Zimbabwe's 'Look East' Disappoints
Oxford Analytica Zimbabwe's 'Look East' policy launched in 2003, an attempt by President Robert Mugabe to offset the loss of Western investment in the wake of economic collapse, has produced far fewer dividends than Harare anticipated.

Gono introduces new notes and blames chefs for cash shortages
In an effort to stem the shortage of hard currency Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono announced Wednesday that he was introducing higher denominations of banknotes with immediate effect. The new denominations are Z$250,000, Z$500,000 and Z$750,000. The Z$200,000 notes introduced in July will expire on December 31st. Gono blamed the cash shortages on corruption by senior government officials.

MDC not happy with amendments to security and media laws
The MDC has moved to dispel media reports that say it is happy with amendments to media and security laws rammed through parliament this week. Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa said they would only sign a comprehensive deal with Zanu PF once the talks had delivered a balance sheet of gains versus losses. Civil society and media groups slammed the amendments as having no substance.

MDC blasted after amendments fast tracked through parliament
Media organisations and civil society have questioned the sincerity of the opposition in the SADC-initiated political talks, following the “fast tracking” through parliament of contentious media and security amendments, without debate, on Tuesday. Amendments to AIPPA, POSA and the Broadcasting Act were rushed through Parliament with only one opposition legislator raising objections.

MDC-UK set to suspend ‘rebels’ from party
The interim committee of the MDC-UK is set to suspend defiant ‘rebels,’ led by former chairman Ephraim Tapa, for alleged gross misconduct. The entire national executive of the MDC-UK led by the former trade unionist, was dissolved on 13th October and replaced by a co-coordinating committee led by John Nyamande. A full national council of the MDC that met in Harare this past Sunday finally ratified the dissolution of the executive.

Zimbabwe diaspora groups hail ANC for non-violent elections
Internal leadership elections held by South Africa’s ANC on Tuesday have been praised by Zimbabwean civil groups in the diaspora for having been honest, without violence and for setting high standards in the practice of democracy in the region. Controversial former Vice President Jacob Zuma won a heated contest against Mbeki with supporters outshouting each other, but remaining peaceful.

Two farmers arrested for resisting illegal eviction in Beatrice
Just days after a regional tribunal issued an interim order blocking the Zimbabwe government from evicting commercial white farmer Mike Campbell from his property, two white farmers were arrested after refusing to vacate their farms in the Beatrice area. Johannes Fredrick Fick of Victory Farm and Gideon Stephanus Theron of Zanka Farm were ordered to leave their properties.

Mutambara MDC says March too soon for elections
Describing a statement by Mugabe last week that elections would be held in March next year as just simple macho rhetoric, the spokesperson for the Mutambara MDC faction has said there is not enough time to implement what has been agreed to at the mediated talks. The party’s secretary for information and publicity Gabriel Chaibva, said it would take nothing short of a miracle to complete the people driven constitutional process.

Catholic bishops call for free and fair poll in 2008
Zimbabwe’s Catholic Bishops have called on the government to ensure a free and fair environment for the holding of elections in 2008. In a pastoral letter issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference the group expressed concern over the manner in which past elections have been conducted, citing violence and intimidation.

Urgent relief needed in flood-hit Zambezi Valley
Aid agencies have called on the government to urgently address the welfare of thousands of flood victims in the north of the country after three were killed and many left homeless. An estimated 1 000 people in the Muzarabani district lost their homes, livestock and crops to the floods. A key bridge in the district has been swept away leaving many stranded.

Negotiators meet Mbeki to try to break talks deadlock
Negotiators from the two MDC factions and the ruling Zanu-PF met South African President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria Saturday in an attempt to break the deadlock over some outstanding issues from the SADC sponsored talks. The two MDC factions united in insisting that elections cannot be held in March next year.

