The Economic & Political Box

SA and Nokia partner on ICT initiatives

2011-08-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Espoo, Finland - The Department of Science and Technology in South Africa and Nokia Corporation have announced an ambitious new partnership aimed at implementing a number of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects, targeted at providing a thrust for innovation and growth across the country.

This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by the DST and Nokia, establishing a framework on which potential areas of collaboration can be developed, funded and implemented.

Addressing the media on this partnership, the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, acknowledged the role of ICT in stimulating economic growth.

"This is why the DST is leading the implementation of the national ICT research, development and innovation strategy. In this regard, we view public-private partnerships to be of importance for us in achieving this objective," said the Minister.

One of the key expected outcomes of this plan is an innovative indigenous ICT industry that addresses South Africa's ICT needs in the public and private sectors, and attracts investment by multinationals involved in innovation and manufacturing.

In addition to a significant increase in the number of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD levels, these R&D outputs are gradually evolving into near-market prototypes, large-scale technology demonstrators and packaged solutions that can readily address key priorities of government, such as education, health and enhanced citizen interaction with government.

Vice President for Government Relations for Nokia Middle East and Africa, Jussi Hinkkanen, said South Africa has a thriving telecommunication industry with a lot of potential for disruptive innovation.

"Our objective is to support local talent in developing their skills, and then integrate them into both regional and global markets," said Mr Hinkkanen.

In addition to stimulating entrepreneurial activity and high technological innovation, the collaboration intends to stimulate the interest of South African learners, cultivating the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. The General Manager for Nokia in South Africa, Gerard Brandjes, added: "As South Africa's leading mobile company, it is our responsibility to identify areas where our technical skills can facilitate the development of society. We hope the educational focus under this collaboration will motivate thousands of South African learners to explore careers in technology."

Some key focus areas to highlight that are covered in the MOU:

- Basic Sciences Education Support Programs: In conjunction with the Department of Basic Education, the DST and the Meraka Institute of the Council for Industrial and Scientific Research (CSIR), programs aimed at improved delivery of educational services through the use of mobile devices are being implemented. These include the Mobile Learning for Math and Nokia Education Delivery initiatives which were created to assist in the education of tens of thousands of South African learners.

- Mobile applications laboratory: This is a joint initiative between the DST, infoDev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Finland) and Nokia that intends to train and build both the business and technical capabilities of the developer community. This will help them develop locally relevant content, solutions and services, and connect them to local, regional and international markets.

- Access to broadband networks for communities: Through Nokia Siemens Network and the CSIR, the parties will explore ways to enhance access to ICT for rural communities and support the wireless mesh network project.

- Support of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) bid: Through Nokia Siemens Network, the Africa SKA Project Office and the DST, the parties will continue to seek ways to enhance collaboration on large-scale computing, data transport and sensor networks in support of the African SKA bid; a project that is expected to revolutionize the ICT industry in terms of data processing and sensor networks.

"Nokia Siemens Networks is using its global expertise in telecommunications and in-depth knowledge of the local South African market to advise the SKA bid teams, from both a technical and business perspective, about the best options to transport the huge volumes of generated data to the high-performance computer center of the SKA.

"We have been involved in the project from the start, supporting and advising the project team on all technical requirements, capacity planning, provisioning and skills," said Rufus Andrew, Managing Director of Nokia Siemens Networks South Africa.

With the commitment shown by all parties under this MOU - and the increased investment in R&D by both private and public sectors - the DST and Nokia believe that opportunities exist for bold interventions that will enable South Africa to secure a greater share of global markets, and help bridge digital divide.

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

2011-08-15T06:19:00.001-07:00

Mountain View - Google Inc. and Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $40.00 per share in cash, or a total of about $12.5bn, a premium of 63% to the closing price of Motorola Mobility shares on Friday, August 12, 2011.

The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

“Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.”

The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.

Larry Page, CEO of Google, said, “Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.”

Sanjay Jha, CEO of Motorola Mobility, said, “This transaction offers significant value for Motorola Mobility’s stockholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, customers, and partners around the world. We have shared a productive partnership with Google to advance the Android platform, and now through this combination we will be able to do even more to innovate and deliver outstanding mobility solutions across our mobile devices and home businesses.”

Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google, said, “We expect that this combination will enable us to break new ground for the Android ecosystem. However, our vision for Android is unchanged and Google remains firmly committed to Android as an open platform and a vibrant open source community. We will continue to work with all of our valued Android partners to develop and distribute innovative Android-powered devices.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals in the US, the European Union and other jurisdictions, and the approval of Motorola Mobility’s stockholders. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2011 or early 2012.

Stay smart, stay out of debt

2011-06-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

Johannesburg - It’s an exciting time – you’re finally earning your own pay cheque and proving you can make it on your own. The things you desire most are within financial reach. But keeping your debt to manageable levels is one of the most important steps you can take to ensuring your dreams turn into reality.

“When it comes to finances, young people are faced with a number of challenges,” says Obed Tongoane, Manager at the National Credit Regulator (NCR). “Many have a student loan to pay off, but are lured early on by credit deals which keep them permanently in debt.”

He says taking a few common-sense steps can help you manage your debt.

Understand the different types of credit and their cost

Debt is not always bad. “It’s important to be able to build up a credit history so that when you want to apply for a car or home loan, credit providers can see that you can manage your finances responsibly,” says Tongoane. “However, make sure you understand the true cost of credit.”

Unsecured debt, such as credit cards and personal loans are more expensive than secured debt, where assets such as a house, act as security.

This is evident from the amount of interest credit providers are allowed to charge for different types of credit under the National Credit Act (NCA). On a mortgage agreement, for example, credit providers can charge a maximum interest of 17.1% per year.

This is with the repo rate currently at 5.5%. Compare this to other types of credit such as credit facilities which consist of credit cards, store cards and overdrafts. With these, credit providers can charge a maximum interest of 22.1% per year.

For unsecured credit transactions which consist of mainly personal loans, credit providers can charge a maximum interest of 32.1% per year. If you are looking to buying a car or furniture, then the maximum interest a credit provider can charge is 22.1% per year. You will be charged 5% per month for short term credit transactions.

