THE FREE WORLD WATCHES - BUT DOES NOTHING - Robb WJ Ellis

As the days go by, and the interest is awash with stories of the ZANU PF/Mugabe duplicity, I am always quite stunned at the inaction taken by the free world.

More and more stories uncover the manner in which Mugabe 'rules'
Zimbabwe.

The latest of which is the revelation that Nestlé is being supplied with milk by Mugabe's wife, Grace - from a farm seized in the controversial 'land grab' that has been going on in Zimbabwe since 2000.

Other institutions, like the United Nations, have a penchant for inviting Mugabe to their conferences - even though he is subject to targeted travel sanctions - and then the UN make an absolute mockery of the whole sanctions idea by opening the floor for yet another Mugabe tirade against the West, accusing them of all manner of conspiracies and intentions - whilst at the same time, Mugabe asks the West to dig into their pockets and finance the rebuilding of the country - necessitated by Mugabe's heavy-handed rule.

As the days, weeks, months and years go by, it becomes more and more obvious that Mugabe is not interested in working with the MDC in a coalition government, but he has been demanding that the World Bank, the IMF and various countries cough up to allow the country to rebuild.

Mugabe has no right to 'demand' anything! But all his demands are couched in such a way to make the free world develop a conscience, and he hopes that he will strike it rich by this means.

Just like the diamond find in the Marange Fields in the North East of the country, Mugabe is intent on using the money so received to finance his own forays on political and personal fronts - he has no want or desire to use the money for what it was originally intended.

Just yesterday, we read how "Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono planned to divert a huge chunk of an International Monetary Fund loan to pay back money diverted to President Robert Mugabe's bloody re-election campaign last year, documents show.

According to proposals submitted by Gono to Finance Minister Tendai Biti recently, and seen by ZimEye, US$90 million of the $510 million availed to Zimbabwe (or 21.5%) would have been used to pay NGOs, exporters and banks whose funds were raided by Gono in June last year to prop up Mugabe's bankrupt campaign.

Biti rejected the proposals."

Please note that Mugabe said that the theft of money from accounts by Gono were excused by Mugabe and the majority of that money has yet to be repaid.

I have written on many occasions that any debts run up by ZANU PF should be paid for by ZANU PF, not the country, and certainly not acceded to by the watching world.

At least the watching world is holding the purse strings - for the time being.

"The finance minister reportedly told Gono that any expenditure should first be approved by parliament through the normal budget process.

Gono has now launched a vicious media campaign against Biti, blowing up public funds on full-page adverts attacking the minister.

The matter has also been taken up by ZANU PF politicians, who normally say they do not need the IMF, but are now evidently upset about Biti's move to prevent looting of the loan."

Gono has been "accused of by the MDC of bringing down the Zimbabwean economy by financing Mugabe's political campaigns. Corruption investigations are underway against the central bank governor who's money-printing to bail out Mugabe's bankrupt regime drove inflation to astronomical proportions.

Faced with an election that he could not afford last year, Mugabe ordered Gono to loot foreign currency belonging to private organisations. The government has so far been unable to pay back the money. Gono's latest proposals give a rare indication of the massive amounts looted, analysts said."

Mugabe is not interested in rebuilding Zimbabwe, but in diverting money to his own account - and the whole world, even though they have largely fallen wise of Mugabe's intentions, still remain seated, watching from a distance, unwilling to do anything to assist the Zimbabwean people - in case Mugabe shouts at them - again!

Robb WJ Ellis

The Bearded Man

DO YOU CALL THIS COMPENSATION?

This morning, the internet had a story that told us that just 3% of farmers had been compensated for the loss of their land.

Before we can actually comprehend what that 3% represents, we have to remember that Mugabe and ZANU PF will only pay compensation for improvements to the land - nothing more.

But a fair percentage of the land taken by Mugabe was purchased since independence by the commercial farmers after his government had declared 'no interest' in developing the land.

Then it must also be borne in mind that the compensation paid will be based upon figures arrived at by a ZANU PF appointed assessor who, reportedly, undervalue the land by as much as 90% and then, consequently, the improvements thereon.

Any compensation for the land itself is to be paid for by the British government. Well, that is what Mugabe wants - but he wants that money to be channelled through his government - so he can plunder it just like he has done with any other money that has been detoured via his government.

But let's not concentrate on supposition. Just 3% in nine years - even based upon the ZANU PF undervalued assessment - is a few shillings only.

I remember reading an article quite a few years ago where it was reported that evicted farmers were pressured into accepting the reduced payments because they had been rendered paupers by the evictions and needed the money to stay alive!

Mugabe will, no doubt, wear the 3% as a badge of some merit, telling the world that his administration has paid that much without the assistance of the former colonial power. In reality though, the monies so paid - and I find it quite annoying that the article has failed to quantify the 3% - a far less than the true value of any improvements to the land.