Amendments to draconian laws dismissed as “non-event”
The government on Saturday published amendments to repressive security and media laws, as a response to opposition demands at the mediated talks. But analysts have dismissed the amendments as cosmetic, saying they will not bring about any significant changes. According to a government gazette there will be amendments to the Public Order and Security Act, the Broadcasting Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Students severely beaten for protesting train delay
Three student leaders were assaulted by soldiers in Bulawayo for protesting at the delay of a Harare-bound train on Saturday. Themba Maphenduka, Sheunesu Nyoni and Brian Mtisi of the National University of Science & Technology were on their way to a Zimbabwe National Students Union meeting in the capital, when they were told that their train had been delayed because Zanu PF delegates meeting in Harare were using it.

Mugabe insists elections will be held in March
Speculation as to whether the harmonised elections will be postponed to allow more time for preparation, was put to rest by Mugabe on Thursday at the official opening of ZANU-PF’s congress in Harare. In his keynote address Mugabe said elections will be held in March without fail and warned all participants they will only have themselves to blame if they are not ready.

Harare hit by cholera outbreak as water woes worsen
There are serious health fears across Harare after reports of a cholera outbreak. Independent health experts say the outbreak has been created by the inability of the City Council to provide residents with clean water. Cholera is an extreme diarrhoeal disease whose transmission in humans is mainly by ingestion of contaminated water or food and many Harare residents have been forced to drink unsafe water from streams and wells on the outskirts of the city.

Regional tribunal rules against Zimbabwe farm seizure
A Southern African regional court has ordered Zimbabwe not to proceed with the seizure of a white farmer's land, in a move that has dealt a blow to Mugabe. The Namibia-based Sadc tribunal ruled in favour of Mike Campbell, who argued that the seizure was racist. The ruling should allow Campbell to remain on his farm until the tribunal hears a group challenge. Analysts say the ruling will be a vital test of Mugabe’s respect for Sadc statutes.

Prison authorities fail to stem deteriorating conditions, report says
Conditions in the country’s jails have become a “threat to life and security” a recent report by the Zimbabwe Prison Services has revealed. In a document prepared for the Ministry of Justice, ZPS says the country’s prison system now lacks even the most basic of necessities, making it difficult for the under-funded prisons authority to function.

Zanu PF congress endorses Mugabe candidacy
A Zanu PF congress on Thursday endorsed Robert Mugabe’s candidacy for the 2008 presidential election. Thousands of delegates descended on the venue to rubberstamp a decision already secured outside party structures. Mugabe bullied his challengers by organising a demonstration of ‘war veterans’ under the ‘million man march’ theme and all talk on the succession issue was banished.

Gono promises cash for Christmas
In a speech at the ruling party’s Open Congress in Harare on Thursday, Robert Mugabe threatened another crackdown on businesses, accusing them of overcharging and pursuing super profits. Mugabe reportedly said businesses must remember the customer is king, and warned anyone overcharging that government would be forced to take a tough stance.

New Zealand extends travel sanctions on Mugabe regime
New Zealand on Tuesday extended targeted sanctions against Mugabe's regime by announcing that it will deny visas to students whose parents are associated with the ruling Zanu PF. The move widens existing sanctions that prevent members of Mugabe's cabinet and their spouses from visiting New Zealand. It follows the targeted sanctions by the European Union, Australia and the US.

Germany summons Zimbabwean envoy over 'Nazi' remark
Germany’s government on Tuesday summoned Zimbabwe's envoy to Berlin, after a Zimbabwe government minister called Chancellor Angela Merkel a "Nazi.” The Germans said that the comments made by Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu were unacceptable. Mugabe’s Information Minister also called Merkel a "racist" and a "fascist" after she took Mugabe to task at the EU-Africa summit in Lisbon, Portugal for his human rights violations.

SADC tribunal to rule on landmark Zimbabwe farm case this week
On Tuesday the SADC Tribunal in Namibia finally heard the case brought by Zimbabwean farmer Mike Campbell against the Zimbabwe government. Campbell is seeking an interim order blocking the government from interfering with operations on his farm. The President of the SADC tribunal said they would deliver a ruling before the end of the week.