These are loans not exceeding R8 000 and the whole amount is repayable within a period not exceeding 6 months. You will be charged 2% per month for incidental credit agreements. Credit providers can also charge other cots as stipulated in the National Credit Act.

Budget and plan

“Budgeting will assist you to keep track of your finances. The trick is being in control of your finances by creating a monthly budget and seeing how much money you have left over at the end of each month after basic expenses. Remember to always draw a budget and stick to it,” adds Tongoane.

“Before credit providers extend credit, they are required to conduct an affordability assessment to assess the consumer’s general understanding and appreciation of the risks and costs of the proposed credit; the rights and obligations of a consumer under the credit agreement; debt repayment history as a consumer under credit agreements; and the consumer’s existing financial means, prospects and obligations,” he says.

He adds that When you take up credit, read the small print before you sign up. It’s tempting to drive a flashy car and wear the latest designer labels, but if you get into a cycle of buying a new car every few years, you’ll simply be swapping one loan for another.

“If you’re going to borrow, invest in a more concrete asset, such as a home or property,” he adds.

Know your rights

As a consumer, you have rights and obligations under the National Credit Act. The NCR regulates credit bureaux and the consumer credit information held by the credit bureaux. The Act also assists over-indebted consumers to restructure their debt and aims to prevent over-indebtedness of consumers as well as to encourage responsible lending by credit providers.

“Debt counselling will help you to restructure your debts, but remember you need to continue paying your instalments even when under debt counselling. Consumers who are facing financial difficulties should try and get help before they even default on their repayments,” adds Tongoane.

Reduce your debt over time

If you have negative listings at the credit bureau, you should aim to rectify those.

“Avoid being tempted by offers of more loans, especially those that target consumers with poor credit records,” says Tongoane. “Paying off one debt with another is one of the worst things you can do.”

He advises instead to put a debt reduction plan in place to ensure that you work towards paying off your debt.

“Unfortunately there’s no quick fix and cleaning up and moving on can take a while, but it is possible,” he adds.

“One of the ways to improve your credit rating is by proving your responsibility over time, paying your instalments on time and not taking on too much debt than you can handle,” concludes Tongoane.

Nokia enters patent license agreement with Apple

2011-06-14T02:43:00.001-07:00

Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced that it has signed a patent license agreement with Apple. The agreement will result in settlement of all patent litigation between the companies, including the withdrawal by Nokia and Apple of their respective complaints to the US International Trade Commission.

The financial structure of the agreement consists of a one-time payment payable by Apple and on-going royalties to be paid by Apple to Nokia for the term of the agreement. The specific terms of the contract are confidential.

"We are very pleased to have Apple join the growing number of Nokia licensees," said Stephen Elop, president and chief executive officer of Nokia. "This settlement demonstrates Nokia's industry leading patent portfolio and enables us to focus on further licensing opportunities in the mobile communications market."

During the last two decades, Nokia has invested approximately €43bn in research and development and built one of the wireless industry's strongest and broadest IPR portfolios, with over 10 000 patent families.

Nokia is a world leader in the development of handheld device and mobile communications technologies, which is also demonstrated by Nokia's strong patent position.

This agreement is expected to have a positive financial impact on Nokia's recently revised outlook for the second quarter 2011 of around break-even non-IFRS operating margin for Devices & Services.

Migration has win-win benefits: report

2011-04-01T03:08:00.001-07:00

Johannesburg – With about 30 million Africans living outside their home countries, migration is a vital lifeline for the continent. Yet African governments need to do more to realize the full economic benefits of the phenomenon, says a new report by the African Development Bank and the World Bank.

The report, Leveraging Migration for Africa: Remittances, Skills, and Investments, presents data from new surveys. The report finds evidence that suggest migration and remittances reduce poverty in the origin communities.

Remittances lead to increased investments in health, education, and housing in Africa. Diasporas also provide capital, trade, knowledge, and technology transfers.

“Migration pressures will only rise in the future as a result of demographic changes of rising population in Africa and falling labor forces in Europe and many developed countries,” said Hans Timmer, director of development prospects at the World Bank.

“Therefore, adapting policy responses to demographic forces and crafting multilateral arrangements for managing future migration is essential.”

Two-thirds of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly poorer migrants, go to other countries in the region, while more than 90% of migrants from North Africa have moved outside the African continent.

The top destinations for African migrants are France (9% of total emigrants), Cote d’Ivoire (8%), South Africa (6%), Saudi Arabia (5%), and the United States and the United Kingdom (4% each).

Shantayanan Devarajan, chief economist of the Africa region at the World Bank, said “Migration of skilled labor is particularly high in small and low-income African countries, which already have low levels of human capital. Fragile and post-war countries face even bigger challenges because of the flight of human capital. African governments and policy makers should focus on increasing education and skill levels and establishing an environment in which high-skilled workers have productive opportunities at home.”

“African governments need to strengthen ties between diasporas and home countries, protect migrants, and expand competition in remittance markets,” said Dilip Ratha, main author of the report and lead economist at the World Bank. “Otherwise, the potential of migration for Africa remains largely untapped.”

One innovation worth considering are diaspora bonds, which are sold by governments or private companies to nationals living abroad. These bonds have already been successful in tapping into assets of Israeli and Indian citizens living abroad.

According to Ratha¸ Sub-Saharan African countries can potentially raise $5–$10bn a year in diaspora bonds. Countries with large diasporas in high-income countries that can potentially issue diaspora bonds include Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia in Sub-Saharan Africa and Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia in North Africa.

“African banks can improve their access to international capital markets by issuing bonds that are securitized by future remittance inflows,” said Mthuli Ncube, Chief Economist of the African Development Bank.

“The African Development Bank, the World Bank and bilateral donors can play a significant role in facilitating remittance securitization and mitigating the risks to African countries of issuing these remittance-backed bonds. Efforts can include technical assistance in project design and creditworthiness analysis, prudential debt management, and helping African countries obtain sovereign ratings.”

Recorded remittances into Africa, which grew fourfold between 1990 and 2010 to reach nearly $40bn in 2010, are the continent’s largest source of foreign capital after foreign direct investments.

