INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT: “PUT OFF THE EVIL DAYS” The ongoing briefing and updating on the progress made in resolving the "outstanding issues" by the three main political parties to the facilitation team from South Africa has reduced the media to play a speculative mandate and this truly undermines the core business of the media which includes informing the public even though Article 19 of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) recognizes the importance of the right to freedom of expression and the role of the media in a multi-party democracy. The black out in terms of information on the progress made, undermines democratic peoples' rights such as their right to receive and access information. As provided for in the GPA, the media was supposed to be informing people especially on the marathon of talks which has been the order of the day since the inclusive government came into effect in February 2009. Besides the neglect of the media especially in covering the progress of the inclusive government, the inclusive government has erred through various evils that have continued to manifest in the face of hope and anticipation. The confusion which still surrounds why a management committee that comprises of the chief negotiators from the three political parties was set up, where the Parliamentary Select Committee is supposed to account to, also contradicts the functions of The Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) which was set up to monitor the functions and implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA). Don’t the negotiators themselves think that the GPA has been undermined and compromised simply because this will mean that JOMIC is malfunctioning and irrelevant? The so called outstanding issues that range from a whole gamut of media reforms to the issue of provincial governors have continued to stall the progress of the inclusive government. These outstanding issues have over the months continued to incapacitate the success of the inclusive government. It is not important especially to the common man as to which political party is in retrogression, however, what everyone wants is a bit of transparency. It is preposterous for the three political parties to suggest that they are making progress in resolving the outstanding issues while at the same time shelving the fact that the people of Zimbabwe deserve to also know the progress made. There was also need to empower bodies like JOMIC so that they really deliver. The SADC deadline set up was not met and yet the negotiators have remained defiant by continuing to deliberate leaving the people completely in darkness in terms of what is the situation on the ground. While the intervention of South African president, Jacob Zuma is most welcome, what then is the purpose of JOMIC?Was it just the brain child of desperate politicians who wanted to just put in place a toothless and malfunctioning body which they would continue to defy time and again? It is true then that JOMIC is truly a toothless dog which is incapable of penalting defaulters. The three political must acknowledge their shortcomings as novices in this government and maybe take the safer route of maybe SADC or the African Union (AU).This will save the people of Zimbabwe the time and energy they would have spent trying to find out if the negotiators have agreed. One of the gaffes resolved or changed anything. What the parties are also forgetting is that their mandate is to bring change and improve the livelihood not for themselves only but more importantly, for the people of Zimbabwe. Also of interest is the constitution making timeframe which has suffered still birth before even outreach teams could be deployed. The continued postponement of the process has thrown a lot of doubt whether we are truly going to have a new constitution. The continued bickering over the issue of funding is nonsensical because not less than two months ago, the Parliamentary Select Committee revived people’s hopes when it announced that the funding needed has been availed through the Ministry of Finance. This whole mumbo-jumbo over the constitution making process reveals schizophrenia in the Parliamentary Select Committee. The inclusive government tottered on the brink of collapse especially when opposition members were being arrested one after another. All this was in direct violation of the GPA.The perfunctory role that the inclusive government has played ever since its formation truly reveals that it has failed dismally especially in its first year. I don’t know if we can say there is lack of political will on the part of all the parties or it’s just the fact that most of the inept and destitute politicians who found themselves in the new dispensation have settled comfortably in their new portfolios and have neglected their key responsibilities of making the inclusive government a success. As we start another chapter in 2010, maybe there is need for a paradigm shift in terms seriousness, commitment and transparency within the inclusive government. The arcane “dealings” that characterized 2009, must be abolished as we start a new year. The evil that manifested themselves in the form of human rights violations and reform procrastination among others must be put off with immediate effect. As we look ahead, one still asks whether 2010 which has already started to beckon, will bring change in tactic and progress in the inclusive government. We just have to wait and see. By Rawlings Magede.

INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT: “PUT OFF THE EVIL DAYS”

The ongoing briefing and updating on the progress made in resolving the "outstanding issues" by the three main political parties to the facilitation team from South Africa has reduced the media to play a speculative mandate and this truly undermines the core business of the media which includes informing the public even though Article 19 of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) recognizes the importance of the right to freedom of expression and the role of the media in a multi-party democracy. The black out in terms of information on the progress made, undermines democratic peoples' rights such as right and access to information. As provided for in the GPA, the media was supposed to be informing people especially on the marathon of talks which has been the order of the day since the inclusive government came came into effect in February 2009.Besides the neglect of the media especially in covering the progress of the inclusive government, the inclusive government has erred through various evils that have continued to manifest in the face of hope and anticipation. The confusion which still surrounds why a management committee that comprises of the chief negotiators from the three political parties was set up, where the Parliamentary Select Committee is supposed to account to, also contradicts the functions of The Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) which was set up to monitor the functions and implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA). Don’t the negotiators themselves think that the GPA has been undermined and compromised simply because this will mean that JOMIC is malfunctioning and irrelevant? The so called outstanding issues that range from a whole gamut of media reforms to the issue of provincial governors have continued to stall the progress of the inclusive government. These outstanding issues have over the months continued to incapacitate the success of the inclusive government. It is not so much important especially to the common man as to which political party is in retrogression but what everyone wants is a bit of transparency. It is preposterous for the three political parties to suggest that they are making progress in resolving the outstanding issues while at the same time shelving the fact that the people of Zimbabwe deserve to also know the progress made. There was also need to empower bodies like JOMIC so that they really deliver. The SADC deadline set up was not met and yet the negotiators have remained defiant by continuing to deliberate leaving the people completely in darkness in terms of what is the situation on the ground. While the intervention of South African president,Jacob Zuma is most welcome, what then is the purpose of JOMIC?Was it just the brain child of desperate politicians who wanted to just put in place a toothless and malfunctioning body which they would continue to defy time and again? It is true then that JOMIC is truly a toothless dog which is incapable of penalting defaulters. The three political must acknowledge their shortcomings as novices in this government and maybe take the safer route of maybe SADC or the African Union (AU).This will save the people of Zimbabwe the time and energy they would have spent trying to find out if the negotiators have agreed. One of the gaffes resolved or changed anything. What the parties are also forgetting is that their mandate is to bring change and improve the livelihood not for themselves only but more importantly, for the people of Zimbabwe. Also of interest is the constitution making timeframe which has suffered still birth before even outreach teams could be deployed. The continued postponement of the process has thrown a lot of doubt whether we are truly going to have a new constitution. The continued bickering over the issue of funding is nonsensical because not less than two months ago, the Parliamentary Select Committee revived people’s hopes when it announced that the funding needed has been availed through the Ministry of Finance. This whole mumbo-jumbo over the constitution making process reveals schizophrenia in the Parliamentary Select Committee. The inclusive government tottered on the brink of collapse especially when opposition members were being arrested one after another. All this was in direct violation of the GPA.The perfunctory role that the inclusive government has played ever since its formation truly reveals that it has failed dismally especially in its first year. I don’t know if we can say there is lack of political will on the part of all the parties or it’s just the fact that most of the inept and destitute politicians who found themselves in the new dispensation have settled comfortably in their new portfolios and have neglected their key responsibilities of making the inclusive government a success. As we start another chapter in 2010, maybe there is need for a paradigm shift in terms seriousness, commitment and transparency within the inclusive government. The arcane “dealings” that characterized 2009, must be abolished as we start a new year. The evil that manifested themselves in the form of human rights violations and reform procrastination among others must be put off with immediate effect. As we look ahead, one still asks whether 2010 which has already started to beckon, will bring change in tactic and progress in the inclusive government. We just have to wait and see. By Rawlings Magede.

THE MEDIA REMAINS SCEPTICAL

The ongoing briefing and updating on the progress made in resolving the "outstanding issues" to the facilitation team from South Africa has reduced the media to play a speculative mandate and this truly undermines the core business of the media which includes informing the public.The black out in terms of information on the progress made, uundermines democratic peoples' rights such as right to information.The setting up of a management committe that comprises of the chief negotiators from the three political parties also contradicts the formation of The Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee(JOMIC)  whose function is to monitor the function and implementation of the Global Political Agreemenrt(GPA).Dont the negotiators themselves think that the GPA has been undermined and compromised?There was need to empower bodie like JOMICso that they really deliver.The SADC deadline set up was not met and yet the negotiators have remained defiant by continuing to deliberate leaving the people completely in darkness in terms of what is the situation on the ground.One  of the mistakes that the MDC made was that they never  consulted the people whether they should join the Unity government.If they did they really did it as a formality because they had already decided.What many should ask is are the people being represented fully?Idont think they are because what we have been seeeing is that peoples' views have been shelved and discarded and yet at the end of the day all the political parties claim to represent and serve the people.