Zimbabwe exiles attacked in South African riots
At least three Zimbabwean exiles were severely assaulted when rioting broke out at South Africa’s squatter settlement of Mooiplaas, near Pretoria, Monday night. The riots followed an incident Monday in which residents of the informal settlement accused Zimbabweans of involvement in criminal activity. Mooiplas residents formed a gang of over a thousand that set out to evict foreigners.

3 arrested as WOZA commemorates launch of People’s Charter
Members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise on Tuesday conducted a peaceful protest to end 16 Days of Activism Against Violence and Torture and to commemorate the launch of their Peoples Charter at Parliament a year ago. WOZA coordinator Magodonga Mahlangu said the protest was also intended to send a message to South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki that any deal made at the mediated talks should address bread and butter issues, otherwise it is meaningless.

Mediated talks conclude as skepticism remains over Mugabe
Talks between ZANU-PF and the MDC, mediated by South African President Mbeki, are reported to have concluded on Monday. According to journalist Peta Thornycroft, ZANU-PF’s Patrick Chinamasa and Nicholas Goche were called back from Johannesburg to Harare to prepare for the party’s extra-ordinary Congress. The MDC want a period of 6 months after signing a deal before elections are held.

New diaspora group demands right to vote
The Global Zimbabwe Forum, a new organisation that brings together exiled Zimbabweans, has demanded that the Mugabe regime allow millions of people in the diaspora to vote in next year’s polls. The GZF was officially launched in Johannesburg at the weekend at a meeting attended by about 150 exiles from across the world.

Media leaks cause friction at SADC talks
There is heightened tension at the ongoing SADC sponsored talks among the negotiating parties who are blaming each other for leaking ‘sensitive’ information to the media. A source said that the leaks were creating a lot of friction between the negotiating teams as much of the time was being spent haggling over who was responsible for leaking confidential information.

Amnesty marks 60th anniversary of Human Rights Declaration
The human rights watchdog Amnesty International launched their activities for the year 2008 on Monday in South Africa, at an event that also marked the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Special guests at the occasion were The Elders, the group of 13 elder statespersons that includes Nelson Mandela, former US president Jimmy Carter and Bishop Desmond Tutu.

Police violently stop NCA protest in Harare
The National Constitutional Assembly reported Friday that 300 of its activists staged a demonstration in Harare before heavily armed riot police violently broke it off. The NCA said activists walked from the city’s Copacabana area to Parliament Building and that the police launched a severe attack on the activists and the general public who were in the vicinity of the area where they were marching.

Election commission demarcates constituencies despite protests
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on Thursday announced that it has commenced demarcating voting constituencies for next year’s elections, much to the objection of the MDC. The state-appointed body sparked loud calls of disapproval from the opposition after stating that the number of urban constituencies will be reduced and those in rural areas increased.

Woza founder members in custody for refusing to pay bail
Twenty members from Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise were arrested in Sakubva, Mutare on Thursday for attending a meeting that was scheduled to discuss domestic violence. The activists were charged under the Criminal Law Act and told to pay fines of Z$40 000 each. 18 activists paid the fines and were released, but two leading members of Woza, Magodonga Mahlangu and Clara Manjengwa, refused to pay and are still detained.

ACTSA protest Mugabe invite to EU/Africa summit
A London-based human rights group on Thursday demonstrated outside the Portuguese embassy to protest Mugabe’s attendance at the EU-Africa summit at the weekend. Mugabe has been invited to attend, despite the travel ban in place because of his human rights abuses. Placard carrying activists chanted protest songs and brought business to a standstill at the Portuguese mission, accusing the European Union of being lenient to Mugabe.

Mauritian govt ignoring nationals evicted from Chiredzi farms
A group of Mauritian nationals farming in the Chiredzi sugar area say illegal evictions have intensified and they have not received any help from their officials, even though there are bilateral agreements between their government and Zimbabwe. High ranking government and police officials in Chiredzi are ignoring court orders not to interfere with their farming operations. Of the 40 Mauritian families growing cane in Chiredzi in 2002, only 4 remain and live in fear due to harassment.