Recent surveys show that investments such as land purchases, building a home, and starting a business were the highest uses of remittances sent home by African diaspora.

As a share of total investment, these represented 36% in Burkina Faso, 55% in Kenya, 57% in Nigeria, 15% in Senegal, and 20% in Uganda.

Education was the second-highest use of remittances from outside Africa into Nigeria and Uganda, the third highest into Burkina Faso, and the fourth highest into Kenya.

However, official remittance flows to Africa are significantly underestimated, with only about half of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa collecting and reporting remittance data with any regularity.

The report finds it is still very expensive to send remittances to African countries, particularly within Africa. According to Ratha, these high costs encourage the use of informal channels and are an unnecessary burden for African migrants and remittance recipients.

DHL delivers fast-lane logistics to F1

2011-04-01T03:07:00.001-07:00

Johannesburg - Global logistics provider, DHL, has announced that it will continue with its commitment to support the logistics needs of Formula 1 as the official logistics partner.

The company says it will support F1 in delivering equipment for the 2011 series.

“The 2011 Formula 1 season starts its engines in Melbourne this weekend and we are proud to be the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1, ensuring that the organization and teams have everything in place when they need it,” says Ken Allen, CEO of DHL Express.

“Success in Formula 1 racing depends on a perfect mix of skills, commitment and a can-do attitude of trained and highly-capable professionals. The same applies to logistics.”

With its global customs clearance expertise, DHL simplifies the logistics of Formula 1 by ensuring fast-lane import of racing cars as well as their replacement parts – engines, tires and spares.

It also handles fuel requirements and additional freight, such as TV equipment, VIP tents, computer equipment, laptops as well as radio sets and headphones for communication purposes. The deliveries also include furnishings for the Formula One Paddock Club, which is the exclusive VIP hospitality for Formula 1.

DHL says it has specialized units to coordinate the transport of cars, equipment and fuel to the Formula 1 tracks around the world by air, sea and land – for both test sessions and GPs.

"DHL also has a 24-hour service point at the racetrack. The on-site team offers round-the-clock service for urgent shipments, customs clearance as well as shipments of hazardous goods and temperature controlled items. The teams can utilize DHL’s vast global network to pick up and deliver at any race circuit in the world," says the company.

In addition to providing logistics support, it said it also awards Formula 1 drivers with the Fastest Lap trophy, which recognizes the driver with the greatest number of fastest laps at the end of each season.

DHL is a global market leader in the logistics industry and commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services.

It is a global network of more than 220 countries and territories with about 275 000 employees worldwide.

The company, is part of Deutsche Post DHL and the Group generated revenue of more than €51bn in 2010.

South Africa finally joining the BRIC

2011-02-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

What earns South Africa the qualification to be invited to join the BRIC countries? It is one question that has left socio-economic analysts buffled and some academics black and blue.

The size of its economy comes barely close to that of the so called “Big Four”, yet it has received an official invite to share whatever spoils are offered on the top table.

One would have been forgiven to believe that Mexico or North Korea was closer to the BRIC doors than South Africa because of their nominal GDPs.

The Bric club, comprised of the world’s fastest growing economies, include Brazil, Russia, India and China stand reflective of their progressive economic policies and their governments’ steadfast resolve to find workable economic solutions suitable to their countries and their people.

Despite China’s not so good human rights record, it has soldiered ahead and is now the second largest economy in the world, after the United States of America – not far behind!

Brazil, a country composed of 26 States and one federal district, that contains the Capital city, Brasilia, is the largest country in South America, both geographically and by population.

It remains the largest national economy in Latin America and the world’s 8th largest economy at market exchange rates and, according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, it is the world’s 9th largest in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).

Brazil’s population as recorded in 2008 stood at 190 million people with about 83% defined as urban. Its GDP (PPP) stands at $10.200, placing it at number 64 in the world according to the World Bank.

Russia on the other hand has a market economy with enormous natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas. It has the 10th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and the 6th largest by purchasing power parity (PPP).

By the end of 2008, its annual average growth rate for the 9th consecutive year was at 7%. It managed to drive effective poverty eradication programmes that saw the middle class grow from just 8 million persons in 2000 to 55 million persons in 2006. It is a country with an estimated 13% of its people living below the poverty line.

Russia’s population in January 2010 stood at 142 million people with 73% living in urban areas.
India, consisting of 28 States and 7 union territories, it is the 7th largest country by geographical area, with a whooping population of over 1.2 billion people.

According to the IMF, India's nominal GDP stood at US$1.3 trillion, which makes it the 11th economy in the world, corresponding to a per capita income of US$1 000. If its purchasing power parity (PPP) is taken into account, India's economy is the 4th largest economy in the world at US$3.6 trillion.

The country ranks 142th in nominal GDP per capita, with an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.8% for the past two decades. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The country’s annual growth has averaged 7.5% in the last few years.

The people’s republic of China, generally known as China is the second largest country in the world by land area with a whooping population of 1.3 billion people and 22 provinces.

The inaugural Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse Research Institute in mid-2010 stated China is expected to overtake Japan as the second wealthiest country in the world by 2015 ($35 trillion) due to its rapid economic growth and strong domestic consumption.

It is the world's second largest trading power behind the US with a total international trade of US$2.21 trillion. Its foreign exchange reserves have reached US$2.4 trillion, making it by far the world's largest.

The country owns an estimated $1.6 trillion of US securities. With US$801.5bn in US Treasury bonds, is the largest foreign holder of US public debt. It remains the world's third largest recipient of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) by attracting US$92.4bn in 2008 alone, while the country itself increasingly invests abroad with a total outward FDI of US$52.2bn in 2008 alone becoming the world's sixth largest outward investor.

China has the world's second largest nominal GDP at 34.06 trillion Yuan (US$4.99 trillion), although its per capita income of US$3,700 is still low and puts the PRC behind roughly a hundred countries. The primary, secondary and tertiary industries contributed 10.6%, 46.8%, and 42.6% respectively to the total economy in 2009.

If its purchasing power parity is taken into account, the PRC's economy is second only to the US at US$9.05 trillion corresponding to US$6 800 per capita.

South Africa, by invitation will soon be added to the club commonly known as Bric. It is a country with 9 provinces and 48 million people and unemployment topping 25%.