THE MEDIA REMAINS SCEPTICAL

The ongoing updating and briefing of the resolutions to the outstanding issues in the Inclusive government has reduced the media to play a speculative role in  disseminating information and fulfilling its mandate.Do you think the media should be informed on any progress made by the negotiating teams?Is this in line with democratic principles such as the right to information by every citizen?Feel free to leave your comments.Speak out your mind.information is an aphrodisiac for change.So do it now>

THE MILLSTONE AROUND WOMENS’ NECKS

A millstone in ancient times was one of the largecircular stones used in the grinding of corn.The phrase alludes to a method of executing people by throwing them into deep water with a heavy stone attached to them,a fate believed to have been suffered by early Christian martyrs.
The above idiom is reflective of the severe impediments and disadvantages women in Zimbabwe are facing.Are we still living in a patriachal era?This question appears more poignant with eachday that passes and continues to haunt many women today.For example there has been lack of legargy especially in government over the promotion of women's rights.Of course one can argue but in my own view the sycophantic retort that government promotes the role of women is misleading.What we have witnessed in the past are promises that never translate into action.This is not to overlok the progress made especially in promoting women's rights but the snails' pace with which the empowerment of women is moving is rather disheartening.Women continue to be victimized just because are women.
One disturbing story that i once read from the press involved a 13year old minor who was raped by MDC legislator for Kwekwe central,Blessing Chebundo.To my surprise he was found not guilty of the charge.The story went on to say that Magistrate William Bhila cleared him of the charges after the complainant was found to have been an unreliable witness in the case.The reason for his acquittal was because the the young girl took 5months to report the case.Chebundo dismissed the rape charges saying they have been "manufactured" by his political opponents.
This whole drama that transpired forces one to question the efficiency of our judiciary system today.Our judiciary is very magnamious with criminals who abuse women.The truth of the matter however is that Chebundo had sex with a minor which is a form of child abuse since the girl was below the age of 18.
This same tragedy also makes one want to question the role of None governmental organisations that deal with women and children rights.I thought that the following morning i was going to hear a furore over the injustice that has prevailed but there was surreal silence.For once,satire has disappeared from these organisations that claim to deal with with issues that affect  vulnerable children and women.When you claim to serve the interests of girls it is not only confined to equal rights.Sexual abuse is also a serious issue to advocate against even if it means challenging court rulings.
Chebundo took advantage of the girl in the sense that he might have used his position or money to lure the girl into bed.Either way it was a violation of the her rights.NGO's that deal with chidren must not just be vocal when it comes to politics aand gender issues but they should adhere to their core business of protecting childrens' rights.Girl Child Network where are you?Shouldn'n you have at least condemned the ruling or challenged it.Which girl child are you protecting?
This injustice that now characterises our judiciary is going to encourage more men to to sexually abuse young girls because they know that stifferb penalties are not in place.Our judiciary now is in a state of confusion and disarray and a lot of people have since stopped taking their cases to court because failure to get a lawyer will result in them loosing the case.
The relegation of women to second class citizens is not only confined to the judiciary and courts but it cuts across politics,media and economy.In politics we have 7female Ministers who are full time ministers.This numer is against more than thirty male ministers who occupy leadership positions and are usually head of ministries..The number of female ministers explicitly reveal that the seven female ministers might not represent the views of more than eight million women in the country.
The global  political agreement was negotiated merely by men though there is Priscilla Mushonga from MDC-M whose input into the talks might be thwarted by male figures.So it can be said that the agreement was negotiated by male figures who have continued to dominate it,who will also "engage" and "disengage" while women play a spectator's roleDoes this mean that women cannot input any meaningful suggestions?In my view i think they can if afforded the chance.
Whenever journalists want a comment on any topical issue,they always quote a male figure and the last and hopeless resorty will be a female?This is because the media also is biased towards gender equality.Does this mena that women cannot comment on anything or ti is just gender segregation.A lot of campaigns have been done  but their contribution have been futile and void because of lack of political will especially upon government to put in place sound legislation that promote and improve the ststus of women.
Women are as important as men and one fact that a lot of people forget is that they outnumber men.For example in the current constituion making process,women are rarely given a voice even though they have a deciding voice in the coming referendum.Repugnant legislation that degrade the role of women must be repealed but the question that many ask is"are women willing to be liberated from the gallows of patriachy?"Only they can speak for themselves.