South Africa and Zambia to cut power supplies
More power outages are expected after South Africa and Zambia announced that they would be cutting power supplies to Zimbabwe. The situation will leave only Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the main suppliers of power, according to a report presented to parliament last week. Mugabe’s cash-strapped regime has a combined outstanding debt of US$42 million to Zambia and South Africa. Observers say the withdrawal of South Africa and Zambia will grind industry to a halt and cause massive job losses.

SA billboard activists are fighting for free elections
The Zimbabwean group behind a series of billboards sprouting up in South Africa has opened up to the media and spoken about their campaign. Reverend Nkululeko from Zimbabwe Democracy Now said they are motivated by a desire to see democratic elections in Zimbabwe.

Government withholds cash to control people
Analysts say that the chronic cash shortage is being used by the Mugabe regime as a form of control. There are reports that despite the serious cash squeeze, new money has been printed for use by a few within the Mugabe administration. The move is a ploy to fund Mugabe’s cronies and keep back monetary resources from perceived critics and the opposition.

MDC defers decision on talks to 16th December
The MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai has ten days before it makes a decision on whether or not it will take part in next year’s elections, according to party spokesman Nelson Chamisa. He said a meeting of their national council on the 16th December will ratify whether the party will sign a resolution with Zanu-PF.

Mbeki sets 15th December as new deadline for talks
South African President Thabo Mbeki has set the 15th December as the new deadline for the MDC and Zanu-PF to sign a deal, after nearly six months of protracted talks. A source said that Mbeki, frustrated by the lack of progress over the talks, has told the negotiating parties that the process cannot drag on forever in view of the fact that elections are due in March next year.

Writers criticize EU/African leaders over Portugal summit Controversy surrounding the EU/Africa summit that opens in Lisbon later this week has received more headlines after a group of influential writers criticised European and African leaders for not including Zimbabwe and Darfur on the agenda. Calling it "political cowardice" writers including Wole Soyinka, Vaclav Havel and Nadine Gordimer issued an open letter saying they expected the crises in Zimbabwe and Sudan’s Darfur region to top the summit agenda.

Bulawayo to receive only one day of water a week
Bulawayo residents are to receive only one day's supply of water a week after the decommissioning of it’s fourth supply dam. The town council decommissioned Inyankuni Dam on Friday. The water situation has already created an outbreak of diarrhoea with more than 3 000 cases being reported in the past month. Mayor Japhet Ndabeni-Ncube said the more than one million Bulawayo residents will now only get water once a week for about 14 hours.

Anti-Mugabe protests lined up ahead of EU-Africa summit
Mugabe will arrive in Portugal at the end of this week to be confronted by activists who have protested his tyranny in London for over 5 years. Tensions are already building ahead of the EU-Africa summit after UK based pressure group The Zimbabwe Vigil announced its members will travel to Lisbon and protest Mugabe’s attendance. Coordinator Rose Benton said Zim Vigil is linking up with a Portuguese human rights organisation to demonstrate at the venue of the summit. Portuguese police have granted permission for the protest on condition the activists remain 100 metres away from the venue. Survivors of torture, rape and other abuses by the Mugabe regime will get the chance to tell their stories to the world media.

Hundreds left stranded after “million-man” march
Hundreds of people who were bused into Harare for Mugabe’s “Million man march” Friday, were left stranded all weekend as Zanu PF failed to transport them back home. The ruling party shipped in thousands of people on the promise that they would be returned home after the rally. Observers say every bus terminus and the train station in the capital were chaotic, with many using their own funds to try to return home. People were sleeping in the open complaining of hunger and exhaustion and many had only been given a loaf of bread for taking part in the march.

Teachers’ union demands salary raise to avoid strike
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has notified government that teachers will not return to work when the term begins in January, unless they are awarded salaries and benefits that total Z$318 million for the first quarter. PTUZ secretary general Raymond Majongwe said the teachers met at their annual Congress recently and resolved that this time they will not budge. He said the total includes a basic salary of Z$150 million, a transport allowance of Z$88 million and Z$80 million for housing. Teachers are leaving in large numbers and going to South Africa where the government initiated a recruitment drive after experiencing a serious shortage of teaching staff.