South Africa is a middle-income country with an abundant supply of resources, well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors, a stock exchange that ranks among the top twenty in the world. It remains the largest energy producer and consumer on the continent, and ranked 25th in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) as of 2008.

In a 2010 survey, South Africa was found to have the second most sophisticated financial markets and the second-lowest effective business tax rate (business taxes as a percentage of company profits), out of 14 surveyed countries.

The country was also ranked 4th for ease of accessing capital, 4th for cost of capital, 6th for its transportation infrastructure (considered better than that of China, India, Mexico, Brazil and Poland, but behind that of Korea and Chile), and seventh for foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP: in 2008 it was over 3% of the GDP.

However, for availability of manual labour, South Africa is ranked last, and is also the only country of the 14 whose labour force shrunk in 2008 (by over 3%, compared to India, where the workforce grew by almost 3%). The cost of manual labour is ranked 5th out of 11 countries, at about the same level as South Korea, but more expensive than Brazil, India and China. South African factory workers are also better paid than those of Brazil, China, India, Poland and Mexico.

South Africa ranks poorly when it comes to education; only India fares worse when it comes to the percentage of matriculants that moved onto higher education in 2007. In Brazil, 30% of matriculants graduated to tertiary institutions in 2007, and the figure was over 50% in Chile and over 90% in Korea, compared to just 15% in South Africa.

The question is where do these matriculants go after finishing school as the country is said to be running short of manual labour and ranked last in that regard?

South Africa is far behind other emerging markets, such as India and China because of several factors that include the size of the country and its population. Despite the fact that it does posses a huge domestic consumer base, it is in no way comparable to the other Bric club members whose populations top 100 million people.

The country has an inadequate, if not deficient education system and, as a consequence, an acute shortage of skilled manpower exacerbated by severe brain drain and an immigration system that does not promote the importation of those scarce skills.

A leading economist with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the SA government’s investment vehicle, once said that SA must make full use of the SADC countries and further open up ways of investing time and resources in its neighbouring countries. Through working bilateral relations, and other trade agreements, SA can create a bigger consumer pool than it currently has.

It has agreements with its neighbours that have never been effectively implemented. Opening up debate within the SADC on the manufacture, movement of finished goods, services and raw materials will certainly help.

Labour has been in the lead crying out loud about the strong and volatile currency which it says deters investors and makes exports less competitive.

The infrastructure, though far better than in the rest of Africa, suffers from severe bottlenecks, including power shortages. The national electricity generating and supply company, Eskom says it will take a lot of effort and teamwork to avoid load shedding in 2011, indicating a severe lack of upgrade and investment in electricity generation.

When President Jacob Zuma visited China in August 2010, with the largest business delegation ever, it was SA’s hope that this will warm up political and economic relations between the two countries.

China has been a very important political partner to SA. With the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two in 1998, the relationship has deepened, both economically and politically.

Politically, SA regards China as an important player in global debates characterizing a shift to multipolarity, while China regards SA as the gateway to Africa economically, and also an agent in resolving African disputes with a “look east policy” approach.

Academics and experts suggest that China is in a league of its own compared to the other BRIC countries.

David Rothkopf, president and CEO of Garten Rothkopf, an international advisory firm specializing in transformational global trends wrote in Foreign Policy, a bimonthly America magazine, that "without China, the BRICs are just the BRI, a bland, soft cheese that is primarily known for the wine that goes with it. China is the muscle of the group and the Chinese know it. It wields effective veto power over any BRIC initiatives because without them, who cares really?”

He says they are the one with the big reserves and have the biggest potential market.

Deutsche Bank Research said in a report that "economically, financially and politically, China overshadows and will continue to overshadow the other BRICs."

The report also added that China's economy is larger than that of the three other BRIC economies combined and moreover, its exports and its official reserve holdings are more than twice as large as those of the other BRICs combined.

Hence, this invitation is widely viewed as a resultant of warm relations, politically, between China and SA.

Zimbabweans: The Fight For Your Rights Continues

2009-12-04T02:01:00.000-08:00

Firstly, I would like to congratulate WOZA for having been bestowed a very prestigious award by the United States of America's President, Barack Obama in the last week in Washington.

Ilungelo ngelakho (Zulu for: It Is Your Right).

(Pictured: WOZA's Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu in the USA last week)

Last week I decided to visit the Methodist church in Central Johannesburg, just to see for myself what was going down there. After a long and unfruitful discussion with a government official hours before that, I set out for the church to see and get the feel of what these poor souls were experiencing.

There has been a lot of talk and absolutely no action social and political circles with regards to this place and its inhabitants. In the darkest, dubious corridors of power, South Africa's senior government officials have discussed at length about these people, but have constantly fallen flat on their tummies and abysmally failed to resurrect not even a single solution for them. Only NGOs come to their rescue once in a while, at least they do.

Zimbabwean refugees remain a problem for the government of South Africa and the Department of Home Affairs. As the country's laws stand, they give no recognition for economic refugees under which the previous Thabo Mbeki led administration fought so hard to classify these people.

The laws in South Africa do recognise political refugees, but there remains a certain leaning by the government, that is so against claims that Zimbabwe does have political activists who are in danger. This seemingly is African National Congress's policy and was evidently displayed by the long and winding road Eric Bennett's case was taken through, including the rejection of his claim of being persecuted by the Zimbabwean Authorities.

However, after a long court battle, he was eventually granted asylum - how many of those poor refugees being haboured at the Central Methodist Church can afford such a long court battle with a government determined and unleashing its every possible resource to save its face in the international community, through denying these foreigners their rights, a right to protection and a right to asylum - to be precise.

Last week, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Zuma announced that she will be doing some consultations, that began with COSATU on a new migration policy for the government. This policy might benefit Zimbabweans and other nationalities as it has been mentioned that it will look at the possibilities of recognising econimic immigrants and refugees from the neighbouring countries.

The government is prepared to alter its migration policy so as to incorporate economic migrants or economic refugees because it is not prepared to give out political asylum to Zimbabweans. Rather, the policy be altered....ha!