WAS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE VICE PRESIDENCY FAIR?

To nominate Nkomo and Mujuru is something that a lot of people within ZANU PF never liked.Who do you think deserved the posts.You can leave your comments.

IS THIS THE MDC WE KNOW?

When the MDC was formed in 1999 it received unflinching support from supporters who were frustrated by Mugabe's rule characterised by human rights abuses,looming poverty and the absence of the rule of law.This was an opportune time for people to voice out their concerns through a swift and democratic vehicle called the MDC.The MDC became such a formidable force to reckon with through extolling efforts and support from its supporters.Tsvangirai did not rise to power simply because he had any political clout but because the people were frustrated by void and null promises made by Mugabe that have not been fulfilled after independence.The inclusive government has offered  the MDC a platform where they can fulfill their democratic struggle of improving the lives of many people who have sufferered political and economic neglect by the self enriching regime of Mugabe and his cronies.Pulling out of the inclusive govenrment is an ill-advised step and a gaffe.Morgan Tsvangirai was harangued by some of his members at their party's 10th annivessary who wanted the MDC to pull out of the Inclusive government.The MDC must realise that this is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime especially when dealing with ZANU PF which carefully calculates its every move.There is need for a paradigm shift in MDC's "tactics and strategies" this time when dealing with ZANU PF.MDC's main prognosis has been its failure to speak  in harmony and with one voice.ZANU PF has identified the Achilles Heel of the MDC and has capitalised on it.Whenever there is unneccessary confusion within the MDC camp ZANU PF apologists and loyalists always take a scorn on MDC.What the MDC needs right now is to get its house in order and revert back to its old self where it was tough,thorough and informed.The people of Zimbabwe are pinning their hopes on MDC if a democratic,peaceful and free Zimbabwe is to be achieved.This is also their time to represent the people,speak for the people and act for the people.Pulling out of the deal is a slap in the face to the people of Zimbabwe and really shows a lack of foresight coupled by tunnel vision.They must put structures in place in their party so that whenever they release statements they wont be any contradiction among themselves.The people who have suffererd torment,hunger,violence death and abductions are waiting on the MDC to take them out of  these dire conditions that have stood firmly against them for 29 years

ZIMBABWEANS DESERVE A BETTER LIFE.