And that some of the farms that were forcibly taken over, were valueless even after independence, and it is only the work of the commercial farmers that have endeavoured to make that land worth something.

To declare no interest in the land until such time as the commercial farmer has developed it into a project that is worth something, not only to the farmer, but to the country as a whole, is tantamount to theft - especially if the 'compensation' is a mere fraction of the investment on the land, let alone the initial financial outlay to purchase the land!

I, personally, understand the need for the land appropriation, but would certainly have preferred that it be done properly without any violence, abductions or deaths. Mugabe is steadfast in his claim that Britain should pay any compensation, but is also ignoring the basic rule of law in Zimbabwe by allowing the land grab to take on such a tragic environment.

We should also remember that it is not just the commercial farmer that is rendered without a farm, a livelihood and a home when these enforced evictions take place. The farm workers are also rendered jobless and homeless when the farmer is thrown off, as the new 'owner' has no requirement for workers who sided with the 'bloody whites' (Mugabe's words, not mine) - not to mention how the country is affected by the loss of the farm's production which is for either domestic use or the export market.

Land appropriation is one thing, a 'land grab' is another thing entirely
- and Mugabe may profess to be conducting the former when he is really perpetrating the latter.

Robb WJ Ellis

Dancing for Zimbabwe

Love for her native Zimbabwe drives expatriate choreographer Nora Chipaumire in the stinging "Lions Will Roar, Swans Will Fly, Angels Will Wrestle Heaven, Rains Will Break: Gukurahundi," now receiving its world premiere at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Painstakingly designed and quietly performed, the piece obliquely addresses the Matabeleland Massacres of the early 1980s.Like a pocket-size "Fela!" -- Bill T. Jones' tribute to Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti opening next month on Broadway -- "Lions Will Roar" is packed with music and dance. It also features groundbreaking Zimbabwean musician-poet Thomas Mapfumo, who plays onstage throughout the 75-minute piece with three other Blacks Unlimited musician-singers. Chipaumire's muscular story, which she dances with Mallory Starling, has a clear trajectory, though few words are spoken. A prologue of breathtaking video animations brings to life a journey from birds and trees to horror, followed by Chipaumire's faux-cheery "tour" of Zimbabwe. Her grounded solo takes us back to the country's agricultural roots; Starling's takes us into the dark, circumscribed depths of its demise; and their duet restores an ambiguous, qualified order and sense of pride.The score is trance music -- and this is trance dance. Chipaumire's potent, sinuously twisting body and alive face are a story in themselves. There's little African dance per se -- at least the customary showbiz kind. But the spirit of African dance is everywhere: its reverence for the Earth, open joy in movement, and honoring of musicians and the power of music.The subdued ending of "Lions Will Roar" unfortunately leaves out the dancers. But this remains a small jewel about a country whose conflicts are no less significant because they no longer make headlines.

Cabaret - first night at Reps 01 October 2009

If audience appreciation is the guideline to whether a production is a success or a failure there is no doubt at all that the latest production to be staged at Reps – Cabaret – directed by Zane E Lucus – is a definite success!

I have always found Zimbabwe audiences to be appreciative – in fact perhaps too much if they are enjoying themselves. I was brought up not to clap individual numbers and save the applause for the end of the act – but times change and even I found myself giving a round of applause after most of the numbers. There were comments from the audience and laughter at certain moments.

They loved it!

Cabaret is an ambitious production for any company and the stage at Reps was not built with a large scale musical in mind but the production was scaled down – not too much – to accommodate the limited resources.

I have always felt that Reps has a very high standard of productions and this is thanks to the people who are able to adapt to the restrictions in their path – whether this is size of stage or equipment.

On entering the auditorium one is met by a glitzy, light filled set against a red background. This is kept in place throughout the production as sets are brought down and taken up and replaced by other – all very minamistic – white against the red or grey lighted drop behind which the orchestra performed.

The orchestra gave a first class performance playing behind this almost transparent screen through which one could see the glitter of the brass instruments keeping to the jazzy atmosphere. Hats off to Annette Eastwood for her musical direction.
The dancers were well coordinated and gave their all. It is not easy for dancers trained in ballet to adapt to musicals as often the arms and the faces are too balletic. Nikkie Carter is a talented choreographer and we are lucky to have her here in Zimbabwe.
The songs were belted out in true fashion and the famous ‘Cabaret’ number was a highlight

What can I say about the cast?
They all gave exceptional performances – to me Josh Amsley as the Emcee was the star of the show – he took the part and gave the right amount of sexuality and jazziness to the role. His voice is exceptional as so are his acting talents – he looked the part and was not afraid of immersing himself in the character.