The South African government is aware of the fact that there are endangered people within its borders, but intentionally refuse to accept it for obvious political reasons. As the guarantor of the so called Global Political Agreement, the leadership wants to be seen by the international world as having made progress in Zimbabwe. Thabo Mbeki was well known for his "What Crisis?" phrase and Zimbabweans discarded him, just as South Africans did themselves a bit later.

But still, little has been done both by the SADC and the Mugabe led ZANU PF to convince Zimbabweans scattered all over and the world in general that there is a political will from them to resolve the sticking areas of the GPA. Morgan Tsvangirai led Movement for Democratic Change has been in the lead and so much has changed for the better in Zimbabwe recently recording a positive GDP and an even better focust by the International Monetory Fund. A first in ten years!.

Zimbabwe remains a very safe country to live in....only if you do not meddle in politics, but if you decide to stand up and lift an open palm outstretched and point out what is wrong....you are state enemy number 1. You might never live to see the following morning stars.

The vicious claws of the political and security machinations are digging even deeper with the thought of losing power or sharing that with the opposition MDC. Through all this, no or so little thought is spared to the suffering masses, but all minds go to the "likely pain" of losing wealth and the vast barren under-utilised farming eastates as well as mining interests!

Zimbabwean Women Must Follow Kenya Style Of Strike

2009-05-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

Cartoon (left) : Newzimbabwe.

I had to drag myself out of bed this morning. It felt like I hand a cold, my head was banging so hard like I was standing inside the tower of the cathedral clock. I just thought of that "rocket fuel" (strong coffee) I had had the other morning and with out pause, I hastily made it to the kettle.

"Ah..." It did taste awful but I knew it was going to help me. Just then when I was lifting the cup for the second time, my mobile rang.

"Its Trevor" I muted to myself, slowly easing my hand with the cup to the table. Not that I was afraid of answering Trevor's call, but Trevor could stay on the phone till Kingdom come discussing about the entire African continent.

Believe me I have tried to take care of him. First I tried to make him see that phoning for longer periods was not right. Then I told him you are blocking my calls from other callers for 3 hours!. Nothing works with him!, any way...

"hie Trevor" I answered him.
"Have you had that Kenyan women have gone on strike from the 30th of April to the 5th of May. No sex in the house. Do you think you can survive..."
"hold on Trevor am in a meeting, call me at 1600".

That was as short as it could go with Trevor today. I know I miss him if he doesn't call at times, but I would rather call than he be the one that calls.

The strike by Kenyan women is fascinating, it is a world first. They broke boundaries, what was perceived as taboo in Africa. But they have the right to. It is something that belongs to them and they can flaunt it as much as they like. I think the men folk are not as creative as those women out there.

Naturally, from an African's perspective (I am African), the old wise men always used to say to young men, "do not let a woman lead you into discussing issues of importance in bed, for you will agree to things that matter, only to her". Several times, these old men's words come true, then you wonder how you agreed to chase your own family from your house for no apparent reason.

This is the power women wield, the power of persuasion and a promise to be rewarded handsomely once you obey and do as she say. If these men decide not to do anything after the five day strike, I wonder what they will say if they had to extend it by another ten days UNTIL something is done.

I wonder what would happen if Zimbabwean women had to implement the same strategy and go on strike and abstain from sex in the house for two weeks. Will the security chiefs come to the table and discuss issues of importance with Morgan Tsvangirai or they will just rape their wives and keep quiet.....because they know they have no where to report. If she reports the Station Commander will personally ferry her back to the house in which she was rapped where the Chief will be unceremoniously waiting.

The suffering undergone by women in some countries is horrendous. Especially those countries without the rule of law. People are simply not arrested for murder in Zimbabwe, the security chiefs who are the people supposed to be locked up for murdering and blatantly abusing the people's human rights are dining and wining their business partners with US$600 bottle wines whilst the freedom fighters and human rights activists languish in empty stomach's in the country's "hell hole" filthy detention centres.

Yet also, these people have the audacity to come out and call for the lifting of the sanctions. The lifting of the sanctions will be a licence for them to go and squander legally the money they stole from the country's taxpayers. How can someone who has been in the army all his life as commander, later be regarded as one of the country's wealthiest people, yet he was on the civil service payroll and probably still earns the meagre US$10 pension /month, a budget that does not even come close to that of his dogs food per month.

It is funny how the Prime Minister tries to defend ZANU PF, Bob and his disciples. What makes it even more laughable is the fact ZANU PF is making it clear to evryone that they are in charge through their action and little talk, but the Prime Minister decides to tell the media "there is nothing that Mugabe does without my approval, and there is nothing I do without his approval".

One wonders why the Hon. Prime Minister would go to such extents of embarrassing himseflf and the party. Maybe, maybe... since Mugabe is also earning US$100 per month, and managing to send his children to universities overseas living in penthouses in highly secured areas, it must be easy for everyone in the country to do so, why not as everyone earns that US$100. Lets give it a try!!!.

Why Would SA Deny The Dalai Lama A Visa?

2009-03-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

The South African government's ban or denial to grant the Tibetan Spiritual Leader, the Dalai Lama the visa to enter the country last week is a shame and a blatant rebuke on the face of the long and often teacherous road of almost seemingly, never ending fight for freedom and human rights.

South Africa, is one country with a telling history of freedom fighters. Having learnt from history, like they say, experience is the best teacher, the country should be in a position to understand exactly what the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet are going through.

This man has been in exile for almost fifty years for God's sake, just because of Beijing's policy of holding on to Tibet and never accord them their sovereignty!. This selfishness and short arrogance bent on breaking the spirits of those who demand freedom and justice has apparently caught fire in South Africa, how unbelievable!. Taiwan was lucky to escape its greazly claws and bottomless pits in the knick of time. Still, the mainland drools at the idea of having the island back in its claws.

The people of Tibet's spirits should not be dampened by South Africa's foolhardy decision and then expect the world to speculate about the pressure they had from China. Is China South Africa's colonial master?. China has no direct control of South African affairs and how the African National Congress would want to run its Foreign Affairs desk. However, it can diplomatically influence the outcome, but reason tells me that ethics and morallity will bubble to the surface and get the ANC to see the light. They have been in the Dalai Lama's shoes and surely, the bunch must understand him better than any other person.

