29-03-08. Please don’t bother yourselves anymore to contact us .The chapter is closed. It was good doing politics with you."

Party spokesman Ediwn Mushoriwa however denied that there were massive defections, saying "we have not received any official communication to that effect."

He described the letter as "fake" and said it wasnt the first letter the party had received purpoting to communicate defections.

But ward 21 councillor Sicelo Mpofu said no amount of denials would reverse the decision.

(C) Zimbabwe Reporter 2010

Constitution public hearings official launch Wednesday

HARARE - Zimbabwe on Wednesday officially launches public hearings on a new Constitution in Harare, with the three principals in the inclusive government expected to make an address.

The public hearings are expected to resume in earnest on Saturday, with citizens expected to weigh in on a proposed new Constitution. Outreach teams are poised to hold meetings in each of the country's 1 957 wards.

Thd public hearings commence amid complaints from the Prime Minister's MDC party that its supporters were under siege from marauding Zanu (PF) militia especially in the countryside.

Seventy teams will be deployed countrywide Saturday to gather views and ideas that Zimbabweans wanted included in the new governance charter.

An official function has been planned for Harare Wednesday where the three principals to the Global Political Agreement (GPA), President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy Arthur Mutambara are expected to speak at the launch.

All the three principals have collectively shown anxiety for the process to start in earnest.

Tsvangirai said: "The new people-driven Constitution is our birthright.The Constitution is an important document that should guarantee the people’s basic rights."

The public meetings have been sidetracked by partisan bickering, shameless scrounging for donor dollars and bogus non-issues.

The MDC said in a statement Tuesday its Midlands North provincial chairperson, Cephas Zimuti who was arrested on Sunday at Gokwe Centre, was released on Monday without any charge being brought against him.

"The police had earlier charged him on flimsy charges of mobilising MDC supporters to participate in the Constitution-making process," the statement said.

In Masvingo West, Masvingo province, an armed self-styled war veteran, Risiko Mutande on Sunday threatened MDC supporters with unspecified action if they attended a rally that was to be addressed by the MP for the constituency, Tachiona Mharadza on Constitutional issues. Mutande made the threats in the company of Zanu (PF) youths, the MDC said.

The public hearings are expected to last two months. Zimbabweans hope a new charter, replacing one inked in 1979 before independence from Britain, will strengthen the role of parliament and curtail the president's powers, as well as guaranteeing civil liberties and political and media freedom.

(C) Zimbabwe Reporter 2010