Hello all,
I am an Australian that is well aware of the problems facing the African nation known as Zimbabwe, and am very interested to know what fellow Africans think of the situation plaguing the country, how it is affecting them, directly or indirectly, or whether there are any Zimbabweans posting on SSC.

As most of you will be aware, Zimbabwe, once one of Africa's most prosperous nations, has slid into total collapse. Zimbabwe's economy is in tatters, with hyper inflation the highest in the world with an official rate of over 25,000% and the IMF estimating it has reached 150,000%. Unemployment is at over 80%, and there are now more zimbabweans working in neighboring botswana and South africa than in zimbabwe itself. This has wide spread affects on the region as a whole now not only having to deal with there own problems, but zimbabweans as well. To go with this, zimbabwe has a HIV/AIDS contraction rate of over 30%, but possibly much higher and definitely the highest in the world.

So that is why i am asking you, do you believe that Zimbabwe has a future, and if so, how is that going to be achieved? Even if you do not have an answer, any input would be greatly appreciated.
cheers,
rirwi4

Zimbabwe has been discussed over and over on this forum. Another thread is unnecessary.

But if you do feel this thread is absolutely necessary then you can open one in the Oasis, this is the wrong section for a thread of this nature.

Thanks.

A true example of how one man can screw up a nation.

A true example of how one man can screw up a nation.

What he said.

Zimbabwe has been discussed over and over on this forum. Another thread is unnecessary.

But if you do feel this thread is absolutely necessary then you can open one in the Oasis, this is the wrong section for a thread of this nature.

Thanks. Why not??as you can see, i am from Australia and do not usually post in the african section of the forum, so excuse me if i'm wrong. but, firstly, doesn't a zimbabwe thread fall under the category of Business, Economy and Infrastructure?? surely all of those things are all highly relevant to the issue at hand. secondly, i had a look in the Business, Economy and Infrastructure section and the oasis section and couldn't find any threads with relevance to zimbabwe, so i decided to make a new one, how is that unnecessary? if i am wrong, please go ahead and show me all of these other threads that zimbabwe has been discussed in.

anyway, zimbabwe has a planned election coming up, and I see Simba Makoni, the old finance minister, is running against Magaube as an independent, and Tsvangirai(MDC). This could possibly bring an end to zimbabwe's blight? I for one will be looking closely at the results for the March 29 elections, which will hopefully be free and fair, although i highly doubt it...
rirwi4

an article on Makoni's launch

Zimbabwe: Makoni Launches His 'Vision'

SW Radio Africa (London)

13 February 2008
Posted to the web 13 February 2008

Lance Guma


Former finance minister Simba Makoni on Wednesday his launched campaign manifesto by pledging to, 'undertake immediate and urgent tasks to resolve the food, power, fuel, water and sanitation problems' affecting the country.

He promised to deal with the black market by removing distortions in the economy and restoring the autonomy of the central bank as a regulator free from political interference. Makoni was quick to tap into demands for a new constitution that have been made by opposition and civil groups up to now. He said he would initiate a process that would result in a, 'people driven national constitution.' He also said the country needed to re-engage the international community and implement business friendly economic policies to resuscitate the crumbling economy.


Makoni used the press conference to invite Zanu PF candidates who lost in controversial primary elections across the country to come and join him. He urged party members who, 'share our yearning for renewal,' to 'jump off the fence, climb out of your false comfort zone' and make decisions. Many expected the former SADC executive secretary to announce the names of the Zanu PF bigwigs who are allegedly supporting his candidature, but he again refused to disclose their names. Speculation is already growing that Makoni and his backers are trying to trigger an internal rebellion within Zanu PF, but have so far failed. A politburo meeting that included some of those linked to him, even endorsed his expulsion this week. Makoni meanwhile dismissed his expulsion from Zanu PF saying he was not losing any sleep over it.

Commenting on widely held predictions that the elections would not be free and fair Makoni said, 'the only confidence I have is the conviction of the rightness of our cause. I have confidence that the people of Zimbabwe yearn for change, and that they will ensure for themselves a free and fair election.' He urged Zimbabweans abroad to come back home if they could and change the country. Turning his attention to the controversial land reform exercise Makoni said land was a 'resource for empowerment and an asset for income generation and not a sentimental thing or an asset of our historical struggle.' He pledged to ensure an equitable land reform programme and restore property rights.

Although Makoni and his camp have declared they are a political party, they have not yet said what they are calling themselves. All journalists saw was a banner of a rising sun and the theme 'New Dawn/Mavambo/Kusile. Pedzisai Ruhanya from the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition attended Makoni's press conference and described it as 'content free.' He says the former finance minister concentrated more on rhetoric than giving substance to the issues he raised. He also accused the former finance minister of dodging questions on transitional issues to do with justice for victims of Mugabe's rights abuses, saying he was clearly still Zanu PF and scared of offending his colleagues.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200802130828.html

and Tsvangirai's...

Tsvangirai to run in Zimbabwe polls despite rival candidacy
3 days ago

HARARE (AFP) — Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai confirmed Sunday he would stand for president at elections next month, quashing speculation he would give a former minister a clear run against Robert Mugabe.

"I confirm myself, together with the comrades behind me, that we are going to contest the presidential, parliamentary, senatorial and local government elections," the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader told reporters.

"I want to confirm that I am going to be the presidential candidate and what you see behind me is the team that I am going to work with in the forthcoming campaigns," he added in a briefing attended by lawmakers and top officials.

Former finance minister Simba Makoni announced last week that he planned to challenge Mugabe at the March 29 elections in a move welcomed by the MDC, leading some commentators to predict Tsvangirai would not contest the polls.

His decision to carry on is seen as likely to split the anti-Mugabe vote and increase the re-election prospects of the octogenarian president who is seeking a sixth term in office.

Tsvangirai praised Makoni as a patriot but said he bore some responsibility for the state of the country as a long-time member of Mugabe's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).

Inflation is the highest in the world at over 26,000 percent, unemployment is running at around 80 percent and even basis foodstuffs are in scarce supply.

"Dr Makoni has been part of the establishment for the last 30 years and has witnessed our country deteriorate to this unprecedented level. He is equally accountable as Robert Mugabe for the omissions of ZANU-PF," Tsvangirai said.

"I believe that what Dr Makoni is trying is to reform an institutionalised dictatorship. That is not my agenda.

"I am the leader of the MDC.... Dr Makoni is nothing more than old wine in a new bottle."

Tsvangirai lost to Mugabe in the last elections in 2002 in a poll Western observers said was rigged. His party has since been riven by divisions and he has been unable to persuade a splinter faction to unite behind his candidacy.

The MDC leader was confident his party would be the rightful winners but sceptical that Mugabe would allow a level playing field at the election.

"Mugabe may rig it, may steal it, but we would have won it... I have no doubt in my mind, we will win it," he said to the applause of party supporters.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jSkpNk8WG-esmmIHCCT1cRGMV6iQ

Zimbabwe´s and Ivory Coast´s crash are very sad examples. Their symptoms are the same but their causes different.

In 1999 the Ivory Coast was Sub-Saharan Africa´s third largest economy (the country just had 15 million inhabitants back then). I am eagerly awaiting the elections which I do hope that they will be fair and free. A technocrat should lead the country again and bring it back to new heights. The potential is huge and Ivory Coast still has the best infrastructure in the sub-region (outside of Nigeria) and well-educated people. Abidjan´s port is the second largest and most modern in Africa behind Durban´s port....and despite the uncertain situation it is even getting expanded. The effects of the war are "minimal", no large scale destruction and no large loss of human life. Business still moves on...although ten years of strong development have been lost (from December 1999...there were many new developmenst ongoing in the late 90´s..and a lot was planned). Nigeria needs a strong Ivory Coast, into the bargain.