During Apartheid days, the African National Congress and its members were largely perceived as trouble causers and terrorists, but years later, they were the celebrated brave men and women of the century for having sacrificed their lives through stagging fights, fierce fights for freedom, human rights, equality and justice. During those days South African exiles were welcome in many corners of the world and people spoke of apartheid as "the worst human degrading system". As champions of africa's rainbow nation and democracy, the government of South Africa, the ANC in Particular is the one to know best how the Dalai Lama feels when a door is slammed on your face because you want your freedom, justice and equality. The ANC must be ashamed!.

Again, it is not surprising that the ANC is looking upon China as its new master. They share common values with ZANU PF, that is why they have been protecting and nourishing the Zimbabwean dictator for so long. Again the ANC has risen to defend Sudan's Omar al-Bashir from the International Criminal Court. There is a nottable shift in policy by the African National Congress. It is interesting to note that whilst the ANC seemed not interested in this "Look East" campaign initially by its Zimbabwean neighbour to promote trade between Zimbabwe and Asia, much was being done underground by the ANC within the "look East" campaign to bolster relations with China.

A trend is starting to develop in Africa, a trend that is looking more to China and shunning the West. China has made significant in-roads into Africa. Its influences will be felt more and more from the developing world than anywhere else. There is an undoubted paradigm shift here. It began years ago, but it is only starting to be seen and the effects felt now. It seems South Africa is taking its "big brother" role seriously in Africa through protecting its siblings from the Western powers, America and of course parts of Europe.

The ANC has finally come out in the open to tell the world that they support China unashamedly and unreservedly, no matter how bad their records of human rights are, they will stick with it. Zimbabwe declared the same position. However, the West is not exhornerated , they also have had their hands dirty through their involment in human rights abuses too, e.g. Iraq invasion, this was made very public !!. But the ANC's shift in policy is just too wide in a short period of time and too drastic!. I am pretty sure they were expecting this out cry that is why they have delayed announcing their decision to deny him the visa.

As for combining politics and sports, South Africa are the champions of such acts and have done it so well in the past. Utilizing the world cup to form and have the raibow nation come together, Nelson Mandela championed this. Nkosazana Zuma's statement is of someone hidding behind a cow shield in front of a canon!!, she has to be strong enough not to be turned into mince. Sport and politics have always gone hand in hand. Its like trying to alienate politics from the media, these things are inseparable and the other thrives on the other.

During the Apartheid era, SA Rugby and Cricket tours were banned from international tests because the ANC and other political and civil movements called on the international world to "look and see" what was happening with-in South Africa. Then, today, now that the ANC achieved its goals of majority rule in 1994, they now turn around and pretend they do not know sports and politics can go hand in glove?. Who are these people trying to kid?.

The government of South Africa refused entry to a man who is fighting with conviction for his people and what they believe in. The African National Congress has denied the people of Tibet their Universal Right of expression and have denied the Dalai Lama to sit with other peace champions and share ideals with the world about the peace processes of the world and that of South Africa itself.

The M&G reported government spokesman Thabo Masebe Monday saying "We want the focus to remain on South Africa. A visit by the Dalai Lama would move the focus from South Africa on to issues in Tibet,". He knows as mush as everyone knows that the Dalai lama's visit will not take no attention from the World Cup 2010, just like it never did with the arrival of Nelson Mandela at the Ellis Park Stadium for the Rugby World Cup 1995 triumph, infact, a raibow nation was born.

Susan Tsvangirai - Accident Or By Design

2009-03-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a friend of mine based in Harare about the talk surrounding the untimely death of Susan Tsvangirai, the Prime Miniter's wife. It was as though I was talking taboo!. It is something that people do try to avoid talking about to strangers, but , behind closed doors, it is a foregone conclussion that "of-course the government had a hand!, as has always been the case". The first question he asked me was "since when have I been into politics?". It was not until I conviced him to talk that we started talking.

This accident came at a time when everyone thought "maybe" the GNU might work. But the fast turn of events in that beliguered state lives so many questions than answers. These are questions whose answers may never be known. The MDC just confirmed they have their own independent invesigators who are looking into tis case so we could be heading for yet another showdown.

In Zimbabwe findings of Inquiries have never been made public since. The president was the only person with a right to establish an Inquiry into an alleged offence against the state or the people of the land. Since independence, there have been several in quiries whose findings have been kept away from the public. Only one Inquiry was ever made public, the Sandura Commision that investigated the Willovale scandal that had already been exposed by seasoned investigative journalists like Geoff Nyarota. That expese' almost cost him his life too as threats started flowing in from ZANU PF top officials....but the damage had already been done and the entire country knew who had looted where and how.

This scandal led to a siege in government with some Ministers "committing" suicide and others arrested and then later given the Presidential pardon. Well, all those were opportunities missed for justice to be dealt to mischivious and fraudulent ZANU PF officials.

I have no doubt however this time that heads will tumble, the findings of this investigation must be made public and Zimbabweans have been deprived of this justice for a long time. The schemers and planners, if ever there are, of such tracherous acts must be expossed and brought to the fore to dance to their music. An accident is an accident, but when it happens to high profile people under Zimbabwe's circumstances, it can not just go without a proper investigation. Everyone wants to know if it was a "design and schedule" accident or just an unfortunate genuine accident.

For starters, by the look of things, it had once seemed pretty obvious to everyone that the "accident" had in all respect, been a "guided accident". The Prime Minister himself, Morgan Tsvangirai actually conceaded hours after the so called "accident" that took away his wife's life that he believed the "accident" was not genuine, then the following day he flew out to Botswana. The president of Botswana, Seretse Khama, had always oppossed this so called "Government of National Unity" and believes to date, that it gives a bad presidence to other African dictators who will be encouraged to believe they have a right to remain in power even if they are beaten fair and square in a general election. Zimbabwe is not the first, but there was Kenya first, a fight between Odinga and Kibaki, Guinea Bissau could be going the same direction too!.