The performances by Jamie McLaren as Sally Bowles, Natalie Bradbury as Rosy and Jason Linforth as Chris Bradshaw were true to the atmosphere and spirit of the time and story line. All difficult roles to play and performed with felling for the time and the story line.
I could go on – Hamish Haddow as Max, Anne Fischer as Fraulein Schneider – each and everyone of the cast have put in tremendous work and produced an enjoyable and professional production.

I am always heartened that in difficult times we still manage to fill the Reps auditorium – and it is because of productions such as Cabaret.

Thank you all at ‘Under the Influence’ for providing us with this experience.

recommend this production for an entertaining night out for anyone in Harare.

Odette Lind 02 October 2009.

Farm updates

KARORI Farm update

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1. Karori Farm - Charles Lock

On Thursday we obtained a High Court order, not withstanding an appeal, to remove our crops and equipment from Karori farm. The value of this is well over one and half million dollars.

We arrived on Friday morning with the messenger of Court and were only given three police officers by the DISPOL. The order specified that the Police were to ensure that the order was enacted. On arriving at the farm the messenger attempted to serve the papers on the soldiers under Brigadier Mujaji however the soldiers said that they had ben instructed by Mujaji to shoot anyone who attempted to take anything off the farm.
The two lorries we sent there were returned to Harare.

We returned to the DISPOL in Rusape and the messenger requested more police officers to enforce the order. The DISPOL told the messenger to take his order back to Harare as the police would not support it.

That message was conveyed in my presence to Superintendant Mahla by Ass Commissioner Crime Khumalo at PGHQ. I heard the order as I was in the office of Sup Mahle. We had to return and the messenger filed his return papers citing gross contempt by the soldiers and police.

On Sunday Mujaji and his soldiers stole diesel from the farm then using our tractors evicted all the senior staff from the farm and drove off all the workers who were trying to guard the maize and tobacco that we are attempting to deliver. The workers were dumped at Halfway House. Our cattle were driven off the farm. As it stands it is now a looting exercise as Mujaji has stolen over 300 tons maize and 150 tons of tobacco and all my equipment in spite of High Court Orders issued by Judge Patel. I am not even allowed in my home as the soldiers have threatened to shoot me. My domestics have been evicted off the farm by the army so my house will likely be looted tonight.

It is apparent that a military coup has taken place in Zimbabwe as the army are running the show and looting at will in face of the highest courts in the land. The Police are party to this and refuse to help openly. We have had workers shot, starved, evicted, over US$750 000 worth of crops stolen and that amount in equipment by the Zimbabwe National Army.

We are appealing to the GPA to sort this out or do we take the GPA to Court and SADC for this theft by the Army and Police

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Death notices

DUMISANI SIBANDA - The Shareholders, Directors, Management and Staff of the Treger Group of Companies extend their deepest sympathy to Mrs. Sibanda and her family on their very sad loss. Dumisani Sibanda was a respected member of the Group and will be greatly missed."+++++Gallagher Alf - Rest in Peace old friend. The Watson's and Staff of Makado Ranch.Gallagher Alf - A true gentleman. Rest in Peace. Wayne, Verna and Kieron++++++++A short condolence about the late Eric Francis Broughton(I was very sad that Eric has died. Eric Brought on and I were life long friends, as teen agers we had many adventures together, with the donkey cart from our farm and by dad vannette to Diana's Pool. My sincere condoences to his family Edward Bloomhill. Salisbury UK.)+++++++++CONDOLENCE MESSAGEPEINKE: CLEMENT WATSON
Passed away in Johannesburg 21st September, 2009, aged 76, after a long illnessWill be sorely missed by his wife Jean, children Thelma, Clement and Beverley, Maureen, Bev and Derek, Debra and Tony, Les and Roy and grandchildren Ben, Tess, Keegan, Christian and ClaireMay his dear soul rest in peace.++++++++T
he Petra Trust, Board of Governors and staff extend their sincere condolences to Mr Zhou, Deborah and the family of Mrs Susan Zhou, the much loved librarian of Petra Primary School, who died unexpectedly on Tuesday 22nd September." But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus". 1 Thess 4: 13&14++++++
Frauenstein Robbie who died at East London yesterday morning. Fond memories of our childhood days spent at the North End swimming pool. May he rest in peace, love to Shirley and the family, Alex and Heather Fraser++++++++
Please forward our deepest condolences to Judy and Family on the passing of Mike.Lots of love and prayers,Esme, Les and Sue (Clarke)Aldershot HampshireL Clarke clarke-l6@sky.com

A Memorial Service

A Memorial Service is to be held for the late Colin Mason, who sadly passed away in Afghanistan on the 16/09/09.
Bulawayo service to be held at 15:00 on Thursday 01/10/09:Presbyterian Church,Cnr Jason Moyo/5th Ave.
A wake will be held at the Tin Cup after the service.Victoria Falls service to be held at 16:00 on Saturday 03/10/09:V ic Falls Boat Club.For any further information please phone Shaun on 011 211117