As for Zimbabwe, once the old man is gone, things look brighter, too.

I should have added that Ivory Coast - despite the crisis - is one of the very few countries in Africa that still has an almost uninterrupted power supply (something which is not the case for Nigeria nor Ghana nor any other country in the sub-region, honestly said)......In the past you could also drink the running water coming straight out of the tap without boiling it before. (especially in Abidjan)

Are there many Zimbabweans in Australia?

Are there many Zimbabweans in Australia?

I know that a lot of white rhodesians immigrated to New Zealand and Australia, along with a whole lot of white south africans.

I should have added that Ivory Coast - despite the crisis - is one of the very few countries in Africa that still has an almost uninterrupted power supply (something which is not the case for Nigeria nor Ghana nor any other country in the sub-region, honestly said)......In the past you could also drink the running water coming straight out of the tap without boiling it before. (especially in Abidjan)I know that in Zimbabwe, they have had on and off electricity supply since about 2000, but starting about last year it became erratic, and in the last couple if months had gone off all together outside of Harare. Not only that, but even south africa, the most developed infrastructuraly wise country in sub-saharan africa has had serious power cuts in the last couple of months that has affected the economy and the national identity in a serious way.

In regards to water, how many countries in sub-Saharan have clean drinking water from the taps? I also know zimbabwe had this luxury around the country until about 2000 when it all went down hill, and finally Harare lost it's reliable drinking water in 2006. I believe South Africa's water is reliable but what about the rest of Africa??
rirwi4

I know that a lot of white rhodesians immigrated to New Zealand and Australia, along with a whole lot of white south africans. Yea one of my best friends is South African-Australian.

In regards to water, how many countries in sub-Saharan have clean drinking water from the taps? I also know zimbabwe had this luxury around the country until about 2000 when it all went down hill, and finally Harare lost it's reliable drinking water in 2006. I believe South Africa's water is reliable but what about the rest of Africa??

rirwi4, I lived in Abidjan and you could drink water from the tap without calling the doctor afterwards or spending days on end on the toilet.

You can drink the water out of the tap in Gabon, only in the "bigger" cities (!!). The country has an efficiently organised water system ("by African standards", I hate these words but I have to put it here).

I have been to Togo and Benin, NEVER DRINK WATER from the tap there.

I lived in Nigeria, don´t drink water from the tap there. My parents had a boiler like most other middle-class Nigerian households have.

In Senegal which I visited once as well, we only drank bottled water (hotel, restaurant) but maybe things have improved because I was till a young boy when we visted Senegal.

I am not sure for the rest of Africa. Maybe someone else can respond but I don´t think that it will be a problem for Namibia, Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles and Réunion Island.

I sincerely hope that more countries will join as far as drinkable and reliable water supply is concerned.

I have stats that can give us an idea of how good the drinking water is by nation. The Human Development Index measures this as part of the data it uses to get a picture of levels of development by nation.

http://hdrstats.undp.org/indicators/61.html

This lists shows each country(in order from most developed to least) and how they did in the "Access to an improved water source" category.

In Nigeria, The Congo and Mozambique you have rates of access to improved water standing at 48%, 46%, and 43% respectively. That means that, in general, you'd best boil the water in these nations before you drink it.

The best nations in Sub Saharan Africa as far as providing improved water sources so far are The Seychelles(88% of the populace has access to improved water sources), Mauritius(100%), Gabon(88%), South Africa(88%), Botswana(95%) and Namibia(87%). Of those, only places like Mauritius and Botswana come close to first world standards when it comes to drinking water(standards which generally stand at 100%).

Dantexavier, just a question which goes beyond the thread´s topic , maybe you can provide me a link showing the HDI Index of Réunion Island, please? I have looked for it but I couldn´t find any recent social indicators. Maybe you have more luck...can you send me a PM, please?

It also seems as if officially Zimbabwe's inflation stands at over 66,000%, analysts say that the real figure is double that! :ohno:

Dantexavier, just a question which goes beyond the thread´s topic , maybe you can provide me a link showing the HDI Index of Réunion Island, please? I have looked for it but I couldn´t find any recent social indicators. Maybe you have more luck...can you send me a PM, please?

The reason HDI figures for places like Reunion, Cayman, Aruba, etc, etc aren't available is because they're just dependencies. All of their stats are counted as part of France, Britain, etc, etc-no distinction is maden because technically they are a part of these larger nations.
That's why you won't find HDI figures for those places.

The reason HDI figures for places like Reunion, Cayman, Aruba, etc, etc aren't available is because they're just dependencies. All of their stats are counted as part of France, Britain, etc, etc-no distinction is maden because technically they are a part of these larger nations.
That's why you won't find HDI figures for those places.


I know that there are dependencies or overseas territories but I just wanted to get some recent social indicators like acess to clean water, electricity supply, infant mortality, literacy rates etc. ...I would have like to compare it to places like Seychelles or Mauritius.

Anyway, thanks for your reply!:)

It also seems as if officially Zimbabwe's inflation stands at over 66,000%, analysts say that the real figure is double that! :ohno:Terrible stuff isn't it?? Here's the article regarding inflation...

Zimbabwe Inflation Triples in December
By ANGUS SHAW – 2 days ago

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — The official rate of annual inflation in Zimbabwe tripled in the space of one month to 66,212 percent in December, by far the highest in the world but less than half the rate calculated by independent analysts.

The state Herald newspaper published the figures from the central bank Friday, showing a dramatic escalation from November's already dizzying rate of 24,470 percent.

In early October, the state central statistical office gave official inflation at just below 8,000 percent. It then suspended its monthly updates on inflation because there was not enough in the shortage-stricken shops to calculate a regular basket of goods.

The National Incomes and Prices Commission, the government's price control body, this week allowed sharp increases in the prices of the corn meal staple, sugar, bread and other basics in a bid to restore viable operations by producers and return the goods to empty shelves.

But the new prices were still roughly half the price demanded on the black market and were unlikely to guarantee regular supplies to food stores.

Even the Herald predicted that "in most cases, the products will be available only immediately after the price increases" and would disappear again as production costs rise.

Independent analysts estimate the real annual rate of inflation is closer to 150,000 percent. They cite supermarket receipts showing the price of chicken rose more than 236,000 percent to 15 million Zimbabwe dollars, or about $2.15 for 2.2 pounds between January 2007 and January 2008.

Zimbabwe, a former regional breadbasket, is facing acute shortages of food, hard currency, gasoline and most basic goods in an economic meltdown blamed on disruptions in the agriculture-based economy after the often-violent seizures of thousands of white-owned commercial farms began in 2000.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g2RPSaqbbqphRrvYYIaUsAV27LZwD8UQVTO06
rirwi4

I have stats that can give us an idea of how good the drinking water is by nation. The Human Development Index measures this as part of the data it uses to get a picture of levels of development by nation.

http://hdrstats.undp.org/indicators/61.html

This lists shows each country(in order from most developed to least) and how they did in the "Access to an improved water source" category.

In Nigeria, The Congo and Mozambique you have rates of access to improved water standing at 48%, 46%, and 43% respectively. That means that, in general, you'd best boil the water in these nations before you drink it.