In Botswana, Morgan Tsvangirai received a flood of advises from varying office bearers and stakeholders who believed that his initial statement was "a bit reckless" and he had to retract his statement by announcing that he did not think there was any foul play in the accident that took his wife's life, thus adopting a "reconciliatory stance to iron out the rift". He was told "we know there is a hand", but this GNU is still too young and it may mean a dismal failure for SADC and it will unfortunately leave "Big Brother" South Africa in the cold and too exposed as they try to show courage and intent in reconstructing Zimbabwe. South Africa has put its head on the block for Robert Mugabe for to long and they must know that in Zimbabwe, the "JOC" is still functioning well behind closed doors.

There is a lot of evidence giving rise and credence to my belief. The persistent "witch hunt" by the state organs in Zimbabwe points to this fact that the "JOC" is still operational. On Tuesday the 17th, 26 MDC activists were arested. The refusal by the state institutions to release the detained activists despite the fact that the GNU should have given rise to "the spirit of reconciliation", is also a pointer that there are some elements within the GNU who have continued to fight the MDC. The continued and untiring abuse of power by the Security Commisioners and the Attorney General in pursuing Roy Bennett's case, the Mukoko's case and many more all point to stark disharmony within government and a body infested with cancerous cells.

Going back to the "accident", it could have been the accident took place by design, a pure attempt on Morgan Tsvangirai's life by the ZANU PF top brass. This in itself does not necessarily mean that Robert Mugabe knew about the "plan". He may have been subverted and kept in the dark whilst his officers planned this. Remember, Mugabe does not run the government anymore, even though he still has a resounding word in how things are done, in reality, it is his security officers who are running the day to day ZANU PF side of the government and they do not need the President's go ahead to do some of these hideous and GNU demeaning acts.

In my previous article, titled So Little To Show Of ZANU PF's Committment To The GNU I spoke only days before the accident that "Uncle Bob has always managed to pull fast ones and one wonders what trick lies ahead in waiting for the MDC". It was almost like a prediction. But the sombre look on Mugabe's face on the day of the accident was showing a lot of remmorse and despair to try and show the world how committed he is to this GNU by visiting Morgan Tsvangirai in Hospital. The President looked as though he had been missed by a train!. It could have been pretence for all we know, but if it was, it was damn good!. A classic master piece.

In the meantime, we sit tight and await what comes out of the investigation...

So Little To Show Of ZANU PF's Commitment To The GNU

2009-03-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have not written any articles in months, and have been receiving some mail questioning why I have not been writting of late. Well it has been due to a lot of reasons and one of them was to make sure I gave the developments in Zimbabwe my undivided attention...yes you heard me right,...undivided. A lot has been unfolding in Zimbabwe since the inauguration of the Prime Minister, his deputies and the swearing in of Ministers.

The latest developments in Zimbabwe are nothing new to Zimbabweans. Like I had written in one of my articles in 2008 (We Have Walked This Road Before), I am sure that Zimbabweans are removed from being surprised by the President Robert Mugabe's unrepenting attitude. After having sacrificed an arm and a knee, Morgan Tsvangirai still finds himself in very awkward and terribly testing times. Such is the transitional period in Zimbabwe, that we still have people who are also testing the authority of the President himself.

Robert Mugabe's commitment to the Power Sharing Agreement and the people of Zimbabwe remains very questionable as is suspicious. I find it so absurd for the president to be digging his heels with the issue of farm invasions after the Agreement. It is the only thing he can talk about whenever a hundred or more people gather. He took the opportunity again at his 85th birthday celebration to once more tell the nation that invasions will continue. Such a defiant attitude squrely undermines the Agreement signed by the three parties and it is becoming increasingly evident that ZANU PF thrives on this rhetoric, violence and confusion intentionally.

This unchanging attitude displayed by the President, a man who must be leading the wagons on the railroad to reconciliation and reconstruction, leaves a lot to thought. But then again, the President has a poor histrory of leadership and one would not expect him to champion justice, fairness and certainly not transparency and restoration of democracy. In the midst of all this, we still have the continued incaceration of human rights activists whose trumpped up charges continue to hover over their heads. The MDC has spoken out severally, Human Rights Organizations have spoken out as well as the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. They have all urged Zimbabwe to release these activists in the spirit of the Government of National Unity,but, alas all these cries are falling on deaf ears.

It sounds a bit fishy for the President to instruct his officers to release the activists and the officers refuse to. It seems to me the President has not been running his kraal properly for quite a while now, infact he only remains the figure-head of his political party with considerably diminished powers and authority. Security chiefs continue to exert a lot of pressure on him as they are the people who wield massive powers in the country and continue to flaunt them. It has increasingly become evident that the GNU agreement is only recognised by a few within ZANU PF whilst others still want to operate in the old way and be defiant to the new office bearers. The fact that Gideon Gono was re-elected to Govenor of the Reserve Bank unilaterally as well as the recent appointment of the Attorney General, is a clear defiant attitude,showing a lot of contempt and disregard for the agreement which clearly states that such appointments must be made with consultaions from all parties. It is a breach of contract.

ZANU PF still want to hold on to the most influencial and powerful areas whilst forcing the MDC into becoming underdogs. There are a few reasons the President could come up with for the re-appointment of Gideon Gono. He is a man who has ravaged the country's economy and utterly failed to curb record breaking inflation, which also happens to be the world's highest. He has continually tried to address currency shartages by printing more money and flooding the country with useless notes whilst using other people to hoard tonnes of the notes in bunkers to finance their foreign exchange scams. Clearly, his appointment was not by merit, but influenced to a much greater extent by personal reasons, that are removed from benefitting the country.

The current Government of National Unity is a structure standing on very shaky and sandy ground, partly because of the unwillingness by ZANU PF elitists to change as there is fear for everyone. The appointment of the Attorney General comes as no surprise and as Mugabe said, it is one appointment that will not be reversed. It comes with recomendations from the security chiefs. They are aware of the fact they may soon be investigated for corruption and a lot other criminal activities they have participated in. So they are trying to close all loop holes and find their comfort zones. There is a belief that there could be a which hunt and a tremendous feeling that the the GNU has left them expossed.