Since independence there has not been tangible or evident peace of mind in any Zimbabwean's mind.Right from independence abductions,torture and murder embraced people who had just thought were free from white minority.The Gukurahundi atrocities caused a major dent on the image of the new government.For the first time blacks were now governing themselves.The fissure on the new government horizon was far from being mended.The 1987 unity accord never did justice  in that it never addressed the issue of reconciling  opposing groups.So it was just a an agreement that overlooked a lot of unresolved issues and the new government never offered some form of assistance to the victims of this genocide.Given the fact that Matebeleland is a semi-arid region,the people there continued to live under dire conditions because  the government never sought to address the isssue of food and water in that region.Zimbabweans never enjoyed the taste of true independence that most of them have dreamt of.The new government quickly overlooked unresolved issues.Then came the compensation for the "gallant sons" in the form of Z$50000 .At the centre of this acrimonious move was the  transparency of the whole "compensation" issue.The whole process was marred by cheating and faking on who the real ex-combatants were.Most of the real mbuyas and sekurus in the back of beyond never got any money because they didn't have someone in high office despite the fact that they participated in the liberation war.Any honest Zimbabwean would agree with me that if you  travel to the rural areas you will meet your old relative who would tell you about how bad the war was but never received any form of compensation and might be living in sheer poverty.Then the year 2000 saw the controvesial  land reform which was characterised by Mugabe's diatribe against the former colonisers who were keeping the  Agricultural sector productive.He went on to sing his new song of "blacks being landless".Well, what must be understood is the definition of the "landless blacks" he referred to..There was never any black empowerment but ZANU PF empowerment.Most of the few who claim to have been empowered actually have unproductive land with most of them having been resettled in plains.Most of these stalwart supporters of the land reform are actually ZANU PF loyalists and apologists.Mugabe even tried to impose and extend his rule in this same year which the people refused through a referendum.With the 2002 presidential elections in sharp focus,Mugabe had to act quickly.He had to hire the services of a new kid on the block,a spin doctor,Jonathan Moyo, who went on violent campaign against the independent media.With the legislation of draconian laws such as AIPPA and POSA,many publications were closed down.Who was going to give the innocent Zimbabweans a voice in voicing out their concerns.The attrition of the independent media was now at full scale.The furore over the closure of the Daily News reached critical levels but still the spin doctor continued his violent campaign against the independent media.Now it is the same political chameleon Jonathan Moyo who is back in the the ZANU PF fold.One question now haunts the mind of innocent Zimbabweans who had found new hope in the form of the inclusive government, as to what the spin doctor has  up his sleeves this time.After perfoming dismally in the 2005 parliamentary elections, Mugabe was determined to punish the urban folk for voting against him.He unleashed Murambatsvina especially in Harare where thousands if not millions lost their homes and  left destitute.The MDC's victory in the 2005 parliamentary and 2002and 2008 presidential elections was not because it had any political clout  but because ZANU PF's promises after independence were null and void.It seems as if every time people's hopes begin to gather momentum,ZANU PF always takes away that hope.For example the strict stance taken by Mugabe that his party wants the Kariba Draft adopted as the basis of the new constitution proves this.So evil and cunning and calculating is Mugabe.He allows people to raise their hopes and before their hopes materialises into reality,he takes it away.He has reunited with his protege and servant, Jonathan Moyo once again and the peace,hope and optimism the people now had in the inclusive government is starting to fade away every day. What a life we Zimbabweans have.The issue of national healing  needs a holistic approach and therefore the inclusive government is not giving it due attention.All the instigators of violence in the past have to be aprehended so that society dwells in true peace and harmony.When are we going to have a peace of mind and peace in the back of our minds?Would it not be a good thing to be at peace knowing that on the political arena, all is well.

JUDICIARY "AT SIXES AND SEVENS"

On Tuesday 11 November i was shocked to see a headline that said that Kwekwe Central Legislator,Blessing Chebundo was found guilty of raping  a 13 year old minor.The story went on to say that Magistrate William Bhila cleared him of the charges after the complainant was found to have been an unreliable witness in the case.The reason for his acquital was because the young girl took 5 months to report the matter to the police.Chebundo dismissed  the rape charges saying that they had been "manufactured" by his political opponents.This whole drama that transpired forces one question the efficiency of our judiciary system today.The fact of the matter however is Chebundo slept with someone young enough to be his own daughter.That alone is a form of abuse since the girl is way below the age of 18.This same incident also makes one want to question the role of Non governmental Organisations that deal with women and chidren's rights.I thought  the following morning,i was going to see a furore over the injustice that had prevailed but there was surreal silence.For once,satire has disappeared from these organisations that claim to deal issues that affect vulnerable children and women.These organisations become so vocal when it is just gender issues.When you claim to serve the interest of girls it is not only confined to equal rights.Sexual abuse is also a serious issue to advocate for even if it means challenging court rulings.Chebundo took advantage of this minor in the sense that he might have used his position or money to lure the girl.Either way it was a violation of the rights of girl in question.NGO's that deal with children must not just be vocal when it comes to politics and gender issues but they should adhere to their core business of protecting children's rights.Girl Child Network where are you?Should you not have at least condemned the ruling or challenged it.Which girl child are you protecting?Should you neglect your duties while you are being paid hefty salaries?This injustice in our judiciary is going to encourage more men to sexually abuse young girls because they know that stiffer penalties have not been put in place.Our own judiciary noew is in a serious state of confusion and a lot of people have since stopped taking their cases to court because failure to get a lawyer will result in them loosing the case.Does that mean that the rich or privileged in society can now pounce on the poor just because they can get lawyers who can argue their cases out?What manner of injustice is this?There are a lot of stories that i have seen in newspapers especially the Herald where one person is granted bail or acquited even if he committed a crime just  because he has enough money to hire a lawyer to defend him.Organisations that deal with women issues,you have let the "girl child" down.Whose interests are you serving or should i say which girls and women are you protecting?