The best nations in Sub Saharan Africa as far as providing improved water sources so far are The Seychelles(88% of the populace has access to improved water sources), Mauritius(100%), Gabon(88%), South Africa(88%), Botswana(95%) and Namibia(87%). Of those, only places like Mauritius and Botswana come close to first world standards when it comes to drinking water(standards which generally stand at 100%).
Cheer's, interesting read.
Regarding zimbabwe, it says Zimbabwe is rated 151, in 2004 it had a 78% improved water reading, and in 2004 an 81%. This is great news seeing as the amount of people with accessible clean water has actually increased, but be aware, I highly doubt whether that figure would be accurate now considering the dramatic collapse of everything in zimbabwe over the last couple of years.

Anyway, a little bit off topic, but Ethiopia is an exceptionally depressing story, with only 23% of the population having access to improved water in 1994, and in 2004, it had actually declined a % to 22%, which is easily the worst in the world.

anyway, that was very interesting, thanks for the read DanteXavier!!!
rirwi4

Cheer's, interesting read.
Regarding zimbabwe, it says Zimbabwe is rated 151, in 2004 it had a 78% improved water reading, and in 2004 an 81%. This is great news seeing as the amount of people with accessible clean water has actually increased, but be aware, I highly doubt whether that figure would be accurate now considering the dramatic collapse of everything in zimbabwe over the last couple of years.

It isn't, you're right.

The figures for the HDI are always a coupleof years old given how long it takes to collect data. Normally this isn't a problem since, while changes can occur signficantly over the span of a couple of years, ost nations won't shift all THAT dramatically, and the HDI figures will still be able to at least give a rough idea.
Unfortunately, in the case of Zimbabwe and a few other nations worldwide, such dramtic changes have occured and thus they aren't accurately reflected. That infrastructure has collapsed rapidly over the past 3 years, and as a result those figures can be taken with many grains of salt.

Anyway, a little bit off topic, but Ethiopia is an exceptionally depressing story, with only 23% of the population having access to improved water in 1994, and in 2004, it had actually declined a % to 22%, which is easily the worst in the world.

Saddening, yes. At least we still have a few places to be happyabout-Botswana and Gabon have done reasonably well, among others.

anyway, that was very interesting, thanks for the read DanteXavier!!!
rirwi4

No problemo.

Saddening, yes. At least we still have a few places to be happyabout-Botswana and Gabon have done reasonably well, among others.
Very true that is!! I hope that that continues to be transferred over to other countries in the future, so one day everyone has access to clean and reliable water eventually!!

It's Bob's Birthday!!!!!!!!! this article truly displays how utterly ridiculous zimbabwe has become, truly the most disgusting thing Ive read in a long time, a party when most of the attendees are either forced or there for free food...

Impoverished Zimbabwe pays high price to say 'happy birthday Mr President'


Change font size: A | A | ABy Basildon Peta, Independent Foreign Service
Wednesday, 20 February 2008


The supermarket shelves are empty, inflation has topped 67,000 per cent and power cuts are a daily event – but Zimbabwe is about to have a party.


Robert Mugabe turns 84 tomorrow and no amount of suffering is going to stop him spending a small fortune in precious currency on a lavish celebration.

Marking the President's birth has become synonymous with extravagance in the impoverished southern African country – and the ruling party's aggressive "21st February Movement" makes sure everyone joins in.

The main event will be held in the border town of Beitbridge, while similar festivities will be held across the country. The main event on the border with South Africa is expected to attract thousands of ruling party supporters and Mugabe cronies. While the party is going on, the nightly exodus of Zimbabweans across the Limpopo River into South Africa will undoubtedly continue.

Foreign companies doing business in Zimbabwe have been lining up to donate money to fund the festivities, according to officials. They will also splash out on newspaper, radio and television advertisements wishing Mr Mugabe many happy returns.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper will carry a special supplement with congratulatory advertisements tomorrow. However, with the Zimbabwean dollar having become worthless over the years and contributions always trailing the budget required, the beleaguered Zimbabwean taxpayer has in the past few years been called upon to meet any shortfalls to Mr Mugabe's birthday celebrations.

"It is not a cause that I believe in any more but something that one has to do," said a businessman who has routinely contributed to Mr Mugabe's birthday fund and who is contributing again this year.

For his 83rd birthday last year, civil servants were forced to make donations because they "owed their jobs" to Mr Mugabe's leadership in the 1970s war of independence against white settlers. While reports of extortion have not yet surfaced this year, many people find it awkward that the depths of the economic crisis have not dissuaded him from conspicuous spending.

"I wish this was not his birth-day but his death-day," said a former teacher. "The biggest contribution that this guy could have made to this country is to have died a long time ago."

Absolom Sikhosana, the head of the violent youth wing of Mr Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party and a leader of the 21st February Movement, said the birthday was celebrated in the way it has been to provide an opportunity to learn from his "exemplary character".

Party officials have set themselves a target of raising "millions of pounds" to bankroll the event, although they could not give a specific figure. Any shortfall is drawn from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).

Last month, reports emerged that Mr Mugabe withdrew US$100,000 (£51,000) from the RBZ at the artificially low official exchange rate to finance a lavish three-week family holiday in Malaysia and Thailand. Most Zimbabweans and businesses without close connections to the regime have to access foreign currency on the black market at a very high premium.

Zimbabwe has been gripped by foreign currency shortages since Mr Mugabe seized land from white farmers who used to grow cash crops for export.

At its peak, Zimbabwe was the second largest tobacco exporting country after Brazil. The little foreign currency that still trickles into the country from the mining sector is mostly used by the ruling party elite to finance their luxury imports at the unrealistic official exchange rate of about £1 to Z$60,000. On the black market, the rate is £1 to Z$25m.

Mr Mugabe is expected to follow the party with an easy win in next month's presidential elections. A victory could well fulfil his long-stated wish to stay in power "until I am 100 years old".

Talks mediated by the South African President, Thabo Mbeki, to ensure free elections have collapsed and diplomats admit in private that the elections will be held in the same skewed environment that has produced controversial results before.

But many Zimbabweans, who feel there will be no respite to their suffering as long as Mr Mugabe clings to power, are hoping for a miracle to happen that will see him ousted from power.

The Mugabe lifestyle

Robert Mugabe has always been clear that his mentor was the Catholic Church. He was 10 when his father abandoned the family, leaving Robert, his mother and his five siblings to the care of the Kutama mission.

The Irish Jesuit priest at the mission, Jerome O'Hea, remembered a ferociously disciplined boy of 'unusual gravitas', whose only friends were books. As the years go by without seeming to leave a mark on Mr Mugabe, many Zimbabweans have simply accepted that the octogenarian is a permanent fixture.

Renowned as an early riser with a rigid fitness regime, the President of 28 years is said to eschew alcohol and eat in moderation. Every round of rumours regarding his health is quashed with another confident public appearance and marathon speech.

Always considered relatively frugal during his years in Ghana and after his return to the then Rhodesia, it was only after the death of his first wife, Sally, and his second marriage in 1996 to Grace Marufu that he took to conspicuous consumption. The couple are still building an ever-expanding mansion in the wealthy Borrowdale suburb of Harare.

Daniel Howden

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/impoverished-zimbabwe-pays-high-price-to-say-happy-birthday-mr-president-784423.html

rirwi4, are you from Zimbabwe?

^^ no, well not really. very distantly, my grandfather(on my mums side) was a zimbabwean. but he went to the UK to study years back now, and met my grandmother. they had my mom in the uk, and so he decided not to return to zim, only for holidays, catching up with relies, etc. They then moved out to australia when mum was like 8 or something, and she met my dad whose obviously australian. And therefore i have some relatives(well did have) some relatives living in Zim. my grandfather had 2 brothers, one of which had like 3 kids or so, and they had kids as well and are in my generation. I was taken over to zim in 1996 but i was only 4 i can't really remember much. Although these day's i think we only have one or two relatives living in zim, the rest are in south africa.
But to answer your question, no i'm not zimbabwean, technically i'm a quarter zimbabwean, but i don't really known properly myself, so i will say no considering my mum was never a zimbabwean citizen anyway, therefore i am 100% AUSSIE!!! lol
rirwi4

Inflation tops 100,000%(officially) on bob's birthday!!!

