News stories for Thursday 02 July

Minister denies that the CIO abducted activists
State Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi on Wednesday stunned a Harare Court by denying that the CIO was involved in the abduction of opposition and human rights activists last year. This is despite his predecessor in the ministry, Didymus Mutasa, admitting earlier this year that he had sanctioned the operation, as a matter of state security.

Mike Hitschmann released from jail
Michael Peter Hitschmann, who was initially arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate Mugabe at his birthday bash in Manicaland in 2006, was released on Thursday. Although the assassination charges were dropped, Hitschmann went on to serve 40 months in jail after police said they found an arms cache at his home and he was charged with possession of firearms without a licence.

Teachers renew strike threat over pay
Just two months after a potentially crippling teachers strike was averted, teachers have once again renewed their threat to down tools over salaries. In May the Education Ministry managed to prevent a nationwide strike by persuading teachers’ unions that they were doing everything they could to raise money for the education system, and as an incentive allowed the teachers’ own children to have free schooling.

MDC to hold two day strategic planning meeting
The top hierachy of the MDC will hold a two day strategic planning meeting beginning Friday, amid reports of lingering disagreements between party members over the MDC’s participation in the government. The situation came to head Monday when MDC cabinet ministers boycotted a cabinet meeting after Mugabe unilaterally shifted it to Monday, when it is normally held on Tuesday.

 

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News stories for Wednesday 01 July

Roy Bennett remanded to October for trial
A Mutare magistrate remanded Roy Bennett, the MDC Deputy Agriculture Minister nominee to 13 October, for the commencement of his trial. Bennett was arrested in February and spent a month in a Mutare remand prison on terrorism and sabotage charges. Bennett denies the charge. On Wednesday Bennett’s lawyer, Trust Maanda told SW Radio Africa he was not happy with the date given for the commencement of trial.

ZANU PF militias back in action in rural areas
There are reports suggesting ZANU PF backed militias have been reactivated to play a pivotal role in mobilising people in rural areas to actively participate in the constitution making process. While they might have ‘laid down’ their weapons, their mere presence has raised tensions and fears that they might be resuming the type of violence that plagued the MDC during last year’s presidential elections.

Tsvangirai under fire for glossing over unity govt problems
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is facing criticism from his own party MP’s who accuse him of playing down simmering tensions and cracks within the 4 month coalition government. Harrison Mudzuri, the MP for Zaka Central, complained to journalists in Masvingo that the PM was ignoring violations of the unity deal being perpetrated by ZANU PF.

Simba Makoni slams political corruption & greed at party launch
Former Finance Minister Dr Simba Makoni on Wednesday slammed political corruption and greed during the official transformation of his Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn movement into a political party. A strong contingent of diplomats, media representatives and activists from MKD gathered for the official launch in Mbare, under the theme: ‘Real Change.’

MDC says Zwizwai diamond killings denial ‘unfortunate & inaccurate’ Last week Murisi Zwizwai, the MDC Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, told a meeting of the Kimberley Process in Namibia there were no killings in the Chiadzwa diamond mining area.

SADC & AU urged to ensure political agreement respected
Human rights group, the Solidarity Peace Trust on Tuesday called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union to ensure that the power sharing agreement in Zimbabwe is fully implemented.

 

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Hidden Story
A big fight between ZANU PF and the MDC threatens to derail the crafting of a new constitution because the two parties cannot agree on the basis of a new one. To make it worse, even civil society organisations are divided over the same issue. Our Harare correspondent, Simon Muchemwa says the divisions give an early indication that if they prevail, the process might not meet the 18 months deadline set in the Global Political Agreement.

 

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Newsreel Headlines                                       Tuesday 30 June 2009

Suspended Mutambara MDC MP’s to face weekend hearings

Five MP’s from the Mutambara MDC are due to appear before a disciplinary committee this weekend. Abednico Bhebhe, Norman Mpofu and Njabuliso Mguni were suspended from the party several months ago on charges of campaigning for the main wing of the Tsvangirai MDC.

Zimbabwe to receive almost a billion dollars in credit from China
Prime Minister Tsvangirai announced on Tuesday that the government has managed to secure US$950 million in credit lines from China. Briefing journalists and diplomats in Harare, Tsvangirai said during his recent tour to Europe and the United States he also managed to raise over $US500 million, to go towards the provision of health and education.

Mugabe to take centre stage on food security at AU summit
Robert Mugabe is set to take centre stage at the African Union Summit of heads of state this week where he will, ironically, be speaking about food security, despite Zimbabwe being the most food-aid dependent country in the world. The summit of African leaders, which is set to get underway in Libya on Wednesday, is gathering under the theme: ‘Investing in Agriculture for Economic Growth and Food Security.’

Zimbabwe Diaspora want involvement in new constitution
Many exiles are demanding that they be allowed to make a contribution to the formulation of the new constitution. It is understood that the Diaspora population is around four million - a figure that now exceeds the population of some of the provinces in Zimbabwe. Because of this groups like the Zimbabwe Exiles Forum has started a campaign to ensure that the voices of those abroad are reflected, especially on issues regarding dual citizenship and voting rights

Government urged to compensate farm workers over job losses
The unity government has this week been urged to initiate moves to compensate tens of thousands of farm workers, who have lost their jobs as a direct result of Robert Mugabe’s ‘land reform’ scheme.

For full stories please go to http://www.swradioafrica.com

 

 Newsreel, Tuesday 30 June 2009. [31:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Different Points of View with Rev. Duane Udd

Today, Duane reflects on the passing of famous people and many more lesser known people in places like Zimbabwe who are dying unheralded.

 

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