MEDIA,CIVIC SOCIETY :IMPROVE THE SHINING HOUR

When i received the news that the constitutin making process has finaally resurrected,i began to question why the constitution making process had become an anathema to the top echelons in the ZANU PF camp and why it was met with stiff opposition among Mp's.The answer to this is not hardfind.When you have a senior member of the Parliamentary Select Committee Paul Mangwana,reiterating every time that he doesn't want to cut his term of office short because the new constitution will have ushered in a time for new elections,it prevaricates and contradicts the Committees commitment to the constitution making process.There is a high posibility that he will not dedicate himself fully to the success of the process because of his own parochial interests.For several months the arcane maneuvres of the committtee has left the population in the dark in terms of full comprehension of the process which has roared back into life.Many people still have a hard time defining Machiavellian terms such as "thematic sub committee" and their function in the constitutional making process.Honestly who is going to break it down for the ordinary person what a constitution entails,its contents,what a draft bill is and what voting a yes would mean.There is a lot of obfuscation surrounding the constitution making process itself and a lot of people are not informed.The same applies to the sycomphantic retort by the Parliamentary Select Committee that the outreach teams will be deployed in the next 2weeks to "educate" the populace on the process.History has taught us never to trust politicians to lead the educational process.Of course the Parliamentary Committee has reassured the population that the teams will comprise of members from churches,farmers,youth,women,human rights,traditional leadersetc.The question however is that are these groups autonomous from political interference?Zimbabweans are still in the throes of struggling and the untimely process gas offered the media and civic society a chance to wake up to the blowing of the trumpet and take their positions.Gone are the days when they were always engrossed in petty issues such as more workshops that at times are crippled by absenteeism of politicians.They must now rechannel their focus and resources on the constitution making process,educating people and sell the content of the bills and not names.The time for living in a fool's paradise is over.A simple mistake especially especially in choosing a favourable constitution might plunge the country back into the abyss because the media together with the civic society would not have neglected their role.The truth of the matter however is that an arduous task lies ahead of the media and civic society and in their bid to educate people on the constitution,they are going to be labelled agents of regime change.ZANU PF has made it clear that the independent media and civic society remain a whimsical western proxy for regime change so they must expect harassment,detention but this is all part of the struggle.Political power is an extreme aphrodisiac and most of what ZANU PF has rolled up on its sleeves boarders on inanity because the time for people to decide has come and there is nothing that they can do about it because in the end it is the people who are going to vote.The rhetoric by ZANU PF that they want to adopt the Kariba Draft as the basis for the new constitution is rather escapist and misleading.Political parties are also going to use their rallies to propagate their own gospel of what a suitable bill is.There is going to be a lot of polarisation among the population especially when it comes to suitable bills and the media and civic society have to work on efficient strategies on how best they can educate people.The whole process of the constitution process will involve training of outreach teams for a week and the second week will see the trained teams being deployed.The outreach teams willl be comprised of 8 people who will work closely with Councillors and District Councils.The public will also have a represantation of 3people and the other five will come from civic society.No peace loving Zimbabwean wants to see the debacle of the constitution process but the pyrrhic victory that the media and civic society are yet to bring,is no easy task.The media and civic society must educate people to choose a draft bill that at least represents their views and opinions on how they want to be governed.The opaque that lies ahead of the constitutional making process is a caveat of the high levels of polarization where once people's perception on the bills is biased,it really becomes difficult to get them back to their soberly habits.One wonders the next step that the media and civic society is going to take.Is the surreal silence of the media and civic society going to continue or come to an end?We just have to wait and see.BY Rawlings Magede

ARE WE THERE YET?

The recent visit by SADC mission really raised hopes and optimism in every peace loving Zimbabwean but what a lot of people dont understand is that their happness and expectations are shortlived because as already proven ijn the past,SADC is a toothless dog that is incapable of monitoring the regions peace.It's chairmanship is currently being hold by the inept and youthful Kabila who is  heavily indebted to Mugaber in terms of loyalty after his father was helped by Mugabe to consolidate power.Mugabe might surely agree that the communique has a bounding effect but him granting concessions to the MDC that are likely to secure the MDC's victory in the next elections is a lie.He will always manouvre his way out knowing that SADC can do nothing even if he defies their ruling

IS SADC THE ANSWER?