Zimbabwe inflation breaks 100,000%
16 hours ago

The official rate of annual inflation in Zimbabwe has rocketed past the 100,000% barrier - by far the highest in the world.

The government statistics office said inflation rose to 100,580% in January, up from 66,212% in December.

The new official figure was still well below the rate calculated by independent analysts who estimate the real rate is closer to 150,000%.

They give as examples supermarket receipts showing the price of chicken rose more than 236,000% to 15 million Zimbabwe dollars, or about 50p a pound between January 2007 and January 2008. Slightly lower increases in prices of sugar, tea and other basics brought down the overall average inflation to around 150,000%.

Zimbabwe, a former regional breadbasket, is facing acute shortages of food, hard currency, gasoline and most basic goods in an economic meltdown blamed on disruptions in the agriculture-based economy after the often-violent seizures of thousands of white-owned commercial farms began in 2000 accompanied by political violence and turmoil.

Economic hardship is a key issue in national elections scheduled for March 29 in which President Robert Mugabe, who is 84 on Friday, is facing the biggest challenge to his hold on power since he led the nation to independence in 1980.

Inflation, food shortages and the crumbling of power, water, sanitation, roads, phones and communications and other utilities have fuelled deep divisions in the ruling Zanu-PF party.

In early October, the state central statistical office gave official inflation at just below 8,000%. It then suspended its monthly updates on inflation because there was not enough in the shortage-stricken shops to calculate a regular basket of goods.

November's already dizzying rate of 24,470% was announced in January and earlier this month the official rate for December was given as 66,212%, a dramatic escalation in the space of a month.

The National Incomes and Prices Commission, the government's price control body, this month allowed sharp increases in the prices of the corn meal staple, sugar, bread and other basics in a bid to restore viable operations by producers and return the goods to empty shelves. But the new prices were still roughly half the price demanded on the black market and were unlikely to guarantee regular supplies to food stores.

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jcOfKxp5Gi3IIbCYyRYOVxPgJlrg

no, well not really. very distantly, my grandfather(on my mums side) was a zimbabwean. but he went to the UK to study years back now, and met my grandmother. they had my mom in the uk, and so he decided not to return to zim, only for holidays, catching up with relies, etc. They then moved out to australia when mum was like 8 or something, and she met my dad whose obviously australian. And therefore i have some relatives(well did have) some relatives living in Zim. my grandfather had 2 brothers, one of which had like 3 kids or so, and they had kids as well and are in my generation. I was taken over to zim in 1996 but i was only 4 i can't really remember much. Although these day's i think we only have one or two relatives living in zim, the rest are in south africa.
But to answer your question, no i'm not zimbabwean, technically i'm a quarter zimbabwean, but i don't really known properly myself, so i will say no considering my mum was never a zimbabwean citizen anyway, therefore i am 100% AUSSIE!!! lol
rirwi4

Woow, more than I asked for. Interesting family constellation. :)

Thanks for your answer.

^^ lol yea it was, ah well, no problem!

I can't understand how 100,000% inflation is possible. I'm not denying it, but this is crazy and doesn't make sense to me. For this to be possible, prices would have to double every 11 minutes! (if I did the math right). :crazy:

Seriously, and I personally believe that any inflation above 3% is "high".

The best thing that Zimbabwe should do (bar getting rid of Mugabe) is just drop their dollar and just adopt a foreign currency (like the Rand, USD, or Euro). At this point, the Zim Dollar is better off at toilet paper than as money. It's buffoonery to us outsiders now, but in the future if there are no changes, it may be bloody. I don't see the people of Zimbabwe sitting quietly forever.

I can't understand how 100,000% inflation is possible. I'm not denying it, but this is crazy and doesn't make sense to me. For this to be possible, prices would have to double every 11 minutes! (if I did the math right). :crazy:

Seriously, and I personally believe that any inflation above 3% is "high".
ummmmmmm i don't think that's right not every 11 minutes i think you'll find that would be 100 MILLION % inflation, is it possibly money doubling every 11 days? that would sound more correct to me, because the currency is only(i can't believe i'm saying only) about 20 million+ to the US$, which i think could be about 30-40 million$$ now depending on which currency traders you are talking about in zim, and thinking about that it doesn't seem right at 11 days either? possibly 11 weeks, but either way, when inflation of 3% means money doubling every 7 years, which is to much by my standards!! ridiculous no matter what the maths Says, 100,000%.

The best thing that Zimbabwe should do (bar getting rid of Mugabe) is just drop their dollar and just adopt a foreign currency (like the Rand, USD, or Euro). At this point, the Zim Dollar is better off at toilet paper than as money. It's buffoonery to us outsiders now, but in the future if there are no changes, it may be bloody. I don't see the people of Zimbabwe sitting quietly forever.Why would the reserve bank do that? that's what keeps Mugabe afloat! the "official"(and i stress that) exchange rate is 270,000 zim $ to US$1!!!!!!! that is considering inflation hit 100,000% the other day, it's the most disgraceful exchange rate in the world.

Why you say, because the only people with access to that is the government and Mugabe exchanging zim$$ into US$$ at the reserve bank exchange rate. a couple of months ago, Mugabe exchanged close to 300 million zim $$ for US$100,000, 300 million zim $ is equivalent to less than 15 US DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! ON THE BLACK MARKET EXCHANGE RATE, AND THATS A COSERVITANT RATE!!!!! 100,000 us dollars for a holiday in mauritius, it cost him 15, it's just bullshit. That's while for exporters(the remaining how many now its probably none) have to make there goods for unknown amount of millions of zim $$, to export it at the official, 270,000 rate, it's just robbery, the kingdom of Zimbabwe at it's best.
rirwi4

I heard that it costs 20 million Zim dollars to buy a car or something.

A car with a value of $US5000 or something.

Do most zimbabwian use their own currency or do they use other currencies for all transactions. I can't imagine that they use their own dollar.

It seems like the paper to actually make the currence is worth more.

I heard that it costs 20 million Zim dollars to buy a car or something.

A car with a value of $US5000 or something.

In the last month, the black market exchange rate has risen from Z$2m to the $1 to Z$7.5m to the $1.

A live chicken cost about 15million Z$

It is a pity that "they" have brought Zimbabwe down to its knee.

ummmmmmm i don't think that's right not every 11 minutes i think you'll find that would be 100 MILLION % inflation, is it possibly money doubling every 11 days? that would sound more correct to me, because the currency is only(i can't believe i'm saying only) about 20 million+ to the US$, which i think could be about 30-40 million$$ now depending on which currency traders you are talking about in zim, and thinking about that it doesn't seem right at 11 days either? possibly 11 weeks, but either way, when inflation of 3% means money doubling every 7 years, which is to much by my standards!! ridiculous no matter what the maths Says, 100,000%.

I was estimating prices, not the money supply. If I was, it would definitely be much more crazier.

3% is too much too, but it's a hell of a lot more realistic. These days, with oil and food prices increasing all over the world, not much nations go below 3% anyway.

Why would the reserve bank do that? that's what keeps Mugabe afloat! the "official"(and i stress that) exchange rate is 270,000 zim $ to US$1!!!!!!! that is considering inflation hit 100,000% the other day, it's the most disgraceful exchange rate in the world.

