Alex hosts a special programme ‘Electing to Rape,’ which pays tribute to the survivors of the 2008 ‘election’ rape campaign carried out by ZANU PF. She examines the hard hitting report by advocacy group AIDS-Free World, which details the shocking testimonies of 70 rape survivors. The show features the accounts of two survivors of the rape campaign, while AIDS-Free World co-director tells Alex there is enough evidence to prosecute Robert Mugabe and other ZANU PF members for crimes against humanity. Finally,

 

 Electing to Rape [28:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Over 200 rhino have been slaughtered in Zimbabwe in the last 3 years, with senior government officials involved in the poaching. Gerry takes a look at this and some of the other factors impacting negatively on the environment. She speaks to an international investor in one of the wildlife conservancies and to a wildlife consultant, who explains the trade in animal products that is driving our rhino to extinction.

 

 SWRA environmental special [28:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In a special year-end edition of HEALTHbeat, HIV activists Sipho Mahlangu and Tapiwa Kujinga talk about the advances, failures and major concerns of 2009, and the areas that need to be focused on in this new year.

 

 Healthbeat [25:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Join Lance for a New Year edition of On the Pulse, with guest presenter Chris Kusema.

 

 On the Pulse [26:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Journalist and broadcaster Tanonoka Whande gives us The Heart of the Matter. He reminds us that, “.a new year is starting afresh with a lot of positive things to hope for. A new year radiates fresh opportunities and positive outcomes. Yet because of our politicians, primarily Robert Mugabe, Zimbabweans have not had any meaningful Christmas cheer for many years.” But he sends a message of hope with his words, “There is a lot of work to be done. In fact, Tsvangirai and his party must know that they haven’t even started yet. Have a new beginning, Zimbabwe. The people shall triumph.”

 

 The Heart of the Matter [29:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Behind the Headlines reflects on the year as it draws to an end, and Lance speaks to Dominic Muntanga, a founder member of the Council for Zimbabwe who recently organised a teleconference call between Education Minister David Coltart and Zimbabweans in the Diaspora. Muntanga tells Lance that his organisation is trying to ’serve the humanitarian and development needs of Zimbabwe by leveraging the expertise and resources of the Diaspora.’

 

 Behind The Headlines [31:08m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On the Unity Government, Alex asks whether the coalition is working since its formation in February. She looks at what has led to the current political stalemate, against a background of a country desperate for urgent change. Political commentators John Makumbe and Bekithemba Mhlanga also voice their opinions about the unity government’s future.

 

 Unity Government [34:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Wednesday 30th join Lance Guma for the annual Baddies of the Year programme that takes a lighter look at Zimbabwean politics. Who are this year’s winners of the: Clown of the Year, Christopher Columbus Award, Motor Mouth of the Year, Most Titles of the Year, Political Turncoat of the Year, Zero of the Year, Most Unfortunate Person of the Year, Imelda Marcos Award for Extravagance and the Chenjerai Hunzvi Award for Thug of the Year, among a few other titles.

 

 Baddies of the Year [30:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Alex has the final episode this year of Diaspora Diary for 2009, where she reflects on the ongoing plight facing Zimbabwean refugees in both South Africa and the UK. Sarah Harland from the UK based Zimbabwe Association describes the traumatic legacies of detention Zim asylum seekers have to face in the UK. Braam Hanekom from the South African refugee rights group, PASSOP, explains how the South African government refused to assist the more than 2000 Zimbabweans who were forced from their homes by angry local residents near Cape Town recently. Bishop Paul Verryn also speaks about the situation at his Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg, which rights groups say is a worsening humanitarian crisis.

 

 Diaspora Diaries [30:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Lance presents Rules for our Rulers which reviews the 2009 constitutional process. He is joined by Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Director Macdonald Lewanika and group Information Officer Nixon Nyikadzino. The programme looks at the failure to meet deadlines, lack of funding for the process, and other disruptions. They debate whether the ‘No’ vote campaign by the National Constitutional Assembly in 1999 was a mistake, given what transpired after that.

 

 Rules for our Rulers [33:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download