Strategically, the appointment of a ZANU PF sympathetic Attorney General is imperative in order to give the top brass the assurance they need that there shall not be any criminal investigations of any sort in their names. Robert Mugabe had to take them back to their confort zones and this is one other way of doing so. Whilst on the other hand, ZANU PF continues to charge and prosecute MDC officials and supporters in a bid to destabilise and weaken the party before the elections that Robert Mugabe has started talking about.

Whilst the MDC continue trying to work hard in government to impress the voters, funders and other stakeholders, ZANU PF is busy destabilising and crippling the MDC through detaining and prosecuting its activists. What we are witnessing is no different from what we witnessed in the early 80's when ZANU PF and PF ZAPU joined forces. It did not take long before ZANU PF declared Joshua Nkomo and PF ZAPU as people who wanted to topple his government after they had planted some arms in one of ZAPU owned farms.

ZANU PF and Robert Mugabe have always managed to pull tricks out of their bag, just when everyone thought "...yes we got them this time!". Uncle Bob has always managed to pull fast ones and one wonders what trick lies ahead in waiting for the MDC. He has always had the ability to pull rabbits out of his hat in full glare of everyone and then forcefully squeeze the world to applaud his senseless tricks.

Kwanele Sibanda is the Editor of Zimnewsroom.org

Zimbabwe Preaches Committment Whilst People Suffer

2009-03-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

As induviduals , this life has taught us so many lessons. One such lesson is put your mouth where your money is and be careful not to be seen as the pack leader, lest you will have to shoulder a lot more responsiblity that others. It is good if you know your strengths and not back down when the time comes for you to stand and be counted.

Zimbabwe is a counrty that needs a lot of support at the moment and that support has to come from outside the country. It may be in the form of humanitarian support, logistics or what the Zimbabwe military chiefs were looking forward to with no doubt, hard cash injections from the so called West.

One other thing they are missing that is keeping them on their toes is immunity from prosecution. No wonder why they are holding on to Roy Bennett so they can use his incaceration as their ticket to freedom. This is like a game of chase and if the MDc thinks the game is over, well they have something coming!. ZANU PF can never be trusted, even when they all seem to be sleeping!. Its just unbelievable what a few people can do to millions of people.

Yesterday I had a conversation with one guy from Zimbabwe and he asserted to me that the blame was not on Robert Mugabe alone, but on the people of Zimbabwe too. When I questioned him why he believed so he replied “ the people of Zimbabwe must learn to unite and fight for one cause”. It is , to a certain extent true. But the question remains and it boggles my mind that a few people can loot the country with tax paying law abiding citizens and turn it to a circus like Zimbabwe. It is now evident that these few individuals were feeding on the country’s resources like blood thirsty vampires on a rampage sucking each and every bit of blood out of any pumping heart or organ.

Nobody ever said “hey guys slow down, take it easy”, except when they were busted by Geoff Nyarota and company with their Willovale Scandal. From then, Robert Mugabe decided never to release any commission findings to the public as it was slowly eroding and deminishing his party. But what about the people? The answer to that question is “the people will look after themselves like they have always done”. Stll they say so as they feed like possessed vultures, reaping rotting chunks of sticky meat off the bones of prey. It seems everytime there was a new office bearer, that person will racing to amass as much wealth as they possibly could in a short period with total disregard for the poor people of Zimbabwe. State funds have been squandered, no doubt.

I understand that this is reconciliation and the MDc is trying to take that reconciliatory stand in order to try and afford Zimbabweans the peace and democracy they had promised. But I have my own reservations about the stance ZANU PF is trying to take in terms of trying to display a non-reformist kind of attitude. They must repent, period and bow in front of Tsvangirai. If they dont do it now for themselves, well they must do it for their children for their children will almost certainly be left without fathers in the years coming.

these people think they will be in chrge for ever. Look at what they are doing to Roy Bennet??. Do the newly appointed attorny General believe that what he is doing is adding a positive effect to the GNU?. Why is it that these people do not ask themselves??, They think in a box!!!, and one of these days they will regret and remember the years they had in their hands in which they failed to use the opportunity to properly reconcile and make good the worst years. They are not immortal, that is one thing for sure and politics is just as dynamic as the business world....there will be a “cases crunch” in Zimbabwe, soon. Look at what is happenning in Sudane. Look who is defending these murderers .....South Africa again is coming to the rescue of these despotic idiots!. Why? why? why?....you can ask yourself a hundred times.

Well South Africa has taken its place in Africa as the Big Brother. Well the country is the Big Brother to the African States and it does have some rule of law and some democracy to a certain extent but not entirely. There are still instances when the big brother has left a lot of questionable acts on His way. But for the Big Brother to be defending dictators and murderers, I think He is taking his defence a bit too far. These people defended by South Arica are human beings with children who were left in despair without anybody to take care of them and the perpetrators must simply face the music they made for themselves and dance to it. They made the beds, so they must sleep in them.

South Africa has said it can only try and extend credit lines to Zimbabwe. So then, what about this $5Billion dollars that Zimbabwe needs?. Trevor Manuel emerged from the SADC meeting of regional Finance Ministers still not sure what Zimbabwe wanted, but is estimated to be $2 billion for now. Where are the sources for such a colossal amount of money?. SADC must start talking sense , not in riddles as they are the organisation that forced the MDC into this booby-trapped, land mine infested ground. All along SADC new that Zimbabwe will need a lot of money for its reconstrution and they raised their tails high and opened their mouths wide. Now they have turned the MDC into Mugabe’s beggers while he takes a backstand and wait with one eye clossed pretending to be sleeping.

The world must know that he is wide awake, like a crocodile waiting with its mouth agape waiting for the moment to trike and swallow all the flies in its stinky mouth. Whist the MDC must continue in its path to peace and democratising Zimbabwe, they must remain resolute and speak out if there is anything they feel is not going to plans. They must not falter, but calculate their steps so they do not fall into pits intentionally dug by ZANU PF.

A lot of people are saying we are prophets of doom, but we are not in real truth. If a horse starts a race, the jockey keeps charge of it until the final split second when it wins. Here we are trying to keep the reigns taut. We have to hold on until its safe for us to let go, thus we hall continue to post our comments until then....

Kwanele Sibanda is Editor of Zimnewsroom.Org and can be contacted at

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