Indeed. Totally terrible. My point is, if the reserve bank actually gave a damn about the Zimbabwean people, they would know that their constant printing of money has destroyed the currency, and the only way to fix it is to drop that shitty currency.

But they are obviously not going to do that. Soon, it will cost like a million Z$ to buy bread (if not already). It's obvious that the bank is run by people who don't know a damn about economics.


Why you say, because the only people with access to that is the government and Mugabe exchanging zim$$ into US$$ at the reserve bank exchange rate. a couple of months ago, Mugabe exchanged close to 300 million zim $$ for US$100,000, 300 million zim $ is equivalent to less than 15 US DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! ON THE BLACK MARKET EXCHANGE RATE, AND THATS A COSERVITANT RATE!!!!! 100,000 us dollars for a holiday in mauritius, it cost him 15, it's just bullshit. That's while for exporters(the remaining how many now its probably none) have to make there goods for unknown amount of millions of zim $$, to export it at the official, 270,000 rate, it's just robbery, the kingdom of Zimbabwe at it's best.
rirwi4

That's awful. I have nothing to say about that. :uh:

time for zimbabwe to turn new page and have a new president
i read they have election soon
with new leader might improve economy and the relation with other country

did u see what happened to my country? thats the results of people who have had enough and want change. zim is coming to that stage and since the bob is with the army and the people with the opposition it is bound to get really bloody. IT IS A TICKING TIME BOMB AND THE CLOCK IS ABOUT TO STRIKE MIDNIGHT. What i have realised is that pple from all sorts of countries(even US) are tired of the same crap from their governments and they just want a govt that takes care of its pple. kenyans couldnt take no more, obama is leadingn a movement of change in the US, ivory coast. i can mention many countries but african leaders HAVE to understand that time for old politics is over. if this is not taken care of at the ballot box then mark my words, THERE WILL BE BLOOD.

Is this law a joke?

Zimbabwe's equity law is recipe for economic disaster: analysts
12 hours ago

HARARE (AFP) — A new equity law passed by President Robert Mugabe to ensure the population gets a majority stake in public-owned firms will plunge Zimbabwe into deeper economic woes, analysts predicted on Monday.

Last week, Mugabe, who is facing elections this month, passed the indigenisation and economic empowerment act which states that "indigenous Zimbabweans shall own at least 51 percent of the shares of every public company and other businesses".

"It will entail the destruction of the economy," Harare-based economist Godfrey Kanyenze told AFP.

"We should have learnt from the blunders of the land reforms where people who were not properly equipped rushed to grab farms.

"The result was a disaster in the agricultural sector and we are now importing maize from the countries where the former farmers have migrated to."

Eight years ago, the government launched land reforms which saw the state seize some 4,000 white-owned farms for redistribution to landless blacks, most of whom lacked the means and skills to farm.

Critics blame the seizures for the drop in agricultural production in the former regional breadbasket.

"But those in power never seem to learn," Kanyenze said. "They repeat the same mistakes over and over again, expecting different results. This is insanity."

Under the new legislation the government will only allow firms to restructure or merge if indigenous Zimbabweans hold 51 percent of shares.

New investment will not be approved unless a controlling stake is reserved for locals.

Best Doroh, an economist with Harare-based financial group ZB, said the new law would discourage investment.

"Those who are already on the ground may have prepared themselves for the eventual passing of the act, but foreign direct investment will be slower," he told AFP.

The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Cain Mpofu warned the law was ill-timed.

"The economy is in a tailspin, inflation is the highest in the world and world perception of property rights in Zimbabwe is at its lowest," Mpofu said in a paper submitted to parliament during debate on the law.

"The possibility of further capital flight from Zimbabwe is not far-fetched. The real crisis facing this country is not about indigenisation but about the crippling shortages facing the people."

Zimbabwe's economy has collapsed since 2000, with inflation officially over 100,000 percent and most people living below the poverty line, while industries are operating at a fraction of their capacity or have shut down.

Mugabe, who will stand for a sixth term on March 29, says the indigenisation drive will deliver economic independence to the majority of Zimbabweans who were discriminated against by colonial laws.

But central bank chief Gideon Gono has already warned the law may be abused by individuals with government contacts.

"We call upon the government to ensure that the empowerment drive is not derailed by a few well-connected individuals ... to amass wealth for themselves in a starkly greedy and irresponsible manner while the majority remain with nothing as happened in the past with respect to government empowerment schemes such as the lend reform programme," he said in a statement in October.

Multinational firms that may be affected include Barclays Bank, Bindura Nickel Corporation and mining giant Rio Zim.

According to the law, published in the government gazette on Friday, the minister for indigenisation and empowerment will conduct a rating of every company to ensure compliance.

The law also provides for the establishment of an economic empowerment board to give loans to locals intending to acquire shares, start businesses or expand existing ventures.

Last year, Mugabe warned his government would nationalise firms, accusing them of pushing prices up to trigger anti-government protests.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gf-cb5qlvdCdEYLGwnJf9v6dRHQQ

Just another law that allows Robert Mugabe to go on another rape and plunder rampage just like he did with the land invasions of commercial farms and Operation Drive out the Trash (Murambatsvina) and he is doing it 3 weeks before the election too!

Last week US$1 was worth Z$52.5m on the black market

Go to the thread I posted in Oasis called:

Robert Mugabe's Last Stand (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=598513)

A new dawn is awaiting this destructed land. I have great hopes for the country once known as the 'Bread basket of Africa'

A new dawn is awaiting this destructed land. I have great hopes for the country once known as the 'Bread basket of Africa'

Don't get your hopes up as the tyrant is still clinging to power and will try every trick in the trade to stay in power and with the support of Thabo Mbeki.

Very smart of Mbeki, Dog eat god world eh.
All the Zim business will flee to SA.

What has happened in Zimbabwe is the result of the british absolut control of zimbabwean economy. in the future those who label him a mad man they will praise him after they realise that the UK was fighting for there interests and for zimbabweans . you think UGANDAN PRESIDENT MUSEVENI and PAUL KAGAME OF RWANDA are they better than MUGABE ?then you must be out of your mind. look at what they did in CONGO but they are their fevorite allies. in the WEST if you don't don't serve their interests you are not allowed in their club . they love african puppets. and not real leaders who fight who fight or people. lumumba , krumah , kabila , sankara ,and many more .what happen to them can you tell me? instead they love people like MOBUTU , MWANAWASA OF ZAMBIA , SANI ABACHA OF NAIGERIA , PAUL BIYA OF CAMEROON , AND MANY MORE I DON'T HAVE TO NAME THEM. FREE ZIMBABWE AND leader MUGABE , FREE CONGO . BY THE WAY I'M FROM CONGO.

The Zimbabwe dollar has declined over 400% against the USD in less than a week. How about that?

What has happened in Zimbabwe is the result of the british absolut control of zimbabwean economy. in the future those who label him a mad man they will praise him after they realise that the UK was fighting for there interests and for zimbabweans . you think UGANDAN PRESIDENT MUSEVENI and PAUL KAGAME OF RWANDA are they better than MUGABE ?then you must be out of your mind. look at what they did in CONGO but they are their fevorite allies. in the WEST if you don't don't serve their interests you are not allowed in their club . they love african puppets. and not real leaders who fight who fight or people. lumumba , krumah , kabila , sankara ,and many more .what happen to them can you tell me? instead they love people like MOBUTU , MWANAWASA OF ZAMBIA , SANI ABACHA OF NAIGERIA , PAUL BIYA OF CAMEROON , AND MANY MORE I DON'T HAVE TO NAME THEM. FREE ZIMBABWE AND leader MUGABE , FREE CONGO . BY THE WAY I'M FROM CONGO.