To honestly think that SADC or the AU can bring an end to the deadlock in inclusive government will be a lie.What these organisations lack are selfless leaders who do not have parochial interests.For example the new SADC chairman  the inept and youthful Kabila is indebted to Mugabe very much.He has a loyal obligation to fulfil by remaining less critical to Mugabe.His late father and himself have Mugabe to thank for their continued plutocratic rule in the DRC.Mugabe has foresight in 1998 when he sent our troops there and what Joseph can do is to pay the loyalty and support back.For comments and alterations please you are free to leave your comments.

THE VIPER IN MDC’S BOSOM”

 ZANU PF’s plutocratic rule many thought, was the main prognosis of the ailing Zimbabwean economy. This assertion was somehow true but with the coming into effect of the inclusive government, the MDC, many, thought was yet to challenge and reverses this anomaly. But were the parties going to stick to the provisions of the GPA? Was ZANU PF’s terror campaign coming to an end? Only time was going to tell. However this did not turn out to be the case because hardly a month after the deal, Jestina Mukoko was abducted by state agents from her Norton home only to later appear in court later in December even if the state had denied having abducted her .This was to injure and cripple the new marriage. Several journalists were also arrested further enlarging the dent on the agreement When the inclusive government was formed in February 2009,many anticipated media reforms, the return of the rule of law and new legislation as agreed when the GPA was signed. People’s hopes were never high like this for the past decade. All they had been accustomed to was poverty, mediocre education and health services, and a worthless currency that would just be changed overnight leaving a lot of people crying foul. Those who had foresight already predicted the future of the inclusive government .As if this was not enough more violations to the inclusive government continued to manifest themselves at times in the form of illegal detentions,torture,unilateral appointment of Media boards, farm invasions, the list is endless. These cases caused a major dent in the image of the inclusive government. The recent rearrest of Roy Bennet sparked unrest in the MDC camp and a day after he was rearrested they resolved to “disengage” from the inclusive government. According to Tsvangirai Bennet’s issue was not the real outstanding issue but it was among them. The continued use of hate speech against the MDC in the public media, 16000 ZANU PF militia who are on government payroll list, the issue of Gono and Tomana among others made them reach at such a decision. For sure one can only say ZANU PF has been the viper in MDC’s bosom. The way it handled the implementing of the much needed reforms was suspicious right from the start. Retrogression reigned supreme ever since the inclusive government was formed. Now that the Inclusive government has failed where do we go? Does SADC have enough pedigree to tackle this acrimonious task? The game that ZANU PF has been playing is not new but it dates back into history. A clear example is the Unity Accord that was signed between ZAPU and ZANU in 1987.While this was a welcome development in that it put to an end years of fighting in Matebeleland,they were a lot of shortcomings in the agreement because one party,ZANU PF emerged with absolute control of everything while ZAPU was relegated to the role of a puppet Vice president in the form of Joshua Nkomo.Right from independence abductions, torture and murder tangible or evident peace of mind in any embraced people who had just thought were free from white minority with open arms. The Gukurahundi atrocities caused a major dent on the image of the new government. For the first time blacks were now governing themselves. The fissure on the new government horizon was far from being mended. The 1987 unity accord fell short in doing justice in that it never addressed the issue of reconciling opposing groups. So it was just an agreement that overlooked a lot of unresolved issues and the new government never offered some form of assistance to the victims of this genocide. Given the fact that Matabeleland is a semi-arid region, the people there continued to live under dire conditions because the government never sought to address the issue of food and water in that region. Zimbabweans never enjoyed the taste of true independence that most of them have dreamt of. The victims of the massive killings were left to paddle their own canoe while the leaders who had entered into a unity government were busy settling in their newly found positions. Then in 2000, came the compensation for the "gallant sons" in the form of Z$50,000. At the centre of this acrimonious move was the transparency of the whole "compensation" issue. The whole process was marred by cheating and faking on who the bona fide heroes of the liberation war were. Most of the real mbuyas and sekurus in the back of beyond never got any money because they didn't have witnesses in high office despite the fact that they participated in the liberation war. Any honest Zimbabwean would agree with me that if you travel to the rural areas you will meet an old relative who would tell you about how bad the war was but never received any form of compensation and might be living in sheer poverty. The controversial land reform was characterized by Mugabe's diatribe against the former colonizers who were keeping the Agricultural sector productive. The land reform was a bane of unthinking egocentricism pushed by the top echelons of ZANU PF. The nobodies, illiterate