What makes you think Zimbabwe will progress in the face of Mugabe? The economy will remain depressed as long as he continues to make himself look like Richie(Adolf Hiltler). The West has never loved somebody like Abacha of Nigeria - as you wrongly said they did. During the junta`s regime Nigeria witnessed the worse santions from the West . I guess they were tools to stir the citizens to fight for their rights.

Dictatorship has never favoured Africa and shouldn`t be considered as a way forward by some of us here. If dictatorship doesn`t benefit the people why do you like it?

It`s right to ask for the people`s mandate. Zimbabweans have the right to vote for the person of their choice and, from what have taken place so far they were not given right to do so. This reflects the level of africans, in regards to differentiating freedom from illusion, that is based on stoop-low-not thought - even if it takes somebody of Mugabe destroying the people. Do you think those supporting mugabe really do it out of willful mind? I think their support for him is adulation out of fear of being mistreated or being killed - that is another meaning to it.

What has happened in Zimbabwe is the result of the british absolut control of zimbabwean economy. in the future those who label him a mad man they will praise him after they realise that the UK was fighting for there interests and for zimbabweans . you think UGANDAN PRESIDENT MUSEVENI and PAUL KAGAME OF RWANDA are they better than MUGABE ?then you must be out of your mind. look at what they did in CONGO but they are their fevorite allies. in the WEST if you don't don't serve their interests you are not allowed in their club . they love african puppets. and not real leaders who fight who fight or people. lumumba , krumah , kabila , sankara ,and many more .what happen to them can you tell me? instead they love people like MOBUTU , MWANAWASA OF ZAMBIA , SANI ABACHA OF NAIGERIA , PAUL BIYA OF CAMEROON , AND MANY MORE I DON'T HAVE TO NAME THEM. FREE ZIMBABWE AND leader MUGABE , FREE CONGO . BY THE WAY I'M FROM CONGO.

I am no expert on Zimbabwe but do you think that the three million people that fled Zimbabwe due to heavy suppression would subscribe to this?

And Sani Abacha was never loved by the West, he was killed, most likely by the CIA! I come from Nigeria.

I have always been on the forefont to criticize the West (older members know me well for that) but your view is very one dimensional...and the UK is not happy with a Zimbabwe in turmoil, it would be better for the UK with a stable Zimbabwe, from the perspective of the British this would translate into profits for their companies.

I am no expert on Zimbabwe but do you think that the three million people that fled Zimbabwe due to heavy suppression would subscribe to this?

And Sani Abacha was never loved by the West, he was killed, most likely by the CIA! I come from Nigeria.

I have always been on the forefont to criticize the West (older members know me well for that) but your view is very one dimensional...and the UK is not happy with a Zimbabwe in turmoil, it would be better for the UK with a stable Zimbabwe, from the perspective of the British this would translate into profits for their companies.

A stable Zimbabwe means an independant Zimbabwe. You have left out the main supporters of MDC and other opposition party groups around the sacu countries of sadc. The trade Unions that support the majority of this groups are lead by caucasian land owners. The trade union groups are supported and maintained by the west, it's an alliance of convience.

Wikipedia source on ZCTU...

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions is the dominant central trade union federation in Zimbabwe. The general secretary of ZCTU is Wellington Chibebe and the president is Lovemore Matombo.

ZCTU was formed on February 28, 1981 through the merger of six trade union centres; African Trade Union Congress (ATUC), the National African Trade Union Congress (NATUC), the Trade Union Congress of Zimbabwe (TUCZ), the United Trade Unions of Zimbabwe (UTUZ), the Zimbabwe Federation of Labour (ZFL) and the Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress (ZTUC).

In the 1990s ZCTU grew increasingly opposed to the government of Robert Mugabe. ZCTU was the main force behind the formation of the Movement for Democratic Change.

ZCTU has 35 affiliated unions. Its director is Godfrey Kanyenze[1], who is also Director for Zimbabwe for the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OBISA,) part of the network of organizations associated with George Soros. A previous director of ZCTU was Morgan Tsvangirai.

"ZCTU obtains funding from the American Center for International Labor Solidarity (a successor institution to AIFLD) and the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy."

"The National Endowment for Democracy, or NED, is a U.S. non-profit organization that was founded in 1983, to promote democracy by providing cash grants funded primarily through an annual allocation from the U.S. Congress. Although administered as a private organization, its funding comes almost entirely from a governmental appropriation by Congress and it was created by an act of Congress. In addition to its grants program, NED also supports and houses the Journal for Democracy, the World Movement for Democracy, the International Forum for Democratic Studies, the Reagan-Fascell Fellowship Program, the Network of Democracy Research Institutes, and the Center for International Media Assistance. It has been accused by both right-wing and left-wing personalities of interference in foreign regimes, and of being set up to legally continue the CIA's prohibited activities of support to selected political parties abroad "

Western interest. Mugabe may just be the victim poster child of an ecomonic hitman through the various sanction imposed by the west. Zimbabwe's land policy is at the core of the political and economic turmoil. Sanctions in Zimbabwe at one time included basic needs like fertilizers, how do you farm without access to fertilizers and other farming goods. Ethnic division is also being pushed by the west as they try to revive old conflict that took place in Matabele land and push for charges against Mugabe for crimes against humanity. While true culprits of crimes against humanity are advocating and being granted immunity in their respective countries, with no questions asked by the so called guardian of the world "the west."

Here is a nice little article on Tsvangirai:

MEMO: GLOBAL ANALYTICA, Inc. - 6.26.08

written by Konongo Fordjour

I had long suspected and forecasted in my previous reports through my consulting bureau, The Global Analytica, Inc. that Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition MDC party of Zimbabwe, challenging Sally Mugabe's husband, Akonta Robert, will pull out unceremoniously and run away. Oyi-wa! There we go! Pineapple-face Tsvangirai ("Changirai") is on the defence, and ready to run away. People, let us always read between the lines carefully before judging. This Morgan guy is the same brat - an incorrigible darling boy of Comrade Mugabe - of Zimbabwe Trades Union Congress (ZTUC) in the 1980s who initiated xenophobia to smoke us out of Zimbabwe when we were just peaceful teachers there. Now he needs our simpathy and support.

Ghana at that time was burning with Gun-man Jerry Rawlings' criminal junta with uncontrolled curse of hunger in 1983 and global deportations, e.g. from Nigeria, Britain, etc. Our predicament in those days seemed a deliberate treatment from fellow African countries to throw us back to this inferno-inspired, tribalized henchmen, and murderous cocoons. I quite remember Morgan Tsvangirai of ZTUC and Emerson Mnangaguwa mounting on a platform in ZANU-PF rally at Highfields near Harare in October 1982 to declare other African professionals jumping into Zimbabwe after independence, dominated by Ghanaian professionals, as camels who come in so low for Zimbabwe nationals to mount on them and slowly show their height by taking all their jobs. This xenophobic attitude sent a very strong fury through the entire population that pumped the already violent Shona rudely towards expatriates, especially Ghanaians, in a deliberate embarrassment to Sister Mrs. Sally Mugabe (late).

Unfortunately most of our information about Zimbabwe is taken from foreign sources, such as BBC, VOA, etc. however, facing the real facts, Comrade Mugabe is the only one, currently, who can handle that country peacefully. The nature of Zimbabweans needs a Robert Mugabe's nature. Imagine a country dehumanized and despirited by a "Colour-Bar" policy for centuries, went to war in a divided strategy, and enslaved in their own country without land, then I guess you will understand who the sort of nationalists you will be dealing with. The remnants of the racist British fools are simply fanning illusionary flame to cause mayhem in Zimbabwe because of their bitter defeat in both pre- and post-independence. Zimbabwe without Robert Mugabe will be ‘Sodom and Gomorra’ grassland that no one will want to live in it.

What Morgan Tsvangirai refuses to accept is that Zimbabwe is polarized on tribal lines - Shona (82%) being the largest single tribe occupying Harare and the northern territories, and the most fertile and largest part of the country. Ndebele (14%), the second largest tribe occupying Bulawayo as capital and southern Zimbabwe; as well as the Nguni and other smaller pockets of tribes (2%) surrounding towns like Hwange, Gweru, Mutare, Motopos (Fort Victoria), etc. but all leaned towards the great Shona tribe. It is therefore inconceivable to phantom with Tsvangirai's assertion that Robert Mugabe is bent on stealing the results of the elections. Nonsense! Simba Makoni, the third presidential candidate in the March pools is from the third tribal grouping mentioned above and will easily direct his votes to Comrade Mugabe at a resounding 53% victory to 47% of Tsvangirai's last performance. Go through Zimbabwe's electoral records and find President Mugabe's recordings between 53% and 56% winning bracket pattern continuously. The answer is plain and simple: the Shona-Gweru-Hwange faction will not allow an "Ndebele" or any minority to rule them, never, at least not in the near future in a sharply divided bitter political environment nurtured by colonialism. Moreover Tsvangirai's bid seems to be propagated by the nauseating British crap because of the land deal. Consequently, the Zimbabweans will be skeptical of unquestioned hand over to traitors who are ready to sell them back to colonialism. That simple statement will rule anybody out regardless of how urgent they intend to change leadership from the status-quo.

The only advise I would recommend, if Tsvangirai and his cohorts will listen, is to join the train and change things around. "If you cannot beat them, please join them". Zimbabweans have known discrimination enough and they will resist any that is even from themselves. Many great leaders today, such as John Kufuor, circumcised their characters to join the virulent and ruthless leaders by joining their quarters to learn the way they do things and slowly strategize innovative ways to get out of the non-functioning ones. Mr. Mugabe is not a tyrant nor is he a despot as the western news media would want us to believe.

Comrade Mugabe has done a lot for Africa and his own Zimbabwe. His problem seems to be greater than the continent’s as a whole. Surely, he is old, tired, and really wants to rest but definitely not to hand over power to a brutal opposition man with a nuclear arsenal on top of his head. Dr. Simba Makoni had suggested earlier to Mr. Tsvangirai to seek a union government that will bring reconciliation instead, but Morgan has refused which makes him not peaceful enough and bent on vengeance and/or retribution. The ZANU-PF have also reiterated that a prime ministerial post would be created to bring Morgan on board as they did in the late 1980s to mid-1990s with Joshua Nkomo, yet Morgan does not want that as well.

So what is the fuss? Unconditional surrender to the western infidels? No way, sirs. But just strip Morgan Tsvangirai naked and you will find an empty barrel with no formal education and/or the rare diplomacy required, comparable with Robert Mugabe, which can provide any consolatory demand for a presidential caliber in him. The rubber-stamp Ghanaian MPs and stomach-politicians who are scared to hell of Gun-man Rawlings, to offer him free protection, constitutionally, and in turn protecting their so-called “parliamentary experience” must mind their own corrupt business and leave Zimbabweans alone. Any little error will cause another “Rwanda” in Zimbabwe. It is very disheartening to hear our own African countries’ reasoning so cheaply manipulated by western failed policies. Kwame Nkrumah’s unfortunate utterances in the 1960s that sent executioner Kojo Tsikata, etc. to the warring zone left a bitter feud in Congo-Kinshasa-Zaire, that remain unsolved until today. The diametrical triad in Africa’s Zimbabwean crisis today is incomparable to the political maze that eluded the brains of Moise Tsvombe, Patrice Lumumba, and Kasavubu conundrum in the 1960s. Our parliament must be extremely careful in its parochial alignment with the same US-UN-EU bait that always set our continent behind. Zimbabwe is a democracy that practices periodic general elections just like any other democracy. Why is the west spending billions of their own currencies to unseat President Mugabe? Just because of taking his land from the less than 1% white folks in his country? Why is Africa not wasting their time on Gaddafi, Biya, and the like as well? Perhaps we should be careful with the letters “T” for Tsvombe or Tsvangirai and “Z” for Zaire or Zimbabwe. Mugabe and Zimbabwe do not need any foreign intervention. If Morgan Tsvangirai has anything new other than what we Africans know in continental governance, he should join the current legitimate government and help it develop. Rev. Ndabaninghe Sithole, Dr. Joshua Nkomo, and the like have all withered in front of Robert Gabriel Mugabe; and I wonder how incoherent Morgan Tsvangirai can stand the test of the time.

We remain supportive of our government’s neutral stance. Probably Comrade Mugabe has the last chance to train his faithful young man or woman and get ready to hand over power later, now that the hurdle has been jumped with Tsvangirai fumbling behind the great Motopos wall. Cheers!

KONONGO FORDJOUR , BOSTON-USA

The west with it paternalistic attributes needs to back off and stay out of the affairs of independant nations. Zimbabwe is a Sadc matter. Zimbabwe crissis will be solved by member countries. It's infrastructure is still intact and the general population is knowledgeable enough to revive their own internal affairs.

TSVANGIRAI is nobody but a western manufactured Dog. try to defend the western interests than the Zimbabwe one.

What makes you think Zimbabwe will progress in the face of Mugabe? The economy will remain depressed as long as he continues to make himself look like Richie(Adolf Hiltler). The West has never loved somebody like Abacha of Nigeria - as you wrongly said they did. During the junta`s regime Nigeria witnessed the worse santions from the West . I guess they were tools to stir the citizens to fight for their rights.

Dictatorship has never favoured Africa and shouldn`t be considered as a way forward by some of us here. If dictatorship doesn`t benefit the people why do you like it?

It`s right to ask for the people`s mandate. Zimbabweans have the right to vote for the person of their choice and, from what have taken place so far they were not given right to do so. This reflects the level of africans, in regards to differentiating freedom from illusion, that is based on stoop-low-not thought - even if it takes somebody of Mugabe destroying the people. Do you think those supporting mugabe really do it out of willful mind? I think their support for him is adulation out of fear of being mistreated or being killed - that is another meaning to it.
oh the west hated abacha so much yet the sanction against him were never as harmful as those against zim. please. fact is the west loved him, from the swiss bankers to the oil barons because he allowed them to steal and he banked his stolen money with them.

Ok!

The West has NEVER loved Abacha and his regime.You never new how those accounts you gave were operated, maybe through disguised corrupt people of Nigeria unknown to the West. The West is not to blame for abacha`s corruption.

Nigeria witnessed its worst santions during Abacha`s regime, that`s what I meant! I have never compared them with those of Zimbabwe, anyway.

Ok!

The West has NEVER loved Abacha and his regime.You never new how those accounts you gave were operated, maybe through disguised corrupt people of Nigeria unknown to the West. The West is not to blame for abacha`s corruption.

Nigeria witnessed its worst santions during Abacha`s regime, that`s what I meant! I have never compared them with those of Zimbabwe, anyway.

i never said the west was to blame for abacha's corruption. and i agree, its hard to compare them because abacha was far worse than mugabe

TSVANGIRAI is nobody but a western manufactured Dog. You're right. As much as I hate what Mugabe has done over the last 5 years or so, I trust Tsvangirai about as far as I can throw him.