and inept in society launched their political careers in a short period of a violent campaign against the whites and among these were controversial “war veteran” Chinotimba. Mugabe went on to sing his new song of "blacks being landless”. Well, what must be understood is the definition of the "landless blacks" he referred to...There was never any black empowerment but ZANU PF empowerment. Most of the few Zimbabweans who claim to have been empowered actually have unproductive land with most of them having been resettled in plains. Most of these stalwart supporters of the land reform are actually ZANU PF loyalists and apologists. Mugabe even tried to impose and extend his rule in this same year which the people refused through a referendum. With the 2002 presidential elections in sharp focus, Mugabe had to act quickly. He had to hire the services of a “new kid on the block”, a spin doctor, Jonathan Moyo, who went on violent campaign against the independent media. With Moyo’s legislation of draconian laws such as AIPPA and POSA, many publications were closed down. Who was going to give the innocent Zimbabweans a voice? For the first time satire died with the closure of independent dailies such as The Daily News. The attrition of the independent media was now at full scale. The furore over the closure of the Daily News reached critical levels but still the spin doctor continued his violent campaign against the independent media. Now it is the same political chameleon in the form of a repentant Jonathan Moyo who is back once again to haunt the media and to finish some “unfinished business”. One question now lingers in the mind of every Zimbabwean who had found new hope in the form of the inclusive government, as to what the spin doctor has up his sleeves this time. After performing dismally in the 2005 parliamentary elections, Mugabe was determined to punish the urban folk for voting against him. He unleashed Murambatsvina especially in Harare where thousands if not millions lost their homes and left destitute. The MDC's victory in the 2005 parliamentary and 2002and 2008 presidential elections was not because it had any political clout but because ZANU PF's promises after independence were null and void and the disappearance of universal principles such as rule of law compelled many people to support the MDC which promised to bring sanity on the political scene. It seems as if every time people's hopes begin to gather momentum, ZANU PF always takes away that hope. For example the strict stance taken by Mugabe that his party wants the Kariba Draft adopted as the basis of the new constitution proves this. So evil and cunning and calculating is Mugabe. He allows people to hopes to be raised and before it materializes into reality, he takes it away. He has reunited with his protégé and servant, Jonathan Moyo once again and the peace, hope and optimism the people now had in the inclusive government is starting to fade away every day. What a life we Zimbabweans have. Another issue that the inclusive government has overlooked is the issue of national healing. It needs a holistic approach and attention. All the instigators of violence in the past have to be apprehended so that society can be consoled and dwells in true peace and harmony. ZANU PF’s insidious and subtle stance on outstanding issues in the GPA is opium for the failure of the inclusive government. Mugabe plutocratic rule has finally been threatened by the formation of the inclusive government that has seen more MDC leaders coming on board. In key Ministries such as Finance the authorities there are facing an arduous task in clamping down arcane activities of ZANU PF leaders. Well the whole story to it is that the MDC must continue pushing for more electoral reforms and make sure that the constitution process reflects the will of the people. It must also pay particular attention to detail and do away with parochial interests especially among most of its inept leaders. Its Ministers must also sing from the same hymn book for example Giles Mutsekwa blunders have caused many to question his role in Home Affairs. It seems as if Kembo Mohadi is the viper in Mutsekwa’s bosom because on the issue of John Moxon he only realized the blunder he had made but it was too late. In the inclusive government there is no room for incompetency and mistakes because people’s hopes are up and they want to see it succeed. A lot of misdemeanours have transpired in the past and the inclusive government must not only learn from them but address them to avoid recurrence in the future. The main Achilles heel of the Inclusive government is ZANU PF’s continued dragging of feet in implementing agreed reforms. Zimbabweans and the world at large want to see the inclusive government succeed but its success lies with the principals to the agreement. The inclusive government has an arrow in the quiver to make the new government succeed and this one way, is to implement all they agreed on when they signed the agreement.

GONO AND TOMANA:ARE THEY THE REAL OUTSTANDING ISSUES?

How can the MDC say that Gono and Tomana are really the outstanding issues in the inclusive government?What the MDC should do is shift its focus from such parochial sentiments and focus on rather important issues such as the Constitution making process..The removal of these two wont get them into power as long as Mugabe's powers remain intact.The new constitution which in my own view will seek to reduce Mugabe's powers and bring the much needed reforms in justice and defence will surely create a conducive environment for free and fair elections.Gono and Tomana might go but this wont guarantee reforms and the much needed reforms.