I remember at the last election so many of the people in the MDC office on election night were NOT black Zimbabweans.

Zim needs a new leader, but preferably someone from inside ZANU, and someone who can kickstart agricultural production.

You're right. As much as I hate what Mugabe has done over the last 5 years or so, I trust Tsvangirai about as far as I can throw him.

I remember at the last election so many of the people in the MDC office on election night were NOT black Zimbabweans.

Zim needs a new leader, but preferably someone from inside ZANU, and someone who can kickstart agricultural production.

Maybe Arthur Muthambara, who heads the moderate faction of MDC would break ranks with Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC-T and form a unity government with Robert Mugabe as MDC-T does not have a majority in parliament and Zanu-PF and Muthambara's MDC along with the blessing of Simba Makoni and his group could easily form a unity government. With or WITHOUT Tsvangirai. I do not care for Morgan as he went to Europe and America to drum up support while ignoring his own people in Zimbabwe. What a stupid move on his part while he had wine in Western capitals he was too damn afraid to face the heat with his people. That is why he lost drastically to Mugabe in the second round despite his victory of 48% of the vote in the first round. It is not the first time that this type of fluke has happened as we remember Abel Muzorewa in 1979 winning an election amid the violence of the guerilla war but Zanu-PF went on to win the internationally recognised election in 1980 when Zimbabwe officially gained independence under Mugabe.

I think that a unity government as being negotiated in SA right now is the only solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe. Both sides should talk but if Morgan Tsvangirai plays games by pitting the West against Zimbabwe, then he should be left out of any deal. Zimbabwe is no longer a colony of Britain. It is part of Africa and it is only Africa that can help them solve their problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcXKv3hPE3M&feature=related, Africa needs to rise up!!!

It is true that zimbabwe needs a new leader . but not from MDC .FIRST REASON MDC is not patriotic and are just like Mobutu. sone from ZANU-PF WILL BE THE CHOICE .

I'm sorry, but I'd find it very hard to be patriotic under the current circumstances.

MBA-Congo, what gives you the assurance that the war in Georgia will be the the beginning of World War III??? Your logic, please? This sounds very absurd, but if you know more than we do, please share your knowledge. Thanks!

MBA-Congo, what gives you the assurance that the war in Georgia will be the the beginning of World War III??? Your logic, please? This sounds very absurd, but if you know more than we do, please share your knowledge. Thanks!I doubt WW3 will happen now over Georgia, but it's another case of East vs. West. When the Cold War ended NATO began expanding East, now Russia is trying to reassert itself, and the Russians want to maintain a "sphere of influence" over most of the former Soviet territories. Putin has called the collapse of the USSR a disaster, and he wants to reverse it as much as possible.

Georgia is likely to become a NATO member and Russia wants to stop it. That's the main reason for Russia's military action. Also, the US is building radar and anti-missile missile bases in Czech and Poland, and the Russians want to stop that. Russia also want to maintain influence over the Baltic states: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

There are going to be lots of flash points between the West and Russia. Ukraine also want to be a NATO member and wants to kick the Russian Navy out of Ukraine.

Russia is not be happy with its loss of influence and they may use force.

They will be no ww3 or a major war . Remember Russia is a "nuclear power" and nuclear power will not angage each other , because they all fear those nuclear they have.There is three reasons why Russia is doing this.

ONE they have to let the WEST know that Russia is still a superpower .

TWO the west depends on Russia on natural gas then the will suffer serious quencenques if they make s stupid move.


THREE . THE west supported kosovo independence , rember the Russians said they will be a response to that KOSOVO-SERBIAN problem.

what Russia is doing IS JUST what AMERICA IS DOING.

thisn't about world war three it's about awareness, having another view of what's going on. The focus on the video is about Anglo-dutch dominace on the world stage. Africa must awaken and do exactly what South America is doing looking inward and not outside for development. Regionalism is the key to african development. Whelter it be SADC, Ecowas, Igad, or MU. Africa needs to develop and have little or no contact at all with the west. Their has to be a global boycott on the west, whose paternalistic nature and immoral value will set the world ablaze if not balanced. Globalization shouldn't mean cultural degeneration. Africa is what holds the key to that balance not Asia, or South America but Africa. African wealth is what developed this western powerhouse. And by diverting such resources away it is the only place that can balance them in the world stage. If this action leads to world war three so be it!!

They will be no ww3 or a major war . Remember Russia is a "nuclear power" and nuclear power will not angage each other , because they all fear those nuclear they have.There is three reasons why Russia is doing this. You are probably right. But, nuclear powers may think that they can have a small war without using nuclear weapons. India and Pakistan still have border skirmishes.

ONE they have to let the WEST know that Russia is still a superpower .

TWO the west depends on Russia on natural gas then the will suffer serious quencenques if they make s stupid move.Russia would also suffer serious consequences. Oil and natural gas are the only things that keep the Russian economy moving. Weapons exports help, but they aren't nearly enough. Without trade Russia would die. The West would be hurt far less.


THREE . THE west supported kosovo independence , rember the Russians said they will be a response to that KOSOVO-SERBIAN problem.

what Russia is doing IS JUST what AMERICA IS DOING.If Russia supports self-determination then they should grant independence to Chechnya. (The pro-Russian people like to forget about Chechnya.)

@MBA-Congo: I like your posts.

The west need Russia and Russia need the west .
At the same time Russia need CHINA and but CHINA and the WEST need Russia more because they are all scared of the MIDDLE EAST. like the CHINESE said THE MIDDLE EAST is the GRAVEYARD OF ALL SUPER POWERS that's where they go to die. the GREEK with ALEXANDER THE GRAET ,,, THE SOVIET UNION in afganistan , the BRITISH in INDIAN, EGYPT , IRAQ AND PALASTINE . THE FRECNH in EGYPT , the MONGOLES ALSO also in MIDDLE EAST, AND NAZI GERMANI IN NORTH AFRICA know you got AMERICA IN IRQ AND AFGHANISTAN ... americans want to die ....AMERICA DON'T MANUFACTURE ANYTHING ANY MORE ....EVERYTHING WENT TO CHINA. THE ECONOMY IS MELTING , THE HOUNSING MARKETS IS TERIBLE, THE FINANCE MARKET IN TERIBLE SHAPE ...i'm not predicting the fall of america but the dicline ...what they don't know is that they are creating their own SUBTITUT ....CHINA AND INDIA they even borrowed money from china. that is sad . but iknow that everything get old and vanish ...look at every superpower ...GREECE , ITALY , FRANCE , UK , PERSIAN , MONGOLIA , GERMANY , OTTOMAN TURKISH, SPAIN, know the cHINESE are coming . china so scared of the middle east no wonder they are going to africa and latin america.

Even in america everything has a name "MADE CHINE " FROM SCHOES , ELECTRONICS TO CARS MEDECINE , EVEN SOME WEAPONS COMPONENTS.


THE REPUBLICANS ARE THE ONES WHO WILL KILL THIS COUNTRY ....NOT THE RUSSIANS OR THE CHINESE OR IRAQIS.

America on decline???

Look at Hollywood and the IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS in the US?
'The empire reads Pravda'.

don't let hollywood fool you . look at the broader picture.
Don't get me wrong , i din't say fail but on decline .

So manything are on the wrong side of the road.

Ex; you have HELTH ISUNRACE you go to the hospital and then they say "no you your insurance do not cover this illness " . even there own SOLDER VETERANS are 50 % of all homeless out 3 million homeless. come to america and see how many homeless there is . they call cuba a poor country but they have more poor people than cuba .